Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 13th July 2009 at 7.30pm
Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr Mrs S Sims (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs M Anson,
Cllr Mrs S Fowler, Cllr S Gruselle, Cllr M Joseph and Cllr Mrs P Southworth
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk
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Public Participation – Chair of the DBC Standards Board Committee introduced herself to the meeting, she explained she was visiting a number of Parish Councils within in Dacorum to get a better understanding of the procedures involved at meetings. Chairman welcomed her to the meeting.
Two residents attended regarding planning application 04/00899/09/FHA + 04/00920/09/LDP
PC Hennessey and PCSO Agallili attended the meeting to report crime figures for June 09:-
Dwelling burglary 2 Burglary other 2 Theft from Motor Vehicle 2
Theft of Motor Vehicle 1 Damage 2 Other crimes (incl, drugs/harassment) 3
Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance Street assault 0

They confirmed that recent I problems with nuisance and damage had been dealt with by way of ASBO policies being implemented, which includes a written apology. They confirmed this appeared to have ended the problem. They also confirmed that they now have new powers to allow them to seize vehicles belonging to nuisance youths who continue to cause problems after a verbal warning has been given. They confirmed the youths in question regarding issues on the Cricket Pitch car park have voluntarily apologised to the residents concerned. The officers are satisfied that all nuisance issues have now been resolved and no further calls have been received regarding problems. PCSO Agallili confirmed that he would shortly have use of a vehicle which would enable him to have more of a presence within the village. Chairman thanks the officers for their prompt and efficient action on these matters.
MINUTES

0233/09 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

0234/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
None All agreed

0235/09 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
A personal interest was registered by Cllr Nobbs for all matters relating to Allotments. All agreed

0236/09 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 8th June 2009, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Sims, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

0237/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES None

0238/09 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0239/09 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0239/09)

0240/09 SPENDING VS BUDGET 1ST QTR
Clerk circulated copies of the spending vs. budget papers for the 1st Qtr. Clerk confirmed that the 1st qtr always experiences higher spending due to payment of grants allocation and Council’s insurance and subscriptions. Clerk confirmed the budget appears to be on target. Chairman asked that the column headers should reflect the method used below for registering “under” or “loss”. Brackets, () have not been used for a long time.
Proposed Cllr Nobbs and Seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed
0241/09 LOCAL COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION 8TH EDITION
It was Resolved to purchase the new edition for £53.60 + P&P

0242/09 EXTERNAL AUDIT – VARIATION OF PAPERS
It was Resolved to adopt the newly created accountancy papers for CPC. I was confirmed the amendments to the Inc/Exp sheet would show more transparency on expenditure from reserves and the new balance sheet would assist the Council at year end.
Proposed Cllr Sims and Seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

0243/09 HAPTC
It was confirmed that Cllr Bradshaw had been re-elected onto the executive committee of HAPTC. The Members congratulated him on the re-election Noted

0244/09 WAR MEMORIAL
Further to our investigation into the possibility of taking over responsibility for the War Memorial, it was reported that a free quotation had been undertaken for a comprehensive restoration of the memorial, at a current cost of £4180. It was also confirmed CPC would have the full support of the local branch of the British Legion for taking over responsibility for the Memorial. It was recommended that Council further investigate the options for funding with DBC as part of a general discussion on the possibility of the transfer of ownership. Further Council will investigate the possibility of grant funding. All agreed

0245/09 GRANTS 2010/11
It was reported that the notice to offer grants was required to be with Chipp New by end of July for printing in Sept issue. It was agreed that notice should go ahead that grant allocation be agreed during budget process in 3rd Qtr and that there would be no guarantee of receiving grant monies. All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0246/09 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
Due to time constraints this report will be postponed until next meeting All agreed

PLANNING
0247/09 PLANNING REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0247/09)

0248/09 LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS
It was noted that the DBC consultation will be postponed until the Aug meeting due to printing issues Noted

0249/09 EMERGING CORE STRATEGY
It was recommended that CPC responds to the DBC consultation as appropriate to include the following answers:-
Q4a) Level of future housing to remain at 389 not increase to 567
Q6) we would support new enterprises that are likely to provide local employment and serve rural trades.
Q7) Reduced business rates for local shops and post offices
It was agreed to accept this recommendation All agreed

0250/09 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, unless otherwise stated.
04/00899/09/FHA White Oaks, The Common Single storey side extension and first floor rear Chipperfield extension with dormer (amended)
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application.
After careful consideration of the minor amendments made to our previous concerns, namely the replacement of circular port hole style windows with rectangular style ones still raise concern that this will have a detrimental affect to the “cottage style” look of the property. This along with the flat roof extension, which we accept we made no comment on previously. However this detail has always been contrary to our “Village Design Statement”, which we understand the plans have been based upon
This matter went to vote 6 for 2 against

04/00902/09/FHA White Oaks, The Common Car port
(Review) Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application
Further to your email dated 24th June, I write to confirm the decision made at our Full Council meeting on 13th July regarding the above application. Whilst we still have concerns regarding this application, we accept that the approval for a previous application 04/02508/07/FHA in 2007 allows for the loss of hedgerow, and therefore on these grounds we have no further objections to this application
04/00961/09/LDP High Winds, The Common Side extension
Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this Lawful Development Certificate.
Which we aware that we are not qualified to give an authoritative view on this application , we would like to comment that we feel the proposed conservatory fit ins well with the existing building and does not appear to impact on neighbours or the general environment.

04/00973/09/FHA 7 Croft Meadow, Chipperfield Single storey rear extension

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.
We feel as the proposed rear extension would simply be a minor addition to the existing extension and the use of materials to match existing would fit in well with the environment and does not appear to have an adverse affect on neighbours.

04/00989/09/FHA Fircroft, Alexandra Road, Single storey rear extension, raise roof, loft conversion
Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.

Although large in size, the proposed development is within the Village Core, where there are no restrictions on size. The design is in keeping with that of the existing bungalow and the dormers are suitably low down on the roof and the increase in height of the roof of 1.2 metres is commensurate with the scale of the building.

We are aware of 2 neighbour objections (plus supporting documentation from family members) regarding “loss of privacy” and have considered this objection carefully. The LDP, Appendix 3, Layout and Design of Residential Areas, A.3.6 (i) privacy & (iii) spacing of dwellings privacy, allows for privacy with neighbouring properties to be taken into consideration, however based on the distance between these properties, we feel this development does not appear to fit this criteria and therefore we can see no reason to object on this basis.

04/01056/09/LDP 17 Nunfield, Chipperfield Alterations to roof and loft conversion

Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this Lawful Development Certificate.
We aware that we are not qualified to give an authoritative view on this application, however we would like to comment that we feel this application is completely contrary to the guidance provided by the Chipperfield Village Design Statement as it contains velux windows at the front, which will detract from the street scene in Nunfield and the large dormer at the rear has a flat roof and windows at high elevation, all of which would also appear to have an adverse impact the general environment.

Results from Planning Inspectorate – received between 4thJune – 6th July 2009
Appellant – Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association -
04/01221/08/FUL Garage court of Nunfield, Demolition of garage court and construction of 1 flat over 4
Chipperfield new garages, 4 further flats and 3 houses, parking and 11 further garages with new access via Kings Close and retention of Nunfield access for garage court (layout a) internal works, replacement windows and alteration to access
Result Appeal allowed

Appellant – Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association -
04/01223/08/FUL Garage court of Nunfield Demolition of garage court and construction of 1 flat over 4
Chipperfield new garages, 4 further flats and 3 houses, parking and 11 further garages with new access via Nunfield (layout b)
Result Appeal allowed

It was reported as a result of the above appeals we feel that the current options for them are:-
1) to use either of the 2 application above
2) Continue with a 2nd appeal they have just lodged regarding their 2nd application
3) DBC could rescind their decision to refuse the 2nd application and Hightown could withdraw the appeal and use the 2nd application.
It was agreed that as no further information is available at this present due to the early stage of this process. CPC Planning Group would liaise with Hightown and DBC to discuss options. A report to be made at next meeting with recommendation of any decisions required by CPC All agreed

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
0251/09 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0251/09) Noted

0252/09 VAS DUNNY LANE
It was confirmed that Herts Highways have implied they would consider moving the VAS to a location further along Dunny Lane towards the cross roads. This is mainly due to technical difficulties being experienced by 3 no. of this particular style VAS. The new location would still have the effect required re traffic calming and would also solve the issue of tree encroachment and visibility from neighbouring properties. However as there is a significant cost involved to Herts Highways they require assurance from CPC that the previous complaints with visibility will not be an issue. It was agreed to consult residents as previously via mail drop to Dunny Lane and Rose farm + inclusion in Chip News Sept edition.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed

0253/09 THE COMMON – PARKING AND SPEED ISSUES
It was reported that a resident request had been received regarding excess vehicles and speeding issues along the Common from the Two Brewers and past the School. It was confirmed this matter had been passed to HCC as part of speeding issues within the whole of the village and possible changes to speed restrictions and use of yellow lines. Report to follow after next meeting with HCC. Clerk to inform resident of decision Noted

0254/09 JASMINE TRACK – RE-SURFACING
It was confirmed that re-surfacing works had now taken place along the last stretch of the track at the request of the Jasmine Trust. The Jasmine Trust confirmed that some original notification had gone astray due to circumstances beyond all of our control. However the final project was completed in conjunction with Jasmine Trust, CPC and DBC who acquired grant funding to carry out the work. It was noted that initial comments on the work carried out appear to show it to be a vast improvement to the benefit of all Noted

0255/09 HERTFORDSHIRE HIGHWAYS – ALLOCATION OF WORKLOAD
It was reported that on a number occasion Herts Highway contractors did not appear to be making optimum use of their time/workload. It was confirmed that the Supervisors concerned had been informed and action will be taken as necessary. Noted

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT
0256/09 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues.

0257/09 REFUSE COLLECTIONS – HOT WEATHER
It was confirmed that the previously circulated information supplied by DBC, giving advice to residents on refuse collection/storage during the hot weather, appeared to be satisfactory and comprehensive. Clerk to forward copy to any resident requesting information. All agreed

0258/09 GREEN FLAG JUDGING 09
It was confirmed that due to the combined efforts of CPC and DBC, the Common had been awarded Green Flag status for the 2nd year running. Chairman thanked all members concerned. Noted

0259/09 FRIENDS OF CHIPPERFIELD COMMON
It was confirmed that collation of the 48 completed questionnaires had now taken place, final report to follow shortly. It was reported that there are currently 23 members of Friends of the Common now to include the Deputy Head from St Pauls’ School. Initial projects are to include the detailed cataloguing of the Sweet Chestnut trees and planning the restoration of the Pill Pond. An article for Chipp News to follow. It was agreed a meeting needed to take place with CPC, Highways and DBC to discuss the Pill Pond, surface water supply. Highways group to deal Noted

0260/09 CPC DIARY
Due to time constraints this matter will be moved to next agenda All agreed

0261/09 APM 2010
It was recommended that Members should consider the guest speaker for next year’s APM. Members to forward ideas to the Clerk as soon as possible. All agreed

0262/09 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT REVIEW
It was reported that initial discussion had taken place to discuss the scope of the review, including an initial financial review. Further work is ongoing to prepare a comprehensive review and management plan for the Allotment Field. Headings for the review are including in the report (appendix 0262/09) previously circulated. It was confirmed further meetings to take place with recommendations to follow Noted

0263/09 TOWER HILL – BUS SHELTER
It was reported that criminal damage had occurred on the Tower Hill Bus stop, Clerk confirmed a quotation had been received to repair same. It was Resolved to authorise quotation at cost of £270.94. Clerk to contact insurance company to consider claim assuming excess is less than £100. Work still to continue during claim process.
Proposed Cllr Southworth, Seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

Chairman proposed to continue the meeting until 10pm. All agreed

0264/09 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERT COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC)
1 Chipperfield Land rover Garage – Noise related (DBC)
It was reported that a noise nuisance had been reported against the garage and Environmental Health contacted. However, it was recommended that in the first instance CPC write to garage to request their assistance in resolving this matter expediently. All agreed
2 Cricket Pitch Car Park – road surfacing issues/nuisance youths (DBC)
It was confirmed by the Police that this matter appears to be resolved and the anti social behaviour involving vehicle on the car park had ceased. Police confirmed a number of residents had been informed of the outcome. It was agreed therefore that no further action require re access to car park be taken at this stage. Clerk to write to complainant with decision. All agreed

0265/09 CORRESPONDENCE
None

0266/09 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £3,834.44 be paid and £8,000 to be transferred to the Natwest to cover payments for 2 months.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw and Seconded Cllr Sims All agreed

0267/09 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS
Youth and Education items
CPC Diary

0268/09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is Monday 10th August @ 7.30, The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0269/09 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 items 0270/09on the agenda of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

0270/09 REVIEW OF CLERK’S HOURS
Chairman thanked all members for progress made since the last meeting regarding Council workload. He offered personal apologies to Cllr Fowler for the intensity of the discussion at the June meeting, but stated that the underlying problem with contribution still remained. Cllr Fowler accepted the apology. General discussion took place regarding future workloads and Chairman offered further training, if required, to Members who may feel this of benefit to assist them in their role on the Council.

Due to time constraints review of Clerk’s hours to be moved to Sept agenda, due to Clerk’s holiday All agreed

Meeting ended 10.05pm