Present
- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), D. Botterell, L. Fitzpatrick, T. Spong, J. Beady, K. Millar and K. Green.
- Also present
- 13 members of the public (MOP) and Cllr P. Harris (TDC)
Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Foster, Cllr Cauvain and S. Gunter (Parish Clerk). Cllr Hamilton proposed, Cllr Beady seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept the apologies.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20th October 2025 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Spong and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20th October 2025 as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
Cllr. Green declared an interest in item 08/25.10 and Cllr. Hamilton declared an interest in item 08/25.7.
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.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr. Harris: mentioned the following:
- The next full council meeting is on 25th November 2025.
- A new waste contract has been agreed for 3 yrs from April 2026. Bins will be collected every 2 weeks and glass will now be collected for recycling. Bins will be bar coded and scanned when collected to help with missed bins not being emptied.
- Weeley Council Offices sold for £1.152 million
- The Local Plan will be discussed at the next committee meeting on 7th December 2025. Consultation will begin on 22nd December and will last for 8 weeks. Cllr Harris asked that residents feed back their views to TDC. The Planning Director will return to Weeley to explain the up-to-date position.
- Cllr Harris has lobbied the Council regarding Gutteridge Hall Lane to take some action. Planning are aware of the issues and what needs to be done. The problem related to the ditches on either side of the road is an issue for Essex County Council. Cllr Harris has spoken to the three directors at TDC about the issues and confirmed that he is aware that ‘things’ are happening that cannot be divulged to residents at this time.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- Nothing was raised.
Grant Application Weeley Residents Association (WRA)
Discussion on grant (Cllr Hamilton abstained). Cllr Botterell advised that in order to award the grant Councillors would like to see WRA’s accounts covering the last 2 years. It was proposed by Cllr Spong and seconded by Cllr Beady and RESOLVED to pay the grant once accounts have been provided and checked and acceptable. ACTION: Clerk to check accounts and make payment to WRA.
Budget Review
Cllr’s have read the report and decided to defer any decision until December’s meeting to get confirmation from the clerk of some of the questions and the tax base for 2026/27.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Cllr Hamilton confirmed she was awaiting receipt of the Risk Assessment from the company providing the roundabout. A discussion was held regarding the lights and position of the roundabout. Cllr Botterell confirmed that he has already placed the lights on the Christmas Tree but the tree has grown and he has ordered more lights for the bottom of the tree. He also confirmed what WiB have said in that the tree looks unhealthy or damaged at the top. Cllr Fitzpatrick confirmed the Risk Assessment has been completed and will be sent to all Cllrs. ACTION: Cllr Fitzpatrick to distribute Risk Assessment. Cllr Botterell to add new lights to tree.
Weeley Bypass (Trees)
Cllr Green explained that the price of the trees has increased and he is concerned about longevity of the preferred species. Item to be moved to December meeting. ACTION: Clerk to add to next meeting agenda.
Pathway Clearance
It was proposed by Cllr Botterell and seconded by Cllr Hamilton and RESOLVED to accept the quote and proceed with the path clearance.
Grant Policy
Deferred to next meeting to finalise wording with the clerk. ACTION: Clerk to finalise policy for next meeting.
Correspondence
The Chair read out all correspondence as follows:
- Invitation to Transport Engagement meeting and drop-in 19th November at Baptist Church in Chelmsford.
- Thank you letter received from St Andrew’s Church for the award of the grant in October.
- To note information from Compassionate Communities which has been published on Council’s Website and Facebook page.
- To note HR Support and Advice for Tendring businesses.
- To note information re Urgent Dental Care.
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. Spong and seconded by Cllr. Hamilton 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: Nothing to report
- Playing Field: Residents appear happy with new picnic tables.
- Children’s Play Area: Cllr Green has repaired the area by the swings.
- Highways: Cllr Beady presented a report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Footpaths: Nothing to report.
- Transport (including Tendring Transport Meeting if held): An additional service will be put in place for the 76 bus which runs through Weeley, to run later on Friday and Saturday evening. The bus company is looking at providing a service between Clacton Hospital and Colchester Hospital.
- TDALC: Meeting was postponed.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported 18 crimes in September.
- Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Weeley Residents Ass: presented their report which is available on the Council’s website.
- 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
- None
Items to be Added to the Next Agenda
- Budget
- Trees on bypass
- Grant policy
The Chair closed the meeting at 20.26pm
Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 15th December at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall
Appendix A
Weeley Parish Council Clerks Report – 17th November 2025
| Topic | Action/issue | Information | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | Have initiated a chat with a new solicitor from Sparlings and have sent a copy of the lease to them. Awaiting response before contacting the Scouts. It is proposed to make the lease 35 years. Estimate received for creating a new lease but also with some information for the Scouts to be passed onto them. Scouts have now appointed representation. | Met with the Scouts along with Cllr Hamilton and have made the final statements known to our solicitor and hopefully this will now complete very soon. Chased our Solicitor for an update 10/9 – Scouts completed their side just awaiting final bill from our Solicitor now 13/10 – Still waiting 11/11 – On this months payment list |
| Weeley bypass | Determine options for the avenue of poplars | The Clerk has agreed to contact ECC Place Services to chase for a firm proposal including numbers and species of trees to plant. | Email received from ECC Place Services with suggestions. Postponing until March meeting as December meeting is very busy currently. Sourcing costs for 2 different colour Acer Trees to plant in Autumn 13/10 – On October agenda 11/11 – November Agenda |
| Reed Pond | Initiate Management Plan |
|
Lifebuoy now moved and flagpole erected. Flag purchased for St George’s Day.. Reed Pond to be discussed at July Meeting Speaking to Kevin Green re work on the pond / Getting 3 quotes for next meeting 13/10 – Have second quote now but will move to later agenda as work will not start until next Spring now. Anonymous donation of £5000 received |
| Investigate new Playground Equipment | Research | Contacted Kompan regarding a larger slide and they will site visit and give us estimates | Will seek further quotes, but, no rush on this item. 16/7 – Possible use of funds for paths and surfacing 29/7 – to get quotes for surfacing 10/9 – One quote for surfacing received but waiting on Playdale visit and ROSPA report 13/10 – Report received deciding on next steps |
| Quarterly Bank Reconciliations | Adopt this policy to reconcile quarterly | To be signed by a Cllr who is not the Chair or signatory. | Q3 reconciliation done by Cllr Millar. Q4 to be done in March. 29/7 – Bank reconciliation have a £40 discrepancy so working on this to reconcile. 11/8 – Completed by Cllr Millar and reconciled 20/10 – 2nd Quarter to be done 11/11 – Clerk and Cllr Millar currently working on this |
| Playground Inspections | No evidence of inspections undertaken despite them happening | Clerk will investigate software to help with this as long as the relevant Cllrs agree and cost agreed | Software setup. Now need to show councillors how to use. Will arrange meeting with James Dunne of PSS Arranging meeting with new rep. 10/9 – Arranged for ROSPA to do a 6 monthly inspection 13/10 – ROSPA report received all assets now added and Cllr Millar trained. Bi-weekly inspections due to start |
| Asset Register | Review Asset Register | Noted that Asset Register should be reviewed for obsolete items and to update actual replacements costs rather than book cost. Suggested that a limit is set for assets to be added (i.e £200 if this is the excess) | Cllr Fitzpatrick will assist the clerk with this activity. Clerk to liaise with Cllr Fitzpatrick and define this. No progress. Possibly use Playground software if adopted to load assets |
| Cloud Storage | Find Cloud Storage for Council documents | Currently the Laptop is backed up to a memory card. As part of our risk assessment we should also back everything up to the cloud. This should enable document sharing. | 4/9 – Renewed Microsoft subscription which gives 1gb of storage for each of the 6 available accounts. I will begin to look at uploading most recent docs and making accessible to all. 13/11 – No progress |
| Playground Surfacing | Possible upgrade of surfacing in Over 8’s play area | Playground Surface is already coming up and therefore we may wish to use S106 monies to improve the surface. | 5/9 – One quote received. Speaking to Playdale and possibly put in a complaint to the API. 13/11 – No progress |
Appendix B
Planning Applications for Month to 17th November 2025
| Date of Notification | Application No. | Details | Address | Resolution / Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/10/25 | 25/01529/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear extension. | 4 Victoria Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex | No objection |
| 23/10/25 | 25/01560/DOVO5 Info only | Deed of variation under the Town and Country Planning (Modification and Discharge of Planning Obligations) Regulations 1992, of the terms of the legal agreement dated 13/08/2019 linked to outline planning permission 19/00524/OUT in relation to the timing of open space and affordable housing delivery. Land to The South of Thorpe Road Weeley Essex | Land to The South of Thorpe Road Weeley Essex | No comment – item for information only |
| 28/10/25 | 25/01259/FUL | Planning Application - Replacement agricultural storage barn. | Ash Farm Thorpe Road Weeley Essex CO16 9JJ | No additional comment to comment made 17/09/25. |
| 31/10/25 | 25/01517/FUL | Planning Application - Retention of 4 self-contained assisted living flats within main building at ground floor and first floor levels and retention of extended building accommodating hydrotherapy pool with self-contained assisted living flat above. | Willow Park The Street Weeley Essex | No objection |
| 30/10/25 | 25/01627/WTPO | Works related to Tree Preservation Order (96/00002/TPO) 3 No. Oak trees - Reduce in size. | Oakwell House Roxburghe Road Weeley Clacton On Sea | Is there an Arboriculturists Report? Need to know percentage of reduction |
| 10/11/25 | 25/00592/PREMGR | Premises Licence Grant | Kea Convenience Store Ltd, 7 Colchester Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9JT | Would like to see limited licensing hours |
Planning Determinations
| Application No. & Determination | Proposal | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 25/01414/LBDISC Split decision 11.11.2025 Delegated Decision | Discharge of conditions for 25/00307/LBC - Conditions 3 (Materials), 4 (Ventilation Roof Tiles), 5 (Rainwater Goods), 7 (Underfloor Heating), 8 (Internal Insulation), 9 (Building Services), and 10 (Landscaping). Dale Brow Thorpe Road Weeley Essex CO16 9JL | Dale Brow Thorpe Road Weeley Essex CO16 9JL |
Appendix C
Schedule B Payments for Authorisation: November 2025
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Account | Payee | Service | NET (£) | VAT (£) | GROSS (£) | VAT No | Setup Pyt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/10/2025 | 25299 | Unity Current | Tendring Telecomms and Security | Single deployable camera at Station Approach | £1,700.00 | £340.00 | £2,040.00 | 197075766 | Y |
| 27/10/2025 | Barclays (DC) | PSS Plus Live | Playground Credits | £208.00 | £41.60 | £249.60 | 565345624 | N(Paid) | |
| 28/10/2025 | Unity Current | Weeley In Bloom | Grant agreed 20/10/2025 | £500.00 | £0.00 | £500.00 | Y(Paid) | ||
| 28/10/2025 | Unity Current | St Andrews Parish Church | Grant agreed 20/10/2025 | £750.00 | £0.00 | £750.00 | Y(Paid) | ||
| 23/09/2025 | 020616 | Unity Current | Sparlings Solicitors | Scout HQ Lease | £1,542.00 | £300.00 | £1,842.00 | 102207830 | Y |
| 04/11/2025 | Unity Current | Steve Gunter | November Pay | £872.49 | £0.00 | £872.49 | Y | ||
| 04/11/2025 | Unity Current | Essex Pension Fund | November Pension | £275.24 | £0.00 | £275.24 | Y | ||
| 23/10/2025 | 2197 | Unity Current | Weeley In Bloom | Plants for Tiered Planter | £14.70 | £2.94 | £17.64 | 102523525 | Y |
| 19/11/2025 | 10008172004 | Barclays (DD) | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water | £7.59 | £0.00 | £7.59 | N(Paid) | |
| 06/11/2025 | Inv-0962 | Unity Current | Goldacre Contracting | Moving Goalposts | £95.00 | £19.00 | £114.00 | 366952259 | Y |
| 06/11/2025 | Inv-0955 | Unity Current | Goldacre Contracting | Verges, Reed Pond, Playing Field 9th Cut | £459.00 | £91.80 | £550.80 | 366952259 | Y |
| 31/10/2025 | Unity Current (DD) | Unity Trust | Monthly Charges | £6.00 | £0.00 | £6.00 | N(Paid) | ||
| 09/11/2025 | IN14356358 | Barclays (DD) | Npower | Street Lighting (Final Payment) | £364.22 | £18.21 | £382.43 | 559097889 | N(Paid) |
| 15/11/2025 | Unity Current | Steve Gunter | Canon Ink Subscription | £3.32 | £0.67 | £3.99 | Y | ||
| 15/11/2025 | Unity Current | Steve Gunter | Expenses | £5.00 | £0.00 | £5.00 | Y | ||
| TOTALS | £6,802.56 | £814.22 | £7,616.78 | ||||||
Barclays Bank balances as at 20th October 2025; current account £402.64; deposit account £36356.91 Unity Bank balances as at 20th October; current account £8344.24, Savings Account £85060.46 Total in Bank £142373.01
PreApproved Payments
| Date | Amount | Payee | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/2025 | £249.60 | PSS Live | Playground Inspection Credits |
| 28/10/2025 | £500.00 | Weeley In Bloom | Grant Agreed at October Meeting |
| 28/10/2025 | £750.00 | St Andrews Church | Grant Agreed at October Meeting |
| Total | £1,499.60 | ||
Receipts
£0.00 Total