Held at Gilchrist Thomas Village Hall, Littlewick Green on Thursday 29th October 2009 at 7.30pm.

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

ALSO PRESENT: No members of public and Mrs Janet Wheeler (Clerk)

242/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Cllrs Kim McLaren; Geoff Hill; RBWM Borough Cllr Maureen Hunt and Cllr Sandra Baker who was attending the Parish Conference.

243/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr John Addiscott declared a personal interest in an extra item to be discussed under 255/09 Late Correspondence concerning the adoption of Cllr Geoff Hill's land.

OPEN FORUM: There were no submissions for Open Forum.

244/09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:

Planning Ref: Current Planning Applications
09/02066

(09/10/09) Conversion of existing barn to form function room with associated facilities. Alterations  and conversion of adjoining coach house to form 9 letting suites and single storey rear extension to public house.
SEVEN STARS, Bath Road, Knowl Hill. WH Breakspear and Sons

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Pratt, seconded by Cllr Westacott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6 ABSTENTION = 1
106 Monies: Play area Choseley Road
09/02075

(09/10/09) Listed Building Consent. Consent to convert existing barn to form function room with associated facilities. Alterations  and conversion of adjoining coach house to form 9 letting suites and single storey rear extension to public house.
SEVEN STARS, Bath Road, Knowl Hill. WH Breakspear and Sons

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Pratt, seconded by Cllr Jarvis.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01983

(28/09/09)

09/01983
Amended Proposed conversion of loft space within Bell Lodge and insertion of four dormers to rear elevation.
YE OLDE BELL HOTEL, High Street, Hurley.
Dhillon Hotels Ltd

OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Burfitt. Dormers are on the wrong side of the building. The Parish Council would be in favour of the dormers on the north side of the building. Concern was also expressed about the use of containers reducing the car parking and whether planning permission was required. Also no Listed Building Consent had been lodged for this application.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF OBJECTION = UNANIMOUS

Velux windows had been substituted for the dormers.
OBJECTION AS ABOVE

09/01944

(28/09/09) Alterations to the room layouts and fenestration of bedrooms 31 to 35.
YE OLDE BELL HOTEL, High Street, Hurley.
Dhillon Hotels Ltd

NO OBJECTION -Proposed by Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Burfitt
VOTE:  FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6 ABSTENTION = 1.
09/01945

(28/09/09) Listed Building Consent. Consent to carry out internal alterations to the room layout and fenestration of bedrooms 31 to 35, the removal of 12 velux roof lights and the alteration of 10 windows into combined door, window and glazed screen and the closure of two door openings.
YE OLDE BELL HOTEL, High Street, Hurley.
Dhillon Hotels Ltd

NO OBJECTION -Proposed by Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Burfitt
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01997

(29/09/09) First and second floor side extension over existing garage.
LITTLE ORCHARD, Coronation Road, Littlewick Green.
Mr and Mrs D. Gilbert

NO OBJECTION - although Cllr Jarvis voiced concerns that the dormers are at the front of the house overlooking the Green.
Proposed by Clr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Westacott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6, ABSTENTION = 1.
09/02107

(09/09/09) Two storey rear extension and decking area and steps to the rear of the property in amendment to approved planning permission 09/01546.
THE OLD VICARAGE, Knowl Hill Common Road, Knowl Hill.
Mrs Alison Glover

NO OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Burfitt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF NO OBJECTION = 6 ABSTENTION = 1.
09/02058

(07/10/09) Certificate of Lawfulness to determine if the construction of a bund for the temporary storage of rainwater and associated works is lawful.
MJF BUSINESS SERVICES, The Bunker, Warren Row Road, Warren Row.
Mr Jonathan Moreland

No response is required from the Parish Council
Planning Ref: Works to Trees Covered by TPO
09/02055

(07/10/09) Consent to fell 3 Hawthorn, an Oak and 2 Ash Trees.
MJF BUSINESS SERVICES, The Bunker, Warren Row Road, Warren Row.
Mr Jonathan Moreland

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
Planning Ref: Works to Trees in a Conservation Area
09/02007

(01/10/09) Notification to fell one Chestnut Tree.
CHURCH HOUSE, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Julian Stanford

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
09/02099

(07/10/09) Notification to fell 2 groups of sycamores. Reduce height of row of Conifers level with roof apex and trim sides. Reduce Lilac growth over lawn by 50%, and reduce a Sycamore by 30%. Trim side profile of Conifers by driveway and crown one Laurel to contain draw back and shape.
PARK COTTAGE, New Road, Hurley.
Mr Lawson.

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
09/02106

(08/10/09) Notification to crown lift to 3m on one Ash Tree and two Lime trees, fell one Magnolia, deadwood and remove 2 lowest limbs of one Robina, and deadwood and lift first limb to 3m on one Ash Tree.
TYTHECOTE MANOR, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Howard Leigh

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
09/02161

(15/10/09) Notification to remove all overhanging branches over barn on one neighbouring Sycamore tree.
HURLEY LODGE, Mill Lane, Hurley.
Mr Alan Green

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER

There were two late applications that would be put on to the next agenda. The Clerk was also asked to contact Planning Officer Alison Barker concerning restricted covenants on a retrospective application for 37 Shepherds Close.
The Planning Decisions listed separated were noted.
NEW APPEALS:
There were no new appeals.

245 BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT: There was no report this evening from Cllr Maureen Hunt, but there were some emails to up-date the Council on the following items:
i) Footpath at the junction of Grundon and Star Lane: Cllr Hunt has send emails to the residents and had back three detailed responses opposing and 2 responses in favour. Any further action has been left for now incase of any late submissions.
ii) Grundons: Complaints for the hydroclave have diminished. WBC are looking at the storage issue as Sui Generis and asking Grundon for a meeting. Cllr Hunt visited the Energy from Waste plant - the incinerator treats municipal waste at 425 degrees and would not be able to take clinical/harzardous waste at 1000 degrees. The clinical/hazardous waste incinerator is behind the EfW plant and its chimney is one of the three that can be seen from a distance. Storage during shutdown periods - 3 days for the EfW plant and 5 days for the other. The new look building houses the abatement plant. This is now double skinned in line with those up north. Cllr Hunt is concerned about the big vats of sulphuric acid used in the abatement plant as any acids on site require Sui Generis. WBC are looking into this.

246/09 CLERK'S REPORT:
Hurley Play Area - Phil Holdford had carried out the repairs to the rotten play area edging. Awaiting the parts for the emergency repairs on the zip wire. Dog grid needs to be made more secure to stop dogs continuing to enter. Clerk to put together a priced package for gate and installation for presentation to HVA.
Honey Lane/Prospect Park Traffic Calming - Agenda item following 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 - Agenda item following site visit.
Gateway in Ashley Hill Woods - Legal departments at RBWM and the Forestry Commission are investigating. Remove from Clerk's report until further development.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 - Email sent to Graham Brewster to point out the concealed access signs in Maidenhead Road.
Hurley Bus Service - Public meeting organised for Saturday 31st October 2009 in the Priory Room. There was concern that not enough notice had been given.
Grundons - As Borough Cllr's report.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green -Email received from John Chandler concerning a meeting with Streetcare to consider who should be billed for the work.
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. Agenda item following site visit.
Playbuilder Project - Choseley Road Site - Final design on agenda - awaiting return of contract and start date.
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 - Possible meeting date of Wednesday 9th December at Hurley Village Hall - Clerk to contact Neil Walter for availability.
Shepherds Close, Hurley - Retrospective planning application regarding the fence at No37 now been received.

The Annual Parish Meeting for April 1st would be added to the Clerk's Report along with other action items from each meeting.

247/09  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 1st October 2009 were circulated and approved with no amendments, on the proposition of Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Harrington. Cllr Burfitt's query regarding the permitted changes to a garage had not been attended to as yet.

248/09 FINANCE: The revised Financial Report as at 28/10/2009 was presented to the Council along with Payments, Transfers and Bank Reconciliation Statements. On the proposal of Cllr Harrington, 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 along with draft forecast figures. It was AGREED to put this on the agenda for the next meeting to help set the budget and precept request for the next financial year.

249/09 SITE VISIT TO HONEY LANE WITH CLLR RAYNER: Cllrs Harrington, Addiscott, Cllr Maureen Hunt and the Clerk met with Cllr Colin Rayner and Stephen Brown from RBWM to discuss the problems at Honey Lane. The junction right of way was considered first and Cllr Rayner was immediately in favour of changing the priority. Signage and road markings were discussed to achieve this. The gravel trap problem where all the sand and stones get washed down the hill to rest at the bottom of the new road junction had already proved to be hazardous. Stephen Brown seemed concerned that the speed limit signs to 40mph were not legal as there has to be matching signs either side of the road. It was not clear how Cllr Rayner and Stephen Brown intend to deal with the gravel issue.
The location of the salt bins were looked at including a site closer to the top of the hill. Stephen Brown did not seem in favour of writing to Mr Shanley regarding his over-grown hedge all the way up Honey Lane. Mr Brown seemed to think that RBWM would at least keep the hedge clear of the traffic signs. The group then looked at the flooding problem further up Honey Lane. Stephen Brown and Cllr Rayner would look at this issued the next time they were in the area in the rain.

250/09 FINAL DESIGN FOR CHOSELEY ROAD PLAY AREA:The final design incorporating all the changes and new items of equipment was approved on the proposition of Cllr John Addiscott and seconded by Cllr Harrington.
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251/09 POSSIBLE CCTV IN HURLEY CAR PARK: Two cars were recently set on fire in the car park and the overhanging branches of two trees from the garden of Howard Leigh were also destroyed. Cllr Hunt had a string of emails from Mr Leigh enquiring as to the possibility of installing CCTV in the car park. Mr Leigh's concern was that he had a 10,000 litre oil tank very close to the boundary of the car park and there was now a risk that this oil tank could go up in flames should this happen again. Cllr Hunt had advised Mr Leigh to contact the Parish Council about this suggestion. The only contact directly from Mr Leigh so far was to be copied in on the string emails. The Councillors view was that Mr Leigh had not made a direct request with the Parish Council and they saw no reason to support this measure. The view was that any CCTV should be installed at Mr Leigh's expense since the oil tank was on his property.

252/09 POPPY WREATH AT KNOWL HILL MEMORIAL:  It was AGREED to support the purchase of a poppy wreath for Remembrance Sunday up to the value of £40. This was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Harrington.

253/09 FOOTPATH OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO STAR WORKS: This item was discussed under the Borough Councillor's report and the general consensus of the Parish Council was that it should be supported. It would be added to the Clerk's Report.

254/09 RE-SURFACING OF ROADS AND FOOTWAYS - The following road and footways would be put on the prospective re-surfacing programme for 2010-2011: Honey Lane opposite the road to the Dewdrop Inn; Bottle Lane; Coronation Road; the A4 opposite the Texaco garage. Cllr Jarvis requested that RBWM finish the hatching sections on the A4 when the 40mph speed limit was adopted. This work was never completed.

255/09 LATE CORRESPONDENCE: matter the boundary of the land given to Hurley Parish Council by Cllr Geoff Hill has arisen. Cllr Addiscott, who is helping Cllr Hill with his personal affairs, explained that the line on the plans marking the western-most point of the land transferred was so drawn as to block access into the lane towards the Dewdrop Inn. The lane towards the DewDrop Inn is now part of the estate that Geoff Hill is selling and therefore a revision is needed to allow the buyer access to his property. It was AGREED that Hurley Parish Council would have no objection to Cllr Hill seeking to amend this error with Land Registry. There would be no financial transactions or bills arising from this agreement.
The new moorings erected by the Environment Agency were also of concern as their design and style was entirely out of keeping with the area. The moorings could take an estimated 60+ boats but there was also a query as no planning permission had been sought. The Clerk would bring this to the attention of the Enforcement Team.

256/09 FUTURE MEETINGS:

Council Meeting  26th November 2009  Knowl Hill Village Hall
Council Meeting  17th December 2009  Hurley Village Hall

The meeting closed at 10.15pm.