THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 8TH MAY 2017 AT 7.45PM IN WODSON PAVILION, COLD CHRISTMAS LANE, THUNDRIDGE
PRESENT: Cllr R Parkins (Chairman), Cllr S Bosson, Cllr B Hawes, Cllr J Spackman, Cllr M Spackman, Cllr B Taylor, Cllr C Brigden, Cllr B Shearman.
Clerk: Belinda Irons
HCC & EHDC Cllr David Andrews
PUBLIC: 3
17.37 Election of Chairman:
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree to reappoint Cllr Russell Parkins as Chairman. PROPOSED: Cllr Hawes, seconded Cllr Shearman. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.
17.38 Signing of Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office: The Chairman signed the Declaration at the meeting.
17.39 Apologies for absence: none.
17.40 Declarations of Members Interests (pecuniary, non-pecuniary, personal)
Cllr Bosson: Planning: Glebe Field, North Drive: resides in North Drive personal
Canterbury Park personal
Cllr Hawes Planning: Glebe Field North Drive: resides in North Drive: personal
Canterbury Park personal
Cllr Taylor Glebe Field, North Drive: member of High Cross Church personal
17.41 Election of Vice-Chairman:
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree to appoint Cllr Steve Bosson as Vice-Chairman. PROPOSED: Cllr J Spackman, seconded Cllr Hawes. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY
17.42 Minutes of the Previous Meeting: 13th March 2017.
Minutes of the meeting were agreed as a true and correct record of the meeting and were duly signed.
17.43 Public discussion: limited to 15 minute:
Ware Business Park: parking outside premises: A parishioner commented that the Police had attended and more cars were being parked on the road, but some are still
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THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
parked on the footway. The parishioner suggested that the owner of the business park could be asked why vehicles are not parked in the car park below the building.
The parishioner also commented that delivery vehicles cannot get into the site due to the manner cars are parked, and fork lift trucks have to cross the road to unload lorries. This is a dangerous situation, and it is unlikely the fork lift trucks are insured to travel on the public highway.
Sewage smells are still evident on the road outside Hanbury Manor and the Sow & Pigs.
The hedge is overgrown and encroaching the footway between the Thundridge Business Park and The Firs.
New litter & dog waste bins: a parishioner asked when they will be installed.
Public Right of Way near Swangles, Cold Christmas: part of the route is classified as ‘permissive’. A parishioner thought this to be incorrect and asked the Parish Council to investigate.
A parishioner and resident of North Drive raised a complaint that residents of Riversmead Housing Association in North Drive are parking their vehicles on the green area outside their homes. To access the green space they remove fencing that is left accessible for the grass cutting vehicles to access. The resident wondered if this access point could be made secure so that only EHDC vehicles could access the green area. On occasions the resident has witnessed vehicles driving circles needlessly around the green.
17.44 Planning:
Planning applications:
3/17/0734/HH 37 Ermine Street, Thundridge Planning application New bay window and porch roof, relocate window to side elevation: no objection 3/17/0976/HH Bonnets, High Road, High Cross Planning application Single storey rear extensions incorporating glazed link to garage: objection: overdevelopment of the site. 3/17/0838/HH 2 Hazeldown Villas, High Road, High Cross Planning application Extension to existing vehicular access: no objection 3/17/0251/FUL Land at North Drive, High Cross Decision awaited: amendment: comments by Erection of 21 dwellings with associated 15th May parking, landscaping and access: no further comment will be made as the amendments are considered to be very minor.
3/1228-13 Application for the variation of condition 1 (Time Limit for Commencement) and
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condition 25 (Restoration) of planning permission 3/1228-13 to extend the life of the sand and gravel extraction and restoration via landfill and to amend the restoration details at Westmill Landfill Site, Westmill Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0ES: due to go to public consultation 3/16/2194/FUL HC Motors, High Road, High Cross Decision awaited Demolition & rebuild of existing fire damaged garage/ workshop 3/17/0054/LBC The Feathers Inn, Cambridge Road, Listed building Wadesmill 3/17/0053/FUL Erection of external lighting, replacement of Decision awaited cellar doors, creation of patio area to rear, removal of and replacement of tarmac to front and landscaping works 3/17/0047/LBC The Feathers Inn, Cambridge Road, Listed building Decision awaited Wadesmill Retrospective application for the alterations of existing doors on the 1st floor 3/16/2833/LBC The Feathers Inn, Cambridge Road, Listed building Decision awaited Thundridge Alterations to 1st floor window at the rear to create a doorway fire escape. Addition of metal walkway fire escape platform across a single storey roof and metal stairway to the ground floor storage area. Section of existing parapet wall removed to allow for new fire escape route. 3/17/0198/ADV HC Motors, High Cross Permission granted 1 x internally illuminated fascia & 2 x non- illuminated panel signs (retrospective) 3/17/0150/HH 26 Cambridge Road, Thundridge Permission granted Proposed single storey side extension 3/17/0251/FUL Land at North Drive, High Cross Decision awaited Erection of 21 dwellings with associated parking, landscaping and access 3/17/0276/HH 2 Anchor Lane Cottages, Anchor Lane, Permission refused Wadesmill Two storey front extension 3/17/0283/FUL High Cross Service Station High Road High Retrospective permission granted Cross Alteration to shop front including shutters - Retrospective 3/17/0289/HH South Lodge Youngsbury Lane Wadesmill Permission granted Single storey rear extension 3/17/0351/LBC 2 Cambridge Road Wadesmill Listed building permission granted Demolition of conservatory. Erection of single storey rear extension (amendment to previous approval 3/16/2245/LBC) 3/17/0257/HH 1 Woodland Cottages Cold Christmas Lane Permission granted Thundridge 3 Chairman’s signature...... Date: 12th June 2017.
THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Single storey front extension 3/17/0503/FUL Land adjacent The Bungalow, High Road, Decision awaited High Cross Change of use of former builders yard to residential comprising the erection of 3 detached dwellings: 1 x 2 bed, 2 x 3 bed
Other planning matters
Ware North: Councillor meeting 22nd April 7pm Wareside: update
The Chairman reported that a meeting with Wareside PC was undertaken following a meeting with Ware Town Council and EHDC, where both Parish Councils felt under- represented and under pressure to allow Ware Town Council to include parts of the Wareside and Thundridge Parish in the Ware Neighbourhood Plan. It had emerged at the meeting with Ware Town Council and EHDC that a ‘Master Plan’ was being made for Ware Town North Development. Wareside have requested an explanation from EHDC regarding how the ‘Masterplan’ will interact with the ‘Neighbourhood Plan’. The response from Claire Sime to Councillor Bob Brunton was that in terms of the status of a masterplan and a Neighbourhood Plan, a masterplan would be a material consideration in the planning process whereas a Neighbourhood Plan would contain planning policies which would have greater weight in the determination of a planning application. A meeting with Parish and District Councillors for Wareside and Thundridge is to be considered to ensure the correct Neighbourhood Plan boundary has been submitted.
3/17/0251/FUL: Glebe Field: Cllr Bosson reported that this application is likely to be decided at the June EHDC DMC meeting. Following discussion, Councillors agreed that if there is sufficient interest, a coach will be ordered to help take parishioners to the meeting, as this is the most effective method of demonstrating the depth of local feeling to planning applications.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree to fund the provision of a coach to transport parishioners and Councillors to the EHDC DMC meeting where application 3/17/0251/FUL 21 new dwelling on the Glebe Field, will be decided, with a maximum budget of £400 (four hundred pounds). PROPOSED: Cllr Taylor, seconded Cllr Shearman. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY. The Clerk will seek quotes. ACTION: CLERK
17.45 Thundridge Parish Neighbourhood Plan
Report by the Chairman of TPC NP:
The meeting scheduled for the 5th May was postponed to the 15th May.
Report by the Treasurer of TPC NP:
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THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
The first grant application final paperwork has been completed, and TPC needs to refund the unspent balance of £ 2,399.
A follow on grant application is underway, and the intention is to apply for £ 6,399 being the remainder of the £ 9,000 available under this scheme.
Housing survey: update: no further update available
Public meeting update: no further update available
Councillors discussed the Neighbourhood Plan and noted that the Project was in budget and appeared to be running on time. Councillors agreed that more involvement in the advisory group meetings is now required to show support and more importantly to ensure this project remained on budget and in time. Councillors agreed that monthly Parish Council meetings were necessary to ensure the Neighbourhood Plan timeline is achieved. The Parish Council agreed to hold a meeting on the 12th June.
17.46 Working parties update:
Wodson Pavilion: Cllr Bosson will lead this group. No funds have been identified at this time. However, it is important to be ready to take advantage of any funds which may be forthcoming. To this end, quotes relating to a future new building will be sought. ACTION: CLLR BOSSON
Thundridge Play Area: Cllr Brigden will lead this group. The situation is the same as the pavilion, in that no funds are currently available. The Clerk has supplied contact details for a number of play ground equipment suppliers and installers. A major difficulty is the amount of land available, as health and safety requirements have changed and significantly more land is now needed to install a modern play area.
Both the rebuild of the pavilion and the new play area are reliant on additional funds and land. Councillors should attempt to secure some funding as a bi-product of the ‘Ware North’ development scheme whilst pursuing other fund raising activities.
17.47 Councillor Portfolio reports:
Cllr Parkins
High Cross Church driveway: clarification of ownership:
The Clerk will contact Land Registry. A map of the land is needed. ACTION: CLERK
Dog bins: location map: A list of bins has been produced and will be passed to the Plymouth Brethren to enable installation of the new bins to take place.
Wodson Pavilion: front door and toilet door locks: completed.
Cllr Shearman
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THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Sewage smells and drains: the situation remains unresolved. Cllr Shearman reported that a Thames Water representative was less than helpful when asked for a timescale for resolution. Thames Water is still discussing the best method to resolve this issue. Permission has been achieved from the landowner for works to be carried out.
An additional issue was raised at the meeting: the sewage pumping station in Anchor Lane has been overflowing, and is being pumped out by tanker at night.
The Pykle, Thundridge: Footpath tree roots/ resurfacing:
The cost for works is estimated to be £40-£50,000. EHDC has suspended its grant funding process. The Parish Council can make a contribution through P3 grant funding from HCC. Quotes are needed from HCC/Ringway.
Westmill Liaison Meeting:
Minutes of the meeting held in April have been circulated. Cemex has ceased production. The demolition of the equipment is due to be undertaken and will be followed by reinstatement with a permissive path through the site.
Cell 10 is the last and biggest of the cells, and is due to commence filling in July.
A site visit for Councillors is to be arranged.
Parish Paths Partnership (P3)
Cllr Bosson
New Homes Bonus: the grant is due to be paid in August subject to Central Government agreement. A quote will be sought for a projector and screen for Wodson Pavilion.
Canterbury Park update:
Meetings were attended on the 1st and 21st March at which actions were discussed for implementation. Nothing has happened since. The safety grill has not been installed in the ditch to prevent children getting into the pipework. The road sculpting has not been carried out and DW Homes appears to be reticent to do this work. The mud/steps issue has not been resolved. The hedge has not been planted. The fence levels at the rear of High Road were to be agreed with residents but DW Homes have installed the fence without consultation. There has been no response from Michael George, the designer.
A meeting with the EHDC enforcement officer is due to take place in the near future.
High Cross: residents concerns about speed:
The Beechwood Homes application on the Glebe Field provides a traffic survey with speeds shown. This item will be linked with the Thundridge speed initiative.
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Cllr Brigden Highways:
The proposed double lining was due to take place in 2017/18 but is unlikely to take place until 2018/19. The issues which were raised with Cllr Andrews have not been dealt with. Road signs need to be replaced. The roads are in a poor state of repair across the County.
There is an emerging issue in North Drive with a vehicle parking too close to the junction and impeding access.
Speed issues: a working parting consisting Cllrs Brigden, M Spackman, Bosson and Parkins will consider the issues and possible solutions.
Cllr Hawes High Cross Conservation Area appraisal:
The Thundridge Conservation Area appraisal will be used to assess the benefit of an application for a High Cross Conservation Area appraisal.
The Clerk has written to both the conservation team at EHDC and separately to Cllr David Andrews. No response or acknowledgement has been received from either of these parties.
Action Clerk to follow up previous correspondence.
Cllr M Spackman
Allotments: Asset of Community Value/ inclusion in Neighbourhood Plan:
Several allotments have not been cultivated.
Thundridge Business Park: parking issues:
Photographs will be taken to show the level of the problems around this area.
Cllr Taylor Bus shelter: Sow & Pigs
The Clerk will chase HCC for an answer on the provision of a new shelter via S106 funds allocated from Canterbury Park. ACTION: CLERK
17.48 Finance
Itemised Payments will be shown on a separate Appendix to the minutes
Accounts to end of March 2017.
Summary of Accounts: Brought forward: £70,568.59 Plus income Dec: £0.49 Less Dec Payments: £352.54 Plus income Jan: £5,780.53 Less Jan Payments: £1,449.51 Plus income Feb: £780.47 7 Chairman’s signature...... Date: 12th June 2017.
THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Less Feb Payments: £597.19 Plus income Mar: £1,055.00 Less Mar Payments: £6,282.40 Month end total: £69,453.89
NOTE: Clerk’s salary, PAYE and accounts service payments not included.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree the payments presented by the clerk for payment, and instruct the signatory Councillors to sign the cheques presented. PROPOSED: Cllr Shearman, seconded Cllr Bosson. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY. Cllr Hawes noted that some cheques were not supported by invoices. It was unanimously agreed that only payments with supporting supplier invoices would be paid.
Year End Accounts & Audit:
Internal Auditor’s report and recommendations:
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agrees to accept the findings of the internal auditor and agrees to take appropriate action to ensure any recommendations are implemented. Item for the next meeting.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith review the effectiveness of the system of financial controls and make recommendations to ensure all risk is minimised. Item for the next meeting.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree by resolution to ensure the electorate is able to exercise its public right to inspect the Parish Council accounts for a single period of 30 working days which must include the first 10 working days of July 2016, and this period will be between Monday 6th June and Friday 15th July inclusive. PROPOSED: Cllr Hawes, seconded Cllr J Spackman. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith review and agree by resolution the Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17. Item for the next meeting.
PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agree by resolution the Accounting Statement for 2016/17: Item for the next meeting.
17.49 New Homes Bonus: breakdown:
24.7.13 £2,015 6.8.14 £2,015 2.9.15 £2,884 21.9.16 £4,673 TOTAL Income £11,587 High Cross Village Hall roof: £6,500 Notice Boards £3,619.85 WIFI £800.00 8 Chairman’s signature...... Date: 12th June 2017.
THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Remaining: £ 667.15
17.50 Canterbury Park:
S106 Hertfordshire County Council £195,144 towards Primary Education £211,531 towards Secondary Education £3,946 towards Youth Facilities (13-19 year olds ) £12,102 towards Library Services £30,000 towards improvements to the bus stops £75,750 towards improvements to sustainable modes of transport As per schedule 5 development was not to commence before payment was made to the HCC in full.
East Herts District Council £69,544 towards outdoor sports facilities £25,110 towards parks and public gardens £10,217 towards children and young people As per schedule 2 development was not to commence before 25% payment was made to EHDC. The 25% has been received. The balance is to be received prior to 25 of the dwellings being occupied
17.51 Clerk’s updates:
Wodson Pavilion: electricity contract renewal completed Wodson Pavilion: lease review and charges review due September 2017: this item will be reviews by the Working Group. Wodson Field: Ware Lions Football Club use: this item will be reviewed by the Working Group. Litter picking & empty dog and litter bins: clarification: completed.
17.52 Correspondence:
Mr Hamlin grounds maintenance: High Cross opp garage: Cllrs J & M Spackman will attend to this area. ACTION: Cllrs Spackman
17.53 Date of next meeting: Venue: Wodson pavilion
Neighbourhood Plan Meetings: Venue: Wodson pavilion: 1st Monday of the month
5th June
Dates for 2017: 2nd Monday Venue: Wodson pavilion
12th June 10th July 11th September 13th November: budgets
Meeting closed at 10.25pm
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