PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 15TH JANUARY 2018 AT 7.30PM IN WODSON PAVILION, COLD CHRISTMAS LANE, THUNDRIDGE

PRESENT: Cllr R Parkins (Chairman), Cllr C Brigden, Cllr B Hawes, Cllr B Shearman, Cllr J Spackman, Cllr B Taylor.

Clerk: Belinda Irons

EHDC & HCC Cllr David Andrews

PUBLIC: 0

18.01 Apologies for absence Cllr M Spackman Cllr S Bosson

18.02 Declarations of Members Interests (pecuniary, non-pecuniary, personal)

Cllr Hawes: Marshalls Farm: personal friend of the landowner: personal declaration

18.03 Minutes of the Previous Meeting: 13th November 2017. Cllr Brigden was added to the Councillor attendee list.

The minutes were then agreed as a true and correct record of the meeting and were duly signed.

18.04 Urgent matters not listed anywhere else on the agenda (for inclusion on the next agenda for full discussion): none.

18.05 Public discussion: limited to 15 minute:

Flood concerns in church driveway, North End.

18.05 Planning:

Planning applications:

3/18/0041/HH Magnolia Cottage, High Road, High Cross Non-material minor amendment to application 3/17/2415/HH. Single storey part side extension to the rear. Alterations to roof. no objection.

Decision awaited

3/1228-13 Application for the variation of condition 1 (Time Limit for Commencement) and 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 Landfill Site, Westmill Road, Ware, , 1 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

SG12 0ES: response by 14th September

3/17/1189/FUL Black Grove Woods, North of Standon Green Decision awaited End Farm, Standon Green End Temporary change of use of land for 4 years from the date of the application. Erection of yurt and two sheds for use as a temporary dwelling while farming the agricultural land and managing the woodland - retrospective application 3/17/1259/LBC The White Horse, High Road, High Cross Listed building Decision awaited Refurbishment and change of use of The 3/17/1258/FUL White Horse public house (Listed Building) to Decision awaited create 3 No. two bedroom dwellings 3/17/1423/CPO Biffa Waste Services, Westmill Farm, Decision awaited Westmill Road, Westmill County matters application to be determined by HCC. Variation of condition 3 (time limits) on permission 3/03/2050 to retain the Quarantine building for an extended period of time to within 6 months of the completion of restoration at Westmill Landfill or by 31st December 2027, whichever is earlier at Westmill Landfill Site. 3/17/0819/SV 4 Arthur Martin-leake Way High Cross Decision awaited Planning ref: 3/13/2223/FP - The proposed change to the Section 106 Agreement to amend the tenure of a 4 bedroom house (4 Arthur Martin-Leake Way) from affordable rent (AR) to shared ownership (SO). PC support 3/17/1844/LBC North Lodge, Poles Lane, Thundridge 3/17/1843/HH Demolition of detached garage and Permission granted construction of part single storey, and two storey rear extensions to existing dwelling house. 3/17/2108/FUL Clinton Poles Lane Thundridge Permission granted Conversion, with alterations and extension of outbuilding to residential use 3/17/2216/OUT Land West Of High Road High Cross Decision awaited Outline application for 27no. dwellings - all matters reserved except for access 3/17/2230/VAR Dovecote House Anchor Lane Permission granted Removal of condition 2 (agricultural occupancy) of planning permission 3/86/1777/FP - Detached House - Remove restrictive occupancy condition (limiting occupancy to person employed in agriculture) as no longer necessary and no longer serves a useful planning purpose 3/17/2268/FUL Hotel Road 3/17/2269/LBC Thundridge 2 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

Decision awaited Erection of new workshop, open storage and 5no. dwellings 3/17/2528/HH 7 Woodlands Road, Thundridge Permission granted 2 storey side and rear extension to replace demolition of existing single storey side extension 3/17/2415/HH Magnolia Cottage, High Road, High Cross Permission granted Single storey part side extension to the rear 3/17/2658/LBC 2 Cambridge Road Cotts, Wadesmill 3/17/2657/HH Retrospective replacement of 5 windows Permission refused Other planning matters

Glebe Field: 3/17/0251/FUL appeal

PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith agrees to appoint Jacqueline Veater of GovResources Ltd to assist and support the Glebe Field appeal at the informal hearing to be held on 27th February 2018 up to the sum of £1,000. PROPOSED: Cllr Shearman, seconded Cllr Hawes. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

Canterbury Park: update: the email below is from the EHDC Enforcement Officer:

Footpath link CP to North Drive – the drawing has been approved by the Planning Officer. The space is a turning head and so no physical barrier is proposed.

Sculpting of North Drive to channel surface water into the already built catchment area alongside #15 ND – although this is not a matter for planning enforcement, the drainage engineer is still in discussion with DWH regarding this matter.

Removal of dead tree alongside North Drive, and Implement post and wire + hedge treatment along North Drive - The post/wire/hedge treatment have been agreed. DWH had previously advised that the removal of the dead tree was due to be scheduled in the programme. I have chased for any update on implementation.

Correction of issues associated with open ditch in Oakleys work yard; completion of ditch to the South of Oakleys; Digging out of the selected areas to demonstrate the Swales – the drainage engineer has been working with DWH to a resolution regarding the drainage matters. Since my last email DWH have indicated this is in hand and I hope to have further information soon.

Options for starting some form of planning enforcement action – I have discussed this with the planning Manager and can only say that I will update in due course.

The response from EHDC was very disappointing as it was clear that Parish Council concerns regarding compliance with conditions are not being taken with any seriousness. It is also clear that David Wilson Homes view Thundridge Parish Council complaints as irrelevant and EHDC enforcement as easily dismissed.

3 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

Thundridge Parish Council agreed to contact Sir Oliver Heald MP to request advice regarding what further action can be taken with both David Wilson Homes and EHDC. ACTION: CLERK

It was suggested that a ‘bond’ system be promoted through the Neighbourhood Plan whereby developers have to provide a reasonable financial bond probably to EHDC to cover any works which are not completed by the developer but which are covered by conditions imposed by EHDC. The legality of such a system will be explored. ACTION: CLERK

2 Anchor Lane Cottages, Anchor Lane, Wadesmill: appeal: 17/00082/REFUSE: Appeal dismissed

Ware North: proposed agreement with PC: discussion:

A meeting was requested before Christmas but no update has been received. The Clerk will chase a meeting date. EHDC has confirmed that Thundridge PC, Wareside PC and Ware Town Council will be included in the Ware North masterplan, and that no Neighbourhood Plan can supersede the masterplan. The Clerk will advise Ware Town Council that it will not have representatives on the Ware Town Neighbourhood Plan, but will support Wareside PC should it decide to do a Neighbourhood Plan.

18.06 Thundridge Parish Neighbourhood Plan

Report by the Chairman of TPC NP: no report supplied.

Report by the Treasurer of TPC NP: by email:

Please find attached a rough budget based upon the Activities outlined in the December minutes.

These show the costs for the current year mostly being covered by the Locality grant, with principally incidental costs needing to be covered by TPC.

For the year ahead, it is estimated that costs will be £ 5,500, with the remaining grant available being £ 2,300. So TPC needs to budget for a potential £ 3,200.

There are other grant funds available, particularly if sites are being proposed for development. It may be that some of the excess costs can be covered using some of these funds, but I am not entirely sure.

There may also be other activities of which I am unaware, and it may be prudent to increase the above figure to £ 5,000

Kind regards

Hugh

4 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

Neighbourhood Plan: site assessment criteria: discussion/decision:

Cllrs Bosson, Hawes, and Shearman have reviewed the criteria and made recommendation for a revision to the weighting which will reflect the uniqueness of the parish built environment. The Planning Consultants will be asked to check that the criteria are fully compatible with current guidance.

18.07 Wodson Pavilion

Wodson Pavilion: lease review and charges review due September 2017. A meeting has taken place with the prospective owner of the nursery. Discussions are ongoing. Wodson Field: Ware Lions Football Club use: the revised cost has been agreed.

18.08 Councillor Portfolio reports:

Cllr Brigden Highways:

C183 Road Closure: there has been no official advice regarding this road closure. The HCC website indicates it is for drainage works.

Speed issues: The Parish Council has not been able to get any action on speeding issues despite ongoing requests to the Police for assistance. The Clerk will seek advice from the Police and HCC. ACTION: CLERK

Sign replacement: Cllr Parkins is in liaison with a contractor. ACTION: RP

River Rib: trees fallen across river: reported to Environment Agency: no action from Environment Agency.

Parking: Ermine Street: Cllrs Brigden and Parkins met with the Head Teacher of the school, who has advised parents of the parking situation. Whilst the situation has improved, there are individuals who are ignoring requests to park courteously.

Old Church: Cllr Brigden expressed deep concern over the inflammatory claims made in The Mercury newspaper regarding paranormal activity at the Old Church. Such comments result in vandalism and litter which local caretakers then have to manage. It is unacceptable that a local newspaper publishes sensationalist journalism which leads to desecration of listed building. Thundridge Parish Council will write a strong letter clearly stating the position regarding the Old Church.

The Mercury also stated that the future of the Old Church is at risk of development following meetings between the Diocese of , and EHDC. Thundridge Parish Council will seek clarification from the Diocese. ACTION: CB

Cllr Hawes GDPR & Use of website

The General Data Protection Regulations Act comes into force in May 2018. There is a requirement for the Parish Council to appoint a Data Protection Officer. The DPO

5 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

must be independent of the Parish Council so cannot be the Clerk or a Councillor. The Clerk will contact HAPTC for an update on progress. Cllr Hawes and the Clerk will work on policies, procedures and working papers to ensure Councillors are clear about Data Protection requirements. ACTION: BH/ CLERK

Buckingham Palace Garden Party: proposal: HAPTC has asked for Parish Council Chairmen to be put forward to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. PROPOSAL: that Thundridge Parish Council herewith recommends Cllr Parkins name is put forward to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. PROPOSED: Cllr Hawes, seconded Cllr Shearman. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY. The Clerk will put forward Cllr Parkins name for inclusion.

Cllr Shearman

The Pykle, Thundridge: Footpath tree roots/ resurfacing: ongoing.

Westmill Liaison Meeting: scheduled for February.

Parish Paths Partnership (P3): issues reported as they arise.

Cllr Taylor Bus shelter The Bus Shelter opposite the Sow and Pigs has been installed. A message of thanks will be sent to the HCC officer who managed the scheme.

18.09 Finance

Itemised Payments will be shown on a separate Appendix to the minutes

Accounts to end of November 2017.

Summary of Monthly Accounts: Brought forward: £110,770.96 Plus income: £1,560.74 Less Oct account: £4,133.63 Plus income: £782.00 Less Nov account £2,416.30 total: £106,561.03

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 Brigden, seconded Cllr Hawes. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman and the Clerk will attend the bank to obtain a mandate change to enable online viewing of statements, and receive advice on online banking. ACTION: RP/ CLERK

18.10 New Homes Bonus: discussion/decision:

6 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

The Clerk has circulated by email a letter from EHDC directing Parish Councils not to include New Homes Bonus in budgetary considerations. EHDC has a significant financial shortfall which it needs to fill.

Following discussion, Councillors agreed to send a letter to EHDC objecting to any removal of New Homes Bonus given that it was widely publicised and hyped by EHDC as bringing benefit to any local community which accepted new development. Thundridge Parish Council’s specific example is the poor build at Canterbury Park, with outstanding issues left by the developer which the Parish Council may end up having to resolve using public monies. The Parish Council was anticipating a significant amount of money being delivered under the New Homes Bonus for the benefit of the community, which may well not now happen. ACTION: CLERK

18.11: Budget & Precept: discussion including Chrishall PC suggestion Clerk to use The Brand Pavilion as an office at approximately £600pa.

The budget was circulated to Councillors by email for any comments to be made. Cllrs Parkins, Hawes and Shearman will discuss the use of the Brand Pavilion as the Clerk’s office before the March meeting.

PROPOSAL: That Thundridge Parish Council herewith accept the budget and set the precept at £30,900 (thirty thousand and nine hundred pounds) PROPOSED: Cllr Brigden, seconded Cllr J Spackman. AGREED AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

The EHDC precept demand was completed and signed at the meeting.

18.12 Clerk’s updates:

Discrimination: PC Policy & Procedure: public statement: ongoing.

Litter bin emptying: update: EHDC litter contract will be taken over by North HErts District Council in May. There are significant issues with the litter bin emptying contract as it is very ‘hit and miss’. The Clerk has had extensive discussions around the contract and service delivery, with little improvement on the ground. The Clerk will write a formal letter of complaint. ACTION: CLERK

Councillors agreed that the Clerk should seek alternative contractors to price the service. ACTION: CLERK

18.13 Correspondence:

EHDC Glebe Field appeal informal hearing 27.2.18

North Drive no parking signs: will not be moved

Ware North Masterplan: Thundrige PC included as stakeholder

New Homes Bonus and budget

HCC Hertfordshire Heroes: Battle’s Over: 11.11.18 7 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018

THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

This initiative marks the centenary of the end of World War One. Following discussion, the schools will be contacted to assess whether a joint initiative could produce a suitable commemorative activitiy.

Wareside PC update: ongoing.

Mr J Bond NP boundary query: completed.

Mr D Beatty Request that PC cuts allotment field hedges: the Clerk will respond appropriately.

Mrs Catlin Anchor Lane footway: trip hazard: reported reference number is: 201013342723

Tennis courts enquiry: Cllr Shearman commented that use of the tennis courts is restricted to members of Hanbury Leisure Club.

18.14 Date of next meeting: Venue: Wodson pavilion

Neighbourhood Plan Meetings: Venue: Wodson pavilion: 1st Monday of the month

5th February 5th March 9th April 7th May 4th June

Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan support Meetings:

Will follow Neighbourhood Plan meetings at 9.00pm

5th February 9th April 4th June

Full Parish Council Meeting Dates for 2018: 2nd Monday Venue: Wodson pavilion

12th March 14th May 9th July 10th September 12th November

Meeting closed at 10.49pm

8 Chairman’s signature...... 5th February 2018