- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), T. Spong, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick, D. Botterell, K. Green and G. Foster. Also in attendance was K Harkin Parish Clerk and 8 members of the public.
Apologies
Cllr M. Brown
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2023 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Spong and agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked members if they had any declarations of interest. None were offered.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A.
Public Participation
- There was a question about the location of “gateway signs” entering the village. The Clerk agreed to seek clarification.
- The Chair agreed to include the two new litter bins for the open space on Second Avenue to the schedule.
- The Council was asked to give serious consideration to the two Barrack Field planning applications.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P. Harris: Advised he had spoken with the Director of Planning about the Barrack Field and Verity Gdns. Applications. They’ve both been “called-in”. He confirmed that TDC would take no enforcement action about the Clacton Road site until the Appeal has been determined. Cllr Harris thanked Fraser and Jenny Beady for their work on Speedwatch.
ECC Cllr D. Land: confirmed that the Weeley Heath and Lt Clacton gateway sign has now been relocated. He is pursuing some highways repair work in Weeley. He also recommended that WPC has a Parish Map commissioned similar to the one done by Thorpe-le-Soken PC.
Correspondence
The Clerk reported that there had been no correspondence of significance and that everything relevant had been circulated to councillors.
Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm Project
The Clerk reported that notification has been made of the Stage 2 Consultation Exercise 14 March – 12 May 2023 including the dates and venues of the local public drop-in events.
Village Hall Hire Agreement
Cllr Hamilton reminded councillors that WPC’s accommodation hire agreement with the Village Hall terminates in May. It was agreed that the Council should look to renew the new agreement.
The Spinney
The Clerk reported that he had obtained three quotations for the tree maintenance work as requested. It was agreed to accept the lowest quotation and proceed with the work.
Review of Council Policies
The Clerk circulated the new policy documentation for consideration prior to the meeting. Cllr Hamilton proposed the three policies en-block, Cllr Botterell seconded them and it was RESOLVED:
- To adopt the latest LGA Code of Conduct Policy.
- To sign the Civility and Respect Pledge.
- To adopt NALC’s Dignity at Work Policy.
NALC Website Accessibility and Publishing Guidelines
The NALC recommendations relating to .gov.uk website domain names and email addresses were discussed. It was agreed that this would have a number of advantages for the Parish Council. Cllr Hamilton proposed, Cllr Botterell seconded and it was RESOLVED: Change the Parish Council website domain name to weeley.gov.uk and arrange to provide parish councillors with @weeley.gov.uk email addresses.
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered and determined as shown by councillors.
Finance and Budget
The monthly list of payments as set out in Appendix C were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Beady and agreed for payment.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting: All working on last inspection
- Tree Warden: Cllr Green agreed to book the Spinney tree work.
- Playing Field: Drainage repairs still to be completed.
- Children’s Play Area: The Clerk has recently been advised that the application for S106 monies to fund the new facility needs to be considered by TDC Management Board.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths: Cllr Beady read out her report, which is attached as Appendix D.
- TDALC: The Committee will meet over Zoom on Wednesday 22 March 2023.
- Rural Policing: The Police website shows that last month there were 24 crimes reported in Weeley and 4 in Lt Clacton. Cllr Harris reported that there is currently an issue with youths on motorbikes causing damage. Please report any incidents, if noticed.
- Speedwatch: Cllr Beady read out her report, attached as Appendix E.
- Weeley Residents Ass: Mr Miller presented a report, which is attached as Appendix F.
- Weeley in Bloom (WiB): The WiB report was read out by a representative. The fruit trees kindly donated by K Muir Ltd have been planted. WiB is looking for help on its ‘Big Help Out’ Day on Saturday 13 May 2023. Litter in the Village continues to be a problem. Shrubs have been cut back outside the School over the bridge.
- Petanque Rink:
Public Participation
- Speeding motorists continue to plague our village.
- Cllr Land reported that ECC has identified additional resources for Highway repairs.
- TDC Councillors have been allocated £200 each to donate to local groups for the King’s Coronation celebrations.
Meeting closed at 9pm
Appendix A
Weeley Parish Council
Clerks Report – 20 March 2023
| Topic | Action/issue | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Children’s Play Area | Place order. | KPH | I continue to chase TDC for confirmation of approval of the S106 funding before placing a formal order for the contract. |
| Defibrillator | Replace pads. | KPH | Awaiting delivery of one set of pads and a new battery. |
| Emergency Plan | 2021 annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton has circulated the draft document for comment. |
| Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | KPH | Completed survey with new bin proposals to be forwarded to TDC for consideration. |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | KPH | A copy of the recently expired lease has been located and forwarded to Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors for consideration in preparing the new lease. |
| Weeley bypass | Determine options for the avenue of poplars | Awaiting ECC Place Services proposal for how many and what species trees to plant. | |
| Bus Shelters on Clacton Rd | 1. Replace roof 2. Repair board |
KPH | 1. Awaiting result of the asbestos survey. 2. Awaiting delivery of the materials. |
| Weeley Heath Gateway sign | Locate new sign as it represents a safety hazard | Dan L | The sign has been relocated. |
| Traffic Calming | Source a supplier for 30 mph speed limit sticky signs for use on residents wheely bins | KPH | Outstanding. |
The forthcoming election notice has been published and nomination papers are now available.
Appendix B
Planning Applications for month to 20 March 2023
| App. No. | Details | Address | RESOLVED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23/00256/FULHH | Proposed rear extension. | Woodview Clacton Rd Weeley Heath | No objection or comment |
| 22/01332/FUL | Proposed 3 dwellings and associated ancillary buildings, drainage systems, boundary treatments, hard surfacing with vehicular access from Thorpe Rd. | Land South of Verity Gardens Weeley | WPC objects strongly to this application for the reasons set out in its objection posted on the TDC planning portal on 24 March 2023. |
| 22/00979/DETAIL | Reserved matters application for 280 homes, including offices, land for a new primary school, railway footbridge, attenuation basins, open space, play equipment and ass. infrastructure, considering details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, pursuant to outline planning consent 19/00524/OUT. | Land to The South of Thorpe Rd Weeley Essex | WPC objects strongly to this application for the reasons set out in its objection posted on the TDC planning portal on 28 March 2023. |
| 23/00361/FUL | Replacement dwelling (following demolition of existing dwelling and detached garage). | Oakdene Wenlock Rd Weeley | No objection or comment. |
Planning Determinations
| Application No. | Detail | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal Ref: APP/P1560/W/21/3287859 | The appeal is dismissed. | Land rear of The Gables/The Towers, Clacton Rd, Weeley Heath CO16 9EF |
Appendix C
Cheques/Payments for Authorisation: March 2023
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28/10/22 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 28/11/22 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 28/12/22 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 28/01/23 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 28/02/2023 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 28/03/2023 | DD | Castle Water | Reed Pond Water Charge | 6.18 | 0 | 6.18 | |
| 03/03/2023 | DD | NPower | Electricity Consumption | 298.11 | 14.91 | 313.02 | |
| 16/03/2023 | 103280 | C. Hamilton | PinP expenses and flowers | 46.98 | 0 | 46.98 | |
| 20/03/2023 | 103281 | K Harkin | Salary (mth 12 ending 31 March) | 661.84 | 0 | 661.84 | |
| 20/03/2023 | 103281 | K Harkin | Phone (Feb), BB (Feb) & expenses | 49.96 | 4.24 | 54.20 | |
| 17/03/2033 | ORD509008-1 | 103282 | SLCC | Publication – the clerk’s manual | 51.50 | 0.80 | 52.30 |
| 17/03/2023 | MEM243868-1 | 103282 | SLCC | Annual Membership | 156.00 | 0 | 156.00 |
| 20/03/2023 | Job No. J000490 | 103283 | Ashbbee Surveying Ltd | Asbestos Survey | 70.00 | 0 | 70.00 |
Totals: NET £1371.47, VAT £19.95, GROSS £1391.42
Bank balances as at 02 March 2023; current account £13,422.02; deposit account £83,823.92.
Appendix D
Highways Report - February/March 2023
Another two large potholes have developed on the north side of Colchester Road. These potholes are disrupting residents lives as they have to cross to the south side to avoid the rubble being thrown up by the various potholes continuing to degrade, or drenched as cars drive through them as they fill up in the rain or both when it is dark. One resident has had an operation and is still on crutches. For exercise everyday he goes down the road then back up but now has also been forced to cross to the south side, not the easiest task when one is fit never mind on crutches.
The pothole that was developing at the top of Hilltop Crescent at the junction of the Street is now about three inches deep. Essex highways have been informed. (Ref no: 2831134)
Appendix E
Speedwatch Report - February 2023
In February we scheduled 9 sessions but due to icy weather only 6 of those sessions were held. 87 speeding vehicles were logged, there were 8 repeaters, all were taxed. 1 had no MOT when logged which had run out at the end of January and they were logged on the 24th of February but by the time it came to fill in the electronic forms they had miraculously acquired one. The fastest driver was doing 47mph on Colchester Road.
In March despite Fraser and myself having taken the first part of the speedwatching course in person back in 2019 I decided to take the online course. With our newest volunteer having little knowledge of technology I wanted to see how hard or easy it was to join the Microsoft Teams meeting and if the online version differed much to the one we had taken back in 2019. Joining was really simple as it was just a matter of clicking a link. The course differed little but I did find out a few useful bits of information of which we were unaware. I was very glad I attended and the volunteer previously mentioned is now taking the first part of the course this Friday.
Since the last Parish Council meeting we have been communicated with Janet Willey (our coordinator) and Peter Harris. Peter wants to restart the Tendring Speedwatch group. At the time there were not enough volunteers for Peter’s plan to proceed, so Fraser and I added our names to the Tendring group of volunteers. In the future it is hoped we will continue to communicate and sometimes do two different locations on the same road in Tendring Village at the same time and vice versa in Weeley.
Fraser and I also met with Peter for a photo for a news item to publicize Speedwatch volunteers, the work they do and how more are needed.
Appendix F
WRA Report for the Parish Council
Our AGM will be on Saturday 29 April at 7pm in the Village Hall. Members of the Parish Council are welcome to attend. Only fully paid-up members can VOTE. There will be cheese and wine refreshments.
Our weekly and monthly meetings continue to be well attended and our recent application to the Leisure Grant was successful. Our thanks to Cllr Peter Harris and Tendring District Council.
We have many weekend evening activities arranged for this year and these include the regular Bingo, Hoy and Quiz nights plus an ABBA night in the Autumn along with Halloween and the Christmas Festivities.
We have had a subcommittee meeting when the officers met to arrange the dates for 2024 so that the hall can be booked.
Our coffee mornings at Hilltop Garden Centre continue to be very well attended.
Residents in Weeley in particular those who use the Colchester Road regularly, are very anxious about the severe deterioration of the surface, which is spreading to both sides of the road. Those of us who came from the coach last Saturday evening at 11pm had to use the pavement on the ambulance side of the road as it was impossible to see the potholes, and tarmac that has been thrown onto the pavement by vehicles. It is extremely dangerous and despite all the efforts by Dan Land the Highways authority is severely failing in their duty to provide safe access for residents. How anyone with any common sense at all can say that this is a safe area for people of varying ability to use the pavements and road in this area.