Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 9th November 2009 at 7.30pm
Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr Mrs M Anson, Cllr S Gruselle, Cllr M Joseph, Cllr Nobbs
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Clerk
Meeting started at 7.30 prompt
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Public Participation – PCSO Agallili attended the meeting and reported the following crime figures for Oct 09:-
Dwelling burglary 1 Burglary other 0 Theft from Motor Vehicle 1
Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 Damage 0 Other crimes (incl, drugs/harassment) 5
Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 1 Street assault 0

He also reported that since the intervention with the youth involved in the recent crime wave a significant improvement had been made in the crime figures for Chipperfield. He assured us that this would continue to be monitored.

It was reported that Chipperfield now has a new full time police officer, PC Amanda Lees. Chairman thanked PSCO Agallili for his attendance
MINUTES

0377/09 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

0378/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from both Cllr Sims and Cllr Southworth due to family commitments All agreed

0379/09 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
A personal interest was registered by Cllr Nobbs for all matters relating to the Allotments and Planning Application for the Pale Farm, due to neighbour notification Noted

0380/09 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 12th October 2009, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

0381/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None

0382/09 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Chairman welcomed Cllr Roberts to the meeting and thanked him for his time. Cllr Roberts reported that DBC were currently out to consultation on the transfer of their housing stock to a housing association thus allowing for rents to be re-used within the properties and not given to central government, he believed this affected approx 100 properties within Chipperfield but all comments across the Borough to date appear positive. He confirmed that DBC’s entire budget for 2010/2011 needed to be reviewed to reflect the current financial climate. CPC will be updated as soon as possible in order for CPC to set their 2010/2011 budget. He reported that currently he has the facility to allocate a “locality budget” to worthy causes within the Ward. There is a limited amount of monies available should we have a specific project.

0383/09 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC)
1 Unauthorised burger van trading on the Common
It was reported that van was recently parked on the Common selling burgers, etc. Clerk confirmed that no trading licenses have been issued for Chipperfield and therefore this was illegal trading. The complainant has been requested to obtain registration numbers and/or identifying vehicle marks in order for DBC enforcement can take further action. It was recommended that no CPC further action need be taken at present All agreed

2 Installation of street furniture, Scatterdells Lane.
It was reported that a new installation of a green box including a solar panel, had taken place in Scatterdells Lane without prior notice. Clerk confirmed that this is an installation by Transco for a gas regulator under their legal right to maintain & install equipment and their policy is to use solar power. It was agreed that although these works are essential the requirement for solar panels for all installations should be monitored. It was agreed to write to Transco informing them of our concerns, although we do not require the removal of this installation, we do wish to be informed in advance of future installations to decide whether solar power is appropriate. All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0384/09 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A brief written report was circulated on current issues. (Appendix 0384/09)

0385/09 LIZ HOLLIDAY MEMORIAL
It was reported that consideration had been given by St Paul’s School regarding the wording for the memorial cup. It was unanimously agreed to accept “The Liz Holliday Award for Writing”
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

PLANNING
0386/09 PLANNING REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0386/09)

EERA Consultation
It was recommended that CPC responds to the consultation as appropriate to include the following answers:
Scenario 3 – This produces some figures, which are unrealistic. For example it projects a housing rate for DBC of 620pa, a figure over twice as high as the already optimistic rate of 260 in the current plan.
Scenario 4 – these figures are of little value in view of the doubts that EERA has concerning the out of date Government migration data
Sub- area profiles – The sub area profiles suggest two sites within DBC for significant housing growth. Both these areas are in the Green Belt and would strongly oppose the use of such areas of attractive countryside being used for housing.

0387/09 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, unless otherwise stated.
04/01672/09/FHA White Oaks, The Common Car port
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application. It is almost identical to a previous application (902/09) and a number of the concerns expressed at that time still apply:
(i) It extends the frontage of White Oaks right up to the boundary of Mahogany Hall. Such longitudinal extension is out of keeping with the Chipperfield Village Design Statement’s guidance on extensions.
(ii) the design of the car port and the paving over of part of the Common to provide access does not meet the requirement of development in the Conservation Area that it should enhance or preserve the environment.

04/01685/09/FHA The Pale Farm, The Street Formation of pedestrian access on road frontage
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council opposes this application because:
(i) by offsetting the fence, it will give greater prominence to this new structure, which already stands out as being out of harmony with the listed building of the Pale Farm.
(ii) it envisages the removal of attractive shrubs planted on Highways land at the entrance to Copthall. and thus does not comply with the requirement that development in the Conservation Area should enhance or preserve the environment.

04/01693/09/TCA 1 The Dell, Dunny Lane, Works to trees
Chipperfield
Whilst we are aware that this application is for our information only, we write to offer our comments for file. Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.

04/01731/09/FHA Merrilees, Wayside, Construction of detached timer garage/car port
Chipperfield
Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application because:
(i) the proposed 3 bay structure is well designed and would be largely shielded by shrubbery.
(ii) the timber shed which would be removed as part of the plan has no particular merit.
HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
0388/09 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT
None

0389/09 VAS
It was reported that Herts Highway has now confirmed their support to move the VAS, based upon our consultation results and specific requirement from Herts Highways to ensure the sign continually works, vegetation is dealt with and a 6 month review of the traffic performance takes place. Although Highways are aware of the new location it was agreed that the Highways group, due to meet Herts Highways on 17th Nov would agree and mark the final location in the road. Cllr Fowler to photograph location to circulate to Council for agreement prior to Highways meeting.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

It was reported that notification had been received stating that Herts Highways would purchasing a set of portable VAS for use within the County. Locations for the next 2 years have already been chosen and Chipperfield was not on the list. As we now have a VAS, no further action required Noted

0390/09 THE FUTURE OF STREET LIGHTING IN HERTFORDSHIRE
It was reported that HCC were discussing the issue of lighting within Herts. It was agreed that Chipperfield would not be affected by this but the situation would be monitored. No immediate action required All agreed

0391/09 VEOLIA WATER CENTRAL REVISED DRAFT WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN
It was reported that due to a request for more information, this consultation which CPC responded to previously was being updated. No further action required, although future publication to be distributed to Planning .All agreed

0392/09 ROADS REPORT
It was reported that due to time constraints this had not yet been completed for circulation at the meeting with Herts Highways, it was discussed that in order to have the impact required this needs to be issued soon. All agreed

0393/09 VILLAGE WELCOME SIGNS
It was reported that quotes were awaited and that the use of a “village signs forum” website may be a useful tool to assist in an appropriate design and style in order to consult the village. All agreed

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT
0394/09 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT
A verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 0394/09)

0395/09 CHIPPERFIELD WARD WALK
It was reported that a walk had been organised by DBC, as part of an environmental award they had received, to include CPC, DBC, Herts Highway, DBC Wardens and the Police to highlight any area of concern CPC has with “grot spots”. It was agreed that with the work carried out by the Village Warden Chipperfield has relatively few issues other than ad-hoc graffiti and fly tipping. Noted

0396/09 COMMEMORATIVE BENCH
It was reported that a further request had been received for a bench on the Common, as agreed at the October meeting, a draft policy document on “use of the Common” was currently underway with OS&A and DBC. The policy needs to highlight that the Common is a natural welcoming area and not a park and that furniture is minimised. Draft policy to be circulated for Member’s comments before final version is adopted. All agreed

0397/09 FRIENDS OF THE COMMON
It was reported that various works to Manor and Pill ponds had taken place with the assistance of the “new friends of the common group “. It was reported that DBC consider it time for a new leaflet for the Common, a meeting is due shortly to include all of the new items happening, and the county’s archaeologist has been invited to offer comments. Draft to be circulated at later date Noted

0398/09 GREEN FLAG
It was reported that the final version of the Green Flag award had been issued now includes due reference to the CPC contribution, as requested. Copies will be displayed on the notice boards and a copy has also been given to Blackwell’s to display. The revised version of the new management plan, with improved artwork has now been completed and circulated to all members. It was reported that the judging process would start in May2010 Noted

0399/09 ALLOTMENT AGM
It was reported that the Allotment AGM had been arranged for Wed 25th November and in order to progress items with the tenants, agreement from council was required for:-
Rent review- It was agreed that the issue of a rent review is raised with the tenants informing them of an impending rent review however, no amount could b e specified until the financial review was completed. Any rise will take place next year with notification given by April 2010.
Proposed Cllr Anson seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed

Gates – It was confirmed that the new gates had successfully been installed and recommended payment of invoice for works completed. It was reported that there is as expected, a gap at each side of the gates which requires short sections of chestnut pailing fence to complete the closure. With the co-operation of the Tennis Club agreement had been reached to allow fixings to be made to the tennis court fence support to provide anchor points for the short fence on the court side of the new gate. It was requested that quotes be obtained for the supply and erection of the chestnut paling fencings.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

In order to be able lock these gates and minimise unnecessary intrusion onto the allotment, CPC needs to consider access control with te Tennis Club. A suggestion discussed and agreed wit the chairman of the Tennis Club is that a tennis club official will have akey and be able to retrieve balls, but players would not normally retrieve balls. Further, if any tenants find tennis balls on the allotments, they should throw them back. It was agreed that this suggestion be made to the tenants.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

Boundary Hedge 2 – Works now completed, recommend payment to contractor subject to them completing ivy removal
Proposed Cllr Anson, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

Boundary Hedge 3 – It was previously agreed to allow the Ranger to cut back the hedge 3 using normal tools and the hours allocated. It was recommended that the proposed hedge maintenance be put to the tenants, as a 4 metre strip of land will be required for maintenance and will be taken back during this process , it was confirmed that tenants had previously been forewarned of this proposal in a newsletter. It was requested that Council consider the possibility of tenant compensation should the matter arise.
Proposed Cllr Anson, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed

Boundary Hedge 4 – It was reported that a forthcoming Land Registry meeting may offer suggestions regarding the licence, Clerk to liaise with OS&A with results. In addition Planning agreed to liaise with a longstanding allotment tenant to review the history of the boundary issue. All agreed

0400/09 LAWNMOWER – MAINTENANCE
It was reported that the donated lawnmower had recently been refused for maintenance by our contractor, however after discussion they agreed that CPC would check that the mower works, if the mower does work they would carry out routine maintenance during the Council’s January equipment maintenance schedule, for approx £20. It was agreed to allow Ranger to start the mower to assess the situation prior to maintenance.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

0401/09 YEAR TO VIEW – COUNCIL DIARY
It was agreed that Clerk to review this item during her next review due shortly. All agreed

0402/09 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
It was agreed to request PC Nik Pringle to attend and speak at the meeting. All agreed

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0403/09 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT
A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 403/09)

0404/09 DRAFT BUDGET PROPOSAL
It was reported that due to delays with DBC, although CPC had prepared their draft, we are unable to take this further. However if CPC were asked to reduce their concurrent budget it was agreed that to compensate for this grants would be looked into first. Members to attend the Parish Liaison Meeting for further disclosure from DBC & report at next meeting
Proposed Cllr Gruselle, seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0405/09 FINGERPOST
It was reported that due to a communication issue, CPC were offered to purchase 2 fingerposts. However, after discussions it was agreed that CPC would have no use for spare posts as replacements are provided by DBC and the fingerpost required for Dunny Lane had now been installed by DBC. All agreed

0405/09 CORRESPONDENCE
Confirmation of forthcoming training courses and invitations
Clerk’s liaison meeting Chipperfield Ward Walk
Land Registry workshop Age Concern AGM Noted

A time extension of 15 minutes was requested All agreed

0406/09 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £4,766.60 by paid
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw and Seconded Cllr Sims All agreed

0407/09 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS
John Nicholls Memorial Prize

0408/09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is Monday 14th December 2009 @ 7.30, The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0409/09 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 0410/09 on the agenda of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

0410/09CONCURRENT/WARDEN BUDGET – DBC
It was reported of likely concerns regarding possible budget cuts from DBC, CPC to await details. Council’s preference is to fund the Warden and Ranger and then grants where possible.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

Meeting finished at 9.45pm