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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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DRAFT MINUTES OF TOWN COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES 14 September 2026: at 19:15 |
Membership:
| Councillor James Bond | Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Paul Nunn | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Malcolm Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor Linda Hilton | Present | |
| Councillor Gemma MacAndrews | Present | |
| Councillor Grahame McCoyd | Present | |
| Councillor Andrew Munday | Apologies | |
| Councillor Jackie Pell | Present | |
| Councillor Felix Preston | Apologies | |
| Councillor Linda Smith | Apologies | |
| Councillor Garry Warren | Present | |
Also in attendance: Mike Harman, Ian Adams, Cllr Isi da Rocha, Sarah Greatorex (Town Clerk).
91/26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllrs Preston, Smith and Munday sent apologies for personal reasons.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that the apologies be noted. This was agreed unanimously.
Chairman’s Statement
Cllr Bond reported that the application to Awards for All had not been successful. It had been hoped to use the funding to hold a Big Conversation with the people of Halstead. It was unsuccessful due to the Town Council’s income.
He also reported that ECC had finally claimed ownership of the tree outside Sark Meze, and that it is hoped they will start the renovation works on the pavement as soon as possible.
Holmes & Hills have offered to sponsor Business breakfasts to be put on by the Town Council. Sincere thanks to them for the generous support.
Cllr Bond also referred to an objection made by a resident, accusing the council of a lack of openness in private sessions. He had made his objection to the external auditor, but this did not fall within the scope of the external audit. The resident wanted it made known that his objection still stands, and that he believes that HTC has acted dishonestly. As was requested by the resident his email was read to Councillors.
092/26 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS:
26/01960, NPI for all councillors, as it is close to Queens Hall.
Cllr Pell declared NPI, item 10 as a trustee of H4C and there is a conflict of interest, item 7b as a BDC councillor, and Item 5, 2601912/HH, as the family is known to her, 26/01958/BNGDAC as a member of BDC, 26/01911/FUL & 26/90069/HRA as the objector is known to her. Cllr Fincken declared an NPI item 5 as a member of BDC planning committee. Cllr Nunn declared NPI 26/01958, as he lives nearby. Cllr McCoyd declared NPI 26/01912/HH as he lives nearby.
093/26 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
a) Mike Harman made a statement relating to the Community Arts Centre;
This is a project that I am close to but feel compelled to say my piece tonight. The project for a new Community Arts Centre in Halstead is an opportunity for many things. The new facility can and would be a place for the arts, a place for community, a place to meet friends and learn new things, a place to contemplate beauty and the “big questions” of life, a place to be creative, a place to rewind, a place for all persons, of all ages, of all abilities and societal, economic and cultural backgrounds.
It’s an opportunity to regenerate an area of Halstead that, thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, remains culturally relevant. Let’s build on that. It’s an opportunity to do good and bring feel-good into the town. All of this for the residents of Halstead and beyond. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that Halstead can deliver projects of significance. That can springboard further investment and grant funding into the town. This may well be the “casting of a minnow to catch a whale”.
A lot of good work has been done. We are grateful for all those that have engaged and continue to engage. Let’s make this a facility which people are proud to be in – in whatever guise, visitor, performer or volunteer. Let’s push on and deliver this. Let’s make Halstead a destination, not only for the surrounding towns and villages but also for the region.
I say the time to do this is now. What else would or should we be waiting for? There is S106 funding available for a Community Arts Centre and plans are well underway. There is community buy-in. There is an engaged project group – and the door is open for more people to get involved, by the way. The soil is fertile and from saplings mighty oaks can grow and thereafter stand proud for years, decades and centuries thereafter.
Let’s briefly consider the alternative. So we stop the project or make it smaller. Funding could be lost, time and energy certainly wasted, delivery could be underwhelming, and a grant opportunity missed. I can speak from my business and commercial experience: good offerings, good ideas, and good projects don’t typically implode. They wither and die through a thousand cuts of less time, less enthusiasm, less investment or a statis of “we’ll just carry on as we are” which doesn’t change anything and ultimately becomes the start of a downward spiral. Let’s not walk that path.
So I say now is the time to be brave. The soil is as fertile as it has ever been and will realistically ever be. Let’s not trample on this sapling. Let’s make our desired outcomes for this project inevitable.
Please support and commit to this project – I genuinely believe that the future generations of Halstead will thank you for it.
b) Cllr Pell read a statement by Ian Tinton who was unable to attend:
When the Local Plan was introduced to replace its predecessor, I was very much a sceptic. However, based on my experience as a regular attendee at Halstead Town Council meetings, and having listened to my Town and District Councillors, I know I had to keep an open mind.
I accepted the principles of pages 3,4,7 and 11 of the Local Plan – summary documentary given to me at Queens Hall on 18 March. This despite questioning what the potential impact on Halstead would be. Was I being unfair in asking this? Maybe, but decided that the Local Plan must be given the opportunity to deliver.
So, I submitted my comments on 25 March, and then let the consultation process take its course. This changed on 18 August when the Town Council Agenda for an Extraordinary meeting was published, a one item Agenda for the ‘late submission’ of a Halstead site already on the Local Plan. As I was about to find out at that meeting, this site was just one of twenty-five ‘late submission’ requests across the Braintree district, potentially another one thousand dwellings. How many other residents across the Braintree district have similarly been faced with a ‘late submission’ site?
Can I ask the Town Councillors who are members of the Braintree District Local Plan Subcommittee to refuse ALL these requests for late inclusion. I accept that this may not be possible because of government targets that have been set, and that BDC Planning department advice will define the Local plan agenda with recommendations for final decision(s) at BDC Extraordinary Full Council meeting later this week.
Including any of these ‘ late submission’ sites could undermine the delivery of the larger sites, and revert to a time when planning applications were aplenty, and Agent, Developers and Owners had the upper hand over Planning policy, district, town, parish councils and residents. Once and for all the Local plan could consign the practice of ‘Land banking’ to the dustbin.
Please stay true to the Local Plan summary document that stated, ‘Once adopted, the plan will provide the framework for the development across the district… for the next 15 years.’ This is an opportunity to both ‘futureproof’ Halstead, and the Braintree district and stay true to the Local Plan principles, not dilute them.
Ian Tinton 11/9/2026
c) Cllr Fincken made a statement on behalf of the Labour Party:
I am speaking on behalf of the Labour group on this council. I’d like to make a statement regarding the action of the County Councillor for Halstead, Cllr Rocha, in relation to Halstead Town Council.
At the meeting of the Events Committee on 24 August, Cllr Rocha secretly recorded a video of the meeting and shared it on social media. It is perfectly legal for members of the public to make recordings of council meetings and publish or share them as they see fit. They do not have to tell anyone that they are doing this, although, as the Clerk has written, it is courteous to do so.
For the County Councillor for Halstead to make a secret recording without informing the Town Clerk, the Councillors or the public present, and the use the recording to attack and undermine Halstead Town Council on social media is, in our view, although legal, discourteous and unacceptable.
Following this meeting Cllr Rocha has also questioned the advice on the role of the County Councillor at Parish and Town Council meetings that has been provided by the BDC Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer has advised that the County Councillor can be invited to Town Council meetings to report on Essex County Council matters which are relevant to Halstead or work that they have done within the town. It is not an opportunity to ask questions of the Town Council or air areas of dissatisfaction. As a fellow councillor their attendance should be supportive of the Parish, its residents and the work being undertaken across the broad local government landscape. It is not a platform for establishing an ‘us and them’ divide.
We wish to work constructively with our County Councillor to deal with problems that Halstead faces and improve the lives of Halstead residents. We trust that Cllr Rocha will adopt a more positive approach in her future dealings with the council.
094/26 MINUTES
To approve the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 10 August 2026, and of the Extraordinary meeting of 24 August 2026. Minutes had been circulated. A proposal to adopt minutes, of the Town council meeting of 10 August 2026, was put forward by Cllr Fincken, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, and agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, adopting the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of 24 August 2026. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
095/26 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – Lead for planning Cllr Pell, deputy lead for planning, Cllr Nunn
Cllr Fincken left the meeting.
26/01720/FUL – Land At, East Mill, Halstead
Proposed change of use for conversion of part existing storage facility and new build extension to a new 3-bedroom detached dwelling with off street parking and private amenity.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed.
26/01963/FUL – 26 Bridge Street, Halstead, Essex
Change of use from restaurant into a Banking Hub. Replacement shopfront and the installation of two louvres and an external condenser.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed
26/01960/LBC – 6 Head Street, Halstead, Essex
Enlargement of an existing door opening between living room and kitchen/dining room.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed
26/01954/FUL & 26/01965/LBC – Apartment 2, Bird In Hand, 54 Chapel Hill
Replacement of 3 No. windows to front elevation
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed.
26/01912/HH – 15 Sudbury Road, Halstead, Essex
Proposed single-story rear extension, insertion of 1 No. rooflight and associated internal alterations
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, no objection to this application. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
26/01964/ADV – 26 Bridge Street, Halstead, Essex
DESCRIPTION : Signage to include:
1 No. Externally illuminated fascia sign
2 No. Non-illuminated fascia signs
2 No. Internally illuminated poster signs
1 No. Internally illuminated suspended directory sign
1 No. Non-illuminated acrylic holder sign
Double sided window vinyl
Cllr Nunn proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed
26/01958/BNGDAC – Land At Old Halstead Senior Citizens Centre, New Street, Halstead
Application for approval of details as reserved by the BNG Condition, as listed under Informative 1 of approved application 25/01451/FUL
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, no objection to this application, but stated that if the railings were to come down, they should be repurposed somewhere within the public gardens. This was agreed with one abstention.
26/01911/FUL & 26/90069/HRA – Land East Of Cherry Tree Close, Halstead, Essex
Construction of 16 no. new dwellings together with dedicated new access and associated development.
There are significant concerns regarding highway safety and access, as it would be difficult to accommodate emergency and refuse vehicles. There will also be issues associated with drainage and flood risk, and considerable impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC recommends that this application be refused. This was unanimously agreed. HTC is aware that it is only a consultee.
26/01870/CLPLB – The Chase, 49 Head Street, Halstead
Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works to a Listed Building –
Installation of 20 Solar Panels onto the roof of the garage.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, no objection to this application. This was unanimously agreed
Cllr Fincken returned to the meeting.
096/26 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
The Mayor’s appointments were noted. He added that he had waved off the buses on their trip to Hunstanton, and thanked the volunteers who run the outings.
097/26 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, balance sheet and earmarked reserves August 26
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, approval of the income and expenditure report, balance sheet and earmarked reserves for August. This was agreed, with 1 abstention.
b) To approve the lists of payments for August
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the lists of payments be approved. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
c) To consider dates and the management of finances
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the new dates be agreed. This was agreed unanimously.
d) To consider further repairs to St Andrews church wall
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the quote be accepted. Council noted that, given the circumstances relating to this work Standing Order 5.13 applied due to the knowledge of the site, skills and previous work completed. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
e) To consider further costs associated with the Christmas lights.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that the installation of power points in the lampposts be agreed. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
f) To consider the 26/27 pay award.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the 26/27 pay award be noted. This was agreed unanimously.
g) To consider the report from the External auditor
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the report be noted. This was agreed unanimously.
098/26 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Pell said there had been very little in the way of meetings, but she had attended a meeting of the Friends of Halstead Public Gardens, and the day for making guys would be 1 November.
Cllr Fincken said that the 4 Independent councillors at BDC had joined the Conservatives. There would be a Local Plan meeting on 17 September and Full Council shortly afterwards would endorse the Local Plan, and it would then go out for consultation under section 19.
Cllr Bond had nothing to add.
099/26 TOWN COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Hilton mentioned the Guys in the Park and that the bandstand steps are being refurbished, she also thought that the bandstand would be repainted.
100/26 To review events planned and approve the minutes of the Events committee meeting of 24 August 2026
The planned events were noted.
To consider recommending the adoption of the Event management plan, risk assessment, and safety management report for the Light Procession.
Cllr MacAndrews asked for a recorded vote. Cllr McCoyd said that not enough work had been done on investigating safer torches.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that HTC adopts the Event management plan, risk assessment, and safety management report for the Light Procession, with the Town Clerk as the Event manager, and using a traffic management company, with no lit torches, on clear safety grounds. It was agreed that there would be a review in early 2027. This was agreed with Cllrs Hilton, Fincken, Warren and Bond voting in favour, and Cllrs Nunn, Pell, McCoyd and MacAndrews voting against. Cllr Bond used his casting vote in favour and the motion was carried.
To note the Minutes of the Safety Advisory group meeting of 10 August.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the Minutes of the Safety Advisory group be noted, and that the recommended safety measures be carried out before the event. This was agreed with 5 in favour, and Cllrs Nunn, McCoyd and MacAndrews against.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that food vans be selected by the Clerk and Chair of the Events Committee to attend the Light procession event, and to attend the opening of the public gardens on 5 and 19 December. This were 5 in favour and 3 against.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the Laser display proposal, pyrotechnics and snow machine plan be noted, the entire process to be managed by the laser display company. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
101/26 To note the update on the proposed Community Arts Centre project
Cllr Pell left the meeting.
Cllr Bond explained that a problem had arisen on 24 August, when the Empire Trust had stated that they were not certain they could support the project. The working group met with them the following week and realised that their concerns were mainly around the volunteers managing change and some issues around the business model. The working group met again and recommended that the Empire Trust take external advice about managing the change and support was offered in finding such advice. There was a significant risk of the loss of S106 funding and the reputation of both HTC and the Empire Theatre Trust if the project does not proceed. The working group is willing to work constructively with the Empire volunteers.
Cllr Fincken proposed that HTC notes the update and confirms its commitment to the Community Arts Centre project. This was seconded by Cllr Warren and unanimously agreed.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that HTC approves the planning application and planning statement and that it be submitted at a cost of £2000. This was agreed with 1 against.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC notes the revised business plan and supports its submission by the project group (CIC awaiting registration) to BDC. This was agreed with 1 against.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC agrees to the application to Companies House for the Halstead Community Arts Centre C.I.C. to be a CIC under guarantee with limited membership subject to legal advice and relevant financial approval, in particular whether HTC can be a Director in its own right rather than have appointed Councillors. This was agreed with 5 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Bond, that HTC nominates Cllr Fincken to join the Halstead Community Arts Centre CIC. This was agreed with 4 in favour and 3 against.
Cllr Pell returned to the meeting
102/26 To consider updates to Risk assessments
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr MacAndrews, that the updated Risk assessment for Adverse weather be approved, with the addition of the option to buy an air conditioning unit for extreme weather. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the updated Risk assessment for Event planning for the Light procession be approved. This was agreed with 6 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the updated Risk assessment for outings be approved. This was agreed with 1 against and 1 abstention.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn that the updated Risk assessment for Christmas Lights be approved. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the updated Risk assessment for Events in the park be approved. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that the updated Risk assessment for Financial Transactions be approved. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the updated Risk assessment for the office be approved. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the updated Risk assessment for the use of a boomlift be approved. This was agreed unanimously.
103/26 To consider the Chairman’s statement
Cllr Fincken said that it was important to have a Chairman’s statement, delivered verbally at the beginning of the meeting. This allows for updates on items that are raised in the time after reports have to be published. This is standard practice, and can be used for urgent matters, but it should be a numbered item.
Cllr Nunn asked for a recorded vote.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that having a Chairman’s statement at the Full Council meeting be approved, on the Agenda, before Public questions. This was agreed, with Cllrs Fincken, Warren, McCoyd and Bond voting in favour, and Cllrs Pell and MacAndrews abstaining, and Cllr Nunn against.
104/26 To elect 1 councillor to SAC, and 2 councillors to the Events committee
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that Cllr Bond be the new member of SAC. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that Cllr Nunn be a member of the Events committee, and that the second member be nominated once a new councillor had been co-opted onto the council. This was agreed unanimously.
105/26 To note leases
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the leases be noted. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
106/26 To consider recording of meetings
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC should record the council meetings with the aim of improving the accuracy of minutes. Recordings would be made with the aim of supporting the Clerk in the production of the minutes and would be destroyed after 30 days. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, the extension of Standing Orders until close of business. This was agreed.
107/26 To consider the updated Scheme of Delegation
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that the updated Scheme of delegation be approved, but removing the statement that Chair and Vicechair have to be members of SAC, as was stated in the SAC terms of reference. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the section on maintaining a political balance should be retained. This was agreed with 1 against.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr MacAndrews, the addition of the statement that all decisions would be reported to the first appropriate Town Council meeting. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that delegation to the Proper Officer should be subject to oversight by the Chair or Vicechair of Council. This was agreed with 3 abstentions.
108/26 To consider the notes on reports and minutes from the meeting of Chairs and Vice chairs
Cllr Bond said that this had been a valuable meeting, and that the recommendations made should be reviewed in 3 months. Cllr Nunn suggested that the Lead and Deputy Lead councillors for Finance should be included in future discussions around these matters.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the notes of the meeting be noted. This was agreed unanimously.
109/26 BALC report
There had been no BALC meeting
110/26 Items for the next meeting
No items were suggested for the October meeting
There being no confidential items to discuss the following motion was not moved
111/26 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 21.30