Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room, The Street, Chipperfield on Monday 10th March 2008 at 8.00pm

Present Cllr M Joseph (Vice Chairman), Cllr Miss M Godwin, Cllr Mrs S Fowler, Cllr M Jarrad,
Cllr D Nobbs and Cllr P Southworth
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk

Rosemary Inskipp school liaison officer attended and gave a brief talk regarding the “Extended Schools Agenda” system. The Chairman thanked her for her informative talk and her time.

AGENDA

050/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Bradshaw due to holiday, Cllr Joseph (Vice Chair) took the Chair in his absence and Cllr Sims sent apologies due to illness. All agreed

051/08 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Nobbs declared a personal interest in Allotment issues.
Cllr Joseph declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Youth Club issues. Noted

052/08 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on 11th February 2008 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record after noting an amendment to item 036/08 which should have read “It was recommended that a reply is forwarded by the Clerk saying that any development of these sites should include a condition that that no heavy vehicles using them should travel via Chipperfield”.

053/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None All agreed

EX – AGENDA
None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
054/08 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. Clerk’s Contract of Employment. Copy of the revised contract, incorporating recommended revisions. The section regarding gratuity to be checked and reviewed for subsequent signatures by both parties.
2. Parish Council Surgeries. It was suggested to ask Councillors for further ideas regarding engagement with our community.
3. Freedom of Information Act. The Chipperfield draft will be circulated for comment shortly, after initial review.
4. Village Clock. Clerk to research existing ownership and insurance coverage of Village Clock
5. Allotment Restoration. Council have agreed in principle that we could fund this project out of reserves to be spent during 2008/9. It was also felt that we should be able to provide funding each following 18 months so that we could plan the restoration of the other 3 sides. It was established that this project must not cause any marked increase in the precept raised from the village, but should be provided out of reserves.
Noted
055/08 FIDELITY INSURANCE
Clerk confirmed she was still awaiting the required information. It was agreed to delegate the decision to F&GP as to which of the 3 amounts should be covered.
Proposed Cllr Southworth, Seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed
056/08 GRANT TO YOUTH CLUB
Chairman Cllr Joseph left the room during discussions and Cllr Southworth was unanimously voted as Chairman for this item of the agenda.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad and seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed
It was confirmed that the relevant revised plans and quotations had been received, along with assurance from the Youth Club that the balance of £500 would be covered by them. It was recommended that a cheque for £3700 covering grant payments from 2006/07 and 2007/08 and queue for £2300 covering the grant for 2008/09 to be paid in April 08. All payments are subject to a letter to the Youth Club confirming the approval of 2008/09 grant monies and that they obtain approval from Village Hall Advisory service on completion of the work also that provision for disabled access will be made during the next phase of works.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs and Seconded Cllr Southworth All agreed

057/08 GRAVEYARD INFORMATION MEETING
After general discussion regarding the recent meeting of residents to discuss the issue of limited space in St Paul’s graveyard, it was agreed that the Clerk would investigate the possibility that the Council may be able to offer a solution.
Proposed Cllr Southworth and Seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

058/08 NOTICE BOARDS/ADVERTISING – THE COMMON
After discussion it was agreed that the Chairman, would in the first instance, speak directly to resolve the matter.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Jarrad All agreed

PLANNING
059/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A report was given on: –
1. Monitoring DBC decisions vs. CPC on a quarterly basis.
2. Meeting with DBC to check our thinking on planning matters and realign if necessary, CPC awaiting examples of major clash of views
3. Outstanding enforcement issues updated monthly.
4. Monitor Progress on sale of Didsbury Cottages. DBC are awaiting draft legal agreement from developer to extend scope of sale to neighbouring villages.
5. Monitor progress on Nunfield Affordable Housing Project. Hightown-Preatorian have been advised that Housing Corporation funding for the project has now been granted.

060/08 APPEAL – THE THATCH DUNNY LANE
It was agreed that the suggested recommended reply be sent to the inspectorate with the Council’s views.
Proposed Cllr Jarrad, seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed

061/07 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, except where stated.-
To consider any comments to be returned to DBC on the following planning applications:-
04/00194/08/FHA 75 Scatterdells Lane Single storey side extension and two dormer windows (amended)
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
This is in effect a re-application for a time lapsed extension which the Parish Council supported in 1996. The applicant’s architect produced plans with new dormer windows which were submitted on 24th Jan 2008, but these were replaced with the owner’s revised plans on Feb 12th, which replace the dormers with roof lights. However, as the roof lights do not affect the front elevation and as the proposed dormers were rather heavy for the roofline, we therefore support this application

04/00217/08/FHA Brambles, The Common Demolition of side, rear and front extensions, proposed two Chipperfield storey rear extension and single storey rear/side extension
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
This application represents a modification to the one submitted last year 2403/07, which was refused by DBC on the grounds that it was disproportionate in size and would result in the loss of details of architectural and historic interest. The main change in these revised plans are that the depth of the new building would be substantially reduced, the front and rear elevations are virtually the same. As the reduction in size can only be an advantage to the previous plan, which we approved. We therefore recommend approval.
04/00233/08/TCA Redcroft, Kings Lane Works to trees (info only)

04/00375/08/FHA The Thatch, Dunny Lane Two storey side extension
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application
History to assist with our recommendation
The Thatch is a replacement building for a small bungalow whose floor area was only 90sq.m, because the building was sub-standard in its accommodation the new building was allowed to be bigger than would normally be allowed for replacement dwellings and has a floor area of 145sq.m i.e. 161% of the original.

In 2006 an unsuccessful application was made for a side extension similar to this one, but a small structure was built, which is currently the subject of an appeal against a DBC enforcement order to remove, after DBC refused to allow retrospective planning permission. This refusal was subsequently endorsed by the Planning inspectorate at appeal. Whereby the inspector ruled that an extra 35sq.m (the small structure) would be inappropriate development. It is difficult therefore to see how the proposed additional 103sq.m could be justified.

We are aware that a decision of another planning inspector who, in appeal cases elsewhere, ruled that increases in the floor area of replacement building extensions should relate to the newer building rather than the original building replaced. This application, by this calculation, claims the increase is therefore only 34% larger than the replacement buildings floor area and this fails within the DBC 30% guideline for extensions. We leave the decision of which size increase relates to this application, to the case officer

We recommend refusal on the grounds that the extension would:-
1) Represents an excessive enlargement of a building that had already been allowed to be larger than would normally be permitted, on the grounds that the building replaced was sub-standard.
2) It would be disadvantageous to the appearance of the conservation area.

Results from Dacorum Borough Council received between 6th Feb 208 – 5thMar 2008
04/0284/07/08FUL Land at Craig Rowan Demolition of existing building and construction of
Chapel Croft, Chipperfield bungalow with integral garage and parking space
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation NO OBJECTION

04/03071/07/LBC Groves Orchard, Ground and first floor extensions
The Common, Chipperfield
DBC result REFUSED CPC recommendation REFUSED

04/03076/07/LBC Groves Orchard, Ground and first floor extensions
The Common, Chipperfield
DBC result REFUSED CPC recommendation REFUSED

04/03156/07/FHA 12 Croft End Road Single storey rear extension and front porch
Chipperfield
DBC result GRANTED CPC recommendation NO OBJECTION

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENTS
062/08 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 – Common Management Plan Draft received from DBC in January had some significant new issues which give cause for concern. Further we understand the Green Flag proposal was submitted in haste to meet a January deadline. A letter of complaint has been submitted to DBC and we await a response. Comments of working group on January draft have been incorporated into a list for discussion.
2 Disability Act – To be investigated as to it’s relevance within the woodland area and a legal interpretation to be provided
3 Village Design Plan – After discussion with HAPTC, it was suggested CPC should consider developing the principle of the current Village Design Plan into a comprehensive Village Plan.
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) – DBC agreed to prepare. Clerk to chase
6 Allotment management software package – Ongoing

7 Pill Pond: Meeting Held at the Pond with DBC, CMS and Liz Holliday. Awaiting suggestions from DBC and CMS
8 Wooden bollards opposite Blackwell’s – DBC have agreed to install timber bollards to protect the damaged verge
9 Dunny Lane footpath has now been included in the Common management Plan.

10 Waste Bins: Notices on food waste. – Permanent engraved notices required – “All food waste here, Thank you”. To be completed after installation of new bin
11 Village grave yard requirements – Initial discussion with DBC for preliminary view of options.
12 Management of Common Ranger: – Currently under review
13 Allotments: See 054/08 item. Invitation to tender advertised in Chip News. Specification of requirements and terms and conditions sent to prospective contractors. DBC, who was supportive of boundary refurbishment, has offered to thin the wood next to the Allotments, due to dying trees.
14 Letter sent to Tenants advising them of progress, implications and requesting their cooperation. Await feedback to be discussed.

063/08 TREE WARDEN
After general discussion it was noted that a local resident with knowledge of the Woodlands had shown an interest and would be able to attend the DBC seminar/workshop with a view to continuing this voluntary role.

064/08 WOODEN FOX-PROOF LITTER BIN
It was agreed, after discussion regarding funding, that the Clerk would order the bin in this financial year for installation during April.

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
065/08 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 The annual gully cleanse – To update outstanding gullies as per the Roads Report.
2 Damage to grass verges in the village is an ongoing issue, damaged verges have been reported to Herts Highways, update required.
3 Continue to monitor all Highways activity in the Parish. Noted

066/08 DfT BUS PASSENGER CONSULTATION
Due to time restrictions it was agreed to accept the recommendation of Highways for the response to the DfT. A copy to be added to next agenda
Proposed Cllr Nobbs and seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

067/08 SPEEDING – DUNNY LANE
After discussion regarding the proposed Speed Activation sign it was agreed to confirm with Hertfordshire Highways that this would take place this year. If not then further discussion would take place for an alternative solution. All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION (Y&E)
068/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A report was given on the following:-
1 St Paul’s School – Good liaison had been established and members of CPC will be attending their open day in July
2 Rural play schemes – After consultation with DBC we have arranged for Chipperfield to use the mobile climbing wall during the summer holidays, date and location to be advised.
3 Youth activities – It was confirmed that a notice was placed in Chip News requesting the Youth of the village to let us know what type of activities they would like to have in the village, unfortunately to date no responses have been received.

069/08 REFURBISHMENT OF PLAY AREAS
It was confirmed that DBC have been awarded funds to refurbish the play area on the Croft estate. This to take place in conjunction with CPC and we would canvas the school children for their views on equipment. DBC also confirmed that no monies had been allocated for the area at Tower Hill as they only lease the land from the Brewery and at present they were unsure whether the lease could be renewed. It was agreed for Y&E to approach the landowner next to the field for the possibility of using it as an extra football practice area.

070/08 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £6370.26 be signed for payment.
Proposed CllrJarrad and Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

071/08 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None

072/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Wednesday 9th April 2008 at 11.00am in the Baptist Church meeting room