1
LITTLE G A D D ESD EN parish council
MINUTES OF THEPARISH COUNCIL MEETINGHELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL on
20th November 2017
PLEASE NOTE THAT MINUTES ARE ALSO PUBLISHED ON THE VILLAGE WEB SITE
The meeting commenced at 8.00pm.
Present : Cllrs. Archer, Hargreaves, Heaphy, Hyde,Irving (Chairing the meeting), Kelly, Magson; Alastair Greene (Clerk)and twelve members of the public. County and Borough Councillor Terry Douris attended from 9pm.
Apologies : None
1. FORMALITIES
The attendance register was signed. There were no declarations of interest on items on the agenda.
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record of the meeting and were signed at the end of the meeting.
2. OPEN SESSION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Cllr.Irving asked if anyone wished to raise any matters not already covered in the Agenda. No members of the public wished to speak at that point.
3. REPORTS AND MATTERS ARISING
(a) To receive a report from Hertfordshire Constabulary
The Clerk confirmed he had received a report indicating two residential burglaries had taken place. The Police were not present at the meeting to provide details, however a Councillor advised that thieves had broken into a house in Hudnall Lane and stolen a vehicle later used in a crime in Suffolk.
(b) Milestone Report
Cllr. Irving asked for the support of Councillors in a plan to protect and secure the milestone on Nettleden Road. It was agreed that a price would be obtained for the work for discussion at a future meeting.
(c) Village Hall Improvements Sub Committee report
Cllr. Hyde advised that the Council had submitted applications to the Dacorum Borough Council Community Fund and the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation for support for the Kitchen refurbishment project. Cllr. Irving advised that the Gaddesden Society had pledged £2,500 for which he passed on the Parish Council’s thanks. Together with reserve funds already set aside for the project, he felt that the £17,000 plus vat target was achievable and the works would be carried out possibly at Easter or half term when the pre-school were not using the hall. Virginia Westmacott asked for the works not to be carried out at the same time as the planned Art Club show on 14th April.
(d) Electricity on the Green
The Clerk confirmed that the cabinet was installed and ready for use and that Cllr. Kelly was managing the purchase and testing of the Christmas tree lights.
(e) Christmas Tree and Lights, Funding and arrangements for Carols on the Green.
Cllr Archer thanked Dacorum Borough Council for funding the purchase of the Christmas tree this year and advised that for the purchase of the lights she had launched an appeal to residents for £250 to cover the purchase of the lights. £100 had already been pledged including £60 from ‘In Good Company’ for which the Council were very grateful. It was hoped that the funding gap could be met by individual donations this year as opposed to clubs and societies whom had been major contributors in previous years.
(f) Deer Culling incidents.
Cllr. Heaphy advised that there had beenseveral incidents over the last few weeks where residents had been frightened by the shooting of deer in very close proximity to the public. One of those had been fully documented by a resident direct with the National Trust. Other incidents needed to be documented so that the NT could have meaningful discussions with their contractors. Please pass detailed information to the Clerk so that he can draft a letter with Cllr. Heaphy to go to the NT. Overall it was felt that the notices posted around the Ashridge Estate mentioning ‘Deer Management’ activities failed to explain the potential danger of the shooting that was taking place and much distress could be avoided by making clear when (times of the day) and over what period and more specifically, where, the Deer shooting was taking place.
(g) Consultation on Disqualification of Councillors, Deadline 8th Dec.
Cllr. Magson and Cllr Irving explained that the Government was consulting on the proposal that those on the Sex Offenders Register and those guilty of certain Anti-Social Behaviours should not be permitted to stand as Councillors. Cllr. Irving made a recommendation on the responses required and asked the Council to approve them so that the Clerk could submit them. Cllr. Magson reminded the Councillors of the Nolan Principles that formed part of the Code of Conduct that all Councillors sign up to on joining the Parish Council :-
SELFLESSNESS,
INTEGRITY
OBJECTIVITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
OPENNESS
HONESTY
LEADERSHIP,
She suggested that the principles should be incorporated in the Council’s consultation response.
(h) Local Plan consultation and Brownfield register.Deadline 13th December
Cllr. Irving explained that the response to the Local Plan, which he asked the Planning Group to lead on, was the most important activity for the Parish Council over the next couple of weeks. The Village status and status of designated land was very much under pressure due to the Government’s request for the allocation of landto meet the demand for housing over the plan period. The Planning Group agreed to report back to Councillors after the Town and Parish Conference being hosted by DBC on 24th Nov.
(i) Update on Defibrillators at the pub and at the Sports Pavilion
Cllr. Kelly confirmed that the pub had completed the installation and that a second defibrillator for use only when the Sports Pavilion was open was now available aswell. It was agreed that those two together with the one held by the First responders in the village were considered sufficient cover for the village.
(j) Litter picking volunteers for Hudnall Lane
The Clerk confirmed that there were now volunteers for every month of the year and that he was in the process of distributing equipment to the volunteers.
(k) Dog waste bins.
The Clerk confirmed that two new black bins had been installed by Dacorum Borough Council and would be incorporated into the regular emptying service. One was sited at the back of the Bridgewater Arms Car Park, close to the footpath, the other in the footpath that runs from near to the Bridgewater Arms to Bede Court. It was hoped that the bins and some notices to be erected on the bag dispensers will encourage dog walkers to utilize the bins for dog waste, which is now permitted in all DBC bins.
(l) Lady Marion Alford Memorial Tree felling application and replanting proposal
Cllr. Hyde confirmed that she was working with Ashridge Management College on a proposal to remove the trees from the back of the monument and plant cypresses trees similar to those planted originally there.
(m) Request for funding support from the Chiltern Conservation Board.
It was agreed not to provide financial support to the Board this year.
(n) Parish Meeting dates for 2018 for the diary
The Clerk confirmed the new dates and noted that the January meeting would be the 22nd Jan rather than the usual 3rd Monday of the month, and the March meeting would be 12th March rather than the usual 3rd Monday of the month.
(o) National Trust Tree felling proposal on Prince’s Riding.
Cllr. Heaphy confirmed that the NT planned to reinstate the views of the Bridgewater monument from Ashridge House, which was one of the listed features within the Grade 2* Ashridge Park. This necessitated taking out c. 40 trees and the NT were currently getting approvals from the appropriate authorities and to do clearance work over a five year felling licence period. Cllr. Irving said that whilst the NT would carry out the necessary statutory processes, he felt that they needed to liaise better with the local residents on such matters.
Items brought forward from previous meetings
Conservation Area Character Appraisals – It was agreed to press DBC for a timetable.
Safe Route to school Hudnall Lane – Bring forward when there is further news.
Crossing the road at Ringshall – Investigate what improvements could be done to help. It was acknowledged that the footpath condition was poor on the Bucks. side of the County border.
Ringshall Flooding from the Ling car park- County Engineer and Parish Council to encourage NT to do the works to reduce storm water flow into Beacon Road.
Threat of Flooding near Gatesdene Close entrance/Nettleden Road – Monitor
4. ADMINISTRATION
Correspondence not already covered above and that requires action by the Council
The Clerk advised he had received a number of items of correspondence which he summarised as follows:-
Jim Townsend asked that the September minutes be clarified by stating that he had mentioned that advertising boards should be removed by 14 days after an event and should not be erected more than 28 days prior to an event.
Rob Irving noted that there had been a general issue regarding the proliferation of boards of various sorts, election boards, estate agents boards, boards advertising commercial events like the Fashion Show and of course contractors boards and herecommended that the Clerk drafts a policy/guidelinesfor how to manage them, for consultation and sign off by Councillors at a future meeting.
The Clerk confirmed he had received notification of the Tree Preservation Order covering the woodland adjacent to Blue Cottage. The woodland had been subject to various auctions over the last year.
The Clerk had received from HAPTC information related to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All councils need to demonstrate their compliance with the government regulation by the 25thMay 2018 deadline. This meant that as a minimum, Councils are required to:
1.Carry out an 'Impact Assessment' of the datasets they are responsible for
2.Identify each of the Data Processors they use, and enter into a written contract with them
3.Review their data security practices and data protection training
4.Appoint an appropriate person to act as their Data Protection Officer on an ongoing basis.
This may have implications for budget setting and may impact on recording information or comments from residents at Parish meetings.
A resident had complained to the CAA about the safety of helicopter movements in the village and was disappointed with the response from the CAA.
The Friends of Little Gaddesden School wrote to say they were holding their Christmas Bazaar on the 2nd December 12-2.30p.m. at the school. They sought approval for an advertising banner on the fence of the playing fields and boards on the Green the week before the event. These had received delegated approval from the Clerk in advance of the meeting.
Hertfordshire County Council's Admission Arrangements 2019/20
Hertfordshire County Council were seeking feedback on proposals to amend the 2019/20 admission arrangements for community/voluntary controlled primary, junior and middle schools, and to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Watton-at-Stone Primary School. The consultation on school admissions arrangements for 2019/20 opens on 20 November 2017 and closes on 5 January 2018. Information about the consultation, and an online response form, can be found on the website at
A request for temporary parking on the Green whilst building works were underway had been made by Mr & Mrs Lawson. Cllr. Archer volunteered to discuss arrangements with them and report to the next meeting.
Finance
a. Chequesapproved:-
The Council approved the following:-
Clerk & Village Hall Manager – Salary & PAYE for Nov
SRT Trading Limited – £220 plus vat – Warden Services (Novinvoice)
MWAgri – £670.50 ex vat Nov invoice
Clerk – Petty cash – £92.94 Dog waste bags plus postcrete & pipe
Lewin Engel (SE Gardens) £200 no vat, Trench for cable on the Green
Hire of Village Hall July and September £66 no vat
Wreath for Remembrance Sunday £25 no vat
G H Electrical (Tring) Ltd – £918 ex vat Installation and commissioning of electrical cabinet
b. Cheques/payments received
LGVH Management Committee - Village Hall Manager salary
In Good Company £60 donation for the Christmas tree lights
Contribution from the Gaddesden Society towards the electrical cabinet installation for £353.16
PLANNING SCHEDULE - CURRENT APPLICATIONS(status at 20th November, 2017)
(Red text show changes since previous meeting)
BLUE COTTAGE, RINGSHALL ROAD, RINGSHALL, BERKHAMSTED, HP4 1ND. WORKS TO TREES. 4/03305/15/TCA.No objection from LGPC, DBC decision awaited
27 NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH, CONNECT ANNEX BUILDING TO MAIN HOUSE, INTERNAL ALTERATIONS TO LISTED BUILDING ANNEX, CONVERSION OF FIRST FLOOR FLAT ROOF TO PITCHED GABLE, INSTALLATION OF REAR FACING DORMER TO ALLOW ROOF CONVERSION. 4/01249/17/FHA4/01250/17/LBC. No objection from LGPC, Granted by DBC
WITCHCRAFT HILL, RINGSHALL DRIVE. CONSTRUCTION OF GARDEN MACHINERY STORE AND HORSE FEED STORAGE AREA. 4/01065/17/FUL. Objection from LGBC,DBC reviewing
11 RINGSHALL ROAD, RINGSHALL,LIKE-FOR-LIKE REPLACEMENT FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS AND FRONT DOOR. 4/01867/17/LBC. No objection from LGPC,Granted by DBC
ST PETER AND ST PAUL, CHURCH ROAD, EXTENSION OF EXISTING SINGLE STOREY VESTRY BUILDING ADJACENT TO THE CHURCH. EXTENSION OF LINK BETWEEN VESTRY AND CHURCH BUILDINGS. CONSTRUCTION OF GLAZED ROOF AND WEST END WALL. PARTIAL GLAZING TO EAST END WALL OF LINK AREA. 4/02048/17/FUL & 4/02049/17/LBC No objection from LGPC. Decision awaited by DBC
JOHN O GADDESDEN HOUSE, 29 NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH, SINGLE STOREY SIDE AND FRONT EXTENSION AND LOFT CONVERSION, 4/02280/17/FHA4/02281/17/LBCSupported by LGPC,DBC decision awaited
JOHN O GADDESDEN HOUSE, WORKS TO HORSE CHESTNUT, ASH, SILVER BIRCH AND SCOTS PINE TREES, 4/02301/17/TCASupported by LGPC, DBC decision - Raise no Objection
1 KINGHAMS MEADOW, HUDNALL LANE. REPLACE 2 KITCHEN WINDOWS WITH HARDWOOD DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS ON NORTH ELEVATION.4/02360/17/LBCSupported by LGPC,Granted by DBC
MANOR YARD, NETTLEDEN ROAD. FELL AND GRIND BLACKTHORN TREE. 4/02506/17/TCA
Supported by LGPC, DBC decision – Raise no Objection
THE OAK HOUSE, DETAILS AS REQUIRED BY CONDITIONS 2 (MATERIALS) AND 3 (LANDSCAPING) ATTACHED TO PLANNING PERMISSION 4/01377/17/FUL (DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION OF A REPLACEMENT DWELLING AND GARAGE BUILDING). 4/02453/17/DRC. Supported by LGPC, DBC decision awaited
24 NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH. CONVERSION OF EXISTING GARAGE AREA TO FORM ONE 1-BED DWELLING, INCLUDING FENESTRATION CHANGES WITHIN EXISTING OPENINGS. 4/02362/17/FUL. Under review by LGPC and DBC.
NB Further amendments dated 2nd Nov to comment on, requires response by 23rd Nov
24 NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH. NEW FIRST FLOOR ACCOMMODATION OVER EXISTING DINING HALL WITH FRONT DORMER WINDOW AND REAR VELUX WINDOWS, ADDITION OF REAR INFIL EXTENSION, FRONT PORCH, AND EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS INCLUDING ALTERATION TO EXISTING DORMER WINDOWS (RESUBMISSION) 4/02361/17/FHA. Submission by LGPC states ‘In the conversation between Louise Archer and the Case Officer Elspeth Palmer the Parish Council were advised that no comment was necessary as the application has been overtaken by amendments to 4/02362/17/FUL. If that is not the case then please refer the matter back to the Parish Council for comment’. Remains under review by DBC
NB Further amendments dated 16th Nov to comment on, requires response by 30th Nov
Additions since last meeting:-
THE SUMMER HOUSE,NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH,WORKS TO T2 IRISH YEW, T3 NORWAY SPRUCE AND G2 WALNUT AND BEECH TREE. 4/02548/17/TCANo objection from LGPC, DBC decision – Raise no Objection.
CHURCH FARM HOUSE, CHURCH ROAD, TWO-STOREY SIDE EXTENSION FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF EXISTING SINGLE-STOREY SIDE CONSERVATORY EXTENSION.4/02592/17/FHALGPC objected, DBC to review.
KILBRACKEN, HUDNALL COMMON. TWO STOREY AND SINGLE STOREY FRONT EXTENSIONS AND FRONT PORCH. 4/02831/17/FHAUnder review by LGPC and DBC
ALDERTON LODGE, ALDERTON DRIVE. TWO STOREY & SINGLE STOREY SIDE/REAR EXTENSIONS, NEW DRIVEWAY, ACCESS AND DETACHED GARAGE. 4/02860/17/FHA.
Under review by LGPC and DBC
1 THE LYE, WORKS TO TREES. 4/02888/17/TPO.Under review by LGPC and DBC
CHRISTMAS HOUSE, NETTLEDEN ROAD NORTH. GARDEN SHED. 4/02883/17/FHA. Under review by LGPC and DBC
FOURWAYS CAR SALES, HUDNALL CORNER. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND REDEVELOPMENT TO CREATE 10 DWELLINGS (CLASS C3) AND OFFICE (CLASS B1) WITH ACCESS OFF HUDNALL LANE (OUTLINE APPLICATION WITH ACCESS, LAYOUT AND SCALE SOUGHT)4/02402/17/MOA. Under review by LGPC and DBC
Information to share / Items for the next meeting
Cllr. Rachel Heaphy confirmed that the Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree on the Green would be at 6pm on Monday 18th December and that the chosen charity this year would be for the Herts Air Ambulance.
Mrs Williams asked whether the Council discussed the Planning proposals at the Parish meeting, Cllr. Archer explained that the Planning Working Group reviewed the applications prior to the Parish Meetings.