MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held from 7.30pm on Thursday 4 October 2007, at Hurley Village Hall.
 
PRESENT:     Cllrs John Addiscott (Chairman), Mrs Sandra Baker, David Burfitt,  Steve Harrington, Geoff Hill, Tom Pratt, Harry Sparrow (Vice Chairman) and Chris Westacott.
Mrs Chrissie Robinson (Clerk)                   
     
4 Members of the public.   Ward Cllr Mrs M Hunt.

1   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE    Cllrs Mrs Kim McLaren and David Jarvis were unable  to attend the meeting.  ____________________________________________________________________

2   07125  OPEN FORUM

Parking in Hurley Village - Mrs P Graham, Malt House, has been putting three cones opposite the driveway to her house which gave enough room to allow her access to the road by car.  As, unfortunately the cones are not now being used, people are parking opposite her drive whereupon she cannot leave her property.  In a recent traumatic emergency, Mrs Graham reported her car being effectively trapped in her drive for hours until the driver of a parked van returned and Mrs Graham has also been verbally abused when trying to reason with members of the public on their parking. 
Mr Marengo, Ash Lawn, neighbour to Mrs Graham, expressed concern as an ambulance cannot stop at the properties.  The Police cannot come out in time when requested to aid them when parking has caused an obstruction.  To solve the problem they suggested knocking down a very small section of wall at Malt House which would provide a wider driveway making it easier access when cars are parked opposite and larger drive where cars would not park.  Councillors commented that this would require planning permission and perhaps listed planning consent, that contacting RBWM Planning and discussing the situation with them before completing the planning application would be useful as well as Mr Marengos support in writing.
Tudor Cottage - Mr Young on acquiring the property, had inherited a planning consent for a double garage which was changed to an open sided garage when the property was in the flood plan.  Due to changes in designation, the property is not now in the flood plan and the original garage can be reinstated.  However, the current planning application requested extra footage at the back of the garage of approx 17 sq m.  The roof is the same height at the ridge but with changes to:  dormers (not velux roof windows) and the front doors.  The dormers will give additional room for a lift to be installed and the inside of the structure would be arranged for accommodation for elderly members of the family.  Mr Young stated he had parking on his property for approximately 8 cars.   

New Access to Burchetts Green Road - Mr Keeley suggested that in the last Minutes it should be noted that a District Councillor who is a member of the Planning Committee is causing a problem of a planning nature.  Councillors noted the comment and advised that this was more the business of RBWMs Standards Committee.

Dell Cottages  - Mr Keeley requested the Council to contact the local Ombudsman regarding the RBWMs lack of action regarding the suspected business run at the property.  Cllr Addiscott stated there had been a response from RBWM, Mr Slaney, noting there was a small vehicle with which it was possible to tow vehicles.  The opinion given was that it is not a sustainable sign that it is a business and that it could well be used for servicing vehicles for friends and neighbours and that more evidence would be necessary.  It was suggested more evidence, available from Mr Keeley should be sent.  Mr Keeley suggested soil tests, etc as well as registration checks.  Mr Marengo suggested contacting the Inland Revenue.

Speeding in the Hurley Village - Mr Marengo had concerns on speeding and whilst he was aware that the Village was against speed bumps, the speeding is dangerous.  Speed indicator devices could be installed, which can be rented, and police with speed guns would be a help. Mr Marengo suggested requesting police presence at different times once a week or a speed camera.   Cllr Burfitt commented that there had been small signs which flashed on the Henley Road for 40mph.  Rumble strips could be considered. 

Knowl Hill House - Mr Lyons explained that the description of the planning application did not include the words - demolition of the existing garage.  Councillors accepted this was on the plans.

  The Chairman thanked the public for attending and closed Open Forum at 8.10pm
           
3   07126  DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Cllr Burfitt declared a Prejudicial interest in 07/02464 102A Hurley Farm caravan and a Personal interest as a neighbour in 07/02455 re the tree works on 5 Lovelace Close.
Cllr Hill declared a Personal interest as owner in Honey Lanes common land verges. 

4   07127  CURRENT APPLICATIONS:  Site visits are carried out prior to the meeting  where appropriate.
07/02369 Chapter House High Street Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5NB - Listed Building Consent  loft conversion with roof infill and associated internal alteration.  Site viewed recently.  This is an infill and it was noted the planning application was Supported.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Sparrow then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the Application.  It was noted that the application may require a Conservation application not yet received.
07/02464 102A Field Hurleyford Farm Mill Lane Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5ND - erection of a single storey porch to front.  Site Visit.  It was noted the work has been started.  It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Baker and seconded by Cllr Hill then RESOLVED (7 in favour, 1 abstention), to SUPPORT the Application
07/02479 Tudor Cottage 12 New Road Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5LN - amendment to 429538 changes to existing by having habitable accommodation on both floors, creating an additional dormer window and a single storey rear extension.  Site Visit.  The Clerk provided an email from the RBWM Planning Department on the details of the former permission.  It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Mrs Baker then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the Application with the Informative that the Section 106 proposal should have a new commencement date starting from now. 
07/02500 Knowl Hill House Knowl Hill Common Knowl Hill Reading RG10 9YD - two storey side extension with balcony single storey orangey to side single storey rear extensions to dining room and lounge both with balconies above. New front side porch, first floor infill to front, two front and two rear gables and new porch gable.  Site Visit.
After the demolition of the garage the proposed floor area of the extensions would be smaller overall than would exist.  The handrails on the balconies was queried and Mr Lyons confirmed this met planning regulations.  It was noted the property has a large garden and there would be no overlooking.  It does not invoke GB4.  .It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Baker and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the Application   There is an error in the plans showing the kitchen which will and should be corrected by the architect.
Tree Works
07/02455 5 Lovelace Close Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5NF - notification to remove split branch of one Willow tree and reshape the tree by pollarding thus reducing the tree by around 50%.  Reviewed by Cllr Burfitt who has a personal interest as a neighbour.  It was described as a large willow tree whose branches overhang all the gardens there. It was previously damaged during one of the high winds when a large branch broke and a tare appeared in the top of the tree.  The tree surgeon suggested it should be pollarded.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Hill then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the Application subject to the Tree Officers report.
07/02515 Southdown Shepherds Lane Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5NG - notification to fell one sycamore, cut back overhang by 2m and remove dead wood from Sycamore trees.  Reduce height of Conifer hedge by 2ft below previous cutting points.  Fell one Liquid Ambar tree.  Reviewed by Cllr Burfitt.  The sycamore is tall and leggy.  The cypresses to be cut 3ft down to take them back to where they had previously been reduced to.  The Liquid Ambar has fungus on it.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Hill then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the Application, subject to the Tree Officers report.
Certificate of Lawful Use
07/02501 Netherclift Nurseries Green Lane Littlewick Green Maidenhead  SL6 3RH - to establish whether the existing use of the premises as workshop and offices with external storage, circulation and parking of vehicles is lawful.  It was noted the business had been run for 50 years.  Cllr Addiscott read from the report that area of concern was the office, hard standing and workshop used for commercial manufacture.  It was proposed by Cllr Addiscott and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan), to defer this to the Legal Department.
Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Development
07/02510 Orchard Springs Star Lane Knowl Hill Reading RG10 9XY - a proposed detached annex is lawful.   It is a single storey within the permitted development.  The total size is the double garage with an extra 2m, totalling 84sqm as the proposed building.
It was proposed by Cllr Addiscott and seconded by Cllr Harrington then RESOLVED (7 in favour, 1 abstention), to defer the Application to the Legal Department.
APPEALS
APP/T0355/A/07/2054045 07/60130 Ladye Place Hurley SL6 5NB - detached 3 bay garage.  On the basis of a Hearing.
Comments Addressed to:  The Planning Inspectorate, 3/15 Eagle Wing  Temple Quay House  2 The Square  Temple Quay  Bristol  BS1 6PN. 3 copies by 25 October 2007.
The Clerk to respond with details from the May Minutes.
DECISIONS
07/01131 Land at Top Farm and 1 and 2 Hall Place Farm Cottages Honey Lane Hurley Maidenhead SL6 6RQ - demolition of 1 & 2 Hall Place Cottages and replacement of Plot 1 (approved 05/01547) with 2 x 3 bed and 1 x 4 bed detached houses with associated parking together with amendments to parking area.  Site known to Councillors.   05-07 HPC Supported, landscaping.  10-07 GRANTED 9 conditions 1 justification.
07/01798 Berkshire College of Agriculture Hill Place Burchetts Green Road Maidenhead SL6 6QR - development of parts of the site to provide four new educational buildings comprising horticultural teaching centre, a general teaching building, a vocational skills workshop and animal housing plus associated works. 0707 HPC Supported, signage.  1007 GRANTED.
07/01954 Hillview High Street Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5LT - single storey side extension.  Site Visit.   08-07 HPC OBJECTED, referring to:  GB2;  noting that the greater impact and intensification would harm the amenity of the house next door, that this is in a Conservation area and that the proposed pitch of the roof is higher than the existing conservatory.  10-07 GRANTED. 1 condition 1 justification.
07/02100 White Cottage Knowl Hill Common Knowl Hill Reading RG10 9YD - double storey side extension and new front porch.  Site Visit.  0807 HPC Supported.  1007 REFUSED 1 reason, previous extensions.
CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS OF DEVELOPMENT
07/01162 Willow Caravan 9 Hurley Riverside Park Hurley High Street Hurley Maidenhead - to determine whether the existing detached three sheds are lawful.  0507 HPC Deferred.  1007 LAWFUL 1 reason, sheds on site over 4 years, 3 Informatives.  .
APPEAL DECISIONS
BCC NOTIFICATION OF APPEAL  06/07328/CONCC by Marina, Harleyford Estate Henley Road Marlow against Refusal to Grant planning permission for land adjacent to the Marina. 1007 REFUSED.
App/to355/a/07/2038593 - 06/01873 Temple Ferry Place Mill Lane Hurley SL6 5ND - construction of a replacement three bedroom dwelling.  REFUSED.  Inappropriate development in the Green Belt GB1, 3 DP3 no special circumstances.  Appeal 290407 let. 1007 Appeal DISMISSED.
APPLICATION WITHDRAWN
07/0194 Hurley House High Street Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5NB - erection of timber entrance gates to front, timber boundary fence to side and brick boundary wall to part of rear.  Property viewed. 0807 HPC Supported, fence 2m.  1007 WITHDRAWN. (and 07/0193 Listed Building Consent)
Tree Preservation Order
No 4 of 2007 - Deacon Lodge High Street Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5LT - An oak tree.
ITEMS ON PLANNING  Raised by councillors
Common Land Honey Lane. The map of the verges had been send to Messrs C Joseph and are now awaiting a response.  Cllr Harrington stated the BGVA had marked their boundary and that of HPCs with posts for easy reference.  Cllr Harrington offered to arrange a more permanent arrangement using 4 by 4 posts in oak hammered into meta sockets, showing 3ft in height positioned by the road side and the other side of the common land.  The post to be marked HPC and BGVA facing the common land verges acquired.
Dell Cottages monitoring suspected commercial activity in No 2.  Cllr Harrington reported the area to the side of the cottage had been tidied up and at one point in time, there were fewer cars than are normally parked on the land.  It was reported RBWM, Mr Stallwood, stated that there was insufficient evidence that there is any commercial activity on this site.  Cllr Addiscott reported that RBWM, Mr Oram, had written to agree that in planning terms it is not considered that there has been continuous unreported use over many years.  It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Pratt then RESOLVED (7 in favour, 1 abstention) and AGREED that there was a need to find out what was required to take this situation to the Ombudsman due to seeming lack of progress.  On discussion with Mr Keeley, he noted that evidence had been produced in the past including photographs and that this property is paying lower Council tax than those of a business.
EAST ARMS - no update. 
GRUNDONS   Cllr Mrs Hunt reported items were submitted to the full Committee.  Also, that
The Liaison Group - will be set up with HPC, Wokingham, RBWM and EA, Councillors as well as resident representatives.  Mrs Diane Maskell has been notified to view the site and Cllr Westacott expressed interest in attending this Site Visit.  Cllr Westacott had received an offer from Mr Norman Grundon to talk on the subject which may be useful for the Liaison Group.
Cllr Mrs Hunt stated the reasons for the slippage and what to do about it were still being  discussed.  A proposal for the hydroclave includes to extract air over the machines through vents and a stack and that the details require checking.  Cllr Hill suggested one problem is that there is no overall plan.  Cllr Mrs Hunt stated the EA should be checking this out.
WHITE WALTHAM AIRFIELD:  Cllr Westacott will be attending the next meeting at the end of October 2007.
GRASSLANDS  Roadworks:  Cllr Addiscott reported that the recent meeting with RBWM, Highways, Graham Brewster, regarding Grasslands was unsatisfactory.  The traffic island was not on the plans for the public hearing in 1998 but RBWM Highways would not accept that it was dangerous.  There would be a twelve month trial after which the safety report will be made available to the Parish Council.  It was advised that the Inspector had recommended there should be a gravel trap across the way, continuous to Honey Lane for safety reasons.
Access:  'No through road' signs have been put up but Old Honey Lane can be used.  This would turn into a rat run.  Cllr Addiscott provided a copy of the inspectors report for Cllr Burfitt.  An agricultural machine using the Henley road had had to drive part on the pavement to clear the traffic island.  Some eastbound vehicles cant be seen at sunset due to the light conditions and it was reported that the Stop sign on Honey Lane is obscured in the hedge and too close to the junction round the bend and earlier warning is necessary further up the hill.

RBWM Maidenhead Development Control Panel meeting
Next meeting is on 17 October  2007 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall Maidenhead. 

6   07128  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING
August has a Note in Open Forum covering several items not minuted in detail.  The minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2007 were accepted as a correct record, subject to a number of minor textural alterations. 

7 07129  MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES  not covered by Agenda items.
New Access on to Burchetts Green Road:  Cllr Addiscott sent a strong letter to RBWM Planning Department and the response from Diane Hills covered the ownership of the land being adopted highway and permission should be obtained.  Mrs Hills advised there should not be pre determination of an application and Cllr Addiscott will respond re the Minutes in August.  An email from RBWM, Mr Brewster, was provided by the Clerk, on ownership was read out, copies to be provided to Councillors.  The email stated that the blocks were not on highway land which appeared to contradict the information received from Mrs Hills.  Cllr Burfitt was concerned that normally ownership of verges did not stop at the ditch but continued over the ditch to the fence.  Cllr Addiscott to contact Mrs Hills.
It was reported that there had been a traffic accident near the new access and details should be sought.
Fence: adjacent to the Football Pitch damaged by the fallen tree.  The Clerk contacted the MDHA to request the fence to be repaired.  An email response including an estimate was discussed suggesting longer fence replacement of 85ft to be paid by HPC and MDHA.  An estimate by Lightmain was provided by the Clerk.  A site visit had been held by some Councillors but it was AGREED that Cllr Addiscott and Burfitt would check the fence to be replaced.
Affordable Housing:  suggested to be built on the grassed area of the Knowl Hill play area.  The Local Development Framework may re-designate this as development land.  The Clerk contacted Ms A Kersley and it is not on the list as yet, the next report being July 2008.

8   07130 CHAIRMANS INFORMATION REPORT - see items in planning.

9    07131 PARISH PLAY AREAS:  Knowl Hill and Hurley
The Play Areas of Knowl Hill (including the trees) and Hurley were checked monthly by the Clerk.   

Fence at Hurley Play Area:  This land belongs to RBWM and the fences became the Parish Councils responsibility.  Estimates were produced by the Clerk, see Matters Arising.  From the site visit it was suggested the fence between the football pitch and play area which also extended the length of the football pitch - 110ft - will require replacement and that the double metal gates from the road onto the play area requires replacement.  A disable access could be from Shepherds Close as it is flat but would need works.  The access from the road to the play area is too steep and will require works to change the grade which may include changing the fence in situ.  The Clerk reported that some financing could be available from Section 106 in the future and with estimates, other funding can be requested.  It was noted that this works could be planned for next year and added to the Budget.

Maidenhead Advertiser:  will be visiting the Knowl Hill Play Area and the finances would be discussed for an article.  It was AGREED to state that the amount was mainly acquired through the developers payment into Section 106.

10  07132  FINANCE REPORT   It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Addiscott then RESOLVED (Unan) to AUTHORISE and APPROVE the Finance Statement.

The monthly report can be viewed at meetings and be available for inspection on request.   

Authorisation of payment for
Lightmain next month total cheque £17,129.15.  vat 2551.15.  It was proposed by Cllr Addiscott and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan) to authorise the payment at the next meeting when funding had been received.
It was noted the bank account::
Received  £8000 - Precept
Received  £2498.20 - Section 106 Hurley Play area
To be received   £10,065.00 approx. from Section 106 - KN play area

Invoice and receipts  awaited  from NALC re 3 day meeting Cllr G Hill  -   authorised  at the last meeting.  Conference and Hotel Booked.
Plus hotel x 2, meal and taxi at approx. £180, cost is half the expenses.
The cheque will total approx £400.00, repayment to HPC will be half.




It was noted that items for the Budget should be decided at the next meeting.  Cllr Harrington requested guidance on items that could be suggested.  This was found in the LC Clerks Guide and would be made available by Cllr Sparrow. 
The Clerk requested authorisation to obtain a copy of the Local Council Clerks Guide by Paul Clayton, Shaw and Son.  It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Addiscott then RESOLVED (Unan), to AGREE to the expenditure for the copy to be acquired for the Clerk over the internet.  (ISBN 021916015)

11  07133 CORRESPONDENCE  Items received, not covered elsewhere
11.1  RBWM Temporary Prohibition of Driving Order - Rose Lane (Part) 5-10.10.07.
- it should be checked that the other end of the road be closed at a later date to continue the resurfacing.
11.2 Care for Adults - public consultative events. For review by Cllr Addiscott.
11.3 Forestry Commission - on Upcoming harvesting operation in Ashley Hill Woods, including maps.  Reviewed by Cllr Hill who commended the work as described culling evergreen trees. 
11.4  BCC Minerals Development Plan Consultative Report.  For review by Cllr Pratt.

12  07134  HIGHWAYS FOOTPATHS AND COMMON LAND
12.1  Flooding  The Clerk contacted the RBWM suggesting a borough wide check of surface water drainage and gullies for a comprehensive view. The response noted the request but stated that the problem areas were worked on, firstly to check why there was a problem then to arrange the works. A4 Gullies:  The Clerk reported the work was been completed this week.
12.2  Signage  Village Signs to be proforma ordered by the Clerk for Cockpole Green in polypropylene instead of metal. The last metal sign lasted two days before been stolen.  It has been difficult to acquire this sign prices of which had been requested  and already authorised.  Mrs Rance has been in contact with the Clerk twice to check this.
12.3  Metal Bench  Cllr Baker reported this was being installed at Knowl Hill Common.
12.3  Wooden Bench - Parish Paths Initiative:  A map was provided by the Clerk for a site visit with PPI and Cllr Burfitt to have the wooden bench installed in the regatta field next to the Thames.

13  07135   STANDING ORDERS - Code of Conduct 12(a)
It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Mrs Baker then RESOLVED (Unan) to adopt the Model Code of Conduct paragraph 12(2) as this is required to be designated, as well as the Standing Orders inserts proposed by Cllr Burfitt to be attached to the booklet.  It was AGREED that the Clerk insert details in a copy.

14  07136  URGENT ITEMS FOR DECISION/COUNCILLORS ITEMS OF INTEREST
Budget item:  Councillors extra expenses.  Cllr Burfitt suggested and it was AGREED that a payment to each Councillor for a printer cartridge on production of a receipt and a ream of paper could be supplied, each year.  As emails are used extensively and reports sent out, the printing of information by Councillors using their own facilities has increased. 
Stile:  on Fp 25 the damage was acknowledged by the Forestry Commission who has sent information in Correspondence, and by the RBWM, Andrew Fletcher.
Speeding in Hurley:  reported in Open Forum by Mr Marengo, was discussed and to be further reviewed.

15  07137  DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
Site Meeting if required:  Sunday or Tuesday before the parish meeting.
Next Parish Council Meeting  7.30pm  Thursday 1 November 2007 at Gilchrist
Thomas Village Hall, Littlewick Green
Next Parish Conference:  7pm on 15 November 2007, at the Town Hall, Maidenhead.
View Parish Website: 

     The Chairman closed the meeting at 11.30pm