Minutes 2019 | Page 19/015

CRESSING PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of a meeting of Parish Council held on 19th June 2019 at 7.30pm at St Barnabas, Claud Ince Avenue, Cressing

Present: Cllr John Lawton – Chairman Cllr Colin Haines Cllr Susan Simpson

In attendance: Mrs Christine Marshall (Parish Clerk & RFO) County Councillor Robert Mitchell District Councillor James Abbott Four members of the public

Apologies: District Councillor Bob Wright

19/063 CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME AND REPORT The Chairman welcomed those in attendance and in particular the new Parish Councillor Mrs Susan Simpson who had been elected unopposed in the second election. Vacancies still remain on the Parish Council and the Chairman invited further applications for co-option. The Chairman also welcomed County and District Councillors who continue to attend meetings and support the Parish Council.

In view of the cancellation of the May meetings, the Chairman called for nominations for the position of Chairman of the Parish Council. Cllr Haines nominated Cllr Lawton. Proposed: Cllr Haines, seconded: Cllr Simpson. Cllr Lawton accepted the nomination and was elected Chairman of the Parish Council for the current year and duly signed the Chairman’s Declaration of Office and the Parish Clerk signed as the Proper Officer of the Council.

The Chairman advised that one of the main challenges for the coming year will be the number of planning applications being submitted and the concern at lack of infrastructure that is accompanying these applications. Speeding through the village, particularly The Street, Lanham Green Road and Polecat Roads a priority, and although speed surveys undertaken previously by Highways or on behalf of speculative developers have shown an average only just higher than the legal speed limit, these have not taken account of peak time pressures and the Parish Council will continue to champion this. The Chairman asked the Clerk to invite a representative of Essex Highways to a future meeting to discuss further. Action: Clerk

19/064 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were recorded on behalf of District Councillors Bob Wright

19/065 CO-OPTION OF A COUNCILLOR The Chairman confirmed that there had been one expression of interest for co-option and a decision will be made at the next meeting. In the meantime, the Chairman requested that anyone who might be interested should contact the Clerk for more information. The role of a councillor was briefly outlined to explain the importance of discussing planning applications and the need to prepare for meetings.

19/066 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members of the council are subject to the Local Authorities Code of Conduct Order 2007 (SI 2007/1159) (The Revised Code) with the additional, non-mandatory, section 12(2). Declarations of non-pecuniary interest:

CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019

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There were no pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests to be recorded.

19/067 REPORTS BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS County Councillor Mitchell reported as follows: 1. Large puddle again at the B1018 bends following recent rain. Clerk to report again. Whilst Cllr Mitchell is aware that some of the planning applications may affect those bends, any faults should continue to be reported. Action: Clerk Blockages in the drainage pipes are being cleared, but the complete system needs to be jetted through to clear those that are not easily accessible. Cllr Michell is chasing for this work to be scheduled. 2. Work continues on improving the highways’ reporting tool. 3. Cllr Lawton asked if anything could be done about the road markings along The Street as the centre line has been removed, also the volume of traffic using Polecat Road and visibility along that road. Cllr Mitchell responded that the proposed visibility splays for the Appletree development were within guidelines. A resident who lives on Polecat Road advised that Highways had asked for clarification of ownership of various stretches of hedge in proximity to the proposed entrance to the site and he had advised that the tall hedge within his ownership could not be removed. 4. Cllr Mitchell agreed that the traffic survey undertaken by agents for the developers of the Appletree site had undertaken this at the quietest time of the day and it should have been carried out during peak hours. The resident also drew attention to an incident at the weekend when two motorcycles had been driven down the road carelessly at very high speeds. (After the meeting, it was decided to approach Essex Highways and Council for a further, independent, traffic survey to be undertaken during peak hour traffic.) Action: Clerk 5. Cllr Abbott stated that more speed enforcement is being carried out and an approach could be made to the traffic unit of to schedule a programme for Cressing. For the white lines to be replaced along The Street will require a new application to the Local Highways Panel. Action: Clerk

District Councillor Abbott reported as follows: 1. Membership of the Local Highways Panels has been changed to include the County Councillor for the district. Cllr Abbott will be a member of this Panel. He is having regular discussions with the Chief Executive of BDC seeking to increase the LHP budget for the next financial year. The LHP budget, although reduced, now has to cover the cost of all safety schemes. 2. Silver End Parish Council have proposed a joint working forum with Rivenhall and Cressing Parish Councils to discuss similar and new issues and the Chairman confirmed that Cressing Parish Council will be happy to support this and take part. 3. Cllr Abbott advised that there had been no committee meetings at BDC for three months due to elections and member training. 4. The lack of planning enforcement officers has resulted in enforcement issues not being met. 5. The Inspector’s refusal of a development application for 1600 dwellings now means that BDC will not meet their housing requirement for the next five years. BDC will be chased to progress Part Two of its Local Plan to prevent these ongoing speculative development proposals and to abandon the Garden Communities initiative. 6. Cllr Abbott confirmed that developer contributions for schools is reasonable, but those for NHS are insufficient. It is his opinion that members and Parish Councils should be involved in deciding where highways’ contributions are allocated. Cllr Mitchell explained that available school places are calculated across the county so whilst the school in the immediate vicinity may not have spare places, the need will be met from the wider network. 7. Neighborhood Plans are being delayed by BDC, but no reasons are being given. CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019

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8. Leyfield – the clearing of hedges and trees has been noted and whilst there is no potential for enforcement action, this has been reported to Essex Police wildlife team as it is likely that some nesting birds and mammals may have been disturbed. This is unable to be clarified in detail due to the method used to clear and the way in which the scrub has been gathered. Cllr Haines reported the he had seen Police at the site. 9. Councillor Community Grants have been confirmed for the coming year. 10. Progress on the A120 and A12 is stalled due to the freezing of garden communities and Cllr Mitchell advised he is pushing for these to progress.

19/068 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION The following items were raised: 1. Vegetation along footpaths and alleyways is encroaching on paths, particularly from the Wyevale roundabout to the bus stop in Millennium Way. Cllr Abbott offered to look into this. 2. A request was put forward for a village litter pick. Dates when amenity vehicle can be available to be looked at. Action: Clerk 3. Speed of vehicles travelling along B1018 – Clerk will speak with Essex Police traffic unit requesting speed checks be undertaken. 4. A maintenance officer to cut brambles and vegetation along footpaths. Cllr Abbott suggested this could be discussed at the Parish Council forum with Silver End and Rivenhall to engage an office across the three parishes. 5. Photographic evidence of where litter is being picked up was requested. The meeting was reminded that if any evidence (e.g. till receipts showing vehicle registration numbers) is found where fast food rubbish is picked up, this information should be passed to the Clerk who will follow up with the fast food restaurants and BDC. 6. A request was made for additional benches around the village. This will be added to the next Agenda. Cllrs Mitchell and Abbott left the meeting.

19/069 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10th APRIL 2019 The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10th April 2019 were confirmed as a correct record. Proposed: Cllr Haines, seconded Cllr Lawton, all in favour. Minutes duly signed by the Chairman.

19/070 ANNUAL RETURN 2018-19 i. The Clerk presented the Auditor’s Report (as attached to the Agenda). Councillors confirmed there were no queries. ii. The Clerk presented the Annual Return 2018-19 (as attached to the Agenda). Councillors confirmed there were no queries. iii. The Clerk presented the reviewed Risk Management Policy and identified risks. There were no queries and it was RESOLVED to approve this document. Proposed by Cllr Simpson, seconded by Cllr Haines, all in favour. iv. The Clerk presented the Asset Register at 31/03/2019. Cllr Simpson asked for clarification of the insurance position for the Sorts & Social Club and it was confirmed that the Parish Council insure the building, but the Social Club are responsible for Public Liability for their activities. Cllr Simpson also asked for clarification of reporting grants. It was explained that these are included within the financial figures in the Annual Return, but are accounted for separately for reporting to the donors how the funds have been spent. There were no other queries and it was RESOLVED to approve this document. Proposed by Cllr Simpson, seconded by Cllr Lawton, all in favour. v. The Clerk presented the Annual Governance Statement, there were no queries. The Clerk requested the Council’s approval of the Annual Governance statements as CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019

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presented in the Annual Return Section 1. It was RESOLVED to approve this document and to instruct the Chairman and Parish Clerk to sign. Proposed by Cllr Haines, seconded by Cllr Simpson, all in favour. Signed as required, vi. The Clerk presented the Annual Accounting Statement, there were no queries. The Clerk requested the Council’s approval of the Annual Accounting statements as presented in the Annual Return Section 2. It was RESOLVED to approve this document and to instruct the Chairman and Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer to sign. Proposed by Cllr Haines, seconded by Cllr Simpson, all in favour. Signed as required.

19/071 FINANCE i. A statement of progress against budget for the period 11st April to 31st May was presented. There were no queries from councillors. ii. A motion to approve bank reconciliation as at 31st May 2019 It was resolved that the bank reconciliation statement at 31st March be approved. Proposed: Cllr Lawton, seconded Cllr Haines, all in favour. iii. A motion to approve retrospectively May 2019 Payments/Cheques The list of payments made in May was presented. The Clerk confirmed that these had been approved by Cllrs Lawton and Haines prior to payment, subject to presentation at this meeting. There were no queries and it was resolved to approve the payments. Proposed: Cllr Lawton, seconded Cllr Haines, all in favour.

Cheque to be signed 19/06/2019 SSE £453.85 Electricity – street lighting Payments to be approved retrospectively BT £113.88 Broadband and telephone EALC £295.44 New Councillor training Roy Ingram £650.00 Noticeboard renovations Playsafety Ltd £99.00 Play equipment annual inspection J Adshead-Grant £96.00 May salary C A Marshall £412.88 May salary HMRC £103.22 May PAYE

19/072 PLANNING Applications determined None advised

19/073 PLANNING New applications i. 19/00887/DAC | Application for approval of details reserved by condition 4 of approval 13/01476/FUL - Erection of DIY retail warehouse with associated access, car parking and landscaping and improvement works to the A120/B1018 | Land Off Millennium Way Cressing Essex – The Parish Council had no comment to make. ii. 19/00003/SCR | Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 - Screening Request (Regulation 6) -Outline application for up to 400 residential dwellings including 40% affordable housing), with associated infrastructure, including landscaping, public open space, sustainable drainage systems and vehicular access points from the B1018. | Land At Cressing Braintree Essex – Councillors have requested a meeting with the developers and their agent in additional to a public consultation, but in the meantime, will submit a holding objection. iii. 19/01026/FUL | Demolition of existing buildings and the construction of 4 residential dwellings along with associated access, parking, amenity space and landscaping | Land Adjacent To Mill House Bulford Mill Lane Cressing Essex- It was agreed to object to this application on the following points:

CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019

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 There should be no development, of any sort, at this location due to proximity to Protected Lane  The proposed house designs do not comply with the Village Design Statement that forms part of the Cressing Neighbourhood Plan (which is currently at Reg.16 stage), consequently the designs are out of character with other properties in the area.  Bulford Mill Lane is very narrow with limited visibility. The proposed site is located at the narrowest part of the Lane, close to the Braintree to Witham railway line and level crossing.  The site is too small for 4 dwellings.  The site will impede pedestrians walking to/from Cressing Station.  The properties are, according to the plans, too close to the roadside boundary.  The development is outside the village envelope and has not been identified in the Neighbourhood Plan or the Braintree Draft Local Plan as a potential development site.  There are major concerns for pedestrian and cyclists’ safety iv. CC/BTE/34/19 - Construction of two new slip roads and associated works to provide access between the A120 and the B1018 Millennium Way (to and from the west only) – The Parish Council will raise concerns relating to traffic lights and the need for traffic joining the B1018 from the west having no direct access. v. To discuss response submitted to 19/00739/REM | Development of up to 225 residential dwellings; associated access (including provision of a new roundabout on Braintree Road); public open space; play space; pedestrian and cycle links; landscaping; and provision of land for expansion of Cressing Primary School | Land Adjacent To Braintree Road Cressing Essex – It was agreed to raise additional points regarding the Neighbourhood Plan, the footpath to the station and the need for infrastructure.

19/074 PLANNING Appeals received by BDC i. 18/01287/FUL | Demolition of twelve unity-housing flats and twenty garages and the construction of seventeen affordable homes consisting of two one-bed bungalows, eleven two-bed houses and four three-bed homes for rent and shared ownership including associated external works, parking and landscaping | Garage Area And Land At 15 - 16 The Close Tye Green Cressing Essex – The Parish Council will raise the question of access for construction traffic. Action: Clerk ii. 19/00346/FUL | Erection of 5no. 2/3 Bedroom Dwellings with Garages and associated ground works (Revised scheme following withdrawal of application 17/01861/FUL. | Land Adjacent The Old Barn The Street Cressing Essex – The Parish Council will re-iterate its objection and highlight the road flooding issue at this location

19/076 INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING Items to be discussed will include: i. Seating at the playing field and around the village ii. Co-option of councillors

19/077 NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING The next Parish Council meeting was confirmed for Wednesday 10th July 2019 at 7.30pm to be held at St Barnabas, Claud Ince Avenue, Cressing. Items for inclusion on the Agenda to be sent to the Parish Clerk to be received no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 9th July 2019.

As the meeting did not commence until 7.40pm, there was no need for a motion to extend the time limit as required by the Parish Council’s Standing Orders..

The meeting closed at 9.40 pm.

CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019

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CPC minutes 19 June 2019 ISSUED Signed by the Chairman of the meeting as a true record, 10th July 2019