- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), M. Brown, T. Spong, G. Foster, K. Green, L. Fitzpatrick, D. Botterell, and J. Beady. Also, in attendance Mr K. Harkin (Parish Clerk) and eight members of public.
Apologies
None received.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 April 2022 were proposed Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Foster and agreed as a true record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked members present if they have any declarations to make. Cllr Fitzpatrick declared a non pecuniary interest in planning application 22/00727/TPO.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk summarised his written report, which is attached as Appendix A.
It was agreed to site the recently purchased memorial bench on Loop Green overlooking the Christmas tree.
Public Participation
- A question “why not use the Council’s reserves to complete the conversion of all the streetlights to energy efficient LED lanterns?” was asked. The Clerk explained that the Council has set aside a sum in its 2022/23 budget to convert a percentage of the street lights maintaining its financial reserves within guideline limits.
- The Clerk confirmed that TDC has written confirming payment of a Jubilee Grant but that the funding has yet to be received.
- Concern was expressed by the stream of water running from a property on to the Clacton Road bypass. It was explained that Affinity Water inspected this recently and it has been suggested that the water emanates from an underground source, which was not apparent until a nearby willow tree was felled.
- A complaint was made about the standard of the grass cutting of the verge on Clacton Road Bypass. It was agreed to write to Highways.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
No reports received.
Correspondence
- Wilder Towns, Wilder Villages: It was agreed to include this as an agenda item for the 20 June meeting.
- North Falls Offshore Wind Farm Newsletter: Noted.
- Mill Lane Care Home: The noise complaint received was discussed. It was concluded that WPC is not in a position to act to resolve this matter.
- Estate Agent Board Complaint: It was agreed that this is a commercial as opposed to residential marketing board and to notify the authorities.
Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration
Cllr Hamilton provided an update on the arrangements for the Picnic in the Park event. It was noted that the Risk Assessment has yet to be finalised.
Annual Parish Meeting (APM)
The minutes of the APM held on 3 May 2022 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Brown and agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
Bus Shelter, Clacton Road, Weeley Heath
Cllr Spong reported that the roof of the bus shelter was made of asbestos sheets. Whilst they remain undamaged they do not pose an immediate health risk. After some discussion, Cllr Spong proposed, Cllr Hamilton seconded and it was RESOLVED: To seek funding from ECC (within a reasonable timescale) to replace the shelter. If funding is not available, WPC to obtain a quotation to replace the roof.
Avenue of Poplars on Weeley Bypass
The Clerk read out a proposal submitted by Mr Wolton to reduce the poplars and plant trees between them that will eventually replace these poplars. Councillors noted that this suggestion is broadly in line with WPC’s proposals. The ultimate decision rests with ECC. A suggestion was made to approach The Woodland Trust for funding.
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered by councillors.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green reported that streetlights 9061 and 9037 are out.
- Tree Warden: Nothing further to report.
- Playing Field: The Clerk confirmed that the football goalposts have now been relocated.
- Children’s Play Area: Cllr Botterell reported that it is planned to schedule a meeting with a play company to discuss options.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths: Cllr Beady presented her report, which is attached as Appendix C.
- TDALC: There was no meeting last month.
- Rural Policing: 9 crimes were reported in Weeley and 21 in Little Clacton.
- Speedwatch: Cllr Beady reported that 130 speeding vehicles were logged during the past month. Seven of these had been logged previously and for one vehicle it was the 3rd time. Eight vehicles were untaxed and four had no MOT.
- Weeley Residents Ass. Nothing further to report since the APM.
- Weeley in Bloom: Nothing further to report since the APM.
- Petanque Rink: Nothing further to report since the APM.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Spong and RESOLVED: To authorise the list set out in Appendix D for payment.
Public Participation
None
Close of Meeting: The Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm
Appendix A: Clerk's Report
| Date | Topic | Action/issue | Who | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-07-21 | Expansion of Children’s Play Area | Consider options for the renewal/expansion of the facility. | KPH | Exploratory work regarding the type to equipment is ongoing. | Ongoing |
| 20-09-21 | Defibrillator | Replace pads (routine mtnce régime). | KPH | O/S | |
| 19-07-21 | Emergency Plan | 2021 annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton has agreed to conduct the review | Ongoing |
| 20-09-21 | Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | Cllr H and KPH | Request for new dog bin at junction of Footpath 3 and Thorpe Rd made, | Ongoing |
| 21-02-22 | Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease for the building | KPH | Solicitor yet to be identified | O/S |
| 21-02-22 | Rec Grd Football Goalposts | Relocate goalposts | KPH | Complete | |
| Memorial Bench | Install new bench | KPH | Bench has been delivered. Location needs reconsideration. | Ongoing | |
| Queen’s Jubilee | Organise Picnic in the Park | Various | Ongoing | ||
| Recycling Point | Identify new location. | Cllrs | Written to Ian Davidson at TDC asking for assistance to maintain a recycling point in Weeley | Ongoing | |
| Street Lighting | Convert lanterns to energy efficient LED | KPH | Discussion held with A&J lighting about the project | O/S |
Other Developments
- Bruce Landscapes no longer deal with play area repairs. Need to identify an alternative contractor.
- Received notice from TDC of Jubilee Grant Scheme payment awarded to Cllr P Harris.
- Received a response from TDC’s Play Area Officer regarding funding.
Appendix B: Planning Applications
| App No. | Details | Address | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22/00632/FUL | Proposed erection of an agricultural storage building to replace an existing barn. | Gutteridge Hall, Gutteridge hall Lane, Weeley, CO16 9AS | No comment or objection |
| 22/00699/FULHH | Proposed new garden room following the demolition of existing BBQ room. | Tudor Lodge Clacton Road Weeley Heath CO16 9EF | No comment or objection. |
| 22/00727/TPO | Selectively coppice weaker stems around the pond as marked with spray paint to open up the pond to more light and create a better habitat. | Hillside House Cravenwood Close Weeley Essex | The Council believes that the information provided is insufficient to make a valued judgement. There is no indication as to the type(s) of trees or what percentage of branches are to be removed. The application should include a professional drawing and full description of the work to be done. The information in the application is insufficient to engage an arborist to undertake the work. |
| 22/00620/FUL | Part of the proposed development falls outside the village envelope shown in the Local Plan. The current outline permission is for fewer houses on the site. Parish Councillors are concerned that this application represents a significant increase in the density of the proposed development and would represent over development. Seven, five bedroom houses in this location would bring a significant number of additional vehicles. It is disingenuous to suggest that the residents would not need to use motor vehicles. This is a rural location with poor public transport facilities. Local residents need to drive motor vehicles. |
Appendix C: Highways and Footpaths
As you all have probably noticed the potholes at the bend on The Street have been filled although the work does look temporary as none of the filled holes have been sealed but whatever it will just be good not having to go ‘jolt, jolt, jolt’ or narrowly avoiding a collision due to another driver driving on the wrong side of the road trying to avoid said ‘jolt, jolt, jolt’.
The gash outside the Village Hall car park, across the pavement has been reported to Essex Highways, (ref no:27777348) and they will be sending someone out to look at that. While on the phone to the Highways Department, I re-reported the pavement/kerb issue outside the Firestation asking if they could reassess that as from personal experience I know it is extremely dangerous. That will be reassessed and has a new tracking number which is (ref no:2777350.
Cllr J Beady
Appendix D: Cheques/Payments for Authorisation: May 2022
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-05-22 | A000923 2884 | Direct Debit | NPower | Street Lighting Electricity | 145.16 | 7.26 | 152.42 |
| 09-05-22 | 36221 | 103208 | A&J Lighting | Install LED lantern | 434.95 | 86.99 | 521.94 |
| 01-05-22 | 36198 | 103208 | A&J Lighting | Monthly Mtnce | 99.98 | 20.00 | 119.98 |
| 12-05-22 | INV-0053 | 103209 | Goldacre Contracting | Relocate Football Posts | 948.00 | 180.00 | 1,128.00 |
| 28-04-22 | INV-0041 | 103209 | Goldacre Contracting | Monthly Grass Cutting | 415.00 | 83.00 | 498.00 |
| 16-05-22 | 103211 | Cllr C. Hamilton | Picnic in Park and rail expenses | 224.52 | 0 | 224.52 | |
| 05-04-22 | 103212 | HMRC | Final PAYE 22/23 payment | 254.83 | 254.83 | ||
| 23-04-22 | 103213 | Bounce Bounce (Essex) | Bouncy Castle Hire (Jubilee) | 95.00 | 95.00 | ||
| 16-05-22 | Mr K Harkin | Salary and monthly expenses | 338.42 | 338.42 | |||
| TOTALS | 2,955.86 | 377.25 | 3,333.11 | ||||
Bank balances as at 29 April 2022; current account £36,205.18; deposit account £82,298.73.