Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Discover the latest updates: A new flagpole will soon grace Reed Pond, enhancing our community space. Exciting changes are on the horizon as Essex moves towards a Unitary Council, with a Mayor expected by 2026. Plus, local road improvements are underway, including pothole repairs on First Avenue.
Present
Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), D. Botterell (Deputy Chair), T. Spong, G. Foster, K. Millar, K. Green, L. Fitzpatrick, and J. Beady. Also in attendance were Cllr P. Harris, Cllr D. Land and 11 members of the public.

Apologies

  1. Apologies were received from Cllr Cauvain. Cllr Botterell proposed and Cllr Hamilton seconded and it was RESOLVED to accept the apologies.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

  1. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20th January 2025 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Spong and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20th January 2025 as an accurate record of proceedings.

Declarations of Interest

  1. There were no declarations.

Clerk’s Report

The Clerk presented the previously circulated report attached as Appendix A. All Councillors confirmed they had read the report and there were no questions.

Public Participation

The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues

  • A member of the public (MOP) asked about Reed Pond and the Clerk informed that it is still on the Clerk’s Report as to be done.

Tendring District and Essex County Councils

TDC Cllr Harris: mentioned the following:

  • He had called in the 2 planning applications requested by the Council as well as 25/00077/FUL.
  • Council discussed full budget and Cllr Harris and others abstained due to £65k a year being spent on the empty Weeley Council Offices and also over the contribution of £25k a year to a PCSO in Harwich but nowhere else.
  • No news on Gutteridge Hall Lane but Cllr Harris is pressing enforcement.
  • Explained that TDC needs to now build 1034 houses a year and there are 4 options going to public consultation from March – April. Fixed Plan must be delivered by Winter 2025.
  • Local Elections have been cancelled in May 2025 due to Devolution.

EALC Cllr Land: mentioned the following:

  • Essex is part of the Fast Track to a Unitary Council, There will be no District or County Councils instead a Mayor of Essex. Ian Davidson will lead the submission (March). Mayor by May 2026. Formation of Council 2028.
  • Diverted footpath he has spoken to Rose to try and get this improved. Cllr Hamilton has also written to Rose regarding this footpath.
  • Blue Barrier by school has been reported.
  • Clacton Road to Kidby Way hedge between Pond Farm and White Hart to be cut on 1st March.
  • First Avenue – pot holes to be filled next week (24th Feb) including the large one where First Avenue meets The Street.
  • Colchester Road by the Crematorium has been fixed,
  • Bentley Road sign was fixed but has flopped so a new one has been ordered.

Flagpole

Cllr Hamilton discussed the purchase of a Flagpole and sighting at Reed Pond, Clerk presented the research and costs are under £500 plus install. Cllr Botterell proposed and Cllr Spong seconded and it was RESOLVED to purchase and install a Flagpole on Reed Pond site. ACTION - Clerk

Playing Field

There was a discussion regarding more commercial use of the field and it was agreed to speak to Fields in Trust to see if they have any documentation that can help create a new policy, including charging for use of the field and listing events we would not allow, asking for Risk Assessments and asking the user how they would implement Martyn’s Law if there are over 200 people expected. It was decided to portion the field up for charging purposes. ACTION - Clerk

VE Day Update

Cllr Hamilton updated with the following confirmations. A Piper, Flagpole purchase, bar with reasonably priced drinks, 10 stalls, bunting and banners ordered, posters to go up this weekend. All Cllrs confirmed they would be available.

Social Media Policy

Cllr Hamilton proposed and Cllr Millar the policy and it was RESOLVED to adopt the previously circulated Social Media Policy.

Memorial Seats Policy

Cllr Hamilton proposed and Cllr Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED to adopt the previously circulated policy with 2 changes.

Covid Day of Reflection

It was noted that the Church will remain open from 12 – 5pm on Sun 9th March for anyone who wishes for some quiet time in reflection if they were affected by the Covid 19 Pandemic. ACTION: Clerk

Street Names from Rose Builders

All agreed names were reasonable except for Island Grove as no one had heard this woodland called as such. Clerk to reply and ask that this road be renamed to Church View. ACTION: Clerk

Grant Application from Essex Air Ambulance

Grant was proposed by Cllr Spong and seconded by Cllr Beady and it was unanimously RESOLVED to pay the grant. ACTION: Clerk

Correspondence

  1. Information re CAB funding noted
  2. Five Estuaries leaflets displayed
  3. Noted that request for information from Enforcement regarding land in Weeley. Information already provided to ECC
  4. Noted 10th British Spring Clean will take place between 21st March and 6th April. Information to be provided to WiB
  5. Noted correspondence from North Falls Offshore Wind Farm.
  6. Reviewed requests for Playing Field. More information needed.

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 Millar RESOLVED: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C ACTION: CLERK - Payments to be setup on Unity Bank and approved by 2 Signatories.

Weeley Parish Council Reports

  1. Street Lighting: Cllr Spong reported a light permanently on by the Petanque court.
  2. Tree Warden: Nothing to report
  3. Playing Field: Nothing to report
  4. Children’s Play Area: Nothing to report
  5. Highways: Cllr Beady presented her report which is available on the Council’s website
  6. Footpaths: Nothing to report
  7. Transport: Cllr Millar reported that the Colchester Hopper is running between Colchester Hospital and The Oaks. And Buses are running 50% off Group Tickets for half term.
  8. TDALC: Cllr Botterell mentioned the Pylon issue for Ardleigh

Other Reports

  1. Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported 9 crimes in December.
  2. Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
  3. Weeley Residents Ass: presented their report which is available on the Council’s Website.
  4. Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which is available on the Council website.
  5. Petanque Rink: had nothing to report for this month.

Public Participation

Cllr Harris gave an update on the Business Surgery held last month and mentioned the issue of unemployment caused by increased NI Contributions.

Items to be Added to the Next Agenda

  • First Aid Training
  • Telephone Box
  • Memorial Bench

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.01pm.

Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 17th March at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall

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