DANBURY PARISH COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes of the meeting held on 8th March, 2006 at 8pm in the Parish Office

 

Present: Cllrs

Mrs C Lambert (Chairman)

J Thomson ( Vice Chairman)

S Berlyn (ex officio)

Mrs C Creek

A Keeler

D Whiteing

M Wood (ex officio)

 

 

In attendance:

Mr J Bowen (Danbury Society)

Clerk to Parish Council

 

 

Public question time      Three members of the Public were present.

 

The Members of the Public were concerned regarding the traffic flow round Eves Corner, Butts Lane.  They had written to the local Member of Parliament, Cllr Bass Essex County Highways Cabinet Member,  Cllr Kingsley Chelmsford Borough Council and would like Cllr Mrs C Lambert to visit the site and evaluate the conditions.

Concern was also raised regarding the condition of the pavements at the junction of Little Baddow Road with Bakers Lane opposite the United Reform Church.  This has already been reported to Essex County Council Highways.

 

Members of the Public left the meeting.

 

119 Apologies for Absence

There were none.

 

120 Declarations of Interest  

There were none.

 

121 Chelmer Housing Partnership

A representative will come to the next meeting on 12th April, 2006.

 

122 Minutes of the Meeting held on 11th January, 2006

RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11th January, 2006 were a true record and were adopted.  There were no matter arising .

 

123 Parish Path Partnership

123.1  Danbury Common Boardwalk 

Works on the Boardwalk had been put back until 11th/12th May due to not being able to obtain delivery of the chestnut timber which is required.

 

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

           

123.2  Mapping for Danbury Footpaths Leaflet

A copyright licence had been obtained from Ordnance Survey.  The Clerk showed the meeting copies of the Galleywood and Hockley leaflets  The Essex County Council had stated that they were prepared to pay half the costs of producing the leaflet in return for using the Essex County Council logo. Discussion took place on the best ways to start the project.   It was decided to form a Working Party between Cllr D Whiteing, Dave Bolwell and Dave Moon to put some ideas together.

 

RESOLVED:  a) to form a working Party with Cllr D Whiteing, Dave Bolwell, and Dave Moore

b) the Clerk to contact Galleywood Council to ascertain costings and who helped them with project

 

123.3  Parish Paths Grant

The grant monies was unspent this year.  A request would be put in for next year by the Parish Council.

RESOLVED: that Parish Council submits an application for a grant for next year at the appropriate time

 

123.4 Open Spaces Society Public Paths

Any route which had been used without asking for permission without being stopped needed to be recorded on the map.  Essex County Council could supply forms to submit a claim for paths.  The request to join the Open Spaces Society was declined.

 

RESOLVED: that if whilst completing the Danbury Footpaths Leaflet any paths were found they should then be submitted to the Essex County Council

b) the Parish Council declined joining the Open Spaces Society

 

124 Planning Issues

Cllr J Thomson reported that the Kebab Van had applied for Licence to trade in the lay-by on the borders of Danbury Parish until 12 midnight Monday to Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday morning.  Members were concerned that the Parish Council was not a consultee on this type of application.  The Clerk reported that representations were being made to the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Chelmsford Borough Council on behalf of the Parish Council.

 

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

125 Highways

125.1 Progress on 30 mph Speed Limit Woodhill Road and Bicknacre Road

Nothing further to report.


125.2 Mayes Lane Pre Signals:

Traffic signals removed at present time. Nothing further from ECC Highways.


125.3 Butts Lane to receive letter from Member of the Public.

Members wished to thank for receipt of letter and  noted the contents.

RESOLVED: that a reply be sent stating the above comments.

 

125.4 To consider proposal for Traffic Management Scheme for Butts Lane

An update had been received from the Member of the Public prior to the commencement of the meeting.  Members had noted the comments. 

RESOLVED: a) that the information be noted

b)  that Cllr Mrs C Lambert attend the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council

125.5 National Trust land - telegraph pole removal

John Bowen reported regarding the removal of a telegraph pole on National Trust land close to the Cricketers.  The National Trust had given permission for removal if there was no charge to them.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

125.6 Correspondence from Member of the Public regarding traffic in Well Lane Members thought that the mini-roundabout at the junction with Well Lane had improved the traffic flow and were unaware of any increased accidents in this area.  Several members had visited the area in question to monitor the situation and could not see any difficulties as described.

Members were also concerned regarding the new road layout for entry to the Park and Ride Scheme.

Notification had also been received from Woodham Walter  Parish Council regarding the camber of the road at Strawberry Corner. Members agreed that this area was a problem. 

RESOLVED: that a) letter of reply be sent explaining the situation.

b)  The Park and Ride be Monitored

c)   The Parish Council agreed with the comments of Woodham Walter Parish Council

 

126 Street Light Outside United Reform Church (See Report)

The Chairman and the Clerk had met with a Company who came out to survey the best position for the street light.  Proposals were forwarded to the Essex County Council who did not have a problem with running a new supply from power pole 610137.   The Clerk had written to EDF Energy  for a costing which had been received and was in the sum of £1,124.00 for the supply. The cost of the street lamp was £400 and then the installation and the electricity will be required to be paid for by the Parish Council.  Only £2,000 had been placed in next years budget for this item.

 

Alternatively the United Reform Church had been approached  to ascertain if they would be willing to place a light in their grounds.  The Church was prepared for a light to be installed so long as they were not required to pay for the electricity.  The Clerk had checked with the Planning Department at Chelmsford Borough Council and if a street light was erected in the grounds of the Church Planning Permission would be required.  Any proposal should be forwarded to the Borough Council to see if Planning Permission would be required.  Low level lighting would be the best option. 

 

Members decided to investigate solar lighting.

 

RESOLVED: that Cllr Mrs C Lambert investigate details of solar lighting.

                     

127  Dog Fouling Bins

Assessments were still being made by  Chelmsford Borough Council.

 

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

128  Calor Village of the Year

The Chairman had managed to complete the Community Section of the Entry.  A request was made for help with the map which was required as an attachment to the Village Facilities.   John Bowen offered to take the requirements away and check to see if the Danbury Society had a map which could be used.  If a map was available then the entry could be completed.

 

RESOLVED: that a) John Bowen check with the Danbury Society regarding a map.

b) If map available then the entry could go ahead. 

 

129 Quarries

129.1 St Clere’s Hall

A report of stones on the road had been received. The Quarry had cleared the road immediately they received the report.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

129.2 Royal Oak Quarry  - nothing further to report

 

129.3 Sandon Quarry – nothing further to report

 

130  Annual Litter Pick

The Annual Litter Pick will be held on the 29th April, 2006 meeting at 10.00 a.m. at Mayes Lane Car Park.  The Clerk suggested that the Parish Office could be opened after the event for soft drinks.  Suggestions were made to encourage the scouts and the youth club to take part.  A risk assessment for the event was being prepared. The Chairman of the Committee would also be taking part in litter picks with the local schools during the last week in April. 

 

RESOLVED: that a) the scouts and the youth club are contacted to ascertain if they can help with the event

b) the risk assessment is completed for the event

c) soft drinks are served at the Parish Office after the event

d) events will be arranged with local schools by the Chairman of the Committee   

 

131  Recycled Model Competition 2006

Schools had been invited by Chelmsford Borough Council to make models from recycled materials. All local schools have been notified.  Cash prizes will be awarded for the best models.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

132  Mid-Essex Area Forum 2006/2007 Future Meetings

A list of future meetings was circulated.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

133  N E Mental Health Partnershipmental Foundation /Trust Formal Consultation 27th February – 19th May, 2006

Booklets were circulated to all Councillors to read to make comments at the next meeting.

RESOLVED: that this item be placed on the next Agenda for comment.

 

134 Chelmsford Police Consultative Group Public Meeting

It was reported that this Meeting will take place at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 21st March, 2006 at William De Ferrers School.  Cllr M Wood and members of the Danbury Society were going to attend the meeting.

RESOLVED: that the information be noted.

 

135  Tree Warden Newsletter

A copy of the Tree Warden Document was available at the meeting.  This was passed to Cllr J  Thomson.  Copies had also been passed to the Tree Wardens by  Chelmsford Borough Council.

 

136 Matters for Report – For Information only

136.1     The chairman of the Council reported that Robins Nest had been broken into and that diesel had been stolen from the storage tank.  Also that the remainder of the diesel had been left to soak into adjacent ground. This item had been placed on the Facilities Agenda.

 

Richard Creak arrived.

 

136.2    Chairman of Resources notified the meeting that free Bus Passes were available at Chelmsford Borough Council for the over 65’s.

 

136.3 Bus Shelter opposite Village Hall.  Thanks to be sent to Chelmsford Borough Council for the efficient way the Hit Squad cleared the graffiti on the bus shelter.

138 Date of next meeting: 12th April, 2006, 7th June, 2006

 6th September, 2006, 18th October, 2006, 6th December, 2006

 

Business having been concluded the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.07 p.m