- Present
- Cllrs C Hamilton (Chair), T. Spong, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick, D. Botterell, K. Green, G. Foster and V. Cauvain. Also in attendance were TDC Cllr P. Harris, ECC Cllr D. Land, K Harkin Parish Clerk and 12 members of the public.
Apologies
Were received from Cllr M. Brown.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 17 April 2023 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Foster and agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked members if they had any declarations. None were offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A. He informed members that he had received an emergency motion. After some explanation and discussion Cllr Hamilton proposed her motion, Cllr Botterell seconded it and it was Resolved: To recommence the children’s play area procurement process and retender the contract.
Public Participation
The Chair invited members of the public if they wished to raise any issues. No questions were raised.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris: Congratulated all the councillors on their election on to the new parish Council. He informed everyone that he will shortly be passing on the Chair of TDC office. The recent TDC election has resulted in no party taking overall control. Negotiations are ongoing and an announcement about the governance of the Council is awaited.
ECC Cllr D Land: Announced that ECC has committed additional resources for Essex Highways. There is a commitment to focus on repairing some pavements. Cllr Land agreed to investigate how to fund and have the three outstanding traffic surveys for Weeley completed.
Correspondence
- A request to adopt the new code of conduct from TDC
- Confirmation of an award of £100 grant funding from TDC.
- Verge Grass Cutting Order – ECC
- A request from Weeley in Bloom to erect an interpretation board was agreed.
PA System
Cllr Hamilton reported that it was necessary to purchase a new PA system for the Coronation Party on 8 May 2023 as the borrowed equipment would not be robust enough. Cllr Green proposed, Cllr Spong seconded and it was Resolved: To provide retrospective approval to purchase a new PA system.
Parish Map
The Clerk provided revised prices of the cost to commission a parish map showing the walks/footpaths, places of interest and symbols for local services and amenities. After some discussion it was decided not to proceed with this project at this time.
Members were reminded that there is an interactive map of public footpaths on the Essex Highways website. Follow this link to find it. www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/public-rights-of-way/prow-interactive-map
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered and the Council’s judgement was determined as shown.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments shown in Appendix C were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Botterell and agreed for payment.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: No faults identified on last inspection.
- Tree Warden: The Spinney works have been delayed.
- Playing Field: The French drains on the football pitch have been repaired and the goal temporarily relocated.
- Children’s Play Area: An item of equipment has been vandalised.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths: Cllr Beady presented her report (Appendix D).
- TDALC: No meeting held during the last month.
- Rural Policing: 18 crime were reported last month in Weeley.
- Speedwatch: Cllr Beady presented her report, attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley Residents Ass: Diane Miles presented her report, attached as Appendix F.
- Weeley in Bloom: Julia Hopgood read her report. Arrangements are in place for The Big Help Out on Saturday 13 May.
- Petanque Rink: Bet Holt read her report, attached as Appendix G.
Public Participation
The Chair invited members of the public if they wished to raise any issues.
- It was reported that there are now a lot of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) cannisters being found.
- There was a complaint about traffic speeding through the village and a request for traffic calming measures. The Clerk explained that WPC is awaiting Highways to complete three traffic surveys on Clacton, Colchester and Thorpe Roads.
Close of Meeting. 8.45pm
Clerk's Report – 15 May 2023
| Topic | Action/issue | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Place order. | KPH | TDC has notified that it will not take a decision on WPC’s S106 funding application to fund this initiative until after the local elections in May as we are now in the pre-election period (previously known as ‘purdah’). Therefore, without sufficient funding in place no further progress on this project can be made. |
| Emergency Plan | Annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton is in the process of making amendments as suggested. |
| Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | KPH | Completed survey with new bin proposals to be forwarded to TDC for consideration. |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | KPH | A copy of the recently expired lease has been located and forwarded to Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors for consideration in preparing the new lease. |
| Weeley bypass | Determine options for the avenue of poplars | Awaiting ECC Place Services proposal for how many and what species trees to plant. | |
| Traffic Calming | Source a supplier for 30 mph speed limit sticky signs for use on residents wheely bins | KPH | Outstanding. |
- The Coronation Party in the Park went ahead as scheduled on Monday 8 May 2023. Attendance was good and all seemed to enjoy it. Good feedback has been received from the concessions that attended.
- WPC’s 2022/23 end of year accounts have been closed and the annual internal audit was completed on 10 May 2023. The 2022/23 accounts will be presented to the Council for approval at the monthly meeting on 19 June 2023 prior to publication and submission to the Government’s external auditor.
- A copy of the annual internal audit (AIA) report and covering letter has been circulated to councillors for consideration. It will be considered formally at the monthly meeting on 19 June 2023. The report identified one issue. Part of the AIA requires the auditor to agree that the Council has complied with its financial regulations. The auditor has agreed this statement (in the report) only because the Council has not formally entered into contract for the new children’s play area at this point. The auditors advice is that the Council recommences the tender process using the most recent financial regulations. In order to do so, a resolution will need to be made by the Council at this meeting.
Planning Applications for Month to 17 April 2023
| Application No. | Details | Address | Resolved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23/00571/WTPO | Multiple Oak - remove dead wood. Hawthorns/Elder woodland - thin out by 20%. Remove dead or dying diseased trees throughout woodland. | Weeley Playing Field Old Clacton Rd Weeley Essex | No Objection. |
| 22/01410/FUL | Proposed new stables following demolition of existing stables. | Elton Grange Rectory Rd Weeley Heath | Resolved to object to this application. Members question whether there are adequate hygiene facilities for the occupants of the touring caravans. The detail in the application is insufficient and contradictory. The application appears to be tacked on to the application to erect new stables. |
| 23/00589/FULHH | Proposed single storey rear extension (resubmission of approved planning 22/00188/FULHH). | 49A Colchester Rd Weeley | No Objection or comment. |
| 22/01768/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act, to allow a variation of conditions 1 (Approved plans and documents), of 21/00977/DETAIL to reflect the latest plan reference. | Land to the South of Weeley Rd Gt Bentley | This application is located outside Weeley and the Parish Council has no comment to make. |
| 23/00618/NMA | Non Material Amendment to application reference 21/00428/DETAIL for amended glazing and porch to plots 4, 5 & 6 | Heath Lodge Clacton Rd Weeley Heath | No objection. |
| 23/00619/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act, to allow a variation of condition 1 (Approved Plans) of 21/00428/DETAIL to amend house design for Plots 1 and 2. | Heath Lodge Clacton Rd Weeley Heath | No objection |
| 23/00641/FULHH | Erection of single storey side extension; single storey rear extension; and front porch and enlarged bay window. Erection of 2 bay cartlodge to front with new driveway (following demolition of existing double garage, utility room, conservatory, and detached store). | Selbourne Clacton Rd Weeley | The Council has no objection to the application. However, concern was expressed by members about the number of trees that will need to be felled to accommodate the Cart Lodge. Planting a hedge, it is felt, is hardly mitigation. It is suggested that a Cart Lodge could be erected on this site without the loss of so many trees. |
Planning Determinations
| Application No. | Detail | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 23/00361/FUL | Replacement dwelling (following demolition of existing dwelling and detached garage). | Oakdene Wenlock Road Weeley, Essex CO16 9DX |
| 23/00144/FUL | Proposed erection of ten dwellings and garage buildings, and associated development (following demolition of two existing dwellings). | The Oaks Clacton Road Weeley Heath Essex CO16 9EF |
| 23/00387/FULHH | Two storey side and rear extension with new dual pitch roof and flat roof. | Glengarry Clacton Road Weeley Essex CO16 9DN |
Monthly Payments - May 2023
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29/05/23 | Yet to Receive | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 |
| 11/05/23 | IN07048441 | DD | NPower | Electricity Consumption | 410.30 | 20.52 | 430.82 |
| 27/04/23 | 103293 | Royal Marquees | Supply and erect marquee and furniture | 1493.33 | 298.67 | 1792.00 | |
| 28/04/23 | INV-0254 | 103294 | Goldacre Contracting | Playing Field Drainage repairs | 700.00 | 140.00 | 840.00 |
| 28/04/23 | INV-0255 | 103294 | Goldacre Contracting | Playing field (additional cut) | 140.00 | 28.00 | 168.00 |
| 10/05/23 | INV-0259 | 103294 | Goldacre Contracting | Playing field and Verges and Reed Pond (2nd Cut) | 415.00 | 83.00 | 498.00 |
| 10/05/23 | INV-0262 | 103194 | Goldacre Contracting | Move goalpost and seed goalmouths | 200.00 | 40.00 | 240.00 |
| 24/03/23 | 21 | 103295 | Tendring Brass | Playing at the Party in the Park | 300.00 | 0 | 300.00 |
| 01/05/23 | WVH-3449 | 103296 | WVH | Annual Office Rental | 500.00 | 0 | 500.00 |
| 09/05/23 | 103297 | Mrs J Stobart | Annual Internal Audit Report | 230.00 | 0 | 230.00 | |
| 09/05/23 | 103298 | Mrs C Hamilton | Coronation Party in the park Expenses | 351.57 | 58.03 | 409.60 | |
| 103299 | K Harkin | Salary (mth 12 ending 31 March) | 662.04 | 0 | 662.04 | ||
| 103299 | K Harkin | Phone (Mar), BB (March) & expenses | 53.36 | 5.35 | 58.71 | ||
| TOTALS | 5,461.78 | 673.57 | 6,135.35 | ||||
Bank balances as at 02 May 2023; current account £35,509.92; deposit account £83,927.90.
Highways Report
A small deep hole has developed next to a roadside drain, near to a bus stop and on a narrow path on Clacton Road. This hole could easily catch a cane or walking stick being used by any pedestrian and cause them to trip or fall dangerously close or even into the road. Ref no: 2842988.
A resident living close to Crow Lane alerted me to the fact that a 30mph sign had been completely uprooted and lay in the Reed pond area in Crow Lane, I reported this and at the same time the opposite 30mph sign which is slightly askew. Ref no: 2842988.
There is a new pothole at the bottom end of Hilltop Crescent on the junction with The Street as well as the already reported pothole at the top end. There is also a pothole developing outside no’s 20,22 and the road surfacing problems reported last year have spread greatly.
The kerbs continue to jut further into the road with the cones being moved often, sometimes by mischief-makers but more often by residents genuinely concerned about the damage the kerbs can cause to unsuspecting drivers cars.
Weeley Speedwatch Report
There were no speedwatch sessions held in the first two weeks of April so only 6 sessions were planned for this month. Two were rained off so just four sessions were held. In those four sessions we logged 33 speeding vehicles, all were taxed, 1 had no MOT, 3 were repeat speeders and the one in the biggest hurry was driving at 45mph on the Clacton Road.
Fraser and I finally found an area on Bentley Road which we think will meet all the criteria required for a speedwatch site to be assessed and approved. The approval wait time is also now down to five months but in this case it will be a little longer as the assessor is recovering from surgery.
We have one new volunteer now making three, all waiting for an online course. The next course is not until the end of May as the person who gives these courses is the same person that assesses new sites.
We have one returning volunteer who took time away for a more important job of looking after his wife who was recovering from a bad fall. (not in Weeley) So we are now four volunteers which includes Fraser and myself.
This week is ‘EDWARD’ week which stands for ‘Every Day Without A Road Death’ and is held in conjunction with Essex Police and Essex Highways. In support we plan to hold six speedwatch sessions, as always dependent on the weather being nice to us.
Fraser and I got the event off on a positive note early this morning on Colchester Road. We calmed a lot of the traffic down once we were in position and logged those who couldn’t slow down fast enough or didn’t want to slow down at all.
Weeley Residents’ Association Report
Our recent outing to Broxbourne for a relaxing river trip on the Lady of the Lee, which included a hot lunch, was enjoyed by the 31 members who took part. The food was excellent and the weather was kind to us. We ended the day with a visit to a local Garden Centre.
Our monthly Coffee Mornings at Hilltop Garden Centre continue to thrive with 50 to 60 members attending. Some of whom enjoy a cooked breakfast too.
We took part in the recent Coronation Party in the Park and had several people join to become members. Luckily for everyone the weather was dry.
This afternoon we had a speaker, Tim Hughes from Equity Associates advising on Lasting Power of Attorney and Equity Release.
On the 20th May we are having a Quiz Night and we shall have a full hall as all seats are sold.
We are looking forward to our outing next month to Windsor and some of the people have booked to visit the castle.
Our webmaster, Derek Ward continues to keep everyone informed of our activities and forthcoming events, and he has recently introduced QR codes to make access to the website and diary easier for those who wish to use this method, and these will be added to our posters.
All our Committee was re-elected at our recent AGM and they continue to work hard to provide a wide variety of weekly and monthly activities, outings and various weekend events for the Weeley Community. We invite members and non-members to all our events.
Petanque Report
As mentioned in my last report, we have now started our yearly competition with 32 players participating. We have already played two matches. Two weeks ago, we had 25 people turn up to play which is a record for any one session.
At the request of the Chairman, my husband and I held a session of pétanque at the Coronation Party in the Park last Monday and we had quite a few people coming over to have a go, including Peter Harris, Chairman of Tendring District Council which I know he thoroughly enjoyed. We had four people very interested and have requested to join our Group.