30 January 2023
CHAPEL ST LEONARDS PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
ENVIRONMENT & AMENITIES (E & A) COMMITTEE
Monday 30 January 2023 at 10:02am at the
Church Hall, Church Lane, Chapel St Leonards
Present: Cllr P Hamilton (Chair), Cllr D Simmons, Cllr Seabrooke (Vice Chair), Cllr F Doko, Cllr Robinson and Cllr Christie-Smith
Deputy Parish Clerk: Mrs S Bristow
Proper Officer: Miss A Maynard
Members of public present: 1
CC1/01-23 Chair’s Welcome
Cllr Hamilton welcomed those present. The Chair expressed a need for additional committee members, which the Deputy Clerk disagreed with as four members is sufficient for a committee from a council with ten possible members. The Chair dismissed the advice and Cllrs Robinson and Christie-Smith were RESOLVED unanimously co-opted onto the committee and took their seats.
CC2/01-23 Apologies for absence
None
CC3/01-23 Declarations of Interest
None
CC4/01-23 Beach Hut inspection of 24 January 2023 results and next steps
The inspections took place and written documentation was passed to the Proper Officer for processing. No photos were taken and the Deputy Clerk asked that the Councillors who undertook the inspection to return and provide photos to support the serious fault letters. The discussion about requiring bare brick to be painted was supported by a letter from the Council’s solicitors to a previous clerk, which was read aloud by the Deputy Clerk.
CC5/01-23 Grass Cutting on Roman Bank
The Deputy Clerk raised the question of ceasing the cutting on Roman Bank until such time as the Planning Inspectorate made a final decision on it being a Public Right of Way or not, as requested by a resident. The committee RESOLVED to continue the twice yearly cutting.
CC6/01-23 Wheelie bin concerns
Cllr Simmons raised the Environmental Protection Act and asked about ELDC reconfirming what the law is about wheelie bins being left out on the pavement beyond the necessary time, the Deputy Clerk will undertake this query. Cllr Seabrooke mentioned the ELDC Enforcement Officers had been in the village and could they add this topic to their list for enforcement. The Deputy Clerk will investigate this as well.
CC7/01-23 Planters on the Green
Discussion was made about the sponsored planters in the village. It was confirmed that each planter attracted a £100 fee from the advertiser and that where the fee had not been paid, the Council operatives were instructed to remove or cover up the advertising sticker. The Deputy Clerk will ascertain the number of planters currently available for sponsorship and write to the local businesses accordingly. The sponsor manages the plants themselves, it was confirmed.
CC8/01-23 Tree Preservation Order (TPO) update
The Deputy Clerk circulated the list and maps of the TPO’s in the village. A member of the public commented that there was a concern about overhanging branches near their home. It was clarified that infractions of TPOs are a matter for ELDC’s Arborist and not for the Parish Council, thus concerned residents should contact the appropriate department at ELDC.
CC9/01-23 CCTV on the Village
Questions were raised about the PC’s CCTV and if any were in the village centre. The Proper Officer clarified that the cameras in the centre are not associated with the PC.
CC10/01-23 Update on Ancaster office
The office will open 1st February as a Caravan servicing company, with a monthly rent of £600 per month. The Committee wishes the tenant every success on his endeavour.
CC11/01-23 Memorial requests
In the interest of time, this item will be deferred to the next meeting.
CC12/01-23 To resolve the date of the next E & A Committee meeting
It was RESOLVED that the next ordinary meeting of the Environment and Amenities Committee will be held on Monday 27th March.
Prior to the meeting being closed, several additional items were added.
To resolve the minutes of the 3rd October 2022 meeting
This had been left off due to the Deputy Clerk’s error. The committee RESOLVED to accept the minutes and the Chair signed them off.
A question about the ownership of the area at the bottom of the Recreation Fields
Cllr Robinson explained this part of the fields is an easement and not owned or managed by the PC
A question from the public about use of the Recreation Field by organised groups
The Deputy Clerk advised that organised groups wishing to use the Field would need to pre-book and a charge would need to be made. She will advise the villager of the costs accordingly.
Cllr Robinson expressed gratitude, on behalf of a member of the public, to the Council’s gardener and said she will speak to Cllr Davie tomorrow about completing the tarmacking at top of the ramp and between the steps to the entrance of the NSO. She also mentioned chasing up the £600 S106 grant for a new 3-tier planter, and the Chair remarked that the Garden Centre may provide discounted flowers for it.
Having concluded the agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 11:02 am.