HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON THURSDAY 11TH MARCH 2010 IN KNOWL HILL VILLAGE HALL, BATH ROAD, KNOWL HILL, BERKS
PRESENT:Cllr S Harrington (Chairman)
Cllr J Addiscott
Cllr Mrs S Baker
Cllr D Burfitt
Cllr D Jarvis
Cllr Mrs K McLaren
Cllr T Pratt
Cllr H Sparrow
Cllr C Westacott
Borough Cllr Mrs M Hunt
The Clerk – Mrs C Woodley
Mr P Power, Ms C Morgan – Environment Agency
Mr C Leyland – EA Consultant Arboriculturalist
8 members of the public
033/10. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr G Hill.
034/10. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr S Harrington declared an interest as a neighbour in respect of planning application 10/00270, Burchetts Green House, Burchetts Green Road.
Cllr Mrs K McLaren declared an interest as a friend of the applicant in respect of planning application 10/00274, Red Stocks, Coronation Road, Littlewick Green.
035/10. TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CLERK
Cllr Harrington proposed the confirmation of the appointment of Mrs Cherry Woodley to the post of Clerk, which commenced on 1st March 2010, seconded by Cllr Jarvis. All in favour.
Cllr Harrington then adjourned the meeting to allow members of the public to address the Parish Council.
OPEN FORUM
App. No. 10/00274 – Red Stocks, Coronation Road Littlewick Green
Mrs K Gayter spoke of her objections to this application, as the neighbour whose property borders the
development. She presented photos in support of her objections and was advised to submit her views to
RBWM before the 17th March deadline.
App. No. 10/00270 – Burchetts Green House, Burchetts Green Road
Mr Bill Higgins the applicant advised Councillors that he had sought pre-application advice from RBWM.
The existing stables are not listed like the rest of the property and are not the original stables built on the
same site. It was confirmed that the proposed new garage/store would be 50% higher than the existing
stables.
The Hurley Concessionary Bus
Mr John Gray informed members that he has organized and advertised a public meeting on 26 March at
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7.30pm in Hurley Village Hall and is expecting Theresa May MP to attend. He explained that the purpose
of the meeting was to discuss the current bus arrangements and get the irregularities of the service sorted
out.
Parking in Hurley
Mr Gavin Roberts had presented a report to Councillors outlining his views regarding yellow lines and
marked parking bays in the High Street. Neil Walter RBWM has not yet completed his report but expects to
be able to send it to the Parish Council by 19th March, so it was suggested that Mr Roberts passes his views
to Mr Walter to incorporate them into his report. He had already done so by e mail. There were particular
concerns over proposals to have controlled parking in Shepherds Close which would mean that residents
would have to pay to park outside their own houses.
App. No. 10/00194 – Hurley Lock Island
Mr Paul Power from the Environment Agency thanked Borough Cllr Maureen Hunt and the Parish
Council, for inviting he and his colleagues to the meeting. He outlined the Agency’s recent work on Lock
Island, to include mains drainage and mooring work. The new moorings have replaced ramshackle ones
and added an extra 4 moorings to the original 22. Cllr Burfitt queried why the mooring numbers went
up to 67. Cllr Jarvis commented that more moorings are needed on the Thames but these moorings should
not have been on the banks and are unsightly. Mr Power responded that the Environment Agency had
received a lot of compliments about these moorings.
A recent accident by the new moorings was discussed and safety concerns were raised as to the proximity
of the metalwork of the moorings with the bank. Concerns were not alleviated by an assurance of planting
to fill in these gaps.
The Environment Agency is aiming to have an all week presence on the Island and so plan to improve the
current inadequate facilities on site for visiting lock keepers. They are empowered by the Thames
Conservancy Act and the Water Resources Act as well as the Planning General Development Orders to build
a new facility which, they intend will blend in with the character of the Island. Work is planned to commence
on 4th April for 8 weeks when contractors will come to the site by river and the field on the Hurley side of the
riverbank ( seeking the landowner’s permission). Trees will be “chipped” on site and removed by boat and
then consideration will be given to a replanting scheme. Mr Power assured members that work will not be
done at weekends or during the summer and they would not add to current parking problems with their
contractors’ vehicles. Mr Power promised to take away for consideration, the proposal to stop barbeques on
the Island to help improve the parking congestions causing problems to local residents. Cllr Jarvis,
through the Chair, thanked Mr Power for his report.
Mr C Leyland – EA Consultant Arboriculturalist reported on the survey he carried out on trees on the Island. The trees proposed to be felled constitute 10% of the total tree population on the Island and it is EA policy to plant 2 trees for every tree felled.
Cllr Harrington proposed and it was agreed that Item 038/10 be brought forward for discussion after consideration of the planning applications. The meeting then re-convened.
036/10. TO CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FAST TRACK HOUSEHOLDER APPEAL PROCESS ON THE COUNCIL’S OBJECTION PROCEDURE
Cllr Harrington reported that in future the Parish Council will be notified of Appeals from RBWM but will not be able to comment further on the application under appeal. It is therefore important that when objections are made at application stage, the Parish Council must give a fuller, more comprehensive response.
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037/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:
PlanningRef: /
Current Planning Applications
10/00103(10/02/10) / Work to trees in Conservation Area – to reduce height of one Fir tree to 3m and
cut back branches over neighbouring property and remove branches of one Pear
tree with assoc. maintenance works
LITTLE ORCHARD, CORONATION ROAD, Littlewick Green
Mr David Gilbert
NO OBJECTION – proposed by Cllr D Jarvis, seconded by Cllr S Harrington.
VOTE 7 IN FAVOUR. 1 abstention.
10/00194
(09/02/10) / Work to trees in Conservation Area – to carry out works to trees in the
Hurley Conservation Area for EA maintenance works to 31 trees including felling of
17 trees.
HURLEY LOCK ISLAND, Mill Lane, Hurley
Mr Peter Nardi – Environment Agency
NO OBJECTION – proposed by Cllr D Burfitt, seconded by
Cllr J Addiscott. UNANIMOUS VOTE TO SUPPORT THIS APPLICATION.
10/00223
(11/02/10) / Work to trees in Conservation Area – to crown reduce by 30% and reshape
2 cherry trees, 2 holly trees and 4 ash trees. Trim and reduce by 1m in height
3 Leylandi.
OAKHOUSE 1 PROSPECT PLACE, High Street, Hurley
Mr R Clifton
DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
10/00255
(22/02/10) / Cert. of Lawfulness to determine whether a garage conversion into a studio
with roof alterations and chimney are lawful
ST MARYS HOUSE, HIGH STREET, Hurley
Mr J Janion
NO COMMENT
10/00270
(17/02/10) / Erection of detached Garage/store building following demolition of existing stables
BURCHETTS GREEN HOUSE, Burchetts Green Road, Burchetts Green
Mr W Higgins
NO OBJECTION – 2 proposals. One in support of application proposed by
Cllr J Addiscott, seconded by Cllr D Jarvis. One of objection on grounds
of overdevelopment proposed by Cllr C Westacott, seconded by Cllr Mrs K
McLaren. VOTE IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION 6 TO 2 WITH 1 ABSTENTION.
10/00274
(24/02/10) / Single storey front and side exts. – amendment to approved
planning permission 09/00128/FULL
RED STOCKS, CORONATION ROAD, Littlewick Green
Mr and Mrs D Gray
OBJECTION – proposed by Cllr J Addiscott, seconded by Cllr D Jarvis.
It was agreed VOTE - 8 IN FAVOUR AND 1 ABSTENTION to object to this application on the grounds that Councillors feltthere was no good reason why the previous application 09/00128 should not have been built to the original approved plans, nor why it should now be changed, since the latest plans do not represent with any accuracy, what has already been built. The Parish Council considers this to be un-neighbourly and therefore supports the objections made in a letter to the Borough by Mrs K Gayter of the neighbouring property "Berries" Coronation Road, Littlewick Green.
10/00292
(19/02//10) / New vehicular entrance wall and gates and sound barrier/fence
HURFORD HOUSE, NEW ROAD, Hurley
Mr and s G J Denton
NO OBJECTION – with a proviso that it is ensured that the hedgerow
running alongside the barrier and bordering the public highway, is regularly
maintained, proposed by Cllr J Addiscott, seconded by Cllr D Burfitt.
AGREED UNANIMOUSLY.
10/00345 / Work to fell 6 ash trees, 2 sycamores and 2 Laburnums at THE STUDIO,
SHEPHERDS LANE, Hurley.
Mr J Hannan.
(deferred to Cllr H Sparrow). NO OBJECTION
10/00356 / Work to fell 2 ash trees, 1 birch and 1 walnut reduce etc.and sever ivy on 1 apple tree
At LITTLE NETHERBY, NEW ROAD, Hurley.
Mrs Reddy.
(deferred to Cllr Addiscott) NO OBJECTION but a request to RBWM for reasons to
fell what appears to be a healthy walnut tree.
10/00373 / Work to crown reduce 5 apple trees and reduce 2 yews by 30% at HURLEY
LODGE, MILL LANE, Hurley.
Mr McDowell.
(deferred to Cllr Burfitt). NO OBJECTION.
10/00452 / Work to reduce 1 yew tree to create a topiaried shape at BAG END,
HIGH STREET, Hurley.
Mr M Fry
(deferred to Cllr Addiscott) NO OBJECTION.
Members of the public left the meeting.
No Appeals.
App. No.09/02414 - detached garage at Ladyplace Gate, Hurley – Cllr D Jarvis commented that the Parish Council’s views on this application will be considered on appeal.
App No. 09/02007 – chestnut tree at Church House, High Street, Hurley. Cllr Burfitt reported that this application is being called in to Panel. Cllr Burfitt hopes to attend the Panel meeting on 31st March.
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RBWM PLANNING DECISIONS
Planning Ref: / RBWM Planning Decisions / Borough Decision / Parish Decision09/02705 / Proposed construction of double garage and workshop with link to existing house at ROSEMARY COTTAGE, BOTTLE LANE, Littlewick Green.
Applicant – Mr J Winter / REFUSED. GB1, GB2, GB4, H14 / OBJECTION
10/00092 / Removal of existing bow window and erect new square bay to incorporate porch and roof over at CHANNERS, HIGH STREET, Hurley
Applicant – Mr J Addiscott / GRANTED / NO OBJECTION
10/00116 / Two storey side and rear extension
(amendment to 09/00712) at MOONIK,
CORONATION ROAD, Littlewick
Green
Applicant – Mr R Mustoe / GRANTED / NO OBJECTION
038/10. HURLEY LOCK – VARIOUS ISSUES TO INCLUDE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE
FOOTPATH AND TOILET BLOCK AT LOCK ISLAND, TREES AND PARKING
Concerns were expressed over the bad state of the existing toilet block. Carol Morgan of the Environment Agency reported that the cleaners had now been changed and improvements made. The toilets are cleaned once a week but it was assured that cleaning will increase in the summer months and will be maintained. Ms Morgan also plans to contact RBWM to establish the ownership of the footpaths in order to install webbing on the walkway leading to the toilet block.
Cllr Jarvis asked who was responsible for the long term maintenance of the bridge at Temple and Mr Power replied that the Environment Agency is responsible for 109 bridges including Temple, along the extent of the Thames Path.
Mr Power also informed members that the lock chamber of Hurlock Lock is due to be refurbished during the winter of 2010-2011.
039/10. BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Borough Cllr Mrs M Hunt thanked the Parish Council for allowing her to invite representatives from the Environment Agency
Flooding on the Henley Road
S.E Water has excavated to determine where the leak was but quickly determined the valve and water mains underneath were not the source of the leak. It is now thought to be a burst pipe. Borough Cllr Rayner is bringing pressure to bear in order to remedy this.
Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)
Cllr Mrs Hunt appealed for a representative for Hurley Parish to sit on the Group. Meetings are held
on Mondays in the Odney Club, Cookham but may be moving to Woodlands Park Community Hall.
Unauthorised Gate in Burchetts Green Road
Problems with quad bikes have now arisen.
Caravans near Dell Cottages, Honey Lane
Three caravans are currently in the driveway of one of the cottages and there is a potential access point into
the field alongside the cottages. Cllr Mrs Hunt has spoken to the Enforcement Officers RBWM.
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040/10. CLERK’S REPORT
RBWM – Local Transport Plan Stakeholder Consultation - details available on the Borough website.
Councillors to pass any comments on to the Clerk.
Hurley Play Area – The Dog grid needs to be made more secure to stop dogs continuing to enter. The Clerk will press Kevin Mist RBWM to resolve this.
Honey Lane/Prospect Park Traffic Calming– The Clerk has emailed Cllr Rayner to remind him of the traffic priority.
Honey Lane – Drainage issues, gravel and hedges - The drainage problem in Honey Lane opposite the second entrance to the Crescent of houses – Clerk has emailed S. Brown to ask whether he has visited Honey Lane in the rain as promised, but has as yet had no response
Appeal – Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 – Graham Brewster and Tony Carr RBWM have been emailed re: the entrance sign at the Warrener, but no response has as yet been received.
Hurley Bus Service– The Clerk has sent a letter re: room hire fees. The Borough has commented that the figures for use of the concessionary bus indicate that it is not getting the use that the original request implied and is not therefore value for money. Cllr Mrs M Hunt has indicated that she is therefore no longer prepared to support this bus.
Grundons– The Clerk has written to Phillip Bicknell, the Chairman of the Grundon Liaison Meeting about the change of priority in Star Lane with copies to officers at RBWM. Cllr T Pratt reported that Grundon is drilling bore holes which closes FP42 and should have asked Wokingham Borough Council for a Footpath Closure Order. The Clerk will enquire whether this has happened and include Margaret Bowdery (Ramblers Association) in the matter. Cllr Mrs Baker reported that a large tree had been taken down, along this path and enquiries will include this.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green –The Clerk has asked RBWM for a date when this will be done.
Playbuilder Project – Choseley Road Site. This should be completed on Friday (12th) once Wicksteed representatives have met Cllr Sandra Baker on site to organise the sensory tree planting. RBWM is pressing for a final site inspection next Wednesday 17th with Wicksteed and the Parish Council in attendance. Cllr Sandra Baker suggested hat the Parish Council arranges an Opening Ceremony once the play area is up and running. It was agreed that a retainer should be held in case any planted material needs replacing at a later date.
Dog Bin at Choseley Road– The Clerk will put in a request to RBWM for this once a suitable location is agreed upon.
A4 road markings Cllr Jarvis contacted Phil Jacob RBWM and was informed that there was no budget for red road markings. The matter is therefore on hold.
War Memorial – The Clerk is contacting Mr Tim Aze to inspect the cracks on the board and report back.
Extension of the Chiltern Way into the Berkshire Chilterns– The Clerk has been approached by Richard Booth of the Chiltern Society to discuss plans to extend the Chiltern Way. The Clerk will arrange a meeting with Mr Booth (early May) to discuss this with Councillors.
041/10. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Cllr D Jarvis proposed acceptance of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 11 February 2010, seconded by Cllr J Addiscott. The Minutes were then signed as a true record, by the Chairman.
042/10. FINANCE
Current Payments & Transfers were listed in the Financial Report which was tabled at the meeting
(Appendix A). Approval of the Report was proposed by Cllr D Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Mrs K McLaren.
APPROVED. Cheques were duly signed.
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043/10.AN UPDATE ON FLOODING MEETINGS
Cllr Burfitt reported that Gary Dugmore RBWM has taken over the Flood Officer role from Darren Firth.
A national Environment Agency Consultation has changed the flood boards by indicating flood levels with
two different coloured triangles. This information will be on their website by the end of March. Everyone in
a flood plain is now registered with the EA and will receive a phone call upon a flood warning. There is a new
phone number for the Hurley/Harleford river stretch and residents will need to re-register with the EA.
A new template has been prepared by the EA to show collection points and a list of vulnerable residential and
commercial properties.
Representatives from the Environment Agency left the meeting after this item.
044/10. TO CONSIDER THE REPORT FROM NEIL WALTER RBWM SUBSEQUENT TO THE PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS HURLEY PARKING ISSUES
The report is now expected on 19th March. A provisional meeting has been scheduled for 7.30pm on Tuesday 27th April 2010 in Burchetts Green School.
045/10. LATE CORRESPONDENCE
Snow Clearance – Cllr Westacott is drafting a letter to RBWM which he will circulate to Councillors for comment.