Braintree District Council Waste and Recycling Collections - Braintree District Council have advised the Parish Council that it has been necessary to postpone the implementation of the introduction of wheelie bins to the village. Braintree District Council had designed a scheme which effectively divided the village into two with the historic centre remaining on weekly black sacks. This solution had caused some difficulties in re-planning collection routes and it has been decided to defer the implementation to the village until other routes have been re-organised and settled down. Therefore Castle Hedingham will remain on weekly black sack collections for the time being. It is still the intention to included Castle Hedingham at the earliest possible opportunity. Residents had been advised of this at an information session and all householders will receive a letter during September / October. Braintree District Council apologised for any confusion or difficulties that may arise from this change of plan but they felt it would be unwise to proceed until they can guarantee adequate resources to ensure an efficient and reliable collection service for the village. The Clerk will contact Braintree District Council to ensure a full year's supply of black sacks is delivered throughout the village.
Bayley Street - It was noted that parishioners had expressed concerns that detritus from the bank between the Castle and Pye Corner is narrowing the footpath making it difficult for pushchair users. Essex County Council will be asked if they can assist in addressing this matter.
The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications - Application – 06/01597/LBC – Alterations to existing outbuildings - Barn, Astles, 1 Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham; Application 06/01721/TPOCON – Carry our works to trees - Binghams, Pottery Lane, Castle Hedingham and, Application 06/01760TPOCON - Carry our works to trees - The Old Vicarage, 15 Queen Street Castle Hedingham.
Application 06/01672/FUL – Erection of extension and remodelling to existing dwelling - 3a Crown Street, Castle Hedingham - The Parish Council object to the expanse of weatherboarding proposed and would prefer to see a more sympathetic finish. The Parish Council would also draw attention to ensuring that the foundations for the extension are sufficient in an area which is prone to flooding.
Application 06/01317/FUL - Demolition of existing garage and erection of 1 no. one bedroom bungalow - Land rear of 26 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham - It was noted that this application has been refused by Braintree District Council.
Neighbourhood Watch – The Chairman gave a report of a recent Neighbourhood Watch meeting that had been held in the Memorial Hall. It was agreed to be very important to promote and encourage the work of this organisation. Councillors identified two opportunities in the next six months when the Parish Council is involved in whole village leaflet drops and it was suggested that Neighbourhood Watch leaflets could also be delivered on these occasions. The first drop relates to the compiling of a Village Design Statement (VDS) - the leaflets will be delivered in the next week or so - and the second opportunity will be when the annual report is delivered in April next year. The Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator will be contacted and asked to pass 550 leaflets to Mr Scrivens for Distribution with the VDS information.
Churchyard Clearance – It was agreed that the Churchyard clearance will take place on 24th October 2006.
Parish Council: Wednesday 11th October 2006, Wednesday 15th November 2006 7.45p.m. Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.
