HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Held at Knowl Hill Village Hall, Knowl Hill on Thursday 6th August 2009 at 7.30pm.

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

ALSO PRESENT: 8 members of public and Mrs Janet Wheeler (Clerk)

114/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Cllrs G. Hill; Kim McLaren, David Jarvis and Borough Cllr Maureen Hunt.

115/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Burfitt declared a prejudicial interest as the land owner in Pln Appn 09/01447.  Cllr Westacott later declared a personal interest in Pln Appn 09/01394.

OPEN FORUM:  Mr White spoke of his plans to demolish and replace a garage at his home - Pln Appns 09/01377 and 09/01376. He said that the original plans had been altered to take account of the comments made by Hurley Parish Council as well as RBWM. The roof line was now single storey with a pitched roof and more in keeping with the rest of the building. Mrs Rosemary Burfitt spoke as the landowner concerned with Pln Appn 09/01447. The application was for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a mobile home to be classed as a permanent residence. It was a complicated legal argument but Mrs Burfitt was happy to answer questions.
Mrs Kim Cripps of 36 Shepherds Close spoke of her alarm at the 2 metre high fence erected by her neighbours at no 37. She felt it was not in keeping with the open aspect of the road and would create a precedent if allowed to remain. Carmel Thompson then spoke to ask whether there was restrictive covenant on this property. Cllr Burfitt felt that the fence could stop the flow of water during flooding.
Mrs Thompson then spoke of two other families in Shepherds Close (at nos 55 and 56) who had apparently pushed the fence down between their rear access and the football field allowing their dogs to foul the football pitch and play area. She had complained to MDHA on many occasions but never had any action. There were various allegations of verbal abuse from various families. PC Marc Chapman had been involved and was aware of the situation.

The Chairman closed the Open Forum.

116/09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:



Planning
Ref: Current Planning Applications
09/01377

(09/07/09) Conservation Area Consent. Consent to demolish an unlisted outbuilding in a Conservation Area.
EAST WING, Hurley Manor, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Stefan Edwin White

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Burfitt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
09/01376

(09/07/09) New outbuilding following demolition of existing.
EAST WING, Hurley Manor, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Stefan Edwin White.

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Addiscott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS - On the condition that the outbuilding is not converted into a separate dwelling.
09/01326

(02/07/09) Notification to fell a Holly and a Yew shrub and reduce branches to a maximum of 1.0 metre of 2 Yews and a Laurel and cut back branches of a Yew that impede access to garage.
MANOR HOUSE, High Street, Hurley.
Mr Peter Fieldhouse

NO OBJECTION - subject to approval from the Tree Officer - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Harrington.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
09/01447

(17/07/09) Certificate of Lawful Use. Certificate of Lawfulness to determine if the existing use as a permanent residential mobile home is lawful.
SQUIRRELS, Mill Lane, Hurley.
Mrs Dorothy Edwards

DEFER TO RBWM LEGAL DEPARTMENT - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Pratt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
09/01394

(10/07/09) Two storey side extension.
1 BARTLETTS COTTAGES, Bottle Lane, Littlewick Green.
Mrs J. Meek

NO OBJECTION - on the condition that the one metre rule is enforced - proposed by Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Sparrow.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 6, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01409

(13/07/09) Conversion of listed barn and outbuildings to residential use as a single dwelling with residential annexes.
LOT FARM, Lutmans Haven, Knowl Hill.
Mr and Mrs G. Woodward.
NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Sparrow.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
09/01410

(13/07/09) Listed Building Consent. Consent to convert listed barn and outbuildings to residential use as a single dwelling with residential annexes.
LOT FARM, Lutmans Haven, Knowl Hill.
Mr and Mrs G. Woodward.

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Harrington.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
09/01457

(17/07/09) Conversion of one garage into habitable accommodation and new part pitched roof.
1 BELL COURT, Hurley.
Mr N. Parsons

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Addiscott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = 5, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01512 Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Development. To determine whether a proposed single storey side extension is lawful.
3 HONEY LANE, Hurley.
Mr John Gray.

DEFER TO RBWM LEGAL DEPARTMENT - proposed by Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Burfitt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
It was AGREED to defer Pln Appn 09/01524 - Construction of a rear conservatory at FARTHINGSWORTH, Honey Lane, Hurley to the next meeting.

APPEALS:
08/02326/VAR - APPLE HILL NURSING HOME, Henley Road, Hurley - The Inquiry had already lasted three days at the Town Hall and was due to conclude on 7th August. Much of the hearing consisted of various experts and representatives from the Apple Hill Action Group, including a statement from Hurley Parish Council. It became evident that the current nursing home had been designed and built for residents with learning difficulties rather than the elderly. It was felt that the arguments were well presented by the Action Group but less so from RBWM. Chair of Bisham Parish Council, Cllr Robson-Brown intended to make a formal complaint about one of the senior planning officers. A decision should be made within one month.
08/02850/FULL - LOT FARM, Lutman's Haven, Knowl Hill - After much discussion it was AGREED that the Clerk would write to the Planning Inspector to emphasise that three existing garages had been sold off and that this application to build a new triple garage was clearly over-development in the Green Belt.

The Council noted the planning decisions from RBWM. There were no Appeal decisions.

ACTION ON SHEPHERD'S CLOSE: Although not on the agenda, it was felt that some clear action by the Parish Council was needed on the events in Shepherd's Close. It was AGREED that a letter to MDHA regarding nos 56 and 57, the fence and the dog's fouling the football pitch and play area was needed. The accusation that PC Marc Chapman had sided with the residents of no 37 was an allegation that the Parish Council should treat with impartiality. It was AGREED to write to the new Inspector Lee Townsend to make him aware of the allegations - and copy this letter to MDHA. It was also AGREED to ask MDHA whether there were any convenants on the property at no 37 which would affect the height of the fence they could erect. Cllr Burfitt said that the fence would affect any flood waters. It was out of keeping with the open aspect of the road and could create a precedent. Another avenue was to check with land registry.

117/09 BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT: Cllr Maureen Hunt had given her apologies for this meeting.

118/09 CLERK'S REPORT:
Hurley Play Area - The Clerk has emailed Kevin Mist at RBWM to request gates in place of the dog grid and had no reply. The Clerk would get some prices for gates in place of the dog grid and gates leading onto the football pitch. It would be worth inviting HVA to split the cost 50:50.
Honey Lane/Prospect Park Traffic Calming - No response to earlier letters and emails - it was AGREED to contact Cllr Colin Rayner to organise a site visit to discuss the many issues with Honey Lane.
Honey Lane - Drainage issues, gravel and hedges -  The traffic team has now cut the hedge to expose the speed sign but not the road layout sign.  No response to the drainage problems; the 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. All these issues can be pointed out to Cllr Rayner.
Gateway in Ashley Hill Woods - Cllr Hunt is still investigating with RBWM, land registry and other professionals to find out the current status of the land and whether the gate, ditch and fencing is legal.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 - Email from RBWM to state that trimming of bushes is the only action they will take on this access. Clerk to ask for signage.
Hurley Bus Service - New meeting arranged for 21st August 2009 at 7.30pm. Clerk to check details and arrange a poster - A5 and A4.
Grundons - The prosecution for the landslip has been adjourned to 4th September. A temporary cap has been put on the cell affected and the hydroclave is back in action. The EA has sent a letter to residents to stating that the speed of the lorries entering the site will be reduced to 20mph. Agreed that a letter will be sent asking for 15mph between the times of 10.00am and 5pm only.
Hurley Play Area maintenance - The urgent repair may have to be done by a manufacturer rather than Holdford Landscapes. Playground Facilities have been approached. Philip Holdford would carry out the routine repairs as quoted.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green - David Chandler now confirmed that RBWM does not have any responsibility to repair the pot holes. Clerk to ask RBWM to consider adopting the car park. Cllr Jarvis wished to add another item regarding removal of signage in Littlewick Green. The MDHA sign stating "No Ball Games" was an example. It was AGREED that residents close to this sign should be consulted by the Littlewick Green Residents Committee as a first step.
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.
Rose Lane - RBWM officer erected a flimsy barrier using cones and tape. Needs something more substantial.
LDF Consultation/SHLAA - Recent Stakeholder's meeting was very lively with Cllr Knight leaving before the end. There will be another consultation on the Green Belt in the autumn with a consultation on the Green Belt sites allocated to follow - not sure which consultation is first!
Playbuilder Project - Choseley Road Site - On agd.
Japanese Knotweed, Chosely Road Site - AGREED to advise Kate Dagnall as no response from the land-owner.

119/09  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 7th July 2009 were circulated to all Councillors before the meeting. Cllr Burfitt found a typo error on Page 3, item 239 - "Mrs Fitchett brought" rather than bought. The Minutes were approved with no further amendments.

200/09 FINANCE: The Financial Report as at 30/07/2009 was presented to the Council along with Payments, Transfers and Bank Reconciliation Statements. On the proposal of Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Burfitt it was AGREED to approve and sign this Financial Report, the cheques and bank transfer.

201/09 APPROVAL OF END OF YEAR ACCOUNTS FOR 08-09 FINANCIAL YEAR: The Councillors were circulated with a set of the end of year accounts. On the proposition of Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Addiscott, it was AGREED to sign the accounts for the 08-09 financial year. Cllr Sparrow requested a quarterly report to compare actual figures against the budget. The Clerk promised to have this information by the next Council Meeting. One general query - why the Wastes of Hurley was valued in the same section as the assets of the play areas. The lease on Hurley Play area was also mentioned as it has not yet been signed by the Parish Council and RBWM. The Asset Register was also not consistent with the Community Assets on page 5 of the accounts. The Clerk would investigate this and make any necessary adjustments. On the proposition of Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Burfitt, it was AGREED to sign the supporting statements in the end of year accounts.

202/09 APPROVAL OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT: actions listed on the internal audit report were noted by the Council. On the proposition of Cllr Addiscott, seconded by Cllr Burfitt, it was AGREED unanimously to approve the report.

203/09 APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE 08-09 FINANCIAL YEAR: On the proposition of Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Pratt, it was AGREED to sign the Annual Return for the 08-09 financial year. It was noted that the asset values were shown as insurance value rather than depreciating values.

204/09 HURLEY PARKING PROBLEMS:  It was AGREED that the recent attempt to solve the various parking problems in Hurley had reached a point of stale mate. Cllr Burfit felt that a public meeting may help to let residents air their views. Lack of consultation on the recent parking controls had resulted in two petitions being organised from either end of Hurley. Cllr Sparrow proposed that the Parish Council should seek an initial meeting with Neil Walter from RBWM to find out what other options are open for Hurley. A public meeting should then be held to discuss these options. A full public consultation should be held and after all this, the proposals should be delivered without further ado or consultation. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Pratt and AGREED unanimously.

205/09 UP-DATE ON THE PLAYBUILDER PROJECT: Hurley Parish Council had a good response to the recent tender invitations. Eleven out of the twelve companies sent a design for consideration. All had been evaluated and four possible designs had been selected based on the points scored for various aspects of their tender. A second consultation was due to take place on Friday 7th August to ask the local families to vote for their favourite design. A company would then be selected for formal approval at the September meeting.

206/09 RESPONSE TO THE SPEED LIMIT REVIEW 09/10: Due to the late hour, it was AGREED that each individual Councillor will send their response to the Clerk who will collate the replies from Hurley Parish Council.

207/09 RESPONSE TO RECENT MEETINGS ON FLOODING AND THE DEFRA DRAFT WATER MANAGEMENT BILL: On the proposition of Cllr Harrington, seconded by Cllr Burfitt, the response sent to Defra on their draft water management bill was formally approved. Cllr Burfitt reported that the Riverside Parishes had met and agreed to set up a Forum to consider flooding issues along the river. The first meeting would be in September.

208/09 LATE CORRESPONDENCE: only correspondence is an email from Kelly Thomas regarding the possible clearance of a pond in Honey Lane. This pond is on land owned by Burchetts Green Village Association who should be approached as a first step.

209/09 FUTURE MEETINGS:

Council Meeting  3rd September 2009  Knowl Hill Village Hall
Council Meeting  2nd October 2009  Hurley Village Hall

The meeting closed at 11.35pm.