Repair Works – The following works were put in hand: Repairs table tomb – St Nicholas Churchyard; Castle Hedingham Club, roof above the cellar; Pottery Lane footpath, Sheepcot Road end; and the village sign.
Kirby Hall Road – Problems continue to be experienced with cars parking on the bend near the junction of Kirby Hall Road and Nunnery Street causing problems for vehicles accessing Kirby Hall Road. Primrose lines for junction protection had been installed but the parking is after they end. It was agreed that a site meeting between the chairman and Olive Cowell from Essex County Council Highways be requested to look at possible solutions.
Sudbury Hill - Letter from Essex County Council Highways enclosing details of a traffic speed survey – Sudbury Road. The speeds are sufficient for Essex County Council to ask for the Police to undertake speed enforcement in this area.
Environmental Issues - Mr Worley and Mrs Moffat reported on a sustainable living day they had attended. After a discussion it was agreed that a Junk Swap and Environmental Information Day be arranged for March/April. Braintree District Council had indicated that they would be willing to attend with representatives from Environmental Services.
Essex on Tour – No Hall Too Small with Hank Wangford and Reg Meuross, Memorial Hall, Castle Hedingham on Saturday 26 January at 7.30. Tickets are available from Ian Higgins on 01787 460065.
Planning Applications - The Parish Council is consulted by Braintree District Council for comments when there are planning applications within the parish. A list of planning applications is published in the Halstead Gazette each week. The Parish Council welcome comments from parishioners regarding planning applications and these can be submitted in writing to the clerk and/or by attending the relevant Parish Council meeting and addressing the council in the Public Forum. Details of planning applications to be discussed are published with meeting agendas on the Parish Council notice board by the tennis court in St James Street. Parishioners should also submit their comments to the planning authority, Braintree District Council, either in writing or via their website.
a) No Objections - The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: 07/01786/FUL – removal of bank at front of property and creation of off-road parking for three vehicles with retaining wall and railings - 36 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham; 07/02057/TPOCON- carry out works to trees - Castle Hedingham United Reformed Church, 32 Queen Street, Castle Hedingham; 07/02121/FUL – removal of bank at front of property and creation of off road parking for two vehicles with retaining wall and railings - 38 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham; DC/PC/CC/BTE/157/07 – single storey extension to the south west corner of the main school building to form a new Student Support Centre - Hedingham School, Yeldham Road, Sible Hedingham and, 07/02230/FUL & 07/02231/LBC – Renewal of temporary conditions for the existing temporary marquee on the tulip lawn - Tulip Lawn, Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham.
b) Application 07/02210/FUL & 07/02211/LBC – Conversion of farm buildings to tourist accommodation and domestic living accommodation - Pannells Ash Farm. Sudbury Road, Castle Hedingham - The Parish Council has no objections to the above application providing that the character of the barn complex remains intact. The building is listed and is a barn of considerable significance. Suggest that facilities are made in the roof development for barn owls which are prevalent within the area. Otherwise the plans are detailed, informative and the proposals are well thought though, sensitive and in keeping with the farm/agricultural land.
c) Application 07/02198/FUL – Erection of detached dwelling and single garage - Land at rear of 1 and 3 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham – The Clerk read various letters from parishioners objecting to the application echoing the views expressed during public forum. After a discussion it was agreed that the following comment be submitted:
The Parish Council object to the above application on the following grounds:
i) Back Fill Development – Contrary to Braintree District Council Local Plan RLP3– The proposal is back fill development in the conservation area similar to the proposal at Blue Boar House which was dismissed on appeal. It is contrary to Braintree District Council Local Plan RLP3 as the scale, design and intensity of the building is not in harmony with existing surrounding development, does not respect neighbouring amenities and is inappropriate backland development.
ii) Height - The building is too high, it is a three storey building and will dominate the landscape and spoil the openness of this part of the village.
iii) Proximity to Neighbouring Properties – The proposed property it too close to existing properties (Numbers 1 and 3) and is an invasion of their privacy.
iv) Design- The design is not in keeping with the existing properties in the village and the proposed weather boarding to the exterior is contrary to acceptable vernacular materials in the village.
v) Pitch of Garage/Cart Lodge. – The pitch of the garage/cart lodge is too high for its proposed position.
vi) Drainage – The Parish Council has concerns about surface drainage in an area that has experienced flooding in the past. This development could have a detrimental impact on Number 5 Castle Lane in this respect.
vii) Impact on the Conservation Area - Contrary to Braintree District Council Local Plan RLP95. The proposed development is contrary to Braintree District Council Local Plan RLP95 as it detracts from the character, appearance and essential features of the conservation area. It is not situated in harmony within the existing street scene and building line and is not sympathetic in size, scale and proportions with its surroundings. The building materials are not authentic or complementary to the building’s character.
d) Application - 07/02283/FUL & 07/02284/LBC – Conversion of youth hostel into two dwellings, demolition of outbuildings and formation of two new dwellings within curtilage - 7 Falcon Square, Castle Hedingham.
The Clerk read various letters from parishioners objecting to the application echoing the views expressed during public forum. After a discussion it was agreed that the following comment be submitted:
The Parish Council have no objections to the conversion of the Youth Hostel itself into two properties.
The Parish Council do object to the proposed two new dwellings on the following grounds:
i) Impact that the development is too high, overbearing and dominating to the detriment of its highly sensitive position in the conservation area and to the surrounding properties.
ii) Height – One and a half storey buildings would be preferable as a similar development in the centre of the village has properties of single storey with the majority of the first floor in the roof space. This scale would be acceptable for this development and blend in with neighbouring properties.
iii) Access – The Parish Council still have concerns about the suitability of access for such properties along Castle Lane. The Parish Council request that Highways undertake a risk assessment of the impact of the development on access to the properties, to and from Castle Lane and, Falcon Square.
iv) Car Parking - The proposed car parking spaces are insufficient for access/egress into such a narrow lane.
v) Mediaeval Wall - The development suggests the demolitions of a mediaeval wall which is totally unacceptable.
vi) Impact on Wells – The Parish Council are concerned about the circulation of ground water both in terms of surrounding wells and the effects on neighbouring properties foundations as heat pumps take water out of the soil. The Parish Council request that Building Control carry out an audit of the impact of the heat pumps on locally used wells.
vii) Foundations – The construction work could have a negative impact on local properties which have shallow foundations.
viii) Materials – Black weather boarding to the extent proposed is not 'in keeping’ with existing architectural form within the heart of the village.
ix) Curtilage of a Listed Building - The buildings are too large and out of keeping within the curtilage of a listed building and the conservation area.
x) Design - The design does not enhance the conservation area in this particularly significant part of the conservation area where sensitivity and appropriateness of the design are paramount.
xi) Loss of View – The development would obstruct the view of Hedingham Castle of those properties set lower in the village.
xii) Archaeological Survey – The Parish Council request an archaeological survey is carried out prior to the commencement of any works.
Wednesday, 16th January, starting at 7.45p.m. in Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.
