18th March 2024
/GARRISON RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Zoom meeting on 18th March 2024 at 7.30 pm
Present:
Cliff Marshall Acting Chairman
Pam Dewey Secretary
Pamela Deakin
Nick Kenney
Darren Munsey
Ian Hucker
Michael Stiers Managing Agents
Robert Fowler Managing Agents
Damion Beech. from 7.45
Peter Melville. from 7.52
Apologies
Apologies were received from Richard Spence (SGMCL), Daniel Puddick, Chris Coomber
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of January 22nd were approved with the addition of the name of the proposed Treasurer, Peter Melville, and the deletion of Ian Hucker and insertion of Nick Kenney as proposed Chair.
3. GRA Officers
A vote of thanks was given to Pam Deakin for her work on the committee as Secretary. Pam Dewey was welcomed as the new Secretary. See AOB for appointment of Honorary Treasurer.
4. Report back from SGMCL meeting 5th February
In the absence of Richard, Robert reported. The final budget, an increase of about 10%, was approved. The estate lighting was reviewed, looking at replacing to more powerful lamps on a revolving programme. The gardening spec was finalised and will be put out to tender. The proposed controlled parking had been scaled back to North Camp on a trial basis.
ACTION: Robert to contact residents.
No clarity on responsibility for Westgate but SGMCL taking responsibility for now and it had been cleared.
ACTION: Robert and Michael were requested to check as its thoroughness was questioned.
The mess coming onto the Garrison from the Cantel site was discussed.
ACTION: Robert will contact them.
The media attention to the proposed parking and reference to a survey was discussed. There had been no recent survey. The use of AMPR to check cars was discussed. Robert’s letter to the relevant householders will be copied onto the FB site.
ACTION: Pam Dewey
Feedback from Bellway
Chris, Cliff, Nick and Richard met with Bellway and discussed various issues such as the 6 metre level, flooding, section 73 etc. Michael Deakin’s document to be forwarded to committee. Everything put forward in the original planning application has been ignored. New legislation since 12th February allows councils to refuse planning permission. Affordable houses reduced to 10% (no affordable houses reported in the Echo). The original plans did not pass the sequential test (looking at other areas, making comparisons, impact on essential services). Bellway have not engaged with Anglian Water and seemed unaware of original problems with the planning application.
5. Fowler and Spencely report
Estimates have been obtained for the maintenance of the clock hands and faces and a Saffron Walden company has quoted favourable at £11,500 including VAT and access. A question was asked regarding availability of a grant as it is a Grade II listed building.
ACTION Robert to investigate.
SGMCL has decided to replace like for like the timber posts around Gunners Rise, budget £4000 per year. The walkabouts are to continue to include a director. Nick and Ian volunteered to attend for GRA.
6. Voluntary Maintenance Group
Nick asked whether some money could be available for simple maintenance. Damion volunteered to help.
ACTION: Robert to check with SGMCL.
AOB
Pam Deakin asked whether she should stay on the committee. Resounding yes please!
Peter Melville asked if he should respond to the email asking if he wanted to be treasurer. He was told ‘yes’ and his position was confirmed by the committee. The handover of the relevant documents will be managed outside the committee.
Peter asked for funds to be transferred in advance for the VMG (item 6) but this was refused.
The meeting closed at 9.30.
Thanks to Robert for hosting and to Cliff as Acting Chairman
The next meeting will take place on Monday 13th May at 7.30 Venue to be advised