Full Council Meeting Minutes 9th February 2012
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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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DRAFT MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING HALSTEAD, Essex. CO9 1ET
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Membership:
| Councillor D Hume | Chairman |
Present |
| Councillor Mrs J A Pell | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Mrs J Allen Councillor Mrs H W Catley |
Present Present |
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| Councillor Mrs S A Diver | Present |
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| Councillor M J Fincken | Present |
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| Councillor Mrs L J Hilton | Present |
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| Councillor S Kirby | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs K A Little | Present |
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| Councillor A Munday |
Present |
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| Councillor K Paisley |
Present | |
| Councillor D Sharp |
Present | |
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Also in attendance: Cllr J Pike – Essex County Councillor
Mr M O’Brien – Agent for Dominos Pizza
Mr R Richmond – Public
Mr P Luxford – Scott Properties
Mr G McCormick – Scott Properties
Mrs C Logan – Public
Mr D Connew– Area Manager, ECC Youth Service
Mr D Cardle – Halstead Youth Leader
Mr M Murkin – Town Clerk
Mrs J Smith – Minute Clerk
568. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllr Mrs H Catley and Cllr K Paisley
569. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr S Kirby declared personal and prejudicial interest in all planning items as member of BDC Planning Committee.
Cllr D Hume declared personal interest in Agenda item no. 12 as Trustee of Courtauld Homes of Rest
Cllr M Finken declared personal interest in planning item 12/00127/FUL as Governor of Ramsey College
Cllr D Sharp declared personal interest in planning items 12/00104/FUL as shareholder in Co-operative Wholesale Society
Cllr Mrs J Allen declared personal interest in planning item 12/00004/FUL as family member works at Maycast Nokes
Cllr Mrs J Pell declared personal interest in agenda item no. 17 as member of Halstead Hospital League of Friends and declared personal interest in agenda item no. 13 as Chair of Friends of Halstead Public Gardens.
Cllr Mrs L Hilton declared personal interest in agenda item no. 13 as Secretary of Friends of Halstead Public Gardens
Cllr Mrs S Diver declared personal interest in agenda item no. 13 as member of Friends of Halstead Public Gardens
570. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs C Logan, representing Halstead Churches Together asked the Council’s policy on underpinning voluntary groups, particularly those working with young people.
Mr R Richmond referred to agenda item no. 15 and the reply sent by Town Clerk to his original letter on the subject of the Jubilee Fountain, Market Hill. Mr Richmond said that he had never asked for removal of the plants in the stone troughs around the Fountain. He said that the soil in the top drinking troughs was in bags and leakage of soil was staining the marble. Mr Richmond felt the fact that the oblong troughs are made of fibreglass and not plastic is irrelevant and notes that there is no mention of staining on the stonework. Mr Richmond felt that a decision on this matter must be made tonight, and not swept way as on previous occasions and said that the Town Council must make the decision without reference to other interests.
Mr M O’Brien gave councillors an overview of the proposals on agenda at planning item 12/00071/FUL & 12/00072/LBC to change use of premises to A5 and said that the type of retail outlet proposed would not impact on Highway or raise concerns for neighbouring properties. He said that litter would not be a problem as most of the sales are for home delivery. He also said that the trader would be prepared to stop counter service before public houses close. He ended by saying that the proposed development would create up to 24 jobs, with good prospects for employees to enhance their employment prospects.
571. PRESENTATIONS.
a) Police. No member of the police was present.
b) Darren Connew – Area manager for ECC Youth Service
Mr Connew said that at present transition of youth services is at discussionstage for implementation on 2nd April; recruiting was taking place and a meeting would take place shortly to formulate an interim plan. He said that there would be focus on mentoring and helping young people to achieve their potential but that at present no decision had been taken on whether to close the existing centre. He said that there would be discussions about opening up the existing centre to other groups, and there was a possibility of support for other voluntary groups. He was asked if there would be charges for other voluntary groups to use the centre but said that this had not yet been agreed. Mr Connew said that he would keep Halstead town councillors appraised of agreements and the outcome of the focus meeting. He was asked if the Youth Service would be proactive in liaising with other groups and if there could be publicity and perhaps an open day to show the potential of the building. Mr Connew that he would take these suggestions on board.
Cllr Joe Pike asked Chairman if he may speak, and said that the details given Mr. Connew had not been transmitted to the County Council and asked if the existing youth clubs for 8yr olds and 13yr olds would continue to be run. He also asked what chance local groups would have to voice their opinions if matters were due to be finalised shortly. Mr Connew said that no decisions on matters to be implemented by 1st April had yet been made, and said that as well as local Councillors he would keep County Council informed. Mr Connew was asked if he would return at the next Council meeting to appraise members of decisions and agreed to do so.
Chairman thanked Mr Connew for his presentation.
Mr Connew and Mr Cardle left the meeting at this point.
c) Scott Properties (EMD Site) Mr P Luxford
Mr Luxford welcomed the opportunity to advise members of the outcome oftheir survey regarding proposed development on the site. He felt that there was a need for another retail outlet in Halstead and would produce evidence that many residents shop outside the town at present. Details were given about consultations with Essex County Council Highways, and Braintree District Council planning department and Historic Buildings section and also liaison with Police. Mr Luxford said he was not at liberty to say at present which company was most interested in the site, but he would make sure that the Mayor is told before the newspapers have been informed. He hoped that an operator would sign agreements soon, and that a plan could be lodged by the end of February. He said that there would be an enhanced walkway at the rear of properties fronting The Causeway and that this would have added security. Cllr S Kirby asked if there would be time restrictions on parking and it was said that negotiations regarding parking arrangements could take place.
Chairman thanked Mr Luxford and Mr McCormick for attending and for informing Councillors of plans.
Mr Luxford, Mr McCormick and Cllr J Pike left the meeting at this point.
572. MINUTES To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12th January 2012.
Minutes were unanimously approved.
573. PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
Cllr S Kirby left the meeting
Cllr A Munday, Chairman of the Planning Committee took the Chair for thispart of the meeting.
12/00039/LBC – 6 Factory Terrace, Factory Lane East, Halstead, Essex. CO9 2JH. Retention of work to building to block up an internal doorway.
Members raised no objections.
12/00059/ELD – 6 Factory Terrace, Factory Lane East, Halstead, Essex. CO9 2JH. Application for an Existing Lawful Development Certificate – Division of property into two separate residential units.
As on previous occasion, members raised concerns that this Grade II listed building has been altered internally without permission.
12/00023/FUL – Cedars Residential Home, Sudbury Road, Halstead, Essex. CO9 2BB. Variation of condition no. 3 of approved application 09/00896/FUL (Tree Protection). Erection of side and rear extensions.
Members raised no objections
12/00004/FUL – Maycast Nokes Prevision Engineering, Factory Lane West, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1EX. Erection of single storey extension to provide storage space.
Members raised no objections
12/00071/FUL & 12/00072/LBC – Former Townrow Building, 39 High Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2AA. Change of use to A5, erection of extract duct/ventilation and compressors.
Members raised no objections on installation of extraction system, nor on change of use but asked that a condition could be placed that there be sympathetic restoration of this historic Grade II listed building and historical feature of the Town. Members also asked that a condition be placed that counter service should close by 11p.m.
12/00104/FUL – Signal House, Factory Lane West, Halstead, Essex. Change of use from D1 to A1 in respect of the pharmacy unit only. Proposed extension to shop floor area to include removal of brickwork, internal dividing wall between columns and installation of an infill shop front to right hand side elevation.
Members raised no objections
11/01567/FUL – Priory Hall, Colchester Road, Halstead, CO9 2ES. Erection of 31no. dwelling comprising 20no. 2 bedroom cottages, 8 no. 1/2 bedroom apartments, 2no. additional 1 bedroom units to Priory Hall and one additional 1 bedroom unit to Block F. Revised plans. Replies required within 14 days.
Members raised no objections, but asked that a letter be written to BDC about the slow uploading of data from their website and about confusing information.
Clerk was asked to notify all members if hard copies of plans are received in Council Office.
Mr O’Brien left the meeting at this point.
12/00127/FUL – the Ramsey School, Colne Road, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2HR. Installation of a demountable classroom as a pre-school provision with associated services to house Park Pre-School relocated from New Street, Halstead.
Members raised no objections.
11/01491/FUL – 3 Fifth Avenue, Bluebridge Industrial Estate, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2SZ. Installation of an external dust extraction unit including the creating of a concrete support plinth.
Members raised no objections
12/00151/FUL – 41 Ozier Field, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1UX. Erection of single storey rear extension.
Members raised no objections
12/00155/FUL – The Ramsey School, Colne Road, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2HR. Change of use of 3no. classroom/offices to general office, Disabled WC, waiting area and 3no. interview rooms for Citizens Advice Bureau.
Members raised no objections, but asked that a condition for ‘community use’ could be placed on decision.
12/00107/T56 – Land North East of Flint Cottage, Sudbury Road, Halstead, Essex. Proposed installation of 1no. BT DSLAM cabinet.
Members raised no objections
12/00164/ADV – Signal House, Factory Lane West, Halstead, Essex. Display of externally illuminated fascia sign and projecting sign (which has deemed consent)
Members raised no objections
12/00167/FUL & 12/00168/LBC – Workshop at Rear of 3 Market Hill, Halstead, Essex. Conversion of former workshop to single dwelling and internal and external alterations.
Members had reviewed similar plans for this development in November 2011.
After discussion members proposed this application be rejected on the grounds of overdevelopment of site; back land development and poor access.
12/00169/FUL & 12/00170/CON – Shed at rear of 3 Market Hill, Halstead, Essex. Demolition of existing shed and erection of a detached dwelling.
Members proposed this application be rejected on the grounds of overdevelopment of site; back land development and poor access.
12/00182/FUL – 23 Harvey Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2LH. Erection of single storey rear extension and division of rear footpath to no. 21 and 19.
Members raised no objections
Cllr Munday said that he would be leaving a projector for use at future meetings as after investigation he thought that units on the market would not be suitable, or too expensive, for purchase. Clerk could set up projector prior to meetings.
Cllr Mrs J Pell asked if Council would consider special planning meetings, but
was told that at this meeting there had been an influx of plans in the last few
days with comments being required very soon. At this time is was decided to
leave planning to be discussed at Council meetings.
Cllr Munday stood down from the Chair
Cllr S Kirby returned to the meeting
Cllr D Hume resumed chair of the meeting
574. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Report was noted
575. FINANCE
a) MJonthly Summary and Reconcilliation (December)
Report was noted
b) Financial Monitoring
Cllr Mrs J Pell asked if Council was on course to meet targets, and was told
that most would be within expected tolerances.
Report was noted.
c) Monthly Performance.
Cllr Munday asked if difficulties with the car park ticket machines had been
resolved and was told that an upgrade to machine would be supplied.
revenues for parking were down slightly, but no downward trend could be
detected. It was agreed that Council would talk to any new large retail outlets in the town regarding parking.
Cllr Mrs S Diver questioned the amount of sick leave and was told that this was
mainly one employee with ongoing health problems.
Report was noted.
576. COMMUNITY HALL STEERING GROUP
Some results of recent household survey had been received and would be analysed. Council awaits further information, and commended work done.
Report was noted
577. YOUTH
Cllr Mrs Hilton reported that a further Youth Council meeting was scheduledand that YC members had been invited to the public meeting about Jubilee celebration events. It was said that this Council remains positive about support for the youth of the town; it was noted that on the household survey returns 21% of returns were from people under 21yrs.
Verbal report was noted
578. BEAT a FEST
Members agreed that past events had been successful and had brought inpeople from surrounding villages. Members agreed to sponsor the event to be held on 23rd June 2012 and provide finance up to £200 for hire of sound system; pay for an event licence (£22) and pay staff to erect and dismantle the TCSG marquee (at approximate cost of £80)
579. HEDINGHAM ROAD - Safety Issues
Cllr Mrs J Pell said that she had within the past three years, conducted a survey, with ECC Highways officer on bus stops within Halstead and this proposed site in Hedingham Road had been turned down as pavement was too narrow and sight line was not good. It was recognised that more people were now using the Hospital as the new re-hab unit is in place, and with recent concerns being raised about speed of traffic in the area it was felt that a zebra crossing could be a traffic calming measure.
Members voted to support the request for traffic safety measures in Hedingham Road subject to a safety audit
580. TASK & FINISH GROUPS
a) Events and Diamond Jubilee
Letters had been sent to various clubs, societies and volunteer groups inviting them to a public meeting to be held at Queen’s Hall on Monday 13th February
Cllr Pell asked it to be noted that Friends of Halstead Public Gardens had offered to pay for Morris Men to attend, subject to cost.
Report was noted.
581. BEEKEEPING & BEEHIVE ON ALLOTMENT
Councillors thought that in principle this would be good for the environmentand proposed site was away from other allotment holders. It was consideredthat signs noting the position of the hive be posted as advisory notes for thosewho suffer from allergic reaction to bee stings.
Councillors voted to agree to this request for beekeeping and hive on Plot 42 of Parsonage St. allotment site.
582. JUBILEE FOUNTAIN
Councillors noted letter received from resident regarding planting at the Fountain site. Councillors noted that this is a listed building, and Cllr Mrs J Allen questioned whether this historic monument needed floral adornment. It was noted that the Fountain was dirty, from top to bottom, and it wassuggested that costs of cleaning be sought, and any available grants for this work be investigated.
After discussions members resolved to ask that the planted plastic tubs around the centre of the structure be removed and that Clerk investigate the costs of specialist cleaning of the Fountain. Planting in horse troughs and drinking bowls to remain, fibreglass planters on plinths to remain.
583. QUEEN’S HALL
It had been noted that the floor at Queen’s Hall is showing signs of wear and is in need of re-sealing. Two quotes had been received. In view of the uncertain future of community halls in Halstead
Members resolved to accept the quote from Endeavour Services to attend to the floor at Queen’s Hall.
584. MARQUEE
At a recent meeting of the Events and Jubilee Task and Finish Group it hadbeen suggested that Council purchase a marquee to compliment the one owned by Town Centre Strategy Group and used by community groups in the Town. Discussion took place about the most useful size to buy and quotes had been obtained from three retailers.
Members resolved to purchase a marquee from Norwich Camping & Leisure at 4m x 4m at a cost of £299 plus delivery, a tie-down kit and VAT provided that supplier is able to match quality of existing marquee.
585. REQUEST FOR A GRANT - Tabor Centre
Members noted the request for a grant and the supporting documents.
Members resolved to make a grant of £500 to the Tabor Centre
586. EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
The following resolution was proposed and seconded:
RESOLVED: That pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2) of the Admission to Meetings Act 1960, in view of the next items to be conducted, the press and public to be excluded from the meeting.
Chairman thanked all who attended and closed the meeting at 9.32 pm