7.30pm Monday 20 September 2021
- Present
- Cllrs J. Beady, D. Botterell, M. Brown, L. Fitzpatrick, G. Foster, K. Green, C. Hamilton (Chair) and P. Taylor T. Spong. Also in attendance; Clerk; K. Harkin, TDC Cllr P. Harris and ECC Cllr D. Land.
Apologies
None received.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2021 were proposed by Cllr Botterell, seconded by Cllr Spong and approved as an accurate record of proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were offered.
Actions Taken Since the Previous Meeting
The Clerk provided a brief update of developments since the last meeting. These are set out in the report ‘Actions from the previous meeting’, to be circulated separately.
Public Forum
- A question was raised about why trains don’t stop at Weeley on Sundays. There is an increasing need especially with a growing population. It was suggested that residents lobby the rail users association.
- A resident asked for the Council's support with planning application 21/01458/FULHH. TDC Cllr Harris agreed to endeavour to mediate.
- The Council was thanked for assisting with new street signs.
- It was confirmed that there has been no progress with the plan for new refuse bins.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris; The consultation for the Local Plan is now complete. No serious issues identified. Importantly, there were no complaints from the developers. Now await the final approval from the Inspector (end of September). Expect full and final approval by TDC in November.
The new museum in Harwich has offered to house findings from excavations at Barrack Field.
Cllr Harris is keen to pursue the matter of devolution to local councils. It was agreed to include this as an agenda item next month.
ECC Cllr Dan Land; Continues his work on highways maintenance issues locally. He is endeavouring to have part of Second Avenue resurfaced.
He announced that ECC financial support has been provided to two local groups.
Correspondence
- Request by Mr A. Harfield for support to have a vehicular weight restriction introduced on Mill Lane. ECC Cllr Land agreed to look into this matter.
- A request to replace the existing Highway Sign - Welcome to Weeley/Lt Clacton was overlooked and not discussed.
- Heritage House Publisher Ltd offer to produce a local map brochure. The Clerk was asked to investigate further.
- St Andrews Primary request for assistance to plant trees was noted.
- ECC public notice to temporarily close and redirect Footpath No. 3 had previously been circulated.
- Further to a complaint by Ms Baldwin about the location of the football posts on the playing field, it was agreed to set up a working party to look into this matter.
Planning Applications
The applications set out in Appendix A were considered by the Council. The Clerk will submit the Council’s comments to TDC.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting; Cllr Green reported that all the street lights in the village are currently working properly.
- Tree Warden; Cllr Brown suggested would like to plant some tree whips in The Spinney. The Clerk was asked to apply for a tree grant.
- Playing Field; issues covered elsewhere on the agenda.
- Children’s Play Area; Awaiting approval of the Council’s request to TDC to invest S106 monies in the expansion of the children’s play area.
- Grass Cutting and Maintenance; there was a request to have an overgrowing hedge on Clacton Road cut back to improve access along the pavement.
- Christmas Tree; Cllr Green tabled costings for the village Xmas tree reiterating his pledge to fund it. Cllr Botterell agreed to look for a supplier for the lights. The Clerk agreed to review the estimate of the cost for the electricity.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths; Cllr Beady presented her report noting a couple of issues.
- TDALC; Cllr Botterell provided a verbal update. He has been nominated as TDALC’s representative to EALC.
- Rural Policing; A variety of 27 crimes were reported locally.
- Speedwatch; Cllr Beady advised that an impressive 22 speedwatch operations had been undertaken since the last Council meeting in July with 264 vehicles being reported. Volunteers are still waiting for training and PPE.
- Weeley Residents Ass; It was reported that new craft activities have been introduced in recent weeks, including a walking group. Details of activities can be found in the Parish Magazine and on the village noticeboards.
- Weeley in Bloom; A new Welcome mural has been installed at the train station. Some vandalism has been experienced at the Station. It is planned to plant 900 bulbs in the village in October.
- Petanque Rink; The sessions continue to go well. The Clerk reported that a quote for the access path has been received but the order has yet to be placed.
Finance and Budget
The payments for September set out in the table in Appendix B were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Botterell and approved by the Council. The payments for August will be considered at the October meeting.
Public Forum
- A request was made for the Council to arrange to have the roadside verge outside a property called Arundel on Clacton Road, included on a grass cutting regime. The Clerk agreed to investigate.
- It was reported that the litter bin opposite 40 Colchester Road is damaged and needs to be replaced. The Clerk agreed to liaise with TDC.
- It was noted that the litter bins on playing fields always appear to be overflowing. The Clerk agreed to discuss with the Chair and consider the feasibility of recycling bins.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm
Planning Applications
| App No. | Details | Address | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21/01313/FUL | Proposed two storey side extension to existing property | College House, Clacton Road Weeley Heath, Essex, CO16 9DZ | No objection and no comment. |
| 21/01508/TPO | 3 No. Oaks - 2m crown reduction. | Land adjacent 2 Barnfields Clacton Road Weeley Heath, Clacton On Sea Essex, CO16 9EF | No objection and comment. |
| 21/01458/FULHH | Proposed extension to existing garage providing car port. | 5 Festival Close Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex | No objections. However, the height of the structure and its proximity to its neighbours house makes it overbearing. The proposed material is out of character. If passed, the Parish Council requests the planning approval includes restrictions on future usage. |
Monthly Payments
| Invoice Date | Cheque No. | Payee | Purpose | Net £ | VAT £ | Gross £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/07/21 | 103156 | Kendall Facility Mgt | Gardening Services for August 2021 | 433.78 | 86.76 | 520.54 |
| 09/09/21 | 103157 | GCS Alarms | CCTV Repairs x 3 | 240.00 | 48.00 | 288.00 |
| 01/09/21 | 103158 | A&J Lighting | Monthly Maint. | 99.98 | 20.00 | 119.98 |
| 11/09/21 | 103159 | K. Harkin | Monthly Expenses | 35.32 | 1.66 | 36.98 |
| 11/09/21 | 103160 | K Harkin | Telephone and Broadband (Aug & Sep) | 72.00 | 0.00 | 72.00 |
| 16/09/21 | 103161 | K Harkin | September Salary | 332.75 | 0.00 | 332.75 |
| 12/09/21 | 103162 | K. Harkin | Stationery Expenses | 12.38 | 2.47 | 14.85 |