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2005–2006 Archives of Full Council Minutes
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on Monday, 30th January at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Members: Councillors Geraldine Corry - Town Mayor Mrs. F. Earl Deputy Town Mayor L. Briand J.B. Critcher V.C. Earl P.G. Gibbs Mrs. C. Green G. Lanchin J.D. Lythgoe Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby
Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
01/06 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Featherstone, Horton and McCloskey.
02/06 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Critcher declared a personal interest in item 11/06 as a customer of the dental practice.
03/06 MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on the 1st December 2005 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
04/06 MATTERS ARISING Vide 100/05 – Berkhamsted Cricket, Sports & Social Club Councillor Lythgoe said that a meeting had been arranged for the 13th February 2006 by the consultant representing the Town Council with representatives of the Club. A report was expected by the end of February.
05/06 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Public Sector and Local Government Magazine for January 2006.
06/06 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. E. Dyer made some observations concerning the minutes of the previous meeting. He said it was not the intention of Sunnyside Allotment Society to plough any land and convert to allotments as suggested in 103/05bi and nor did the Allotment Society rent any allotment gardens on Sunnsyside as suggested in 104/05. Two plots let to Sunnyside Rural Trust were under Mypex and should now be made available for letting. The meeting was then reconvened.
07/06 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 5th December 2005, 3rd January 2006 and 23rd January 2006 be approved and adopted. Public Participation The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. Dyer said that he assumed that a reply had not been received from the Chief Executive concerning 77 High Street. Permission had been approved for more building and the site would be over-developed. The decision set a dangerous precedent for other sites in the Town. The meeting was then reconvened. Councillor Stevens said that the Town Council had consistently opposed the application for many reasons in addition to over-development. The decision had compromised the Borough Council’s position on any future similar applications.
b. Environment Committee That the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 12th December 2005 be approved and adopted. Public Participation There was no public participation.
c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee held on 9th January 2006 be approved and adopted. Councillor Lanchin pointed out that the dates of the exhibition in the Civic Centre were now the 10th and 11th March 2006. There would be no exhibition on the 9th. Public Participation The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. Dyer referred to a previous Chairman’s communication from Colin Garrett concerning concrete bollards at the eastern end of the High Street. A meeting had been held with Hertfordshire Highways who had agreed to replace the bollards with a Conservation Area design and they may increase the width of the footpath. The meeting was then reconvened. d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Finance & Police Committee held on 19th December 2005 and16th January 2006 be approved and adopted. Vide Item 08/06ei – Youth Facilities in Canal Fields Councillor Lythgoe said that an informal meeting with Brian Scott of Dacorum Borough Council had taken place but no conclusion had been reached. The question of the location of the facility was to be further discussed at the Young Peoples Facilities Steering Group meeting on 2nd February 2006. Councillor Lanchin said there appeared to be a difference of opinion between the Town Council and the Youth Town Council as to who this facility was for. The Town Council had agreed that it should be made available for young people up to 16 years of age but the Youth Town Council appeared to want it for young people up to 18 years of age. i. Vide 06/06 Railings in Lower Kings Road Following discussion it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders and RESOLVED That the quote from Arceye Mobile Welding of £1,425 to repair the railings and the quote from Jakobs of £2,663.32 to redecorate the railings be accepted. Action Town Clerk
ii. Vide 06/06 Berkhamsted Community Partnership Project Officer post Following discussion it was RESOLVED That the Town Council contributes £4,000 towards the cost of an Executive Officer for the Berkhamsted Community Partnership in respect of the financial year 2006-2007, the payment to be met from reserves. Authority under Section 137 Local Government Act 1972. The resolution was agreed subject to the following conditions. That the Partnership will work quickly towards the publication of a. Its terms of reference b. A constitution for the Partnership c. A statement of the relationship between the Partnership and Berkhamsted Town Council, Dacorum Borough Council and the East of England Development Agency Action Town Clerk iii. Vide 06/06 The Swan Youth Project Proposal for Development Following discussion it was RESOLVED That the Town Council fund the Swan Youth Project, for purposes as defined in the proposal for the development of the Swan Youth Project dated October 2005 in the sum of £20,000 over two years, payable quarterly in advance at a rate of £2,500, the start date of this facility to be agreed between the Council and the Trustees of the Project, the payments to be met from reserves until budgetary provision can be made. Authority under Section 19, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. This resolution was agreed subject to the following conditions:
a. Organisation and management arrangements of the project to include financial controls consistent with the Trust’s charitable status being put into effect. b. Firm plans are produced to develop links with ‘hard to reach’ young people. c. Post-holder to provide BTC with quarterly updating reports. d. To meet with BTC, Police and principal authorities. e. Regular informal meetings are held with Councillors. f. A trusteeship is offered to a Town Councillor. Public Participation The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow Mr. Stanley Sharpe to address the Committee on behalf of the Swan Project Trustees. He said they were delighted that the Town Council was considering funding and had no problem with the conditions on the agenda nor with the charitable status proposal. He asked that the Trustees be notified which Town Councillor would be appointed. Clair Muir thanked members for their support on behalf of the young people of the Town and looked forward to reporting positive outcomes. There were two positive funding sources so far and others in the pipeline. The meeting was then reconvened.
08/06 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM – Draft Constitution Following discussion it was RESOLVED To approve and adopt the Allotment Management Team Constitution circulated with the agenda subject to minor grammatical alterations. Public Participation The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. Dyer said that because of the area leased to Sunnyside Rural Trust and that set aside for the Wildspace Project allotment plots available for letting to the public were rapidly running out. It was frustrating when Council committees took allotment land out of normal allotment use and allowed its use for other purposes. This made it difficult for the Allotment Management Team to protect allotment land. The meeting was then reconvened. Councillor Freda Earl said there was no possibility at present of any land being removed from allotment use at Sunnyside.
09/06 THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD ON 6TH APRIL 2006 Councillor Lythgoe proposed that the same format as last year was used for the meeting, as it seemed to have been successful. Councillor Stevens said that it should include a presentation of the Annual Report. It was agreed to invite the Chief Executive of Dacorum Borough Council as the guest speaker and to remind the Rotary Clubs that there was a need to nominate recipients of the annual awards. Organisation of the evening would be the responsibility of the Communications Working Party with the Town Clerk. Action Councillor Freda Earl and Town Clerk
10/06 THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNCIL TO BE PUBLISHED BY 30TH JUNE 2006 Councillor Stevens said that it was a requirement of the Quality Parish Scheme for the Town Council to publish an annual report summarising its activities. It should be succinct, communicate effectively and include the accounts. It should be ready for publication at the Annual Town Meeting. Councillor Lanchin said that there was a need to appoint an editor who should have unconditional control of the publication. Following discussion it was agreed that the publication of the Annual Report would be the responsibility of the Finance & Policy Committee and would be lead by Councillor Victor Earl. Action Councillor Victor Earl and Town Clerk
11/06 DAMAGE TO THE BAY TREE DENTAL PRACTICE DURING THE COURSE OF INSTALLING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS The Chairman referred to the letter received from Dr. Fox of the Bay Tree Dental Practice. Councillor Victor Earl said that this was clearly a matter between Dr. Fox and the contractor Lamps & Tubes Illuminations Ltd. There was no need for the Town Council to be involved. Councillor Critcher said that the Town Council should demonstrate an element of goodwill and act as a go-between to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Following discussion it was agreed to reply to Dr. Fox outlining the explanation received from the contractor that the lights installer had no need to stand on the flat roof as the light fixings were on the buildings either side of the Dental Practice. It was further agreed to advise Dr. Fox that he should deal directly with the contractor in any future correspondence. Action Town Clerk
12/06 QUALITY STATUS i. Update from Councillor Stevens A memorandum circulated subsequent to the agenda was noted and it was agreed that Councillor Stevens and the Town Clerk would begin the process of putting together the portfolio of evidence, which would constitute the application for Quality Status. Action Councillor Stevens and Town Clerk
ii. Apologies for absence It was noted that in order to qualify for Quality Status it was necessary to demonstrate that all Councillors had attended meetings of the Town Council or tendered their acceptable apologies. This might be difficult for the Town Council to demonstrate over the past twelve months, as there had been some meetings where members had neither attended nor offered their apologies. It was agreed that in future if members were not able to attend Council meetings they must tender their apologies to the Town Clerk in advance unless special circumstances, such as accident or illness existed which meant that an apology before the meeting was not possible. Apologies could be made to the Clerk during office hours or left on the answer-machine before the start of the meeting. Action ALL Councillors
13/06 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.05 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on THURSDAY 1st December 2005 at 5.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors Geraldine Corry – Town Mayor Mrs. F. Earl - Deputy Town Mayor V.C. Earl P.G. Gibbs (left at 6.30 p.m.) G. Lanchin J. Lythgoe Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens (left at 6.50 p.m.) C. Talbot-Ponsonby Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
97/05 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Featherstone, Green and McCloskey. 98/05 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Lythgoe declared a personal interest in item 107/05 as a member of the Berkhamsted Bowls Club. 99/05 MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on the 26th September 2005 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. 100/05 MATTERS ARISING (Specified below) Vide 93/05 – Berkhamsted Cricket, Sports & Social Club Councillor Lythgoe said that a meeting had been held with the Chairman of the Cricket & Sports Club. It had been agreed to seek the advice of a Sports Specialist Consultant to advise on the situation of the Club and to recommend to the Town Council if it should help financially or otherwise. The advice was awaited. 101/05 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The December issue of the newsletter of the Berkhamsted Citizens Association had been received. A letter had been received from Claire Covington, Parks & Open Spaces Manager, Dacorum Borough Council, responding to the recommendations from the Town Council’s Finance & Policy Committee in respect of the proposed youth and community area in Canal Fields. The letter had been copied to all councillors.
102/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The Town Mayor adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. Dyer thanked the Town Mayor for opening the new toilet on Sunnyside Allotments. He then referred to the minutes of the Environment Committee meeting on 10th October 2005 and said that plots 14 – 19 on Sunnyside New which had been removed from the lease should have been returned to the land availability bank and should not have been tenanted to Sunnyside Rural Trust for wildspace. Plots were being taken up at a fast rate and those six plots would soon be needed for allotment tenancy. Mr. Dyer expressed concerns about the function of the Allotment Management Team, which was being excluded from important decisions. Its original purpose had been nullified. The Council should arrive for proper terms of reference for the AMT or disband it. The meeting was then reconvened.
103/05 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 3rd October 2005, 24th October 2005 and14th November 2005 be approved and adopted. Public Participation Mr. Dyer asked for a copy of the letter sent to the Borough Council in respect of 77 High Street to be made available to CARAB. b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 10th October 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: i. Sunnyside New Wildspace Project – recommendation from the Environment Committee - Vide 47/05 Councillor Patterson explained the history and aims and objectives of the Sunnyside Wildspace Project. She said that plots 14 – 19 on Sunnyside New were undisturbed grassland, home to Whitethroats, lizards and anthills. It would be the last resort to plough it up and convert it to allotments. It was ecologically most important and should remain within the Wildspace Project. Following discussion it was agreed that plots 14 – 19 on Sunnyside New allotments would not be made available for general tenancy but would remain incorporated within the Wildspace Project. Mr. Price to note Public Participation Mr. Dyer said that the management of the Wildspace Project had originally included Sunnyside Allotment Society but there had been no recent meetings. The Allotment Society had good relations with Sunnyside Rural Trust and would only have let plots 14 – 19 when they were needed. c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee meeting held on 7th November 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 44/05 – Gravel Path Bridge Councillor Lanchin said that there was no news yet on the future bridge regime. Vide Item 46/05 – St. Thomas More School Councillor Lanchin said that works would be carried out in the near future to improve safety. Vide Item 46/05 – Chesham Road/Kingshill Way Councillor Lanchin reported that more complaints had been made recently concerning indiscriminate parking in the vicinity. Public Participation There was no public participation. d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meetings of 17th October 2005 and 21st November 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 153/05d – Counsel’s opinion concerning the renewal of the Sunnyside Rural Trust lease Councillor Patterson asked for it to be recorded that she had abstained from the decision as she had made a complaint against Go-East to the Ombudsman. Public Participation Mr. Dyer asked why there was a need for legal advice in respect of the renewal of the Sunnyside Rural Trust lease. This was unnecessary cost as Go-East had upheld the law and their decision was final. 104/05 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM i. Vide 05/50 - Tenanting Allotments to Persons outside the Parish Following discussion and because of the high demand from local residents on all of the Town Council’s allotment sites it was RESOLVED That with immediate effect allotment plots on all four sites would only be let to residents of the Parish of Berkhamsted. Action Town Clerk Councillor Freda Earl referred to the following matters contained within the minutes: 05/46.- 3 Plots 14 – 19 Sunnyside New 05/52 - Clarification of the powers and duties of the Allotment Management Team 05/56 - Asbestos Councillor Patterson said that there were two plots on Sunnyside New which were let to Sunnyside Allotment Society and which were currently under Mypex. They were intended to be used for wildflower meadow. Was that still the case? Councillor Freda Earl said that she thought it was the Society’s intention to return them to allotment use. 105/05 POLICE FORCE RESTRUCTURING – Short list of options for Hertfordshire Following discussion it was agreed that there was insufficient information available to enable the Town Council to make a considered response. It was agreed that individuals should respond if they wished to.
106/05 BUDGET 2006/7 – Vide Finance & Policy Committee 152/05d Following discussion it was RESOLVED To approve and adopt the budget circulated with the agenda with effect from 1st April 2006. Action Town Clerk Councillor Victor Earl said that because budgets for the last two years had been under spent reserves were strong. 107/05 PROPOSAL FOR YOUTH SHELTER AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT– Vide Finance & Policy Committee 150/05 Councillor Lythgoe said that there was a need to make provision for leisure facilities for everyone in the Town. He then referred to the original recommendation from the Youth Facilities Steering Group for facilities to be installed near the children’s playground on the western side of Canal Fields. Police had objected to the proposal on grounds of lack of lighting. The Youth Town Council had preferred the facilities to be constructed on the old swimming pool site at the eastern end of Canal Fields but this would leave no room for other activity. This was a quiet area, which contained the Millennium Garden. Councillor Lythgoe then reminded members of the three recommendations, which had been made by the Finance & Policy Committee at, it’s meeting on 21st November 2005. He then referred to the letter received from Claire Covington, Dacorum Borough Council, in which she expressed her concern with these proposals as splitting the facility across two areas would be impractical for young people using the space, for the Police to monitor the area and for natural surveillance. The Town Mayor adjourned the meeting to allow public participation. Mr. Sharpe said that there was a need to listen to the young people and help solve their leisure problems. He introduced Elliot Hicks of Berkhamsted Youth Town Council who said that splitting the two sites was not treating young people as valuable members of the community. Dispersal Orders were not appropriate when young people had limited facilities. There was a need for regular positive activities which young people had ownership of. Action was needed not more consultation. The old swimming pool site was the only suitable site in Berkhamsted for these activities and would go some way towards addressing the issues. Sergeant Saunders also spoke in favour of the old swimming pool site. He said the first two Town Council proposals were inappropriate and were not supported by the Police or Youth Town Council. Splitting the activities would give more problems than it solved. The root cause of the problem was that there were no facilities for this age group and that needed urgent attention. Dispersal Orders did not make sense An alcohol ban would be more appropriate. The Youth Town Council would provide an alternative site on The Moor for enjoyment in addition to the Millennium Garden. He agreed that the proposed footprint for the old swimming pool site was larger than was actually needed. Rachel Edmonds of Berkhamsted Community Partnership said that widespread consultation had taken place with young people, which had resulted in £6,000 of funding being obtained for the project. (Funding was divided between the Police Community Support Officer Initiative, the Hertfordshire Police Authority Initiatives Fund and Herts. In Trust (supported by the Hertfordshire Constabulary). She was concerned that that funding might be lost without the support of the Police. A recent site visit to the old swimming pool site had revealed that the proposal would take up less than 20% of the area. The meeting was then reconvened. Councillor Lythgoe then made reference to the recommendation from the Finance & Policy Committee, following which it was RESOLVED to recommend to the Youth Facilities Steering Group i. To place only the Youth Shelter at the eastern end of the site which would allow the Millennium Garden and family area to remain. The other equipment to be sited at the western end as previously agreed. To investigate the need for low-level lighting at the western end. ii. To apply for a dispersal order which would allow disruptive persons to be removed from any point in Canal Fields. iii. To institute a consultation process and if it is found that there is considerable public opposition to the proposal, to then seek an alternative location in a less central part of the Town. Councillor Lythgoe said that it should be noted that the land was owned by Dacorum Borough Council who would have the final decision in this matter. 108/05 LAND USE To consider a proposal that the Town Council should seek to acquire leisure land, either on its own behalf or in partnership with the Principal Authorities. Councillor Lythgoe said that this proposal might identify land suitable for young people’s activities or as general leisure space. Following discussion it was RESOLVED That the Town Council should seek to acquire leisure land, either on its own behalf or in partnership with the Principal Authorities. 109/05 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 7.26 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on MONDAY 26th September 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Members: Councillors Geraldine Corry -Town Mayor
Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
81/05 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Critcher, Lanchin and Stevens. 82/05 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Green declared a pecuniary interest in item 95/05 as Chairman of the Dacorum Borough Council Licensing Committee and left the meeting when those applications were discussed. Councillor Lythgoe declared a pecuniary interest in licensing applications at The Goat Public House and Yasmeen and left the meeting when these matters were discussed.
83/05 MINUTES Minutes of the Meetings held on the 25th July 2005 and the 12th September 2005 were agreed and signed by the Town Mayor.
84/05 MATTERS ARISING Vide 79/05 – Response to the Parish Charter Councillor Lythgoe said that the Parish Charter had been agreed and adopted by the Borough Council. This Town Council was the only Council in Dacorum not to have signed up to it. He had pointed out the Town Council’s concerns regarding Quality Parish status and devolution of functions and said it was hoped that there would be a review of the Charter in twelve months time.
85/05 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Dacorum Emergency Night Shelter Annual Report 2004 – 2005. The Tring Rural Parish Plan, with an invitation to the Town Council to attend the launch on 3rd October 2005 at Wilstone Village Hall (8pm). It was agreed to circulate the document by route to all Councillors. Notification of the AGM of Age concern to be held at the Roman Catholic Church, St. John’s Road, Boxmoor from 12noon on the 2nd November 2005. Notification of the AGM of the Hertfordshire Heritage fund to be held at County Hall Hertford from 2.30pm on the 19th October 2005. A copy of ‘Investing in your Mental Health’ received from Dacorum & District Mental Health Support Group.
86/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were no members of the press or public present.
87/05 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 4th August 2005, 22nd August 2005 and 12th September 2005 be approved and adopted. b. Environment Committee - no Meeting held c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee meeting held on 30th August 2005 be approved and adopted. d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 5th September 2005 be approved and adopted.
88/05 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Allotment Management Team meeting held on 27th July 2005 be approved and adopted.
89/05 HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (Berkhamsted 57) Modification Order 2005 (footpath modification) The correspondence received from Hertfordshire County Council was noted and no objections were raised.
90/05 CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BILL Members considered the correspondence received from Local Works and NALC concerning the campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill. Following discussion it was RESOLVED That Berkhamsted Town Council (i) expresses its concern at q the decline of local services and facilities which affects local communities and in particular the elderly and people on the lowest incomes: q the resulting decline of local jobs and local economies and the resulting extra traffic and pollution caused by the need to travel further (ii) and notes that this combination of factors increases people’s feelings of exclusion and lack of involvement; and so (iii) supports measures to reverse this process and (iv) supports the concept of local sustainability as envisaged in the Sustainable Communities Bill, namely; q the promotion of local economies q the promotion of local services and facilities q the protection of the environment q the reduction of social exclusion and q measures to increase involvement in the democratic process (v) and accordingly resolves to support the Sustainable Communities Bill which q requires the Government to assist councils and communities in promoting local sustainability in ways decided by them; and q sets up a participative process whereby councils and communities can drive the way in which government uses its power and influence to assist with the promotion of local sustainability; and q notes that this Bill is therefore fully in accord with current thinking in Local Government in that it impacts on central authorities and does not impose any new duties on councils but instead enables them to influence how government uses its resources and influence to help councils and communities; and q specifically provides that where councils themselves decide to take action to promote local sustainability that they should be given the resources to do so; and so (vi) and further resolves q to inform the local media of this decision; q to write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill; and sign EDM (Early Day Motion) No. 641; and q to write to Local Works, the Campaign behind the Bill, (at 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF) expressing its support.
91/05 STREET TRADING CONSENT APPLICATION – NORTHBRIDGE ROAD Following discussion it was agreed that there would be no objection to consent being granted for the sale of hot and cold food from a mobile from three locations in Northbridge Road between the hours of 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Saturday for a trial period of one month. Action Town Clerk
92/05 APPLICATION FOR A MAJESTIC WINE WAREHOUSE, THE CROOKED BILLET, BILLET LANE Councillor Green abstained from debate or comment on this agenda item. Following discussion it was agreed that there were no objections to the application.
93/05 BERKHAMSTED CRICKET, SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB Councillor Lythgoe expressed his concern at the plight of Berkhamsted Cricket, Sports & Social Club and reminded members that although a loan of £10,000 had been offered it had been declined. There was a need to offer sports facilities to young people in the Town and for the Town Council to identify how it could help the Club to continue without necessarily providing financial support. Following discussion it was RESOLVED To agree to hold further discussions with Berkhamsted Cricket, Sports & Social Club in order to establish the Organisation on a long-term basis. Action Councillor Lythgoe
94/05 BRITISH LEGION REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE, SERVICE AND POPPY APPEAL STALL The correspondence circulated with the agenda was noted.
95/05 LICENSING ACT 2003 a. Magoos Wine & Coffee Rooms, 262 High Street No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being soundproofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
b. The Goat Public House, 83 High Street No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being sound-proofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
c. Nice Garden Chinese Takeaway, 315 High Street No objection
d. Yasmeen 11 – 13 London Road (Variation) No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being soundproofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
e. Brownlows Restaurant It was noted that the application had been withdrawn.
f. Cobbett & Keen Food Group Ltd., Billet Lane No objection . g. Sacred Heart Church, Park Street No objection
h. The New Crystal Kebab, 79 High Street No objection
96/05 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on MONDAY 25th July 2005 at 7.00 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors Geraldine Corry -Town Mayor Mrs. F. Earl - Deputy Town Mayor L. Briand J. Critcher V.C. Earl P.G. Gibbs Mrs. C. Green R. Horton (left at 8.55 p.m.) G. Lanchin J. Lythgoe Mrs. H. McCloskey Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
59/05 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Featherstone. 60/05 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Stevens declared a personal interest in 62/05 relating to Berkhamsted Sports Club as he is a member. Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby declared a personal interest in item 75/05 as a Town Hall trustee. Councillor Mrs. C. Green declared a pecuniary interest in item 75/05 as Chairman of the Borough Council Licensing Committee and said that she would leave the meeting when the matters were dealt with. Councillor Lythgoe declared a pecuniary interest in item 75/05ii as a Ward Councillor and member of the Borough Council Licensing Committee.
61/05 MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting held on the 23rd May 2005 were agreed and signed by the Chairman subject to item 40/05 Membership of the Town Planning Committee. Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby pointed out that Councillor Featherstone was not a substitute member but Councillor Freda Earl was. The records had been amended. Item 53/05 Dacorum Parish Charter Councillor Lanchin said that he had been misquoted and did not use the words “and in particular its application to Berkhamsted” he had however used the words “the Town Council’s long term intention to achieve Quality Status”.
62/05 MATTERS ARISING Vide Item 53/05 - Dacorum Parish Charter Councillor Lythgoe said that a meeting had been arranged with the Chief Executive details of which had been circulated to Councillors. Vide Item 57/05 - Loan to Berkhamsted Sports Club Councillor Lythgoe said that an appropriate reply had been sent to Mr. Buckle pointing out that the Town Council were willing to assist the Sports Club in any way that they were able and also that correspondence sent in April indicated that a loan as opposed to a grant was being proposed.
63/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mrs. O’Sullivan of Hill View referred to recent publicity concerning the Tunnel Fields development and the link road. Lots of local residents were against it but Northchurch Parish Council were constantly pressurising their residents to support it. It appears that nothing was being done by Berkhamsted Town Council to counter the pressure being exerted by Northchurch Parish Council. It was worrying that local people were not aware of the Town Council’s position and there was no reassurance that the road would not be built.
64/05 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Town Mayor introduced a publication called ‘Investing in your Mental Health’ accompanied by a questionnaire. Standing Orders and Financial Regulations for HAPTC had been received and were available for reference. Notification had been received from HAPTC, of CVS Make a Difference day on the 29th October 2005 had been received – one of the biggest days of social action when 100,000 volunteers improve their local communities in significant and visible ways. The Public Sector and Local Government Magazine for July/August 2005 was available for reference.
65/05 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 31st May, 20th June and 11th July 2005 be approved and adopted subject to:
Vide Item 80/05 Both developments at the former site of Underhill & Youngs Garage would now be called Gilhams Court as they shared common facilities. Public Participation There was no public participation at this stage.
b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee held on 4th July 2005 be approved and adopted subject to Vide Item 38/05 l.iii - Gateway Garden Councillor Patterson referred to the letter received from Mike Bishop from Hertfordshire Highways, which required the low granite wall to either be removed, or for the Town Council to indemnify the County Council against public liability. She said there were some errors in the letter and the construction was a kerb not a wall. The granite sets were 3-4 inches wide and half an inch below grass level. They were set in mortar but had not yet been pointed. The mowing of the immediate area was done by the Town Council and not the Borough Council. The planting license had been granted by the County Council who had not asked for a design. The complaint had been made by a Borough Council Officer. Following discussion it was agreed that a response should be sent to Mike Bishop correcting the information supplied in his letter and inviting him to a site visit with Councillor Patterson during the week commencing 1st August 2005. Action Town Clerk
Vide Item 39/05 – Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005 It was agreed that the Town Clerk should investigate the process needed for the Town Council to adopt these powers. Action Town Clerk Public Participation There was no public participation at this stage.
c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVED That the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee held on 5th July 2005 be approved and adopted. Public Participation There was no public participation at this stage.
c. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee held on 13th June and 18th July 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 86/05 – Further electoral review of Dacorum Borough Council A meeting had yet to be arranged. Action Councillor Victor Earl
Vide Item 103/05 – Quality Status A meeting of the Working Party would take place soon to start the process of compiling the Council’s portfolio.
Vide Item 106/05 – Berkhamsted Community Partnership Councillor Lythgoe said that the Countryside Agency was making £200,000 available to each Partnership as capital funding for a profit-making project. The Partnership was considering an application.
Vide 109/05 – Repair of railings in Lower Kings Road It was RESOLVED That the quotation of £1,250 to repair the railings in Lower Kings Road should be accepted. Action Town Clerk
Vide Item 112/05 – Festival of Light 2005 It was RESOLVEDThat the quotation for the work to be carried out in Lower Kings Road at a total cost of £2,176 for new power boxes, festoons, cable and lamps be accepted. Action Town ClerkMembers then went on to consider the quotation from Lamps & Tubes Illuminations Ltd. for a three-year contract to provide Christmas lighting from 2006-2008. Due to the costs of this provision for each year it was agreed that Standing Orders would be suspended and it was RESOLVEDTo accept the quotation from Lamps & Tubes Illuminations Ltd. for a three-year contract to provide Christmas lighting from 2006-2008 for the following cost: 2006/7 £7,637.20 2007/8 £8,116.50 2008/9 £8,440.64 It was noted that the prices included a loyalty discount of 5%, four maintenance visits per year and free inspection of the lights prior to the event. The resolution was proposed by Councillor Stevens, seconded by Councillor Lythgoe and unanimously agreed. Action Town ClerkVide Item 114/05 – Hours of Work of Mrs. McHugh Following discussion it was RESOLVEDTo increase the working hours of Mrs. McHugh by two hours per week for an experimental period of three months commencing on 9th September 2005 in order to provide a service for work not currently achievable for example, notes of Working Party meetings currently completed by Councillors. Public Participation Councillor Dr. Ian Reay said that he hoped that the Town Council was not considering withdrawing from the Berkhamsted Community Partnership especially given the funding now available from the Countryside Agency. He spoke as the Borough Council Portfolio Holder responsible for community partnerships.
66/05 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP Councillor Stevens said that there had been no development since the last meeting. The draft minutes were now available. Councillor Stevens briefly summarised various points from the minutes. Councillor Patterson said that a request had been made last year for new mooring notices in Canal Fields, which the Town Council had agreed to pay for but they had not appeared. The Clerk was asked to check the situation with Claire Covington, Dacorum Borough Council. Action Town Clerk
67/05 PLANNING APPLICATION 4/1826/05/FUL – AMENDED/ADDITIONAL PLANS/INFORMATION - LAND AT TUNNEL FIELDS (ADJ. GREENFIELDS), NEW ROAD, NORTHCHURCH. Councillor Lanchin said that the strongest representation should be made to Dacorum Borough Council and Hertfordshire Highways that nothing should be done to prejudice the Town Council’s position which was that traffic circumstances had changed and the construction of the link road would lead to a large quantity of heavy traffic being introduced to the Town. The Berkhamsted Transport Plan and the West Herts Area Transport Plan were in the process of being produced and nothing should be done concerning the link road until those plans had been agreed. The Town Council should not respond to the application as in his opinion expert legal advice would be required. Councillor Patterson said that Mrs. O’Sullivan’s contribution to public participation indicated that the public needed re-assurance that the Town Council opposed the construction of the link road. Following discussion it was agreed that a response should be sent to the Borough Council incorporating Councillor Lanchin’s comments and that a copy should be sent to Mrs. O’Sullivan. Action Town Clerk
68/05 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR HERTFORDSHIRE – INVITATION TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE TO BE ELECTED AS A TRUSTEE ON THE BOARD. It was agreed that a nomination would not be made by the Town Council.
69/05 DACORUM LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BOARD – INVITATION TO NOMINATE A REPRESENTATIVE Following discussion it was agreed that Councillor Lanchin would be the Town Council’s nomination to the Dacorum Local Strategic Partnership Board. Action Councillor Lanchin & Town Clerk
70/05 STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS. REVISED DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED. FOR FORMAL ADOPTION It was agreed that Standing Orders and Financial Regulations previously circulated to all members should be adopted with immediate effect subject to: Standing Order 6.4 should read “to approve the signing of the minutes” Standing Order 17.1 should add “or neighbouring councils” Action Town Clerk
71/05 TOWN COUNCIL HONOURS BOARDS The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow Mr. Allan Collier to address the Council. He referred to his letter, which had been circulated with the agenda, and assured the Council that no honours boards for Berkhamsted Urban District Council existed. He knew the details of all the Chairman since 1898 with the exception of the years 1899 –1909. The meeting reconvened and it was agreed that the costs of providing such boards should be explored and referred to the Finance & Policy Committee. Action Town Clerk
72/05 BERKHAMSTED SPORTS CENTRE – APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE Councillor Mrs. C. Green and Councillor Lythgoe declared pecuniary interests in this item as the Chairman and member of Dacorum Borough Council Licensing Committee and left the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. It was agreed to raise no objection to the application. Action Town Clerk 73/05 STAG LANE DEVELOPMENT BRIEF Councillor Patterson referred to her report which had been circulated to all members concerning the effects of any development in Stag Lane on the River Bulbourne and the disadvantages of children from Stag Lane development having to use Lagley Meadow for play space. She illustrated her report with overhead slides. Following discussion it was agreed to delegate the formal response from the Town Council to the Town Planning Committee assisted by Councillor Patterson. Acton Councillors Patterson & Talbot-Ponsonby
74/05 UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTER SUMMER SEMINAR Councillor Stevens referred to his memorandum which had been circulated to all members and highlighted various aspects of the seminar. Councillor Lythgoe said that there was a need to bear Councillor Stevens points in mind when meeting with the Chief Executive on 24th August 2005 regarding the Parish Charter.
75/05 LICENSING ACT 2003: PREMISES LICENCE APPLICATIONS i. Kings Arms Hotel No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being soundproofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
ii. Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being soundproofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
iii. Crystal Palace Public House No objection subject to music and live entertainment terminating at 12.00 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve due to the premises being in a residential area. Consideration should be given to the premises being soundproofed to prevent the escape of noise to neighbouring residences.
iv. Delegation of Licensing decisions to Finance & Policy Committee – to consider a proposal to delegate decisions in respect of Premises Licence Applications under the Licensing Act 2003 to the Finance & Policy Committee Members agreed to delegate the responsibility for licensing applications to the Finance & Policy Committee when time limits on applications received prevented them being dealt with by Full Council.
76/05 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.21 p.m.
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