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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING
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Membership:
| Councillor Mrs S Diver | Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Mr Andy Munday | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Mrs J Allen | Present (left at 8.30pm) | |
| Councillor M Day | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs S Dingle | Present | |
| Councillor C Fox | Present | |
| Councillor D Gronland | Present | |
| Councillor D Hume | Apologies | |
| Councillor Mrs J A Pell | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs E Penn | Present | |
| Councillor M Radley | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs J Sutton | Present |
Also in attendance: Public – Mr McCoyd, Ms Woolf, Mr Dixey, Mr and Mrs Deamer
Mr and Mrs Pilgrim, Mr and Mrs Walker, Mr Don, Mr Shwier
Mr and Mrs Wicks, Mr Leach, Mr Dellow, Mr Tinton
Mrs S Greatorex – Town Clerk
Mrs J Smith – Minute Clerk
144. APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE received from Cllr D Hume
145. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: Cllr Mrs Diver – Agenda Item 5, item 16/02146/FUL declared NPI on behalf of all Councillors as owner of land is known to all Councillors and objector is known to all Councillors and was a former Halstead TC Councillor. Cllr Mrs Pell Agenda item 5: 16/02094/FUL declared NPI as family member lives close to the property in question which is shown on site map also declared NPI on this item as Vice President of Halstead Cricket Club. Agenda item 6b declared NPI as member of Courtaulds Sports Ground Management Committee and also declared NPI for this item as Braintree District Councillor. Agenda item 9 – declared NPI as member of H4C. Agenda item 14 – declared NPI as Braintree District Councillor. Cllr Mrs Allen – Agenda item 14 – declared NPI as Braintree District Councillor. Cllr Mrs Sutton – Agenda item 7e – declared NPI as member of Homestart Management Committee. Cllr Mrs Penn – Agenda item 5 – 16/02094/FUL declared NPI as some neighbouring objectors and residents are known. Cllr Munday – Agenda item 6b – declared NPI as member of Courtaulds Management Committee. Cllr Mrs Diver – Agenda item 6b – declared NPI as member of Courtaulds Management Committee.
146. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – Ms Helen Woolf spoke as member of the 21st Century group and informed Council that 17th June 2017 is Civic Day which is a national event for civic societies who will arrange low key events to demonstrate civic pride. A leaflet will be circulated. Mr G McCoyd, resident of 3 Sudbury Road, spoke about planning item no. 16/02146/FUL for proposed development of land rear of 1-5 Sudbury Road. Mr McCoyd explained that he had circulated a letter to all Councillors detailing his objection to this application which falls within a conservation area. He also objected on grounds of back land development and the impact on his property. He said that there are privacy issues as the proposed buildings are substantial, not bungalows, and he understood that resident of 7 Sudbury Road has now also raised objections. He advised Councillors that the wall between no. 3 and no. 5 Sudbury Road is over 1m in height and under conservation regulations no wall over 1m high can be removed. Mr McCoyd said that he hoped to be able to speak at a Braintree DC planning committee and asked for Halstead TC backing in objecting to this proposal.
Mr Pilgrim spoke of his objection to planning item no. 16/02094/FUL and noted that there are over 100 objections lodged on Braintree DC planning web site; he asked for Town Council support in these objections. Mr Walker spoke about planning item no. 16/02094/FUL and quoted planning policies RLP85 and RLP136 stating that the proposed development would have significant impact in a conservation area near to a protected lane. He also raised concerns about a new access point onto the main road at a blind bend and noted that horses and riders would have to cross this main road to access the nearest bridleway. He said that there was no mention on plans submitted for electricity or water to be connected to the site and no mention of how horses would be guarded and cared for overnight. He said that development of the site would mean loss of recreational area and noted that this is part of the route for the prestigious Halstead Marathon organised by Halstead Road Runners; he noted that the site is also used by St. Andrew’s Primary School and for dog walking. He was concerned that there are 11oak trees on the site, with Tree Preservation Orders, and that the acorns produced by these trees would be poisonous for horses. Mr Dixey of Star Stile noted that half of the area falls under Halstead rural and Greenstead Green Parish and said that as yet this Council had no notification of these plans. He was advised by Cllr Mrs Pell that Halstead TC had not been notified but when challenged the time for consultation had been extended until 17th January so any further challenges would need to be made as soon as possible. Cllr Mrs Pell spoke on behalf of Cllr Hume and read a letter received from Mr Malley who as a retired vet noted that the area in question would support 20 or more horses, not the 9 as proposed. He was concerned that the area is near to residential areas that will generate noise – from fireworks, etc – that could spook the horses who, it appears, would be unattended at night so could be a potential hazard to themselves and to road users if they escaped onto the A131. He felt that surface water would be an issue on this land leading to potential foot and leg damage for horses. He noted that there have been no stated plans for maintenance of gates, hedges, and clearance of the site, etc. Cllr Mrs Pell noted that there are ECC Highways objections to this application and that the verge, over which vehicular access would be gained to the site is not in applicant’s ownership but belongs to ECC Highways. Cllr Pell urged Councillors to consider the current plans in the light of what has been said. Mrs Walker noted that the site is 20 hectares (50 acres) which would support 50 horses and not the 9 for which permission is sought.
147. MINUTES
To approve the minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 16th December 2016 Cllr Mrs Pell asked that it be noted that the letter from CAB had been addressed to her OR to the Town council which is why it was passed to Council. She asked that this application be revisited and Chairman said that CAB should be advised to make another application and submit accounts when it would be discussed again. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Allen and seconded by Cllr Mrs Sutton. that the minutes of the Town Council Meeting of 16th December 2016 be approved. Motion carried with one abstention.
Cllr Mrs Pell left the meeting at this point
148. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
In the absence of Cllr Hume – Chair of Planning and the fact that Vice Chair of Planning Cllr Mrs Pell had left the meeting Cllr Mrs Diver chaired the first part of this agenda item.
16/02094/FUL – Land Off Sudbury Road, Halstead, Essex – Change of use of land for the keeping of horses and the erection of three stable blocks with associated hard standing, fencing and vehicular access. Cllr Gronland noted that this application does not seem to make sense as area is far larger than is necessary. Cllr Mrs Penn noted that in the local plan this area had been rejected for development and Cllr Munday said this development would mean loss of amenity for current users and was concerned about the potentially poisonous trees on site. Cllr Mrs Diver spoke about access when verge is not owned by applicant. Cllr Radley was concerned about access on to the A131 and the lack of suitability near to residential area. Cllr Mrs Sutton felt that access would be dangerous for horses and for vehicles. Cllr Munday proposed objection of this application as land is unsuitable, ingress and egress for horses and people would be dangerous and because access to the nearest bridleway would mean crossing a main road. Planning Policies RLP85 and RLP 136 are compromised by this application. Motion was seconded by Cllr Gronland and carried unanimously.
Cllr Mrs Pell returned to the meeting, and took Chair for remainder of Planning Applications.
16/02146/FUL – Land Rear of 1 to 5 Sudbury Road, Halstead, Essex – Erection of pair of dwellings with associated development works including landscaping and alterations to access. It was noted that all had declared interest in both sides in this application, and it was therefore Proposed by Cllr Pell that this application be recommended to go before Braintree DC Planning Committee for decision. Motion was seconded by Cllr Munday and vote was unanimous. Cllr Pell said that this decision was open and fair. Town Clerk will write to Braintree DC Planning Department to put this proposal forward.
16/02145/FUL – Land Adjacent to 1 Brook Farm Close, Halstead, Essex – Erection of dwelling house with garage. Chairman said there seemed no reason to object to this application; one resident had made a comment and Environmental Health had asked for some conditions. Cllr Mrs Pell proposed support of this application provided that conditions laid down by Environmental Health were complied with. Motion was seconded by Cllr Fox and vote was unanimous.
16/02164/VAR – Land Adjacent Crossfields, Halstead, Essex – Application for variation of Condition 2 of approved application 15/003028/FUL (Erection of 14no. dwellings consisting of 7 x 3 bed bungalows, 4 x 3 bed houses and 3 x 2 bed houses) – modification of house types and site layout to accord with latest standards to include increased parking bay sizes and wheelchair access. Cllr Pell noted that site had been given permission for development but that some boundary issues had arisen and this variation sought to address those issues. Cllr Mrs Pell moved acceptance of this application and motion was seconded by Cllr Gronland. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Cllr Mrs Diver resumed Chair of the meeting.
Many residents and public left the meeting at this point.
149. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no appointments to declare. Report was noted.
150. FINANCE
Cllr Radley – Chair of Finance took the chair for this part of the meeting
a) Finance- Report was before Council and was noted. Cllr Radley explained that the possibility of raising invoices in the Sage system was being explored; this should iron out anomalies in report. In response to question by Cllr Mrs Sutton, Town Clerk said that letter detailing interest charges on late payment had been sent. Cllr Radley noted that there would be a shortfall of some £4900 in accounts for year 2016/17. The Capital Reserves budget showed an outstanding balance for payment of costs incurred for Courtaulds Pavilion construction and it was noted that Halstead TC had pledged £2100 towards costs with remainder being recovered from Courtaulds Management Committee and Halstead Rugby Club. Courtaulds MC have made contribution and have asked for another meeting. Cllr Mrs Pell said that plans for the Management Committee to purchase a defibrillator had been put on hold pending resolution of this matter. There were no comments on the Performance report. Cllr Radley moved acceptance of report, this was seconded by Cllr Mrs Penn and vote for acceptance was unanimous.
b) List of payments to be approved- Cllr Mrs Pell proposed acceptance of this report and this was seconded by Cllr Munday; vote was unanimous.
c) Budget and Precept 2017/18 Cllr Mrs Diver congratulated Cllr Radley on his hard work on this item; Cllr Mrs Pell said that it would be difficult to accept increase in precept but that in the current financial climate it would be necessary; it was noted that Cllr Radley had taken advice from Braintree DC Financial Department in writing this report. Cllr Radley moved that this report be taken to full Council for ratification and this motion was seconded by Cllr Day and moved unanimously.
d) Grants and 106 status Cllr Radley gave an update on status which now shows a balance of £50,349 that will be available as funding opportunity. The Outside Gym for Ramsey Road Playing Field was now secured with a CIF grant from ECC of £7000 and two section 106 grants agreed with BDC of £5000 each. Cllr Radley felt this was a good model for the future. More work needs to be done on the other two items identified and further meetings will take place with Braintree DC and Ward Councillors. Further grants will be sought and all Councillors were asked to identify possible grant opportunities. Cllr Radley moved acceptance of this report and this was seconded by Cllr Munday; vote for acceptance was unanimous.
e) Home start request A request for grant of £1000, which included copy of accounts, had been received. Discussion took place about budget set by Halstead TC for grants which has now been exhausted for 2016/17. All agreed that the work done by Homestart is wonderful and it was said that Halstead had the greatest need of the three major hubs in Braintree District. Cllr Mrs Sutton noted that at present Homestart funding was managed by Braintree/Witham/ Halstead but from April 2017 it would be managed by Essex Homestart. The shortfall in Council budget was noted and with this in mind Cllr Mrs Pell proposed that a grant of £500 be made to Homestart in April 2017 with the provision that this money is spent on Halstead families. This motion was seconded by Cllr Mrs Allen and motion was carried with one abstention.
Cllr Gronland suggested that in future a committee be formed to discuss and manage all grant requests, but Cllr Mrs Pell said that there was already a policy in place. Cllr Radley suggested that this policy be revisited and brought to Council as a future Agenda item for discussion.
Cllr Mrs Allen left the meeting at this point.
Cllr Mrs S Diver resumed Chair of the meeting.
151. APPROVAL OF BUDGET AND PRECEPT. Cllr Mrs Diver moved acceptance of approval and motion was seconded by Cllr Munday. Vote for acceptance was unanimous.
152. COMMUNITY HALL No report was given. Cllr Mrs Diver noted an excellent meeting with Community Hall Trustees.
153. YOUTH There was nothing to report,
154. TOWN TEAM Report was noted. Time and place for AGM is not clear but details will be circulated.
155. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Cllr Mrs Pell noted that she had not attended the meeting regarding A120 as the roads were unsafe. Report was noted.
156. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS OUT TO TENDER Cllr Munday said he had received many comments about the lights 2016 and most had voiced disappointment. Cllr Mrs Pell noted the restrictions on lights in the conservation area but agreed lights for 2017 needed to be improved. Councillors noted that cost is an issue and it was agreed that provision of Christmas lights is an important issue and it was felt that decisions should not be left to Town Clerk. It was agreed that a working group needs to be set up to include Councillors and members of the public and that decisions need to be made quickly. It was noted that the present lights are the property of Halstead TC but that erection of lights needs to go out to tender as soon as possible. It was proposed that Cllrs Mrs Pell, Mrs Sutton and Munday sit on a sub-committee with members of three other groups to discuss Christmas lights for 2017 and bring back to full Council at next meeting. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Radley and carried unanimously.
157.RAMSEY ROAD RECREATION GROUND AGREEMENT Cllr Munday said that historically it was proposed to bring back the recreation ground to Town Council ownership but the funding as proposed from section 106 money from Oak Road site may not be available if area is under Town Council ownership. Cllr Munday moved to defer recommendation to approve draft document until it has been confirmed that money available will be spent at Ramsey Road Recreation Ground. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Mrs Pell and vote for motion was unanimous.
158. TOWN GUIDE Town Clerk noted that Mike George has volunteered to produce 4000 copies of a new Town Guide of 32 pages, with distribution in Halstead at a cost of £500. Mr George will secure advertising and will produce an interactive version of the Guide. Cllr Radley noted that this will have to be in the new financial year as there is no budget at present. The events leaflet was viewed and it was noted that Remembrance Day is not included. Report was noted.
159. 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 an 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.
Mr Tinton, Ms Woolf, Mr Dixey and Mr Schwier left the meeting.
160. PUBLIC TOILETS
Report was shown regarding sale of the public toilets which has been confirmed by the Agent, subject to contract. Cllr Mrs Pell moved acceptance of sale and this was seconded by Cllr Munday. Vote for acceptance was unanimous.
161. CONTRACT FOR OUTDOOR GYM
Report was before Council regarding provision of equipment for outdoor gym at Ramsey Road Recreation Ground and it was said that the proposed equipment would be similar to that provided at Courtaulds Sports Ground. Cllr Mrs Pell moved recommendation as stated and this was seconded by Cllr Mrs Penn. Vote to accept recommendation for the supply equipment for outdoor gym at Ramsey Road Recreation Ground was unanimous.
There being no further business, Chairman closed the meeting at 9.18 p.m