- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), T. Spong, G. Foster, K. Green, L. Fitzpatrick, and J. Beady. Also, in attendance TDC Cllr P. Harris, ECC Cllr D. Land (Item 006 only), Mr K. Harkin (Parish Clerk) and 10 members of public.
Apologies
Were received from Cllrs D. Botterell and M. Brown.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2022 were proposed Cllr Green, seconded by Cllr Beady and agreed as a true record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair invited members to declare any interests. None were offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk summarised his written report, which is attached as Appendix A.
Public Participation
- The Clerk confirmed he has received a quotation to repair the War memorial.
- It was noted that vehicles speeding is an issue. It was suggested that speed limits are painted on the road to alert motorists. The Clerk asked for a proposal to put to Highways.
- It was reported that the verges on the bypass remain a mess. It was agreed to report this to Highways.
- A request for a road sign on Crow Lane alerting motorists that the road is liable to flooding. Agreed to report to ECC Cllr Land.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr Harris provided a summary of his activities. He has been very busy since becoming Chairman of the Council attending nine separate events on the jubilee holiday. His charity for the year is the RNLI. He asked parish councillors to support the opening of two caravans for service veterans 12pm-5pm on 2 July at Weeley Bridge Caravan Park.
From 11am-5pm on 7 August 11-5pm there will be a Tendring Veterans and Services Day in Clacton on West Greensward.
TDC Careline Service is to be extended to assist vulnerable people. Planning refusal an application for 220 houses in the green gap in Little Clacton.
ECC Cllr Land provided update on highways work in Weeley. The roll-out of superfast broadband is facing issues locally. He reminded the PC of the potholes initiative offer.
Correspondence
All relevant correspondence is being dealt with on the agenda.
Picnic in the Park
The Chair provided a summary the cancelled local event cancelled and suggested that an alternative event be organised later this summer.
Wilder Towns, Wilder Villages
Mrs Barnes presented her proposals in the report she tabled.
- Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster and RESOLVED To introduce a ‘semi natural’ style cutting regime at the area of open space known as Spencer Road, cutting it twice only per year to develop a wild meadow with paths cut for people to walk through.
- Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster and RESOLVED To support, a proposal to commission a sculpture of a Napoleonic soldier up to £1,000 to highlight the heritage of the Village.
Reed Pond
It was noted that the Weeley in Bloom rewilding proposals no longer include Reed Pond. The Clerk suggested that instead of adopting a reactive approach to the maintenance of Reed Pond that the Council prepares a routine maintenance plan. It was agreed to contact Essex Wildlife Trust to seek assistance to develop a maintenance plan.
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered by councillors.
Bus Shelter, Clacton Road
Cllr Spong suggested that the existing (brick built with asbestos roof) bus shelter be demolished and replaced with a modern timber framed bus shelter similar to the one further down the road that was replaced a few years ago. After some discussion, it was agreed to seek funding from ECC to repair the roof. The Clerk was asked to write to Cllr Land.
New Play Area Project
Cllrs Green, Botterell and Hamilton met a representative of one of the major play equipment companies to seek advice about this project. He agreed to prepare a proposal and specification to be used to go out to tender.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: Cllr Green advised that his report would follow.
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green advised that he had obtained a price for the proposed London Plane trees that it is proposed will eventually replace the poplars on the Clacton bypass. i.e. £300 each for a 6m tall tree.
- Playing Field: The Clerk was requested to ask Goldacre Contracting to repair dipped area directly in of the gate to the Play Area.
- Children’s Play Area: Covered earlier in the Clerks Report.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths: Cllr Beady read out her report, which is attached as Appendix C.
- TDALC: Nothing to report.
- Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported that the crime statistics for April (the latest month available), last month show 16 crimes were reported in Weeley and 8 in Little Clacton.
- Speedwatch: Report attached as Appendix D.
- Weeley Residents Ass: Mrs Miles presented her report, which is attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley in Bloom: The visit of the judging panel is scheduled at 10am on 15 July. The Clerk agreed to have the highway verge around the trees on the Bypass cut during the preceding week.
- Petanque Rink: Mrs B. Holt read out her report, which is attached as Appendix F.
Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2020/2021
- Annual Governance Statement; Proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster and RESOLVED: To approve the Annual Governance Statement.
- Accounting Statements; Proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster and RESOLVED: To approve the Accounting Statements.
- Notice of Electors’ Rights; Proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster 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 Hamilton seconded by Cllr Foster and RESOLVED: To accept the Internal Audit Report for Year Ending 31 March 2022 and note its recommendations. The Clerk agreed to prepare an action plan to address the recommendations and report progress to a future meeting.
- Appointment of an Internal Auditor; Proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Spong and RESOLVED: To appoint Mrs J Stobart as the Council’s internal auditor for the financial year 2022/23.
- Monthly Payments; Proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Spong and RESOLVED: To approve the list of monthly payments set out in Appendix G in Schedule C.
The Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return will be published on the Council’s website.
Annual Salt Bag Partnership Scheme Winter 22/23
It was agreed to sign up for the ECC scheme this winter. The Clerk to notify ECC.
Public Participation
- Complaint about the pothole on Colchester Road before the Crematorium roundabout
- Someone noted that Angela’s Barnes’ presentation was impressive.
Close of Meeting: The Chair closed the meeting at 9.20pm
Appendix A: Clerks Report – 16 May 2022
| Date | Topic | Action/issue | Who | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-07-21 | Expansion of Children’s Play Area | Consider options for the renewal/expansion of the facility. | DB & KG | Meeting arranged with a equipment supplier | Ongoing |
| 20-09-21 | Defibrillator | Replace pads (routine mtnce régime). | KPH | O/S | |
| 19-07-21 | Emergency Plan | 2021 annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton has agreed to conduct the review | Ongoing |
| 20-09-21 | Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | Cllr H & KPH | Request for new dog bin at junction of Footpath 3 and Thorpe Rd made, | Ongoing |
| 21-02-22 | Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease for the building | KPH | Solicitor yet to be identified | O/S |
| Jubilee Memorial Bench | Install new bench | KPH | Awaiting a quotation to install the bench. | Ongoing | |
| Recycling Point | Identify new location. | Cllrs | Contacted TDC’s Ian Davidson asking for support to maintain a recycling point in Weeley | Ongoing | |
| Street Lighting | Convert lanterns to energy efficient LED | KPH | Discussion held with A&J lighting about costs. | Ongoing | |
| 16-05-22 | War Memorial | Arrange repair work to retaining wall | KPH | Quotation received. | Ongoing |
Other Developments
- An inspection of the play area indicates that one of the items of equipment is in need of remedial work. An inspection has judged that it is not in imminent danger of failing.
- Payments were made to WRA and for a street party in Weeley Heath from the TDC of Jubilee Grant Scheme awarded to Cllr P Harris.
- The annual audit has been completed by the Internal Auditor and her report received.
- A number of grass cutting complaints have been received this month as a result of the favourable growing weather conditions.
Appendix B: Planning Applications for Month to 20 June 2022
| Application No. | Details | Address | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22/00709/VOC | Variation of conditions application to amend site layout of application 14/01339/FUL. | Homestead Caravan Centre Thorpe Road Weeley CO16 9JN | No objection and no comment. |
| 21/02014/FUL LPA Appeal Reference: 22/00004/REFUSE | Proposed erection of seven dwellings and three garage buildings. | Land off Connaught Road. Weeley, Essex | The Clerk was asked to submit a response to the appeal underlining the objection to the application. |
| 22/01033/TCA | 1 No Oak - Fell | 9 Second Avenue, Weeley, Essex | No objection but comment,
|
Planning Determinations
| Application No. | Detail | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 22/00533/FUL Approval - Full 26.05.2022 Delegated Decision | Proposed installation of 8 No. electric vehicle charging bays with ancillary substation and LV panel together with 3 No. jet wash bays and associated forecourt alterations to suit. | Weeley Service Station Colchester Road Weeley CO16 9AD |
| 21/01935/OUT Approval - Outline 30.05.2022 Delegated Decision | Outline application for Access, Layout and Scale for 4 No detached three bedroom bungalows. | Land East of Freelands Thorpe Road Weeley CO16 9JH |
| 22/00727/TPO Approval - Full 30.05.2022 Delegated Decision | Selectively coppice weaker stems around the pond as marked with spray paint to open up the pond to more light and create a better habitat. | Hillside House Cravenwood Close Weeley Essex |
| 22/00464/FUL Approval - Full 16.06.2022 Delegated Decision | Proposed erection of one bungalow (in lieu of deemed Prior Approval for a dwelling, subject of application 21/02086/COUNOT). | Land at Reedlands Gutteridge Hall Lane Weeley CO16 9AS |
Appendix C: Highways and Footpaths Report
The following problem areas have all been photographed and reported, tracking numbers are included in the written report.
- The ‘dip’ in The Street that is hard to see but is definitely felt when one drives through it. (Tracking number:272399)
- The cracking up and beginning of potholes in First Avenue on the junction with The Street. (Tracking number: 2782393)
- The breaking up of the road in Hilltop Crescent from outside number 1 upto number 20 which required quite a few photographs. (Tracking number 2782399)
- A deep pothole in Bentley Road which currently looks like a little pond. (Tracking number 2782549)
A resident in Bentley Road reported the speed-limit signs just before entering the residential area in Bentley Road on one side obscured by too much vegetation. The speed sign on the opposite side has been knocked to a slant making it totally obscured and is again mostly covered with overgrown vegetation. Cars already drove along this 30mph area at horrendous speeds and are now driving along it even faster, possibly with the reasoning ‘I thought is was still in the 60mph zone’ (Tracking no 2782034)
On the subject of vegetation, most of the village has grown to an ‘overgrowth’ situation making already perilous footpaths even more perilous.
Cllr Beady
Appendix D: Speed Watch Report
In May we logged 73 speeding vehicles. The fastest in a 30 mph zone was logged at 47mph. 2 of these were untaxed and 1 had no MOT, these were reported. There were 4 repeat offenders.
Cllr Beady
Appendix E: Report of Weeley Residents’ Association
Our usual activities for Cards/Games, Crafters, Knit & Natter, Walking Football, have taken place throughout the month.
At our last committee meeting we decided to stop Cards/games throughout the months of July August and September as attendances were low due to Members taking advantage of the better weather and holidays. This activity will resume in October.
We have our planned trips to Chatham Dockyard, Chet Valley Vineyard, and Eastbourne planned for now until July. We do not normally do coach trips in August.
Events planned for the remaining months of 2022 are planned and include an evening at Romford Dog Stadium, a theatre trip to see Drifters Girl in November.
We had a visit from the new local Vet, Dr April Young, a speaker from Frinton theatre, and still to come Daniel Land which will be in an evening and a speaker from a local gin company.
Our coffee mornings continue to attract a good crowd and many have breakfast before we start the meeting.
D. Miles
Appendix F: Petanque Report
Numbers continue to increase due to the better weather and, in fact, we had 24 players turn up last Friday week and 20 last Wednesday. As we can only play a maximum of 18 at any one time, that is 6 people on each court, we have decided to reintroduce our extra session on Friday afternoons. I hope this will alleviate the numbers on a Friday and Wednesday morning. We have also started our competition which will run right through to October as we did last year, which everyone enjoyed, the winners and runners-up receiving inscribed medals.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Weeley in Bloom for the lovely plants they have planted in the tubs on the court, which we keep watered.
B. Holt
Appendix G: Cheques/Payments for Authorisation: June 2022
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-05-22 | A00092328 | Direct Debit | NPower | Street Lighting Electricity (1-31 May) | 141.71 | 7.09 | 148.80 |
| 09-05-22 | 36221 | 103208 | A&J Lighting | Install LED lantern | 434.95 | 86.99 | 521.94 |
| 01-05-22 | 36198 | 103208 | A&J Lighting | Monthly Mtnce | 99.98 | 20.00 | 119.98 |
| 12-05-22 | INV-0053 | 103209 | Goldacre Contracting | Relocate Football Posts | 948.00 | 180.00 | 1,128.00 |
| 28-04-22 | INV-0041 | 103209 | Goldacre Contracting | Monthly Grass Cutting | 415.00 | 83.00 | 498.00 |
| 16-05-22 | 103211 | Cllr C. Hamilton | Picnic in Park and rail expenses | 224.52 | 0 | 224.52 | |
| 05-04-22 | 103212 | HMRC | Final PAYE 22/23 payment | 254.83 | 254.83 | ||
| 23-04-22 | 103213 | Bounce Bounce | Bouncy Castle Hire | 95.00 | 95.00 | ||
| 16-05-22 | 103214 | Mr K Harkin | Salary | 338.42 | 338.42 | ||
| 103214 | Mr K Harkin | Monthly Expenses | 218.49 | 218.49 | |||
| TOTALS | 3170.90 | 377.08 | 3547.98 | ||||
Bank balances as at 29 April 2022; current account £36,205.18; deposit account £82,298.73.