Little Totham Parish Council
Minutes of Meeting, Tuesday 5th November 2024
The Parish Council met on Tuesday 5th November in the Evangelical Hall, at 7.30pm
PRESENT
Chairman N. Lawrence
Councillors: T. Gritton, V. Hare, J. Hughes, J. King and S. Venton Parishioners: 2
24.148 Apologies for Absence: There were no apologies.
24.149 To invite Councillors to declare an interest in matters on the Agenda
Councillor King has an ongoing interest in the common land.
24.150 Minutes 01/10/24
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 1st October 2024 be approved and confirmed.
24.151 Update for parish newsletter
Councillor Venton had written the paragraph for October.
November: Councillor Hughes
December: Chairman Lawrence
RESOLVED Councillor Hughes to write November’s paragraph and send to the Clerk.
24.152 Common land
Chairman Lawrence reported that Francis has recently trimmed the paths. An email had been sent on behalf of the registered commoners about the parish council planting more trees, which has not been discussed and the parish council has no plans to do. Councillor King was unaware of the email. As discussed before, councillors are keen to improve communication with the registered commoners to prevent this type of misunderstanding occurring in future and to work together to manage the common land for the benefit of all residents and users of this asset.
RESOLVED Chairman Lawrence to respond to the email from the commoners and the Clerk to follow up by asking for a meeting to be held with the commoners and councillors.
24.153 a) Planning applications
No new applications.
- b) Planning decisions
VAR/MAL/24/00628 Variation of conditions 2 (plans) and 3 (materials) on approved planning permission 24/00153/HOUSE (Proposed two storey side extension (amendments to previous scheme 23/00345/HOUSE) Holly Cottage, The Street – approved
LDP/MAL/24/00703 Claim for lawful development certificate for proposed loft conversion including dormers on each side elevation. Addition of windows to the front and rear elevations Two Jays, Green Lane – approved
LDE/MAL/24/00706 Claim for a Lawful Development Certificate for the existing use of stables and land for equestrian use, including access at Land East Of New Farm, Beckingham Street - approved
24.154 Play equipment repairs
Councillor Venton will informally check the play equipment again in respect of the recommendations in the inspection report. The repairs to the swing will be carried out in spring next year.
24.155 Pond maintenance
Chairman Lawrence acknowledged and thanked Peter Hare on behalf of the parish council for the extensive vegetation clearance that he completed around the pond area. Councillors discussed the need to carry out regular ongoing maintenance of the area to ensure the vegetation is kept manageable.
24.156 Potential village projects
Councillors agreed it would be useful to contact Tolleshunt Major Parish Council to find out how they funded and installed their outdoor gym equipment as it is similar to the equipment that could be located in Sawyers Field. The Clerk reported that there is no information on the files relating to the agreement with MDC about Saywers Field and confirmation as to what is permitted there is needed to proceed with applying for funding.
RESOLVED The Clerk to contact Tolleshunt Major parish clerk and Councillor Hughes to discuss Sawyers Field permission with District Councillor Siddall.
24.157 Remembrance Service – Sunday 10th November
Chairman Lawrence confirmed that he has purchased a wreath and all arrangements are in place for the service.
24.158 Christmas
Chairman Lawrence has received the Christmas tree from ECC. He reported that he will plant it with Councillor Venton on the square green area and then assess whether a cut tree is needed there this year.
24.159 Tru Cam report
The latest report received was for September when four people were caught speeding. Councillors agreed it would be useful to include some information about numbers speeding in the parish magazine article.
RESOLVED The Clerk to send tru cam numbers to Councillor Hughes to use in this month’s update.
24.160 Invoices presented for payment
- Gardiner Clerk’s salary October £220.73
LT Evangelical Church Hire of hall £20.00
MDC Tru cam patrols £305.78
Skippers Ground maintenance £594.00
Petty cash £50
24.161 Correspondence
There is a PFCC conference for parish councils to be held on 3rd December and the next Maldon district clerk/chairman forum is 4th December. All other correspondence had been circulated to all councillors.
24.162 Update from District Councillor
Councillor Hughes reported that the new Chief Executive for MDC is now in post and a meeting has been held to discuss officers spending more of their working hours back in the council offices.
24.163 Public questions
There was discussion about finding out the latest update for St Peter’s hospital. The Clerk will circulate the report of the consultation.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.41pm.
Signed by the Chairman…………..…………………………
ITEMS FOR NEXT MONTH’S AGENDA – 3 December 2024
Christmas