- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), V. Cauvain, T. Spong, D. Botterell, K. Millar, L. Fitzpatrick, K. Green and G. Foster. Also in attendance were, TDC Cllr Peter Harris and 8 members of the public.
Apologies
Were received from Cllr J. Beady and K. Harkin Parish Clerk
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2024 were proposed by Cllr Cauvain, seconded by Cllr Spong and it was Resolved: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2024 as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair invited councillors to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests relevant to the agenda. Cllr Hamilton declared an interest in item 10 and Cllr Millar in items 10 and 11.
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.
- Mrs Barnes advised that a litter picker had collected five bags of rubbish from Gutteridge Hall Lane and wanted to raise awareness of the problem. Cllr Harris suggested that a team of people was needed to clean the lane and he would ask Tendring District Council for assistance.
- A question was asked what age group the new enclosed football pitch was aimed at. Cllr Hamilton advised it was for children only.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris: reported that
- Tendring Residents Alliance was now a team of three as Richard Everett had joined
- Tendring District Council had agreed their budget for 2024/25.
- The Local Plan review was out for consultation.
- Cllr Harris advised that he had travelled around Weeley looking at the potholes and he will be complaining to Essex County Council.
- He is speaking with Tendring District Council’s planning department regarding speeding. Essex Highways want to regrade roads, and speed limits fall into this category.
- The main roads though Weeley and Weeley Heath will be used for the Five Estuaries construction traffic. This could result in 60-80 truck movements through the village, each day, for 2-3 years.
- At the full Tendring District Council meeting on the 19 March, the changing of the Planning Meeting start time from 6.00pm to 5.00pm will be decided.
Correspondence
The following letters were received;
- Notification from Tendring District Council regarding ‘Call for Sites for Local Plan Review’ for suggestions on how land could be used. The consultation ends on 18 March 2024.
- Affinity Water advised that their charges were increasing from April 2024.
- The new housing development in Clacton Road is to be known as ‘Amberwood Way’.
- Gutteridge Hall Lane will be closed for 2 days from 12 March for work to be carried out by OpenReach
- Licence agreement from TDC for the Open Space at Second Avenue had been received. However, it was incomplete and a correct version will be requested.
Planning Applications
Council Members considered the applications set out in Appendix B.
Parish Clerk Vacancy
The Chair advised that 8 applicants had applied for the position and 3 were shortlisted for interview. Mr Steve Gunter was appointed and he will start at our next meeting Monday 18 March.
Community Day Grant Request
Weeley Residents Association requested a grant of £500 towards the costs of the planned Community Day on 9 June 2024. Proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and it was Resolved: To approve a grant of £500.
Highland Soldier Sculpture Grant Request
Consideration was given to a request from Weeley in Bloom for a grant of £500 towards the intended sculpture to be place in Second Avenue. Proposed by Cllr Cauvain and seconded by Cllr Spong. Resolved: To approve a grant of £500.
Tendring District Youth FC (TDYFC)
This item was not discussed as the football club had decided to relocate elsewhere.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, and seconded by Cllr Spong and it was Resolved: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green reported that streetlight number 9038 situated in Bentley Road/Fields Close was not working.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green confirmed that the 10 new trees had been planted.
- Playing Field: Is still waterlogged.
- Children’s Play Area: The weather has hampered progress but still aiming for Easter completion.
- Highways & Footpaths: No report available at the meeting although a short report has been sent to the Clerk and has been attached as Appendix D.
- Transport: Giles Watling is running a campaign to improve bus services. Details can be found on his website - Better Buses Campaign Rectory Road will be closed from 26 February for two days and Bentley Road will also be closed on the 28 February until 1 March.
- TDALC: Cllr Botterell advised the next meeting will on the 27 March.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: The Chair noted that 8 crimes were reported in Weeley in December 2023.
- Speedwatch: No report available at the meeting although Cllr. Beady has sent a short report has been sent to the Clerk and is been attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley Residents Ass: Mrs Miles presented her report, which is attached as Appendix F.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): Julia Hopgood presented her report which is attached as Appendix G.
- Petanque Rink: Mrs Holt presented her report which is attached as Appendix H.
Public Participation
No further questions were raised however Weeley in Bloom expressed their concern regarding the area around Weeley Crematorium and the building in disrepair owned by Greater Anglia at the railway station.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.15pm.
Clerks Report – 19 February 2024
| Topic | Action/issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Complete installation. | The playground installation is progressing on schedule. |
| 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 |
|
| Parish Clerk | Appointment of a Parish Clerk | A good response has been received. Interviews took place on 14 February. The chair will provide an update at the meeting. |
1. The Council’s contractor has cleared the obstructions on the north side of Footpath 2.
2. The Clerk used Essex Highways digital reporting tool to report the obstructions that have been erected on Footpath 20.
3. Our thanks goes to the person responsible for (doing Essex Highways job) filling-in the pothole on the pavement adjacent the shop on The Street.
4. Streetlight 9091 on Clacton Road has been rectified.
Planning Applications for Month to 19 February 2024
| Date of Notification | Application No. | Details | Resolution/Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24.01.2024 | 24/00022/WTPO | 56 Oakleigh Residential Park Clacton Road, Weeley X2 large Oaktree’s in garden. |
Objection due to the lack of information and no tree report. |
| 15.02.2024 | 24/00182/FULHH | Cotswold Clacton Road Weeley Heath Two storey side extension. |
No objection and no comment |
Planning Determinations
| Application No. and determination | Proposal | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 23/01287/FUL Refusal - Full 17.01.2024 Delegated Decision | Proposed demolition of existing dwellings 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, Essex CO16 9EF |
| 23/01487/LUEX Lawful Use Certificate Granted 01.02.2024 Delegated Decision | Application for an Existing Lawful Development Certificate for a conservatory at rear of property. 68 Second Av Weeley Essex CO16 9HX | 68 Second Avenue, Weeley, Essex CO16 9HX |
| 23/01289/OUT Refusal - Outline 07.02.2024 Delegated Decision | Proposed erection of one dwelling. | Land adjacent Church Lane Weeley Heath CO16 9DN |
| 24/00021/WTPO Approval - Full 07.02.2024 Delegated Decision | 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 CO16 9EF |
Monthly Payments: February 2024
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06.02.24 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond - Water Standing Charge | 6.82 | 0 | 6.82 | |
| 03.02.24 | DD | NPower | Street Lighting Electricity | 498.81 | 24.94 | 523.75 | |
| 31.01.24 | INV-0449 | 103348 | Goldacre Contracting | Hedge Cutting (2nd cut) | 500.00 | 100.00 | 600.00 |
| 31.01.24 | INV-0450 | 103348 | Goldacre Contracting | Footpath clearance | 120.00 | 24.00 | 144.00 |
| 01.02.24 | 103349 | A Barnes | Grant aid to WiB for garden waste | 180.00 | 0 | 180.00 | |
| 31.01.24 | 2024/017 | 103350 | suffolk.cloud | Annual fee for support & hosting website | 120.00 | 0 | 120.00 |
| 26.01.24 | SI-20055 | 103351 | AD Mitchell Contractors | Replace LED light fitting No. 9091 | 225.00 | 45.00 | 270.00 |
| 29.01.24 | 17273 | 103352 | EALC | Rights of Way training x 3 | 225.00 | 45.00 | 270.00 |
| 30.01.24 | 103353 | HMRC | PAYE (late payment (Mth 2) | 176.69 | 0 | 176.69 | |
| 30.01.24 | 103354 | HMRC | PAYE (Mths 8&9) | 339.02 | 0 | 339.02 | |
| 16.02.24 | SI-20064 | 103355 | AD Mitchell Contractors | Rectify Resin joint cable on playing field | 249.00 | 49.80 | 298.80 |
| 07.02.24 | INV-18606 | 103356 | Signs Made Easy | Aluminium Sign Panel | 59.55 | 11.91 | 71.46 |
| 08.02.24 | 530697043 | 103357 | Zurich Municipal | Annual Insurance Premium | 825.32 | 99.04 | 914.36 |
| 12.02.24 | ZA331947 | 103358 | ICO | Data Protection Fee | 40.00 | 0 | 40.00 |
| 29.02.24 | 103359 | K Harkin | Salary – Feb. | 703.44 | 0 | 703.44 | |
| 19.02.24 | 103359 | K Harkin | Phone and B/B | 43.30 | 8.66 | 51.96 | |
| 19.02.24 | 103359 | K Harkin | Mileage | 23.52 | 0 | 23.52 | |
| Totals | 4335.47 | 408.35 | 4733.82 | ||||
Bank balances as at 05 February 2024; current account £26,704.77; deposit account £84,722.58.
Speedwatch Report
Due to one of our coordinators being very ill we have unfortunately been unable to hold any sessions so far this year. We have however acquired new beanie hats for all the volunteers to help not only in being seen but also to keep us warm in the cold weather. We also requested more batteries for the new speed device and have another four so as soon as we are able we will be out speedwatching again and will be able to ascertain how long the batteries will last without fear of the only two we had running out before replacements were needed.
Highways Report
New problems and already reported ones that have worsened have been noted but due to ill health have not yet been documented and reported to Essex Highways. One Sunday I received a text that said that ‘Facebook’ was showing pictures of members of the public filling up the potholes on the North side of Colchester Road with plant pots and such. After over a year of these potholes continuously spraying water and gravel up on to the footpath and onto any innocent pedestrians it would not have surprised me in the least but not being a Facebook user I had to go and investigate. Not a member of the public or a plant pot was in sight.
Weeley Residents Report
Our Race Night is next Saturday 24th February. Doors open at 6.30pm and the first race is at 7.30pm. Please bring your own nibbles and drink.
Walking Football continues to be enjoyed by the regular players and the dates are on the website and on posters in the bus shelters and on the village notice board.
The next Knit and Natter will be on Monday 26th February.
On Monday 18th March there will be a talk by the Animal Welfare Trust at 2.30pm in the Village Hall.
We have an outing to the Cotswolds on Friday 12th April, a visit to Aylsham and Wroxham on the 10th May which includes a two course roast lunch and a steam train ride. On the 20th April we shall be having our AGM at 7.30pm in the village hall. There will be a cheese and wine social after the business of the evening.
On Saturday 1st June we have the first Summer Ball that will be in the Black Boy from 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets are £25.00pp and can be bought from Barbara. There will be a welcome drink of Pimms, entertainment and a hot and cold buffet.
On the 9th June we are having the first Weeley Community Day when many of the groups that have activities in the village will be taking part on the field. They will include the Walking Football, Yoga and pétanque. There will be activities and entertainment for the children, competitions and an opportunity to see the Dog Show. The police will bring their dogs to give a demonstration and the Fire Brigade will bring an engine so long as they are not called out. There will be a wide variety of stall holders including Weeley in Bloom and The Green Cow is one of several food outlets that will be there. The White Hart will be running the Bar. We hope that the villagers will support this event and take the opportunity to make new friends.
If you would like to be a volunteer on the day please see Kevin who will direct you to the person in charge. Please be aware that parking will be limited and we hope the local people will walk to field if possible rather than drive.
Weeley In Bloom Report
The winter has been a challenge this year for the panies with the wet weather & warm temperatures, we have found plants have been under attach from caterpillars, slugs, munt jack at Rub Fields bus stope & just totting away.
We hope to replant some areas very soon with fresh plants for the spring.
On a more fun note, we held a salsa dance night on the 10th February at the village hall, with a raffle and prize for the best table of nibbles hope it was an enjoyable night for all that support us. Thank you.
We are so please to have raised over £900.00 from this night as my feel=t did pay for it!! A very big thank you to all that help.
We look forward to 27th April and a 60s night at the village hall tickets from Angela, with details on Facebook & website.
Then on the 6th May we have pond fest on the bank holiday Monday a plan sale, with tea coffee & cake etc. details will follow soon.
Going forward to are working with the new village crafting group with the aims of helpi8ng us with marking events in the yar i.e. remembrance Sunday & Christmas to give the village pride for all to enjoy.
Petanque Report
Numbers at our twice weekly sessions remain fairly high despite the weather. I am proposing to run our yearly competition again this year with partners and opponents being randomly picked out of a hat and marked down as and when the names come out.
I normally buy the trophies for the winners and runners up but, this year, we have had a whip round to buy the winners' trophy and we are going to have it engraved in memory of one of our long standing members, who was a great help when we were setting the pétanque court up. He knew the game inside out and played in many tournaments across the country. He sadly died last October after a very short illness with cancer, so we are going to get the trophy engraved with 'The Gary Dawkes Trophy' which I think he would have been very proud. This completes my report.