July 2003
Minutes of the Meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council, held in ‘The Upper Room’ at St. Paul’s Church extension, Chipperfield, on Monday 14 July 2003 at 8.00pm
PRESENT: Councillor Miss EA Holliday (Chairman)
Councillor MD Joseph (Vice-Chairman)
Councillors: J Carter, MJD Jarrad, JDF Nichols, DJ Nobbs, Mrs BA Berners-Price, Mrs RV Wakeman; with J Pringle (Clerk) in attendance.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; None, all Members were present.
However, apologies for not being able to attend as observers were submitted on behalf of Borough Councillors: Roberts, Adeleke, and Mrs Bradnock.
62/03 THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 9 JUNE 2003: were approved and signed with one amendment -
Under 61/03 item 1 ‘the WI’ is amended to read ‘the Afternoon WI’.
63/03 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Two new residents present were welcomed to the meeting and invited to speak.
64/03 REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
None were present.
65/03 ‘DECLARATION OF INTERESTS’ FROM MEMBERS
None were declared at the Meeting.
66/03 REPORTS FROM THE CLERK ON BEHALF OF COMMITTEES :
A) FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES
See Report No 037/03 from Clerk, items 1 - 10
1. With Reference to item 1: ‘Investing In Your Health’ - Dacorum Primary Care Trust
RESOLVED:
Response to the Consultation, by the revised closing date which is uncertain, is delegated to Committee.
2. With Reference to item 2: ‘Parish Borough Liaison Meeting’ 10 July 2003
Commenting on some of the Agenda items and in particular on items tabled by CPC -
Cllr Nobbs reported:
With regard to ‘Status of Planning Enforcement’; DBC claimed that substantial improvements had been achieved but there is still a large backlog. A report, promised some 3 years ago, on the new computerised system is still outstanding.
With regard to the ‘Financial Status of the Borough Council’ as it may impact on Parish Councils; no real answer was forthcoming.
With regard to ‘Review of local Wardens’; DBC stated that the outcome is predicted in the next 6 - 12 months.
With regard to ‘Member Training and Development’; DBC intend to expand on Councillor training.
Cllr Holliday reported:
With regard to ‘Quality Parishes’; Mrs Kim Yexley, Clerk to Kings Langley and SLCC Representative for Dacorum District, was outraged by the ODPM new narrow requirements for a Clerks qualification to allow a Council to achieve Quality Status. She would be the only Clerk in the County to qualify. It is an insult to the existing smooth working of Local Councils.
With regard to ‘Status of Grass Cutting Contracts’; DBC reported that they have finalised and are operating their contracts but HCC have not and do not expect to do so until September.
Cllr Nichols reported:
He considered the meeting to have been very badly Chaired especially with regard to adhering to time allocation for each Agenda item.
3. With reference to ‘Status of Grass Cutting’ (as above)
At the discretion of the Chairman this matter was further discussed for action as an urgent item of business.
Cllr Holliday reported:
Numerous complaints have been received from residents on the Croft Estate that no grass cutting has been carried out this season by HCC, and as stated above the situation is unlikely to be resolved until September which is almost the end of the grass cutting season. The state of the grass on the estate is a disgrace and the situation should not be allowed to continue. Immediate action needs to be taken.
PROPOSED by Cllr Holliday:
Clerk to arrange for Village Warden to cut the grass and HCC to be invoiced for the cost.
RESOLVED:
Unanimously approved.
4. With reference to item 5: CPC ‘Housing Needs Survey’ 2003, Analysis and final report should be available from CDA for CPC Meeting 8 Sept 2003
Cllr Holliday reported that she estimated the number of returns received to stand at 32.14%.
Cllr Nobbs reported that from previous experience this level of returns may be found acceptable for a viable analysis of need.
5. With reference to item 7: ‘Chipperfield Parish Council - Outstanding Matters’ Refer to APPENDIX ’A’
RESOLVED:
A ‘Rolling Status Report’ to be submitted by the Clerk to every Full Meeting of Council. The report to be itemised under Committee headings.
6. With reference to item 7: ‘Chipperfield Parish Council - Outstanding Matters’ Refer to APPENDIX ‘A’
With reference to 16 points raised by Cllr Nichols; the following points/decisions were made:
1. ‘Standing Orders‘: Are to be reviewed by F&GP Committee.
2. ‘Planning - Two Brewers flint wall capped‘: The matter is ‘out of time’ but Planning Committee to invite the landlords to make acceptable improvements.
3. CPC Publication of ‘Chipperfield within Living Memory’ financial outturn: Cllr Nichols to derive and submit final accounts to Council.
4. Millennium ‘Village Map’: progress to be reported by Committee.
5. ‘PEAP’: Cllr Holliday reported that this is a big commitment requiring substantial village volunteer practical support. Only 3 volunteers have come forward. The project is no longer viable and is to be deleted.
6. ‘Churchyard Burials‘: Cllr Nobbs reported that the Vicar had written to DBC but no reply received. It is a matter to be resolved between DBC & PCC although in planning terms favourable comments have been received.
7. ‘Revised route for Permissive Bridleway opp White House‘: Clerk reported this matter was resolved years ago in that it was agreed the route should follow the woodland edge. Cllr Holliday reported that she is due to meet with the Jasmine Safety Trust to review all issues relating to bridleways.
8. ‘Revised Common Byelaws‘: Council recognised that revision, although appropriate, is extremely expensive and unlikely to be implemented, however Committee should again ask DBC for a revision.
9. ‘Village Audits’: to be placed on September Agenda.
10. ‘Bollards outside The Two Brewers’: ongoing with HCC Highways.
11. ‘APM Minutes’: Matters raised are presented at this meeting.
12. ‘Men’s Social Club‘: Support from Council ongoing.
13. ‘Housing Needs Survey’: Completed/Analysis by CDA awaited.
14. ‘Linking Footpaths etc’: Ongoing with HCC Highways, presentation to October meeting.
15. ‘Highways Office’: Item for September Agenda
16. ‘Youth Shelter’: Ongoing but outcome not promising.
7. With reference to item 8: ‘Dacorum Citizens Advice Bureau’ AGM 8 Oct
RESOLVED:
Any Member able to attend to advise the Clerk.
8. With reference to item 10: ‘Annual Parish Meeting 14 April 2003/Report from Clerk on matters raised by Electorate Public’
RESOLVED:
Matters raised are to be placed on Council’s Action List (Item 4 above).
B) HIGHWAYS & ROAD SAFETY & PUBLIC TRANSPORT
See Report No 038/03 from Clerk, items 1 - 2
1. With reference to item 1: ‘Chipperfield Village Linking up Footpaths and Bikeways’ & ‘Long term parking outside retail outlets, Chapel Croft’
RESOLVED:
A) Pending discussions with HCC Highways on matters which are solely under their control; CPC Committees to investigate with landlords measures which can be independently taken by CPC eg providing a footpath on farmers land along Dunny Lane. Highways Committee and Open Spaces Committee to jointly agree a plan of action to present to September Meeting of Council.
B) The Clerk to obtain by 10 August latest a date for a site meeting with the local Highway Engineer to discuss outstanding matters.
C) OPEN SPACES & FOOTPATHS
See Report No 039/03 from Clerk, items 1 - 10
1. With reference to item 1: ‘Provision of Youth Shelter in Chipperfield’
Cllr Holliday reported difficulty in contacting local youth and an apparent lack of support from the community. This project may fail.
2. With reference to item 2: Marking of Disabled parking space/s at DBC Public Car Park adj St Paul’s Church
Cllr Holliday reported that DBC (Claire Covington) advises there could be legal complications and that as a compromise notices without any legal standing could be affixed to the birdmouth fencing in the hope that the public would respect them.
3. With reference to item 3: ’Long Term Maintenance of Chipperfield War Memorial’
RESOLVED:
A) The Clerk to write in to DBC offering to take over maintenance of the War Memorial Garden only as from end March 2004, this to exclude maintenance of the memorial itself of which no one has admitted responsibility although Council have voluntarily restored the Memorial Cross.
B) Cllr Holliday to progress an offer from a former resident of Chipperfield to make a contribution towards maintenance of the Memorial. Council are in favour of this being towards simplification of the Memorial Garden in the form of removing the flower beds and grass surround and replacing with sympathetic flag stones.
4. With reference to item 10: Questionnaire from DBC Woodlands Officer ‘Research into Community Views & Management Priorities for Urban Woodlands Within The Borough’
Cllr Nichols reported that he is presently considering the document.
D) ALLOTMENTS
See Report No 040/03 from Clerk, 1 item only
1. With reference to item 1: Report from Committee Chairman
Cllr Holliday reported one new letting.
E) PLANNING
See Report No 041/03 from Clerk, items 1 - 3
1. With reference to item 1: Notices of Planning
Cllr Nobbs reported that most applications received were fairly straightforward except for an application at 1 Flint Cottages, The Common, for a 2 Storey Side Extension representing a 50% increase in size and ‘not in keeping’ with the other cottages. These are Listed Buildings. Committee recommended refusal.
2. With reference to item 2: ‘The Two Brewers’ temporary capping to flint wall in The Street
RESOLVED:
Although in planning terms this issue is ‘out of time’; Committee to draft a letter to Clerk to send to landlords inviting them to bring the repairs up to an acceptable visual standard. This also to include the standard of painting to some sections of fencing.
Other Matters
3. Enforcement Issues:
Cllr Nobbs reported:
Committee instructed the Clerk to request DBC Enforcement to investigate 2 issues -
A) Newly erected fence facing highway, exceeding 1m in height, Chipperfield Lodge, Langley Road (Whippendell Hill).
B) Print Stop (business) now operating from garage at Croft House, Langley Road with associated highway problems (parking & highway advertising).
67/03 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES:
A) YOUTH CLUB
Cllr Nichols reported:
The Club is now closed for the summer holiday period.
The compulsory annual electrical report is still outstanding.
There is a possibility of someone taking over management of the ‘middle age group’.
B) VILLAGE HALL
Cllr Joseph reported:
Refurbishment works, under various grant aids, are now in progress.
C) SCHOOL GOVERNOR
Cllr Wakeman reported:
School Governors met last Wednesday to view the new nearly completed classroom, champagne was served.
All work is on schedule, plastering to be completed.
The playground area is subsequently reduced; sports activity now being at Jarman Park.
D) CHIPPERFIELD CARE
Cllr Berners-Price reported:
She will be unable to attend their next meeting but will forward latest minutes of meetings.
F) VILLAGE MILLENNIUM SUB-COMMITTEE
Cllr Nobbs reported:
Diligent work in preparation of the Village Map still continues and he is updated on progress.
G) HERTFORDSHIRE’S VILLAGE OF THE YEAR SUB-COMMITTEE
Cllr Nobbs reported:
He attended with Cllr Holliday the awards evening at County Hall.
Flamstead were the overall winners in the Western Region.
Chipperfield received a Certificate of Commendation in the ‘Older People Category’ much to the credit of presentations made by the Baptist Church and Chipperfield Care, and work carried out by our Village Warden in ensuring the environment was in first class order.
Bovingdon, ironically, received an award under the ‘Young Peoples Category’.
68/03 CORRESPONDENCE
See Report No 042/03 from Clerk, 1 item only
69/03 REPORT OF THE CLERK
The Clerk thanked all Members for their support during the year and wished them well during the summer recess.
70/03 PAYMENTS DUE,
INTERIM PAYMENTS MADE & INTERIM INCOME RECEIVED
See Report No 043/03 from Clerk
1. RESOLVED:
A) Payment of all items listed is approved. Payment cheques now to be signed in Council.
B) Interim payments made are noted.
C) Nil Interim Income is noted.
71/03 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
To consider passing a resolution in the following terms:
Under item 61 of Standing Orders 'That in view of the special nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw'.
If members of the public were present during these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information relating to proposed expenditure by Council.
RESOLVED:
Approved.
PART 2
72/03 VILLAGE CLOCK. TO CONSIDER A VERBAL REPORT FROM THE CLERK.
73/03 TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR GRANT AID FROM A LOCAL ORGANISATION.
See page 8
Part 1 Meeting closed 9.35pm. Part 2 Meeting closed 9.50pm.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Monday 8 September 2003.
Reports from Committees & Representatives and Items for the Agenda from Members to be received by the Clerk at least 7 days prior to this next meeting of Council
PART 2
72/03 VILLAGE CLOCK. TO CONSIDER A VERBAL REPORT FROM THE CLERK.
This relates to the imminent annual contract service of the Village Clock by Smith of Derby/CPC agreed prohibition of access via the condemned gantry/Complaint from owners of No 4 Cottage of long term ingress of sand to bedroom from clock installation.
1. The Clerk reported:
Smith of Derby reported they intended to carry out annual maintenance in next few days.
A) Clerk advised that external access via condemned gantry is now prohibited. Council approve use of ’Cherry Picker’ as new means of access and Council will meet the additional costs estimated to be in region of £250. Smith of Derby agreed to hire a national contractor as they often do, but first submit a quote for Clerk’s approval.
B) Clerk instructed that during the service SoD investigate the state of the alleged sand tray (of which Council admit no knowledge or responsibility) and then to submit a quote for its later removal, perhaps at next service, and replacement with an alternative means of sound proofing (payment for remedial treatment to be discussed with No 4 Cottage).
RESOLVED:
Actions of Clerk are endorsed.
73/03 TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR GRANT AID FROM A LOCAL ORGANISATION.
This relates to an application from Chipperfield Cricket Club for Grant Aid towards preservation of the outfield area of the Cricket ground which is not their responsibility but which they endeavour to preserve for the benefit of the Village. Refer to APPENDIX ‘X‘.
1. RESOLVED:
Council award a grant from ‘Precept Budget’ (Grants & Projects) in sum of £383.63. This representing 50% of Cricket Club expenses for this project.