DANBURY PARISH COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes of the meeting held on 12 April, 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 D Bowell (Parish Paths Representative) Clerk to Parish Council

Public question time Five 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, who in turn was now writing to Essex County Council. They were hoping to plan a meeting with Chelmsford Borough Councillors including representative of Parish Council. They wondered if 20 mph school slow signs could be implemented. The second lady had come to speak about the same issues and about the “Walking to Schools Week” where funding was available of £5.00 per pupil £3750 per primary school and secondary or special schools £5,000 per school again £5.00 per pupil. Four Members of the Public left the meeting. 138 Apologies for Absence Apologies were received and accepted from John Bowen representative of Danbury Society. 139 Declarations of Interest There were none. 140 Chelmer Housing Partnership A representative from Chelmer Housing Partnership attended the meeting. He explained that the Housing Stock from Chelmsford Borough Council had been transferred to Chelmer Housing Partnership in 2003. This included Belvedere Road/Pedlars Path/ Dockwra Lane locations in Danbury . They were trying to achieve resident community involvement and consultation. An Area Forum takes places in Galleywood which has ten representatives on a regular basis. Currently there are two vacancies for the rural areas. The Housing Partnership was hoping to recruit young mothers for the vacancy in the S4 area which included Danbury . Through consultation the Housing Partnership are trying to link with community development helping with youth initiative funding – Youth Club might be able to help. The representative explained how they dealt with a wide range of issues including breach of tenancy agreements. It was also suggested that perhaps the idea of a Skateboard Park could be put before the partnership. A request was made to look at the three play areas at Rumsey Fields, Pedlars Path and Jubilee Rise as they are not used very well and the grass areas were not maintained. Also an issue was raised regarding an abandoned vehicle at the rear of Lingwood Close. RESOLVED: that the issues raised would be investigated by Chelmer Housing Partnership. 141 Minutes of the Meeting held on 8^th March 2006 Two alterations were made to the Minutes as follows:- Minute 123.3 Dave Moon should read Dave Moore Minute 130 The Litter pick commences from the Mayes Lanes Car Park at 9.00 a.m. not 10.00 a.m. Cllr D Wood and Cllr D Whiteing reported that they had attended a very interesting evening with the Police Consultative Committee. RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8^th March, 2006 with the above alterations were a true record and were adopted. . 141 Parish Path Partnership 141.1 Danbury Common Boardwalk The Footpaths Representative reported that the works on the Boardwalk had been put back until 11^th/12^th May the chestnut timber was now available. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 141.2 Parish Paths Grant The Footpaths Rrepresentative also reported that £200.00 had been allocated to the Parish for problems with footpaths during the 2006 - 2007 financial year. P3 Partnership was going to look into the Path at Fitzwalter Lane opposite Dingle Dell. Danbury Society Representative and the Footpaths Representative had completed a survey regarding the daffodils and this had been submitted to Essex County Council for planting in the Autumn. A request was made to lodge a further complaint regarding the footpath from the Heights to Southview Road . RESOLVED: that a) the information be noted. b) a further complaint be made regarding the footpath from The Heights to Southview Road . 14.3 Parish Paths Partnership Scheme Amendments to the Agreement The original agreement with the Parish Council will expire in April, 2006. Rather than produce new agreements every three years the agreements should run in perpetuity with the dissolution of the agreement arising only when a group notifies the Essex County Council in writing of its intent to leave the scheme. The P3 Spring Update was circulated to the meeting with the forthcoming events. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 141.2 Mapping for Danbury Footpaths Leaflet Several ideas regarding maps were discussed. Preliminary costings had been received from Maldon Printing for a leaflet on the lines of the Galleywood Parish Leaflet £575 plus artwork £200 plus printing plates £160 making a total of £935 exclusive of VAT for 2000 copies. 3000 copies would cost in the region of £711.00. A request for monies for the project will have to be obtained from Resources Committee once an idea of the content had been achieved It was also thought a good idea to include parts of Little Baddow as many of the walks pass over the Danbury Parish Boundary. Members also wished the Danbury Parish logo to be included. A Working Party Meeting would be set up with Cllr D Whiteing, Dave Bolwell,and Dave Moore. RESOLVED: a) to form a working Party with Cllr D Whiteing, Dave Bolwell, and Dave Moore b) to contact Little Baddow Parish Council about crossing the boundary. 141.3 Danbury Walks Leaflet The Essex County Council had contacted the Parish Council and the Danbury Society to request if there were any changes to the document before a reprint was completed. It was thought that there may be minor changes. RESOLVED: that the Danbury Society check the leaflet. 142 Planning Issues 142.1 Betting Shop Licence Cllr J Thomson reported that Betting Shop Licence hearing had been adjourned and was now being heard on 14^th July 2006 at Witham. It was agreed that Cllr A Allen would continue to represent the Parish Council. The Clerk was concerned that the Court had advised that the advertisement for the licence appeared in the Evening Standard which was not a local paper. RESOLVED: that the Clerk contact the Court with the concern regarding the advertisement for the Betting Shop Licence not being placed in a local paper. 142.2 Meeting with Chelmsford Borough Council held on 29^th March, 2006 The Chairman of the Council reported that a meeting had been held with Cllr Kingsley and David Green from Chelmsford Borough Planning Committee. The Borough Council was offering the following options:- Discussions on site if there is a problem To attend a day at the Planning Department Office To attend a Planning Briefing at the Parish Council To attend a Member Training event at Chelmsford Borough Council RESOLVED: that the Clerk writes to Chelmsford Borough Council to ascertain some dates. 143 Highways 143.1 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. Members were also aware that when the surgery moves from it’s present location they should be made aware of the plans made for this location. The Chairman of the Environment Committee reported that together with a member of the public had attended the St Johns School and spoken with the Chairman of the Governors who had agreed to open the school playground for parking when events were being held at the school. RESOLVED: that a) the information be noted b) that Cllr Mrs C Lambert attend the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council when arranged. 143.2 To receive letter from Member of the Public regarding Traffic and Parking around St Johns and Heathcote Schools A complaint had been received from a member of the public regarding parking around Heathcote and St Johns Schools . The traffic caused hazardous conditions for children, parents, pedestrians and motorists. The unused land on either side of Little Baddow Road was suggested as a possible lay-by. It was explained that this land was in the ownership of the National Trust. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 143.3 Request for Support from Parish Council regarding parking on Eves Corner It was reported that a resident from the private road adjacent to Eves Corner was having difficulty in gaining access to the road as people were parking over the entrance although a sign had been placed there. Unfortunately Parish Council had no jurisdiction over this area. RESOLVED: that this information be noted. 143.4 New Policy announced to help combat Speeding Drivers A new policy was circulated to Members regarding the plans for Parish and Town Councils to receive financial subsidy from the local Highways and Transportation Area Office for a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) or Speed Indicator Device (SIDS). Members decided that no further action should be taken on this item. RESOLVED: that no further action be taken. 143.5 Further Highways Matters 143.6 Request re Speeding Offences Essex Police confirmed that in the year 2004/2005 1259 speeding offences had been detected on the fixed site camera. In the year 2005/1006 1349 speeding offences had been detected on the fixed site and 48 at the mobile site. A request was made to attend a Parish Council Meeting to address any issues the Parish Council may have. Members agreed that this should take place. RESOLVED: that the Essex Police Casualty Reduction Officer attends a Parish Council Meeting. 143.7 Proposed Traffic Schemes Essex County Council was now responsible for all highway matters with the exception of the creation and enforcement of waiting restrictions. The Essex County Council were requesting from Parish Councils any schemes which they may wish to be considered for funding from the Locally Determined Budget for 2006/2007 the total of the budget available is £210,000. Members wished this item to be placed on the next Agend a. RESOLVED: that this item be placed on the next agenda. 143.8 Chelmsford Environment Agency The Chairman of Environment Committee had attended a conference. 25% of households now own two or more cars. Plans were trying to be made to prevent traffic from entering the centre of Chelmsford . A tree bus was planned which would run a circular route on the outskirts of the town. Promotion of more Park and Ride options together with a new link road via Boreham to Broomfield Hospital was planned. 144 Street Light Outside United Reform Church Research was being completed by the Chairman of the Environment Committee on Solar Lighting. This was on-going and would be considered at the next meeting. RESOLVED: that this item be placed on the next Environment Agenda. 145 Calor Village of the Year The Footpaths Representative had helped with the mapping required for entry. The Entry had been sent off together with documentation including a copy of the village organisations and a copy of the Danbury Times. Notices had been placed on the village notice boards. RESOLVED : that the Footpaths Representative be formally thanked. 146 Quarries 146.1 St Clere’s Hall – nothing further to report 146.2 Royal Oak Quarry – nothing further to report. 146.3 Sandon Quarry – nothing further to report. 147 Annual Litter Pick The Annual Litter Pick will be held on the 29^th April, 2006 meeting at 9.00 a. m. at Mayes Lane Car Park. The Parish Office would be opened for the event for soft drinks. A risk assessment for the event had been prepared. The Chairman of the Committee would also be taking part in litter picks with the local schools during the last week in April, although to date she had not heard from Heathcote School . RESOLVED: that a) the Risk Assessment be circulated for the Litter Pick to the Chairman of Environment. 148 Head and Neck Surgery The new service will link four hospitals – Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, Southend Hospital, The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow as well as Broomfield Hospital in the county in a dedicated network for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Oral /Maxillo-facial surgery with a centre for complex cases at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford which would also provide clinical leadership and support to all hospitals. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 149 NE Mental Health Partnerships Foundation Consultation (Trust Formal Consultation 27^th February – 19^th May, 2006 Recommendations will be made to the Secretary of State with the recommendations to the Secretary of State of Health on the proposed boundary changes. Parish Council had no further comment. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 150 Essential Guide to the Health Service in Essex Documents had been distributed to all Members. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 151 Commissioning a Patient Led NHS The Parish Council’s comments had been noted by the survey. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 152 Community Money Marketplace – Thursday 25^th May The Clerk would attend to ascertain if there were any funding opportunities for the Parish Council. RESOLVED: that the Clerk attend the Community Money Marketplace. 153 Nomination of Mayors Buffet Reception Unfortunately the Member of the Public appointed could not attend. The invitation had been forwarded to another supporting member of the Community Bus who had raised considerable funds for the project. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 154 Avian Flu Influenza Briefing A briefing document had been circulated to members. RESOLVED: that the information be noted. 155 DEFR The Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 The Clerk attended a training day on Saturday 18^th March, 2006. DEFRA had now produced a document but will only release copies if the Parish Council seriously consider implementing procedures. RESOLVED: that the Clerk requests a copy of the DEFRA document. 156 Matters for Report – For Information only Members were concerned that the interchange at Sandon was dangerous with the new road layout for the Park and Ride Scheme. The pond at Runsell Green had Parrot Weed and this should be cleared on the next occasion. Members were concerned regarding the “Old Tea Rooms” at Runsell Green being in a dangerous condition. The Chairman of the Committee had contact details for the owner. 157 Date of next meeting: 7^th June, 2006 6^th September, 2006, 18^th October, 2006, 6^th December, 2006 Business having been concluded the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.03 p.m