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ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the PARISH COUNCIL held at 8pm on Tuesday 25 April 2006 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

In attendance:
Ms. Carrie Lloyd – Clerk
Mrs Jan Adams – Deputy Clerk

159. Prayers

The Chairman, Councillor Howley, led prayers.

160. Apologies for Absence

Councillor Burke, Councillor Mrs Griffiths and Councillor Lambert

161. To approve the signature of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 March 2006

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2006 were signed as a true and accurate record.

162. To receive any updates from actions in the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2006

1. Speeding down Craigweil Avenue, Trees/Shrubs along Gills Hill Lane and Craigweil Avenue and gutters and gullies – Nothing further had happened since the meeting with Mr Gregory & Mr Davies from Hertfordshire Highways. County Councillor H M Saunders was taking the matter up on behalf of the Council.
   
   
2. Disabled Bays, Newberries Car Park – The Clerk had emailed the CPZ Manager at Hertsmere regarding a sign on the ticket machines in Newberries car park advising disabled drivers that they did not need to show a ticket, only their blue badges.
   
   
3. Hertsmere Waste Survey for Best Value – The survey had been completed and Councillor Worthy had written to Cllr M Bright regarding clarification on what waste could go in the green bins. It was suggested that an article in Around Radlett may be of use. (Action: Deputy Clerk)
   
   
4. Rubbish behind Newberries Parade – The Clerk was still to contact environmental health regarding this. (Action: Clerk)
   
   
5. Rail Freight Depot – Some Members had attended the exhibition. It was noted that this would be a very big development with the potential to adversely affect traffic in the Parish. Details would be considered once a formal application had been submitted.
   
   
6. Retrospective Application, Blackbirds Farm – recycling of bread and bakery products – The Clerk was requested to contact Hertfordshire County Council regarding the number of plastic bread bags littering the area. (Action: Clerk)
   
   
7. Local Volunteer of the Year – Members were advised that Judith Leaback was selected by the Panel.

163. To authorise the payment of accounts

The accounts were approved and the month’s cheques signed.

164. Communications from the Chairman

1. Annual Meeting – The Chairman thanked Members for attending the Annual Meeting.  It was suggested that the meeting should be advertised more widely to boost numbers attending. The work already undertaken in advertising the Meeting was acknowledged and additional methods suggested for future years including greater use of the website and more targeted publicity.
   
   
2. Radlett Fire Station – possible funding - Members considered the merits of pursuing community funding of the service as suggested by Hertfordshire County Council. In view of the tight deadline given by that Authority, Members RESOLVED that in principle the Council agree to fund £25,000 from s.137 grant allocation subject to the National Association of Local Councils and the external auditor confirming that the contribution was legal. (Action: Clerk)
   
   
3. Colour of Street Furniture – Members considered the suggestion from the Annual Meeting that the street furniture should be painted black rather than burgundy. RESOLVED that an article be placed in Around Radlett requesting the views of local people and that as a “test area” the lamp posts around the Radlett Centre be painted black in 2006.
   
   
4. Local Relationships – The Chairman had invited representatives of all the faiths in Radlett to a meeting on 3rd May at 8pm at the Radlett Cente to discuss local relationships. Members were invited to attend. The Chairman would report further following the meeting.
   
   
5. Councillors Workshop – Members were reminded of the invitation to attend a Councillor Workshop on Thursday 15th June 7pm to 9pm in Knebworth Village Hall. Booking should be made through the Clerk.

165. Approval of the recommendations within the minutes of the following Committees

RESOLVED that the recommendations contained within the two sets of minutes be approved.

166. Planning applications from the inquorate meetings of 24 April 2006

Members considered the suggested responses to the planning applications due to have been considered at the inquorate meeting of 24 April 2006 and RESOLVED that the comments attached at Appendix A to these minutes be approved.

167. Planning

1.   To consider the number of applications received, allowed, refused and withdrawn from 1st January 2006 to date
   76 applications had been received, 6 had been approved and 13 refused.
   
   
2. Report by the Boundaries and Planning Committee Chairman on applications considered at the meetings of the Committee or decisions reached by the Local Planning Authority or Appeals lodged with the Planning Inspectorate that are of special interest
   (a) Retrospective Application, Blackbirds Farm – recycling of bread and bakery products – No decision had been received on this yet.
   (b) Old Houseboat works, Watling Street – Another application had been received that increased parking spaces and the number of smaller residences.  The Committee had raised no objection.
   (c) Former Builder’s Yard, 22 Station Road, Radlett – Some objectors from Station Rd & Park Road had contacted the Committee regarding this application but Members had found no grounds for objection.
   
   
3. Other Planning Matters
   (a) Local Development Framework – The response had been returned to Hertsmere Borough Council.  Members main concerns were retention of the Green Belt and the need to keep smaller properties.
   (b) Land at Harper Lane – The Clerk was requested to obtain details of any application for land at Harper Lane that had recently changed hands. (Action: Clerk)

168. PROPOSED CHANGES TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Members were advised of the proposed changes to the Mental Health Services in the area.  Councillor Mrs Balen had responded on behalf of the Red House Patients Group. The Clerk was requested to write expressing the Council’s concern at the proposed reduction to Mental Health and Learning Disability Services in Hertfordshire. 
Rather than targeting the services provided to people with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Members considered that a more thorough review should be undertaken.  In particular, reductions should be sought in estate management and on-costs together with efficiency savings before frontline services were targeted. (Action: Clerk)

169. May and June 2006 Meetings

(All commence at 8pm unless otherwise stated)

Closure 9.35pm.