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DATCHWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 20th MARCH 2006

AT 8.00pm IN DATCHWORTH VILLAGE HALL

 

PRESENT:

Chairman – Mr. C. Wilkins

Councillors – Mrs. V. Marshall

                        Mr. T. Charles                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                        Mr. F. Pearman

                        Mrs. G. Lines

                        Mrs F. Chambers

                        Mrs L. Carrington-Brown                      

                        Mrs. M. Marr

                        Mr J. Nash

 

                       District-Councillor T. Jackson

 

In Attendance – Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk

 

ITEM 1 Apologies for absence – Councillor Austin.

 

ITEM 2 Minutes of the last meeting on 20th February 2006 were agreed and signed as correct

 

ITEM 3 Matters arising –

Councillor Charles reported that the damage to the Turkey Farm had now been repaired.

District Councillor Jackson reported that he had passed on the comments about the inadequate Planning drawings.

The Clerk reported that Highways had responded to the queries raised last month:

1. Road sweeping – this is carried out by East Herts Council, and is only done on kerbed roads; if the lane is particularly muddy and dangerous, then East Herts should be contacted directly for the matter to be dealt with.

2. Litter along the Watton Road – Again this is the responsibility of East Herts. District Councillor Jackson said he had raised this issue. Action: District Councillor Jackson to follow up.

The Sports Club had written concerning the two issues raised last month. At the moment there is no further action or reply necessary.

Councillor Pearman reported that the damaged fence beside the Village Hall has now been repaired.

ITEM 4 Ongoing items:

4.1 Playareas & Equipment – The play equipment had now been installed at Nutcroft.

4.2 Highways – District Councillor Jackson had emailed Highways about the rapid deterioration of the roads in Datchworth, particularly Brookbridge Lane and Bramfield Road. He reported that work was scheduled to be done, but would monitor progress. Action: District Councillor Jackson to monitor situation.

4.3 Parish Design Statement – The Chairman to approach someone who could lead a design statement working group.

4.4 Tree Survey – This was ongoing

 

ITEM 5. Planning

20th February to 20th March 2006

New Applications

 

3/060300/FP/SD – Swan Hill Barn, R/O 75 Burnham Green Road. Double Garage

3/06/0331/FP/JS – 8 Meadow Close. Single storey small front extension. Single storey rear extension. Loft conversion with dormer window.

3/06/0296/FP/JS – 8 Foldingshott, Single storey rear extension

 

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3/06/0215/FP/SD – 31 Burnham Green Road. 2 storey rear, single storey side extension, new porch and internal alterations

3/06/0252/LB/GH – The Inn Off the Green. 4 replacement signs to front and 1 to side, downlighting from eaves at front, internal alterations, including partial demolition of wall and associated works.

Although not part of this application there is also a proposal to change the name of the pub to The Tin Cow at Datchworth

 

Applications Refused Permission (by EHDC)

 

3/05/2429/FP/SD – Rose Cottage, Datchworth Green. Adjust roof over side elevation to create new bedroom. The proposed extension would be excessive in size in relation to the existing dwelling and out of keeping with its character and that of the area as a whole

3/06/0069.FP/Gh – opp 65-67 Burnham Green Road. New farm access. Site is in a Landscape Conservation Area and access would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area. loss of trees and hedgerow to achieve visibility splay would be excessive

 

Applications Granted Permission (by EHDC)

 

3/06/0035/FP/JS – 65 Brookbridge Lane. Extension and conversion of loft into 1st floor and 5 dormers and porch canopy – amended roof design

3/06/0047/GH - 42 Bury Lane. Single storey rear extension

3/06/0050/FP/SD – 13 Raffin Green Lane. Two storey rear extension (1st floor in roof)

 

Shaded applications still in circulation

 

Councillor Mrs Marshall referred to the suggested change of name at the Inn Off The Green. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Brewery, and copy the Landlord, suggesting that the name is reverted to the Tilbury, or at least stay as it is. Action Clerk to write to Brewery.

 

The Chairman referred to ideas that Burnham Green Village Hall were proposing as a fund raising plan, and declared an interest as a member of the Committee. After discussion it was agreed that research needed to be done to find out if there was a lease, and the final decision would rest on what the lease contained. Subject to the lease, the Parish Council agreed to support the proposal.

 

The Chairman had been approached concerning Swan Hill Barn. District Councillor Jackson had also been contacted. After discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would not object to the proposal.

Councillor Charles had been contacted by a resident at Mardleybury concerning the speed limit along Mardleybury Road between Datchworth and Woolmer Green. He had circulated copies of the correspondence by email. After discussion it was agreed to support the request for a reduced speed limit to be imposed, preferably 30mph but more likely 40mph. Action: The Chairman to write a letter of support

 

ITEM 6 – Main Items of correspondence

HCC – Definitive Maps –

EHC – Invitation to Chairman’s Musical Evening, 8/4/06

Fete Committee – Request for permission to hold Fete on Green – 10/6/06 - Agreed

Hertfordshire Highways – Reply to issues raised at last month’s meeting

Bowls Club – Request to park on basketball court on two occasions (as in previous years) - Agreed

Mrs J. Steer – Copy of letter sent To County Councillor Bryan Hammond

Datchworth Sports Club – Response re: Cricket Score Board        

 

The Clerk reported that she had received a verbal request about the possibility of the Parish Council reclaiming the VAT on behalf of the Bowls Club for their improvements for disabled. Councillor Mrs Marshall said that would not be possible. Councillor Charles said that it was possible that the work may be able to be exempt of VAT as it was disabled access improvements. He was prepared to give advice to the Bowls Club, if required.

 

ITEM 7 – Councillor’s Reports

 

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Councillor Nash reported that the resident of Green End Barn wanted to reinforce the access (Roman) road as the Dust Cart was eroding the Green, when trying to gain access. The work was agreed to make the road a uniform width. The Parish Council are delighted with the initiative to make the improvement. Action: Clerk to write to Resident.

Councillor Mrs Lines reported that the Grass Cutting Contractors had left a mess outside some residences in Nutcroft. Other Councillors commented that there seemed to be some areas only half done. Action: Councillor Pearman to contact Kirkhams, the Grass Contractors.

Councillor Mrs Marshall reported that she had attended the Rural Conference, and recommended that other Councillors should attend next year as it was very informative.

Councillor Mrs Marshall had also attended the Neighbourhood Watch conference; Mr Julian Leach had agreed to act as the new Co-ordinator for Datchworth.

Councillor Mrs Chambers had arranged for two new trees to be planted.

Councillor Mrs Chambers commented on the parking of cars on the grass in Hawkins Hall Lane. This is a persistent ongoing problem which District Councillor Jackson has been involved in before. Action: District Councillor Jackson to investigate.

Councillor Charles reported that the Parish Magazine is to be relaunched with a new editing team.

Councillor Mrs Marr reported that the Resident of Cherry Tree Hall wanted to make some improvements to the access road to his property. It was agreed that he should write to the Council outlining his plans. Action: Councillor Mrs Marr to ask the Resident to write to the Council.

ITEM 8. District- Councillor’s Report

District-Councillor Jackson gave an update on the membership of the Councillor and confirmed he was now the Leader.

He also gave a report on other recent changes to the District Council.

 

ITEM 9. Financial Report

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, the following transactions were approved:

Income:

EHC – Grass Cutting payment - £2452.00

Outgoings:

Cheque Number 145 – Andrews Exterior Services - £235.00 – Tree pruning

                            147 – Big Foot Play Systems - £3033.89 – New Swing at Nutcroft

                            148 – EHDC - £406.74 – Dog bin emptying

                            149 – Andrews Exterior Services - £112.00 – Planting two new trees

                            150 – J. Adams - £101.00 – Litter

                            151 – Mrs L. Chambers - £414.96 – Salary and expenses

 

Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £5316.35

Savings Account - £6226.66                                                           

                      

 

ITEM 11 Benefits and Concerns

The main benefits were the speed with which the business had been dealt with and the presence of District-Councillor Jackson.

There were no concerns expressed.

 

ITEM 12 Date of Next Meeting: 24th April 2006

 

The meeting closed 9.10pm