Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Baptist Church meeting room,
The Street, Chipperfield on Wednesday 15th April 2009 at 7.30pm
Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman) Cllr Mrs S Sims (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs S Fowler, Cllr S Gruselle Cllr M Joseph, Cllr D Nobbs and Cllr Mrs P Southworth
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk

Public Participation – No police report this month

3 residents attended regarding the planning application for Nunfield, via Kings Close. They offered their comments and views to the Council and requested its support in opposing this application. Chairman thanked them for their time and the matter was discussed further under item 0150/09

2 Residents attended regarding the recent installation of the VAS in Dunny Lane, they offered their comments and views to the Council and requested its support in opposing its size and location. Chairman thanked him for his time and the matter was discussed further under item 0153/09

MINUTES
0113/09 CHAIRMAN’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

0114/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Anson due to illness. Cllr Roberts due to a prior engagement Agreed

0115/09 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
A personal interest was registered by Cllr Nobbs for item 0123-0126/09 Allotment matters. A personal interest was registered by Cllr Gruselle for planning application Ravenscourt 04/00465/09

0116/09 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 9th March 2009, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Southworth All agreed

0117/09 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR
None Noted

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT
0118/09 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0118/09)

0119/09 FINGERPOST SIGNAGE – NEW PATH DUNNY LANE
It was Resolved to provide funding, through 08/09 P3 grant (up to max £1,000) to provide 2 finger post signs and 1 fingerpost to highlight the new path recently created in Dunny Lane, avoiding the need to walk on the road. All agreed

0120/09 INTERPRETATION BOARD – THE COMMON
It was reported that the new interpretation board had now been installed on the Common. It was agreed by all that the sign was acceptable and correct in its location and information. Clerk to write and thank DBC All agreed
0121/09 GLADE CLEARANCE
It was reported that glade clearance was currently taking place as part of the new 5 year management plan.

0122/09 REMOVAL OF MATERIALS
As part of 0121/09 above it was reported that debris had been created in the woodland and DBC offered to chip some hedging on the allotment field in return for CPC taking the chippings created from the glade. It was agreed by Council to decline their offer. All agreed

0123/09 REVISED ALLOTMENT TENANCY AGREEMENT
After taking account of the comments received from the Allotment tenants, following the recent consultation. It was Resolved that the amended Terms & Conditions, previously circulated, are adopted in full (subject to minor typing errors) and can now be issued to new & existing tenants. All agreed

0124/09 ALLOTMENT HEDGE RESTORATION PHASE 1
It was reported that as part of the hedge restoration contract the contractor needs to review the planting of the new hedging and replace any that have died or been damaged. It was reported that the Common Ranger had checked these and marked those needing replacement. It was agreed that some hedging were late developers a further check to be made at the end of April. Noted

0125/09 ALLOTMENT MAINTENANCE
It was reported that CPC were responsible for the maintenance of the allotment, except occupied plots. In order to carry out maintenance, application of weed killer and removal of debris needs to be carried out. It was Resolved that the Clerk has a budget of £200 to carry out these works as necessary. All agreed

0126/09 ALLOTMENT FIELD GATES
It was reported that 7 quotes have now been received regarding the proposed gates for the allotment field. After discussion it was agreed that quote number 6 would be acceptable in style, design and price. All agreed

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0127/09 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0127/09)

0128/09 SPENDING VS BUDGET 4TH QTR 08/09
It was reported that the audit programme was on schedule. Clerk circulated copies of the spending vs. budget papers for the 4th Qtr and was completed within budget. It was to Resolved to accept the papers as an accurate record of expenditure for the year end 08/09 All agreed

0129/09 STAFF TRAINING
It was reported that in order to carry out the required maintenance on the allotment field the Common Ranger would require certification for using pesticides (i.e. weed killing). It was reported that the cost for this would be £95.00 plus travel expenses. It was Resolved to allocate this money on training All agreed

0130/09 ACCCOUNT SOFTWARE – SOFTWARE SUPPORT RENEWAL
Clerk reported that the contract for account software technical support was due to expire in May. After discussion it was agreed, in light of the fact that we have not needed this support in the past 2 years we were now fully functional and would not require renewal. All agreed

0131/09SCOTTISH WIDOWS – BANKING ERROR
It was reported that during a transfer request from Scottish Widows to Natwest that Scottish Widows made an error and deposited £2,000 twice. In order to rectify this it was agreed to leave the monies in-situ and move it to Scottish Widows at the end of April, along with the precept/concurrent monies, less May expenditure.
All agreed
0132/09 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT
It was reported that a meeting was due to take place on 30th April to inform Councils on the implications of the act. It was confirmed that CPC would be represented at this meeting, report to follow. Noted

0133/09 CHURCHYARD
It was reported that this matter is still in hand, but due to changes in DBC staffing, a further response is awaited from them. Noted

0134/09 PEOPLES LOTTERY
It was reported that there was possible funding for small village organisations through the People Lottery. It was agreed that we would not take action as this time, but remain aware for the future. All agreed

0135/09 VILLAGE PLAN
It was agreed that no further action would take place until after the Annual Parish meeting, due to time constraints.
All agreed
0136/09 VILLAGE HALL CENTENARY
It was confirmed that CPC had offered support to this event, however we were awaiting a response to our offer.
Noted
0137/09 WISH LIST
It was agreed that from the previous list we would actively continue with the project of new village signage. Clerk confirmed that CPC had just received a grant of £1,000 via Cllr Roberts to assist in this project. Clerk to contact Highways for their comments regarding suppliers of signage. All agreed

0138/09 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
It was reported that we are now receiving notification of various grant possibilities, it was noted however that in order to try and secure funding we may need to apply to a number of organisations for the same item at least 1 year in advance. This item would be monitored
Noted
0139/09 PUBLIC RELATIONS (1)
It was reported that CPC had received an invitation from the Watford Observer regarding PR for Chipperfield Parish Council in the form of a regular article. It was agreed that we would not take them up on their offer at this time.
All agreed
0140/09 PUBLIC RELATIONS (2)
It was agreed that a regular article for Chipperfield News would be a good idea to inform parishioners of what is happening within the Council. Cllr Southworth to lead All agreed

0141/09 REVIEW OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
It was agreed that future meetings for the Council year 09/10 starting in June, would take place in the Small Hall
All agreed
0142/09 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING (APM)
It was agreed that Cllrs giving reports are to meet and discuss programme/ format by 23rd April All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0143/09 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was reported that St Paul’s School are actively seeking funding to assist in building new classrooms, which has now started. The karate club is going very well with more new members. It was agreed to remove youth choir from list of outstanding items All agreed

0144/09 NHS PROPOSAL ON NEW HOSPITAL PLANS
Due to time constraints this matter to be deferred until next month All agreed

0145/09 HERTFORDSHIRE PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE
It was reported that CPC was unable to be represented at a previous meeting. Clerk to re-arrange a meeting.
Noted

PLANNING
0146/09 PLANNING REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0146/09).

0147/09 LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS
It was reported that the DBC officer dealing with the “list of locally important buildings” is currently compiling a list of buildings for CPC to offer our comments during the consultation, due by end June Noted

0148/09 THAMES RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN
It was agreed that this plan did not affect Chipperfield and we would acknowledge their invitation but make no comment. All agreed

0149/09 HERTFORDHIRE CHARETTE
It was reported that a large document issuing the response to previous consultation had been received. CPC are unsure as to the relevance within Dacorum. Clerk to liaise with DBC for their comments. All agreed

0150/09 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, unless otherwise stated.
04/00384/08/RET Land Adj Unit 4, Tower Hill, Use of land for storage of two hydraulic
Chipperfield Business Park platforms
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
It came as a surprise that following a condition of planning application 4/00126/06/RET which precludes the parking of vehicles outside Unit 4 and the refusal of the further application 04/02887/07RET for the retention of the parking of hydraulic vehicles on the site, a planning application has now been received to use the land for precisely this purpose. It was even more of a surprise to find the applicant claiming in Para 6.1 of the Design and Access statement that the Head of Planning and Head of Enforcement had at a meeting suggested that an application with some self-imposed conditions ‘might be favourably considered’. Upon enquiry, it was a relief to find that this claim on the part of the applicant was untrue and that no such suggestion had been made by the officers concerned.

We still consider that the storage of hydraulic platforms inappropriate in this area of the Green Belt. The applicant has cited three very special circumstances for retaining the ‘cherry pickers’ at Tower Hill:
1. The Overriding need
These vehicles may be necessary for the business, but there is no evidence whatsoever of a special need for them to be kept at this particular site.
2. Storage on site for 11 years
This argument was raised in connection with 04/02887/07/RET and was deemed to be irrelevant as any possible rights due to previous occupation, were superseded by the conditions of 4/00216/06/RET.
3. Restricted Use
If the use is inappropriate for the Green Belt and a nuisance to neighbours, it makes little difference whether it is conducted 100% or 50% of the time.’

04/00444/09/FHA 11 Tower Hill Replacement conservatory
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application

This size for this replacement conservatory virtually matches existing, and the design and materials are unobtrusive to the environment and neighbouring properties.

04/00078/09/FUL Land R/O Garages, Nunfield Construction of two storey building comprising of
Chipperfield four flats and two houses, replace three garages, form new site access road and all ancillary landscape garden sheds and boundary fences
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.

We feel that the access is unsatisfactory on grounds of the narrowness of the proposed new approach road and the increased traffic that would be generated in a quiet close. Also the density of building the 6 units with only 8 parking spaces (the plan shows 8, the schedule describes 10 spaces) on the site may be suitable for an urban situation, but is too high for a rural village.

The current proposal of 6 units, via Kings Close, appear to place extra burden on the traffic, parking and road safety of a village that already has problems with excess vehicles and speeding issues. After careful consideration regarding all points raised by residents and our members, we therefore on the grounds of, access, density, overcrowding, design layout, privacy, traffic, parking and road safety oppose this application in its current form.

You will be are aware that during the previous application we requested that the developers take adequate steps to consult the residents and the Parish Council to assist in any further application, to help ensure that previous objections need not re-occur. On this point we can confirm that we were given less than 3 days notice of a meeting to be held in Chipperfield inviting residents of Kings Close only, to attend and view the new plans. Whilst Chipperfield Parish Council still supports the issue of affordable housing, we ask again that this matter be dealt with by better consultation with Hightown Praetorian, the residents concerned, DBC and CPC in order to produce a scheme that harmonises the original reasons for providing affordable housing in Chipperfield.
This application went to vote, 5 against – 2 for

04/00465/09/FHA Ravenscourt, Chapel Croft Single storey rear extension, raise existing apex and
Chipperfield convert attic
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application

Two previous applications to extend this bungalow were submitted in 2001 and 2003, in each case they were refused on grounds of “inappropriate bulk”, a point also made by the inspector when the 2003 application was taken to appeal.
We feel that the same issue arises with this application:-
The increase in height of the apex dominates and is out of scale with the adjoining properties.
The rear dormer is too large and poorly proportioned, the Chipperfield Village Design Statement (VDS) asks for small dormers.
The addition of a velux window on the front is also contrary to the VDS guidelines.
HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
0151/09 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT
It was reported that preparation was underway for the 2009 Roads Report, due to start in August. Noted

0152/09 VAS DUNNY LANE
It was reported that the new VAS had now been installed, and upon inspection appears not to be working correctly. Clerk to report fault. Further discussion was made under item 0153/09.1.

0153/09 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC)
1. VAS, Dunny Lane – Resident’s concern over current location of sign (HCC)
It was reported to the council that the size, style and location of VAS was inappropriate for Chipperfield and neighbouring properties in Dunny Lane. A request was made by a resident that the VAS be moved to another location away from their property, they stated that Highways had sated they could move with the approval of CPC. After discussion it was agreed that as CPC, in conjunction with residents of Dunny Lane and Chipperfield, had originally requested the sign and were aware of its proposed location after HCC has carried out their feasibility study before agreeing to supply same, that Clerk to write to HCC requesting evidence as to why this particular size and style of sign was installed in a rural area.
All agreed
2. Pedestrian Injury – Scatterdells Lane (HCC)
It was reported that a resident of Scatterdells Lane had recently fallen due to a pothole in Scatterdells Lane and injured her arm. CPC to monitor the situation with resident and assist where possible. CPC is aware that the pothole has now been filled in. Noted

0154/09 CORRESPONDENCE
None

0155/09 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was Resolved that accounts amounting to £2,040.04 + direct debits of £292.09 be signed for payment. Proposed Cllr Sims, seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0156/09 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS
1. Liz Holliday memorial prize 2. Traffic Dunny Lane

0157/09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is Monday 11th May @ 7.30, in the Baptist Church meeting room
The Annual Parish Meeting 27th April 2009 at 8.00pm in the Village Hall

0158/09 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 item 0159/09 of the agenda of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

0159/09 CLERKS HOURS AND PAY/CiLCA REVIEW
Hours:- A review of Clerks hours and work load is to be undertaken by F&GP in the light of the last 12 months operations and any identified changes in the near future.

Council has Resolved to follow the recent NALC pay recommendations and to take account of Jo’s CiLCA award:-
Pay review update:- In March 2009 NALC published their Final Salary Scales, following the arbitration panel settlement. The overall increase was moved from 2.45% to 2.75% . The proposed part time salary for Jo increases to a total of 2.75%. To this figure, we need to add the WFHA, as before. The revised proposed salary applies from April 2008 to November 2008.

CiLCA Review:- As a result of Jo achieving a CiLCA qualification in December 2008, Jo’s NALC salary scale base changed from SCP29 to SCP 30 and she is therefore eligible for a salary increase from December 2008, Based on the Final NALC increases of March 2009, the annualised SC30 scale has increased giving a total increase of £889 over the SCP 29 figure. To this figure we need to add the WFHA, as before. The revised salary to take account of this CiLCA increase applies from December 2008 to March 2009.
Accordingly, details of the above calculations have been passed to Steve Goble, the CPC accountant, for implementation and are available for inspection by Council.

Mileage Rates:-For Council’s information revised NALC recommended mileage rates have been received for April 2009.