Queen Street Priority Scheme – Following the last meeting it became clear that Essex County Council were recommending the use of bounce back bollards in this scheme. The clerk contacted all Parish Councillors and the installation of bollards was agreed, this decision was passed onto Essex County Council. They advise that after a site visit by two Essex County Council Officers it was felt that only one bollard will be necessary where vehicles are using the dropped kerb to drive along the footway. This has been ordered accordingly. They have requested a Stage 4 safety audit to be undertaken as a matter of urgency before the bollard is erected to ensure that no additional measures are recommended in the interest of road safety and to minimise any disruption to traffic when the works are carried out. Essex County Council hope to have details of the audit within the next couple of weeks and will update the Parish Council in due course.
Queen Street Priority Scheme - Vision Mirror - Essex County Council Officers had spoken to the resident concerned regarding the removal of a mirror whilst this scheme was installed. Essex County Council checked with their Contractor were assured that this mirror was not removed by them. It was explained to the resident that all the mirrors currently located on the highway are illegal as authority for their erection has to be obtained from the Department for Transport. This has never been achieved and it is unlikely that approval would be given. Essex County Council assume that the mirror was attached to a landowner's property thereby taking it off highway. In this case it could be reinstated but its whereabouts are unknown. The point was made by Essex County Council that should an accident occur that can be attributed to the mirror then the person who erected the mirror could be held responsible.
Application 04/02245/LBC - To install temporary stud wall with glazed door - The Trading Post, 4 St James Street, Castle Hedingham – This seems a reasonable request - no objections.
Application 04/02268/FUL - Erection of replacement double garage, open porch and veranda - 3A Crown Street, Castle Hedingham - – A replacement garage is a good idea as the present one is an eyesore. A porch and veranda would be a good idea. The application will enhance the current property. – no objections.
Application 04/02281/FUL - Extend lowered kerb to front of property by 4 m - 80a Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham - – still under consideration by the Planning Committee – property already has existing drop kerb but considering the on street parking problems in Nunnery Street – no objections to this request.
Application CC/BTE/89/04/REV Single storey extension to existing library including the formation of a new entrance into the property - Hedingham School, Yeldham Road, Sible Hedingham - No objections – This is a beneficial development which is part of the new specialist status awarded to the school – necessary extensions to allow for new computer suite, remodelling of the administrative facilities, library, resources etc.
Application 04/02478/LBC - Proposed rebuilding and repairing of exterior front boundary wall, reinstate partition wall between living and dining rooms and repoint bakehouse chimney - 11 Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham – The Parish Council agree with the proposals - these all seem sensible and necessary repairs. It is good to see the reinstatement of the walls.
Application - 04/02483/COU - Change of use from agricultural to garden land - Land Adjoining 4 Coppingdown Farm, Castle Hedingham – A public footpath runs across this area (Footpath 5, Castle Hedingham). There is no mention of this footpath in the proposal and the fence and hedge are already in place. The current fencing obstructs the public footpath – there is a gate to one side but no stile over the fence the other side. Is the applicant aware of the footpath rights that exist across this land? Until this footpath is reinstated and preserved the Parish Council object to the application
Application - 04/02518/LBC - Proposed installation of new half glazed door, minor internal alterations and addition of glazing bars to two no. ground floor windows - Astles, Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham - The Parish Council agree with the proposals – It is good to see Astles will now be repaired; the glazing bars on the ground floor are particularly welcomed.
Application 04/02368/FUL - Erection of single storey rear extension with new pitched roof. Conversion of garage to habitable room and new carport - 86 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham - The Parish Council have no objections to the rear extension and conversion of the garage to a habitable room but are concerned about the carport. There are no other precedents for a building in the front of existing properties on Nunnery Street and the council is concerned that the height of the car port would cast a shadow over Number 84.
Castle Hedingham Playgroup – The Playgroup have successfully obtained grants amounting to £5,800 towards the cost of providing a new play surface and have written to ask the Parish Council to consider giving them a grant towards this project. A grant of £50 was unanimously agreed.
Braintree District Council Local Plan Review – The Inspector’s report on the Local Plan Review had been received. His recommendations with regard to Castle Hedingham are:
The report will be considered by Braintree District Council in February.
16th February 2005 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham.
