November 2019

Minutes of a meeting of the Environment committee held on 18th November 2019 in the Bracebridge Heath Community Library at 20:00

Present: Cllrs Adeyemi, Kilcoyne, Manders, Moran, Smith, Trought.
In attendance: Mrs S Knowles, Clerk to Council

1. To consider apologies for absence and note the reason where appropriate – It was RESOLVED: That apologies be accepted from Cllr Walker.

2. To receive members’ declarations of disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any agenda item – Nil.

3. To confirm the minutes of the Environment committee held on 16th September 2019 - It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 16th September 2019 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.

4. To confirm the minutes of the Environment committee held on 21st October 2019 - It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2019 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.

5. To consider planning applications –
19 1291 HOUS – 9 Adler Close – It was RESOLVED: That Council object to the application on the grounds that the shed is too close to the building and this detracts from its historic nature. The original planning conditions for the site stated that extensions and outbuildings required permission through the planning process (condition 35 of planning application 12/0900/OUT and policy HE5 of the Local Plan, 2007 (the applicable plan when planning permission was granted))
19 1439 PNH – 24 Tower Avenue – No comments. The application does not require prior approval.
TPO - 52 Lichfield Road – It was noted that a tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order, had been removed from the garden of 52 Lichfield Road. This was to be followed up with NKDC’s tree officer.

Comments were invited on the draft decision notice for removal of phone boxes in Bracebridge Heath. The committee noted NKDC’s objection for removal of pay phones on London Road and St John’s Road.

6. To receive a report on planning decisions received – A written report was received and accepted by members. It was requested that the clerk to council contact planning enforcement officers regarding rubble left on London Road.

7. To consider highways and roads –
a. To consider the condition of Red Hall Farm Lane – The committee reviewed a written report regarding standing water on the lane. It was agreed that no action was required.
b. To consider street names for land off Canwick Avenue and Westminster Drive - The committee agreed to recommend a theme of national abbeys, continuing the theme from Westminster Drive. Recommended street names include Whitby, Hexham, Shrewsbury, Selby, Waltham and Tewkesbury.

It was noted that repair works to St John’s Road had begun. It was requested that the condition of the road be monitored.

8. To consider purchase of an additional waste bin – A written report was reviewed. It was agreed that no additional bins would be purchased currently. Existing bin provision to be moved as agreed.

9. To consider the bus shelter asbestos survey and any actions required – No action required. The bus shelters would be monitored as required.

10. To consider street light repairs and maintenance – It was RESOLVED:That the streetlight on the footpath between Red Hall Farm Lane and Kennedy Road be replaced with a new column and LED lighting at a cost of £1350+VAT.

11. To consider the committee budget 2020/2021 – It was RESOLVED: That a committee budget of £19747.00 be recommended to Council.

12. To consider St John’s hospital cemetery – It was RESOLVED:That three signs are purchased for the entrances to the cemetery. Cllr Manders reported to the committee that a report had been prepared about the cemetery and the burials. It was agreed that a copy should be published and a copy kept within the library.

13. To consider a village heritage trail – It was agreed that a draft would be published on social media and feedback welcomed.

14. To consider the NALC Tree Charter – It was RESOLVED: That Council register to join the NALC Tree Charter Branch network.

15. To receive and note documentation from Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Plan subcommittee - A verbal report was given and accepted by members.

16. Items for the agenda of the next committee meeting –Fields in Trust, VE Day, heritage trails, cemetery signage

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 22:03
Signed_______________________________Chairman 20th January 2020