Aldenham Parish Council

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Minutes of the PARISH COUNCIL held at 8pm on Tuesday 28 November 2007 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:

Councillor R. Worthy (Chairman)
Councillor A. Baker
Councillor G. Balen
Councillor S. Burke
Councillor V. Charrett
Councillor W. Griffin
Councillor J. Howley
Councillor B. Hyams
Councillor D. Lambert
Councillor E. Samuelson
Councillor E Wackrow
Councillor C. Wilkins

In attendance:

Carrie Lloyd – Clerk
Jan Adams – Deputy Clerk

Prayers

The Chairman, Councillor Worthy, led prayers.
Apologies for Absence

All Members were present.
Declarations of Interest by Members

There were no declarations of interest by Members.
To approve the signature of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 October 2007

It was noted that item 87 of the previous Minutes should read ‘unable’ and not ‘able’.

Following the correction the Minutes were signed as a true and accurate record.
To receive any updates from actions in the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2007
1. Fees for HAPTC – It was noted that the fee for HAPTC for 2008/2009 had been increased from the amount stated in the previous Minutes from £1193.43 to £1212.07.
2. Newberries Car Park Charges - Councillor Howley and the Clerk would be holding a meeting next week to discuss car parking charges with Richard Grove.
3. Recreation Grounds Meeting - The next meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee would be held at The Pavilion, Phillimore Recreation Ground on Thursday 6 December at 7.35 pm. The earlier time would give Members the opportunity to view the recent extensive works carried out to the shower rooms.
To adjourn the meeting for members of the public to address the Council

There was no one present who wished to speak.
To receive such communications as the person presiding may wish to lay before the council (in accordance with Standing Order 6.4.6)

The Chairman reported that he had recently attended a Radlett Society and Green Belt Association meeting. Mr Richard Grove, Head of Planning at Hertsmere Borough Council gave a presentation and outlined guidance notes to the government appointed East of England Regional Development Authority. He reported that an additional 5000 new dwellings were required to be built in Hertsmere in the foreseeable future. He added that the figures were an indication from ERDA on the number of dwellings that were thought to be needed in the area. Final decisions on the exact numbers would be determined by the local planning authority.
Questions from Councillors

The matter of a ‘Wild Fowl’ sign being erected adjacent to the pond at Letchmore Heath was discussed. It was understood that the Highways Department were investigating the cost of a signand would report back.

A sign directing heavy traffic to turn right at Harper Lane had been requested on numerous occasions but failed to materialise.

It was reported that the triangle shaped piece of land at the bottom of the slip road between the two blocks of Newberries Parade shops was continuously being used for dumping rubbish. It was thought that the parcel of land was owned by a Mr Patel and that Beaver Travel may have contact details. The Clerk would investigate. (Action: Clerk)

The notice boards outside the Radlett Centre are to be repainted. Members choose the colour green, as existing.

To approve recommendations with the Minutes of the following Committees (not previously agreed) (in accordance with Standing order 6.4.8). To approve the s.137 Grant to STRiFE

The Grant to STRiFE of £1000 was approved.

Date	Minutes
15 October 2007	Transportation Committee (to follow)
16 October 2007	Youth and Community Centre Committee
22 October 2007	Boundaries and Planning Committee
5 November 2007	Boundaries and Planning Committee
6 November 2007	Recreation Grounds Committee
14 November 2007	Finance and General Purposes Committee
19 November 2007	Boundaries and Planning Committee

To consider reports of Officers (if any) (in accordance with Standing Order 6.4.9)
1. Time Deposit - The matter of putting £100,000 in a Time Deposit account for 6 months was discussed. Members requested that the Clerk referred back to the bank and to the Accounts Clerk for more information.
2. To fill a vacancy on the Youth and Community Centre Committee - There were no volunteers to fill the vacancy.
3. To consider, what, if any, comments should be made to Hertsmere Borough Council on parking along Aldenham Avenue, Radlett - Following discussion Members agreed to double yellow lines up to 17 Aldenham Avenue and the CPZ up to The Pathway.
  
  Concern was expressed over visitors parking. It was agreed that residents should be consulted to find out what was required.
4. Local Government Pension Scheme - Members were asked to approve a system where all Parish and Town Councils operated their Pension Schemes in the same way. Members agreed to act in line with other Councils.
To authorise the payment of accounts (schedule to follow)

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

The matter of the budget for 2008/2009 was discussed.

The Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee asked the Chairmen of the various committees to look carefully at their budgets with an overall aim to reduce the figure by £10,000 that would bring the budget down to the current rate of inflation.

Councillor Howley offered to circulate the current draft budget to Members after 5 December 2007.
Planning
1. Figures to date - 289 applications had been received, 109 approved, 62 refused, 17 withdrawn with 101 outstanding.
2. Report from the Boundaries and Planning Committee Chairman on applications considered at the meetings of the Committee detailed at Minute 56 or decisions reached by the Local Planning Authority or Appeals lodged with the Planning Inspectorate that were of special interest.
  1. The Cottage, Common Lane - The application had been withdrawn.
  2. 2a Station Road - The application is for a change of use from an office to an adult care centre. It was understood that Hertsmere Borough Council had suggested a number of restrictions which mainly consisted of parking restrictions and as a result it had gone to Appeal.
  3. Watford Muslim Secondary School Trust - It was understood that a planning application had been approved for a site in Tolpitts Lane, Watford. Members were not in favour of faith schools and no further comments were offered.
  4. Planning Training - Members were informed that Councillors Planning Training would take place on Monday 7 January 2008 at 1.15pm in Meeting Room Two.

Meetings – December 2007 and January 2008

Date	Meeting	Time
3 December 2007	Boundaries and Planning Committee	2.15pm
4 December 2007	Recreation Grounds Committee	8pm
5 December 2007	Finance and General Purposes Committee	8pm
6 December 2007	Recreation Grounds Committee at Pavilion	7.35pm
17 December 2007	Boundaries and Planning Committee	7.30pm
18 December 2007	Council	8pm
7 January 2008	Planning Training	1.15pm
7 January 2008	Boundaries and Planning Committee	2.15pm
8 January 2008	Recreation Grounds Committee	8pm
9 January 2008	Newsletter Committee	8pm
16 January 2008	Finance and General Purposes Committee	8pm
21 January 2008	Boundaries and Planning Committee	8pm
22 January 2008	Joint Councillors	8pm
28 January 2008	Put Together	7.30pm
29 January 2008	Council	8pm

Note: The meeting of the Radlett Youth & Community Centre Committee originally arranged for 22 January 2008 was replaced by a Joint Councillors meeting. The RYC meeting would now be held at 8pm on Wednesday 6 February 2008 at the Radlett Youth Centre.

Closure 9.25pm.