HENLOW PARISH COUNCIL

 

DRAFT Minutes of the Meeting of Henlow Parish Council held on

Monday 15th October 2007 at 7.30pm in the

Committee Room of the Parish Hall, Henlow Village. _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Present:  Councillors Wiles, (Chairman), Mrs Cliff, Cliff, Miss Joy, Dorricott, Sale, Miss Harrison, Mrs Hall, Wenham, Buckley, & the Clerk.

                Also present were County Councillor Mrs Drinkwater, District Councillors Mrs Graham & Haider, PC Holbrook, PCSO Nanda and eleven parishioners.

 

112.    Apologies for absence.

                                                                         Apologies were accepted from Cllrs Dixon, & Brinkler. County Councillor Rogers,

      District Councillor Clarke & Sqd Ldr Ritchie also sent their apologies.

 

113.      Declarations of Interest on any items on this Agenda

Cllr Dorricott – personal interest in item 124b as a member of the St Marys Church which borders ‘The Pit’. Cllr Cliff – personal interest in item 127c as a member of ‘The British Legion.

 

The Chairman then asked the Council if the agenda could be altered as follows

Item 114 will be discussed after item 127c.

Item 124b will be discussed after item 115 as this was the item that the parishioners had come to speak about in open forum.

Item 117 will be discussed before item 116.

This was all agreed.

 

115.    Open Forum

            Several parishioners voiced concerns about the equipment in ‘The Pit’ with some wishing all the equipment to be placed at the Northfield Close end of the area, with others asking for less equipment at this end. The Chairman reminded all present of the history of this project and the need to make a final decision tonight.

 

124.    Pyghtles, Pit & Playground Equipment

a)    Playground inspection report.

           There was nothing to report.

b)    To decide on the position of the ‘space-net’ in The Pit.

           The contractor had produced a plan showing the possible positions of the ‘space-net’ , however he had not provided a letter confirming that the siting of the ‘space-net’ at the Northfield Close end of ‘The Pit’ would meet Health & Safety regulations. A long discussion took place before the following resolution was made by Cllr Sale;

            That the Council install the equipment in ‘The Pit’ as follows;

(i)                The slide on the embankment facing Church Road near the Church.

(ii)              The Arial runway is adjacent to the High Street.

(iii)            The Five Way Swing, Space Net and Basketball Goal are placed behind the goal at the Northfield Road end of ‘The Pit.

                 An amendment was proposed by Cllr Wenham;

(i)                The slide on the embankment facing Church Road near the Church.

(ii)              The Arial runway is adjacent to the High Street.

(iii)            The Five Way Swing and Basketball Goal are placed behind the goal at the Northfield Road end of ‘The Pit.

(iv)            The Space-net to be placed on the Church Road side of ‘The Pit’ as close to the edge as is possible.

The amendment was considered first and was passed by 4 votes to 2 so this was carried. The resolution therefore fell.

 

117.    Reports from other organisations.

PC Holbrook went through the figures for September; Cllr Dorricott stated that there was a site meeting with the police attached to MBDC Anti-social behaviour unit to asses the area around Church Road.

District Councillors Graham and Haider updated the Council on matters at MBDC and the unitary bid.

County Councillor Drinkwater stated that she had seen some early plans for the area around the shops at Henlow camp which she hoped would be sent to the Council soon.

 

116.    Planning

       a)  Planning Applications

(i)      07/01600/Full – Single storey front & two storey rear extension, 89 High Street, Henlow, by Mr & Mrs Outhwaite of 89 High Street, Henlow.

      Resolved that this Council has no objection to this application.

(ii)    07/01336/Full – Change of use from riding school to livery, Meadow Cottage,

 Arlesey Road, Henlow, by Mr & Mrs Dixon of Meadow Cottage, Arlesey Road,   Henlow.

     Resolved that this Council has no objection to this application.

(iii)   07/01516/Full – Single storey side extension, 51 Clifton Road, Henlow, by

      Mr & Mrs Cook of 51 Clifton Road, Henlow.

      Resolved that this Council has no objection to this application.

b) Planning Decisions

  Notice of Approval 

(iv)   07/01288/Full – Rear Conservatory, 8 The Dairy, Henlow.

(v)     07/01202/Full – Two storey rear and side extension, 125 Langford Road, Henlow.

(vi)   07/01104/Full – Alterations to previous plan, dormer windows at front elevations, Land at Park Lane, Henlow

c)   To consider representation of the council at the planning meetings of MBDC discussing the above applications.

       As the Council had not objected to any applications, no representative was required.

 

     General

118.   Chairman’s Announcements – for info only.                                                                        

The Chairman reminded Councillors of the dates of the firework party and

Remembrance Day Service.        

                                 

119.   To adopt the minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 17th September 2007.           

          Cllr Dorricott apologised for the fact that he had not declared an interest in agenda item 109 at this meeting. He thought that as he had declared this at a previous meeting when this item was on the agenda, he did not have to mention it every time. These minutes were signed by Cllr Wiles, as a true record of the meeting. These minutes were then adopted.

                

 

                                                               

120.   Clerk’s Report and Correspondence. – For info only.                                                         

           This had been previously circulated. 

 

121.   Reports from Councillors following their attendance on;

a)     Cllr Miss Harrison  -- MBDC/BRCC ‘Green infrastructure Plan’ workshop,

      26th September 2007. – Cllr Harrison had been unable to attend.

b)     Parish Action Plan meeting 24th September 2007.

In view of the time this item was carried forward.

 

            Working Parties Reports

122.    Highways

            To receive and adopt the report of the Highways working party meeting

           10th September 2007.                                                                                                          

Cllr Miss Joy introduced this report, which all of those present agreed was an accurate reflection of the meeting. It was then;

Resolved;

a) That the Clerk orders from BedsCC Highways one brown/white sign which will inform

         drivers of the route to Henlow Grange (Champneys). The Clerk to ask for Champneys to fund these signs.

b)  The Clerk to purchase a two bay shelter (2200mm x 1300mm) with a pitched roof from Garrick Outdoor, and ask them to place it over the existing bench.

The Clerk was asked to place the following item on the next agenda, in order for Councillors to review this area, and the impact the proposal may have on speeding traffic.

c)  Henlow Parish Council includes reducing the flowerbed at the junction

    Park Lane/Coach Road in the provision of footway scheme.

 

123.    Millennium Field & Allotments -- none

125.       Parish Hall, War Memorial, Village Pump & Sign – no report

126.       Communications

           To receive and adopt the report of the Communications working party meeting

            10th September 2007.                                                                                                          

          This report was noted.

 

127.       Approval of Accounts

a)      Payments to be made

Date

Payee Name

 

Cheque

Total

VAT

Amount           Transaction Detail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21/09/2007

Co-Op Bank PLC

 

cash

£40

 

£40

bank fees

 

24/09/2007

BT

 

 

dd

£98

 

£98

Telephone bill

 

03/10/2007

Adrian Crawley

 

so

£493

 

£493

Groundsmans contract

07/10/2007

Staff costs

 

 

£602

 

£602

 

 

10/10/2007

MBDC

 

 

dd

£124

 

£124

B Rates -- P Hall

 

10/10/2007

Anglian Water

 

dd

£27

 

£27

Water -- P Hall

 

15/10/2007

D J Granger (Landscapes) Ltd

272

£280

£42

£238

Grass Cut 11

 

15/10/2007

Brignalls Balderston Warren

273

£212

£32

£180

Legal costs sec 38 Northfield Cl

 

15/10/2007

HM Customs & revenue

276

£100

 

£100

Underpayment Tax 06/07

 

15/10/2007

Bedford Group Drainage

277

£12

 

£12

Water Rates for Mill Meadow

15/10/2007

Premier Newspapers Ltd

278

£321

£48

£273

Clerks Advert

 

15/10/2007

Fully Fused

 

279

£1,454

£217

£1,238

Balance of fees for Fireworks

 

15/10/2007

Adrian Crawley

 

BACS11

£120

 

£120

Line marking on Pyghtles & Pit

 

15/10/2007

HM Customs & revenue

BACS13

£1,193

 

£1,193

Tax & NI July -- Sept07

 

 

 

Total Payments

5,065.32

337.51

4,727.81

 

 

 

Resolved to accept these payments

 

b)      Receive Bank reconciliation.

Approved.

 

c)      To decide on the donation to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Resolved payment to be £100.

 

The Chairman will then move the following resolution:

‘That under section 100A and Schedule 12A, part 1 paragraph 1 of the Local Government Act 1972 it is advisable that members of the public and press are requested to leave the meeting whilst matters pertaining to the Councils employees and tenders are discussed.

 

114.    To endorse the appointment of the new Clerk to the Council.

 

                   

                                                         There being no further business the meeting finished at 10.40pm

 

 

Chairman_______________.                    

 

 

 

Next meeting October 29th 2007.

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the meeting of Henlow Parish Council held on

Monday 29th October 2007 at 7.30pm in the

Committee Room of the Parish Hall, Henlow Village

_______________________________________________________                                 

Present:  Councillors Wiles, (Chairman), Cllr Buckley, Mrs Cliff, Cliff, Dorricott, Mrs Hall, Miss Joy,

                Sale, Wenham, the Clerk and ex. Clerk. Also present were County Councillor Mrs Drinkwater & Rogers, District Councillors Mrs Graham & Haider, and two parishioners

 

128.    Apologies for absence. Apologies were accepted from Cllrs Brinkler, Dixon & Miss

      Harrison. District Councillor Clarke, PC Holbrook, PCSO Nanda & Sqd Ldr Ritchie also sent          

      their apologies.

 

The Chairman first of all welcomed the new Clerk , Bert Schrier to the Council. Confirmed that the Clerk would contact BT a.s.a.p. to have the new line connected, including Broadband connection: that he is to join the Society of Local Council Clerks: that the mobile phone number stays the same. The Chairman also thanked Peter Evans for his efforts as Clerk to date, and wished him all the best in his new post with Sandy Town Council.

 

129.    Declarations of Interest on any items on this Agenda – none

 

130.    Open Forum

      a) Cllr Rogers requested clarification as to who is responsible for rectifying 3 electrical faults (2 bulb holders and security lighting) at Henlow Sports & Social Club. The Chairman confirmed it should be the landlord’s responsibility.

 

131.    Planning

       a)  Planning Applications

(i)      07/01697/Full – Detached 3 bedroomed dwelling, Land off Hitchin Road, Henlow, by Mr & Mrs Cobb of Henlow Farm End, Middlefield Lane, Henlow. Correspondence from the applicants received, and plans now displayed.

Resolved that this Council objects to any dwelling outside the development area and there were no exceptional circumstances to warrant granting permission.

b) Planning Decisions

  Notice of Approval 

(i)      07/01391/Full – Rear conservatory, 5 Harrier Mill, Henlow.

(ii)    07/01387/Full – Conversion and extension of agricultural barns (revised scheme to that approved under 06/00635), Barns at Westfield Farm, Hitchin Road, Henlow.

Notice of Refusal 

(iii)   07/01227/Full – Two storey side extension, 32 Oak Drive, Henlow.

c) To consider representation of the council at the planning meetings of MBDC discussing the above applications – District Cllr Haider agreed he would speak to District Cllr Clarke to report the PC objections and views.

 

 

132.    Reports from other organisations.

a) SqnLdr Richie had contacted the Chairman requesting a meeting at the Camp – to be arranged

b) PC Holbrook had confirmed that there is no additional information to report.

c) District Cllr Zain reported that he is looking at County Highways case law and precedent data, and would provide further information to the PC in due course.

d) County Cllr Drinkwater had been asked by BCC to distribute details of Enhancement Works to the Roundabout at Henlow Camp for consultation.

Resolved: That a meeting of the Highways Working Party be held on 12th November to discuss the proposals.

County Cllr Drinkwater further reported on the following:

e) proposed that the play space should be landscaped, and that the DC would like to adopt it, restore the area, and also to provide additional play equipment

f)  Access and parking problems near Arlesey Station - part of the land in question is not adopted, and BCC are in discussions with other parties with a view to provide additional parking spaces – discussions are ongoing, but at an early stage.

g) The Government want 5% of all schools reserves from March 2008. This would affect all schools funds, and MBDC will be opposing proposals.

h) Speeding in Langford Road – a petition is being considered.

i) £2500 of grant funds available for good causes – PC’s invited to make recommendations

j) Disabled Bays in Mill Close are to be provided, and new surfacing in Grove Side is being carried out.

k) MUGA – waiting for the agreement to sign from BCC Legal Department – ongoing.

l) Poor response from BCC Highways to reported problems as approximately 35% staff vacancies.

m) The road closures have been agreed for Remembrance Day .

 

133.   Chairman’s Announcements – for info only.

a) Police issues: Following ASB meeting in the Parish Hall MB Community representative confirmed a survey had been carried out and had reported findings.

Resolved: Report to be passed to Pyghtles, Pit & Playground Equipment WP.

b) At the same ASB meeting it was suggested that a Community  Safety Group be set up to involve more members of the community, and that this group discuss ASB in more detail and consult with Bedfordhire Police and MBDC. Cllr’s Wiles and Dorricott offered to attend.

c) A resident from Northfield Close had reported an ASB problem

d) emails had been received praising publication of The Parish Pump

e) Weeds were a problem by footpaths in Bedford Road near Henlow Camp – Highways helpdesk to be contacted.

f) Help was required to build the bonfire in the Millennium Field 10.00 4th November. Poster were distributed to local businesses and displayed on PC notice boards

g) Remembrance Day – The Parish Councillors would be representing the PC and meeting at 10.30. Cllr Mrs Cliff would be opening the Parish Hall. The road closure needed to be coned off 24hrs before, and Cllr Dorricott would contact the PCSO.

                                                                                                                               

134.   To adopt the minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 29th October 2007

Minor amendments were corrected to the minutes which were then signed by Cllr Wiles as a true record of the meeting. These minutes were then adopted

                                                                                  

135.   Clerk’s Report and Correspondence – none

 

136.   Reports from Councillors following their attendance on;

a)  Parish Action Plan meeting 24th September 2007 – well attended and a good overview given. Further details were to be provided by Gemma McDonald – Action Plan ongoing.

 

 

137.   To consider a response to MBDC – Local Development Framework – Core Strategy and                                                      Development Control Policies Consultation Document – MBDC reviewed the settlement envelopes and three changes were proposed:-

a) land adjacent to 70 Newtown – recommended not to include in settlement envelope

b) 4 semi detached properties in John Howland Close – recommended to include within s.e.

c) Triangle of land by The Crown on A507 – recommended not to include in s.e.

d) It was pointed out that there was an error in the report on page 50 – Land at Old Arlesey Road stating that “it is now inaccessible for grazing”. The Clerk to write to MBDC pointing out that grazing does take place on this land.

MBDC are looking at new sites and consultation is ongoing.                                             

            Working Parties Reports

138.    Highways

           To decide whether to include reducing the flowerbed at the junction Park Lane/Coach Road      

            in the provision of footway scheme - ongoing                                                                                   

139.    Millennium Field & Allotments

            email had been received asking if a bridge or culvert was to be constructed. Matter resolved and to be installed 4/12/07. Planting is ongoing. 

140.    Pyghtles, Pit & Playground Equipment

a)    Playground inspection report – no problems

b)    Bark had been delivered 90cum. Total order 180, yet the first delivery sufficient. Clerk to         

contact Myriad Construction to cancel second delivery.

c)     Report received about concern of slide installation – the lower section/change of gradient  

      seems acute. Clerk to contact Myriad Construction.

d)    Climbing boards – There are 2no but only 1no needed. It was agreed to donate the spare to Rayn Lower School. It was also agreed to donate the rope walkway to the Scouts, in thanks for their assistance to date.

e)    The yellow hatched area and signage for ‘No Parking’ – recommended these go to Highways WP.  

kkkkkk.    Approval of Accounts

a)      Payments to be made:-

Date                       Payee Name                      Cheque              Total                 VAT            Amount                 Transaction Details                              

29 10 07              RBL Poppy Appeal                280                     100                     -                 100                      Donation & wreath

29 10 07              Amy Cliff                                 281                  41.60                     -                 41.60              Agreed expenses to London

 

b)      Receive Bank reconciliation.

c)      The point was raised whether or not employees over 70 or 75 are covered by the PC’s

                  insurance. The Clerk is to check with Zurich.

            d)   The Chairman was to write a letter of thanks to the previous Caretaker of the Parish    

                  Hall. It was agreed that the Chairman and Cllr Mrs Cliff hold interviews for the new  

                  Caretaker.

 

The Chairman will then move the following resolution:

‘That under section 100A and Schedule 12A, part 1 paragraph 1 of the Local Government Act 1972 it is advisable that members of the public and press are requested to leave the meeting whilst matters pertaining to the Councils employees and tenders are discussed.

       

142.    To adopt the confidential minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 29th October 2007.

            The confidential minutes were adopted                             

 

143.   To receive and adopt the report of the Parish Hall, War Memorial, Village Pump & Sign.

           working party meeting 10th October 2007 The report was received and adopted.

There being no further business the meeting finished at 9.40 pm.

 

Chairman______________________________            Next meeting 19th November 2007