Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 8th March 2010 at 7.30pm

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

Also present Clerk Mrs J Deacon

Meeting started at 7.30 prompt

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Public Participation – PC Lees attended the meeting. She reported the following crime figures for Feb 10:-

Dwelling burglary 0 Burglary other 0 Theft from Motor Vehicle 4

Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 Damage 0 Other crimes (incl, drugs/harassment) 1

Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0

She introduced PCSO Gareth John, as the schools’ “Police Liaison Officer”, based at Kings Langley secondary school. She also reported that crime was down although there are still issues with people leaving valuable items in their vehicles when visiting the common. She confirmed that all the local businesses are aware of this and have improved their security accordingly and fully support the police in their efforts to resolve this issue. She reported that due to ongoing surveillance an arrest had now been made. She also reported that there had been an incident of racial graffiti but this had now been resolved and the offender had received a reprimand. Chairman thanked them for all of their support and prompt attention to these issues.

Richard Ginn attended on behalf of the “Village Day” co-ordinators and gave a brief update on the forthcoming events for 22nd May. Chairman thanked him for his time and it was suggested that instead of a Parish Council attending their meetings that he attends our next meetings to update us further, which he agreed to do.

MINUTES

070/10 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

071/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Fowler, by reason of illness and Cllr Joseph due to work commitments. All agreed

Cllr Joseph joined the meeting at from item 087/10 onwards at 9.15pm Noted

072/10 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

A personal interest was registered by Cllr Nobbs for allotment items Noted

073/10 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2010, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Proposed Cllr Southworth, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed

074/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES None

075/10 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Chairman welcomed Cllr Roberts to the meeting and invited him to speak on current issues. He reported that the rise for the budget for HCC had been set at 0%, DBC 2.5%, police 3.5%. He reported that an extra 6.3m had been given to assist the winter recovery programme for the roads and Adult Care, Child services and Roads had been allocated a further £20m. Still lots of work to do for road and requested that all pot hole are reported as soon as possible. He confirmed that he was not aware of any issues that would affect CPC receiving their requested budget for 2010/2011 Noted

076/10 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC)

None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE

077/10 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT

A brief report was given on current issues. (Appendix 077/10)

078/10 WAR MEMORIAL

It was reported that due to issues with the weather, the memorial and its report may not be completed this financial year, it was Resolved that all finances relating to payments of the memorial, less the grants to be received, would take place in the financial year 2010/2011, as the funds were agreed to come from reserves there would be no affect on the proposed budget.

Proposed Cllr Sims, seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

079/10 ALLOTMENT RENT REVIEW

It was proposed to forward a previously circulated draft letter and financial papers to the tenants as confirmation the Council’s previous decision at the March meeting to increase the rents to £30 full plot and £15 half plot. These rents should provide a revenue neutral position including a prudent, small reserve to cover unexpected expenditure required during the year. A review will take place in Jan 2011 to monitor the spending. However after discussion relating to the wording of revenue neutral and the amount of reserves, it was identified that draft supporting figures were incorrect and would need to be reviewed by F&GP to ensure that the correct financial papers in a clear format are forwarded to tenants, as agreed at their AGM in November. F&GP to create the correct financial papers for recommendation at the next Council meeting. The release of the “Notice” letter to be held until after next meeting when figures and letter can be reviewed together. All agreed

It was confirmed that the previous decision in March could not be rescinded within 6 months, as per standing orders item 17a Noted

080/10 VILLAGE DAY

A request had been received to allow a “balloon ride” to take place on the Common (exact location to be discussed and confirmed through a site visit) as part of the “Village Day 22nd May” to will run from 9am – 1pm, tickets will be mainly sold in advance at £5 each, 4 in a basket so £20 a basket. People can be offered a time slot, rather than a specific time. There will be a photographer who will go up in the balloon and take pictures (and charge) for them so people can have pictures of their house and themselves in a balloon. The balloon will be tethered to 3 vehicles and the balloon company require an area the size of half a football pitch to carry out the event. After discussions it was agreed to support this request in principle and subject to suitable safety guarantees,, CPC now require the organisers take this matter to the next stage and contact Claire Covington @ Dacorum Borough Council to make a formal request, i.e. risk assessments, insurance etc. Once complete CPC will liaise with DBC further i.e. a site visit needed by all parties to ensure safety. Also requested was a classic car rally including rides in the cars to be started and finished on the Common. Again further information is required as to the likely numbers attending, risk assessments, insurance re rides, Police attendance, marshalling etc, as Chipperfield is very limited to car parking and can and will become gridlocked very easily. It was agreed by all that this day was a good opportunity for the communities to join together and CPC are happy to consider reasonable requests for support.

Proposed Cllr Sims (CPC village day liaison), seconded Cllr Anson, (reserve) All agreed

081/10 VILLAGE DIARY

It was reported that the village diary facility appears to be fully functional and Chairman thanked Richard Edwards for bringing the suggestion to fruition. Clerk confirmed she had used this facility to check any events that may affect “Village Day” and confirmed that each organisation has access and is encouraged to place details on the website.

082/10 LOCAL SHOPS

A report due on this item next month due to the mover of this item being absent Noted

083/10 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £ 2,937.95 + expenditure of £1525 & inc of £1525, to cover replacement memorial bench (s111 LGA 1972/s139 LGA 1972) and the donation to the Choral Society (s111 LGA 1972/s145 LGA 1972) on behalf of the “Liz Holliday Memorial fund” + transfer from reserve account of £3,800 to current account to cover payments for March/April, be authorised.

Proposed Cllr Sims, Seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

PLANNING

084/10 PLANNING REPORT

A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 084/10)

085/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS

All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, unless otherwise stated.

04/02093/09/VAR Didsbury Cottages, Chapel Croft Variation of S106 agreement (Amended scheme)

Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council, having originally agreed to these cottages being built on the understanding that they would benefit people with Chipperfield connections, would in light of the current housing market reluctantly agree to the term ‘local connection’ being extended to include residents of the whole of Dacorum Borough . However, in return for permitting the developer virtually open market access for properties, for which he would not have obtained permission originally with this provision, we should like to see some contribution from the developer to compensate for this. We should recommend a figure of 30% of the value being deposited with DBC for use on future projects in Chipperfield.

04/00114/10/MFA Badgerdell Wood, Barnes Lane Continued use of land for recreational paintball

Chipperfield games, including construction of ancillary

buildings

Chipperfield Parish Council objects to this application.

The previous application for the retention of paintball activities (2030/08) was withdrawn when it was learned that there was written evidence of a chalk mine previously on the site and that an archaeological survey of the site would be required before a decision could be reach. This has now been incorporated into this new application, it shows that in all probability that the mine was outside the boundary of the wood so does not impact on the determination of this application. To this end we stand by our previous objection (see below).

In addition we have two further points to highlight, Para 5.17 of the support statement states there are no adjoining rights of way, whereas we are aware that footpath 15 crosses the adjoining field and that we have been made aware that there has allegedly, been an attempt made by persons from the paintballing activity, to prevent a local resident from walking the footpath on one occasion. Secondly, Para 6.9 states that a Woodland Management Plan “can be put in place” without making any commitment to do so.

In summary, we feel it inappropriate that any organisation can acquire a stretch of ancient bluebell woodland with mature trees of ecological value around the perimeter, with possible bat roosts and add metal containers and timber buildings and then allow visitors, who may have no further interest in the area and whose movements can not be restricted due to the nature of the activity, to speed around and destroy any chance of restoring a rich ground of flora and fauna which form part of DBC’s own landscaping strategy for this area.

Previous reply -11th November 2008

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.

04/0117/10/FHA 30 Tower Hill, Chipperfield Single Storey Rear extension (amended scheme)

Chipperfield Parish Council objects to this amended plan. We are aware that his application was to be heard at the DCC meeting on 4th March however, we would like to place our comments on file. The changes to this amended application are limited to the parapet around the flat roof to one side only and to change the shape of the roof lights. None of these proposals address our original objection to the proposed flat roof, which contradicts the Village Design Statement

04/00128/10/FUL Roseacre and Land adj. 91 Storage barn

Scatterdells Lane, Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application. We are aware of a number of neighbour objections to this application. However, we feel the proposed barn would be built of materials sympathetic to the local environment and would not impinge on neighbouring properties or public footpaths. The intended use is appropriate for the owner of a large woodland area however we request a condition that the use of this barn is limited only to woodland management duties for Scatterdells Wood.

04/00130/10/TCA The Old Vicarage, Fell trees

The Common, Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council objects to this application, we are aware this is for our information only we acknowledge that there may be a loss of light due to the current size of this established tree, we believe this only to be in the evening due to its location and distance from the property. The tree is also a feature of the view to the east of the Common. We are also concerned as the tree appears to be in a healthy condition and we therefore request that all other options are sought before the removal of this tree is considered.

04/00136/10/FHA 110 Scatterdells Lane, Conservatory

Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application. The proposed materials appear to match existing and the structure and appearance of the proposed conservatory does not appear to adversely affect the neighbouring properties or environment and is not visible from the road.

4/00334/10/TCA 19 Queen Street Works to trees

Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application, which is for our information only. However we can see no issues arising from this proposal to carry out what appears to be fairly routine works to trees.

086/10 TOWER HILL – NEW ACCESS TO 5 ACRES

It was reported that the owners have been advised that an application is required for the access over Tower Hill and for the sheds. We are expecting them by end March, in time for April’s meeting, if they have not been received CPC with liaise further with DBC and Highways over next stage of enforcement action

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT

087/10 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT

A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 087/10).

088/10 POLY TUNNELS – ALLOTMENT FIELD

Following a request from a tenant over the use of poly tunnels, it was recommended that although they are not visually very attractive, it was felt that poly tunnels represent a good way of increasing plot-holders’ productivity and probably increase the chances that a plot will be well maintained. It was Resolved to adopt the following policy and amend the Allotment T&C’s for new tenants and implement policy during this allotment year. T&C’s to be updated Oct 2010:-

1. Poly tunnel should not be higher than 6ft at the highest point, i.e. walk in.

2 The poly tunnel must be kept in good repair with no flapping plastic sheeting.

3. The poly tunnel should be positioned so as to avoid shading the neighbouring plots.

4. Allotment plots or poly tunnels must not be used for commercial gardening of any sort.

5. “Length” of tunnel should be limited to one plot length (not two end to end)”.

089/10 RANGERS TRAINING

It was reported that the Ranger had now competed the PA1 and PA6 practical and theory sections of the pesticide training and application course. He is now fully qualified to “weed kill” the allotment field. Ranger to programme spraying for March/April. Chairman wished to thank the Ranger for his hard work and support to carryout this training for the benefit of Chipperfield. All agreed

090/10 APM REPORT

Chairman thanked the Council for their prompt response in producing the relevant report items for insertion into the APM report to (circulated at the meeting), to be issued with the April edition of the Chipp News. It was Resolved to adopt this report as an accurate reflection of the work of the Council for 2009/2010

Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Southworth All agreed

Chairman reported that ,as in the last two years, a projector was being hired for use at the meeting and all group leaders are requested to utilise this facility and give a verbal report at the meeting as it proved successful last year. All agreed

091/10 FRIENDS OF THE CHIPPERFIELD COMMON (FoCC)

It was reported that the Focc was working well and Colin at DBC has produced some dates for working parties to carryout works throughout the village. Councillors are encouraged to attend and ask other residents to assist also. Clerk to place dates on website. Noted

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

092/10 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN

A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 092/10). It was also reported that a new project was running called “Contender AM Box” whereby the police help set up boxing tuition for youths aged 13+ years with the help of the Police schools co-ordinator at Kings Langley secondary school. More information has been requested in order to promote this fully within Chipperfield. Y&E group to investigate the matter further All agreed

093/10 I’M ALIVE

It was reported that this initiative of fitness for teenager was currently running through courses at the secondary schools but more encouragement and support is needed. Y&E group to investigate the matter further All agreed

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT

094/10 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT

A brief verbal report was given on current issues. (Appendix 094/10)

095/10 VILLAGE WELCOME SIGNS

It was reported that 3 no. quotations had now been received and Highways group to make recommendations at next meeting for the signs to be put out for consultation with residents. Clerk has liaised with Herts Highways re permission for installation at the existing 4 sites, further details to be forwarded to them for discussion at the next Herts Highways meeting in March. Noted

096/10 ROAD SURFACES

It was confirmed that due to time constraints not all the current damage to the road surfaces have been reported to Herts Highway by CPC Highways Group, and it was requested that Councillors continue to report them as appropriate and encourage residents also, to ensure all are reported as soon as practicable. All agreed

097/10 CORRESPONDENCE

None

098/10 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS

APM

Grant Allocations

Local shops

099/10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is Wednesday 7th April 2010 @ 7.30, The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0100/10 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 0101/10 the agenda of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

0101/10STAFF REVIEW

It was reported that the Clerk has successfully completed her staff review for 2009/2010. It was also confirmed that for 6 months she would be acting as locum clerk to Sarratt Parish Council to cover maternity leave. It was confirmed that there would be no conflict of interest and this liaison may assist both Councils. Chairman wished the Clerk success. . All agreed

Meeting ended at 9.50pm