Planning & Development Committee – 18th March 2024

Planning imagined by AI in style of Van Gogh

Meeting on 18th March 2024, the Planning & Development Committee reviewed some actions from the February minutes before considering planning applications.

The committee supported 5 (Nayland Road, Garthwood Close, Colchester Road, Fossetts Lane & Pirie Road), objected to 3 (all in Colchester Road) & commented on 2 (Hall Road & Colchester Road).

Read the official minutes below:

Planning and Development Committee Meeting

Meeting held on Monday 18th March 2024 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall

It is the aim of the Parish Council to seek a high standard of design for all new developments and extensions in the Village.

The Parish Council will take into account the Village Design Statement, the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and CBC Planning Policies when commenting on individual applications.

Continue reading “Planning & Development Committee – 18th March 2024”

Planning & Development Committee – 19th February 2024

Meeting on 19th February 2024. the Planning & Development Committee discussed, and agreed actions in respect of, CCC’s ‘Call for Sites’ before considering planning applications.

Map of housing & planning - Planning Minutes 19th February 2024

The committee supported 3 applications (Nayland Road, Colchester Road & Bourne Road), objected to one (Colchester Road) and deferred another until the PC meeting (Hall Road). They also discussed possible enforcement action for another property in Colchester Road.

Read the official minutes below:

Continue reading “Planning & Development Committee – 19th February 2024”

Pylons Site Visit in West Bergholt

Say no to pylons and say yes to offshore grid

View of pylons route along Highfield Farm Valley

West Bergholt continues to actively campaign against the National Grid Pylon project as part of the Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk Pylons Group (ESN).  On Tuesday 13th February we were pleased that Cllr Brian Butcher and Parish Clerk Laura Walkingshaw were able to host a site visit from James Ryan, NSIP1 Project Manager, Colchester City Council (CCC) and CCC Cllr Sara Naylor.

Statutory Consultee

As many of you may know, the CCC are the statutory consultee on the Parish Council’s behalf to the Government on this project.  Given that, our working relationship with James and his colleagues are vital to being able to explain the impact that it will have on rural life for us and our neighbouring villages.

Continue reading “Pylons Site Visit in West Bergholt”

Planning and Development Committee – 13th November 2023

Village envelope as depicted in the Neighbourhood Plan

Meeting on 13th November 2023. the Planning & Development Committee discussed a consultation on new parking guidance before addressing new applications. Cllr Savage was then tasked with responding to the consultation.

Four planning applications were then discussed and all of them were supported although two with a number of observations. These applications were for properties in Albany Road, Mumford Road, Hall Road and Chapel Lane.

It was also noted that two applications (one each in Nayland Road & New Church Road) had now been reviewed by CCC who supported the Committee’s decisions.

Read the official minutes below:

Planning and Development Committee Meeting

Meeting held on Monday 13th November 2023 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall

It is the aim of the Parish Council to seek a high standard of design for all new developments and extensions in the Village.

The Parish Council will take into account the Village Design Statement, the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and CBC Planning Policies when commenting on individual applications.

Planning Committee Members:

Cllrs Bob Tyrrell (Chair), Sara Cullis (Vice Chair), Andrew Savage, Brian Butcher, Paul Chamberlain

Also in attendance:

Julie Gillott (Asst Clerk), and one member of the public

Agenda items:

1.   Welcome & Apologies for absence:

None

2.   Declarations of interest:

None

3.   Minutes & actions from previous meeting

Previous minutes were agreed with no amendments, and no actions required.

4.   Public participation and to receive any pre-application representations.

No pre-applications presented, and no input from the member of public.

5.   To discuss Essex Planning Officers Association (EPOA) Parking Guidance Consultation Notification.

EPOA Parking Guidance Consultation Notification

The EPOA Parking Guidance Consultation Notification was discussed by the committee.

The following action was Proposed by Cllr Butcher Seconded by Cllr Cullis, and agreed:

ACTION:  Cllr Savage will go online and comment on behalf of West Bergholt Parish Council Planning and Development Committee.

6.   Planning applications:

232406  62 Albany Road, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3LD

Two storey rear extension and front porch.

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided not to comment.

Decision: Support

232398 108 Mumford Road, West Bergholt CO6 3BN

Proposed garage conversion

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided not to comment

Decision: Support

232435 Church Cottage, Hall Road, West Bergholt CO6 3DU

Loft conversion and other internal alterations along with the addition of a pool house to main house. Erection of an outbuilding consisting of a car barn, workshop, home office, kitchenette and bedroom on the first floor.

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided to support the application with the following comments:

  • The variation from the previous application of the pitch to the roof gable at the side is out of keeping with the rest of the property.
  • The ribbon windows should be unopenable.
  • The Annex/car barn should be ancillary to the main building, and used solely by people associated with, and users of, the main dwelling, nor should it be sold or let separately to the main dwelling.
  • There is no roof plan indicating the need for the roof lights in the main house.

Decision: Support

232383 The Church Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3JG

Change of use of the church hall to a day nursery. The change will be 2 internal stud walls to create different rooms for 0 – 1-year-olds, 1 – 3-year-olds and 3 and over year-olds. A secure play area will be taken from the adjacent blue area.

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided to support the application in principle. However, they feel the following areas should be given further consideration: 

  • There should be adequate prevention of noise pollution as a possible nuisance to neighbours.
  • The adequacy of parking on site and site access.
  • The lack of footpath in Chapel Lane for direct pedestrian access from Chapel Road.

Decision: Support

7.   Planning Decisions:

230874Oaklands, Nayland Road, West Bergholt Essex CO6 3DG18/09/23 Removal of Conservatory and Part removal of existing dwelling to allow for New 2 Storey Extension25/10/23Refused on appeal
2319118 New Church Road, West Bergholt Essex CO6 3JF18/09/23ObjectionErection of a timber pre-fabricated single storey granny annexe24/10/23Approved

8.   Date of next meeting:

The next Planning Committee meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 18th December in the John Lampon Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW.

The meeting closed at: 8.10pm

Planning and Development Committee – 16th October 2023

Meeting on 16th October 2023. the Planning & Development Committee discussed 3 planning applications. Two of them (one each in Colchester & Bourne Roads) were approved, in one case with conditions. The other (adjacent to Armoury Road) was objected with the decision to send a detailed letter to the Planning Case Officer in Colchester.

It was also noted that two applications (one each in Nayland Road & Newbridge Hill) had now been reviewed by CCC who supported the Committee’s decisions.

Read the official minutes below:

Planning and Development Committee Meeting

Meeting held on Monday 16th October 2023 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall

It is the aim of the Parish Council to seek a high standard of design for all new developments and extensions in the Village.

The Parish Council will take into account the Village Design Statement, the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, Government National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and CBC Planning Policies when commenting on individual applications.

Continue reading “Planning and Development Committee – 16th October 2023”

Environment & Highways – 14th September 2023

An AI generated image depicting taking care of the environment

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 14th September 2023 with topics including:

  • The CCC proposal for a management company to look after the Armoury Road maintenance,
  • Progress on dealing with ‘advisories’ from the recent ROSPA playground inspection,
  • Discussion on attendance at a Heath Conservation course,
  • Future provisions for ponds maintenance,
  • Progress of the Mayor’s Oaks on Poor’s Land,
  • Discussion on ‘No Parking’ banners, possible application for planning approval and portable signs.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 14th September 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

Continue reading “Environment & Highways – 14th September 2023”

Garden Waste Collections to Change

Colchester Changes Garden Waste Collections

Garden Waste Collection - AI generated image in style of Constable

From January 2024 Colchester City Council will be charging for Garden Waste collections. With ever-reducing government support and increasing costs, CCC are having to look elsewhere to raise revenue to maintain services. You will still be able to dispose of garden waste at  Colchester’s Household Recycling Centres, and the City Council will also work to encourage other options such as composting.

You will no longer be able to use the current Garden sacks, but you can choose between 140L and 240L wheelie bins instead. If you already have a wheelie bin you can continue to use it but will still have to pay. If you want to return an existing, bin the City Council will make provision to receive them.

Charges

The new service will require you to pay £35 to register for the service plus £55 per year per bin – a household can have up to 4 bins. You can get more details from CCC’s website.

Find out about current rubbish & recycling on our website here.

Bike Theft on the Increase

Bike Theft on the Increase – How can you protect yours?

Bike Theft image in the style of John Constable generated by AI

Bike theft in the Colchester area increased by 26% over the past month. Although the figures for bikes stolen from West Bergholt/Eight Ash Green remain low (only one theft last month) please remain vigilant and make sure that you keep your bike secure at all times.

Below are a few reminders of how you can reduce the risk of having your bicycle stolen.

1. Locks

A high-quality robust lock is the first line of defence. Choose one that is made of hardened steel that cannot be easily cut or broken, avoid flimsy cable locks that are easy to cut. Also try using multiple locks of different types to make it more challenging for thieves.

2. Securing at home

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Coronation Weekend – have you got plans?

King Charles III Coronation Weekend

Have you got plans for the Coronation weekend?

If you don’t have plans for Coronation weekend perhaps some of the following might appeal:

Friday

The Vocal Zones Choir will be celebrating the Coronation in style at St Mary’s Church from 7:30 pm, tickets at the door are £3 (cash) to include wine and light refreshments. 

Saturday

Some of the birds seen/heard at the 2022 Dawn Chorus walk

Why not take in the Dawn Chorus and be back home in time for the Coronation?  Steve Hallam will be leading the walk starting from the Old Church at 3:45 – read more about this, and several other bird walks taking place this weekend, here.

Coronation Picnic in the Upper Castle Park will run from 10 am until 4 pm.  Bring your own picnic or buy from street food stalls from Colchester Market.

Sunday

There is a Family Fun Day Coronation Celebration at the Mercury Theatre’s Piazza from 11 am – 3 pm.  This event is free and includes live music, family games & crafts and cream teas.   

Stroll with a Patrol and other News Updates

Essex Police Invite you to Stroll with a Patrol.

Other news items in this update include:

Stroll with a Patrol

Essex Police - Stroll with a Patrol

PC Dex Adams, the Colchester Community Safety & Engagement Officer, invites you to join a patrol.

West Bergholt is one the first of dozens of locations where residents are being invited to join a patrol. They will be coming to West Bergholt at 6 pm on 7th May 2023, where you can join them at Orpen Hall.

The hour will start with a ‘Street Meet’ for those who wish to speak to the patrol but not join them on it. This is a really great opportunity for you and the local residents to come along, speak to, raise issues and get to know the community policing team that are responsible for our area.

Reporting a Crime

Related to the patrol, we have had a link shared with us for reporting crime to the police, click here if you want to use it.

Community

Your Annual Meeting – Will you be attending?

The Annual Parish Meeting might be hosted by the Parish Council but it is very much YOUR meeting. 

Continue reading “Stroll with a Patrol and other News Updates”
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