- Present
- Cllrs M. Brown (Chair), T. Spong, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick, P. Taylor, K. Green and G. Foster. Also in attendance was K Harkin Parish Clerk and 8 members of the public.
Apologies
- Were received from Cllr Botterell and Cllr Hamilton.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 December 2022 were proposed by Cllr Spong, seconded by Cllr Green and approved as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked Councillors if they had anything to declare. Nothing was offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk summarised his report, which is attached as Appendix A. He drew attention to and explained a problem with the play area contract.
Public Participation
- The Council was asked to approve the siting of a memorial bench with a concrete base as part of the Second Avenue wilding project. The Chair asked for the proposal in writing. The Clerk confirmed that there has been no progress with litter bins as TDC continues to demand that the Parish Council pays for the bins and ongoing servicing.
- After a short discussion, it was agreed that the Village Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 4pm on Sunday 4 December 2023.
- It was confirmed that an order had been placed with Essex Wildlife Trust to conduct a survey of Reed Pond with the aim of preparing a management plan.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
No representatives were in attendance.
Correspondence
- The timetable for the local elections has been circulated to councillors and published on the Council’s website.
- A thank you letter from St Andrew’s Church for the Council grant was noted.
- Further correspondence from the Loop Green complainant has been received.
- An offer of Christmas lights from Thorpe PC was discussed. Cllr Brown agreed to investigate.
Request to Erect a Screen on Highway Verge
The Clerk reported that a request has been received from a resident for the Council to erect a screen on the highway verge to protect the privacy of a residence. After some discussion the request was declined.
Review of Council Policies
This item was deferred until February 2023.
The Coronation of the King Party
The Clerk read out a report from Cllr Hamilton in her absence. This included the different concessions and entertainment that have been booked and some that are awaiting confirmation.
It was pointed out that the Council had received £250 to help to fund the aborted Platinum Jubilee Party. Councillors agreed to set an overall budget of £3,500 for the event.
Parish Summary of Need
There was some discussion about TDC’s request to identify the ‘open space’ needs of the village to assist with future planning development applications.
It was agreed that the areas of open space that TDC has identified for sale would be the starting point. In addition, there is now a greater need to provide allotments since the new housing development in the village has such small gardens. Cllr Brown agreed to obtain additional information Also, upgrading the football pitch and improving drainage in the playing field. The Clerk was asked to write to TDC.
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered and determinations made.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments was proposed by Cllr Foster, seconded by Cllr Beady and Resolved: To approve the payments set out in Appendix C for payment.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green reported light No. 9031 appeared to be a purple colour. All lights working when inspected.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green suggested that The Spinney would benefit from being tidied up e.g. clearing the undergrowth. He has been given a quotation of £500/day and judges that there is probably 4/5 days work. It was agreed to include this as an agenda item at the next meeting.
- Playing Field: Nothing to report.
- Children’s Play Area: this item was covered as part of the Clerk’s Report.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths: Cllr Beady presented her report which is attached as Appendix D.
- TDALC: Nothing to report.
- Rural Policing: The latest statistics on the Police.uk website indicated that 27 crimes were reported in Weeley in November 2022.
- Speedwatch: Cllr Beady presented her report, attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley Residents Association (WRA): The WRA report was read out by a WRA representative. Report attached as Appendix F.
- Weeley in Bloom: The WiB report was read out by a WiB representative.
- Petanque Rink: Members were informed that the Petanque continues to be popular and well used. Report attached as Appendix G.
Public Participation
- Cllr Brown confirmed that he has yet to replenish the road salt-grit bin.
- The issue of speeding vehicles through the village was raised. The Clerk confirmed that Cllr Land had secured agreement for a Highways meeting to discuss possibilities. He agreed to report any progress to the next meeting.
Close of Meeting: 8.46pm
Appendix A
Clerks Report
| Topic | Action/issue | Who | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Play Area Refurbishment | Consider options for the renewal of the facility. | DB and KG | Awaiting to select the preferred proposal on 19 December 2022 | Ongoing |
| Defibrillator | Replace pads (routine mtnce régime). | KPH | Supplier finally identified | O/S |
| Emergency Plan | 2021 annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton has circulated the draft document for comment. | Ongoing |
| Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | Cllr H | Survey review complete. Awaiting discussions with TDC Cllr Talbot. | Ongoing |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | KPH | Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors has been asked to prepare a new lease. | Ongoing. |
| Weeley bypass | Determine options for the avenue of poplars | Await a proposal from ECC Place Services about how many and what species trees to plant. | Ongoing | |
| Bus Shelter, Clacton Rd | 1. Replace roof 2. Repair board | KPH | 1. Awaiting a quotation. 2. Awaiting materials. | Ongoing |
| Weeley Heath Gateway sign | Locate new sign as it represents a safety hazard | Dan L | Highways has agreed to relocate the sign. | Ongoing |
1. Communication continues with the resident who recently submitted a ‘Subject Access Request (SAR).
2. On reviewing the content of the ‘Contacts’ page on the Parish Council website, it has been judged unnecessary to publish council members home addresses and so these have been deleted.
3. It has become apparent that in conducting the procurement process for the Children’s Play Area that the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and indeed the Council’s own Financial Regulations were not adhered to. The contract should have been publicised on the Contract Finders website. With that said, the play area working party judges that the Council can demonstrate that an open and fair contract letting process was followed an value for money achieved. Advice has been sought from the EALC and the proper procedures will be followed in the future.
4. I met with representatives from Ken Muir Nursery and WiB to determine where to plant the two donated trees by the QEII memorial bench. A plaque to acknowledge the donation has been requested.
5. Key Dates for May Elections:
- Nominations will close at 4pm on 4th April 2023
- Last day for new applications to the register 17th April 2023
- Last day for new or to change existing postal votes 18th April 2023
- Last day to apply for proxy vote 23rd April 2023
- Polling Day; 4 May 2023.
Appendix B
Planning Applications for Month to 16 January 2023
| Date of Notification | Application No. | Details | Address | Comments/Resolutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/12/22 | 22/00299/FUL Appeal reference: APP/P1560/W/22/3305561 | Proposed one detached house. | Weeley House 70 The Street Weeley | The Clerk reported that he had sent a letter to the Inspector. |
| 22/12/22 | 22/02060/FULHH | Proposed erection of 2 storey side extension and new front oak framed porch. | Woodmere Thorpe Road Weeley CO16 9JL | Proposed Cllr Beady, Seconded Cllr Green and Resolved: To object to the application on grounds of over development. |
| 05/01/23 | 21/00462/DETAIL | Proposed construction of 9 detached bungalows (Reserved Matters - relating to Outline Planning Permission ref: 17/01955/OUT). | Rainbow Nurseries 23 Colchester Rd Weeley | This application was approved in recent days. |
| 09/01/23 | 22/02117/FUL | Proposed construction of a solar farm and associated infrastructure. Resubmission of application 21/01860/FUL. | Thorpe Park Solar Farm Land South of Thorpe-Le-Soken Essex CO16 0HR | The councillors had no objection as long as the development is screened by soft landscaping |
| 10/01/23 | 22/02068/FULHH | Proposed dormers to annex roof. | 1 Barnfields Clacton Rd Weeley Heath | No objection. |
| 13/12/2022 | 22/01993/FULHH | Proposed new front garden wall 1.8m high with automatic sliding gate. | Soller Spinney Gutteridge Hall Lane Weeley | Despite the introduction of landscaping, Proposed Cllr Beady, seconded Cllr Spong and Resolved: To object to the application. |
Appendix C
Payments for Authorisation
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/01/23 | IN05834826 | DD | NPower | Electricity Consumption | 458.37 | 22.92 | 481.29 |
| 31/12/22 | WVH-3307 | 103266 | Weeley Village Hall | Hall Hire | 180.90 | 0 | 180.90 |
| - | - | 103267 | HMRC | Qtr. 3 (Oct, Nov, Dec) | 600.58 | 0 | 600.58 |
| - | - | 103268 | K Harkin | December salary | 661.84 | 0 | 661.84 |
| - | - | 103268 | K Harkin | Phone and BB (Nov & Dec) and Mileage | 43.75 | 0 | 43.75 |
| TOTALS | 1945.44 | 22.92 | 1968.36 | ||||
Bank balances as at 02 December 2022; current account £35,828.61; deposit account £83,823.92.
Appendix D
Highways Report
The 30mph sign in Bentley Road has at last been righted and the correct speeds are now facing in the right directions.
Potholes and road surface breakup have developed on the North side of Colchester Road in two places. The pothole opposite the vets is pelting the pavement and unsuspecting passers by with road detritus every time a vehicle drives through it. The potholes opposite the garage are causing drivers trying to avoid them to drive in the middle of the road. Both problems have been reported. (Reference numbers: 2816156 and 2816159)
The path outside Rainbow Nursery also on the North side of Colchester Road has got considerably worse with potholes, a sunken kerb and a raised drain for pedestrians to navigate without tripping. As it was referenced by highways as a path defect and due to be rectified under ’the planned maintenance program’. It has been reported again with the added issues just mentioned. (Reference no: 2816163)
The Kerb stones in Hilltop Crescent have got worse, three cones are placed over the kerbs outside Number 10 but the kerb outside Number 14 is even worse. Potholes at the top of Hilltop Crescent at the junction of The Street and repaired last year are starting to reappear.
Appendix E
Speedwatch Report
In December the rain gave way to icy weather making the roads and some drivers unsafe so of the 6 planned sessions we only managed two. During those two sessions 36 speeding vehicles were logged, 4 were repeat offenders and the fastest was travelling at 45mph on the Colchester Road. Speedwatch sessions held in 2022 totalled to 71, 1092 speeding vehicles were logged, 64 were repeat offenders and the fastest was going at 58mph on Thorpe Road.
All these sessions were monitored by between two and five volunteers. This year we are down to three active volunteers which includes Fraser and myself. Despite this we have scheduled 5 sessions in the next two weeks and we still plan to try and hold 3 sessions each week. So, if anyone would like to volunteer there are notices on both the village noticeboards or you can talk with Fraser or myself and we can answer most questions you may have.
Appendix F
WRA Report
We have had a good start to the month with a very well attended Coffee Morning at Hilltop Nursery. There are many events planned for this year and a taster as follows. We have moved from the small hall to the large hall for our Wednesday activities as we have included a Sewing B group that will double with Crafters on the first Wednesday of the month. We have purchased a Table Tennis Table which we have been allowed to keep in the store room, and this joins the Cards & Games afternoon on the third Wednesday each month. The Table Tennis is for WRA and not for general hire.
Andy Wilsher will be coming on 21st January to entertain us with Rat Pack and Michael Buble songs. We have a speaker on Monday 20th February talking about Jack the Ripper and then speakers for Monday in each month thereafter.
Various trips have been booked throughout the year to Include river cruises, afternoon teas, lunches, & day trips to Windsor, Ely and Woodbridge. We and have a Race Night in February and a return to Romford Dogs in March.
Full details of all our events will be in the Parish News, on Facebook and on our website.
Appendix G
Petanque Report
As reported last month numbers are still good, in fact we had 25 players turn up last Wednesday, with two new players joining who have recently moved to Weeley. If numbers continue to rise, as they are likely to do when the weather improves, it looks like we may have to incorporate another session during the week - watch this space!!!