Community Bus Service 331 - The official launch of the new service to and from Sudbury on Saturdays and Thursdays had taken place. Details of the time table are published on the Parish Council notice boards.
Anti-Social Behaviour - Councillors had a very informative and productive discussion with the two police officers who attended the meeting regarding problems with antisocial behaviour in the village. Arising there from:
Conclusion – It was agreed that a proactive and positive response to this matter is the most effective. The officers were thanked for attending the meeting and for their help and advice.
Castle Lane Planning Application – It was noted that this application is likely to come before the Halsetad Area Planning Committee on 11th May. District Councillor Beavis emphasised to Councillors the importance of the Parish Council being represented at this meeting.
Queen Street Priority Scheme – Essex County Council have advised that work on this scheme should start in the very near future.
Footpath 15 – Essex County Council confirm that a works ticket has been generated to get the culvert under Station Road cleared. Following this the land owner will be advised that his works to the ditch adjacent to Footpath 15 can be carried out thereby allowing Essex County Council to undertake works to reinforce the footpath.
30/40 mph Sign Queen Street – Essex County Council had confirmed that a new sign had been ordered and will be erected as soon as possible.
The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: Appln: 04/00460/FUL - Erection of two storey and single storey extension - 8 Park Vale Close, Castle Hedingham; Appln: 04/00417/LBC - Replacement of 7 metal casement windows at front and side with wooden frames - 120 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham; Appln: 04/00478/FUL - Proposed two storey front extension and single storey rear extension - 27 Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham and Appln: 04/00481/FUL & 04/00482/LBC - erection of orangery - Sheepcot House, 23 Queen Street, Castle Hedingham.
Appln.: 04/00522/FUL - Erection of first floor extension - Fourwinds, Kirby Hall Road, Castle Hedingham - The scale of this extension alters the current bungalow size of the present property. Fourwinds is in open countryside outside of the village envelope and this proposal would seem to have a major impact on the countryside both in items of scale and visual effect.
Appln.: 04/00577/FUL - Construction of new agricultural access - Part of field no 7769 off Sudbury Road, Castle Hedingham - No objections as long as this access does not interfere with the drainage from Coppingdown Farm. The access appears to be on a corner bend – are the sight lines for traffic safe? Is this a new access in place of an existing one or is it an additional access?
Annual Parish Meeting - The clerk had drafted an Annual Report in consultation with the Chairman to be circulated to all parishioners in place of the usual flyer advertising the meeting. This will not only inform parishioners more fully of the Parish Council activities but also meets one of the requirements necessary for the Parish Council to qualify for Quality Council status. This was agreed to be an excellent idea and the report was unanimously approved.
Accounts 2003/2004 - The accounts for the 2004/05 were received, discussed, approved and signed by the Chairman and Clerk.
Millennium Books – It was agreed that a millennium book should be presented to people who move into the village when Mr Seaman visits them to welcome them to the village.
Parish Council: 12th May and 9th June at 7.45 p.m. in the Old Court House, Castle Hedingham. Annual Parish Meeting - 20th May at 8.00 pm Memorial Hall, Castle Hedingham.
