Minutes
Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council Full Council
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th June 2025 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
Present Cllrs M Caton (Chair) Cllrs R Ackerman, A Barnes, J Gardner, A Guney, J Hardy, J Kavanagh, A Love, J O’Brien, G Sell and T van de Bilt
Attending Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk Mrs Emma Philbrick – Deputy Clerk, Sally & Lucy Lewis – Folies of Stansted Adam Davies – Representative of landowner – Elms Farm
4 members of the public – 2 via Zoom
59 Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Braeckman – Holiday, Cllr Jones – Holiday and Cllr Khan – work commitments.
Resolved to approve the apologies for absence from Cllrs Braeckman, Jones and Khan
Public Participation – None
60 Declarations of Interest – None
61 To Receive an Update on Action Points From the Last Meeting
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28th May 2025 as a true and accurate account.
62 to Receive an Update on Action Points From the Last Meeting
39 – Office to endeavour to obtain alternative quote/s – Contacted Parish Council mentioned but they do not organise road closures
47 – Office to invite third applicant to attend next Full Council meeting – Attending this meeting and is an agenda item.
63 to Receive a Presentation Relating to a Potential Relocation of Folies of Stansted – to Include a Dog-walking Field – and to Consider Whether to Support in Principle
Sally and Lucy Lewis from Folies of Stansted informed members that their current lease expires in January 2026 and they are searching for an alternative location for their business. They had been looking at other sites outside of the village but were then approached by the landowner of Elms Farm with a proposal for a joint venture to relocate their thriving business and to site it at Elms Farm opposite the Manor House and for the landowner to provide an additional facility of a dog walking field.
Adam Davies representing the landowner referred to the site plan, which had been tabled, and explained that being located in the Green Belt, it may prove challenging to secure planning consent. However, recent changes by the Government have relaxed the rules a little. It is intended to request pre-application advice from the Planning Department, but it would be helpful to be able to say that the scheme has the support of the Parish Council.
Members asked various questions with their main concern being vehicular access along the lane to the Manor House, which is well used by pedestrians and occasional horse riders. They support the business staying in the community and would not like to see it close.
After further discussion, Cllr van de Bilt proposed the following:
Resolution The Council does not object in principle to varying the Metropolitan Green Belt for the purposes outlined and we support Folies initiative to retain this valued social enterprise but our support would be subject to seeing the detailed planning application.
Having been seconded by Cllr Gardner and with 4 votes in favour and 7 votes against, the resolution was not supported
Cllr Sell proposed an amended resolution:
Resolution that the Council recognises the importance of Folies to the local community and would encourage the applicant to go to the District Council for pre-application discussions.
Having been seconded by Cllr O’Brien and with 7 votes in favour and 4 votes against this motion was carried.
The guests thanked Councillors for their time and left the meeting.
64 To Receive a Report From the Chair, Cllr Maureen Cation
Welcome to our new members Jamie and Ryan: it is good to have our numbers boosted, and we look forward to you sharing your views and opinions to support our community.
Uttlesford has won back its planning powers in respect of dealing with major planning applications, with UDC commenting that this marks a milestone in the programme of improvements that have been made to the planning service.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced the de-designation on the 6th June. The restoration of full planning powers to the local authority means developers will no longer be able to submit major planning applications to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and must now go through the council’s planning processes.
This will undoubtedly impact City and Country, if indeed it was their plan to go directly to PINS in relation to their application affecting the Metropolitan Green Belt between Stansted and Bishop’s Stortford – which includes Birchanger Parish.
Interestingly, I believe, the Solar Panel proposal being promoted by Columbia Threadneedle does not appear to have been raised with MAG planners as yet. One would have considered that, at least from a health and safety perspective, this was an initial course of action to pursue. We await further developments on this proposal.
Importantly, Stansted Airport’s proposed further expansion from the previously approved 43m to now 51m passengers and 274,000 aircraft movements needs very careful assessment; and I suggest the airport Working Group and Jo – with her planning hat on – consider the further impacts of this development. These include:
- The impact on housing need through increased employment opportunities and the associated health and education needs etc.
- The impact on the transport infrastructure both locally and that specifically focussed on airport access and activity – including off airport parking issues.
- The impact on the environment and overall pollution.
- The loss of land in the green belt (M11 improvements) and brownfield sites through associated pressure for business development.
- The question of how the proposal by the Government to change flight paths (DFT 2/6/25) aligns with this proposal also needs to be clarified. This cannot be a coincidental proposal from the airport! Heathrow’s CEO has recently stated this proposal by the Government will unlock the economic benefits of an expanded UK airspace.
Liaison with UDC planners and Stansted Airport Watch will be essential.
Unfortunately, the Firework Event group, which is independent of the Parish Council, has been informed that the Forest Hall School location is not possible this year. This is due to work proceeding on a 3G pitch. There is nowhere else suitable that we are aware of to safely hold the event. Therefore it cannot be organised for this year.
Concerns have been raised in relation to more recent thefts at the Co-op and the impact this has on staff and the community. The Clerk and myself are hopefully meeting with the police at the end of this week, and will raise the issue with them and seek reassurance that a robust plan from both the police and the Co-op can address these concerns.
Finally, a meeting with TouchPoint is being arranged to review our financial commitment and support to this social enterprise that continues to support ours and other local communities. Report Ends.
A number of councillors expressed their concerns regarding the number of robberies taking place at the Co-Op and believed that the Parish Council should be raising these issues on behalf of the community direct with the police and Co-Op management. The Chair confirmed she and the Clerk will be meeting with the local police and it was agreed that the regional manager will be invited to a future meeting.
65 to Receive Written District Councillor Reports
Report from District Councillor Sell:
Planning Performance: The government has reinstated full planning powers for Uttlesford District Council.
Three years ago the council was ‘designated’ for poor performance on planning decisions in the period 2018-2020. The Minister of State for Housing & Planning this week congratulated the district council for progress achieved to date. This means that developers of more than ten properties no longer have the option of submitting planning applications direct to the Planning Inspectorate, by-passing the district council and public scrutiny.
Local Plan: We need a Local Plan to stop speculative development. Unfortunately, there is an element of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Failure to achieve a Local Plan means that Uttlesford has been subject to a lot of speculative development. This amounts to around 9,000 homes. This means we now only have to plan for 4,000 to 5,000 houses, one-third of the original requirement.
The Uttlesford Local Plan enters its final stage: Commencing on June 10, inspectors from the Govt’s Planning Inspectorate will hear representations for and against the plan. The ‘Examination in Public’ is expected to run until 19 June.
The examination will take place at the Council chamber in London Road, Saffron Walden in front of two Planning Inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Their objective – after hearing evidence from supporters, objectors, and responses from the District Council – is to determine whether the plan is ‘sound’ and complies with all legal and procedural requirements.
As the title “in public” suggests, anyone can attend and watch/listen to proceedings. There is a public gallery.
The timetable and list of participants on each day can be found at Uttlesford Local Plan Examination
Local Government Reorganisation: Trust and confidence in Britain’s system of government is a record low. These are the findings from the latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) report from the National Centre for Social Research. Seventy-nine percent say the system of governing Britain could be improved ‘quite a lot’ or ‘a great deal’, matching the record low recorded during the parliamentary stalemate over Brexit in 2019. The figure is up 18 points in 2020.
I am concerned that decisions being taken will only make the situation worse. Together with my colleagues we have raised our concerns regarding the government-imposed reorganisation of local authorities. This would see Uttlesford District Council being abolished and being replaced by a unitary council. This could either be a combination of Epping Forest, Harlow or Uttlesford or alternately a combination of five local authorities.
Shutting down Uttlesford District Council could cost the taxpayer nearly £6 million. In Harlow council tax is more than £100 higher than in Uttlesford, and its housing stock is more than 9,000 houses built between the 1950s and 1970s which have not stood the test of time well, while Uttlesford’s housing stock is 2,800. There is a real risk that Unitary local government will mean local government becoming more remote and more expensive.
Closure of policing front desk at district council offices: The Essex Police desk, which is based at the UDC offices, in London Road, Saffron Walden, is set to close “at a date to be decided”. It also means there will be only one police station in the whole of the Uttlesford district. The closure was announced at a full council meeting at Uttlesford Council on April 22. The former police station in the centre of Saffron Walden was sold a few years ago for conversion to luxury flats. Stansted Airport police station will be the only police station where members of the public can go to. It is another public service that is becoming more remote from its users.
Rivers, streams and double yellow lines: I have asked the Scrutiny Committee to look at the health of our rivers and streams in the district. Like many people, I have been concerned at the amount of raw sewage that has been discharged into our rivers.
In addition, I have also asked the committee to look at the work of the North Essex Parking Partnership. This body is responsible for enforcing the councils car parks, resident parking schemes and double yellow lines. I have been frustrated by the Parking Partnerships inability to deal with requests from the Parish Council to improve highway safety.
Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre: To end on some more good news. The leisure centre, which is situated next to the Forest Hall School on Church Road, has seen a significant increase in participation rate (up 57%) for the first two months of 2025, compared to two years ago.
The leisure centre was opened in 2003 by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. (I was present on this occasion). It was part of a £10.5 million project, which also funded a new leisure centre in Great Dunmow and the refurbishment of the Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden. The name Romeera came from the wife of the owner of Kearsley Airways. The firm had made a significant donation to the project.
Stansted Airport Planning Application (reference number UTT/25/1542/FUL): “Airfield works comprising two new taxiway links to the existing runway (Rapid Access Taxiway and Rapid Exit Taxiway) to enable continued airfield operations of 274,000 aircraft movements and an increase in passenger throughput from 43 million terminal passengers to up to 51 million terminal passengers, in a twelve month calendar period.”
The application documents can be viewed on the district council’s website: Comment or search for a planning application – Uttlesford District Council
The consultation period runs to 21st July 2025. Comments can be made on the District Council’s website, or sent to The Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER or emailed to airportplanning@uttlesford.gov.uk. All representations should include the application reference number of UTT/25/1542/FUL and include the name and address of the person making comment. Report Ends.
He also updated that Cabinet are meeting next week and there are proposals for Uttlesford to take over the management of the car parking spaces, which belong to the Castle in the Lower Street car park.
66 to Receive a Written County Councillor Report
Nothing received
67 Finance – Approve the List of Payments
The list of payments was tabled at the meeting and the invoices were checked against the schedule before the start of the meeting by Cllr O’Brien.
The list of payments was approved
68 Planning Applications
1 UTT/25/1372/FUL – Jet Garage, 82 Cambridge Road
Proposed 2 no. jet wash bays and associated forecourt works
The Parish Council objects to this application and asked Cllr Sell to call this in. It is concerned about the noise levels and also questions the advocacy of the technical reports. It appears that the study was only taken from one point and this was close to the roadside meaning highway noise would have affected the results.
2 UTT/25/1465/FUL – land at Belmer Road, Burton End
Erection of agricultural building
No comment
3 UTT/25/1142/HHF – 4 Bentfield Bury Road, Bentfield Bower
Rear extension and flue
No comment
4 UTT/25/1504/HHF – Glentor, 31 St John’s Crescent
Proposed single storey rear extension and alterations
No comment
5 UTT/25/1399/FUL – The Manor House, Church Road
Replacement of rear extensions and alterations including change of use from single dwelling to 2 no. dwellings
No comment
69 to Approve the Year End Accounts to 31st March 2025
This was circulated to members with the agenda. Cllr O’Brien thanked the Clerk for her due-diligence and hard work. The Clerk confirmed that the Internal Auditor had completed the final audit and had signed the relevant page of the AGAR
Having been proposed by Cllr O’Brien and seconded by Cllr Guney, it was unanimously
Resolved To approve the year end accounts at 31st March 2025.
70 to Consider the Annual Governance Statements 2024/25
This was circulated to members with the agenda.
The Clerk read out each question and all members answered “yes” to statements 1-8 and number 9 was not applicable.
Having been proposed by Cllr Sell and seconded by Cllr O’Brien it was unanimously
Resolved that the Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 be signed.
71 to Consider the Accounting Statements 2024/25
This was circulated to members with the agenda.
The Clerk reported that during the year end accounts preparation, it had been discovered that boxes 4 and 6 of the 2023/24 accounting statements had been incorrect. Box 9 total figure was not affected due to this. On the 2024/25 statement, she has therefore restated the box 4 and 6 figures and will point this out to the External Auditor. Members agreed this course of action.
Having been proposed by Cllr O’Brien and seconded by Cllr Guney, it was unanimously
Resolved to approve the accounting statements for the year end 31 March 2025.
72 to Consider a Quote for Replacment of Boundary Fencing to the Rear of Touchpoint
The Clerk advised that the boundary fence between the Touchpoint gardens and the rear of houses in Greenfields had been slowly deteriorating over the years and is now in a state that temporary repairs will no longer be sufficient. There are 8 sections which need replacing and she had received a quote for £2079.00. Cllr Sell advised that he had received complaints about this from the residents in Greenfields.
Having been proposed by Cllr Sell and seconded by Cllr O’Brien, it was unanimously
Resolved to accept the quote of £2079.00 from Gunns Property Management
73 Open Spaces Committee – to Receive the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 4th June 2025
The minutes of the meeting were received.
74 to Consider an Application for Co-option Onto the Parish Council
The applicant gave a brief presentation on her background and outlined her skills and experience.
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 9pm and the applicant rejoined the meeting.
Having been proposed by Cllr Sell and seconded by Cllr Guney, it was then unanimously
Resolved to co-opt Sophie Gee to the Parish Council.
Meeting closed at 9.02pm
Action Points
64 Chair and Clerk to meet with local police officers regarding the Co-Op robberies
64 Invite the regional manager of the Co-Op to attend a future meeting
Agenda
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 11th June 2025 at 7.30pm in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted, Essex, where the following business will be transacted:
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 28th May 2025
4 To receive an update on action points from the last meeting
5 To receive a presentation relating to a potential relocation of Folies of Stansted – to include a dog-walking field – and to consider whether to support in principle
6 To receive a report from the Chair, Cllr Maureen Caton
7 To receive written District Councillor Reports
8 To receive a written County Councillor Report
9 Finance: To approve the list of payments – to be tabled
10 To consider the list of planning applications received
11 To approve the Year End accounts to 31st March 2025
12 To consider the Annual Governance Statements 2024/25
13 To consider the Accounting Statements 2024/25
14 To consider a quote for replacement of boundary fencing to the rear of Touchpoint
15 Open Spaces Committee – To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 4th June 2025
16 To consider an application for co-option onto the Parish Council – any discussion about the candidate will take place in private session
Parish Clerk 5th June 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.