Tewin Parish Council
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 26 February 2001 in Tewin Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Present: Cllrs J Burton (Chairman), B Briggs, C Bowden, D Compton, A Guilford, Ms K Lawson, Ms S Melling and C Pool. In attendance: Mrs A Glew (Clerk), Cllr M McMullen, Cllr M Hargreaves and 5 members of the public. Duncan Adams, Rural Housing Officer for CDA Herts, was invited to address the meeting before the start of business. He explained that he works with Parish Councillors in Herts to find out whether there is a need for affordable housing in the Parish. Reasons for a shortage of such housing generally include: most council houses have been sold off; houses have been extended and new houses that are built are executive type. The first step is to carry out a Housing Needs Survey and E Herts may assist with the costs involved. This usually shows that some small scale dwellings are needed eg in the region of 2 to 8 dwellings. Mr Adams would then study the Parish in detail and assess suitable sites for building with Councillors and interested Parishioners. Mr Adams left the meeting before the start of formal business. PARISHIONERS' COMMENTS 3 Grass Warren, Tewin - the occupier, Mrs Chalkley, complained about a new telegraph pole which has been erected outside. She would have preferred it to be put on the other side of the road. She also reported a problem with parking in Grass Warren in the layby. Bus service - concern was raised that the new timetable will not be as reliable as the old one. Cllr Ms Lawson undertook to raise the matter. Currently about 4 people board the 7.30 am bus from Tewin to WGC. 32 Cannons Meadow, Tewin - the occupiers of 31 Cannons Meadow objected to the recent planning application on the grounds that it will cut out their light. To be discussed under Planning. 95. NO APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 96. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING held 29 January 2001 were amended, agreed and signed by the Chairman.
97. MATTERS ARISING Improvements to Back Lane - It was noted that Sian Freer of HCC has left the position of PPP coordinator and the vacancy is presently unfilled. Grass Triangle on Upper Green - Quotations are awaited. Mimram Valley Report
- Cllr Briggs will contact David Gregg again for his comments. Three Valleys Water Restoration Work - Three Valleys have now carried out their work. The local contractor will now be able to carry out all other restoration work. Council Vacancies - Cllr A Guilford confirmed he will be standing down as a Councillor shortly. Both Cllr Guilford and Cllr Ms S Melling need to inform the Council of their resignations formally. Public Notice of the vacancies will be posted on notice boards bringing the two resignations to the attention of the Parish. If no election is requested then the Parish Council may co-opt to fill the vacancies. Two applications have been received for a replacement Clerk. Cllrs J Burton, A Guilford and Ms K Lawson will interview the candidates at 7 pm on 8th March. Hollybushes - dumped rubbish has been reported. The Clerk will persue.
Minutes from meeting held on 26 February 2001
98. PLANNING
New Applications:
3/01/0235/FP/PT - 40 Upper Green, Tewin - Single Storey Rear Extension - Amended Plans -No objection.
3/01/0109/FP/PT - 32 Canons Meadow, Tewin - Demolition of Existing Double Garage; Erection of a Detached Bungalow for use as a Granny Annexe with own Access. New Access to be Created for 32 Cannons Meadow - Amended Plans - Object - On same grounds as before and in addition this amended application places the new house even closer to the neighbours boundary so it is now much less than 2 metres.
3/01/0188/FP/TH - 6 Lower Green, Tewin - Two Storey Rear Extension - Object - On the grounds that it will have a detrimental impact on the amenities of the attached property.
3/01/0220/FP/DF - Danesley, 4 East Riding, Tewin Wood - Orangery - Amended Plans - No objection.
3/01/0265/FP/DF - Danesley, 4 East Riding, Tewin Wood - Garage - Amended Plans - No objection.
3/00/0165/FP/DF - 1 Cannons Meadow, Tewin - Single Storey Extension to provide Carer Accommodation for Elderly Parents - No objection.
3/00/1994/FP/DF - 2 Grass Warren, Tewin - Two Storey Side Extension, Single Storey Rear Extension - Amended Plans - No objection.
Decisions:
3/00/1600/FP/SM - Woodbury, 6 East Riding, Tewin Wood - Demolition of Existing House; Erection of replacement Dwelling with Detached Garage Block - Refused.
3/00/1849/FP/AY - 45 Orchard Road, Tewin Wood - Three Storey Side Extension to Existing Dwelling with First Floor Balcony - Granted subject to conditions.
3/00/1774/FP/AY - 19 Bishops Road, Tewin Wood - Proposed Two Storey and Single Storey Extension - Amended Plans - Granted subject to conditions.
Local Plan Review: Nothing further to report.
Regional Plan: Nothing further to report.
Other Planning Matters:
Farm Buildings R/O Rose & Crown - EHDC have advised that they are expecting an application for conversion of this building to residential use.
Unauthorised Tipping of Soil on Land to the West of the Concrete Path - the Planning Contravention Notice showed works were carried out by a tenant farmer and a PCN will be served on him.
An application for a pond to the rear of Pheltern Lodge, Queen Hoo Lane was still awaited. EHDC would inspect a possible breach of planning at Hoo Corner, Highfields, Harlton Lodge and Pheltern Lodge. The matter has been followed up although no decision has been reached by EHDC yet.
The Local Agenda 21 Community Grant application was not successful. The next phase of the East Herts Local Plan has not yet been received.
The field to the back of the pond on Upper Green which is being used as a dumping ground has been reported to the Enforcement Officer.
99. FINANCE
Accounts for Payment - In accordance with the Council's Financial Regulations it was resolved that items totalling £524.18 in the monthly payments summary should be paid. The Schedule was duly signed by the Chairman.
Other Financial Matters - It was reported that the National Savings Book has now been found. Once it has been updated the signatories to the account will be updated. A cheque for £100 to cover allotment rental was received with thanks. There were no requests for donations this month.
Claim by Mr Williams re Felled Oak Tree on BR8 - The Council was reminded that the estimated cost of the tree was £300. The Chairman has received a paper from Mr Williams which had been acknowledged, however, the agreement he has copied the Council is not what was requested. The Council wanted evidence that he owned the land. Cllr J Burton undertook to speak to him and summarise the situation in a letter.
100. HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
Community Transport - Cllr Ms K Lawson has passed the names of volunteers from the transport survey carried out last year to the Clerk who will contact them to find out who is still willing to assist in a volunteer car scheme.
Speeding - HCC have written to the Council asking for support in their "Make the Commitment" campaign which challenges drivers to make a written commitment to drive within the speed limit. It was agreed to invite them to the village fete to raise awareness of the campaign.
St Peter's Church - Highways have reported having a large number of serious drainage problems and carriageway failures which are a priority and are being repaired over all other scheduled works. The Clerk will meet with the Highways representative at the start of the new financial year to agree a new schedule of works.
Bridge in Churchfield Road - White lining and chevrons in the area to be repainted later this year.
White Lines Near the Bridge in Churchfield Road - See above.
Tree Overhanging the Road in Queen Hoo Lane - HCC would undertake this in 2000/01. There is now considered to be more than one tree affected.
Exposure of Jagged Edge of Tarmac in Churchfield Road - EHDC had referred the matter of the damage to the highway caused by the levelling of land activity at Muspatts Farm to the Highways Partnership. This should be worked on in the summer.
Pooling of Water in Harmer Green Lane - It was anticipated this would not be a problem following gulley cleaning. The situation to be monitored.
Kerbing Outside the Memorial Hall - HCC would arrange for all the missing and damaged kerbstones to be relayed in 2000/01.
School Lane Drainage - HCC would undertake major works to improve the drainage between Tewin Memorial Hall and the School Lane soakaway in 2000/01. This is scheduled to take place.
Damaged Sign on Lower Green - New posts and signs had been ordered.
Guard Rails, The Hazels - HCC would arrange for these to be repainted in 2000/01.
Ash Tree in Cannons Meadow - This should be worked on in March.
Traffic calming - HCC had offered to erect Pedestrian in Road signs. These are on order.
B1000/Churchfield Road Junction - Accident Data for the site showed 4 accidents were reported for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 2000. A hazardous site in Herts is defined as one where 6 or more personal injury accidents occur within the past 3 years. The Clerk will seek more up to date data later in the year.
Give Way Sign - The sign at the junction of Churchfield Road and B1000 will be re-erected as soon as possible.
Litter - The litter collector reminded the Council that he was not employed as a sweeper and not provided with a broom. A meeting is arranged between him and Cllr C Bowden.
101. PAVILION & UPPER GREEN
The insurance company have now instructed the contractor to repair the damage to the Pavilion following the break-in on 25th December 2000. There is a £75 excess on the policy.
It was noted that the inside of the Pavilion is still extremely untidy. The Clerk is awaiting a reply from Graham Fish.
102. CORRESPONDENCE
Tabled:
Invitation from Datchworth Parish Council to attend the Inter Parish Conference 2001 on Thursday 15th March at 7.30pm for 8pm start. Cllrs J Burton, B Briggs and A Guilford to attend.
Invitation to the launch of Hertfordshire's Policing Plan for 2001/02 on Monday 26th March. Declined due to clash with Tewin Annual Parish Meeting.
Invitation to a presentation on local flooding from Jill Dockley, Community Safety Co-ordinator for Hertfordshire Constabulary on Wednesday 7th March at 7.30pm. Cllr C Pool to attend.
Copy of the Herts County Council's response to the Government's consultation on Regional Planning Guidance for the South East and the threat from housebuilding. Will be circulated.
Letter from Prof Dr Bernhard Claussen of Hamburg University requesting information about Tewin village for his students. Clerk will send him map and Mimram Valley report and advise he contacts the website.
Discussion paper from Cllr M McMullen on Restructuring of East Herts District Council. To go on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
Circulated:
Postcomm - Preserving access to Post Offices in rural areas - a discussion paper
HALC - Parish Information No 1 January 2001
Wildlife Matters - Winter 2001
East Herts Council Meetings - February 2001
SLCC - Changes to Society Constitution & copy of new Contract of Employment for Clerks
Notice of a Special Meeting of E Herts District Council - 13/2/01
Letter from Iris Tarry re Regional Planning Guidance for the South East and the threat from housebuilding - 14/2/01
CPRE - The Hertfordshire Society Newsletter - February 2001
Weekly List of Planning Applications - 15/02/01
Weekly List of Planning Applications - 22/02/01
CPRE Voice - Spring 2001
103. PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP
Stuart Kirkham will produce a schedule of the work he does so it is up to date.
FP26. Further discussions with the owner of Tewin Hill Farm raised further queries about the exact route of the footpath and the Clerk will arrange a meeting with the landowner.
Cllr A Guilford confirmed that some stiles on footpaths will be removed to enable easier access along footpaths.
104. COMMON LAND
Mr & Mrs Cooke have now signed and returned the letter. The Council will review the matter in 2 months time to check whether the wall has been removed.
No reply yet from Ivor Williams re activity on CL129.
The Clerk undertook to write to Messrs Evans and Wilcox of Queen Hoo Lane regarding encroachment onto CL148 informing them of Mr & Mrs Cooke's letter with a view to seeking similar such assurance.
Vehicular access over common land. The Council will wait until the Countryside Bill becomes law before considering this matter further.
105. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
Millennium Committee - It was reported that they have reformed as Friends of Tewin.
Tewin Website - The Council minutes are now being published on the Website.
106. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next Council meeting would be held on Monday 26 March following the Annual Parish Meeting scheduled for 7.30pm.
It was agreed to again schedule Parish Council Meetings for 2001/02 for the last Monday in the month (excluding August and December) and the Clerk undertook to book the hall in advance.
107. ANY OTHER URGENT BUSINESS
Fly tipping in the B1000 layby - has been reported to the District Council. The Clerk will request whether a height restriction can be applied to the layby.
FP26 needs clearing by exit to Hertford Road. Cllr A Guilford will contact Stuart Kirkham to arrange. There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.35pm.