Minutes of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Council

held on Wednesday, 11th May, 2005

in the Village Hall at 8.00 p.m.

Present were:

Mr Clark, Mrs Kesterton, Mrs Oliveira, Mr Perry, Mr Rixson & Mrs Clark (Clerk)

In Attendance:

Cllr Mrs Cecile Down.

1. Apologies for Absence

   There were no apologies for absence.

2. Minutes of the Annual Assembly held on 12th May, 2004

   The minutes of this meeting were agreed and signed.

3. Matters Arising

   There were no matters arising.

4. Chairman's Report 2004-2005

   The Chairman reported that one of the highlights of the year was the Vanishing Villages day in June. Although she was not able to be present, it had been very successful with a large attendance, if slightly less than the previous year.

   As usual, the year had been dominated by Airport related issues. Firstly, the Government's White Paper had been the subject of a Judicial Review requested by Essex County Council, SSE and others. The judge had failed to overturn the White Paper, but had held that for the government to detail exactly where an additional runway was to be sited was too prescriptive. BAA was now evaluating plans for a number of sites for the second runway.

   BAA's Home Owner Support Scheme was designed to help those people with homes within the 66 Leq area surrounding the proposed runway. None of these homes were in Broxted. The scheme had incensed Takeley Parish Council as the scheme divided neighbouring properties, and it sought a Judicial Review of the scheme. Broxted, and some other local Parish Councils, were pleased to be affiliated with Takeley and pledged £1,000 towards its legal costs. In the event permission to seek a Judicial Review was refused. Takeley is still deliberating whether to pursue the matter further, and in the meantime have no need of our offered money, which will be kept in a ‘Professional Services Account’ for future use.

   Another effect of the airport's plans was that a number of people were selling up and moving out of the village. BAA was acquiring properties and renting them out. Although it had promised to look after its empty properties there was little evidence that it was doing so.

   During the year the Council had agreed to hold monthly meetings. This had shortened agendas and allowed more time for discussion.

   Membership of the Council remained unchanged. Following County Council elections last week the Thaxted Division is now represented by Michael Walsh; John Whitehead having not sought re-election.

   During the year both Uttlesford District Council and Essex County Council had sought to strengthen the role of Parish Councils. They had both instigated more consultations, but it remained to be seen if this has any effect.

   The year had also seen the erection of the village's sign to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002. The sign is on the corner of Cranham Road.

   The Chairman concluded her report by bemoaning the lack of members of the public present at the meeting.

5. Parish Tree Warden's Report

   In the absence of Miss Collinson there was no report.

6. Parish Footpath Representative's Report

   In the absence of Mrs Burton there was no report.

7. Public Transport Representative's Report

   Mrs Oliveira reported that the number 5 bus service was still being well used, although there had been some reports of late running recently.

8. Emergency Planning Representative's Report

   In the absence of Miss Collinson there was no report.

9. Open Forum

   There was no Open Forum as no members of the public were present.

Cllr Down was thanked for her attendance and the meeting closed at 8.12 p.m.