• Mr Nicholas Turkentine (Vice Chair)
• Mr David Drane
• Ms Diana Frost
• Mrs Laura Saxel
• Mr Mark Welbourn
• District Councillor George Smith
• County Councillor Martin Foley
• PCSO Nikki Morris
• The Clerk

The Parish Council meeting started at 8.00pm

164. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

     Apologies for absence were accepted from Mr Sean McCarthy
     
     

165. REPORTS FROM DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS

     District Cllr Smith gave a verbal report on Uttlesford District Councillor, including a more detailed update regarding the special measures that have been implemented for the Planning Department. He noted that a Planning Director is to be appointed to drive the changes required.
     
     A monthly report from County Cllr Foley had been received and circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. Cllr Foley confirmed that Hempstead Parish Council’s requests have been put to the Local Highways Panel and that he will look into what discretionary funding might be available for the clearance of ditches.
     
     

166. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

     The Minutes of 13^th January 2022 were agreed as a correct record, and signed by the Vice Chair.
     
     

167. MATTERS ARISING

     Adoption of Telephone Box – It was agreed that at the present time the Parish Council would not look to “adopt” the telephone box, as it is still being served by BT. The Clerk to look into whether the box can be cleaned up and refurbished by BT.
     
     

168. FINANCE

     Financial Update – The Clerk confirmed the current account balance is £3,770.19.
     Invoices – Invoices were presented by the Clerk for the new bench and approved as follows: £33.34 (plaque), £49.48 (materials for setting the paving and securing) and £24.99 (wood preserver). Clerk’s expenses payment for 2021/22 of £440 was approved.
     
     

169. PLANNING

     Anso Corner Farm: UTT/22/0441/FUL Amendments to that approved under UTT/21/1764/FUL. After discussion it was agreed by a majority vote that NO COMMENTS REQUIRED
     The Moat House: UTT/22/0019/LB Proposed alterations to existing cloakroom to form shower room with window proposed to external wall. AWAITING DECISION
     Land at Village Hall: UTT/21/3671/TCA Fell 1no. Horse Chestnut as close to ground level as possible. NO OBJECTIONS RECEIVED
     Lakehouse Farm: UTT/21/1862/FUL. AWAITING DECISION
     
     

170. CORRESPONDENCE

     Parish Forums – Nick Turkentine and Diana Frost had attended an informative meeting with Peter Holt, the new CEO of Uttlesford District Council (UDC), and had circulated a summary of the discussion. It was agreed that the forum was very useful and that Councillors would attend any future meetings. The Clerk had also received information on a forum on planning and development that Diana Frost agreed to attend.
     ECC bus service consultation – The Clerk had received an email regarding a consultation on bus services as the number 60 route will be up for renewal/re-tender later in the year. Diana Frost to circulate details of this public consultation to residents by email.
     
     

171. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH & WELLBEING

     Policing - Nikki Morris, our local PCSO for North Uttlesford, dropped in for an informal visit. Nikki will give notice of any future visits to the village, to which all residents will be invited. It was noted that a Police Community Safety Partnership event will be held at the village hall on Tuesday, 1^st March.
     Essex Rural Partnership – Laura Saxel informed the Council about rural crime strategy workshops that will be taking place in late February and March, which are open to all members of the rural community. Laura to publicise to residents via the newsletter.
     Health and Wellbeing – Laura Saxel had attended a diversity listening event, where members of Uttlesford’s disabled community and local support organisations spoke. The Health and Wellbeing Plan will be updated and promoted to residents.
     
     

172. HIGHWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY

     Affinity Water Road Closure - Affinity Water have confirmed that the road will be reopened by 27^th February, with all work completed.
     Rights of Way Officer – Ned Gemmill, Hempstead’s rights of way officer, has been quick to act on recent communications from the Parish Council, and has arranged for two footpath bridges to be repaired.
     
     

173. ENVIRONMENT

     Tree Work – The horse chestnut by the village hall is due to be felled by Josh Watson on 20/21^st April. Nick Turkentine had been made aware, by the landowner, that three trees along Boytons Lane will need to be removed due to damage and poor condition.
     
     

174. FLOODING

     The Clerk had received a request for input to Uttlesford’s flooding risk assessment regarding flooding history of the Parish. It was agreed that the Parish Council had nothing it could provide.
     
     

175. COMMUNICATIONS

     No update required.
     
     

176. VILLAGE HALL

     Diana Frost has been appointed the Parish Council representative on the Village Hall Management Committee in the long term absence of Sean McCarthy.
     
     

177. PLATINUM JUBILEE

     A committee has been formed, with Melanie Pollitt kindly stepping forward to coordinate and the Clerk joining her, although more volunteers are being sought. The Clerk confirmed that there is now grant funding available from UDC for up to £700.
     
     

178. EMERGENCY PLAN

     Nick Turkentine confirmed the update is almost complete.