Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 13th September 2010 at 7.30pm

Present MW Bradshaw – Chairman, N Cronin and D Nobbs

Meeting started at 7.30 prompt

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Public Participation – No police attendance this month but crime figures for August were forwarded as follows:-

Dwelling burglary 0 Burglary other 1 Theft from Motor Vehicle 0

Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 Damage 2 Other crimes (incl, drugs/harassment) 0

Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0

MINUTES

0275/10 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

0276/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Joseph, Cllr Fowler and Cllr Anson by reason of holiday and Cllr Gruselle by reason of a charity event. All agreed

0277/10 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

A personal interest was received from Cllr Nobbs for all matters relating to the Allotments. Noted

0278/10 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on August 9th July 2010, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Cronin All agreed

0279/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES None

0280/10 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR

The Chairman welcomed Cllr Roberts to the meeting. He reported that he supports any initiatives that support more community involvement and the Friends of Chipperfield Common is a good example of residents working together.

0281/10 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC). None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE

0282/10 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT

Clerk confirmed the financial information required for the Allotment P&L had been forwarded to F&GP, report to follow. It was reported that the telephone box on the Common was in need of re-painting, Clerk to liaise with DBC to confirm the current issue regarding Listed Building status. Noted

0283/10 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £1,989.19 be paid

Proposed Cllr Nobbs and Seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

0284/10 LOCAL REFERENDUM TO VETO EXCESSIVE COUNCIL TAX INCREASES

It was agreed to retrospectively accept the Council’s reply to this consultation

Proposed Cllr Cronin, seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0285/10 POLICE – STREET BRIEFING

It was reported that the police had responded to our previous concerns over reducing their attendance at Council meetings. After discussions it was agreed to monitor the situation at both our meeting and the street briefing to ensure the residents have appropriate access to our local officers. All agreed

0286/10 CHIPPERFIELD NEWS

Clerk circulated the recently completed “memorandum of agreement” received from Chipp News, for the Council’s authorisation. This was produced after they requested Council’s permission to create a grant system for local organisations to re-allocate any profit made by Chipp News. After discussion it was agreed to sign the document and send a further letter highlighting the need to keep the conversation open regarding a combined grant allocation agreement and for Chipp News to consider their increased use of the website. All agreed

0287/10 COUNCIL SALARY REVIEWS

After discussion it was agreed to monitor the ongoing conversations between NALC and the Government on staff pay increases for 2010/11. All agreed

0288/10 HERTFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL’S (HAPTC)

It was reported that HAPTC had recently elected a new Chairman who wishes them to move in a more unified way. To this end a meeting has been arranged with the leader of Herts. CC to discuss the Parish and Town Council’s current and further role within the Pathfinder tier of local government. Cllr Roberts confirmed that the Pathfinder is still relevant and ongoing and Town and Parish Councils are still considered as the next level of local government and there are no plans to exclude them. Noted

PLANNING

0289/10 PLANNING REPORT

A brief verbal report was given on planning issues. The issue of Enforcement at the Two Brewers was discussed as it was over a year since enforcement were asked to investigate changes at the property and although breeches were confirmed no further action had taken place. Cllr Roberts confirmed he would take the matter further with them Noted

0290/10 PLANNING OBLIGATIONS – CONSULTATION

After discussion it was agreed to accept the recommend reply to consultation, subject to a new minor points we agree with the level of contributions offered. All agreed

0291/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS

To consider any comments to be returned to DBC on the following planning applications:-

04/01323/10/FHA Glen Lodge, Megg Lane, Chipperfield Detached garage and extension to existing

balcony and Decking

Chipperfield Parish Council objects to this application.

The applicant is requesting special circumstances to justify a further extension to a property that has already been extended to well beyond the increase of 30% for building within the Green belt. This happens in a number of instances where a developer extends a property up to or above the 30% limit then subsequently asks for a garage, the need for which had been previously omitted or forgotten. We believe the Design and access statement is incorrect in stating that “it is only the position of the garage that requires this application to need planning permission” we are aware it is still required as the proposal is over 4 metres in height. We feel the proposal is over development for this site and therefore object.

04/01376/10/FUL 1 Chapel Croft, Chipperfield Conversion of rear storage building to 1 bed

dwelling with Parking

Chipperfield Parish Council objects to this application.

The existing storage building is one of little character and in no way contributes to the general nature of the Chipperfield Conservation area also this proposal too slavishly follows the form of this undistinguished building. DBC Planning Policy 120 requires that schemes for development in conservation areas should “use materials and adopt design details which are traditional to the area and complement its character” A single storey, flat roofed building with roof-lights without any amenity space, does not fulfil this requirement and is contrary to the Chipperfield Village Design Statement. There is also a concern that in the current housing market, noticeable within the immediate locality of this proposal, that the need for this size of dwelling with or without any amenities is not appropriate at the current time

04/01478/10/TCA The Vicarage, The Street, Chipperfield Works to trees

Chipperfied Parish Council has no comments to make on this application

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT

0292/10 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT

Cllr Roberts reported that there will be a definitive answer to the issue of gritting from grit bins and the Parishes liability. Clerk confirmed some Parishes are told they are insured to allow staff to put grit on pavements for residents and other areas are not. Noted

0293/10 VILLAGE WELCOME SIGNS

It was reported that quotation had been received for the replacement of 4 new village welcome signs, however because the land is Herts. Highways they have to complete the installation and a current quotation stands at £4,000 (may be lower dependant upon road closure etc). The Council felt this was unacceptable and considered the option of fewer signs. Cllr Roberts reported he would look into the possibility of grants and would speak to Herts. Highways re, amended quotes. All agreed

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT

0294/10 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT

It was reported that the signs for the burial mounds are ready for installation, however it was agreed that DBC need to clear the overgrown area before the signs are installed All agreed

0295/10 ALLOTMENT CLEARANCE

It was confirmed that a quotation was awaited for a lorry to attend the site and remove all non- compostable rubbish. Clerk requested this is co-ordinated with the Ranger as there is further rubbish to be removed from derelict plots current awaiting reallocation. All agreed

It was reported that a quote for £25+vat had been received to maintain the previously cut hedge 2 and part hedge.

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Cronin All agreed

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

0296/10 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN None

0297/10 CORRESPONDENCE None

0298/10 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS – Green Flag – Pole

0299/10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is Monday 11th October @ 7.30 to be held in the Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0300/10 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 an agenda item of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted None