MINUTES
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 in the Day Centre, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
PRESENT Cllr M Caton (Chair), Cllrs G Braeckman, A Guney, J Hudson, M Jessup, J Kavanagh,
A Khan, P Jones, L Prior, F Richards, G Sell and T Smith
ATTEDING Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk
Mrs Emma Philbrick – Trainee Deputy Clerk – Via Zoom
District Cllr M Caton – Via Zoom
County Cllr R Gooding
1 member of the press
7 members of the public
343 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Barnes – work commitments, Cllr Hogg – holiday and Cllr J O’Brien – urgent family business. Having been proposed by Cllr Jessup and seconded by Cllr Smith it was unanimously:
RESOLVED to accept the apologies from Cllr Barnes, Cllr Hogg and Cllr O’Brien
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One member of the public spoke regarding his objections to the High Lane planning application.
One member of the public spoke regarding the following subjects: objections to the High Lane and Stansted Airport planning applications, his email to UDC councillors regarding the pharmacy licence and he asked that the Parish Council write to the Ukrainian Ambassador offering our prayers.
The Chair read out correspondence which had been received from a resident regarding the High Lane application and what measures they were taking to ensure that more parishioners are aware.
Three members of the public spoke regarding the parking in Stansted, particularly in Maitland Road.
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344 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None
345 TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 23RD FEBRUARY 2022
RESOLVED to accept the minutes of the meeting of the Full Council meeting held on 23rd February 2022 as a true and accurate account.
346 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS SINCE THE LAST MEETING
341 – a meeting of the Events Working Group is taking place next week.
347 TO RECEIVE THE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
- a) Successful Superheroes Day at the Library on 19th February, thanks to Cllr Barnes for his attendance.
- b) Information has been received from UDC planning with comments about the Saffron Walden draft NDP and policies contained within it. Our own draft NDP will be reviewed in light of those comments.
- c) Local Plan Leadership Group – documents going to the next meeting indicate that Stansted is now included in the “hierarchy” for housing in the district.
- d) Our Special Constable has now commenced his contract and we look forward to working with him in the coming weeks and months.
- e) Finally, the Chairman informed members of the recent death of former Councillor Bridget Gott. She had served the community for many years and condolences were extended to her family. A memorial service will be held at St John’s Church on Thursday 10th March, 1pm
348 TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT
Cllr Sell reported that the Stansted councillors had voted to support the budget. 85% of UDC’s costs are for staff but this is likely to change. There is a move to reduce staff numbers by 2027 and staff are currently being consulted. Jeremy Pine, one of the most senior planning officers, is due to retire soon.
Cllr Khan reported that he had proposed a budget amendment which had received unanimous support. This means that 948 people across the district will receive an additional £100 in recognition of the huge increases in fuel costs.
Cllr Caton reported that he was in communication with various people regarding parking on residential roads – he hoped that advisory signs, similar to those in Meadowcroft, might be installed on the Mountfitchet Estate. Cllr Khan invited those members of the public present to attend the ward members’ surgery at St Mary’s Primary School this coming Saturday morning to discuss further.
349 TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cty Cllr Gooding reported the following:
Bridget Gott – Will be sadly missed as was a pillar of the community and a member of the Council for a long time.
Airport Parking – It is a problem so keep him in the loop and he will try to help progress.
Uttlesford District Council – Meeting held with them today and money has been made available in the budget for Local Highways Panel.
Cllr Gooding responded to queries from Cllr Sell relating to funding for TouchPoint and the potential relocation of youth services to the Peter Kirk site. Cllr Gooding would seek an update on the latter point and report back to the Parish Council. Cllr Jones stressed that this information was required to include in the draft NDP. Cllr Caton added that in a report to the UDC Local Plan Leadership Group, it is stated that Stansted is bottom of the list for community facilities.
Birchanger Roundabout works – Cty Cllr Gooding and the Chair of Birchanger Parish Council met with the contractor last week. They seem helpful and have offered to liaise with local communities if we wish. Birchanger Lane will be closed for 90 days during the construction period to avoid it being used as a rat run which is already evident.
Impending Fuel Poverty – There is going to be a significant increase which will hit hard. Parishes will need to keep a close eye out for anyone getting into difficulties.
350 TO APPROVE THE LIST OF PAYMENTS – Approved
351 TO RECEIVE THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO 28TH FEBRUARY 2022
The Clerk advised that this was not ready yet so will be deferred until the next meeting
352 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1 UTT/22/0393/HHF – 23 RAINSFORD ROAD
Single storey rear and side extension to replace the existing side extension, entrance porch and flat roof to be extended forward.
No Comment
2 UTT/22/0382/HHF – BONTDDU, BURTON END
Erection of rear extension and garage, roof alternations and demolition of side extension (revisions to scheme approved under UTT/21/2824/PDE)
No Comment
3 UTT/22/0212/FUL – 1A LOWER STREET
Change of use from mixed use office and training facility to a tattoo studio
No Comment
4 UTT/22/0213/LB – 1A LOWER STREET
Internal alterations in connection with change of use from mixed use office and training facility to a tattoo studio, including installation of two smoke detectors and internal CCTV
No Comment
5 UTT/22/0322/HHF – 55 MOUNTFITCHET ROAD
Section 73A Retrospective application for the erection of pergola in rear garden
No Comment
6 UTT/22/0384/HHF – 52 LOWER STREET
Proposed replacement of 5no. windows
No Comment
7 UTT/22/0492/HHF – 13 BENTFIELD END CAUSEWAY
Proposed open porch
No Comment
8 UTT/22/0434/OP – LAND NORTH OF STANSTED AIRPORT
Outline application for demolition of existing structures and redevelopment of 61.86Ha to provide 195,100sqm commercial/employment predominantly within Class B8 with Classes E(g), B2 and supporting food retail/food/beverage/nursery uses within Class E (b) and E (f) and associated access/highway works, substation, strategic landscaping and cycle route with matters of layout, scale and appearance and other landscaping reserved.
Cty Cllr Gooding stated that he had been in contact with the Burnt Mill Academy Trust (Forest Hall School) regarding the possible re-provision of the football pitches at the school.
The Chair stated her views that this would not necessarily be the best solution for the community, and this was the absolute minimum that should be expected in benefits.
The Clerk had spoken with the planning officer dealing with this application and she had indicated that the Parish Council could have an extra few weeks beyond the published 21 March deadline, to submit its comments. It was agreed that the Planning Working Group would meet to discuss in detail and make a recommendation to the Full Council at its next meeting. Cllr Kavanagh stated it was important to have everybody’s comments on this major application so all councillors were asked to submit their views, in writing, to the Clerk by Friday 11th March 2022.
9 UTT/22/0457/OP – LAND TO THE EAST OF HIGH LANE
Outline application with all matters reserved except for access for up to 30 no. dwellings, parking, landscaping, access and all associated development.
The Clerk read out comments received from a member of the public and the Chair had referred to objections from local residents in her report earlier in the meeting. Cllr O’Brien, whilst not present at the meeting, had expressed his views by email ahead of the meeting.
After discussion, it was unanimously agreed to object to this application. Full reasons would be worked up by Cllr Kavanagh ahead of comments being submitted to UDC, but would include:
- Not a site supported under the Call for Sites – repeat same reasons
- We have a Climate Crisis – should be preserving trees, not felling them, for reasons of biodiversity
- Flooding concerns – close to Ugley Brook and land identified for Natural Flood Management scheme
- Access – staggered junction conflicts with Essex Design Guide
- Lack of footway along section of High Lane
- Proximity to high voltage power line across the site
- Possible loss of views across towards the Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve
Cllr Jones commented that the draft NDP and Call for Sites is currently showing support for one site on High Lane – this may need to be reviewed in light of this decision. The Clerk confirmed that it would be an agenda item for the next meeting.
10 UTT/22/0518/HHF – 46 STONEYFIELD DRIVE
2 storey side extension and single storey rear extension
No Comment
11 UTT/22/0502/FUL – 5 WHITE BEAR
Proposed 4 bedroom detached dwelling
No Comment
353 CLIMATE CHANGE – TO RE-AFFIRM THE COUNCIL’S POLICY WITH REGARD TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Cllr Jones explained that a working group had been established a few years ago but for various reasons – loss of members, Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns – little progress had been made. He therefore considered it important that the Council review its previously stated position. He stressed that there will be cost implications for the Council if it is to move towards carbon neutrality and this should be considered when preparing the 2023/24 budget.
Having been proposed by Cllr Jones and seconded by Cllr Caton, it was unanimously
RESOLVED:
- a) that a Climate Emergency exists and this Council will seek to launch and support a community-led campaign to find means of reducing carbon emissions so as to contribute, in however small a way, towards a solution.
- b) that this Council has a responsibility to lead by acting to reduce emissions in all areas within its control.
- c) to support a community-led group, not least in developing links with neighbouring towns and parishes to implement larger initiatives, including campaigning for policies and resources to combat the impact of global warming.
354 TO ENCOURAGE THE SETTING UP OF A COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION GROUP
It was agreed to establish an action group. Cllr Jones said he would continue to work with the Projects Officer to move this forward and asked anyone seriously interested in joining to make contact either with him direct or via the office.
Meeting closed 9.00pm
ACTION POINTS
347b NDP group to review comments made by Inspector regarding SW draft NDP
349 Cty Cllr Gooding to find out and report back on potential relocation of Youth Services
352(8) Planning Working Group to meet and all members to submit comments to the Clerk
AGENDA
NOTICE OF MEETING You are summoned to attend a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL which will be held on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 at 7.30pm in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted, Essex where the following business will be transacted:
1 To approve apologies for absence
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Adjourn for public participation
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2 To receive declarations of interest
3 To receive the minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 23rd February 2022 – to follow
4 To receive an update on progress since the last meeting
5 To receive the Chairman’s Report
6 To receive the District Councillors’ Report
7 To receive the County Councillor’s Report
8 Finance – To approve the list of payments – to be tabled at the meeting
9 Finance – To receive the Income and Expenditure to 28th February 2022 – to follow
10 To consider the list of planning applications received– attached
11 Climate Change – to re-affirm the Council’s policy with regard to Climate Change – previous report attached
12 To encourage the setting up of a Community Climate Change Action Group
Ruth Clifford, Parish Clerk -24 February 2022