Colney Heath Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Wednesday 8th January 2003

PRESENT Cllr H Falk (In the Chair)

Cllr S Ellis

Cllr D Crump

Cllr J Day

Cllr D Clarke

Cllr G Cloke

Cllr G Brooking

 Cllr C Brazier
IN ATTENDANCE Gill Moody Greenleas, Roestock Lane

Maureen Butler 21 Roestock Gardens

Dennis Becker 95 Colney Heath High Street

Alan Cloke 43, Cutmore Drive

Ann Nash  26 Oaklands Lane

Rita Bushouse  14 Oaklands Lane

Debra Mayhew  Clerk to the Council
1. APOLOGIES

None.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON AGENDA

None.
3. MINUTES

The minutes of the Meeting of 11 December 2002 were signed as a true record of that meeting.
4. CHAIRMAN'S SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

None.
5. URGENT BUSINESS

5.1
Cllr Brooking asked Madam Chair for leave to speak. He reported on the 2002 housing needs report discussed at the 7th January SADC Cabinet meeting. SADC were recommending a 35% affordable homes rate for new developments because of the severe shortage resulting in a large proportion of younger households leaving the area, it showed a 30.4% rise in the over 60-age range. Cllr Brooking asked if Council would support this and Councillors agreed it was important to do this and that when the report /minutes were available it would be discussed further. Clerk believed SADC & CDA are reporting on housing surveys at February Parish Meeting.
6. SPECIAL & NEW BUSINESS

6.1 Renewable energy and the planning system Survey.  The Government Office for the East of England have asked for a survey to be completed taking about 30 minutes by 31 January. Council nominated Cllr Crump to take and complete the survey.

6.2 Verge Problems in Richardson Place.  Cllrs noted letter received from Resident dealt with by a visit from Cllr Cloke.  PC Alan Reynolds is monitoring the situation, as noted last month but `grasscrete’ laid by Highways encourages parking on verges. Cllr Cloke reported that she had spoken to Highways and been advised that the changing of this area in to parking bays is a high priority project and should be done within the next 8 months. Cllr Cloke has advised this to the resident above. The Clerk advised a letter has been sent 6th January to Stuart Walmsley of Highways that included asking what action can be taken – waiting response.

6.3 Hatfield Road Post Office closure. Cllr Brooking reported his concerns over the possible closure of the Post Office.  Although it is in Ashley Ward many residents of Colney Heath use it.  Cllr Brooking asked that the Council support the Post Office. Cllr Brazier advised he had contacted the Post Office Customer Care and although the present owners wish to retire it is not on the list for closure. Council agreed for the Clerk to write to Post Office Customer Care – Glasgow and express the Councils concerns they had been advised it may close and ask for them to confirm it will continue to remain open.

6.4 St Albans City Youth FC.  Cllrs noted written request to use Boissy Park for mini Soccer and deferred discussion to be with Boissy lease under item 15.1.

6.5 St Albans Business Forum Networking and Breakfast Meeting 28 January.   Papers and agenda were available and outlined by the Chair. No Councillor wished to attend but would wait minutes.

6.6 School Bus Passes.   Cllrs noted response received from County Principal Transport Officer advising Herts. is out of step with other Counties who provide no bus pass schemes. Council agreed to forward response to Kerry Pollard M.P. with covering letter advising Council are disappointed with the cost of travel for children and would welcome his views on how this charge could be avoided in the future.

6.7 Wild Life Sites Project.  Members identified possible owners of the sites mentioned in CMS letter and shown on the Map. Clerk to advise CMS information.
7. FINANCE

7.1 Parish Council Accounts. Council received accounts with lists of emergency payments, current accounts for payments, bank statements and moneys received and banked since the meeting on 11 December.
Council resolved to accept the accounts subject to the Clerk amending two erroneous figures and gave the necessary authority including the issue of cheques listed and confirmed the Chairman's action in authorising the signing, out of meeting, of all emergency cheques.

7.2 Audit 2001-2002 - The Audit date was Monday 28 October.
Return sent with enclosures on 14 October to Lubbock Fine to finalize the audit and complete the annual return with the external auditors certificate and opinion. Clerks have posted a notice on one board with copy of return stating the Audit report has not yet been received by due date 31 December. Council asked Clerk to chase auditors for completion date.

7.3
 Special Budget meeting. Thursday 16th January 8pm. 

7.4
 Warren Track Football Pitch.  Invoice for 2002-03 for £100 issued in June – Queens Head not using pitch now based at HSRG advised in their letter 6 August. The Council resolved to cancel the invoice for £100 because not due.

7.5
 Caged Bird Society.  Cllrs noted they have now finished using the Old Air Raid shelter and the equipment stored has been removed.  They are paid up-to-date.
8. PLANNING

8.1 Planning Applications. Councillors considered comments collated by Planning Applications Officer as circulated since the last meeting and resolved to agree comments as made below:
5/02/2328  Smallford Nurseries Hatfield Rd. Erection of glasshouses. Members object to this application.  Hatfield Road at the Oaklands Lane Roundabout and just West of the glasshouses is already subject to flooding due, members believe, to the large amount of water being shed by existing glass houses.  There are also traffic issues affecting both Station Road (the Bridge has a weight restriction) and Hatfield Road.
5/02/2439 Aylesford Sleapshyde Smallford. Demolition of existing and erection of a detached dwelling and garage (re-submission). Members object to this is application as this is Green Belt and   Policy 13 of the District Plan applies. Cllr Crump reminded Cllrs this is in a conservation area.
5/02/2362  Wickes Building Supplies Ltd Acrewood Way. Change of use of part of car park to `outdoor projects centre’. No objection.
5/02/2379 6 Princess Diana Drive. Extension to garage. No objection.
5/02/2303  47 Station Road Smallford.Demolition of rear garage and erection of single storey rear extn. No objection.

8.2
 Appeals and Enforcement Notices. Cllrs received notification of any appeals or enforcement notices issued since the last meeting:
Appeals
Courser's Road.  Council discussed further developments/letters reported by Cllr Brazier. Letter from SADC confirmed Public Enquiry arranged for Tuesday 28th January at 10.00am in SADC Council Chamber – Cllr Brazier will attend and speak, Cllr Brooking advised he will also attend. Letters of observations needed to be received in triplicate to The Planning Inspectorate – Bristol by 10th January. Cllr Brazier had sent a letter listing objections, which Cllrs noted. Public may attend the hearing and at the discretion of the Inspector give their views. The full letter with enclosed statement in support of grounds of appeal by appellant was copied to Cllr Brazier and Cllr Falk. The Public Enquiry is into appeals against two Enforcement Notices issued by SADC. Enforcement Notice 1 is to secure the removal of caravans from the land and cease the use of the land for residential purposes. Enforcement Notice 2 is to: (i) remove the unauthorized deposited hardcore and block paving from the land; (ii) cease the use of the land for depositing of hardcore and block paving; (iii) restore the land to grazing pasture.
See item 22.1 regarding Footpath 33 adjoining Courser’s Road site.
The Injunction Proceedings High Court Master has now referred this matter to be listed before a judge for disposal.  The case is on the warned list for hearing on January 14th but Cllr Brazier advised this would be adjourned until after the hearing.

8.3 Planning Decisions. The Clerk reported that the following planning decisions had been received since the last meeting.
5/02/0648 Two storey side extn 27 Sleapcross Gardens - Smallford Refused
5/02/2075 Two storey side and single storey front extn 76 Tollgate Road – Colney Heath Refused
5/02/1977 Single storey front and rear and two storey side extn
 72 Tollgate Road – Colney Heath Refused
5/02/2062 Two storey side extn to form granny annex (re-submission) 48 Roestock Lane Colney Heath Permitted
5/02/1834 Erection of Agricultural Manager’s dwelling and garage (outline) Radio Nurseries Oaklands Lane Smallford Permitted
5/02/2065LB Display of various signage Three Horseshoes 612 Hatfield Road Smallford Refused

8.4
 Goods Vehicle Licence Application for Smallford Works.  Cllr Crump drew this to the attention of the Office and objections were sent to the Traffic Commissioner (Green Belt site, complaints of noise by residents etc). It should be noted that the Parish Council has no statutory right to make objections.
Cllr Crump asked for the Clerk to chase a response from SADC regarding the nuisance of the white waste vehicles entering/leaving Smallford site at all hours including 4AM.
9. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - 9 to 9.10pm (Council providing refreshments)

Members of the public were invited to raise issues and ask questions while refreshments were served.
Residents from Oaklands raised concerns about the flooding of Oaklands lane and inadequate drainage under the A1057 and will be writing to Stuart Walmsley – Highways. Cllr Falk took notes to follow up. Clerk will contact Rosie Sanderson for support in getting it remedied – see item 22.1.
10. COLNEY HEATH COMMON

10.1 Common Rangers Report from Charlie Nash.  Cllrs noted the monthly report and discussed issues raised or progress on work requested by the Council. Charlie reported on the effects of the recent rainfall and the rotten post and rail fence outside the office, which will need replacing. Council referred the fence to the Budget Meeting.
Oakapple were asked on 14 November to pollard the Willow Trees as agreed – Clerk reminded them and it will be done end of January. Residents have been notified.

10.2 Three Valleys Water Pipeline across the Common.  Ottaway’s have written to confirm they have supplied the necessary Title evidence to Three Valleys’ Solicitor and asked them to prepare the final Deed of Grant for execution by the Council. The fence has been re-instated and will be in place for 1-year.

10.3 Beating of Bounds reported Work. Boundary Posts Notices Royce asked to replace missing/rotten posts and to advise on notice posts. (One post replaced). Notices given to Royce to erect on notice posts – Clerk to chase.

10.4 Monitoring of Transco Pipeline.  Jan Swan has spoken to Transco who consider that after 3 ½ years they have discharged their responsibilities. Council agreed for Clerk to send letter directly to Transco advising Council are disappointed with this response in light of all the delays that have occurred in Transco getting the work done, the treating the weeds has been delayed several times resulting in the need for continued treatment of weeds which have not been dealt with enough within the time frame. Council would like for a meeting with them to discuss this and the report. Cllr Brazier is to ‘see’ the letter before issue by the Clerk for his comments.

10.5
 Fly tipping. Clerk has advised Andrew Robertson SADC and PC Alan Reynolds of fly tipping on Warren Track during November. Alan has replied he will be doing some work on this issue next year. Clerk has asked Andrew for advice about asbestos roofing. Clearway have removed 2nd load for agreed quote – Royce advised some left in ditch and Clerk has confirmed with them to return and pick it up. Council asked for Alan to be contacted to ask what this work will involve and when it will start.
Cllr Brazier reported a car dumped in Wistlea Crescent for the Clerk to chase SADC for removal.
Office has already reported an untaxed VW Passat for removal left in HSRG (SADC advise reported in July then disappeared) and put a notice on a white van asking ‘please remove – private land’ it has been parked for 3 weeks in HSRG. 

10.6
 Warren Track. Charlie has recommended the narrowing of track – Council wish to investigate a gate due to cost of narrowing whole track – Clerk has asked Martin Caddy for advice as requested and he would like to attend the February Meeting to give a report. The Council did not wish for Martin to attend but would like a written report on gating. Clerk to refer to budget meeting gate/fence cost. Clerk reported fire brigade would visit site on 9th January to advise on emergency access through gate.

10.7
 Grass Cutting Contract.  3-year contract expired in October 2002. Tenders issued to a number of contractors & advert in Chronicle & Parish notice boards. Waiting responses -Closing date 31 January 2003.
11. RECREATIONAL AREAS /PARISH GARDENS

11.1 Parish Wardens Report/time sheets from Royce Paxton.  Cllrs noted the monthly report and to discussed any issues raised or progress on work requested by the Council. Royce reported parks are very wet.

11.2 Parish Gardens Report from Hilary Brazier. Cllrs noted the monthly report and discussed any issues raised or progress on work requested by the Council. The Firwood shady bed will be replanted in next years budget.

11.3
 Grass Cutting Contract. 3-year contract expired in October 2002. Tenders issued to a number of contractors & advert in Chronicle & Parish notice boards. Waiting responses -Closing date 31 January 2003.

11.4
 Yearly Inspection of Recreational Areas by independent company. The Council agreed Wicksteed would inspect the play areas accompanied by Royce in December – They have done this - report copied to Cllr Falk and Cllr Crump. The Clerk has closed the swing in Tyttenhanger – Royce has removed the chains and seat and a sign has been put up and Boissy slide rods have been hammered.
Last years inspectors Zurich have without notice of visit sent a report. The Clerk has read through and highlighted and numbered areas requiring action, there are 31 items include raking of bark again all areas, graffiti removal, damaged bars & seats, bench foundations & seats, damaged slide and roof rotting, non- compliance of some equipment, height of seats, too high play bark, bracings tightening, slide gaps and fencing requirements. Copy of report with Clerks notes had been given to Cllr Falk & Cllr Crump. In light of the reports the Council may want to review monthly work/checks carried out.
The Council agreed for report to be copied to Royce and Hilary to action points they can do.
The Council referred discussion of larger work to budget meeting.
12. HIGH STREET RECREATIONAL GROUND

12.1 Colney Heath Football Club. Further developments/action to be discussed under Part II. 

12.2
 Football Pitch Marking. Brochure received from Fleet (line markers) and Royce has selected a suitable marker he recommends the Lionel - costing £360.28 plus vat for a 4’’ marking wheel, 4-gallon capacity. An Arnold is also available with a 3’’ marking wheel, 3-gallon for £271.92 and is the minimum requirement. Council agreed to refer to budget Meeting.

12.3 Tennis Court Report from Hilary Brazier.  Cllrs noted report from Tennis Court Attendant including progress on monthly work requested by Council and discussed any issues raised. 

12.4
 Sand Pit. Deferred to budget Meeting. Clerk advises £4500 has been budgeted 2002-03 for work already. Clerk has ordered a brochure and price list from Monster a play equipment firm based in Berkhamsted. Brochures already held for Wicksteed, komplan and Lappset. Wicksteed have already been out twice in April and June 2002 and quoted and quotes for infilling with topsoil have been obtained.
Council may wish to arrange a recreational party meeting with Clerk to discuss what the Council would like to get quotes for – Council advised Clerk to look at report of previous Councillor meeting on play area for recommendations.
13. COMMUNITY PARK

13.1
 Lease.  Awaiting another amended draft – chased by CC Cllr Rosie Sanderson. Clerk has contacted Deborah Quinney who advises she has everything needed to proceed and will report to Clerk – reminded again for report.
14. ROESTOCK PARK

14.1 Car Park Lighting.  Streetlights fitted waiting connection to power. Clerk has sent cheque to 24 seven for power supply – advised will programme now in New Year. Clerk will chase date for completion.
15. BOISSY PARK

15.1
 Lease. Clerk has written to Ottaways asking advice on terminating lease – response dated 4 December noted. Council referred discussion to Part 11.
16. SMALLFORD PARK & DOG WALK

16.1 Entrance Safety.  Awaiting start date –Sue Swain of HCC advised she is waiting for the final confirmation of the price for the work, which will include realignment of the kerb, filling in the pothole and a new path from the road to the play area. She advised there shouldn't be a problem with the estimate so she will let the Clerk know when the work is likely to be done.
17. SLEAPSHYDE PARK 

17.1 Nothing to report.t
18.
 SLEAPSHYDE POND

18.1 Pond Maintenance.  Due to wet weather hedge planting postponed until the New Year but clearing was undertaken. Council asked Clerk to get a list of suitable Sunday dates from Martin Caddy to enable a date for further volunteer Work to be set.
19.
 GLOUCESTER PARK

19.1
 Bins. Awaiting free bins from DC – Ian Waklam reports 3 bins are available for collection and Royce has been asked to pick these up.
20.
 TYTTENHANGER PARK

20.1
 Park Membrane.  Deferred to budget meeting.    

20.2
 Swing Closure.  The swing has been closed for safety and the swing chains/seats removed. Deferred to budget meeting.
21. HIGHFIELD TRUST

21.1
 Nothing to report.
22. HIGHWAYS

22.1 Footpaths and Bridleways. Cllr Brazier reported he has written to Julian Thornton HCC regarding the unusable condition of Footpath 33 and opposing the licensing. Mr Thornton has visited the site his report was noted the matter has been passed to the environment agency. Cllr Brazier is not satisfied it is just dirty water and has contacted HCC and Rosie Sanderson. Council agreed for Clerk to contact HCC to complain about state of path and licensing and ask Rosie Sanderson for support in this matter, and for her support in getting the flooding of Oaklands Lane remedied.

22.2 Parish Paths Partnership. Cllr Brazier and Mrs Cloke reported. Cllr Brazier reported he has already completed appropriate forms and no further forms are required at present and he would liase with Cllr Cloke to show her what has been done and what information he holds. Cllr Cloke advised she would continue talking with Martin Caddy about problem stretches of Footpaths.

22.3 Public Highways.
22.3.1 Cllrs noted SADC response advising tree-planting request for High Street Colney Heath has been successful, letter has been copied to residents.
22.3.2 Although the Office is pleased to report faults it is often better for them to be reported by the person finding them, as they can be more precise. Potholes, faulty street lights or other highways faults can be reported on the Highways Fault line 01727 757424 or the Internet at www.hertsdirect.org.Council asked for this number to be put in the Chronicle. 
22.3.3 Cllr Brooking reported the petition for Colney Heath High Street traffic calming will be discussed at the Highways Meeting 29th January and he will speak in favour. 

22.4
 SADC and O’Connor’s Meeting.  Report by Cllr Falk on meeting 12 December with SADC Jim Bennie and Danny Mason from John O’Connor with Cllr Falk, Cllr Cloke and Cllr Brooking to discuss problems with parish grass cutting noted. Cllr Cloke is keeping a watch on problem areas. 
23. VILLAGE HALL - COUNCIL OWNED (OR TRUSTEE) BUILDINGS

23.1
 The Village Hall Council. The Village Hall Council meeting is 8th January so minutes will be available next month.
24. CHARLES MORRIS HALL - COUNCIL OWNED (OR TRUSTEE) BUILDINGS

24.1 Nothing to report.
25. OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS

25.1
Ottaways Business Newsletter
Forest Murmurs – Nov2002
CDA – Housing Needs Survey 2002 Presentation by CDA will be given at February meeting. Copied to all Councillors.
TCG Newsletter December 2002 CPRE Transport Issues.
CVS  December Newsletter.
Herts. Wild life Trust Badger Appeal and Wild life times. 
CDA Annual Review. 
Herts. Environmental Matters Newsletter. Concentrates on airport expansion.
St Albans Dist. Assn. of Parish Councils Agenda for 14 January at London Colney. Copied to Cllr Brazier
Herts. Constabulary  Confirms Ward Constable (new name!) is PC Alan Reynolds. Phone number 796213 details are available on www.herts/police.uk
Twinning Assn  AGM is 14 January at 8pm in the Community Room.
HALC Parish News. Notification that the Countryside Agency can provide advice on Transport Needs assessment prior to any application for a Parish Transport  Grant. National Training for Councillors any thoughts to NALC by 10 January
26. ST. ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL

26.1
Executive Forward Plan  Jan Mar 2003
Minutes Overview & Scrutiny Committee Meeting No3
District Plan Second review 11 December Meeting. Cllr Falk has reviewed the agenda and made written notes.
Parish liaison Joint Committee 28 January 2003 Meeting. Special Expenses report.
Cabinet Meeting Agenda for 7 January. Cllr Brooking attended and reported on Housing Needs Survey.
Walking and Cycling  Opportunities leaflet.
Standards Committee
 Minutes of 6 November 2002. Copied to Cllr Brazier for information.
Planning Development
 Agenda for 6 January. Cllr Falk reported on referral of Oaklands planning application – problem is due to interpretation of greenhouses ‘footprint’ – these do not have one to use.
27. STAFF AND OFFICE

27.1
 Risk Assessment & Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.  SADC advise Colney Heath PC must undertake a risk assessment for stress in the Workplace and develop a policy for dealing with it – This has not been undertaken due to lack of time by the Office.

27.2
 Closed Church Yard Attendant Vacancy.  Advert placed in Chronicle & on Parish notice boards. Waiting further applications – to discuss under Part 11.
Letter accepting resignation and asking for confirmation and the return of Parish tools sent to Mr. Marlborough on 26 November followed by reminder letter on 16 December. The signed copy of letter has been returned to confirm resignation. Cllr Brazier advised the only tool is a leaf blower. Royce will pick up to store.


Notice Boards/Bus Shelters.  Royce has been asked to redo minor repairs of bus shelters (Hill End Lane - Near No106 & Hatfield Rd - Nissan Garage), which have been vandalised again once repaired.
Hatfield Rd (Notcutts) and Station Rd (Smallford) Mr Stayton has been asked to repair as per his quotes.
Roestock Lane shelter is rotting at bottom – Council asked Royce to look at to repair with above. 

27.3
 Data Protection. Confirmation of entry in register has been received valid until 4 November 2003.

27.4
 Warden Training.  Clerks has found 1-day course on inspecting children’s playgrounds by ILAM Services at a cost of £160 plus vat but none are local in programme up to April there might be one again in Stevenage at some stage – Clerk will advise if this happens. Cllr Brazier asked about vetting of staff for children – Council agreed Clerk to investigate requirements.
The meeting ended at 9.35pm
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