HURLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Held at Knowl Hill Village Hall, Knowl Hill on Thursday 3rd September 2009 at 7.30pm.

PRESENT: Cllr Steve Harrington (Chairman), Cllr Harry Sparrow (Vice Chairman)
Cllrs: John Addiscott (part time), Sandra Baker, David Burfitt, Geoff Hill (part time) David Jarvis, Kim McLaren, Tom Pratt and Chris Westacott.

ALSO PRESENT: Cllr Maureen Hunt; 8 members of public and Mrs Janet Wheeler (Clerk)

210/09 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: No apologies.

211/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllrs G. Hill and S.Harrington declared a personal interest in Pln Appn 09/01524 Farthingsworth and Cllr J. Addiscott declared a prejudicial interest. Cllr D. Burfitt declared a prejudicial interest in late tree application 09/01722 at Nutwood. Cllr Kim McLaren declared a prejudicial interest in late planning applications 09/01682 and 09/01681 at Nags Head Cottage. Cllr S. Harrington also declared a personal interest in items 218 and 219.

The Chairman then adjourned the meeting.

OPEN FORUM:  Mr John Gray gave his thanks to the Parish Council for organising the public meeting to discuss the 239 bus service. He then asked for another meeting in a fortnight. Mr Peter and Julie Gray of Farthingsworth spoke of Pln Appn 09/01524 for a rear conservatory. There had been an objection from their neighbour. His letter was considered and the Grays were allowed to respond to the objections.
Mr Andrew Ramsay of Hurley Residents Association asked for the Parish Council to get on with trying to sort out Hurley's parking problem. The cones were working well and Mr Ramsay estimated that ten tickets had been issued on the previous weekend. However by the end of the weekend the cones were thrown around the street and notices were ripped off the wall.
Mr Chris Keeley spoke to complain of the HGV's parking on the service road off the A4 in front of the Seven Stars Pub. He wanted to know why the Parish Council had not continued with the plan to put in signs stating "No HGVs overnight parking". He suggested that if money was an issue, there may be funds from another source. Mr Keeley queried the possible enforcement action on Goulders Cottages - this turned out to be perfectly legal. Mr Keeley also complained of a business at motor repair business at Dell Cottages and tyres in the hedge. Richard Melvin at RBWM has stated some years ago that there would be no further action against the occupiers of the Dell Cottages. Cllr Harrington said that some evidence would need to be provided such as a receipt to show that they were working as a business and not doing private work.
Mr Keeley wanted a meeting with Richard Melvin and the Chief Executive of RBWM. Finally Mr Keeley complained that the Parish Council Minutes on the web site were not up to date. The Clerk apologised for this error and would try to get this done before the next meeting.
Mrs Graham spoke to complain about a lorry on the A4 dropping granite kerb stones through Knowl Hill. She did not know what company it was and did not have any registration details but the lorry travels through on a regular monthly basis.

The Chairman closed the Open Forum.

212/09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED:


.  Planning
Ref: Current Planning Applications
09/01524

(28/07/09)
Construction of a rear conservatory.
FARTHINGSWORTH, Honey Lane, Hurley.
Mr P. Grey

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Westacott.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION = 7, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01569

(03/08/09) Construction of a two bedroom detached bungalow following demolition of existing bungalow.
BUNGALOW AT KNOWL HILL FARM, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill.
Mr Simon Miller

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Sparrow.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION = 7, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01546

(06/08/09) Two storey rear extension.
THE OLD VICARAGE, Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill.
Mr and Mrs Marcus Glover

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Baker.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO OBJECTION = 8, ABSTENTION = 2
09/01682

Conservation Area Consent to demolish an unlisted building in a Conservation Area.
NAGS HEAD COTTAGE, Gilchrist Way, Littlewick Green.
Bowen Evans Consultancy.

NO COMMENT - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Pratt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO COMMENT = 7, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01681

Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of a four bedroom detached house with integral garage.
NAGS HEAD COTTAGE, Gilchrist Way, Littlewick Green.
Bowen Evans Consultancy.

NO COMMENT - proposed by Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr Pratt.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR of NO COMMENT = 7, ABSTENTION = 1
09/01765

(28/08/09) Proposed conversion of loft space with brick barn. Insertion of rooflights to rear elevation.
YE OLDE BELL HOTEL, High Street, Hurley.
Dhillon Hotels Ltd
.
OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Addiscott. Rooflights - out of keeping in a Conservation Area. Additional parking in a problem area. Same comments as the previous application 09/ TBC.
09/01745

(28/08/09) Rear porch.
2 HODGEDALE LANE, Warren Row.
Mr B J Smith

NO OBJECTION - proposed by Cllr Jarvis, seconded by Cllr Harrington.
VOTE: IN FAVOUR = UNANIMOUS
Planning Ref: Works to Trees in Conservation Area
09/01743

(26/08/09) Consent to fell a Robinia and crown lift 1 Prunus to 1.5m.
SHEPHERDS COTTAGE, Jubilee Road, Littlewick Green.
Mrs Annalise Clarry

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER
09/01722

(24/08/09) Consent to fell 3 Sycamore Trees and one Cypress Leylandii. Reduce one Sycamore by 1/3 and prune and re-shape one flowering Cherry.
NUTWOOD, Mill Lane, Hurley
Mr David Burfitt.

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER.
09/01708

(21/08/09) Consent to reduce 9 Sycamore Trees to their original pollarding points and crown lift one Magnolia to provide 1.5m clearance and remove one split branch.
12 BELL COURT, Hurley.
Mrs ER Roberts

DEFER TO TREE OFFICER

APPEALS:
08/02326/VAR - APPLE HILL NURSING HOME, Henley Road, Hurley - APPEAL DISMISSED.
08/02884/FULL - FRENCH FARM, Hurley Lane, Hurley - APPEAL DISMISSED.
The Council noted the planning decisions from RBWM.

213/09 BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT: Cllr Maureen Hunt reported many emails about the gates on Ashley Hill. RBWM had been working with the Forestry Commission to establish land ownership and other legal issues. On the issue of Grunden, Cllr Hunt has sent a detailed email to Chris Travis at the EA covering three important issues:
1. Proposed 20mph speed limit: Cllr Hunt would like to see a further reduction down to 15mph - she had taken her estate car on to the site and this was the maximum speed that she felt comfortable with.
2. Vehicle Survey: The traffic survey was conducted on 18th March 2009 when the operation had been shut down since 20th February due to a fire at the Hydroclaves. Cllr Hunt called for an independent survey and queried the validity of a vehicle survey taken when the place was inactive.
3. Storage: Following the discovery of around six large containers near the hydroclave building, Cllr Hunt asks whether permission had been given for storage in this area. Cllr Hunt also seeks reassurance that the proposed external storage during shutdown periods for the Hydroclaves will not contain TSE's which this site is not permitted to handle. Referring to the Colnbrook site, Cllr Hunt suggests that the large area at Colnbrook with a new incinerator plant, clinical waste treatment plant and parking area should be capable of allowing storage during any shutdown period without the need to inflict noise, fumes, air pollution and traffic on the site at Knowl Hill.

Cllr Hunt also confirmed that Neil Beswick has now left RBWM and has been replaced by Fran O'Mahoney.

214/09 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 - Cllr Rayner has been contacted - awaiting reply for site visit.
Honey Lane - Drainage issues, gravel and hedges -  The drainage problems; 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 issues to be pointed out to Cllr Rayner on the site visit.
Gateway in Ashley Hill Woods - Legal departments at RBWM and the Forestry Commission are investigating.
Appeal - Warreners Stable Block 07/03190 - Signage requested - to be chased.
Hurley Bus Service - On agenda.
Grundons - News covered in Borough Cllrs report. Clerk to send a letter supporting the call  for 15mph between the times of 10.00am and 5pm only.
Hurley Play Area maintenance - Routine repairs now complete. Clerk contacted Hags who have sent a person to look at the urgent repairs - seeking confirmation that they have been done. It was agreed that in future any dangerous play equipment should be disabled until repaired and safe.
Car park at Bainhurst Cottages, Littlewick Green -Clerk to ask RBWM to consider adopting the car park.
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 - Tony Robinson from RBWM to look at a faster growing hedge!
LDF Consultation/SHLAA - More consultations to come this autumn and selected sites to be published.
Playbuilder Project - Choseley Road Site - On agd.
Japanese Knotweed, Chosely Road Site - Letter will be sent to Mrs Keeley.
Parking in Hurley High Street - On agd.
Shepherds Close, Hurley - Letter written to John Pettitt at MDHA. Reply received stating that a full reply will be received by 14 September.

Cllrs J. Addiscott and G. Hill left the meeting.

215/09  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 6th August 2009 were circulated to all Councillors before the meeting but DEFERRED to the next meeting due to some errors in the final version.

216/09 FINANCE: The revised Financial Report as at 02/09/2009 was presented to the Council along with Payments, Transfers and Bank Reconciliation Statements. On the proposal of Cllr Sparrow, seconded by Cllr Jarvis it was AGREED to approve and sign this Financial Report, the cheques and bank transfer. The Clerk also circulated a set of figures set out to the NALC format. The figures show expenditure and income to date and actual cash movements during the last financial year. The Clerk will add the budget figures for this year and circulate again at the next meeting. 

217/09 PLAYBUILDER CONTRACT FOR THE CHOSELEY ROAD PLAY AREA, KNOWL HILL: A total of twelve companies had been invited to tender and eleven submissions had been received. A meeting had been held to score the submissions according to the criteria laid down by the ESPO agreement. Wicksteed were the highest with 78%; followed by HAGS 73%; RSS Record 59% and Parkdale 53%. The Clerk explained that under the ESPO agreement, we were not allowed to go back to any company until we had awarded the contract. We could then work with the company to amend the submission and include favourites such as the zip wire. Some of the Councillors were worried that once we had awarded the contract, we would be charged a lot more for any alterations. It was AGREED that Hurley Parish Council should award the contract subject to an approved final design. On the proposition of Cllr Burfitt, seconded by Cllr McLaren, the contract would be awarded to Wicksteed. VOTE: IN FAVOUR OF WICKSTEED = UNANIMOUS. Cllr Burfitt wished to record a vote of thanks to all involved for their hard work in this project so far.

218/09 OFFER FROM BT TO PURCHASE THE RED TELEPHONE BOXES AT HURLEY AND BURCHETTS GREEN: deferred to next meeting.

219/09 IDEAS FOR MAKING PRACTICAL USE OF THE TELEPHONE BOXES: item deferred to next meeting.

220/09 UP-DATE ON HURLEY PARKING PROBLEMS:  The Clerk has spoken to Neil Walter and he was happy to meet the Parish Councillors once again but he emphasised that he could bring nothing new to the meeting. The temporary orders that had been issued for Hurley High Street could not remain in place for ever and apart from the single yellow lines - there was no other parking restrictions that he could enforce. It was noted that the parking problems are primarily a problem for the few sunny weekends in the year and during school holidays. Cllr Sparrow had some ideas that he wished to explore and he proposed asking Neil Walter to another meeting in order to discuss these. The options that came from this meeting could then be put to proper consultation with all Hurley residents. This was seconded by Cllr Harrington and approved unanimously.

221/09 UP-DATE ON HURLEY BUS ROUTE 239 MEETING: A well-attended public meeting was held to discuss the Hurley bus route 239. Cllr Hunt said that she had been promised by the Town Hall that she could "tweak" the service once the new timetable was in place. This had not been allowed so far. Mrs Fitchett of Courtney Coaches had stated that to provide a better service to Hurley residents would cost £100,000. It was agreed that it would be worth looking at other parishes and communities that have solved this problem. Cllr Jarvis mentioned The Little Red Bus service in Yorkshire. It was subsidised by the Council and ran every hour. Cllrs Harrington, Jarvis, Baker and the Clerk would form a working group to investigate the possibility of providing either some sort of bus or an improvement to the existing service from another source.

222/09 MEETING DATES FOR 2010 - the Clerk would prepare a list of meeting dates and circulate by email. It was important to book rooms for next year as soon as possible. The dates could be approved at the next meeting.

223/09 FORMAT OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:  item deferred until the next meeting due to the lateness of the hour.

224/09 LATE CORRESPONDENCE: Baker mentioned a maintenance plan for the War Memorial. There was no other late post apart from an acknowledgement from MDHA re: the problems in Shepherds Close. The Parish Council would receive a response before 14 September. Cllr Baker was formally nominated to represent Hurley Parish Council as our BALC representative.

225/09 FUTURE MEETINGS:

Council Meeting  1st October 2009  Hurley Village Hall
Parish Conference  29th October 2009  Maidenhead Town Hall
Council Meeting  29th October 2009  Littlewick Green

The meeting closed at 11.06pm.