Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room,
The Street, Chipperfield on Monday 10th November 2008 at 8pm

Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman) Cllr Mrs S Sims (Vice-Chairman), Cllr S Gruselle, Cllr M Joseph,
Cllr Nobbs and Cllr Mrs P Southworth

Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk

Public Participation – None – The Police sent their apologies for absence

MINUTES

0271/08CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman announced details of the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation. Noted

0272/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Fowler by reason of family illness. Cllr Godwin by reason of Holiday. Cllr Roberts due to a prior engagement.
Accepted/Noted

0273/08 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Nobbs declared a personal interest in item 0290/08 Allotments , Cllr Gruselle a personal interest in 0278/08 grants Karate Club and Cllr Joseph a personal and prejudicial interest in item 0278/08 Grants Baptist Church All agreed

0274/08 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 13th October 2008, were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Southworth All agreed

0275/08 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR
None

YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0276/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A brief report was given on the current issues (appendix 0276/08):- It was confirmed that CPC had been approached by an interested resident with a view to set up youth boxing training. CPC to investigate viability.

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0277/08 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT
A brief report was given on the current issues (appendix 0277/08):-It was reported that the Council’s accountant was happy with current accounts system and offered support where necessary. Clerk has submitted her Cilca portfolio. More information is needed to ensure the cover for the clock is adequate. Ongoing/Noted

0278/08 DRAFT BUDGET PROPOSAL
After general discussion it was Resolved to keep the Precept static for 09/10 in light of the current national financial issues that may affect residents. Also to review grant allocation monies in more detail ready for adoption at December’s meetings. All agreed

0279/08 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Clerk confirmed that a new “Model freedom of information publication scheme” has been nationally produced and must be adopted by 1st January 2009. CPC to review for adoption at next meeting. Noted

0280/08 AMENDED COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
After discussion, it was unanimously Resolved to adopt the “CPC Complaints procedure” subject to the removal the words “Standing Orders state decision cannot be rescinded within 6 months” & “Community councils in Wales have been subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales since 1 April 2006 pursuant to the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005”. A new monthly agenda item to appear “Complaints received “
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed

PLANNING
0281/08 PLANNING REPORT
A brief report was given on the current issues (appendix 0277/08):-

0282/08 CHANGES TO PLANNING RULES 1ST OCTOBER 2008
It was reported that a new Planning Law came into affect on 1st October, which changes the requirement to obtain certain planning permission by householders, which may have a significant impact on construction works carried out on properties in Chipperfield. Although the Conservation area will still be protected, CPC are concerned that the Green Belt may not be protected. Clerk reported that DBC share the same view and are looking to amend their Green Belt policy accordingly. CPC to confirm with DBC that the “Village Design Statement” will not be affected by these changes and will remain effective. All agreed

0283/08 DBC CONSULTATION ON SITE ALLOCATION
A report will be made on this consultation at the next meeting. Noted

0284/08 DIDSBURY COTTAGES – LEGAL AGREEMENTS
Clerk confirmed that DBC had responded to CPC report that one of the properties had been sold and whether the legal agreements had been completed as yet. DBC state agreements should be completed by the end of the week and they will investigate that the new occupant comes under either of the S106 agreements. Noted

0285/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council.
04/01756/08/FHA Brambles, The Common, Chipperfield Two storey rear extension and single storey
side/rear extension (amended)
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
This application identifies minor amendments made to the previous application:-
1 The loggia has a hardwood frame rather than wrought iron
2 The roof light over the utility room is peaked
3 The rear door, which we objected previously, are slightly reduced in width

Although we are able to support items 1 & 2 above, we feel the amendment to the rear doors item 3, do not reflect our previous concerns over the style and materials proposed, namely sliding doors using painted timber and sliding steel, which we feel are inappropriate for a building of this age and design.

We are aware that our comments would not be received in time for this application. However, we request that they are placed on file.

04/01931/08/RET 4 The Common, Chipperfield Garden Shed
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
This retrospective application is being sought for a garden shed, erected 2 years ago, as it is in the curtilage of a listed building. We feel the building is made of suitable materials and unobtrusive to neighbours as it is screened on both sides and painted green to blend in with its surroundings.

04/01955/08/FUL Greyfriars, Rucklers Lane Single storey side extension
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.

The proposed side extension creates a breakfast room at the end of the house, which replaces an existing detached summerhouse. The materials proposed match those of the existing property and does appear to have any adverse affect on the environment or neighbours.

04/02009/08/FHA Broom Cottage, Kings Lane, Chipperfield Extension and roof alterations
Chipperfield supports this application.

This bungalow is in the core of the village where development is allowed. We feel that the design and materials proposed are adequate and do not impinge unnecessarily on the environment or neighbours.
However we are concerned that this property, which was built in the 1930s, may have been erected to a standard different to today’s strict rules. We believe that the load bearing walls are only one brick thick as opposed to the standard 2 bricks, we therefore have concerns over the ability of the structure to be able to accommodate any extra weight. As stated we support the extension and alterations, but we request our concerns are addressed before permission is granted on this application.

04/02015/08/FHA Dunsford, Chapel Croft, Chipperfield Boundary wall
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.

The proposed wall to mark a revised boundary between “Dunsford” and “The White House” would not be visible to the public, but being in the Conservation area should nevertheless be built to a high standard. The Village Design Statement encourages the use of flints, but states that these should be randomly set and knapped and not be in the form of prefabricated panels, as is proposed here. Whilst we have no objection in principle to the boundary wall we can not support the proposed materials.

04/02030/08/FHA Badgerdell Wood, Barnes Lane, Continued use of land for recreational paintball Chipperfield games, including retention of ancillary buildings and structures
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
Effect on landscape and natural features
Policy 11 states that “development will not be permitted unless it does not adversely affect important landscape and natural features”. The applicant claims to meet this condition (para 5.15 of report). We feel that “paintball games” are likely to be detrimental to the ancient bluebell wood.
Protection of fauna and flora
There is little evidence of how the existing fauna, especially bats and flora, especially bluebells, will be protected. We feel this is contrary to policy 72 (as stated in para 5.16). We are very concerned that these will be under threat of damage or destruction. Furthermore the Dacorum Landscape Strategy for this area is “to promote the appropriate management of existing woodland in order to conserve and where absent to re-establish a rich ground for flora”. We feel the use of paintball games would be contrary to this.
Access
Policy 72 also requires the local highways to be able to “satisfactorily accommodate the pattern of traffic arising from the development”. As you are aware access will be required either using Barnes Lane, Rucklers Lane or Bulstrode Lane, all of which are extremely narrow with many bends and minimal passing places. They are not now, or ever likely to be, suitable for minibuses or high volumes of vehicles needed to convey 80+ participants for paintballing games.

04/02102/08/FHA 104 Scatterdells Lane, Chipperfield Modification and extension to garage, separate swimming pool building
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
We are aware that prior to the 1st October this application would have been classed as an extension to the dwelling and subject to the 30% max addition rule. However, under new Government rules there is greater leeway to erect ancillary buildings.

The proposed pool building would match existing structures and should not impinge unduly on the environment. The design is adequate. We therefore see no reason to oppose this application, however we would wish a condition to be added that the garage is not to be used for separate living accommodation.

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
0286/08 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT
It was confirmed that Cllr Fowler will act as liaison with Clerk for all matters relating to Langley Road, Jasmine track and hedges. Due to time constraints a report will be give at the next meeting. All agreed

0287/08 ROADS REPORT (DRAFT)
A copy of the Draft Road report was issued to members. All comments to be collated for next meeting. Noted

0288/08 CONSULATION – MAKING AND ENFORCEMENT OF BYLAWS
It was agreed that due to time constraints the completed response is delegated to Clerk to forward CPC’s collective response. All agreed

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT
0289/08 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT
It was reported that the Green Flag Common plan was still under review. Noted

0290/08 ALLOTMENT BOUNDARY HEDGE RESTORATION
It was reported that Countryside Management Service had inspected the site and were very happy with the work carried to date. It was reported that the first stage of the Allotment Boundary Hedge Restoration project had been completed to the satisfaction of the Council and it was Resolved that the 1st stage payment is authorised for payment £2250 + vat and the additional cost of removing a dangerous Ash tree £495+vat, see minute 0270/08.
All agreed

It was confirmed that the 2nd stage had already progressed and been completed ahead of schedule. It was unanimously agreed that subject to confirmation that the Council were satisfied with the complete work, it was Resolved that the 2nd stage payment be made to the contractor £6400+vat. Timeframe of payment subject to transfer of monies between Council accounts and it was agreed to transfer the full amount payable for the next 2 stages of works in preparation for payment in December.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, Seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed

The subject of Allotment Management was discussed, (see previous agreement minute 0169/08) and Council was been asked to consider the possibility that the Management of the Allotment may be in the form of an Allotment Tenants Association. It was agreed that this matter could be formally raised at the Allotment AGM on 24th November 2008 to see if Tenants would be interested in pursuing this option further.

GENERAL ITEMS
0291/08 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk distributed:-
1 Towards Better Transport in Hertfordshire –Annual progress report 2008 – Highways
2 HATPC notice of subscriptions for 2009 – Chairman
3 Communities in control – Real people, real power – Codes of conduct for local authority members and employees – A consultation – response for December meeting – F&GP

0292/08 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was Resolved that accounts amounting to £3,795.51 be signed for payment & £6400+vat for 2nd stage payment allotment boundary hedge restoration project. All agreed

0293/08 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS
Boxing class facilities – Chipperfield Youth
War memorial – repair works

0294/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 8th December 2008 at 8.00pm at the Baptist Church meeting room

0268/08 PART 2
To consider that under Section 1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 that the Public and Press should be excluded during items 269/08 to 270/08 of the agenda of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted

It was Resolved to invoke standing orders 11 (n) in relation to item 0278/08. There were no members of the public present to exclude. All agreed

STAFF REVIEWS
It was reported that all staff reviews were due in November and after discussion it was Resolved to increase the
Clerk salary by 2.45% , however as this figure is still under discussion with NALC and SLCC it was noted that this may be an interim figure, should the final outcome show an increased amount, Council will review further.
Warden Salary by 2.45%+ performance increase of 1%, backdated to April 08
Common Ranger by 2.45% backdated to July 08 (start of contract)
in line with NALC recommendations All agreed