MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting  held from 7.30pm on Thursday  29 November 2007, at Knowl Hill Village Hall.
 
PRESENT:  Mrs Sandra Baker, David , Jarvis, Steve Harrington, Geoff Hill, Mrs McLaren, Pratt, Harry Sparrow (Vice and Acting Chairman) and Chris Westacott.
Mrs Chrissie Robinson (Clerk)                   
     
4 Members of the public. Mr Ramsay HVA, Cllr Mrs M Hunt. 

1   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE   Cllrs Addiscott (Chairman)was unable to attend  the meeting.  Cllrs Mrs McLaren and Ward Cllr Mrs Hunt would arrive late. ____________________________________________________________________

2   07154  OPEN FORUM

Mr Richard Burfitt and Mrs Westacott attended to answer any queries from the Council with reference to their Planning Applications.

Cllr Jarvis declared a Prejudicial interest as a next door neighbour to Planning Application 07/02925 for Highfield.   Cllr Jarvis suggested it was over development but stated that he would not comment further as, if this was approved, he would be putting his own plans in.     

Mr Ramsay, HVA, spoke on the Bisham Brook culvert works where Hurley High Street will be closed for 4 to 6 weeks, which he asked Hurley Parish Council to monitor.  Cllr Burfitt reported that RBWM were intending to close the High Street and use his private road as a Diversion.  It was not a forgone conclusion to allow this due to the use of large machinery on, perhaps, what would be a one way street.   
Ward Cllr Mrs Hunt suggested that Messrs Ramsay, Burfitt and Gilesby, RBWM have a meeting to discuss this and examine appropriate timetables for works.

  The Chairman thanked the public for attending and closed Open Forum at 7.40 pm
           
3   07155  DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Cllr Jarvis declared a Prejudicial interest as a neighbour to 07/02925 Highfield.  Cllr   Burfitt declared a Prejudicial interest as brother to Mr R Burfitt applicant for 07/02992 Hurley Riverside Caravan Park and as a neighbour of 0702810 Huntswood.  Cllr Westacott declared a Prejudicial interest in his application  07/02908 W W Westacott and Sons.   
Cllr Hill declared a Personal interest as owner of Honey Lane common land verges.
With regard to the new Burchetts Green Road access application 07/02712:  Cllr Hill declared a Personal interest as prior owner in Honey Lanes common land verges.  Cllr Burfitt declared a Personal interest as a neighbour.  Cllr Westacott declared Personal interest as a neighbouring farmer doing business with Mr Lillywhite.

4   07156  PLANNING REPORT 
CURRENT APPLICATIONS:  Site visits are carried out prior to the meeting where appropriate.
07/02802  0 East Arms Place Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5LE - erection of entrance gates and walls from High Street.  Gates 1.2m, walls 1m and piers at 1.5m high.  Received last month.  The subject of a Site Visit.  The Clerk had requested and obtained an extension of time to allow proper notice for residents to respond. 
Cllr Jarvis commented that where electric gates are installed and gates block off a cul de sac housing estate in Hurley Village that he is against this being allowed and that he believed many people in Hurley felt the same.  Cllr Burfitt stated in effect, this would be the only separate community in Hurley Village and it is not wanted.  The gates may cause traffic blocking backwards and this would be worse if the gates were moved nearer to the road.  It was suggested that visitors may well park and walk in to the area causing extra cars being parked in the road outside.  A separate gated housing estate should not be in place at the entrance of Hurley Village it should be part of the Village, even though the houses had been marketed as a gated community, despite approval being refused.

Cllr Sparrow noted there may be problems for services as there was no provision for their entrance in the plans.  The pedestrian right of access may be compromised due to the gate being viewed as a formidable barrier.  The pedestrian right of access would require a permanent sign.  The Management Committee put the Planning Application in to RBWM.  Cllr Pratt commented it looks out of place.

Ward Cllr Mrs Hunt reported the plans had been put through a Delegated Decision as a Refusal.  It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (6 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions), to OBJECT to the gated development and that there must be signage for the public access.

07/02816 1 Hillside Cottages Knowl Hill Common Knowl Hill Reading RG10 9YG
- two storey rear extension and raising the height of this boundary wall.  Received 4-11-07.  The subject of a Site Visit.    Cllr Burfitt commented that this was a minimal extension.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Pratt then RESOLVED (Unan), to SUPPORT the application for the extension. 
However, the boundary wall is high off the road but low on the garden side.  Outside the property, there should be some form of screening left.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Pratt then RESOLVED (8 in favour, 1 abstention), to SUPPORT the changes to the boundary wall subject to replanting a screen of plants along the roadside.

Cllr Westacott had declared an interest in the next planning application and left the room for the duration of the discussion while it was considered.
07/02908 W W Westacott and Sons Frogmore Farm Bath Road Littlewick Green Maidenhead SL6 3RX - installation of two glass entrance canopies and an open entrance porch.  Received 8.11.07.  The subject of a Site Visit.  This is not on the farmhouse but on the barns next door.  It was noted that the roofed structure is open sided.  It was proposed by Cllr   Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (8 in favour, 1 abstention), to SUPPORT the application.
Cllr Westacott rejoined the meeting. 

Cllr Jarvis had declared an interest in the next planning application and left the room for the duration of the discussion while it was considered.
07/02925 Highfield Bath Road Littlewick Green Maidenhead  SL6 3RQ - rear conservatory.  Received  12-11-07. The subject of a Site Visit.  Cllr Burfitt reminded the Council that once approved, the conservatory can then be bricked up into an extension.  Cllr Harrington noted there are several courses of bricks in the plans.  Cllr Burfitt suggested that basically there was not a problem.  It is not overlooked or overlooking the neighbouring properties.  Cllr Burfitt checked the history of previous extensions listed and already build which included single storey, ground floor with first floor and garage extensions, numbering six in all.  Cllr Hill expressed concern with the possibility that some are substandard.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt and seconded by Cllr Hill then RESOLVED (8 in favour, 1 abstention), to SUPPORT the application.
Cllr Jarvis rejoined the meeting. 

Cllr Burfitt had declared an interest in the next planning application and left the room for the duration of the discussion while it was considered.
07/02992 Hurley Riverside Caravan Park Frogmill Spinney Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5NN - construction of new shower block replacing existing.  Received 12-11-07.  This is the wrong address, the words Frogmill Spinney should be deleted.  The subject of a Site Visit.   Cllr Sparrow noted that this was a replacement that would be one and a half times the volume, of similar construction and blended in to the scenery.  It is well screened from the river and public footpath by hedging.  It was proposed by Cllr Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Baker then RESOLVED (8 in favour, 1 abstention), to SUPPORT the application.

Cllr Burfitt declared an interest in the next planning application and left the room for the duration of the discussion while it was considered.
Tree Works
0702810 Huntswood Farmhouse Mill Lane Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5ND - notification to reduce by 1/3 from house on one Pine, reduce crown by 1/3 and remove 2nd small suckers from base on two sycamores, fell one Yew and one Portuguese Laurel, deadwood crown on one Scots Pine and fell one Scots Pine. Received 2-11-07.  Reviewed by Cllr Sparrow. This is mostly clearing up areas and trees.  There is one dying Scots Pine and a clump of trees are self seeded.  The pine in the front of the house which the application states should be reduced by one third is a feature tree in the Village. Cllr Hill suggested that as a pine tree should not be shortened it should be viewed by the Council.   It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Jarvis then RESOLVED (7 in favour, 2 abstentions), to SUPPORT the application providing the Tree Officer agrees that reducing the pine in the front of the house by one third will still keep the tree viable, as it is a feature tree in the Village.
Cllr Burfitt rejoined the meeting. 

Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use
07/02901 Land West of Braebank Warren Row Road Wargrave Reading - to determine whether the land west of Braebank for agricultural grazing of animals is lawful.  Received 9-11-07.  The land is near to existing properties.  It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan), to refer this to the RBWM Legal Department.
Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Development
07/03025 Orchard Springs Star Lane Knowl Hill Reading RG10 9XY - for proposed detached annex.  Received 20-11-07.  It was noted that a similar previous certificate of lawfulness had been recently withdrawn and an application to build a granny annex had been refused.   It was proposed by Cllr Sparrow and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan), to refer this to the RBWM Legal Department.

DECISIONS
0701849 Ye Olde Bell Hotel High Street Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5LX - Listed Building Consent to demolish WW2 shelter. 08-07 HPC Supported.  29-11-07 GRANTED Justification, would preserve the character of the listed building.
07/02292 The Old Cottage Coronation Road Littlewick Green Maidenhead SL6 3RA - single storey side extension.  9-07 HPC Supported.  29-11-07 GRANTED Conditions 2, Justification 1, complies with DP3 EN4 T5 GB1 2 4 DG1 CA1 P4.
0707/02464 102A Field Hurleyford Farm Mill Lane Hurley Maidenhead  SL6 5ND - erection of a single storey porch to front. 10-07 HPC Supported. 29-11-07 GRANTED
07/02479 Amendment to 429538 Tudor Cottage 12 New Road Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5LN - Changes to existing by having habitable accommodation on both floors, creating an additional dormer window and a single storey rear extension. 10-07 HPC Supported, Informative that the Section 106 proposal should have a commencement date starting from now. REFUSED harmful Green Belt PPG2, contrary GB1 2   
07/02635 Listed Building Consent Dewdrop Inn Honey Lane Hurley Maidenhead SL6 6RB - removal of internal wall.  HPC Supported.  29-11-07 GRANTED Condition 1, Justification 1, would preserve the character of the listed building.

Certificate of Lawfulness
07/02711 Basque House Hurley - This is not a letter of consultation seeking any representations, it is determined only on the basis of the consideration of the legal issues involved.  1-11-07 HPC referred to the Legal Dept.  29-11-07 LAWFUL.

Tree Works Decisions
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. 10-07 HPC Supported. 29-11-07 NO OBJECTION.
07/02661 Ye Olde Bell Hotel High Street Hurley Maidenhead SL6 5LX -  notification to reduce by 2-3m on 3 Sycamores.  Tip reduce the side profile of row of Conifers by 2m. 1-11-07 HPC Supported. 29-11-07 NO OBJECTION.
TPO No 15 Ladye Place Hurley confirmed, 6 weeks to appeal.

APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN
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.  10-07 Supported.  WITHDRAWN.
07/02510 Orchard Springs Star Lane - Cert of Law proposed detached annex. WITHDRAWN.

ITEMS ON PLANNING  Raised by councillors
Common Land Honey Lane.  Awaiting the Insurance Companies response before the transfer is completed.  The Clerk was provided with new details for the insurance company by Cllr Burfitt. 
Cllr Hill stated he was not interested in retaining land attached to the verges as detailed on the map used for the transfer.  The Clerk to contact Messrs C Joseph to confirm the transfer as agreed.  Cllr Burfitt requested authorisation to have the tree surgeon work on the land, and this was AGREED.
Dell Cottages  Details on referring this to the Ombudsman received from Cllr Addiscott were discussed and it was suggested that this should be pursued.  Booklets on complaints to the Ombudsman were made available.  The item would be reconsidered at the next meeting.
The Old Boathouse the enforcement appeal inspection was on 27th November 2007 and there will be two weeks before a report would be sent to Parish Council, a decision was expected early in the New Year.
EAST ARMS  See Planning Application above.

07/02712 Land Adjoining Dodsley Copse
The report by Highways on the website on the access and safety recommending refusal was discussed.  Visibility is totally unacceptable and the speeds of traffic for the sightlines require proper access back from the road. 
Cllr Harrington suggested that anomalies in the report be pointed out to the planners and read out a draft letter to be sent to RBWM, Graham Brewster. Copies of the draft were supplied and read out regarding errors and inconsistencies. 
Cllr Burfitt noted that tractors are slower than cars and the sightline must be better for the larger agricultural machines.  The applicants say they have had arable access but require agricultural access however, this has not been proved.
It was suggested by Cllr Westacott that the details in the draft and Cllr Burfitts additional two points:  slower tractors require better sightlines and the other access has not been tested, be sent.  It was proposed by Cllr Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Burfitt then RESOLVED (Unan), to AGREE to send the letter to the planning department.  The Panel has to be notified by letter by 12 December 2007.

GRUNDONS  Liaison Group Meeting  held last week, was reported by Cllr Pratt.  Grundons had put more rubbish on site to stabilise the slippage which had caused bad smells.  The EA are discussing this with Grundons.  Cllr Pratt suggested that EA should be contacted requesting more action quickly because there seems to be a lack of progress. 

Grundons has requested to extend storage of clinical waste and body parts which are incinerated in Colnebrook in large containers at the top end of the site to give them greater flexibility.  The problem is the large storage capacity requested. Wokingham suggest this does not need planning permission.   

Cllr Baker stated the big containers do leak into the ground which would be the concern of EA.  The wheeley bins received are put into the big containers.  It was suggested that sorting of clinical waste to separate body parts, to be transferred to Colnebrook for incineration, should not be done on this site.

Ward Cllr Hunt reported that Grundons are requesting a variation of permit for extra 70 tonnes of storage.  This is where the EA are involved and it has now been verified that Grundons have breached odour and noise limits.  Ward Cllr Mrs Hunt suggested more may be able to be done after the elections in Wargrave.  Grundons are using the hydroclaves at night and they were asked to close them on warm weekends to allow residents some respite but this did not happen.
     
Heather White, EA is objecting to the variation and notes the narrow roads and noise nuisance for residents only 100ft away.

The two hydroclaves on site are the largest in the world.   

It was proposed by Cllr Pratt and seconded by Cllr Hill then RESOLVED (Unan}, to send a letter referring to the problems reported above and requesting quick action.  It was suggested to contact the H & S, Wokingham, the EA and RBWM with a copy for comments to Cllrs Pratt and Mrs Baker. Cllr Hill suggested also contacting  Mrs Theresa May MP.

The next Group Liaison meeting will be held in March.  There is going to be a new EA department and Cllr Burfitt suggested contacting them to ask if they could send a representative to the Parish Meeting. 
It was suggested and AGREED that Councillors have a site visit at Grundons to obtain a fair and balanced view of what is going on on site.

WHITE WALTHAM AIRFIELD:  next meeting will be held on 5 February 2008.  Cllr Westacott is attending a meeting to discuss flight paths.  Cllr Harrington cannot attend the next LAANC meeting and Cllr Westacott agreed to attend on 7 December.

GRASSLANDS   It has been agreed to remove the island in Henley Road by the Honey Lane access as it has proved dangerous and has been damaged by traffic.  There are red and white bollards marking the concrete base.

RBWM Maidenhead Development Control Panel meeting
Next meeting on 12 December 2007 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall Maidenhead.
At the meeting Cllr Sparrow reported that Cllr Addiscott offered to attend to speak on 07/02712 Land Adjoining Dodsley Copse when called in and 07/02802  0 East Arms Place, along with Cllrs Sparrow and Burfitt.

5    07157  PROGRESS REPORT
HPC IT -  Hotmail:  the Clerk and Cllr Jarvis reported this has been paid for two years and is in Finance, the expense had been AGREED as a yearly fee.  The telephone and copier systems are in hand.

6 07158  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING
The Clerk produced a copy of an extract from the Local Council Administration by Charles Arnold Baker, which included: 'Such contract should among other matters, require the clerk to attend at and keep the minutes of electors meetings', and read out an email noting the 'Clerk is responsible for the Minutes'.  The clerk suggested that the proposal in the last minutes 'that the Clerk alter the minutes at the direction of the Chairman' was improper.  The Councillors AGREED that they had no problems with the declaration and the Clerks opinion and that they still want the Chairman to check the Minutes and make suggested changes.  It was proposed by Cllr Burfitt seconded by Cllr Westacott and RESOLVED (6 in favour, 2 abstentions) that the Minutes of 1 November 2007 were accepted as a correct record, subject to a number of minor textural alterations. 
 
7 07159  MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES  not covered by Agenda items.
07138  Bisham Brook culvert works.  Ward Cllr Mrs Hunt produced copies of a letter which included a map of the works.  Cllr Burfitt was concerned with the diversion route in Hurley which was discussed including the timing and closures of the road.  A meeting was arranged through Ward Cllr Hunt for further arrangements to be made.
07143   Honey Lane verges:  Cllr Hill reported he had no wish to retain any land behind the verges and agreed with the map of the verges to be transferred to Hurley Parish Council.
07160   Clerks Contract:  The Clerk reported that the Clerks Contract had been agreed and completed.  Cllr Burfitt suggested that the Clerk now consider any variations in writing and this could be discussed under Part 2 in the future.
07148  12.2  Sign in Honey Lane which had been reported as too low had been checked by Highways.  However, the sign is in the triangle and is too low when driving out of Honey Lane into Burchetts Green Road and this will be reported again by the Clerk.

8    07161 PARISH PLAY AREAS:  Knowl Hill and Hurley
The Play Areas of Knowl Hill (including the trees) and Hurley were checked monthly by the Clerk.   
The Clerk was pleased to report that the covering paint from MDHA had been used by RBWM, Tinkers Lane on the fences suffering from graffiti since October 2005 at Knowl Hill Play Area.

9. 07162  FINANCE REPORT   It was proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Sparrow then RESOLVED (Unan) to AUTHORISE and APPROVE the Finance Statement.
   

Chairman       John Addiscott

Parish Clerk  Chrissie Robinson
Oaktree 88, Alwyn Road
Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3EL

Webmaster  David Jarvis