Theydon Bois Parish Council
Parish Office, The Village Hall, Coppice Row,
Theydon Bois, Essex CM16 7ER
Clerk to the Council: Mrs Jennifer Endean
Deputy Clerk to the Council: Mrs Julia Gale
Minutes of the Full Council Meeting of the Council held at the Village Hall 7:30pm on
Thursday 23rd February 2023
Councillors Present: Cllrs Gooch (Chairman), Purkiss, Amos, Blake, Burn, Cowup, Gill, Hannibal,
Wood, Morris, Morton.
• Officers Present: Jennifer Endean Parish Clerk
• Members of the Public: The meeting was attended by 2 members of the public.
1571. Apologies for lateness: Cllr Hannibal and Cllr Wood.
At the start of the meeting everyone in the room stood for a minute of silence to show their respects to the passing of
John Eaton. John Eaton was a former Chairman of the Parish Council, School Governor, Church Warden and a much
valued member of our community.
1572. To discuss and approve the minutes from 26
th January 2023. Approved
Cllr Gooch provided an update on his action points. Cllr Gooch was unable to attend the last Village Association meeting
to discuss the idea of planting a Christmas tree on the Village Hall grounds, but would bring this up at their next meeting.
Cllr Gooch would provide an update later regarding his action point to follow up with the CQC (Care Quality
Commissioner) regarding the continued poor service from the Limes Medical Centre.
1573. Disclosure of Interests with regard to specific items on the agenda (existence of any Disclosable Pecuniary
Interest, or existence and Nature of other Pecuniary Interest or a Non-pecuniary Interest). The Council has adopted
Essex Public Law Partnership Code of Conduct. None.
1574. Public participation session with regard to specific items on the Agenda.
None
1557. Police report.
PC Cook sent the following update: I have checked the figures this morning and there has been the following in
Theydon Bois since the 26/01/2023,
3 x Theft of Motor Vehicle
1 from Dukes Avenue
1 from Orchard Drive, commuter’s vehicle left overnight.
1 from Coppice Row, this was damaged vehicle left after a Road traffic collision.
1 Theft from Motor Vehicle Heath Drive
1 Criminal damage to a windscreen of a vehicle in Green Glade
2 x Road Traffic Collisions
1 Coppice Row
1 Coppice Row Junction with Piercing Hill, CCTV has been requested for this incident.
No recorded burglaries for this period.
I attended the Warm Room event on the 13/02/2023 at the Village Hall with Community Safety from EFDC, Fraud
Prevention from Essex Police, Fire Brigade, Voluntary Action Group and Housing from EFDC, very well attended crime
prevention advice and items provided, i.e. Faraday bags, personal attack alarms, timers, and various other items.
1574. Clerks Report
The Epping Forest District New Local Plan, Submission Version 2017, has been found sound by the Planning Inspector,
and is recommended for adoption by the District Council. An Extraordinary Meeting of EFDC’s Full Council will take
place at 19.00 on Monday 6th March 2023, in the Chamber at the Civic Offices in Epping, to consider formal adoption
that evening.
1575. Reports from Parish Representatives on outside organisations.
None.
1576. Reports from District and/or County Councillors’
Cllr Amos provided an update from District Council. The Local Plan has been a big topic. Budget has been agreed and
the Council tax increase in band D is 2.98% which is under 10p a week. Blue bin wheelie recycling bin trial continues
and has received mixed reviews.
1577. To discuss and approve a Safeguarding Policy
All agreed to adopt in principle and place under review.
1578 To discuss and approve update of Data Protection Policy
All agreed to adopt in principle and place under review.
1579. To discuss the Essex County Council trial of booking slots at waste sites.
The Council all agree that they are not in favour of the new proposal from ECC (Essex County Council) to introduce
booking slots at the Essex Recycling Centres. The Council agreed to write to Chris Whitbread cc Nigel Avery to register
their disagreement.
1580. To discuss applying for “No Cold Calling Zone” in the Village.
The Council agreed to support a ‘No Cold Calling’ trial in Morgan Crescent and would look into rolling it out across the
Village.
1581. To discuss and approve the separate bank account and committee for the Village News magazine.
Noted that we acknowledge the Village News will set up a bank account.
1582. Finance and General purpose
1582.1 To approve the payments made since the last meeting. Approved.
1582.2 To discuss and approve payment to Playground at Theydon Bois for Annual Insurance. Approved
The Playground Committee had struggled to raise fund money due to Covid. Therefore, it was agreed that the Parish
Council would grant the Playground the money for their insurance to the sum of £2282. Next year the Parish Council
would only be willing to contribute its usual amount of 50% towards this cost. Clerk to notify the Playground
Committee of this and request sight of the accounts before granting 50% next year.
1582.3 To approve grant of £1200 to Village News. Approved.
Noted: Incorrect wording of “grant” and should say “return”. Approved for the return of monies to the Village News
Magazine to set up their new bank account.
1583. Planning Committee:
To receive an update on Planning matters since last month
The Planning Committee has considered 12 applications since the Full Parish Council Meeting of 26th January 2023.
Of these, the Committee raised strong objection to two: the proposed demolition and replacement of an original late
19th century ‘Manor Villa’ in Old Piercing Hill, and the changed configuration of an annexe under construction at the
rear of a semi-detached property.
The Committee also found objection to two revised schemes: an amended layout for decking in a rear garden, which
was still thought to negatively affect the adjoining property, and the loft extension of a prominently-sited property
fronting Coppice Row.
A Householder Appeal against refusal of planning permission by EFDC, for the retention of decorative railings at first
floor level, has been allowed.
Epping Forest District New Local Plan, 2011-2033
The Planning Inspector examining the new Epping Forest District Local Plan (2011-2033) has finalised his Report. The
Report concludes that, subject to the Main Modifications set out in the appendix to the report, the New Local Plan
satisfies the requirements of Section 20(5) of the 2004 Act and meets the criteria for soundness, as set out in the
National Planning Policy Framework, such that is now capable of adoption by the District Council.
A paper copy of the Planning Inspector’s Report will be made available for public inspection at the Civic Offices in
Epping. The Report can also be downloaded from EFDC’s website: Inspector’s Report on Examination of Local Plan –
Epping Forest District Council (eppingforestdc.gov.uk)
1567. Highways, Cemetery and Environment Committee
To receive an update on Highways, Cemetery and Environment matters.
Cllr Purkiss was pleased to report that the section of pavement on the north side opposite Birch Hall had been
reclaimed after years of neglect which will make it easier for pedestrians walking to and from the forest. The Parish
have applied for two grants from the Essex Crime Commissioners Fund /PFCC to install new CCTV at strategic
positions in the Village. Expenditure of £1850 has also been sanctioned on CCTV equipment in the hub. It was
discussed at length the poor re-instatement of suction kerbs in Woodland Way by Ringway Jacobs and the
understandable annoyance of ratepayers.
We await news from Cllr Lee Scott on the pavement and kerb project in Loughton Lane.
Also pleased to report litter pickers managed to extend works further down the Abridge Lane to junction of Epping
Lane and look to complete next month as far as bridge at Abridge which is the boundary of the Parish.
1568. Community Engagement Committee
Cllr Morton provided an update on the Theydon Living Room event. All the services who came gave very positive
comments, everyone was having a nice afternoon. Lisa was amazing. It was a great success. Would like to book for
the event to be repeated in November, December, January, and February.
Cllr Gill – Repair Café has been very successful running side by side to the Community cuppa. Many different repairs
and received positively.
Cllr Morton the Parish Council will not be involved in an event for the Kings Coronation. We have added to our
website how residents can apply to EFDC for road closure.
Theydon Open Gardens is 18th June.
It would be good to have a list of all the noticeboards in the Village and how to contact the people who own them for
access.
Cllr Cowup Litter pick is next Saturday.
1569. Any Other Urgent Business for report (without decision)
Please note that no decisions can be lawfully made under this item. The Local Government Act 1972 section 12 10
(2) (b) states that business must be specified; therefore, the Council cannot lawfully raise matters for decision.
Cllr Gooch updated Councillors on a good video call he had that morning with the CQC. The call was regarding the
deterioration of service residents have received from the Limes Medical Centre over the past 5 years. We are the first
Parish Council to ever report their medical centre. CQC will inspect and judge the quality of healthcare residents are
receiving from the Limes.
1570. Public Participation
Mr Risden recalled a presentation that the Limes Medical Centre did at a Parish Council Meeting. Discussed
Open Gardens and noticeboards.
Cllr. Gooch closed the meeting at 9.25pm
Signed: ……………………………………….. Dated: 30/03/2023
Cllr Peter Gooch
Chairman