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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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DRAFT MINUTES OF TOWN COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES 13 July 2026: at 19:45 |
Membership:
| Councillor James Bond | Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Paul Nunn | Vice Chairman | Apologies |
| Councillor Janet Atkinson | Present | |
| Councillor Malcolm Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor Linda Hilton | Present | |
| Councillor Gemma MacAndrews | Apologies | |
| Councillor Grahame McCoyd | Present | |
| Councillor Andrew Munday | Apologies | |
| Councillor Jackie Pell | Present | |
| Councillor Felix Preston | Apologies | |
| Councillor Linda Smith | Apologies | |
| Councillor Garry Warren | Present from 20.50 |
Also in attendance:Sarah Greatorex (Town Clerk)
042/26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllrs Nunn and Munday sent apologies as they were unwell. Cllrs Smith and MacAndrews sent apologies due to work commitments, and Cllr Preston for personal reasons.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Pell, that the apologies be noted. This was agreed with 1 against.
043/26 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS:
Cllr Pell declared NPI item 5,26/01353/OUT as the agent is known to her, item 7b as a member of BDC, item 10 as a trustee of H4C and there is a conflict of interest, and Item 11 as a trustee of TAPS. Cllr Fincken declared an NPI item 5 as a member of BDC planning committee. Cllr Hilton declared an NPI Item 11 as a trustee of TAPS.
044/26 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
a) There were no public questions.
b) ECC Cllr Isa da Rocha sent her apologies, but sent an update
I’ve been spending a lot of time on Constituency Casework including:
• Halstead High Street tree and pavement issue (“Treegate”)
• The Air raid shelter heritage preservation that Cllr Jeff Braye (Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Heritage) and his Deputy Cabinet Member now wish to visit – so please look out for some dates
• Stone Bridge works
• Road safety concerns on the A1017
• Road Safety concerns on Sloe Hill
• Potholes and escalating urgent /emergency repairs (like Hedingham Road)
Correspondence continues with parish councils, ECC officers, Braintree District Council (BDC), and the Monitoring Officer as needed, alongside distributing the process and appointment of awards for the locality which I’m assuming has been shared with council members. Do let me know if you have any questions about the locality fund.
In reference to Halstead Town Centre Regeneration Funding: After a walkabout with Cllrs Bond and Fincken, and my inability to locate the relevant funding/grant in ECC records, I wrote to BDC on 30 June with six questions covering the scope of the town centre improvement scheme (tree works, pedestrian crossing works, the £600,000 budget breakdown including S106 contribution, contract status, and funding portfolio). A response was received on 6 July confirming £300,000 of the funding went toward the high street works. I have asked for a further breakdown of how this was spent and am awaiting that detail. On the High Street tree/pavement issue specifically, I’ve asked BDC whether ECC and BDC officers should meet jointly, since responsibility currently sits split between the two authorities. I have also been advised that “The Centre” was not included in scope for the Halstead Regeneration Fund. I am double checking this as had been verbally advised something different.
BDC Waste Scheme Accountability (#Bingate): I continue to pursue accountability work regarding BDC’s waste scheme rollout, including:
• Formal correspondence with the BDC Monitoring Officer
• FOI requests, with further escalation under consideration
• Chasing an acknowledgement on my 2nd letter sent to Cllr Cunningham following the initial letter where my questions were not answered
• I am also speaking with Cabinet Member and Deputy Cabinet Member for Waste Management and Recycling regarding the arrangement that is in place between ECC and BDC
• We have also requested confirmation of whether the decision to move to this new system was actually run through the full council or by the BDC Cabinet only
As part of my role as Deputy Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, I’m continuing to look at contracts internally including Essex Highways (including forensic, line-by-line challenge), Passenger Transport, and SEND related which was recently discussed at ECC Cabinet Meeting. I will continue to look through and forensically analyse these contracts to make sure Essex County Taxpayers are getting the best value for money given it is their money funding these contracts. Last but not least, it has been confirmed that I will sit on the Investment Steering Committee and the Pension Strategy Board for Essex Pension Fund.
Please do keep raising any issues that you would like and/or need support from. The sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to keep on going. This is just a snapshot of what I’m currently working on but thought it would be good to provide a flavour of things from my side.
Cllr Bond proposed that HTC drafts a response to Cllr da Rocha, to be brought to Council in August. This was seconded by Cllr McCoyd and agreed with 1 abstention.
045/26 MINUTES
To approve the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 15 June 2026. Minutes had been circulated. A proposal to adopt minutes, of the Town council meeting of 15 June 2026, was put forward by Cllr Fincken, seconded by Cllr Hilton, and agreed, with 2 abstentions. Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, adopting the Minutes of the Events committee meeting of 2 July. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
It was agreed that, in general, timings of meetings should be reconsidered in order to allow councillors who work to be able to attend.
046/26 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – Lead for planning Cllr Pell, deputy lead for planning, Cllr Nunn
Cllr Fincken left the meeting.
26/01263/HH – 8 Warren Road, Halstead, Essex
Proposed single storey front extension.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, no objection to this application. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
26/01353/OUT – Land Adjacent To Halstead Hall, Braintree Road, Halstead
Outline application with all matter reserved except access, for the erection of around 43 dwellings (including 26 market units and 17 social affordable units).
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that HTC has no objection to this development, but requests consideration of drainage, the strategic lorry route, sustainable public transport provision, wildlife protection and the Halstead infrastructure. This was agreed with 1 against.
Cllr Fincken returned to the meeting.
047/26 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
The Mayor stated that he was unable to attend the send-off for the Broadstairs outing, but did attend the Blamsters Farm carehome festival which was a great event. The Mayor’s appointments were noted.
48/26 FINANCE
Finance – Cllr McCoyd Deputy Lead for Finance, led this part of the meeting.
All members of the Council are members of the Finance section.
a) Income and expenditure June 26
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, approval of the income and expenditure report for June. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the EMR statement be approved, but noted that the EMR statement had not been updated since the June meeting, and that this should be brought back for the August meeting. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the balance sheet be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the bank reconciliation be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
b) To approve the lists of payments for June
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken that the lists of payments be approved. This was agreed unanimously.
c) To consider setting up a working group for collaboration on finance when preparing budgets and accounts.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that Cllrs McCoyd, MacAndrews and Munday form this group. This was agreed unanimously.
d) To consider reallocating part of the surplus 25/26
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that the Clerk checks with NALC whether it is legal for the council to pay for repairs to the church clock. This was agreed unanimously.
e) To consider traffic management for the procession.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that quote 1 be accepted. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
f) To consider buying a new chainsaw for Courtaulds
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that this item be deferred in order to consider buying an electric chainsaw, rather than a petrol one. This was agreed unanimously.
49/26 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Fincken said that at Full Council there had been a general motion about serving the community, and that a strategy on climate change had been approved. On LGR there had been meetings with the NE Essex shadow board, and the reform councillors at ECC had been trying to get a judicial review. Waste and recycling plans had been rolled out, with a few issues being raised.
A petition is being organised by the residents of Rayner Way, due to parking on both sides of the road which was preventing large vehicles from entering the road.
Cllr Pell said that she had also attended the BDC Full council meeting. She felt that her constituents were dissatisfied. The residents of Dooley Road are organising a petition on parking.
Cllr Bond had not been able to attend Full council but had watched remotely.
50/26 TOWN COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Fincken reported:
1. That links with local schools were improving, he now being chair of governors at Ramsey school, and Cllrs Bond and McCoyd stepping up as governors
2. The middle section of the Greenway cycle route is being worked on, but this needs to be linked into the overall plan for the District.
3. Social Enterprise East of England is promoting local businesses, and working on Community wealth building. They need an anchor institution, and he feels that HTC could be that anchor.
Cllr Hilton mentioned:
1. The skatepark event on 18 July
2. That she and Cllr Bond had visited every shop in the High Street
3. That there would be an event at the Post office on 17 July at 13.30
Cllr Atkinson mentioned:
1. The River improvement group may need some help with managing the river. She asked if the Clerk could liaise between the groundsmen and the River improvement group.
51/26 To review events planned and approve Minutes of the Events Committee meeting of 2 July.
It has been deemed that there is too much risk to have torches, but there will be glowsticks, music, a laser display with music and fireworks.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that HTC pay the expenses of the Young Farmers with their tractors. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the event be renamed the Light procession, with gradual and constant updating to the public of the event. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the Clerk research a stronger sound system for the event, with a blessing and hymn at the top of the town, glowsticks and a laser display, followed by a churches together carol service in the gardens. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that no raffle is to be conducted in 2026 by a person walking in a moving coach, and that passengers should be asked in the questionnaire about 2027 whether they would like raffles to continue. This was agreed with one abstention.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that there should be no health questionnaire for passengers. This was agreed with 1 against.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the Christmas Fair should go ahead as a late night shopping event with rides and entertainment. This was agreed.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that local charities be offered the opportunity to hold stalls during the late-night shopping event.
Cllr Hilton proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the public gardens be kept open for public appreciation of the lights, with food vans, and public toilets open, on 5 and 19 December from 16.00 – 20.00. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the list of events be circulated to all councillors, stating that the Events committee were looking forward to the events, and hoping that more volunteers would be able to attend and assist with the events. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the entire budget for Christmas activities be allocated to the combined activities. This was agreed unanimously.
52/26 To consider quotes for a laser display as part of the Light procession
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that quote 4 be accepted for the laser display for the Light procession. There were 4 in favour and 3 abstentions. The motion was carried.
Cllr Pell left the meeting.
53/26 To note the update on the proposed Community Arts Centre project
Cllr Bond reported that the Expression of Interest would be sent to the Arts Council by 17/07/26, with match-funding coming from the S106 funds held by BDC. The Arts Council will state in September whether CAC can put in an application. The business plan has been revised, and will be sent to BDC once it is known whether an application to the Arts Council is to be permitted.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that the report be noted. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that Arrow Vat should be asked to prepare the necessary Vat agreement. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that quote 1 be accepted for the asbestos full demolition and construction survey. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that Standing Orders be extended until close of business. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Pell returned to the meeting.
54/26 To consider grant applications
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton that grants be awarded as recommended by the pre-meeting. This was agreed, with 5 in favour and 2 abstentions.
55/26 To update the Financial Regulations
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that the updated Financial Regulations be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
56/26 To consider a report on BALC
Cllr McCoyd reported that there had been no BALC meeting since the last Full Council meeting.
57/26 To consider a request from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that HTC offer space to the CAB once or twice a month, to offer services to the public. This was agreed unanimously.
58/26 To consider Mayoral procedures
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that, to assist a new mayor on appointment, the Mayoral procedures be adopted. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
59/26 Items to be considered at the next meeting
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that flagflying should be considered at the August meeting.
Cllr Bond suspended the meeting to receive a report from Cllr Warren on the ATC. He had just arrived from their meeting.
Cllr Warren said that the ATC was planning to reopen on 1 September 2026, with their first parade night on 23/09/26 and the training programme starting in October. They hope to have a presence at the Remembrance day parade. They expect to have 10-13 in their initial intake and have enough staff for that. He said they would put back the signs advertising the ATC, and asked that the manhole cover on their land be checked out.
60/26 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”.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 21.31