Category: Uncategorized

Pebmarsh  Annual Parish Assembly

To be held on Tuesday 15 March 2011 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm

 

 

1.          Apologies for absence

2.          Minutes of  the Previous Annual Parish Assembly

• held 11 May 2010, to be agreed and signed.

 

3.          Parish Council Elections – 5 May 2011

4.          County Councillor Report – Cllr David Finch

5.          District Councillor Report – from Cllr Anthony Shelton

6.          Conservation Area Appraisal – Second Draft

          Alan Massow, Senior Policy Planner – Braintree District Council

7.          Chairman’s Report

8.          Parish Councillor Reports

9.       John Nott Charity Report

 

10.          Closure

Cllr Joe Burlo

Chairman

8 March 2011

The next meeting of Pebmarsh Parish Council will be held on

Tuesday 15 March 2011

in the Village Hall Committee Room,  immediately following the Annual Parish Assembly

for the purpose of transacting the following business:
AGENDA

1.         Apologies for Absence

Members are reminded that the LGA1972, s85 states that apologies for absence must be received prior to a meeting.

2.         Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held 31 January 2011

            To agree and sign the minutes.

 3.         Declarations of Interest

To declare any ‘personal’ or ‘personal and prejudicial’ interests relating to items on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 8 to 12 (inclusive) of the Code of Conduct for Members part 5/1 of the Constitution and having taken appropriate advice (where necessary) before the meeting.

4.         Public Forum

            Opportunity for the public to raise issues or ask questions of Councillors.

5.         BDC Planning Issues

            5.1       Tree Preservation Order

03/2011/TPO: Le Mote Hall, Cross End, Pebmarsh – to receive the notice of the above TPO.

 6.         Reports from Representatives

            To receive any reports from representatives:

• Playing fields/bus shelter
• Village Hall
• Street Lighting
• Legal

7.         John Nott Trustee Change

            To consider the proposed trustee change and agree recommendation.

 8.         Footpath Mainteance

            To discuss the way forward.

 9.         Flooding Protection Scheme

            To receive information regarding the scheme

 10.       Finance

            10.1            Finance Report

                        To receive the latest finance reports.

             10.2            Cheques to be approved for payment:

                        10.2.1            £400.82            Clerk Salary (Feb, Mar)

                        10.2.2            £  42.96            Clerk Expenses (Feb, Mar)

                        10.2.3            £    1.44            A&J Lighting Solutions – VAT shortfall (Jan,Feb,Mar)

             10.3            Payments made between meetings:

                        10.3.1            £  22.74            A&J Lighting Solutions Maintenance (Feb)

                        10.3.2            £  22.74            A&J Lighting Solutions Maintenance (Mar)

            10.4     Monies received since the last meeting

                        Nil

 11.       A&J Lighting Solutions

            Discuss whether to implement a direct debit rather than standing order.

 12.       PAYE Implementation

To receive information regarding the changes being made by HMRC to the payment of Clerk salary.

13.       Broadband

To receive a report.

14.            Correspondence

            The Clerk to go through any correspondence received.

 15.       Date of Next Meeting

            16 May 2011 – Annual Parish Council Meeting.

16.       Closure

Mrs Philippa Potter

8 March 2011

Third Party Insurance Cover Warning

Suffolk Police are warning motorists who are driving a vehicle not belonging to them using their own fully comprehensive insurance, they may no longer be covered to do so.

Despite the assumption by many that a fully comprehensive insurance policy would cover drivers to use another persons vehicle with their permission, there has recently been a change in a lot of insurance policies and this often no longer comes as standard.

One issue that officers specifically want motorists to check is in relation to driving another person’s vehicle with the owner’s permission when the vehicle does not have an insurance policy in place. With recent changes the majority of insurers now stipulate that the vehicle being driven must at least have third party cover.

If a person is stopped in a vehicle that is not their own and are unsure if their policy covers them to drive another vehicle, officers will have to complete a check. If it is discovered that the driver is not correctly covered it could result in a fixed penalty notice fine of £200 and 6 penalty points or a day at Magistrates Court. The vehicle will also be seized.

Inspector Julian Ditcham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Stopping vehicles and checking insurance policies will take up the time of the members of public and of our officers. This information will appear either on the front of your certificate or in the small print, so it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure they are covered.

“We do realise that there is a lack of awareness of this policy change so this is a polite reminder to all motorists to have a double check.  However, we are also aware that there will be people out there who are deliberately offending and therefore appropriate action will be used wherever necessary.”

Police Direct Team

Dates of Next Meetings

      The following dates are provisionally agreed, subject to venue booking:

• Annual Parish Assembly – to be held on Tuesday 15 March, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall – This is being held in the Village hall and not in the Committee room – Braintree District Council will present the 2nd draft of the Pebmarsh Conservation Area Appraisal which has taken into consideration some of the views expressed by parishioners at the last meeting – All Parishioners welcome to attend and discuss.
• Annual Parish Council Meeting – to be held on Monday 16 May, at 7.30pm, in the Village Hall Committee Room.

Joe Burlo

Chairman

01787 269999

MINUTES

OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 31 JANUARY 2011

Present:                                                                       In attendance:     

Cllr J Burlo                                                                Mrs P Potter (Clerk)                                        Cllr H Anderson                                                          District Councillor Anthony Shelton

            Cllr J Fenner                                                              County Councillor David Finch

            Cllr J Holder                                                              Jan Cole, RCCE

            Cllr S Rawlinson                                                         Peter Darlington, Village Agent

                                                                                                6 members of the public

      1.    Apologies for Absence

             All Parish Councillors were present. 

2.            Consideration of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 November 2010

      The minutes of this previous meeting were agreed as a true record and signed accordingly.

 

3.            Declaration of Interests
Cllr Jim Holder declared a personal interest in item 7.1: Planning Application, Dairy Cottage.

It was agreed to bring Item 6, District and County Items forward to this point in the meeting:

6.   District and County Items

      County Councillor David Finch spoke to the meeting about the ongoing budget review at ECC following cuts from central government, which equate to decreases of around 25-30%.  There have been reductionsof around £13m in specific local area improvement grants but ECC are promising to protect front line services and make savings from back office, administration and procurement.  ECC are making their reductions over four years rather than one, to ease the impact and using reserves where necessary.  Under their transformation programme, there were savings of £60m last year and this year of £90m, with a further £40m needed next year.  Council tax was not increased, as set by government and the books have been balanced for 2011/12.  No major services are being cut but all services are being reshaped and indeed there is an increased budget for Highways of £12m.  Reshaping is being undertaken by looking at things such as shorter opening hours for various call centres or libraries etc.

      Cllr Finch also spoke about the ‘Big Society’, where individuals are encouraged not to depend upon the state for everything but to take some things on ourselves, such as devolving services and/or powers to authorities lower down the hierarchy, such as district and parish councils, together with rearranged funding systems to increase parish precepts.  More details on the parish’s role will be sent out shortly.  Cllr Finch also confirmed that the Community Initiatives Fund was still operating.

      District Councillor Anthony Shelton then spoke to the meeting regarding BDC’s budget cuts which are on a similar percentage to ECC.  The formula grant has been reduced by 15.8% for 2011/12 at around £1.429m, which is £500m less than was anticipated.  BDC are looking at ways of working more closely and in conjunction with other district/borough councils where work can be joined up, such as enforcement, trading standards and on street parking services, to reduce costs but maintain service.  Each household will have received the latest edition of BDC’s ‘Contact’ magazine, which includes a survey for everyone to complete and return to give their own views of where savings could and should be made and he encouraged everyone to respond. Cllr Shelton confirmed that the travel token scheme has been retained but that taxi fares would be increased by 20p for every journey starting in the district, reflecting the increasing cost of fuel.

      Cllr Shelton also confirmed that the Halstead Local Committee would cease, along with its grant system and it is not yet known whether this will be replaced by another scheme.              The issue of planning applications only being available online was briefly discussed and  a suggestion for the improvement of measuring plans online was made.  Cllr Shelton also paid tribute to the work of the Village Agents and conveyed his appreciation of their work on behalf of the district’s rural communities.

      Peter Darlington, Village Agent, spoke to the meeting and thanked the Parish Council and BDC for their support in keeping the service going.  They are covering costs at present and have helped over 1500 people since the scheme was launched.  The kinds of services provided include collecting prescriptions, taking people to and from doctor and hospital appointments and helping during the snow and icy weather where carers were not able to access villages and homes.  The Village Agents have been instrumental in helping to change how cross county border health services are arranged and funded.  Peter is also available to help people deal with the digital switchover, which is due to happen in July, for those who need it.  There is a meeting in Bulmer on 11 February at 2pm about this subject.  The Parish Council thanked Peter for attending.

      It was agreed to bring Item 5, Community Led Plans, forward to this point:

5.            Community Led Plans

      Jan Cole, from the RCCE, attended to speak to Councillors regarding starting up a Parish Plan for Pebmarsh.  Jan explained that the plans are made by the community, usually under the facilitation of the Parish Council.  These plans research the views and opinions of parishioners regarding their village and how they wish to see things progressed in the future.  The results of this kind of survey are put together in a publication which concludes with an Action Plan for the village.  This Action Plan is then used by the Parish Council to inform their decisions and help to steer future projects in the direction that residents wish it to go.

      Parish Plans can be instrumental in gaining grants, funding or services, as the need for a particular item or project has already been established.  There are grants available, up to £2,400, for Parish Councils to take this project on , which can cover expenses from starting up to publishing.  Jan explained that RCCE run a Community Led Planning network, for a charge of £35 to become a member. 

      Jan also spoke about Village Design Statements, which are documents produced by the village regarding how they wish to see their neighbourhood reflected in planning decisions.  They set out the character of the village as a whole and in different areas, which may require the application of planning policy in different ways.  A VDS is drawn up within existing local authority policies but sets out the desires of the village as a whole as to how things should/should be treated.

      Jan left it with the Parish Council to look over some example plans and other information and to contact her if they wish to take this project on.  The Parish Council thanked Jan for an informative discussion and for the time taken to explain it to them.

The meeting then reverted to the original running order of the agenda.

 

4.   Public Forum
The outgoing tenant of a property in Pearson Close attended the meeting to inform the Parish Council of recent difficulties experienced during the termination of her lease and the proposed transfer to a new prospective tenant.  It has transpired that the property was incorrectly advertised because it barred applications from single people and couples by Gateway to Home Choice and as a result it has been readvertised.  This has resulted in confusion for the proposed new tenant as the offer of the house (pending confirmation of  qualification under the ‘local connection’ s106 agreement)  has now been withdrawn and the process restarted.  The Parish Council explained that the correction and readvertising was necessary to be fair to everyone but they would be able to write to the new tenant’s current Housing Association to explain the problem, if her resignation in her current home could not be rescinded.

7.   BDC Planning Issues

      7.1      Planning Application

            11/00074/FUL: Dairy Cottage, The Street, Pebmarsh – proposed loft conversion.  The Parish             Council will look at this application online, as it was not possible to view the plans at the             meeting.  The deadline date for comments is 22 February.  Councillors will forward their             views to the Clerk who will respond as per the majority view. 

      7.2      Planning Results

            The following results were noted:

            The following applications were granted:

• 10/01072/FUL: Old Mill House, Oak Road – Change of use of redundant agricultural land to domestic garden and erection of summer house.
• 10/01394/FUL: Catley Cross House, Catley Cross – Proposed tennis court and fencing in existing paddock.
• 10/01488/FUL: The Old Baptist Church, Clay Hills – Erection of two storey extension.

            The following application did not require approval/permission:

• 10/01284/AGR: Broomhills, Catley Cross – erection of grain store

            Tree Preservation Order

• TPO No. 27/2010 – Cornerways, Cross End: This order was confirmed (made permanent) on 23 November 2010.

 

8.            Reports from Representatives
            8.1            Playing Fields/Bus Shelters:

§        ROSPA Play Area Safety Inspection Report:  a few items need to be addressed:  some rotten fence posts need to be replaced, weeds to be killed and the gate is not able to close.  Cllr Rawlinson will arrange for these issues to be resolved.

            8.2       Village Hall:

§        Approval of new store room – the Parish Council noted that a letter of support was passed to the Village Hall Committee regarding the building of a new store room at the Village Hall.

            8.3       Street Lighting

§        It  has come to light that the a recompense payment of £20 per annum has not been paid to the owner of Brook Cottage towards the electricity bill for this street light.  The Clerk will look into this and arrange for payment up to date.  It was also noted that the lamp needs painting and a new bulb is required.

            8.4       Legal

§        No current issues to discuss.

9.   Winter Gritting

Cllr Burlo reported that the Parish Council currently has almost 2 tonnes of grit/salt which is being             stored at a farm in the village.  This supply has come from ECC as part of its current pilot scheme.              The Council needs to identify appropriate places for small amount of grit to be stored around the             village so that quick application of grit can take place at the appropriate times.  

Cllr Fenner will organise volunteers for this and to be responsible for gritting when the need arises.              The Clerk will             contact ECC regarding the £120 grant which is being offered towards equipment for             this pilot.

     10.  Speed and Volume Survey

            The survey identified that the areas surveyed contained speeds above the intervention level and as             such, police enforcement would be requested.  The Clerk will follow this up to ensure that it is             implemented and also write to ECC regarding how the Council can go about requesting the             installation of traffic calming measures.

     11.            Footpath Maintenance

            An ongoing maintenance issue on FP8 was discussed, where the path is overgrown.  This has been             flagged up by ECC P3 team to be addressed.  Cllrs Fenner and Burlo will look into this, along with             completing the P3 work proposal form for 2011/12 to ensure that funds are secured for next year’s   grass cutting.

     12.            National Grid Undergrounding Consultation

            The Parish Council agreed to send a response to this consultation supporting the undergrounding of         power cables as per the report.

     13.            Affordable Housing – Letting Vacancies

            This issue was discussed in the public forum, above.

14.    Finance
14.1            Finance Report
             The latest finance reports were received by Councillors.

        14.2            The following cheques were approved for payment:
                        14.2.1            £400.82             Clerk Salary              

                        14.2.2            £  88.81                        Clerk Expenses

                        14.2.3            £250.00             Strutt & Parker – Glebelands Rent

14.3            Other Payments made since the last meeting – this was noted:

                        14.3.1            £  22.74                        1 Dec  10            A&J Lighting – Maintenance

14.4            Monies received since the last meeting were noted:

                        Nil

15.            Correspondence
The Clerk went through various items of interest in the post to bring Councillors up to date.

 

16. Date of Next Meeting

      The following dates were provisionally agreed, subject to venue booking:

• Annual Parish Assembly – to be held on Tuesday 15 March, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
• Annual Parish Council Meeting – to be held on Monday 16 May, at 7.30pm, in the Village Hall Committee Room.

 

17. Closure

      The meeting closed at 10.10pm.

Signature ………………………………………………………

Chairman

     Date …………………………………………………………….

1. Have a Local Connection – see below for definition of ‘Local Connection’ as per the Section 106 agreement. – There is a priority order when defining ‘Local Connection’
2. Have a Housing Need.
3. Have registered with Braintree District Council Housing Assesment team as having a housing need BEFORE the bidding starts on Thursday 3rd Feb 2011.  You will need to contact the BDC Housing Assessment Team at Causeway House, Braintree on telephone number 01376 551414, for an application form to join the housing register.You should clearly indicate on the application that you are specifically applying and wanting to be considered for the impending vacancy at the Peason Close Affordable Housing at Water Lane, Pebmarsh.  Please indicate that there is an urgency in your application as the bidding starts on Thursday 3 Feb 2011. Ask how the bidding process works.

• single persons and couples WILL be allowed to bid for this property.
• Local Connection takes priority over housing need – remember you must have a ‘Local Connection’ AND a Housing Need  AND be registered with Braintree District Council  on their Housing Register before applying in order to qualify. 

1. the prospective occupier of an Afforable Housing Dwelling lives in the Parish of Pebmarsh and has done so continously for a minimum period of two years immediatly prior to making an application for an Affordable Housing Dwelling.
2. the prospective occupier of an Afforable Housing Dwelling has lived in the Parish of Pebmarsh for not less than 5 years during the immediately preceeding ten year period.
3. the prospective occupier of an Afforable Housing Dwelling is employed full time in the Parish of Pebmarsh and has been so employed for a minimum period of two years immediately prior to making an application for an Affordable Housing Dwelling.
4. the prospective occupier of an Afforable Housing Dwelling either lives or is employed in the Parish of Pebmarsh and has done so for a period of less than two years or  is a member of a family ( as expression is defined in the Housing Act 1985) of a person who lives in the Parish of Pebmarsh and has done so continously for a minimum period of five years immediately preceeding the application for an Affordable Housing Dwelling.
5. if there are no prospective occupiers for the Affordable Housing Dwellings who comply with the criteria set out in Paragraphs 1 to 4 above then the criteria and priority order contained in Paragraphs 1 to 4 above shall be applied to a prospective occupier from the Parishes of Alphamstone, Bures Hamlet, White Colne, Colne Engaine, Greenstead Green, Halstead Rural, Little Maplestead, Great Maplestead, Gestingthorpe, Wickham St. Paul, Twinstead, Lamarsh or Great Henny.
6. if there are no prospective occupiers for the Affordable Housing Dwellings who comply with the criteria set out in Paragraph 5 above then the criteria and priority order contained in Paragraphs 1 to 4 above shall be applied to a prospective occupier from the remainder of the administrative district of Braintree.

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) in conducting research into the issues raised by lack of mobile phone coverage in rural areas. Your Parish Council will respond to the queries below and is asking for your comments to help us formulate a response that takes into account all your comments.

Please help us by e mailing  your response to your Parish Council Chairman, Joe Burlo on joe@faze7.com by Monday 24 May.

Please look at the e mail below from the CRC.  The more replies we get will strengthen our case and response to the CRC.

Joe Burlo

Chairman – 01787 269999

—————————————————

CRC look into mobile phone coverage
Are you or your community affected by a lack of mobile coverage? The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) is investigating how mobile coverage is affecting the rural economy, service provision and community life. If mobile coverage is an issue in your area, the CRC would be grateful if you could respond to the following questions:

 Mags Lambert

Secretariat for East of England Rural Forum

01473 345346
eerfenquiries@ruralactioneast

MINUTES

OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 29 MARCH 2010

Present:           

Cllr J Burlo (Chairman)                                                        Visitors:              3 members of the public  

Cllr J Fenner                                                                                        

Cllr H Anderson

Cllr  J Holder                                                                

Mrs P Potter (Clerk)

 

1. Apologies for Absence
   Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Rawlinson.
2. Consideration of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 February 2010

The minutes were agreed as a true record and signed accordingly.

 

1. Declaration of Interests
   None

 

1. Public Forum
   Concerns were raised by members of the public regarding the need for traffic calming in the village.  The Parish Council assured them that they will be re-raising this issue with Essex County Council.  There was further discussion regarding the need for more pavements in the village, which will also be raised with ECC Highways.

 

1. District and County Items
   There were no reports at this meeting.

    

2. BDC Planning Issues

6.1            Planning Applications – The following Planning Committee Decision were noted:

• 10/00164/FUL: Stone Cottage, Clay Hills – Replacement of flat roof with pitched.

The Committee agreed to support this application.

• 10/00146/FUL: Land South West of Scotts Farm – Retrospective application for store shed. 
  The Committee agree to support this application.
• 10/00156/FUL: Vine Cottage, Twinstead Road, Pebmarsh – Erection of metal outbuilding. 
  The Committee agreed to object to this application on the grounds of its size, height and bulk.

     

6.2      Planning Results  – The following applications were granted:

• 09/01676/FUL: Rafe Hall – Change of use from storage/distribution centre and office to residential use.
• 10/00003/FUL: Toms Cottage, Cross End – Erection of single storey side extension
• 10/00019/FUL: The Wildings, The Street – Erection of timber outbuilding to be used as general storage and home office.
• 10/00164/FUL: Stone Cottage, Clay Hills – Replacement of flat garage roof with pitched.
• 10/00146/FUL: Land South West of Scotts Farm – Retrospective for store shed.
• 10/00031/NMA: Spoons Hall – Non Material Amendment.
• 10/00018/NMA: 1 Cross End, Pebmarsh – Non Material Amendment.

These results were noted by the Council.

1. Reports from Representatives
   7.1            Playing Fields/Bus Shelters

Cllr Rawlinson was not present at this meeting, therefore the following two items were postponed until the next meeting:

• New climbing frame rope
• RoSPA recommendations
• New noticeboards  – the Council are still obtaining quotes for this project.
• Vehicles driving on the playing field – Cllr Fenner  reported that after looking at solutions for this problem, installing short wooden posts to prevent vehicles entering the field would be the best option. It was also agreed that reflective markers are installed to ensure maximum visibility.  Cllr Fenner will arrange for quotes for this work and report back to the Council.

7.2            Village Hall

• Cllr Holder will discuss any potential projects for the Community Payback Team at the next Village Hall meeting.
• Cleanliness of the Village Hall:  It was agreed to draw up a work specification for the cleaning of the hall, which can then be taken to the Village Hall Committee to take the issue forward.

 

7.3       Street Lighting

• The Clerk reported that the Council only owes A&J Lighting £11.60 to cover a shortfall in VAT payments for three months in 2009, which was due to an administration error when the VAT rates changed.  The Clerk will however, contact the company to query a payment made in 2009 covering an annual maintenance visit.
• An increase to material costs for some light parts was reported to the Council.

7.4       Legal
Cllr Anderson reported that he has started looking into the issues with ECC, surrounding the Parish Council taking up gritting of the highways around the village during icy weather.  This will be reported back as soon as a comprehensive answer has been received.

7.5            Passenger Transport

• The Stour Valley Community bus will be launched on 21 April and will run on a Wednesday between Pebmarsh and Sudbury, leaving at 9.30am and returning at 1pm.

           

8.  Traffic Calming

Although this has been examined in the past, the Parish Council have decided to contact Essex County Council to discuss the installation of traffic calming measures in the village.  It was agreed to consult residents as to their views on the issue and it was decided to invite them to discuss this at the Annual Parish Assembly.  The Clerk will contact ECC Highways to invite a representative to the Annual Assembly to answer questions and put forward the position of ECC with regard to any possible solutions. 

The Clerk will also ascertain any criteria involved in assessing whether traffic calming can be installed so that the Parish Council has this information before the meeting.  The issue of extending 30mph limits to other parts of the village will also be looked into. During this item, it was Proposed Cllr Burlo, Seconded Cllr Fenner and unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting to receive information from member of the public.  The meeting was closed to the public again following this adjournment.

9.  Parish Council Website and Village Email Service

Cllr Burlo reported that he has looked into creating a new stand alone website for the Parish Coucnil which will have the ability for more pages and a better layout.  Cllr Burlo is continuing to investigate this possibility and will report back to the next meeting.

10.            Litter Picking

Following the recent successful community litter pick, the Clerk contacted BDC to ascertain whether any litter picking equipment could be provided to the Parish Council, which they have agreed to.  For future litter picks, BDC can pick up the bags of rubbish on the day if arranged beforehand.

11.            Parish Emergency Plan

A discussion took place with regard to responding to events such as the loss of power to the village for a long period of time.  Councillors are in contact with residents who are able to provide generators which could be used at the Village Hall.  It was also agreed to contact the Village Agent to find out if they have a list of vulnerable persons that could be used to assist in times of emergency or adverse conditions.  The Clerk will also look at the EALC disaster recovery plan to tailor the plan to the Parish Council. 

12.            Road Safety – Winter Weather
This was discussed at item 7.4 above.  Cllr Anderson will report once he has received the necessary information. 

 

13.            Finance

13.1            Finance Report
                        The latest finance report was received.

13.2            The following cheques were approved for payment:
            13.2.1            £200.42                        Clerk Salary for March 2010

            13.2.1  £   49.05                Clerk Expenses Feb-March 2010

            13.3     The following cheques paid between meetings due to time constraints were noted and                  approved:

                        13.3.1            £585.00                        Grass Cutting Contractor – Village Green cuts

                        13.3.2            £625.00                        Grass Cutting Contractor – P3Footpath cutting

                        Both cheques signed and dated 9 March 2010

           

13.4            Grass Cutting Quote

The quote received for grass cutting for 2010/11 was approved, along with extra areas that need to be cut, bringing the total quote to £850.

 

14. BDC Street Scene Agreement

      The agreement for 2010/11 was agreed and signed and will be returned to BDC by the Clerk.

 

15. Annual Parish Assembly

• Councillor Reports: Councillors were asked for their yearly report as soon as possible to                                 enable the Clerk to put together an Annual Report.  This needs to be completed and printed             before the end of April to enable it to be distributed with the Parish Magazine.  The Clerk                will request a report from the John Nott Charity and Cllr Fenner will contact the Footpath                      representative for a report as in previous years.
• Traffic calming: It was agreed to use the Parish Assembly to consult with the public                            regarding this issue.  The Clerk will contact ECC to see if an Officer from Highways can                           attend and to also request information on the criteria that needs to be met before ECC will                   look at any new schemes.  The Clerk will also enquire about criteria for 30/40mph speed                            limits.

 

16. Clerk Administration
The Clerk went through general/routine correspondence received.

17. Date of Next Meeting
            The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 11 May 2010 .  This will be both the Annual Parish Council meeting and the Annual Parish Assembly.

18. Closure

      The meeting closed at 9.40pm.

The next meeting of Pebmarsh Parish Council, will be held on

Monday 29 March 2010, in the Village Hall Committee Room, commencing at 7:30pm

for the purpose of transacting the following business:

AGENDA

 

1. Apologies for Absence
   Members are reminded that the LGA1972, s85 states that apologies for absence must be received prior to a meeting.
2. Consideration of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 February 2010

To agree and sign the Minutes.

 

1. Declaration of Interests
   To declare any ‘personal’ or ‘personal and prejudicial’ interests relating to items on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 8 to 12 (inclusive) of the Code of Conduct for Members part 5/1 of the Constitution and having taken appropriate advice (where necessary) before the meeting.
2. Public Forum
   Opportunity for parishioners to raise issues of mutual interest, or to question Councillors.
3. District and County Items
   Any BDC or ECC issues.

4. BDC Planning Issues

6.1            Planning Applications – Planning Committee Decision to be Noted

• 10/00164/FUL: Stone Cottage, Clay Hills – Replacement of flat roof with pitched.

The Committee agreed to support this application.

• 10/00146/FUL: Land South West of Scotts Farm – Retrospective application for store shed. 
  The Committee agree to support this application.
• 10/00156/FUL: Vine Cottage, Twinstead Road, Pebmarsh – Erection of metal outbuilding. 
  The Committee agreed to object to this application on the grounds of its size, height and bulk.

     

6.2      Planning Results  – The following applications were granted:

• 09/01676/FUL: Rafe Hall – Change of use from storage/distribution centre and office to residential use.
• 10/00003/FUL: Toms Cottage, Cross End – Erection of single storey side extension
• 10/00019/FUL: The Wildings, The Street – Erection of timber outbuilding to be used as general storage and home office.
• 10/00164/FUL: Stone Cottage, Clay Hills – Replacement of flat garage roof with pitched.
• 10/00146/FUL: Land South West of Scotts Farm – Retrospective for store shed.
• 10/00031/NMA: Spoons Hall – Non Material Amendment.
• 10/00018/NMA: 1 Cross End, Pebmarsh – Non Material Amendment.

 

1. Reports from Representatives
   7.1            Playing Fields/Bus Shelters

Updates to be received on the following issues:

• New climbing frame rope
• RoSPA recommendations
• New noticeboards
• Vehicles driving on the playing field – Cllr Fenner to report

7.2            Village Hall

• Update regarding whether the Village Hall can offer the Community Payback Team any projects.
• Discuss issues relating to the cleanliness of the Hall.

7.3       Street Lighting

• Update on account payments.
• Increase to material costs.

7.4            Legal
                        To receive any current issues from Cllr Anderson.

 

7.5            Passenger Transport

• Update on launch of Stour Valley Community Bus.

           

8.  Traffic Calming

     To discuss how to approach looking for a solution to speeding in the village.

9.  Parish Council Website and Village Email Service

To discuss plans for a new website and an Email service for parishioners to sign up to for news and events.

 

10.            Litter Picking

To discuss litter picking equipment and support that can be received from BDC on litter picking days.

 

11.            Parish Emergency Plan

     To discuss some arrangements for an emergency plan.

 

12.     Road Safety – Winter Weather
     To receive an update on ways of alleviating icy conditions on the village roads.

13.            Finance

13.1            Finance Report
                         To receive the latest finance report.

13.2            Cheques to be approved for payment:
            13.2.1            £200.42                        Clerk Salary for March 2010

            13.2.1  £   49.05                Clerk Expenses Feb-March 2010

           

            13.3            To note – cheques paid between meetings due to time constraints:

                        13.3.1            £585.00                        Grass Cutting Contractor – Village Green cuts

                        13.3.2            £625.00                        Grass Cutting Contractor – P3Footpath cutting

                        Both cheques signed and dated 9 March 2010

           

13.4            Grass Cutting Quote

                  To agree the quote received for grass cutting for 2010/11.

 

 

14. BDC Street Scene Agreement

      The agreement for 2010/11 to be agreed and signed.

 

15. Annual Parish Assembly

• Councillor Reports
• Traffic calming

 

16. Clerk Administration
Clerk to go through any correspondence received and any further progress checks required.

17. Date of Next Meeting
      Tuesday 18 May 2010 – Annual Parish Assembly

 

18. Closure

 

The new ‘Stour Valley Community Bus’ will include Pebmarsh on it’s route thanks to Pebmarsh Parish Councillor Julian Fenner ensuring that Pebmarsh was included on the new Bus route.

The following is an information announcement for the new ‘Stour Valley Community Bus’:

 

Essex County Council working in partnership with Braintree Community Transport and Pebmarsh Cross End, Alphamstone, Lamarsh, Great Henny, Little Henny, and Middleton parishes are pleased to announce The Stour Valley Community Bus, commencing on Wednesday April 21^st 2010.  The service will operate every Wednesday to Sudbury. 

This service has timed stops in the villages and in Braintree but can be adapted to meet the needs of the passenger.  As long as it is safe to do so, the bus will stop along the route within the village when hailed.  If passengers would like help boarding or leaving the vehicle, or with shopping bags, they just need speak to the driver.

The service is fully accessible, but if a passenger is in a wheel chair we ask they phone 01376 557896 in advance.

This service will not operate on a bank holiday.

Cost

• Any person wishing to travel on The Stour Valley Community Bus will be able to pay for their fare on the bus. 
• The cost of the journey will be £2:00 flat fare (single or return). 
• Children aged 5 to 16 travel half price.
• Children under 5 travel for free
• If you hold a concessionary bus pass you will need to show your pass to receive free transport. 

Concessionary passes

• If passengers need to apply for a concessionary bus pass please contact Braintree District Council 01376 551414

Timetable

Braintree Community Transport

The Stour Valley Shopper Bus – Wednesday only (not Bank Holidays)

 

Timetable

Pebmarsh, Cross End Post Box                                                     9.30

Alphamstone, Church                                                                       9.35                           

Lamarsh Telephone Box                                                                  9.38

Great Henny, Parish Rooms                                                            9.48

Little Henny, Main Road                                                                   9.53                           

Middleton                                                                                           10.01

Sudbury, Bus Station                                                                        10.10 

Sudbury, Tesco Car Park                                                                10.15 

           

Sudbury, Tesco Car Park                                                                12.15

Sudbury, Bus Station                                                                        12.20

Middleton                                                                                           12.29

Little Henny, Main Road                                                                   12.37

Great Henny, Parish Rooms                                                            12.42                         

Lamarsh Telephone Box                                                                  12.52

Alphamstone, Church                                                                       12.55

Pebmarsh, Cross End Post Box                                              13.00