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ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the PARISH COUNCIL held at 8pm on Tuesday 28 November 2006 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

In attendance: Ms. Carrie Lloyd – Clerk

69. Prayers

The Chairman, Councillor Worthy, led prayers.

70. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs Charrett, Councillor Lambert and Councillor Mrs Griffin.

71. Declarations of Interest by Members

There were no declarations of interest by Members.

72.  To approve the signature of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 31 October 2006

The minutes were signed as a true and accurate record.

73.  To receive any updates from actions in the Minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2006

1. Colour of Street Furniture – The public’s views were still awaited from the advertisement in Around Radlett.  The majority of Members were in favour of burgundy.
   
   
2. Remembrance Sunday – Members noted that the press had not covered the ceremonies in Radlett & Letchmore Heath.  In view of the large turnout in Radlett and the two men awarded the Victoria Cross among those being remembered, the press were requested to reconsider their coverage in future years.  It was suggested that the history of the courage shown by the two men awarded the VC should be put in Around Radlett.  Concern was expressed at the length of time that the roads were closed and the Clerk was requested to follow this up with the Royal British Legion.
   Action: Clerk
   
   
3. Closure of Fire Station – Councillor H.M. Saunders had advised that the subject had not been finished yet and he hoped to reverse the County Council’s actions.
   
   
4. The Future of Radlett Festival – It was noted that until a definite decision had been reached on the previous item the decision regarding the future of the Festival could not be reconsidered.  The Clerk advised that Standing Orders permitted the revocation of a previous resolution by a special resolution carried by two thirds of those present and voting.
   
   
5. Blackbirds Farm – It was noted that an appeal had been submitted against the refusal for planning permission to re-site the access road.  The Clerk was requested to report an increase in the number of lorries turning up on site and operations taking place on Sundays.
   Action: Clerk
   
   
6. Christmas Lights - Councillor Howley advised that the electricity for the Christmas Lights would cost £600 and not £1,700 as originally envisaged.

74.  To authorise the payment of accounts

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

75.  To receive communications from the Chairman

1. Christmas Light Switch on at Battlers Green Drive - Members were reminded that Mr Press would be switching on his lights in aid of Leukaemia Research at 4pm on 1st December.
2. All Faiths’ meeting – Members were reminded that the All Faiths’ meeting would take place at 8pm on 30th November.

76.  Questions from Councillors

Councillor Howley advised that recently issued Government guidelines recommended council tax increases of no more than 3 or 4%.  A draft budget, including the £25,000 for the Fire Station had shown an increase nearer 9%.  He undertook to discuss budgets with individual Committee Chairmen for inclusion on agenda of Committee meetings before 17 January with an aim to keep the Parish precept at about 3 or 4%.

Members were concerned at the floods in Radlett during periods of high rain fall.  The Chairman advised that the problems had been discussed with Hertfordshire highways who were doing all they could but were hampered by Thames Water not unblocking their stretch of surface water sewer.  Discussions would continue.

Action: Councillor Worthy / Clerk

Councillor Howley was requested to circulate the latest crime figures for the area.  He was also requested to raise the issue of PCSOs not tackling inconsiderate parking in disabled bays, even though they had no authority to issue a ticket at the next Crime Reduction Group Meeting.

Action: Councillor Howley

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

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

Members noted the use of the Parish emblem by Radlett Football Club on their new shirts and the request that the Parish’s permission be sought first before any future kit was purchased.

The anticipated overspend on Recreation Grounds overtime of about £9,000 was noted.

78.  Planning

1.   To consider the number of applications received, allowed, refused and withdrawn from 1st January 2006 to date
   
   291 applications had been received, 97 had been approved, 65 refused, 15 withdrawn with 114 outstanding.
   
   
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

1. TP/2006/1170, Land adjacent to 126 Watling Street, Radlett, Demolition of existing prefabricated garage and erection of new 3 bedroomed detached house – Members had considered this to have insufficient parking and overdevelopment of the site.
2. Blackbirds Farm – It was noted that the appeal had been submitted against the refusal for planning permission to re-site the access road.
3. Draft Planning & Design Guide – The response to Hertsmere’s Guide had been sent to them.
4. Planning requirements for wind turbines - Members were advised that planning permission would be required in most cases unless the suggestion that local development plans might be extended to allow permitted development for small scale renewable energy schemes was enacted.
5. TP/2006/1207, 86 – 96 Watling Street - Conversion of existing roof space to form habitable accommodation with rear facing dormer windows and subdivision of first floor and loft into 6 self contained flats – As the development relied upon the proximity of Scrubbitts Wood to contribute towards its amenity space, the Clerk had written requesting that the s.106 Agreement provide for tree work to the woodland.

 

79.  Items of Interest from other Authorities

1. Cllr Mrs Wackrow had attended a meeting of the Radlett Society & Green Belt Association.  It had been suggested that a central reservation be put down the entrance road to Newberries Car Park to prevent cars parking on the double yellow lines.  Members were mindful that this had been the case in the past and the central reservation had been removed because of the problems it caused.  It had also been suggested that a small local outdoor swimming pool would be of benefit to the community.  It was suggested that Fairfield School’s pool could be better utilised for the benefit of the community.

80.  December 2006 and January 2007 Meetings

(All commence at 8pm unless otherwise stated)

Closure 8.50pm.