TEWIN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 4th April 2007 in Tewin Memorial Hall at 7.45pm

Present:  Cllrs. Lawson (Chairman), K St Pier (Vice Chairman), B. Evans, A.Hill (left the meeting at 10.35pm) M.Howe, D.Howson and D.Lloyd.

In attendance:  Mrs C.McFarlane (Clerk), Cllr McMullen, Cllr B.Hammond and fourteen parishioners.

Police Community Support Officer Paul Weston attended to report on crime in the parish: there were 26 reported crimes (previous year 44) in the village over the last year of which 7 were detected (previous year 6).

Operation Arable is still in existence and any sightings of off-road motorcycles (date, time, location and distinguishing markings) should be reported to 0845 3300222.

Operation Sprain took place today, 4th April, with police patrolling rural areas looking for motorbikes but none were apprehended. Any bikers previously warned by the police can have their bikes confiscated if caught a second time. It is hoped that further operations will take place in the future.

Black panther sightings should also be reported on 0845 3300222 with details of date, time location and if enough information is gained the animal warden and the RSPCA will be contacted.

It is hoped that covert cameras will soon be used at the worst sites for flytipping.

There have been a few reports of disturbances at Upper Green car park and the police would like to encourage parishioners to report any such incidents on 0845 3300222.

The police are in the process of re-establishing Neighbourhood Watch in Tewin and would like to encourage parishioners to take part.

There have been several incidents of purse pinching in Hertford and the police warn parishioners to be vigilant. Purse alarms are available from the police please contact them on 01992 533013 if you would like one.

PARISHIONER COMMENTS

Mrs Wilson attended on behalf of the residents of 78 Upper Green Road about the planning application for 74 Upper Green Road. On behalf of Mr Manners she strongly objected to the proposal in view of the new development’s prominence within the rural landscape, inappropriate change to the landscape, historical value of the property, over development of the site, concern over the Dutch barn, effect of the proposed access, impact of development on views from 78 Upper Green Road.

Mrs Wilson also wished to personally object to the proposal because of the historical importance of the property as it is a Cowper building which has to date been sympathetically adjusted unlike the present proposal.

Mr Farr attended to ascertain details about the cricket nets around the playground. The Parish Council confirmed that the cricket net will cost approx £1365 to buy and a further £400 to install. The net will be 6.3m high and will run along the two sides of the playground closest to the cricket pitch. The net will be suspended on 8 dark green posts set in 915mm deep steel ground sockets.  The netting is black mesh, which operates on a pulley system enabling the net to be raised up and down. 

The Parish Council confirmed that in accordance with the planning conditions imposed by East Herts Council the nets will be in place for the duration of the cricket season and are fully covered by insurance.

 

 

119. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr S.Stott (holiday).

120. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING held 5th March 2007 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

121. MATTERS ARISING

122.  FINANCE   

Accounts for Payment - In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations the schedule of payments amounting to £1349.03 was approved by the Council.

 

123.PLANNING

Planning Applications Received

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.

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

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

3/07/0557& 0558/FP&LB/JS – 9 Lower Green, Tewin – Single storey side and rear extension – TPC No Obj

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

 

Planning Decisions Received from EHC

3/07/0256/FP/GH – 21 Firs Walk, Tewin Wood – Landscaping Works at rear of dwelling (Retrospective) –TPC Obj as there is insufficient detail provided, no side elevations for the foundations and no final side elevations, great concern for the stability of the bank and the effect of the reduced level on the health of the hedge between No 19 & 20.

EHC Granted with 13 conditions

 

3/07/0127/FP – Muspatts Farm Churchfield Road, Tewin – New Grain store and landscaping bund – TPC NO Obj – EHC Granted

 

3/07/0114/FP – 2 Upper Green, Tewin – First Floor side extension, 1 & 2 storey rear extension, new porch and internal alterations – TPC No Obj – EHC Refused due to excessive size.

 

3/07/0130/FP/HS – 26 Lower Green, Tewin – Single storey front & first floor front dormer extensions. Two-storey rear extension – TPC No Obj stressed importance of Conservation Area,

Care of village green and to keep access free for other residents – EHC Granted

 

Urbanisation of Tewin Wood - Bryan Thomsett, Head of Planning Policy, East Herts Council has advised us in writing that the Inspector for the Local Plan has decided to delete Environmental Zones (ENV 36) from the Local Plan. Other policies will still apply to development proposals in Tewin Wood such as HSG13 Replacement Dwellings, GBC3 Appropriate Development in the Green Belt, ENV3 Design and Environmental Quality, ENV5 Landscaping, ENV9 Extensions to dwellings and ENV13 Residential annexes.

Planning Officers will continue to seek to resist the most significant harmful impacts of development.

 

Barker Review –Whilst the Parish Council agreed to object to this review at the last meeting, Cllr K St Pier and Cllr S Stott have not had time to put together a response.

 

 

 

124. PLAYGROUND

 

Condition Compliance – Conditions 3,4,6,7 and 9 are fully discharged. Conditions 5, 9, 10 and 11 are discharged subject to minor details to be submitted to EHC.  EHC advised the Parish Council that construction can now take place.

 

Bee Orchid – The bee orchid on the site of the playground has now been translocated. The Parish Council agreed to contact the Ecology Officer about translocating the bee orchid located by the goal posts as well.

 

Friends of Tewin – The Parish Council agreed to send Friends of Tewin the letter assuming all responsibility for the playground equipment they are purchasing with the grant, once it is installed. Legal advice from EHC was obtained on this letter.

 

Final Costing –At the last meeting the total cost of the playground was expected to be approx £19,226 this will be increased by approx £950 which represents the non-refundable VAT on the equipment purchased by Friends of Tewin from LNF funds.

 

Tewin Charities – The Charities Commission has advised Tewin Charities that they cannot permit them to sponsor some playground equipment.

Installation Date – Installation is expected to commence on 19th April with delivery of a container to the car park. This date has yet to be confirmed. 

 

Insurance – The Clerk will send the insurance company full details of all the equipment, netting and surfacing to be insured. The Council agreed to take cover for all risks.

 

Other Issues- The Parish Council agreed to notify the neighbours, the tennis and cricket clubs, HCC and EHC of the decision to go ahead with the playground as soon as possible.

 

Family Open Day – The Friends of Tewin have set a date of 15th July and hope to make this the official opening of the playground as well.

 

125. HIGHWAYS

Flooding at Churchfield Road/Margery Lane – Following consultation with the landowner the Parish Council agreed (6 votes for and 1 abstention) to dig the ditch in September for the already agreed price of £200 providing Highways can deal with the kerbs and the cut ins.

Meeting With Highways – Cllrs St Pier, Hill, Howson and Lloyd agreed to make themselves available to meet with Highways on 3rd or 4th May to discuss works within the parish.

 

Heavy Vehicle Sign on Hertford Road – Cllr K St Pier proposed to pay the remaining £225 for the Heavy Vehicle Sign. Cllr B. Evans seconded the proposal. The vote was carried with 4 votes in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions. The Clerk was asked to report that the Heavy Vehicles sign at Hollybushes has fallen over.

 

126. PAVILION AND RISK ASSESSMENT WORKS

Pavilion Refurbishment Committee – There was a meeting on 26th March when they agreed a final specification for the work be determined and several quotes for the work be obtained by mid April.

Risk Assessment Dates – This is set for 10am in the tennis club car park on Friday 20th April 2007. A date for another inspection will be set if required.

 

 

 

 

 

127. LOWER GREEN

Electricity on Lower Green – A formal quote from EdF has been received for £668.31 plus VAT and the remittance sent off.  Planning permission is required from EHC and EDF will refund the money if planning permission is refused.

 

Planning Permission - Cllr A.Hill proposed that the Parish Council apply to EHC for planning permission for the electricity meter on Lower Green. Cllr D.Howson seconded the proposal and the vote was carried with 6 votes for and 1 abstention.

 

Permanent Christmas Tree on Lower Green – The Parish Council discussed whether this would be a more environmentally friendly option even though it is not an indigenous species and would grow too big. Cllr D. Howson proposed not to allow a permanent Christmas tree. Cllr A.Hill seconded the proposal and the vote was carried with 6 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

 

128. PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP

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

FP14 – The stiles will in due course be replaced with gates and new way markers.

 

129. CORRESPONDENCE

A Boards – Mr Burton and Mr Beale both complained about the presence of A Boards on the village green outside the Plume of Feathers pub.  The Parish Council agreed to look into this.

Dog Waste – There have been several complaints about dog mess left in Grass Warren. The Parish Council agreed to reply with the advice from the EHC Dog Warden.

130. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES

Tewin School – Nothing to report 

Tewin Charities Trustees – Refer Paragraph 24 Playground above.

Tewin Memorial Hall – Nothing to report

Tewin Website – Modifications continue to be made.

Locality Policing – Cllr D.Lloyd is hopeful that covert cameras for flytipping will be available soon.  Refer Report from Police Community Support Officer Paul Weston on page 1.

Parish Plan Steering Committee – The response rate for the questionnaires is an excellent 85.74% and the University of Hatfield has now commenced analysis.

131. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be the Annual Parish Council meeting on Monday  14th May 2007 in Tewin Memorial Hall at 7.45pm.

As there was no further business the meeting was closed at 11.07pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1 – HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION MATTERS March  07

Fault line: 01438 737321   

District Team: 01992 526900

Assistant District Manager: Raj Goutham                              

Assistant Engineer: Ian Bishop (last meeting 15.4.05, 23.2.06)

        Three Valleys Water 0845-7823333 (fault/leak reporting)                      

 

Ref:

 

WORK IDENTIFIED AS NEEDING TO BE DONE AND REPORTED TO THE PARISH ENGINEER.

 

ACTION

1

Flooding at junction of Margery Lane with Churchfield Rd.

Removal of kerb on Churchfield Rd a possibility if TPC can arrange ditch in adjacent field similar to White Horse Lane.

Raj looking into it.

 

2

Grass Warren –

Broken post and rail fence – reported to EHC

 

 

Report Again

 

3

Bridge Reflectors in Churchfield Road – White lining & chevrons to be repainted & reflective discs/paint on bridge

H/W Noted

4

Kerbing – Two loose kerb stones on drive opposite Tewin Stores