- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), T. Spong, K. Millar, L. Fitzpatrick, G. Foster, J. Beady, D Botterell and S. Gunter - Parish Clerk. Also in attendance were Cllr D. Land and 4 members of the public.
Apologies
- Cllr K. Green and Cllr V. Cauvain sent apologies. Cllr Botterell proposed to accept apologies and Cllr Hamilton seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept apologies.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
- The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 17th June 2024 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Hamilton and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 17th June 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 Spong declared an interest in planning item 24/00976/ROC.
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.
Cllr Fitzpatrick volunteered to pick up items A.2 and A.9 off of the Audit Issues List in conjunction with the clerk. ACTION: Clerk and Cllr Fitzpatrick
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- A member of public (MOP) mentioned the issue of parking outside the Vets in Colchester Road and the clerk was asked to write to the Weeley Veterinary Centre on behalf of the council.
- A MOP asked if there was any further news on Gutteridge Hall Lane. Currently no further information as Cllr Harris was not present to give an update.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
Cllr Harris: not present so no update
ECC Cllr Land: mentioned the following:
- Colchester Road works starting for 4 days
- He had been out strimming pavements in Weeley Heath
- Draining and Flooding team had been out to visit at Poplar bypass and had fixed issues with flooding in the field
- 6 or 7 kerbs had been fixed in Hilltop. Also the pavement outside the bakery has been fixed. The pavement outside the shop is scheduled to be fixed week commencing 27th July
- He attended Weeley Open Gardens and this was a great event
- Provided a grant of £1250 to Weeley in Bloom for their carved statue at 2nd Avenue
- Discussed the speeding issues in Tendring District and the difficulties in getting any speed cameras installed
Financial Regulations Policy
The policy and amendments were discussed and the council agreed that the amounts could be accepted as proposed and all changes identified by the clerk were acceptable. It was proposed by Cllr Hamilton and seconded by Cllr Beady and was RESOLVED to adopt the policy as long as the relevant changes completed by the clerk. ACTION: Clerk
Land Purchase
No discussion as Cllr Harris not present. Move to next agenda.
Verge Sales in Village
It was discussed and the council believed that most verge sales have now been removed.
Reed Pond Signs and Lifebuoy
A discussion was had regarding Signs and a Lifebuoy at Reed Pond. Cllr Hamilton proposed and Cllr Spong seconded and it was RESOLVED to purchase Danger Deep Water signs and a Life Buoy. ACTION: Clerk
Possible Installation of Larger Item of Playground Equipment
A discussion around larger items of play equipment (such as a tubular slide). It was agreed to investigate what monies are available and what budget would be needed for equipment of this type. ACTION: Clerk
Correspondence
The clerk reported correspondence received as follows:
- Sgt Nathan Pearson responded to the clerk’s request for help with Speeding on Clacton Road and speedwatch was carried out in this location
- Local Bus Tender Outcome 2024 was received and has been published on the Council’s website.
- An Invitation was received to Summer Transport Meetings and Cllr Millar will be attending
- Defective furniture on Footpath 16 reported by the council has been scheduled for repair
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 Botterell and seconded by Cllr Hamilton RESOLVED: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green not in attendance so no report received.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green not in attendance so no report received.
- Playing Field: Chris Dyson is now checking the Playing Field to see if it needs further cuts and the council will need to agree any above the 10 agreed in the contract.
- 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.
- Transport: Cllr Millar reported that Route 76 will now run on Sundays every 2 hours and has been taken over by Hedingham and Chambers. Also that part of Colchester Station’s Car Park will be shut for 12 months for repairs. TDC Transport meeting is on 24th July.
- TDALC: Cllr Botterell reported no meetings since the last one.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported that no information was available for May.
- Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
- Weeley Residents Ass: No report received as WRA had nothing to report.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): No report received as no representative of WiB present.
- Petanque Rink: presented their report which will be published on the Council’s Website.
- Sport and Activity Meeting: Cllr. Millar presented his report which is available on the Council’s Website.
Public Participation
Further questions raised as follows:
- MOP raised issues of dangerous driving and it was mentioned that any dashcam footage can be uploaded to Essex Extra Eyes.
- MOP also wanted it noted that planning application 24/00672/FUL was an issue in size and stature. Also the issue with lorries if this development was granted.
- It was noted that a large sign advertising Oakleigh Park has been erected on the BP Roundabout.
Items to be Added to the Next Agenda
- VE Day Celebrations
- Speedwatch signs / posters / stickers
- Land Purchase from TDC
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.22pm
Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 16th September at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall
Appendix A: Clerk's Report
| Topic | Action/issue | Information | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Complete installation. | Playdale have now effectively finished the installation apart from some parts for the MUGA and the restoration of the tarmac around the entrance to the Recreation Ground. We have paid another percentage of the final payment but are retaining £25k until we consider everything completed. Clerk has also been in touch with Playdale regarding compensation. | Ongoing |
| 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. Have contacted TDC to discuss whether planning etc is needed and will revert when I have a answer. | Ongoing |
| 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. | Ongoing |
| 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? | Possibly completed |
| Electricity Supplier | Appoint an electricity broker. | Contact Utility Aid and investigate this. | No progress |
| 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. | No progress this month |
| Audit Suggestions | Separate Issue List | The clerk has created a new Audit Report list that we can review each month. | See separate list |
| 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. | Financial Regs to be circulated for comment schedule not yet drawn up |
| Reed Pond | Update area around bench | Clerk appointed contractor and this was completed on 27th June 2024. | Completed - Remove |
| External Audit Report Issues | Discrepancies in amounts and VAT | Have reviewed all payments and discussed with the Internal Auditor and think this can now be removed. | Completed - Remove |
Appendix B: Planning Applications
| Application No. | Details | Address | Comment/Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/00849/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Replacement of timber rotten double glazed casement windows and French door with like for like double glazed timber casement windows and French door. | 2 Hillside House Cravenwood Close Weeley Essex CO16 9DG | No comment |
| 24/00890/FUL HH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear and side extension. | 5 Willow Walk Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9HY | No comment as long as Neighbour has not commented |
| 24/00910/FUL HH | Householder Planning Application - Proposed single storey rear extension. | 11 Thornberry Avenue Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9HN | No comment |
| 24/00671/LBC Mrs Alex Ball | Application for Listed Building Consent - Proposed conversion of existing outbuilding into ancillary accommodation/rented units, and erection of an extension to the outbuilding to be used as a gym. | Knights Bridge House (Tocketts) Thorpe Road, Weeley Essex CO16 9JJ | Existing Comments still stand |
| 24/00672/FUL Mrs Alex Ball | Planning Application - Proposed conversion of existing outbuilding into ancillary accommodation/rented units, and erection of an extension to the outbuilding to be used as a gym. | Knights Bridge House (Tocketts) Thorpe Road Weeley Essex CO16 9JJ | Existing Comments still stand |
| 24/00942/VOC | Variation of Condition 1 of planning permission 23/01148/DETAIL to make a handful of changes to the fenestration to the approved scheme, to omit the rendered walls in favour of facing brickwork and to install PV panels to each plot. | Freelands Thorpe Road Weeley Essex CO16 9JH | No comment |
| 24/00976/ROC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Removal of Conditions 3 (Agricultural tenancy) of application TEN/90/1351 to enable/allow works. | Oak Farmhouse 23A Mill Lane Weeley Heath Essex CO16 9BZ | No comment |
| 24/00995/ADV | Application for Advertisement Consent - erection of a D6 small format Advertising Display. | Colchester Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9AD | No comment |
Appendix C: Monthly Payments
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET (£) | VAT (£) | GROSS (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29/04/2024 | 000005521 2B | 103387 | Playdale | 2nd Payment for Playground | £59,166.46 | £11,833.29 | £70,999.75 |
| 03/07/2024 | IN1096647 1 | d/d | Npower | Street Lighting | £367.74 | £18.39 | £386.13 |
| 01/07/2024 | WVH-3972 | 103388 | Weeley Village Hall | PC Meeting Room Hire | £34.00 | £0.00 | £34.00 |
| 25/06/2024 | 04-CT007 | 103389 | Angela Barnes | Weeley In Bloom Teak Shield Kit | £64.00 | £0.00 | £64.00 |
| 05/07/2024 | INV-0577 | 103390 | Goldacre Contracting | 6th Cut Playing Field, verges and reed pond | £415.00 | £83.00 | £498.00 |
| 05/07/2024 | 100028801 10 | d/d | Castle Water | Reed Pond Standing Charge | £6.91 | £0.00 | £6.91 |
| 05/07/2024 | 475 / ZA56391 | 103392 | HMRC | PAYE (Quarter 1 ending July 5th) | £288.56 | £0.00 | £288.56 |
| 12/07/2024 | IIUKDN108 7691237 | 103393 | S Gunter | HP Ink Subscription | £3.32 | £0.67 | £3.99 |
| 12/07/2024 | S Gunter | Expenses | £25.80 | £0.00 | £25.80 | ||
| 12/07/2024 | S Gunter | Salary - July | £859.04 | £0.00 | £859.04 | ||
| 10/07/2024 | 103394 | TDALC | Annual Membership | £20.00 | £0.00 | £20.00 | |
| 10/07/2024 | 1063 | 103395 | Kevin Greenscapes Ltd | Reed Pond Work | £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 |
| 10/07/2024 | 103396 | RCCE | Annual Membership | £49.75 | £9.95 | £59.70 | |
| 13/07/2024 | 3780 | 103397 | DM Payroll Services | Payroll maintenance | £60.00 | £0.00 | £60.00 |
| 15/07/2024 | 103398 | Kevin Millar | Keys Cut for Scout Gate | £9.00 | £0.00 | £9.00 | |
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |||||
| TOTALS | £61,869.58 | £12,045.30 | £73,914.88 | ||||
Bank balances as at 12 July 2024; current account £38,615.10; deposit account £150,003.38.