Environment Minutes 8th January 2014

• E46/13 – Members noted the resolution from F&GP Committee to proceed with signing the licence in the immediate term with a view to making a proposal for future enhancements to the area and seeking to enter into a longer term lease.
• E52/13 – Councillor McLeod confirmed that most of the redundant posts in the area had now been reported.

Members reviewed the Harwich Speed Limit Feasibility Report DC1506. Opinion from both Members and some local residents is that the report is flawed as certain streets in the historic district were not included. It was felt that simple speed calming solutions could be put in place which could include 20mph signs as you come off the bypass and on Main Road when entering Old Harwich.
RESOVLED: Clerk to write to Councillor I Henderson stating that members of the E&C Committee are unhappy with the survey as forwarded to Harwich Town Council, stating reasons, and ask that they carry out a more appropriate review.

• The remaining trees for the 2013 planting scheme are due to be delivered on 17th January and will be planted by TDC w/c 20th January.   Mr Preece expressed his disappointment with the delays and will talk to TDC about his concerns regarding planting during the cold weather spell.
• The trees to be planted in the Hangings will not be planted by TDC until the end of February.
• A meeting with be arranged with Councillor J Henderson and TDC to discuss ideas for improvements to the hedge surrounding the putting green so that a proposal for the remaining budget can be submitted and approved at the next meeting of the E&C Committee and invoices paid prior to the end of this financial year.
• The agricultural team at TDC was due to replace the previously removed tree in St Austin’s Lane Car Park. When they found that the area had been concreted over, the tree was then planted elsewhere.
  Members were advised that this area had been repaired by another division of TDC to rectify damage caused by an accident.   Members agreed that although this was a genuine mistake and miscommunication between TDC departments, TDC should be requested to replace the tree which is in a conservation area, as previously agreed.
  RESOLVED: Clerk to write to TDC to ask that the removed tree in St Austin’s Lane Car Park is replaced.

• Submit planning permission for the siting of the buoy. Cost approved up to £100
• Approval to be sought from Essex County Council for the siting on the location by Gas House Creek and consider any necessary risk assessment.
• Redundant lamp stand at proposed location to be removed.
• Buoy to display ‘Welcome to Historic Harwich’ sign along with signage promoting Trinity House 500th Anniversary and if possible, the Harwich Town Council Crest.
• Further meeting to be schedule with Paul Howe, to discuss signage, refurbishment, siting, ownership, required insurance and possible refurbishment of the other buoy (if possible, change of sign to read ‘Historic Harwich’ and inclusion of HTC crest).
  All correspondence to be copied to Councillor Kevin Bentley.

• E-mail from TDC regarding Snow Patrol – Noted – Members raised concerns surrounding ‘safeguarding vulnerable people’ and involving members of the public.
• Cllr McLeod asked Members to consider a civic pride day as a future project. Cllr I Henderson confirmed that this was a suggestion made by the Town Tourism Team who will hopefully be progressing this after their next meeting.
• Cllr Todd expressed his frustration and disappointment concerning fly tipping in Bathside and lack of action that TDC is able to undertake due to the area being privately owned. The Clerk agreed to invite Councillor N Turner to meet with the Ward Councillors of East Ward to discuss.
• Cllr Flavell updated Members following his meeting with Chris Strachan regarding new information boards to be displayed on the Electric Palace, to include the new Town Tourism map, and two notice boards promoting events in Harwich and the surrounding area.
• Cllr Day asked for an update following the recent flood risk. Cllr I Henderson confirmed that TDC were still reviewing feedback received.
• Cllr McLeod raised concerns over the number of pot holes in the area. Cllr I Henderson expressed his dissatisfaction with the response he received from EC Highways which confirmed that they were in the progress of programming carriageway patching in Main Road, however, they were unable to provide a timescale for this work.