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HELD ON 21st
AUGUST 2006
PRESENT:
Chairman Mr. C.
Wilkins
Councillors Mrs
V. Marshall
Mr. T. Charles
Mr. F. Pearman
Mrs. G. Lines
Mrs F. Chambers
Mrs M. Marr
Mrs L. Carrington-Brown
In Attendance
Mrs. L. Chambers Clerk
ITEM 1 Apologies
for absence District Councillor
Jackson
ITEM 2 Minutes of
the last meeting on 19th June 2006 were agreed and signed as correct
ITEM 3 Matters
arising
The
Clerk reported that the Goal Posts had now been installed at the Turkey Farm.
ITEM 4 Ongoing
items:
4.1 Playareas
& Equipment The annual RoSPA inspection was due to take place in August.
The
Chairman reported that some maintenance and repair work was needed on the
Burnham Green Play equipment
Action: The Clerk to arrange for repairs to be done.
4.2 Highways The Clerk reported that
she had been notified that Highways were putting in a planning application for
some major road alterations on the A602 near
Councillors
Charles and Mrs Carrington-Brown raised the issue of the erection of the fence
at the dwelling in
4.3 Parish Design
Statement Work
is ongoing and a further report will be given next month. Councillor Charles
reported that the Datchworth Society would like to arrange for Tony Stowe and
an EHC representative to come and address their meeting in November. Action: Councillor Charles to liaise with
representatives to arrange meeting.
4.4 Tree Survey The next stage was to
arrange phase two of the work in the autumn, at which time Mr Emms work will be
included. The Clerk said that she had received a letter from Mr& Mrs
Packman enquiring about when their trees will be dealt with. Councillor Charles
will check to see if they are included in the next phase. Action: Councillor Charles to check whether
the trees at 36 Datchworth Green are included in phase 2, and to arrange for
the next phase of the work to be undertaken.
45 Sports Club The meeting referred to
last month, took place and was very useful. A summary will appear in the Parish
Magazine.
ITEM
5. Planning
14th
June to 19th Aug 2006
New Applications
3/06/1029/FP/CD Hollybush House. First
floor and two ground floor extensions
3/06/1065/FP/CD
3/06/1064/FP/JS 12 Foldingshott. Single
storey side extension
3/06/1121/FP/CD
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3/06/1187/LB/GH The Tilbury. Listed
building consent for the re-introduction of doorway between bars
3/06/1197/FP/JS All Saints School. New
external lobby and internal changes
3/06/1229/FP/JS Hawkins Grange Farm.
Garden shed.
3/06/1224/FP/JS 1 Purcell Close. Double
storey front extension
3/06/1257/FP/JS
3/06/1263/FP/CD
3/06/1340/FP/GH
3/06/1400/FP/JS
3/06/1472/FP/GH
Opposite
3/06/1358/FP/GH
Applications Refused Permission (by EHDC)
3/06/0795/FP/JS
3/06/0847/FP/CP Adjacent 56 Datchworth
Green. New house. Contrary to local planning policy in respect of the
Metropolitan Green Belt, excessive in size and scale, not in character of
surrounding properties, poor level of amenity for No 56
3/06/1029/FP/CD Hollybush House. First
floor and two ground floor extensions
Size, bulk form and unsympathetic design
detrimental to character and appearance of the original dwelling
3/06/1065/FP/CD
Size, scale, bulk and form unsympathetic
to character and appearance of the original dwelling and contrary to planning
policy.
Applications Granted Permission (by EHDC)
3/06/0807/FP/SD
3/06/0938/FP/SD Rose cottage Datchworth
Green. First floor side extension
3/06/1064/FP/JS 12 Foldingshott. Single
storey side extension
3/06/1187/LB/GH The Tilbury. Listed
building consent for the re-introduction of doorway between bars
Appeal Dismissed
3/05/0929/FP
Lodge Farm The Chairman reported that
he had been in contact with Welwyn&Hatfield Council concerning this
development. After investigation with the Enforcement Officer, all necessary
permissions had been obtained. The Chairman said that Datchworth PC had asked
to be included in the Planning process as it affected Burnham Green, but this
did not appear to have been done.
Action: The Clerk to write to Welwyn & Hatfield District Council to ask to
be included in the Planning process
ITEM
6.1 Audit Report
The Clerk circulated copies of the
Internal Audit report. The Internal Auditor had found that there is adequate
expenditure approval process and a satisfactory record keeping system within
the Council to ensure financial control during the year. He had, however made
several recommendations:
1. Quarterly budget comparisons should be
made. After discussion it was agreed that half yearly would be adequate.
2. Keep copies of quotes with purchase
orders agreed
3. A system of Purchase orders
instigated, in line with rule 10 of the Financial Regulations agreed
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4. Insurance Cover independent quotes
to be obtained every two to three years. In reality this is very difficult as
there are only two manufacturers of the appropriate play equipment at the
moment, and a lot of the equipment is no longer made, so like for like is
impossible.
Likewise with the Policy itself, there is
only one provider endorsed by the NALC. However the Clerk agreed she would contact
the HAPTC to see if they had any advice. Action:
the Clerk to contact HAPTC
5. Fixed Asset Ledger The Auditor can
supply a template to show additions and disposals within the ledger.
6 2.5% Consolidated Stock the Clerk to
investigate the disposal of this stock agreed.
7. VAT to be discussed at the next
meeting
8. Asset Title Deeds Councillor Mrs
Marshall said these were held by the Solicitor. It was agreed that the Clerk
should contact Brignalls and request a copy of the register of Documents held
by Brignalls. Action: the Clerk to
contact Brignalls
9. The Risk Assessment questionnaire
should be completed in time for the internal audit agreed
The Clerk said that increasingly there
was more paperwork and documentation that needed storing. The PC used to have a
cupboard at the Village Hall but this had been taken over by the Guide. There
was a cupboard behind the bar that was used but this was full of archive
material. There followed a long discussion about where documents and paperwork
can be stored. The Chairman said he will speak to the Village Hall Chairman to
see if some storage can be found.
Action: The Chairman to speak to Ian Walker.
The Audit was accepted and the external
Audit form signed.
ITEM
6.2 Risk Assessment report.
The Clerk reported that there were two
areas of concern on the Risk Assessment report:
1. Welches Green a post needed
replacing. Action: Clerk to contact the
Footpaths Dept.
2. The Grass Contractors had not provided
a copy of their Risk Assessment Policy. After discussion it was agreed that the
PC should attempt to obtain on to provide for the Contractor. Action: The Clerk to contact HAPTC to see
if they have a model copy.
The report was then circulated and signed
by all Councillors present.
ITEM 7
Highways Traffic Survey report
The Traffic Report provided by Highways was discussed. After going through the report item by item and a long discussion, it was finally agreed that the PC should object to all of the recommendations except:
Bury Lane existing/protruding kerbstones to be laid flush with carriageway
Bury
The changing of speed limits around the lanes was unnecessary as it is impossible to drive faster than 30mph. The provision of the gateways features is a good idea in principle but Highways are unable to maintain the existing gateways which were installed as a traffic calming feature originally, and have been without Datchworth name plates for a long time, or have inappropriate sized nameplates.
The Clerk reported the request from the Pre-School. After discussion it was agreed to refuse this request as it was felt unnecessary to install another sign at the entrance to the Village Hall. It was
suggested that a name sign could be put on the outside of
the Village Hall. Action: Clerk to reply
to the request
Hertfordshire Constabulary Request for help with catching Speeding vehicles
PC to make no response at this time.
June & Brian Packman Trees on Datchworth Green
To be reviewed by Councillor
Charles
Aston Parish Council
Suggested date for meeting -25/9/06
Councillors Mrs Marshall, Mrs Chambers and the Chairman will attend the meeting with Aston Parish Council, and Councillor Pearman will act as reserve. The meeting is on 25/9/06 at 8pm.
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Jane Walker (email)
Permission to use
The Chairman explained the request from Jane Walker to use diagrams
from
HCC Footpath outside Wally Emms House
The Chairman
explained the issues that had been raised by Mr Emms concerning the footpath
outside his house. After discussion it was agreed that County Councillor
Hammond should be informed of the problem. Action:
The Clerk to write to County Councillor Hammond.
HAPTC Response re legal situation of Lease at Burnham Green
The response from the HAPTC concerning the Burnham Green lease was discussed and it was agreed to take no further action until there is some communication from Herts County Council.
EHC Electoral Register canvassers required
Noted.
Noted.
The Datchworth Society Parking on Footpaths at Datchworth Green
The view of the Datchworth Society on Parking on Footpaths was noted.
EHC New Dog Control Orders in EH
Noted.
Nick Collingridge Submission to Highways re: Speed Limit at Mardleybury
Noted.
Clerk Report
The Clerk raised the issue of the Notice Board at Burnham
Green. Councillor Mrs Chambers asked what the budget was and it was agreed
£250. Councillor Mrs Chambers will make enquiries. Action: Councillor Mrs Chambers to make enquiries about a notice
board.
Mr Adams, the Litter Picker had asked if a new wheelie bin
could be placed at Burnham Green Village Hall. The Clerk said she thought the
request should come from the BG Village Hall Committee. Action: The Chairman to liaise with the Burnham Green Village Hall
Committee.
ITEM 8 Councillors
Reports
The Chairman raised concerns about the state of the area surrounding what used to be the Duck. After discussion it was agreed that it was private land and there was little that could be done. Any residents that are concerned should contact the Enforcement Officer.
Councillor Mrs Carrington-Brown said she had been asked by
horse riders if they could access the bridle paths via the Access road instead
of their normal route up the
ITEM 9. District Councillors Report There was no report.
ITEM 10. Financial
Report
Income:
Datchworth Sports
Club Car Park Rent - £63.37
EHC Litter Picker
- £1344.20
Datchworth Bowls
Club - £76.17
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Mr Winsley Leased
Land Rent - £50.00
Outgoings:
Cheque Number 165 John Wallace Car Park rent - £63.37
166 Mrs L. Chambers Goal Posts - £579.00
167 Chas. Lowe - £106.38
168
169 J. Adams Litter - £101
170 Mrs L. Chambers salary & Expenses (two months) - £481.01
Bank Balances Cheque Account - £1831.57
Savings Account - £16390.43
ITEM 11 Benefits and
Concerns
Although it had been two months since the last meeting, which meant there was a lot on the Agenda, the meeting had been kept to a reasonable length of time and a lot of business had been done.
ITEM 12 Date of Next Meeting: 18th September 2006
The meeting closed 9.45pm