Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 1st May 2024 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
PRESENT Cllr M Caton (Chair), Cllrs A Barnes, A Guney, P Jones, Jo Kavanagh, A Khan, A Love, J O’Brien, G Sell and T van de Bilt
ATTENDING Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk, Mrs Emma Philbrick – Deputy Clerk, Cllr J Hogg – via Zoom
District & County Councillor R Gooding, 2 members of the public (1 via Zoom)
543 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Hogg and Prior – Holiday.
RESOLVED to approve the apologies for absence from Cllr Hogg and Cllr Prior
Apologies were also received from District Councillor Dean.
No apologies were received from Cllrs Braeckman and Ghosh.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
1 member of the public spoke regarding the unkept appearance of the village compared with photos he has seen of years ago. Items including redundant signs, overgrown verges and hedges overgrowing from properties and dying trees create this appearance.
The resident left the meeting having been advised by the Chair that some of these issues are not the responsibility of the Parish Council but that where we can take action, we do. A discussion ensued. Cllr van de Bilt commented that Uttlesford District Council has the power to serve High Hedge Notices although the Clerk said that she didn’t think any of the hedges around the village were large enough for this action to be taken. The office does write to property owners if they are made aware of hedges which are overgrown and blocking paths etc. More discussion between the members took place including the Parish Council removing redundant signage if its reported. The Clerk pointed out that our staff do not have the equipment to remove signs fixed into the ground, nor to make good the holes that their removal would leave. The Chair suggested that Cllr Sell as the Chair of Highways, talk to County Councillor Gooding and see what can be done as many signs are the responsibility of Essex Highways. It was also noted that utility works contractors frequently leave items behind when they are finished working and do not return to clear up. Cllr Khan offered to draft an open letter through the press which could be sent on behalf of all councillors, but Cllr Caton felt that this should be sent to Cllr Tom Cunningham first as it would be about his department. It was agreed after a suggestion by Cllr Jones that the evidence be gathered first and then a decision is made at another meeting as to what course of action to take.
544 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None
545 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10TH APRIL 2024
RESOLVED To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 10th April 2024 as a true and accurate account.
546 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS FROM THE LAST MEETING
517 – Office to prepare record of visual inspections of fire extinguishers and to prepare guidance sheet for people using the building when no Council employees are on site – Fire Extinguisher logbook purchased and up to date. The hiring agreement was checked, and this information is already in there for all hirers.
518 – Submit comments to the Department for Transport – Done
519 – Contact UDC re any wider dispersal of the residential site allocations for Stansted – Ongoing
547 TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE CHAIR, CLLR MAUREEN CATON
- The Crafton Green Working Group, on behalf of the Parish Council, has agreed a new joint licence to occupy Crafton Green House and the former Day Centre – now known as Touchpoint – with Touchpoint at no cost to them. This allows the Parish Council, with Touchpoint operational in both our buildings, to promote and support the well-being of our community. With the recent building and refurbishment work now completed both buildings will be fully accessible on the ground floor. Services are now able to start up again and the hiring of rooms will be managed by Touchpoint – with them also benefitting by keeping the funds this generates. It has been agreed that energy costs that the Parish Council had been paying whilst the service bedded in will be now be paid by Touchpoint.
- Dist Cllr Neil Hargreaves circulated to all UDC parishes a list of highways defects that ECC have inspected and categorised – Stansted had 805 for the year to March 2024 – the significant percentage of these being blocked gulley defects and a very insignificant percentage of surface cover damage was recorded. This shows that ECC do keep records that we should have access to – but more importantly that the pot holes we are reporting are not getting inspected and therefore not being addressed. I hope our County Councillor can address these issues for us.
- The Stansted Youth 2000 group will be passing over the remaining funds in their account (approximately £2,600) to the Parish Council for the benefit of the village Youth
- The Litter pick was well supported last Saturday – with at least 20 villagers, plus some young children and 4 Youth Councillors from Forest Hall School joining in – pickers were deployed across the village and, although the rain held off, it was very cold and a welcome hot drink and biscuits were available to warm up at the end. Thank you to all participants.
- Bloor Homes met with the Council’s Planning Group prior to their public consultation on the development of the land North of Walpole Farm. The group made it very clear that the development from the earlier Walpole Farm South development had provided little in the way of benefits to the village, and that not only land for a community building in the proposed new development, but funding towards the build should be considered by them. The Council could then initially hold this in an Escrow account whilst the remaining funds were acquired for the build.
- Discussions in relation to further development at Elms Farm are ongoing – we are seeking clarification on what are the likely/possible significant community gains that can be requested from such a proposal to develop in the Metropolitan Green Belt that meet planning policy and the needs of this community. We would only consider this proposal be included in our NDP if our community is able to benefit significantly.
- A complaint has been raised by a resident about the location of the flood store in the Lower Street car park and requesting that it be moved to an alternative space closer to the skatepark. They have also queried whether planning consent is required. The space was designated by UDC with a rationale for its selection. UDC officers did not think that planning consent was required but advised the Clerk to submit an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness as belt and braces – this has been done.
- A reminder that the library is being used as a Polling Station on Thursday (May 2nd) for the election of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner – our staff will therefore be working from home for that day.
- Also, for our Annual Council meeting next week can you please let me know if you wish to be considered for any different committees to those you currently attend, prior to the meeting – as we may need to co–ordinate numbers on each group.
Report ends.
District and County Councillor Ray Gooding arrived at the meeting.
Cllr Khan asked for clarity re the pothole report which was circulated by Cllr Hargreaves as we had previously been advised by Cllr Gooding that this information was not available. Cllr Gooding said he was looking into the data in the report and cross checking it with their records to see if it was accurate. He commented that he was somewhat surprised by the circulation as this is not the responsibility of the district and believes that this was abuse of power by Cllr Hargreaves. He will clarify once the data has been checked.
548 TO RECEIVE WRITTEN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
No written reports were received.
Cllr Sell reported the following:
A Full Council meeting took place last week and the Climate Change Policy was looked at. He is happier than he has been in the past as they are doing more and 85% of the allocation is committed.
The Task and Finish group have been looking into “Bingate” and the final cost to residents will be £75,000 and he believes lessons have been learnt.
Investment Board – of which he is a member – it had been highlighted in the Guardian newspaper previously that UDC had a high level of borrowing. They had negotiated a loan with Phoenix Life for £37m at a rate of 2.86% until 2086 but have recently been contacted by them to find out if they were willing to redeem this with a discount of £10.2m. This has been agreed and although they will need to borrow the remaining £25-26m to at a higher rate, they should still save money.
A Local Plan meeting is taking place on 8th May 2024 and he has complained that everything is done by verbal reports and believes this is sending out the wrong message to residents.
Cllr Gooding reported the following:
He is also concerned about the Local Plan reports and is the Panel is essentially just a “talking shop”. The process is overseen by the Scrutiny Committee and it seems there is a mis-match between the two.
There is a proposal to invest money into the quality of the housing stock and improve the fabric of buildings. He has made the point that they would use heat pumps instead of boilers and that the Council must make it clear to residents that this will result in a heavy increase in energy costs for them. He urged the Parish Council to try and ensure that Stansted get some of that improvement to its Council properties. Cllr Caton said that she would look to our District Councillors to support Stansted on this in the first instance.
Cllr Khan thanked the District Councillors for continuously holding the administration to account. He questioned where the £75,000 for “Bingate” would come from and how it will be paid and also that the Parish Council need to let residents know that there is support out there for people struggling with their bills. The Clerk and Chair pointed out that this is done regularly through the Parish Council social media posts which highlight opportunities to meet and discuss with organisations such as Citizens’ Advice and the Peabody Trust.
549 TO RECEIVE A WRITTEN COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT
No written report was received.
Cllr Gooding reported the following:
He has done a site visit to Grove Hill with his “Highways Buddy” and they have now put in an application to dig up the road and carry out intrusive investigations. When the drains had been jetted previously, they had found brick debris but that after the jetting it seemed to be ok so the issue now is where is the water coming from. Affinity deny it is anything to do with them but that he is still trying to get them to attend a meeting with all parties which they are so far refusing to do. Cllr Caton asked if residents had been made aware of this latest update and Cllr Gooding confirmed he was happy to meet with them. Cllr Caton asked for members of the Parish Council to be present at this meeting once arranged.
Members voiced their disappointment that a blame game seems to be being played and instead someone needs to take charge and get the issue resolved. Cllr Gooding did advise that there was no point meeting with residents if he had no resolution for them. Cllr Sell understands that Essex Highways cannot pick up the bill of repair costs if it is an Affinity Water issue but that this needs to be resolved as soon as possible by all parties. It was agreed by members that the Chair would urgently write to MP Kemi Badenoch and ask her to intervene to get Affinity Water to attend a meeting.
Cllr Gooding also advised that he has got the outcome from the Local Highways Panel on the schemes we had submitted and will send this to the office.
550 FINANCE – TO APPROVE THE LIST OF PAYMENTS
The invoices were checked against the payment schedule by Cllr Jones before the start of the meeting. The list of payments was approved.
551 TO CONSIDER THE LIST OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
1 UTT/24/0789/LB – FOXVANE, 14 MILLSIDE
Replace damaged single-glazed timber framed windows with energy saving double glazed timber alternative heritage windows.
No Comment
2 UTT/24/0870/LB – THE COACH HOUSE, STANSTED HALL, CHURCH ROAD
Remove modern stud walls and uncover existing windows.
No Comment
3 UTT/24/0885/HHF – PARSLOES, 35 RECREATION GROUND
Replacement of all single glazed windows and front door at the front of the property with equivalent double glazed windows and doors, with timber finish.
No Comment
4 UTT/24/0906/DFO – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT, THIRD AVENUE
Reserved matters comprising external appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Option 2 of Phase 2 pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP; comprising commercial/employment floorspace predominantly within Class B8 Classes E(g) and Class B2, car parking, cycle storage, servicing, plant areas, landscaping and other associated works. Part Discharge of planning conditions 5 (Landscape Management Plan), 7 (materials), 21 (Cycle Access) 38 (Drainage), 78 (BNG) and 79 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) pursuant to Outline Planning permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP.
The Parish Council objects to this application unless it is given assurances that all HGV’s will be instructed to turn left out of the site and away from Stansted Mountfitchet village. This was previously discussed with the Parish Council by the applicant and planning officers and agreed. They will also need to ensure that enforcement and monitoring of this is in place.
5 UTT/24/0904/DFO – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT, THIRD AVENUE
Reserved matters comprising external appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Option 1 of Phase 2 pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: Class B8 Classes E(g) and Class B2, car parking, cycle storage, servicing, plant areas, landscaping and other associated works. Part Discharge of planning conditions 5 (Landscape Management Plan), 7 (Materials), 21 (Cycle Access) 38 (Drainage), 78 (BNG) and 79 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) pursuant to Outline Planning permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP.
The Parish Council objects to this application unless it is given assurances that all HGV’s will be instructed to turn left out of the site and away from Stansted Mountfitchet village. This was previously discussed with the Parish Council by the applicant and planning officers and agreed. They will also need to ensure that enforcement and monitoring of this is in place.
6 UTT/24/0902/DFO – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT, THIRD AVENUE
Reserved matters comprising external appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Option 3 of Phase 2 pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP; comprising commercial/employment floorspace predominantly within Class B8 Classes E(g) and Class B2, car parking, cycle storage, servicing, plant areas, landscaping and other associated works. Part Discharge of planning conditions 5 (Landscape Management Plan), 7 (materials), 21 (Cycle Access) 38 (Drainage), 78 (BNG) and 79 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP.
The Parish Council objects to this application unless it is given assurances that all HGV’s will be instructed to turn left out of the site and away from Stansted Mountfitchet village. This was previously discussed with the Parish Council by the applicant and planning officers and agreed. They will also need to ensure that enforcement and monitoring of this is in place.
7 UTT/24/0999/FUL – WHITEFRIARS, HIGH LANE
Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling.
No Comment
8 UTT/24/0905/HHF – 24 STONEYFIELD DRIVE
Proposed first floor extension to existing semi-detached dwelling.
No Comment
UTT/24/0644/HHF – PENROSE COTTAGE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD, BENTFIELD BOWER
Single storey extension and insertion of small new window in existing gable. Proposed replacement of part of the boundary fencing with a brick and flint wall of 1.8 metres height.
No Comment
10 UTT/24/0645/LB – PENROSE COTTAGE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD, BENTFIELD BOWER
Single storey extension and insertion of small new window in existing gable. Proposed replacement of part of the southern boundary fencing with a brick and flint wall of 1.8 metres height.
11 UTT/24/1012/HHF – 53 SUNNYSIDE
Two storey side and rear extension to replace previously removed garage/outbuildings. Cladding to be replaced with composite cladding and all windows to be replaced.
The Parish Council objects to this application as it does not appear to meet UDC’s Parking Standards.
12 UTT/24/1006/FUL – ELMGROVE, 7 GROVE HILL
Demolition of shed and coach house in the back garden.
No Comment
13 UTT/24/0805/LB – THE COTTAGE, BURTON END
Remove existing roof tiles and battening, repair rotten/damaged roof timbers where necessary, lay new felt, battens and roof tiles to match existing. Cut out areas of defective rendering to external walls and make good, repair/replace existing decayed timber framing to external walls where necessary, provide insulation between studs, cut out and replace areas of defective plasterboard linings where necessary.
No Comment
552 TO CONSIDER QUOTES FOR THE INDEPENDENT TREE SURVEY
Background documents had been circulated to members with the agenda. The Clerk advised that today she had received a 4th quote which was cheaper than those received already but that they had failed to submit their due diligence form, evidence of their insurance and also their risk assessment. All of these had been requested as part of the quote and it was a concern.
The Clerk advised that she believes the Council should go with quote 3 which is the cheapest quote as she cannot see anything in the others which would justify paying additional costs. She confirmed that once the Council had made its decision, references would be sought for the chosen company, and she would only go ahead if they came back satisfactorily. If they do not, the item will be taken to another meeting. Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr O’Brien, it was unanimously
RESOLVED To accept quote 3 if their references come back satisfactorily.
553 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17TH APRIL 2024
The minutes of the meeting were received.
554 HIGHWAYS SUB-COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 24TH APRIL 2024
The minutes of the meeting were received.
Meeting closed at 8.36pm
ACTION POINTS
547 Cllr Gooding to clarify re the pothole report
549 Office to write to MP Kemi Badenoch and ask her to intervene with the Grove Hill water leak.
Meeting ends.
Members of the Council you are hereby summoned, and members of the public and press are hereby invited, to attend a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL which will be held on Wednesday 1st May at 7.30pm in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted, Essex, where the following business will be transacted:
AGENDA
1 To receive and approve apologies for absence
Adjourn for public participation
2 To receive declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 10th April 2024
4 To receive an update on action points from the last meeting
5 To receive a report from the Chair, Cllr Maureen Caton
6 To receive written District Councillor Reports
7 To receive a written County Councillor Report
8 Finance: To approve the list of payments – to be tabled
9 To consider the list of planning applications received – see attached
10 To consider quotes for the independent Tree Survey – see attached
11 Open Spaces Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 17th April 2024
12 Highways Sub-Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 24th April 2024 – to follow
Parish Clerk 25th April 2024