Colney Heath Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Wednesday8th May 2002


PRESENT Cllr H Falk (In the Chair)

Cllr D Crump

Cllr S Ellis

Cllr D Clarke

Cllr J Day

Cllr G Cloke

Cllr G Brazier

IN ATTENDANCE Maureen Butler  21, Roestock Gdns

Frank Graham - VHC  58, Tollgate Road

Alan Cloke 43, Cutmore Drive

Dennis Becker 95, Colney Heath High Street

Zoe Sinclair Tollgate Farm

J Sinclair Tollgate Farm

J Parker Representing Three Valleys Water

James Neil Representing Cluttons, Agents of Three Valleys Water

Loraine Wenham  Assistant Clerk to the Council

1. APOLOGIES

Cllr Geoffrey Brooking, Work Commitments.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON AGENDA

Cllr Brazier Temporary Gardener.
3. MINUTES

The minutes of the Meeting of 10 April 2002 were signed as a true record of that meeting. 
4. CHAIRMAN'S SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations were extended to David Clarke who was elected as the Conservative District Councillor at the Elections on 2 May.
5. URGENT BUSINESS

Three Valleys Water.  As the representatives of Three Valleys were in attendance the Chairman brought their business forward but it is dealt with at 10.2 below.
6. SPECIAL & NEW BUSINESS

6.1 Sleapshyde Lane Garage Site. Survey has been posted, results awaited.

6.2 Jubilee Project. Next Meeting of the Committee is on 15 May. There will be lots of different stalls and donations would be appreciated.  There is a free Children’s tea party run by the WI. There was appreciation of the Council’s grant of £500 and loan of £500.

6.3 Parish Boundary Review. Nothing further to report.

6.4 Beating of the Bounds. Took place on Sunday 5 May. Cllrs and Charlie Nash reviewed post audit and the Clerk will action replacement of posts, notices and removal of apple tree by Park Corner.

6.5  Commission for Racial Equality. New legislation comes into force at the end of May but does not appear applicable to Parish Councils.  PC does however have to demonstrate a Duty of Care in recruitment.  Further information is needed from HALC regarding wording of recruitment phrasing: `Colney Heath welcomes applications from ……….’ in any Job adverts.

6.6 Colne, Upper Lee, North London and Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Leap Annual Review. Cllrs Crump and Mrs Cloke reported document was interesting but did not involve the Common. The Ellen Brook was mentioned as work had been put in place to alleviate flash floods.  

6.7 Vital Villages. Cllr Day took Vital Villages Folder and DEFRA letter to review. He recalled vital Villages Funding was all `match funded’.

6.8 Mobile Police surgery. The surgery will be in Colney Heath on 28 May, Police will be able to post code mobile phones for the public. No publicity material was circulated for the surgery at the beginning of April but the Clerk has been promised details this time.

6.9 Minerals Local Plan Review. Cllr Clarke reported there was a good turnout at County Hall. He spoke as did Tyttenhanger residents and Cllr Henchley. Further information will be available in September 2002 and the Report finalised in 2005. Cllr Rosie Sanderson has written, as has Joy Tomkins. 

6.10 Harvesters Presentation Evening 25 May. Invitation to attend circulated to members.

6.11
Bus Route 610. It was noted that from 5 June the Bus will no longer service Colney Heath. The Council had in the past tried to influence the Bus Company but to no avail as it is a commercial concern. Cllr Clarke was asked if he could pursue this matter, as it was Government policy to get people out of their cars onto Public Transport.

6.12
Ethical Framework.  Cllrs noted the composite public notice was published on 10 April in Local Papers and a further entry advising the Public about the availability of the Register of Interests will soon be issued.

6.13
Colney Heath Day Care Centre. Ivor Walker of Senior Citizen’s Club reports no interest and Rev James Spanner gets the feeling a `high-budget’ centre might be more appealing otherwise he has advertised the Centre without any interest forthcoming.

6.14
Queens Head Football Club. Cllrs noted letter and method statement from the Club requesting permission to make changes to the pitch including doing drainage works. Providing Kate Maltby of CMS has no objections Councillors are happy with proposals, Mr Paxton should be advised and the Council will monitor the situation.

6.15
Chronicle. Cllr Ellis will provide a review of the year and outgoing chairman’s report will be included with accompanying reports. The Chronicle will come out early to advise residents of Jubilee Celebrations.
7. FINANCE

7.1 Parish Council Accounts. Members received copies of all emergency and current accounts. The meeting RESOLVED that the Chairman's action in authorising the signing, out of meeting, of all emergency cheques be confirmed and that cheques be drawn to cover all current accounts.

7.2 St Marks Graveyard. Awaiting response.

7.3 Audit Arrangements from 2002. The Clerk has received notification that Lubbock Fine or their agents will conduct the external audit for the next five years. It appears that Colney Heath will fall into the `intermediate’ band of auditing with cost implications on the use of internal auditors.  The Clerk has been asked to provide a different format of End of Year Accounts and will need an Internal Audit. This will involve the Clerk in more work. Members resolved that the Clerk get quotes for the internal audit from local accountancy firms as using friends or relations although acceptable to the Audit Commission did not appear to be a satisfactory route to take.

7.4 2001-2002 End of Year Returns. Clerk has completed and sent off the following required returns; P35 –Tax/NIC return, ITNET pension return, HCC SA contribution return and VAT return (Claim of £7504.74 now paid.).

7.5
CVS have requested that their membership of £20 per annum be renewed and Members resolved to do so

7.6
HALC.Annual Subscription £486.78 (HALC £466 NALC supplement £20.78) do Councillors wish to renew? (The Council has received quite a bit of advice from HALC in the past few months) One copy of the Local Council Review is received free, additional copies are £10.99 per annum dropping to £9.99 if four or more are ordered. (Total £79.92) Members resolved to subscribe to HALC and order and pay for 8 copies.

7.7
S137 - The Free Resource. Cllrs noted for the purposes of this Colney Heath has 1636 and Hill End has 1753 electors (total 2289).   
8. PLANNING

8.1 Planning Applications. Councillors considered comments collated by Planning Applications Officer as circulated since the last meeting.

5/02/0562 45 Princess Diana Drive. Post and rail fence.  No objection.

5/02/0576  47 Firwood Av. First Floor rear extn (re-submission following refusal of 5/01/2149).  No objection.

5/02/0583 17 Stanmore Chase. Single storey rear extn. No objection providing there is no interference with mature trees on this site.

5/02/0591 101, Marlborough Cottages Colney Heath. Two Storey rear extn. This extension appears to contravene Policy 13 of the District Council’s Local plan, being a very large extn.

5/02/0599 St Albans Rugby Club, Oaklands Lane. Storage containers. No objection.

5/02/0623 11 St Barts Close. Erection of summer house and garden shed. No objection.

5/02/0625 The Timber Yard, Roestock Lane, Colney Heath. Erection of a detached bungalow. This is too large a building and not in keeping with the semi-detached houses on the other side of the road. It is therefore in contravention of Green Belt Policies.  Moreover no details of the type of materials have been given.  .

5/02/0648 27 Sleapcross Gardens Smallford. Two storey side extn. Members object to the size of this extn, which will double the overall size of the property.

5/02/0762 14 Manston Way. Conservatory. No objection.

5/02/0777 25 Princess Diana Drive. Conservatory. No objection.

5/02/0670 11 Stanmore Chase. Conservatory. No objection.

8.2 Appeals and Enforcement Notices. Cllrs received notification of appeals or enforcement notices issued since the last meeting:

Appeals
Single and two storey front, side and rear ext. 72 Tollgate Road, Colney Heath. Members had no objection to original Planning Application, which was rejected by SADC on Green Belt Grounds as being too large. In line with previous similar appeals the Parish made no further response, as it did not wish to undermine Green Belt Policy.

Fencing at 1 Coopers Gate, Church Lane, Colney Heath. The Parish had objected and the District Council would forward its comments to the Planning Inspectorate.

Courser's Road. Cllrs discussed the further developments, Cllr Brazier’s letter to Mr Dean Goodman Head of Planning had been circulated. Julian Thornton HCC Footpaths has advised the trees planted by the owner on the footpath must be removed and has advised the owner. The Parish may have them removed if no action is taken, the cost can be recharged to HCC/the landowner. As predicted, during the Bank Holiday weekend 9 caravans moved onto the site. The following day a response was received from Dean Goodman Head of Planning to a letter from the then Chairman. Cllr Brazier has responded with the Council’s deepest concerns. The District Council has a Duty of Care to the Community and did not appear to be taking it. Resident Mr Peter Jones had rung the Planning Inspectorate who have no `clout’ it is up to the District Council to take action. He had also approached the Ombudsman but to date the matter was still being considered. It was suggested that the Council write to the local papers expressing their great dismay over developments and lack of action by the District Council. 

8.3 Planning Decisions. The Clerk reported that the following planning decisions had been received since the last meeting.
5/02/0247         2 Chivenor Place First Floor side extn and alterations Permitted
5/02/0019 The Plough, Sleapshyde  Stationing of a temporary portable building (retrospective) Refused
5/02/0207 73 Hill End Lane Erection of 1.8m high boundary fence Permitted
5/02/0233 6 Swans Close Pitched roof to replace existing flat roof Permitted
5/02/0226 16 Sleapshyde Lane, Smallford Conservatory
Permitted
5/02/0440 1 Barley Mow Lane Change of use of garage to osteopath clinic and store Permitted
5/02/0523
2 Cutmore Drive
Single storey rear extn.
Permitted
5/02/0053CP
42 Sleapshyde Lane Smallford
Loft conversion and single storey rear extn.
Certificate of Lawful use or development refusal
5/02/0414
23 Wistlea Crescent
Single storey rear extn
Permitted
9. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - 9 to 9.10pm (Council providing refreshments)

Members of the public are invited to raise issues and ask questions while refreshments are being served. 
10. COLNEY HEATH COMMON

10.1 Common Rangers Report. Cllrs noted the Common Ranger’s Report for April and discussed any issues raised. Mr Nash felt the Common clearance could be done later. Members to discuss & advise.

10.2 New Three Valleys Water Pipeline across the Common. Representatives of Three Valleys were present at the meeting to answer questions. It was felt the PR on the pipeline had been handled badly by 3V. The pipeline will go underground later in the summer, conditions permitting. It will take approximately 4 weeks for the trenching and re-instatement, the PC will be kept informed. Councillors were happy with latest method statement and resolved for the Clerk to instruct their Solicitor to negotiate easement and wayleave. The Sec of State need not be consulted.

10.3 Signs. Ready and will be installed soon.

10.4 Registering of Common. Cllr Crump advised registered in 1968 Ref.: CL 93 covering 70.74 acres. The Clerk will check HCC archives for the papers.

10.5 Mink and Water Vole survey. CMS and Biological Records report no Voles or Mink spotted after 3-hour survey. Biological Records recommend a further survey be done later in the season. Charlie Nash has spotted a mink.

10.6
Boundary Posts. Missing/damaged posts to be replaced.  Grounds man has spares although not on his job description.

10.7
Transco pipeline site. Cllr Brazier had spoken to CMS regarding thistles and hedging. Transco had inspected the Common on 8 May.  Weeds will be treated and a report on the hedges provided.
11. RECREATIONAL AREAS /PARISH GARDENS

11.1 The Council noted the Parish Wardens Report/time sheets and discussed his recommendations. 

11.2 Parish Gardens. Cllrs noted the contract Parish Gardener's Report. 

11.3 Zurich Inspection Report. Clerk will obtain information from other Councils and Wicksteed Quote for this years park inspections.
12. HIGH STREET RECREATIONAL GROUND

12.1 Colney Heath Football Club. Deferred to PART II for discussion.

12.2 Pavilion Lease.  See above.

12.3 Football Club Rubbish. Royce has reported old goal posts and debris have been piled up by the Pavilion and children have been seen making `dens’ out of the material. He feels this could be dangerous and would like the football club to have the rubbish removed. A lot of rubbish had been left for the Warden to clear after the Bank Holiday. Members resolved to write to the Football Club.

12.4 Tennis Court Report.Cllrs noted report from Tennis Court Attendant. Members instructed the Clerk to write to the Football Club regarding the Tennis Court keys and rubbish. Two quotes have been obtained. Both Companies reckon Court surface in good condition but obviously delay in remedying cracks will make cost much greater in the long run. Both think that it would be cheaper to get a local contractor in (Royce?) to dig out cracks and put in `root guard – just lining trench with concrete slabs. Locks and keys have been obtained for Tennis Courts. No money in budget for repairs so Members referred to budget meeting in November.

12.5 Sand pit. Wicksteed quote for XXXX they advise cheaper for CHPC to get local contractor to fill in sand pit to level of grass.  This could be done sooner rather than later as children are accessing the play area and Clerk is concerned over risk of glass/dog faeces. Wicksteeds seem to think grant money might be available e.g. land fill tax, Local authority or Bernados. Members decided that as an interim measure the sand should be cleared and a safety surface membrane put down.  They would like this done by the Jubilee celebrations. The question of equipment (which needs to be sturdy) will be referred to Budget Committee.

12.6 Car Park. Sign to be installed with Warren Track Sign. 
13. COMMUNITY PARK

13.1 Lease Awaiting another amended draft – been chased by CC Cllr Rosie Sanderson
14. ROESTOCK PARK

14.1 Soils mound. Ivories Quote £600 accepted (included 1 free load).

14.2 Play Park Fence. Cllr Falk to check gate.
15. BOISSY PARK

15.1 Lease. To await response to latest letter sent by District Valuer to owner’s solicitor. 
16. SMALLFORD PARK & DOG WALK

16.1 Entrance Safety. Cllr Rosie Sanderson is still pursuing this advising ‘pedestrian safety is paramount’. Harvesters have put in a planning application and the Clerk was asked to make comments about the entrance safety.
17. SLEAPSHYDE PARK & MALCOLM'S POND

17.1
Pond.  Lafarge advise Lease was not signed but Clerk has letter saying it was. Members asked if the previous Clerk could be asked for information.  Steve Spranger’s quote (recommendation of Oakapple) for approximately £80 for the removal of the stump was accepted.  
18. GLOUCESTER PARK

 18.1 Lease.  No change.

18.2
Play Equipment.  Cllrs noted quotes from Ivories. The access road is too narrow to take large lorry. Royce reports concrete pipes are too heavy for him to drag out with tractor onto the highway for removal and it would need a kango hammer or pipe cutter to break up pipes. Royce feels that the residents of 106 Hill End Lane have moved their fence right onto the access way `stealing’ about a foot of it’s width. The Wendy House remains. Members asked the Clerk to obtain quotes for the destruction and removal of the pipes and for a letter to be sent to the owner of 106 Hill End Lane.
19. HIGHFIELD TRUST

Minutes were circulated at the meeting. Boule is being played every second Tuesday in the month in the evening. Enquires to the Trust Office 01727 847242.
20. SMALLFORD PIT

Hatfield Residents Action Group wish to make a presentation to the Council re the possibility of the Motor Sports Project i.e. `The Hatfield Arena’.  Under advice we have suggested the June Meeting would be appropriate. The Welwyn Hatfield Times carried an article on the Arena that could be misconstrued as meaning the Parish Council is `encouraging’ the Arena. Cllr Brazier drafted a disclaimer letter to the paper copy circulated. Members felt that they did not want to discuss the matter further until it comes before Plans South and asked the Clerk to write to HRAG.
21. HIGHWAYS

21.1 Footpaths and Bridleways. Timberland Trail signs are up.

21.2 Parish Paths Partnership. CMS letter dated 8 March and forms passed to Cllr Brazier to complete yearly reports, potential projects meeting and grant funding. Cllrs Brazier and Mrs Cloke may report.

21.3
SADC Report rubbish bin will soon be installed by bus shelter.

21.4 Public Highways. 

21.3.1 Bus stop Sleapshyde Lane. Highways Partnership has been contacted again regarding bus stop at junction of Sleapshyde Lane (replacement rail).

21.3.2. High Street Bridge. Highways Dept report re-instatement may take 5 months, as it is an insurance claim. Councillors resolved the Clerk to write to Highways and request speed signs before the bend, also that the site be properly cleared and pedestrians properly protected
22. VILLAGE HALL - COUNCIL OWNED (OR TRUSTEE) BUILDINGS

22.1 Village Hall. The Village Hall Council minutes of VHC meeting not available until next month due to meeting being on the 9 April. Cllr Cloke reported disabled ramp access now completed and the VHC will not require the loan to do this.

22.2 History Filing Cabinet. Letter sent to Joy Tomkins regarding student volunteer to sort papers. Cllr Crump reported he would try to arrange the sorting of the papers.
23. CHARLES MORRIS HALL - COUNCIL OWNED (OR TRUSTEE) BUILDINGS

23.1 Goalposts. Still waiting confirmation that goals can be purchased and immediately installed. Cllr Day reported the CMH AGM is before the next Meeting and he has added this issue to the agenda to get a final decision.
24. OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS

24.1
Colney Heath Twinning Assoc – March 2002 Membership renewal in Finance folder
Wheathampstead Pump – Spring 2002 WPC publication
CPRE Planning Update – Mar 2002 To Cllr Falk to review
London Green Belt Council – Minutes 28 Feb
Harpenden Transport News – Mar 2002
Review & Observer Newspaper – Recruitment exhibition 15 May With Oakland’s College & Employment Service cost of stand £750.00 plus vat
DEFRA Illegal Poisoning Campaign To Cllr Clarke - Hotline 0800 321 600 plus posters
HALC  Parish Information and invitation to Local Government Assn and NALC Conference 14 May (cost of £50 involved)
Herts CC Environment Matters - newsletter
Trestle Theatre Company No26 Newsletter
Forest Murmurs  March newsletter
CVS News Issue 84
London Green Belt Council To Cllr Crump  – Planning Green Paper
CDA Herts Development programme 2002
Enrolment Form to be completed for Volunteers
Police Authority – Policing Plan letter 20 March
To Cllr Falk
St Albans and District Footpaths Soc
Newsletter April 2002 and Subscription £3.00
St Albans District Assn of Parish Councils
Minutes of 8 January and Agenda for 16 April (Sue Smith Crime Prevention Officer will speak, nominations requested for Standards Cttee)(copied to Cllr Brazier)
Commission for Racial Equality – Draft guides to Statutory Code of Practice
Questionnaire to be completed by all public authorities by 25 Feb (received 15 Mar)
25. ST. ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL

25.1
Committee Details Reviewed by Action/Effect on CHPC
Executive Forward Plan April-July 02
District plan Second Review Steering group Minutes 26 Feb To Cllr Falk
Overview & Scrutiny  Meeting 12 March To Cllr Falk
Joint Community Government Forum Minutes 10 Dec To Cllr Ellis
Standards Committee Minutes 6 March
Full Council Meeting Agenda 27 March Code of Conduct & The Planning Green Paper to Cllr Falk
Planning Development Control Agenda for 2 April To Cllr Falk to review
Calendar of meetings for new Political Structure 2002-2003

Standards Committee Minutes of 6 March Reference election of Chairman (Cllr Coad) and appointment of Independent members
Environmental Forum Quality of Life Report 2001 and Draft Waste Plan Next meeting of Forum is Monday 22 April at the Council chambers St Albans Civic Centre

Clerk has written to DC requesting papers arrive in time
26. STAFF AND OFFICE

26.1 Post of Gardener. Clerk reported waiting applications from advert placed in Chronicle and on noticeboards & in Job Centre. Two applicants have enquired about the job – details under part II. Council agreed a deadline for application of 30th April when interviews will take place.

26.2 Risk Assessment. Required for Office & staff safety. Assistant Clerk has had training & will draft one time permitting.

26.3 Office Computers. Waiting visit from Springfield and report on why Loraine’s computer cannot `see’ the printer. Per Internet site on Printer shared network printing is not supported by this model. Council agreed Cllr Ellis to investigate further the linking up of the printer with Springfield.  

26.4 Computer Phone Line. Clerk to investigate Freeserve Anytime at £13.99 per month it gives free phone calls for the internet as agreed by Council, might have to be paid by `visa card’ BT Surf time costs £14.99 Council deferred decision until next Meeting. 

26.5
Bus Shelters. Cllr Brazier has informed the Clerk Mr Geoff Stayton will no longer clean or repair the bus shelters. Councillors have the paper from the March Meeting showing DC (MRS) clean PC bus shelters every 3 months as per schedule (next clean is week starting 1st April). Can the Councillors co-ordinate their inspection of shelters to be shortly after the cleaning so that any complaints on cleaning can be informed to the DC. A new contractor will need to be asked for any repairs required (Clerk has noticed Bus Shelter Hill End Lane has been broken for some time and waits Cllr report on others). Cllr Day reports bus shelter on Hill End Lane has been vandalised. The shelter at Richardson Place has broken glass pane on the `Village side’ Royce was asked to clear up glass (although not on his job description). Cllr Falk will check glass is cleared and if not clear. Clerk to obtain a quote from glaziers in Hatfield Rd for new safety glass to be fitted. A list of broken bus shelters/notice boards will be maintained in the Office for future action. Roestock Lane shelter 7  and notice board are both in poor condition and will be added to the list.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.30p.m.

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