Essendon Parish Council

The minutes from the January 2012 meeting will be approved during the February meeting.  They will be published here shortly after.

 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE

HALL ON MONDAY DECEMBER 5th. 2011.

PRESENT Councillors Ian Screech (Chair), Mike Brown,Keith Venables, Alan Steele

Fran Christensen and Kevin Daley.

Borough Councillor Bernard Sarson and Clerk John Spragg.

One member of the public.

1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.     No apologies received.

2.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES.          The minutes of the meeting held on 10/10/2011

were approved and signed.

3.  DECLARATIONS.                        Councillors declared that they had no personal or

financial interest in any agenda items.

4.  MATTERS ARISING.  a. Village sign. Quote still awaited for alternative fixing.

b. Anonymous donor to Village Hall. This would now be raised

at their committee meeting on 13/2/2012 when their treasurer

would be present.

c. Training evening. This had taken place on 17/11 and had

been considered very helpful by those Councillors present.

5.  DIAMOND JUBILEE.      The Chairman circulated minutes and reported good progress.

6.  MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.

a. Joan Thomson reported that it was impractical and dangerous

to have a BEACON on the church for the Jubilee.

b. With regard to the anonymous donor to the village hall, Joan

Thomson expressed her disappointment that the trustees

had not followed up this matter to its conclusion and felt

that they had not done their duty.

7. PLANNING.                    Nothing to report other than the meeting arranged for 11.30

a.m. on Friday 9/12 with WHBC and the Guiness Trust re.

the proposals for the Bungalow site on Essendon Hill.

8. CORRESPONDENCE.    a. Notice of meeting at 6pm. on 30/1/2012 for Borough,

Town and Parish Councils.

b. Agenda for WHALC meeting on 8/12 at Lemsford.

c. Veolia Water draft management plan on web site

for public consultation to 16/1/2012.

d. Age (UK) (Herts. healthcare scheme). Details of 12

week free courses for those showing signs of early

dementia or depression.

e. Letter to the clerk from Cllr. Daley re. "water logged"

playground and re-positioning of the boundary with the

Sure Start centre..  It was agreed to keep a close eye

on the drainage and to write authorising the removal of

of the playground fence on its western boundary.

9. FINANCE.                       The following payments had been made since our last

meeting and were approved:-

Repair of footpath by the playground.                £  95.

Hedge cutting (Fusion)                                       748.

RBL poppy wreath.                                              25.

The following payments were approved at the meeting:-

HAPTC training evening.                                  £ 250.

St. Mary's Church.   Grant.                                 500.

Village Hall.             Grant.                               1500.

Youth club.              Grant.                                 200.

Clerk.                      6 months salary.  *            1250.

* Cllr. Daley requested the clerk to agree the correct

procedure with Inland Revenue with regard to PAYE.

PRECEPT FOR 2012/3.

The clerk circulated figures showing an estimated overspend

of  £ 1318 for the current year. It was noted that the cost of

the elections was £ 1399.

10. SALT BINS.                    The clerk was continuing to try and obtain a bin for the

top of West End lane by the Wheatsheaff.

11. STANDING ORDERS.      It was agreed to sign these at our next meeting and form

any committees required.

DATES FOR MEETINGS IN 2012. (ALL ON MONDAYS.)   JAN 16, FEB 20, MARCH 26,

APRIL 23 (APM), MAY 21 (AGM), JUNE 25, SEPT 10,

OCT 8, and NOV 26.

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The November 2011 meeting was rescheduled and held on 5th December.

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL 10TH OCTOBER 2011

PRESENT   Ian Screech (Chair), Mike Brown, Keith Venables, Alan Steele, Kevin Daley,

Fran Christensen and John Spragg (Clerk.) and 2 members of the public.

1.  APOLOGIES. Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillor

Bernard Sarson.

2.  APPROVAL.  The minutes of the meeting held on 12/9/11 were approved and signed.

A copy would be released to our website and posted on our notice

board immediately.

3.  DECLARATIONS.  There were no declarations of any personal or financial interests

in any agenda items.

4.  MATTERS ARISING.

a. Village sign. The quotation from Highways for erection of the

sign was £472.83. Mike Brown was concerned that it would

look like a road sign and it was agreed to contact Vince

Nevel to see if an alternative was possible.

b. Bungalows. Chris Conway had advised Mike Brown that the

tender process is proceeding with a view to a decision

at the November Cabinet meeting.

c. Village Hall. The matter of the anonymous donor would be

discussed by the Village Hall committee on 17/10.

d. Diamond Jubilee. Minutes of the meeting held on 26/9 had

been circulated and a further meeting had been held on

3/10. The Chairman was pleased with initial progress.

e. Training. Alan Steele would try and arrange this through

HAPTC for Thursday, November 17, 7-9pm. Cost £250.

f. Village walk-about with WHBC on 28/9. This had proved

very helpful and matters to be addressed included:-

Removal of rubbish by swings.

Boundary with golf course to be checked.

Corner tree on allotments to be pruned.

Ditches to rear of Glebe Close to be cleared.

No. 6 asbestos garage to be removed.

Rubbish to rear of Rectory Close (West side).

5. MATTERS RAISED BY TH PUBLIC.

Geoff Leo reported the theft of  a 20m. hose.

6.PLANNING MATTERS.ESSENDONBURY FARM. S6/2011/1707.

A meeting on 3/10 had generally welcomed the plans

with provisos re. parking, entrance and turning head.

BEGGARS ROOST/NORCOTT S6/2011/1870-1990.

Meeting arranged for 17/10 to consider application.

7. CORRESPONDENCE. a. CDA newsletter and annual review.

b. 2013 review of Parliamentary constituencies.

c. HAPTC. National policy planning framework.

d. Hazel Little, 3 Forge Cottages. re. stray chickens.

e. Tara Catt, 34 Glebe Cottages. Dog fouling in area of

playground. Notices renewed and replaced.

f.  Anna Broution, 37 Glebe Cottages. Street lighting.

The clerk had put her in touch with WHBC.

8. FINANCE.              The following payments were authorised and cheques drawn.

Fusion Landscaping. (Playing field hedge)            £380.

Village hall meetings (27/6-10/12)                        £120.

In view of the election costs (£1398.56) and other non-

recurring costs such as training, village sign erection and

Diamond Jubilee costs, the clerk would produce an estimate

of the over-spend at the next meeting.

9.STANDING ORDERS. It was agreed to hold a special meeting for Councillors

and clerk only on WED, 23/11 in the village hall to

discuss standing orders and procedures.

10. VILLAGE PARKING. Kevin Daley reported that a survey had been done by the

relevant authorities in conjunction with the police.

The Chairman stressed that this should be reported to

the Parish Council prior to any public meeting.

11. OTHER BUSINESS.  a. A kind offer to erect a simple seat on the north side

of the path alongside the playground was accepted.

This would enable walkers to rest and not take dogs

into the playground.

b. It was agreed that cracked slabs on the same path

would be replaced by Karl Venables at our cost.

c. SALT. The existing bins had been re-filled and the

clerk would try again to get a bin for the top of

West End lane.

d. Hedge cutting. The south side of west end lane

required cutting down to Hanbury lane.

NEXT MEETING.............MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH. 2011. 7.30 PM.

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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 12/9/2011.

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PRESENT;- Councillors Ian Screech (Chair), Mike Brown, Keith Venables, Alan Steele

and Fran Christensen.

County Councillor Bill Storey.

Clerk John Spragg.

Public 3 members.

1. APOLOGIES. Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillor Bernard Sarson

and Councillor Kevin Daley.

2. APPROVAL. The minutes of the meetings held on 27/6 and 5/7 were approved and signed.

Copies would be put on the Parish notice board at once.

3. DECLARATIONS. There were no declarations of personal or financial interest in any

agenda items.

4. MATTERS ARISING.

a. Village sign. The sign would be on view at the "Jubilee" meeting on 26/9.

The clerk would arrange a meeting with Highways to agree exact siting.

b, Bungalows. Mike Brown would check on latest position with Mr. Conway.

c. Anonymous donor (Village Hall). Our letter of 27/7 to the village hall

committee would be discussed at their October meeting.

d, Diamond Jubilee. A meeting to set up a committee had been fixed

for 26/9.

e. Training. Alan Steele reported that HAPTC hoped to set up a training

session solely for us.

5. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC. Geoff Leo reported that there had been some

thefts of produce and that dog fouling was a problem.

He also criticised the lack of public involvement in the village sign.

6. PLANNING MATTERS.

SLUP/CM0007 3/****-11. Bedwell Park Quarry.

We had strongly opposed the application for a crushing and screening

facility on the site and the application had now been withdrawn.

S6/2011/0991. 12 East View. This application had been refused.

S6/2011/1381. 2 Hill Cottages. No objections raised by us.

S6/2011/151 London Lodge. Essendon Place. CF.

S6/2011/1707. Essendonbury Farm.Further application imminent.

S6/2011/1341. Removal of chimney and installation of flues.

We had stated that we were content for advice to be

taken form "Heritage advisors".

7. CORRESPONDENCE. a. Herts. waste core strategy. Independent examination.

Pre-hearing meeting 29/9. Details to Mike Brown and Alan Steele.

b. Herts. LTP3. Bus strategy and intalink strategy.

Available now for reference in libraries and on the internet.

8. FINANCIAL MATTERS. The following payments were authorised and cheques signed:-

a. BDO LLP. (External auditors.) £144.00

The external audit had now been completed.

b. MOODY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE. 744.91

Playing field grass cutting.

c. VEOLIA WATER. (Taken by DD.) 119.99

9. STANDING ORDERS FOR PARISH COUNCILS.

The draft circulated by the Chairman would be discussed further

at the next meeting with a view to finalising the matter by 31/12.

10 ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROCEEDURES AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE.

In the absence of Kevin Daley, this item was carried forward.

11. VILLAGE CAR PARKING. As for (10) above.

12. OTHER BUSINESS. The annual "walk round the village" with WHBC

representatives had been fixed for 28/9.

Salt bin still required at the top of West End Lane.

(This was refused last year.)

DATE OF NEXT MEETING....MONDAY OCTOBER 10, 2011 AT 7.30 pm in the Village Hall,

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There was no meeting in August 2011.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL

HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON TUESDAY JULY 5th.  2011 AT 7.0 pm.

 

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PRESENT:-  Councillors Ian Screech, Keith Venables, Alan Steele, Fran Christensen

                   and Kevin Daley.

                   County Councillor Bill Storey and clerk John Spragg.

                   One member of the public.

 

1.  APOLOGIES for absence were received from Councillor Mike Brown.

 

2. The clerk advised that this meeting was necessary because the meeting held on

    May 23, 2011 was invalid due to the fact that Acceptance of office forms were not

    signed until June 27, 2011.

 

3. OFFICIALS FOR THE YEAR 2011/2012.

 

    The following were proposed and seconded and all elected unanimously:-

 

    Chairman.                                  Ian Screech.

    Vice-chair.                                 Mike Brown.

    Special responsibilities:-

    Village Hall.                               Alan Steele,

    Allotments.                                Ian Screech.

    Playing Fields.                           Keith Venables.

    Planning.                                   Mike Brown.

    WHALC.                                    Alan Steele.

 

4. PAYMENTS.  Kevin Daley suggested that payments due should be listed on the agenda.

 

5. DIAMOND JUBILEE. It was agreed that a committee should be formed for September.

 

6. VILLAGE SIGN.       Fran Christensen was authorised to proceed with 'old gold' sample.

 

7. TRAINING.              Alan Steele agreed to check whether training was available through

                                 WHALC>

 

8. STANDING ORDERS. It was agreed that a suitable form of standing orders would be

                                    discussed at our next meeting on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12.

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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE

                        HALL ON MONDAY, JUNE 27th. 2011.

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PRESENT; - Councillors Ian Screech (Chair), Mike Brown, Keith Venables, Alan Steele

                                    and Kevin Daley.

                   Clerk -       John Spragg and eight members of the public.

 

1. APOLGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Borough Councillor Bernard Sarson

                                              and Councillor Fran Christensen.

 

2. MINUTES OF AGM AND ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON  May 23, 2011.

                   These had been circulated but, acting on advice, were not approved or signed

                   as the meetings were invalid due to the failure of the Clerk to issue

                   Acceptance of office forms to all councillors.

 

3. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FORMS were then signed by all five councillors present

                   and the register of Members' interest forms were re-dated 27/6/2011.

 

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  There were no declarations of personal or financial

                                                      interest in any agenda items.

 

5. VILLAGE SIGN.  Fran Christensen had advised the clerk that she was still awaiting

                             samples of alternative colours.

 

6. BUNGALOWS ON ESSENDON HILL.

                             The clerk had received a letter dated 23/6/11 from Jeremy Morton

                             (Principal development manager Welwyn Hatfield Council

                             Strategic housing) to advise that they had "now tendered the site to

                             developing registered social landlords" inviting bids by 21/7/11.

 

7. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.

                   a. NEW BARNFIELD INCINERATOR PROPOSAL.

                       Mary and Terry Flounders explained the increasing opposition to this

                       proposal for a variety of reasons and urged individuals to register their

                       own objections. The campaign is now supported by Grant Shapps MP

                       and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

 

                    b. HITCHINS YARD.

                        Belinda Kent-Lemon urged the Parish Council to be fully aware of the

                        future re-development of the yard which was now for sale.

 

                    c. ANONYMOUS DONOR. Joan Thomson was still concerned that the

                       name of the donor to the village hall remained anonymous. Kevin Daley

                       suggested that we should write to the secretary of the Village Hall

                       committee.

                    d. ALLOTMENTS.

                        Geoff Leo expressed concern that children were entering the area.

                        Ian Screech agreed to write to local residents.

 

8. PLANNING MATTERS.

                   

                    a. HOUSING TARGETS. The core strategy constitution had been

                        circulated and comments should be made individually by 18/7/11.

 

                    b. APPLICATION RE. 12 EAST VIEW ref. S6/2011/0991FP

                        The plans had been circulated prior to the meeting. Councillors were

                        generally content with the proposal and agreed that Mike Brown should

                        comment on their behalf regarding the 'terracing effect'.

 

                    c. POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS. Peter Clegg of Gascoyn Cecil Estates

                        and David Steedman of Guiness Trust had both asked to have an

                        informal chat with Councillors concerning possible development in

                        addition to the Bungalows. Mike Brown suggested that the clerk should

                        ask them for more details/plans of their proposals prior to a meeting.

                        This was agreed.

                     d. ESSENDON SCHOOL. Kevin Daley advised that the application for a

                         new chimney might be withdrawn and revised.

 

9. CORRESPONDENCE.

              

                     a. HERTS CONSTABULARY were setting up an 'allotment watch'

                         organisation and it was agreed that Geoff Leo would represent the

                         allotment holders.

                     b. STREETLIGHTING. A letter had been received from HCC advising that

                         lights would be turned off between midnight and dusk in some areas.

 

10. FINANCE.    One payment was authorised to ROSPA ( Play Safety Ltd.) for their

                         annual playground inspection - cost £93.60.

 

11. OTHER BUSINESS. a. It was agreed to put copies of the minutes of meetings on

                                        the Parish noticeboard.

                                    b. Keith Venables reported that hedge cutting was still needed

                                        in Cucumber lane and also on Cum-Cum hill.

 

NEXT MEETINGS..........Re-arranged AGM 5/7/2011 at 7pm. in the Village Hall.

                                    Ordinary meetings:- Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Dec. 5 all at 7.30 pm.

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The May 2011 meeting was invalidated and the AGM was rescheduled for July 5th at 7.00pm.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL

HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY, APRIL 11th. 2011,

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PRESENT.   Five parish councillors, District councillor Bernard Sarson, the clerk

                   and nineteen members of the public.

 

APOLOGIES were received from Mr. and Mrs. D. Figgis.

 

 

1.  Annual reports were given by the following organisations and copies, if applicable,

     will be kept on file.

 

     a. Parish Council.                                          Ian Screech. (Chairman.)

     b. Accounts.                                                 John Spragg. (Clerk.)

     c. St. Mary's Church.                                     Joan Thomson.

     d. Village Hall.                                               Alan Steele.

     e. Essendon School.                                      Rod Woodhouse.

     f.  The W I.                                                    Joan Thomson.

     g. Playing Field Association.                           George Hoare.

     h. Essendon Society.                                     Alan Steele.

     i.  Essendon road action group.                       Margaret Titchner.

     j.  Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.                Bernard Sarson.

     k. Hertfordshire Constabulary.

 

  Note:- The accounts for the year ended 31/3/2011 were approved unanimously

            and would now be audited internally before being submitted to the

            Audit Commission.

 

2. The following matters were raised and, where appropriate, would be considered

    by the new Parish Council at their meeting on May 23, 2011.

 

     a. The problem of waste bins left on the pavements.

     b. Police presence at the Village Hall, together with Bernard Sarson,

         to be advertised.

     c. Problems of buses visiting the school and blocking the road.

     d. General problems of dog fouling, particularly by the school and playing fields.

     e. The land leased to Paul Norris on Essendon Hill was owned by the Diocese

         of St. Albans to whom any problems should be addressed.

     f.  Grass cutting within the allotment area to be addressed.

 

 

NEXT MEETING IS THE AGM ON MAY 23, 2011 AT 7.30 PM . 

 

 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON  28TH MARCH 2011

 

Present:- Ian Screech (Chair), Mike Brown, Alan Steele, Joan Thomson, Keith Venables.

              Borough Councillor Bernard Sarson. Clerk John Spragg.

              One member of the public.

 

1. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Margaret Titchner who was representing

                        the Parish Council at a presentation by the Police Authority.

 

2. DECLARATIONS. No personal or financial interests were declared.

 

3. APPROVAL.        The minutes of the meeting held on 21/2/11 were approved and signed.

 

4. MATTERS ARISING.

 

                       a.   Village sign. It was hoped that the sign itself would be received in time

                             for the APM. Vince Nevill would then be asked to make a suitable

                             stand for it.

 

                       b.   Bungalows and Paddock - meeting with Borough Council 10/3/2011.

                             Delays on the replacement of the bungalows were due to the

                             Government's change of policy which had affected the strategy of

                             the Borough Council in respect of housing targets.

                             Bob Jewell had explained that the Council wished to off-load the

                             lease of the paddock and it would not then appear on our rates.

                             Concern was expressed at the state of the area.

 

                        c.  Royal Wedding 29/4.  It was agreed that there was likely to be more

                             interest in the "50th." royal celebrations next year.

                             The cricket club would be opening the pavilion for the start of their

                             season on Friday 29/4 but for a normal party/barbecue.

 

                        d.  All street lights were working.

 

5. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.

 

                             Geoff Leo stated that local residents were still angry about the

                             SURE START centre and, due to closures elsewhere, it was

                             thought that it would be servicing a wider area.

                             The bus for swimming outings was causing congestion.

                             The breakfast club was causing noise of cars from 7.30 am.

 

6. PLANNING MATTERS.

 

                             The clerk was advised to contact Lisa Hughes for any 'paper

                             copies' of applications required.

                             The "Local Objectives" emerging from the planning workshops

                             held in November were discussed.

 

7. CORRESPONDENCE.

 

                             a. Highways had acknowledged the request for hedge cutting

                                 in Cucumber lane and landowners were being contacted.

 

                             b. Herts. CC. Bus strategy - comments by 6/6/2011.

 

                             c. Herts. CC. The future of Herts. waste. Report - March 2011.

 

8. FINANCE.          The clerk reported a SURPLUS of approx. £366 for the year

                             to 31/3/2011 and was awaiting a small amount of interest in

                             order to to finalise the accounts The charge on the rates was

                             was down 2.7% due to additional dwellings.

 

9. VILLAGE HALL.  Alan Steele was thanked for copies of the accounts which had

                             been circulated and were considered satisfactory.

                             Alan was asked to advise the name of an anonymous donor

                             as it was felt that the Parish Council, as trustees, should be

                             aware of any donations with 'strings attached.'

 

10. OTHER BUSINESS.

 

                             a. Lorries using B158 through the village. Registration numbers

                                 required to check legalities.

 

                             b. Hedge cutting required by 42/43 Glebe Cottages.

 

                             c. BF - pavement repairs required outide 52 High road.

 

                             d. Dog fouling throughout the village now a major problem.

 

                             e. Youth Club. Keith and Angela Venables were thanked most

                                 sincerely for their hard work over 52 years which ends on  6/4.

                                 Concern was expressed for the future.

 

NEXT MEETING...ANNUAL PARISH MEETING ...APRIL 11th. 2011. 7.30pm.

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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 21/2/2011.

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PRESENT;- Councillors Margaret Titchner, Mike Brown, Alan Steele, Keith Venables.

                  District Councillor Bernard Sarson, Clerk - John Spragg.

                  2 members of the public.

 

1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors Ian Screech and

                                                 Joan Thomson.

 

2.  DECLARATIONS. No declarations of personal or financial interests were given.

 

3.  APPROVAL.        The minutes of the meeting held on 17/1/2011 were approved.

 

4.  MATTERS ARISING.

                                a. Village sign. This should be received in March and "Highways"

                                    would then be contacted to approve the exact siting.

 

                                b. Bungalows. Mike Brown had arranged a meeting with Chris

                                    Conway at 1O am. on March 10 to establish the current

                                    position. Bernard and either Keith or Alan would attend.

 

                                c. Royal Wedding 29/4. The school was available but there

                                    appeared little enthusiasm for a party. The cricket club

                                    might arrange something on the field, weather permitting.

 

                                d. Street light no. 4 had been repaired but Bernard was advised

                                    that no. 1 in Glebe Cottages was now not working.

 

                                e. Alan produced village hall accounts, a copy of which would

                                    be attached to these minutes for future discussion.

 

5.  MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.

                                   Kevin Daly and Geoff Leo raised the following matters:-

                                 a. The charge for upkeep of the paddock was £1350 for 2011/2.

                                     It was hoped to discuss this on 10/3 with Bob Jewell after

                                     the meeting referred to above.

 

                                 b. Childrens centre.

                                     The post next to the tree on the south side of the playground

                                     had been broken by the contractors who would replace.

                                     It was necessary to check that the drainage had been

                                     re-routed away from the playground.

                                     The new west boundary of the playground would be marked

                                     by a common fence and the narrow strip of land made good.

                                     It would be necessary to have our lease of the playground

                                     re-drawn at no cost to the Parish Council.

                                     Mace should withdraw their statement implying that the

                                     playground belonged to them.

                                     A check should be made for any sharp edges on the

                                     playground side of the common fence.

 

6.  PLANNING.              It was hoped to establish the cost to us of continuing to

                                    receive paper copies of applications at the meeting on 10/3/

 

 

7. CORRESPONDENCE.         HAPTC Newsletter February 2011.

 

 

8. FINANCE.                 As no quote had been submitted for a possible alternative

                                    to FUSION, it was agreed to accept their quote for the

                                    playing field hedge. ( £380 - no change.)

 

                                    The clerk stated that he would have income and expenditure

                                    accounts for 2010/11 at the next meeting and was

                                    confident of "breaking even."

 

9. ELECTION DATES.

                                    Election office tel. 01707 357354.

                                    Papers available from approx. 25/2.

                                    Notice of elections.                25/3

                                    Submission, by noon on          4/4.

                                    Election day.                          5/5.

 

                                    Notes... Expenses must be declared, even if nil.

                                    Proposer and seconder must be on electoral roll,

                                    with their number, available from the clerk.

                                   

                                    The clerk was instructed to post notices on all four notice

                                    boards. ( Parish, School lane, Village Hall and school.)

 

10. OTHER BUSINESS.

                                   a. Margaret Titchner would be attending the Police meeting,

                                       and had again nominated Tony Bailey for an award.

                                   b. Keith would advise 2 Bury Cottages that planning

                                       permission would be require for a mirror opposite entry.

                                   c. The clerk was asked to try and stop parking of cars on

                                       the pavement outside Flint Cottage.

                                   d. Bernard would check on repair of pavement outside

                                       52A High road.

                                   e. Keith reported rubbish accumulating in Holwell lane

                                       and on the A414 before and after the tip.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING.....28/3/2011.   ( November 29 meeting moved to 5/12.)

 

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON JANUARY 17,2011

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PRESENT:- Margaret Titchner (Chair), Mike Brown, Alan Steele and Keith Venables.

                  District Councillor Bernard Sarson and John Spragg (Clerk.)

 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE received from Ian Screech and Joan Thomson.

 

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST. The Councillors present declared no personal interest

                                                   in any of the items on the agenda.

 

3. APPROVAL.  The minutes of the meeting held on 29/11/2010 were approved and signed.

 

4. MATTERS ARISING

                         a. Village sign. Bernard Sarson was thanked for obtaining a grant of £1990

                                               from the Hatfield East community chest for this project.

                                               It was agreed to order the sign at a cost of £2523 plus

                                               carriage of approx. £53 + VAT and to find an alternative

                                               site if "Highways" did not approve our suggestion.

 

                          b.Bungalows on Essendon Hill. Mike Brown had received no reply to his

                                              email to Jeremy Morton and Bernard agreed to set up a

                                              meeting with Chris Conway, Head of Planning.

 

5. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.   Nil. (No members of the public were present.)

 

6. PLANNING.    A planning committee meeting had taken place on 13/12/2010 at which

                         the following applications were considered:-

                         POND COTTAGE.       ref. S6/2010/2309.

                                                          No observations made.

             

                         BEDWELL LODGE.    ref. S6/2010/2712-3.

                                                          Various comments were submitted re.

                                                          Conservatory, conservation and general appearance.

 

                         Mike Brown reported on a meeting with the Headmaster and it was agreed

                         that, if the Parish Council purchased an A3 printer, the school could use

                         it to download planning documents for our use when considering new

                         planning applications. (Cost - £225.90 + VAT.)

         

                         Bernard would obtain the cost to the Parish Council of continuing to

                         receive hard copies of all applications.

 

7. CORRESPONDENCE.  a. HAPTC.  January 2011 news letter.

                                       b. North Mymms Parish Council. Notice of Civic service - 27/2.

                                       c. WHBC. Details of new waste collection service.

 

8. FINANCE.      It was agreed to keep the PRECEPT at £9000 per annum for the third

                         consecutive year for 2011/2.

 

                         FUSION QUOTATIONS. The tennis club had accepted a quotation of

                         £560 for hedge cutting etc. of the tennis court area. (+ £20 on 2010)

                         This would be paid by the Parish Council and re-charged in full.

 

                         It was agreed to try and obtain a second quote for the playing field

                         hedge cutting to check rates although we were very pleased with the

                         standard of FUSION'S work. Their quotation was for £380 (no change)

                         and £26 per cut (up £2) for a maximum of ten visits to the playground.

 

9. OTHER BUSINESS.

 

                         a. LOCALISM BILL. This bill was about to have its first reading and

                             Mike Brown would keep us advised of its progress and effect on us.

 

                         b. Mike Brown reported that George Mitcheson had suggested that it

                             was down to the Parish Council to arrange a village celebration of

                             the royal wedding on April 29.

                             It was agreed that the playing fields would not be a suitable venue

                             at that time of year and that closure of any roads (particularly

                             School lane) would not be practical. The Clerk was asked to check

                             the availability of the school and advise village organisations of any

                             proposed party.

 

                         c. STREET LIGHT NO.4 (Rectory Close garages.) Bernard agreed to

                             report that this was still not working.

 

                         d. VILLAGE HALL. Alan Steele reminded the meeting that the Parish

                             Council were trustees of the village hall and he would produce

                             accounts for their perusal.

 

10.                     DATE OF NEXT MEETING.....7.0 pm. (NOTE TIME)- Monday 21/2/2011.

 

                          ( The meeting scheduled for November 28, 2011 would be re-arranged.) 

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There was no Parish Council meeting in December 2010.

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                    MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ESSENDON PARISH COUNCIL

                    HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010.

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PRESENT :-  Councillors Ian Screech (Chair), Margaret Titchner, Mike Brown,

                    Alan Steele and Joan Thomson.

                    District Councillor Bernard Sarson and Clerk John Spragg.

                    Two members of the public.

 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Keith Venables.

 

2. APPROVAL. The minutes of the meeting held on 11/10/2010 were approved and signed.

 

3. MATTERS ARISING.

                        a. Village sign. A final site meeting had not yet been arranged as we

                            did not know whether our grant application had been successful.

 

                        b. Highways had responded to items under 9 as follows:-

                            Cucumber lane hedge cutting - no firm promise.

                            Holwell lane drainage - liaising with land owner on east side.

 

                        c. Salt bins - Unsuccessful request for additional bin at the top of

                            West End lane,

 

4. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC.

                        a. The Bungalows, Essendon Hill. Kevin Daly asked for the latest news

                            on the proposed development. Bernard Sarson confirmed that the

                            Guiness Trust were still interested but WHDC were seeking at least

                            three proposals. He would advise Mike Brown whom to contact to

                            ensure that we were kept informed of any progress.

 

                         b. Mill Green Cottages. No proposal had been received by WHDC

                             for any development. Bernard Sarson would contact Bob Jewell

                             concerning the charge for maintenance of Mill Green Meadow.

 

5. ESSENDON ROAD ACTION GROUP.

                             Margaret Titchner was pleased to report that the police were

                             continuing speed checks on a regular basis.

 

6. PLANNING.    a. Pond Cottage, High road.  Ref. 2309.

                             Ian Screech left the meeting while this application was discussed.

                             Mike Brown would request full details of this application as we had

                             a single A4 sheet which we had downloaded. It was not clear

                             whether listed building consent had been applied for.

 

                          b. 25 Glebe Close.  Ref. 2025.

                              No objections were made following Planning Committee

                              meeting held on 18/10/2010.

 

                          c. Haydon Cottage, Essendon Hill.

                              The clerk had received confirmation at last from the planners that

                              "the extension had been erected in accordance with the approved

                              plans of planning permission ref. S6/2000/136/FP. The pemission

                              was implemented when the erection of the garage commenced

                              but the developer is not time bound to complete."

 

7. CORRESPONDENCE.

                          a. Minutes of meeting of Borough, Parish and Town councils held

                              on 10/11/2010. (Attended by Ian Screech and Alan Steele.)

                         

                          b. HAPTC e-bulletin 20/10. 4 pages mainly not applicable to us.

 

                          c. Welwyn Hatfield core strategy. Summary of workshop 13/11/2010.

 

                          d. Practical guide to Affordable Rural Housing. (To be circulated.)

 

8. FINANCE.       The clerk advised that the maximum of three authorised signatories

                          were now The Chairman, Keith Venables and Alan Steele.

                          Annual Grants were agreed as follows, same amounts as last year:-

                          Churchyard costs..............£500.

                          Village Hall         ..............£1500.

                          Youth Club         ..............£  200.  Future to be discussed.

                          As the School luncheon club was not running at present due to

                          lack of numbers, no grant was required. (2009- £250.)

                          There was no need to use some of this saving to pay for the police

                          to stay an extra hour on the second saturday of each month as

                          Kevin Daly advised the meeting that an anonymous donor had

                          paid the Village Hall £120 ( 12 months at £10) .

                          This information caused some concern among Councillors and

                          would be discussed with the police on 11/12/2010 if possible.

                          Other payments agreed:-

                          Clerk - quarterly payment................£ 500.

                          Village Hall rent              ................£  90.

 

9. OTHER BUSINESS.

                         a. Alan Steele reported on the County Transport Plan which was

                             very general in content.

                         b. Alan also reported that the Minerals and Waste plan had been

                             updated and that eight sites were being re-considered.

                             The nearest to us was in Welwyn Garden City.

 

10. MEETING DATES FOR 2011.   Agreed as follows, all at 7.30 pm unless stated.

     

                             MONDAYS.. January 17, February 21 (7.0 pm.) March 28,

                             April 11 (APM), May 23 (AGM), June 27, September 12,

                             October 10, November 28.

                          

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