- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), K. Millar, V. Cauvain, T. Spong, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick, D. Botterell, K. Green and G. Foster. Also in attendance were K. Harkin Parish Clerk, ECC Cllr D Land, TDC Cllr Peter Harris and five members of the public.
Cllr Hamilton opened the meeting, welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending. She introduced Cllr Millar and welcomed him to his first Parish Council meeting.
Apologies
No apologies were received.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2023 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and unanimously agreed as a true record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked councillors for declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests relevant to the agenda. None were offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of the public in attendance to raise questions/issues they had.
- It was pointed out that the agenda had not been published. The Clerk apologised for the oversight.
- A complaint was made relating to the poor performance locally of planning enforcement. TDC’s Cllr Harris responded acknowledging that the anticipated improvements in this service from the employment of additional enforcement officers has apparently not materialised.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P. Harris reported that the starting times of all future TDC Planning Committee meetings has been brought forward to 5pm. Parish councillors expressed disappointment suggesting that this will result in many working people not being able to attend these meetings.
ECC Cllr D. Land
- He is currently attempting to deal with the graffiti on the underpass by the railway station.
- He is also looking into a complaint about a streetlight being obscured by overgrowing tree branches on The Street.
- He attended a bus company meeting. The bus company acknowledges the shortcomings of some of its services and is working hard to improve these. He referred particularly to the bus service to the hospital.
- He attended an Essex Highways meeting where he was assured that increased budget this year will result in a lot more road maintenance work being completed.
- Cllr Land reminded those present that there are still funds available in the locality fund and that it is relatively easy to secure grants of £300.
Correspondence
The Clerk reported on the following items of correspondence;
- Notice of temporary closure of the A120 18-20 October (10:30pm-4:30am).
- Letter from WiB reporting hazards on the playing field.
- Notice of a series of ECC Transport meetings across the county. Cllr Millar agreed to become WPC’s Transport Representative.
Village Hall Hire
The Clerk reported that the hire agreement for the Parish Office space at the Village Hall has expired and that it is necessary to agree a new contract.
It was proposed by Cllr Spong, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and Resolved: To approve the new hire agreement between the Weeley Village Hall Trustees and the Parish Council for the hire of the Village Hall which was countersigned by the Chair and the Clerk and one copy given to the Chair to pass on to the Village Hall Trustees.
Parish Council Annual Grants
The Clerk advised that the Council has received three applications for Parish Council grants. He went on to explain who the applications were from and what (if agreed) the grant money would be used for. The following grant applications were agreed.
- Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllr Spong and Resolved: To approve a grant of £750 to St Andrews Parish Church, Weeley to go towards the work necessary for the upkeep of the churchyard.
- Proposed Cllr Botterell, seconded Cllr Cauvain and Resolved: To approve a grant of £250 to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to go towards the funding of the service in Essex.
- Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllr Cauvain and Resolved: To approve a grant of £250 to Tendring Families First to assist to fund the charity’s work to support vulnerable children and families in Weeley.
Annual Limited Assurance Review for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 (AGAR)
The Clerk advised councillors that he has now received the final letter of completion from the external auditor and that it shows that no matter of concern were raised.
Planning Applications
The list of planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered by the Council.
Finance and Budget
The list of payments previously circulated was proposed by Cllr Foster, seconded by Cllr Botterell and Resolved: To approve the list of monthly payments set out in Appendix C.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting; Cllr Green reported that all streetlights are currently working. It was agreed to contact the resident in The Street to agree to prune the tree obscuring the streetlight.
- Tree Warden; Cllr Green met again with a representative of the Forestry Commission who confirmed that no licence is needed for the proposed work in the Spinney. The work is now scheduled for November.
- Playing Field; No further issues.
- Children’s Play Ground; The Clerk agreed to notify Playdale that the old play equipment will be removed by a third party. It was agreed to publish notice of the dates that the playground will be closed due to refurbishment on the Council’s website and at the playground.
Other Reports
- Highways & PROWS; Cllr Beady presented her report, which is attached as Appendix D. Cllr Botterell noted that the overgrown public footpath discussed last month will be cut back and maintained in future by LCPC. The Clerk advised that Tendring Ramblers plan to conduct a maintenance survey of all public rights of way in Weeley and that he will report back with their results.
- TDALC; Both Cllrs Botterell and Spong attended the TDALC zoom meeting with TDC leader, Mark Stephenson and TDC Head of Planning Gary Guiver. The meeting included an interesting discussion about developers’ S106 monies contributions to fund community infrastructure and a possible successor to this.
- Rural Policing; A total of 7 crimes were reported in Weeley in August.
- Speedwatch; Cllr Beady advised that no speedwatch sessions were conducted in September. She noted that the recently distributed adhesive 30mph speed limit signs look effective.
- Weeley Residents Ass (WRA); Mrs D. Miles reported that WRA continues to organise and deliver an impressive schedule of activities and activities. There will be a Family Halloween Party on 28 October. Abba Magic will be performing at the Village Hall on 11 November. The coach trip to Sandringham is sold out.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB); The Chair offered her warm congratulations to WiB for receiving of a gold award from Anglia in Bloom. Mrs Hopgood pointed out that the award is as a result of the combined efforts of many people and groups in the village.
- Petanque Rink; Mrs B. Holt presented her report, which is attached as Appendix F.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public present to raise any questions or issues they may have.
- Reference was made to the planning application adjacent Church Lane, noting that there are a number of issues including access.
- The question of Remembrance Day arrangements was raised. The Chair confirmed that the arrangements are in-hand. Although, the sound system remains an issue at this time.
Close of meeting. The Chair closed the meeting at 8.45pm
Appendix A
Clerk’s Report – 16 October 2023
| Topic | Action/issue | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Place order | KPH |
|
| Emergency Plan | Annual update. | Cllr H | Final amendments are being made. |
| Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | TDC | TDC has completed its survey and confirmed that it has no objections to the proposals submitted by WPC. |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | KPH | The council’s requirements have been reviewed and a simpler less expensive option is now being pursued subject to agreement with the Scouts. |
| 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 | 30 mph speed limit sticky signs for wheely bins | KPH | The majority of the self adhesive vinyl 30 mph speed limit signs have been delivered. |
| Bank Account | Process two additional signatories. Set up BACS payment process | KPH |
|
| Electricity Supplier | Appoint an electricity broker. | KPH | Outstanding. |
| Reed Pond | Initiate Management Plan | KPH |
|
Appendix B
Planning Applications for Month to 16 October 2023
| Application No. | Details | Address | Judgement/Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23/01287/FUL | Proposed demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a two storey 66no. bedroom care home for the elderly with ancillary buildings, landscaping and car parking. | The Oaks Clacton Road Weeley Heath | The Council agreed to request that this application is ‘called-in’. Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllr Cauvain and Resolved: To object to this application for the reasons set out in the Council’s letter published on the TDC planning portal. |
| 23/01289/OUT | Proposed erection of one dwelling. Land adjacent Church Lane Weeley Heath CO16 9DN | Land adjacent Church Lane Weeley Heath CO16 9DN | The Council agreed to request that this application is ‘called-in’. Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllr Botterell and Resolved: To object to this application for the reasons set out in the Council’s letter published on the TDC planning portal. |
| 23/01381/FULHH | Proposed two storey side extension. | 1 Derekville Clacton Road Weeley Heath | No Objection |
Appendix C
Monthly Payments
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/23 | 10000383423 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 |
| 04/10/23 | IN08556309 | DD | NPower | Street Lighting Electricity | 341.83 | 17.09 | 358.92 |
| 12/10/23 | INV-0384 | 103322 | Goldacre Contracting | Crown lift of ash tree on The Street | 90.00 | 18.00 | 108.00 |
| 02/10/23 | INV-0373 | 103322 | Goldacre Contracting | Verges and Reed Pond - 8th cut | 415.00 | 83.00 | 498.00 |
| 20/08/23 | GB412476405 | 103323 | C. Hamilton | Stationery expenses | 9.15 | 1.83 | 10.98 |
| 11/10/23 | 103323 | C Hamilton | Remembrance Day Wreath | 23.98 | 0 | 23.98 | |
| 01/07/23 | 103324 | RCCE | Annual member renewal | 60.50 | 12.10 | 72.60 | |
| 30/09/23 | WVH-3640 | 103325 | Weeley Village Hall | Hire charges | 175.90 | 0 | 175.90 |
| 12/10/23 | SB20232944 | 103326 | PKF Littlejohn | Annual audit for year to 31/03/23 | 315.00 | 63.00 | 378.00 |
| 01/10/23 | 68993 | 103327 | GCS Alarms | Annual Maintenance charge for CCTV | 90.00 | 18.00 | 108.00 |
| 16/10/23 | 103328 | K Harkin | October Salary | 661.84 | 0 | 661.84 | |
| 16/10/23 | 103328 | K Harkin | Stationery, mileage, phone and BB | 97.44 | 0 | 97.44 | |
| 05/10/23 | 103328 | HMRC | Income tax and NI payments | 512.52 | 0 | 512.52 |
Totals: 2799.34 NET, 213.02 VAT, 3012.36 GROSS
Bank balances as at 13 October 2023; current account £43,170.35; deposit account £84,428.58.
Appendix D
Highways and Footpaths
Colchester Road, north side has been resprayed around the potholes. A few more places in St Andrews Road and Second Avenue have also sprayed areas and so added to the designated places to be repaired. There are a few displaced kerb stones in St Andrews Avenue not included in the spray paint. The kerbstones in Hilltop Crescent still have not been repaired. Dependent on what is mounting the kerbs, they can get more dangerous or less as the kerbstones are knocked this way and that. Lifting them out of the way is simply not an option and there are more further down Hilltop Crescent suffering nearly as badly.
Last month I told you that the 30mph sign in Crow Lane had been re-erected by Essex Highways, unfortunately that was not quite the case. The sign was re-erected but by neighbouring residents and is held erect with the aid of one zip tie tethered to the iron railings shielding the pond.
Appendix E
Speedwatch Report
Unfortunately due to having no working ‘electronic’ form being made available to us and not getting replies to emails asking if we could use version 9, which does work we were unable to hold any speedwatch sessions.
Appendix F
Petanque Report
Good evening, everyone - the weather this year has been superb for playing petanque with record number of players wanting to play. We have hardly had to cancel due to rain but, having said that, we were actually rained off last Friday.
We are now down to the semi-finals of our yearly competition and we are expecting to play the final in the next couple of weeks. Trophies for the winners and runners up will be handed out at our Christmas Dinner in December.
As you all probably know by now, we play right through the winter when we still have a good number of players wanting to play.
This concludes my report. Thank you.