Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held in Gutteridge Hall Lane

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Explore the latest updates, including Essex County Council's consultation on a new speed strategy and the upcoming resurfacing of Great Oakley. The council is also seeking a Special Constable for Weeley, and plans are underway to enhance local biodiversity with a new policy.
Present
Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), D. Botterell, L. Fitzpatrick, T. Spong, K. Millar, V. Cauvain, J. Beady, P. Gould and K. Green. Also in attendance were 5 members of the public (MOP) and Cllr Dan Land (ECC)

Apologies

  1. None received.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

  1. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 16th February 2026 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Millar and it was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 16th February 2026 as an accurate record of proceedings.

Declarations of Interest

  1. None received.

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

Nothing raised.

Reports

ECC Cllr. Land

  • Essex County Council consulting on speed strategy and he advised everyone to respond.
  • Issues with the imminent closure of the Little Clacton branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust but much of their revenue goes to paying staff.
  • Spate of development applications coming in as no local plan currently.
  • Gutteridge Hall Lane – Environment Agency contacted and Cllr. Land will follow up but again no further action from TDC.
  • Some Parishes have put wooden bollards around schools to stop parking but this just actually moves the problem to other areas.
  • Still some pot holes around that he is reporting,
  • Great Oakley to be resurfaced on 20th March 2026.

Biodiversity Policy

The Council discussed this and as it is a legal requirement to have one in place this will be implemented at the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk to create and circulate a new policy for the next meeting.

Special Constable in Weeley

Cllr. Beady proposed that the Council advertises for a Special Constable on social media and in the Parish magazine. The Council agreed this was a sensible approach and it was RESOLVED to advertise for a Special Constable. ACTION – Clerk to contact Police for guidance. Cllr. Beady to create an advert for the position to be published after Police guidance received.

Memorial Seats Policy

Councillors discussed the policy and Cllr. Hamilton proposed and Cllr. Cauvain seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the amended policy. ACTION: Clerk to publish policy on website.

Complaints Policy

All Councillors had reviewed the updated policy. Cllr. Hamilton proposed and Cllr. Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the policy. ACTION: Clerk to publish policy on website.

Asset Register

Cllr. Hamilton proposed and Cllr. Beady seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the new Asset Register with some minor amendments regarding the CCTV. ACTION: Clerk to publish policy once amendments for CCTV added.

Playground Reports

A portion of grass matting is moving and ridging but the Council are looking into options for the flooring.

Fingerpost (Crow Lane)

Clerk provided response from TDC that the Council can replace this post and the Council will now replace this post with a heritage style fingerpost. ACTION: Clerk to research and get quotes for this work.

Correspondence

  1. Provided the notes re usage of new buses on routes 2 and 76.
  2. Provided information from resident re tree in Bentley Road.
  3. Provided information from resident regarding issues with new store.
  4. Noted that Weeley now have a Football Team playing on the Boot Sale site.

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. Botterell and Cllr. Spong seconded and it was RESOLVED to approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.

Weeley Parish Council Reports

  1. Street Lighting: Nothing to report
  2. Tree Warden: Tree by Hilltop Nurseries has been moved.
  3. Playing Field: See agenda item 12.26/12
  4. Children’s Play Area: See agenda item 12/26.12.
  5. Highways: Cllr Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
  6. Footpaths: Nothing other than the planned diversion to Footpath 5 (previously publicised)
  7. Transport (including Tendring Transport Meeting if held): Cllr. Millar presented his report which is available on the Council’s website.
  8. TDALC: No meeting.

Other Reports

  1. Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported 18 crimes in January.
  2. Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
  3. Weeley Residents Ass: nothing to report.
  4. Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which is available on the Council’s website.
  5. Petanque Rink: nothing to report

Public Participation

  • No further questions

Items to be Added to the Next Agenda

  • Biodiversity policy
  • Fingerpost updates
  • Special Constable

The Chair closed the meeting at 20.10pm

Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 20th April at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall. This will be followed by the Annual Parish Meeting

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