Knebworth Parish Council

Planning - 10 August

2009-08-10T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 10 August 2009 in the COMMITTTE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: None

In Attendance: Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, Mr Anthony Titmarsh
Eight members of the public

1. Presentation on Development Proposals for Odyssey Leisure

Mr Aucott, Director of Odyssey, stated that the club was over twenty five years old and the main building and car parks require refurbishment. A large part of the site is covered with buildings, tennis courts, bowling green, five a side pitches and car parks. The main entrance with a 15 degree slope is steep compared with modern requirements of 6 degrees. The club had employed a professional to produce a scheme for the future of the health club.

Mr Corbett, outlined the proposal for a wellness village, to include a new pool, gym facilities, and medical centre with physiotherapist, chiropodist etc, housing for the active elderly and a new access road from the B197.

The chairman thanked Mr Aucott and Mr Corbett for their presentation.

2. Declaration of Interests

Mr Haigh declared a pecuniary interest in 12 Pondcroft Road.

3. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 13 July 2009 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

4. NHDC Additional Land Allocation Consultation

NHDC’s consultation for seven sites in Knebworth is placed on deposit until 14 September 2009. Six sites are for residential purposes and the seventh is for improved sports facilities and retirement homes. A successful open evening had been held with a further session on 5 September. A public meeting has been arranged for 9 September to discuss the seven sites, the secondary school and doctors’ surgery.

5. Proposed Double Yellow Lines Pondcroft Road and Park Lane

The consultation for the yellow lines in Pondcroft Road has met with significant objection to the proposed lines on the west side removing six parking spaces in front of people’s properties. There has also been a request to reduce the length of the lines around the
2009/10 28

corners. Herts Highways has been contacted and it is unlikely that the yellow lines, on the even side of the road, will remain in the scheme.

6. 09/00769/1 18 Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension; single storey extension on south elevation following removal of existing sun lounge; front canopy porch; first floor extension on north side and over existing double garage

The proposed scheme has reduced the height of the extension so that it is subservient to the existing house. The Council had NO OBJECTIONS.

7. 09/01426/1HH 12 Pondcroft Road, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

8. 09/01435/1HH Alandale, Gun Road, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

9. Any Other Business

9.1 Wood, Park Lane
It was confirmed that the clear felling of the wood was beyond the remit of the licence and the Forestry Commission has instructed the contractor to replant the area.

9.2 Airport Anti Terrorism
There is a Government led police anti terrorism initiative which is currently taking place. The strategy involves police officers from the Luton Airport Police Unit examining numerous locations within a specified boundary to locate potential sites from which an attack could be possible on a passenger aircraft. They are conducting surveys within the local communities within Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and will be required to survey/patrol onto expanses of farm land, fields etc. Mrs Pateman has already met two officers.

9.3 Fly tipping
Mrs Pateman reported that she believes fly tipping is occurring on the common off Stevenage Road. The clerk is to investigate.

9.4 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 14 September 2009

Recreation Grounds - 22 July

2009-07-22T19:45:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
22 July 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.45 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Hunt (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of the Tennis Club and Mrs Pateman declared that she is a member of the Tennis club.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Bantick

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 27 May 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Income at £851 for the quarter is in line with budget. Expenditure at £14,446 is 25% under budget due to lack of utility bills and no work on trees, fences and the pond. Two litter bins and a bench have been purchased and installed at a cost of £2,239.

4. Pavilion Maintenance

Two glazed units have been repaired. The floors are being repainted. The committee agreed to the recommendation to install a flow through water heater to supply the kitchen and two toilets. The large calorifiers would only be used for the changing rooms. Cussens & Sons are to undertake the work.

5. Youth Club

It was agreed that the Youth Club should be asked for a contribution towards the cost of the replacement glazing unit damaged by the group.

6. Provision of Drinking Fountain in the Recreation Ground

An external drinking fountain would cost into the region of £1300. The committee considered this too high especially since there is potable water available in the outside toilets. Signs are to be erected near the under 5’s play area.

7. Play Equipment

Mrs Pateman has given play equipment brochures to residents in Old Knebworth so that they can identify the type of equipment wanted by the 8-13 year olds. Some type of goal or target practise wall has been suggested.

2009/10 25

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “a hot shot goal at a cost of £1355 would be purchased, if requested by Old Knebworth residents”.

Agreed.

It was also agreed that a replacement Lappet zig zag balance beam would be purchased for the Recreation Ground.

8. Benches

A quote for £2795 for four benches has been received from Playground Services. Knebworth Youth FC has been provided with the quote and asked if the club is willing to contribute, since it requested benches to be located near J1 and A2 football pitches. The clerk is to contact the club for a response.

9. Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

Mr Hunt left the room. Mr Bantick took the chair in the absence of the chairman.
Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Clubs have received the second draft of the lease. Knebworth Bowls has accepted the lease after further clarification. Knebworth Tennis Club has written with several comments. The committee discussed each point and agreed to extend the acknowledgement of the revised rent to thirty days rather than ten. It did not agree to changes of lease date, inclusion of table tennis or emphasising words within the lease.

Mr Hunt returned to the meeting.

10. HCC lease

There is no further information on the lease.

11. Any Other Business

11.1 Pavilion Usage by Youth Groups
It was confirmed that the youth groups had decided to close for the summer due to shortage of leaders during the holiday period.

11.2 Dog Fouling
Mrs Smith requested additional dog fouling signs in Lytton Fields, due to increased fouling in the area.

11.3 Land Allocations Options
Mr Bantick informed the committee that NHDC land Allocations document is on deposit until 14 September 2009. The council is to hold open sessions on August 6 and September 5, followed by a public meeting on 9 September, which can address the issues of green belt development and the proposal for the secondary school.

2009/10 26

11.4 Gravel, Groundsman Store
Youths are throwing the stones, around the groundsman’s store, onto the playing fields. The groundsman picks them up prior to mowing, however recently a stone was thrown up and nearly missed a baby in a pushchair. Previously road scalpings had been laid in this area which bind together. The surfacing is to be reviewed at the next meeting.

.7 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be held on 21 October 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.07 p.m.

Planning - 13 July

2009-07-13T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 13 July 2009 in the COMMITTTE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments.

In Attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
Mrs Jane Gray (NHDC)
Two members of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

Mr Hunt declared that he is a social member of the Golf Club

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 8 June 2009 be approved and signed.”

3. 09/01049/1HH Holly House, 8 Swangleys Lane, Knebworth

First floor gable roof front extension and gable roof to existing front projection. Alteration to design of existing roof from hipped to gable ended. Single and two storey side extension following demolition of existing side extension. Single and two storey rear extension, three pitched roof rear dormer windows. Pitched roof to existing front porch with timber support. Raise height of parapet to garage

There was come concern over the building at the front of the property.
For 4 Against 1 Abstention 1. NO OBJECTIONS

4. 09/00769/1 129 London Road, Knebworth

Single storey side extension to north west and south east elevations of existing kitchen and store. Extractor flue to rear of kitchen following removal of existing extractor flue

NO OBJECTIONS

5. 09/01003/1HH 59 Park Lane, Knebworth

Single storey side and rear extension

The committee considered the proposed extension to be out of keeping with the arts and crafts house and therefore OBJECTS to the application.

2009/10 22

6. 09/01131/1HH 117 Orchard Way, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension. Front porch

NO OBJECTIONS

7. 09/008822/1 Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Replacement conservatory extension to clubhouse

A noise report had been undertaken which suggests that neighbours should not be affected. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS

8. 09/0023/1LB Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and replacement conservatory extension to clubhouse

NO OBJECTIONS

9. 09/01161/1HH 46 Stevenage Road, Knebworth

Erection of detached garage

The proposed garage is located at the front of the property well forward of the building line. The garage will be visible from the road and would set a precedent. The committee therefore OBJECTS.

10. 09/01170/1HH 24 Swangleys Lane, Knebworth

Two storey rear extension

The rear extension is in the middle of a row of terraced houses and consideration was given to the impact on the neighbouring properties. For 5 Abstention 1.
NO OBJECTIONS

11. 09/1032/1 Pumping Station, Watton Road, Knebworth

UV Plant Kiosk

NO OBJECTIONS

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Wood, Park Lane
Knebworth Estate has been managing its woodland on Park Lane, which has involved felling a significant number of trees. A resident has complained that the work has gone beyond its licence and is proposing legal action.

Mrs Pateman informed the committee that the proposed work could be found on the Forestry Commission website and that woodland management can appear dramatic but is part of maintenance.

2009/10 23

12.2 Gun Lane
Dr Fothergill complained that notices were erected to give warning that planned work was to be undertaken on Gun Lane. Again the signs were removed and no work done. The clerk is to write to Mr Jack requesting an update on the improvements.

12.3 Odyssey
The directors of Odyssey could not make the proposed dates, but have informed the clerk that they could make a meeting in the next two weeks. The clerk is to invite the directors to the next Planning or Parish Council meeting.

12.4 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 10 August 2009

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.00 pm.

Parish Council - 8 July

2009-07-08T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
8 July 2009 in the COMMITTEEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Carol Smith, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh
Mrs Caroline Presland

In Attendance District Councillor Tom Brindley
Two members of the public

1. Public Participation

Mrs Pomerance asked for the Parish Council’s support in her campaign to get a secondary school in the village. The campaign started in May 2009 and with a group of 20 volunteers the group has an environmental analyst, webs site manager and treasurer on board. She felt that there is a huge problem for children finishing at Knebworth JMI, which is similar for children from surrounding villages with children being sent to Stevenage schools some distance away.
In the site appraisal Henry Cobbold has stated that eh will donate land for the benefit of village charities.. The school would be voluntary aided with a permanent endowment. To raise the fund will require 90 acres of land to provide funding for the school and Knebworth House. The school will use 30 acres, with a swimming pool and wood, and will be located behind Monread Nursing home. She is to meet Justin Donavan and Richard Thake from HCC to discuss the proposal and British Schools for the Future endorses… Two hundred houses will be built with medium to low density together with 10% affordable homes. If the state takes over the funding no houses will be required. Mrs Pomerance has spoken to Henry Cob bold and he has given a commitment for the land.
The 60 acres to be developed will generate £36M at £600,000 per acre. The school would reduce traffic through the village, with children cycling or walking to school. The current timescale is 5 years. The website is weneedaschool.org.

2. HGV Traffic, Old Knebworth Lane

Councillor Brindley, chairman of JMP, informed the Council that a resident had complained about the HGC traffic using Old Knebworth Lane. The general consensus was that it is not suitable for HGV traffic. A TRO to restrict traffic to 7.5 tonne would cost £4000. NHDC is proposing to erect signs stating it is not suitable for HGV’s at a cost of £1000., without a TRO, to try to prevent large vehicles accidentally using the Lane
There is no height restriction in Old Knebworth Lane. It was suggested that cars drive too fast on the Lane and perhaps additional signage regarding the sharp bens might be useful. Cllr Brindley felt that the signs would be overgrown and not visible. The
2009/10 18

alternative route for traffic would be Park Lane which would result in a higher volume of traffic through the village. The cost would be borne by NHDC and the JMP.
There was a request for HCC to improve the sight lines, footpath s and pavements for pedestrians.
Cllr Brindley requested a letter from the Parish Council stating that it had no objection to the proposed signage.

3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 13 May 2009, be approved and signed.

Unanimously agreed.

4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

4.1 Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 27 May 2009.

4.2 Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on 10 June 2009

4.3 Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 10 June 2009

4.4 Minutes of the Meetings of the Planning and Environment Committee held on 8 June 2008

5. Inspection of Schedule of Deeds and Documents.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had inspected the deeds and all were in order. The recreation ground has been registered and therefore 18 documents are for information only.

Proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that “the Council should register the Village hall and King George Vth Playing Fields.”

Agreed.

6. Review of Council Regulations

Standing orders, Terms of Reference, Financial Regulations, Financial risk assessment, Internal Audit and Health and Safety play are to be reviewed by the next Parish Council meeting.

7. HCC Lease

HCC has revised the lease but Mr Piper has returned it for further revision.
2009/10 19

8. Registration of Land

The recreation ground has been registered however the right of access has been omitted and a footpath does not extend to the rear of the verge. The clerk has written to the Land Registry requesting amendment to the file. A response is awaited.

9. Council Stationery

Triographics had produced several version of letter heading and the Council agreed on one. The clerk is to request a slightly bolder version.

10. Village Website

The website is still being run by Mrs Weaver. The volunteer has not been able to take over yet. An interim person is to review the website with Mrs Weaver with a view to updating the information.

11. Youth Project

There was debate about the youth project giving something back to the community since it benefits from free use of the pavilion. The clerk is to contact the Youth Project to pose them with the challenge.

12. Council Bank Accounts

Telephone and online baking has been requested. Both forms of banking can now be restricted to transfers within Parish Council accounts only and not to third parties.

The Council agreed to open a ‘Knebworth Village Hall’ account to apply for a grassroots fund.

13 S106 Funding

S106 funding is being collected by NHDC but it is unclear how the funds are to be used. The topic was requested to be added to the Rural Summit agenda however it had not been included. Mr Bantick is to raise it at the summit.

14. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 2 2009/10 be approved.

Agreed.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 May 2009.

2009/10 20

15. Any Other Urgent Business

15.1 Junior School Meeting
Mr Bantick is to attend a meeting to discuss allocation of secondary school places for children leaving Knebworth JMI..

15.2 Woolmer Green Parish Council
The chairman has been invited to celebrate the success of Woolmer Green PC in the business category of eh Village f the Year competition. He is unable to attend. Mr Hall is to go instead.

15.3 Woodland Management t Park Lane
Dr Fothergill apprised the council on the clearance being undertaken in the private wood next to Park Lane. Mrs Pateman stated that it is management t of ancient woodland; trees are cut down and coppiced.

15.4 Parking
Another parking meeting is to be held 22 July after completion of a business survey.

15.5 Picture, Knebworth Twinning Association
Mr Hall asked the council if a picture presented by Chatellion en plage could be hung in the committee room. The council gave its permission.

15.6 Next Meeting
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday 8 October at 8.00 pm.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.

Finance and General Purposes - 10 June

2009-06-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 10 June 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments

Absent: Mr Hunt

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 29 April 2009, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Half the precept had been received but no interest. Expenditure at £10,731 is 20% under budget, mainly due to no spending on contingency and additional wages costs.
The clerk reported that the Village Hall committee is considering replacing the cooker with a commercial unit for which there is no specific budget, grant funding is being sought but a virement might be necessary.

4. Report on Parish Damage

The Tennis Hut has been damaged.

5. Stationary

The sample letter headings were not available for consideration.

6. Road Signs

There was nothing to report on this item.

7. Milestone

Odyssey has cleared the area but has still to repair the fence. Until this is done this item cannot be progressed further.

2009/10 15

8. Village Website

Costings have been received to produce a combined website. The committee agreed that the priority is to find someone to update the current website.

9. Report on Funds on Deposit

Money is to be placed on a six month bond on 20 June at a rate of 1.2%. The deposit account is currently paying 0.1%.

10. Christmas Lights

It was agreed that no new decorations would be purchased this year.

11. Review of Regulations

The Council chairman is to allocate the review of documents to councillors at the next Parish Council meeting.

12. Review Internal Auditor’s Report

The committee considered the internal auditor’s report, which found the systems to be adequate. There was a recommendation to produce VAT returns using the Sage software, which is currently not correct. The clerk is to contact Sage.

13. Copier

Ricoh has started charging for replacement toners for the copier which were included in the copy contract. Mr Preece from HCC, is checking the terms of the contract.

14. Councillors Allowances

A revised questionnaire has been prepared and is to be circulated. The results are to be forwarded to Mr Parkin, NHDC, for consideration.

15. Notice board

The notice board has been repaired and a header ordered.

16. Partnership Funding

The Parish Council has had its first experience of Partnership Funding with HCC and NHDC, which has highlighted a number of issues. This is to be discussed at the Rural Summit in July, after which a document will be prepared for the Council to consider.

17. Lytton Fields Playspace

The committee agreed that it should pursue obtaining title for Lytton Fields play space. The clerk is to write to NHDC.

2009/10 16
18. Bin Inspections

NHDC has started bin inspections in the village to look at capacity and possible production of another recycling leaflet.

19. Any Other Business

19.1 Barclays Bank
Barclays has changed its procedures again and the clerk, although a signatory, cannot transfer money with council accounts via the telephone. The local business manager approved the transfer but did not process the request; as a result the Council’s bank account was overdrawn at the beginning of June. The Bank has admitted it is at fault and no charges will be incurred.

Telephone banking and internet banking is now available which only permits inter account transfers. The clerk is to obtain an application form.

19.2 Additional Land Options
NHDC consultation on additional land options is to be placed on deposit at the end of June. The Council will consider the best way to inform the parish once the document is issued.

19.3 Charles Arnold Baker
Dr Fothergill reported that Charles Arnold Baker, the founder of NALC, died this week.

19.4 Traffic Survey, London Road
Mr Hall informed the committee that a traffic survey was conducted on London Road, which has been on going for the past five years with information being reported to the Department of Transport.

19.5 HCC Elections
There was a 43% turnout for the County Council election in this area. Richard Thake was re-elected.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 09.55 pm.

Village Hall - 10 June

2009-06-10T19:10:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 10 June 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.10 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: There were no apologies for absence

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 29 April 2009, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Financial Review

Income at £5,395 is 4% over budget. Expenditure at £6,568 is 24% under budget.

4. Cooker

Smeg will not repair the cooker because it is in a non domestic environment. It has also been tardy supplying the spares. It is hoped that the ring will be repaired within the next week.

A replacement commercial gas cooker was considered with possible cost of £5,000 -£7,000 which would include the extraction unit and the necessary compliance with gas regulations. A commercial electric cooker would cost a similar sum with the installation of a three phase supply. Mr Thake has offered a grant towards replacement. The clerk is to obtain quotes.

5. Toilet Upgrade

Proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED that “the quotes to upgrade the gents toilets and replace the lobby carpet from P&J builders at £2758.85 Mr Wright at £664.65 and Roysia Flooring Ltd at £1970 be accepted.

Agreed.

2008/09 13

6. Central Heating

The heat from the system was insufficient during the winter months. Replacement of the radiators was discussed. Further work is to be undertaken and the existing radiators are to be cleaned.

It was agreed that the service agreement with Connaught would not be renewed, since its new policy for repairs could leave the hall without heating for over a week.

7. Any Other business

7.1 Knebworth Badminton Club
The club is struggling with numbers with only two people showing up some weeks. The result is the club is loosing money on its regular hire. It charges £2 per week in advance and £3 on the evening for members to play. A survey of charges for badminton courts showed that the hall charge is in line with other establishments. The committee considered the problem to be lack of people rather than the hire rate.

8.2 Projector
Mr Gilmore asked for a display of the projector, which was used at the planning meeting. It is to be brought to the next Parish Council meeting.

8.3 Clock
Mr Hunt asked if the clock could be re-hung. He has fully wound it and it is not working.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm

Planning - 8 June

2009-06-08T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 8 June 2009 in the COMMITTTE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr John Bantick due to prior commitments.

In Attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
Mrs Jane Gray (NHDC)

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 11 May 2009 be approved and signed.”

3. 09/00746/1HH Windrush, Slip Lane, Rabley Heath

Two storey rear extension following demolition of existing outbuilding. Rear conservatory and front porch

NO OBJECTIONS

4. 09/00814/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth

Two storey side extension with dutch hipped roof to incorporate loft conversion. Single storey rear extension with lantern roof, and single storey front and side extension. Window to first floor side extension

The previous application was refused due to the hip roof and the large dormer. The line of the hip has been made shallower but it will still be unbalanced with its semi. A neighbour has commented on the parking problems as the owner has a large van which cannot fit onto the drive causing parking problems on the road. The application identifies two spaces on the drive plus a garage which complies with car parking standards.

The committee OBJECTS to the application because the hip roof will detrimentally affect the street scene.

5. 09/00371/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth

Roof light to side roof and part infill of front doorway in single storey side/rear extension and insertion of window

NO OBJECTIONS

2009/10 11

6. 09/00752/1 Park Lodge Cottage, Park Lane, Old Knebworth

Detached four bedroom dwelling with basement store following demolition of existing three bedroom chalet bungalow

The previous objections of height and form have been addressed. The footprint is 22% greater then the original, however it is in a large plot. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS

7. Local Development Framework

NHDC plans to have an additional site consultation from June to September 2009. Knebworth Estate and Wallace Estate have submitted a scheme which may form part of the consultation. The clerk is to obtain a web address for inclusion in the July issue of the Parish magazine.

8. Any Other Business

8.1 Laser pointer
Mr Haigh requested that a laser pointer be purchased to aid the use of the projector.

8.2 Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman reported that Herts Highways has been working in Old Knebworth Lane, and there is some improvement but the footpaths are still not cleared.

8.3 Pot Holes, Station Road
Mr Hunt complained about the pot holes in Station Road. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.

8.4 Gun Lane Improvements
Dr Fothergill requested an update on the major road improvement previously planned for Gun Lane in June 2008. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.

8.5 Hedges Hornbeam Spring
Dr Fothergill complained about the overgrown hedges blocking the footpath at 42 and $4 Hornbeam Spring. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.

8.6 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 13 July 2009

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.35 pm.

Recreation Grounds - 27 May

2009-05-27T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
27 May 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Hunt (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 8 April 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Football Club

Knebworth Youth FC has requested the use of an additional football pitch. The committee discussed the additional costs for the pitch.

Proposed by Mrs Presland, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED that “the cost of the recreation grounds for 2009/10 season for Knebworth Youth FC should reflect the additional costs for the pitch and the season’s fee should increase to £2870.”

Unanimous.

The clerk is to obtain charges for pitches in the area.

4. Central Heating Repairs

The central heating system has not been repaired. Reports by Cussen & Son and H&W Design have highlighted problems some of which are essential.
H&W Design has confirmed that the equipment installed is per the design, however Mr Wills did consider it to be extremely complicated and has recommended a slight modification to the system. The clerk is to obtain information on the capacity of the calorifier

Cussens & Sons proposed work costs £3465, not all essential. It was agreed that the valves, leak, wiring and replacement caps to the header units should be repaired.

The annual contract with Connaught to service the boilers has been cancelled due to poor service. Cussens & Son is to be considered to take over the annual service of the system.

2009/10 8
5. Pond

Proposed by Mr Bantick , seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED that “ Robinsons’ quote to reduce height of the trees around the pond at a cost of £1200 be accepted.”

Agreed.

6. Fence Lytton Fields

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Presland and

RESOLVED that “ the quote from Stevenage Properties to install 23 m of palisade fencing at a cost of £2630 be accepted.”

Agreed.

7. Goal Posts, King George V Playing Fields

The committee agreed that it would investigate play equipment for older children rather than replace the goal posts at King George V Playing Fields. Mrs Patemen is to speak to the children in the area.

8. Provision of Drinking Fountain

The committee agreed that a fountain at the play are would be too expensive, one located near the pavilion might be more affordable. There was some concern at the cost and vandalism. A water bowl is put out by the groomsman every day and the water from the tap in the toilet is drinkable. The clerk is to obtain information on drinking fountains.

9. Play Equipment

Some items on the trim trail require monitoring and possibly removal this year. The clerk is to obtain information on replacement equipment.

10. Access Road

The pot holes in the access road have to be repaired on a regular basis. The committee is to consider longer term proposals once the new lease is in place.

11. Rural Grants

NHDC has launched its grant scheme for 2009/10 and applications have to be submitted by 30 September. An application to the PECF fund is to be made to cover the cost of the summer litter picker and emptying the three dog bins. Another is to be made for play equipment in KGV.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Tennis Club Path
Mr Bantick informed the committee that the Tennis club is to arrange the slab footpath to be improved.

12.2 Hole Lytton Fields
The large rat hole in Lytton Fields has been filled.

2009/10 9

12.3 Stump, Recreation Grounds
Mrs Smith reported that there is a wooden stump in the recreation grounds. The clerk is to investigate.

12.4 Barrier
The barrier has been taken down. A couple of bays will be reinstated should the elderly person who uses it as a support to walk makes a request.

12.5 King George V
Mrs Pateman wished to thank the groundsman for his work at KGV.

12.6 Meeting Time
Mr Titmarsh requested that the meetings start at 8.00pm. It was agreed that the next meeting will commence at 7.45 pm.

12.7 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be held on 22 July 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.

Annual Parish Meeting - 13 May

2009-05-13T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the ANNUAL MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
13 May 2009 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS
at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: None

1. Election of Chairman

It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that Mr Bantick is elected Chairman of Knebworth Parish Council for the next Council year 2009/10.”

Unanimous

The motion was carried.

2. Declaration of Acceptance of Office by Chairman

Mr Bantick then read and signed the declaration of acceptance of office, which was witnessed by the clerk.

3. Election of Vice-Chairman

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that Mr. Titmarsh serves as Vice Chairman.”

Unanimous

4. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

5. Appointment of Committees 2009/10

5.1 Village Hall
Mr Gilmore, Mr Hall, Mr Hunt, Mrs Presland, Ms Smith

5.2 Recreation Grounds
Mr Hunt, Mrs Pateman, Mrs Presland, Mrs Smith, Mr Titmarsh

2009/10 2

5.3 Finance and General Purposes
Dr Fothergill, Mr Gilmore, Mr Hall, Mr Haigh, Mrs Smith, Mr Smith, Mr Titmarsh

5.4 Planning and Environment
Dr Fothergill, Mr Haigh, Mr Hunt, Mrs Pateman, Ms Smith, Mr Smith

6. Appointment of Chairman of Committees 2009/10

6.1 It was proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that Mr Hall is elected Chairman of the Village Hall Committee.”

Unanimously agreed.

6.2 It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED “that Mr Hunt is elected as Chairman of the Recreation Grounds Committee.

Unanimously agreed.

6.3 It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that Mr Titmarsh is elected Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.”

Unanimously agreed.

6.4 It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that Dr Fothergill is elected Chairman of the Planning and Environment Committee”.

Unanimously agreed.

7. Inspection of Schedule of Deeds and Documents

Mr Titmarsh reported that the schedule of deeds and documents will be inspected prior to the next meeting.

8. Appointment of Representatives of the Council to sit on outside bodies

It was proposed by the Chairman and

RESOLVED “that the Chairman sit on the Knebworth House Education and Preservation Trust and that the Chairman and Vice Chairman sit on Knebworth Village Trust.

Unanimously agreed.

2009/10 3

9. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 25 March 2009, be approved and signed.

Unanimously agreed.

10. Register of Interests

All interests were registered with the clerk.

11. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

11.1 Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 8 April 2009.

11.2 Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on the 29 April 2009

11.3 Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on the 29 April 2009

11.4 Minutes of the Meetings of the Planning and Environment Committee held on the 6 April 2008

12. Bank Signatories

It was proposed by Mrs Smith and seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that Barclays Bank PLC shall continue as the Parish Council’s bankers. The bank shall be authorised to honour all cheques and other orders for payment drawn, made or accepted on the Parish Council’s behalf.

The Bank shall act on all specimen signatories in accordance with any instruction, notice, and requirements of other documents in writing concerning the Parish Council’s accounts (including the opening of new accounts) affairs or property. The Parish Council Chairman, Chairmen of Committees and the Clerk to be authorised to sign cheques on the Parish Council’s behalf.”

Unanimously agreed.

13. Subscriptions

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED “that the annual subscription and affiliation fee of £915.25 to Hertfordshire Association of Parish and Town Councils be paid.”

For 8 Abstention 4. Agreed.

2009/10 4

14. 2009/10 Meeting Schedule

The proposed meeting schedule was circulated. It was agreed that the meeting times should be set by each committee, Planning 7.00pm, Village Hall 7.15 pm, Recreation Grounds 7.30pm, F&GP 8.00pm and Parish Council 8.00pm

It was proposed by the Chairman and

RESOLVED “that the Schedule of Meetings for 2009/10 be approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

15. Annual Parish Meeting Evaluation

The chairman’s speech was commended, although attendance was lower than normal with fewer questions and no contentious issues. The lobbying of a secondary school by a resident had not resulted in more people attending the meeting and it had been useful that County Councillor Thake was in attendance.

Mr Titmarsh suggested that there was no opportunity for residents to raise issues with District and County Councillors and perhaps the Parish Council might consider arranging a surgery for people to ask appropriate questions. It was suggested that this could be achieved with an invitation to the Parish Meeting.

16. Hertfordshire County Council

The Council considered and agreed in principle to the draft lease. HCC has agreed to a start date of 1 April 2009. There were a few clarifications which are to be sought prior to final approval. The clerk is to write to the Mr Piper, Foremans Law.

17. Parking

NHDC has agreed to proceed with the yellow lines on Park Lane and Pondcroft Road, a traffic order is to be published in the next few months. A two hour restriction on St Martins is to be pursued. A survey of the car park has shown that 52% is occupied for more than two hours. Eight cars stayed in the Coop car park for more than eight hours.

Mr Young is to review any impact on the roads around Park Lane with a view to managing the parking.

Mr Catt is to arrange another business parking survey.

18. Council Stationery

Triographics is preparing options for new stationery which is to be taken to the F&GP committee.

2009/10 5

19. Annual Accounts

Proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Annual Return for 2009 be approved with reserves of £98094.”

Agreed

Proposed by Ms Smith, second by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED “that the Annual Governance Statement be approved”

Agreed.

20. Village Website

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Haigh and

RESOLVED that “the Parish Council will undertake to pay the annual costs for the domain name knebworth.org from 2010”.

Unanimous.

The Council agreed that the website for Princes Risborough was well laid out.

21. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mrs Smith and seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 7 2008/09 and Accounts Period 1 2009/10 be approved.

Agreed.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 30 April 2009.

22. Any Other Urgent Business

22.1 Councillors Allowances
Mr Gilmore reported that the working party had met Mr Parkin, NHDC. He had confirmed that allowances could be used to pay for carers and to support hardware costs. The questionnaire issued by the clerk is to be updated, re-issued information forward to Mr Parkin by early July.

22.2 Complaint by New Labour
New Labour has not replied to the clerk’s response to its complaint about the delivery of the conservative newsletter with the Parish Update.

2009/10 6

22.3 Apologies
Mr Hall apologised for not attending the last Village Hall meeting.

22.4 Music Festival
Mr Titmarsh requested information on the proposed traffic controls for the festival to be held on 1 & 2 August at Knebworth House.

22.5 Vandalism
Mr Hunt reported that the tennis hut has been vandalised again.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.

Annual Parish Meeting - 6 May

2009-05-06T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held on 6 May 2009 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL, PARK LANE at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill,
Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

In attendance: Seventy members of the public

1. Notice of Meeting

The clerk read the notice of the meeting.

2. Welcome by the Chairman

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to our Annual Parish Meeting. This meeting, as always, is an opportunity for you to listen to the Council Reports and then question the Parish Council and Local Authority representatives, on issues that affect Knebworth, as well as expressing your views on how you feel we have performed over the last twelve months.

3. Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Rt Hon David Cobbold, Rt Hon Henry Cobbold, Mr Saywell and Mr Wordsworth.

4. Approval of the Minutes - Annual Parish Meeting 7 May 2008

Proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr. Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting, held on the 7 May 2008, be taken as read and approved as a true record.”

Agreed.

5. Chairman's Report

Honoured invited guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

This is my fourth annual report as Chairman of the Parish Council. Last year I explained in detail about the work of each of our committees and first this evening I would like to pay tribute to the Chairmen of all four committees. Their input in many cases this year has been massive. Many of the decisions made in these committees end up on the Parish Council agendas for ratification. It would be very easy for me to reel off a list of the major items we have dealt with but I do not wish to steal the thunder of the committee chairmen so my report should be read in tandem with the committee reports for a full picture of the year.

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Ever present at our meetings is Claire Graham, our Parish Clerk. Year on year more regulations are thrown at us and there is continual change in legislation. Claire deals with all this and keeps us all on the straight and narrow, helping us to negotiate political minefields, regulatory changes and the all encompassing juggernaut of political correctness, not to mention Health and Safety regulations. On behalf of myself and my four committee chairmen I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to you Claire for helping us through all that and for everything else you do for the Parish of Knebworth. After four years I feel I know a little more than when I started as Chairman but I still need Claire`s shoulder to lean on from time to time.

So what have we done this year? We have updated our terms of reference for the running of all committees. We have a long list of policy documents available for parishioners to peruse if they wish. These can be obtained from the clerk at 10p per A4 sheet. The Parish Council website is up and running. Our meetings schedule is on there as are approved minutes of meetings. Also there is a list of documents that can, like the policy documents, be accessed through the Clerk plus details of which Parish Councillors have been attending committees and Council meetings.

A few years ago we published our Freedom of Information Scheme. We printed a lot of leaflets, very few have been taken and now the rest are being recycled because we had to adopt a new Freedom of Information Scheme in January 2009. Claire has details if you want to know what is in it.

Other ongoing matters include the future of the surgery and the proposed changes in opening times for the station ticket office. We have no influence over either of these matters but are keeping an eye, particularly on NHS Trust matters and will be ready to jump when required. The sad and untimely death of Dr Edmunds shocked us all and no doubt it will be a time before the surgery reorganises and starts to move forward again.

Once or twice a year I and another Parish Councillor walk the North Herts Homes areas of Knebworth with Neighbourhood Officer Gary Mitchell. We identify litter that needs clearing and other matters needing attention. This is a useful exercise which helps to keep those areas clean and tidy.

Likewise we have joined the Big Clean Up campaign. On 7th March and 25th April the Clerk, Parish Councillors and a few Knebworth residents picked up mountains of litter from around the village and we even managed to persuade NHDC to pick up the filled litter sacks free of charge. More volunteers would have been welcome. Perhaps next time…….

Having succeeded last year in persuading NHDC to name the flats next to Trinity Church after our distinguished ex Councillor Robin Wordsworth we have had a second success. The new area of 5 properties off Deards Wood has been named Devey Close. There is a longer explanation of the name in the May edition of Knebworth Parish News but the short version is that Devey was a name much in evidence among trades people in Knebworth in the past. There are no “Deveys” in Knebworth now but the name survives as the middle name of our Parish Councillor Robin Devey Smith. It was also the middle name of his father and lives on in his son James Devey Smith. A fitting way of saying thanks to Robin for all he has done for the village over many years.

Welwyn Hatfield District Council has launched their Core Development Strategy Consultation Documents. NHDC went through this two years ago. This is the document which identifies possible sites for future development in the Welwyn Hatfield area. We understand that one possible area of concern for us is the proposal to identify sites north of Woolmer Green for housing development. We have responded to this by saying we will not
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look kindly on housing sites causing coalescence between Woolmer Green and Knebworth but would not be averse to limited industrial development along the B197 if it allowed Chas Lowe`s business to move to its preferred site next to the Entech building.

When we pay money for services rendered or purchase items for the Council we do so under Statutory Powers laid down by law. Our accounts for payment, which are ratified by the Parish Council state, in one column, the reference for that power and the date of the act of parliament which ratified it. Something new has been introduced. Our Clerk went to a conference about it and this is what she wrote in the notes to a recent Parish Council meeting about the Power of Wellbeing.

“The Power of Wellbeing is the informal name given to the statutory power enabling a local authority to do anything which it considers likely to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area. The council must be eligible to use this power but there is no limit to the amount of spending, unlike the s137 power restricting us to £6.50 per head of electorate.”

In order to be eligible : two thirds of the council must have stood at the last election; the clerk must be qualified, at least 80% of the council must have attended a training event on the Power of Wellbeing and the council must have a statement of intent for community engagement. So far we don`t cover the final two requirements for eligibility at the moment but if we went through this exercise our ability to bring about change for good in Knebworth would be much enhanced, given we had the money to act.

Finally – Parking. You have all seen the overview of the results of the Parking Survey in the Update Leaflet.

The Parking Initiative Group, fondly known as PIG, has been down many avenues to reach this point. PIG was spearheaded by District Councillor Jane Gray. It comprised Parish, District and County Councillors, Transport Officers from NHDC and the Police, a representative from both the Village Trust and Parish Plan team, our clerk and residents of the Parish. During our deliberations we found out that NHDC were carrying out an in depth exercise in one town and one village in North Herts to try to alleviate problems caused by parking and traffic. We understood that another town and village may soon get the same treatment. To do this sort of work requires thousands of pounds being spent on professional surveys. We understand that Knebworth qualifies for this treatment as we have the Parish Plan, a Parish Council that wants something done and a need that has been identified by the residents of the Parish. In fact the survey has been highly praised as shortcutting much of the work that would need to be done by the investigating body. Thanks to Mike Moult and Michael Hague-Moss for taking on the task of compiling the parking survey.

The survey having been completed it seems that PIG has done its work and PIG now just keeps a long term view of events. In order for NHDC to agree to look at the survey it had to be adopted by the Parish Council who needed to make a formal request for NHDC to take the results of the survey on board. This has been done and I know that NHDC has already done a full day survey of their car park in St. Martins Road with a view to possibly restricting the hours drivers can park there to discourage commuter parking and thus opening it up more for the use of shoppers. PIG had a two hour meeting last Friday morning and we were told that Public Consultation notices will soon be posted in the village and in local newspapers asking for feedback on the suggestion to put double yellow lines at the Deards End Lane/Park Lane junction and at the Milestone Road/Pondcroft Road junction. There may also eventually be a notice relating to changes to the use of St Martins Car Park.

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Keep your eyes open for these and respond accordingly, particularly if you have a problem with these suggestions.
In the end we may find that very little changes but at least Knebworth and NHDC will have done their very best to see if there is a solution to the parking problem. Time will tell.

Before I end on that matter I would like to offer your sincere thanks to Parish Councillors Graham Fothergill and Barry Hall for the work they did in collating the survey results and producing all the pie charts etc….. This was a real labour of work for the community for which the community should be most grateful. Thank you Graham and Barry.

Next year our Parish Council is up for re-election. We need new blood and I urge anyone here who might be interested in doing this valuable and not too irksome work for the community to think about it and chat to one of us if you need further information before putting yourself forward as a candidate.
It is a very rewarding experience. Finally many thanks for the support given to me over the year by all our Parish Councillors over the year. Thank you all for listening.

6. Reports from Committee Chairmen

6.1 Recreation Grounds Committee – Ms Libbi Smith

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As you may know there are three Recreation Grounds for which the Parish Council is responsible. They are the main recreation ground of Watton Road, Lytton Fields and King George Vth Playing Fields in Old Knebworth. All are well used especially the main recreation ground with football, tennis and bowls being played. I am also pleased to announce that there is now a youth café in the Pavilion on a Thursday evening, which is proving very popular.

The provisional accounts for year ending 31st March 2009 show an income of £5,775 received from the hire of the football pitches. £1,320 was received in the form of grant funding for a summer weekend litter picker and litter bins. Expenditure of £42,298 was spent maintaining the three recreation grounds. Capital Expenditure of £2,598 was spent on tools, equipment and new goal posts.

Main Recreation Ground

Key activities this year include making progress on the renewal of the lease with Herts County Council for the part of the recreation that the Parish Council does not own. A renewed lease for 20 years has been negotiated and agreed, and the Parish Council is now awaiting the final draft for signature.

A rather lengthy period of discussion and negotiation with both the Bowls and Tennis clubs has now ended and the Parish Council has finally reached agreement on new 28 year leases for both clubs. The leases are at the final draft stage, and it is hoped that they will be signed in the not too distant future. A new lease will enable the Tennis club to apply for grant funding to improve their club house facilities, which are somewhat basic and always at risk from vandalism.

New football goal posts were purchased for the A1 pitch in the main recreation ground, and were erected in the summer of 2008. The development plan has been discussed between the Parish Council and the Football clubs and updated accordingly, a requirement of the grant funding received for the Pavilion from the Football Foundation.
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A full ROSPA playground inspection was carried out last year on all the recreation grounds. A number of observations and recommendations were made to ensure the ongoing safety of the playgrounds and equipment, which the Parish Council is addressing.

The combat cableway was out of action for most of last year, but thanks to perseverance by the Clerk, it has now been repaired, free of charge, and is proving as popular as ever.

6.2 Village Hall Committee – Mr Barry Hall

Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I find it hard to believe that yet another year has slipped by! It seems that it was only yesterday that I was here last.
What has happened during the year? With regard to the fabric of the Hall:
• Various general repairs have been undertaken
• The committee room has been painted as have parts of the main hall.
• New urinals have been installed in the gents with grant funding from NHDC and further improvements are planned for the lobby area.
• The main hall floor has been re-sealed, a task which needs doing ever couple of years or so.
• All the window and stage curtains were fireproofed at the beginning of the year but their condition means that they will need replacement in the next few years.
There have been problem with the heating in the main hall, especially in the cold weather –a working party is currently looking at supplementary heating.
As to finance, the Hall has some twelve regular hirers and is in use most evenings. Weekend hire has also been good with 75% Saturday usage for the year and the provisional accounts show that income at £18,700 is 10% over budget and expenditure at £25,000 5% under budget.
Again I’d like to say a big thank you to Mrs Cullen for her continued excellent work in keeping the Hall in a clean and tidy state. We all hope that she will continue in this role.
Finally, I’d like to thank the Village Hall Committee members who voluntarily give their time and effort to ensure that the various issues relating to the Hall are dealt with in a timely manner.
Thank you for listening.
6.3 Financial & General Purposes – Anthony Titmarsh

Chairman, fellow parish councillors, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Of the matters which concerned us at this time last year, we have retained our post office and Messrs Lowes: after nine years the county council owned milestone has been renovated, thanks to financial support from the Village Trust, Messrs Burgess and you the tax payer.

Routine activities which have occupied the committee include a review of the effectiveness of the system of Internal Audit, following revisions to the regulations by central government, annual reviews of Standing Orders, Terms of Reference of Committees, Financial Regulations, Fidelity Guarantee Insurance, Financial Risk Assessment, Freedom of Information and new measures for an Equality and Diversity Policy and Power of Wellbeing.

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Currently, only incidental expenses are reimbursed to councillors but we are now considering the payment of allowances and expenses for all councillors.

We are the only parish in North Herts. which has CCTV coverage, albeit only in the central area, but it does appear effective in crime control in the village centre particularly when used in conjunction with ANPR technology. However, malicious damage continues on the main recreation ground, with the youth shelter, play equipment and benches the main targets; arson is prevalent and the tennis club pavilion frequently damaged.

Following support by our G.P. Practice, Christmas lights were installed on the surgery; unfortunately the tree lights on St .Martin’s Church Green failed to work yet again and recent tests have not identified the problem.

We meet up with colleagues in neighbouring parishes in order to share matters of mutual concern; Knebworth Parish Council is frequently a front runner. We also attend North Herts. District Council seminars.

Like all businesses nowadays, Claire, our clerk, is very dependent on the reliability of the computer and she has had her share of problems. The machine is only four years old and the repair costs have been horrendous. If a four year old car suffered total failure, sparks might fly so why should we accept poor computer reliability? We are now purchasing a laptop and projector facility which will also enable the council to make
screen presentations in this hall.

We now have a Knebworth Parish Council Website, which currently is quite separate from the Knebworth Village Website, although this arrangement may change during this year.

Finance

Final accounts for the year ended 31st March 2008 were approved by the auditor, thus verifying the consistent quality of our financial records by our clerk. Summary copies of the year’s income and expenditure are available this evening.
.
We have provisional results for the year 2008/2009 showing gross income of £128004, which was £7479 above budget. Grants totalled £3229 and interest £2936.Grants were provided by North Herts. District Council and Knebworth Village Trust. Expenditure was £116215, showing a surplus of £11789. Our reserves now total almost £100000, equivalent to the parish tax for one year. All our funds are with Barclays bank, who now pay a miserly 0.1% on a deposit of this magnitude; however, these funds should be secure and not at risk unlike those of other authorities who placed funds in countries such as Iceland.

This year we have increased the parish council tax by 1.7 %, which is less than half of the percentage increases of 3.5% by the county council, 4.5% by the police authority and 3.9% by the district council. Not only have the increases by the higher authorities been substantial in recent years, but we suffer reduced services such as refuse collection, litter clearance, youth services and highway maintenance. As a parish council we are now being pressurised by county and district to cooperate in partnership funding, whereby parish tax payers should pay again for services which these two authorities have a statutory duty to provide but are unwilling to fund. Additionally, we have not yet received any Section 106 funds, to which we are entitled, from these authorities in respect of any new development in the village.

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The Committee

In conclusion, I wish to thank the six members, who serve on the committee, for their input and the considerable amount of time expended.

6.4 Planning and Environment – Dr Graham Fothergill

Invited guests, fellow councillors, ladies and gentlemen:

As usual, it has been a busy year for the Planning and Environmental Committee. We have met on twelve occasions and have considered a total of 57 Planning Applications. For the most part we felt that there was no reason to object to about three quarters of these and that there were only about a dozen that gave us particular cause for concern and to which we raised objections.

The total of 57 is somewhat down on previous years and I believe that we can attribute this to two factors. On the one hand, there is no doubt that the recent downturn in the economic climate has had a major effect on the building industry and this seems to have been reflected in the lower number of new developments or extensions to various types of residential and commercial development. In addition to this, there has been a change in Government planning regulations whereby certain forms of extensions to the rear of residential properties no longer require approval of a full Planning Application and may now be permitted through the process of a Certificate of Lawful Development. The Parish Council does not formally receive notification of such applications nor copies of the relevant plans for these Certificates. These are processed directly by the officers in the Planning Department at North Herts District Council although they are, of course, subject to the normal rigorous scrutiny of the Building Regulations.

I would now also like to mention that our Committee does not deal exclusively with planning applications but, where relevant, we involve ourselves with other environmental matters. These can include, for example, the maintenance and upkeep of rights of way and footpaths and that brings me rather nicely onto the subject of
Common land. Within the Parish, there are two pieces of common registered under the Commons Act of 1965, one at Norton Green, the other just to the north of the junction of Stevenage Road with Deards End Lane. As a result of new legislation, namely the Commons Act 2008, we now have until September 2009 to correct or amend the original entries in the Register and this will be undertaken under the auspices of the Planning and Environment Committee. If anyone is aware of any other places that might or should be designated as common land within the Parish, perhaps they would let us know and we can see if these can be added to the Register.

Now to move on to another subject. I hope that most of you will have noticed that the cast iron milestone in the centre of the village, situated just outside the funeral directors, has at long last been refurbished. It has taken about nine years to accomplish this – it was originally envisaged as a Millennium project – and now, after a considerable amount of deliberation and prevarication regarding its Listed status and ownership, the job is complete. As mentioned earlier by Councillor Titmarsh, we obtained the funding and Herts Highways undertook the removal, refurbishment and repositioning. We have recently examined the other milestone which is within the village boundary, the existence of which many of you are probably unaware. This one is located on the west side of the B197 just before the start of the 30 mph de-restriction zone on the Stevenage boundary. It is in a ditch and is about two metres back from the footpath, and is best seen during the winter months when it is not obscured by vegetation. Unlike the one in the centre of the village, it is made
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of concrete, is triangular in cross-section and does not have a Listed status. It is our intention to clear away the weeds and other vegetation, then to clean the stone and repaint it and finally re-apply the lettering – “London 29” on the northern face and “Stevenage 2” on the southern face. The Parish Council hope to be able to undertake this work themselves and the costs should be relatively minimal.

Finally, just to briefly return to planning applications. Our remit is to inform North Herts District Council of our objections or otherwise to a particular Application. There are, however, occasions when this is not necessarily straightforward and our deliberations could possibly be enhanced by having an explanation or verbal report from the Applicant or by hearing any concerns being expressed by local residents. I make this point in order to remind you that members of the public are welcome to attend our Planning Meetings. Formal notifications of these are posted in the Library and on the Parish notice-board and if you come along and wish to speak on an Application, you will be allowed to do so.

As usual, I would like to thank my fellow Committee Members for their contributions to our discussions and deliberations and I should also add my thanks to Jane Gray, one of our District Councillors, for her interest and sound advice throughout the year.

Thank you for your kind attention.

7. Police – PC Harding

PC Harding introduced Sgt Karen Dixon and PCSO Debbie Sinclair. He provided a report on the year’s crime statistics. Crime figures are down from 231 to 221. Operation Satinella has been in place during the year to prevent burglary by making people aware of the security risks. Operation Tarantula has focused on reducing car crime. Police surgeries are now held in the village on the first Monday in the month. The police box is still in Village News should people wish to report an incident without directly contacting the police.

8. Questions and Answers

The chairman invited questions from the audience.

Please would you expand on the reference to Councillor allowances and who sets them? Mr Kirk

An independent remuneration panel undertakes a review on behalf of the District Council.
The Parish Council can claim out of pocket expenses, but we don’t wish to prevent people becoming councillors because they have to incur the cost of carers or babysitters to attend council meetings. At present District Councillors can claim this expense but Parish Councillors cannot. An allowance would be a way of covering this type of cost. I Gilmore

As chairman I have an annual allowance of £200, of which I spent £45 on printer cartridges. last year. J Bantick

Could you provide an update on the relocation of Chas Lowes? Mrs Judge

Lowes is unlikely to relocate in the near future; there is no further information at present.
J Bantick

2008/09 115

In the Parish Plan issued in 2007 10% of the respondents stated that they were satisfied with secondary school provision and 27% were dissatisfied. The situation has changed dramatically and the parish should be vigilant. Knebworth JMI is poorly served with children being transferred to senior school to north of Stevenage. We need to take responsible action now and build our own secondary school. Mrs Pomerance

With an election soon I am unable to discuss the situation. As far as secondary transfer problems go Knebworth is not unique. All rural areas suffer. The concept of building a secondary school for 17 children is unlikely to happen. In terms of the longer term provision I will attend meetings if required.

When Stevenage expands and if Welwyn Hatfield develops there will be a requirement for a secondary school with an 8-10 forms of entry. Alleynes is likely to move. This will free up applications to the south in the plan – Building Schools for the Future.
All those who are interested if you leave your details with the clerk I will arrange a meeting with County Council officers. Cty Cllr R Thake

It wasn’t 17. If you take the total junior school figures for Knebworth, Codicote, Welwyn, Woolmer Green and Datchworth, it totals 1439 Mrs Pomerance

If Woolmer Green is developed there might be a need. Developments of 3500 require a primary school and more than 5000 a secondary school. It won’t be built unless there are a further 5000 dwellings built. Contact Mr Thake. J Bantick

,
I know a few of the issues and I am arranging a meeting with Steven Hosier, HCC, later in the summer term once the appeals process ends on 22 May. I will let the community know. Mr John (Knebworth JMI headmaster)

What is to become of Station House? Mr Holmes

The building has been purchased by a religious society for its headquarters. The building is to be refurbished and a mansard roof constructed. Planning permission has been granted and work has just started. J Bantick

If you go on the NHDC website and put in the road name it will give you the name of the group. B Hall

Are there any plans to install a drinking fountain in the recreation grounds? Mrs Ives

We will look at it. E Smith

In the past we have been approached by people to place a bench in the village and we couldn’t find a location. Two benches have been removed, one in Stockens Green and the other in Orchard Way. The question Is whether we should replace or relocate them. The Council has also received a letter from four residents of Station Road requesting the removal of the bench in Keri Close because youths gather and make a lot of noise. It is important for the elderly and the council would like your views. J Bantick

I don’t use it but I have seen a number of elderly people sitting on the bench at Kerr Close.
Mr Tomlinson

2008/09 116

The bench in Stockens Green was located outside my house and since it has been removed there have been no empty vodka bottles or other debris. If the bench is to be reinstated I feel it should be installed on Stockens Green, which is owned by a residents association. C Presland

I am the chairman of the residents association and I shall take your comment back to the committee. Mr Calver

I have suggested that the police and Neighbourhood watch are kept informed of the disruption caused by the bench at Kerr Close. J Bantick

I should like to thank the councillors for the work they have done over the past year.
Mr Catt

Are there any parking issues? J Bantick

There were none.

The chairman thanked everybody for attending the meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 09.15 p.m.

Finance and General Purposes - 29 Arpil 2009

2009-04-29T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 29 April 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments
Mr Hall due to a prior commitment

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 11 March 2009, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Stationery

The committee discussed different styles and fonts for the letter heading. Triographics is to prepare a few layouts for the Parish Council to consider.

4. Financial Review

Interest income has reduced for the quarter but has exceeded budget. A grant of £550 has been received from NHDC towards the purchase of multimedia equipment. Expenditure at £42,183 is 20% under budget. At the end of the year the Council has approximately £100,000 in the bank, which ensures that it is in a robust financial position.

5. Report on Parish Damage

The Tennis Hut has been damaged. Youths have started small fires in the recreation grounds and the police have been informed. The bollard lights on the footpath from New Close have been vandalised again.

The Community Police now set three specific targets per quarter to focus on. The three for the next quarter are car crime on Pondcroft and Milestone Roads, antisocial behaviour in the Recreation Ground on Friday and Saturday nights and inappropriate use of the footway on Pondcroft Road, Milestone Road and London Road.

6. Road Signs

Mr Jack has inspected the road signs but has not reported his findings.

2008/09 104
7. Milestone

Milestone 29 located between Knebworth and the Roebuck has been inspected by Councillors Titmarsh and Fothergill and the manager of Odyssey. The fly tipping material is to be removed, the fence repaired and the area cleared prior to any work being undertaken. Art Van Go may repaint the milestone.

8. Office Equipment

The laptop has been purchased; the projector and screen are in the process of being ordered.

9. Village Website

There had been some interest to continue maintaining the village website. The committee discussed the merits of combining the village website with the Parish Council website. No costs had been obtained regarding maintenance costs of the website. Woolmer Green Parish council’s website is maintained by a parish councillor. Local knowledge would be helpful to anyone maintaining the website. The Clerk is to contact Mrs Weaver to discuss possible council involvement in maintaining the website.

10. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

There is currently £135,000 on an instant deposit account bearing 0.1% interest rate. This is a flat rate across all Barclays bank accounts. Treasury deposit minimum is £500,000 for one month or £100,000 for six. Barclays currently has a six month bond paying 1.35% with a minimum deposit of £20,000. A suitable sum is to be placed on deposit for six months.

11. Christmas Lights

The lights have been inspected, the tree lights on St Martins Green are working, and remedial work on decorations, power supplies and PAT testing will cost £150. Lamps and Tues are to proceed with the repairs.

12. Fidelity Guarantee

The external auditor recommends that the guarantee is set at the balance at the end of the year plus 50% of the precept which would result in the guarantee being set at £150,000, currently £100,000. The committee gave consideration to the recommendation but in light of the length of service of the clerk, the figure is a maximum, and reduces by approximately £10,000 on a monthly basis. The increase would cost £130. After due diligence the committee accepts that the risk is minimum and agreed to leave the guarantee at £100,000.

13. Notice board

The notice board in Station Approach has been refurbished, and it was agreed that the Planning board would be removed and to be improved in line with the other boards. A header board is to be purchased from Ternex at a cost of £130.

14. Congestion Charge

Mr Titmarsh wished to propose that Knebworth levies a congestion charge, with funds ploughed back into the village. There have been parking and traffic problems in Knebworth for over 35 years and he did not believe that residents should pay for
2008/09 105
commuters to park in Knebworth. The A1 is to run on three lanes using the hard shoulder, together with the traffic lights on the A1 slip roads, there will be more congestion through the village. Following a fatal accident last year the north bound carriageway of the A1 (M) was closed for thirteen and half hours.

The committee considered the proposal unrealistic, Manchester has recently opposed congestion charging.

15. Meeting Dates

It was suggested that all meetings should be held on Wednesday, with Village Hall meetings to follow Planning Meetings which would leave F&GP meetings on their own. Consistency of start times of meetings was requested. This is to be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting

16. Any Other Business

16.1 NHDC Scrutiny Committee
The chairman informed the committee that he had attended a scrutiny committee on CCTV cameras. Knebworth is the only village to have CCTV and he considered it to be successful especially with the number plate recognition camera.

16.2 Complaint from New Labour
A letter has been received from the agent for New Labour reporting that he had received a complaint from a resident that the Parish Update has been delivered enclosing a Conservative party newsletter criticising the Labour government. The agent believes that this implies that the Parish Council is supporting the Conservative party/ candidate. He has reported this to the Electoral Services. The clerk has informed Electoral Services that the Council relies on volunteers and was not aware that this had happened, and will endeavour to avoid it recurring. The clerk is to write to the agent.

16.2 Recycling for Flats
NHDC is to introduce recycling for flats across the district once its trial is completed in August 2009.

16.3 Station Pub
The Station Pub is regularly leaving a hoarding on the pavement pushing pedestrians into the road. The clerk is to write to the landlord requesting a stop to this practice.

16.4 Rubbish Old Knebworth Lane
The clerk is to contact NDHC to clear the rubbish in the lay-by in Old Knebworth Lane.

The chairman thanked the committee members for their support throughout the year.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 09.55 pm.

Village Hall - 29 April 2009

2009-04-29T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 29 April 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Hall and Mr Hunt due to prior engagements

In the absence of the chairman proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that “Mr Bantick takes the chair.”

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 11 March 2009, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Financial Review

Income at £18,689 is 10 % over budget. The hall was well used last year with Saturday usage achieving 75% hire for the year. Expenditure at £23,778 is 4.7% under budget. Electricity and gas charges had increased significantly due to the increase in charges and the cold weather in the final quarter.

4. Annual Insurance Review

The committee confirmed the valuations for insurance purposes.

5. Cooker

A ring and an oven plate need replacing at a cost of £250. Link Up has complained about the loss of the ring. The cooker is only two years old and the committee considered that the plate is faulty. The clerk is to contact the manufacturer to obtain a replacement; the ring is to be replaced. The committee is to investigate costs of a commercial cooker.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.00pm

Recreation - 8 April 2009

2009-04-08T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
8 April 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Elisabeth Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mrs Smith

RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 4 March 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Income £4,470 is 0.3% under budget and expenditure at £42,305 is 17% under budget. The capital expenditure for the year is £2,598. It was agreed that any unspent capital budget should be carried forward for the play equipment, floor, street lights and pavilion.

4. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

A second draft of the lease has been received and is to be forwarded to the clubs.

5. HCC Lease

A plan of the leased land has been received from HCC identifying car parking on the entrance road to the park.

The title deeds for the land owned by the Parish Council have been delivered to Foreman Laws to voluntarily register it, together with the access road. Registration usually takes five weeks.

6. Football Club

Knebworth Youth FC has requested that the junior pitch adjacent to the A1 be rotated through 90 degrees and an additional 7 a side pitch be marked south of it. Next year the club anticipates an additional two boys and one girl’s teams and an additional 7 a side pitch is required. The layout could cause problem with balls interfering with games being played on the A1 pitch and vice versa and would result in football being played on the old cricket wicket.

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “ the junior pitch layout be revised with the addition of a mini pitch, all costs relating to the revised layout including movement of the goal posts are to be met by Knebworth Youth FC. Should there be any problems arising from the revised layout the club will also bear the cost of reinstatement to the original layout.”

2008/09 100

Agreed.

The hire charge for 2009/10 for Knebworth Youth FC is to be reviewed at the next meeting.

7. Pavilion Repairs

Cussens & Sons has inspected the heating system and prepared a report. It suggests that there are items missing form the original design. H&W Design, the M&E contractor, which designed the system, would audit the system for £100. If it has not been constructed according to the contract it would be a latent defect which would be the responsibility of the architect. The committee agreed to the audit.

8. Pond

Mr Turner, CMS, has inspected the pond and recommends that the vegetation in the pond be reduced during September or October. The clerk is to obtain a quote for the work.

9. King George Vth Playing Fields

A resident has complained about the uncut area to the south of the playing fields being unkempt. In January last year a hedge was planted and a two metre margin has been left to help the habitat. The meadow area at the south is only slightly longer than the surrounding area with no evidence of wild flowers. CMS has recommended that the area should be left to see what grows and the wildlife it attracts. Wild flowers can be planted but would either have to be plugs or seeds scattered in the autumn after the ground has been prepared. It is a long term experiment which is to be closely monitored.

10. Benches

A resident has requested the reinstatement of the benches which were situated in Stockens Green and Gipsy Lane. Another would like the bench in Kerr Close removed. The committee agreed that there should be some debate on the location of benches at the Parish Meeting.

Proposed by Mrs Smith, second by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “an earth anchors metal picnic bench be purchased for Lytton Fields at a cost of £946.”

Agreed.

Knebworth Youth FC has also requested that benches be installed adjacent o the J1 and A2 pitches and has agreed to contribute towards the cost. The clerk is to obtain a quote for four benches.

11. Equipment Maintenance

The triple has been inspected by Colin Hayden. The blades do not require sharpening and should last the season. He has been instructed to undertake the very minor repairs required.

2008/09 101
12. Weekend Litter Picker

The weekend litter picker is to start at Easter and continue through until the end of September for one hour on both Saturday and Sunday.

13. Youth Project

In light of recent damage the Youth Project has requested a formal agreement with the Council. A draft was circulated and subject to amendments was approved.

14. Any Other Business

14.1 Litter
Mr Bantick reported that a resident is picking litter up in Watton Road and depositing it in bags in the Recreation Grounds. The groundsman is concerned that this will overburden the bins in the recreation round during the summer months. It is to be monitored.

14.2 Lytton Fields Fence
The fence at Lytton Fields requires repair adjacent o Gibbons Way. The chain link fence is not substantial enough as the youth make holes in the bottom and climb over the top to retrieve their footballs. The clerk is to obtain quotes for palisade fencing.

14.3 King George Vth Gates
This is to be discussed at the next meeting.

14.4 Apple Trees in Rural Areas
There is a project to plant apple trees in rural areas and Mr Titmarsh suggested that they might be planted in the gaps on the eastern boundary. The clerk is to obtain more information.

14.5 Tennis Hut
The hut was broken into over the weekend. The police have been notified.

14.6 Youth Shelter
The radio in the youth shelter has been repaired and the anti climb paint painted on the roof.

14.7 Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be held on 19 May 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Planning - 6 April 2009

2009-04-06T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 6 April 2009 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments.
Mr John Hunt due to prior commitments.

In Attendance: 2 Members of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Ms Smith, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 2 March 2009 be approved and signed.”

3. 00/00497/1HH 58 Pondcroft Road, Knebworth

Single storey side and rear extension with bay window. Rear conservatory

The application was a revision to an approved plan. The committee considered the changes to be minor amendments and had NO OBJECTIONS

4. Any Other Business

4.1 Gateway Old Knebworth Lane
The clerk is to write to Herts Highways to reinstate the white post gateway on Old Knebworth Lane.

4.2 Parking
It was agreed to display the parking results at the Parish Meeting.

4.3 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 11 May 2009

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.25pm.

Parish Council - 25 March 2009

2009-03-25T20:00:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
25 March 2009 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Hall and Ms Smith due to prior engagements

In Attendance: PC Harding

1. Public Participation

PC Harding reported that there had been 45 recorded crimes since 1 January compared with 68 for the same period last year. There has been a reduction in burglaries but an increase in theft from and damage to motor vehicles. PCSCO Sinclair has been working on crime prevention.

There have been drug related offences. A properly planned and executed exercise is required to catch people with drugs.

Concern was raised about the traffic lights being installed at junctions 6 and 7 of the A1M which could result in more traffic using B197. through Knebworth. PC Harding did not consider that it would have any effect.

There is to be a police surgery on the first Monday of each month.

2. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is President of the Tennis Club

3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 11 February 2009, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 4 March 2009.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on 11 March 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 11 March 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on 9 February 2009 and 2 March 2009.

2008/09 95

5. Councillors Allowances and Expenses

Mr Parkin, NHDC, is to take forward the preparation of the allowance scheme for Knebworth.

6. HCC Lease

No further information was available on the lease and the matter was held over until the next meeting.

7. Knebworth Bowls and Tennis Club Leases

A second draft was circulated. It was agreed that the lease would start on 1 April 2009 and drafts would be forwarded to the clubs.

8. Bench Kerr Close

Residents of Station Road have complained about the nuisance caused by youths using the bench in Kerr Close and requested its removal. The police have not received any complaints. The bench is well used throughout the day. The council agreed to leave the bench in place and to raise the matter at the Parish meeting and would look at ways of improving the area.

9. Land Registration

Proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that “the recreation ground land off Watton Road be registered with the land registry, with Foreman Laws undertaking the registration.”

Unanimous

10. Meeting Attendance

A meeting attendance register was previously circulated. It was highlighted that on two occasions the committees had been reduced to three councillors which although quorate, caused difficulties when one member declared an interest in a topic, and on another occasion did not allow a counter proposal to be seconded.

It was stated that the lateness of some of the committees was a problem. The timing of meetings is to be discussed at the next F&GP committee meeting.

11. Letter Heading

A working party of Mr Titmarsh, Mr Gilmore, Dr Fothergill and Mrs Presland was set up to review the letter heading and the council image.

2008/09 96

12. East Herts Inter Parish Council Meeting

Mr Titmarsh reported that the meeting had discussed parish plans; rural housing; old people’s bungalows are being given to families and s106 funding. No one knew if s106 funding was ever given to Parish Councils. It is to be raised at the next Rural Summit meeting.

13. Power of Well Being

The Power of Well Being is the informal name given to the statutory power enabling a local authority to do anything which it considers likely to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of their area. The council must be eligible to use this power but there is no limit to the amount of spending, unlike s137 which is restricted to £6.50 per head of electorate.

Eligibility:
• 2/3 of councillors must have stood at the last election
• The clerk must be qualified
• At least 80% of the councillors must have attended a training event on the Power of Wellbeing.
• The council must have a statement of intent for community engagement
There is no extra money for this power and the council would have to fund projects through the precept or other external sources.

14. Welwyn & Hatfield Borough Council Core Strategy Issues and Options

The draft strategy is on deposit until 1st May 2009. It identifies two areas in Green Belt north of Woolmer Green which could take 100-200 dwellings. The council was concerned that dwellings to the north of Woolmer Green would result in coalescence.
It would however accept redesignation of the land between Entech and Monread Lodge to become part of the employment area of Woolmer Green.

15. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 6 2008/09 be approved.”

Unanimous.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 28 February 2009.

2008/09 97

16. Any Other Urgent Business

16.1 Parish Meeting
Mr Smith agreed to move around with the microphone and councillors are to sit on the stage.

16.2 Bench
A resident has requested two benches be reinstated in the village. It is to be discussed at the recreation rounds committee meeting.

16.3 Parish Update
The update is to be ready for delivery by 21 April 2009.

16.4 Next Meeting
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 13 May 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

Finance and General Purposes - 11 March 2009

2009-03-11T20:00:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 11 March 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments
Mr Hall due to a prior commitment
Ms Smith due to prior commitments

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 28 January 2009, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Report on Parish Damage

The gateway has been repaired, although the sign is slightly different. The door leaf to the main entrance of the pavilion has been damaged. Emulsion has been thrown on to a footpath in the recreation grounds, which has been washed off

4. Road Signs

Mr Titmarsh has undertaken a review of the road signs in the centre of the village and comments have been forwarded to Mr Jack, Herts Highways.

Three lights have been installed in the footpath from Pondcroft Road to London Road but as yet are not connected. The existing light is in working order but is obscured by foliage.

Statutory undertakings have already dug up the newly laid footpaths in Station Road.

5. Clean Up Campaign

The first tidy up of the village was held on 7 March with 13 people focusing on several areas. Over 15 bags of rubbish were collected; NHDC collected them on Tuesday from the village hall. There was a request from a representative of the Twinning Association to hold another clean up before the visit of the French. It was proposed the next clean up day should be held on 25 April. The clerk is to contact the Twinning Association to increase the number of volunteers.

2008/09 90

6. Milestone

Dr Fothergill and Mr Titmarsh have inspected the concrete milestone 29 near Odyssey and recommends that the area around it should be cleared prior to any renovation work. The clerk is to report the fly tipping and damaged fence to Herts Highways.

7. Office Equipment

The committee discussed the purchase of a laptop, projector and screen for the main hall. The clerk is to contact Woolmer Green Parish for information on its projector.

Proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED that “ £1000 from contingency, together with £500 from NHDC be used to purchase media display equipment.”

Agreed.

8. Parish Newsletter

The committee discussed the draft and a revised edition is to be proof read by Dr Fothergill, Mr Bantick and Ms Smith.

Invitations to the Parish meeting are to be sent to PC Harding, Jane Gray, Alan Bardett, Richard Thake and Richard Jones, Herts Highways.

9. Website Management

The committee approved the procedures for information to be put on to the council website.

10. Village Website

The people who have been running the village website have decided that it is time to step down. Knebworth Village Trust has provided a grant of £109 to pay for the domain name for another year. There was considerable debate on whether the Parish Council should undertake the maintenance of the site. However there was concern over the resources needed to maintain the updated site and the potential time required to answer all queries.

The clerk is to obtain further information on the potential cost of employing a qualified person to maintain the site.

11. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

There is currently £100,000 on an instant deposit account bearing 0.1% interest rate.

12. Christmas Lights

Mr Taylor has not confirmed what the problem was with the tree lights, so the matter was held over until the next meeting.

2008/09 91

13. Financial Risk Assessment

This item was held over until the next meeting.

14. Salary Review

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that “in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it was advisable that members of the public, the press (none present) and the clerk be temporarily removed and that the meeting move into Part II session.”

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Dr. Fothergill and

RESOLVED that “having completed discussions the meeting return to Part I Session.”

15. Any Other Business

15.1 Welwyn Hatfield Core Strategy
W&HDC has issued its core strategy for consultation. It suggests that two areas to the north west of Woolmer Green could hold up to 200 houses. The content is to be discussed at the next Planning meeting.

15.2 Dog Bins
NHDC has revised the costs of installing and emptying dog bins to £451 for the year plus 5% from 1 April 2009. The current annual cost of emptying bins is £67.60. The Parish Council agreed to purchase two dog bins directly from Earth Anchors at a cost of £203 each rather than from NHDC.

15.3 Housing Association
Howard Cottage, a Housing Association based in Letchworth, has written offering its services if the council is looking for affordable homes.

15.4 Section 106 Agreement
Mr TItmarsh was concerned about the money attached to s106 agreements and its distribution. He is to raise the matter at the next Inter Parish meeting and the matter will be raised at the next NHDC rural meeting.

15.5 Village Services
A new Children’s Service Centre is to be set up in Woolmer Green village hall to service Knebworth, Oaklands and Woolmer Green.

15.6 Secondary School Transfer
Pupils of Knebworth JMI have recently been informed of their secondary school allocation. Due to close in 2012 Heathcote is not taking any new pupils, making Barnwell the nearest school for Knebworth children. Only one child was allocated a place there, but not one child was allocated its first choice.

15.7 Land, Gun Road Gardens
The land at the rear of the corner shop in Gun Road has a significant amount of rubbish dumped on it. The clerk is to write to the owner’s daughter, who is still resident in Knebworth requesting that the area be cleared.

2008/09 92

15.8 Southern Rural Inter Parish Meeting
A new date has not been set for the next southern rural inter parish meeting. The committee suggested that a meeting might be held with the parish councils bordering Knebworth. This is to be discussed further at the next meeting.

15.9 Gully, Gun Lane
A gully requires repair opposite the Royal British Legion in Gun Lane. The clerk is to report it to Herts. Highways.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.05 pm.

Village Hall - 11 March 2009

2009-03-11T19:30:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 11 March 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Hall, Mr Hunt and Mrs Presland due to prior engagements

In the absence of the chairman proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that “Mr Bantick takes the chair.”

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 28 January 2009, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Refurbishment of Gents Toilets

NHDC has awarded a grant towards the refurbishment of the toilets subject to a quote for the electrical work. The clerk is to confirm that the quotes still hold and to obtain a quote from the electrician. The committee agreed to carry forward £2500 capital towards upgrading the toilets and £1000 towards redecoration of the lobby area.

4. General Maintenance

The kitchen has been painted and some door seals fixed to reduce drafts. Mr Starkey is undertaking general spring clean duties, which Mrs Cullen is unable to undertake.

5. Heating

This item is to be carried forward to the next meeting.

2008/09 87

6. Salary Review

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it was advisable that members of the public and the press (none present) be temporarily removed and that the meeting move into Part II session.”

Proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr. Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “having completed discussions that the meeting return to Part I Session.”

7. Any Other Business

7.1 Meeting date
The next meeting is scheduled for 29 April 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.50pm

Recreation - 4 March 2009

2009-03-04T19:30:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
4 March 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Elisabeth Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Carol Smith due to a prior commitment

In Attendance Mr Spiers, Mr Huggins, Mr Hill & Ms Ker Reid (Knebworth Tennis Club)
Mr Osborne & Mr Playle (Knebworth Bowls Club)

1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Hunt

RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 7 January 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Footpath Inspection

The chairman reported that the footpaths in the recreation ground have been inspected and were in good order. The clerk is to arrange for some minor cracks to be filled.

4. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

The draft lease for the Bowls and Tennis Club was discussed with representatives from the clubs and a number of revisions made. The clerk is to inform Foreman Laws of the amendments and request a draft for both clubs. The area to be included in the lease was discussed.

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “the north boundary of the Tennis Courts should continue along the line of the hard fence line to the Bowls Club wall.”

Agreed.

5. Play Equipment

Wicksteed has repaired the combat cableway free of charge. The radio in the youth shelter will cost £500 to repair; an insurance claim is to be made.

2008/09 83

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “ a virement of £500 from play equipment capital to repairs is to be made”.

Agreed.

The trim trail has been damaged by a motorcycle. All of the wooden equipment is to be reviewed and considered for replacement. A grant application is to be made in the next financial year. Mobile CCTV equipment is to be discussed with the police.

6. HCC Lease

Mr Piper, Foreman Laws, is currently reviewing a draft lease from the County Council. The committee discussed registering the land it owns at the recreation ground together with the access. The clerk is to instruct Foreman Laws.

7. Bins

NHDC has awarded a grant of £1300 towards the cost of two litter bins and weekend litter picking during the summer.

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “two 145L Bensham bins be purchased at a cost of £383 each.”

Agreed.

8. Pavilion Repairs

The problems with the heating and hot water system in the pavilion have not been resolved; the motorised zone valves have been sticking. Connaught has suggested that all seven valves be replaced as part of a maintenance programme and has quoted £1262.

Mr Titmarsh believes that since there have been a number of problems with the system a survey should be carried out by a heating engineer prior to any work being undertaken. It was agreed that the cost of a survey is to be obtained and work approved at the F&GP committee meeting.

The leaf to the pavilion entrance door has been damaged and has to be replaced. The ties for the fire extinguishers have been removed from the two units next to the entrance. Both incidents have occurred whilst the pavilion was being used by the youth club. The club has been informed and has offered to contribute to the cost of repairs.

9. Pond

CMS has agreed to inspect the pond and recommend a programme of work. It will not be scheduled until the winter so that it does not disturb the wildlife in the pond.

2008/09 84

10. Hire Charges 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED that “the hire charges be increased as follows Knebworth Football Club £1320, Knebworth Youth FC £2210 and Knebworth Old Boys FC £880.”

11. Salary Review

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it was advisable that members of the public and the press (none present) be temporarily removed and that the meeting move into Part II session.”

Agreed.

Proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mr. Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “having completed discussions that the meeting return to Part I Session.”

Agreed.

12. Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be held on 8 April 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

Planning - 2 March 2009

2009-03-02T19:00:00.001Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 2 March 2009 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments.
Mr John Bantick and Mr John Hunt due to prior commitments.

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Ms Smith, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 9 February 2009 be approved and signed.”

3. 00/03032/1HH The 7th Hole, 7 Gun Meadow Avenue, Knebworth

Roof alteration incorporating enlarged flat roof dormer window to side elevation and change from hipped to gable end roof to rear elevation to facilitate loft conversion. Balcony and balustrade to roof of existing single storey flat roof rear extension

The committee considered that the flat roof dormer to be too large and the application to be out of keeping with the street scene. It therefore OBJECTS.

4. 09/00006/1 Knebworth Golf Club Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Single storey front extension behind existing screen wall to provide disabled toilet store

NO OBJECTIONS

5. 09/00007/1LB Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Single storey front extension behind existing screen wall to provide disabled toilet store. Infill of existing window

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/02829/1 146 Park Lane, Knebworth

Five bedroom detached house with integral garage following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings

NO OBJECTIONS

2008/09 80

7. Planning Policy

NHDC Development Policies: Preferred Options includes policies relating to retail units in rural areas and are relevant to Knebworth. Extracts from policy 28 and 29 identify how the loss of A1 units will be viewed once the policies are adopted.

Policy 28
In the local centres we support the provision of shopping and service
facilities for local people.
We will only permit the loss of a shop (A1) unit in a local centre where:
1) it would not lead to an over concentration of non-shop (non-A1)
uses; and
2) the proposed use would add to the vitality and viability of the centre;
and
3) it would not seriously diminish the provision of local shopping
facilities, and
4) the proposed use meets a key community need.
Where the unit is vacant, and the proposal does not comply with criteria
1) – 4) we will only permit the loss if it can be demonstrated that the unit
has remained vacant for a year or more, and documentary evidence has
been provided that all reasonable attempts to sell or let the premises for
similar uses in that period have failed.
We will only grant development proposals for a change of use from
A2/3/4/5, D1 or D2 at ground floor level, to another use not listed above,
in exceptional circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated that
the proposal meets a particular local community need.

Policy 29 Proposed policy wording
We will not permit development proposals which result in the loss of an
individual shop, service or facility, outside the town and local centres
unless:
1) There is another shop, service or facility of a similar use available for
customers within a convenient walking distance; and
2) the proposed new use would complement the function and character
of the area.
In the absence of such an alternative facility, we will only permit the loss
if it can be demonstrated that the unit has remained vacant for a year or
more and documentary evidence has been provided that all reasonable
attempts to sell or let the premises for similar uses in that period have failed.

The committee approved the policies.

8. Any Other Business

8.1 Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman complained that the lane is overgrown and full of litter. The clerk is to inform HCC Rights of Way and Herts. Highways.

8.2 Footpath, Oakfields Road
Mrs Pateman informed the committee that people are cutting across the field from the recreation ground to the bridleway from Oakfields Avenue to Bragbury End. The clerk is to inform Mr Wallace of the practice.

2008/09 81

8.3 Hedges Hornbeam Spring
The hedges are overgrowing the footpath at 42 and 44 Hornbeam Spring. The clerk is to inform Herts. Highways.

8.4 Telephone Box, Stockens Green
The telephone box has now been removed from Stockens Green.

8.5 Opening times of Station Booking Office
There are plans to further reduce the opening times of the ticket office Monday to Friday 07.00 -11.00 am. The committee wished to raise an objection to the reduced hours. The clerk is to contact the Knebworth and Stevenage Rail users group to add its support to their campaign.

8.6 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 6 April 2009

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.35pm.

Parish Council - 11 February 2009

2009-02-11T20:00:00.001Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
11 February 2009 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Carol Smith, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Gilmore, Mr Hall and Mrs Presland due to prior engagements

1. Public Participation

There were no presentations from members of the public.

2. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of the Tennis Club

3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 3 December 2008, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 7 January 2009.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on 28 January 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 28 January 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on 12 January 2009

Dr Fothergill signed the Planning Committee Minutes of 12 January which were approved on 9 February 2009.

5. Councillors Allowances and Expenses

A questionnaire had been circulated to councillors to obtain information regarding the amount of time spent on council business. This information will be useful for the Remuneration Panel. HAPTC has been contacted to collect information on other councils’ allowances, and is awaited. Dr Fothergill and Mr Gilmore are to take this forward.

2008/09 76
6. HCC Lease

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that Hertfordshire County Council’s proposed Heads of Terms for the new lease on the five acres of land which forms part of Knebworth Recreation Grounds be accepted.”

Unanimous.

7. Effectiveness of the System of Internal Audit

The council considered the report and audit plan previously circulated.

Proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Council approve the system of internal audit, which it considers to be effective.”

Agreed.

8. Appointment of Internal Auditor

Proposed by Mr Haigh, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that Star Bookkeeping be appointed as internal auditor for 2008/09.”

Agreed.

9. Parking Initiative

The parking survey undertaken at the end of 2008 was successful with over 600 returns. Dr Fothergill had prepared an overview of the results for which he was thanked. The resounding view was that Knebworth has serious parking problems which residents would like addressed. The council agreed to forward the results and overview to North Hertfordshire District Council to persuade it to take the next step in identifying solutions to the parking problems which exist in the village.

10. Schedule of Meetings

The Council agreed to move the next Village Hall and Finance and General Purpose meetings to 11 March 2009.

The draft schedule of meetings for 2009/10 was approved and will be adopted at the Annual Parish Meeting.

2008/09 77

11. Parish Meeting Leaflet

The Council wished to include the parking overview with the annual parish leaflet. It was therefore recommended that the leaflet would be printed on A3 paper to accommodate the report.

12. Unification of the Primary Care Trust

The Council confirmed its response to the PCT questionnaire on proposals to unify the two PCTs.

13. Policing Policy 2009/12

Mr Hunt is to attend the launch of the Policing Policy for 2009/12 on 27 March 2009.

14. Bowls & Tennis Club Leases

A draft lease has been received for the Bowls Club; the Tennis Club lease will be similarly worded. Copies are to be forwarded to the clubs for comment and will be discussed at the next Recreation Grounds Committee meeting to be held on 4 March.

15. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 5 2008/09 be approved.”

Unanimous.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 January 2009

16. Any Other Urgent Business

16.1 Pop Concert
It has been announced there will be a Rock Concert at Knebworth Park on 1 & 2 August with Metallica and Linkin Park headlining. Overnight camping is to be allowed to try to reduce the impact of traffic.

16.2 Southern Rural Inter Parish Meeting
No date has been set for the next meeting.

16.3 HCC Archive Tours
Tours of the archives are scheduled over the next few months. Booking is essential.

2008/09 78

16.4 Gritting Footpaths
The recent inclement weather has made roads and footpaths precarious to use. Gritting of the main roads has been undertaken but side roads and footpaths have been neglected. Hertfordshire has suffered with severe snow falls with stocks of grit running low. Emphasis has been on maintaining main routes. The complaint was noted.

16.5 Youth Service Reorganisation
Mr Titmarsh complained about the significant reduction of HCC input into youth services.

15.6 Big Tidy Up
The clean up session is to take place on Saturday 7 March at 10.00 am.

16.7 Dog Bin
Mr Mitchell of North Herts. Homes has agreed to pay for a dog bin at Cherry Close and the council has agreed to pay for collection.

16.8 North Herts. homes Walkabout
The chairman and Dr Fothergill inspected the North Herts Homes area with Mr Mitchell and areas requiring improvement were identified.

16.9 Herts Highways
Mr Richard Jones is to replace Mr Greenhill at Herts Highways.

16.10 Next Meeting
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 25 March 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.02 p.m.

Planning - 9 February 2009

2009-02-09T19:00:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 9 February 2009 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
Mr John Hunt due to a prior commitment

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 12 January 2009 be approved.”

3. 09/03042/1HH 116 Wadnall Way, Knebworth

Single storey side extension with monopitch roof to porch

NO OBJECTIONS

4. 08/03037/1 Knebworth Golf Club Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Replacement conservatory extension to clubhouse

A resident complained about the size of the extension and the increase in noise from private parties. The noise problem is an environmental issue. The extension is large but would replace the marquee which is a permanent feature during the summer months and would contain noise more effectively. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS.

5. 08/03021/1LB Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and replacement conservatory to clubhouse

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/03000/1 8A Pondcroft Road, Knebworth

Insertion of two rooflights in front elevation and two roof lights in rear elevation to facilitate loft conversion

NO OBJECTIONS

2008/09 74

7. 09/03024/1 150-152 London Road Knebworth

Change of use of first floor from residential to office. Insertion of doorway into ground floor shopfront. Relocation of existing staircase and associated provision of new glazed roof canopy and stainless steel balustrading

Subject to there being adequate parking provision the committee had NO OBJECTIONS

8. Planning Policies

A recent NHDC officer report on a planning application stated that Knebworth did not have a retail policy. NHDC has policies for the four town centres and the committee is to investigate a similar policy for Knebworth.

9. Any Other Business

9.1 Posts Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman reported that the posts between Larch Howe and Glebe House have been knocked down. The clerk is to contact Herts. Highways.

9.2 Road Markings Station Road
Dr Fothergill reported that the road markings in Station Road have become faint. The clerk is to contact Herts. Highways regarding repainting the lines.

9.3 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 2 March 2009

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.40pm.

Finance and General Purposes - 28 January 2009

2009-01-28T20:15:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 28 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.15 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Barry Hall, and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments
Mr Gilmore due to a prior commitment
Ms Smith due to prior commitments

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 12 November 2008, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Interest income is reducing significantly with rates now at 1%. Expenditure at £33,007 is 18% under budget A large part of the under spend relates to budgeted contingency and additional wages. Christmas lights revenue and capital costs are just within budget.

4. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

There are currently no funds on short term deposit because Barclays Treasury deposit requires a minimum of £100,000. Other accounts are to be investigated.

5. Report on Parish Damage

There has been some damage to the trim trail in the recreation grounds by youths riding scooters. Anti social behaviour by youths riding scooters is to be targeted by the police.
The lighting bollards on the footpath from Stevenage Road to New Close have also been damaged.

6. Footpath Lighting

Herts. Highways has raised sufficient funding to install three lights and resurface the path from Pondcroft Road to London Road. Work is to commence before the end of the financial year.

2008/09 70

7. Christmas Lights

Revenue and capital expenditure are within budget for the year. The tree lights on St Martins Green didn’t work this year. A quote from Lamps and Tubes to install and remove the lights in 2009 is £1,843 which is within budget but represents an 18% increase. A second quote is to be sought from Mr Wright.

There was some discussion regarding additions to the light for 2009. This is to be considered after the lights in the tree are repaired.

8. Road Signs

Mr Titmarsh has inspected the signs in the centre of the village and believes that a number could be removed. It was reported that the signpost at Nup End is loose and the sign moves in the wind. All comments are to be forwarded to Mr Jack of Herts. Highways.

9. Computer Facility

The computer broke down last year and was out of action for a month. The committee had discussed different forms of back up and a laptop was considered together with screen and projector, which will permit the planning committee to view planning applications more easily. The cost of a laptop is £400-500, screen £100-200 and projector £400. The clerk is to make a grant application to Southern Rural.

10. Parking Initiative

Dr Fothergill has prepared an overview of the results from the questionnaire which will be presented to the Parish Council meeting for ratification. A copy will be forwarded to NDHC. An information sheet is to be distributed with the Parish Leaflet.

11. Financial Risk Assessment

Mr Titmarsh and the clerk are to review the risk assessment and bring it to the next meeting.

12. Appointment of Internal Auditor

The clerk is still waiting for confirmation that Star Bookkeeping is able to undertake the work this year.

13. Meeting Dates

The chairman proposed that the date of the next meeting is added to the end of the minutes. He is also concerned about holding three meetings in one evening on 4 March and wished to raise the matter at the next Parish Council meeting.

14. Dog Bins

A letter from a resident requested that dog bins are installed at certain locations in the village. A dog bin costs £260 plus £1.30 per week for collection. The clerk is to contact Cllrs Gray and Bardett for a contribution of £249 each from their discretionary budgets.

2008/09 71

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “£400 be set aside from the contingency fund to install two dog bins on the Gun Road / Woolmer Green footpath.”

Agreed.

The committee is also to apply for a grant next year for two litter bins from the Parish Enhancement and Cleansing Fund.

15. Clean Up Campaign

Mrs Culley is unable to organise a clean up campaign. The committee agreed to organise a clean up on 7 March. The clerk is to purchase litter pickers and vests and posters are to be distributed around the village.

16. Milestone

The milestone society wished to publicise the improvements. Dr Fothergill and Mr Titmarsh are to examine the stone milestone on the northern boundary with a view to progressing its improvement.

17. Website Information

A procedure policy is to be drafted to ensure control of information uploaded to the website to ensure that no sensitive information is added.

18. Hertfordshire PCT Questionnaire

The response by the questionnaire is to be approved by the Parish Council.

19 HCC Lease

Revised heads of lease have been received and the committee recommended them for approval by the Parish Council

20. Any Other Business

20.1 Southern Rural Inter Parish Council Meeting
The proposed meeting has been postponed and a new date is to be set.

20.2 East Herts Inter Parish meeting
Mr Titmarsh is to attend the East Herts meeting on 16 March.

20.3 Village Of the Year
The committee did not wish to enter the village of the year competition

20.4 Pension Meeting
HCC is to hold its annual pension meeting on 16 March.

20.5 Activities in the car park
It was agreed that no functions or activities should be held in the village hall car park.

2008/09 72

20.6 Datchworth Speed Limit
Datchworth is to have a number of highway improvements to help reduce speeding.

20.7 Village Shop, Woolmer Green
The village shop has reopened in Woolmer Green. The clerk is to see if the Parish Council is supporting the venture.

20.8 Recycling Boxes
Mr Hall reported that on Monday evening a glass recycling box was removed from one end of Gun Lane and its contents smashed on the road near 44 Gun Lane. Residents swept the glass away in the early hours of the morning.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.17 pm.

Village Hall - 28 January 2009

2009-01-28T19:30:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 28 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Gilmore due to a prior engagement

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 12 November 2008, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Financial Review

Income at £14,224 for the nine months is 15% over budget. Expenditure at £16,230 is 15% under budget. The capital expenditure relates to the urinals which have been replaced in the front lobby. Further improvements are subject to a grant application.

4. Hire Charges 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hunt and

RESOLVED “that the hire charges increase by 5%, reduced by rounding, to take effect from 1 April 2009. “

Agreed.

5. Review Conditions of Hire

The committee approved revised conditions.

6. General Maintenance

The heating pipes in the boiler house have been lagged. The committee agreed that the kitchen and committee room should be painted and the clerk is to contact Mr Starkey to undertake the work.

The 120L bins for the hall are too small and the clerk is to arrange their replacement with two 240L bins. Mr Titmarsh was concerned at the cost of waste collection and the matter is to be raised at the next rural summit.

2008/09 68

7. Licence Inspection

NHDC undertook an inspection to ensure compliance for the premises licence. The hall is considered a low risk and the next inspection will be carried out in eighteen months.

8. Heating

The heating in the hall is working; however there have been a few complaints about it being cold. It was agreed that a working party, comprising Mr Hall and Mr Titmarsh, would review the system and investigate the possibility of supplementary heating for colder conditions.

9. Any Other Business

9.1 Meeting date
The next meeting is scheduled for 4 March 2009.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10pm

Planning - 12 January 2009

2009-01-12T19:00:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 12 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
Mr John Bantick due to a prior commitment
Mrs Rosemary Pateman due to illness

In attendance: Jane Gray (NHDC)

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 10 November 2008 be approved.”

Agreed.

3. 08/01418/1HH 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth

Rear Dormer window

NO OBJECTIONS

4. 08/01419/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth

Removal of front door to side extension

NO OBJECTIONS

5. 08/02889/1HH 59 Park Lane, Knebworth

Single storey side and rear extension

The committee considered the proposed extension would be out of keeping with the existing property. The committee OBJECTS.

6. 08/02895/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth

Two storey side extension. Single storey rear, side and front extensions. Alterations to side hipped roof to form dutch hipped roof. Rear flat roof dormer window

The dutch hipped roof does not balance with the adjacent property. The flat roofed dormer window is large and visible and is out of character. The committee therefore OBJECTS.

2008/09 66

7. Any Other Business

7.1 Verge, St Martins Road
Mr Hunt complained about the condition of the verge opposite the car park in St Martins Road. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.

7.2 Verge, New Close
A councillor has queried if the hedge which has been planted in New Close is on amenity land. The clerk has looked at the hedge and there is no problem.

7.3 Dog Bins
A resident has requested dog bins to be installed at specific sites in the village, suggesting the District Councillor’s discretionary budget could be used to fund them. A dog bin costs £261 plus £1.30 per week to empty. Dr Fothergill is to discuss the matter with North Herts. Homes on the planned walkabout. The item is to be taken to the next F&GP meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.30pm.

Recreation - 7 January 2009

2009-01-07T19:30:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
7 January 2009 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Mrs Carol Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Pateman and Mrs Presland due to illness
Mr Bantick and Mr Titmarsh due to a prior commitment

1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Hunt

RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 15 October 2008 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Income at £2,902 for the nine months is in line with budget. Expenditure at £33,585 is 16% under budget. Capital Expenditure of £1,176 relates to new goal posts.

4. Football Pitches

The committee agreed to a request for use of J1 pitch on Saturday afternoon for the 2009/10 season. The clerk is to determine what hire charges are paid for the school pitch.

5. Footpaths

The review of the footpaths wasn’t undertaken due to the inclement weather. A report will be prepared for the next meeting.

6. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

Foreman Laws is preparing draft leases for the Bowls and Tennis Clubs, which should be available prior to the next meeting.

7. Play Equipment

Wicksteed is trialing a new end stop and if successful it will undertake repairs on the combat cableway during January.

8. Pavilion Equipment

The cooker has been repaired, a seal had not been put back properly. Mr Starkey is to fix aluminium strips to the doors and worktop. There had been problems with the heating system and a switch had tripped. The programming of the heating system needs review. The clerk and two councillors are to inspect the system.

2008/09 64

9. HCC Lease

Mr Morgan has written confirming that HCC is prepared to enter into a twenty year lease and restrict invocation of the break clause for three years.

10. Benches

A schedule of benches was reviewed. Two have been removed as they were beyond repair. It was agreed that these would not be replaced at the moment. The clerk is to arrange cleaning of the dirty benches.

11. Any Other Business

11.1 Litter, Deards End Lane
Mr Hunt reported that a lot of litter has been dumped on Deards End Lane. The clerk is to contact Mr Flack, NHDC.

11.2 Barrier entrance
The clerk reported that over the Christmas period the barrier had been left open and a white truck was seen driving along the eastern boundary. When approached one of the three men stated that they were inspecting the fence. Having driven the length of the fence the truck drove off. No contractors had been asked to undertake any repairs on the fence. The footballers have been informed and asked to ensure that the gate is closed when they leave.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.

Finance and General Purposes - 12 November 2008

2008-11-12T20:15:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 12 November 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.15 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 10 September 2008, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Interest received remains over budget. Expenditure at £20,515 is 19% under budget. Contingent expenditure related to the milestone repairs.

The council’s income overall at £112,791 exceeded budget for the six month period. Expenditure of £62295 was 9% under total budgeted expenditure. The council held £137,713 cash funds at the end of September.

4. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

£120,000 is on deposit until 20 November at 4.8%. The rate will reduce as the bank rate has been cut to 3%.

5. Budget 2009/10

After some debate on the inclusion of a sum to assist in progressing certain projects in the village.

Proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the committee recommends an income of £500, revenue expenditure of £54150, other £3000 and capital expenditure of £2,000 to the Parish Council. Agreed.”

For 5 Against 1

2008/09 55

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “a precept £100,370 be recommended to the Parish Council for the 2008/09 budget. Unanimous.

6. Report on Parish Damage

Two benches have been damaged. The clerk is to assess if they are repairable.

7. Footpath Lighting

NHDC has formally requested a contribution towards the lighting improvements on the footpath from Pondcroft Road with a project cost of £8400. HCC estimates to install three lights and to replace the existing one is £3312. The Parish Council requested a proper quote for the work. Also the Parish Council contribution appears to be a flat rate; a pro rata sum was considered more appropriate.

8. Employment of Pavilion Cleaner

The pavilion cleaner will be off work for a minimum of six weeks after an operation. The clerk is to interview someone to infill. Should the position not be filled it will be advertised in the Parish News.

9. Registration of Parcels of Land in Park Lane, Old Knebworth
and the Pond at Norton Green

There is an application to register two pieces of land in the Parish, one of which includes the land on which the war memorial stands. The Council is to object to the registration of the land on Park Lane.

10 HCC Lease

Revised Heads of Lease have been received. HCC is still only offering a ten year lease. A copy is to be forwarded to Mr Morgan to try and obtain a longer term.

11. Christmas Lights

Mr Titmarsh confirmed that the Doctor’s surgery is prepared to have lights on its building New lights and power supplies will cost £1000, Lamps and Tubes charges for installation and removal of all the lights at £1565 is within budget.

There are three businesses which have requested reimbursement of electricity costs.

Proposed by Mr Bantick and, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “the council will reimburse electricity charges to the businesses who request payment. If there is one display £15 two displays £20.”

Agreed.

Street lamp 131 which supplies power for the tree on St Martins Green is under repair.

2008/09 56
12. Report on the Stevenage Urban Transport Plan

Stevenage Borough Council had a workshop at the start of the development of its Urban Transport Plan. The document will be put on consultation during August 2009.

13. Freedom of Information

A compulsory new publication scheme must be adopted by 1 January 2009. A working party of Mr Gilmore Dr Fothergill l and the clerk is to prepare a document for the Parish council meeting.

14. Road Signs

Mr Titmarsh and Mr Bantick are to inspect the road signs in the village with Mr Atkinson of HCC to recommend removal of unnecessary signing.

15. Bank Mandate

The clerk is experiencing difficulty dealing with the bank because she is not a signatory. It was recommended that the clerk become a signatory with the proviso that a cheque would require three signatures, thus ensuring two councillor signatures are always required.

16. Any Other Business

16.1 NHDC Budget
NHDC is currently preparing its 2009/10 budget and has asked for comments. The PACIF funding is due to finish this year with no further provision. The Parish challenge fund remains unchanged.

16.2 Bins
Litter bin collection which does not come within the zone one area is on a four weekly cycle, unless the contractor is called to empty it. NHDC will install dog bins but will not fund the capital or ongoing costs. A bin costs £260 each with weekly costs of £1.30.

16.3 North Herts Homes Estate Meeting
Dr Fothergill is to walk the North Herts Homes area with a representative on 5 December.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.15 pm.

Village Hall - 12 November 2008

2008-11-12T19:30:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 12 November 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: None

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 10 September 2008, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Financial Review

Income for the six months is £10,635, 28% over budget. Expenditure at £11,837 is 14% under budget. No capital expenditure has been incurred.

4. Budget 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED “that the committee recommends an income of £20,150, revenue expenditure of £27,000 and no capital expenditure to the Parish Council. “

Agreed.

5. Heating

Link Up has recently complained about the hall being cold. Mr Handscomb is to be asked to record the temperature during a luncheon. Once this has been done the committee will consider any additional heating requirements.

6. Barre

The committee agreed that the two three metre ballet barres could be fixed to the main hall wall.

2008/09 53

7. Equipment

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, Seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that step ladders be purchased with a platform height of 2.9m with a cost up to £500.”

Agreed

8. Any Other Business

8.1 Meeting Dates
It was agreed to move the April meeting to 29 April 2009.

Planning - 10 November 2008

2008-11-10T19:00:00.000Z

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 10 November 2008 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
Mr John Hunt due to a prior commitment

In attendance: Mrs Carol Smith, Jane Gray (NHDC), 5 Members of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 15 October 2008 be approved.”

Agreed.

3. 08/02086/1HH 20 Stevenage Road, Knebworth

Two and single storey front extension, alterations to roof and creation of pitched roof to existing front window to create hipped roof dormer window. Two storey side extension (north elevation) with dormer window to front following demolition of single detached garage. Single storey side extension (south elevation) to provide gym, alterations to existing conservatory roof. Front porch.

The committee considers the application to be overdevelopment and not aligning with the street scene. It therefore OBJECTS

4. 08/02107/1 135 London Road, Knebworth

Demolition of existing retail units and office building and erection of two storey building with retail use at ground floor and offices above

The committee OBJECTS to the application due to no parking provision and the loss of a retail unit.

5. 08/02244/1HH 201 Park Lane, Knebworth

Single storey front extension and covered porch. Single and two storey side extension incorporating existing store/wc. Single and two storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/02787/1HH 89 London Road, Knebworth

Single storey front extension and two storey rear extension. Detached double garage

NO OBJECTIONS
2008/09 51

7. Naming Deards Wood Development

The developer has proposed Quinta Close and Greenways for the new development in Deards Wood. NHDC did not wish to consider a name which included ‘Deards’. It was agreed that Devey Close should be proposed; being a family name of John Smith who owned the Blacksmith shop in Station Road.

8. Proposed Registration of Land in Park Lane, Old Knebworth and Norton
Green

The Land Registry has an application to register title of the entrance to Knebworth Estate between the two lodges. The Council has title deeds to the war memorial land and needs to object by 18 November. The pond at Norton Green is also to be registered, part of which is owned by Stevenage Borough Council. The clerk is to submit a letter of objection and to copy the deed to Knebworth Estate

9. Any Other Business

9.1 Roadworks B656
Mrs Pateman reported that the B656 will be closed for repairs.

9.2 Litter Bins, Muirhead Way
A resident has complained that the bin at the end of Muirhead Way does not seem to be emptied and has also requested a dog bin. The clerk is to contact Mr Flack, NHDC, to obtain contractor information.

9.3 Wine Shop
The Wine Shop has had its licensed revoked for three months for selling alcohol to minors. The shop has been split in two with part being converted to a bathroom showroom for Lowes.

9.4 Footpath, Station Road
Mr Bantick wanted to thank Herts Highways for the improved footpath surfaces on Station Road. The Clerk is to write to Mr Jack.

9.5 Trees Woodstock
A resident has complained that a large conifer is reducing sight lines from the car park in Woodstock. The clerk is to contact Herts. Highways

9.6 73 Park Lane
The owners of 73 Park Lane have submitted a lawful development application for lawful use of the paddock as part of the grounds of the house. If approved it will result in the approval of the garage block already constructed.

9.7 Stevenage Development Plan
Stevenage Borough Council has put on deposit its Development Plan for comments by 19 December.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.00pm.

Recreation - 15 October 2008

2008-10-15T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
15 October 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Presland due to a prior committment

In Attendance: Mr James Borrie (KYFC), Mr Stuart Biddle (Kneb FC), Mr Bill Martin (KNOBS)

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Bantick

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 23 July 2008 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Football Clubs

The development plan was reviewed and updated. The Youth Football Club is increasing its membership and has three girl’s teams and will probably require the use of A1 on Sunday afternoon next year. The clubs are to install racking in the store for its portable goals and are to produce a layout for the committee. There was discussion on keys and the pitch condition

4. Female Football team

A request has been made to hire the A1 pitch on a Sunday afternoon.

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Titmarsh

RESOLVED “that the woman’s football team can hire the A1 pitch on Sunday afternoon on a trial basis at a cost of £45 per game.”

Agreed.

5. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

Letters have been received from both Tennis and Bowls Clubs agreeing to the terms of a new lease. Howe Roche Waller has returned all the paperwork due to the delay in agreement of the terms of the lease.

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Presland

RESOLVED “that a quote be obtained from Mr Morgan of Foreman Laws to prepare a draft lease and to proceed if under £1500.”

Agreed.

2008/09 48

Mr TItmarsh wished consideration be given to the sewerage costs included in standing charges which he felt should not be paid by the Parish Council

6. Financial Review

Capital expenditure of £354 relates to the purchase of two new litter bins.
Income at £479 for the quarter is 11% under budget No ‘donations’ have been received from the Tennis or Bowls Clubs. Income from the football clubs is in line with budget. The pavilion has been let out for a 5 aside tournament and for a NHDC play scheme during the summer holidays.
Expenditure at £18,485 is 1% under budget

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick

RESOLVED “ that £500 each be transferred from insurance and pavilion repairs and £1000 transferred to machinery repairs.

Agreed.

7. Budget 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman

RESOLVED that “income of £5,215, revenue expenditure of £57,585 and capital expenditure of £1,500 be recommended to the Parish Council.”

Unanimous.

8. Accident

A representative from Allianz Insurance has inspected the footpath and is minded to refuse the claim. It was recommended that the footpaths be inspected annually. It was agreed that the chairman and clerk should walk the paths and report back to the next recreation grounds committee meeting.

9. Youth Cafe

Messers Bantick and Titmarsh visited the Youth Café and gave positive feedback on the group. It hopes to open on Friday evenings once funding is secured and another paid assistant recruited. The committee agreed to continue supporting the group by providing the pavilion free of charge.

10. Trees

The trees around the groundsman’s store are starting to cover the roof. Some of the trees are in the gardens backing onto the recreation grounds. There are also three trees around the play area which require removing and the crown of a Robinia needs reducing.

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Presland to accept the quote from Robinsons to cut back the trees around the store at a cost of £500 and the remove the trees and reduce the Robinia at a cost of £800.”

Agreed.
The clerk is to contact residents affected by the trees to be cut back and request a contribution towards the work.

2008/09 49
Proposed by Ms Smith, second by Mr Hunt

RESOLVED “that £800 is transferred from the floor fund to meet the cost of the tree work.”

Agreed.

11. Play Equipment

The combat cableway has not been repaired. Wicksteed removed the spring from the design because they kept breaking but will supply one if requested. However they will not guarantee it. ROSPA has stated that Wicksteed should provide a working solution. The clerk is to write to Wicksteed regarding a solution which will comply with EN1176.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Barrier entrance
Mr Harris is to be asked to remove the remains of the concrete post at the entrance to the recreation grounds.

12.2 Pond
Mr Hunt requested that the groundsman be asked to remove the rubbish from the pond.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.

Planning - 15 October 2008

2008-10-15T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Wednesday 15 October 2008 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments

In attendance: Mrs Carol Smith

1. Declaration of Interests

Mr Bantick declared that he had a non pecuniary interest in the Knebworth Estate application.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 24 September 2008 be approved.”

Agreed.

3. 08/01915/1 Ground floor R/O 121 London Road, Knebworth

Change of use of office (B1) to Clinic treatment rooms (D1)

NO OBJECTIONS.

4. 08/01871/1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth

Single and two storey extension following demolition of existing garage and conservatory

NO OBJECTIONS.

5. 08/05184/1LB Knebworth House, Knebworth Park, Old Knebworth

Restoration of east and north garden balustrades

NO OBJECTIONS.

6. Any Other Business

6.1 Mulberry Cottages
The cottage is listed and in a conservation area and the garage doors have been changed to a window. The clerk is to contact Ms Marten, NHDC, regarding compliance.

2008/09 46

6.2 Shrubs, Stevenage Road
Mr Hunt reported that the branches overhanging the footpath in Stevenage Road have been cut back.

6.3 Overgrown Gateways
The clerk is to report to HCC that the gateways are completely overgrown.

6.4 Footpath Westland Road
A resident has written to HCC regarding the lack of lighting of the footpath. Since the footpath is not a right of way and the title is unknown HCC will not install lighting.

6.5 Supplementary Planning Funds
Mrs Caldwell, NHDC, has confirmed that money has been received from developers in Knebworth and has been set aside. NHDC committee will determine how the money is allocated.

6.6 Green Space Strategy
NHDC is formulating a green space strategy to feed into the Green Integrated Plan (GIP)
Consultants have been employed to identify existing green space so that shortfalls, in both provision and linkages, can be improved through the LDF.

6.7 Stevenage Urban Transport Plan
Consultants have been employed to prepare a transport plan for Stevenage. The clerk is to attend a presentation on 5 November.

6.8 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting is to be held on 10 November and not 17th.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.29pm.

Parish Council - 1 October 2008

2008-10-01T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
1 October 2008 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Hunt has a prior engagement
Ms Smith is on holiday

In attendance: Inspector Taybert and PC Harding

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest

2. Police

PC Harding reported that there had been 81 recorded crimes from July to date compared with 87 in the same period last year. Twenty of the crimes were thefts from the Coop and an arrest has been made. There were three burglaries and good progress had been made. There were seven thefts from motor vehicles.
Inspector Taybert is to introduce methods of recording abstraction rates for PC’s so that the time spent on their rural area is easier to obtain. Abstraction rates should be no more than 20%. The rural team has Kate Hill, a problem solver and PCSO Sinclair.

3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 9 July 2008, be approved and signed.

Unanimously agreed.

4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 23 July 2008.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on the 21 July 18 August & 8 September 2008.

2008/09 42

5. Website

Mr Haigh has made some adjustments. It was suggested that a synopsis of the minutes might be useful. It was agreed that the chairman’s monthly Parish News report would highlight salient points and this would be included on the website.

6. HCC Lease

No response has been received from Lambert Smith Hampton regarding the Parish Council’s comments to the heads of terms of reference. A meeting is to be arranged with a LSH representative and Mr Morgan once he has returned from his holiday.

7. Effectiveness of the Internal Audit

Mr Titmarsh and the clerk are to review the system of internal audit and report back to the next parish council meeting.

8. Allowances

Mr Gilmore reported that Parish Council allowances must be set by an independent panel, which would need information from councillors to reach an annual figure. A basic allowance is awarded to councillors with the chairman receiving more. There are a number of arguments for and against allowances. The allowance could be used to cover costs of mileage, telephone calls, printing costs etc. Currently of the 33 parishes in North Herts no one pays allowances at the moment. There were differing views on allowances and the chairman recommended that councillors review the proposal and it will be discussed at the next meeting.

9. Parking Initiative

The group has decided to issue a simple questionnaire to decide if residents are serious about trying to resolve the parking problems with a holistic approach, which will cost money with parking permits, restricted parking etc. The solution might cost residents £100 per annum to park their car. If there is negative response the parking group will close. Alternatively a professional survey could be commissioned at a cost of £30,000. Questionnaires will be delivered at the beginning of November and returned by 23 November. The Council agreed to pay the printing costs.

10. Straw Polls

Mr Gilmore raised his concerns over the use of straw polls to make decisions and considered that the voting procedures had been misused. It was recommended that straw polls might be used to produce a proposal but there should be no debate on a proposal once it had been made.
HAPTC had been contacted and advised that they were a useful tool to gauge opinion and should not be included in Standing Orders.

2008/09 43
11. Parish Update

The next Parish Council update is to be delivered in November with the parking questionnaire. Delivery costs are to be saved with councillors and residents distributing them.

12. Knebworth Clean Up Campaign

Mrs Green from Welwyn has been running a clean up group in Welwyn which comprises volunteers who meet once a month and target specific areas. Serco, the waste contractor is contacted and collects the bagged rubbish free of charge. Mrs Culley of the WI has recently organised a clean up and is willing to coordinate a similar group in Knebworth. The Parish Council agreed to purchase necessary equipment to support such a group. The clerk is to contact NDHC to ensure that its contractor will remove the rubbish.

Mrs Brookes has a group of people who wish to pursue removing the use of plastic bags in Knebworth and has requested the Council’s support.

13. Villager of the Year

Mr Bantick wished the council to consider introducing an award for Villager of the Year in recognition of people’s contribution to the village. The ceremony would comprise of a gathering of leading lights of the groups in the village to say thank you for what they have done.

14. CPRE

It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Haigh and

RESOLVED “that the Council should subscribe to CPRE for another year. The funds being taken from s137 allowance.”

Unanimously agreed.

15. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 3 2008/09 be approved.

Unanimously agreed.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 August 2008

2008/09 44

16. Any Other Urgent Business

16.1 Dog Fouling
Mr Haigh reported that dog fouling on the pavements has increased. The dogs, or their owners, need to be reported to the dog warden. Alternatively if the offence occurs at a known time the dog warden can be informed and will visit the area.

16.2 Hedge, Stockens Green
The clerk is to contact Herts Highways regarding the hedges which are overhanging the footpaths in Stockens Green.

16.3 Blenheim Reality
The developer has been contacting residents around the village to try to obtain gardens for development. Mrs Presland is concerned about 19 Stockens Green which has been empty for a while. This is part of the conservation area and development should not be permitted.

16.4 Lytton Fields Deanscroft
Mr Hall reported that significant work is being undertaken on a property which was given to NDHC specifically for disabled residents. He wished the council to remind North Herts Homes of the condition. Mr Smith stated that the NHH is aware.

16.5 Planning
Mr Gilmore asked if the new regulations could be reviewed. It has been suggested that there will be 25% fewer planning applications because of the new rules.

16.6 Christmas Lights
Mr Titmarsh confirmed than the surgery is willing to have lights on the building. The landlord wishes the insurance position to be clarified.

16.7 Gateway
The gateway has not been repaired and is unlikely to be in the near future due to lack of funds.

16.8 Finance Training Session
Mr Titmarsh reported that he had attended a finance training session and wanted to report that he considered Knebworth to be a good council in the way it manages its affairs.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.

Planning - 24 September 2008

2008-09-24T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Wednesday 24 September 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments

In attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
1 member of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

Ms Smith declared that she had a non pecuniary interest in 15 Deards Wood

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 8 September 2008 be approved.”

Agreed.

3. 08/1476/1HH 15 Deards Wood, Knebworth

Two storey front and rear extensions to western elevation. Single storey rear and side extension. Two storey flat roof glazed front entrance lobby

The committee discussed the proposed plans. There was a view that the building is already prominent and the application would not increase its dominance and there is a design mix of dwellings in the road. The majority of the committee had NO OBJECTIONS.

4. 08/01145/1HH 5 Swangleys Lane, Knebworth

Proposed two storey and first floor side extension. Single storey rear extension. Rear roof with steel balustrade and timber side screen panel. Front porch and addition of pitched roof to existing flat roof front projection

NO OBJECTIONS.

5. 08/01910/1HH 7a Stockens Green, Knebworth

Single storey front extension following demolition of existing porch and dining room extension. Single storey side extension following demolition of existing car port

NO OBJECTIONS.

2008/09 40

6. 08/01912/1AD 121 and Ground Floor Office, R/o121 London Road,
Knebworth

Advertisement consent: Non-illuminated sign on north west elevation and non-illuminated hanging sign to front elevation (121 London Road). 3 non-illuminated fascia signs above shutter enclosures (ground floor, rear of 121 London Road).

NO OBJECTIONS.

7. 08/02016/1HH 4 Oakfields Avenue, Knebworth

Single storey side extension following demolition of existing single storey rear extension and conservatory

NO OBJECTIONS.

8. Any Other Business

8.1 Footpath Station Road
Mr Smith requested that the footpath be cleared adjacent to the railway bridge. The clerk it so contact FCC.

8.2 Lights, Station Car Park
Mr Bantick reported that he had spoken with the attendant and the position of the lights has been adjusted.

8.3 Development - Watton Road, Oakfields Avenue, London Road and Hornbeam Spring
A real estate company has approached Knebworth residents with a proposition to develop part of their and their neighbours’ gardens. There is also a suggestion that the garages at Hornbeam Spring might be redeveloped.

8.4 Footpath, Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman requested that the footpath on Old Knebworth Lane be cleared. The clerk is to contact HCC.

8.5 Roadworks Gun Lane
HCC has postponed the road works on Gun Lane. The work will be part of a larger scheme next year.

8.6 Newton Woods, Three Valleys Water
Three Valleys is to replace a flow meter at Newton Woods. This is part of an SSSI and this is to be highlighted to Three Valleys Water.

8.7 Planning Regulations
Dr Fothergill distributed a newspaper article on the new planning regulations which come into effect from 1 October.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.50 pm

Finance and General Purposes - 10 September 2008

2008-09-10T20:10:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 10 September 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.10 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, and the Clerk

Apologies: Ms Smith due to a prior engagement

1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 18 June 2008, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

The first half of the precept was received in April and the second on 8 September. Interest for the quarter although over budget has decreased due to reduced reserves. Expenditure at £10400 is 29% under budget due to no spending from the contingent fund or additional wage costs. The Festival account has now been closed with all funds transferred to the Festival Committee, which is now a registered charity.

The council income overall at £56118 exceeded budget for the quarter. Expenditure of £39320 was 3% under total budgeted expenditure. The council held £103,137 cash funds at the end of June with debtors and creditors balancing each other.

4. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

£80,000 is on deposit until 18 September at 3.5%. This will increase to £100,000 with the receipt of the second half of the precept.

5. Report on Parish Damage

The youth shelter has been vandalised with the radio being ripped out and graffiti painted and scratched onto the panels. There has been some damage at the pavilion on youth club nights with a door restraint being broken and a shutter coming out of its housing. The girls who caused the trouble have had their ASBO’s extended to cover North Herts.

6. Website

Mr Haigh has put some information on the website. There was discussion about content and this has to be clarified. It is proposed to have a search facility within the website.

2008/09 36
7. Footpath Lighting

There has been a request for lighting on the footpath from Pondcroft Road to Stevenage Road. Herts Highways has a quote for £8400 of which it will contribute 50%. NHDC has confirmed a grant of £3200 and has suggested that the Parish Council should contribute £1000. Footpath lighting is the responsibility of Herts County Council and not the Parish Council and there was a strong feeling that NHDC should not dictate how the Parish council spends its money. The clerk is to write to Cllr Bardett confirming that the Parish Council is unable to contribute to the cost.

8. Councillors’ Expenses and Allowances

Dr Fothergill and Mr Gilmore presented a paper for consideration on the pros and cons of councillors’ allowances and expenses. Information is to be sought from the Parish Remuneration Committee of the District Council and is to be discussed further at the Parish Council meeting. Any implementation of allowances would not be before April 2009.

9. Milestone

Herts Highways have provided a quote for the work of £590 and a cheque has been raised by the Parish Council to permit an order to be placed.

10. HCC Lease

Lambert Smith Hampton, HCC’s solicitors, has written with proposed heads of terms of a new lease. It proposes a 10 year lease with no parking, a rent of £150 per annum and a break clause with one year’s notice. The clerk has written requesting a 28 year lease and discussed at previous meetings, permission to park and the inclusion of the existing break clause which requires two years notice not be invoked for five years. A response has not yet been received.

11. Christmas Lights

Mr Titmarsh and Mr Hall have surveyed the brackets and power supplies. Rainbow Dry Cleaners has agreed to take the supply previously provided by Putterills. Mr Titmarsh is to seek approval from the practice manager at the surgery to install lights on the building.
Lamps and Tube has quoted £1565 to install lights. The clerk is to obtain a comparable quote from Mr Wright.

12. Books

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED that “the Parish Council purchase six copies of the Parish Councillor Guide at £14.50 each and one copy of the Councillor at £12.50 each to be used as reference books by the parish council and committee chairmen.”

Agreed.

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that”the Parish Council purchase Governance and Accountability for Local Councils at £20.00, Local Council Finance at £11.60 and Update to clerk’s manual at £17.00.

Agreed.

2008/09 37
13. Highway Repairs

Herts Highways has received a significant injection of funds. It is proposed to resurface the northern footpath of Station Road.

14. Parking

The Parking Initiative Group has met and a sub group plans to produce a questionnaire for distribution to the parish to help with forward thinking. Mr Hague Moss is to be asked to assist in the matter. The questionnaire is to be distributed either via the Parish News or the Parish Update. Henry Cobbold has agreed to put an electronic version on the net.

A professional survey may be sought but would cost approximately £30,000. The possible use of the field at Park Lane was mentioned and a request made to make Gipsy Lane one way southbound should it be taken forward.

15. Grant Applications

A grant application has been made to the Parish and enhancement Fund for £1300 for litter picking and two bins. The clerk is trying to obtain quotes to upgrade the gents’ toilets in the village hall but the builders are not forthcoming with the written quotes.

16. War Memorial

Dr Fothergill is to repaint the chain and posts. There is to be a joint Remembrance service with the family of churches. Mr Starkey has maintained the area well.

17 Computer

The clerk’s computer has broken down on several occasions this year and the council has spent £600 on repairs. There was a proposal to purchase a cheap second computer as a back up. The committee were informed that the hard drive needs to be used on a regular basis otherwise they tend to fail more readily. Mr Haigh suggested a Dell computer with a 24/7 warranty which ensures that there is a computer available on the next working day. Specifications and prices are to be obtained for the parish council meeting.

18. Any Other Business

18.1 Notice board
Dr Fothergill reported that he had received a complaint about the condition of the notice board on Station Road. He requested that the woodwork is painted, the baize and glazing replaced.

18.2 Parish Damage
The gateway at the north west side of Stevenage Road has not been repaired. The clerk is to contact Herts. highways.

18.3 Stockens Green/ Stockens Dell
Dr Fothergill reported that a contractor has used weed killer on the verge creating a 30 yard zig zag pattern. The clerk is to report the vandalism to NDHC.

18.4 Dog Bins
Mr Titmarsh requested that a dog bin be installed on the footpath from Gun Road Gardens to Cherry Close. The clerk is to contact NHDC.

2008/09 38

18.5 Supplementary Planning Obligations
The clerk is to write to NHDC for information on monies received under the supplementary planning obligations for Knebworth.

18.6 Lights, The Station
Mr Titmarsh complained about the new lights installed on the Station building are too bright. Other councillors did not consider them to be a problem.

18.7 Litter Bin, Railway Bridge
Mr Hall reported that the paving slab has been replaced under the litter bin next to the bridge.

18.8 Bin
Mr Titmarsh has received a request for a bin to be installed on the bridleway starting at the corner of Oakfield’s Avenue. The clerk is to pass on the request o NHDC.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.10 pm.

Village Hall - 10 September 2008

2008-09-10T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 10 September 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: None

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Hall and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 18 June 2008, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Financial Review

Income for the first quarter is £5124, 19% over budget. Expenditure at £7661 is 19% under budget. No capital expenditure has been incurred.

4. Fire Exit

The single door from the committee room is often left locked when the room is occupied. This contravenes fire regulations. Alternative solutions to a dead lock were discussed but it was agreed that the lock would be removed to ensure it remains open.

5. Weekend Hire

The hall bookings have increased this year and there is often more than one booking over a weekend. It is necessary for someone to ensure that the floor is clean for the next hire. This is not part of the caretaker’s contract and the clerk has been undertaking the role where necessary. However it can take between one and two hours to ensure the hall is ready for the next hirer. Unless an alternative solution is found the clerk is unable to take more than one booking at the weekend.

The committee recommended employing a weekend cleaner. This would be an ad hoc service. The clerk is to contact Woolmer Green Parish Council which employs a weekend cleaner for its hall. Mrs Presland is aware of a cleaning agency which might be able take on the role.

6. Disabled Ramp

The clerk is still trying to obtain further quotes for a grant application. A suggestion from one contractor proposed the steps stay in their current location and the ramp is brought straight out central to the platform. One and a half car parking spaces would still be lost but the
2008/09 34

ramp would not interfere with the gas main or the drains. The committee did not approve or reject the proposal.

7. Equipment

The committee requested a quote for a chair transporter to carry 8-10 chairs rather than 4.

8. Any Other Business

8.1 RAG Weekend Hire
The committee agreed that the hall should not be let to students, wishing to use it for a sleepover prior to visiting Stevenage as part of a RAG weekend.

8.2 Premises Supervisor
Mr TItmarsh informed the committee that there are changes proposed regarding the requirement for an individual to be responsible for the license of a village hall. The clerk is currently the designated premises supervisor

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.07pm

Planning - 8 September 2008

2008-09-08T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 8 September 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Ms Elisabeth Smith Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh and Mr John Hunt due to work commitments

Absent Mrs Rosemary Pateman

In attendance: Mrs Jane Gray (NHDC)
3 members of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

Ms Smith declared that she had a non pecuniary interest in 15 Deards Wood
Dr Fothergill declared that he had a non pecuniary interest in 33 Stockens Green .

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 18 August 2008 be approved.”

Agreed.

3. 08/1476/1HH 15 Deards Wood, Knebworth

Two storey front and rear extensions to western elevation. Single storey rear and side extension. Two storey flat roof glazed front entrance lobby

The committee considered the render and timber cladding to be out of character with the immediate surrounding properties. The location of the dwelling is in a prominent location in the road and would have a significant impact on its surroundings. The large glazed double height lobby is not in keeping. The front extension appears to be forward of the building line. The committee therefore OBJECTS. Following the vote the chairman noted that the meeting was not quorate for this application and recommended that a final decision be taken at the next planning meeting.

4. 08/01850/1HH 32 Pondcroft Road, Knebworth

Rear flat roofed dormer window

NO OBJECTIONS

5. 08/01663/1HH 33 Stockens Green, Knebworth

Single storey front/side extension

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/01069/1HH Havant, Gipsy Lane, Knebworth

Rear conservatory and garden shed

NO OBJECTIONS

7. 08/01372/1LB 53 Park Lane, Knebworth

New windows and steel flue to south elevation, door canopy to west elevation and minor alterations

The committee had NO OBJECTIONS to the revised plans.

8. Any Other Business

8.1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth
Dr Fothergill reported that the owner had not yet confirmed that the paddock had been part of the garden for the appropriate period of time and was surprised that work was continuing on the garage. He believed that there was a holding enforcement notice on the development.

8.2 Delicatessen, Station Road
Herts Letting in Station Road is being converted to a delicatessen, selling sushi and other cold food. It is planned to stay open until 7.00pm. The property previously had retail usage.

8.3 Roadworks, Gun Lane
The clerk is to contact Mr Jack regarding the proposed work on Gun Lane which is already two months overdue.

8.4 Deards End Lane, Conservation Area
Dr Fothergill handed out the advertisement of the adopted schedule for Deards End Lane conservation area.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm

Planning - 18 August 2008

2008-08-18T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 18 August 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: None

In attendance: 4 members of the public

1. Declaration of Interests

Ms Smith declared that she had a non pecuniary interest in 15 Deards Wood and 58 London Road.
Mr Haigh declared that he had a non pecuniary interest in 15 Pondcroft Road.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 21 July 2008 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

3. 08/01433/1HH 5 Deards End Lane, Knebworth

Two storey side/rear extension and attached single storey rear extension

The applicant has worked closely with the conservation officer and architect to ensure an appropriate design. A neighbour has objected to the proximity to the boundary of the side extension and the location of a side window. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS subject to the obscure glass being installed in the side window.

4. 08/00858/1HH 15 Pondcroft Road, Knebworth

Change of existing rear and side hipped roofs to form gable ends to rear and side elevations. Rear conservatory

The committee considered the change of roof line to form a gable end was out of keeping with its neighbouring semi. The rear third storey window will also overlook the neighbour’s garden. The committee therefore OBJECTS.

5. 08/01372/1LB 53 Park Lane, Knebworth

New windows and steel flue to south elevation, door canopy to west elevation and minor alterations

The committee had concerns over the size of the proposed windows and requested further information on the lead canopy before passing comment. It therefore OBJECTS.

6. 08/01319/1HH 54 Kerr Close, Knebworth

Front porch and rear conservatory

NO OBJECTIONS

7. 08/01655/1HH 58 London Road, Knebworth

Two storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

8. 08/01704/1HH 32 Gun Road Gardens, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension

Clarification was requested on the location of the guttering on the party wall. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS

9. 08/00960/1HH 15 Deards Wood, Knebworth

The proposal for refurbishment is significant and full size plans had not been received. It was agreed to hold over the decision until the next meeting.

10. Any Other Business

10.1 Post Offices
Mrs Pateman requested that the council give its support to Whitwell and St Ippolytts Post Office campaigns to remain open. Both are used by people living within the parish. The clerk is to write in support of the post offices remaining open.

10.2 38 Stockens Green Hedge
The hedge has been cut back at 38 Stockens Green

10.3 Gun Lane Repairs
The work to repair Gun Lane is overdue. The clerk is to obtain up to date information.

10.4 Mansell Farm Heli-pad
It was noted Mansell Farm has applied to install four helipads in a filed.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm

Recreation - 23 July 2008

2008-07-23T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
23 July 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Presland due to a prior committment

In Attendance: Mr Osborne, Mr Playle and Mr Welham (Knebworth Bowls Club)

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith

RESOLVED “that subject to Mrs Smith being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2008 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Income at £479 for the quarter is 11% under budget. Expenditure at £18,485 is 1% under budget. Capital expenditure of £354 relates to the purchase of two new litter bins.

4. Knebworth Bowls Club

Mr Playle stated although the Bowls Club did not need a new lease at present it did not want the Tennis Club to suffer. The club currently has a membership of 50 of which 29 are Knebworth residents

The committee and the Bowls Club agreed terms of the new lease:
1. A rent of £300 per annum is acceptable subject to an offset of the water standing charge.
2. No break clause.
3. The club would be responsible for notifying the Parish Council of contractors it wishes to use in the recreation grounds. The Council would have a right to veto, which may be necessary on Health and Safety grounds.
4. The Bowls Club would contribute £375 towards the cost of a new lease.
5. The Bowls Club agreed to be equally responsible with the Parish Council and the Tennis Club for the maintenance of the water pipe from the main water meter in the footpath from Stevenage Road to the dual meters currently situated in the Tennis courts.
6. The lease is to be reviewed every seven years with increases in line with RPI.

5. ROSPA Report

The clerk is arranging general repairs to equipment. The youth shelter is to have anti climb paint on the roof. The clerk has written to Wicksteed regarding the non compliance with EN1176 of the Combat Cableway. A response has not been received.

Mrs Smith reported that rats have returned to Lytton Fields. The clerk is to contact John Connor’s.

6. Accident

A letter has been received from a Mrs Brown regarding a fall in the recreation grounds. It has been passed to the insurance company.

The clerk is to write to the Tennis Club regarding the paving slab footpath between the tennis courts, which has a number of trip factors.

7. Football Clubs

Knebworth FC has requested use of the showers on a training evening. It was agreed that a charge of £10 per evening would be made. A meeting is to be arranged with the football clubs at the beginning of the season.

8. Youth Cafe

The café is quite successful and plans to open for two nights a week during the summer. Mrs Brookes has asked the Parish Council to consider financially supporting the café. It has no funding in the current budget but is to be discussed at the next budget round. The Village Trust is supportive of the project and might provide additional funding.

9. Litter Bins

The broken phoenix bin can be repaired for £100 which is more than 50% of the cost of a replacement bin. The committee agreed that the type of bin is to be reviewed but the phoenix metal bin would no longer be purchased.

10. Bicycle Rack

The chairman and clerk have reviewed sites for locating bicycle racks in the recreation grounds and suggested only one site adjacent to the pavilion. The committee decided that there were sufficient places to secure bicycles in the recreation grounds and did not intend to pursue this item further.

11. Parish Enhancement and Cleansing Fund

A grant application is to be made for £1300 for litter picking the recreation ground over the summer months together with the cost of two bins.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Anti Social Behaviour
Youths are still congregating in the recreation grounds, with glass being found in the under 5’s area, although there was not much noise. The police are being notified of any damage which might arise.

12.2 King George Vth Playing Fields
Mrs Pateman would like to thank the groundsman for cutting KGV leaving the meadow and border.

12.3 Holiday Cover, litter picking
Ms Smith and Mrs Pateman agreed to undertake litter picking duties whilst the groundsman is on holiday.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

Planning - 21 July 2008

2008-07-21T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 21 July 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to holidays
Mr Robin Smith due to work commitments

1. Declaration of Interests

Ms Smith declared that she had a pecuniary interest in the application for 16 Oakfields Road.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 16 June 2008 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

3. 08/01009/1HH The Old Rectory, Old Knebworth, Knebworth

Two storey pitched roof extension between garage and dwelling, incorporating part tiled/part flat lead roof, entrance hall, pitched roof porch and chimney stack to front elevation.

The committee considered the application, which is in green belt and conservation area, and agreed that it was overdevelopment. There was also a query regarding parking provision for the guests visiting the house. The committee OBJECTS.

4. 08/00884/1HH Hazel Elm, 59 Park Lane, Knebworth

Two and single storey side extension

The committee wished to ensure that the building materials matched the existing but had NO OBJECTIONS

5. 08/00960/1HH 6 Crabtree Road, Knebworth

Two storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/01247/1HH 2 Stobarts Close, Knebworth

Proposed single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

7. 08/01307/1HH 16 Oakfields Road, Knebworth

Single storey Front, Side & Rear Extensions Following Demolition of Existing Rear Extension

NO OBJECTIONS

8. 08/01134/1AD 128 London Road, Knebworth

Retention of externally illuminated fascia sign and two non-illuminated internal window signs.

NO OBJECTIONS

9. 08/01143/1HH 5 Swangleys Lane, Knebworth

Two storey and first floor side extension. Single storey rear extension. Two pitched roof dormer windows to rear elevation. Rear roof balcony with steel balustrade. Front balcony and pitched roof to existing flat roof front projection

The committee considered the proposed application to be overdevelopment and out of character with the area, with insufficient parking provision. It therefore OBJECTS.

10. 08/1130/1HH 5 Gun Road Gardens, Knebworth

Erection of shed in rear garden

NO OBJECTIONS

11. 08/01453/1HH 6 Stobarts Close, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension

NO OBJECTIONS

12. Review of Meeting Dates

It was agreed that the September meeting would be moved to 8 September.

13. Any Other Business

13.1 Police Meeting
Mr Hunt informed the committee that a community police meeting is to be held on 22 July at 7.30pm. Ms Smith said that she would attend.

13.2 Shrubs, Stevenage Road
Mr Hunt reported that the shrubs on Stevenage Road from New Close to Peters Way are overhanging the footpath. The clerk is to contact Herts. highways.

13.3 Northern Gateway
Mr Hunt reported that a pillar has been knocked over on the northern gateway. The clerk is to contact Herts. Highways.

13.4 Highways Access from Meadows
Mrs Pateman confirmed that a planning application is not required for a new access into a meadow from a non classified road.

13.5 Norton Green
Mrs Pateman reported that Stevenage Borough Council has erected a sign with by-laws relating to the green in Knebworth Parish rather than Stevenage Borough. The Parish Council had not been notified about the sign.

13.6 Benches
Mr Bantick stated that a number of benches around the village require refurbishment. A list is to be prepared.

13.7 Lower Court, 3 Houses Lane
The owner has lodged an appeal for the music room.

13.8 Hedge, 38 Stockens Green
Dr Fothergill reported that the hedge is overgrowing the footpath. The clerk is to notify Herts. Highways.

13.9 7 Gun Road Gardens
A shed has been erected in the front garden of 7 Gun Road Gardens. This is in a conservation area and no planning application has been received. The clerk is to contact NHDC.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm

Village Hall - 18 June 2008

2008-07-18T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 18 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: None

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 16 April 2008, be approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3 Toilet and Lobby Area Upgrade

Proposals to improve the lobby area were discussed: replacement gents’ toilet, wash basin with new cubicle panel, flooring, replaster walls, new water and room heaters
and new flooring for. The upgrading of the disabled toilet was discussed and further information is to be sought. Sufficient quotes are to be obtained to make an application to the NHDC Parish Challenge Fund.

4. Disabled Ramp

The feasibility and location of a disabled ramp and steps to the annexe were discussed. A quote has been obtained for a concrete ramp and alternatives were suggested. A ramp would result in the loss of 1 and possibly two parking spaces. Another quote is to be obtained.

5. Floor Maintenance

A quote had been received from R Gerrard & Son to sand and repolish the main hall floor with one or two coats of polish. A quote is to be obtained to repolish the small hall.

Propose by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED that “the quote of £1600 from R Gerrard and Son to lay two coats of polish be accepted.”

Agreed.

6. Any Other Business

6.1 Pushchair
The clerk is to arrange for the pushchair to be removed from the lobby.

6.2 Chair Lifter
The clerk is to obtain a quote for a chair lifter.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.07pm

Parish Council - 9 July 2008

2008-07-09T20:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
9 July 2008 in the COMMITTTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Gilmore, Mr Haigh and Mr Hall were on holiday

1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is chairman of Knebworth Tennis Club.

2. Approval of Parish Council Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 14 May 2008, be approved and signed.

Unanimously agreed.

3. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 4 June 2008.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on the 18 June 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on the 18 June 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on the 19 May & 16 June 2008

Due to the problems with the computer minutes of committees were not available for the council. They will be distributed as soon as it is in working order.

4. Bowls & Tennis Club Leases

The Council agreed the terms discussed with the Tennis Club. The Bowls Club had been contacted to seek its acceptance of joint liability for the mains supply with the Parish Council and the Tennis Club. Members of the Bowls Club are to be invited to the next Recreation Grounds Committee meeting.

5. HCC Lease

HCC is offering a ten year lease with a break clause, with possibly a six month notice period. The Council consider this to be too short and effectively only a six month lease. A 28 year lease with a break clause based on the existing lease is to be requested together with an explanation for the proposal of such a short lease. The clerk is to write to instruct the solicitor accordingly.

6. Approval of Year end Accounts and Annual Return

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “the year end accounts for the year ended 31 March 2008 with reserves of £87,818 be approved. “

Agreed.

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “the statement of account on the Annual Return be approved.”

Agreed.

7. Annual Governance Statement

The questions on the annual governance statement were reviewed and approved.

Proposed by Ms Smith, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “the annual governance statement be approved.”

Agreed.

8. Straw Polls

A paper tabled by Mr Gilmore was circulated. HAPTC’s view is that straw polls are a useful gauge of opinion and should not be included in Standing Orders. The matter is to be discussed further when Mr Gilmore is in attendance.

9. Milestone

Mr Jack of Herts. Highways ahs confirmed that the shortfall in funds required to renovate the milestone will be met by HCC. It was agreed that the clerk will raise a cheque for £550.00 made payable to Herts. Highways to ensure that the contract is placed for the work.

10. Banking Arrangements

The clerk is to arrange for the chairman and committee chairmen to sign the individual mandates. Not enough forms had been sent by Barclays Bank. The clerk is not to be a signatory but is to obtain a mandate to discuss the council’s bank accounts with Barclays.

The Council also discussed the possibility of obtaining a Council credit card. There would be charges associated with the card and also some control would be lost with only one signatory required to use the card. The Council therefore agreed not to obtain a credit card.

11. Removal of BT Telephone Boxes

Bt proposed to close the telephone boxes at Stockens Green and Old Knebworth, the latter was vandalised a month ago. Mrs Presland living near the Stockens Green box reported that it is used daily and the council should request that it stays. It was agreed that the clerk would try to obtain a usage report for the Stockens Green box.

12. Bennington Wind Farm

There is a proposal to site three wind turbines in Bennington, which will be visible at the top of Stevenage Road and from Old Knebworth. There is a strong campaign against the proposal but the Council agreed that it would not object.

13. Accounts for Payment

It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 2 2008/09 be approved.

Unanimously agreed.

Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 May 2008

14. Any Other Urgent Business

14.1 Post Office Closures
A list of the reposed post offices to be closed is to be found on the HCC website. There are no proposals to close the Knebworth Post Office.

14.2 Mardley Hill Residents Association
A letter form the residents association complained about the traffic in the High Street and wanted to know what action the Parish Council is taking to resolve the problem. The clerk is to inform the association about the holistic approach being taken to traffic problems in Knebworth.

14.3 East of England Plan
Dr Fothergill reported on the proposals to build over 21000 dwellings in North Herts. to 2021 of which 9,600 and 5,500 relating to the expansion of Stevenage and Luton respectively. Should the 21300 units be built it will increase the housing stock in North Herts. by 40% from the 2001 figure. Traffic and sewerage are problems to be resolved.

14.4 Planning
Mr Titmarsh requested:
• that NHDC make it a condition of a planning application for the workers vans to park on site.
• To obtain information on the regulations governing the location and length of time scaffolding may be erected on a footpath.

14.5 Parking, St Martins Road Car Park
Mr Titmarsh wished to clarify the parking in St Martins Road Car Park. Currently there is no parking beyond 24 hours. It was suggested that this should be reduced to 2 or 4 hours to prevent residents of 123 London Road using it as an overflow car park.

14.6 Computer
Mr Titmarsh recommends that a second CPU might be purchased to ensure continuity since the current computer has crashed twice in recent months. The clerk is to obtain quotes for an appropriate unit and software.

14.7 Mobile Phone
It was suggested that a mobile phone be purchased for use by the clerk for council business. The chairman and clerk are to discuss the matter further.

14.8 Pot Holes
Mr Bantick informed the council that a list of potholes in the parish had been filled. Another Parish Council had taken digital photographs of potholes to ensure all were filled properly.

14.9 Woolmer Green Village of the Year Award
Mr Bantick has been invited to Woolmer Green Parish Council’s celebration of becoming village of the year.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 09.40 p.m.

Planning - 16 June 2008

2008-06-16T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 16 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr Richard Haigh,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith,
Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr John Bantick due to a NHDC conference

In Attendance: Mr Ian Gilmore
District Councillor Jane Gray

1. Declaration of Interests

Mrs Pateman declared that she had a pecuniary interest in the application for Burleigh Farm.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Smith and seconded by Dr Fothergill and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 19 May 2008 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

4. 08/00944/1HH 4 Oakfields Avenue, Knebworth

Two storey side extension and associated loft conversion

Objections from a neighbour are that the application would set a precedent with the side extension which will be close to the boundary and result in loss of light. The proposed two storey side extension is less than one metre from the boundary which is contrary to policy 28. The committee therefore OBJECTS.

5. 08/00643/1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth

Two storey and three storey side extension following demolition of existing garage. Single storey front extension and porch

A recent application for lawful development has been refused due to the location of the garage in the paddock. This is a large extension on a house which has already been significantly increased in size. The plot is also in Green Belt. The committee OBJECTS to the overdevelopment in Green Belt.

6. 08/00960/1 Park Lodge Cottage, Park Lane, Knebworth

Detached four bedroom dwelling following demolition of existing three bedroom chalet bungalow

The proposed replacement dwelling is 22% larger than the original building. The committee OBJECTS to the applicants on the grounds of overdevelopment in Green Belt.

7. 08/00954/1LB Burleigh Farm, Hitchin Road, Codicote

Repair barn roof fitting permeable felt prior to replacing existing and reclaimed tiles

NO OBJECTIONS

8. 08/00963/1HH 46 Stevenage Road, Knebworth

Two and single storey side extension. Pitched roof canopy to front elevation. Lantern rooflight to existing single storey rear extension

The extension protrudes 2m in front of the building line and the committee therefore OBJECTS.

9. 08/00864/1HH 1 Deards Wood, Knebworth

Retention of 1.1m high fencing with 0.6m high trellis work above to front and side boundary

NO OBJECTIONS

10. Footpath 15

Part of footpath 15 which runs through the garden of Manor House Farm was obstructed and it appears that a tennis court has been built on part of the footpath. The clerk informed HCC Rights of Way and the path is now clear. The clerk is to confirm that planning permission was not required for the courts in the conservation area.

11. Any Other Business

11.1 Footpaths
Mr Hunt reported that the footpath from Stevenage Road to Oakfield’s Avenue is overgrown. The clerk is to inform HCC rights of way.
Mrs Pateman reported that residents backing onto footpath 14 had started to cultivate vegetables on part of the footpath. The clerk is to contact HCC Rights of Way.

11.2 NHDC Planning Training
NHDC is to hold a training session on the East of England Plan on 8 July. Members are to inform the clerk if they wish to attend.

11.3 Gun Lane Highway Improvements
Dr Fothergill reported that the carriageway near the British Legion in Gun Lane was recently flooded. Highway improvements are scheduled to take place between 11 July and 11 August.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm

Recreation Grounds - 4 June 2008

2008-06-04T19:30:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
4 June 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mrs Caroline Presland
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Bantick due to attendance at a HAPTC course
Mr Hunt due to a prior engagement

In Attendance: Mrs J Ker Reid, Mr D Hill, Mr R Huggins ( Knebworth Tennis Club)
One member of the public

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Smith

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 9 April 2008 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Knebworth Tennis Club Lease

The Tennis Club agreed an annual rent of £300 with a 4 year review. Any increase would be in line with RPI.

A separate agreement is to be drawn up between the Council and the Tennis Club regarding maintenance undertaken by the groundsman. The frequency of review is to be agreed but it may be annually or four yearly.

The committee confirmed that the council would not include a break clause in the new lease.

The club agreed that it would contribute £375 towards the cost of the new lease and confirmed that the Bowls Club would contribute the same.

The water supply has been taken over by the Bowls Club and the Tennis Club is paying for any water it uses.

There were discussions regarding the responsibility of the water pipe from the meter in Stevenage Road to the meters in the tennis courts. It was proposed that the responsibility be shared equally by the Parish Council, Tennis Club and Bowls Club. The clerk is to obtain confirmation that the Bowls Club is in agreement.

The committee raised the issue of the electricity supply being inspected every five years, which the Tennis Club acknowledged.

A draft lease will be obtained once confirmation from the Bowls Club has been received.

Mr Hill requested a letter of support from the Council for their proposed improvements so that the club can seek funding from the NHDC PACIF fund.

Due to the number of break ins into the hut the Club is to place CCTV notices on it.

4. Grounds Maintenance

The triple mower has been returned with some work outstanding. A resident cut the grass at King George Vth Playing Fields, whilst the mower was out of action.

Proposed by Mrs Smith seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “Mr Ramsey be paid £60 for cutting KGV.”

Agreed.

The clerk is to obtain quotes for grass cutting from Frank Cooper to ensure continuity of cover if the machine is out of action for a long period.

Thames Water has confirmed that the manhole in Lytton Fields requires repair and this is causing the rat problem. The clerk is to confirm when the work is to be completed.

5. Pavilion Maintenance

The pavilion cleaner is painting the floor in the pavilion. A quote for Altro (lino) flooring for the changing rooms has been obtained. To cover the concrete floor with lino in four changing rooms would cost £4470. In light of the lack of respect shown by the football clubs to the facilities and the income received from them, it was agreed that the floors would remain painted. Mr Titmarsh is to obtain a quote to tile the floors.

6. Football Posts

The goal posts for A1 have significant rust and the clerk is to see if they are repairable. The senior Football Club has been approached for funding but is unable to assist. New goal posts will cost up to £800 with installation at £400.

Proposed by Mrs Presland, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “new goal posts be purchased with a twist and lock hook at a cost of £775 plus installation with funding sought from the Football Foundation and Knebworth Village Trust.

For 4 against 1. Carried.

Parish Council funds will be taken from the play equipment budget. A meeting is to be arranged with the football clubs to discuss responsibilities and use of the Parish Council facilities.

7. Premises Licence

As the youth café project proposes to play music and DVDs a premises licence is required. Mr Titmarsh, Mrs Brookes and the clerk are to review the hours for the licence. The clerk is to write to residents of Watton Road regarding the application.

8. Gate Barrier

Members of the Bowls Club are finding it difficult to open and close the barrier at the vehicular entrance to the recreation grounds. The club has also requested that a combination lock be used rather than a key. The gate post has been re concreted into position and the barrier swings more freely. The clerk is to arrange for the stay on the stop post to be lowered. The use of a combination lock was not agreed as the resulting security would be unreliable. The clerk is to offer the club more keys to the padlock.

9. Playground Inspection

The clerk reported that the youth shelter, the pavilion and the Toddler unit in Lytton Fields have been sprayed with graffiti. The ROSPA playground inspection was undertaken on 30 May. There were a number of issues raised and these will be discussed fully once the report has been received.

10. Bins

One of the recently installed bins has been lifted off its base. The clerk is to contact the supplier regarding the problem.

11. Weekend Litter Picker

The weekend litter picker started in April due to the amount of rubbish being left in the recreation grounds. A large number of youths are gathering in the recreation ground on Friday nights leaving a significant number of bottles and cans strewn around the grounds together with broken glass. This results in litter collection taking two or three hours. If this continues throughout the summer the budget will be exceeded. The committee approved the additional hours.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Bicycle Racks
The chairman and the clerk are to identify any areas to locate bicycle racks within the recreation ground and report back their findings to the next committee.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.

Planning - 19 May 2008

2008-05-19T19:00:00.000+01:00

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 19 May 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick,
Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith,
Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to a work commitment

In Attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
District Councillor Jane Gray

1. Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Bantick and seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 28 April 2008 be approved and signed.”

Agreed.

3. 08/00646/1 15 Gun Lane, Knebworth

Demolition of existing 3 bedroom bungalow and erection of two 3 bedroom chalet bungalows and associated parking

NO OBJECTIONS

4. 08/00697/1HH 39 New Close, Knebworth

Single storey side and rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory

NO OBJECTIONS

5. 08/00775/1HH 5 Stobarts Close, Knebworth

Single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory

NO OBJECTIONS

6. 08/0888/1 Lowercourt, Three Houses Lane, Codicote

Detached building to provide music room, gym and store following demolition of existing shed

NO OBJECTIONS

7. Any Other Business

7.1 Pot hole, Station Road
Mr Hunt reported a pothole in Station Road near the surgery.

7.2 Road Improvements
Mrs Pateman reported that there have been road improvements on Hitchin Road and Three Houses Lane.

7.3 Enforcement
• 5 Gun Road Gardens
The application for retention of the shed in 5 Gun Road Gardens had been refused. The owner is in pre application discussions with planning officers to move it to the back garden, so no action will be taken yet.
• Havant, Gipsy Lane
The tenant is in discussions with the owner of the property regarding an application for retention of the office.
• 73 Park Lane
The certificate of Lawful development has been refused because the garage is in the paddock and not within the curtilage of the garden. A change of use of the paddock might be sought. The enforcement officer is issuing a notice for the building to be removed within 28 days.

7.4 Plastic Bottle Bank
Mr Bantick reported that NHDC is to replace the plastic bottle bank with a new unit.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.35 pm