MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2016 AT 7.30PM IN ROXWELL READING ROOM

PRESENT:- Cllrs:- C. Pavitt, M. Wallace, F.Corkhill, M. Page, Cllr. Mrs E. Drakeford, Mrs D. Goodwin and M. Plom.

IN ATTENDANCE:- Mrs L. Green (Clerk) 2 Parishioners City Cllr Nicolette Chambers

62. DEMOCRATIC 15 MINUTES

The Chairman asked those present to stand for a minutes silence in remembrance of David Jones who had recently passed away and had served on the Parish Council before moving from the village.

A parishioner, Roy Cumbers, congratulated the Chairman and Vice-Chairman on behalf of the general community for bringing a swift, diplomatic end regarding the travelers who had taken over the School playing field.

Roy Cumbers asked when the hedge on the approach to Thatchers Farm was to be cut back, he pointed out that it needs taking back as close to the fence as possible. The Chairman said he had spoken recently to Peter Hance who advised it would be done in the near future.

Thanks had been received from the Head teacher and Governors of the school for the help in getting the travellers off of their field. The Chairman advised that he in had been heavily involved with the Head teacher who was more than grateful for the assistance and support that had been given to the school over the weekend. Cllr. Wallace advised that both he and the Chairman had a copy of the Procedure Code so knew what to do and what the rules were regarding travellers. The Police had been a great help in getting the section 61 notice served in under 24 hours of their arrival.

A parishioner, Philip Buckley, had submitted a petition on behalf of the residents in Green Lane. He stated that no work had been done since the mid 60’s. Farm machinery do not use the lane as they are worried about damaging the road surface. The overhanding vegetation had been cut back by Mr Buckley. Another resident, Carol Fegan, had been hurt by falling down a pothole. Mr Buckley reported the lane is now not wide enough for two cars. The kerbstone is in the foliage leaving only 31% of the road useable. The Chairman advised that he had reported the overgrown hedgerow on 10th March 2016. Highways had advised they had a huge back log on the hedge cutting list, and suggested either getting a farmer to cut it back or re-report the matter. It was agreed the Chairman would ask David Webber to cut the vegetation back and if he cannot do the work then a work party could be considered. The Chairman advised that the potholes had been reported in July 2015. If the potholes are marked orange, they should be repaired within 28 days. Chairman to chase. Cllr. Wallace stated that the end of Green Lane is private access to the farm. The Chairman advised that the signing will not be done until the lining has been done. Chairman agreed to contact ECC Cllr. Aldridge about the issues in Green Lane.

63. APOLOGIES:-

Apologies for absence had been received from Dr. V. Bradbury and ECC Cllr. John Aldridge . 64. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13TH JULY 2016

The minutes of the Meeting held on 13th July 2016 were taken as read and the Chairman was authorised to sign them.

65. VACANCIES ON PARISH COUNCIL FOLLOWING ELECTIONS

The Chairman stated that there is still one vacancy as nobody had come forward to be considered for the position so for the time being the Parish Council will continue to run with 8 Councillors.

66. COUNCILLORS’ DECLARATION OF INTERESTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEMS FOR THIS MEETING.

No interests were declared.

67. MATTERS ARISING:-

Nothing to report.

68. REPORT BY CHELMSFORD CITY CLLR. MRS NICOLETTE CHAMBERS.

The Chairman thanked Cllr. Chambers for arranging help to clear-up the school field after the travellers’ had visited. Cllr. Chambers advised that there is a paper coming to cabinet in October regarding travellers. Roger Hurst gave a talk this week on travellers.

The skate ramp in Central Park is now open.

There will be twin town event on 16th September. There will be stalls through the High Street.

Remembrance Sunday will be held on 13th November.

CCC are working on electoral roles ahead of the Election in May 2017.

Health and Wellbeing Plan vision up to 2019 is being worked on.

CCC are reviewing the constitution for City Council itself. Full Council in December.

Waitrose are not coming to town now. John Lewis is opening 29th September.

The Chairman asked Cllr. Chambers to clarify the issue controlling dogs in and around the car park and refreshment stall when entering from the A414 at . Cllr Chambers said dogs should be on a lead in this area. Cllr. Chambers confirmed she would address this matter and report back.

69. REPORT BY COUNTY CLLR. JOHN ALDRIDGE.

No report had been received. The Chairman advised that Cllr. Aldridge had been very helpful over the weekend with regard to the travellers. Cllr. Wallace asked the Clerk to minute a note of thanks.

70. POLICE MATTERS

a) Neighbourhood Watch – It was reported that there had been a spate of camper van thefts. Owners were advised to make their vans as secure as possible.

b) Any Other – The Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex wants views and thoughts on the draft policing. Cllr. Wallace said rural policing is non-existent and it takes the Police a long time to come if there are problems in the village.

71. FINANCIAL MATTERS a) Payments:- £

14/07/16 Essex County Council 128.00 Hire of Hall for Jan, Mar, May & July Meetings 14/07/16 Roxwell PCC 500.00 Grant for Roxwell Recorder under S137 29/07/16 Mrs.L.Green 209.35 Clerks Salary July 2016 29/07/16 H.M.Revenue & Customs 52.20 PAYE & NIC July 2016

29/07/16 Mr. S. Pavitt 203.50 Works to Recreation Field & Toddlers Play Area 18/08/16 M.D. Landscapes (Anglia) Ltd 312.00 Grass Cutting Recreation Field 18/08/16 Evans Garden Maintenance 198.00 Grass Cutting Toddlers Play Area 26/08/16 Mrs.L.Green 186.60 Clerks Salary August 2016 26/08/16 H.M.Revenue & Customs 46.60 PAYE & NIC August 2016 31/08/16 Mr. S. Pavitt 171.00 Works to Recreation Field 31/08/16 Community Action Suffolk 1297.42 Annual Insurance Premium 06/09/16 M.D. Landscapes (Anglia) Ltd 187.20 Grass Cutting Recreation Field 10/09/16 Mrs B.M. Pavitt 95.88 Cleaning Sports Pavilion July-Sept plus supplies 14/09/16 Mrs L.J. Green 79.90 Expenses 14.07.16 – 14.09.16

The above payments were approved by the Parish Council. b)Transfer of Funds.

12.08.16 Transfer £2,000.00 from Business Premium Account to Current Account 01.09.16 Transfer £1,300.00 from Business Premium Account to Current Account 14.09.16 Transfer £1,000.00 from Business Premium Account to Current Account

c)Bank Balances.

The bank balances were as follows:-

Current Account - £ 1,966.01 Business Reserve - £26,356.59 d) Grant Request – Ref. Reading Room – Nothing to report. e) Audit of Accounts for 2015/16 - Nothing to report. f) Grant Request Roxwell PCC – Roxwell Recorder – The Chairman advised that the grant was paid after the last meeting and a letter of thanks had been received. Clerk to remove item from Agenda. i) Insurance – The Chairman advised that the renewal had been paid which was the 2nd year of a 5 year contract. j) Any Other – The Chairman advised that he had booked the Reading Room on 19th October at 7.30pm in order that the Finance Sub-Committee could meet. Chairman and Cllrs. Wallace, Drakeford, Page and Bradbury to attend. Cllr. Drakeford advised that she could not make the meeting so it was agreed another Councillor would be co-opted in her absence.

72. PLANNING MATTERS & APPLICATIONS

a) HOE STREET FARM, HOE STREET – Demolition of existing swimming pool building and construction of new garden outbuilding. No Objections. REFUSED. b) THE CORIANDER, CROSS KEYS, BISHOPS STORTFORD ROAD – Change of use of existing building to residential to form two new dwellings (Houses 1 and 2) including new two storey rear extension, demolition of single storey rear extensions, alterations to front and rear elevations. Construction of new two storey attached dwelling (House 3). Construction of new detached chalet bungalow (House 4). New landscaping, garden and parking layouts to front and rear of new dwellings. No Objections. APPROVED. c) AMENDMENTS TO THE CORIANDER, CROSS KEYS, BISHOPS STORTFORD ROAD - Change of use of existing building to residential to form two new dwellings (Houses 1 and 2) including new chimney, demolition of single storey rear extensions, alterations to front and rear elevations. Construction of new two storey attached dwelling (House 3). Construction of new detached chalet

bungalow (House 4). New landscaping, garden and parking layouts to front and rear of new dwellings. Repositioning of vehicular access along Lane. No Objections. APPROVED d) LAND NORTH EAST OF ALMA HOUSE, BISHOPS STORTFORD ROAD - Hedgerow removal - (hedge previously identified at Section C in application ref 15/06001/HRN). Reason: CJH Farming Ltd seeks to balance the need for modern change with the desire to manage the landscape responsibly and in particular with habitats and wildlife in mind.

Small field sizes of this nature become increasingly impractical, difficult and uneconomic to cultivate, grow crops and make a livelihood given the demands of the modern consumer. Farm machinery has increased in working widths substantially in the last fifteen years and will continue to do so in the future. This field is a reflection of a practical size many years ago, it is not a reflection of a field size which is practical on a modern arable farm with modern equipment.

It is proposed to replace the removed hedge with more than 400m of mixed natural hedgerow species - The new hedgerow will include at least 5 woody species; close existing large gaps; contain standard trees; have a ditch along at least one half of its length; and provide habitat and landscape connectivity.

The planting of the new hedgerow will enhance the condition of this field boundary and balance the need for agricultural operations within this working landscape. It will achieve the target of planting replacement hedgerows elsewhere on the farm and provide a net increase of hedgerow in the landscape.

Please also read the Report titled 'Boyton Hall Farm - Hedgerow Management Autumn / Winter 2016'

The Parish Council objected by reason of the following comments:-

This is a recent purchase and the hedge lay out and field size was known by the current purchaser (applicant)

The hedge lay out is a relic of the old hedge and field margins and is over four hundred years old, with little left within the Parish.

Habitat is more than species of trees and shrubs, it is a whole eco system that cannot be replaced simply by selecting new plants and planting a new hedge.

It relates to soil eco systems that cannot be replaced, nor the higher eco systems.

Removal of these is irreplaceable.

There has been no habitat survey of the hedge to be removed.

This hedge is a critical part of our heritage. REFUSED. e) LITTLE BOYTON HALL FARM, BOYTONS HALL LANE – Building to store baled straw undercover. No Objections. No Decision Yet. f) HOE STREET FARM, HOE STREET – Proposed garden outbuilding. No Objections. APPROVED. g) 3 BATEMANS COTTAGES, BISHOPS STORTFORD ROAD – First floor extension over existing ground floor. Change existing flat roof over first floor to pitched roof. No Objections. APPROVED. h) LAND NORTH EAST OF CHALK END FARM HOUSE, FARMBRIDGE END ROAD – Determination as to whether the prior approval of the local planning authority will be required for the proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling house (Class C3) and for associated operational development. No Objections. WITHDRAWN. i) MACHINERY STORE, CHALK END FARM, FARMBRIDGE END ROAD – Determination as to whether the prior approval of the local planning authority will be required for the proposed change of use from agricultural building to dwelling house (Class 3). j) GRAIN STORE, CHALK END FARM, FARMBRIDGE END ROAD – Determination as to whether the prior approval of the local planning authority will be required for the proposed change of use from agricultural building to dwelling house (Class 3). k) 6 CHURCH GREEN – Single storey rear extension & associated internal alterations to existing dwelling. Initial Notice received on 16th August 2016 in respect of the word described has been APPROVED.

l) SHENOLD, VICARAGE ROAD – Single storey side extension and enclosed open porch. CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL USE OR DEVELOPMENT APPROVED. m) WASTE DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENT – Nothing to report.

73. RECREATION FIELD/TODDLER PLAYAREA

a) Play Equipment Safety Inspection – Minute 45.

Cllr. Goodwin’s Husband has offered to assist and is meeting with Chairman next Tuesday.

b) Grass Cutting at Toddler Play Area – Minute 34.

The Chairman had not seen Tony of Evans Garden Maintenance to talk to him about the grass cuttings. Chairman said he would put a note with the next cheque he sent.

c) Any Other – Nothing to report.

74. FOOTPATHS

a) Footpath in Green Lane being ruined by horses – Minute 16 & 46. – Chairman had sent letters to all the stables around the village. b) Footpath 76 – Footbridge damage – Minute 46. – The work had been completed.

c) Footpath 75 – Fingerpost missing – Minute 46. – The Chairman had found the fingerpost in the ditch opposite. It needs ECC to re-bed the post.

d) Any Other - It was reported that F44 fingerpost is missing off the road from Thatchers Farm to past the river. The footbridge handrail also needs repairing. Cllr. Page to report to ECC.

75. AFFORDABLE HOUSING – Minute 116,144,20,40,59,85,114,145,18,46,76,106,131, 159,19,50,75,99,121,144,18,43,69,97,126,150,17 & 47.

The Chairman had spoken with English Rural but nothing has happened at the moment. The Diocese want to put certain provisos on the lease. The Solicitors are looking to see if these can be put into the lease.

76. TRAFFIC CALMING – THE STREET/VICARAGE ROAD – Minute 92,121,151,24,52,81, 111,134,162,21,52,77,100,122,145,19,44,70,98,127,151,18 & 48

The Chairman reported that it was stated in the Local Highways Panel minutes of 30th September that a priority route 2 is not suitable for physical measures and that under the safer road scheme the current accident records cannot justify a speed activated sign. The Chairman advised that signs may be possible but residents would need to be consulted. Chairman had spoken to Jon Simmons at ECC who advised chevrons and slow in road sign could be done. It was agreed the slow in road sign should be repositioned by driveway at the village shop. Cllr. Wallace stated that cars illegally parking in the street is the main problem. The Chairman said he would advise Jon Simmons with the details of what needs doing.

77. KERB STONE DAMAGE IN ST. MICHAELS DRIVE - Minute 85,128,24,48,73,101,130,154,20 & 50.

Matter still outstanding.

78. FLOODING OUTSIDE ROXWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL – Minute 5,52,77,105,131,155, & 21 & 51.

Matter still outstanding.

79. BIG HOLE BEHIND THE DRAIN OUTSIDE LITTLE DUKES – Minute 5,53,78,106,132,156,22 & 52.

Matter still outstanding.

80. PAVEMENT DAMAGE ST. MICHAELS DRIVE – Minute 84,135,159,24 & 54.

Matter still outstanding.

81. GREEN LANE JUNCTION - Minute 84,136,160,25 & 55.

Chairman reported that new white lining had been put on ECC 2017/18 works programme.

82. BOYTON CROSS LANE – POTHOLES AND OVERGROWN VEGETATION – Minute 7,27 & 56.

ECC had completed all resurfacing but had finished half way along river. Chairman to report tomorrow to get other pot holes filled before the bad weather comes.

83. GREEN LANE – OVERGROWN HEDGE OUTSIDE NO. 3 – Minute 7,29 & 57.

Chairman to ask David Webber to cut the vegetation back.

84. ISSUES REPORTED TO HIGHWAYS – GENERAL OVERVIEW – Minute 31 & 59.

Nothing to report.

85. ROXWELL MEMORIAL HALL – REPORT BY CLLR. DENISE GOODWIN – Minute 33 & 60.

The Chairman had written to the Village Hall but had not received a reply. Most people were very supportive of Cllr. Goodwin and had no problems with the letter. When a reply has been received from The Memorial Hall, the comments will be noted.

86. EMERGENCY PLANNING – Minute 61.

Chairman to put article in Roxwell Recorder.

87. TRAVELLERS.

Cllr. Wallace advised that travellers have rights on council owned land but not on private land. If they comply and go by agreed date that is okay if not an order will be served and if they do not go they get taken to Court. On private land it is down to the landowner who can go straight to Court but there are costs involved and bailiffs remove the travellers. It was agreed that landowners need to identify their land and protect it. Chairman to put article in Roxwell Recorder.

The Chairman reported that some damage was done from the recent visit by travellers but it was mainly because residents were arguing with them. The shopkeeper had also been concerned and had lost stock. The Chairman advised that the average height of a caravan is 2.6m. He spoken to the Parish Council’s main contractor about putting in restriction and as long as he can get his machinery in he is happy. The Chairman suggested putting up a height restriction barrier at 2.4m which would cost £1,300 plus VAT. To weld to the existing columns would cost £900 plus VAT. The Chairman advised that for a further £200.00 the top post could be hingeable with heavy duty hasp and staple to allow access by emergency vehicles if required. After discussion it was agreed that an order be placed with C & N Steelcraft Ltd for option 1 with hinged top bar in the sum of £1500.00. Cllr. Wallace proposed this action which was seconded by Cllr. Drakeford. The Chairman had spoken to the school and they are going to take the same precaution. Keys would be on all sets used by hiring sports clubs, plus 2 emergency contact numbers would be listed on a notice on the pavilion.

88. CHANGES TO WASTE ACCEPTED AT RECYCLING CENTRES ON 31ST OCTOBER 2016

The Chairman advised that as from 31st October 9 recycling centres will still take DIY and construction waste materials. Chairman to put article in Roxwell Recorder.

89. GRASS CUTTING ALLOTMENTS – Minute 34.

The work had not been done yet but needs to be done before Winter. Cllr. Corkhill to liaise with David Webber and Roy Cumbers. Cllr. Corkhill reported that all the locks were smashed on sheds on allotments by the travellers and crops were damaged. A rabbit was also stolen. Cllr. Corkhill proposed that Roy Cumbers is given the padlock number. It was agreed the number should also be given to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Cllr. Corkhill to be reimbursed for the cost of the lock.

90. FLOODING WILLOW COTTAGE AND TIGH SHEE

The Chairman advised that the above properties had been flooded in the last floods. The residents had asked for help with grants. The Chairman had taken advice and cannot as a Parish Council request a grant and then pass on to a third party. Parishioners can apply themselves. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman had attended a meeting with the residents affected who were looking into ways of preventing their properties being flooded in the future. Cllr. Wallace has requested from ECC for a plan of water extractions from the roads.

MEETING CLOSED 9.04pm

CHAIRMAN. DATE

NEXT MEETING – WEDNESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2016 AT 7.30pm IN ROXWELL READING ROOM