October 2007

Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room, The Street, Chipperfield on Monday 8th Oct 2007 at 8.00pm

Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr M Joseph, Cllr D Nobbs, Cllr M Godwin, Cllr M Jarrad,
Cllr Mrs S Sims and Cllr Mrs G Stokes

Public Participation:-

PCSO Ashworth reported the following crime figures:-
Dwelling burglary 1 Burglary other 1 Theft from Motor Vehicle 0
Theft of Motor Vehicle0 Damage 1 Other crime 1
Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0
She reported that there had been a number of distraction burglaries within the area of King Langley and a report of youths gathering near the Royal Oak, she confirmed extra patrols would be arranged. Reports regarding dog fouling/litter on footpath 13 had been reported to DBC and they would work together to solve the problem. Noted

Two residents from The Street attended regarding planning application. Both parties had the opportunity to make their comments both for and against the application. Chairman thanked them for their time.

AGENDA: Part 1
0175/07 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from Cllr Southworth and accepted by all. All agreed

0176/07 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Jarrad declared a personal interest in Didsbury Cottages due to his personal connection to one of the occupants Cllr Joseph declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 04/02066/07/FHA-Pyngell House, The Street as he had given a quotation in relation to his business. Cllr Nobbs declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application 04/02066/07/FHA-Pyngell House, The Street, as he was the neighbour of the applicant. Cllr Sims declared a personal interest in the item due to personal knowledge of the person concerned. Cllr Nobbs declared a personal interest in items 0184/07 -0188/07as he was currently an allotment tenant. All reasons agreed and accepted by all

0177/07 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on 10th September 2007 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0178/07 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None

EX – AGENDA
Cllr Roberts reported that both the green and black refuse bins could now be used for food waste. A discussion arose regarding better use of composting and recycling. He stated that the M25 would be widened to four lanes from junction 15-23, which he stated would put extra pressure on the already worn out roads. He stated he had taken these issues to a higher level within Highways. Resurfacing work was due to commence soon from Long Croft Lane to Bovingdon. Tower Hill had recently undergone a speed survey. He had contacted the Town Planner regarding the proposed use of Kings Close as an access for the new affordable housing at Nunfield, stating that there was a social issue in the point that the area has cul-de –sac status, discussion took place regarding the access already used for the 20 garages, he confirmed he had expressed these views with DBC. He confirmed that would request an undertaking from DBC that the issue regarding the proposed change of conditions to Didsbury Cottages that had taken place without the knowledge of CPC or the residents, would never happen again. The Chairman thanked him for his attendance.

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0179/07 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that there were many ongoing items to be discussed at the November meeting and F&GP were due to meet shortly for the 1st draft of the budget proposals. Clerk confirmed all grant application had now been received and that no new applications had been made Noted

0180/07 SPENDING VS BUDGET 2ND QTR
Clerk circulated copies of the spending vs. budget papers for the 2nd qtr. Clerk confirmed that the 1st qtr usually has a higher spend due to subscriptions and insurances however, by year end the spending appears to be on target. All agreed

0181/07 NEW BANK MANDATE
Clerk circulated papers to all members present to complete and sign. Once completed at the bank all parties would then become signatories for CPC. All agreed

PLANNING
0182/07 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council. All agreed

04/02097/07/FUL Highclere, Tower Hill, Replacement dwelling (amended)
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
Highclere is one of the least distinguished buildings in the conservation area and its replacement due to structural defects, could be a planning gain.

A previous application was turned down by DBC due to the position of the new building being moved to a more central one with a new access. These plans show the existing location being used.

The footprint of the new house is larger than that of the existing, but this is compensated by the proposed demolition of a number of outbuildings. We also feel the design is acceptable.

04/02196/07/FHA 92 Scatterdells Lane, Raising of roof & extension creating first floor
Chipperfield accommodation with two rooflights (amended)
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
We are aware that the previous application for raising the roof etc, was approved by DBC and feel that the addition of these rooflights appears to be in keeping with the new development.

04/02226/07/FHA September Cottage, Conservatory
Croft Lane, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
Although we are not supportive of the design of the proposed development, where the conservatory meets the property, we are aware it is within the core of the village where this type of development is permitted. On this information we have no objection.

04/01818/07/FHA The Old Cottage, Single storey side extension and conservatory
Kings Lane, Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application
This application has been slightly modified since the previous application we considered and objected to last month.

The roof of the dining area extension has been reduced in size however, we feel this does little to answer the fundamental issue of the over development of a small site, which is out of keeping with the local environment.

04/02321/07/TCA High Winds, Works to trees (info only)
The Common, Chipperfield

04/02306/07/FUL Little Braziers, Tower Hill, Replacement dwelling (amended)
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
The application for a replacement dwelling at "Little Braziers" which we considered and supported in July was withdrawn. This was apparently after consultation with the Conservation Officer at DBC. As a result a revised proposal has been submitted, although we feel that the original design was more attractive and in line with the Village Design Statement, we have no real concerns about the revised application.

This application should read 133 Scatterdells Lane
04/02318/07/FUL 113 Scatterdells Lane, Demolition of existing bungalow and outbuilding and Chipperfield construction of detached bungalow
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
The "Old Gamekeepers Cottage" is unquestionably dilapidated and its outbuildings even more so.

We see no issue with supporting a proposal to replace same, DBC policy requires that such replacements are permissible in the Green Belt provided that they are no larger that the one they replace plus an allowance of any extension which would have been permissible, so this criterion seems to be met.

It is also proposed to set the building further back on the plot which would bring it in line with the other houses in Scatterdells Lane. With regards the design, most features are acceptable including the clay tiles and the wooden framed windows. However, the Village Design Statement is firmly against the inclusion of Velux rooflights at the front of dwellings and we feel this is a principle we continue to stand by and on these grounds we object to the proposal

Cllr Nobbs and Cllr Joseph left the meeting whilst the following application was discussed

04/02066/07/FHA Pyngell House, The Street, Porch & single storey rear extension
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
Although this property is within the core of the village where size restrictions do not apply we feel further development to this property, which has already been extended in the past, may constitute over development.

There is concern that the new rear extension may affect the allowance of daylight to the adjoining property. Although we were informed by the applicant, during our meeting, that the plans for the extension are incorrect by an extra 10ft (approx), which may have an effect on the loss of light issue, there does not appear to be any reference to the distance between the properties, which in conjunction with the errors on the plan, may also have an effect regarding our concerns over the loss of light.

As we are only able to make recommendations based on the information presented to us, we feel we have no option but to oppose the application on these grounds.

0183/07 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that the comparison between 3rd Qtr. DBC Planning Decisions and CPC views were:-.
DBC/CPC in agreement: 7 applications
DBC approve/ CPC object: 3 applications

Enforcement issues were discussed and it was confirmed that Mr Egan, DBC Enforcement Officer was currently arranging a meeting with the occupant/owner of units 4 & 5 of the ‘Business Park’
In addition CPC would monitor any enforcement action on three developments within the village

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENTS
0184/07 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was suggested that black plastic to be used as a short term method of keeping down weeds when a tenant is unable, through illness, to keep an allotment weed free, details to be discussed with allotment tenants at AGM. Local contractors have been asked to offer quotes for annual hedge cutting on the allotment field. Budget requests will be given to F&GP
It was reported that flower tubs at the War Memorial have been planted with flowering red and white Polyanthus.

0185/07 ALLOTMENT – APPEAL REQUEST
After discussion, it was recommended that the original decision by CPC in May 07 to support the termination of the Allotment tenancy agreement in question should remain.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad and seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0186/07 GREEN FLAG SCHEME – PROPOSED BY DBC
It was reported that a meeting was held with representatives from DBC. They requested the support of CPC to put forward The Common and Woodland area for Green Flag Status.

The Open Spaces group recommend approval subject to the following assurances:-
1. Woodland Management Plan to be finalised, approved, adopted and in effect by Christmas 2007.
2. There will be no further signage over and above that already agreed, apart from the one mentioned in 7 below.
3. There will be no changes made to Chipperfield Common unless prior agreement is reached with CPC.
4. There will be no changes made to the area managed by Chipperfield Cricket Club
5. There will be no public toilets
6. There will be no additional fencing apart from possibly round the 2 burial mounds.
7. There will be no additional equipment installed at Apostles' Pond apart from, possibly, a replacement interpretation board of the same size as existing. The board content to be agreed in consultation with CPC.
8. There will be resurfacing (non-tarmac) of the Cricket pitch Car Park and the car park opposite the Windmill.
9. Repair and/or resurfacing of the Car Park outside St Paul’s Church.

It was reported that DBC would arrange for the woods to be thinned by Windmill Hill and the tree canopy thinned over the Chestnuts in the woods. The Woodlands Officer will write a newsletter regarding the management of the Common along with details of a proposed guided walk in March 2008, this will be included as an insert in Novembers’ Chipperfield News.
Proposed Cllr Joseph and seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

0187/07 ANNUAL ALLOTMENT TENANCY AGREEMENT
It was Resolved to adopt these (subject to minor amendments) however, they would be distributed at
the Allotment AGM for discussion with the tenants, any further issues would be raised at the November meeting.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw and Seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed

0188/07 ALLOTMENT – WATER BUTTS
It was recommended that one or two trial water butts be placed on the allotments, after discussion if was agreed that this matter be taken the allotment AGM. Budget and funding request to F&GP for November meeting All agreed

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
0189/07 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was confirmed that an article will appear in the November issue of Chipp News reminding residents of their responsibility to cut back overhanging hedges etc, along the Highways. Failure would result in CPC reporting these to Hertfordshire Highways, who would charge for the work to be completed.
Noted
0190/07 ROADS REPORT
It was Resolved to adopt the “Roads Report 2007”, including 3 additional pages (subject to minor amendments). It was requested that due to the proposed “Pathfinder” scheme between DBC and Herts Highways, the launch of the report should be delegated to Highways to ensure the correct impact on Herts Highways. It was also agreed to publish the report in Chipp news and the village website. Cllr Sims was thanked for her work and the report was praised as a professional document that will represent CPC well.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw and seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0191/07 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE - DBC
It was agreed that members of the Council should attend a DCC meeting at DBC, as observers only, with a view to creating a rapport and better understanding of the current procedure. All agreed
YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0192/07 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that further quotes for the youth club had been obtain, all details to F&GP budget meeting. DBC had been contacted for their advice in this matter.
The Youth Club has been offered an electric piano and this together with the possible upgrading of the building, presents a much more attractive option for its’ use. Noted

0193/07 CLERKS NOTICES
Accounts: - A half year end audit should take place shortly, once reviewed at the next meeting the new account package is likely to be adopted fully.
Licensing – It was discussed that the proposed changes to the licensing act to give village hall a license for the premises rather than a premises manager, should make the licensing process much simpler. Chairman thanked Cllr Godwin for her professional legal advice. Noted

A Consultation for DBC’s draft Open Spaces Study was given to Cllr Nobbs who will liaise with Cllr Stokes if required regarding a suitable response. Noted
0194/07 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £3,412.33 be signed for payment.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0195/07 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman requested time extension of 15 mins All agreed

0196/07 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 12th November 2007 at 8.00pm in the Baptist Church meeting room