Minutes HPC Meeting 5th June 2025 (no HPC meeting in May 2025)

HENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

 Minutes (unapproved) of a Parish Council Meeting

Date: Thursday 5 June 2025

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: OSCA, Henham

Present: Cllrs N. Baker, S. Lee, J. Leech, M. Fisher, P. Frankin, Z Rutterford, C. Walker, Clerk M.Dacey, District Cllrs P. Lees and B. Donald, County Cllr R. Gooding

NOTE: As a mark of respect for the passing of Cllr LeCount, a minute’s silence was held at the beginning of the meeting.

Declaration of interests: The Chair reminded Councillors of their duty to declare any relevant personal or pecuniary interests.

1. Apologies for Absence – None

2. Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the 10 April 2025 meeting was approved and signed by the Chair. There was no meeting in May.

3. Matters Arising –

4. Reports and Recommendations

• Greens and Village Estate – Cllr. Baker:
• Greens damage – Village greens will inspected by the Chair and Cllr Leech shortly with regard to strengthen areas of erosion. Following a discussion, it was agreed to seek professional advice regarding removal of the weeds in the pond.
• Greens Bylaws – The revised bylaws have been sent to the local government team on 28/4/25 for review. These have now been approved and the 2 week consultation will commence 9/6/25. Details will be posted on village website.
• Church works – Greens now reseeded and levelled, although it was noted there has already been damage caused by lorries driving over the greens. The Chair and Cllr Leech will look into methods on how to prevent this. A resident has requested permission to plant daffodils on the greens outside the church on behalf of a family member. Following a discussion, it was agreed to grant permission for the planting so long as the daffodils are near the wall to allow for mowing in the spring.
• Common land – Chair has written to the Commons Registration Authority 7/4/25. No response as yet. Chair to chase.
• Footbridge – Cllr Walker has registered the footbridges with Essex Highways which have now been listed for repairs: Reference Number: 2974422 Issue: defective bridge on prow
  Location: footpath 25 Henham; Reference Number: 2974421 Issue: defective bridge on prow Location: footpath 11 Henham
• Bunker south of Glebe Field – Cllr Walker has been liaising with the owner of the land to make the bunker safe as it has been opened and flooded. This has now been made secure.
• Greens mowing – An enquiry was received via the village website whether some of the greens can be left unmown to encourage biodiversity. Following a discussion, it was agreed that there are sufficient biodiverse areas in the village and Councillors expressed concern regarding pedestrian and vehicular sightlines if the grass is left unmown. It was agreed by majority not to leave any new areas of the green unmown.
• Damage to post on Carters Lane – The resident who accidentally damaged the post has repaired this post and 2 others at her own cost. Separately (and unconnected) a missing post was repaired by the Parish Council’s handyman.

Village ponds/Woodland – Update Cllr Walker- the recently planted whips are doing well but some other saplings have been damaged by wildlife. The wildlife camera is set up but nothing captured on it as yet. The woodland team are also keeping the nettles at bay along the footpath.

Village Hall – (1) General – update from Cllr Fisher: Cllrs have previously agreed by email to continue with the £5000 annual grant, payable in 2 equal instalments in April and September. The clerk has issued the first instalment of £2500 to the Village Hall Committee. The Village Hall Committee are investigating how to improve the storage facilities at the village hall and the planning process for the solar panels. (2) HPC Community Support Fund – nothing to report.

Speedwatch – update from Cllr Walker: Cllr Walker continues to liaise with Essex Highways and Bellway re 30mph repeater signage by Bellway site. Essex Highways have now confirmed the location for a sign and that only 1 new sign for the site will be required to be compliant and they have passed this information over to Bellway to amend the drawings accordingly. Data from the VAR cameras has been circulated to cllrs prior to this meeting.  Regular speedwatch dates have been set.

Management of Pledgdon Green – Update from Cllr Rutterford: Conservation Area Status – UDC has written to all of the properties in the proposed conservation area and they will be promoting it via their website, through a press release and via social media. It is also on the village website. Residents can read a copy of the appraisal on the UDC website at: Pledgdon Green Henham Conservation Area Appraisal or, they can read paper copies of the appraisal at: Uttlesford District Council Offices in Saffron Walden or Thaxted library. The consultation will run from 8.30am on Tuesday 27 May to 5pm on Tuesday 8 July. Anyone can comment online, by email, or by writing to UDC – From 27 May, comment online using our online feedback form on the Pledgdon Green Henham Conservation Area Appraisal webpage. Email: Email any comments to: consultation@uttlesford.gov.uk Post: Send any comments by post to: Uttlesford District Council, Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER. There is also an Engagement event Wednesday 25 June from 4pm to 7pm The Old School Community Association (OSCA), Crow Street, Henham, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6AT. The Parish Council thanks Cllr Rutterford for her hard work in liaising with UDC to produce a written Q&A document which has been circulated to residents.

Cemetery Scale of Charges – Following a discussion, it was agreed the Chair would review the current pricing structure so that our charges are in line with other cemetery fees in the area.

Grove Hill yellow boxes – At the Henham Annual Parish meeting held on 1/5/25 residents expressed concern regarding the cameras filming the yellow boxes on Grove Hill. The Chair has written to Stansted PC who have confirmed there are no enforcement cameras on Grove Hill, nor are there any plans to instal enforcement cameras.

Remembrance Sunday Road Closure – The Clerk has applied to UDC for the usual road closure at the war memorial on Sunday 9^th November 2025, this has been processed and circulated to the Church who are responsible for organising the road closure on the day.

Village Fete – Cllr Baker has applied for the licence and ordered the hire of 2 toilets for the event which is being organised by residents. The Chair will also organise bins. Total approximate cost to the Parish Council is £400. Cllr Franklin is assisting the fete committee regarding health and safety.

           (ii) Finance

Treasury Management Investment Policy and Strategy 2025/26 – Cllr Fisher update.

VAT Reclaim – This was submitted by the Clerk on 21/5/25 for the amount of £6660.93.

Signing of AGAR 2024-25 for Henham PC – The Year-End Accounts, produced in conjunction with the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor, Trevor Judd, together with the unsigned and undated S1 and signed and dated S2 of the Annual Return and the Internal Auditor Report have been distributed to councillors for their appraisal prior to this meeting. These accounts have been used to prepare the AGAR (annual return) prior to submission to External Auditors. The steps below need to be taken in the following order in order to comply with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015:

• Annual Return Procedure Policy – the Parish Council approved the policy.
• A review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control was carried out and the findings of the review was considered by the Parish Council;
• It was resolved by the Parish Council that the Annual Governance Statement (s1) was approved, Cllr Fisher proposed the approval, Cllr Franklin seconded the proposal, nem con;
• The Accounting Statements (s2) (which has been dated and signed by the RFO prior to this meeting) were considered by the Parish Council as a whole;
• It was resolved by the Parish Council that the Accounting Statement (s2) was approved, Cllr Fisher proposed the approval, Cllr Franklin seconded the proposal nem con;
• The Chair signed and dated the Accounting Statements (s2). The Chair and Clerk signed and dated the Annual Governance Statement (s1).

The dates set for the period for the exercise of public rights are as follows – commencing on 10 June 2025 and ending on 21 July 2025. The Parish Council thanks our internal auditor and the clerk for all their work. Documents on website.

• Planning and Developments –

• UTT/25/0958/LB – proposed Renovation and replacement of windows and doors, The Orchards, Wood End Green
• UTT/25/0594/HHF & UTT/25/0595/LB – proposed Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of replacement conservatory Mondis Cottage Crow Street
• UTT/25/0987/OP – proposed Outline application for the erection of four dwellings with associated parking and landscaping (all matters reserved apart from access), Dukes Meadow Old Mead Road. The Sub-planning cttee have raised concerns with UDC planning with regard to drainage, parking, walkways and overdevelopment of plot.
• UTT/25/1171/HHF – Proposed orangery to replace existing conservatory, Kismet Old Mead Lane. Cllr Franklin declared an interest and absented himself from any discussion.
• UTT/25/1234/HHF – Proposed Erection of domestic outbuilding for use as home gym, Suckings Cottage, Crow Street. Cllr Lee declared an interest and absented himself from any discussion. Chair has written to UDC on behalf of the sub planning cttee expressing concern regarding the pitch of the outbuilding and impact on view from Crow Street.
• UTT/25/1266/HHF – Proposed conversion of existing double garage and store at ground floor level to photographic studio and fit out existing first floor storage area to form residential annexe to main house, The Bell House Old Mead Road
• UTT/25/1293/HHF – proposed Two storey side extension and alterations, 2 Blossom Place Henham
• UTT/25/1331/LB – proposed Replacement of 19 no. windows with timber windows, Green End Farm Wood End Green

Breaches:  none

Appeals:  Appeals Dismissed – APP/C1570/W/24/3349874 (UTT/24/0367/HHF) & APP/C1570/Y/24/3349872 (UTT/24/0368/LB) – Pledgdon Green Farm

APP/C1570/W/25/3364721 – Planning Appeal MARKS Land Rear Of Tudor Hall Brick End Road Henham Change of use from paddock to residential and construction of

2no. self-build residential dwellings, appeal to be determined by written representations which must be received by 12 June 2025. Cllr Rutterford declared an interest and absented herself from any discussion. The Sub planning Cttee will re-submit an objection based on the parish council’s previous objection.

Developments:

UTT/24/0670/DFO (Re- Consultation) Mill Road Development (45 houses): UTT/24/2419/DOC proposed Application to discharge condition 17 (lighting design scheme for biodiversity) attached to UTT/20/0604/OP (approved under Appeal APP/C1570/W21/3272403).

Cllr Walker is liaising with Bellway on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Walker is arranging a site visit to discuss the footpath to the train station with Bellway. Planning application for an additional 4 houses: UTT/25/0975/FUL – Erection of 4no. dwellings (Use Class C3) including associated access, parking, landscaping, and ancillary works, Land South Of Vernons Close Mill Road – Cllr Walker has been liaising with Bellway regarding several issues and Cllrs Baker and Walker are meeting with Bellway shortly to discuss this planning application as well as: a number of concerns raised in regards to adequate screening and loss of privacy to all residents that directly neighbour the ditch line north of the development with regard to seeking potential remedies for improved privacy screening; VAS (vehicle activated sign) versus 30mph repeater proposal; anticipated final build dates and schedule of the current build; and update to S106 funding and any proposals; removing of hedging and trees during nesting season. Suds now completed and trees planted.

Station car park – Elsenham PC have forwarded the Chair details of a proposed planning application to develop the station car park for commercial business units, as this falls within the parish of Henham. Existing station parking to be reduced to 15 spaces, B1 use buildings, incorporating internal access roads, car parking, open spaces and landscaping. Sub planning cttee to meet with developer’s representative 25 June 2025.

Bloor – UTT/23/2063/DFO (200 houses) – Land East Of Station Road – Cllr Franklin emailed Bloor 11/12/24 regarding installation of a footpath by the Level Crossing. Cllr Franklin has written several emails both to our District Cllrs and County Cllr Gooding to request support from them regarding putting pressure on Bloor to respond to the Parish Council’s request to install a footpath by the level crossing. Bloor have been unresponsive to date. Cllr Frankin chased again 1/6/25, if no further response he will pursue with the Bloor’s regional director.

Bedwell Road – UTT/24/0543/OP (240 houses) – Land North Of Bedwell Road And East Of Old Mead Road Ugley And Henham. The Parish Council has written to UDC requesting that this is called in. This was due to be heard at planning committee on 7/5/25, however, the application was carrying a holding objection from Place Services (Ecology). The applicant’s had submitted additional submissions to address this objection. Place Services (Ecology) have confirmed they retain their holding objection, on that basis Committee will not be in a position to consider the matter on 7/5/25.

Decisions: none

• Highways – Update OMR-OML – (1) Intended closure of Old Mead Road, due to commence on 19th May 2025 for 5 days. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while Essex Drainage Solutions undertakes drainage connection.

School parking – The Chair, County Cllr Gooding attended a meeting with a parent and Headmaster of the school on 8/2/24 to discuss dangerous parking. It was agreed that the Headmaster would send out to parents/carers a warning note that police enforcement would take place soon with penalties enforced. PCSO would arrange police enforcement visits. County Cllr Gooding has commenced steps to organise School Lane as a ‘School Street’ on arrival and departure times. This is ongoing and County Cllr Gooding will email the new headteacher about a travel plan.

Residents are encouraged to also report any matters to Essex Highways direct via the Essex Highways web site www.essexhighways.org (details also on the Henham Website), as the more people who complain regarding Highways matters the more likely something will get done.

Residents are encouraged to report unsafe or dangerous parking in our village to: swilliams@uttlesford.gov.uk Stansted Airport Limited operates a Freephone number for reporting suspected on-street airport related car parking. The Freephone number is: 0800 7312385

5. Correspondence

Sent/Received: resident re Pledgdon Green common land; Church re smashed window; resident re daffodil planting; enquiry re history of Henham and postcards; enquiries re mowing greens; fishing lake closure

Planning Applications  – see 4(iii) above

• Clerk – approximately 250 emails in April and May respectively.

6. Waste and Minerals Development Issues – Local Plan Review – 2025 to 2040 Nothing to report.
7. Stansted Airport – Cllr Fisher circulated details of the government’s proposals regarding the flightpath overhaul which could potentially negatively impact our area.
8. Governance – Nothing to report.
9. Local Plan – Documents related to the local plan can be found at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/new-local-plan. Local Plan numbers allocation – Cllrs have previously agreed by email to the cost of £15,000 for barristers advice, with one abstention. Hearing Statements have been circulated to Cllrs for comment. Hearing dates set for 11^th (all day from 09:30) and 13^th June (morning only from 09:30). Chair and Cllr Walker will be attending the UDC offices for the hearing.
10. Henham SOV 100 Club draw –

April Draw

Cllr Rutterford conducted the draw on behalf of the Henham SOV 100 Club. She drew from a black bag containing 164 lottery balls. The winning numbers were:

1st Prize Number 10 (L. Peake) £239
2nd Prize Number 167 (A. Brister) £115

Total funds received per draw were £825. Half will be paid in prizes with the balance of £413 paid to Henham Parish Council SOV Funds. Many thanks for everyone’s ongoing support.

May Draw

Cllr Rutterford conducted the draw on behalf of the Henham SOV 100 Club. She drew from a black bag containing 164 lottery balls. The winning numbers were:

1st Prize Number 27 (T Alcock) £ 239
2nd Prize Number 73 (S Coke) £115

Total funds received per draw were £825. Half will be paid in prizes with the balance of £413 paid to Henham Parish Council SOV Funds. Many thanks for everyone’s ongoing support.

11. Date of Next Meeting

The next Parish meeting is on Thursday 3^rd July 2025 at 7:30pm in OSCA. Everyone Welcome.

Mareike Dacey, Clerk