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2013

Annual Report 2013~14

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14

Personnel

2013 has been a relatively stable year in terms of personnel

In Peldon:  Charles Dymond became Vice Chair in 2013 and thank you to Jane Banks who retired from the Parish Council in 2014 ;  Wigboroughs: Jinny Gale, Phil Gladwin, Salcott: Netty Knill-Jones, Lynne Simmons and Andy Beharrell as councillor for Virley and I am very grateful to the whole team for their support and continued hard work for the Parish.

Thanks

We are supported by many in the Parish who give their time to their community, those who do regular and occasional work for us. Our Borough and County Councillors Andrew Ellis, Terry Sutton, Kevin Bentley and John Jowers for keeping us up to speed with wider issues and our colleagues from Essex Police who have regularly turned up to our meetings to report on crime and Speed Watch  results in the area.

We are particularly pleased when our local residents take an interest and come to the meetings bringing ideas and local issues which gives focus to our work. Many actively support in looking after the Parish voluntarily – clearing ditches, cutting hedges, unblocking drains, clearing after flooding and grass cutting.

Our local Zone wardens have been attending most of our meetings and have been a very effective quick response team helping to clear rubbish from ditches, report and assist in prosecution of fly tippers, dog fouling patrols, cutting overgrown areas and linking closely with the community.

A personal thanks from the Chair who has been so well supported by our hardworking Clerk Sue Pullen. Her work load has increased with many more reports from County, Borough and outside agencies – NHS, Voluntary Sector etc all sending more information to the Clerk by email which Sue then has to filter. All those who have had the responsibility of the Chair will realise how much help and information is given by the Clerk, her local knowledge is invaluable.

Finances

The Council has had the benefit of financial worksheets drawn up monthly by our clerk. We continue to scrutinise all expenditure due to the tightening budget as a direct result of CBC withdrawing most of the revenue grant. The accounts have been internally audited and are currently with the external auditor. Thank you to Steve Copeland for his assistance.

Planning

One of the significant changes this year has been the change to electronic viewing of local planning applications which is more difficult to view large scale applications and for everyone to access a computer. This year we have commented on over 25 local applications and would encourage residents to continue to make their views known to us.

Play Areas

These continue to be well managed by Terry Simmons (Salcott) and Barry Gooding (Peldon) and are inspected regularly. The play area at Salcott has improved following the addition of rubber chippings last year and this is also planned for Peldon in the near future. The younger residents helped chose 2 new pieces of Play equipment in Peldon, these were funded using grants – S106 (planning gain) money and Cory Environmental Trust. It is a sad fact that we still suffer from dog fouling and occasional vandalism in these areas.

Broadband initiative.

A huge amount of work has been carried out with particular thanks to John Walker enabled a very successful launch to go ahead in early 2014 and many of us are now benefiting from faster speeds!

Other Activities

Councillors have continued to attend meetings of the Essex Wildlife Trust; the Abberton Reservoir Liaison Group which includes the Abberton Reservoir community fund – Phil Gladwin continues to put a lot of work into this committee on our behalf.

Abberton Reservoir Rights of Way Committee.  Wigborough Village Hall Committee both Jinny Gale and Phil Gladwin are our representatives and the Colchester Association of Local Councils is regularly attended.

There is very close linking between ourselves, Colchester Borough Council and The Environment Agency focusing on resolving local flooding issues.

The clerk attends the Clerk’s forum.

Jinny Gale runs an excellent email service to the residents.

The team continually takes information from our residents forward – reporting on potholes, speeding, litter, missing/broken signs/play equipment and problem areas.

The Parish Council is made up of elected representatives who volunteer their time and support for the residents and parish of Winstred Hundred, I have been very grateful for their help and support.

Nicky Ellis

[Click next for Financial Statements]

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PC Minutes 10th December 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Peldon Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th December 2013.

Present: Netty Knill-Jones, Lynne Simmons, Phil Gladwin, Nicky Ellis (chair), Jane Banks, Jinny Gale, Charles Dymond, Andy Beharrell, John Walker and 5 members of public

Apologies for absence: Andrew Ellis, Kevin Bentley

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman

Police Report: None given

Borough and County Councillors: ECC are now in the process of setting the budget for the next financial year which will be voted on by all the County Councillors at their meeting in February.  Grant allocations from government will be greatly reduced so ECC will have to make decisions about the services it provides but many of these such as highways maintenance, social care and waste disposal are statutory duties that it must provide. Public consultations will be carried out on other services for residents’ views.

All salt bins owned by ECC will be filled for the start of winter, which must be used sparingly on the highways and is not for use on resident’s properties. Residents can keep up to speed with gritting lorries online at www.essex.gov.uk/highways . Other winter related advice is available at www.essex.gov.uk/winter .

Public-Have Your Say: There are some impassable and overgrown footpaths in our villages, some that farmers should reinstate after ploughing, and we can do our best to report accordingly if we hear about them. Disappointingly there will not be a footpath around the whole of the reservoir and high hedges will be grown along much of the footpath obscuring the view as nesting birds etc take priority.

The bus stops in Malting Road are difficult for users stepping down from the bus and will be reported to ECC with photo evidence. The footpath finish/edge along the front of the new houses in Malting Road can be a problem for users and so the Zone Wardens will be contacted for help with a possible solution.

Declarations of Interest: None

1.  CBC Zone Wardens – as above and nothing to report from them  

2.  Broadband update – the signal is now live, the launch event will take place in Peldon Village Hall on Sat 8th February 2014 and by the end of February it is expected that all the CAPS (Community Access Points) will be in place.  

3.  Playgrounds and Playing Fields – several quotations for the two new pieces of equipment on Moss Hay were obtained and so Phil proposed, Nicky seconded and all agreed for Wicksteed as the preferred supplier as they offer sound, substantial equipment with a  good guarantee that CBC are known to use. A grant form has been submitted for some of the funding which will be chased up for its receipt and likelihood of success. Following our information leaflet delivered to all Peldon households on the proposed new pieces of equipment we have not received any queries. As the weather is now unsuitable for installation the company will be contacted to ensure the price quoted will be held but we will hopefully be able to make the order soon. 

4.  Precept 2014/15 – following information from CBC on precept/grant for the next financial year consideration will be given to the matter until the January meeting when we will have to agree our course of action.  

5.  Abberton Reservoir Community Fund –2 applications were submitted, VAT for the already agreed car park at St Stephens Church, Great Wigborough which the parish council supports and the resubmitted application for improvements to Abberton and Langenhoe Cricket Club. 

6.  Actions and Reminders List – updated and also to mention that Great Wigborough phone box has now been removed and we have received the agreed amount of £300 for its sale (the PC bought it for £1 from BT).

Planning Applications:
132269Proposal: Conservatory and garden room/orangery at Fourways Farm, Barnhall Road, Salcott
132753Proposal: Surfacing car park with grass reinforcement Truckpave and associated work at St Stephens Church, Great Wigborough
Appeal Decisions:
131878Proposal: First floor side extension and replacement sunroom, new garage and side entrance as previously approved under COL/120533 at Rolls Farm, Peldon RoadApprove Conditional
132070Proposal: Erection of an out building containing a swimming pool, gym and home cinema (new application following the refusal of 131315) at Hall Barn, Peldon Road, PeldonRefuse Permission

 

Finances:
101745R S Pullen – salary for Dec<£381.82
101746SLCC – subs£68.00

The next meeting will be on Tues 14th January 2014 at 7.30pm at Salcott Village Hall

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PC Minutes 12th November 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th November 2013

Present: Netty Knill-Jones, Lynne Simmons, Jinny Gale, Phil Gladwin, Nicky Ellis, Charles Dymond, Jane Banks, John Walker, Andy Beharrell, Andrew Ellis, 2 from County Broadband and 3 members of the public

Apologies for absence: Kevin Bentley, Police

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman

Police Report was read out and there were several crimes and incidents in Peldon and the Wigboroughs but none in Salcott and Virley.

Borough Councillors: The meeting on flooding matters has been held up slightly by a change of staff.  Nearly all the S106 money from the building work in Peldon has now been paid to CBC.  There had been some fly tipping in Great Wigborough and we are very grateful to the Zone Wardens who cleared it up and an address was found amongst the rubbish which may be helpful in finding the culprit.  We also give our thanks to them and Rob (Pullen) for fixing a couple of road signs.

Public-Have Your Say: Enquiries were made about the proposed 40 mph limit for Mersea Road in Peldon and up to the Strood which will be followed up.

Declarations of Interest: None

1.  CBC Zone Wardens – were not present but we have thanked them for the great job of installing the (gift) bench on Moss Hay and also for fixing the road sign.

2.  Broadband update – from Lloyd Fenton, County Broadband who reported that there had been much activity on our project behind the scenes but there had been several hurdles to overcome.  Although the Diocese has been supportive with regard to the use of Peldon Church tower, the Chancellor has had a number of queries that each takes time to resolve.  The money paid to them so far is still banked in readiness for the start of installing the equipment. 

3.  Playgrounds and Playing Fields – work has been brought up to date as much as possible with the weather as it is now.  Terry Sutton has kindly agreed for us to use the Peldon S106 monies for the 2 new pieces of equipment on Moss Hay.  This part of the money can only be used for sport, leisure and recreation and only in Peldon, and therefore this new equipment is an ideal use.  Further quotes will be obtained for framework and grant application form purposes.  The leaflet on the Church timetable of events plus information about this play equipment has now been delivered to all the houses in Peldon, thanks to John for printing and the Peldon team for delivering. 

4.  Planning Archiving – owing to our dissatisfaction of the way CBC Planning Department make it very difficult to look back at even fairly recent planning applications, decisions and conditions we will write a letter to them with computer knowledge suggesting how they could improve the matter which will also be sent to CALC for their support.   

5.  Abberton Reservoir Community Fund, Rights of Way Meeting – no reports from meetings.  It was agreed unanimously for Phil to continue to be our representative on the committees of the various Reservoir Liaison Groups.  He asked for this to be clarified or others take over if they so wish as, in due course, he will be adding to his Declarations of Interest form that he will be renting to farm some of the Water Board’s land. 

6.  Actions and Reminders List – updated 

Planning Applications:
132070 Proposal: Erection of an outbuilding containing a swimming pool, gym and home cinema, resubmission of 131315 at Hall Barn, Peldon Road, Peldon 
132137 Application for variation of Condition 10 following grant of planning permission F/COL/01/1140 at Gable Lodge, Malting Road, Peldon 
Appeals:
APP/A1530/
C/13/2204569
Against Enforcement Notice issued by CBC at field west of Rowses Farm, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough 
APP/A1530/
D/13/2207055
Against CBC’s refusal of application for erection of an outbuilding containing swimming pool, gym and home cinema at Hall Barn, Peldon Road,Peldon 
Appeal Decisions:
APP/A1530/
D/13/2202740
Proposal: Alterations and extensions to first floor over the existing single storey element to provide an additional bedroom and en-suite facility at Honeywood, Mersea Road, PeldonAppeal Allowed – Permission Granted

 

Finances:
101741R S Pullen – salary for Nov plus backdated pay£381.82
101742CBC – installation of bench on Moss Hay by Zone Wardens£156.00
101743T Simmons – 2 x play insp.£60.00
101744Fenland Leisure Products – climbing frame rope£137.94

The next meeting will be on Tues 10th December 2013 at 7.30pm at Peldon Village Hall

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PC Minutes 8th October 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Salcott Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th October 2013.

Present: Nicky Ellis, John Walker, Jane Banks, Andy Beharrell, Netty Knill-Jones, Phil Gladwin, Jinny Gale, Andrew Ellis, Kevin Bentley, Zone Warden

Apologies for absence: Charles Dymond, Lynne Simmons

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman with the addition of ‘at the Peldon site’ at the end of 2. Playgrounds and Playing Fields

Police Report: no report had been received

Borough Councillors: Building of the new houses at the old garage site in Peldon has begun therefore S106 money is overdue for payment and will be chased up.

The parish council had not been notified or consulted about an appeal to an eviction notice issued in Great Wigborough and this will be looked into.

The road defect in Church Lane, Great Wigborough was reported for repair but ECC Highways say it does not require attention.

A site meeting with CBC and parish councillors will be arranged in the near future to discuss flooding at Salcott.

CBC has to make substantial savings in the next few years and is encouraging people to go online as much as possible for transactions and information as this is much cheaper than face to face situations. Angel Court Customer Services is being moved to the library and guidance will be given to anyone who needs it for carrying out online matters.

Defects in The Street at Salcott have been reported for repair.

All broken or missing road signs are reported and on the list for repair eventually.

County Councillor: Certain services will be reduced in a bid to make substantial savings in the next few years e.g. some bus subsidies, some school transportation, some youth services and some street lights will be turned off in the small hours but can be turned back on if deemed necessary.

Potholes will be marked with either orange for repair within 28 days or purple for repair within 3 months.

Public-Have Your Say: None present. However, last month the hedge and ditch along the front of the new houses on Malting Road at Peldon Hall Farm were reported for attention. This was looked into but the area cannot be reached with machinery and we have been advised by an expert that it is not causing a hazard so no action will be taken. The resident with the hedge obscuring the bus stop sign at Malting road will be contacted and the Church on the matter of the half dead tree.

Declarations of Interest: None 

1. CBC Zone Wardens – The concrete base for the bench on Moss Hay has been laid and the bench will be fitted tomorrow and the parish council would like to say a big thank you for this generous gift.

The speed gun has been operated in Church Road, Peldon and 6 vehicles were registered over 36 mph.

Refuse bags can be collected at Abberton and Langenhoe Village Hall the first Tuesday of the month from 9 am to 12 noon and from the Layer Fox car park the last Tuesday in the month from 9 am to 12 noon. These are also drop in points for any issues or queries the public might have that they can help with.

Reported matters to CBC such as fly tipping can be tracked online.

A free dance class at Mersea School on Mondays from 6 -7 pm is open to all 13 to 19 year olds.

2. Playgrounds and Playing Fields – 2 pieces of new equipment for Moss Hay for older children was discussed and it was agreed that a grant form would be filled in for half the cost, with other money hopefully available for the remainder. A notice to inform all the residents of Peldon will be produced and delivered.

3. Broadband update – Broadband connection in Winstred 100, Abberton & Langenhoe and Layer Breton is dependent on aerial connections for internet source from Peldon Church tower and/or the kind use of an agricultural mast which will link our parishes to connections linking to Braxted Tower, Colchester Town and others; the latter arrangements are in place.

In Peldon we are still awaiting final approval from the Chancellor of the Diocese of Chelmsford as regards use of Peldon Church tower that he is happy with all aspects of template agreement for the PCCs so that Peldon can proceed with the remaining applications for Faculty and indeed, continue with the many other churches who have since expressed interest though County Broadband in Essex. Faculty Application was sent to the Chancellor in 2012.

The Diocese have been very supportive – but they appear to be unable to hurry the Chancellor in this regard, despite the support of the Archdeacon of Colchester in this matter.

Accordingly, in an effort to expedite this project County Broadband decided to concurrently pursue an alternative route into the area, using a agricultural mast in Peldon for internet source.  Once again, legal negotiations have proven understandably complicated just for example “who pays the small electric bill for the connection/who is responsible for electricity failure and consequences on household internet users”. People like British Telecom may have all of this tied up corporately in cities but sorting it in Peldon and sister villages is starting from scratch.
Good news. We believe that all matters are now becoming resolved and we are awaiting responses.
 
In support of the service to be provided to the area County Broadband have already installed a primary backhaul route to enable the services to be delivered to support our villages requirements.

County Broadband emphasise that they “share the frustrations associated with the roll-out of this project and want nothing more than to be able to promote the successful roll-out of this project to the many other rural parishes in dire need of high-speed broadband”.

Within the next few months the new internet connection speed will be demonstrated in Peldon Village Hall for films, TV, social media, Youtube, browsing and just email. Interested parties can use computers provided or bring their own laptops and hand held devices to trial the County Broadband connection. Date to be confirmed.

4. Clerk’s Salary – Phil proposed, Nicky seconded and all agreed to increase the clerk’s salary in line with the National Salary Awards backdated to April 2013. 

5. Junctions at Lodge Lane and St Ives Road in Peldon – ECC Highways say there is nothing they can do about these junctions. The collapsed wall at the top of St Ives Hill has improved viability but the residents can, of course, rebuild as it is on their own property. 

6. Abberton Reservoir, Community Fund, Rights of Way – The reservoir expansion project is coming to an end and the water filling will commence soon. There had been complaints of horses fouling the footpath. The application for Community Funds for Great Wigborough Church car park to be built has been accepted but the application for safety measures from a land owner in Layer was refused.

7. Actions and Reminders List – Updated

Planning Applications:
131878Proposal: First floor side extension and replacement sun room, new garage and site entrance as previously approved under COL/120533 at Rolls Farm, Peldon Rd, Peldon

Planning Decisions:

131529Proposal: Replacement dwelling at Hill Farm, School Lane, Great WigboroughPermission Refused
Appeal Decisions:
APP/A1530/D/13/2203019Proposal: single storey dependant relative annexe and structural support to existing dwelling at Lovedowns Farm, Barnhall Road, SalcottAppeal Dismissed

 

Finances:
101739 R S Pullen – salary for Oct£353.53
101740Peldon Village Hall – hire£80.00

The next meeting will be on Tues 12th November 2013 at 7.30pm at Abbotts Hall, Great Wigborough

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PC Minutes 10th September 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Peldon Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th September 2013

Present: Netty Knill Jones, Lynne Simmons, Phil Gladwin, Jinny Gale (chair), Jane Banks, Andrew Ellis, Zone Warden and 2 members of the public

Apologies for absence: Andy Beharrell, Charles Dymond, John Walker, Nicky Ellis, Kevin Bentley

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman

Police Report: None received but we have had information of burglaries in our villages.

Borough and County Councillors: Various signs for Salcott will be erected in time. The flooding matter in School Lane is to receive attention from Anglian Water. There were no other flooding matters reported during or after the recent heavy rain.  S106 monies from the garage site will hopefully be available in due course.

Public-Have Your Say: The overgrown hedge obscures the bus stop sign at Malting Road, a half dead tree in front of the Peldon Church needs attention and the hedge and ditch along the front of the houses at Peldon Hall Farm, Malting Road need attention. All these matters will be dealt with in due course.

Declarations of Interest: None 

1. CBC Zone Wardens – The gift bench will be installed on Moss Hay shortly. Dog fouling on Moss Hay will be monitored and appropriate action taken for culprits.  The fallen road sign in Great Wigborough will be reported.

2. Playgrounds and Playing Fields – Monthly reports were submitted and work on both sites is ongoing. Supply of steel rope will be investigated and ordered for the Salcott site.  A meeting with a playground representative is to take place tomorrow to discuss possible pieces of equipment requested by older children using grant money for funding.

3. Grass cutting at Drakes Corner, Great Wigborough – ECC will be contacted to request a slightly wider swipe at this corner when cutting the verges in keeping with their safety specifications.

4. Broadband update – A proof leaflet of information was distributed but we will express our sincere disappointment to County Broadband for the slow progress this is making particularly considering the money they have already received for this project.

5. Closing of 5 Lakes sports arena – We will contact Maldon District Council to enquire as to the planning regulations with regard to the closing of the sports arena as this was a community facility.

6. Clerk’s Salary – Deferred till next month when more councillors will be in attendance for the discussion and decision.

7. Junctions at Lodge Lane and St Ives Road in Peldon – Kevin will be asked if he has had a reply from Highways with regard to these junctions.

8. Abberton Reservoir Community Fund, Rights of Way Meeting, Walk – There are 3 new applications for the Community Fund, a new car park for Great Wigborough Church and 2 for safety measures in Layer coming into the village from the new ‘fast’ road.  We give Phil a mandate to vote for these applications, and as usual, with the proviso that if new information arises at the funding meeting he will use his judgment accordingly.  Part of the footpath has been walked and the views are spectacular but there is a section still to be established and many other issues.

9. CALC meeting report – This meeting was attended by our representative and the lack of paper planning applications from CBC was discussed again and as a result in future the agents will be asked to submit a paper copy.  Also the draft document on CBC’s new development policies was handed out.

10. Actions and Reminders List – Updated

 

Planning Applications:
131315 Proposal: Replacement dwelling at Hill Farm, School Lane, Great Wigborough 
131334 Proposal: Listed building application for demolition of derelict conservatory and replacement with 2 storey side extension as approved under 121007 but to include approval for window alterations at Haxells Farmhouse, Peldon Road, Peldon. 
131027 Proposal: Single storey rear and side extensions at Honeysuckle Cottage, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough

 

Withdrawn

Planning Decisions:
131040 Proposal: Single storey rear extension at The Paddocks, Lower Road, PeldonApprove Conditional
131315Proposal: Erection of an outbuilding containing a swimming pool, gym and home cinema at Hall Barn, Peldon Road, PeldonPermission Refused
Appeals and Decisions:
APP/A1530/D/13/2203019 Proposal: Single storey dependent relative annex and structural support to existing dwelling (130557, resubmission of 110912 & 121258) at Lovedowns Farm, Barnhall Road, SalcottAppeal against refusal of planning permission

APP/A1530/D/13/2202740

Proposal: Alterations and extension to first floor over the existing single storey element to provide an additional bedroom and en-suite facility (130601) at Honeywood, Mersea Road, Peldon

Appeal against refusal of planning permission

APP/A1530/D/13/2198804Proposal: Infill extension to form additional bedroom for use by existing residents’ children, in part replacing former demolished extension – resubmission of 121120 at Fourways Farm, Barnhall Road, Salcott (130116)Appeal dismissed

Finances:

101733R S Pullen – salary for Aug and Sept£707.06
101734Peldon Village Hall – hire£80.00
101735Mr B Gooding – 2 x insp, cut up tree, paint bench, cut grass£344.80
101736Lappset – parts for play equipment on Moss Hay£285.38
101737PKF Littlejohn LLP – external audit£120.00

The next meeting will be on Tues 8th October 2013 at 7.30pm at Salcott Village Hall

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PC Minutes 9th July 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th July 2013

Present: Charles Dymond, Andy Beharrell, Phil Gladwin, Jinny Gale, Lynne Simmons, John Walker, Nicky Ellis (chair), Andrew Ellis, Kevin Bentley and three public members

Apologies for absence: Jane Banks, Netty Knill Jones, Zone Warden

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman with the addition at the end of the sentence of 1. ECC Highway Rangers…….like them to do for us ‘at the Kings Head junction and Peldon bus stop triangle’.

Police Report: No reported crimes in our villages but please be alert and aware that in neighbouring villages outbuildings have been broken into. We have three volunteers from Peldon who have undertaken the speed gun training so will be out and about soon.

Borough Councillors: The ‘no through road’ signs for Salcott are on the list to be fitted. Other missing signage will be reported and or chased up. Along with all the other parish councils our displeasure at the withdrawal by CBC of paper copies of planning applications to parish councils will be supported by the Borough Councillors and brought up at their next Borough meeting. Verge cutting along Salcott Street and Mill Lane has been overlooked so will be requested. The S106 money or so called ‘bedroom tax’ will be available from various building projects in our villages for local community based spending for which Salcott Village Hall have already made a  request for some improvements.

County Councillor: At County level further savings have still to be made but hopefully without cutting services. Rodney Bass is now the Portfolio Holder for ECC Highways and a quarterly surgery will be held for County Councillors to meet engineers with their list of jobs that need doing in their respective areas. The ECC Broadband project is progressing having carried out an extensive survey but the roll out date will not be for some time. The proposed 40 mph limit along Mersea Road in Peldon and Colchester Road to the Strood will be taken up with Rodney Bass with our support for this to materialise soon.

Public-Have Your Say – None

Declarations of Interest – None

1.  CBC Zone Wardens: Charles met them on Moss Hay  to discuss a siting for  a bench  very kindly given to us by them with cost of fitting to be arranged.

2.  Playgrounds and Playing Fields – having just spent a quite a lot of money on necessary repairs at Moss Hay play area and further work is required due to vandalism we are reluctant to buy new equipment until this problem has been resolved. Also having obtained quotes of a small skateboard ramp requested by a group of children it has proved to be very expensive and so our intentions are to investigate possible alternative equipment and meet the children on site to talk to them about this.  The bark at Moss Hay is low and so rubber clipping, as we bought for Salcott, would seem to be the obvious choice as the life span is much longer if not indefinite.  It was agreed to wait awhile before buying this as money from S106 will be available and could possibly be of help with this.

3.  Winter Salt Bag Scheme: as we still have plenty from the year before last it was agreed to decline the offer this time.

4.  Broadband update – John providing us with a sheet of information including Mast locations and confirmed CAPs (Community Access Points) locations in all our villages with a couple more to be confirmed. The project is moving forward generally to plan and the launch event at Peldon Village Hall is still set for 28th September 2013. Yet again, we give enormous thanks to John for his tireless work on this brilliant project that will be of benefit to all.

5.  Junctions at Lodge Lane and St Ives Road in Peldon – Kevin will take this up with Highways for any possible solutions for these difficult junctions.

6.  Abberton Reservoir Community Fund – Friends of the Wigboroughs were granted the money for their tables and chairs, Layer de la Haye was granted the money for their hall but money raised from events will be knocked off the total cost.
Reservoir Expansion: all concrete work will be finished by October.
Rights of Way Meeting
was attended; there will be a Project Manager to ensure that this job is done professionally with proper consideration to everything required.

7.  Actions and Reminders List updated

Planning Applications:
131040 Proposal: Single storey rear extension at The Paddocks, Lower Road, Peldon
131315 Proposal: Erection of an outbuilding containing a swimming pool, gym and home cinema at Hall Barn, Peldon Road, Peldon
Appeal against refusal:
APP/A1530/D/13/2198804 Proposal: Infill extension to form additional bedroom for use by existing residents’ children, in part replacing former demolished extension – resubmission of 121120 at Fourways Farm, Barnhall Road, Salcott

Finances:

101730R S Pullen – salary for July£353.53
101731Mr B Gooding – 3 x insp and repairs£522.50
101732T Simmons – play insp, grass cutting, bench painting, hedge cutting£160.00

The next meeting will be on Tues 10th September 2013 at 7.30pm at Peldon Village Hall

Following complaints we have received we would like to request that all event organizers please take down the posters they have put up after the event has taken place and also to refrain from using a staple gun as these are very difficult to get out and therefore look unsightly.

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PC Minutes 11th June 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Salcott Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th June 2013

Present: Netty Knill-Jones, Lynne Simmons, Phil Gladwin (chair for this meeting), Charles Dymond, Jinny Gale, Andy Beharrell, John Walker and 4 members of the public

Apologies for absence: Jane Banks, Nicky Ellis, Kevin Bentley, Andrew Ellis

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman

Police Report: No crimes have been reported in our villages with just a couple of domestic type incidents

County Councillor: Recycling has increased throughout the country and Essex is doing particularly well.  A scheme backed by ECC could enable first-time buyers to get on the property ladder.

Borough Councillors: The new ‘no through road’ signs for Salcott have been made and are now on the list for fixture.  An answer from Highways has been promised for next week on the concerns that have been highlighted at the junction at the top of St Ives Road, Peldon

Public-Have Your Say: An update from ECC will be requested on the matter of the proposed speed limit of 40mph for Mersea Road in Peldon and to the Strood.  There are signs that the new bus shelter for Malting Road is starting to be fitted.  Missing road signs will be chased up again and the paper/card recycling bags will be reported for split sides. The bench on the bus stop triangle in Peldon needs painting and will be done shortly.

Declarations of Interest: None

1. CBC Zone Wardens: Nothing reported.
ECC Highway Rangers will be contacted for a couple of strimming type jobs that we would like them to do for us.

2. CALC Meeting was attended by our representative where the guest speaker was Angie Pearson who is Essex Watch Liaison Officer and covers watches for Neighbourhoods, Farms, Businesses, Speed, etc. Her email address will follow. There was also a discussion about the fact that parish councils do not now receive a paper copy from CBC for planning applications which is proving difficult for consideration. 

 3. Playgrounds and Playing Fields – items needing attention at Salcott have or are being addressed. Signs on Moss Hay have been ripped down and will be reinstated.  The requested skate board ramp on Moss Hay is still being looked into for cost, maintenance and the possibility of a grant.

4. Flooding at Salcott – a site meeting has not been arranged as yet.

5. Broadband update – there is to be a press release to encourage residents to come forward to establish if their property is suitable for a small antenna to be fitted called a Community Access Point (CAP), 30 in total are needed and the occupiers will receive free internet connection. Interested residents can contact the clerk. The proposed date for launching this project is September.

6. Junctions at Lodge Lane and St Ives Road in Peldon – next meeting if there is an update as we are waiting for a reply from Highways.

7. Abberton Reservoir Community Fund – 2 applications have been submitted, one from the Friends of the Wigboroughs for tables and chairs for which we support and gave Phil a mandate to vote in favour of this. The second one is for a good percentage of the build of a new hall in Layer de la Haye for which we support in principal but possibly not for the full requested amount and gave Phil a mandate to use his own discretion with the information provided at the Community Fund meeting.

The Abberton Rights of Way Committee Meeting held on 13th June will be attended by our representative.  There will be a stand at the Peldon Festival this weekend with questionnaires for suggestions and requests with regard to the proposed footpath around the reservoir.

8. Actions and Reminders List updated

Planning Applications:

131012

Proposal: Retrospective application for removal of unstable wall and timber replacement at Games Farm, Lower Road, Peldon

 

130860

Listed Building application for above

 

131027

Proposal: Single storey rear and side extensions at Honeysuckle Cottage, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough

 

Planning Decisions:

130601

Proposal: Alterations and extension to first floor over existing single storey element to provide an additional bedroom and en-suite facility at Honeywood, Mersea Road, Peldon

Permission Granted

Finances:

101724

St Mary’s Peldon PCC – churchyard upkeep donation

£200.00

101725

Gt & Lt Wigs PCC – churchyards upkeep donation

£400.00

101726

Salcott St Mary’s PCC – churchyard upkeep donation

£200.00

101727

EALC – councillor course

£67.00

101728

R S Pullen – salary for June

£353.53

101729

T Simmons – 2 x play insp and 4 x grass cuts

£220.00

The next meeting will be on Tues 9th July 2013 at 7.30pm at Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough

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PC Minutes 14th May 2013

WINSTRED HUNDRED PARISH COUNCIL

Peldon   Great Wigborough   Little Wigborough   Salcott   Virley

Draft minutes of the meeting of Winstred Hundred Parish Council held at Peldon Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14th May 2013

Present: Netty Knill-Jones, Lynne Simmons, Phil Gladwin, Nicky Ellis (chair), Jane Banks, Charles Dymond, Andy Beharrell, John Walker, I Police Officer, 2 Zone Wardens, 5 adult and 5 children members of the public.

Apologies for absence: Jinny Gale, Kevin Bentley, Andrew Ellis, Terry Sutton

The Annual Parish Assembly

Police report: There have been few crimes in our villages but 1 burglary and a couple of traffic accidents. There is a new officer in Tiptree and can be reached on 07966 197404.

Zone Wardens: They are reporting pot holes, carrying out litter picking, assisting with dog fouling problems and other services where ever they can on our behalf. A gift of a bench will be discussed with a councillor for positioning on Moss Hay.

Public: A quad bike has been seen driving around on Moss Hay and Pete Tye Common, a dog fouling culprit was spotted with several dogs along St Ives Road, the bench on the bus stop triangle at the bottom of St Ives Road needs painting, a ditch full of litter along Maldon Road needs attention and road signs at the Kings Head junction in Great Wigborough are missing probably due to accidents, all of which will be dealt with hopefully in the near future.  Thanks were given to Archie and Shaun for the litter picking they do in Peldon.

The children: They came to make a request for a skateboard ramp on Moss Hay. They all spoke individually to make their case and presented us with a drawing of a ramp.  This will be investigated for cost, area required and insurance. Other villages with these will be visited for an idea of what would be suitable, if any, for Peldon.

Public: A resident from Salcott came to express their concerns, particularly with regard to the height, about a planning application for 2 semi-detached houses replacing a bungalow in The Street at Salcott.  The owner of the property was also in attendance and gave his input into the discussion. Details will be looked into by our Borough Councillor and discussed with the Planning Officer.

Parish Council AGM

Phil proposed, John seconded and all agreed for Nicky to continue as Chairman for this next year. Jane wished to step down so Phil proposed, Nicky seconded and all agreed for Charles to be Vice-Chairman for this next year. Phil proposed, Nicky seconded and all agreed for Sue to continue being the Financial and Responsible Officer.  

Minutes of the last meeting were agreed by all and signed by the chairman

Borough and County Councillors: County report will be circulated. Kevin had been in contact with ECC Highways with regard to rectifying the collapsed verge along St Ives Road.

Chairman’s Report: A brief summary was read out and it was circulated to the parish councillors and will be on the website.

Financial Report and the External Auditor’s End of Year Return and Annual Governance Statement: Nicky proposed, Phil seconded and all agreed to approve these. Our sincere thanks go to Steve Copeland for carrying out our internal audit for us without charge yet again.

Declarations of Interest: None

1. Churchyards Upkeep Donations – Phil proposed, John seconded and all agreed, except one against and one abstention, to donate the usual amount of £200 each to help with maintaining the churchyards. Yet again we will express the possibility of reducing this next year if the need arises due to reduced funds.

2. Playgrounds and Playing Fields – following the Annual Inspection Report certain matters will be addressed and other matters will be discussed with the inspector due to some confusion over certain comments in the report.

3. Flooding at Salcott – yet again CBC Simon High will be contacted with the purpose of meeting a Salcott councillor on site to discuss ongoing problems.

4. Broadband update – Stage 2 is underway, a launch event is planned for late July and the target date for going live is September.

5. Junctions at Lodge Lane and St Ives in Peldon – postponed to next month due to lack of Borough Councillors in attendance

6. Wigborough Telephone Box – the person who requested to buy this box will be approached again followed by a second interested resident before we decide to accept this offer of cleaning and painting.

7. Actions and Reminders List updated

8. To confirm Parish Council representatives on the Wigboroughs Village Hall Management Committee – Nicky proposed, John seconded and all agreed for Phil and Jinny to be our representatives on this committee.

9. Abberton Rights of Way Committee – meeting was attended and a consultation event is to be planned to find out what the public would like with regard to this path surrounding the reservoir.

    Planning Applications:
    130681Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 2 no. two and a half storey semi- detached dwellings (resubmission of 122083) at Old Barn Burrows, The Bungalow, The Street, Salcott.
    Planning Decisions:
    130042Proposal: Change of use A2 offices to 3 bedroom house at 2 Abbotts Hall Cottages, Maldon Road, Great WigboroughPermission Granted
    130355Proposal: Relocation of approved pool equipment room to be attached to end of garage at Fourways Farm, Barnhall Road, SalcottPermission Granted
    130474Proposal: Application to extend time for implementation of permission 100458 at Leeward, Church Road, PeldonPermission Granted
    130557Proposal: Single storey dependent relative annex and structural support to existing dwelling. (Resubmission of applications 110912 and 121258 at Lovedowns Farm, Barnhall Road, SalcottPermission Refused

    Finances:

    101719CALC – annual subscription£35.00
    101720Anglia Inspection Services Ltd£192.00
    101721Peldon Village Hall – hire£80.00
    101722R S Pullen – salary for May£212.12
    101723HMRC – 2 x income tax£141.41

    The next meeting will be on Tues 11th June 2013 at 7.30pm at Salcott Village Hall

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    Road closures week commencing 15th April 2013

    road-closure-april-2013We have been advised by Essex County Council’s Highways team that the following roads will be closed from Monday 15th April for a period of 5 days:

    • Abberton Road Layer de la Haye, 
    • Layer Road Abberton, and 
    • Oxley Hill Abberton, Colchester

    … from the junction with Bounstead Road to the junction with Mersea Road B1025 (see map).  The closure is to facilitate urgent road repairs.  Access to property will be maintained during the closure.

    If this affects you, ECC advise an alternate route is recommended via:

    • B1025 Mersea Road Colchester, 
    • Berechurch Hall Road Colchester 
    • Bounstead Road Colchester, and vice versa.
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