HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Held at Hurley Village Hall, Hurley on Thursday 1st October 2009 at 7.30pm.

PRESENT: Cllr Steve Harrington (Chairman), Cllr Harry Sparrow (Vice Chairman)
Cllrs: John Addiscott, Sandra Baker, David Burfitt, David Jarvis, Tom Pratt and Chris Westacott.

ALSO PRESENT: Eight members of public and Mrs Janet Wheeler (Clerk)

OPEN FORUM: Mrs Kathy Carter spoke to explain Pln Appn 09/01786. The work had already started due to a previous permission but these later alterations were subject to a new planning application. The changes included replacing the cedar cladding with render, re-positioning the front door and some windows. Mr John Gray then spoke to encourage the Parish Council to arrange another meeting concerning the Hurley bus service. He said the last one was a great success and very constructive. The email from RBWM received shortly before the meeting explained some minor changes to the bus service which seemed to make the service even more inconvenient. It was agreed that the next public meeting for the bus service should concentrate on suggesting some further alterations to timings. The Clerk would ask RBWM and Courtney Coaches to state what happens to the 239 bus when it is not in transit between Hurley and Maidenhead. A meeting could then be held in the next couple of weeks.

The Chairman then opened the formal meeting.

226/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Cllrs Kim McLaren; Geoff Hill and RBWM Borough Cllr Maureen Hunt.

227/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Harrington declared a personal interest in item 235 on the agenda.

228/09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:

Ref: Current Planning Applications
09/01771

(28/08/09)
Construction of a replacement detached dwellinghouse. Amendment to approved application 0900730.
THE PADDOCKS, Hurley Lane, Hurley.
Mr and Mrs L. Green
NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Burfitt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION - UNANIMOUS
09/01786

(09/09/09) Two storey front side and rear extension with rear Juliette balcony, rear dormer window, single storey side extension with pitched roof.
LONG REACH, High Street, Hurley.
Mrs Kathy Carter

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Baker.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION = UNANIMOUS
09/01908

(17/09/09) Replacement porch.
1 LARBERT COTTAGES, Coronation Road, Littlewick Green.
Annie George

NO OBJECTION subject to approval from the Conservation Officer - proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Addiscott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION = UNANIMOUS
09/01869

(10/09/09)

Agricultural Determination.
Notification to determine whether prior approval is required to erect an agricultural building.
LOT FARM, Lutman's Haven Knowl Hill.
Mr Yannaghas

DECISION ALREADY TAKEN BY RBWM - NO PRIOR APPROVAL IS REQUIRED. Hurley Parish Council did not get the 28 days consultation on this application.
09/01752

(01/09/09)

Certificate of Lawfulness to determine whether a proposed loft conversion is lawful.
22 THE TERRACE, Bath Road, Knowl Hill.
Mr Nick Allen

No response from the Parish Council is required.
Planning Ref: Works to Trees in Conservation Area
09/01906

(16/09/09) Notification to fell a Holly and a Palm.
HURLEY MANOR, High Street, Hurley.
Mrs Alicia Oon.

Hurley Parish Council was concerned that although the trees were close to the house, the Palm was of significant interest. It was AGREED to delegate this decision to Cllrs J. Addiscott, D. Burfitt and H. Sparrow.
09/01706

(04/09/09) Consent to reduce two Alder Trees by 30% (T2, T15). Consent to fell 7 Sycamore trees (T3, T11, T12, T16,T17, T18, T20) and replace the trees on stream bank with swamp cypress etc and fell Ash (T4).
LADYE PLACE BOAT HOUSE, Mill Lane, Hurley

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER - Proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Addiscott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
Cllr Burfitt asked the Clerk to find out what is allowed to be done to a garage both internally and externally without planning permission.

Recent decisions from RBWM were noted.

NEW APPEALS:
09/00786/FULL - 0 EAST ARMS PLACE, Hurley. To be decided on the basis of Written Representations. Any further comments should be sent to the Planning Inspectorate before 15 October 2009. It was AGREED not to send any further letters as Hurley Parish Council supported this application on the basis that there would be no key pad. The gates would open and close automatically on vehicle approach and be there only to keep children from running off the site. Individual Councillors who did not support this application were at liberty to reply as individuals.

229/09 BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT: There was no report this evening from Cllr Maureen Hunt, who was attending a meeting at the Town Hall.

230/09 CLERK'S REPORT:
Hurley Bus Service -The new changes only emailed over from RBWM today did not make the service any more convenient for residents. Fran O'Mahoney claimed that she had now de-coupled the bus from the no. 4 service. However, there seemed to be no difference to the timing of the journeys whether Honey Lane was included or not. The Clerk read out the options of hiring an extra bus from another source to "plug" the shortfall. In short, these options were expensive:
People to Places Bus - mainly for those with mobility problems. One-off joining fee of £50 for a group plus £15 admin fee for the first year - then £15 renewal in subsequent years. Driver costs a further £50 plus £1 per mile. Cost per passenger (in addition to the £50 for the driver and admin fee) is  - £3 each way per person for up to 5 miles.
Finlan Travel (based in Cookham Rise) - 16 seater mini-bus bus (restricted space for shopping bags). Maidenhead to Hurley and back with a stop in Honey Lane and Hurley High Street - £45 per trip or £22.50 one way. Driver included. Cost per passenger = £1.40 each way.
It was AGREED to continue trying to improve the existing service with RBWM. The Clerk was asked to find out what happens to the bus when it is not in transit now that it is de-coupled with no. 4 service. There was general concern amongst the Councillors that any new timings must suit all users. It was AGREED to find out more information about the new timings and then hold a second public meeting to come up with an alternative timetable.
Hurley Play Area - Phil Holdford was due to carry out repairs. A quote from HAGS for emergency repairs to the zip wire was on the agenda. Dog grid installed in Shepherds Close needs to be made more secure to stop dogs continuing to enter. Clerk is researching prices for gates for possible 50:50 split with HVA.
Honey Lane/Prospect Park Traffic Calming - Cllr Rayner has been contacted - awaiting reply for site visit.
Honey Lane - Drainage issues, gravel and hedges -  The drainage problems; gravel collecting at the bottom of Honey Lane; the need for a second grit box and the fact that the road layout seems to give the private road priority over the public road - all issues to be pointed out to Cllr Rayner on the site visit.
Gateway in Ashley Hill Woods - Legal departments at RBWM and the Forestry Commission are investigating.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 - Email received from Graham Brewster suggesting that there are no appropriate signs to indicate this access.
Hurley Bus Service - On agenda.
Grundons - The ongoing noise and smell was continuting. A site visit had been set up for 6th October at 10.00am for interested Cllrs.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green -Emails to RBWM are ongoing.
Water flow down Honey Lane - Site visit with Cllr Rayner to include a query on the drainage from the top of the road (a dip which fills with water)  and down the bottom (right angle bend) where the gravel and slurry is a hazard.
Playbuilder Project - Choseley Road Site - On agd.
Japanese Knotweed, Chosely Road Site - Response by phone from Mrs Keeley agreeing to tackle the Knotweed. Situation needs to be carefully monitored.
Parking in Hurley High Street - On agd.
Shepherds Close, Hurley - Reply from John Pettitt. However, enforcement team have confirmed that no formal planning application was ever lodged with RBWM for permission for the fence. The Clerk would write a letter to MDHA informing them of this matter.

231/09  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 6th August 2009 were DEFERRED from the last meeting due to some corrections that had not been published in the final set of Minutes. This time the Minutes were circulated and approved with two amendments. On Page 4, Cllr Pratt said that they wanted the 15 mph speed limit enforced around the clock - not at the times stated. Also the Village Hall at Littlewick Green is the Gilchrist Thomas and not vice versa!
The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 3rd September 2009 were circulated and approved with no amendments, on the proposition of Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Addiscott. Cllr Jarvis abstained from the vote.

232/09 FINANCE: The revised Financial Report as at 30/09/2009 was presented to the Council along with Payments, Transfers and Bank Reconciliation Statements. On the proposal of Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Sparrow, it was AGREED to approve and sign this Financial Report, the cheques and bank transfer. The Clerk also circulated a set of figures set out to the NALC format. Some of the figures were incorrect and would need some further attention from the Clerk.

233/09 ELECTRONIC PLANNING: A letter had been received from RBWM stating that the issuing of paper plans to parish councils would cease in the new year. At Cookham's meeting, it had been decided that the purchase of an A3 printer would be the answer. At least six Cookham Cllrs do not have a computer. Cllr Addiscott argued that the whole concept of electronic planning is not to have the paper plans at all. Cllr Burfitt was happier with the purchase of the printer. The Clerk was given permission to purchase an inkjet colour A3 printer up to a maximum of £200-£300.

234/09 PARKING PROBLEMS AT HURLEY AND KNOWL HILL: the meeting last week with Neil Walter, the options for easing the parking at Hurley were agreed: a single yellow line; controlled parking zones or leaving everything as it is. A public meeting would be held and Neil would produce a presentation to show what was possible to enable the villagers to make a decision once and for all.The date of November 12/13thwere mentioned in the big hall at Hurley
The parking of HGV's at Knowl Hill had been the subject of debate at the last meeting. The landlord of the Seven Stars was not bothered with this. It was good for his business and the lorries prevented the risk of accidents from boy racers. As long as the HGV's were lit, it was legal for them to park. Furthermore, any signage installed by the Parish Council would not be enforceable. Cllr Jarvis said that the area looked scruffy and could do with a tidy and re-plant. Cllr Pratt suggested asking Grundon to carry this out. Free spring bulbs were currently available from RBWM.
Parking at Choseley Road in Knowl Hill was also mentioned at the last meeting. Neil Walter had confirmed that blocking pavements and dropped kerbs was an offence. However, the casual use of the pavement for a car to park was not a problem as long as there was 1.2 metres to allow a push chair to pass.

235/09 ADOPTION OF TWO LISTED TELEPHONE BOXES FOR £1 EACH AND IDEAS FOR FUTURE USE: Cllr Burfitt suggested that Hurley Village Association should adopt the kiosk in Hurley. Cllr Addiscott was not in favour of retaining the boxes at all. Cllr Jarvis felt that the red boxes were an important part of our history and should be retained for an alternative use. Cllr Addiscott said that BT gave a responsibility to maintain the listed boxes. Cllr Harrington was in favour of adapting the box at Burchetts Green as some kind of parish notice board instead of the public house currently being used. On the proposition of Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Burfitt, it was AGREED to purchase the two listed kiosks for £1 each. VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 3; AGAINST = 2; ABSTENTION = 3.

236/09 MEMBERSHIP OF THE RIVERSIDE PARISHES FORUM:  This group of riverside parishes was formed in order to consider mutual flood issues. RBWM may also take over a number of flood issues currently done by the EA, but with no extra money to carry out these duties. The riverside parishes were anxious to ensure that they were informed of any flood items from the Town Hall. Cllr Burfitt had been appointed Vice Chairman at the initial meeting. Membership would cost £25 per year and each parish should have two nominated representatives. On the proposition of Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Harrington, it was AGREED unanimously to join this Forum. The representatives would be Cllrs Burfitt and Addiscott, with Cllr Sparrow in reserve.

237/09 MEETING DATES FOR 2010 CYCLE OF MEETINGS: It was AGREED to keep the meetings for Hurley Parish Council to every four weeks to keep in sequence with RBWM. Cllr Jarvis suggested a return to Warren Row for a meeting in the summer. It was felt that the tin church was not suitable for a parish council meeting and a better venue should be sought. Cllr Addiscott proposed accepting the current new meeting dates subject to booking availability. This was seconded by Cllr Burfitt. Cllr Jarvis abstained from the vote.

238/09 FORMAT OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - The Clerk had brought the Annual Parish Meeting forward to April to make it legally correct. The difficulty was to find a topic or speaker that would appeal across the Hurley parish. It was AGREED to use 1st April 2010 as our Annual Parish Meeting date and look to find a speaker and/or discussion topics to draw people into attending. If this meeting was to be purely social it would be necessary for the Parish Council to meet to conduct the parish business after the social event.

239/09 REPAIRS TO HURLEY PLAY AREA AND PROGRESS OF CHOSELEY ROAD PROJECT:  A quote had been received from Rod Braybrooke of Holdford Landscapes to make urgent repairs to the timber edging on the play area for the sum of £350. On the proposition of Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Jarvis it was AGREED to accept this quote. The quote from Hags to carry out repairs to the zip wire were more expensive at £1218. However the Parish Council felt that few other repairs had been needed in the years the zip wire had been in place. It was responsibility of the Parish Council to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the equipment. On the proposition of Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Jarvis, it was AGREED to go ahead with both quotes.
The contract for the new Playbuilder site at Choseley Road had been awarded to Wicksteed Leisure. A meeting had been held where it was agreed to make some alterations to the original layout. The picnic table and bench would be replaced by the chunky bench seats. There was also some extra money to add to the equipment. MDHA had pledged £1,000 towards the project and there was £1500 available in 106 monies. On the proposition of Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Baker, it was AGREED to spend this extra money on the "Burmah Bridge" and the Flower speakers. It was also agreed that Cllr Addiscott would go through the contract with the Clerk and compose a suitable covering letter.

240/09 LATE CORRESPONDENCE: Clerk had circulated a letter from Cllr Rayner regarding the Annual LTP Roads and Footways Programme. The parishes were being invited to list any roads and paths in their parish to be added to the list for possible resurfacing in the 2010/2011 year. Suggestions should be with the Clerk by 29thOctober 2009.

241/09 FUTURE MEETINGS:

Parish Conference  29th October 2009  Maidenhead Town Hall
Council Meeting  29th October 2009  Littlewick Green
Council Meeting  26th November 2009  Knowl Hill

The meeting closed at 10.56pm.