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HELD ON 16th
APRIL 2007
PRESENT:
Chairman – Mr. C.
Wilkins
Councillors – Mrs
V. Marshall
Mr. T. Charles
Mrs L. Carrington-Brown
Mrs G. Lines
Mr. F. Pearman
Mr. J. Austin
In Attendance –
Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk
Also present: Mr
A. Brown - Parishioner
ITEM 1 Apologies
for absence – Councillors Mrs F.
Chambers, Mrs M. Marr, Mr J. Nash and District Councillor Jackson
ITEM 2 Minutes of
the last meeting on 19th March 2007 were agreed and signed as correct.
ITEM 3 Matters
arising –
The
Clerk reported that she had been in touch with Environmental Health concerning
the Litter Picker and where he left his litter for collection. Environmental
Health were insistent that there should be a wheelie bin for collection. The
Clerk outlined why she felt this was unnecessary and impractical. After
discussion it was agreed to leave the collection arrangements as they were. Action: The Clerk to monitor the collection
by the Refuse Collection Lorry.
The
Clerk had written to Highways concerning the Hedge planted in
ITEM 4.1 Ongoing
items:
4.1 Play areas and
equipment – Nothing
to report.
4.2 Highways – Minutes of the meeting on
19th March had been circulated as well as a map showing existing and
proposed speed limits in the Village. There were several errors in the maps.
After discussion it was agreed that the maps would be corrected and then
circulated for comment. There was no time limit for this. Action: Councillor Charles to correct the
maps and circulate to Councillors for comment.
4.3 Parish Design
Statement – There
is to be a meeting on Thursday (19th April).
4.4 Tree Survey – The removal of ivy had
still not been completed.
4.5 Sports Club – The Chairman reported that
he had been in contact with Rod Leggetter from the Sports Club, and they were
considering the letter sent to them concerning the Lease. They were still
working towards the ‘Newt Window’ for the drainage of the land, and were in
contact with Planning Officers concerning the conditions imposed on the
planning application. Action:
The Chairman to monitor progress.
The
Clerk reported that there had been no response from the Sports Club concerning
the request for parking details for the two functions that were requested last
month. Action: The Clerk to
chase.
4.6 Parish Paths
Partnership – A
grant of £1000 had been obtained for next year, to be used in the production of
the maps. Nothing further to report.
ITEM
5. Planning
17th
March to 6th April 2007
New Applications
3/07/0498/FP/JS
– 6 Raffin Close. Rear conservatory to replace existing
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3/07/0631/FP/HS –
Applications Refused Permission (by EHDC)
3/07/0159/FP/AF –
3/07/0238/FP/JS –
Appeals
3/06/1667/FP/CD – 1a
Van
Hague Garden Company Proposal – Councillor
Charles declared an interest as he was friends with one of the Developers
involved.
This proposal had only recently come to
the attention of Councillors and there had been no contact from Stevenage
Borough Council. A lengthy discussion was held about the main concern which was
safety for the access to the proposed estate. It was agreed that Councillor
Charles would contact John Glanville for advice about the safety aspects. Action: Councillor Charles to contact John
Glanville for advice.
Councillor Pearman suggested an
alternative access which would be much safer. It was agreed that a letter
should be sent to Stevenage Borough Council expressing concern and include the
suggestion. There is an action group being set up at Bragbury End and they
should be copied the PC actions. This was agreed. Action: Councillor Mrs Marshall to write to
ITEM 6. Request for change of Drive on Access Road.
The Clerk outlined the reasons for this request and
circulated a drawing of the proposed change. After discussion it was agreed to
refuse this request, in line with previous practice, as this would set a
precedent which has always been resisted. There was scope for improvements to
the drive access without taking or driving over the Green. Action: the Clerk to write to the Resident.
ITEM
7 Main Items of Correspondence
Steve Arnold – Bowls Club function dates
This request was in line with previous years and agreed. Action: The Clerk to write to Steve Arnold
Highways – Report
of meeting on 16th April
Circulated to those who attended the meeting.
Allianz-Cornhill
Insurance renewal
Peter Hyne – Drive at Rose Cottage
Discussed under Item 6
NALC – revised Model Code of Conduct
The Chairman had looked at this document, which had been
previously circulated for comment. It comes into force on 3rd May
2007, and must be adopted within 6 months. Action:
This will be on the Agenda for the ‘new’ Council to adopt.
EHC – Election results and candidates for District election
There will be no election for the Parish Council as there
were only 7 nominations. It was agreed any decisions about co-opting new
Councillors must be made by the ‘new’ Council in May. The Chairman will report
this in the Magazine. Action: The
Chairman to write a report for the Magazine.
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The Clerk reported that she had received a request for a
bench to be installed at the Turkey Farm in memory of Val Brisley. Councillor
Charles suggested that may be the bench could be put at the School to replace
the one by the gate. It was agreed that this suggestion should be made to Mrs
Brisley’s daughters, but if they were set on the Turkey Farm, then this was agreed
to. Action: The Clerk to inform Mrs
Brisley’s contact of this decision.
The Clerk reported that no decision had been reached on the Pay Scales for Clerks; until a decision was made by the NALC, no pay increase would be implemented.
The Clerk distributed Acceptance of Office Forms and Registrable Interest Forms for completion by the seven Councillors who will make up the new Council. The forms should be returned to the Clerk by the next meeting.
ITEM 8 Councillor’s
Reports
Councillor Charles asked if permission
had been requested for the generator to be placed on Bulls Green. The Clerk
said no; however it seems likely that EDF have a statutory right. It was agreed
that the Clerk should write to EDF to ensure they re-instate the Green, and to
see how long it is likely to be there.
Action: The Clerk to write to EDF.
Councillor Nash had told the Clerk that
he would be arranging for the barrier to be placed across the Turkey Farm in
October. It was agreed that as both Leisure Plot Holders and Bowls club users
were driving across the
This would have been Councillor Nash’s
last meeting and he asked that the Council should be made aware that he had
enjoyed his time and if ever help is needed with Highways, he will be happy to
oblige.
Councillor Austin said the gate to the
ITEM 9– District
Councillor’s Reports
There was no report.
ITEM 10. Financial
Report
In accordance with the Council’s financial regulations, the following transactions were approved
Income:
Interest - £35.58
Bowls Club rent -
£1.00
Leisure Plot rent
for Mr Hurren, Mr Thody, Mr Ansell, Mr Marshall, Mr Shepherd, Mrs Woodland, Mr
Steer, Mr Brown, Mr Kent, Mr McCreanor and Mrs Carrington- Brown - £140.00
Mr Winsley –
Outgoings:
Cheque Number: 207 -Mr
J.Adams – Litter - £107.00
208 - HAPTC – Subs
– £632.57
209 - Allianz-Cornhill –
Insurance Renewal - £1394.28
210 - Mrs L.
Chambers – Salary and expenses – £439.67
Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £2657.95
Savings Account - £13699.60
The Budget/Actual Expenditure figures had been circulated previously. These are the figures that will be presented at the Annual Parish Meeting.
ITEM 11 Benefits and
Concerns
The Chairman welcomed Mr Brown, who will be a Councillor from May. A new Councillor was a benefit.
The major concern was the lack of nominations for an Election.
ITEM 12 Date of Next
Meetings: 14th May 2007 @ 8.00pm – this is one week earlier than
usual and will be the Parish Council AGM.
PC Meeting 18th
June 2007 @ 8.00pm
The Annual Parish Meeting will be 25th June 2007 @ 8.15 pm, in the Small Hall
The meeting closed 9.40 pm