Queen Street Priority Scheme – Mr Philp had confirmed with Essex County Council that there would not be enough space for combine harvesters to pass when the scheme was complete. There are four options open to the Parish Council: the scheme goes ahead with out bollards; removable (lockable) bollards are used; bollards which ‘bounce back’ are used or the scheme is not proceeded with. After a discussion the Parish Council unanimously agreed that they would like the priority scheme for Queen Street to go ahead as soon as possible with lockable bollards being installed. The Clerk will advise Essex County Council accordingly and request that farmers are provided with a key for use when moving their combines through this area. Once confirmation of the project’s start date has been received it was agreed that the Clerk write to the parishioners who initiated consideration of the project to up date them on the progress being made.
Byway 27 - The conditional of Byway 27 was discussed and the County Councillor advised the Parish Council that works are planned for this area. He agreed to visit the byway and discuss the matter with Essex County Council Officers.
Youth Shelter – Councillors would like to consider erecting a youth shelter in the village if a suitable site can be found. District Councillor Scattergood advised the Parish Council that funding is likely to be available later in the year and they should have their plans ready to submit. Councillors would like to visit a shelter that has been installed in a village. Councillor Scattergood agreed to obtain information about suitable projects for Councillors to visit.
Planning Applications
Ibstocks, Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham - The Vice Chairman reported on a meeting he had had with the applicants. They had verbally agreed to address the concerns raised by the Parish Council regarding weather boarding; roof height and materials and the site of the new cottage. It was noted that revised plans have not yet been received.
The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: Appln. 04/00877/FUL - Erection of extensions and alterations - The Vale Cottage, Rushley Green, Castle Hedingham and Appln.: 04/00941/FUL – Erection of two storey and single storey extensions - 8 Park Vale Close, Castle Hedingham.
Activity Days – Castle Hedingham has been allocated the 25th August for a visit by the Council’s Activity Day Scheme – the Memorial Hall caretaker has been advised of the date.
Cemetery Drainage - A letter of complaint had been received regarding the cemetery drainage. Councillors discussed this matter in detail and further investigations and works will be put in hand as soon as possible.
Community Transport – The Parish Council are acting as lead council in a collaborative project with other local Parish Council to obtain grant funding to set up a supplemental bus services to and from Braintree Freeport on Tuesday and Saturday evenings.
7th July, 11th August and 15th September - 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham .
