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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bike Theft on the Increase – How can you protect yours?
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Returning Officer of Colchester City Council has issued official Notice of elections. Affectionately known as ‘Star Wars day’ by some, the elections will take place on May 4th 2023. This affects the Lexden & Braiswick Ward of the City Council and, potentially, West Bergholt Parish Council.
Photo ID
Registered electors will need to show Photo ID (or Voter Authority Certificates as per 6 below), for the first time in Great Britain. The list of valid ID is long and with some idiosyncrasies as mentioned in this article.
First, Voter ID, but if you want to skip to A12 Roadworks starting on 4th February, click this link. If you want to see where all upcoming roadworks are visit this page on our website. If you are wondering what the unusual smell is click this link.
Photographic Voter ID Now Required
The Council Elections taking place on 4th May 2023 will be the first at which registered electors will need to show an approved Photo ID in order to vote. If you don’t have a valid ID you can apply for a free Voter ID Card.
Your Photo ID doesn’t have to still be ‘in date’ as long as it still looks like you so expired Passports etc… can still be used.
