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DOG FOULING - DISTRICT WIDE DOG CONTROL ORDER On 18 December 2008 the Maldon District Council adopted The Fouling of Land by Dogs (District of Maldon) Order 2008 under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. The Order will come into force from 5 January 2009 and will mean that it is an offence not to remove dog faeces from any land within the administrative area of the Maldon District. This will include any land which is open to the air, including covered land which is open to the air on at least one side, and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access with or without payment. More information is available via the District Council's website www.maldon.gov.uk. (29/12/08) |
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 18 DECEMBER 2008
PARISH COUNCIL – a meeting of the Parish Council was held at Plantation Hall on 18 December 2008:
Chairmanship – following the resignation of William Bownes as Chairman of the Parish Council and also as a Parish Councillor, Councillor Anne Beale was elected Chairman for the remainder of the current municipal year.
Vacant Seats – the Parish Council currently has four vacant seats, and anyone interested in becoming a Parish Council should contact the Clerk, Stuart Jennings, for more information. The most recent vacancy, caused by the resignation of William Bownes, is set to be filled by an election duly called by ten electors for the East Ward. If contested a poll will be held, and following the decision of the Parish Council, official poll cards will be issued. Reaffirmation of interest was noted in the case of two persons, although the Parish Council did not feel that the criteria for co-option set down in Standing Orders had yet been satisfied.
Planning Matters – the Parish Council had no comment on planning applications for proposals involving extensions and alterations at 21 Maple Avenue, a front porch at 24 Wharf Road, and a first floor extension (amended plan) at 28 Limbourne Drive. The Parish Council also decided to make no comment on an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for an existing outbuilding to the rear of the property and gazebo at Dovetails, 22 Fir Tree Walk. It was decided to support the District Council’s stance in the appeal by Mr M Holoway against the refusal of an application for development of land to rear of 17 Crescent Road.
Street Naming – the Parish Council supported the proposed street name ‘Oyster Mews’ for the site of former 48 Crescent Road.
Property Management Projects – the Parish Council accepted the recommendation of the Property Management Committee to proceed with the provision of play equipment at the Elizabeth Way play area in the current financial year, subject to the necessary financial and budgetary considerations being made. Consideration will be given to the current and future budgets at the January meeting.
Proposed Youth Shelter Project – the Parish Council considered the report prepared by two Councillors on investigations into options for delivering this project. A meeting had been held the previous evening with representatives of the District Council, police and a group of local youngsters. The report, together with its conclusions, was accepted which means that the proposal is to provide a youth shelter on land at King George V Playing Field. Although provision was made in the budget for 2008/9, the amount is not considered to be sufficient and a proposal to increase this will be considered at the next meeting. As a project however, the Parish Council feels that in order to move towards implementation in a proper and responsible manner, it is unlikely that this will be achieved in the current financial year. The option will therefore be taken of moving this to become the key project in 2009/10, subject to consideration of the budgetary implications at the next meeting, with all possible progress being made with a view to a start in April 2009.
Finance – the Parish Council received a report from its Ad Hoc Working Group with some preliminary thoughts on current budget outturn and a possible budget for 2009/10. The Working Group will meet again and make firmer recommendations to the Parish Council at its next meeting when the overall budgetary position has to be determined.
Next meeting – the next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 22 January 2009 at 7.30 p.m. at Plantation Hall. A meeting of the Property Management Committee will be held also at 7.30 p.m in the Claydon Room at Plantation Hall on 8 January 2009. These meetings are open to the public. |
MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE |
JOB VACANCY The Parish Council requires a caretaker for Plantation Hall, Colchester Road. This is part-time and will involve mainly weekday evenings and also some weekend duties shared with other staff. For more information, please ring 01621 852471. The closing date for this job, which is currently being advertised, is 15 December 2008. (1/12/08) |
RECYCLING ROADSHOW The District Council will be staging a Recycling Roadshow outside Bentalls Shopping Centre on 5 December between 10am and 2pm. Help and advice on local services will be available. (26/11/08) |
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 20 NOVEMBER 2008 Report on main items discussed:
Youth Provision – a lengthy discussion took place during the public participation session when various members of the public indicated an interest in the proposed youth shelter project, and questions were answered. It was noted that the Parish Council was not in a position to reach any decision on the matter at this meeting. In the light of recent events, following separate meetings with delegations of youngsters, there had been no feedback to the Parish Council by way of response as to ideas and therefore in the lack of any demonstrable demand it was difficult to see how the Parish Council could proceed. Members of the public present expressed concern as to whether the proposal to spend in excess of £12,000 of Council taxpayers’ money represented good value and also at the possible location for a shelter on King George V Playing Field which was close to residential properties.
Vacant Seats – the Parish Council currently has four vacant seats, and anyone interested in becoming a Parish Council should contact the Clerk, Stuart Jennings, for more information. (Post-meeting note - the latest vacancy is caused following the resignation of William Bownes as Chairman and a Parish Councillor. This vacancy is being advertised, and if ten local government electors for the East Ward of the Parish submit requests in writing to the Chief Executive of the District Council within 14 days of 24 November (excl. Sats/Suns) an election will be held – otherwise the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option).
Planning Matters – the Parish Council decided to support applications for work to preserved trees at Bodleys, Chapel Lane, Heybridge Basin, and Square Cottage, Chapel Lane, Heybridge Basin, and proposals for extensions at Linton, 29 Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, and 7 Samian Close, Heybridge. There was no comment on applications to vary and remove conditions from planning permission FUL/MAL/06/01025 since the conditions in question had been imposed on the advice of the Environment Agency to deal with flood risk. The Head of Planning Service, Maldon District Council, is to be invited to the January Parish Council meeting.
Finance – the Parish Council is through its budgetary review process looking at progress on agreed projects for this year and identifying new projects for 2009/10 for which budgetary provision may need to be made.
Working Groups – the Parish Council received reports from its working groups on key issues such as Risk Management, Remembrance Sunday the Heybridge Herald (recent edition now largely delivered), Parish Youth Officer, and Heybridge Hall Ditch.
Other matters – the Parish Council adopted the revised model publication scheme under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and also an internal Procedure and Protocol for dealing with the press.
Next meeting – the next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 18 December 2008 at 7.30 p.m. at Plantation Hall. A meeting of the Property Management Committee will be held also at 7.30 p.m in the Claydon Room at Plantation Hall on 4 December. These meetings are open to the public. |
JUNIOR RANGERS CLUB This is a new and exciting scheme recently launched by the District Council. The Junior Rangers Club is for children aged 7-12 in the District to have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events in the local area and at their local park. Events are held at Maldon Promenade Park from 10am to 12noon - the next one is on 13 December 2008 - meeting at the Junior Rangers Meeting Point (pre-booking required). For more information contact louise.flavell@maldon.gov.uk. (14/11/08) |
REFUSE AND RECYCLING CONSULTATION The District Council is seeking the views of residents of the District on the refuse and recycling collection services now and in the future. A web-version of the consultation survey is available on-line at www.maldon.gov.uk. The consultation ends on 30 January 2009. (14/11/08) |
ST GEORGES FIELD, HEYBRIDGE BASIN - EVENT The Friends of St Georges Field and Maldon District Council will be holding a work event between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 15 November 2008 to help care for the many trees planted a few years ago, and also to carry out a general tidy up of the site. Members of the public are invited to join in - meet at the playsite - gloves and tools provided. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Roy Read on 01621 875836 or email roy.read@maldon.gov.uk. (4/11/08) |
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 23 OCTOBER 2008 PARISH COUNCIL – a meeting of the Parish Council was held at Plantation Hall on 23 October 2008:
Youth Provision – a delegation of youngsters from the Lawling Avenue area of Heybridge was present, enquiring about and seeking support for the provision of facilities in that part of Heybridge. Reference was made to the possibility of a youth shelter, graffiti wall and ramps/skate park. A separate private meeting between the youngsters and Parish Councillors was set up to develop these ideas. The Parish Council continues to explore the youth shelter issue, and a final report on its conclusions will be brought before the next meeting. The idea of creating a Parish Youth Officer is still being pursued, and some useful discussions have been held with the new Heybridge Vicar on this and what may be possible with his assistance.
Reports from representatives – the meeting was disappointed to learn that Heybridge was currently being served by only one PCSO at present, and the question will be asked as to whether this is down to recruitment or finance.
Planning Matters – the Parish Council decided to support an application for a conservatory at 6 Lawling Avenue but objected to that element of the proposal for a section of railing to the front as it would be out of keeping with the character of the street scene.
Elms Farm Park Draft Management Plan – the Parish Council decided to support this document produced by the District Council in conjunction with the Elms Farm Park Steering Group, and also agreed to the principle of making a financial contribution towards work identified in the Plan to help complete work to create a new reed bed wildlife habitat at the lake area. The Parish Council will in due course identify the range of funding it can make available.
Highway issues – consideration was given to a letter of concern regarding the speed of traffic along Goldhanger Road in the vicinity of the Basin Road junction. It was noted that the Highways Department had requested speed data for this location, and agreed that in the meantime consideration should be given to the possible need for any signing and lining in relation to that junction. Proposals by the County Council to give legal effect to cycling (shared or segregated) on improved footways, in particular Heybridge Approach, were supported.
Heybridge Basin issues – the Parish Council is to survey accurately its land holding adjacent to the car park entrance, seek to obtain control of a small area of land at Basin Road on which the community notice board stands, and also raise with the District Council the need to make provision for infrastructure improvements to be secured alongside future development proposals.
Finance – the Parish Council agreed to make a donation of £50 to the Royal British Legion.
Working Groups – the Parish Council received reports from its working groups on key issues such as Risk Management, Remembrance Sunday and the next edition of the Heybridge Herald.
Remembrance Sunday - a local service will be held on Sunday 9 November 2008 at the War Memorial in Goldhanger Road shortly after 12.45pm when the assembled parade will leave the Bentalls Shopping Centre. All are welcome.
Next meeting – the next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 20 November 2008 at 7.30 p.m. at Plantation Hall. A meeting of the Property Management Committee will be held also at 7.30 p.m in the Claydon Room at Plantation Hall on 6 November. These meetings are open to the public.
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HEYBRIDGE BASIN VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT This most valuable and interesting document produced by the Heybridge Basin Conservation Society in conjunction with the District Council has now been published following its adoption, and can be viewed on the District Council's website via the following link - http://www.maldon.gov.uk/LivingHere/Planning_New/SpatialPlanning/Heybridge+Basin+VDS.htm The Parish Council and Parish Councillors also have copies. (17/09/08)
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HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT WITHAM Heybridge residents who regularly travel to Witham may be interested to know that the County Council is proposing to carry out two improvement schemes during the summer and autumn school holiday periods. First is the provision of a mini roundabout at the junction of Maldon Road with Maltings Lane. Second is the installation of traffic signals at the junction of Maldon Road with Blue Mills Hill. (8/7/08) |
NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR The Parish Council has co-opted Miss Laurie-Ellen Wiebe of Basin Road, Heybridge Basin to fill one of the current five vacant seats (East Ward). See the Contact Us page for her contact details. The Parish Council will be considering further co-option at future meetings. (22/4/08) |
PARISH COUNCIL BUDGET AND PRECEPT At its meeting on 15 January 2008, the Parish Council approved a budget for 2008/9. This took into account the estimate outturn at the end of March 2008, which is likely to show expenditure around £20k above budget and amounting to a deficit of approx. £16k. A contributory factor in this is the repayment of the loan taken out originally to finance the Claydon Room extension and alterations at Plantation Hall. The Parish Council's working balances enabled this sooner than later. Despite planned increased expenditure in 2008/9, the Parish Council's budget requirement - taking into account estimated income and working balances - indicated that no increase in the precept for 2008/9 was necessary. Accordingly, the precept issued to the District Council - the Parish element collected through the Council Tax - remains at £95,000 and will not increase. (27/1/08) |
CHIGBOROUGH LAKES FOOTPATHS The County Council has recently published notice of its making an Order to add footpaths at Chigborough Lakes to the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way. This followed a recent successful appeal against the County Council's earlier refusal to add these 'claimed' footpaths. The Parish Council originally supported the actions of members of the public who used these paths in claiming that public footpaths existed along such routes and should be recognised legally. Copies of the Order and Map are in the possession of the Parish Council and available for inspection also at the District Council Offices. (27/1/08) |
LOCAL PLAY/AMENITY AREAS As residents will have seen in the recent edition of the Heybridge Herald, the Parish Council is keen to receive views on what to do regarding the amenity area at Rowan Drive and the play area at Elizabeth Way. Rowan Drive amenity area is an enclosed backland area of limited amenity value, particularly as play space. Could it be improved? Is it safe and accessible? Should it remain as an amenity area, or is there demand for some alternative use e.g. garden plots? Elizabeth Way has the potential for improvement and funding is available for something to be provided on the higher part of the area, the lower part being prone to flooding during winter. Are there particular age groups in the locality for which some play equipment might prove popular? What about a path or boardwalk to connect the lower entrance to the top area? Is it best left in its fairly natural state, possibly with some extra planting, benches etc. Please contact the Parish Council with your views by phone, post or email (consultation@heybridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk). (27/1/08) |