January 2008

Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room, The Street, Chipperfield on Monday 14TH January 2008 at 8.00pm

Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr M Joseph, Cllr D Nobbs, Cllr Miss M Godwin Cllr M Jarrad and Cllr Mrs S Sims
Also present Mrs J Deacon - Clerk
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3 interested parties attended regarding planning application 04/02968/07/RET The Pale Farm, The Street. Their views would be noted in the Council’s response to DBC. The Chairman thanked them for their attendance and time.

An interested party attended regarding item 013/08, their views would be noted in the Council’s decision. The Chairman thanked them for their attendance and time.

Public Participation:-
Clerk reported the following crime figures for Dec:-
Dwelling burglary 0 Burglary other 0 Theft from Motor Vehicle 0
Theft of Motor Vehicle 1 Damage 1 Other crime 2
Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0
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AGENDA: Part 1
001/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Southworth by reason of illness and accepted by all. All agreed

002/08 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Nobbs declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning no. 04/02968/07/RET-The Pale Farm, The Street and a personal interest in item 012/08 Allotments. Cllr Jarrad declared a personal interest in planning no 04/02968/07/RET-The Pale Farm, The Street. It was noted that the applicant for this application requested that both Cllr Nobbs and Cllr Jarrad remain during discussion of the application and that their input would be welcomed. Noted

003/08 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on 10th December 2007 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record after minor amendments were made.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad and Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

004/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None All agreed

EX – AGENDA
None Noted

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE (F&GP)
005/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN

It was reported that many of the previously outstanding issues had now been completed, F&GP are now able to focus on:-
1) Contingency Fund levels. - To review adequacy on annual basis.
2) Grant to Youth Club 2007/2008 - Reviewed progress made so far in requiring trustees to provide us with a prioritised and costed list of projects along with at least two official estimates. Agreed grant cannot be released until we are satisfied the correct work will be undertaken.
3) Clerk’s Contract of Employment - To review the model from NALC, for possible adoption.
4) Welcome Pack - For new residents in the Village. Consider next steps at a future F and GP meeting.

006/08 CPC POLICY DOCUMENT
After discussion it was Resolved to adopt the previously circulated "Policy – Aims and Objectives” document for Chipperfield Parish Council.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad and Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

007/08 SPENDING VS BUDGET 3RD QTR
Clerk circulated copies of the spending vs. budget papers for the 3ndqtr. Clerk confirmed she was not expecting any large expenditure between the 3rd and 4th qtr and by year end the spending appears to be on target.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad and Seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

008/08 ANNUAL RETURN – CLOSURE OF AUDIT 2006/2007
Clerk confirmed she had received confirmation that the External Auditors have now signed off the Annual return 2007/08 to their satisfaction. Two comments were made by them, 1) to update standing orders 2) increase fidelity liability insurance. It was confirmed that item 1 had already been completed in December 07 and item 2 to be passed to F&GP to make recommendations at next meeting. Chairman thanked Cllr Jarrad and the Clerk for their comprehensive preparation and completed reports for the Audit.
Proposed Cllr Sims and Seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed

PLANNING
009/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that the comparison between 4th Qtr DBC planning decisions and CPC views shows:-
DBC/CPC in agreement: 9 applications
DBC approve/CPC object: 4 applications
It was agreed that on the occasion where the planning decision significantly affects our recommendation a meeting would be arranged with DBC to discuss. Noted

DBC Enforcement has advised they are taking action on 5 premises, one will be reviewed at the next meeting due to the expiration of enforcement action on 24/1/08. Clerk was requested to obtain formal DBC decision regarding the alteration to policy 106 for DIdsbury Cottages. Noted

010/08 CONSDERATION OF SIGNIFICANT WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES FOR THE THAMES RIVER BASIN DISTRICT
It was recommendation that we respond saying “that in our view the draft report covers the main issues and at present” we have no comment but request to be kept informed. DN to compose reply. All agreed

011/07 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, except where stated.-
04/02887/07/FHA Chipperfield Business Park, Two sheds
Tower Hill, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
The aerial view of the Design & Access Statement gives a good picture of the appearance and siting for this retrospective application. There is a presumption against permission being given for such buildings to be added to existing employment generating premises in the Green Belt, unless there are special circumstances.

The applicant sets out 3 of these:-
1) The need for storage space
2) The reduction in the footprints
3) The improved visual impact.

The last point we feel is important to the application. Although there may have been some improvement in this application, the net result is still inadequate. There are two sheds in juxtaposition of different scales and appearance which are ill-matched and do not fulfil the requirements of DBC policy 11, which requires new development to be appropriate in terms of scale and design.

04/02911/07/FHA Nova, Croft Lane, Chipperfield Two storey side extension
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This application proposes the removal of a garage and its replacement by a 2 storey side extension of similar appearance, matching materials and dimensions to that built on the adjoining semi-detached property.

04/02936/07/FHA The Laurels, The Common, Installation of gates to existing driveway
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
The construction and design of these well made gates are in keeping with the environment within the village. An improvement on previous gates

04/02939/07/TCA Chipperfield Tennis Club, Works to trees (INFO ONLY)
The Common, Chipperfield
Although this application was passed to us for information only, we would like it noted that the application shows the ownership of the land as DBC, when in fact the areas relating to trees T5, T4, T1 and H1 belong to Chipperfield Parish Council as part of the Allotment field. I can confirm that we do not have any objection to the work taking place.

We would also like to enquire as to what work is required to the tree marked on the sketch as T1, the information appears to be missing from the application

04/029682/07/RET The Pale Farm, The Street, Acoustic screen boundary fence
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This is the second retrospective application for this scheme. After consideration of the materials and design of this fence, we feel that the application has no detrimental impact on the location, existing neighbours or environment of The Street. The proposal made by the applicant, at our meeting, to camouflage the top section of the fence with native plants, appears to be an acceptable compromise to the previous height issue.

However, we would like it noted that our support of this application for an acoustic boundary fence does not include support for the offer of assistance or investigation into possible speed limiters along The Street. This would be a greater issue for the Village that would need discussion outside the remit of a planning application for a fence.

Cllr Nobbs left the meeting during the discussion of the above application. The decision was reached by show of hands = 4 in favour – 1 objection Noted

04/02988/07/TCA 5 The Dell, Dunny Lane Works to trees (INFO ONLY)
Chipperfield N/A

04/03071/07/LBC Groves Orchard, Ground and first floor extensions
The Common,
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
The original plans for these extensions, which we considered and made objections at the beginning of November, were withdrawn. We previously commented on the inadequate drawings, these have been expanded with new elevations and annotations. However, the actual proposals have not changed at all and we feel our previous comments still stand. This is an over extension, detracting from the character of a 17th Century cottages, listed in the Conservation Area.

04/03074/07/RET Chipperfield Business Park, Fencing and double gates
Tower Hill, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
The erection of a security fence and double gates, apparently supported by the Police, does not seem unreasonable and the impact on the environment is not great. Provided that the supporting evidence is correct, we support this application.

04/03076/07/FHA Groves Orchard Ground and first floor extensions
The Common
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
The original plans for these extensions, which we considered and made objections at the beginning of November, were withdrawn. We previously commented on the inadequate drawings, these have been expanded with new elevations and annotations. However, the actual proposals have not changed at all and we feel our previous comments still stand. This is an over extension, detracting from the character of a 17th Century cottages, listed in the Conservation Area.

04/02854/07/FUL Land at Craig Rowan Demolition of existing building and construction of Chapel Croft bungalow with integral garage and parking space
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports the application of replacement dwelling.
We supported the previous application of a replacement dwelling, with the exception of the inclusion of velux windows and integral garage. Although the amended application shows the removal of 3 of the velux windows one still remains and now that the dormers replace the previous gables, the whole view of the front elevation seems to be centred on this remaining window. Also as there is sufficient land to construct a detached garage to conform with the Village Design Statement, we feel these are points of principle we should stand by.

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENTS (OS&A)
012/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that many of the previously outstanding issues had now been completed, OS&A are now able to focus on:-
1) Green Flag Status - Woodland Management Plan – drafts being reviewed.
2) Woods - to be thinned by Windmill Hill and tree canopy over chestnuts in the woods by DBC.
3) Common Management News Letter (including guided walk details) being produced by DBC.
4) Allotments: The need for the Allotments refurbishment was discussed at the AGM with the tenants and generally accepted. Order of cost estimates being obtained.
5) Allotment management software package - to be investigated.
7) Pill Pond: Meeting with DBC, CMS and Liz Holliday. Agreed there was a need to restore the pond but careful consideration needs to be given to final objective. Awaiting comments from DBC & CMS.
8) Bollards, DBC have agreed to install timber bollards to protect the damaged verge opposite. Blackwell’s.
9) Verge Maintenance - List obtained from DBC identifying maintenance responsibility
10) Dunny Lane - New footpath, investigate possible P3 funding for possible provision of footpath.
11) Waste Bins - Permanent engraved notices required - “All food waste here, Thank you”
12) Filming - DBC Management Plan should include reference to proceeds and should be split 50:50
013/08 COMMEMORATIVE TREE
After discussion and reference to the proposed Woodland Management Plan it was agreed to allow the next available, suitable tree, planted by DBC within the woodland to be reserved as a commemorative tree, the applicant confirmed they do not require a plaque. It was agreed that a formal policy should be drawn up to ensure that any further requests are dealt with promptly. OS&A to deal. All agreed

014/08 WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
It was recommended that the 1st stage of the Woodland Management Plan be supported by CPC. Clerk to write to DBC highlighting their achievement, commenting on omissions e.g. tree planting and proposing amendments to assist in the final draft and completion of the Management plan due Feb 08.

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT (H,R&S)
015/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
1) All members were requested to check their areas for hazards on footways, to include overgrown verges and hedges. Report any findings to Highways group.
2) The next JMP meeting should indicate the proposed location of the vehicle activation sign, Cllr Sims to attend.
3) Photos to be taken where possible for visual impact to ensure the highest response from Highways.
4) Herts Highways to be informed of the flooding problems that have re-occurred along Langley Road, although they previous indicated a permanent solution would not be a priority, the verge erosion/flooding is now a serious hazard. Noted

016/08 ROADS REPORT – GULLEY CLEARANCE UPDATE
It was requested that all members re-visit their areas to check gullies after they were cleared and report on the condition of each one. Any gully failures will be reported at next meeting with Herts Highways on 31st Jan, in conjunction with the original Roads Report. All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION (Y&E)
017/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
Youth Club
Currently awaiting revised estimates from two contractors. They are to include the issues suggested/required by the Village Hall Advisory Service report.

Youth activities
I was reported that there had been no responses to the article in the Chipperfield News, asking the youth “what they want” in the village, it has been decided to postpone any further attempts to engage the young until around Easter time. An area is still being sought as somewhere for a group of youths to play football.

Village Parish Surgeries
BOVINGDON - Population about five thousand.
Six full Council meetings per annum.
Surgery every Saturday a.m. with one or two Councillors in attendance, which takes place in the Clerk's office in the Parish building, on average two people per week call in.

SARRATT - Population about eighteen hundred.
Seventeen meetings per year, four full Council and the other meetings are: 1) Planning. 2) Policy and Resources. 3) Environment.
The Parish Office is open to the public for four days a week and Councillors are available for half an hour before all full Council meetings. (The very successful Youth Club is run by HCC and Three Rivers.)

KINGS LANGLEY - Population about seven thousand.
Eleven full Council meetings, various other committee meetings throughout the year. Monthly two Councillors stand outside the Post Office for anyone wishing to discuss any problems that they have. These sessions are not thought to e very productive. It was agreed to place the suggestion of surgeries on the agenda for F&GP.
Noted
018/08 CLERKS NOTICES
Clerk circulated various consultation documents for completion next month. It was also reported that the Freedom of Information publication Scheme would be prepared in time for the next F&GP meeting.

019/08 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £2,813.50 be signed for payment.
Proposed Cllr Joseph and Seconded Cllr Jarrad All agreed

020/08 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
It was reported that the “John Nichols Memorial Prize” had now been judged and once again the standard work completed by the children of St Paul’s School was extremely high. Presentation of the prize would be given by the Chairman on 25th Jan.

Clerk reported that there had been two residents interested in co-option to the council, Clerk awaiting formal responses and that it was likely this would be an agenda item for February.

021/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 11th February 2008 at 8.00pm in the Baptist Church meeting room.