MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 2 AUGUST 2010 AT 7.30 PM

PRESENT

Cllr Peter Watson in the Chair

Cllrs R Bellamy, J Cutting, De Vaux Balbirnie,  J Dunnett,  Miss L Gray,  R Smith, Mrs E Ward and Mrs A Wood

There were 4 residents present.

ITEMS RAISED BY RESIDENTS

 None

APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Couzens, Dass, Ismaili and Leatherdale

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 5 JULY 2010

These were approved  and will be signed at the next meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

(a)    Relay for Life

The Chairman reported that £21,532 has been raised to date for the Fund.   Certificates and badges were presented to the participants from the Parish Council.

(b)    Housing Development Meeting

Cllr Watson reported that four Parish Councillors and three members of the developers team met on 7 July here.  Initially, the developers explained they have lived in the village for a considerable time and with this in mind their approach to their proposed housing development would be sympathetic and it is not a purely speculative development but would include them in a long term involvement.  They wanted to outline the objectives and intentions they were considering for the proposed housing development in the village and, where possible, within that proposal incorporate any features the Parish Council would consider to benefit the village.   They did not come to the meeting with a prepared scheme but purely ideas on what could be achieved.   They already own land around the village and their development would be a  mix of dwellings, some privately owned, others rented plus sheltered units.   The ratio mix of types is controlled.   They would provide the medical centre and a green open space.

We suggested that Almshouses would be a more attractive proposition than sheltered units.  They agreed and said a trust would be set up to control the allocation to residents and running of the units.   The developers appear to be a family concern and would be the landlords to the rented accommodation.  If the scheme were approved and development proceeds the Parish Council agreed it would consider accepting the open space on behalf of the village and also ask for an area to be allocated for allotments.  These items and the medical centre could be tied up legally, by covenant or similar legal agreement, to ensure they remain as designed for perpetuity.  With a development of this type, if approved, provision has to be made to provide some playground equipment.   In that situation, we explained that we would like to incorporate this funding within our own existing equipment areas.     

Councillors present at the meeting felt quite certain that the developers are going to proceed and submit an application for the proposed scheme.   Although their proposals are at an early stage we have asked to be kept informed and be given the opportunity to have an input and discuss their proposals before they are submitted.   Whether or not we agree with their proposals, when tabled, we felt it better to be involved as opposed to being left on the sidelines.   There is nothing factual or a scheme for us to discuss then or now.  This is just an update on the meeting and we must now wait and see.

There was a general discussion on the report.

MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD

(a)   Internet –  Cllr Bellamy reported a considerable amount of new information covering all aspects of Parish Council and village activities has been prepared and passed to our webmaster.   We are now working with them on an amended format and menu for the website.  They will let us have an estimate as to the costs involved and we would hope to be able to bring this to the Council at our next meeting.

(b)   Highway Matters – Cllr Watson has contacted ECC regarding Holland Road speeding and will arrange meeting after obtaining some suitable dates from councillors who would be invited to attend.  He understood that there was yet another serious accident in Holland Road near the village gateway sign but did not have an update on the driver’s condition.   The hedge has been cut back in Harwich Road and Cllr Skeels has arranged for the clearance of the footpath to be done in the immediate future.

(c)    Affordable Housing – that matter is on hold at present.   Cllr De Vaux Balbirnie said that 12 units at Great Bentley have been built with a mix of sale and rental and recommended members look at them.

(d)   Parish Archives – these will be returning during August

(e)   Youth and Community Building Extension – Cllr Watson reported that the contractors consider the contract work is finished.   We consider there are some items that need further attention before we accept handover.   The redecoration of the main hall is completed and I think you will all agree that the extension and refurbishment of this building is a credit and a great asset to the village.  We are waiting for the architect to arrange a site meeting to enable the final handover and are scheduling the official opening for September.

POLICE/CRIME PREVENTION

Cllr Wood reported on the crime incidents during July which included 70 missing persons at the Lodge in Harwich Road together with a disturbance and assault; a nuisance motor bike in St Osyth Road West; suspicious circumstances – youths on bridge at St Osyth Road East, man jumping out in front of cars in Tan Lane and five men in a field at Amerells Road;  disturbance at the Apple Tree;  assault between husband and wife;  dog left in car at Plough Corner;  theft of purse at car boot sale and a tortoise taken in Galloway Drive;  copper cylinders taken in The Street;   RTCs in Harwich Road (no injury) and Holland Road and Weeley Road with injury.

It is understood that the Apple Tree has closed down but confirmation is awaited.

WORKING PARTY REPORTS

Maintenance and Services - Nothing to report

Street Lights  - 5 lights in Holland Road, 2 small lights in grass in Harwich Road and 1 light in Tan Lane not working                    

Footpaths - no problems                           

Planning and Development

Cllr Wood reported on the following applications;

10/00772/AGRIC  Extension to existing building, Reedlands Farm, Holland Road

It was agreed to write to TDC with no objection.

10/00856/FUL        Single storey rear extension, 62 Elm Road

It was agreed to write to TDC with no objection.

Applications determined:

10/00427/FUL -  Firs Camp, London Road          Refusal - Full

10/00478/FUL -  Summer House. Elmshaven     Approval - Full
TDALC – No report

LITTLE CLACTON PARISH FIELDS AND YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Cllr Bellamy reported that the Car Boot season continues and a number of the pre-season football matches have been played.   We continue to work on a marketing strategy to promote the refurbished and extended Youth and Community Hall once the final outstanding finishing works are completed.   We regret to advise you of vandalism to the meeting shelter opposite where the wooden seating has been ripped out.  Remedial work will be put in hand in due course.

VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Dunnett reported upheaval in the car park due to the new building for the school.   A small extension to the car park together with improvements to the car park will be made following the completion of the work at the school.

Playground equipment repair work and renewals is estimated at £4948 plus VAT.   Cllr De Vaux Balbirnie spoke about finance for such projects but agreed that funding is not easily available at the present time.   It was suggested that the equipment be looked at to change the style and content.

MILLENNIUM GREEN - No report

TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL

Cllr De Vaux Balbirnie reported on the death of Mike Freeman who had been the organiser of the West Cliff Theatre.   The Hospice and Belacamanda had celebrated their 25^th anniversaries.   The fencing had been removed from the fountain.  TDC are awaiting the result of the District audit.   Spending cuts are being examined.

CORRESPONDENCE

FINANCE AND CHEQUES AUTHORISATION

The up-to-date balance of the Council’s funds were noted.

Cheques issued:                                                                         £

Bendale Web                                                                          422.00                        

P A Bray Ltd                                                                       21535.25

E.ON                                                                                        279.11

Family Support (lunch club donation)                                 100.00

May Gurney Ltd                                                                     128.09

Studio One (frame)                                                                60.00

D Downs                                                                                   25.00

Plasterer                                                                                140.00

Kendall Contract Services                                                    387.99

ITEMS DEEMED URGENT BY THE CHAIRMAN - None

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Smith – cars for sale in road in Bertram Avenue

Cllr Ward – cars for sale in lay-by in The Street. PCSO to be advised of the problem

Cllr Bellamy – Veolia are litter picking in Thorpe

Cllr De Vaux Balbirnie –planning for the future in Little Clacton is being discussed and will be on show in village hall when available.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.10pm

The next meeting will be held at the Youth and Community Centre at 7.30pm on Monday, 6 September 2010

  Chairman

6 September 2010