Castle Hedingham Parish Council and Burial Board

Report of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 17th March 2004 issued by the Clerk

New Councillors - Mr John Cooke was welcomed to the Parish Council and Mr Bolter, District Councillor, was welcomed to the meeting.

Queen Street Priority Scheme – The Parish Council approval for this scheme had been submitted. Essex County Council had been advised which Parishioners the Parish Council had been in consultation with regarding this matter. They had asked where additional signage for the Memorial Hall should be placed and this was passed to Mr Higgins.

7.5 Tonne Weight Limit – Nunnery Street and Station Road – A copy of Essex County Council’s proposals had been circulated to the Councillors. This was unanimously approved and the County Councillor thanked for his help in moving this matter forward.

Contact Bus - This has been booked for an evening session on 9th August 2004.

Planning

The Parish Council had no objections to the following application: Appln. 04/000322/FUL - Formation of all weather gallop - Great Lodge Farm, Rushley Green, Castle Hedingham.

Appln.: 04/00343/FUL – Erection of one two bedroomed dwelling, alterations and extensions to existing house and improvements to courtyard - Ibstocks, 5 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham and Appln: 04/00449/CON - Demolition of block of six garages - Ibstocks, 5 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham- The Parish Council had been lobbied by parishioners regarding this matter. It was agreed that this application is an improvement on the applications for this site received previously. However the Parish Council wished to submit the following comments:

Lack of Architectural Merit: The use of weatherboarding is not in keeping with the conservation area. The height of the extension is higher than the existing property which is contrary to Braintree District Council guidance contained within the leaflet ‘Alterations and Additions to Residential Properties.’ The use of slate tiles is totally out of keeping with the conservation area and the use of pan tiles or peg tiles would be preferable.
Residential Use – The Parish Council request a Section 106 order to conserve the overall site exclusively for residential use for the two residential dwellings.
Cottage Location: It would be far more suitable to locate the cottage further back into the site away from Castle Lane to align with the front building line of the adjacent dwellings (No. 1 & 3). This would enhance traffic safety by improving the visibility splay and accessibility to and from Castle Lane and minimise the impact of loss of light and privacy for the surrounding properties.
Parking: The demolition of the garages would be a significant amenity loss to the village. These are all used by residents of Castle Hedingham and are in much demand. The Parish Council receives a significant number of complaints regarding parking difficulties particularly in this area of the village. This problem has reached such a level that the Parish Council has formed a Traffic Strategy Committee to consider what can be done to address and alleviate the problem of on street parking. The demolition of these garages and the dedicated use of four others on the site will increase on street parking within the village exacerbating the already critical situation.

Appln: 04/00460/FUL - Erection of two storey and single storey extension - 8 Park Vale Close, Castle Hedingham and Appln: 04/00417/LBC - Replacement of 7 metal casement windows at front and side with wooden frames - 120 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham – Still under consideration by the Parish Council’s Planning Committee.

Cemetery Drainage - It was reported that Mr Philp had visited the cemetery when a grave had been dug and found there to be a very small amount of water in the bottom. It was agreed that the Clerk will monitor the situation and ask Mr Philp to get Mr Lock to look at the situation if problems are experienced again.

Community Transport – Mr Hood reported that good progress is being made with the organisation of the launch of the new service on 8th April. Posters will be passed to the Clerk for insertion into the notice boards. Flyers will be delivered to all houses in the parishes taking part in the project. Once the service is up and running work will begin on the second phase to provide a service to Braintree the success of which will depend on the number of Parishes who take part. The possibility of using funding available from Braintree District Council for antisocial behaviour projects to support this scheme will be investigated.

Traffic Strategy Group – The school had submitted an application for a walking bus scheme. It was agreed that the group should meet again in 8 – 12 months time to monitor the success of the measures implemented.

Antisocial Behaviour – Concern was expressed regarding the activities of a group of young people who may be linked to an increase in vandalism in the village. After a discussion is was agreed to invite a representative of the Police to attend the next meeting to assist the Parish Council in taking a positive and proactive approach to this matter.

Meeting Dates

Parish Council: 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

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