- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), T. Spong, V. Cauvain, L. Fitzpatrick, G. Foster, J. Beady, K. Green and S. Gunter - Parish Clerk. Also in attendance were Cllr D. Land, Cllr Harris, Cllr. Bray and 16 members of the public.
Apologies
- Cllrs D. Botterell and K. Millar sent apologies. Cllr Hamilton proposed to accept apologies and Cllr Cauvain seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept apologies.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
- The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 15th July 2024 were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 15th July 2024 as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair invited councillors to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests relevant to the agenda.
No Declarations
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A. The Clerk also presented the Issues List from the Audit Report.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- A Member of Public (MOP) mentioned Gutteridge Hall Lane. Cllr Peter Harris explained the current planning situation.
- The silt in Reed Pond was mentioned the clerk has it on his Report to look into.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
ECC Cllr Land: mentioned the following:
- Essex County Council Local Govt Reform Deal to devolve control which may lead to a bigger council covering more areas.
- Next year’s electoral boundaries are now legal
- Highways have £25 million to spend across Essex some of which will be spent on Vegetation Clearance
- Work completed on Colchester Rd / The Street and more work to be done on Millers Green / Victoria Road / Pestles Hall Bridge and more to be completed before February
- Various grants awarded to WIB and WPC as well as others
Cllr Harris: mentioned the following:
- Connaught Area building work started – fencing issues reported
- Car Sales in Hillside Crescent next to the Weeley Heath signs have returned and he is looking into Byelaws to permanently remove this commercial enterprise
- A Stop Notice has been issued at Church Lane by Enforcement
- Barleyfields will take 6 years with possibly another 10 years for a school
- Full Council is 17th Sept and Cllr Harris has tabled a motion to object to the cuts in Winter Fuel Allowance. Cllr. Dan Land pointed out that there are 38,061 residents in the Tendring area will be affected by the cuts.
Government Housing Plans
Cllr Harris and Cllr Bray explained the new Government Housing plans and a lively discussion then occurred. Cllr. Bray encouraged everyone to complete the consultation online at consult.communities.gov.uk/planning/planning-reform/consultation/subpage.2024-07-30.2126027039/ The final date for submission is 24th September 2024.
VE Day Celebrations
Cllr Hamilton proposed setting up a Working Group to discuss and plan VE Day Celebrations. Cllr Hamilton, Cllr Millar and Cllr Fitzpatrick as well as a few members of public will join the group. Cllr Hamilton has already made a start on collating and booking for this. A budget of £5000 was proposed to be earmarked and set aside for this event s145 of LGA 1972 Cllr Hamilton proposed and Cllr Cauvain seconded a budget of £5000 and it was unanimously RESOLVED to earmark the funds for the VE Day celebrations and the working group will report back to the council on expenditure before full council approval.
Speedwatch Stickers / Notices
Discussion regarding these notices and it was proposed by Cllr Cauvain and seconded by Cllr Hamilton and RESOLVED to use laminated posters initially to see if there is any impact.
TDC Land Purchase
Deferred to a future meeting as not enough information.
Possible Installation of Larger Item of Playground Equipment
Komplan brochure was discussed as well as available funds from S106 and it was RESOLVED to investigate options and then return to full council with proposals.
Membership of LGPS
Cllr Cauvain proposed and Cllr Green seconded and it was RESOLVED to add the clerk to the LGPS scheme.
Standing Orders
Cllrs discussed the updated Standing Orders and Cllr Hamilton proposed and Cllr Cauvain seconded and it was RESOLVED to approve the updated Standing Orders.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Cllr Cauvain and Cllr Fitzpatrick will work together and produce a risk assessment and deliver the Christmas Tree Lighting event. Cllr Hamilton will provide them with previous running order.
Life-Buoy for Reed Pond
The options were discussed and voted on and it was RESOLVED to purchase the first option on the list provided.
Correspondence
- Utility Aid – requested them to source cheaper electricity
- Woodland Trust – council would like to request free tree packs and Clerk will apply
- Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy – individuals can comment if they so wish
- Careline Consultation – individuals are encouraged to comment
- Highways – to note closure of Station Approach North, due to commence on 23rd September 2024 for 5 days
- To thank Len Cordery and David Outram for painting the Parish Council noticeboards
- North Falls Wind Farm- invitation to the Preliminary Meeting, Notification of Hearings, other Procedural Decisions and information about the Examination
- Greater Anglia Grants – grant date has passed with no application
- SLCC Bursary scheme – applied for this for the clerk
- Response from Weeley Veterinary Centre noted
- TDC – Dog Fouling and Dog Control PSPO
Planning Applications
Council Members considered the applications set out in Appendix B and determined as shown.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments was proposed by Cllr Hamilton and seconded by Cllr Cauvain RESOLVED: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
| Small purchases of | NET (£) | VAT (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Plastic Pockets | £2.49 | £0.50 |
| Envelopes | £3.25 | £0.65 |
| Title Register and Title Plan | £6.00 | £0.00 |
| Green Paint for Notice Boards | £8.33 | £1.67 |
| Wood Stain for Notice Boards | £20.82 | £4.17 |
Receipts of
- VAT Refund Q1 24-25 (Less Duplicate) 24929.57
- VAT Refund 23-24 (Duplicate) 3789.80
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Streetlight 9038 still not working. Clerk to report to AJ Mitchell
- Tree Warden: It was a hard summer but trees have survived.
- Playing Field: A single cut was made before the festival in August and has been invoiced.
- Children’s Play Area: as covered in the Clerk’s Report.
- Highways: Cllr Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Footpaths: Cllr Fitzpatrick has reported footpath 16 overgrown and this has been scheduled for cutting this has still not been cut and sign not mended.
- Transport: Cllr Millar did not attend
- TDALC: Cllr Botterell did not attend
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported that 8 crimes had occurred in July.
- 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 website.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which is available on the Council website.
- Petanque Rink: presented their report which will be published on the Council’s Website.
- Code of Conduct: Cllr. Beady provided a report
Public Participation
Further questions raised as follows:
- A MOP asked if the Council need a disclaimer for the Playground. It is not necessary as reasonable risk is inbuilt into equipment.
- A MOP asked about vegetation clearing on Clacton Road and it was suggested they speak to Cllr Land
Items to be Added to the Next Agenda
- Fencing around the Spinney
- TDC Land Purchase
The Chair closed the meeting at 9.24pm
Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 21st October at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall
Appendix A
Weeley Parish Council
Clerks Report – 16 September 2024
| Topic | Action/issue | Information | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Complete installation. | Playdale have informed us that the contractors will be returning on 4th August to fix the Muga corners and the tarmac at the entrance to the playing field. Chris Dyson has removed the dead turf and re-seeded the area so hopefully this will start to show through soon. The final payment to Playdale of £25000 will be made when the works are completed. | Still no progress on the MUGA corners. Jamie visited in August to refill them as they had become dangerous, but, no communication from Playdale since then. We are still holding £25000 of their money and will not release it until we are totally satisfied. Marcus is visiting on 10th Sept to measure and look into the MUGA issue. No notice of visit on Sep10 |
| Emergency Plan | Annual update. | The final draft has been circulated for comment. | No progress this month |
| Litter Bins | Install additional bins | It is proposed to simply purchase the hardware (bins), install and notify TDC accordingly. Reply received from TDC and it would appear we can now just purchase what we need and get them installed. | Estimate received and applied for locality fund grant from Cllr Dan Land. Grant is now available of £545 so bins have been ordered with Parish Council logos. 3 weeks delivery then we will inform TDC and install |
| 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. Our Solicitor and Scouts solicitor are now working on this. Estimated cost up to £1800 for Parish Council – Scouts will pay other costs. We have purchased a copy of the title deeds for £6 |
| 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. | No progress this month |
| Bank Account | Process two additional signatories. Set up BACS payment process | Clerk now added to the bank account. Liz and Vicky have been added as signatories on the account. Set up a BACS payments – what was the need for this? | Liz and Vicky have now been added and can sign cheques. Unsure what the BACS payment was for? |
| Electricity Supplier | Appoint an electricity broker. | Contact Utility Aid and investigate this. | Utility Aid are looking into this for us and will revert soon. |
| Reed Pond | Initiate Management Plan | Obtain costs to install a chlorine pump. Publish report on website. Purchase and install LifeBuoy at pond. No progress on dredging | Estimates of Life Buoys found to decide on at next meeting. To order 3 signs (will need someone to create the posts and backing for them) |
| Audit Suggestions | Separate Issue List | The clerk has created a new Audit Report list that we can review each month | See separate list - progressing |
| Policy Review Schedule | Prepare and circulate | The clerk has initially reviewed the new Financial Regulations and amended, but, will need council input on limits. Schedule to be draw up for further policy reviews | Standing Orders sent out for review at September meeting |
| Investigate new Playground Equipment | Research | Contacted Kompan regarding a larger slide and they will site visit and give us estimates | Awaiting visit |
Appendix B
Planning Applications for month to 16th September 2024
| Application No. | Details | Address | Comment/Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/01221/FUL | Planning Application - change of use of land from equine land to a mixed use for residential and equine purposes to enable standing of two residential caravans and ancillary works. | Bucklands Gutteridge Hall Lane Weeley Clacton On Sea | Object and ask Cllr Harris to call in |
| 24/01295/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear extension, loft conversion including 3no velux rooflights and detached garage built on existing slab of existing garage that was demolished, and removal of chimney stack | Mr Konesh Nagarajah 9 Second Avenue Weeley Essex CO16 9HU | No Comment |
| 24/01199/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 3 (occupant minimum age) of application 17/02161/FUL to allow for occupants aged 45 years or over. | Weeley Manor 23 The Street Weeley Essex | No Comment |
| 24/01360/ADV | Application for Advertisement Consent - Installation of 3m high and 7m high Electric Vehicle Charging totem pole signage. | BP Weeley Service Station Colchester Road Weeley Essex | Object to 7m high pole as too high |
| 22/01862/FUL/21/00335/ENFENQ | Part retrospective proposed change of use of land for the creation of 1 no. Gypsy/Traveller Pitches, comprising the siting of 1 mobile home and 1 touring caravan alongside the formation of hardstanding and erection of dayroom | Land adjacent Heathfields Clacton Road Weeley Essex CO16 9EJ | Gone to appeal comments can not be added |
Appendix C
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET (£) | VAT (£) | GROSS (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/07/2024 | WVH-3987 | 103399 | Weeley Village Hall | Hall Hire April / May / Electric and Broadband | £144.50 | £0.00 | £144.50 |
| 25/07/2024 | INV-GB-127550191-2024-382380 | Debit Card | Amazon | 100 Plastic Pockets | £2.49 | £0.50 | £2.99 |
| 25/07/2024 | GB4515KUUAEUI | Debit Card | Amazon | Envelopes | £3.25 | £0.65 | £3.90 |
| 01/08/2024 | INV-0598 | 103400 | Goldacre Contracting | 7th Cut Playing Field, Verges and Reed Pond | £415.00 | £83.00 | £498.00 |
| 01/08/2024 | INV-0599 | 103400 | Goldacre Contracting | Removal of turf and over-seeding | £115.00 | £23.00 | £138.00 |
| 31/08/2024 | 103401 | Steve Gunter | August Pay | £859.04 | £0.00 | £859.04 | |
| 03/08/2024 | IN11201445 | D/D | Npower | Electricity July | £379.64 | £18.98 | £398.62 |
| 06/08/2024 | 1000005706723 | Debit Card | Land Registry | Title Register and Title Plan | £6.00 | £0.00 | £6.00 |
| 06/08/2024 | 10003125047 | D/D | Castle Water | Reed Pond Standing Charge | £7.14 | £0.00 | £7.14 |
| 02/08/2024 | SB20240267 | 103402 | PKF Littlejohn | Annual Audit | £315.00 | £63.00 | £378.00 |
| 20/08/2024 | GB45NHTMIAEUI | Debit Card | Amazon | Green Paint for Notice Boards | £8.33 | £1.67 | £10.00 |
| 19/08/2024 | GB45MKP4MAEUI | Debit Card | Amazon | Wood Stain for Notice Boards | £20.82 | £4.17 | £24.99 |
| 22/08/2024 | INV-0620 | 103400 | Goldacre Contracting | 8th Cut Playing Field, Verges and Reed Pond | £415.00 | £83.00 | £498.00 |
| 22/08/2024 | INV-0621 | 103400 | Goldacre Contracting | Hedge Cutting | £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 |
| 02/09/2024 | 103401 | Steve Gunter | September Pay | £859.04 | £0.00 | £859.04 | |
| 16/09/2024 | 103401 | Steve Gunter | Expenses Jul - Sep | £52.00 | £0.00 | £52.00 | |
| 13/08/2024 | 103401 | Steve Gunter | Canon Ink Subscription | £3.32 | £0.67 | £3.99 | |
| 04/09/2024 | IN11412553 | D/D | NPower | Electircity August | £382.59 | £19.13 | £401.72 |
| 05/09/2024 | 10003390955 | D/D | Castle Water | Reed Pond Standing Charge | £7.14 | £0.00 | £7.14 |
| 06/09/2024 | INV-0638 | 103400 | Goldacre Contracting | Additional Cut of Playing Field | £140.00 | £28.00 | £168.00 |
| 13/09/2024 | 103401 | Steve Gunter | Canon Ink Subscription | £3.32 | £0.67 | £3.99 | |
| 12/09/2024 | SI-20312 | 103403 | AJ Mitchell Lighting | Repair the Cable for the CCTV | £3,789.00 | £757.80 | £4,546.80 |
| 16/09/2024 | 103404 | Christine Hamilton | Expenses July - Sep | £44.09 | £0.00 | £44.09 | |
| TOTALS | £8,471.71 | £1,184.24 | £9,655.95 | ||||
Bank balances as at 12 July 2024; current account £38,615.10; deposit account £150,003.38.