Hurley Parish Council
Minutes for Meeting 4 - 2010

Draft Minutes of a Meeting of the


HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON THURSDAY 15th APRIL 2010 IN KNOWL HILL VILLAGE HALL, BATH ROAD, KNOWL HILL, BERKS

PRESENT:   Cllr H Sparrow (Vice-Chairman took the Chair)
   Cllr Mrs S Baker
   Cllr D Jarvis
   Cllr T Pratt
   Borough Cllr Mrs M Hunt
   The Clerk - Mrs C Woodley
   4 members of the public

047/10.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr S Harrington, Cllr J Addiscott, Cllr D Burfitt,  Cllr G Hill,
Cllr Mrs K McLaren and Cllr C Westacott.

048/10.  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Cllr T Pratt proposed acceptance of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 11 March 2010,
seconded by Cllr Mrs S Baker.  The Minutes were then signed as a true record, by the Vice-Chariman.

049/10. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No Declarations.

Cllr Sparrow then adjourned the meeting to allow members of the public to address members

OPEN FORUM
Mr Winter , the applicant in respect of App. No. 10/00474 - construction of garage/store at Rosemary Cottage,
Bottle Lane, Littlewick Green, addressed the meeting to inform members that he had sought the Borough
Planning Officer's advice on his application.  He also commented that there was nowhere else on site to put it.
Mr Webster , the applicant in respect of App. No. 10/00379 - car port at Broad Reach, Warren Row Road
informed members that the current proposal is now smaller than the original proposed garage/store and in
keeping with the building line.

Cllr Sparrow re-opened the meeting.

050/10. PLANNING


Location Planning No. Applicant Proposal PC's Comments
BROAD REACH
, Warren Row Road, Warren Row 10/00379 Mr S Webster Car port on front elevation IN SUPPORT
Proposed by Cllr T Pratt, seconded by Cllr Mrs S Baker.  ALL IN FAVOUR
CULHAM COURT LODGE, Henley Road, Henley on Thames 10/00464 Culham Court Inc. Construction of a tunnel link between two existing Gate
Lodges and basement under part
of existing North Lodge. 
Erection of vehicular and pedestrian gates
NO OBJECTION
P
roposed by Cllr D Jarvis, seconded by Cllr H Sparrow. ALL IN FAVOUR
(noted that the NT had given their approval)
CULHAM COURT LODGE, Henley Road, Henley on Thames 10/00471
LBC Culham Court Inc. Consent to construct a tunnel link between two existing Gate
Lodges and basement under part
of existing North Lodge. 
Erection of vehicular and pedestrian gates
NO OBJECTION 
Proposed by Cllr D Jarvis, seconded by Cllr H Sparrow. ALL IN FAVOUR
(noted that the NT had given their approval)
ROSEMARY COTTAGE, Bottle Lane, Littlewick Green 10/00474 Mr J Winter Construction of a garage /store attached to existing house APPLICATION ACCEPTED BY PC with the proviso that the Applicants sign a S.106 agreement to ensure that the proposed garage/store is not converted into living space. Proposed by Cllr D Jarvis, seconded Cllr T Pratt. ALL IN FAVOUR.
GOULDERS FARM BUILDINGS, Warren Row Road, Cockpole Green 10/00480
Agricultural Determination Mr E Hayes Notification to determine whether prior approval is required for erection of an agricultural
building
(
Already Determined that Approval is required) No Discussion
TUDOR COTTAGE,
New Road, Hurley 10/00578

INFORMAT-
ION ONLY Mr N Young Cert. Of Lawfulness to determine whether a proposed detached garage with accommodation over, pursuant to permission 429538, with development having commenced prior to expiry of planning permission is lawful.
No Discussion
ST MARYS HOUSE,
High Street, Hurley 09/00589 Mr J Janion Garage conversion into studio/playroom together with
roof alterations and chimney
IN SUPPORT
Proposed by Cllr H Sparrow, seconded by Cllr T Pratt. ALL IN FAVOUR
REPORT ON RBWM DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PANEL MEETING ON 31ST MARCH 2010
Borough Cllr Mrs Maureen Hunt reported that planning permission had been given for the conservatory at Goulders Farm Cottage, Warren Row.  No arboricultural report had been submitted by the owner opposing the TPO on her tree at Church House Hurley High St. so the Borough Tree Officer's report was relied upon and passed.

CHANGES TO DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PANEL APRIL 2010
The Clerk has forwarded Graham Stallwood's (RBWM) Briefing Note to all members which
confirms changes on how the Borough Council deals with minor alterations after planning permission has been granted and also increases the permitted development works carried out by shops, offices, hospitals,
schools etc. Increased control over Multiple Occupation of Houses has also been included in the planning system.

051/10. BOROUGH COUNCILLORS' REPORT
The unauthorized gate at in Burchetts Green Road
Legal department has examined maps which show that there never was a gate or opening or access in this part of the road.  Cllr Mrs Hunt has also worked with a resident who is a barrister who has knowledge of the history of the area and of any rights of way on this land and has also registered maps at the RBWM that the gate should not come onto the highway. 
Cllr Mrs Hunt has been in touch with Jo Mason at the Forestry Commission to point out that they would not like to see any vehicle access through Ashley Woods onto the dangerous bend on Burchetts Green and has requested that the gate be removed as soon as possible as there is no right of way for vehicles from Ashley Woods onto Burchetts Green Road at this point. A response is awaited.
Sign on A4 outside The Cricket Public House
Cllr Mrs Hunt tabled a plan showing common land along the A4 and gave a short report on the previous ownership of this land concluding that Cllr D Burfitt is the current owner.  The landlord of The Cricket claims to have purchased a license from the Borough Council to advertise outside his premises.  There should be no advertising on common land so Borough Cllr Mrs Hunt will follow this up with Stephen Brown -RBWM.
Caravans near Dell Cottages, Honey Lane
Cllr Mrs Hunt reported that there are currently only two caravans and neither are on highway land.
Water leak on the Hurley Road
The Water Board found a leak and replaced all necessary piping. However a small puddle formed and the Water Board were seen digging along the road earlier this week, so have probably resolved the problem.
Neighbourhood Policing
Cllr Mrs Hunt made a request that Neighbourhood Policing notices be placed on Parish noticeboards and this was agreed upon.  Mrs Hunt reminded members of the Neighbourhood Action Group meetings held for the Hurley and Walthams areas and the Clerk volunteered to attend these on behalf of the Parish Council for the forseeable future.
Star Works at Knowl Hill
Cllr Mrs Hunt referred to recent communication from the co-ordinator of SWARD and raised the
question of when the next Liaison Committee meeting takes place.

Discussion also took place on recent traveller activity around the Borough.

052/10. CLERK'S REPORT
Purchase of new Parish printer/photocopier
The Clerk has sourced machines that will produce both A4 and A3 colour copies and sought guidance as to the budget available to purchase a printer/copier. She made a recommendation of a Brother MFC6490CW A3 Multifunction Machine £235.99 + VAT.  Consumables range from colour cartridges at £6.99 to £28.99 for high capacity ink cartridge. Cllr Sparrow confirmed that the Parish Council had already anticipated this requirement and it was therefore AGREED that the Clerk may purchase this machine and consumables, once the cost per copy had been established.
Braywick Heath Nurseries, maintenance of Choseley Road Play Area

Braywick Heath Nurseries have notified the Parish Council of an increase in their charges from £50 + VAT per visit to £55.24 + VAT. Total Annual cost for 2010 - 2011 = £828.66 + VAT (15 visits pa.) It was AGREED  that these charges be accepted.
increase. (
Maintenance Budget for 2010/2011 = £1500.)
Filming in Hurley Village
Bentley Productions Ltd are to film in Hurley Village next week and have given a donation of £100 to the Parish Council.
Hurley Play Area
Kevin Mist RBWM has informed the Clerk that there is little else that can be done to keep dogs out of the Play area other than more "effective policing" and education of local dog owners and has suggested involving the police to talk to suspected offenders. Cllr Jarvis proposed that this matter be postponed until
the next meeting in order to consult Cllr Addiscott over the matter.  Cllr Mrs Hunt commented that
Borough Officers are now handing out "poop bags" at recreation areas, to encourage dog owners to clear up after their dogs.
Honey Lane - Drainage issues, gravel and hedges
The drainage problem in Honey Lane is opposite the second entrance to the Crescent of houses. The Clerk has emailed S. Brown to ask whether he has visited Honey Lane in the rain as promised.  He has now responded that just prior to Christmas he instructed additional drainage grips be cut into the verge and this was done the following week.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190
It was acknowledged that the appeal relating to the demolition order had been won and therefore the Parish Council will have to accept that the agreement to have a gate has been lost.  It was agreed however that a concealed drive sign should be installed and the Clerk will continue to press the Borough for this.
Hurley Bus Service
Cllr Mrs Hunt reported on the meeting which took place on 26 March. The Royal Borough has invoiced the Parish Council for bus use from December 2009 to March 2010 and has provided the following usage numbers:
Last two weeks in December 09 - 2, January  - 6, February  - 15, March  - 0
It was agreed that an item will be put on the agenda of the next Parish Meeting to consider whether to continue financial support of the concessionary bus.  The Clerk will endeavour to obtain accurate usage figures back to November.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green
The Clerk has asked RBWM for a date when this will be done, but as yet has had no response.
Footpath 42 through Star Works 
There has been no confirmation from Wokingham Borough Council that a Footpath Closure order has been made in respect of FP42 and the Clerk has pressed the Footpath Officer to carry out an urgent site visit to inspect the bore holes by Grundons which effected the closure of this path.  It is believed that the path has now been re-opened.
War Memorial - Knowl Hill
Mr Aze is due to visit the Memorial to assess the reported cracks, upon his return from holiday next weekend and will report back shortly.
Telephone Kiosks at Hurley Post Office and in Burchetts Green Lane 
A response is still awaited from BT on the applications for the Parish Council to adopt both boxes.
Installation of Grit Bins
The Clerk has been in contact with Ben Smith RBWM who is looking into the provision of grit bins to house the grit left over from the icy weather.

053/10 . FINANCE
To authorise Payments & Transfers as listed in the Financial Report
The Finance Report as at Appendix A was reviewed and Cllr Sparrow proposed payment of all items of
expenditure listed, seconded by Cllr D Jarvis.  AGREED unanimously.  Cheques were duly signed.  Budget
figures have already been circulated and are due to be examined by the Parish Council's Internal Auditor.

054/10. TO CONSIDER THE REPORT FROM NEIL WALTER RBWM ON PARKING
IN HURLEY VILLAGE
Mr Walter has not issued a report but has liaised with Cllr D Burfitt who has produced notes to set out the
course of action due to be taken to monitor and then resolve parking issues in Hurley village throughout the
summer months.  Borough Cllr Mrs M Hunt is planning to contact MHDA about the garages in Shepherds Close to propose that they be demolished to make way for parking space, since only 5 garages are currently in use.

055/10. CHOSELEY ROAD PLAY AREA - REPORT ON SITE INSPECTION WITH A VIEW TO ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Councillors reported on their site inspection on Sunday 11th April.  The site is unfenced and it was agreed that it served no purpose at this stage to insist that Wickstead reinstate the security fence.  The play area is not yet completed and Wicksteed need to return to the site to complete various groundwork tasks.  It was therefore agreed that a Certificate of Completion could not yet be issued and that the Clerk writes to Wicksteed in strong terms to ensure that they are aware that the Parish Council will not accept responsibility for the play area until all tasks are completed. It was also agreed that these contractors should only be paid for equipment and installation costs at the present time.
Concern was also voiced about the nearby SEB transformer and it was agreed that the Clerk contacts SEB urgently pointing out its proximity to the play area and that it does not have a child proof enclosure. It was suggested that other Councillors visit the site in order that a decision is made on the installation of any further safety feature such as a barrier.

056/10. CONFIRMATION OF MEETING TO DISCUSS THE CHILTERN WAY

It was agreed that Mr Richard Booth of the Chiltern Society be invited to address members at the Parish Council Meeting in June.


057/10. RBWM PARISH PATHS INITIATIVE - IDEAS SOUGHT FOR PATH IMPROVEMENTS
ETC. TO USE BOROUGH FUNDING THIS YEAR
After discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk contacts Mrs M Bowdery of the Ramblers Association for ideas for possible footpath improvements in the Parish.  A problem with the state of FP20 from the Dew Drop Inn was reported and will be passed on to Mrs Bowdery and the Borough.  Funding may be available for publicity etc. of the Parish Boundary Walk in September.
058/10. LATE CORRESPONDENCE
Appeal by the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance  for possible sites for Clothes Banks.  Cllr Mrs Baker suggested Knowl Hill Village Hall and will approach the hall Committee.  It was also suggested that the Clerk contacts Andrew Ramsey about the use of the Hurley Village Hall as a possible site.

59/10.  ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AND ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING

On Thursday 13th May 2010 - 7pm, to be held in Hurley Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.06pm.


Back to Home Page