1012
HELD ON 18th
SEPTEMBER 2006
PRESENT:
Chairman – Mr. C.
Wilkins
Councillors – Mrs
V. Marshall
Mr. T. Charles
Mr. F. Pearman
Mrs. G. Lines
Mrs M. Marr
Mrs L. Carrington-Brown
Mr. J. Austin
District Councillor A.
Jackson
In Attendance –
Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk
Also present: Mr.
Nick Collingridge
ITEM 1 Apologies
for absence – Councillor Mrs. F.
Chambers
The Chairman invited Mr
Collingridge to speak about Woolmer Green’s experience of the Parish Path
Partnership. He explained about the Partnership, what it involved, distributed
examples of the pamphlets and maps and explained why he felt Datchworth PC should
be involved.
The Chairman thanked Mr
Collingridge for attending, and Mr Collingridge then left the meeting
ITEM 2 Minutes of
the last meeting on 21st August 2006 were agreed and signed as correct
ITEM 3 Matters
arising –
The
Clerk reported that she had arranged for repairs to be done to Burnham Green
play equipment.
The
Clerk had emailed Highways together with a photo, about the fence in
The
Clerk reported that she had written to Welwyn & Hatfield Council about
inclusion in the planning process. She had received a very abrasive call and
the final answer was no, as all planning appears on the web site on a weekly
basis. If Datchworth was to be included it would cost the PC money. Councillor
Charles said he thought the Statement of Community Involvement stipulated that
interested parties should be included in planning submissions. District
Councillor Jackson said he would write to Welwyn & Hatfield on behalf of
Datchworth PC. Action: District
Councillor Jackson to write to Welwyn & Hatfield District Council.
Councillor
Mrs Marshall reported that Paul Marshall had been in contact with Mr Harris the
internal Auditor concerning reclaiming VAT on Village Hall purchases. He had
obtained information from the internet, which had not satisfied Mr Harris; he
has now been in contact with the VAT Dept of H.M.Customs, and had clear
instructions that what the PC is doing is acceptable. All the appropriate
documentation and correspondence will be kept on file for future reference.
The
Clerk had been in contact with Brignalls and had a verbal list of the Title
Deeds held by the firm.
The
Post at Welches Farm had been re-instated by the Footpaths Officer.
The
Chairman reported that a cupboard has been identified for the PC use. It may
need some work, but the first course of action will be to obtain the key. Action: the Chairman to obtain the key
1013
The
Traffic Survey was still causing concern as, after a telephone conversation to
the Clerk, it appeared that Highways were determined to press forward with the
plans. The Clerk reported that Highways had been in contact with the Village
Hall Booking Secretary, but wanted the Hall for free for a public presentation
of the plans. The Chairman said the PC should facilitate the presentation to
show the Villagers views. Action:
The Clerk to contact County Councillor Hammond for the name of the person
trying to organise the presentation.
As
Councillor Mrs Chambers was not present, there was no update on the Burnham
Green notice board. Action: The
Clerk to chase Councillor Mrs Chambers
Burnham
Green Village Hall was reluctant to obtain a wheelie bin as it may affect their
rateable status.
The
Footpath outside Wally Emms’ house – there had been no progress.
ITEM 4 Ongoing
items:
4.1 Playareas
& Equipment – The RoSPA report had still not been received.
4.2 Highways – Nothing to report.
4.3 Parish Design
Statement –
Tony Stowe has asked if he can have a copy of the Electoral Register. The Clerk
explained that she held the Register on behalf of the PC but was not permitted
to give it to anyone else. District Councillor Jackson confirmed this, but said
he would investigate how much information can be given out. Action: District Councillor Jackson to
investigate how much information can be given to the Public.
4.4 Tree Survey – Councillor Charles
suggested that for the next phase, the work should be concentrated on the
Green. This would include the trees between 48 and 50 Datchworth Green and the
work that was needed on the Packman’s trees. The work will cost approx £6000,
which will mean there will be no carry forward for next year. This was seconded
by the Chairman and agreed by all present. The work is due to start in two
weeks time; Councillor Charles will draw up a list of the work that is required
for Gristwood and Toms.
45 Sports Club – The Chairman reported
that there had been significant parking problems last weekend. The number of
cars, whilst in line with the Sports Club predictions, exceeded the capacity of
the Village. There had been a
1.
District Councillor
2.
The PC will state their own view of how many cars is acceptable – this was
agreed at 55 on the road
3.
There needs to be more than 1 steward, at least 2 but preferably 3.
Here
is to be a meeting next week when these issues will be discussed. A plan needs
to be drawn up for parking and passing places, and some agreement with the
Police about cones.
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 –
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
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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
Councillor Mrs Marshall reported that
Councillor Charles and she had attended a Planning Seminar which they found
very helpful and interesting and strongly recommended that if anyone else gets
the opportunity, they should attend.
ITEM
6. Parish Plans Partnership
After Nick Collingridge’s presentation,
it was agreed that this was an attractive idea but concerns were expressed
about the wording of the PC’s responsibilities. It was agreed to invite Tom
Goldsmith, the Footpaths Officer to the next meeting to discuss this. Action: the Clerk to invite Tom Goldsmith.
It was suggested to co-opt someone other
than a Parish Councillor to drive this idea. Councillor Mrs Marr said her
Husband may be interested. Action:
Councillor Mrs Marr to speak to Andrew Marr about taking responsibility for
driving this idea.
ITEM 7 –
Paul Marshall – re: VAT
Andrews Exterior Services – Invoice
Alex Nee, George Wallace & Cameron Thompson – Thanks for Goal Posts
Jameson & Hill}
Foreman Laws}
Nockolds}
AIMS Accountants – Invoice for internal audit
1015
Clerk’ Report
The Clerk reported that she had made enquiries about the value of the 2.5% Consolidated stock. The current price is £58.67 per £100 of stock. It was agreed that this made the stock not worth selling and it was agreed to leave it where it was.
The Clerk had spoken to the resident of The Little House in
The Clerk reminded the Council that the Budget figures will need to be presented next month. The Finance Committee agreed that a meeting should be held on 3rd October.
The Clerk reported that her printer was broken. It was agreed that she should obtain prices for a new one.
ITEM 8 – Councillor’s
Reports
Councillor Mrs Carrington Brown said it was time for the next phase of the hedge work on the Turkey Farm and asked if she should carry it out; this should need about £40. This was agreed.
Councillor Mrs Lines said that there had been some damage to
the fences in the
ITEM 9. District
Councillor’s Report
District Councillor Jackson reported that the District Council were working to a Council Tax increase of less than 5%.
A corporate DVD has been produced which he is happy to
arrange for the PC to see next month – this was agreed to. Action: District Councillor Jackson to arrange for viewing of DVD.
He also reported that Leisure Facilities were under constant review.
Councillor Pearman asked a question about EHC’s attitude to fly-tipping. There followed a discussion about this issue. Councillor Jackson stated that EHC would charge landowners for removing rubbish from tipping in future, due to a change in legislation.
ITEM 10. Financial
Report
Income:
EDF Energy –
Wayleaves Payment - £46.00
Outgoings:
Cheque Number 171 – Andrews Exterior Services - £60.00
172 – D. Overman - £10 – Maintenance on Play area
173 – AIMS Accountants - £152.75 – Internal Audit fee
174 – D. Adams – £101.00 – Litter
175 – Mrs L. Chambers - £432.37 – Salary and expenses
Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £1345.56
Savings Account - £16437.52
ITEM 11 Benefits and
Concerns
The PC had been very appreciative of the Thank-you letter and chocolates from the Boys, for the Goal Posts.
No concerns were expressed.
ITEM 12 Date of Next Meeting: 16th October 2006
The meeting closed 9.45pm