1055
HELD ON 20th
AUGUST 2007
PRESENT:
Chairman – Mr. C.
Wilkins
Councillors – Mrs
V. Marshall
Mrs G. Lines
Mr T. Stowe
Mr. F. Pearman
Mr. T. Charles
Mr. J. Austin
In Attendance –
Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk
Also Present –
Mrs. S. Mitchell - Parishioner
ITEM 1 Apologies
for absence – Councillors Mrs F.
Chambers, A. Brown and District Councillor T. Jackson
ITEM 2 Minutes of the last meeting on 18th July
2007 were agreed and signed as correct.
ITEM 3 Matters
arising –
The
Chairman reported that the article in the Parish Magazine concerning the lack
of attendees at the Annual Parish Meeting had caused him to consider how this
could be addressed in future. After discussion, it was agreed that it was a
symptom of a bigger problem. It was agreed that the Chairman’s report should be
printed in the magazine to try to increase the Parishioners’ awareness of the
PC’s work. Action: The Clerk to
arrange for the printing of the Report in the magazine.
Councillor
Charles reported that he had attended a meeting with the Housing Association,
at Mrs Coleman’s request, to discuss the hedge problem that she had reported at
the APM. EHC had agreed that the hedge was their responsibility but there was
no programme of maintenance in place. This was symptomatic of a wider problem
in that the general maintenance was let down by their team. Action: Councillor Charles will monitor the
situation.
Concern
was expressed about the allocation of vacant properties. Mrs Mitchell detailed
her concerns. It was agreed that District Councillor Jackson should be asked to
arrange a meeting with the Housing Association. Action: Pass concerns to District Councillor Jackson and ask for a
meeting with The Housing Association.
ITEM 4 Ongoing
matters -
4.1 Play areas and
equipment – The
Clerk had obtained three quotes for the improvement to the hard standing on the
Turkey Farm. She highlighted the ‘unsuitable’ for parking proviso on one of the
quotes. After discussion, concern was expressed that the surface could be
damaged if it was driven on once. It was agreed that the three companies should
be asked to re-quote with thicker depths. Action: The Clerk to ask for re-quotes.
It
was agreed to hold decision on this until the problem with cars on the Turkey
Farm had been sorted. In the meantime the Clerk should investigate the
possibility of Grants being available. Action: The Clerk to investigate available Grants.
The
pole at the entrance to the track on the Turkey Farm had been installed and
letters concerning keys had been issued. However the barrier had not been
locked and in the meantime the barrier had been damaged and had now
disappeared. Councillors Mrs Lines and Brown had reported people driving to the
Leisure Plots and Bowls Club on regular occasions. After discussion it was
agreed that all concerned parties should be invited to a meeting to try to
resolve the ongoing problems. The Chairman, Councillors Brown and Charles will
attend on the Parish Council’s behalf. The Clerk to book the Village Hall for 10th
September and write to all Leisure Plot Holders and representatives of the Bowls
Club.
1056
4.2 Highways – Councillor Brown had a
meeting with Raj Goutam and Ian Bishop from Highways and had circulated a
report.
4.3 Parish Design
Statement – Councillor
Stowe reported that there was to be a meeting tomorrow (21st
August). The web questionnaire was complete but work still needed to be done on
the paper version.
4.4 Tree Survey – Nothing to report.
4.5 Sports Club – There was a meeting of the
liaison group tomorrow (21st August).
The
Clerk reported that The Sports Club was requesting permission to hold another
Jazz on The Green event as the last was a complete wash out. Councillor Mrs
Chambers had reported to the Clerk that the stage used at the summer events was
still in place. It was agreed that this was an abuse of the PC’s permissions
and it should be removed immediately, irrespective of the next event. Action: The stage issue to be addressed at
tomorrow’s meeting; the Clerk to write to give permission for the Jazz on the
Green event
4.6 Parish Paths
Partnership – Councillor
Mrs Marshall circulated copies of the art work for the plans, for information.
ITEM
5. Planning
11th July to Aug 21st 2007
New Applications
3/07/1519/FP/JS –
3/07/1537/FP/HS – 8 Abbots Close. Replacement front porch and a part
single, part two storey rear extension
3/07/1646/FP/NB – 1 Raffin Park. Single storey front extension with open
porch, side and rear single storey extensions and raise roof at first floor to
create a pitched roof
Applications
Granted Permission (by EHDC)
3/07/1143/FP/SD
– 54 Nutcroft. First floor rear extension
Applications
Refused Permission (by EHDC)
3/07/1254/FP/CP
– Land adjacent to 56 Datchworth Green. New detached house. Objection on the
grounds that the design is not in keeping with surrounding properties. Refused
on the grounds that the size and form of the development were excessive and
responded poorly to the surrounding properties
Appeals
3/07/0363/FP/GH –
environmental glazed solar hub. New hip to existing roof.
3/06/0469/B – Pound Farm,
3/07/0776/FP/CD –
Appeal Decision
3/06/1229/FP –
Hawkins Grange Farm, garden shed. Appeal allowed. The Inspector considered
“that very special circumstances exist to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt
as a result of inappropriate development”
Councillor Mrs Marshall asked if the PC felt it was appropriate to support the Maytree, at Pound Farm, appeal. After a long discussion it was agreed that it was appropriate that Councillor Mrs Marshall wrote in support of Maytree Developments for the existing level of use.
ITEM 6. Adoption of Revised Code of Conduct
The Clerk explained why this was necessary and circulated new Registrable Interest forms to be completed. She explained that the optional clause 12(2) means that a Councillor who has declared an interest may speak on the subject before leaving the meeting. The adoption of the new Code of Conduct for members including paragraph 12(2) was agreed unanimously, to be effective immediately. Action: The Clerk will notify all the appropriate bodies. Councillors to complete Registrable Interest forms and return to the Clerk as soon as possible.
ITEM 7. Main Items of Correspondence
Mrs Wendy Prowle – CV and application for position of Clerk
1057
After discussion it was agreed to put a closing date of 10th September 2007 on the advert in the Parish magazine for this position. All applications will be considered, and candidates invited for interview after this date.
Peter Hyne – Request for new water main permission
The Clerk is awaiting a response from the Solicitor concerning the obtaining of an ‘easement’ for this. This will be the responsibility of the water company or the contractor installing the Water main, and the expenses will have to be met by the householder.
Sports Club – Request to hold repeat Jazz on the Green
This was agreed.
Stephen Arnold –
Barrier at
Will be addressed at the meeting on 10th September.
Contract Surfacing – Quote for hard area of Turkey Farm
Joe Williams Ground Works - Quote for hard area of Turkey Farm
Home Counties Surfacing – Quote for hard area of Turkey Farm
Requotes to be requested.
Nockolds – Acknowledgement re: Rose Cottage
EHC – Play areas inspection report
The report was past to Councillor Mrs Lines
ITEM
8 Councillors Reports
Councillor Pearman reported that there was likely to be more grass cuts than budgeted for this year, as there has been so much rain.
Councillor Mrs Chambers had sent a written report to the Clerk:
1. The hedges in
2. The Village Hall committee had asked if the PC could make a bigger donation from the precept. She had told then to write to the Clerk to make a case.
3. The light box behind the Village Hall that belongs to the Rugby Club had been vandalised and there were live wires there. The Rugby Club had been informed but no action was taken. Councillor Mrs Chambers had spoken to the Clerk who had reported it to PowerGen as an urgent/dangerous fault.
The Chairman reported that HCC had said that the access road outside Tebbutts did not belong to them, according to a map they had. After a long discussion it was agreed that further investigation should be done, particularly in relation to the recently built properties and any searches that had been done about rights of access. Action: The Chairman to pursue further information.
Residents had raised concerns about anti-social behaviour
located around a caravan at the Garages opposite Wheatcotes. Action: The Clerk to write to the Housing
Association.
ITEM 9. District
Councillor’s report
There was no report as it was holiday time and nothing much has happened. District Councillor Jackson had reported to the Clerk, that due to work commitments, he will be unlikely to attend any meetings between September and the end of the year.
ITEM 10 Financial
Report
In accordance with the Council’s financial regulations, the following transactions were approved
Income:
Datchworth Bowls
Club –£ 93.66 – Water Rates
Sports Club -
£65.81- Car Park Rent
Interest on Deposit
Account - £41.22
DVHMC – 225.00 –
AJ’s invoice
Outgoings:
Cheque Number: 225 – AJ Services for DVHMC –£ 264.37
226 - Andrews Exterior Services - £145.00
227 – Mr J. Adams – Litter - £107.00
228 – Mrs L. Chambers – salary and expenses
–£ 432.52
Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £6042.22
Savings Account - £ 12927.70
The Finance Committee will need to meet next month to do
initial budget figures. It was agreed that they should meet on 24th
September. Action: The Clerk to book the
Village Hall.
ITEM 11 Benefits and
Concerns
1058
The Chairman said the presence of Mrs Mitchell had been a benefit as she was able to convey the problems of accommodation very succinctly
ITEM 13 – Dates of next
meetings
17th September 2007 at 8.00pm – Full Parish Council Meeting
24th September 2007 at 8.00pm – Finance Sub-Committee meeting
10th September 2007 at 8.00pm – Leisure Plot Holders/Bowls Club Meeting
The meeting closed at 9.45pm