Draft Minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28th May 2025 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
Present Cllr M Caton (Chair), Cllrs G Braeckman, P Jones, J Kavanagh, A Love, J O’Brien, G Sell and T van de Bilt
Attending Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk
2 members of the public in person, 1 member of the public via Zoom
30 Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Barnes – holiday, Cllr Guney – personal engagement, Cllr Hardy – personal engagement and Cllr Khan – work.
RESOLVED to approve the apologies for absence from Cllrs Barnes, Guney, Hardy and Khan.
Apologies were also received from District & County Councillor Ray Gooding
Public Participation
None
31 To Receive Declarations of Interest
Cllr Braeckman declared an interest in planning application 2 on the list below.
32 to Approve the Minutes of the Full Council Meeting Held on 30th April 2025 and the Annual Council Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 30th April 2025 and 14th May as a true and accurate account.
33 to Receive an Update on Action Points From the Last Meeting
PP Office to speak to Planning Officer to try and obtain an update [on the suspected airport parking at a site on Elsenham Road] – done, but due to confidentiality requirements no update is yet available.
34 to Receive a Report From the Chair, Cllr Maureen Caton
I fear that the potential application by City and Country Group and the Parsonage Solar Farm application will go directly to PINS to gain approval and bypass local democracy, with no opportunity for us to appeal if approved. These proposals are against the Parish Council’s principles of no development in the Green Belt, unless there are significant and substantial local benefits. The City and Country application is also promoting coalescence with Bishop’s Stortford and Birchanger.
The meeting held last night with Birchanger Parish Council representatives and our Planning Working Group agreed that Cllr Driscoll would ask UDC Planning Officers for an update on the position of City and Country in relation to any proposed planning application. Dependent on the outcome of this, we would request a scoping report and further consultation to increase public awareness of this development in the Green Belt. We also agreed to involve Bishop’s Stortford Town Council in any future meetings. In relation to Columbia Threadneedle’s Solar Farm application for over 41,000 solar panels to be sited on this high-quality agricultural land – it was agreed I would contact Stansted Airport to clarify their position in relation to this proposal – especially the risk of glint and glare on aircraft traffic/road traffic on the M11. We agreed we have no opposition to solar panels on appropriate airport buildings, subject to compliance with safety standards. This proposal was agreed to be too extensive, and would impact views of the windmill. It would also be interesting to understand why this did not form part of the original proposal – as the current proposal is not able to fulfil the requirements needed for all the power required anyway.
In the meantime, we are preparing lists of planning reasons why each proposal should not be supported ready to communicate and raise awareness in our communities. It may be that we will need to commission a Planning Consultant to ensure we focus on the most appropriate strategies/issues to contest
The Planning Working Group had an update meeting with representatives from Bloor Homes – they reported that the High Lane consultation responses are being collated to feed into their application process – we are not aware to date of the focus of the responses. It was also communicated that the Walpole North application, viewed by the Inspector, fed back that there was a need to justify the provision of a Country Park in relation to the number of houses being built and the financial contributions being requested for local amenities – Hatfield Forest and the Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve. The closure of Pennington Lane was still in the plan; and the strategic infrastructure plan for High Lane was being considered by ECC – basically this is the potential closure of High Lane to through traffic. If the Country Park was not pursued – following the allocation of other contributions – the Parish could be allocated in the region of £300K.
Stansted, as you are probably aware, has been on the news in relation to the Meet and Greet service offered by a company allegedly operating out of the airport. Cars have also been parked and damaged at Burton End. I am following this up with our local police and will then be contacting Stansted Airport (MAG) to see what future action and preventative measures they intend to introduce to prevent this happening again.
As you will be aware the decision was taken – on health and safety grounds, following further vandalism – to remove the tree house on the Recreation Ground earlier than anticipated. The Parish Council are aware equipment neds to be replaced, and would welcome suggestions on the type of equipment and any donations towards replacement – as a standard piece of equipment (for example the new crocodile swing at Bentfield) is upwards of £10k. Once a suitable item is identified, we will pursue any available grants to help us secure a replacement as early as possible.
The VE Day Event was a huge success and thank you to all who helped on the day – the feedback has been great. Unfortunately, the trip planed by the Youth Club to visit our twin town of Rungis, in France did not proceed. This was due to parents withdrawing 4 of the young people at the last minute due to exam revision being their priority. The club leader is hoping to reorganise in the very near future. The Rose and Crown Pétanque team did undertake their trip which was a big hit – especially as they brought home trophies!
Office staff have started to gather information in relation to costs and the delivery of services we are considering we may wish to manage and deliver locally as part of the Local Government Reorganisation process – our Crafton Green Car Park; street cleaning and Grass areas currently managed by UDC/ECC. When this information is available we will reconvene a further meeting.
Cllr Gooding may be late to the meeting but in discussion, he agreed to follow up on the outstanding Library lease payments for the rent and rates in the last 5 years.
In relation to High Lane – when this was relayed to him by us – he questioned this decision as it is a B road – and with that designation should remain a through road unless there is a reasonable alternative route. He will raise this with the Leader at ECC and report back to us.
Cllr Gooding has also learnt that we may be able to provide additional services via the library offer – he will arrange for us to meet with officers to see what might be viable and could be bespoke to our community needs. The Parish would welcome an expanded offer.
The lack of action to address the repainting of the roundabout at the base of Chapel Hill was raised – and also the painting of all the local zebra crossings. This will also be chased by him.
The Walson Way verges – will not be re seeded in the short/medium term and until agreement by the Local Highway’s Panel that, subject to the processes needing to be followed – traffic will be diverted away from Walson Way and down to Foresthall Road. Report Ends.
35 to Receive Written District Councillor Reports
No written report received. Cllr Sell stated that the UDC Annual Council Meeting had been held the previous week and Cllr Chris Criscione has been elected as Chair. Cllr Sell and Gooding continue to serve on the Scrutiny Committee, with Cllr Church on Planning and Cllr Dean on Licensing and Environmental Health.
A workshop on car parking was recently organised by UDC officers. Members still wished for further details so it had been agreed to invite Cllr Hargreaves, the UDC on the North Essex Parking Partnership, to attend the Scrutiny Committee and, thereafter, arrange a meeting with NEPP officers.
Cllr Jones referred to the list of questions compiled by the Planning Inspector in relation to the UDC Local Plan and asked what the UDC view is on those. Cllr Sell said he understood that neither the Portfolio Holder nor officers are “overly concerned” about them.
36 to Receive a Written County Councillor Report
No written report but Cllr Gooding had given information to the Chair at the recent catch-up meeting and as included in the Chair’s Report. It was noted that Cllr Gooding is now Chair of Essex County Council so his attendance at future meetings may be constrained by his diary.
37 Finance to Approve the List of Payments
The payment schedule was checked against the invoices before the start of the meeting by Cllr Jones. The list of payments was approved.
38 to Consider the List of Planning Applications
1 UTT/25/1046/HHF – Hill View House, 2 Woodfield Terrace
Proposed replacement of sash and casement windows, front door and front door steps and tile
No objection provided that they comply with Article 4 Directions.
2 UTT/25/1061/FUL – East of High Lane
Proposed erection of 57 no. dwellings, (including affordable housing) formation of site accesses, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure
No objection in principle to the development but the following concerns were noted:
1. The main concern is the proposal to close High Lane to through traffic. This appears to be a suggestion made by Essex Highways with no prior consultation with anybody although note that it is referred to under Policy 17 of the Uttlesford Reg 19 Local Plan. We understood that it is not possible to close off a road which has B classification.
There is no doubt that such a closure would put a much greater, and unacceptable, stress on Chapel Hill which is already very busy. In addition, it would result in traffic using narrower, unadopted roads such as St John’s Road and Brewery Lane as cut-throughs which is also unacceptable.
We request that High Lane is not closed to through traffic but that the developers are required to provide safe crossing points, a continuous footway and speed calming measures to ensure pedestrian and cycle safety.
2. We note that 3 new access points would be created – one being the primary road into the development but a further two which would each serve 5 dwellings.
3. Links to existing Public Rights of Way – we note that a potential link is marked on the plan but we would like to see this as a requirement of the development.
4. We object to the proposed triple tandem parking to 10 properties in contravention of the Uttlesford Design Code M3.11C
5. We support the request that any street-facing hedges must be protected by condition and must be maintained by a management company rather than included within the plot boundaries and becoming privately owned – and potentially removed at some future date.
3 UTT/24/3244/FUL – Down Farm, Elsenham Road
Proposed conversion of outbuilding to 3 no. holiday let units and erection of pump room outbuilding.
The Parish Council raises no objection in principle provided that materials are in keeping as per the Place Services comments.
However, we request a condition upon any approval which limits the length of time that the units can be rented for holidays in order to prevent them becoming permanent rented accommodation. We believe that the Planning Inspector who approved similar holiday lets on land opposite this site, at Eastfield Stables, May Walk, imposed such a condition so this would be consistent.
4 UTT/24/3215/LB – Down Farm, Elsenham Road
Proposed conversion of outbuilding to 3 no. holiday let units
As above.
5 UTT/25/0646/FUL – Land at Elms Farm, Church Road
Construction of 2 no, landscape bunds to enhance habitat diversity and attenuate existing paddocks from the adjacent highway and rail line.
No comment
6 UTT/25/0964/FUL – Eastfield Stables, May Walk
Change of use and conversion of existing store and workshop building (sui generis) into a 3 bedroom residential dwelling, and associated development
Object due to inadequate access from the bridleway which is unsuitable and not meant for this purpose.
7 UTT/25/1030/FUL – the Manor House, Church Road
Internal re-configuration and change of use of The Coach House to a separate dwelling.
Noted that this site is within the Metropolitan Green Belt, but we raise no objections provided that the footprint of the building does not increase.
8 UTT/25/1338/HHF – 2 Blythwood Gardens
Single storey rear extension
No comment.
39 Remembrance Sunday – to Consider a Quote for an Outside Security Company to Assist With the Road Closure of Chapel Hill
The Clerk explained that Essex Police are no longer able to assist with road closures and they had strongly advised that an official closure should be obtained – this has been done. However, a condition of the road closure is that there is traffic management in place to enforce the closure. To date, only one suitable company has been identified, but there may be others.
Two options have been costed:
A – to close the top and bottom of the Hill only – £747.00 plus VAT
B – as above but to include all side roads feeding onto the Hill – £1,587.00 plus VAT
After brief discussion, and having been proposed by Cllr O’Brien and seconded by Cllr Braeckman, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to proceed with Option B for a road closure from 10.30-11.05am.
Cllr van de Bilt stated that Hatfield Broad Oak Parish Council may be able to suggest an alternative company and the Clerk was authorised to accept any lower quote from a reputable organisation.
40 Adjustments to Asset Register 31-3-25
The Clerk reported that during the Year-End Closedown the previous week, it had been noted that 2 figures should be added to the Asset Register – the improvements works to the Touchpoint building (£19,001) and two grit bins (£205). The new total for the year ended 31 March 2025 is £2,157,328.
Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr Sell, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to amend the Asset Register as above.
41 Open Spaces Committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
42 F&GP Committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
43 Highways Sub-committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
44 Personnel Sub-committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
45 Windmill Sub-committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
46 Emergency Planning Sub-committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th May 2025
Received.
47 to Consider Applications for Co-option Onto the Parish Council – Any Discussion About Candidates May Take Place in Private Session – Any discussion about candidates may take place in private session
The Clerk informed members that three applications had been received and two of the applicants were present at the meeting – the third had sent apologies for absence.
Each applicant present gave a brief presentation as to the benefits they believed they could offer to the Council and explained why they were interested in becoming
councillors. In response to a question, each person also confirmed that they had the time to commit to the role and had flexibility for day-time meetings if necessary.
In order to enable a full discussion, and having been proposed by the Chair, it was unanimously
RESOLVED that under S 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, in view of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed, the public and press be instructed to withdraw.
All non-councillors left the meeting. A discussion took place amongst councillors.
The meeting was re-opened to the press and public at 8.30pm and the two applicants re-joined the meeting.
Having been proposed by Cllr O’Brien and seconded by Cllr Kavanagh, it was then unanimously
RESOLVED to co-opt Ryan Ackerman and Jeremy (Jamie) Gardner to the Parish Council.
It was agreed to invite the third applicant to the next meeting on 11th June.
Meeting closed at 8.35pm
Action Points
39 – office to endeavour to obtain alternative quote/s
47 – office to invite third applicant to attend next Full Council meeting
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 28th May 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 30th April 2025 and the Annual Council meeting held on 14th May 2025
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 below)
10 Remembrance Sunday – To consider a quote for an outside security company to assist with the road closure of Chapel Hill
11 To approve two additions to the Asset Register dated 31st March 2025
12 Open Spaces Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
13 F&GP Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
14 Highways Sub-Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
15 Personnel Sub-Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
16 Windmill Sub-Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
17 Emergency Planning Sub-Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2025
18 To consider applications for Co-Option onto the Parish Council – Any discussion about candidates may take place in private session
Parish Clerk 21st May 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.