Held at Knowl Hill Village Hall, Knowl Hill on Thursday 26th November 2009 at 7.30pm.

PRESENT: Cllr Steve Harrington (Chairman), Cllr Harry Sparrow (Vice Chairman)
Cllrs: Sandra Baker, David Burfitt, David Jarvis, Kim McLaren and Chris Westacott.

ALSO PRESENT: Cllr Maureen Hunt (RBWM) and Mrs Janet Wheeler (Clerk)

257/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Cllrs John Addiscott, Geoff Hill and Tom Pratt.

258/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr D. Jarvis declared a personal interest in item 263/09 5. as treasurer of Littlewick Green Village Association. Cllr Kim McLaren declared a personal interest in the same item as a resident in Littlewick Green. Cllr Kim McLaren also declared a prejudicial interest in Pln Appn 09/02374. Cllr S. Harrington declared a personal interest in item 266/09 and a prejudicial interest in Pln Appn 09/02241 at Burchetts Green Primary School.

OPEN FORUM: Mr Tony May spoke about item 266/09 - the two extra speed humps for Burchetts Green Road. Mr May said that the latest figures from the road traffic survey supported the dangerous speeds at the junction of Honey Lane and in the vicinity of Burchetts Green Primary School. It was also noted that RBWM now had a policy of 20mph zones outside all schools in the RBWM area but enforcement did not seem to be happening. The hump outside the School is the first hump that motorists hit in the 20mph zone but it is not until cars reach the third hump that they actually slow down. Mr May suggested that the Parish Council may like to consider the impact of the death of a child on this road if the PC does not support the call for more speed humps. Cllr Jarvis explored the idea of more space within the School grounds for cars to turn safely.
Mr Peter Boxell, Chair of Governors, Burchetts Green Primary School spoke in support of his Pln Appn 09/02241. He said that the school was the smallest in the RBWM area but the increasing pressure from the Government to offer more to the children had resulted in the school having to consider an extension. The new single storey classroom would enable the school to make better use of the school hall. Mr Boxell emphasised that the School had no plans to increase numbers for the forseable future.
Mr John Gray spoke firstly to protest at the length of time he had to wait to talk. He felt that spending 40 minutes on one or two topics was unfair to the residents who wished to speak on other items. He then explained that at one of the previous meetings to discuss the bus service he had given the Parish Council incorrect figures. Over seven months, there were an average 18 - 20 people on the route and 2400 people over the seven months. Carmel Thompson then spoke to say that the problems with wheel chairs and push chairs was not getting any easier. Some of the drivers were also refusing to take the Advantage Card.

259/09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:

Planning Ref: Current Planning Applications
09/02206

(26/10/09) Erection of a timber fence to front of property

- Retrospective application.
37 SHEPHERDS CLOSE, Hurley.
Ms Jean Watson
OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr McLaren. Un-neighbourly, create a precident and could impede the flow of floodwater.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF OBJECTION = UNANIMOUS
09/02139

(22/10/09) Erection of a glass roofed veranda to the rear elevation. Retrospective.
7A WICKHURST COTTAGE, Bath Road, Littlewick Green.
Ms Jennifer Scott

NO OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Sparrow.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 5 AGAINST = 2
09/02241

(03/11/09) Erection of a single storey classroom building with covered link to existing school.
BURCHETTS GREEN CE INFANTS SCHOOL, Burchetts Green Road, Burchetts Green.

NO OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Burfitt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS - Cllr Jarvis would like to see the proposed new building pushed further back to the boundary to make better use of space. There was concern over the metal tiles.
09/02374

(11/11/09) Two storey rear extension. First floor side extension over existing garage.
LITTLE ORCHARD, Coronation Road, Littlewick Green.
Mr and Mrs D. Gilbert

OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Westacott. Contrary to Policies DG1, sec 3 and CA2.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 3, ABSTENTION = 3. Motion carried.

09/02259

(04/11/09) Replacement Outbuilding.
Cedar C9 (b), HURLEY RIVERSIDE PARK, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Richard Bedford

NO OBJECTION - Proposed by Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Harrington.
The Planning Decisions listed separated were noted. Item 266/09 was brought forward.

266/09 REQUEST FOR TWO ADDITIONAL SPEED HUMPS IN BURCHETTS GREEN ROAD:  The residents of Burchetts Green had been lobbying RBWM for some time for two additional speed humps to slow the traffic outside the school in Burchett Green Road. They were now seeking support from Hurley Parish Council. The residents were also concerned that many parents were using the triangular junction off Honey Lane as a turning place. Other forms of speed management were discussed with the confirmation that Burchetts Green Road had a 20 mph speed limit rather than being a 20mph zone. Cllr Burfitt proposed asking RBWM Highways to move the 20 mph signs to beyond Dell Cottages before the junction of Honey Lane and to install flashing signs outside the School. The proposal also called for the turning triangle at the top of Honey Lane to be made more user-friendly. Cllr Westacott was not in favour of additional speed humps. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Jarvis and AGREED unanimously.
The Parish Council also voted on whether they were in favour of the speed humps in principle. Cllr Harrington was in favour of the speed humps. Cllr Jarvis proposed no action at this stage. Additional speed humps should only be considered after a review of the previous proposals or if funding becomes available. This was seconded by Cllr McLaren. VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 5 AGAINST = 2.

The Council then returned to the Planning Agenda and a spheres of mutual interest application that is not on the agenda.

09/02180 Office Development at Woolley Grange: This item was brought to the attention of Hurley Parish Council as a Spheres of Mutual Interest. There followed a long discussion on this application which complies with a previous outline planning permission. Cllr Jarvis had a copy of the comments from Littlewick Green Society. It was AGREED to ask RBWM to allow us the time to comment on this application properly as part of our next planning agenda.

An amended plan for Berkshire College of Agriculture was noted.

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER - CHURCH HOUSE, HIGH ST, HURLEY: The Council had received a letter from the residents of Church House stating why they wished to fell their Horse Chestnut rather than allow a TPO to protect the tree. Mr and Mrs Stanford said that the tree created a seasonal nuisance  and was unsuitable as a garden tree. They also argued that the tree was only partially viewed from a public footpath and did not constitute a significant visual amenity. Cllr Burfitt had been to see this tree and was of the impression that a degree of rot within the boughs made this an inappropriate subject for a TPO. Cllr Burfitt proposed OBJECTION, this was seconded by Cllr Jarvis and AGREED unanimously.

260/09  BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT: Cllr Hunt had some important news on the 239 bus service. During discussions with RBWM and Courtney Coaches the amended timetables meant that an extra bus was available for the Hurley 239 route for one return journey a week. The passengers could choose the bigger bus if they preferred but this bus would not stop at Honey Lane or Choseley Road. Wednesday seemed to be most suitable day. Cllr Hunt intended asking the bus users to state which bus they would prefer for this extra journey. There would be a small charge to the Parish Council of £10 per week or £520 per year. It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow to support the extra bus at a cost of £10 per week in principle for a trial period of six months. This was seconded by Cllr Jarvis and AGREED unanimously. The Clerk was asked to make this an agenda item for the next meeting to formally approve the expenditure.
Grundons - Cllr Hunt had circulated an email from Knowl Hill resident Margaret Soper who was being woken up by heavy vehicles at all times of the night. Cllr Claire Stretton from WBC had taken up this matter with Howard Davidson of the EA.
Rising Sun - Complaints had arisen from two residents who were unwilling to keep a log. It was AGREED that the residents must be told that their complaints would not be taken seriously unless they help RBWM build a case by keeping a log.

261/09 CLERK'S REPORT:
Hurley Play Area - Hags were due to carry out the repairs to the zip wire this week. Dog grid needs to be made more secure to stop dogs continuing to enter. Clerk had some prices for gates and the installation costs - a copy to be sent to Cllr Addiscott. Kevin Mist thinks the vandalised bin is ours - Steve Anderson to confirm.
Honey Lane/Prospect Park Traffic Calming - Email from S. Brown - more news to come.
Honey Lane - Drainage issues, gravel and hedges - Email from S. Brown to state that new trenches will be cut across the verge section near the Dew Drop. Streetcare will be pressing SE Water to sort out the drainage next time they come. Salt bin to be moved.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 - Email received from Graham Brewster. Tony Carr in Highways is to look at the possible notice for this entrance.
Hurley Bus Service - As Borough Cllrs report.
Grundons - As Borough Cllr's report.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green -Telephone conversation - it would seem that RBWM are now happy with the billing and will do the work.
Playbuilder Project - Choseley Road Site - Site visit to take place - project due to start in December and finished mid January.
Japanese Knotweed, Choseley Road Site - Situation needs to be carefully monitored.
Parking in Hurley High Street - Meeting date now confirmed for Monday 8th February - public meeting in the large hall at 8pm. Leaflets will need to be distributed.
Shepherds Close, Hurley - On planning agenda.
Adopt a telephone box - BT have answered my email. Our preference has been noted. Clerk needs to get MPAN numbers for each kiosk and a contract needs to be signed for each.
Annual Parish Meeting - Ideas to come.
A4 road markings - Site meeting to be arranged for Cllr Jarvis.

NB: A discussion began about finance for village halls. This will be recorded under the Finance section even though the words were recorded here.

Cllr Kim McLaren left the meeting.


064/09  REQUEST FOR CCTV IN HURLEY CAR PARK: Clerk had made enquiries and received a reply from David Perkins of RBWM. No new CCTV cameras would be purchased in the immediate future due to a review of the Borough's CCTV network. Cllr Burfitt said that some residents were against the idea of CCTV. It was proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Burfitt that the Parish Council does not support the request for CCTV in Hurley Car Park on the grounds that there is no justification. The Council voted IN FAVOUR of this proposal and the vote was unanimous.

Cllr Hunt left the meeting.

262/09  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 29th October 2009 were circulated and approved with no amendments. On the proposition of Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Jarvis, it was AGREED to accept these Minutes

263/09 FINANCE: The revised Financial Report as at 19/11/2009 was presented to the Council along with Payments, Transfers and Bank Reconciliation Statements. On the proposal of Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Jarvis, it was AGREED to approve and sign this Financial Report, the cheques and bank transfer.
Budget figures for the 2010-2011 financial year - The Clerk was asked to revise some of the budget figures to allow for: adoption of the red telephone kiosks; new gates for Hurley Play area; higher insurance and maintenance costs in Choseley Road play area; an allowance for the extra Hurley Bus. Cllr Jarvis also wanted an allowance every month to go to the various village halls in the parish for urgent work such as that needed at Littlewick Green for a burglar alarm. Cllr Jarvis requested that a sum of £2000 was added to the precept to fund this initiative. It was AGREED to add this to the agenda of the meeting in December. In the meantime the Clerk would look at the figures before adding the precept request to the agenda of the next meeting.

Cllr Sparrow left the meeting.

268/09 ENFORCEMENT OF THE 30MPH LIMIT IN HURLEY HIGH STREET: This item has now been superseded by events.

269/09 AMENDED TRANSFER OF PARISH-OWNED COMMON LAND TO FINALISE THE BOUNDARY AND ALLOW ACCESS TO ADJACENT PROPERTIES:On the proposition of Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Harrington, it was AGREED to transfer the boundary as Geoff would have wanted when he sold the land to the Parish Council.
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270/09 PAYMENT FOR THE POPPY WREATH AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WAR MEMORIAL: On the proposal of Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Harrington, it was agreed to fund the £18 for the poppy wreath. Cllr Baker was concerned about the cracks appearing in the war memorial. The Clerk would ask the carpenter to have a look.

271/09 LATE CORRESPONDENCE:  The Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy was a scheme to relieve flooding for areas further down stream. The Hurley to Cookham stretch was no affected by this consultation due to the protection of the Jubilee channel. A meeting had been held by DALC where Councils could discuss this consultation. Cllr Burfitt had drafted a reply to the strategy which would give support for the areas down stream affected by this consultation. It was AGREED to send this to the EA. Cllr Jarvis made a plea for fewer emails in his inbox.