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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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MINUTES OF TOWN COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES 11 August 2025: at 19:15 |
Membership:
| Councillor Andrew Munday | Chairman | Present |
| Councillor James Bond | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Janet Atkinson | Present | |
| Councillor Malcolm Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor Linda Hilton | Present | |
| Councillor Gemma MacAndrews | Apologies | |
| Councillor Grahame McCoyd | Present | |
| Councillor Paul Nunn | Apologies | |
| Councillor Jackie Pell | Present | |
| Councillor Felix Preston | Apologies | |
| Councillor Linda Smith | Apologies | |
| Councillor Garry Warren | Present |
Also in attendance: Sarah Greatorex (Town Clerk)
065/25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllrs Smith, Nunn, Preston and MacAndrews sent apologies due to work commitments.
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, acceptance of the apologies. This was unanimously agreed.
Chairman’s statement 11 August 2025
I am pleased to let you know that Halstead Town Council has just regained its status as having reached the highest possible level in the system of Local Council awards, awarded by the National Association of Local Councils. It first achieved this level in 2021, but the status runs out after 4 years. The council therefore reapplied for the award in spring 2025. When reapplying, all criteria at Foundation, Quality and Gold levels have to be met. It was confirmed on 30 July that the council is still operating at the highest possible level. Only Mistley, Saffron Walden and West Bergholt in Essex also operate at this level.
I can also confirm that the Dementia drop in session has just been held in Queens Hall, and these continue every first Friday of the month.
On 2 August Linda Smith and her team once again organised a very successful Summer Fayre.
We had a very successful band in the park with the Beavers on 3 August, and a further event is planned on 17 August with the Vintage trio the Rockabellas.
I am also very pleased to hear that a banking hub has opened at the United Reformed Church premises. This will do cash transactions every day, and will host a different bank for in-depth discussions each day.
066/25 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS:
Cllr Fincken declared NPI item 5, as a member of BDC planning committee. Cllr Munday declared NPI item 5, as a member of BDC planning committee. Cllr Pell declared NPI item 5, 25/10451/FUL as a member of BDC, item 7b, 7g and an OPI item 10. Cllr Bond declared an NPI, item 5 25/10451/FUL as a member of BDC
067/25 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no public questions.
068/25 MINUTES To approve the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 14 July 2025, Minutes had been circulated and proposal to adopt minutes of the Full Town council meeting of 14 May 2025, was put forward by Cllr Fincken, seconded by Cllr Bond and agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr Fincken proposed the adoption of the Minutes of SAC on 17 July 2025, seconded by Cllr Bond, and agreed with 5 in favour and 3 abstentions.
Cllr Fincken proposed the adoption of the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council meeting on 22 July 2025, seconded by Cllr Bond and agreed with 2 abstentions.
069/25 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – Cllr Pell, Lead for planning
The following Planning Applications, which were received and circulated electronically, were considered at the Council meeting.
Cllr Fincken and Cllr Munday left the meeting.
25/01451/FUL – Land North Of, New Street, Halstead
This item was presented by Cllr Pell, but as BDC councillors, neither she nor Cllr Bond made any comment.
Erection of 2 No. detached and 2 No. semi-detached dwellings
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, no objection, but stated that he would like to understand further the historic nature of the plot. This was agreed with 1 against.
25/01482/FUL – Sanctuary Lodge, Hedingham Road, Halstead
Proposed single storey flat roof rear extension, insertion of 3No.Skylights and alterations to fenestration.
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Warren, and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/01636/HH – 49 New Street, Halstead, Essex
Proposed single-storey extension with flat roof to the rear elevation
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Warren and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/01609/FUL – Solar Superstore, 12 Weavers Court, Halstead
Proposed installation of external 3 No. chiller units, 1 No. gas cooler, 1 No. access door, replacement A/C units, fence enclosure and access gate.
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Warren and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/01614/HH – 7 Orchard Avenue, Halstead, Essex
Demolition of existing outbuilding and conservatory. Proposed single storey rear extension and alterations and additions to fenestration.
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr McCoyd and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/01721/ADV – 52 High Street, Halstead, Essex
Retention of 1no externally illuminated fascia sign.
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, objection as the sign is out of character with other properties in the High Street and in the setting of the High Street.
This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllrs Munday and Fincken returned to the meeting.
070/25 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the appointments be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
071/25 FINANCE
Finance – Cllr Munday, Lead for Finance, led this part of the meeting.
All members of the Council are members of the Finance section
a) To consider income and expenditure for July
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken that income and expenditure for July be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
b) To approve the lists of payments
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the lists of payments be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
c) To approve the bank reconciliation and balance sheet
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the bank reconciliation and balance sheet be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
d) To consider the repainting of the eaves/fascia at the library
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd , that quote 2 be approved. This was agreed unanimously.
e) To consider the replacement of the speed bump in Chapel Street carpark
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the quote to replace the speedbump be accepted. This was unanimously agreed.
f) To consider hall hire rates at Queens Hall
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that the half rate for setting up be removed, and that the weekday rate of £13.50 per hour for voluntary and charitable organisations be extended to Fridays. Other more major changes will be discussed when budgeting for the coming year. This was unanimously agreed.
g) To consider buying replacement Christmas lights.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that replacement Christmas lights be bought out of the budget set aside for them. This was unanimously agreed.
h) To note the recent pay award for staff.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren that the pay award be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
072/25 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Fincken had nothing to report except a Full Council meeting.
Cllr Munday had attended planning, a project management meeting, and several local plan subcommittee meetings.
Cllr Bond had nothing to report except a Full Council meeting.
Cllr Pell had attended Full Council, a cabinet member meeting and a meeting of leaders.
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that District councillor reports be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
073/25 To receive reports from Champions
Surgery – No report, but Cllr Pell said that a part of Halstead Hospital would be used as a GP surgery
Education – No report
Police – No report
Open Spaces – there have recently been complaints about the Riverwalk west of the High Street but there has been little action from BDC. The clerk was asked to contact HRIG concerning a sycamore growing in the wall near Mill House.
Tourism – There have been plenty of events in the park.
Halstead Community connections – Wendy is very enthusiastic and sends out lots of information. All details of the group’s activities have been placed on the HTC website by Ed.
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren that the Champions reports be noted This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr Pell left the meeting.
074/25 To note the update on the proposed Community Arts Centre project
Cllr Bond reported that there has been interest from a planner, a banker and a marketing expert who may join the Trust. The ACRE guidance in setting up a CIO is likely to be followed. It is time to have a discussion in the near future with H4C on carparking, and to prepare a business case including the reallocation of S106 funds.
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the Community Arts Centre update be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr Pell returned to the meeting.
075/25 To note the appointment of a horticultural apprentice.
Cllr Munday proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the appointment of the Horticultural apprentice be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
076/25 Items for the next council meeting
There were none
062/25 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
To give consideration to adopting the following resolution: – “That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted and pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2)-of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended, the public and the press be temporarily excluded from the meeting”.
077/25 A property issue was discussed.
078/25 A staff matter was discussed.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20.41