MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF Great Bentley Parish Council

held on 2 July 2015 at Great Bentley Village Hall

PART A

Present Cllr J. Hills (Chair), Cllr B. Herbert, Cllr K. Plummer, Cllr C. Warder, Cllr R. Taylor, Cllr G. Wright and P. Balbirnie. Also in attendance were approximately 30 members of the public.

Public Questions None1. Has a response been received from North Essex Parking Partnership regarding

parking on Plough Road? No.2. It was reported that the road sign at the junction by Lufkins Farm has been

replaced.3. How do we fill the parish councillor vacancy? In the first instance a public notice is

published. If enough people request an election, one is held. If not, it may be a case of cooption.

07.15.211 Apologies for absence: No apologies received.

07.15.212 Minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2015:Cllr Balbirnie proposed the minutes of the meeting held on 4 April 2015, Cllr Warder seconded them and they were agreed as a true record of proceedings.

07.15.213 Declarations of Interest: The Chairman reminded members of the need to declare any interests they have in relation to items on the agenda.

07.15.214 Information & Reports: No reports were received.

07.15.215 County and District Councillors Reports:a) County Councillor : Alan Goggin, reported of an issue on the B1027. The

resurfacing maintenance works have been causing problems for motorists

b) District Councillor : L. McWilliams reported that the Women’s Tour had been very successful and she thanked all those who supported the event. The inaugural Clacton Beach Festival takes place on 4 and 5 July and the Clacton Air Show is coming in August. Cllr McWilliams will be attending the Best Kept Village awards next week.

07.15.216 Other Reports:a) PCSO ; Louise Cox’s report was noted. She is now on holiday until 8 July. The

Clerk was asked to liaise with PCSO Cox to find out the situation with regard to the road closure for the Carnival.

b) TDALC ; the minutes have yet to be received.

c) Transport ; Statregic bus survey being undertaken. Raised platform due in August.

d) Footpaths ; Mr David Gollifer presented his report..

e) Caretaker ; Mr B McWilliams provided a brief written report.

f) Village Events for GBPC/Police consideration : The Penguin Random House; intercompany cricket match was held on the Green on 2 July.

07.15.217 Correspondence:a) Mr D Gollifer – Pond Survey, 11-06-15 ; Agreed.b) TDC – Planning training for parish councillor’s, 15-06-15 ; Noted.c) Essex and Herts Ambulance Service – Request for clothing bank, 16/6/1 ; Agreed

to decline the request.d) Ms P. Drew – Complaint relating to the non-release of an audio recording of the

Planning Committee meeting, 16-06-15; Noted.e) Ms P. Drew – Request to display a notice on the Green, 22-06-15 ; Agreed

retrospectively.

07.15.218 Parish Clerk Report: The Clerk presented his report is attached as Appendix A. He was asked to report the motorist sightline at the Heckford’s Road and A133 junction once more. In addition, the Clerk was asked to deliver notices to the residents of Chappell Terrace asking motorists not to park on the Green.

07.15.219 Finance Report: The monthly expenditure report attached as Appendix B was proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Edwards and agreed.

07.15.220 Village Green Working Party: The Chair of the Working Party, Cllr Herbert presented his report attached as Appendix C.

07.15.221 Winter Salt Bag Partnership Scheme: It was agreed to continue to participate in the Scheme again this year and order a ton of salt.

07.15.222 New Bus Shelter on Thorrington Road: It was reported that formal notification of the award funding has been received. A cancellation of a shelter in another location has resulted in in the immediate availability of a ‘Colchester’ style bus shelter, the recommended style for this type of location. Cllr Taylor proposed that the offer of this shelter is accepted. Cllr Herbert seconded the motion.

RESOLVED: That the offer a Colchester style bus shelter is accepted and the necessary installation arrangements are made.

07.15.223 Forge Lane Drainage: Cllr Herbert had covered this item in his Greens report under item 220.

07.15.224 Future Agenda Items: The following items were requested as future agenda items. Audio recordings. Memorial plaque on new allotments. Replacement of 3 x green bins – obtain a quotation. Public Engagement.

07.15.225 Exclusion of the Public: Cllr Taylor proposed that the nature of the business to be discussed under the next item 226 is commercially sensitive and therefore the item should be discussed in camera. Cllr Warder seconded the proposal and the motion was agreed.

Public Questions:1) Kerbstones reported2) It was reported that the signs at the entrance to the village (on Plough Road and

Weeley Road) have been damaged and need to be repaired. The Clerk was asked to report this matter to the appropriate body.

3) The speed sign on Heckford’s Road is faulty. The Clerk was asked to report to Highways.

4) It was reported that vehicles were parked on both sides of Plough Road during the Carnival causing havoc. The Stewards experienced verbal abuse.

5) There was a plea for community assistance to marshal the carnival.

Part B

07.15.226 Station Road/Southside Double-Kerbing Project: Consideration was given to the quotations received as part of the re-tender exercise.

Cllr Plummer proposed that the DA Cant Ltd quotation for the works totaling £7138.10 is accepted subject to obtaining a financial contribution towards the works from Friends of the Green (FoG). Cllr Balbirnie seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED: That the quotation from DA Cant Ltd is accepted subject receipt from Friends of the Green of a minimum contribution of £1500.

In the event of the necessary financial commitment, the Clerk should proceed and make arrangements for the completion of the works. Only bring this item back to members if FoG will not agree to make the financial commitment.

APPENDIX AREPORT OF THE PARISH CLERK

2 July 2015

1. The Play Area Inspection Report : The annual inspection report prepared by The Play Inspection Company has been received TDC. Cllr Herbert has agreed to raise this matter as part of his Green report.

2. Major Housing Development Proposals : I dealt with a complaint about a suggestion made at the last Parish Council meeting that there is a proposal for a housing development on land south of Thorrington Road from Mrs C. Black. She made it clear that this proposal is on land owned by her family but that there is no such development proposal being prepared by her family. I agreed to raise this matter at this meeting and clarify the situation.

I wish to note that much of the Clerk’s time over the past month has been understandably been used dealing with matters relating to the major housing proposals and in particular the Admiral’s Farm outline planning application.

3. Parish Council Insurance Cover : I met with a representative of Came and Company, the broker that deals with the Parish Council’s insurance cover to review levels of cover. I raised the issue of my difficulty in obtaining competitive quotations on a like for like basis. I was assured that Came and Company as brokers are able to trawl the marketplace and obtain the necessary quotations to ensure that the Parish Council secures best value.

4. Amenity Green Space, Larkfield Road : Further to the complaint at the last meeting regarding vehicles being parked on the green space, a letter asking motorists not to park on the green has been posted to all householders in the immediate vicinity.

5. Motorist Sightline A133 and Heckford’s Road : This matter has been reported and is logged under reference 2406359.

Kevin HarkinClerk to Great Bentley Parish Council

APPENIX BItems of Expenditure for Approval 2 July 2015 Agenda Item 07.15.219

02/07/15 SO Mr K Harkin (mth 3) A010 Clerks Salary 846.95£ 846.9502/07/15 DD E.ON (Jun '15) L010 Energy 355.67£ 71.13£ 426.8002/07/15 DD Talktalk (inv date 27-06-15 ) A065 CRC Rent, Equip, Maint & General Costs 56.88£ 11.38£ 68.2602/07/15 DD Verilocation Ltd (inv date 01-07-15, 14of36) G010 Grass Cutting/Green(inc.Gas oil for Tractor) 15.00£ 3.00£ 18.0002/07/15 101570 GBVH (hall hire) Jul '15 A060 Village Hall Hire 30.00£ 30.0002/07/15 101570 GBVH (CRC hire) 1-31 Jul '15 A065 CRC Rent, Equip, Maint & General Costs 190.00£ 190.0002/07/15 101571 Mr R McWilliams A013 Village Caretaker 69.24£ 69.2402/07/15 101572 ICO registration renewal A065 CRC Rent, Equip, Maint & General Costs 35.00£ 35.0002/07/15 101573 RCCE Annual Subs 15/16 A100 Subscriptions 66.00£ 66.0002/07/15 101574 Essex Police (01/04/15 -31/06/15) A020 Police Community Support Officer Incl Tel 4,504.50£ 4504.5002/07/15 101575 Cartledge L020 Call Outs & Repairs 107.91£ 21.58£ 129.4902/07/15 101575 Cartledge L020 Call Outs & Repairs 132.71£ 26.54 159.2502/07/15 101576 SLCC Annual Subs A100 Subscriptions 149.00£ 149.0002/07/15 101577 Mr M Dorling (Inv 009) G010 Grass Cutting/Green(inc.Gas oil for Tractor) 213.75£ 213.7502/07/15 101577 Mr M Dorling (Inv 010) G050 General Repairs/Replacements 67.90£ 67.9002/07/15 101577 Mr M Dorling (Inv 010) G050 General Repairs/Replacements 40.00£ 40.0002/07/15 101578 Bellet Ltd G040 Maint. Mowers & Tractors (incl Insurance) 98.00£ 17.15£ 115.1502/07/15 101579 Mr K Harkin (stationery) A028 Post, Print & Stationary 91.07£ 18.21£ 109.2802/07/15 101580 HMRC Period (15/16 period 1-3) A010 Clerks Salary 839.77 839.7702/07/15 101581 Mr B Herbert (allotment sundries) P010 Repairs and maintenance 56.70 56.70

TOTALS 6840.51 133.63 6974.14

APPENDIX CGreen Report 2nd July 2015

No meeting this month.

Forge Lane Mr Dorling met with Ms Fiona Clark from ECC Highways and showed her photos of the flooding and explained what we felt needed to be done, that is a large soakaway with three drains leading to it. She agreed entirely and promised that it would be put on the list of tasks, but could not say when. M.D. also showed her two other areas close by where flooding occurs. Between Restaurant 43 and Mill Flats where there is a blocked drain, outside Pond Cottage and in The Path. This will also be put into the system and done a.s.a.p.Goal Posts The posts have been moved to their alternative position before the carnival. Whilst moving them it was noticed that they are becoming very corroded and we will soon have to replace them or otherwise.Tractors On the day of the Village Show it is proposed to have a line of old tractors on display. Both of the Parish Council tractors would like to take part in this line up. They would be taken there by our usual driver and all usual health and safety rules would be abided by, if the Council agrees.New Village Signs The signs have arrived and will be erected within the week. There will be invoices from the manufacturers of the signs to the PC.Kerbstones Where the Fair has mounted the Green outside the Red Lion some kerbs have been broken and dislodged.Play Area Report The report has been received and shows only minor risks on some items. The metal picnic table and two other items need painting. The rubber matting needs attention in several places and a bin needs stabilising.

Allotments A new padlock has been purchased and will be welded to a chain and the gate. There are some minor repairs to be done to the rabbit fencing. The remainder of the fence has been inspected and found to be intact.Advertising Signs An advert for a commercial event had been placed near the signpost on the Green. This sign has been removed and the person involved with placing it there declares that she had been given permission by the PC. Also signs advertising a renewable energy company have been removed from the Green.

Bill Herbert

Great Bentley Parish Council

DRAFT MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGHeld on 2 July 2015 at Great Bentley Village Hall.

Present Cllr B. Herbert, Cllr K. Plummer (Chair), Cllr C. Warder, Cllr R. Taylor, Cllr L. Edwards, Cllr P. Balbirnie, Cllr Hills and Cllr Wright.. Also, in attendance were approximately 120 members of the public.

Public Questions: The Chair invited questions from members of the public.1. With regard to 15/00682/OUT, can the PC confirm if there will S106 for education? It

was explained that there almost certainly will be an S106 but that the planning authority will deal with that issue.

2. Mr Harry submitted a 559 signature petition formally asking the Parish Council to object to all large scale development in the village. He read out a prepared statement from ‘Protect Great Bentley’ objecting to all large scale housing developments.

3. It was noted that the comments on the TDC planning website are not attributed.4. Councillors were asked if they could confirm that they had read all documents

presented to the Clerk. The Chair indicated that he had read all the documents.5. Mr Dennett’s read out a prepared statement opposing the development for the reason

of road safety. He suggested that the traffic survey is inaccurate saying that most journeys in to the village from the development will be made by car and not on foot. The development would introduce a very serious road safety issue crossing Heckford’s Road at a very tight bend.

6. Spoke in support of the development. Disagreed that the pedestrian access will be along the road but instead will be across the village green.

7. Suggested that the village school cannot be expanded. Therefore, a financial contribution for education will not resolve the issue. The Chair clarified the education issue.

8. Mr Golifer asserted that there is an environmental and conservation issue. The development should not proceed based on ecological survey report. Also, the urbanization will destroy the unique nature of the GB.

9. Mrs Maskell reminded those present that 6/7 years ago TDC were designating wildlife centres across the District and had identified the pumping station as one of them.

10. Spoke in support of the development acknowledging that the environmental survey had been completed in the winter months but that there was a recommendation that and rec another survey in the summer.

11. Mr Mead said that the village is being ‘steamrollered’. No, we don’t want large housing developments.

12. Mr Adams demanded that GBPC must oppose all these large scale applications.13. Spoke in support asserting that the younger generation needs affordable housing.

14. A prepared statement was read out indicating that there is a surface water issue at this site.

06.15.85 Apologies for absence: Apologies have been received from Cllr Hills.

06.15.86 Declarations of interest: The Clerk addressed members advising that their conduct in relation to interests is governed by the Localism Act 2011. At a meeting of the Council at which he/she is present, a member must disclose any disclosable interest of which he/she is aware including an interest that is not registered. Having declared the interest the member must not participate in the discussion on the matter and must not take part in any vote.

a) Cllr Hills reiterated his personal interest in application 15/00682/OUT as explained at the last meeting. He left the meeting for item 06.15.88a returning afterwards.

b) Cllr Wright declared a pecuniary interest application 15/00682/OUT. He left the meeting for item 06.15.88a returning afterwards.

c) Cllr Plummer declared an interest in application 15/00862/TCA. He left the meeting for 06.15.88c item during for which Cllr Hills took over the chairmanship.

06.15.87 Minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2015: Cllr Balbirnie proposed the minutes, Cllr Herbert seconded them and they were agreed as a true record of proceedings.

06.15.88 Planning Applications: Item a) below was deferred at the last meeting.

The Chair suspended the meeting and asked Mr Brian Morgan of ADP Ltd the planning agent for application 15/00682/OUT to comment on the development proposal. Mr Morgan outlined the proposal saying that he acknowledges that there will be some opposition to the development but assured councillor’s that the developer seeks to listen to resident’s views and incorporate them in the development wherever is possible.

a)Planning

Reference No.Application Details Address/Location

15/00682/OUTMr G Wright

Proposed erection of 75 dwellings, garages, roads and associated works.

Land at Admirals Farm Heckfords Road Great Bentley

Decision: Cllr Taylor proposed that this Council requests that TDC Planning refuse the application on the basis of several points of objection. Cllr Herbert seconded the motion.

1. Detrimental effect upon the conservation area, see Great Bentley Conservation Area Review 2006 and is not sustainable environmentally.

2. That a site of this size in a medium sized village is unsustainable.3. It makes no reference to the new emerging local plan 2014 and is outside the

previous development boundaries.4. Both on Health and Schooling issues the proposals only make worse the current

overloading of both services and neither authority has offered a solution.5. Nothing has been suggested to address the issue of access to the A133 where one

would presume most of the additional traffic would exit the village. It will not be obvious to transport officers without visiting the site how difficult egress is here morning and evening. Additionally, most of the occupiers would drive to the village centre to access the facilities making the existent snarl up problem worse.

6. The suggestion that children should access the village school by crossing at the very dangerous bend on Heckford’s Road or walk across the Green in wet weather are untenable.

7. That if this motion is approved then supporting documents that have been submitted

to the parish Council as objections should be referred to in the representations to TDC.

8. That should TDC Planning be minded to approve the application that this approval should have conditions to it (a) Any permission should specifically exclude land between Moors Lane and Heckford’s Road being other than farmland to retain the rural aspect from the Conservation Area and (b) That an order be made to preserve the trees and fauna in the Old Water Board land to retain the screen this provides from the north to the development.

The motion was carried by a majority of 4 to 1.

b)15/00846/TCAMr D Gollifer

2 No. Lime trees - remove overhanging branches

Cambria Weeley Road Great Bentley

Decision: The Committee agreed ‘no objection and no comment’.

c)15/00862/TCAMrs Maria Pagram

1 No. Walnut - fell, 1 No. Plum - fell

The Burrow Plough Road Great Bentley

Decision: The Committee agreed; ‘no objection but the Parish Council would want another walnut tree planted on the site in an appropriate location’.

d)15/00881/FULLightsource SPV 96 Limited

Variation of conditions 2 & 8 of planning permission 14/01066/FUL to list the as-built plans to reflect the final as built condition of the site.

Land North of Frowick Lane St Osyth

Decision: Noted.

06.15.89 Major Housing Development Proposals in Great Bentley: The Clerk tabled a report (attached as Appendix A to these minutes) summarizing the large scale housing development proposals in the village. He went on to briefly explain the situation.

07.15.90 Correspondence: a) Gladman Developments Ltd - Proposed residential Development land south of

Weeley Road, 03-06-15. Noted.

b) Mr P. Hume – Complaint about GBPC approach to housing development proposals, 09-06-15. Noted. The Clerk was asked to respond.

c) Mr M. Dennitts – Complaint about GBPC’s letter to TDC relating to planning application 15/00682/OUT, 09-06-15. Noted. The Clerk was asked to respond.

d) ADP Ltd - Response to questions raised by GBPC regarding application 15/00682/OUT at Admiral’s Farm, 19-06-15. This letter has been released with the agenda as a background paper. Noted.

e) Mr P. Terry – Complaint about planning application 1401750/OUT Station Field, 22-06-15. Noted. The Clerk was asked to respond.

f) ADP Ltd – proposal to attend the Planning Committee meeting to answer questions that may arise, 24-06-15. Noted.

g) ADP Ltd – Illustrative layout of Admiral’s Farm proposal, 26-06-15 . Noted.

h) Ms P. Drew – Copies of objection submissions relating to application 15/00682/OUT, 27-06-15. Noted.

i) Mr J. Lavington – Complaint re: Simmons Yard, Birch Av . Noted. The Clerk was asked to respond.

06.15.90 Planning matters for report: The informal meeting with Welbeck Strategic Land LLP and Associates prior to this meeting at which approximately 120 residents attended was referred to. A summary of the meeting is attached as Appendix B.

The Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm.

Public Questions1) Mr Harry stated that he recognizes the difficultly in taking a decision regarding

15/00682/OUT noted the Parish Council has the support of ‘Protect Gt Bentley’. He went on to say that the group is ready assist to protect rest of the village from large scale development.

2) The question “how many requests for affordable housing have been received” was asked. Suggest that an ‘affordable housing’ survey is undertaken.

3) Ms Drew asked if some type of understanding could be put in place. How can we encourage people to stay more involved? We need to find a way to engage parishioners in PC business.

4) Mr Adams confirmed that a village appraisal completed some years. This became a template for development in the village and should be updated.

5) Cllr McWilliams made a statement saying that her position has become untenable and that she is resigning from role as a Great Bentley Parish Councillor.

6) We need to identify evidence of the need for affordable housing in the village.

APPENDIX ASummary of major housing development proposals in Great Bentley as at June 2015

There appears to be some confusion about the numbers and locations of the major housing development proposals in Great Bentley. I have been asked to prepare to the best of my knowledge a summary of the position. I set out in the table below the position in so far as I understand it having discussed this matter with TDC planning officers this week.

No. Development Name/Location

Planning Application

No.

Submission Date

Development Proposal

Current Position

1. Station Field. 14/01750/OUT 17-11-14 Outline application for a mixed use scheme comprising up to 150 dwellings and open space, a class B1 employment area and structural landscaping.

Network Rail has raised an access issue relating to this application that appears to have delayed progress.

2. Admiral’s Farm 15/00682/OUT 05-05-15 Proposed erection of 75 dwellings, garages, roads and associated works.

An illustrated mock-up of the proposal has been issued and work preparing the application is progressing.

3. Land West of Heckford’s

No submissi

Unknown but likely to be dozens of houses.

Considering an outline planning application

Road, east of Sturrick’s Farm

on to date.

for this site. Schedule to meeting with GBPC on 2 July to discuss the proposal.

4. Land south of Weeley Road to the east of the village

No submission to date.

Unknown but likely to be dozens of houses.

Considering an outline planning application for this site. Schedule to meeting with GBPC on 4 August to discuss the proposal.

The timescale for planning applications of this size is normally an absolute minimum of 24 weeks and is normally longer. TDC needs a minimum of 12 weeks to process an outline application. Then the applicant has two years to submit a detailed planning application. Once submitted, it would normally take a further 12 weeks to process.

Kevin Harkin30 June 2015

APPENDIX BInformal meeting between GBPC and Welbeck Strategic Land LLP

The meeting was held at Gt Bentley Village Hall at 6.45pm – 7.15pm on 2 July 2015

Present: Cllrs J. Hills, K. Plummer, B. Herbert, L. Edwards, C. Warder, P. Balbirnie, R. Taylor and G. Wright. Andrew Hodgson of Welbeck Strategic Land LLP and David Barnes of Star Development.

It was noted that the meeting forms part of the developers pre consultation exercise as part of the preparation of a planning application for an unspecified number of houses on an area of land located west of Heckford’s Road and east of the Sturrick’s Farm housing development.

Whilst the meeting had been requested by Welbeck and Associates was with Great Bentley Parish Council. It had been agreed to allow residents to attend with a listening only brief.

The Chair outlined the nature of the meeting and invited Mr Hodgson to make his presentation. Mr Hodgson tabled an illustrative plan attached as Appendix B.

The plan is to submit an outline planning application within 2-3 months for approximately 50 dwellings. Mr Hodgson noted that it is judged that this size of development is proportional in scale to the size of the village. The proposal is for low density development. A six acre site with 8.5 dwellings per acre.

Access to the estate will be from Heckfords Road. The northern boundary will run along boundary of the Sturrick’s Farm development boundary. It was noted that provisional discussion’s with TDC planning officers have been held.

Mr Hodgson said that he is aware of the proposals for other developments in Great Bentley and it is his view that this development proposal is the best because of the proportional nature of the proposal.

It was noted that Great Bentley has been identified as an area as an appropriate site for development within the district.

Questions/Comments

1. Cllr Taylor asked if the issue of conservation has been considered. Mr Hodgson said that there is an awareness of the conservation issue. An area of green space has been located on the northern edge of the site. Nothing, however, is final at this time and Welbeck will review this issue.

2. Cllr Hills stated that the glaring point in the illustration is the gap left on the northern boundary for a road extension and further development to the north.

3. Cllr Edwards asked about the mix of house sizes. TDC requirement is 25% affordable homes. Welbeck will be guided by TDC and don’t have detail yet.

The Chair thanked Mr Hodgson and Barnes for taking the time to come and share their proposals with the Parish Council.