August 2007

Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room, The Street, Chipperfield on Wednesday 8th Aug 2007 at 11.00pm

Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr M Jarrad, Cllr D Nobbs, Cllr M Godwin, Cllr Mrs S Sims and Cllr Mrs P Southworth

Representatives from Hightown Praetorian Housing Association and DBC gave a presentation regarding the proposed affordable housing development at the end of Nunfield. They confirmed that there would be 4 x one bedroom flats, 2 of which would be shared equity, 2 x two bedroom houses and 1 x three bedroom house. DBC confirmed that the eligibility criteria for rural areas would mean that local persons would take priority.
DBC confirmed that a public consultation would take place in September, possibly in the form of a public meeting. DBC agreed to inform the Clerk in advance of the meeting. Chairman thanked all parties for their time. Chairman asked for a copy of a higher level map of the proposed development and for illustrated examples of similar developments by Hightown, they agreed to supply same.

Kevin Horwood, Fire Officer based at Hemel Hempstead, formerly of Bovingdon, attended to give a brief presentation and to gain support to allow flyers to be added to Chipperfield News regarding the free home survey that the brigade can carry out at he request of any resident. Chairman thanked Kevin and all offered their support for this initiative.
AGENDA: Part 1
0142/07 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr Joseph and Borough/County Cllr Roberts – all agreed to accept apologies.

0143/07 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Godwin declared a personal interest in planning application 01559/07 due to neighbour planning notification Noted

0144/07 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting 11th Aug were signed by Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0145/07 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None
EX – AGENDA
None
PLANNING
0146/07 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council.
04/01156/FHA (amended) 1 Nunfield, Chipperfield
Description Two storey side extension (amended)
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application
This is an amended version of a previous application that Chipperfield Parish Council opposed because of discrepancies in the scaling of the plans, the absence of the existing garage and the first floor windows being "out of character".

These new plans do remedy a number of our earlier concerns and in some ways the integration of two single storey structures into the building improves its appearance in this prominent position however, we still feel the 1st floor balcony is out of keeping with the village character and for this reason we offer our objections.

04/01481/07/FUL The Boot, Towerhill, Chipperfield
Description Construction of new timber shelter & decking
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This is a re-submission of an earlier application for this timber shelter, the main difference being the location. We supported the previous application for the shelter to be erected in the grassy area to the right of the pub, provided the low hedge was retained. Now the applicant is proposing to site it further back behind a denser hedge & tall trees, where it would be barely visible.

04/01483/07/LBC The Boot, Towerhill, Chipperfield
Description Construction of new timber shelter & decking
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This is a re-submission of an earlier application for this timber shelter, the main difference being the location. We supported the previous application for the shelter to be erected in the grassy area to the right of the pub, provided the low hedge was retained. Now the applicant is proposing to site it further back behind a denser hedge & tall trees, where it would be barely visible.

04/01559/07/FHA Meggacres Farm, Megg Lane, Chipperfield
Description Stable, tackroom and haystore

04/01559/07/FHA (amended) Meggacres Farm, Megg Lane, Chipperfield
Description Stable, tackroom and haystore
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application

DBC Policy 81 provides that small scale equestrian facilities will normally be allowed in the green belt provided they are well located & integrated into the rural landscape. The proposed stable, tackroom & haystore meets this criteria, in that it is well screened by a line of tree and is by the design, location and material used, compatible with existing buildings.

Results from Dacorum Borough Council between 5th July – 1st Aug 2007
04/00614/07/FUL Manor Farm Cottage, Fuel pumps within yard and
The Common, Chipperfield tractor shed with associated access (amended)
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation NO OBJECTION

04/01018/07/FHA The Old Cottage, Kings Lane, 2 Storey side extension and conservatory
Chipperfield
DBC result W/DRAWN CPC recommendation REFUSED

04/01229/07/TCA Mahogany Hall, The Common, Works to trees (Info only)
Chipperfield
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation N/A

04/01245/07/TCA Copthall Cottage, Kings Lane, Works to trees (info only)
Chipperfield
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation N/A

04/01138/07/FHA Kingsford, Kings Lane, Rear extension, loft conversion
Chipperfield with dormers and front porch
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation NO OBJECTION

04/01197/07/FHA Police House, Chapelcroft Conservatory
Chipperfield
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation NO OBJECTION

04/01330/07/TCA Kingsmead, Kings Lane Works to trees (info only)
Chipperfield
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation N/A

0147/07 PLANNING REPORT
1 Three Rivers District Council’s Local Development Framework
Three Rivers have invited our views on some further parts of their Local Development Framework:
1. Documents covering Sustainable Communities and Open Space, Amenity and Playspace. As the deadline was 31 August 2007 it was agreed that the reply be delegated to the Planning group, who will produce a copy of the response at the next meeting.
Proposed Cllr Stokes, Seconded Cllr Jarrad All agreed

2. Supplemental Issues and Options. Deadline 14 September 2007
It was recommended that the Planning Group be asked to prepare a response to be considered at the September Parish Council Meeting.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, Seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed

2. Dacorum Revised Local Development Scheme
This document updates the timetable for the preparation of Dacorum’s Local Development Framework. The final key strategy and policies are not now expected to be published until 2010-12. Of interest to us is the statement that they do not plan to require an update of the Chipperfield Village Design Statement until 2011 at the earliest. Noted

3 The Thatch, Dunny Lane – Planning Inspectorate appeal decision
We have now received a copy of the Inspector’s report on Mr Hutchison’s appeal against Dacorum’s refusal to give retrospective planning permission for the erection of a conservatory, a 2-bay garage and a shed. In each case, the appeal has been dismissed. Noted

0148/07 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
1) To approve expenditure for Internal Audit and creation of spreadsheets
It was requested that funding be approved to allow our internal auditor to liaise with the Clerk to create reports for the new accounting system in line with the reports created by the previous system, after which an audit will take place at the end of the 2nd qtr to confirm that the new package was fully functional. It was proposed that expenditure of up to £100 be approved.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad Seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

2) To approve expenditure for new litter bins
It was reported that a bin had been chosen and seen in-situ, to be supplied by The Bin Company (Eden Square 110ltr lidded bin) Cllr Jarrad to liaise with company for any discounts, clerk to liaise with DBC for approval of same and their confirmation they would empty/replace bags. Once approved by DBC and subject to confirmation of cost, Clerk to place order for delivery and installation of same before the end of summer. It was request that funding of up to £2000, to be approved from the “Identified projects reserve funds”.
Proposed Cllr Stokes, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

3) To approve expenditure for allotment cultivation
Clerk requested funding for suitable coverings for un-cultivated allotment plots, which due to the unusual weather and problems with the enforcement of tenancy agreements, (and in some case due to illness of some tenants) was causing ongoing/time consuming issues for the Clerk. After general discussion it was proposed that a longer term solution to the various cumulative problems be sought. Funding as this stage was not approved and Open Spaces and Allotment Group to review procedures and agreements before the new allotment year on 1st Oct. Clerk to liaise with Allotment group. All agreed

4)To approve and sign cheques for payment

Clerk requested the transfer of £6,000 from Scottish Widows to the Natwest Current account to service the payment of forthcoming expenditure.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad, Seconded, Cllr Nobbs All agreed

Clerk confirmed that a “Change of address” form for correspondence from the Natwest had been signed by Cllr Joseph and Cllr Nobbs to authorise future correspondence to be delivered Cllr Jarrad.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, Seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £1471.32 be signed for payment.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0149/07 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman requested that the Chairman of each group prepares a report each month covering ongoing/outstanding items, which should be circulated to all members of the council. Clerk to be informed of any agenda items arising from the reports. This will allow Members to be aware of each group’s activities and progress and assist where possible, this will also assist in the preparation of the annual report for the Annual Parish Meeting required for distribution of Chipperfield News in March of each year. It was agreed to trial this request.

Chairman requested that all members consider that Chipperfield Parish Council should hold 12 meetings a year to ensure continuity and momentum of items to be discussed and to facilitate the Planning applications. This item to be placed on the Sept agenda with a view to incorporate within the forthcoming revisions to Standing Orders.

It was requested that all members try to complete their areas for the roads reports around the same time (within a few days of each other) to ensure our response to Highways falls within a short timeframe, to avoid duplication at a later date.

The Chairman advised the meeting that there had been some significant developments in the Governments plans to reorganise Local Government to achieve greater efficiency. These changes, sooner or later, will affect us. A principal aspect of this reorganisation has been the recent creation of several Unitary Authorities. Herts County Council has elected not to pursue Unitary status but to offer a Path-Finder scheme to achieve what it believes are similar efficiency gains. HAPTC have been monitoring this process closely. The Chair of HAPTC has kindly agreed to talk to CPC on this subject if Council wish it. The Council unanimously agreed that they would like a half hour presentation on this subject.

0150/07 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 10th September 2007 at 8.00pm in the Baptist Church meeting room