- Present
- Cllrs V. Cauvain, T. Spong, D. Botterell (Vice Chair), K. Millar, L. Fitzpatrick, G. Foster, J. Beady and S. Gunter Parish Clerk. Also in attendance were, TDC Cllr Peter Harris and 11 members of the public.
Apologies
- Cllr C. Hamilton sent apologies. Cllr Cauvain proposed to accept apologies and Cllr Millar seconded it was RESOLVED to accept apologies. Cllr Botterell then chaired the meeting in the absence of Cllr Hamilton.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
- The minutes of the meeting held on 15th April 2024 were proposed by Cllr Cauvain, seconded by Cllr Millar and it was RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15th April 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 Cauvain declared an interest in item 05/24.10.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A. The issues list from the Audit Report will be circulated before the next meeting.
Public Participation
The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.
- A member of public (MOP) mentioned the state of grass-cutting in the village, especially by the Noticeboards. Clerk to contact contractor regarding various areas. Cllr Harris mentioned that TDC may be willing to sell parcels of land to the Council to manage themselves. He will look into this and report back to Council (add to next agenda).
- A MOP mentioned the lack of bins. Cllr Botterell informed that we have agreed to buy bins and get them installed, but, Council should revisit the Bin Report to establish exactly how many and where.
- A MOP mentioned the number of roadside / kerbside / driveway car sales in the village a discussion was had and Cllr Harris will look into the issues and report back to Council.
- A MOP mentioned planning for Gutteridge Hall Lane being granted for 5 caravans on each pitch in Condition 13 and asked Cllr Harris if he could review.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris: Presented his report and mentioned:
- Issues in Gutteridge Hall Lane
- TPOs – consideration of enforcement off St Andrews close and putting a TPO on the other Oak Tree
- Car Sales discussed previously in Public Engagement
- Flag Pole – the flagpole at TDC offices which have been sold to Rose Builders but the paperwork not complete. Flagpole must remain where it is for now. TDC will raise a flag for D-Day. Flagpole will be moved to the Reed Pond once sale completed.
- Pot Holes – ongoing issues throughout Weeley and Tendring
- Local Plan is under review and Cllr Harris will need support from residents and Council to fight this.
Correspondence
The clerk reported correspondence from Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm inviting the council to register as an interested party by the deadline of Friday 21st June 2024 it was RESOLVED to register as an interested party.
The clerk also noted that TDC will be holding a Sport and Activity Strategy meeting at Clacton Town Hall Committee Room at 7.30pm on Weds 5th June if any councillors would like to attend. Cllr Millar put forward his name to be sent to TDC as an attendee.
Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2023/24
The council has a statutory obligation to prepare and submit within a specified timeframe its Annual Governance and Accountability Return.
- Annual Governance Statement; Proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and RESOLVED: To approve the Annual Governance Statement.
- Accounting Statements; Proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and RESOLVED: To approve the Accounting Statements. (section 2).
- Notice of Electors’ Rights; Proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and RESOLVED: To approve the dates set out in the ’Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return’. This will be published on the website and posted on the parish noticeboards.
- Internal Audit Report; Proposed by Cllr Botterell seconded by Cllr Cauvain and RESOLVED: To accept the Internal Audit Report for Year Ending 31 March 2024 and note its recommendations. The Clerk has prepared an action plan to address the recommendations and report progress to a future meeting.
- Appointment of an Internal Auditor; Proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Cauvain and RESOLVED: To appoint Mrs J Stobart as the Council’s internal auditor for the financial year 2024/25.
The Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return will be published on the Council’s website.
Crazy Paving at Reed Pond
The council discussed this and decided to remove current paving, add slabs for peoples feet by the bench and allow the rest to go to grass. It was unanimously RESOLVED to pre-approve a spend of £500 for the works and to get this done as soon as possible.
Tendring Hundred Riding Club Plan
The council discussed and have no objections in principle but are unable to comment until final planning application received.
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 Beady, and seconded by Cllr Foster and it was RESOLVED: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green did not attend meeting.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green did not attend meeting.
- Playing Field: had been damaged by Playdale contractors and will be reinstated to its previous state.
- Children’s Play Area: Ongoing talks and works are taking place between the Council, Parish Clerk, Playdale and the contractors to fix the issues that are still present with the aesthetics of the area. These were exacerbated recently in the wet weather with HGVs getting stuck in the field and then breaking up the pavement as they were towed out. On a positive note the new play area is already getting plenty of use No payments have been made until the Council are satisfied with the completion.
- Highways: Cllr Beady presented her report which is attached as Appendix D.
- Footpaths: Cllr Fitzpatrick reported that the Footpaths map is now available on the Council’s Website and the original definitive maps are held in the Council’s Office.
- Transport: Cllr Millar reported that the Buses are struggling with recruitment and offering a higher salary and holding Ladies recruitment events.
- TDALC: Cllr Botterell reported that the next meeting is on Wednesday 22nd May.
Other Reports
- Rural Policing: No information provided.
- Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley Residents Ass: presented their report which will published on the Council’s Website.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which will be published on the Council’s Website.
- Petanque Rink: presented their report which will be published on the Council’s Website.
Public Participation
A Member of the Public mentioned the issue of speeding on Clacton Road. Clerk to contact Cllr Dan Land regarding this issue. It was decided to add this to the next agenda as a specific item.
Items to be Added to the Next Agenda
The issue of speeding on Clacton Road will be added to the next agenda plus item 05/24.5 re parcels of land.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.35pm
Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 17th June at 7.30pm
Appendix A: Clerk's Report
| Topic | Action/issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Complete installation. | Ongoing issues with the look of the area. The contractor has fixed most snagging issues, but, there are identified trip hazards that need top soil and also replacement grass. Further damage was caused on 8th May and the contractor also needs to fix this. Cllr Hamilton and the Clerk have met with the contractor and talks and works are ongoing. No payments have been made until we are happy with everything. |
| Emergency Plan | Annual update. | The final draft has been circulated for comment. |
| Litter Bins | Install additional bins | It is proposed to simply purchase the hardware (bins), install and notify TDC accordingly. |
| 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. |
| 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 payment process |
|
| Electricity Supplier | Appoint an electricity broker. | Outstanding. |
| Reed Pond | Initiate Management Plan |
|
| Audit Suggestions | Separate Issue List | The clerk has created a new Audit Report list that we can review each month |
Appendix B: Planning Applications for Month to 20th May 2024
| Application No. | Details | Address | Comment/Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/00461/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Two bedroom extension to existing annex. | 6 Barnfields Clacton Road Weeley Heath Essex | OBJECT – Insufficient details on plan and no topographical survey regarding plans for Trees and Hedging. Overdevelopment of this site and surrounding site due to previous developments impacting the areas. Concern that an extension to Annexe will mean this is no longer an Annexe but a separate dwelling. It was RESOLVED to request Cllr Harris to call this in. |
| 24/00672/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Conversion of existing outbuilding and addition of extension to the rear of the property. | Knights Bridge House (Tocketts) Thorpe Road Weeley Essex | No objection |
| 24/00671/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Conversion of existing outbuilding and addition of extension to the rear of the property | Knights Bridge House (Tocketts) Thorpe Road Weeley Essex |
Appendix C: Monthly Payments: May 2024
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET (£) | VAT (£) | GROSS (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/05/2024 | 10001911567 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond - Standing Water Charge | £6.82 | £0.00 | £6.82 |
| 03/05/2024 | IN10420392 | DD | Npower | Street Lighting Electricity | £416.77 | £20.84 | £437.61 |
| 19/04/2024 | 103376 | Mrs J Stobart | Annual Audit | £245.00 | £0.00 | £245.00 | |
| 19/04/2024 | 17724 | 103377 | EALC | Minutes and Code of Conduct Courses Fee | £160.00 | £32.00 | £192.00 |
| 30/04/2024 | INV-0514 | 103379 | Goldacre Contracting | Playing Field, Verge & Reed Pond 2nd Cut | £415.00 | £83.00 | £498.00 |
| 02/05/2024 | INV-0527 | 103379 | Goldacre Contracting | Padlock for Height Barrier | £24.99 | £5.00 | £29.99 |
| 03/05/2024 | INV-0528 | 103379 | Goldacre Contracting | Hedge Cutting (Clacton Road) | £60.00 | £12.00 | £72.00 |
| 13/05/2024 | HUKDN1085894389 | 103381 | S Gunter | HP Ink Subscription | £3.32 | £0.67 | £3.99 |
| 20/05/2024 | 103381 | S Gunter | Salary - May | £895.24 | £0.00 | £895.24 | |
| 20/05/2024 | 103381 | S Gunter | Mileage Expenses | £146.52 | £0.00 | £146.52 | |
| 17/05/2024 | INV-0535 | 103380 | Goldacre Contracting | Playing Field, Verge & Reed Pond 3rd Cut | £415.00 | £83.00 | £498.00 |
Totals: £2,788.66 NET, £236.51 VAT, £3,025.17 GROSS
Bank balances as at 20 May 2024; current account £43,332.99; deposit account £85,039.42.
Appendix D: Highways Report
Earlier in the month there was a bad leak near the top of Bentley Road, I stopped and enquired about it and was told it had already been reported. It was fixed very quickly. Also at the top end of Bentley Road at the junction of Clacton Road a resident told me that the sign had dropped, I went and took photos of it and reported it to Essex Highways as dangerous for children, and wheelchair users and especially so in the dark. No response from Essex Highways has been received yet but there has been no response since July of last year when I reported that the sign was facing the wrong way (Clacton was sign posted as Colchester and vice versa).
Someone stronger than I am managed to push the sign higher up. On the opposite corner to the sign and along Clacton Road for about 40 yards it is very overgrown with nettles leaning into the path hindering all pedestrians but making it especially hard for wheelchair users, prams and pushchairs. It was photographed and reported. While I was there a Weeley Bloomer came and trimmed some of the worst parts. On the other side of Clacton Road to the above it is also getting very overgrown again hindering all path users.
There was a report of cracked drains in Thorpe Road, these have already been reported and according to Essex Highways will be ‘repaired with a non specified timescale’. The roads around First and Second Avenue are also getting worse and there is a big pothole in the middle of First Avenue. The big pot hole at the bottom of Hilltop Crescent had a big white ‘FIX’ painted by it but needless to say it fell on stony ground.
Appendix E: Speedwatch Report
Due to bad weather and health problems only one speedwatch session was held in April. This was held at Thorpe Road where in just over 30 minutes we logged 12 speeding vehicles. All were taxed and MOT’d and the fastest was doing 45mph on the 30mph road.