Aldenham Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting of the PARISH COUNCIL held at 8pm on Tuesday 26 February 2008 in the Douglas Hicks Room, The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:

In attendance:

 

  1. Prayers

    Prayers were led by the Chairman, Councillor R Worthy.

  2. Apologies for absence

    Apologies were received from Councillor B Hyams.

  3. Welcome to New Clerk

    The Chairman welcomed the new Clerk, Mr Peter Evans to the Council and wished him every success in his new position.

  4. Declarations of interest by members

    There were no declarations of interest.

  5. To approve the signature of the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 29 January 2008

    The minutes were approved and signed as a true and correct record.

  6. To receive any updates from actions in the minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2008 (in accordance with Standing Order 6.4.1) – previously circulated
    1. Fencing, Shenley Hill: It was noted that no action had been taken to repair the broken fencing in Shenley Hill. Concern was also expressed over the overgrowth in Faggotts Close which had spread onto the highway forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. Both matters would be brought up with Highways by Councillor Worthy. (Action: Councillor Worthy)
    2. Synagogue: The first meeting of the new panel would take place on 1 April 2008.  Eight residents had been invited to join the panel and these included Jeremy Caulton, Jenny Hawkins representing Abbeyfield, Gwen Dancy and four Radlett Park Road residents. Also to be included on the panel were two Parish Councillors, four Borough Council and one representative from the Radlett Society and Green Belt Association.

      It was suggested that Mr Rob Reith may agree to act as Vice Chairman of the panel with Councillor Seamus Quinty as possible chairman. Councillors Mrs Wackrow and Mrs Samuelson would represent the Parish Council.

      It was understood that the Trustees of the Village Institute were not interested in a possible land deal with Radlett and Bushey United Synagogue.
  7. To authorise the payment of accounts

    The accounts were agreed and the cheques were signed.

  8. To sign the bank mandate forms

    The bank mandate forms were signed by all Members present.

  9. To receive such communications as the person presiding may wish to lay before the Council
    1. Radlett Fire Station: Councillor Worthy reported that Jane Sheridan had received a reply to her letter she had sent to Robert Gordon at Hertfordshire County Council requesting that talks be reopened to discuss the future of Radlett Fire Station. A reply had been received stating that ‘the decision was in the past and that was an end to the matter’.

      Councillor Mrs Charrett asked if Aldenham Parish Council could buy the site and rent it out to paramedics, police and fire station. It was understood that Councillor Saunders was obtaining a valuation from HCC for the site. (Action: Councillor Saunders)

      Members agreed that they would prefer the site to be used municipally and not as a block of flats.
    2. Revd Wm Hogg: The Rev Hogg had suggested that a Parish Service be held in the near future. Members were agreement with that suggestion. The item would be put on the agenda for the next parish council meeting.
    3. Honorary Citizen Award: It was suggested that Councillor M Saunders be awarded an Honorary Citizen Award in recognition of his work within the community over a number of years. Members unanimously agreed.

      It was further agreed that as the Countess of Verulam, who is the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, would be making a short visit to the Radlett Centre on Thursday 6 March, it would be an opportune moment for her to present an Honorary Citizen Award to Councillor Saunders. The Acting Clerk was asked to make arrangements with the Mayor’s secretary Belinda Troy.

      All Councillors were invited to attend the ceremony. (Action: Acting Clerk)
  10. To respond to questions from Councillors
    1. War Memorial: Members asked if there had been any advancement with the War Memorial cleaning. One quotation had been received from Neville Brant for £15,000; a further quotation was being sought.
    2. Parish Wish List: At a presentation given by Bob Young of the Planning Department at Hertsmere Borough Council it was suggested that each Parish/Town draws up a Wish List of ideas for their area. Peter Evans informed the meeting the idea had the support of HAPTC.
  11. To approve the recommendation within the Minutes of the following give Committees

    Date Minutes
    4 February 2008 Boundaries and Planning Committee
    5 February 2008 Recreation Grounds Committee (to follow)
    6 February 2008 Radlett Youth & Community Centre Committee (to follow)
    13 February 2008 Finance and General Purposes Committee
    18 February 2008 Boundaries and Planning Committee (to follow)

  12. Planning
    1. Boundaries and Planning Meeting 18 February 2008: It was noted that the Boundaries and Planning meeting held on 18 February 2008 was not quorate and therefore no decisions could be made. Those present at the meeting were Councillors Mrs E Wackrow and Mrs E Samuelson. Apologies had been received from Councillors Mrs G Balen, Mrs V Charrett, B Hyams, D Lambert and C Wilkins.
    2. To consider the number of applications received, allowed, refused and withdrawn from 1 January 2008 to date: Forty-four applications had been received so far this year, three had been refused, four approved and one was outstanding.
    3. To receive a report from the Boundaries and Planning Committee Chairman on applications considered at the meetings of the Committee
      1. Aragon Coach House, Aldenham Road, Letchmore Heath: An application had been received to erect a part single, part two storey and first floor rear extension with ground floor infill to lounge. Members felt that there was insufficient information available regarding the adjoining property, Donard and therefore no comments were offered.
      2. Response to Parish Plan: It was agreed by the Boundaries and Planning Committee to that the response to the Parish Plan should state that include no more flats are to be built in Watford Road and Gills Hill.
  13. Items of Interest from Minutes of other authorities
    1. Joint Councillors: The dates of the next Joint Councillor meetings were Wednesday 7 May and Tuesday 15 July 2008.
  14. To consider calendar of meeting

    Following two alterations the calendar for 2008/2009 was agreed. A revised calendar would be forwarded to Members in due course.

  15. March 2008 Meetings

    Date Meeting Time
    3 March 2008 Boundaries and Planning Committee 2.15pm
    4 March 2008 Recreation Grounds 8pm
    6 March 2008 Transportation Committee 8pm
    12 March 2008 Finance and General Purposes Committee 8pm
    17 March 2008 Boundaries and Planning Committee 7.30pm
    25 March 2008 Parish Council 8pm
    26 March 2008 Radlett Centre Trust 2.30pm

Closure: 9.10pm