- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), V. Cauvain, T. Spong, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick, K. Green and G. Foster. Also in attendance were, TDC Cllr Peter Harris, K. Harkin, Parish Clerk and 7 members of the public.
Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Botterell and Cllr Millar.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2023 were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and it was Resolved: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2023 as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair invited councillors to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests relevant to the agenda. None were offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk summarised the issues in his monthly report, which is attached as Appendix A.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- There was a suggestion that the dedication stone on Weeley Bridge needs a clean. Further investigation is required.
- It was noted that one of Footpath 16 finger signs has fallen over and has been reported to Essex Highways.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris: reported that
- The Bluehouse Ward byelection was recently held.
- Cllr Harris recently visited Gutteridge Hall Lane further to complaints from local residents and witnessed an inordinate amount of litter in the area.
Correspondence
The following letters were received;
- Notification of briefings about the Five Estuaries Wind Farm proposal.
- WRA grant request. Agenda item at the next meeting.
The Spinney, Clacton Road
Cllr Hamilton voiced her concerns about the diminishing woodland in The Spinney. Councillors agreed to attempt to protect what’s left of the woodland. To start, endeavours would be made to identify the other plot holders and make contact with them.
Planning Applications
Council members considered the applications set out in Appendix B.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and it was Resolved: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
Brown Bin Request
Consideration was given to a request from Weeley in Bloom for financial assistance to procure two of TDC’s garden waste recycling bins to assist with their voluntary work around the village. Proposed Cllr Cauvain, seconded Cllr Spong and Resolved: To deal with this issue as part of the Parish Council’s annual grant aid process.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green reported that streetlight No. 9091 although working is emitting a purple glow. The Clerk agreed to have it inspected and rectified.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green confirmed that the tree work in the Spinney is complete with the exception of the area at the north end which is currently flooded. The recently approved new trees will be planted at the end of the month.
- Playing Field: Is currently waterlogged.
- Children’s Play Area: this item was covered in the Clerk’s report.
- Highways & Footpaths: Cllr Beady presented her report which is attached as Appendix D. The Clerk reported that he has placed an order to cut back the footpath No.2 leading north to Tendring village.
- Transport: In Cllr Millar’s absence the Clerk read out his report, which is attached as Appendix E.
- TDALC: Nothing to report this month.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: The Chair noted that 14 crimes were reported in Weeley in November 2023.
- Speedwatch: Cllr Beady presented her report (attached as Appendix F).
- Weeley Residents Ass: Mrs Miles presented her report, which is attached as Appendix G.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): Mrs Barnes informed the meeting about WiB’s fund raising activities.
- Petanque Rink: Mrs Holt presented her report (attached as Appendix H).
Public Participation
No further questions/issues were raised.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.35pm.
Appendix A: Clerk's Report – 18 December 2023
| Topic | Action/issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Complete installation. | The playground installation has commenced. The old play equipment has been removed and disposed of. |
| Emergency Plan | Annual update. | The final draft has been circulated for comment. |
| Litter Bins | Install additional bins | TDC has completed it WPC’s proposals for additional bins and is now calculating the costs. |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | The scouts representatives have made clear that the scouts want a 21 year lease. WPC’s solicitor has confirmed that this will complicate the lease and make it more expensive to prepare. The Clerk gave the Scouts approval to cut back the hedge. |
| 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. |
| Bank Account | Process two additional signatories. Set up BACS payments process. |
|
| Electricity Supplier | Appoint an electricity broker. | Outstanding. |
| Reed Pond | Initiate Management Plan |
|
Appendix B: Planning Applications for Month to 15 January 2023
| Date of Notification | Application No. | Details | Resolution/Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23/01487/LUEX | Application for an Existing Lawful Development Certificate for a conservatory at rear of property. | 68 Second Av. Weeley CO16 9HX | No objection and no comment. |
| 23/01813/FUL | Extension to existing Gypsy / Traveller site to meet accommodation needs. Comprising siting of five residential static caravans, storage of five touring caravans, extended hardstanding, and installation of a package treatment plant. | Bucklands Gutteridge Hall Lane Weeley CO16 9AS | Cllr Hamilton proposed, Cllr Spong seconded and it was Resolved: To object strongly to the application and encourage TDC Planning Committee to refuse it for the reasons set out in its objection. |
| 24/00021/WTP O | Lime (T1) - reduce crown by 4-5m. Lime (T2) - reduce crown by 4-5m. Oak (T4) - Lift crown by 3-4m and reduce crown by 4-5m. | Heath Lodge Clacton Road Weeley | Cllr Cauvain proposed, Cllr Hamilton seconded and it was Resolved: To object to this application as the reductions appear excessive and possibly not in the best interests of the trees. |
| 23/01819/FUL | Proposed 3 dwellings and associated ancillary buildings, drainage systems, boundary treatments, hard surfacing with vehicular access from Thorpe Road. | Land South of Verity Gardens Weeley | No objection. This revised application appears to be a better design and more in keeping with the rest of the development. |
Planning Determinations
| Application No. and determination | Proposal | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 23/01500/FULHH Approval - Full 20.12.2023 Delegated Decision | Proposed conversion of existing garage into annex. Removal of existing garage doors and installation of 2 no. windows to front. New fenestration to rear and side walls. | 2 Ruby Fields Weeley CO16 9FB |
Appendix C: Monthly Payments: December 2023
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08.01.24 | 10001128446 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond - Water Standing Charge | 8.57 | 0 | 8.57 |
| 04.01.24 | A0009232884 | DD | NPower | Street Lighting Electricity | 454.20 | 22.71 | 476.91 |
| 31.12.23 | WVH-3745 | 103344 | WVH | Hall Hire (Oct-Dec ’23) | 192.90 | 0 | 192.90 |
| 08.01.24 | 103345 | C Hamilton | Meeting refreshments | 32.91 | 0 | 32.91 | |
| 10.01.23 | 379 | 103346 | Absolute Tree Services | Tree work in The Spinney and Playing Field | 1,100.00 | 0 | 1,100.00 |
| 15.01.24 | 103347 | K Harkin | Salary – Jan (inc. back pay) | 1,077.84 | 0 | 1,077.84 | |
| 15.01.24 | 103347 | K Harkin | Phone and B/B | 27.18 | 5.43 | 32.61 | |
| 15.01.24 | 103347 | K Harkin | Mileage | 23.52 | 0 | 23.52 |
Totals: NET £1,817.12, VAT £28.14, GROSS £1,845.26
Bank balances as at 14 December 2023; current account £30,917.43; deposit account £84,722.58
Appendix D: Highways Report
The worst of the misaligned kerbs outside numbers 20, 14 and 12 in Hilltop Crescent were removed on the 19th December and replaced with six cones which jut into the road farther than the kerb did making the road even narrower. I have reported it again with another photo as it was not due to be repaired but reassessed. A decision of what action was to be taken after the reassessment which would be at sometime in the future.
The still developing pothole near the McDonalds roundabout first reported in December 2021, again in April 2022, June 2023 and again in November is to be repaired according to priority.
The very large pothole in The Street on the pavement which I mistakenly thought was repaired some years ago but was in fact either covered by cars parking over it or in it or it was dark and impossible to see as there are no streetlights in that particular area is still to be repaired but with a ‘non specified timescale’ for it.
Appendix E: Transport Report
The A12 upgrade has been given the green light by the government. This will involve the A12 being made into 3 lanes from 2 between Marks Tey (junction 25) and Boreham (junction 19). All in-between junctions will be upgraded or moved. There is no times published yet on when or how long this work will take.
Appendix F: Speedwatch Report
Due to the cold weather, no speedwatch sessions have been held yet this year. However we took this break to take the opportunity to try to get the wire on the device repaired as it was in a very sad state and had already been temporarily repaired three times.
Instead of a repair we were given a brand new speed device, which arrived by post. It is a Bushnell Speeder which is battery operated. Two batteries were supplied with the device, which according to the instructions included with the device would last five to six weeks. The batteries are ‘C’ types, which are not the most easily available and as such are quite expensive. I have emailed our coordinator asking if there is a replacement scheme in place and we are still awaiting her reply. This device is also quite heavy but has no helpful shoulder strap included nor available.
We have also asked if we could get the old device repaired or swapped for the same as originally requested. We have stated that we are willing to drive to and from Kelvedon to enable this as the Gemini is much too heavy to post here and there. Again we await a response.
In the meantime as soon as the temperature picks up we will be out speedwatching again, even if it is for just five weeks.
Appendix G: WRA Report for the Parish Council December 2023
We are sorry to report that our Vice Chairman, Pauline, has had to resign with immediate effect due to her health problems and those of her husband. We are unable to replace her as Leader of The Crafters monthly activity, but we hope that someone will come forward at the AGM. For now, we have had to cancel this activity.
We have the following events in January and February.
- 27th January Andy Wilsher will be entertaining us with music from the 60s. Tickets are £15 obtainable from Kevin. This will be in the Village Hall, doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start.
- 19th February We have an afternoon talk by Age Well East, a Charity who shares their knowledge. This will be in the small hall starting at 2pm.
- 14th February is the Race Night in the Village Hall tickets are £5pp and are available from Kevin.
Full details of these events are on our Website and Facebook.
We have day trips to the Cotswolds, Aylsham to Wroxham by steam train, Cromer and Sheringham, and to the Repair Shop Museum on 24th August. Full details and bookings to Diane.
We have a new event on 1st June which will be a Summer Ball held in the Black Boy. Tickets will be £25pp which includes a welcome drink of Pimm’s, a hot and cold buffet, entertainment, music and dancing, Smart Dress.
The Community Day on 9th June is when all organisations are invited to participate. There will be demonstrations, a Dog Show, a variety of food stalls, Bouncy Castles, and much more. Follow this on our Website and Facebook for all the up to date news.
Appendix H: Petanque Report
Good evening everybody - We do inform people that we still carry on playing right through the winter, unless it is raining. If this is the case I inform all of our players that the session is cancelled for that day.
Despite the cold weather, we are still getting a lot of players turning up. Last Wednesday we had 16 players and last Friday we had 19 players, so it proves how popular pétanque has become. Everybody seems eager to play, all turning up with hats, scarves, gloves, etc. We also had two new players start after Christmas. This ends my report, thank you.