Minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th November 2024 in The Mountfitchet Exchange, Crafton Green, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
PRESENT Cllr M Caton (Chair), Cllrs A Barnes, G Braeckman, S Ghosh, A Guney, 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, Cty & District Cllr Ray Gooding, District Cllr Nick Church
Cllr Tom Cunningham – ECC Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport.
1 member of the press, 9 members of the public (2 via Zoom)
217 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One member of the public spoke regarding his views on the Essex Highways’ report on banning HGVs on Grove Hill.
218 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None
219 TO WELCOME CLLR TOM CUNNINGHAM – ECC CABINET MEMBER FOR HIGHWAYS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
A list of questions had been sent to Cllr Cunningham prior to the meeting. Attached is the list of questions and responses but he advised that he will follow these up with a more in-depth response by the end of November and will come back to another meeting in the new year if needed.
As well as answering the attached, he apologised to the Parish Council and residents if they were made to believe that a solution to Grove Hill was ready to go and promised to have a radical look at the situation.
Cllr Khan thanked him for attending and voiced his concerns at the length of time we have to wait to receive answers to questions and he asked whether the Local Highways Panel online dashboard was up and running yet. Cllr Cunningham confirmed that it isn’t and that the LHP is under resource constraints.
Cllr O’Brien gave the correct information re the trash screen at Ugley Brook and the responsibilities for clearing different sections. He detailed the steps the Parish Council has taken to try to keep on top of the situation and prevent flooding. He proposed that if Essex cannot programme the works in, would they consider letting the Parish Council arrange for the debris to be cleared and then reimbursing us. Cllr Cunningham said he would look into it and hopefully they could come up with a solution.
Cllr Kavanagh asked if enforcement cameras could be installed on Grove Hill which would fine drivers who jump the red lights as this seems to work in London. Cllr
Cunningham advised that lots of different options had been looked at but he will look into this more.
Cllr Jones pointed out that s106 planning conditions either drop out or are not adhered to and asked whether Essex Highways can request that developments can only happen if they offer safe access for pedestrians/cyclists?
Cllr Sell asked the following:
- Cllr Bentley told us that he had a vision to get HGVs out of Stansted. Is this still likely? Cllr Cunningham advised that we need a practical solution and so far none have been viable. Hopefully an alternative solution can be found.
- Are LHPs working? Cllr Cunningham believes there have been some improvements. The remit has been changed and some smaller schemes will come forward. There have been problems with communications and timelines.
- B1383 – What are his thoughts on the future as it is likely to be at capacity by 2040?
Cllr Cunningham believes we need more sustainable transport and that more onus needs to be put on the developers. We have to be cleverer and work better with District Councils. ECC cannot afford major improvements and it needs to come from developers and central government. He hopes this is something that the government will address.
Cllr Caton thanked him for attending and will await the promised feedback.
220 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2ND OCTOBER 2024
RESOLVED To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd October 2024 as a true and accurate account.
221 TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS SINCE THE LAST MEETING
PP Ward members to ask for funds from the Capital Budget for Manor Road flats – To be done
PP Ward members to request a meeting with Cllr Coote (Portfolio Holder) re flats – Meeting has been granted but trying to find a date that works for everyone.
PP Parish Council to update their Manor Road flats position statement on the website – Done
PP Parish Council to write to Kemi Badenoch MP – Done.
178 Send Cllr Dean any correspondence between the Parish Council and UDC in relation to the Manor Road flats – Done
178 Ward members to put forward a vote of no confidence in the Portfolio Holder, Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive – Cllr Gooding advised that this has not been done yet as further work needs to be done towards it.
179 Cllr Gooding to raise the issues at the trash screen with Essex County Council – He has done some work towards this but would like a conversation with Cllr O’Brien outside of the meeting regarding this.
179 Cllr Gooding to send over an update on all schemes submitted to the Local Highways Panel for Stansted – Has been waiting on some information but we will have this by Monday 18th November 2024
182 Submit our comments for the Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation – Done
183 Send our Position Paper on Grove Hill to Essex County Council – Done
222 TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE CHAIR, CLLR MAUREEN CATION
“The underlying issue for the structural damage to 3 homes in Spencer Close is not yet determined – this is a multi-agency exercise with work ongoing to minimise the disruption to other neighbours in the Close. 3 homes – facing Chapel Hill have been evacuated. The incident is being co-ordinated by the UDC Incident Management Group and updates are available on the UDC website. Cllr Sell to give any further update known to the meeting.
“The joint licence to occupy both the old Day Centre site and Crafton Green House has now been agreed between the Parish Council and Touchpoint.
“Should you have any issues you wish me to raise at our next joint meeting with District and County Councillors at the end of the month please let me have these as soon as possible.
“We are now in the throes of reviewing the budget projections for next year. If you have any suggested projects that need additional funding we need to be made aware of these now.
“We have been informed by NALC that there is no mitigation for local Councils within the governments increased National Insurance Contribution Scheme – NALC will be continuing to lobby on this – but meanwhile we are calculating the impact on the budget.
“The Youth Club is to receive some additional revenue funding from UDC for this year – which the provider is hoping to fund additional activity equipment/ a fence to prevent access into a neighbouring business and furniture to create a more homely feel for the centre. They are also hoping to create an area where they can record various inputs for the TouchPoint Community Radio Scheme.
“The Chair of Finance and myself are continuing to work and lobby on the issue of the Black Bridge. We feel parishioners are being put at risk and this will only increase if maintenance defects and lighting issues are not addressed urgently.
“The flood store has been given planning permission for its current location with a three-year review to assess the impact of its use. This also gives us time to explore any other potential locations. It has been agreed that we should approach UDC to see how the debris dredged from the brook can be appropriately disposed of; and that the installation of a platform that would be a safety feature for flood wardens dredging the brook at the trash screen, should be discussed with EA and ECC as the Lead Flood Authority.
“The Firework Event – this was a resounding success and everyone personally involved needs to be congratulated for their hard work and commitment – including sponsors/marshals. The comments on Stansted Matters alone are testimony to a fantastic event. We are unable to calculate any profit at the present as we need the Eventbrite account to be fully paid out and there are still some monies to come in from bank transfers on the night – but we estimate will have made a profit – with money to be set aside for future events and some local donations.
“Remembrance Sunday – again a wonderful turn out for this act of Remembrance officiated by Rev’d Flack this year. The donation to the British legion this year was £540.68. Thank you to Carver Barracks and the police for their support with the road closure.
“Finally, to ensure you are all aware the Office will be closed to the public for the Christmas break between 19th December 2024 and 6th January 2025.” Report Ends.
Cllr Sell gave a further update on the situation in Spencer Close.
Cllr Khan advised that TouchPoint Radio has now gone live. He commented on how great the fireworks event was and asked if we had any response from Kemi Badenoch MP on the Winter Fuel Allowance. No response has yet been received, so it was agreed to chase again.
223 TO RECEIVE WRITTEN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
No written reports received.
Cllr Sell reported the following:
The Chief Executive has agreed that they will put information on Pension Credits in with Council Tax bills.
UDC are going to have a challenge by the Local Government Association, Corporate Peer Challenge. They will spend 3 days in UDC in the first week of December to look at how well UDC are doing.
Landscape Officer Ben Smeeden has retired after 40 years at UDC. A replacement has been appointed.
Cllr Gooding reported:
The Manor Road flats situation is ongoing. The provisions being made are not adequate and he believes they need more strategic planning.
224 TO RECEIVE A COUNTY COUNCILLOR WRITTEN REPORT
No written report received.
Cllr Gooding reported:
Would like to meet with Cllr O’Brien re the trash screen.
With regard to the Local Highways Panel, they never received funds from UDC, which is why District Councillors have been excluded from the panel.
Spencer Close – There may be a connection between this and the water leak that was on Chapel Hill.
There has been a complete review of Early Years in Essex. It has come up 0.4% above the national average but UDC is 8% above national average. Cllr Caton pointed out that the data was outcomes but what about the number of places? Cllr Gooding advised that the provision is moving forward.
Cllr Kavanagh asked regarding an application for Home Farm (Essex Waste), Hall Road, Elsenham. She questioned why he had not brought it to our attention given the trouble we have with their vehicles on the village roads. She stated that there is a lack of information regarding the hours of operation and numbers of traffic movements, the operating hours of traffic movement and pointed out the lack of information of routes to be taken. She questioned if Essex Highways will be taking all of this into account. Cllr Gooding advised that they will review all of this and that it is likely to go to the ECC Development and Regulation Committee. He will also check why they didn’t send the application to us for comment.
Cllr Kavanagh asked about SEND provision in Essex. Cllr Gooding said he was disappointed that we didn’t have a more local provision and that Essex slipped on getting Health Care Plans in place but that they are now moving forward.
225 FINANCE
- a) TO APPROVE THE LIST OF PAYMENTS
The invoices were checked against the list of payments before the meeting by Cllr Jones. With no questions, the list of payments was approved
- b) TO RATIFY THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE DATED 16TH OCTOBER 2024
The payment schedule dated 16th October 2024 was ratified.
226 TO CONSIDER MAKING A CONTRIBTUION TO THE TOUCHPOINT KIDS CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Having been proposed by Cllr Sell and seconded by Cllr Love, with 12 votes in favour and 1 abstention, it was:
RESOLVED to grant Touchpoint £1,500 towards their Kids Christmas Appeal.
227 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1 UTT/24/2336/FUL – EASTFIELD STABLES, MAY WALK
Extension to existing Wellness Hub
The Parish Council has no objections to this application but supports the comments made by Elsenham Parish Council.
It was agreed that Cllr Church will raise the issues of access and compliance.
2 UTT/24/2625/FUL – CRAFTON GREEN HOUSE, 72 CHAPEL HILL
Removal of existing Patio, retaining wall, steps & pathway at the back of Crafton Green House. Reinstate new accessible patio to the rear of the property and compliant pathway, ramped section for safe exit from existing building, new steps location, new balustrades for safe usage.
We support this application as it makes a public building fully accessible.
3 UTT/24/2650/FUL – MOUNTFITCHET ROMEERA LEISURE CENTRE, FOREST HALL ROAD
Proposed change from tennis courts to padel courts
We support this application.
4 UTT/24/2776/FUL – WELLNESS HUB, EASTFIELD STABLES, ELSENHAM ROAD
Proposed erection of changing rooms
We neither object to nor support this application but ask whether the road has/or needs consent for use?
5 UTT/24/2837/HHF – 20 MEADOWCROFT
New roof to garage and front elevation, with proposed garage conversion and rear single storey extension, with changes to materials and fenestration
No Comment
228 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9TH OCTOBER 2024
Received
229 HIGHWAYS SUB-COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23RD OCTOBER 2024
Received
230 F&GP COMMITTEE – TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2024
Received
231 TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR CO-OPTION ONTO THE PARISH COUNCIL.
One application had been received and circulated to members with the agenda.
The applicant was present at the meeting and answered a number of questions from members.
RESOLVED That under Section 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
Meeting closed at 9.04pm
Members discussed the application received.
Meeting re-opened at 9.11pm
Having been proposed by Cllr Braeckman and seconded by Cllr Prior, it was unanimously
RESOLVED to co-opt James Hardy onto the Parish Council
Meeting closed at 9.13pm
ACTION POINTS
219 Cllr Cunningham to give more in depth response to questions by the end of November 2024
219 Cllr Cunningham to arrange meeting with MAG
219 Cllr Cunningham to arrange meeting with the Environment Agency and include the Parish Council
221 Ward members still to meet with Cllr Coote re Manor Road flats
221 Ward members to put in a vote of no confidence still
221/224 Cllr Gooding to meet with Cllr O’Brien to discuss the trash screen
221 Cllr Gooding to send update on Uttlesford LHP Schemes by 18th November 2024
222 Chase Kemi Badenoch MP re Winter Fuel Allowance
Questions to, and responses from Essex County Councillor Cunningham
1 Grove Hill
You have already received a copy of the Parish Council’s position paper relating to the significant issues on Grove Hill – particularly its use by large and heavy vehicles. We look forward to receiving your responses to the questions in the document.
He visited the site with a chief engineer and after seeing the situation he sympathises with residents. He will seek to meet with MAG with a view of looking at diverting HGVs along a route which is partly owned by the airport.
2 Church Road
The traffic calming scheme on this road is not fit for purpose and should be removed. The build-outs were constructed without gaps for cyclists or adequate drainage and act as a collection point for both debris and water. Sections of Church Road have flooded for years and whilst we understand that “there is a plan” to undertake investigations or repairs, we would like to know the extent of the scheme and a timeline for its implementation. Pedestrians using this route are regularly soaked from passing traffic hitting the flooded areas.
The Parish Council considers the traffic calming scheme to be dangerous. The last-minute switch of one buildout to the opposite side of the road was a poor judgement and has resulted in cars speeding through this section and, in a number of cases, overtaking waiting traffic to do so. There have also been collisions with motorists turning right as they come uphill whether these have been reported to the Police or not. Our Ward Member has requested that the buildouts be removed and we support his request. We believe that there are other, more effective measures that could be implemented, such as speed cushions. We have previously been told that these cannot be installed on bus routes or in residential areas – there are similar schemes elsewhere in Essex so this information must be incorrect.
The footway alongside Church Road – the main walking route to our only secondary school – is very narrow in parts. We understand that there is a scheme in train to acquire some land from the adjacent landowner to widen the path and have requested sight of the design from your S.106 Officer as the funding was given under a legal agreement associated with the development of Foresthall Park.
Cllr Gooding advised that he has made an application to have the chicanes removed and replaced with another scheme which will have to be looked into. He does not think that speed pads would be a suitable option. He has asked for a new review through the LHP and a design to be drawn up.
3 Flooding – Gall End, Lower Street
The Environment Agency has confirmed Essex CC’s riparian responsibility for maintenance of the area in front of the Lower Street Culvert Trash Screen. This maintenance is never undertaken by ECC. Since the flooding of this area of the village in 2014, clearance work to remove the build-up of debris being washed down the Ugley Brook has been undertaken by a group of volunteer Flood Wardens with equipment provided by the Parish Council. If ECC will not undertake the maintenance themselves, will you give SMPC the funding to carry out essential clearance there and implement measures to allow our Flood Group volunteers to work in safety?
Essex County Council is responsible for some but not all of it. He will arrange a meeting with the Environment Agency. Cllr Caton requested that the Parish Council be involved in the meeting and the office will let him know who should be included.
4 B1383 Cambridge Road
This main north/south route through Stansted (the diversion route when M11 is blocked) carries a high volume of traffic and is said to be at, or very close to, full capacity. What strategic plans do you have to cope with further increases in traffic volumes in the coming years?
In addition, with further development (250 homes) due at Walpole Meadows in the coming years, the footway from there up into the top of the village requires upgrading with the addition of street lighting. Currently it is dark, narrow with a drop on one side and muddy. The speed limit should be reduced to 30mph rather than the 40mph in place now (although 50mph roundels are painted on the road).
Cllr Cunningham will take this away. He advised that any weighted evidence that residents might have to support their argument would be useful. The need for street lighting in that area was also discussed and Cllr Jones advised that ECC need to put pressure on to get this done early in the development of Walpole Meadows 2.
5 High Lane
This road serves as the pedestrian link between Walpole Meadows and the lower part of the village (shops, services, train station) but is unsafe. There are regular incidents of speeding traffic which can be evidenced by SpeedWatch data. As part of a recent planning application, a developer was to provide additional footway connections, together with crossings, to improve the situation, but has now submitted revised plans to which we have objected. If the revised plans are approved, will Essex Highways look to implement similar road safety measures/traffic calming/zebra crossings? Further development along this road will follow as another site has been included in the Uttlesford District Council Reg 19 draft Local Plan.
Cllr Cunningham will discuss the revised Troy Homes application with Highways. It was made very clear that we need them to support the Parish Council in having the original scheme.
6 Planning Applications
This item relates to no. 1 above but also more widely. There has been a string of major planning applications, particularly in our neighbouring parish of Elsenham, where your officers have made no comments. We believe that this has been instrumental in adding to the difficulties on Grove Hill and it seems strange that you would ignore the impact of additional traffic onto the local highway network, especially when you are fully aware of the existing problems.
He cannot give reasons for previous applications but has listened to the strength of views and will give assurance that they will take this away and look at future applications more strategically.
7 Regular Highway Maintenance
- a) How much money has been spent on maintenance in Stansted Mountfitchet in the last 5 years?
- b) How much of Essex Highways’ budget has been spent on capital projects in Stansted Mountfitchet in the last 5 years? (projects not funded by S106 schemes)
- c) What capital projects are planned for the village in the next 5 years?
He does not have these details as they do not record at this level per parish and work on need rather than each parish.
He will look at, and inform us of, major schemes carried out in Stansted.
Qs from members of the public
A Would you please clarify position of unadopted roads. According to the Essex Highways’ website the roads are now called private streets. I would like to know the status of these as regards parking. Are residents who live on these private streets allowed to stop other people parking and then impose huge fines by using parking enforcement companies? Wondered about the legality of all this as there are public rights to use the roads.
He will obtain the legal definition from the legal team and send to the Parish Council.
B Re Highways and infrastructure: is there any imminent plan to repaint road markings in lower Stansted? I have seen more than one near miss at the mini roundabout and bottom of grove hill, where the road markings are barely visible.
Having witnessed it himself on the way to the meeting, he completely agrees and will take this away.
C Any chance that the state of the roads particularly Silver Street/Cambridge Road/Bentfield Road and Grove Hill can be addressed as a matter of urgency?
Will check where this is on the priority list and let us know.
D In Spanish towns, there are usually speed controlled traffic lights. Everyone approaching in excess of the speed limit causes the lights to turn red and bring the car to a stop. This massively slows the traffic to the legal speed. Sometimes Silver Street is like a drag strip.
Does not have the answer to this.
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 13th November 2024 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 welcome Cllr Tom Cunningham – Cabinet ECC Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport
4 To approve the minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 2nd October 2024
5 To receive an update on action points from the last meeting
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:
- a) To approve the list of payments – to be tabled
- b) To ratify the payment schedule dated 16th October 2024 – already circulated
10 To consider making a contribution to the Touchpoint Kids Christmas Appeal
11 To consider the list of planning applications received
12 Open Spaces Committee – to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2024
13 Highways Sub-Committee – to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd October 2024
14 F&GP Committee – to receive the minutes of the meeting held on 6th November 2024
15 To consider an application for co-option onto the Parish Council – any discussion about the candidate may take place in private session
Parish Clerk – 7th November 2024
Any intention to record, film or take photographs during a meeting must be notified to the Clerk prior to the start of the meeting.