June 2008
Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room, The Street, Chipperfield on Wednesday 9th June 2008 at 8pmPresent Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr Mrs S Sims (Vice Chair), Cllr Mrs S Fowler,
Cllr Miss M Godwin, Cllr M Jarrad, Cllr M Joseph, Cllr D Nobbs, and Cllr Mrs P Southworth
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk
___________________________________________________________________________________
0120/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
0121/08 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Nobbs declared a personal interest in allotment issues. Cllr Joseph declared a personal and prejudicial interest in “the small hall”. Noted
0122/08 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on 12th May 2008 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Sims, seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed
0123/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None
EX – AGENDA
Cllr Roberts reported that Hertfordshire Highways have funded a new scheme to ensure that at least 60% of all potholes are repaired fully, but this may take time to complete. It was decided that temporary filling is not cost effective, although due to safety some will still be filled temporarily for safety, with a view to a permanent repair in due course. Noted
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0124/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that 6 of the previously outstanding issues had now been completed, F&GP are now able to focus on:-
1. Clerk’s workload. Review options to solve current overload and consequent pressure
2. Employee Sickness Policy. Review draft to be proposed by Jo
3. Allotment Restoration. Council have agreed in principle that we could fund an amount to be spent during 2008/9. Review situation following recommendations from Allotments and Open Spaces resulting from their review of the responses to the Invitation To Tender
4. Village Clock. Review research regarding existing ownership and insurance coverage of Village Clock
5. Clerk’s Contract of Employment. It was agreed that a revised contract, more in line with the latest NALC format, could be undertaken as a background task Noted
0125/08 RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR
It was confirmed that Cllr Jarrad would be resigning from the Council with effect from 30th June 2008. Chairman and Councillors thanked Cllr Jarrad for all of the support, time and advice he had given to the council during his time. Clerk to arrange bye-election notice. All agreed
0126/08 EXTERNAL AUDIT 2007/2008
It was recommended that the papers submitted to all councillors by the Clerk should be approved and the External Audit papers be signed by the Chairman and Clerk and submitted.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad, seconded Cllr Joseph. All agreed
0127/08 BANK MANDATE
After various issues with the bank and changes of Councillors, it was Resolved that Cllr M Bradshaw, Cllr Miss M Godwin, Cllr M Joseph, Cllr D Nobbs, Cllr Mrs S Sims and Cllr Mrs P Southworth are to become signatories for the Council’s bank account. Bank statement will now be sent to Cllr Nobbs.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Southworth All agreed
0128/08 CONSULTANTS
This matter was not discussed during this meeting, to be placed on next agenda. Noted
0129/08 CHURCHYARD STRATEGY
Clerk confirmed after discussion with DBC that CPC at present have no jurisdiction over the Churchyard, unless the Church applies to the diocese to close the churchyard. CPC would then become responsible for the maintenance, if however CPC are unable to pay for this they could apply to DBC to take over the management, this due to cost would be very minimal. DBC stated that they are would be unable to give up common land due to common law and planting. However if the church could find another area of land that was not common they would apply for a churchyard, although they would need to consult the environment agency who would need to monitor the site for 3 years prior to burials, to ensure that the water system would not be contaminated. It was agreed to contact DBC for a further explanation as to why they cannot offer common land, as it was reported that a request was made many years ago and DBC had no objection to. Cllr Roberts offered his support in this matter. Cllr Jarrad to update the Church as to the Council’s current position. Once further information has been received CPC to report again.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed
PLANNING
0130/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that a response had been received from DBC regarding our request for locally important buildings to be recognised. They state that they have completed a policy on this issue, although they can’t guarantee the outcome, all requests for preserving buildings will be taken into consideration. It was agreed that Planning Group will focus on the buildings in question for submission to DBC. It was also agreed that buildings should be considered for inclusion for their interiors as well as their external appearance Noted
It was reported that an invitation had been received to attend the Hertfordshire Charette, to discuss the dynamics the proposed housing infrastructure and how and where new developments are to be built. It was reported that CPC attended a presentation by Robert Gordon, leader of Herts CC. He spoke positively about the pathfinder partnership and he actively encouraged Parish Council to fully engage in future development, policies and procedures.
It was reported that although the official legal documents had not been completed by DBC regarding the change of section106 for Didsbury, the properties are now been actively advertised with the new wording. DBC confirmed that the legal papers were a formality as the agreement had been made at a previous DCC meeting. It was agreed this was unacceptable that the current residents had not been informed. CPC to write to Steve Baker, Head of Legal at DBC, cc Cllr Roberts, with our views.
Proposed Cllr Fowler, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed
It was reported that the previously outstanding issues had now been completed, Planning group are now able to focus on:-
1 Monitor DBC decisions vs. CPC on a quarterly basis. Next analysis due in July
2. Meet with DBC to check our thinking on planning matters and realign if necessary. – awaiting examples of major clash of views
3 Review enforcement issues
a) Units 4 & 5 at Chipperfield Business Park. Awaiting determination of planning application for 2 sheds. Approval has now been given for the retention of the fence. The application to retain parking of ‘cherry-pickers’ has been withdrawn. A response had been received.
b) Fencing at ‘Far Farrington’. DBC has instructed agent to reduce fence to 1 metre by mid-June or enforcement order will be issued.
c) Fencing at Pale Farm. Planning approval has now been given for a modified fence.
d) Gates at ‘The Olde Barn’. News of progress awaited.
e) Swimming pool at Milbaise Cottage. Awaiting appeal hearing.
f) Conservatory, garage and shed at ‘The Thatch’. Planning application awaiting determination.
g) Gates at Chipperfield Garage. News of progress awaited.
0131/08 PROPOSED AFFORDABLE HOUSING – CHIPPERFIELD
It was reported that a letter had been received from the Nuffield and Havenfield Residents Association regarding their concerns over the forthcoming proposed affordable housing application for Nunfield. Their concerns related to the access via Nunfield. It was agreed that we should advise them that their concerns were duly noted and at this time CPC were are unable to comment further until planning applications have been submitted by Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association and forwarded to us by Dacorum Borough Council.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
0132/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, except where stated.-
04/00614/08/FHA Blantyre,Tower Hill, Two storey front extension, relocation of main entrance,
Chipperfield internal works, replacement windows and alteration to access
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
These latest proposals seem to represent an attempt to sympathetically restore a good deal of the interior, although it is a pity that the numerous plans do not include the existing elevations to compare with sheets 17&18. But externally the main changes are the addition of a small one-bay extension to the SE, the addition of large double doors at the new main entrance and the replacement of chimneys with a metal flue. The extension is modest and completely fits in with the existing structure.
Although we are not sure it is practical to have great barn doors as a main entrance, but visually they fit in. The replacement of the present rather heavy diamond paned windows with plain ones will make the building look less fussy.
Although the plans do not show details of the proposed new access, we see no problem with the idea of reverting to the original route. Overall we consider the changes to be positive and therefore support them.
04/0061/08/LBC Blantyre,Tower Hill, Two storey front extension, relocation of main entrance,
Chipperfield internal works, replacement windows and alteration to access
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
These latest proposals seem to represent an attempt to sympathetically restore a good deal of the interior, although it is a pity that the numerous plans do not include the existing elevations to compare with sheets 17&18. But externally the main changes are the addition of a small one-bay extension to the SE, the addition of large double doors at the new main entrance and the replacement of chimneys with a metal flue. The extension is modest and completely fits in with the existing structure.
Although we are not sure it is practical to have great barn doors as a main entrance, but visually they fit in. The replacement of the present rather heavy diamond paned windows with plain ones will make the building look less fussy.
Although the plans do not show details of the proposed new access, we see no problem with the idea of reverting to the original route. Overall we consider the changes to be positive and therefore support them
04/00744/08/FHA 17 Queen Street Single storey front extension
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
As stated in the Design, Access & Sustainability statement, the proposed front extension is similar to a number of others in Queen Street. It would be of matching materials to the existing slate, timber and brickwork. Therefore it will fit in with the Conservation area.
04/00745/08/TCA 17 Queen Street First floor rear extension and internal alterations
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This small first floor rear extension is modest in size and would sit alongside a similar, but larger extension at no.16, also the materials would match the existing.
04/00774/08/FHA 1 Windmill Cottage, Demolition of outbuildings and rear extension and
The Common, Chipperfield construction of single storey rear extension
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This revised plan appears to be an improvement to the extension, for which permission was given in 2005:-
1) The dilapidated garage with corrugated iron roof will be removed.
2) The extension will have a pitched roof, rather than be flat as before.
3) The amenity space at the rear will be note spacious.
Although the kitchen extension will be longer it will not protrude beyond the rear of the neighbouring property, which we understand there has been no objection.
04/00815/08/TKR BT Payphone, Tower Hill Removal of telephone kiosk
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Supports this application subject to the following:-
After careful consideration and discussions with local residents, we are aware that this particular kiosk may not have been in regular use.
However we would strongly like to point out that the proposed removal of kiosks without the need for consultation, which BT claim they do not have to do if there is another kiosk within 400m, and the purely financial reasons for removal, should not apply across the board to each and every kiosk they propose either now or in the future.
We would like to record that under no circumstances would Chipperfield Parish Council support the removal of the kiosk on the Common, which is at the heart of the village. We support DBC if their policy should state "the no kiosks should be removed within the Borough".
04/00831/08/FUL Blackwell’s Village Club Change of use of rear room to club and family room.
The Common, Chipperfield Room at front to become Café
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application,
We are aware that the proposal will allow 26 sq m of extra working space for the club, which should therefore enhance the club viability and sustainability. We are also now aware that this application has already been granted by DBC.
04/00938/08/FHA Yew Tree House, Conservatory
Chapel Croft, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
The proposed conservatory would be constructed of wood, with masonry to match the house and is of good design. Although it does not enhance the front elevation of the house, it would not be visible from the road.
04/01110/08/CAC 1 Windmill Cottage, Demolition of outbuildings and rear extension
The Common, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This revised plan appears to be an improvement to the extension, for which permission was given in 2005:-
1) The dilapidated garage with corrugated iron roof will be removed.
2) The extension will have a pitched roof, rather than be flat as before.
3) The amenity space at the rear will be note spacious.
Although the kitchen extension will be longer it will not protrude beyond the rear of the neighbouring property, which we understand there has been no objection.
HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
133/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that the previously outstanding issues had now been completed, Planning group are now able to focus on the following issues:-
It was reported that a recent meeting with Herts Highways they had agreed to ensure that all outstanding items are –reordered to ensure their completion. CPC to monitor and request a timetable of events and update members on current issues. Noted
134/08 HEDGES
It was reported that overgrown hedges and whose responsibility they were is becoming a problem for both pedestrians and vehicle exiting minor roads. It was agreed that A&OP take this matter further with DBC. It was confirmed that a complaint had been received regarding exiting Whippendell Farm, along Langley Road, that in order to exit you needed to enter the carriageway as the hedges leading toward Kings Langley were overgrown. Clerk confirmed a fault report based on safety had been given to Herts Highways. Chairman asked that all hedge footings should be included for remedial action where the footings had reduced the width of the pavement.
Proposed Cllr Southworth, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed
135/08 SPEEDING DUNNY LANE
It was reported that a resident had requested a “30” mph road marking sign be placed along Dunny Lane, discussion took place as to whether a request for same may delay the installation of the vehicle activation sign. It was agreed with the support of Cllr Roberts to request 30mph sign
Proposed Cllr Fowler, seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed
OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENTS
136/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
1 Disability Act: Cllr Sims to investigate applicability of Disability Act to the woodland area and Cllr Godwin to provide legal interpretation.
2 Village Plan: CPC to consider developing the principle of the current Village Design Plan into a Comprehensive Village Plan.
3 Community Engagement: Cllr Sims agreed to investigate the Government procedure.
4 Woods to be thinned by Windmill Hill and tree canopy to be thinned over chestnuts in the woods by DBC. 5 Common Management News Letter: (including guided walk details) being produced by Dacorum.
6 Preliminary discussions held with the Football Club regarding access to the allotment.
7 White House: Jo has written to owners of White House on leased land but not on hedge cutting
8 Allotment management software package: to be assessed. Ongoing
9 Pill Pond: DBC confirmed on the 7th that they were still waiting for the CMS proposal.
10 Bollards: Dacorum have installed timber bollards to protect the damaged verge opposite Blackwell’s. Telephone cable damaged in the process!
11 Verge Maintenance: List obtained from Dacorum identifying maintenance responsibility for various Village verges. Needs to be reviewed
12 Broken road edge: opposite the White House also passed to Highways
13 Dog Waste Bags: Purchase of bags approved and order placed. Confirmed a report will appear in Chip News regarding CPC involvement since DBC withdraw funding, to include asking people to only take the bags they require for that visit.
14 List of Equipment for Potential Maintenance Contract: Need list.
137/08 GREEN FLAG
It was confirmed that judging for Green Flag status took place on the 21st May. Although no answer has been given as yet, it was confirmed that prior to the judging DBC had been informed of errors and omissions relating to the Management Plan and a commitment was received from Brian Scott, DBC that CPC would be involved in all matters relating to Chipperfield and that the Green Flag Management Plan for the Common can be updated. CPC now has the opportunity to modify the Management Plan to ensure further relevant items are addressed. The items include horse riding, education and local knowledge. The text will also be edited to ensure adequate reference to the Common as a significant part of Chipperfield as a working village with special care required for environmental protection and event management.
It was reported that the Dunny Lane footpath is included in Common management Plan. It was also confirmed that Liz Holliday is now the volunteer tree warden liaison between CPC and DBC.
0138/08 SPECIAL EVENTS
The Green Flag Plan emphasised the issue of use of the Common for events. This issue has been taken up with DBC as part of the recent Green Flag negotiations. Agreement has been reach that the event request form submitted by those requesting events in Chipperfield be forwarded in good time to CPC for approval. In order to try to ensure that CPC are fully advised and consulted on all relevant matters relating to outside organisations wishing to utilise the village. OS&A will write a supplementary section to the current DBC policy.
All agreed
0139/08 ALLOTMENTS
It was confirmed that 3 quotes had been received. A further request for quotes on Option 1 had been requested with a deadline for 27th June. It was recommended that a newsletter be produced for all tenants to advise them of progress, to try to answer concerns and to thank them for their co-operation. Allotment Hedge Restoration Project: Progress Report No.2, has been sent to all tenants and we are awaiting response. Clerk confirmed that a letter had been received from the tenant offering to remove the shed that was blocking the access path and which would have hindered the restoration. The Council requested that the Clerk write a letter thanking the tenant
Noted
Cllr Godwin is currently reviewing the current tenancy with a view to updating them to conform to current legislation and better protection for CPC and the tenants.
Clerk reported that there are 3 plots awaiting allocation but they had currently become overgrown and it was requested that £200 be allocated to arrange for them to be cut back ready for tenancy. Current agreement to be sent along with notification that they will change in October, and that in order to receive a plot now they must agree to forthcoming changes, and that the size of the plots will be added to the agreements.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed
YOUTH AND EDUCATION
140/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
1) The Youth Club
Now to be called THE SMALL HALL. Thanks to several financial donations the hall is now nearly ready to take bookings. The dividing wall is in place, and the floors in the kitchen and toilets are being put down. The committee plan to have an open day for visitors when everything is completed and then they will advertise it for various functions.
2) Play Areas - Chipperfield
The brochures showing all the different equipment available have been seen by the children of St Paul’s School, and they have done a splendid job of identifying the equipment that they think would be most suitable. A meeting has been arranged with DBC in June to discuss the options. Regarding the other playground at Tower Hill, DBC are in the process of trying to renew the lease with the brewery and when this is completed we can then discuss the possibility of upgrading the playground equipment.
Chairman asked that further contact be made with DBC on this issue to ensure that due priority is given to this valuable playground and football pitch All agreed
3) Website competition
It was reported that after careful consideration, the winner of the best website for Chipperfield supporting Youth and Education was the Corinthians Youth Football Team, the prize of £150 to be forwarded to them next month
Proposed Cllr Fowler, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
141/08 CORRESPONDENCE
None
142/08 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £2,995.49 be signed for payment.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs and Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
143/08 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None
144/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 14th July 2008 at 8.00pm at the Baptist Church meeting room.