Minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15th January 2025 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
PRESENT Cllr M Caton (Chair), Cllrs A Barnes, S Ghosh, J Hardy, P Jones, J Kavanagh, A Khan, A Love, J O’Brien, L Prior, G Sell and T van de Bilt.
ATTENDING Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk, Mrs Emma Philbrick – Deputy Clerk, County and District Cllr Ray Gooding, Cllr Anne Guney – via Zoom, 1 member of the press, 3 members of the public (2 via Zoom)
280 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Braeckman – University and Cllr Guney – Work Commitments
RESOLVED To accept the apologies for absence from Cllrs Braeckman and Guney
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One member of the public spoke on the following topics
- a) The ongoing issue with the Manor Road flats
- b) The Local Government reorganisation
- c) The City & Country proposals for potential development on Green Belt land
The Chair advised that she would leave the District and County Councillors to address Manor Road flats and that items b and c are covered in her Chair report.
281 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr O’Brien declared an interest in agenda item 9 – Planning application no 10
282 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11TH DECEMBER 2024
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11th December 2024 as a true and accurate account.
283 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS FROM THE LAST MEETING
258 – Chase Cllr Tom Cunningham for answers to outstanding issues – Done and response received today
258 – Cllr Caton to write to County Councillor Ray Gooding – Done and response received today
263 – Office to write to County Councillor Ray Gooding regarding the access point – Cllr Kavanagh explained the issue and Cty Cllr Gooding said he would look into this and come back to us.
284 TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE CHAIR, CLLR MAUREEN CATION
Report starts:
It appears the government intends to impose devolution if areas do not come up with their own proposals – and as a government with a large majority – it is in a position to do what it wants. The law is expected to change this year with the White Paper proposing structures such as Foundation Strategic Authorities, Mayoral Strategic Authorities or Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities asap. Also, where a Mayor and Police Commissioner exist it is proposed the mayor takes over PCC powers but has a deputy for policing – this would be the situation in Essex. I wonder how much all this change would cost???
The board for each Strategic Authority would be made up of leaders of the County Council, Unitary Authorities and a Mayor or District Council may be invited to send 2/3 non – voting observers – this may encourage District Councils to become Unitary Authorities. It would appear Essex would likely support 5 larger Councils—generally with a population of approximately 350K, or in the NE 500K. The current suggestion is that we align with Harlow and Epping Forest. UDC debated this issue on 9/1/25 – interestingly with no public attending – highlighting lack of consultation and communication on this major issue. There was no clear outcome from the lack lustre debate but the statement that there was an appetite for LG reform in Essex – and maybe Uttlesford!
We will need to seriously consider if there are any services we may wish to operate if LGR comes to pass and what access to funding would be available to support viability for change.
To add insult to injury the Government have also increased the housing supply figure expected for Uttlesford from 674 to 804 an increase of 19% year for the life of the Local Plan – a total in excess of 16,000 homes.
We have submitted our application for UDC grant funding to support our expenditure on the provision of the Youth Club Service for the next 3 years.. We have asked to be informed of a date when the decision will be finalised.
Cllr Gooding has today responded to my email outlining the Council’s frustration and need for answers. I have agreed to meet with him and discuss the resolution to our communication issues.
The Chair of Birchanger PC and myself listened to information shared by The Essex Chambers Team on the new NPPF. The fundamental aim of the Green Belt policy was to “prevent urban sprawl by keeping land open”. Also, It does still remain that there is a need to demonstrate a full examination of all the other reasonable options for meeting identified need for development before concluding exceptional circumstances exist for green/grey belt development. Having discussed the potential to meet with our joint planning groups the Chair of Birchanger PC and I feel we should wait until we have further information from City and Country Council to enable us to discuss strategies to respond to any future plans presented to develop the land in our Parishes; also, we do not intend to complete a wish list for development as this can be portrayed as willingness to co-operate for development. We shall invite our joint Planning groups to any future proposed meetings.
Bloor Homes have also arranged to meet with our Planning Working Group to update on their proposals for their sites. We will feedback to you all following the meeting on January 29th.
I am still awaiting a meeting with UDC and the police in relation to the time available to our PCSO for Parish duties – our Clerk continues to chase this.
Cllr O’Brien has contacted Network Rail and has completed an Asset Protection Initial Enquiry Questionnaire in relation to the poor state of the Black Bridge. We await Network Rail’s response.
EALC have asked us to consider joining in the celebrations for VE Day on May 8th this year by promoting and supporting Street and Home Garden parties/ Community Events. The lighting of Beacons is also being promoted – and we do have one already! This is on our agenda for discussion tonight.
Given that we fought hard for the licence to dispense for our remaining pharmacy I do hope you will all support their involvement in the Save our Pharmacies Campaign -highlighting the pressures that pharmacies are under and their untapped potential to support the heath service if appropriate funding and resourcing was made available. The NHS is failing to cover the rising costs of drugs – and pharmacies are covering this cost to their own detriment Pharmacists are encouraging scanning and signing the petition – there is a poster on their door to scan – using social media / contacting our MP and supporting them – acknowledging that the current funding model is broken. Report Ends.
Cllr van de Bilt commented that he believes the Local Government Reorganisation brings both threats and opportunities. He thinks we have more in common with Harlow than Saffron Walden such as the hospital, school Academy Trusts and transport links such as the 510 bus.
Cllr O’Brien advised that he has received a reply from Network Rail to let him know that he has reached the wrong department, and they have given him a telephone number which he will pursue.
285 TO RECEIVE WRITTEN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
No written reports received.
Cllr Sell reported the following:
The Local Government Reorganisation had been discussed at a District Council meeting but there was no overall consensus on which other authorities it would like to be combined with. One view was to link with Harlow and Epping Forest and another, to which he shared, would be with East Herts and South Cambs.
He does not believe that a Unitary Authority of up to 500,000 people would be of benefit to the Stansted community. However, he believed that there will be opportunities for Parish and Town Councils and SMPC should be considering what services, if any, that they may wish to take on subject to finances being made available.
One of his concerns going forward would be the protection of UDC’s assets and the costs that would be involved in potential redundancies.
Essex have formally requested that the elections in May be postponed but no decision has yet been taken by the government.
On another subject, the Investment Board is meeting next week and members will receive feedback on the bids for Chesterford Research Park.
Cllr Khan agrees with the view of Cllr van de Bilt and that it will be good especially for residents and brings opportunities as long as money flows. He believes it has been successful in other areas.
Cllr Gooding reported the following:
The Government intends to turn the whole of England into Unitary Authorities by the end of this Parliament and he believes there will be a better outcome if this process is supported. As previously stated, there will be many issues to deal with given that a number of district councils are currently in financial difficulties.
From a local perspective, a clear benefit might be that Planning and Highways departments would be working together.
He confirmed that Mayors will be voted for under the proportional representation system.
If Essex is in the first tranche of Councils, then he expects a consultation process around April 2025.
He confirmed that if the County elections are deferred, then this can only be for one year and as LGR is unlikely to be in place within a year.
Cllr Sell finished by stating that he has asked Cllr Lees, Leader of UDC, for a cross party working group to consider LGR and he would welcome Cllr Gooding’s support of his request.
Cllr Gooding advised he was disappointed with the response received from Cllr Cootes which seemed to gloss over the issues. A further visit to one particular household in early January revealed that damaged/waterlogged children’s mattresses and carpeting had still not be replaced by UDC and that these children had been sleeping on sofas since the beginning of November due to this. He is very concerned by this and will be following up.
Cllr Khan questioned if the Vote of No Confidence which the Parish Council had asked the District Councillors to submit had ever been done. They confirmed that it had not because they had been advised that they would probably not get it through. He stressed his dissatisfaction with this as it does not matter if they win or not but it would send a message that we are unhappy for our residents. Cllr Sell said he would discuss this further with Cllr Gooding as this may be the only option now due to unsatisfactory responses.
286 TO RECEIVE A WRITTEN COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT
No written report received.
A response to all previous queries had been emailed to the Clerk this afternoon and she confirmed this will be circulated to all members tomorrow morning. Cllr Gooding has asked that any questions arising be sent to the Clerk who will then send onto him.
There was an issue with an exceptional load trying to use Grove Hill and he has asked for an enquiry into this.
287 FINANCE
- a) TO APPROVE THE LIST OF PAYMENTS
The list of payments was checked against the invoices before the start of the meeting by Cllr Jones.
The list of payments was approved
- b) TO RECEIVE THE INCOME AND EXPEDITURE STATEMENT TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024
This was circulated to members with the agenda and confirmed as received.
- c) TO NOTE THE VAT RETURN TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Noted
288 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1 UTT/24/372/LB – STANSTED HALL, CHURCH ROAD
Proposed ground floor flat changed to two wheelchair accessible bedrooms and offices.
No Comment
2 UTT/24/3089/HHF – 17 OXLIP ROAD
Proposed external alterations comprising of new gable fronted porch and balcony to front elevation, conversion of loft space into master bedroom & en-suite with mansard roof to rear extension
No Comment
3 UTT/24/3178/HHF – 14 BLYTHWOOD GARDENS
Proposed single storey rear extension for a WC
No Comment
4 UTT/24/3239/HHF – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch.
No Comment
5 UTT/24/3240/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch
No Comment
6 UTT/24/3241/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of 20th Century studwork to expose original inglenook fireplace
No Comment
7 UTT/24/3242/HHF – BENTFIELD FARM, THE ANNEXE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Erection of an enclosed porch
No Comment
8 UTT/24/3243/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, THE ANNEXE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Erection of an enclosed porch
No Comment
9 UTT/24/3144/DFO – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT, THIRD AVENUE
Reserved matters comprising external appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Phase 1B of Land to the North of Stansted pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP; comprising commercial/employment floorspace predominantly within Class B8 Classes E (g) and Class B2, with supporting food retail/food/beverage/nursery uses within Classes E (a), E (b) and E (f), amenity area, 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), 50 (Glint and Glare), 54 (Wind Shear), 78 (BNG) and 79 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) pursuant to Outline Planning permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP
No Comment
10 UTT/24/0409/FUL – SAINT THERESE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HIGH LANE
Section 73 application to vary condition 90H (use of building) of UTT/1003/00/FUL ) erection of new church, church hall and presbytery with associated car parking) – amend to follow ancillary uses uder Use Class F2(b)
The Parish Council supports this application
11 UTT/25/0017/HHF – 24 WETHERFIELD
Proposed rear extension to replace existing conservatory and new window to front elevation
No Comment
12 UTT/24/3207/HHF – 1 JORDON CLOSE
Single storey side extension
No Comment
289 TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO GO AHEAD WITH A BEACON FOR VE DAY ON 8TH MAY 2025
The Chair advised that the Essex Association of Local Councils is requesting support for Parishes to light a Beacon and also to consider promoting street/community parties.
Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr O’Brien, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to show our intention to light a Beacon and for the Events Working Group to look at other events to mark VE Day.
290 WINDMILL SUB-COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 4TH DECEMBER 2024
The minutes of the meeting were received.
291 F&GP COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8TH JANUARY 2025
The minutes of the meeting were received
292 TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET FOR 2025/26
A copy of the draft budget was circulated to all members with the agenda. The Chair of Finance, Cllr J O’Brien, had tabled an amended summary and detailed the changes.
The Clerk explained that since the budget was considered by the F&GP Committee last week, we have received the tenders for the grass-cutting and gardening contracts.
The lower end of the figures received would require a precept increase of 4.49% (precept of £499,900) whilst the higher end would mean an increase of 4.85% (precept of £501,562). The contracts working group will be evaluating the bids received and Open Spaces will make their decision next week.
She would therefore advise that, to be fiscally responsible, members pass a resolution this evening to raise a precept of £501,562, with the proviso that this be reduced to £499,900 should the OS committee resolve to accept the lower end tender. She needs to submit the formal precept request to UDC next Thursday 23rd January 2025.
Cllr Prior had emailed a question regarding the Council’s contribution to the Link Magazine. The Clerk had emailed this query to the Link and their response was read out.
Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr O’Brien, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to approve the budget for the Financial Year 2025/26. As mentioned above, the only figure that may change is for Gardening which may reduce following the Open Spaces Committee next week.
293 TO SET THE PRECEPT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2025/26
Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr Hardy, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to set the precept at £501,562 for the financial year 2025/26 with the proviso that this be reduced to £499,900 if the Open Spaces Committee accepts the lower end tenders.
In light of the above, the Clerk sought members’ consent for herself and the Chair of the Council, Cllr Caton, to sign the formal Precept request immediately after the Open Spaces Committee meeting on 22nd January 2025. This was unanimously agreed.
Meeting closed at 8.48pm
ACTION POINTS
283 Cllr Gooding to looking into issues regarding access point at Eastfield Stables and report back
284 Cllr O’Brien will pursue Network Rail
285 Cllr Sell and Cllr Gooding to discuss the Vote of No Confidence they have previously been asked to submit and report back.
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 15th January 2025 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 Full Council meeting held on 11th December 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:
- a) To approve the list of payments – to be tabled
- b) To receive the Income & Expenditure Statement to 31st December 2024
- c) To note the VAT return to 31st December 2024
9 To consider the list of planning applications received
10 To consider whether to go ahead with a beacon for VE Day on 8th May 2025
11 Windmill Sub-Committee – to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 4th December 2024
12 F&GP Committee – to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 8th January 2025
13 To consider approval of the budget for 2025/2026
14 To set the precept for the financial year 2025/2026
Parish Clerk 9th January 2025
Any intention to record, film or take photographs during a meeting must be notified to the Clerk prior to the start of the meeting.
Planning Applications
15TH JANUARY 2025
1 UTT/24/372/LB – STANSTED HALL, CHURCH ROAD
Proposed ground floor flat changed to two wheelchair accessible bedrooms and offices.
2 UTT/24/3089/HHF – 17 OXLIP ROAD
Proposed external alterations comprising of new gable fronted porch and balcony to front elevation, conversion of loft space into master bedroom & en-suite with mansard roof to rear extension
3 UTT/24/3178/HHF – 14 BLYTHWOOD GARDENS
Proposed single storey rear extension for a WC
4 UTT/24/3239/HHF – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch.
5 UTT/24/3240/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch
6 UTT/24/3241/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, GROUND FLOOR FLAT, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Removal of 20th Century studwork to expose original inglenook fireplace
7 UTT/24/3242/HHF – BENTFIELD FARM, THE ANNEXE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Erection of an enclosed porch
8 UTT/24/3243/LB – BENTFIELD FARM, THE ANNEXE, BENTFIELD BURY ROAD
Erection of an enclosed porch
9 UTT/24/3144/DFO – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT, THIRD AVENUE
Reserved matters comprising external appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Phase 1B of Land to the North of Stansted pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP; comprising commercial/employment floorspace predominantly within Class B8 Classes E (g) and Class B2, with supporting food retail/food/beverage/nursery uses within Classes E (a), E (b) and E (f), amenity area, 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), 50 (Glint and Glare), 54 (Wind Shear), 78 (BNG) and 79 (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) pursuant to Outline Planning permission ref: UTT/22/0434/OP
10 UTT/24/0409/FUL – SAINT THERESE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HIGH LANE
Section 73 application to vary condition 90H (use of building) of UTT/1003/00/FUL ) erection of new church, church hall and presbytery with associated car parking) – amend to follow ancillary uses uder Use Class F2(b)
11 UTT/25/0017/HHF – 24 WETHERFIELD
Proposed rear extension to replace existing conservatory and new window to front elevation
12 UTT/24/3207/HHF – 1 JORDON CLOSE
Single storey side extension