MINUTES
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th November 2021 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
PRESENT
Cllr M Caton (Chairman), Cllrs A Barnes, G Braeckman, P Davies, A Guney, J Hogg, J Hudson, M Jessup, J Kavanagh, A Khan, J O’Brien, L Prior, F Richards, G Sell and T Smith
ATTENDING
Mrs Ruth Clifford – Parish Clerk
Mrs Emma Philbrick – Trainee Deputy Clerk
District Councillors M Caton and A Dean
County Councillor Ray Gooding
9 members of the public
237 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – None
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One member of the public spoke regarding Christmas trees for the village
One member of the public spoke to give an update on Touchpoint
One member of the public spoke on the following topics:
– Traffic monitoring appearing in the village
– Article in the local paper relating to the Environment Agency
– Remembrance Sunday
District Councillor Caton responded regarding the traffic monitoring.
One member of the public spoke regarding the following:
– Traffic monitoring appearing in the village
– Remembrance Sunday
– Bullying allegations
– Solar panels on flood warning system
– Ivy on Chapel Hill
District Councillor M Caton responded to the traffic monitoring and the Clerk Ruth Clifford responded on the questions regarding Remembrance Sunday.
Three councillors made statements relating to the bullying allegations.
The Chairman confirmed that the Councils processes are being followed.
Cllr Davies made a further comment on the topic
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDS
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238 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Braeckman declared an interest in the item 12 – Youth Council as until recently he was a member
239 TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 20TH OCTOBER 2021
Cllr Khan asked for an amendment to be made to 217 as it states: “The previous administration was not underfunded”. What he said was “the planning department has never been underfunded so this is systemic failure over a long period”
RESOLVED to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 20th October 2021 as a true and accurate account subject to the above correction being made.
240 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS SINCE THE LAST MEETING
The working group set up to look at the Equality and Diversity Policy has yet to meet as they have not been able to agree on a date.
With the Council’s approval agenda item 17 was considered next
241 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2021 – TO DISCUSS THE LACK OF PROGRESS ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROJECT
Cllr Prior read a statement out in which she raised various questions relating to the lack of progress on the Christmas Lights project.
The Clerk advised that as well as other work having to take priority it had been agreed by the Finance Committee in June not to progress this scheme until the result of the Welcome Back Fund is known as this would add additional funds to the project and a better scheme could potentially be delivered.
Cllr O’Brien responded that he takes grievance to comments on social media that the Parish Council are robbing money from parishioners when this is definitely not the case.
Cllr Davies commented that he sent an email on 8th November with questions regarding this that hadn’t been responded to. The Clerk advised that the item was put on the agenda at his request.
242 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Attached
Cllr Prior asked if any information on street parties and road closures for the Queen’s Jubilee had been received. The Chairman advised that information will be released but it hasn’t come through yet.
243 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT
District Councillor Alan Dean:
Gave thanks to the Parish Council for the Remembrance Sunday service as he had received a lot of positive comments from parishioners. He thought it was very useful that the wreath layers were read out
He has been asked by residents to thank the Parish Council for the work done on the hedges and trees on the Recreation Ground.
A lot of work has been done on one tree in Cannon’s Mead by City and Country. The residents are very pleased with this.
He has been working closely with Cllr Barnes regarding the S106 agreement at Walpole Meadows. He is in correspondence with S106 officers, and this afternoon had received an email and things are moving.
District Councillor Geoffrey Sell:
District Cllrs Sell and Khan are members of the Investment Board. Uttlesford have previously claimed it was debt free but this is no longer the case because they have had to meet the gap in reduction of Central Government funding. They have made a total of 7 investments at a total cost of £253 million. These give a return of £12 million per annum to fund services. However, the Government has been in discussions with CiPFA regarding the amount of debt some Councils have incurred and there is talk of a possible debt cap being introduced for Councils. Peter Holt who is the Chief Executive at Uttlesford has held talks with MP Kemi Badenoch to put its case on why they have had to do what has been done to maintain levels of service and the outcome is awaited
The Parish Council and a resident have approached him as they have been told by UDC that they cannot have a green garden bin. The office has been told that they cannot add any more stops to their route , he will follow up on this.
He is working with Saffron Walden Library to get the first 10 years of the Link magazine digitised.
Saffron Walden Museum is going to let him have copies of things which relate to the Queen over her 70 year reign, particularly relating to any visits to the district.
District Councillor Ayub Khan
Thanks to residents of the Mountfitchet Estate and Churchfields for bringing the state of the hedges to his attention and all the work has now been carried out.
There was an issue at the Cemetery but well done to the Clerk Ruth Clifford for getting this sorted and the resident has also sent their thanks.
244 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
County Councillor Ray Gooding reported the following:
He has submitted a request for the information recorded from the traffic surveys to be made available but as it has been commissioned by UDC as part of their Local Plan it may not be made available. Still awaiting a decision on the request.
Work has been done on the drains at Coltsfield and the resident has given their thanks.
The drains in Old Bell Close have been done but there is still an issue with a manhole cover but this is the responsibility of Anglia Water.
Church Road – Jetting has been done but there is still more strategic work to do so they will be coming back. There is also a blockage underground at the junction with Maitland Road and this will need to be excavated and dug up.
Hargrave Close – a site visit is scheduled for next week.
Quite a few complaints about Silver Street. Flooding seems to be appearing in new areas.
He asked Highways to look into the Amhurst development and it appears that Amhurst haven’t fulfilled all their obligations. Talks need to take place with UDC enforcement.
Since Covid-19 there has been a significant increase in domestic violence and Essex County Council have just received substantial funding from the Government to reallocate and draft a new policy. They are looking at ways in which people in the community can be made more aware of these issues and also ways in which District, County and Parish Councillors can help by signposting people in the right direction and hopes to send out details and presentations to those councillors regarding safeguarding and understanding that type of approach. Cllr Richards asked what measures were being put in place for services which are not accessible to those in rural areas. Cty Cllr Gooding advised that this is why a strategy is being put in place so they can be accessed wherever they are. Cllr Caton advised that there are a number of Councillors including herself who have experience with safeguarding issues and would happily make themselves available. Cty Cllr Gooding also mentioned contacting Touchpoint to see where they could offer assistance.
Cllr Sell asked if there was any progress on the Peter Kirk Site? Cty Cllr Gooding advised that yes there was a lot going on at the moment but there is a lot of physical work which would need to be done. There are also talks taking place on changing what the building is used for.
245 FINANCE
- a) PAYMENT SCHEDULE – Approved
- b) TO RECEIVE THE SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT AND VAT RETURN TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2021 – The clerk tabled this and reported that the first Internal Audit review had taken place the previous week.
246 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1 UTT/21/3123/HHF – 21 ST JOHNS CRESCENT
Proposed side extension, projecting porch covering and internal alterations at ground floor level.
No objection
2 UTT/21/2737/HHF – 3 BENTFIELD ORCHARD
Single storey rear extension and side extension to replace the existing temporary structure
No objection
3 UTT/21/3152/FUL – PLOTS 7 & 8 EASTFIELD STABLES, MAY WALK
Change of use of a redundant rural building into 2 no. residential dwellings
The planning officer’s reason for refusal of 2 dwellings on this spot remains valid.
We would query how an incomplete new build (2021) can be considered a redundant rural building, when it has not been used for the purpose under which it was originally approved. (1993). The number of dwellings now exceeds the maximum number permitted under conversion of rural buildings.
The Parish Council objects and reiterates its concerns with development on this site.
4 UTT/21/3064/HHF – RYDERS FARM – BURTON END
Demolition of existing workshop and erection of replacement workshop. Erection of garage and home office. Works to dwelling including raising roof and adding 1 no. dormer window, internal alterations and changes to existing windows/doors.
The Parish Council objects to this application as it supports the comments made by Place Services regarding Historic buildings and conservation advice.
5 UTT/21/3065/LB – RYDERS FARM, BURTON END
Demolition of existing workshop and erection of replacement workshop. Erection of garage and home office. Works to dwelling including raising roof and adding 1 no. dormer window, internal alterations and changes to existing windows/doors.
The Parish Council objects to this application as it supports the comments made by Place Services regarding Historic buildings and conservation advice
6 UTT/21/3238/HHF – `15 STONEY COMMON
Proposed ground floor rear extension, loft conversion and insertion of two ground floor windows in existing flank wall
No objection
7 UTT/21/3259/HHF – THE OLD POST OFFICE, 65 CHAPEL HILL
Demolition of existing ancillary out building and erection of a new single storey out building
No objection
8 UTT/21/3284/FUL – EASTFIELD STABLES, MAY WALK
Variation to application UTT/21/2385/FUL for proposed extension and external works to existing store building in order to replace the existing flat roof of workshop with a pitched roof
No objection
247 HIGHWAYS SUB-COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13TH OCTOBER 2021
206a – Residents who attended the last Full Council meeting were due to meet with District Cllrs Khan and Sell but Cllr Sell was unwell and one resident was unable to attend. Awaiting some dates on when the resident is available. This is just the first stage and a full consultation will be carried out.
206c – A resident contacted Cllr Sell with an additional suggestion for parking restrictions around Bentley Drive/Bayford Way. These will be included in the submission which is sent to the North Essex Parking Partnership.
206f – This will go to consultation before any decisions made.
207 – Cllr Sell took this issue up with Nigel Brown at UDC. He highlighted the concerns regarding lack of noise barrier but was told it was not part of the S106 requirement so the developers were not required to do so. A management company has been set up for these residents and Cllr Sell is liaising with Cty Cllr Gooding and also following up lighting issues with Nigel.
It was agreed that details of consultations will be sent to all members as and when available.
RESOLVED to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 13th October 2021
248 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 27TH OCTOBER 2021
RESOLVED to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 27th October 2021
Given the constraint on time for the remainder of the meeting, it was agreed to defer items 13 and 15 until the next meeting and the running order of the agenda was amended
249 TO CONSIDER INCREASING THE HOURS OF WORK FOR ONE STAFF MEMBER
Cllr Sell advised that he did not support this during the recent F&GP meeting as he required more information. This has now been received and he is happy to support. Cllr Davies advised that he would have expected a more in-depth report. Having been proposed by Cllr Sell and seconded by Cllr Jessup with 13 votes in favour and 2 abstentions it was:
RESOLVED to increase the hours of work for one member of staff
250 YOUTH COUNCIL – TO CONSIDER A SPECIAL DISPENSATION TO ALLOW A 19-YEAR OLD TO JOIN THE YOUTH COUNCIL
The Chairman read a brief statement for the candidate after which the issue was discussed. Discussions took place in which several councillors expressed their views either in support or
against the proposal. Following the discussion having been proposed by Cllr Khan and seconded by Cllr Smith with 11 votes in favour, 1 vote against and 3 abstentions it was:
RESOLVED to allow a special dispensation for one 19-year old to join the Youth Council
251 FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS – TO MAKE A DECISION ON HOW AND WHERE MEETINGS SHOULD BE HELD IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 CONCERNS
The Clerk advised that concerns have been received from members and the public regarding the rise in Covid-19 cases and the need to put in measures during Full Council meetings. Discussions took place on how meetings could be made safer. The Day Centre is a bigger space with better ventilation. Having been proposed by Cllr Richards and seconded by Cllr Sell it was unanimously:
RESOLVED to move Full Council meetings to the Day Centre until further notice.
All other meetings will continue to take place in the Mountfitchet Exchange.
252 RECREATION GROUND – TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM A RESIDENT FOR THEIR WATER CONNECTION TO BE INSTALLED UNDER THE
An email and site plan from the resident was circulated to all members ahead of the meeting. The Chairman read out a further email from the resident which had been received that day advising that if the work was to be done under the Recreation Ground that it would not have to be dug up but instead trenchless technology used.
The Chairman advised that it was now past 10pm and would members like to lift standing orders to carry on? It was agreed to continue with this item but defer items 13 and 15 until the next meeting on 16th December.
After some discussion by members and Cllr Richards expressing her concern regarding tree roots, having been proposed by Cllr O’Brien and seconded by Cllr Hogg it was unanimously:
RESOLVED that the Council would not have an issue with this as long as trenchless technology was used and the agreement will be subject to a Wayleave agreement being put in place and any legal expenses incurred by the Council being met by the resident.
Meeting Closed 10.04pm
ACTION POINTS
240 Working Group to meet to work on the Equality and Diversity Policy
Defer item 13 – Branding and item 15 – Policies Working Group to the next Full Council meeting on 15th December 2021
CHAIR REPORT
Maureen Caton:We await the outcome of our capital funding bid to UDC to update the kitchen and other areas at the current Day Centre and Crafton Green House. Our vision is that all 3 Parish Council properties will become a Community Hub that promotes the spirit of support and cohesion we have seen come to the fore in our community over the last year or so.
The Working Group following its responsibility for due diligence have made the decision not to progress with Enterprise East for a food service delivery model. This decision was also reached as this model was unable to be flexible with the use of the kitchen and accommodation for some of your existing group users. However, Touchpoint will be offering a further hot meal service on Fridays as well as Thursdays. We are working very closely with Touchpoint to explore and commission further food delivery options to cover up to five days a week. Thank you to Touchpoint and the Working Group for all your hard work and support on this venture.
The reprovision of the Almshouses remains an issue as there is currently no immediately available and agreed site / land and LEAP (Legacy East Almshouse Partnership) who are project managing and fund holding for this venture are increasingly concerned that the funding remains unallocated and may not be used in the Parish and for the benefit of \Parishioners – this is despite a number of investigations into possible sites. We will be looking at the Call for Sites applications and will discuss any possibilities there with UDC, and obviously landowners to endeavour too move this project along and retain this funding.
The Parish Council Planning Working Group, with other councillors observing, met via Zoom with representatives of Columbia Threadneedle to impress on them the limited consultation with Stansted residents and how this could be overcome with a further leaflet drop; mitigation of the impact of increased traffic on our highways; and the benefits we can expect – particularly in respect of sports facilities and youth football – as the current agreement for land use for youth football is temporary. The meeting was constructive and the plan is now to meet up to look at the considered access issues to the Stansted Northside site and within the village; possible additional transport links, and sites for additional sports facilities. The following councillors will attend the proposed sites meeting Cllr Sell- Highways; Cllr Kavanagh-Planning; Cllr Hogg- Sports, myself and the Clerk and I propose Cllr Davies who has expressed a wish to be involved.
I joined the Speed Watch group last week on Church Road. I was astonished to see that some drivers drove at over 40mph plus along this road and paid no heed to the fact that their number plates were recorded for follow up by the police. This group need volunteers too boost their numbers and to help keep roads like Church Road- where young people walk to school- mum’s push prams etc. safe. One new volunteer also joined us – but please more are needed.
Grove Hill – I am not aware of any developments- I hope our County Councillor will update us with actions that are proposed. I am aware that Cllr Scott has said that he will visit again – I hope with a strategy on how we can address the issues. The Clerk has followed up with the bus company the complaint that they were driving on the pavement and has received a response from the company TrustyBus and a statement of their intention to carry out a site visit.
The vegetation that had grown up the Black Bridge from the entrance on Water Lane has been cleared by Network Rail. Thanks to Cllr O’ Brien for continuously chasing this following our visit and photo shots of the issues with the bridge being shared with Network Rail. Unfortunately, any additional lighting will need to be funded by the Parish – but Network Rail are willing too support our application for this.
The Director for Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities for Essex County Council has confirmed a 70-day consultation period for the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for localities – between mid- May and the end of July 2022. He has confirmed that the district and Parish council will be consulted as well as local patient groups and community groups. We will ensure further information on how residents can have their say and hopefully promote the establishment of a second dispensing pharmacy in the south of Stansted.
Following information available from EALC that councillors do not have to be a member of a standing committee (ie Open Spaces and F&GP) – we plan to undertake a review of the membership of our committees, especially as our newly elected councillors have yet to be assigned a committee. I would be grateful if you could let myself and the Clerk know of your preference for a committee and why you would be a good for selection by 30th November please so we can consider appropriate and equitable allocation. Also, we have been asked by UDC whether we will be taking part in the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration and lighting a Beacon at the end of June 2022 at 21.15. Again, can any volunteers willing to help cost and plan such an event please contact myself or the Clerk. REPORT ENDS