Committee Minutes

**N.B. The minutes below remain draft until approved by the Committee at its next meeting **

N.B. Due to Coronavirus and the lock down, meetings have been suspended although committee members still liaise and keep in touch by phone/ email as necessary

Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 6 January 2020

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 6 January 2020.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Jeffery (JJ), John Bentley (JB), Trevor Welham (TW), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: None

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 16 September 2019, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by SP.

4. Matters arising
a. Item 6a.- repainting of ‘Stop’ line to road surface at Fernlea/ Stonecrop junction now completed.

b. Item 6b of last minutes: Stop line at School exit onto Fernlea. RW reported that ‘give way’ lines had been painted at the exit that day by ECC operatives. In addition, large 20 mph markings had been painted on the Fernlea road surface at strategic points and 20 mph road signs installed at the junction with the main B1508. *

c. Item 6c – road repairs to the top of Bakers Lane remain outstanding

d. Item 6d. RW had previously circulated the response received by Anne Turrell from ECC to the effect that they had surveyed the reported hazard to the pavement opposite Lavender Way but did not consider action warranted at present.

e. Item 6e – fallen tree on footpath adjoining Keeper’s Green. Apparently, the Council could not locate this problem. CH to check current situation on site.

5. Treasurer’s Report
a. CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £1156.64
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.98

b. CH reported that the subs received to date for 2019/20 from residents joining the association are down on last year. 53 had been received so far. Additional subs may trickle in as has happened in previous years but it seems unlikely last year’s membership will be achieved. The committee expressed surprise as the numbers attending the AGM were very good. CH suggested that consideration is given to accepting bank transfers for next year’s subs, which can be done ‘on- line’, as well as cash. This might be preferred by younger residents. The committee agreed that this was a good idea.

6. Secretary’s Report
RW said that he had nothing further to add to his comments under item 4. above. Other matters would be dealt with under the relevant following agenda items.

7. Planning Matters
a. The outline Royden Homes proposals for housing at St. Botolph’s Farm Braiswick have been rejected by Colchester Council following many objections from organisations and members of the public. It seems unlikely that this will be the end of the matter and it remains to be seen as to what further action if any the applicants will pursue.

b. in respect of the proposed holiday cabins in Bakers Lane, the applicant has appealed against the refusal of planning permission by Colchester Council. The appeal start date was 7 November and will be determined by the Planning Inspector considering written submissions and a site visit.

8. Bakers Lane/ Spring Lane i-petition
This has been instigated by Bakers Lane/ Spring Lane residents concerned about traffic congestion and speeds on this highway. It can be viewed at www.ipetitions.com/petition/braiswick-area

9. Braiswick School
a. As was noted under 4b above the long awaited 20 mph zone signs and road markings had been provided as were the even longer awaited road markings at the exit from the school onto Fernlea.

b. NEPP proposals. Lewis Barber (LB) had forwarded a copy of an article from the Evening Gazette which described North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) proposals to have a 12-month trial of fixed CCTV cameras initially outside 4 schools. These would be monitored during school dropping-off and picking-up times with the aim of reducing inconsiderate parking. Schools which are already signed up to the 3PR parking initiative (which includes Braiswick School) will be first considered for the cameras. See following link:
www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/18134043.camera-plan-end-school-parking-chaos-across-north-essex/

10. Crime Reports
RW said that he had received an email from Grahame Stehle (GS) reporting that there were now 3990 NhW members in 93 schemes operating across the Borough plus one for members living in areas not part of a scheme. Colchester gets funding from the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner amounting to £0.20 for each member - this year £820. Thus, growing membership is important. The Committee had previously asked LB who is the local co-ordinator if the Association could be of any assistance. In the light of GS’s email, RW to contact LB again.

11. Feedback from 2019 AGM
The Committee agreed that the meeting had been successful with 65 attendees plus the guest speakers. There had been a full discussion on the many issues raised. As in previous years it was apparent that some residents found it difficult to hear questions raised from the floor by other residents (an additional roving mike not being available). It was agreed that next year a different seating arrangement would be tried plus the Chairman repeating the questions asked from the floor for everyone’s benefit.

12. Any other business
Nil

13. Next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 27 April 2020

*On Tuesday 7 January 2020 the ECC operatives returned and installed 20 mph road signs at the school exit onto Fernlea and close to the 20 mph road markings.

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Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 16 September 2019

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 16 September 2019.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Jeffery (JJ), John Bentley (JB), Trevor Welham (TW), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: None

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 17 June 2019, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by SP.

4. Matters arising
It was agreed that all relevant matters would be covered under ‘Secretary’s Report’

5. Treasurer’s Report
a. CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £1088.59
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.98

b. CH reported that household membership remained at 65

6. Secretary’s Report
a. Repainting of road surface ‘Stop’ sign at Fernlea/ Stonecrop junction
RW continues to chase this item up.

b. Stop sign and line at School exit onto Fernlea
c. Road repairs at top of Bakers Lane
d. Trip hazard to pavement opposite Lavender Way
e. Fallen tree on footpath adjoining Keeper’s Green
AT has taken items b to e up with ECC. RW to check with her on progress

f. Possible mini-roundabout at Fernlea/ B1508 junction
RW reported that to date 55 returns had been received from residents requesting views on the above proposal. 37 were in favour and 18 against. Most of those against did not live on Fernlea/ Stonecrop. In her email just received AT has suggested that a vote be taken at the AGM on the issue. She also stated that she had a few emails asking about extending the yellow lines at the top of Fernlea which had already been proposed and turned down for the time being by the North Essex Parking Partnership. She proposed a letter to residents which she would be happy to help compose and deliver.

7. Possible Parish Council for Braiswick
This idea was passed onto the Association by Lewis Barber who had received correspondence from 2 Braiswick residents suggesting this. He had no thoughts one way or the other on the subject. The Committee discussed the idea and had the following reservations:

a. A Parish Council would be a tax raising authority via a local precept levied and collected from Braiswick residents in addition to the general annual Council Tax. This would require a formal set-up with an official office/ meeting place, at least part-time and possibly paid officials e.g. Parish Clerk, accountancy services etc. It is doubtful that the limited population of Braiswick could support the level of finance necessary to provide any meaningful local services over and above that provided by Colchester and Essex County Council’s.

b. The Association experiences difficulties getting volunteers to join the Committee and/ or stand as officers thereof. For a Parish Council, it seemed unlikely that from the limited Braiswick catchment area sufficient of the public would be willing to stand for election to fill the necessary officer and committee/ sub-committee posts which would be required. The more so considering the far more onerous and time consuming legal and financial responsibilities involved with parish council work.

c. The non-political stance of the Residents’ Association over the last 70 plus years in channelling local issues and concerns to the relevant authorities has worked well.

In view of the above the Committee felt that it could not support the establishment of a Braiswick Parish Council although there may be other views and opinions in the matter which could be discussed at the AGM.

8. Planning Matters
a. The Gladman’s proposals for housing on the West Bergholt site were refused at appeal by the Planning Inspector’s decision letter dated 19 August 2019

b. The outline Royden Homes proposals for housing at St. Botolph’s Farm Braiswick are due to be decided upon by CBC on or before 8 October 2019. There have been many objections to the proposals including by the Association.

9. Braiswick School
a. The outstanding ‘Stop’ line and sign at the school exit onto Fernlea is dealt with in item 6a above. Further potentially dangerous incidents continue to occur: e.g. RW reported that his wife had driven to the top of their drive and paused before passing onto Fernlea noting that a car was only just passing through the automatic exit gates to the school. This gave her ample time to drive onto Fernlea before this car reached the crossover where the school exit road actually joins Fernlea. She had travelled a little way down the road when the car which had exited the school accelerated past her and sped away!

b. The absence of no-parking restrictions on the Fernlea blind bend adjacent to the Stonecrop junction continues to create dangerous conditions due to drivers failing to negotiate the bend with due care and at a suitable speed. JH reported a recent occurrence where her daughter was virtually driven off the road due to a car overtaking the parked vehicles on the bend at undue speed. She was also met with verbal abuse when she complained to the other driver. Due to the time of day and direction of travel the driver is thought to have come from the school although clearly not all incidents are due to school traffic.

Although not necessarily school related, in another recent incident 2 cyclists were forced off their bikes at this bend due to a driver not exercising due care and attention.

The committee agreed the need to continue to press for parking restrictions at this bend.

c. Although most parents act reasonably there is still the odd occasion where careless parking creates an issue e.g. RW came home one day at school picking-up time to find a car literally parked across the top of his drive. The offending parent arrived a few seconds later to say that they had only been a minute (it was apparently several minutes). RW remonstrated with them and they apologised and said they wouldn’t park there again,

10. Crime Reports
These are still being received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and circulated to committee members. Following the temporary period where SP was receiving and circulating the reports, RW to let Graham know he can now revert to sending them to him.

11. Arrangements for AGM
a. RW to confirm arrangements with the Golf Club and local councillors and draft notice of meeting for distribution to residents.

b. It was noted that in previous years it was often difficult for residents attending to hear the questions raised by other residents. One solution would be for the Chairman to repeat the question. Better use of cordless mikes would solve the problem. This to be explored with the Golf Club before the night.

c. CH to revise distribution list for deliveries of AGM notice to households

12. Any other business
a. TW reported that persons (unknown) had been reported walking around Stonecrop at 3.00 am trying car doors. There have also been reports of theft from cars. RW to put an item on the website.

b. JB had provided Councillor Martin Goss with copies of the Association’s constitution for information in connection with the establishment of a residents’ association with which he is helping.

c. TW mentioned the continuing traffic problems at the North Station roundabout. Although the sheer amount of traffic entering a relatively small interchange is the main cause, the sequencing of traffic lights is a major contributor. This is a particular problem for traffic coming from the station, Mile End Road and Bergholt Road wishing to go up the Northern Approach Road or to ASDA and the Turner Rise Shopping Centre. This is stopped from proceeding when getting a green light due to traffic coming from the direction of town filling-up the available road space. An adjustment of the traffic lights sequencing would greatly ease this.

d. High speed broadband. Mention was made of the Fernlea resident who has distributed an information sheet about the possibility of getting superfast broadband on the development*

13. Next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 25 November 2019

*According to the resident in question there is a Government fund offering vouchers of up to £500 per residence and £2500 per business for superfast broadband. He obtained an estimate from Openreach giving the cost of installing fibre from the cabinet at around £20,000. If sufficient residents sign up for the ‘deal’ the service can be installed at little or no cost to them. The downside is that to get the work implemented residents would have to sign up for a ‘Fibre To The Premises’ service (FTTP) for 12 months giving a 330Mbps at a current cost of £59.99 per month which may go down as other providers apart from BT enter the market. (information added by RW based on the note distributed by the interested resident)

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Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 17 June 2019

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 17 June 2019.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Jeffery (JJ), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: Trevor Welham was unable to attend

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 4 March 2019, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by CH in SP’s absence. SP subsequently arrived and took over the Chair.

4. Matters arising
It was agreed that all relevant matters would be covered under ‘Secretary’s Report’

5. Treasurer’s Report
(i) CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £1088.59
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.98

(ii) CH reported that household membership remained at 65 with a few more likely to come in.

6. Secretary’s Report
(i) Anne Turrell had been invited to attend the meeting to discuss the list of issues which RW had forwarded to her but in the event was unable to do so.

(ii) Repainting of the ‘Stop’ line at Fernlea/ Stonecrop junction remains outstanding. The last correspondence in February 2019 confirmed that the Highway Inspector would inspect again. The line is now invisible!

(iii) Stop line and sign at School exit onto Fernlea. This remains outstanding. RW had found an ECC email dated 19 October 2018 which he had previously missed. This stated that “discussions were held with the Academy who operate the school……to consider the appropriateness of installing a stop sign and white line……. To date the school have not yet confirmed that they intend to install a sign and/or white lines. ECC officers will now re-engage with the Trust about this matter”.

RW reminded the committee that at a 28/11/17 meeting held at County Hall, he and AT had met with Councillors Grundy (Cabinet Member for Highways) and Mitchell (Deputy Cabinet Member) plus officers from the Highways and Education Departments. At the meeting it had been agreed that ECC would provide ‘STOP’ signage at the exit onto Fernlea, the only caveat being that the Highways Authority prefers to paint such markings in warmer weather at it helps the adherence of the paint. We have now been waiting for 20 months for the work to be done.

RW said he would contact the School to get their comments on the ECC email dated 19 October 2018 and then go back to AT.

(iv) 20 mph zone for Fernlea. This has now been signed off by the relevant Cabinet Member. There is no information as yet on the details of the work or start dates.

(v) Possible mini-roundabout at B1508/ Fernlea junction. The proposed design of the questionnaires has been finalised and the required number printed off. CH distributed copies to committee members for distribution as per agreed list.

There were no further updates available on the following items listed on the agenda:

a. Road repairs at the top of Bakers Lane
b. Problems with the sequencing of traffic lights to North Station roundabout
c. Trip hazard to pavement opposite Lavender Way
d. Fallen tree to footpath adjoining Keepers Green

RW said he would refer them back to AT.

7. Planning Matters
(i) RW to check on situation of planning application for change of use from agriculture to 6 holiday lets at West House Farm Bakers Lane. Subsequent to meeting RW ascertained that this application had been refused with decision notice dated 3 June 2019.

(ii) The planning appeal in respect of the Gladman Developments scheme for Colchester Road West Bergholt has been held. Subsequent to the committee meeting RW ascertained that the decision of the Planning Inspector should be published on or before 27 August 2019.

8. Braiswick School
‘STOP’ line and sign at exit onto Fernlea remains as reported in item 6 (iii) above.

9. Crime Reports
These are still being received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and circulated to committee members.

10. Any other business
(i) It has been noted that the posts to the ‘Braiswick’ road sign have rotted and the sign itself is insecure. To be reported to AT.

(ii) It has been widely reported in the press and at a recent public meeting that the new secondary school proposed for the Chesterwell site (Trinity Academy) will not now be available for the first admissions until 2021.

11. Next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 16 September 2019 at 8.00 pm

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Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 4 March 2019

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 4 March 2019

1. Present: Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Jeffery (JJ), Trevor Welham (TW), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: Stephen Pitt (SP) and John Bentley (JB) were unable to attend.

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 3 December 2018, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by CH in SP’s absence.

4. Matters arising
(i) Item 6(ii) of previous minutes. As agreed RW had written to -- explaining why the Committee could not agree to support a request to ECC for a footpath at the end of Fernlea through the school site linking to New Braiswick Park. --- had written back to the effect that she hadn’t appreciated the past history and understood the reasoning.

(ii) Item 13(ii). In connection with increasing numbers of HGV’s using the B1508, DM has drafted a letter with the information requested Anne Turrell.

5. Treasurer’s Report
(i) CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £1084.59
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.08

(ii) CH reported that household membership had increased to 65 since the last meeting with a few more expected still to come. This continued the upward trend.

(iii) At the last meeting JJ had suggested that consideration be given to using some of the Association’s funds for the benefit of the Braiswick area. Although It was agreed that this would be considered if an appropriate project was identified, the ‘Constitution’ of the Association was to be checked to ensure that this would be within the Committee’s powers. CH reported back as follows:

1. Article II - The Association is established for the public benefit in Braiswick and the adjoining or neighbouring area referred to as “the area of benefit’ for various defined purposes.
2. One of the defined purposes is ‘To promote or assist in promoting activities of a charitable nature throughout the area of benefit (Article II.3)
3. Subject to certain provisions relating to retaining sufficient funds to pay all proper expenses including administration and management expenses, the Executive Committee can apply funds in furtherance of the purposes of the Association (Article IX).

Thus, it appears suitable projects or schemes could be supported financially.

6. Secretary’s Report
RW had been in correspondence with Anne Turrell (AT) concerning the previously painted but now invisible ‘STOP’ sign on the road surface at the Fernlea/ Stonecrop junction. Several near misses had been reported due to cars, exiting Stonecrop, failing to stop and give way to traffic on Fernlea. AT had previously had this logged as a defect with ECC in 2016 following earlier BRA concern. At that time ECC did not consider it met their criteria for repainting but in the light of AT’s further complaint they are having it inspected by their Highways’ Inspector.

7. Membership applications from outside of Braiswick area
The Association had received an application for membership from a resident living in the Bergholt Road i.e. outside of the Braiswick area. There is nothing in the Association’s constitution which prevents this, the applicable wording being “membership shall be open to all interested in actively favouring the purposes of the Association”.

The committee discussed this matter fully and felt that although not strictly prevented by the constitution, if this application was accepted it would be difficult to refuse any future applications from Bergholt Road residents, New Braiswick Park residents or even those living further afield. The Committee also felt that by a process of accretion it might involve the Association becoming involved in issues not directly affecting Braiswick. It was agreed that RW would write to the person concerned and thank them for their interest giving the reasons for declining the request.

8. Planning Matters
In connection with the planning application for change of use of land from agriculture and erection of 6 holiday lets at West House Farm Bakers Lane, a revised planning application has been submitted. Councillor Lewis Barber (LB) had asked whether BRA thought he ought to call in the revised application so that it goes to Planning Committee rather than dealt with at officer level. RW had responded on behalf of the Committee making the following points:

(i) The ‘revised’ application appeared little changed apart from a new location for the proposed new access point. RW suggested this revision might be a little safer than the original access proposal but still presented a road hazard on a narrow lane with a 60mph speed limit. Without better road markings and a reduction in the speed limit there are still safety issues concerning additional development in this location.

(ii) The other reservations raised by the Association in its original letter of objection concerning failure to meet the criteria for development outside of the settlement boundary and intrusion into a semi-rural area still apply.

9 Braiswick School
(i) ‘STOP’ line and sign at exit onto Fernlea remains outstanding. RW understands that all the ECC cabinet members who agreed the works have moved onto other responsibilities. AT is still chasing this matter up.

(ii) The school has recently delivered to some Fernlea residents a copy of the information leaflet they are giving to parents concerning the launching of the ‘3PR’ scheme which stands for the ‘Three Parking Rules’ - (Care, Consideration and Caution). This is an initiative managed by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) and is aimed at providing advice and guidance to children and parents on safe and considerate parking practices and alternative means of travel to school, reducing congestion around schools. The information on this scheme was passed onto the school by the Association following a suggestion made in an email from Shane Taylor of the NEPP (item 11(ii) of minutes 3 December 2018 refers).

10. Proposed 20 mph zone Fernlea
The latest information received from AT is that the 20mph scheme in Fernlea should be implemented in the first quarter of financial year 2019/20.

11. Possible mini-roundabout at junction of Fernlea and B1508
in her email dated 21 February 2019 AT said that she has asked ECC to start looking at the possibility of a mini-roundabout in this location.

12. Crime Reports
These are still being received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, but also from LB who is now the local Coordinator. RW to check with LB on this.

13. Any other business
(i) Leaflets had been delivered in Braiswick advertising a social networking site called ‘Next Door’. This was apparently personalised for the different roads and courts on the Fernlea development and presumably other roads etc. (e.g. ‘Fernlea Neighbour’, ‘Jonquil Neighbour’ etc.). The aim is apparently to circulate items of local interest posted by site members, requests and to obtain recommendations for local tradesmen and similar matters.

(ii) JJ asked if information could be obtained on the current projected timing for road repair works at the top of Bakers Lane which had been postponed due to the need for surface water drainage remedial works to be first undertaken. RW to check with AT on latest position.

(iii) The sequencing of the traffic lights at the North Station roundabout appear to have been altered causing tailbacks in the Bergholt Road and creating log jams on the roundabout due to the inability of traffic to clear a section of the circulatory road before the lights change again. RW to check with AT.

(iv) The pavement adjoining the small green adjoining the Lavender Way junction is in potentially unsafe condition. RW to report it to AT.

(v) CH reported that there was a fallen tree on a footpath adjoining the Keepers Green development. The tree may have stood on Golf Club grounds. To be reported to the Footpath Officer at ECC via AT.

14. Next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 3 June 2019 at 8.00 pm.

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Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 3 December 2018

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 3 December 2018

1. Present: Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Bentley (JB). John Jeffery (JJ), Trevor Welham (TW), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: Stephen Pitt (SP) was unable to attend due to being unwell

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 8 October 2018, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by CH in SP’s absence.

4. Matters arising
These are all covered under the other agenda items.

5. Treasurer’s Report
(i) CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £959.59
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.08

The ‘Treasurer’s Account’ balance had reduced slightly since the last meeting due to paper and printing costs relating to the formal notification of the AGM.

(ii) JJ suggested that consideration be given to making use of some of the Association’s funds for the benefit of the Braiswick area. It was agreed that this would be considered if an appropriate project was indentified however the ‘Constitution’ of the Association would need to be checked to ensure that any such action was within the Committee’s powers.

(iii). Following the AGM, BRA membership currently stood at 58 households with a further 2 definitely known to be joining. CH said that it was expected there would be other ‘late joiners’ as in previous years. Thus membership appeared to be on an upward trend.

6. Secretary’s Report
(i) RW referred to a recent email from Lewis Barber (LB) referring to the ‘Colchester Orbital’ project which will form part of Colchester Council’s emerging Local Plan. This will be a circular walk/ cycle route around the periphery of the town. Details can be seen on https://walkcolchester.wordpress.com. LB was encouraging residents to look at the proposals and let him know if there any other suggestions for routes that can be included or infrastructure improvements that may be required on the planned routes. RW said that at present West Bergholt is not included on the route presumably because of the difficulty of getting over the A12.

(ii) RW referred to a recent email from --, a Fernlea resident. Firstly she mentioned defective street lighting in the Bergholt Road. RW had already referred this to Anne Turrell (AT) who had the matter in hand. The second point was more contentious in that she asked whether it would be possible to request a footpath, from the end of Fernlea, “that runs along the primary school to allow residents from Fernlea to be able to walk through on foot to the new Braiswick Park Estate”. This she feels would be beneficial providing access to Cymbeline Meadows whilst avoiding the need to walk down the Bergholt Road.

The committee discussed this and decided that it could not support this suggestion for the following reasons:

a. From previous experience it is known that the majority of Fernlea residents (particularly those living close to the school exit onto Fernlea) were adamantly opposed to any formal connection between New Braiswick Park and Fernlea which would further diminish privacy and amenity.

b. A permanent publically available connection would also further diminish the security long enjoyed by Fernlea properties due to being at the end of a long cul-de-sac. This sense of security has already been significantly reduced by the opening up of the cul-de-sac to service the school and it is felt a footpath would make this considerably worse.

c. There is thought to be little or no chance that Essex County Council or the school would agree to this.

d. The distance from the top to the end of Fernlea, coupled with the walk through New Braiswick Park to get to the footpath leading to Cymbeline Meadows etc. makes it unlikely that many Fernlea residents would use it compared to the short walk down the Bergholt Road to get to Tufnell Way.

(iii) Following 2 reported incidents of anti-social driving at the top of Fernlea, RW emailed Shane Taylor at the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) with details. Shane replied as follows: “We will add it to the applicable report and ensure that Borough Council representatives are also aware.”

In addition RW had notified the School of the incidents and the Head Teacher had sent out a note to parents reminding them to show patience and courtesy to fellow road users particularly at the top of Fernlea near the junction in allowing spaces for cars entering Fernlea from the main road.

(iv) Police precept consultations. An email had been sent to the Association by Lewis Barber with a link to these public consultations. RW had responded as had TW.

(v) In connection with the quality of the resurfacing of the section of the B1508 from Braiswick out towards the villages, a response had been received from Essex County Council via AT. This response did not in the opinion of the committee address the complaints. These related to the excessive number of loose chippings left after completion of the works and not least to the effect of the new road surface on cyclists leading to very uncomfortable riding and potential dangers. RW has posted the reply on the Association website.

7. Annual General Meeting 13 November 2018
This item is included to allow the committee to reflect on the recent AGM and record any matters which they think may be useful in planning for the 2019 AGM.

The meeting was considered to have been well –attended and successful however TW commented that some speakers could not be heard due to poor microphone technique e.g. holding it too far from their mouths when speaking. Also when questions were asked from the floor sometimes it was not possible to hear what they were saying. Accordingly it was agreed that:
(a) Committee members would visit the Golf Club a couple of days prior to the meeting to discuss and try different set-ups for the P.A. speakers.

(b) If a second ‘roving’ microphone was not available then the Chairman of the Meeting would repeat questions for the benefit of others attending.

It was agree that a date for next year’s AGM would be discussed and set at the next committee meeting

8. Planning Matters
(i) The planning application in respect of the proposed boarding cattery unit at Crofton House Braiswick had been given approval subject to stringent conditions which included restricted opening hours when the public could visit.

(ii) The proposed residential development with associated access, landscaping, and parking at Hillcroft, Braiswick had received conditional approval. The scheme approved showed a reduction from the original 6 dwellings to 5 with some layout and design amendments.

(iii) As at the date of the committee meeting there had been no change in the status of the planning application for change of use of land from agriculture and erection of 6
holiday lets at \west House Farm Bakers Lane. The Council planning website was still showing a target date for approval of 28 August 2018!!

9 Braiswick School
In her email dated 30 November 2018, referring to the agreed stop line and sign at the school exit onto Fernlea, AT said that these will be done once the 20 mph zone is in place or whilst it’s being done.

10. Proposed 20 mph zone Fernlea
This is now understood to have been signed-off by the ECC Portfolio Holder and has also been reported in the local newspapers. Further information on the proposals and dates are awaited

11. Parking and other highway issues
(i) This matter had already been touched on in the meeting (see item 6 (iii)). In addition the possibility of a mini-roundabout being provided at the junction of Fernlea with the B1508 was discussed. At the recent AGM AT had suggested that it might be a way of controlling speed in the main road approaching the Fernlea junction (an issue which had been raised by residents). It might also improve the problem of queuing cars at the top of Fernlea at school dropping-off and picking-up times. This queuing prevents cars proceeding down Fernlea from the junction and causes obstruction to residents wishing to exit their drives.

The committee discussed this issue and agreed that a mini-roundabout could make a significant improvement at the junction. RW was asked to pursue this with AT to see what the way forward was on this matter. .

(ii) RW drew the attention of the committee to a suggestion in one of Shane Taylor’s emails on the question of school parking. Shane had suggested that the school could be considered for inclusion in a new initiative known as the 3PRs (which stands for the ‘3 Parking Rules’). RW has passed this information onto the school’s Head Teacher who is looking into the scheme (more information can be found on: https://www.schoolparking.org.uk/)

12. Crime Reports
These continue to be received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, and circulated to committee members by RW. It is not known how this procedure will be affected by LB volunteering to be the local Braiswick Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. RW has emailed LB to ask if he has given any thought yet to future cooperation between himself as the Local Coordinator and BRA.

13. Any other business
(i) The committee were concerned that the ‘Stop’ line at the Fernlea/ Stonecrop junction was now virtually invisible. Several near misses had occurred due to vehicles exiting Stonecrop without stopping before entering Fernlea and not giving priority to vehicles proceeding on Fernlea. RW had raised this with ECC via AT some time ago but had been told that the line in question did not meet ECC’s criteria for repainting! Since then the painting has completely disappeared. RW to go back to AT to see if this can be repainted when the Fernlea 20 mph scheme is implemented.

(ii) The Increasing numbers of heavy lorries using the B1508 had been commented on at the AGM. AT had said that if details of regular heavy lorry users of the road can be given to her she would take it up with the companies concerned to see if there are reasons for this. DM said that his wife has been keeping a log of this.
.
14. Next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 25 February 2019 at 8.00 pm.

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Braiswick Residents Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 8 October 2018

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 8 October 2018

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW).

2. Apologies: Trevor Welham, John Jeffery.

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 9 July 2018, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by the Chairman (SP).

4. Matters arising
i. (4ii) RW reported that the target decision date shown on the CBC planning website for proposed holiday chalets at West House Farm Baker’s Lane is still shown as 28 August 2018!

ii. (10ii) RW confirmed that he had chased up a required response from the NEPP Highways Enforcement Team to the complaint about cars parked in Bergholt Road overhanging the pavement. A response had been received from Paul Seabright – Enforcement Manager (East).
His opinion was whilst yellow lines were enforceable both on the road and pavement the legislation was not intended to deal with the specific cases encountered on the Bergholt Road. However the vehicle in question was clearly committing the offence of obstruction but this was the type of offence which can only be pursued by the police.

An alternative option was to pursue the case as an offence under the ‘Anti-social behaviour Law’ 2014 which can be pursued either by the police or local authority. In these cases the owner causing the offence can be warned that the anti-social behaviour must cease – failure to do so leading to various options including court action and sanctions.

iii. (12ii) RW confirmed that he had placed the newly agreed data protection policy on the Association’s website.

iv. (12iii) Anne Turrell (AT) was chasing-up the Tufnell Way traffic refuge issue again.

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £998.06
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.08

ii. BRA membership currently stood at 61 households

6. Secretary’s Report
RW said that his items had either been dealt with under ‘Matters Arising’ or under the various topic headings.

7. Planning Matters
(i) JB said that the planning application in respect of the proposed boarding cattery unit at Crofton House Braiswick was still under consideration.*

ii. The committee noted that the planning application for 6 dwellings on land at ‘Hillcroft’, Braiswick, had been modified to show 5 dwellings now – possibly in response to objections from neighbours and others concerning privacy etc.**

8. Braiswick School
i. RW has asked AT to check with ECC on the situation concerning the agreed stop line and sign at the school exit onto Fernlea. It was agreed by the Highways Portfolio Holder November 2017!

ii. RW has recently been in correspondence with the Head Teacher Lorraine Laudrum (LL) concerning anti-social parental parking at the end of Fernlea near the school exit (e.g. leaving engines running for extended periods, radios playing loudly). LL responded immediately by sending out a parental letter dealing with this matter. RW commented that the school management continued to be fully co-operative in such matters.

iii. JH described 2 incidents that she experienced recently at the top of Fernlea where the situation with commuter parking led to unpleasant/ dangerous behaviour from apparently parental cars at dropping off/ picking up times. She is to let RW have details.

iv. RW commented that the school had recently had an OFSTED inspection – its first. It received a ‘good’ rating with some outstanding elements.

9. Proposed 20 mph zone Fernlea
Further news is awaited on implementation of the scheme which has apparently now been agreed.

10. Parking in Fernlea
RW had received a response to the application for parking restrictions in Fernlea which he made as agreed by the Committee. The reply was from Shane Taylor, Parking Specialist for the North Essex Parking Partnership. The response was not promising.

Shane commented that the application had been made late for inclusion in the next round of schemes (the committee knew this was the case but decided to proceed anyway to get the Fernlea issues at least on the record). However Shane said notwithstanding this the support for restrictions from residents needed to be at a level of 75-80% of all potentially affected households whereas the association’s results were about 98% of something under 30% of affected households. He also pointed out that if the intention of the application was to deter parental parking near the school this would not be supported.
RW followed this response up with a query concerning the possibility of the extension of double yellow lines being dealt with as a traffic management issue. Shane replied that the current application and support would suffice for this and was something that the NEPP can consider at a later date.

11. 2018 AGM
RW confirmed that ‘guest’ speakers had all been reminded of the date. CH said that arrangements would be made for the official AGM notice to be printed with sufficient copies supplied to committee members for distribution to residents before 30 October 2018. RW said that he would send out an electronic version to those residents who were existing members of the Association and had previously supplied email addresses.

12. Crime Reports
These continue to be received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and circulated to committee members. It was noted that Lewis Barber (Ward Councillor for Lexden & Braiswick) was volunteering to be the local Braiswick Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. Graham Stehle would be giving a presentation at the AGM on the work of the Neighbourhood Watch.

13. Any other business
Nil
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14. Next meeting
Arranged for 26 November 2018 at 8.00 pm.

*Subsequent to the meeting it was noted that this application was given conditional approval on 15 October 2018.

**Approval to 5 dwellings on the site was given 12 October 2018.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 9 July 2018

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 9 July 2018

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW), John Jeffery (JJ), Rob Waites (RW).

2. Apologies: John Bentley

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 12 March 2018, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by the Chairman (SP).

4. Matters arising
i. (4i) It was recorded that that the Gladman’s appeal against CBC refusal of planning permission for the proposed Baker’s Lane development, had been rejected.

ii. (4ii) RW reported that the projected decision date shown on the CBC planning website for proposed holiday chalets at West House Farm Baker’s Lane is now 28 August 2018.The continued delay appears due to issues relating to highway sight lines. RW also reported that concerned Bakers Lane residents are looking at having one of their numbers speak against the application when it finally goes to planning committee.

iii. (12iii) RW confirmed that he had placed an item on the BRA website concerning the misuse of dog waste bins.

iv. (12iv) A litter pick had recently been carried out in Bakers Lane by the CBC Zone Team.

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that as at date of last statement (9 April 2018) the balances were as follows:
‘Treasurer’s Account’: £998.06
‘Business Banking Instant’: £1774.08

ii. BRA membership currently stood at 61 households

6. Secretary’s Report
RW said that his items had either been dealt with under ‘Matters Arising’ or under the various topic headings

7. Planning Matters
Known planning issues had already been dealt with under ‘matters arising’

8. Braiswick School
i. RW had contacted Anne Turrell (AT) concerning the agreed stop line and sign at the school exit onto Fernlea with the hope that it can be done during the forthcoming school summer holidays. She had responded that it might be subject to a traffic order. RW said he would go back to her on this as so far as he is aware the exit road is not public highway.

ii. RW reported that he had a liaison meeting with the Head Teacher arranged for Friday 13 July. Chris Law would also be attending.

9. Proposed 20 mph zone Fernlea
According to the recent Liberal (Summer 2018) news letter, the 20 mph proposal has been agreed by ECC and AT is pushing to get it completed this year.

10. Parking
i. RW had circulated copies of the Fernlea/ Stonecrop parking questionnaire to committee members. The results can be summarised as follows:

There were 41 responses – 40 of which were in favour of some form of parking control on Fernlea/ Stonecrop with 1 against.

Of those who supported some form of parking control, 9 did not express a preference for what form this should take. 27 would support control by yellow lines/ ‘no parking signs’ (with various suggestions on duration and physical extent of the control) and 8 suggested the possibility of some form of residents’ parking permit scheme. Note the numbers do not add up to 40 because some respondents mentioned both types of control.

The committee agreed that an application for parking controls would be pursued.

ii. Martin Goss (MG) had followed up a complaint from RW concerning parked cars in the front areas of houses in Bergholt Road overhanging the pavement and causing an obstruction to pedestrians particularly wheelchair users and those pushing prams. MG had referred the issue to the Local Highways Panel ‘Rangers’ who in turn had referred it to their enforcement team. RW has just chased this up.

11. Crime Reports
These continue to be received from Graham Stehle, the Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and circulated to committee members. It was agreed that the crime prevention hints which are included from time to time are useful reminders. RW confirmed that he posted these on the BRA website as appropriate. .

12. Any other business
i. It was agreed that RW would remind Councillors and Graham Stehle of the date of the next AGM – 13 November 2018.

ii. RW had circulated a draft ‘data protection’ policy for consideration by the committee. It was recognised that the Association did not keep financial information on members and the only personal information recorded were the names and addresses of members and emails where provided. Nevertheless it was agreed that it would be good practice to have a policy which would be provided to residents when they joined or rejoined the association. Accordingly the committee agreed to adopt the draft policy and include a copy with the email and door to door delivery of the AGM notification to members.

iii. SP mentioned that there was still no news about what if anything was planned in respect of the Tufnell Way traffic refuge. RW to check with AT.

iv. DM and TW raised lack of completion of the resurfacing of the Bergholt Road/ Braiswick to West Bergholt section of the main road. The ‘cats eyes’ in the road were all removed some time ago in preparation for the works but this has not been completed. RW to check this with AT.

13. Next meeting
This is due towards the end of September in good time to agree final arrangements for the AGM. However CH and JH cannot make 24 September and RW cannot make 1 October. A date will be confirmed in the near future.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Meeting 8.00 pm Monday 12 March 2018

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 12 March 2018

1. Present: Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW), Rob Waites (RW)

2. Apologies: Stephen Pitt (SP) was unable to attend and in his absence CH chaired the meeting.

3. Formal approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held 4 December 2017, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed by CH in SP’s absence.

4. Matters arising
i. Item 8ii of previous minutes - appeal by Gladman’s against CBC refusal to grant planning permission for the Baker’s Lane housing development. RW and TW had attended on various days. On the opening day of the hearing RW had been afforded the opportunity to speak in opposition to the Gladman proposals. Also speaking against were Councillors Martin Goss and Brain Jarvis and Colin Ellis, a local resident.

TW had attended the session which included the summing up of the arguments for and against the appeal. He said the feeling amongst the officers attending seemed to be that the chances of the appeal being granted were 50:50. RW referred to a recent edition of ‘Country File’ on BBC1 where they had covered the Gladman’s attempt to get permission to build on land in Hatfield Peverel. Like the Bakers Lane site it was outside of the defined area for development in the relevant Local Plan. On the programme it was stated that development ‘sponsors’ like Gladman’s typically expected to win 50% of their appeals against refusal of planning permission and in return would receive commission of 20-30% of the ultimate sale price of the land sold with the benefit of planning permission.

ii. Item 8i of previous minutes – proposed holiday chalets in Bakers Lane. RW said that the planning application is still being shown as current with a decision date of 25 May 2018.

RW referred to the copy of the email sent by Tony Collins (a Chartered Surveyor and Town Planner) to ECC Highways and CBC planners pointing out that the proposals show the splays providing sight lines are only 40m and 38m. However as the road is a 60mph road westward and a 30 mph to the east, the design standards require 90m westward (60 mph zone) and 43m eastward into the 30mph zone. Therefore, neither visibility splay met the standards.

iii. Item 13i of previous minutes – in connection with the condition of the main road from West Bergholt into Braiswick just after the bridge over the A12, Anne Turrell has confirmed that she has reported this to ECC (report number 2544406). (Subsequent to the meeting RW checked the Essex Highways website and, on the map showing reported issues in respect of this section of the B1508, this report number is shown as ‘works in progress’. There are multiple works reports for the section of road from the bridge to Westwood Hill as indeed there are all along the B1508 to the Station roundabout).

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as ‘Treasurer’s Account’): £994.06
Deposit account (referred to as ‘Business Banking Instant’): £1773.85

ii. CH further reported that BRA membership stood at 60 households with another membership form due to come.

6. Secretary’s Report
RW said that he had covered most of his matters under ‘matters arising’. However he had received an email from Graham Stehle (Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator) regarding the BRA website. He had expressed his appreciation of the manner in which crime and security issues were dealt with on the website. However he pointed out that information on the neighbourhood watch given in the ‘Useful links’ section was out of date. RW had undertaken to correct these (information note for Committee – this has now been done).

7. Planning Matters
The major issues had been dealt with under ‘matters arising’. JB confirmed that as far as he was aware from checking the Council planning website there had been no other significant planning issues affecting Braiswick since the last meeting.

8. Braiswick School
RW said that he had not attended the last meeting but Chris Law had and had not reported any issues back. RW said that some parental parking had been noted at the top of Fernlea at dropping- off and pick-up times but so far it has not been a major issue although it could become one as school numbers increase.

9. Proposed 20 mph zone Fernlea
RW said that the ECC feasibility study was still awaited and he had chased this up with Anne Turrell (AT) who was attending a meeting of the Local Highways Panel on Tuesday 13 March. She said that she will report back after the meeting (information note for committee – following her meeting AT emailed RW to say that the feasibility was almost complete – she will advise further when it is completed).

10. Parking issues
a. RW said that in the light of comments he had received from committee members, he had amended the draft resident survey form concerning potential parking restrictions in Fernlea. He would forward this to CH for copies to be made for delivery.

b. In connection with the commuter parking situation in the main road outside of the Golf Club the committee agreed that RW should contact Councillor Lewis Barber who had been dealing with this issue. Help would be offered if needed to ascertain the views of residents in the main road.

11. Crime Reports
These continue to be received from Graham Stehle and circulated for information to committee members.

12. Any other business
i. The committee noted that use had been made of the roadside salt bins during the recent adverse road conditions. The bins would be topped up as necessary from supplies previously obtained via AT and held by CH and RW.

ii. It had been noted that Martin Goss, Councillor for Mile End Ward (which now excluded Braiswick), had been seen litter-picking in Braiswick. The committee agreed that RW should contact Martin Goss and suggest that if he contacts the committee prior to any future exercise volunteers could be sought to help.

iii. JH mentioned that she had seen examples of black rubbish bags being left by dog waste bins or even stuffed into them! RW to put a note on the website.

iv. DM said that litter was still a problem down Bakers Lane. (n.b. the Council will not concur with members of the public undertaking a litter pick due to the dangers from road traffic where there are no pavements).

v. It was noted that there had been a large increase in the number of large lorries using the B1508 Braiswick/ Bergholt Road. It was clear that it was being used as a rat-run by cars and lorries - it was suggested (for example) coming from Sudbury. This explains the serious damage to the road surface that has occurred and is occurring.

13. Next meeting

Provisionally arranged for 18 June 2018

The meeting was closed at 9.15 pm.

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BRAISWICK RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 4 December 2017

A meeting of the Committee of the Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.15 pm on Monday 4th December 2017.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), Trevor Welham (TW)

2. Apologies: David Mehigan and John Jeffery

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 September2017, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising
Item 12 of the last minutes: RW said that he had not followed up the issue of litter on the main road. The matter appeared to have been dealt with - presumably by the CBC Zone Team when they litter picked in Bakers Lane. It was agreed no further action was required at present.

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £901.04
Deposit account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant): £1773.62

ii. CH further reported that BRA membership stood at 58 households with another membership form due to come in.

6. Secretary’s Report
i. RW referred to the issue raised at the AGM relating to the omission from the resurfacing programme of the section of Bakers Lane from the main B1508 road down to Ramparts farm. Subsequent to the AGM, correspondence between Anne Turrell and the Essex Highways Cabinet Member had been circulated to committee members. Subject to funding being available, the omitted section would now be resurfaced following completion of the ‘Surface Water Alleviation Scheme' (SWAS) which would be brought forward from 2022/23 to 2018/19.

ii. RW had had a meeting at County Hall on 28 November with Cllrs Grundy (Highways Cabinet Member) and Mitchell (Deputy to Cllr Grundy) and various highways and education officers. This had been arranged by Anne Turrell who also attended. Supported by Anne, RW raised the following issues:

a. The case for traffic calming measures at the school exit onto Fernlea (stop sign and road markings).
b. The need for consideration of parking restrictions to prevent the growing problem of commuter parking at the top of Fernlea.
c. The 20 mph zone in Fernlea/ Stonecrop

d. Parental parking at the end of Fernlea at school dropping off and picking-up times.

It was acknowledged that the parking issues b. and d. were matters for the North Essex Parking Partnership rather than Essex Highways. Cllr Mitchell suggested an application be made to the NEPP in respect of the parking at the top of Fernlea but made the point that it would need support from the CBC ward councillors and Anne Turrell plus the support of a large majority of residents (at least 75%).

RW said that the school management was being proactive in bringing to the attention of parents the need for care and consideration when exiting the school site. Also that the school did its best to monitor and discourage parental parking in Fernlea and use the on-site parking facilities. However at present the parents could legally park in Fernlea provided that they did not cause an obstruction.

So far as item c. was concerned it was confirmed that the feasibility study was still underway and that the report would be completed early next year.

On the main point of the meeting (point a. above) namely calming traffic using the Fernlea exit from the school, the Councillors agreed that the requested road markings would be implemented however due to cold weather constraints on the paint used it may be programmed for warmer conditions. On the question of the requested signage to accompany the road markings. RW said that following the meeting he was unsure about agreement to this. Accordingly he would contact Anne Turrell to get clarification.

7. AGM 2017
i. It was generally agreed that the meeting had been successful. The attendance had been larger than last years and residents had raised many questions for the councillors to deal with.

ii. The point was made that the questioners from the floor of the meeting could not always be heard and that the lack of a ‘roving’ mike this year was a disadvantage. RW said that he had been told that none were now available as a result of the installation of a new P.A. system at the club. It was agreed that this point would be discussed with the Golf Club prior to next year’s meeting. If all else failed the Chairman could repeat the questions from the floor as they are raised to ensure everyone hears them.

iii. The Committee discussed the amount of time taken by the presentations given by the invited councillors. It was suggested that perhaps they could be asked to restrict their presentation to 10 minutes – presumably plus time for questions. On the other hand it is likely that most residents come to hear and question their councillors so perhaps this is a good use of the time. Further consideration will be given to this subject.

iv. A provisional date for the 2018 AGM was allocated – Tuesday 13 November.

8. Planning Matters
i. Proposed holiday chalets, West Farm House Bakers Lane
The original application for planning consent having been withdrawn, a new application has been submitted. The objections submitted in respect of the original application are no longer valid and thus a new submission must be made. There is a 21 day period as from 23 November 2017 for receipt of comments. It was agreed that the Committee’s previous objections still stood with the possible exception of the camping proposed for the site along with the chalets. It was agreed that RW would send a letter of objections covering: intrusion into a semi-rural area, additional traffic and safety of pedestrians.

ii. Gladman’s Development Bakers Lane
It was noted that the hearing of Gladman’s appeal against planning refusal was imminent. All previous objections to the scheme have been forwarded to the Planning Inspector and thus no further action is required of the Committee at the present time.

iii. In connection with the possible joint development of the St Botolph’s Farm site plus the site south of the Golf Club in Braiswick, it was noted that some house owners have been approached to see whether they would be willing to sell their property – presumably to assist in providing better access to the sites. It was agreed that there was little the Committee could do until such time as outline planning applications are made,

9. Braiswick School
RW attended a further liaison meeting at the school on 1 December also attended by Chris Law as a Fernlea resident. Issues discussed included parental parking at the end of Fernlea, the continued disregard for due care and attention exercised by a minority of school visitors and parents when exiting onto Fernlea and commuter parking causing congestion problems at the top of Fernlea.

RW briefed school management on the recent meeting he had attended at County Hall and the agreement obtained to ECC providing suitable ‘STOP’ indications just before vehicles exit the private road from the school and cross the public footpath.

10. Fernlea – proposed 20 mph zone
Following the meeting at County Hall reported under item 6ii above RW was able to report that the ‘Traffic Management Feasibility Study’ into the proposal is still being worked on by ECC officers and should be available in the New Year.

11. Parking issues
Since the meeting held at County Hall, the committee had received a copy of correspondence Anne Turrell had received from Shane Taylor of the NEPP in connection with a possible application to restrict parking at the top of Fernlea. As Anne points out in her email this somewhat dampens the more positive view of the prospects given by Cllr Mitchell at the 28 November meeting at County Hall.

Notwithstanding this the Committee resolved to proceed with obtaining Fernlea/ Stonecrop resident views on the prospect of parking restrictions probably along the lines of the current arrangements in the Bergholt Road. RW to draft a questionnaire which will go out in the New Year.

12. Crime Reports
These continue to be received and circulated to committee members. It was agreed that it was unfortunate that Graham Stehle, Chairman of the Colchester Neighborhood Watch, was unable to attend the AGM due to personal reasons. It was also agreed that the invitation would be extended again next year.

13 .Any Other Business
i. The condition of the main road from West Bergholt into Braiswick just after the bridge over the A12 was discussed. A resident had raised this at the AGM. It was agreed that this would be raised with Anne Turrell.
ii. JB handed to RW for storing with other Association documents a copy of the original constitution of the Association adopted 10 July 1974 and amended 7 November 1995.

14. Date of next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 12 March 2018

15. The meeting was closed at 0940 pm

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BRAISWICK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 11 September 2017

A meeting of the Committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 11th September 2017.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms, Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW)

2. Apologies: None received*

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2017, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising
Nil

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £901.04
Deposit account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant): £1773.40

ii. CH further reported that current BRA membership stood at 59 households

6. Secretary’s Report
i. RW reported that traffic on the Association’s email account was generally limited to receipt of the crime reports from Colchester Neighbourhood Watch.

ii. RW confirmed that Colchester Police would not be attending the AGM as they no longer have the resources to support meetings of Parish Council’s /Residents’ Associations’ etc. At CH’s suggestion It was agreed that RW would invite the Colchester Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator to attend the AGM which is due on 14 November 2017 at 8.00 pm in the lounge of Colchester Golf Club.

iii. RW also confirmed that Councillors representing Braiswick at local and county level had been invited to the AGM and confirmed attendance. He agreed to contact them again as a polite reminder.

7. Planning matters
i. A decision in respect of the application for the proposed holiday chalets and camp site in Spring Lane remains outstanding. Reasons unknown.

ii. It was noted that following rejection of Gladman’s planning application for housing in Bakers Lane an appeal against the decision had been lodged. It is understood that this appeal will be heard in December.

iii. It was noted that the St Botolph’s Farm site was included in the Publication Draft Local Plan. This inclusion was not supported by the Association in its written submission, to Colchester Borough Council, providing comments on the earlier draft.

iv. It was also noted that the current army site at Middlewick Ranges had been included in the Publication Draft Local Plan but was not included in the earlier draft published for public consultation. As adequate housing sites for the next 16 years had been provided for in the earlier version of the Local Plan, the Association’s comments to Colchester Council had made the point that:
a. either the Middlewick Ranges site was not required for at least the next 16 years or
b. other potential housing sites should be excluded as they are not required.

8. Diversion of Footpath FP40
There was no further news on this issue. Thus the ‘status quo’ is maintained in respect of the easternmost diversion about which objections have been submitted by residents to ECC. No diversion of this section can be implemented until such objections are resolved/ withdrawn or the matter is referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

9. Braiswick School
RW will be attending the next liaison meeting with school management due on Friday 15 September 2017. It was noted that, since the start of the new term, traffic flow at dropping off and picking up times had noticeably increased due to the further intake of pupils. Apart from the continued problem of a minority of thoughtless parents/ drivers exiting the school at excess speed and/ or without due care and attention, there was a growing issue of ‘nose to tail’ school traffic failing to give way to incoming traffic at the top of Fernlea. This problem was exacerbated by commuter parking in Fernlea (see below under ‘Parking Issues’). RW said he would raise these issues at the liaison meeting.

10.Fernlea – proposed 20 mph zone
RW gave a report on the current situation. On the Local Highways Partnership website it shows the “Colchester Approved Works Programme 2017-18” with the following item included:
“Fernlea/ Stonecrop, Braiswick – 20 mph limit – To investigate traffic calming options with 20 mph limit. Traffic Management Feasibility Study LCOL162003 - £5,000 Quarter 3”

11. Parking issues
RW reported that he had emailed Colchester Golf Club to ascertain whether they had taken their request for parking restrictions on the main road outside of the club any further following the apparent lack of support for the proposal at the North East Essex Parking Partnership. In an earlier email Councillor Lewis Barber had referred to the fact that he had approached the Golf Club to see whether they were prepared to fund the cost of the restrictions.

It was generally accepted by the Association’s Committee that imposition of any parking restrictions outside of the golf club would serve to drive more commuter parking into Fernlea and worsen the already unsatisfactory situation. This would make more urgent the extension of the yellow lines at the top of Fernlea. RW to contact Anne Turrell again.

12. Litter
RW briefly updated committee members on the correspondence which had taken place between him/ Lewis Barber, Anne Turrell and CBC Street Services over litter on the section of road between Bakers Lane and the A12 bridge. However the subject of the correspondence between the councillors and officers appears to have referred more to Bakers Lane itself rather than the section of main road. The upshot being that the official opinion was that due to safety concerns Bakers Lane would need to be closed before a full litter pick could be carried out - even by Council operatives. Thus the question of the main road appears to be outstanding, RW to review the situation and go back to Lewis Barber as necessary.

13. Crime Reports
Dealt with under ‘Secretary’s Report’ above.

14. Arrangements for the 2017 AGM
i. As confirmed in the Secretary’s Report, all local councillors had confirmed their attendance at the AGM. RW to send a reminder. It was agreed that likely topics raised by residents at the meeting would probably include the arrangements for rubbish collection, commuter parking in Braiswick, the non-appearance of the Tufnell Way traffic refuge (or any acceptable alternative arrangement) and the Gladman’s development proposals.
ii. CH confirmed that he would redo the notices for the AGM and get them printed. It was noted that these would have to go out 14 days before the meeting – delivery rota as per previous arrangements plus email copies including previous minutes where we have email addresses.

15. Any Other Business
Nil.

16. Date of next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 27 November 2017

17. The meeting was closed at 0920 pm

*JJ later sent his apologies

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Braiswick Residents' Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 8 May 2017

A meeting of the Committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 8th May.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW), John Jeffery (JJ).

2. Apologies: Received from Colin Hyoms

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2017, having been previously circulated, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising
JH asked for a copy of the approved minutes to be sent out to members. RW said that this would be done.

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. JH reported on behalf of CH that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £901.04
Deposit account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant): £1773.17

ii. JH further reported that BRA membership had risen to 59 households

6. Secretary’s Report
i. RW reported that he had received email confirmation from the Golf Club Secretary (Julie Ruscoe) that their lounge would be available for the association’s AGM on 14 November 2017. RW to send confirmation of date to Ward Councillors.
ii. RW had also asked about Golf Club’s approach to the Council concerning the control of parking on the main road outside the club. Julie confirmed that the club had had extensive correspondence with the Council via Lewis Barber (LB). An application had been prepared by a member and the club was awaiting a response from the Council. She suggested that BRA contacted LB and Anne Turrell (AT). RW said that he would go back to LB and AT and ask them whether in the light of the club’s application something could be done about the top of Fernlea where the growing commuter parking could be made worse if cars currently parking outside the club move to Fernlea instead.

7. Planning Matters
i. The Association’s letter of strong objections to the Gladman proposals for Bakers Lane had been sent to Colchester Borough Council planners. It was noted that at the time of the meeting the Council’s planning website still showed the target date for a decision as 28 April 2017 (but see note * below).

ii. The application for the adventure golf facility on the ‘Play Golf’ site had been approved subject to conditions on landscaping etc.

iii. RW to check on the situation in respect of the planning application for holiday lodges at West House Farm, Bakers Lane (see note*1 below).

8. Diversion of Footpath FP40
No further news on the diversion of the easternmost section of the footpath.

9. Braiswick School/ Fernlea Traffic issues
i. RW was unable to attend the last school liaison meeting. Chris Law (CL) attended representing Fernlea residents and provided the following feedback on the meeting:
a. Lee Smith (LS) is the new Site Manager replacing Alan Randall. He is an ex-Marine and lives in Braintree. A similar working relationship to that previously had with Alan Randall seems to be developing.
b. The Head Teacher, Lorraine Laudrum, stated that 60 new pupil places plus 10 spread across years 1 and 2 are available from September 2017 with 35 already taken up. Currently there are 170 pupils attending the school which will thus grow by an extra 70 if the new places are all taken up.
c. LS plus 2 pupils intend to be present at random ‘picking-up’ times to remind parent drivers of the need to take care when exiting the site.
d. The ‘Early Years’ facility have integrated onto the site with the main school fairly well although it is thought that some of the more carless drivers exiting the site are dropping off at the ‘Early Years’. LS said that he would speak to those concerned.

ii. SP, who picks up his children from the Braiswick School on foot, reported that he had seen someone driving out of the school exit whilst using a hand-held phone. JH said that both she and her daughter, who also lives on Fernlea, had had ‘run-ins’ with drivers coming from the school who had failed to give way to on-coming traffic having priority. RW said that he had worries about the incidence of small children coming from the school running or using their scooters well ahead of their parent along Fernlea. It wouldn’t take much for a child to trip and fall into or run across the road in front of a car.

iii. The 20mph scheme for Fernlea/ Stonecrop is still moving through the Colchester Highways Panel procedures. It is being shown for 2017/18 Financial Year albeit still currently at feasibility stage.

10. Crime Reports
i. These continue to be received from Colchester Neighbourhood Watch who have taken over this function from the Colchester Police Crime Prevention Team. DM asked RW to check the reports he had sent to committee members as it appeared that there were recent gaps in the sequence.
ii. The break-in to a Fernlea property was discussed and RW said he would put a warning item on the BRA website about property security.

11 .Arrangements for the 2017 AGM
As described above, RW had received written confirmation from Julie Ruscoe that the club lounge would be available for the AGM.

12. Any Other Business
RW to check on situation in respect of the problem of litter and rubbish which was accumulating along the verges to the section of road from Bakers Lane to the bridge over the A12. He was under the impression that something had been done but committee members said the situation had not improved.

13. Date of next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 11 September 2017

14. The meeting was closed at 0910 pm

  • Subsequent to the committee meeting it has been noted that the application was refused 25 May 2017

*1 The Colchester Planning website now shows the target date for a decision as 30 Dec 2017!!

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Braiswick Residents' Association

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 13 February 2017

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 13th February.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW)

2. Apologies: Received from John Jeffery

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2016, having been previously circulated and agreed, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising
It was reported at the last meeting that a resident had complained about dog mess in Braiswick. SP said that he had noted dog mess at the top of Fernlea and had reported it to Brian Jarvis as per Brian’s request at the AGM in November.

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £895.04
Deposit account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant): £1772.94

CH said that the Treasurer’s account balance had been boosted by receipt of £350 compensation which he had secured from Lloyd’s Bank due to his complaints of poor service over the change in authorised signatories. For the record he also reported that he had received £100 personal award from Lloyd’s to compensate him for the time and trouble to which he was subjected in resolving this long-running issue.

ii. CH further reported that BRA membership had risen to 57 households

iii. CH handed over the new membership slips to RW in order that RW could update his records for future emailing to members etc. In due course these will be returned to CH.

6. Secretary’s Report
RW reported that virtually all correspondence received on the BRASEC account over the last few weeks had been concerning the proposed Gladman’s housing development in Bakers Lane. As agreed with the Committee RW had sent a response to Gladman’s brochure expressing serious concerns over their proposals and also a note to all members drawing their attention to the issue. This had been somewhat overtaken by Gladman’s recent formal submission of an application for outline planning consent for up to 122 houses!

7. Planning Application for Bakers Lane housing
The Committee discussed the Gladman’s planning application in respect of Bakers Lane. It was agreed that the proposals were insupportable due to the unsuitability of Bakers Lane for new housing development and were also in breach of the current and emerging Local plan and the new Neighbourhood Plan. Accordingly the Committee resolved to vigorously object to the application and encourage BRA members to do the same. RW agreed to send an appropriate email to members and draft a letter of objection for the Committee’s approval.

8. Other planning issues
i. It was noted that the potential Braiswick housing sites at St. Botolph’s Farm and South of the Braiswick Golf Club, which had been put forward in the ‘call for sites’ exercise, had been included on the draft Local Plan for 2017-2032 but not the one off of Achnacone Drive

ii. There was an application with Colchester Council for an ‘adventure golf’ facility at the ‘Play Golf’ course, Bakers Lane, to include an additional car park. There was also a discussion concerning how this related to the planning application for 6 no. chalets and a camping facility at West House Farm, Bakers Lane. This would be checked on the Colchester planning website to clarify the situation.*

9. Diversion of Footpath FP40
It had been notified to all interested parties that the westernmost diversion of FP 40 had been approved. This was not the controversial section and ‘de facto’ had been in place for some time. The easternmost diversion about which objections had been received by ECC was still pending. SP reported that he and RW had attended an informal meeting with representatives from the golf club and had been subsequently asked if BRA could provide written support for the proposals. SP had agreed that RW would write to decline this in view of the objections from residents which the Club had yet to resolve.

10 .Arrangements for the 2017 AGM
RW confirmed that he had written to the Golf Club Secretary asking if they could make their lounge and bar available for the 2017 AGM. He had expressed the gratitude of the Association to the Golf Club for this facility in previous years. It was agreed that RW would let the Councillors know of the provisional dates for the next meeting.

11. Braiswick School/ Fernlea Traffic issues
RW said that a note of the recent liaison meeting with school management etc. had been placed on the Association’s website.

It was noted with regret that Alan Randall, the School Site Manager, was leaving to take up a new post with Essex Police. RW and Chris Law considered that he had played a major role in establishing the good working relationship between residents and the school and would be sorely missed. Interviews were arranged for a replacement and both RW and Chris had expressed their hope to the school that his successor would be of the calibre of Alan and as active in managing the parental car situation. In this connection TW said that he was concerned that when driving up Fernlea at school dropping-off and picking-up time, small children were often seen running far ahead and not under the control of their parents.

RW said that the Fernlea 20 mph should be going to the March meeting of the Local Highways Panel for funding.

12. Any Other Business
i. RW to check the situation in respect of commuter car parking outside of the Golf Club as Committee members had noted that the number of cars seemed to be growing. At one stage it had been understood that the Club were attempting to get restriction in place but possibly only during competitions and events.

Ii. RW said that he intended to pursue his ‘campaign’ in respect of cars parked apparently illegally overhanging the Pavement in Bergholt Road. He had encountered another disgruntled pedestrian recently and had emailed him copies of his own correspondence with Anne Turrell and the unfavourable replies she had received from both the police and the Local Parking Partnership.

iii. It was reported that litter and rubbish was accumulating along the verges to the section of road from Bakers Lane to the bridge over the A12. RW to email our CBC councillors.

13. Date of next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 8 May 2017

14. The meeting was closed at 09.40 pm

'* A decision by Colchester Planners is due to be made on the ‘Adventure’ golf facility at ‘Play Golf’ by 25 April 2017. The decision on the lodges etc. at West House Farm is due by 30 May 2017. In respect of the connection between the 2 there appears no formal link however a paragraph in the ‘Planning Statement’ accompanying the application for the lodges states:

“Given that the adjacent golf and leisure club is not able to provide any overnight accommodation, the holiday lets can be mutually beneficial in the sense that opportunities also exist for the lodges to be used by those attending weddings and other functions in the Amphora Suite. Additionally, lodges may be used by golfers wishing to spend a couple of days on the golf course and requiring overnight accommodation.”

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BRAISWICK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Meeting Monday 28 November 2016

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 28th November 2016.

Present: Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW), John Jeffery (JJ).

1. Apologies: Stephen Pitt (SP), Rob Waites (RW) and John Bentley (JB).
Rob Waites had however forwarded an email to the Committee earlier in the day and his thoughts/comments are incorporated where appropriate below.

2. Approval of previous minutes:
The minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2016, having been previously circulated and agreed, were formally approved and signed as a true record by CH (Treasurer) in the absence of the Chairman (SP).

3. Matters arising: Nil

4. Treasurer's Report:
i) CH reported that balances were as follows:
a) Current Account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £462.52
b) Deposit Account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant Account): £1,772.72
ii) CH further reported that to date 49 Membership subscriptions had been received for the year 2016/17. CH stated that this was lower than the Membership for the year 2015/16 at 55; however further subscriptions for the current year are expected.

5. Annual General Meeting Debrief:
Discussion ensued regarding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Colchester Golf Club on Tuesday 15 November 2016. CH reported that the number of Members attending the AGM was 44 with five others present and that, pleasingly, this was up on the previous year's attendance.

CH also commented that he considered presentations from all three Colchester Borough Councillors representing the Lexden and Braiswick Ward were excessive. DM however considered that they should all be given the opportunity to have their say.

The presentation by Councillor Sue Lissimore (Essex County Council Drury Division) was discussed in detail, the general Consensus being that the proposed changes to Spring Lane at the access from the Cymbeline Way roundabout were almost beyond belief and a waste of public money. It could not be seen how erecting wooden fences at the side of road, with flower beds and a Mill Stone coupled with a sign stating "Lexden Bridge Hamlet" would go any way in deterring the speed of traffic. Rather the view was made that the money would be much better spent on improving the appalling road surface in Bakers Lane.

With regard to the general format of the Annual General Meeting it was generally considered this remained sound and should continue in the future.

6. Proposed Diversion of Footpath FP40:
JH and CH provided an update in regard to the continuing saga. Andrew Ritchings of Essex Highways had written to Colchester Golf Club detailing the objections received and has advised the Golf Club were proposing a meeting with local residents. However the latest position is that this meeting has been postponed due to a change in the Management Committee/structure at the Golf Club and further developments are awaited.

7. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan:
RW had provided the following statement for the Meeting: - "As you know Chris Law thinks that we should be setting up some formal arrangements to review Planning Applications against the requirements of the Plans. I think that this is unnecessary. Most Planning Applications in Braiswick are for house extensions and rooms in the roof, etc. The only scope there seems to be for getting any additional facilities is in respect of the St Botolph's Farm site. The other 2 Braiswick sites are too small to provide any. I am sure that we can continue as we currently do for Planning Applications - JB lets us know when a Braiswick application is submitted and we have a look at it on the Council's Planning website to see if there are any Braiswick wide implications".
The Committee agreed with RW's comments and that JB should continue as previously.

8. Traffic Refuge - Tufnell Way:
The current position had been fully explained by Anne Turrell at the AGM. The matter is still in limbo.

9. Fernlea - 20 mph:
The 20 mph proposal for Fernlea/Stonecrop and speeds on the main Braiswick road were detailed by Anne Turrell at the AGM. Matters are progressing, albeit slowly.

RW reported the following in regard to worn Road markings - "main road and Stonecrop/Fernlea junctions (AOB in last Minutes)". Anne T did take this up with ECC and they said the amount of wear to the markings did not meet their criteria for repainting. Their criteria seem to be the markings are not completely invisible! We might get some more joy on the main road markings in view of what Anne has said in her recent email."

10. Arrangements for 2017 AGM:
It was agreed that next year's AGM should be held on the second Tuesday in November - 14 November 2017. It was also agreed that RW should be requested to contact the Golf Club to see if this date was available and to make the usual arrangements.

11. Any Other Business:
i. Discussion took place regarding the traffic problems being experienced in entering and exiting Fernlea at the Braiswick junction primarily around 3pm when cars leave the school ‘en masse’. Chaos has ensued on certain occasions caused by clashes with Council waste vehicles and also with vehicles mounting the pavement - extremely dangerous. The parked cars at the top of Fernlea are one of the root causes of the problem and it was agreed that it would be beneficial to extend the yellow lines further down Fernlea accepting that this will only move the parking further down the road. JH stated that she had experienced difficulty in entering Fernlea from the West Bergholt direction with cars also queuing to turn into Fernlea from the Colchester Town direction; in view of the close "blind" corner from the Town direction JH considered this was an accident waiting to happen.

ii. A complaint had been received from a local resident in regard to dog mess in Braiswick. However JH stated that she and CH walked along this road at least daily and did not consider there was any real issue, rarely sighting such mess.

iii. TW reported that Geoff Alexander, a Fernlea resident who was an active member of the BRA over many years, had recently passed away.

12. Date of next meeting:
The date of the next meeting was agreed as Monday 13 February 2017 - 8pm

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BRAISWICK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 12 September 2016

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 12th September.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW), John Jeffery (JJ)

2. Apologies: None

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 29 February 2016, having been previously circulated and agreed, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising: Nil

5. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that balances were as follows:
Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £460.52
Deposit account (now referred to as Business Banking Instant): £1772.49

ii. CH further reported that BRA membership had risen to 55 with a new household joining since the last meeting.

iii. CH reminded RW that he required the membership slips for the use of the auditor.

6. Colchester Borough Council - Draft Local Plan 2017-2032
The committee discussed various aspects of the draft plan. Both those which specifically affected the Braiswick area e.g. the 3 proposed housing sites in Braiswick and also the wider issues which would impact locally. For example the proposal for so-called ‘garden communities’ to the east and west of Colchester which would generate thousands more daily vehicular journeys with the potential to seriously worsen Colchester traffic problems.

It was agreed that RW would use the discussion points and the comments made to draft the Committee’s response to the draft plan. He would also view some of the responses made to date by other organisations and individuals. DM said that he had already posted his personal objections/ comments on the draft plan on the CBC Planning portal. RW said that he would endeavour to get a draft response to the Committee members in the next day or so to allow for comment and additions prior to the 5pm Friday 16 September deadline for receipt of objections and comments by Colchester Council.

7. Diversion of Footpath FP40
SP has sent an email to ECC asking for full consideration of the objections to the proposed diversion made by various residents. Apparently progress on the diversion is now blocked whilst the objections are considered. Andrew Ritchings of Essex Highways has confirmed to SP in an email that the County Council only possess powers to confirm diversion orders where they do not receive objections. If objections are received there follows discussions with both the objectors and the applicant. Thereafter there are 3 possible outcomes: i. the order is withdrawn ii. the objections are withdrawn or iii. the matter is referred to the Secretary of State for determination. CH is pursuing ECC to arrange another meeting with ECC – the previous one having been organised with no effective notice and excluding some objectors.

8. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
The referendum to endorse (or otherwise) the Plan is due on 15 September. RW referred to the concern raised by Peter Hewitt (Myland Community Council Chair) that some residents were confusing the Neighbourhood Plan with the draft Local Plan for Colchester covering the period 2017-2032. This mostly concerned the new potential Braiswick housing sites. The fear was that if residents thought that it was the Neighbourhood Plan which was bringing these forward it may deter people voting to endorse it. RW said that he had put an informative note on the BRA website and sent an email to all those members for whom an email address was held explaining the situation.

9. Arrangements for the 2016 AGM
RW confirmed that Brian Jarvis, Lewis Barber, Dennis Willetts and Anne Turrell (AT) all had the proposed date (15 November) for the AGM in their diaries. The Golf Club had also agreed the date. Casey Harrison (Zone 4 Manager for Colchester Borough Council Community Team) had not yet confirmed. It was agreed that RW would contact all the councillors and Golf Club to confirm that date and chase up Casey Harrison.

It was also confirmed that the Community Policing Team would not be attending the AGM as they could no longer support Residents Association or Parish Council meetings. Instead they referred to their website which gave information about local policing issues and a series of community meetings which they are arranging jointly with Colchester Borough Council. The dates for these will be published on their website. *

It was agreed that this year’s AGM notice to residents would be made brighter and shorter by deleting the formal agenda including instead a short list of items of interest to be discussed. The aim was to make it literally more ’inviting’. CH said that he would arrange for printing. He also had the list of who delivered where last year. RW mentioned that he would be on holiday over the delivery period.

10. Planning applications
Notification had been received that the applicant for the proposed flats c/o Bergholt Road and Tufnell Way had appealed against the refusal of planning consent. The date for receipt of any further representations to the Planning Inspectorate was 5 October 2016. SP to respond on behalf of the Association. It was agreed that the details of previous objections raised stood without amendment.

11. Traffic Refuge – Tufnell Way
RW reported that, although AT had not been able to get ECC to reconsider its view on providing a pedestrian refuge despite previous commitments and planning obligations, she is pursuing her call for alternative means of providing safer crossing for pedestrians.

12. Fernlea/ Stonecrop – 20 mph
RW said that he had supplied copies of all responses to the joint BRA/ AT poll of Fernlea/ Stonecrop residents to the Local Highways Panel via AT. The returns showed 85% support for 20 mph plus the new School’s support. Taking returns from just Fernlea (that is excluding all the Closes etc, Stonecrop and the school) the approval rating went up to over 91%!
The 20 mph proposal is to be submitted to the March 2017 meeting of the LHP for funding although AT has asked that if there is any slippage on schemes in the current year’s programme that Fernlea be brought forward.

13. Any Other Business
i. RW mentioned the recent email sent to AT asking for attention to be given to badly worn road warning markings at the approach to Braiswick from the Bergholt Road (‘SLOW’) and at the junction of Stonecrop with Fernlea (give way cautionary line). AT had passed these on to Essex Highways for attention. He had also brought to her attention the obstruction of the footpath by overhanging cars parked in the small front gardens of certain properties in the Bergholt Road which are not suitable for such use. She had replied that this was a matter for the police and asked for more details. RW to deal with this.

ii. RW referred to recent correspondence between AT and Highways England concerning alleged road noise on the A12 between Spring Lane and the turnoff to the new stadium. This was originally sparked off by complaints from Braiswick resident Dennis Brown. At present this section of road is not marked as a problem area on the noise maps prepared by Highways England although another review is due in 2017.

iii. JB reported that the pothole opposite Achnacone Drive is getting worse again. It is an Anglian Water responsibility and he is pursuing it with the body concerned.

iv. CH/ JH are to let RW have a separate email address for JH in order that she can receive her own copies of all BRA correspondence etc.

v. SP mentioned that in walking his children to the new Primary School he had encountered dog mess on the Fernlea footpath near the school. JH said that she had found similar mess on the Fernlea green space. JH suggested that unofficial ‘friendly note from residents’ signs are put up asking for dog owners to clear up their pets’ mess. The committee endorsed this suggestion and JH said she would draft something appropriate.

14. Date of next meeting
Provisionally arranged for Monday 28 November 2016

*note added by RW - A meeting for the Colchester area is to be held on Monday September 26, 2016 at 2 pm in the Greenstead Community Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, CO4 3QE.

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BRAISWICK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Meeting Monday 29 February 2016

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 29th February

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), John Bentley (JB), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM). Chris Law (CL) also attended by invitation to report on the Mile End & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan.

2. Apologies: Received from Trevor Welham (TW), John Jeffery (JJ), and Janice Hyoms (JH).

3. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2015, having been previously circulated and agreed, were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

4. Matters arising
a. RW referred to TW’s recent email relating to the condition of Bergholt Road. He had referred it to Anne Turrell who in turn had emailed ECC Highways asking for a copy of the periodic report on the road which should have been carried out in January 2016.

b. The continued deterioration of Bakers Lane/ Spring Lane was discussed. There is also a problem with metal posts at the edge of the carriageway which were repositioned following drainage works. These lean into the carriageway reducing the available passing width for vehicles. RW will raise these issues at the public meeting arranged for 4 March at Braiswick Golf Club to be attended by Will Quince.

c. In connection with the Fernlea 20 mph zone ‘campaign’, CL referred to a recent article in the Colchester Evening Gazette which stated that a speed survey is to be carried out in Fernlea. RW said that speed wasn’t the only issue, it was a also a question of Fernlea being treated the same as estate roads on new developments which almost invariably are designated 20 mph zones.

d. The management of Braiswick School has installed signs to the exit onto Fernlea aimed at calming traffic leaving the school. They are also actively supporting the installation of a ‘speed bump’ but ECC wish this to be fitted after the ‘snagging’ period for the new road has expired. A further residents’ liaison meeting with the school management has been arranged for 18 March.

5. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
CL gave a report on the current situation. The plan as adopted by the Myland Community Council (MCC) and the Braiswick Residents’ Association (BRA) is with Colchester Borough Council (CBC). The period for public representations to CBC on the plan closed on 22 February 2016. Comments may be referred by CBC back to MCC and BRA for attention. Thereafter the plan will be submitted to an independent examiner appointed by CBC selected by MCC/ BRA from a list of 4 provided to them.

CL said that so far every Neighbourhood Plan submitted to an independent examiner has come back with comments. Once comments have been taken into account the plan is subject to a referendum of the local electorate in the plan area. This will be on the basis of a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote.

Once approved, the Neighbourhood Plan will cover the period to 2032 to coincide with the next CBC Local Plan period 2017-2032 and be subject to five-yearly reviews. CL said one aspect of the review mechanism is to monitor whether services and facilities requested by the public through the consultation process and incorporated in the plan have been or can be implemented.

CL thought it likely that a group or sub-committee will be created to plan and monitor implementation of the aims of the Neighbourhood Plan. It would be necessary for BRA to be represented on any such body. In principal this group will need to:
• Measure applications against the Plan objectives and policies
• Build a view of Myland & Braiswick as a whole against the Plan objectives and policies
• Identify shortfalls in provision and initiate proposals
• Periodically (at least every 5 years) review the on-going suitability of the Plan

In addition there would still be the routine process of reviewing and commenting on local planning applications as is currently undertaken by both MCC and BRA but with the added need to measure proposals against the policies and aspirations of the Neighbourhood Plan. RW made the point that MCC are probably formally consulted by CBC on every application in their parish* and, for applications in Braiswick, BRA should ask for the same once the Neighbourhood Plan is in force.

CL further suggested that BRA should consider how it will be involved in the provision, funding and running of any community facilities provided in its area. MCC have sources of funding via the local parish ‘levy’ added to the Council Tax bills in the MCC area. BRA obviously has no such funding. The meeting agreed that this was an important matter but hypothetical at the moment and could be deferred for further consideration as and when the plan is implemented.

CL said that he was happy to continue as BRA’s representative on the Neighbourhood Plan Working Party and suggested that he provide reports as necessary to the committee via RW. He was also happy to attend committee meetings as necessary. This was agreed by the committee who thanked Chris for the offer to continue.

6. Planning applications
In connection with the planning application for the proposed flats c/o Bergholt Road and Tufnell Way, the period for submission of comments to CBC has expired. A decision should be made by CBC in the next couple of weeks.

7. Treasurer’s Report
i. CH reported that there was little change since the last meeting.
Balances were Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £452.52
Deposit account (referred to as Business Banking Account): £1772.06

ii. CH further reported that BRA membership had risen to 53 households with a further 5 joining since the last meeting. Total now 53 households.

iii. CH had forms to be signed by SP and RW to change the authorised signatories for cheques etc. These were duly completed for CH to submit to Lloyds Bank once SP has produced money laundering documents required by Bank.

8. Any Other Business
Nil

9. Date of next meeting
To be arranged at a later date so as to coincide with the period allowed for comments on the CBC ‘Call for Sites’ exercise.

*note added by RW - see CBC Planning “Statement of Community Involvement”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 30th November.

1. Present: Stephen Pitt (SP), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), John Jeffery (JJ), Rob Waites (RW), David Mehigan (DM), Trevor Welham (TW)

2. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2015 having been previously circulated and agreed they were formerly approved and signed as a true record by SP.

3. Matters arising
JB raised the matter of the pothole in the main road opposite 68 Braiswick. Despite it having been confirmed that Anglian Water have accepted responsibility and that repairs were imminent, no works have been carried out. RW had circulated correspondence which Anne Turrell (AT) had had with Essex Highways concerning adverse road conditions in Bergholt Road for cyclists (for whom potholes are potentially very serious). A particular problem in this respect existed outside 213 Bergholt Road. Bakers Lane/ Spring Lane - potholes along the edge of the carriageway also continued to give concern to road users of all description. RW said he would communicate these concerns to AT.

4. Appointment of Trevor Welham to committee
Trevor Welham (TW) having volunteered to join the executive committee, after the end of the AGM held earlier in November, it was necessary that he be formally appointed by the committee. Accordingly the committee resolved to co-opt TW as a member.

5. Treasurer’s Report
CH reported that there was little change since the last meeting.
Balances were Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £381.11
Deposit account (referred to as Business Banking Instant Account): £1771.86

As Chris Law is no longer a member of the committee it was agreed that it was necessary that he be removed as an authorised signatory of cheques etc. He would be replaced by SP (Chairman for 2015/16). CH advised that these changes required a fair amount of bureaucracy at the bank due to money laundering requirements and it would not thus be a speedy process.

6. Secretary's Report
RW reported that there had been a fair amount of correspondence on the BRASEC account since the last meeting predominately concerned with arrangements for the November AGM and subsequently with some answers from councillors to questions raised at the AGM. He had circulated some correspondence from AT and that relating to local road condition had already been discussed under ‘Matters Arising’.

Other issues dealt with by AT related to the continuing poor condition of footpath FP41 and the required pedestrian refuge in Tufnell Way at the Bergholt Road junction. AT had been surprised to be told by ECC that it was not feasible to provide a refuge as it would make it too difficult for buses to manoeuvre!! She has pointed out that the bus is being scrapped and that the refuge was a planning requirement covered by a Section 106 agreement with funding provided by the New Braiswick Park developer.

The committee felt that provision of the refuge or a suitable alternative scheme was important for safety particularly in view of the certainty that more children will be using this junction to get to the new school. TW said that the speed of some drivers making the turn from the main road was a significant issue. RW suggested that if the refuge is not possible then a pedestrian crossing might be a reasonable alternative. It was agreed that RW would continue to liaise with AT on this matter.

RW reported that Chris Law had sent out a note, about the new school, to those Fernlea residents he had email addresses for as part of his Fernlea Residents Action Group initiative. This gave information about a ‘drop in’ session that the school is having for local residents (not prospective parents) on 4 January 2016 between 4 and 6 pm. The committee felt that the times were rather restrictive for working residents as they will be generally be back to work after the Christmas break. It was agreed that RW would circulate information on the meeting to BRA members for whom we have email addresses. This would be done in the next week or so with a reminder during the Christmas break. It was also agreed that RW would go back to Chris asking him to use his contact with the school to suggest an extra hour extension to the meeting to allow more people to attend.

7. Review of 10 November AGM
i. Feedback on arrangements
It was generally agreed that the arrangements worked well although some disappointment was expressed that the numbers of residents attending was down on previous years. This it was suggested may have been down to the adverse weather conditions just before the meeting commenced at around the time people would have been leaving to go the Golf Club. There had been some comments that residents could not hear all of the speakers clearly despite the new sound system installed by the Golf Club. This may have been due to the speakers in question holding the mike too far from their mouths.

Ii. Possible alteration for next year:
Nothing of any significance could be suggested although a proper sound check to ensure adequate volume might be in order prior to the meeting commencing.

iii. Re-engaging with lapsed members:
Although only 36 members including the committee attended on the night of the AGM, CH reported that subsequent renewals had taken membership for 2015/16 to 48. This still represented a reduction on last year. It was agreed that RW would let committee members have an updated list of BRA members showing details of the ‘lapsed’ members. This would be for the information of the executive committee members only and would not be circulated beyond that group. This would enable committee members who are neighbours or friends of ‘lapsed’ members to have a chat with them to see whether they are prepared to rejoin. Further measures to be considered include a leaflet drop in Fernlea where the membership is comparatively low.

8. Proposed 20 mph zone in Fernlea
RW gave a report on the current situation. It appears that the application has made it through the first stage and there is apparently now to be a speed check. RW was not too sure what was involved in this and would try to get more information from AT. If this next stage is passed the scheme will make it onto the list for consideration of funding.

9. Crime and Security
RW said that he had already circulated the last crime report from Angie Pearson. A discussion took place on whether the informative crime prevention sheets which Angie sends out from time to time should be circulated to members by email (some are already placed on the BRA web-site as appropriate). Committee members felt that we should avoid sending too much matter out to members to avoid it being treated as ‘spam’ or a nuisance. If important and/ or urgent local issues are raised by Angie then consideration could be given to using emails to alert members for whom we have such information.

10. Web-site
JB suggested that as he was currently the only person with access for adding information to the BRA web-site, it would make sense for there to be a back-up to cover situations where he might be unavailable due to holidays etc. Logically this person should be the Hon. Sec. as he had cause from time to time to wish items to be added to the site e.g. minutes of meetings etc. RW agreed with this suggestion with JB remaining overall site manager. JB said he would prepare a ‘crib sheet’ to enable RW to access the site and load information.

11. Membership and communications
Already discussed under item 7. above

12. Any Other Business
i. DM raised the matter of the new ‘Colchester Borough Council Local Plan and Sites List’ which had been mentioned in the Chairman’s report at the recent AGM. DM had viewed the information on the council’s web-site and was concerned as to the implications for Braiswick. Chesterwell was not shown on the sites map as it had already received planning consent and the first phase was under construction. However there were 3 sites, 2 of which had been late additions (i.e. after the official date for receipt of suggested sites), in the Braiswick area. These were site 079 ‘St Botolph’s Farm’, Site 086A ‘Braiswick Golf Club Site ‘A’’ and Site 086B ‘Braiswick Golf Club Site ‘B’’.

Site 079 had been known about for some time and had been discussed at the last committee meeting. Chris Law had reported that reference has been made to this site in the Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan with the strong request that, if the site is confirmed by CBC as having development potential, both Myland Community Council/ BRA be involved in discussions on allocation of green space etc.

DH said that the 2 late additions to the site call presented access problems to which there did not appear to be easy answers. RW said that none of the sites had been assessed by the council as to suitability and that there was no guarantee that they will be allocated for development in the new Local Plan.

Subsequent to the meeting RW checked with the CBC web-site which stated the following in respect of the sites list:
“The Council will consider the suitability of these sites against agreed Strategic Land Availability Assessment criteria and through the Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal. The Council anticipates the publication of its draft Local Plan (Preferred Options) for public consultation in early 2016”.
It was agreed that the committee could keep a watching brief on this matter with a view to submitting detailed comments during the public consultation period.

ii. Parking in the Bergholt Road
Committee members commented adversely upon the practice adopted by some residents living in Bergholt Road to park cars in the small ‘front gardens’ of their houses. These vehicles in some cases overhang the public footpath by up to half the width thereof. This caused an obstruction, particularly to persons pushing prams and could present a particular problem to wheelchair or mobility ‘scooter’ users. The matter should be drawn to the attention of the relevant authorities.

13. Date of next meeting
To be arranged at a later date so as to coincide with the period allowed for comments on the CBC ‘Call for Sites’ exercise.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents’ Association was held at 8.00 pm on Monday 12th October

1. Present: Rob Waites (RW), Chris Law (CL), Colin Hyoms (CH), Janice Hyoms (JH), John Bentley (JB), John Jeffery (JJ), Stephen Pitt (SP)

2. Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2015 having been previously circulated and agreed they were formerly approved and signed as a true record by RW.

3. Matters arising
It was agreed that all matters were covered by the agenda items.

4. Treasurer's report
CH reported that there was little change since the last meeting.
Balances were Current account (referred to as Treasurer's Account): £381.11
Deposit account (referred to as Business Banking 30 day A/C): £1771.67

5. Secretary's Report
CL reported little or no activity on BRASEC. He reminded committee members that copies of internal emails between committee members should be copied to BRASEC.

RW asked if any response to the AGM invitation had been received from Ben Locker. CL confirmed that nothing had been received to date. He said he would send out a courtesy reminder to all invited councillors together with a copy of the AGM agenda when it was finalised. Also a reminder to P.C. Steve Walsham. RW said he would send a reminder to Andrew Williams (Colchester Borough Council (CBC) Zone 3 Team)

6. Proposed arrangements for AGM
RW had previously circulated a draft invitation notice for the AGM. The invitation is required to be delivered to Braiswick households a minimum of 14 days prior to the AGM. In it he had referred to the potential serious issue of resignations from the committee and the likelihood that insufficient (or any!) nominations would be received to fill the vacancies. He had also suggested that without adequate numbers on the committee and with an inability to fill officer posts, the work of the association would be impaired probably requiring a less active stance being adopted in pursuing issues.

In view of the current lack of certainty over the extent of the possible activities of the Association in 2015/16 it was agreed to extend the membership of current members for a further year without an additional subscription. Any residents newly joining at the AGM or thereafter will be afforded the same subscription ‘holiday’ for the year ending at the 2016 AGM. *

Despite previous conflicting information it appears that there is only one 'roving' mike available at the Golf Club. The committee decided that this had not presented a particular problem in the past and to take no further action in the matter

CL agreed to send out email copies of the AGM notice when it is finalised.

CH provided a revised delivery schedule for the hard copies of the AGM notice confirming who has agreed to deliver and where. These notices to be delivered by Sunday 25 October.

It was further agreed that last year’s minutes would not be emailed to members as previously agreed but they would instead be referred in the AGM notice to the BRA website where a copy was available for inspection. In addition 20 hard copies would be available on the night for the use of residents. JH kindly offered to arrange for these copies to be produced as well as sufficient numbers of the AGM notice for hand delivery.

7. New Braiswick School
CL gave a report on the current situation relating to the new Braiswick Primary School. The school opened with a reception intake only in September 2015. In theory there should be 60 children but CL suspects that it may be fewer than this. Vehicular entry for parents is via Apprentice Drive with exit via Fernlea. There are problems with parents exiting onto Fernlea at excessive speed without paying attention to other road users. Exit from the school has no more priority than residents entering Fernlea from their drives. CL has raised this with the school authorities who have undertaken to take steps to remedy the situation.

There are also continuing problems with the construction of the Fernlea exit from the school which has not been built in accordance with the approved planning consent in respect of levels and the sound-proof fencing. Proposals are still awaited from the school developers/ ECC for remedial action. RW reported that ECC Planners have failed to respond to his complaints about their failure to apply the conditions of their own planning consent. CL said that he had noted movement in the Fernlea road surface and potentially the sub-base also probably due to the massive increase in heavy traffic on the road from the school construction site.

8. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
The Neighbourhood plan is now in its final form and is being submitted to Colchester Borough Council for formal approval although they have already seen it during its preparation. It is now necessary for the Braiswick Residents’ Association to formally endorse the plan having been party to its drafting through the input of Chris Law on the working party and via comments on earlier drafts. The committee therefore endorsed the plan and CL said he would communicate this to the Myland Community Council (MCC). The committee also agreed that notwithstanding his resignation from the committee, CL would continue as its representative on the M&BNP working party until conclusion of the exercise and the plan becomes a material consideration in the assessment of future planning applications.

9. Pot-holes (68 Braiswick)
JB reported that following his many chases, ECC had decided that, due to the close proximity of a water main cover, the pot-hole was really an Anglia Water (AW) problem. JB has had a phone call from AW to say that they would repair the pot-hole within 10 days subject to necessary agreements with ECC Highways regarding traffic lights etc.

10. Proposed 20mph zone for Fernlea
RW briefly described the action he had taken, not as Chairman of the Residents’ Association, but as a Fernlea resident with the support of many other Fernlea residents, to submit an application for Fernlea to be designated a 20 mph zone. The application was made via and with the support of Anne Turrell. Martin Goss and the new school senior management were also supportive. The grounds for the application were road safety, pedestrian/ child safety, existing road layout and conditions and commuter parking. The application is currently being evaluated by ECC.

11. New Colchester Borough Council Local Plan and Sites List
RW referred to the current exercise being undertaken by CBC to revise the statutory local plan to cover the period 2017-2032. A ‘call for sites’ had been made by CBC as part of the exercise and, so far as Braiswick is concerned, of particular interest is the St Botolph’s Farm site next to the A12 which has already been put forward. CL said that reference has been made to this site in the M&BNP with the strong request that, if the site is confirmed by CBC as having development potential, both MCC/ BRA be involved in discussions on allocation of green space.

The next step is for CBC to undertake consultations on the draft local plan (preferred options) which is due in March/ April 2016.

12. Crime & Security
RW continues to receive crime update reports from Angie Pearson, Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor based at Colchester Police Station. These were then circulated to committee members and any relevant information notices or advice, sent with the reports, posted on the BRA web-site.

13. Web-site
JB had nothing to report.

14. Membership & Communications
There had already been a discussion on the AGM notice which will be emailed out by CL and also delivered by hand. This to be done by Sunday 25 October 2015.

15. Proposed resignations of Hon Sec. Chris Law (CL) and Hon. Treasurer Colin Hyoms (CH)
CL has confirmed his intention to resign the post of Hon. Sec. and his position on the committee with immediate effect. However the committee is very grateful for his continuing support in the run up to the AGM, CL offering to send out reminders to invited ‘guest’ speakers and electronic copies of the AGM notice to residents for whom the association has email addresses. They also expressed their appreciation of the work he has done on behalf of the association over the past few years. CL continues for the present to monitor the BRASEC account but will hand over the security details and files to the new Hon. Secretary when appointed.

CH and JH had, prior to the meeting, informed other committee members of their intention to not stand again for election to the committee. The committee expressed their regret at the prospect of losing 2 valuable members who had worked hard for the association. In response the committee discussed the implications of not having sufficient officers and voting members to transact the associations business, the difficulty of recruiting new members and the pressures that this creates. **

To assist in this respect it was agreed to hold future scheduled committee meetings in accordance with the minimum requirements of the association's constitution. This would reduce the demands on committee members. It was agreed that RW would revise the wording of the proposed AGM notice to present a more positive outlook whilst retaining the sense of urgency in recruiting new committee members.

In the light of the discussion and on the understanding that he would concentrate primarily on financial issues, CH said that he would be prepared to undertake the treasurer’s role for a further year. The committee gratefully accepted this offer.

16. Future of Braiswick Residents’ Association
Already dealt with elsewhere in the minutes.

17. Any other business
Nil

18. Date of next meeting
To be arranged at a later date.

*Since the meeting and in the light of the probability of there being a viable committee for 2015/16, the committee has decided to continue with the £2 subscription for the year.

** Since the meeting Colin and Janice Hyoms have indicated that they may reconsider their decision to resign from the committee.
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A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents Association was held at 8.00pm on Monday 13th July 2015

1. Present: Chris Law (CL), Rob Waites (RW), Janice Hyoms (JH), Colin Hyoms (CH), John Jeffery (JJ), Stephen Pitt (SP) and John Bentley (JB).

2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of committee meeting held on 11th May 2015 have already been circulated and agreed. These were formally approved and signed by RW.

3. Matters arising from the last meeting not otherwise on the Agenda
RW confirmed that Andrew Williams (Zone 3 Manager CBC Community Services) has accepted invitation to attend next BRA AGM.
CL had circulated email from Martin Goss which attached a circular from Andrew Williams about proposed ‘Days of Action’. The dead-line for applications for next batch had passed however it did serve to raise awareness of the events. RW thought that the recent ‘Hand in Hand’ day carried out in Mile End and Braiswick had been a similar event.

4. Treasurer’s Report.
CH reported that the balances are:
Current Account (referred to as Treasurers A/C): £381.11
Deposit Account (referred to as Business Banking 30 day A/C): £1771.48
Current Membership unchanged at 71.

5. Secretary's Report
CL reported little activity on BRASEC apart from 3 emails dealing with the Mile End Fete, the ‘Days of Action’ mentioned under item 3 above and one from the East Lexden Residents’ Association mostly concerned with the proposed ward boundary changes. On this subject it was agreed that CL would respond giving the committee’s views that inclusion of West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green was not something which it supported but that it did see that there was an arguable case for removing Braiswick from the Mile End ward and combining it with Lexden.
CL confirmed that he had invited Ben Locker, Anne Turrell, Martin Goss and Dominic Graham to the next AGM.

6. New Braiswick Primary School
CL gave a run down on the current situation. Work on the Fernlea exit is due to start in the current week. The finalised School Travel Plan (prepared by the Learning Pathways Trust) has been submitted to ECC Planners for approval. It appears that this has been based largely on the draft travel plan which was originally submitted by the new school’s developers as part of the main planning application. Objections to the finalised Travel Plan from Fernlea residents had been submitted on the grounds that it was out of touch with reality and was hopelessly optimistic about the use of cars by parents.

7. Bakers Lane / Spring Lane
Nothing to report.
8. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
CL gave report on the current situation. He has a meeting on Monday 18 July to discuss the results of the public response to the second questionnaire.

9. Crime & Security.
RW said updated crime reports had still not been received from Angie Pearson. He had sent her a reminder.

10. Website
JB said that he had put a copy of the ECC Highways Complaint form on the BRA web-site. This could be used for pot-hole complaints and street lighting issues etc.

11. Membership & Communications
As previously noted under Treasurer’s report – no change in membership.

12. Any Other Businessbold text
CL reported that Martin Goss has been appointed Chairman of the CBC Local Plan Committee.
CH confirmed that the footpath outside of his house has finally been repaired after 4.5 months.
JB said that he has continued to complain to ECC about the large pothole opposite the junction with Achnacone Drive. The noise made by Lorries (particularly when empty) running over the pothole was very disturbing and no doubt worsening the problem.

13. Date of Next Meeting
Meeting ended at 21.00. Date of next meeting 8.00pm Monday 14th September 2015
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A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents Association was held at 8.00pm on Monday 11th May 2015

1. Present: Chris Law (CL), Rob Waites (RW), Janice Hyoms (JH), Colin Hyoms (CH), John Jeffery (JJ), and John Bentley (JB).
Apologies received from Stephen Pitt (SP).
2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of committee meeting held on 9th March 2015 have already been circulated and agreed. These were formally approved and signed by RW.
3. Matters arising from the last meeting not otherwise on the Agenda
JJ reported that the two street lights on Braiswick have now been repaired.
CH reported no further progress on the footpath condition issues (AOB item 13 12/01/2015 minutes).
CH has reported the defective footpath in Fernlea to ECC but as yet no remedial works other than the provision of a flimsy and ineffective barrier which keeps blowing over and the drawing of red lines around the damaged area. This has also been raised by a Gentian Court resident Brian Love in a letter to ECC.
The Park & Ride opened on 13th April 2015 with the free period for travel extended to encourage usage.
4. Treasurer’s Report.
CH reported that the balances are:
Current Account (referred to as Treasurers A/C): £381.11
Deposit Account (referred to as Business Banking 30 day A/C): £1771.28
The Current Account is up by £6.00 relating to all Membership Fees now deposited. Current Membership is 71.
5. Secretary's Report
CL reported little activity on BRASEC account apart from Martin Goss updates:-.
The Golf Club has been booked for the next AGM on Tuesday 10 November 2015. It has also been confirmed that there are 2 radio mikes available. CL to invite Councillors, Community Police Officer and RW to invite CBC Zone 3 Management.
6. New Braiswick Primary School
RW said his meeting with Andrew Smith (Executive Head Learning Pathways Trust) at Lyons Hall School Braintree on 10 March to discuss resident issues appeared to be productive but it was necessary to wait and see how the new school management responded to these issues when they were actually in a position to make decisions and formulate policy.
CL referred again to the Judicial Review action taken in the High Court and the unsatisfactory outcome. He also ran over the Fernlea access road issues. ECC’s agents keep producing draft schemes which contain inaccuracies and are unworkable for various reasons.
7. Bakers Lane / Spring Lane
Work completed and road reopened at last on 2nd April 2015. However only minor repairs carried out to road surface near new bridge undertaken. The remainder of the road is not in good condition with many potholes.
8. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
The period for public comments on the draft plan had now expired however CL said that there would be minor changes which could lead to a further consultation with the public.
9. Meeting with CBC 'Zone 3 Team'.
RW had attended the ‘Hand in Hand’ Day organised by the Team. He and Anne Turrell had been provided with litter-picking sticks and black bags and had walked Braiswick checking for litter and discarded bottles/ tins etc. In the Mile End area as a whole 9 tonnes of litter and rubbish had been collected, graffiti removed etc.
10. Crime and Security
RW said updated crime reports had not been received from Angie Pearson for a few weeks. He had contacted her and she had explained that the police had implemented a new IT system and during the migration of data onto the new system much information had been lost. She would ensure the former information flow would be restored as soon as possible.
11. Website
Nothing to report
12. Membership & Communications
As previously noted under Treasurer’s report – no change in membership.
13. Any Other Business
None.
14. Date of Next Meeting
Meeting ended at 21.00.
Date of next meeting 8.00pm 13th July 2015
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

A meeting of the committee of Braiswick Residents Association was held at 8.00pm on Monday 9th March 2015

1. Present: Chris Law (CL), Rob Waites (RW), Janice Hyoms (JH), Colin Hyoms (CH), and John Bentley (JB).
Apologies received from Stephen Pitt (SP) and John Jeffery (JJ).
2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of committee meeting held on 12th January 2015 have already been circulated and agreed. These were formally approved and signed by RW.
3. Matters arising from the last meeting not otherwise on the Agenda
CH reported no further progress on footpath condition issues (AOB item 13 last minutes).
RW stated that any comments on proposed council ward boundary changes had to be in by 12 January 2015. He had examined all the comments sent in by interested parties. The majority were opposed to at least part of the proposals. The Mile End Lib Dems have suggested splitting Braiswick off from Mile End. NBP would remain with Mile End and Braiswick joined with Lexden, to which it has historic ties, for the purposes of CBC ward boundaries.
4. Treasurer’s Report.
CH reported that the balances are:
Current Account (referred to as Treasurers A/C): £375.11
Deposit Account (referred to as Business Banking 30 day A/C): £1771.28
The Current Account is down by £21.73 relating to AGM expenses. Current Membership is 71.
5. Secretary's Report
CL reported little activity on BRASEC account apart from Martin Goss updates:-.
Park & Ride due to open 13 April 2015.
NAR opening delayed due to power problems. No new date set yet.
Bakers Lane Bridge latest date due to open 13th March 2015
Parking Scheme Changes to MIle End Road & Turner Road.
6. Proposed new Braiswick School
RW has meeting with Andrew Smith (Executive Head Learning Pathways Trust) at Lyons Hall School Braintree on 10 March to look at how that school is managed and to discuss Fernlea Resident issues.
CL reported on the Judicial Review action taken in the High Court. The outcome was unsatisfactory but not unexpected from Fernlea point of view but the fight goes on to secure best possible outcomes on traffic, parking and potential issues relating to construction of the proposed exit from school onto Fernlea.
7. Bakers Lane / Spring Lane
JH said that she had had informal discussion with man in charge of the works on site who had said that the bridge works would not complete until end of March 2015 at the earliest despite any information to the contrary.
8. Myland & Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan
CL said that the draft plan should be available shortly for public consultation.
9. Meeting with CBC 'Zone 3 Team'.
RW had had a meeting with the CBC ‘Zone 3 Team’. It had been a useful meeting and he had already circulated a note of the meeting to the other committee members. JB had put information re the team on the BRA web-site but reiterated the point he had made in his email response to RW’s note of the meeting that it was surprising that so little had been known previously about the team and their work. RW said that Andrew Williams (Team Manager) had agreed that it might be possible for a team member to attend the next BRA AGM.
10. Crime and Security
Following his email to Angie Pearson (Crime Prevention Adviser) RW had received the Neighbourhood Watch crime report for 2 – 8 March 2015 which he had circulated earlier that day to committee members. He understood that he would now receive them regularly. JB said that he had already placed the general information relating to reporting incidents to the police on the BRA web-site. It was agreed to place other information on the web-site as and when issues affecting Braiswick or of general interest were raised in the crime reports.
11. Website
Nothing to report
12. Membership & Communications
As previously noted under Treasurer’s report – membership is up slightly.
13. Any Other Business
Tuesday 10 November 2015 was agreed as a preliminary date for the next AGM and CL to check availability at Colchester Golf Club.
14. Date of Next Meeting
Meeting ended at 21.00.
Date of next meeting 8.00pm 11th May 2015
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