TEWIN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 14th May 2007 in Tewin Memorial Hall at 7.45pm

Present:  Cllrs K.Lawson (Chairman), K.St Pier, B. Evans, A.Hill, M.Howe, D.Howson, D.Lloyd and S.Stott.

In attendance:  Mrs C.McFarlane (Clerk), East Herts District Councillors M. McMullen and 6 parishioners.

Election of CHAIRMAN and VICE CHAIRMAN

All the Councillors had agreed to stand for election and, there being no other nominations, were elected unopposed as of 3rd May. Councillors Evans, Hill, St Pier and Stott now represent the North Ward, and Cllrs Howe, Howson, Lawson and Lloyd hold the seats in Tewin South. At the Parish Council meeting on 14th May they all signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and must complete a Register of Interests within 28 days.

Cllr K.Lawson was elected as Chairman unanimously, proposed by Cllr K.St Pier and seconded by Cllr A.Hill.

Cllr K St Pier was elected as Vice Chairman unanimously, proposed by Cllr D.Howson and seconded by Cllr B.Evans.

2. NO APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

3. CONFIRMATION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES AND SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Tewin Cowper Endowed – As the new governing document is in force the Parish Council no longer has a formal representative on the Board of Governors.

Tewin Charities Trustees – To be confirmed at the next Parish Council meeting

Tewin Memorial Hall       - Cllr K St Pier

Parish Paths Partnership   - Cllr K.St Pier

Transport                           - Cllr K.Lawson

Pavilion Liaison Officer    - Cllr S.Stott

Tewin Society Liaison       - Cllr K St.Pier

Tewin Website                   - Cllr D.Lloyd

Parish Plan                         - Cllr S.Stott

Locality Policing               - Cllr D.Lloyd

4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING held 4th April 2007 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. The Chairman also signed the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 4th April 2007.

PARISHIONER COMMENTS

A parishioner came to answer any questions about the planning application for 19 Cannon Meadow, Tewin.

A parishioner attended to answer any questions about a past application and a forthcoming application for 17 Bishops Road, Tewin.

Mr J Farr came to express his strong objection to the colours of the playground and the Parish Council’s overall handling of the entire project.

Mr & Mrs Beale attended to express their strong objection to the colours of the playground and wholly supported Mr Farr’s comments. They also wished to know what procedures would be put in place for reporting any damage or misbehaviour at the playground. They also had concerns over the flooding at Margery Lane and enquired about the building works at Muspatts Farm.

The Parish Council confirmed that there are no conditions on the planning permission relating to the colour of the equipment and the most muted colours available were chosen. The procedures for reporting any damage or misbehaviour at the playground are to be discussed in Section 10.

The Parish Council are liaising with Highways to find a temporary solution to the flooding at Margery Lane, which they hope will be completed in September. See section 9 for further details.

 The building works at Muspatts Farm are in accordance with a planning permission for a new grain store and landscape bund.

5. MATTERS ARISING

6.  FINANCE   

Accounts for Payment - In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations the schedule of payments amounting to £3735.27 was approved by the Council.

 

Insurance - The Council accepted the new insurance quotation of £1519.32 (£1,464.71). The quote for the playground insurance is £200 and the Parish Council agreed to accept this and it has been activated. The invoice for this will follow shortly

 

Newsletter – The Parish Council propose to send a newsletter to the entire parish comprising the Chairman’s speech at a cost of £80 for photocopying and £50 for distribution. Cllr K.St pier proposed and Cllr B.Evans seconded the proposal. The vote was carried with 7 votes for and 1 abstention.

 

New Model Code of Conduct – The new model code of conduct came into force on 3rd May 2007 and we have until 1st October 2007 to accept it and then it becomes automatic. Cllr S.Stott agreed to look into the differences and make a report to the Council.

 

St Peter’s Driveway – At the Parish Council meeting on the 4th December 2006 the Parish Council had agreed to make a £500 donation towards the resurfacing of the St Peter’s driveway. The Parish Council agreed to issue the cheque at the June 2007 meeting.

 

Precept – The first half of the precept from EHC for £7850 was received on the 24th April 2007.

 

7.PLANNING

Planning Applications Received

3/07/0774/FP/SD – 27 Burnham Green Rd, Datchworth – Alteration to property incl existing approved design ref 3/05/0265/FP – TPC No Obj

 

3/07/0708/FP/HS – 2 Upper Green, Tewin – First floor side extension, 1 & 2 storey rear extension, new porch and internal alterations – TPC No Obj

 

3/07/0673/LB/SD – The Cottage, Marden Hill – Demolition of outhouse & fence. Replace with brick wall & alpine greenhouse, re-open former external doorway, replace 1960’s window – TPC No Obj

3/07/0765/FP/HS – 9 Bishops Rd, Tewin Wood – First floor side and single storey rear extension – TPC Obj to the excessive size in relation to existing dwellings, loss of spaciousness of area and out of keeping with the semi rural character of the Tewin Wood area.

 

3/07/0727/FP/JS – 19 Cannons Meadow, Tewin – Proposed rear conservatory – TPC No Obj

 

 

Planning Decisions Received from EHC

 

3/07/0474/FP/TH – 74 Upper Green Road, Tewin – Demolition of existing dwelling, proposed replacement dwelling and one additional dwelling – TPC Obj due to concern over demolition of an existing important historical building and replacement with two dwellings and the resultant high site density – Application Withdrawn

 

3/07/0557& 0558/FP&LB/JS – 9 Lower Green, Tewin – Single storey side and rear extension – TPC No Obj – EHC Refused due to its excessive size and it being out of keeping and detrimental to the surrounding properties & area.

 

3/07/0500/LB/SD – 16 Hertford Rd, Tewin – Alterations & improvements to existing granny annexe incl conversion of adjustable outbuilding to sitting room with enlargement of window – TPC No Obj – EHC Granted

 

3/07/0244/FP/GH – 17 Bishops Road, Tewin – Proposed first floor side extensions and single storey rear extension – TPC Obj as extension will be on the boundary, it will have an over development and urbanising effect, the extension cannot be built without using the private access to no’s 11,13,15 and this will substantially compromise access to these houses. EHC Refused due to excessive size and it being out of keeping and detrimental to the surrounding properties & area.

 

3/07/0426/FP/JS – Tewin Cowper Church of England Primary School, Tewin, Herts AL6 0JU – External Open Shelter to primary school reception class - TPC No Obj – EHC Granted

 

3/07/0618/FP/HS – 39 Upper Green Road, Tewin – Alteration of rear ground floor extension roof from hipped roof to gable end and addition of patent glazed canopy – TPC No Obj – EHC Granted

 

Enforcement Issues – The Clerk was asked to ascertain when/whether trees were due to be replanted in Dawley Wood.

 

Barker Review –The Parish Council agreed a response was not necessary.

 

Affordable Housing SPD – Cllr S.Stott agreed to review this document

 

A Boards – Several parishioners had complained about the A board on the village green outside the Plume of Feathers Pub and would like it removed. The Council voted that the pub should be asked to remove the sign; this vote was carried with 3 votes for, 3 votes against, 2 abstentions and the Chairman’s casting vote for removing the sign.  Cllr K St Pier agreed to put together some guidelines for the village societies on fly posting and to circulate this to Councillors before the next meeting..

 

EHC Planning Development Control Planning meeting – Cllr M.McMullen advised the Parish Council that he has asked for another of these meetings to be held for Parish Councillors to attend in order for them to gain more information on the process.

 

8. PLAYGROUND

The playground has now been completed although SMP are coming back to turn the toddler swings round, file down the sharp spots on the chains and rectify the collection of water at the base of the slide. When these things have been completed payment will be made.

 

The cricket net and poles have been put up and cleated at the top. The netting does not go down to the ground, as rabbits will eat it.  Payment has been agreed at this meeting under section 6 Finance.

 

The EHC Playground Inspector has visited the site and confirmed that everything is satisfactory.  He noted that grass matta instead of matta surfacing had been used.

The Clerk will contact the EHC Playground Inspector for guidance on the weekly inspection of the playground in accordance with insurance requirements and purchase a book to record the inspection in. The Council agreed that the book must be handed over to another Councillor if the Clerk is away and a report on the inspections be given at each Parish Council meeting.

 

Signs - A temporary printed sign has been put up. The official sign with the Big Lottery and Local Network Fund logos will be put up in time for the official opening on July 15th 2007.

 

Trees - The Parish Council agreed to write to Margaret Knight asking her advice on a suitable tree to plant in the autumn in order to comply with a planning condition.

 

Final Costing –The final total cost of the playground is £20,265.

 

Insurance – The quote for insuring the playground equipment, netting and surfacing for all risks was £200 and the Council agreed to accept this quote and await the invoice. The Clerk activated the insurance on Tuesday 8th May 2007.

 

Incidents – The Clerk received a report of two incidents when the playground was used by teenagers and has referred them to the Community Police Team who will incorporate the visiting playground in their patrol.

 

Family Open Day – Letters were sent to the clubs that attended the Youth Drop In Day to invite them to attend. To date the Bowls Club has requested a stand and the sailing club were unable to attend.

 

9. HIGHWAYS

Flooding on Churchfield Road – Cllr Howson, Cllr Lloyd, Cllr St Pier and the Clerk met with Raj Goutham and Ian Bishop from Highways Dept. Highways are planning to clear the gullies and are investigating options to alleviate the flooding including the possibility of cutting a grip at the end of the kerb leading to a ditch which the Parish Council has agreed to dig with the farmers permission.

An order has been issued to regrade the ditch running along Margery Lane and clear silt/mud by the gate to allow water to flow into the ditch. 

Highways viewed this as an interim solution and will refer it to the Design Team to investigate other options. The final scheme will be subject to funding.

Grass Warren – Highways agreed to investigate who is responsible for the wooden fencing around the green.  If this is Highways it is low priority.

 

Entrance to Plume of Feathers – Highways agreed to investigate where the boundary of the highway is.

 

Heavy Vehicle Sign on Hertford Road – Highways and the Parish Council agreed that the sign should be at the triangle where the Hertford Rd meets the B1000. Highways also agreed to reset the leaning lorry ban sign.

 The Clerk was asked to ascertain a date for installation.

 

10. RISK ASSESSMENT WORKS

Cllr K St Pier, D.Lloyd and the Clerk completed this on Friday 20th April 2007.

The Council agreed to accept Kirkham Contracting quote of £177.50 for replacing missing tiles on well cover, resetting posts at Plume of Feathers and relaying paving stones at the Pavilion.

 They also agreed to accept Mr Yates quote of £110 for fitting a new strut in the bus shelter, repair various bits of cladding on pavilion and fit a new light fitting in the away changing room.

The Parish Council agreed to look into the cost of new benches before agreeing to have three of them painted again at a cost of  £360.

 

The Parish Council agreed to send a letter to Tewin Cricket Club advising them: -

-          to remove rubbish from back of Pavilion as soon as possible as it is a fire hazard,

-          to remove all the chairs and the hoover in the corridor as they impede access to the electricity cupboard,

-          to provide padlock for the inside of the green double doors so that it is more secure for insurance purposes,

-          to replace light bulbs as per their contract.

 

11. LOWER GREEN & PAVILION

Electricity on Lower Green – The Parish Council has applied to EHC for planning permission for the electricity meter on Lower Green and awaits their response.

 

Pavilion Refurbishment Committee – Nothing to report at the moment.

 

12. PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP

Back Lane, FP15  – Cllr K St Pier continues to liaise with the Countryside Access Officer about improvements on these paths.

 

13. CORRESPONDENCE

Post Office – The Parish Council received a letter dated the 10th May advising them of the temporary closure of the Post Office on the 7th March. The Parish Council has expressed concern over the closure and asked the shop owners whether they can be of any assistance. The Parish Council has today heard of the proposed closure of the shop on Saturday 19th May and is monitoring the situation. When there is more information available they will consider a village meeting.

Playground – A letter has been sent to three parishioners about the colours of the playground and  advising them that any further correspondence will be held over to the next meeting. There has been no similar correspondence to report.

Circulation Envelopes – Cllr S.Stott asked for some more information on Sct 215 relating to tidyin