Parish Council Minutes February 2010

Little Bentley Parish Council Meeting /09/10  -

A Parish Council Meeting was held in the Church Hall on Wednesday 24 February 2010.  Councillors Evans, Dyson , Richardson and Crittenden were present along with three members of the public. 

 Minutes and Matters Arising

 1.1     The minutes of the previous meeting (5/09/10) were approved and signed.

 1.2     Cllr. Dyson made 4 signs reading ‘clean it and take it home’ to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets and would install them at appropriate locations next to footpaths.

 1.3     The Clerk had e-mailed BT concerning the issue of the Council’s unwillingness to spend £40 a year on unwanted electricity for the phone kiosk but had not yet received a reply.  The Clerk agreed to contact BT to remind them of the need for a reply.

 Potential playground adjacent to Bricklayers Arms

 2.1     The Clerk received back 10 questionnaires concerning potential interest in a children’s playground.  7 indicated they had children who would use the playground and would be willing to volunteer to support the project.  One person stated they would use a playground infrequently, one noted supported, and one stated that they were not happy with the idea.

2.2     The Clerk reported that she had spoken to Kirsty Horton, the Tendring District Council Play Officer who advised the following:

-         New playground facilities would be likely to cost in the region of £20-25,000.

-         Yearly running costs could be expected to be around £1500, including insurance, maintenance and a £45 yearly inspection.  Monthly inspections by someone in the village would also be required.

-         A minimum 5-7 year lease on the area would be needed.

-         Funding could be available from a variety of sources including the County and District councils, Sport England, the lottery, and supermarket community funds.

-         The next Play Partnership meeting of Tendring parishes would be held on 29 March, 5pm at Weeley – a representative from Little Bentley would be welcome to attend.

2.3     The Parish Council agreed to pursue the project.  It was noted that the upcoming Little Bentley Waterways and Garden Show could be a source of funding. Cllr Dyson agreed to contact Brian King, the owner of the land concerned, to discuss in greater detail his willingness to rent the land at a peppercorn rent.  Following this, the Clerk would arrange a meeting with volunteers to agree a work programme.

 3.      Council Vacancy

 3.1     Cllr. Richardson stated that he would be moving out of the village in April and would need to resign his seat.  The Chairman expressed the Council’s appreciation for all his hard work, expertise on policing and local government issues, and willingness to take on extra tasks including attendance at Tendring District Association of Local Councils meetings and tree warden duties. 

3.2     The Clerk advised that once Cllr. Richardson had submitted his letter of resignation, it would be sent to the District Council.  They would then advertise the vacancy.  If ten electors request an election then one must be held, but if this doesn’t happen the Council can co-opt a member until the next election.  The Parish Council agreed that villagers should be made aware through the Parish Magazine that a special by-election would cost the Council hundreds of pounds in advertisement, printing and distribution of ballots, staffing and rental of the Church Hall and that there will be a regularly scheduled Parish Council elections in 2011 which will provide the opportunity for all seats to be contested.

 4.      Highways

 4.1     The Clerk agreed to advise the Highways Department of potholes on

and to discuss options for the bridge on

which had once again been damaged.

 5.      Planning

 5.1     Planning applications – 10/00100/FUL, Continuation of use of farm buildings for B1 and B8 commercial purposes and use of Unit 12a for B2 paint spray workshop, Brampton Hall, Ravens Green – No objections.

 5.2     It was noted that Clip Hedge Barn had lost their enforcement appeal and the owner would need to demolish the unauthorised work on the barn.

 6.      Litter Pick

 6.1     Councillors agreed to hold the annual litter pick on Saturday 10 April 2010 at 11AM.  Cllr. Evans agreed to contact the pub to arrange for coffee.

 7.      Best Kept Village Competition

 7.1     Councillors agreed to enter the Best Kept Village competition.

 8.      Meeting Reports

 8.1     Cllr. Evans stated he had met with Council Leader Neil Stock at his request and had raised the Parish Council’s concerns about the Regeneration Strategy.  Cllr. Stock noted that the slim majority held by the Conservatives constrained their ability to move projects ahead.

8.2     Tendring District Association of Local Councils  - Cllr. Richardson reported that St. Osyth Council had raised concerns about changes to the Tendring constitution which would limit the ability of Parish Councils to influence the consideration of planning applications.

9.  Date of next meeting – Wednesday, 28^th April, 7:30 at the Church Hall.