Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council

February

BUDGET FOR 2012/13 AGREED - COUNCIL TAX UNCHANGED

The outturn for the current year should produce few surprises but some windfalls (rates rebate and compensation from Clever Curves) have enabled a number of additional small projects to be approved without adding to expenditure next year or reducing reserves.  Beneficiaries include the Windmill (additional spend on the cap), Recreation Ground (reinstatement works and a new hedge), flower baskets (replacement of existing), a booklet outlining footpath walks and grit bins and spreaders  (to enable some footpaths to be treated if snow/ice occurs).

The Government has indicated that it intends to introduce, with effect from 2013/14, a cap on the level of council tax raised by town and parish councils.  If an excessive increase (not specified yet) is raised, then the District Council will require a referendum to be held, the cost of which will fall on the parish council.  If parishioners reject the higher level of council tax, then spending will have to be adjusted accordingly including the cost of the referendum.  In 2010/11 the parish share of your council tax at Band D was £65.10 and the absolute cash sum raised is small.  Given the growth in population in this parish and the pressure from spending cuts elsewhere the Parish Council has decided to hold the Council Tax unchanged albeit immediate spending plans could have seen a decrease of 5%.

Expenditure in 2012/13 is budgeted to rise by 12% to £183,000.  Additional spending is planned in the following areas - emptying litter bins and checking play equipment on Foresthall Park, funding green waste skips (service withdrawn by UDC), work on trees in St Mary’s Churchyard, increasing the reserves for trees and new lighting, restarting the maintenance fund for the Windmill, a bulk clean and bulb change on street lights, rising energy prices and a survey on Crafton Green House.  On the other hand lower rates, reduced CCTV maintenance charge and the absence of spend on memorial testing and electrical and structural testing on street lights offset some of the additional expenditure.

Higher spending but an unchanged council tax charge reflects the increasing tax base given the rising number of homes mostly on Foresthall Park, including the dwellings transferred from Birchanger Parish in April 2012.  However, unfortunately for those residents moving from Birchanger to Stansted Mountfitchet, their parish tax will rise as the smaller community of Birchanger raises a lower precept.

To put the level of council tax into context, the proposed Band D charge of £65.10 for 2012/13 compares with £106.42 for Saffron Walden and £117.29 for Great Dunmow, both figures for 2011/12.

VEHICLE CLAMPING ADJACENT TO TESCO 

Much publicity was given in the local press following the clamping of cars parking on the land adjacent to Tesco on Cambridge Road.  Please note that the land is privately owned and is not a public car parking area.  We have asked the landowner if the warning signs could be made more visible, ie brought lower down, so that they are clear for everyone to see.  However, we would appeal to the public to park legally and responsibly.  We hope that our request to amend some of the parking restrictions on Cambridge Road will come to fruition this year - this should increase the availability of on-street parking whilst keeping road junctions clear and assist the flow of traffic.

NEW FOOTPATH MAP

We are delighted that the new map of the village, detailing in particular the routes of our public footpaths, has been published.  Copies are available, free of charge, from the Parish Council offices as well as other outlets such as the Post Office, Library and GP surgery.

NEW HOMES BONUS - FUNDING ORGANISATIONS & PROJECTS

Under funding received from the Government relating to new homes built, Uttlesford District Council allocated £97,000 to this parish.

The Parish Council has decided to use this money to fund a number of projects and to give funds to several village organisations.

 Projects being funded by the council are the refurbishment of the fountain area, stronger fencing around the skatepark, the provision of new allotments (subject to agreement on the site), tree planting, covering the village with daffodils, posts to protect the verges at the junction of Rainsford Road and audio visual equipment for the Day Centre and village.  If there is any surplus money then it will be devoted to the plans for new play equipment.

 The following organisations will receive varying sums of money towards designated projects - Stansted Cricket Club, Stansted Hall Cricket Club, Bowls Club, Tennis Club, Football Club, Rainbow Pre-School, Buffy Bus, Youth Club, U3A, Free Church Pilots and Foresthall Residents Association.  Together these grants amount to £40,000.  In addition a small project at the Windmill may be funded.

CONTINUING WITH GREEN WASTE SKIPS

Uttlesford District Council (UDC) will no longer fund skips to collect green waste but will collect from residents who pay for the service.  The earlier decision of the Parish Council was not to fund the skips.  However, with UDC reducing its charge by 50% and following an assessment of the budget for 2012/13, it has been decided to reverse this decision.  It is now proposed to fund a skip fortnightly (on Saturday or Sunday) from April to early November.

HEALTH CENTRE - PLANS SUBMITTED

We are delighted to report that the long-awaited plans for our new health centre with associated retail and residential accommodation have been submitted to Uttlesford District Council.  The application should be determined before the spring.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND TARGETS

At a meeting with planning officers there was an exchange of views on possible future development in this parish.

The view of the Parish Council was reiterated - any substantial new development outside of the current village limits in green belt or in the countryside will be opposed given the scale of the new estate at Foresthall Park which is still under construction and which still needs to become part of this community.  At the same time smaller sites within the village which were supported in the Parish Plan (see p13 for details) still remain on the table.  The next stage will be for Uttlesford District Council to develop a plan for the allocation of housing around the district.  Early in the year the demographic study which will consider six scenarios will be received while by June sites for development should be identified leading in October to a pre-submission draft of the proposals to meet housing needs.  If, within two years, UDC fails to produce an acceptable plan, then control will be lost and national policies will be implemented.

LDF CONSULTATION

The District Council will be holding a public consultation on the Local Development Framework on 6th February at the Day Centre, Stansted, 10 am - 8 pm.  Please make a note in your diary!  Further information will be available in the local newspapers nearer the time.

CLOSURE OF POLICE STATION

On 28 November, at very short notice, the police station in Hargrave Close was closed.  The Parish Council was disappointed with the speed of closure and the consequent basing of our local police at Great Dunmow.  However, looking forward it is hoped to have a civilian police reception in the re-built Library-Parish Council building as well as seeking to provide the police with back office space.  Negotiations are on-going, apparently even reaching to the Home Office!!  In terms of personnel, there should be no change - PC Tom Bastendorff and PCSOs Kelly Roberts and Stuart Stranger.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - 21 MARCH 2012

Make a note in your diary to attend the Annual Parish Meeting at 8 pm on 21 March in the Free Church, Chapel Hill.  A full list of papers along with the agenda will be distributed late in February.  Remember this is your chance to voice views and ask questions.

CONSERVATION AREA 

DIRECTIONS

Some years ago a study of the conservation areas in the village was undertaken by Uttlesford Disdtrict Council.  As a result of this, a new conservation area was designated at Bentfield Green and all residents affected by that change were notified by UDC at the time.

Since then, a more detailed study of each area has taken place, and new “Article 4” directions have just been introduced.  In brief, this means that home owners living within the designated areas will have to apply for Conservation Area Consent to undertake certain changes to their properties such as replacement windows, certain doors, construction of porches, creation or replacement of hard standing areas and changes to fences, walls and railings.  Again, each householder should have received a letter from the District Council detailing their responsibilities.  The aim of the direction is to preserve the amenity of the conservation areas.

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH

Our plea in the last magazine for volunteers to sign up to a Community Speedwatch scheme has proven largely successful with eight people having come forward to register their interest.  PCSO Kelly Roberts will be pursuing this with those volunteers, but if we could reach a total of twelve individuals, that would be ideal.  Please contact the Council Offices or Kelly if you would like to find out more.

POLICE BEAT SURGERIES

The next Beat Surgeries will be held in the Library on Tuesday 7 February, 10-11 am. and 23 February, 2-3 pm.

PARISH PLAN DELIVERED

By the time this edition of The Link drops through the door, you should have received your copy of the Parish Plan.  Much work went into its preparation and a number of the action points have already been accomplished or are in train.  It is intended to review the plan annually so please continue to let the office have your views or ideas.

ADVANCE NOTICE .... our  annual village litter pick will take place on the weekend of 3rd/4th March - please watch noticeboards, website and next edition of the Link for further details.

NEWS FROM DISTRICT COUNCIL

The New Year is beginning with another stage of consultation on the local development (planning) framework.  The council has published draft policies and a map of ten sites around Stansted which developers have put forward for new homes.  It is not yet decided how many new homes need to be planned in Uttlesford over the next 15 or so years, so it isn’t yet clear how much land will be needed.  The consultation paper says that ‘identification of a site does not mean the council considers it appropriate for development’.

Several local residents and councillors have been trying for the past few months to find out which, if any, of these sites in Stansted and elsewhere were selected last summer as suitable for early development to plug a shortfall in the supply for new housing for the next five years.  Central government places a requirement on councils to be able to demonstrate this.  Uttlesford presently cannot do so.

I have continued to investigate the time it takes for housing and council tax benefit claimants to receive the payments due to them.  I want the council to adopt a public commitment on the standard of service it makes to this vulnerable group of people.

Consultation needs to be carried out soon with residents, especially those who live on Foresthall Park, on how developers’ money in a Community Fund is to be used.  So far bids fall into four main categories:  traffic speeding and pedestrian safety, parking, a new Parish Council office and Library, and bids from local community buildings and sports organisations.  There have also been bids from Birchanger village.

(Cllr Alan Dean)

LOOKING AT PARISH SPENDING - LIGHTING

Lighting our streets is regarded by most parishioners as an important priority for the Council.  Spending on lighting is shown below and commentary follows:

  2009/10     2010/11     2011/12         £              £                 £

Energy costs     7,420 8,123        8,500

Maintenance of

Lights     3,670 4,087        4,000

Total   11,090        12,210        12,500

Clean & change   3,790           -                     -

Electrical/Structural

Testing        -           __-___           3,800

Total               14,880        12,210       16,300

New Lighting        1,000       ______         1,000

Total   15,880        12,210     17,300

Energy costs reflect electricity tariffs.  Unless the parish reduces the number of lights or the number of hours in lighting, there is little means of reducing spend.  The tariff rate paid is considered to be good.

Maintenance of lights is undertaken by an independent contractor (Cartledge) who also undertakes this function for Essex County Council.  The County Council and the Parish Council pay similar tariffs.  It should be noted that finding efficient contractors is difficult.

Clean and Change is carried out every three years.  Cleaning improves the level of lighting while the change of bulbs reduces outages and thus maintenance costs.

Electrical and Structural Testing is commissioned every six years and is a legal and insurance requirement to ensure the lighting columns are safe.

Looking ahead there are a number of issues relating to lighting which parishioners and the Parish Council will need to consider.

 Ownership of lighting in the parish - currently Essex County Council own about 20% of the lights.  Another approach to transfer these lights (excluding the B1383) to the parish is being considered.

 Improving the quality of the street lighting - the existing portfolio of lights is a mishmash put together over many decades.  Modern lighting would be more effective, economic and friendly to the environment.  Consideration is being given to identifying the most appropriate lighting and then costing a phased programme.

 Lighting at night - discussions will be pursued again to determine a common policy acceptable to most of our parishioners.

It is recognised that lighting is an important element in reducing crime and the perception of being at risk.  There will be a continuing need to seek ways to improve lighting standards.

LOOKING AT PARISH SPENDING - WINDMILL

The Parish Council is a trustee together with Molly Clark.  The trustees are responsible for looking after the fabric of the Windmill.

In terms of funding tribute must be given to the Millers (if you would like to join or give a donation, please contact Derek Honour on 647213) who undertake many jobs and raise money to maintain the Mill.  The Parish Council puts a sum of money each year towards these costs but, if necessary, the Council would need to make good any shortfall for necessary maintenance.  Major projects require external finance and as such depend upon succeeding in funding applications.

Spending and income in recent years are shown below together with the budget for 2011/12.  Expenditure on the recent major project is not included in these figures.

     2009/10    2010/11   2011/12

£   £   (Budget)

Expenditure -

   Regular 800  500    2,000

   small projects      -_ 1,106    6,120

Total     800 1,606    8,120

Income -

  fundraising by

  Millers/         5,000  -       -   

  donations - 

 small projects        _-___ 1,106    6,120  

       Total        5,000 1,106    6,120

The funding of regular expenditure is usually met by the Millers and covers minor works in and around the Mill.

 The small one-off projects include preservation of the wall paintings on the ground floor and additional shutters for the sails.    Last year, new chairs and publicity banners were purchased.  The Millers have volunteered to fund these helped by donations.  To speed up the process, however, the Parish Council provided the finance up-front and has been paid back following the Millers fund raising.

 The Parish Council will set aside £2,000 each year to build up a fund to meet the costs of future repairs and decoration.               

Looking ahead the costs of maintaining the Mill are set to increase.  In recent years the trustees have employed a specialist architect to keep an eye on the Mill and report on repairs which should be undertaken.  Following the recent project, which has increased the moving parts of the Mill, the Millers believe that it is essential that checks are undertaken three or four times a year by Millwrights on this work.  The annual structural inspection should continue.  Costings are currently being sought.

The recent major project has enabled the cap to rotate and the sails to turn in the wind, as well as refurbishing all of the brickwork, windows, sails etc etc. The cost of the project was substantial and only achievable as a result of grants and donations.  

     £

Cost of Project 200,510

Funded by

Donations - English Heritage 112,000

       Essex Heritage    4,000

       Viridor    6,500

Millers/parishioners 55,000        

Total 177,500        

Surplus/Deficit*  23,010 

*Funded from the council tax raised by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council has clarified recently its policy towards the Mill.  The responsibility of the Council is to maintain the fabric of the building so as to conserve this ancient monument.  Any proposed projects would need to secure external funding.  However, even if such funding was available, the Parish Council would need to consider whether additional on-going revenue costs would be acceptable.

The Parish Council and a large proportion of our parishioners would like to reiterate our thanks to the Millers who give so much time and raise significant resources which continue to sustain the Mill.

DO YOU WANT TO LOOK AFTER THE 

STATION?

Newport Business Association has reached agreement with National Express to restore the appearance of Newport station which for many years has been sadly neglected.  Funding to replace windows, obtain equipment such as diggers and the provision of a new noticeboard have been provided without charge by businesses in the area.  Labour has come from two sources - a group of local volunteers including schools and a community work team from Community Payback (formerly the Probation Service).  The objectives have been laid out and the steps needed to achieve the objectives have been specified.  The Parish Council, although supportive, is not involved.  This is a community initiative.

Are there any volunteers in this village who would like to undertake a similar programme at Stansted Station?  If so, please contact the Clerk who will provide the necessary contacts in terms of the train operating company, the organisers in Newport and Community Payback.

The station is an entrance into our community and a better appearance will reflect well on the village as well as making commuting or visiting a more pleasant experience.

Although the work required at Stansted is likely to be considerably less than at Newport, the business plan for the labour may be viewed on our parish website  www.stansted.net and follow the links.

AN IMPROVED RAIL SERVICE IS EXPECTED FROM DECEMBER

Unusually the revisions to the timetable to take effect in December 2011 appear to benefit those using this station.  For this, considerable thanks are due to Sarah Davies who for years has, with persistence, lobbied and negotiated with the train operating companies.  Although an uphill struggle, beneficial changes have been achieved over the years with the December changes showing a bigger gain.  Given the number of parishioners who use the trains, improved timetables can be of significant benefit in their daily lives.  The main changes proposed in the December timetable include an additional train per hour to Liverpool Street from 10.52-14.52,  semi-fast trains to Liverpool Street at 16.24-19.24 and more trains to the airport. 

For more detailed information go to the parish website and follow the link.

CHANGES AT UTTLESFORD DISTRICT 

COUNCIL

Following the recent elections, the four members serving our parish will serve on the following committees:

Alan Dean - Performance and Audit

Iris Evans - Scrutiny and Constitution Working Group

Joe Rich - Scrutiny and Constitution Working Group

John Salmon - Development Control, Licensing and Chairman of the South Forum.

FORESTHALL PARK

By the time you receive this magazine, residents at Foresthall Park will have received letters regarding the establishment of a Residents’ Association or similar body.  The Parish Council has already met with some representatives to discuss practical issues such as dog and litter bins, noticeboards etc.  If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the authors of the letter.

NEWS FROM UTTLESFORD DISTRICT 

COUNCIL

I am resuming my monthly column following the election break. Welcome to Iris Evans and Joe Rich, who have joined John Salmon and me on the Stansted team at Uttlesford. My thanks to John Hudson, who stood down from the Stansted South seat after four years. My special thanks to Geoffrey Sell, who, after 13 years representing Stansted North, did not win back his seat. I shall miss Geoffrey in his district role but am pleased that he remains in local politics and community action as chairman of the parish council.

We are in a new world at Uttlesford; one of cabinet government, in which most decisions are now in the hands of about five councillors. It is hoped that Uttlesford will avoid with its cabinet arrangements the sort of controversies that have beset other local authorities.

So, there are four years ahead to deliver on the many issues in Stansted that have arisen in recent months. Top of my list are the footpath, pavement and road safety issues in Cambridge Road, Church Road and Silver Street that are all well known. I am all too well aware how long it takes to get action out of Essex Highways and how good ideas seem to get forgotten. It will be essential for district, county and parish councillors to work effectively together to ensure that delivery wins over debate. Fortunately, money exists for many of these improvements and Stansted needs to lay claim to a sizeable chunk of this year’s £700,000 New Homes Bonus which Uttlesford now holds in its bank account.

District Cllr Alan Dean

There are many issues which are going to confront us all in the District in the next four years. The Local Development Framework (LDF) is certainly one of them. This is a suite of documents which, when finalised, will together guide almost all development within the district. Before this, there are sure to be some more applications for large high-density residential developments, which we all oppose.

Nick Barton, the new Managing Director of Stansted,  came to see the Parish Council for a meeting just before the election and explained that he wanted to rebuild links between the business he runs and the local community. He should be in no doubt that we all want Stansted to succeed as a quality business. It is the single biggest employer and contributor to business taxes in our area.

Many businesses depend directly or indirectly upon the airport’s success. We are seeing planning applications for facilities to handle very large aircraft – such as the A380 – being made. Stansted is one of the few airports that can handle these noisy aircraft. If they are going to land here in large numbers, we need to be sure that they do so at the right times and in such a way that their nuisance and planning blight is minimised.

Next year will see the Olympics in 2012. Events – such as the Mountain Biking – are taking place in the county.  Parish Council elections  will also take place in 2012– delayed because of parish boundary changes between Birchanger and Stansted. We hope that we speak for everyone on the Parish Council when we say that we all want good people to get, and remain, involved – whatever their political persuasion. 

 If you are interested in standing – no matter what your political allegiance – then please contact us, or the Parish Council offices, for details on how to get involved. One of the hallmarks of a “Quality Parish Council” is contested elections. It is essential that Stansted retains this coveted status. If you care about the area, then please get involved. There is always more work to be done by the Parish Council, and individual Councillors!

District Cllrs Joe Rich and John Salmon

NEWS FROM ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

I have written about this subject before but I hope that readers will excuse me if I bang on about the same thing because we need your help.  

Essex County Council has just celebrated the end of FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT where we have held a number of events across the county introducing families to what it means to foster children who are in need of support, love and a stable environment.  The result of the events was that Essex signed up 13 families who are keen to undertake what can be a demanding but potentially extremely rewarding task.

The trouble is that we still don’t have enough people and given that Essex has nearly 1600 children and young people who are “Looked After” we have a constant need for families who are prepared to assist by providing a home for these young people when their need is greatest.

In conjunction with all this Essex County Council has now produced a Foster Care Charter that outlines the support and commitment we will give to Foster Carers.

I repeat we need your help so, to find out more about fostering a child call 0800 801 530 or visit www.essex.gov.uk/fostering 

County Cllr Ray Gooding

DATES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

            July     6 Full Council  

            July   13 free

July   20     F&GP

July        27 Full Council

      

    CONTACT DETAILS

Clerk - Ruth Clifford

 Admin Assistant - Anne Court

 Email:  parishcouncil@stansted.net

 Phone/fax: 01279 813214  10am - 1pm

 www.stansted.net

PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS 

Catherine Dean - V/Chairman 813579

catherinemarydean@btinternet.com

Iris Evans 815848

iris.evans9@googlemail.com

Jo Freeman 812524

j.freeman195@yahoo.com

Bridget Gott 814440

John Hudson 814489

john@hudson8889.fsnet.co.uk

Peter Jones 813252

peter@lowerstreet.com

Janice Loughlin 812346

cllrloughlin@uttlesford.gov.uk

Tudor Owen 812825

tudor@tudorowen.com

Ruth Rawlinson 814222

ruthrawlinson@tiscali.co.uk

Jonathan Rich 813112

joerichlaw@aol.com

John Salmon 814789

cllrsalmon@uttlesford.gov.uk

Geoffrey Sell - Chairman 815925

sellgeoffrey@yahoo.co.uk

Bill Stiles 813172

candbstiles@tiscali.co.uk

Valerie Trundle 813433

prtvrt@btinternet.com

OTHER CONTACTS

Uttlesford District Council Members

Alan Dean Tel: 01279 813579

Email: cllrdean@uttlesford.gov.uk

Iris Evans Tel: 01279 815848

Email: iris.evans9@googlemail.com

Joe Rich Tel: 01279 813112

Email: cllrrich@uttlesford.gov.uk

John Salmon Tel: 01279 814789

Email: cllrsalmon@uttlesford.gov.uk

Essex County Council Member

Ray Gooding Tel: 01279 813103

Email: cllr.ray.gooding@essexcc.gov.uk

Member of Parliament

The Rt Hon Sir Alan Haselhurst MP

House of Commons, London SW1A OAA

Tel:  0207 219 5214/Fax: 0207 219 5600

Email: alan.haselhurst.mp@parliament.uk

Police

PC Tom Bastendorff Tel:  01279 812211

Non-emergency number       0300 333 4444

PCSO’s (Stuart/Kelly) Tel: 07801 461 666