- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), D. Botterell, G. Foster, K. Green, L. Fitzpatrick, V. Cauvain, K. Millar and J. Beady. Also in attendance were Steve Gunter (Clerk), 6 members of the public (MOP) and Cllrs D. Land (ECC) and P. Harris (TDC)
Apologies
- Apologies were received from Cllr Spong and Cllr Hamilton proposed, Cllr Cauvain seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept the apologies.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
- The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 21st July 2025 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Millar and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 21st July 2025 as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
- Cllr. Botterell declared an interest in item 06/25.8.
- Cllr. Green declared an interest in item 06/25.17.
- Cllr. Millar declared an interest in item 06/25.7.
- Cllr. Cauvain declared an interest in item 06.25/15.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented the previously circulated report attached as Appendix A. All Councillors confirmed they had read the report and there were no questions.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- A member of the public (MOP) asked a question re Gutteridge Hall Lane and Reedlands which was picked up in item 06/25.5
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr. Harris: mentioned the following:
- Pylons – a decision on route etc would be made by the end of this month or soon.
- Weeley Council Offices (despite objections from Cllr. Harris) will go to public auction in October.
- Recommendations on LGR have gone in from ECC to propose 5 new Unitary Authorities. Councillors will reduce from 56 down to 20 or 30.
- Gutteridge Hall Lane – a huge fence has been erected. The ditch is still filled in despite an enforcement notice (with no date). Caravans and are well beyond scope of approved planning. Met with Director of Planning who confirmed no enforcement action has been taken. A Senior Management Review of all teams to be arranged urgently to define a plan of action as people have already moved into the site. Cllr Harris to speak to all parties and stress the importance of this to Weeley residents.
- Cllr Harris to speak to Cllr Land about sewage from the site.
- Local Plan – This Wednesday there is a meeting of the Local Plan Committee to decide on the single option from April’s consultation. A further consultation will happen in October/November. Then this will go to Full Council and finally Government. As at 26th January 2026 the current 5 year local plan will be obsolete.
- A fundraiser was held by Cllr. Harris for UK Homes for Heroes which raised £1400. Special thanks was given to Weeley in Bloom for their £270 donation.
- Enforcement at the Spinney site has the same issue as Gutteridge Hall Lane.
ECC Cllr. Land: mentioned the following:
- Hedge opposite the White Hart finally cut back after repeated pressure.
- 2nd Avenue paving etc has been completed.
- Colchester Road being resurfaced currently.
- Hilltop Crescent and Hilltop Rise to be looked at and action taken – pavements, abandoned cars etc.
Tiered Planter
Discussion regarding the cost of plants in the tiered planter. It was proposed by Cllr. Hamilton and seconded by Cllr. Cauvain that the Council compensate Weeley in Bloom for the new flowers for the planter. ACTION: Clerk to create payment to Weeley in Bloom.
CCTV
Clerk explained that we had only been able to source 2 quotes despite contacting multiple companies. Cllrs discussed the 2 anonymised quotes and it was proposed by Cllr. Hamilton and seconded by Cllr. Cauvain and unanimously agreed to the CCTV work based on quote 1. Nb. Cllr. Botterell took no part in the conversation or vote. ACTION: Clerk to inform companies of the outcome and then plan the work.
Reed Pond
Clerk explained that we have still only received one quote. Work to now be undertaken next year. Chair resolved to move item to next meeting when further quotes received.
Publication of Photographs Policy
The previously circulated policy was discussed and Cllr. Hamilton proposed and Cllr. Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept the updated policy. ACTION: Clerk to upload document to website and update Policy schedule.
Playing Field Policy
The previously circulated Hire Policy, Conditions of Use and new Booking form were discussed and Cllr. Hamilton proposed and Cllr. Millar seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the updated documents. ACTION: Clerk to upload documents to website.
Publication Scheme
The previously circulated document was discussed and Cllr. Hamilton proposed, Cllr. Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the updated document. ACTION: Clerk to upload to website and update review schedule.
Fields in Trust
Clerk explained that although a Deed between the PC and Fields in Trust was created in 2013 it appears that a number of clauses were not added to the Land Registry documents. It was decided unanimously that the Clerk should look into this. ACTION: Clerk to investigate updates to Land Registry entries.
Christmas Tree Event Planning
Cllr. Hamilton stated that:
- The bus company have been contacted.
- The children’s roundabout will be at the event.
- Contacted TDC re road closure, signage and cones (also for Remembrance Sunday).
- To contact Mrs Christmas.
Cllr Fitzpatrick is reviewing and updating the Risk Assessment – roundabout to be added. All Councillors confirmed they are happy to carry out same roles as last year. First Aid box ins in the office.
Correspondence
The clerk read out all relevant correspondence. A grant application was received from Tendring District Local History Recorders. This was discussed and the Clerk confirmed that it was within the Council’s Grant Budget. Cllr. Hamilton proposed, Cllr. Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED to fund this grant. ACTION: Clerk to complete Grant payment and forms and update grant records.
Planning Applications
Councillors considered the applications listed in Appendix B and determined as shown.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments was proposed by Cllr. Millar and seconded by Cllr. Beady and it was RESOLVED to approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Nothing to report.
- Tree Warden: Cllr. Green reported a couple of unhealthy trees but no action until Spring.
- Playing Field: Cllr. Green and Cllr. Botterell to look at moving and turning the goals on the field.
- Children’s Play Area: Awaiting ROSPA annual report.
- Highways: Cllr Beady presented a report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Footpaths: Cllr. Fitzpatrick reported that footpaths need attention and she will check all and then report them.
- Transport: Konectbus are running a survey. ACTION: Clerk to publish on Website and Facebook.
- TDALC: A couple of Extraordinary meetings have been held re LGR.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported 16 crimes in June and 30 crimes in July.
- Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Weeley Residents Ass: had nothing to report.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which is available on the Council’s website.
- Petanque Rink: presented their report which is available on the Council’s website.
Public Participation
A member of the public from WiB mentioned that a lot of the trees at Reed Pond have dead branches and that the Magnolia tree roots were infected and it needs to be removed urgently. Cllr Green agreed to take a look at the Magnolia and arrange for removal. Action: Cllr Green to look at removing the Magnolia.
Items to be Added to the Next Agenda
- Signs for Play Area
- Grab Bag
- Christmas Tree Event Planning
The Chair closed the meeting at 20.30pm
Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 20th October at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall