Planning Application Ibstocks, Castle Lane – The Parish Council‘s response had been submitted. The application did not come before the Halstead Area planning meeting on 12th January and there is no further information regarding this matter at present.
Queen Street Priority Scheme – Essex County Council’s design team is very near to completing the design in accordance with the Parish Council’s requested amendments. It is hoped that the council will have the design drawing for further comment within the next few weeks.
30 and 40 mph Speed Restrictions, Sudbury Hill – This will become operational by 20th February 2004.
7.5 Tonne Weight Limit – Nunnery Street and Station Road – Essex County Council expects to respond to the Parish Council on this matter by end of January.
Community Transport – A positive decision by the Countryside Agency regarding funding is expected by the end of January, and if this is the case the village should see a service by the 1st April to Sudbury on Thursday afternoons and Saturdays. The group will then seek to start evening services to Braintree.
Traffic Strategy Group – The Parish Council received a report of the committee’s activities, findings and recommendations. Arising there from:
Footpath 15 - This footpath is once again flooded and Essex County Council have been contacted. They advise that the causes of the flooding on this route are currently being targeted. Over the summer works were undertaken to the ditch on the southern side of Station Road to clear the outfall of the stream. The next step will be for the culverts under the road to be cleared, and that the landowner responsible for the land adjacent to the route has agreed to undertake works to clear the full length of the ditch. Following these works Essex County Council will then investigate the possibility or feasibility of strengthening the side of the ditch adjacent to the footpath. All of the above should control any future flooding. This ongoing programme of works will be completed in line with the current prioritisation guidelines and resources.
ATS Van – Crouch Green – The van is continuing to park on the highway verge. The Clerk has once again contacted the Police. It was noted that this is not a Parish Council matter and parishioners should be advised to contact the Police at Great Yeldham directly.
Maintenance Matters – The following will be reported to Essex County Council: pot holes in Rosemary Lane near Rosemary Farm and opposite Vale Cottage and, that the railing near the bridge in Nunnery Street has come down.
Wheelie Bins – Braintree District Council had told a parishioner, when he requested additional black sacks, that wheelie bins will soon be introduced to the village. The County and District Councillors had no indication that this was scheduled at present. The Parish Council was concerned that wheelie bins would not be suitable in certain areas of the village. It was noted that when the current recycling scheme was introduced the District Council had indicated that there would be consultation before wheelie bins were introduced. The Clerk will contact the District Council to clarify this matter
The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: Appln: 03/002432/LBC - Proposed alterations to existing dwelling - Saddlers, 26 St James’ Street, Castle Hedingham and, Appln. 04/000001/FUL - Erection of garden fence - 4 Church Lane, Castle Hedingham Appln. 03/002389/FUL - Construction of vehicular access and parking space - 38 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham – Parish Council comment as follows: They are concerned that the area of land in the application has highway rights over it and discussion with Essex County Council Officers on a related matter indicated that they would not support this type of application. Also construction would be extremely costly born presumably by the applicant when there is parking available in a parking bay opposite.
Mobile Police Unit – Following the relocation of the Police to Great Yeldham the Mobile Police Unit will visit the village once a month for a trial period of six months. It will park in the car park at the Bell and be open between 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm. Usage by parishioners will be monitored and if the unit is not used sufficiently this service will be withdrawn. The following dates for visit have been agreed: 28th January; 25th February and, 24th March.
Casual Vacancy – There is a Casual Vacancy on council following the resignation of Mrs Clark. As an election had not been requested by parishioners the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option within 60 days ( 19th March 2004).
Parish Council: 18th February, 17th March, 14th April, 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
