| Present: |
|---|
| Michael Wainwright (Chairman) |
| Alan Fitzjohn, |
| Bob Orme, |
| Jackie Fulcher, |
| George William Rowley, |
| Maggie Broomer (Clerk) |
| plus members of the public, incl: David & Liz Sitwell, Carol & Les Swain, Nigel Grint, Claudio Sarno, Peter Jessop (Headmaster), Rachel Collinson (teacher), Karen Broad (PCSO), John & Angela Brocklehurst, Joyce Mentern, Margaret Grocock, Terry Hayne, Bill Bryce, Andrea Trendler, Dean Chiltern, Robert & Sue Wilson Stephens |
| Apologies: |
|---|
| Linda Halsey (EHDC) |
| ITEM | MINUTE | ACTION |
|---|
| 1.0 | Minutes of Previous Meeting |
| The minutes were confirmed as read but with the following exceptions:
|
| 1.1 |
Item 6.3 - should read accounts were …. 'not subject to public scrutiny before
being sent to them'. |
Noted |
| 1.2 |
Item 8.7 - footpath is looked after by the land owner and not the 'rights of way' |
Noted |
| 2.0 |
Planning - Gypsy Camp | |
| 2.1 |
MW opened by stating that due to EHDC's lack of gypsy sites, they have been
asked by the government and the EERA (disbanding next year) to provide possible
areas for 10 sites. A meeting was held at David Sitwell's (DS) house with Mike
Carver executive on the EHDC in attendance. Mike Carver stressed that the
proposed site of Bayford was unlikely to be selected because resources were poor
and the land was designated as 'Green Belt'. The decision is likely to be made
sometime between 2012 and 2015, although Bayford could remain on the
'possible' list for some time after that. The parishioners of Bayford have formed an
action group chaired by DS with Nigel Grint as vice chairman.
DS stated that the land area was 25 acres and had 6 owners. The recent
disclosure in the Hertfordshire Mercury was ill advised, as the initial report was for
internal purposes only. In 2011 the government is reviewing the 'green belt' policy.
It was stressed at this point that the village were not against gypsy communities.
|
Noted |
| 2.2 |
The aims of the action group or committee at this time are as follows: -
- 1. Remove Bayford from the list immediately.
- 2. Long-term aim to work with the community to ensure the village remains
much as it is.
- 3. Executive committee formed, membership to be free, as the founder
members will meet the costs.
- 4. In spring the aim is to get Bayford taken off the list permanently.
- 5. It is to be a subtle, but well organised campaign.
|
Noted |
| 2.3 |
Joyce Mentern expressed surprise that there was no approach to the owners of the
land before going to press. MW stated that, if selected, the site would be obtained
under a 'compulsory purchase' order.
DS explained that the criteria for selecting a suitable site were principally: - near a
bus stop, school and doctors.
Peter Jessop stated that the school was currently full with the criteria of 14 children
per year already being met. He also noted that travellers' families usually prefer
church schools.
DS stated that he has sent a letter to Mike Carver informing him that the school is
already over subscribed.
N.Grint added that traveller children tend to be taught at home.
DS said that in January he is to have a meeting with Rob Jamieson, a solicitor in
Hertford, who has good experience of tackling these situations from a legal
perspective.
GWR added that the bus service is at best only twice a day.
R.Wilson-Stephens urged the meeting to support DS and all that the action group
is doing.
J.Brocklehurst stated that was pleased with the way the campaign was being
organised and gave it his full support.
|
Noted |
| 3.0 | Matters Arising |
|
| 3.1 |
The village sign on the road to the station still to be dealt with. |
MW |
| 4.0 | Playground | |
| 4.1 |
AF and MW visited the site and found the 'camp' had now been cleared away.
They are not expecting further activity until the spring. |
Noted |
| 4.2 |
Mr and Mrs Chiltern have complained about activities in the playground. The fence
is posts are splitting due to frost damage. A wire fence and planting was put in front
but the planting has been ripped up. Mr Chiltern has agreed to fund a new fence
and a lockable outside gate and to pay for someone to unlock and lock the gate
each day. MW said Rumball Sedgwick and the PCSO were aware of the problems.
It was agreed with thanks from the councillors to except Mr Chiltern's kind offer.
|
Noted |
| 4.3 |
DS suggested the introduction of security lighting and GWR suggested a security
camera but apparently these are not allowed on public ground.
|
Noted |
| 4.4 |
The PCSO expressed concern that if the culprits were removed from the
playground then problems could be transferred and occur elsewhere.
|
Noted |
| 4.5 |
A rent review is due in June 2008. |
Noted |
| 5.0 | Planning | |
| 5.1 |
GWR reported to the meeting from the Water Hall committee that permission to
extract gravel from under Bayford Hall Farm was rejected. Brian Owen, the
planning officer, has rejected the planning application to extend the recycling
facility. However, it is expected that an appeal will be lodged. The landfill site is
now completed but it is overfilled. A retrospective planning application is expected,
which may be allowed. The site is licensed for many years. Recycling consultation
due in 2008. 'Bunkers' should become a farm again.
|
Noted |
| 5.2 |
Land at the rear of Ashendene Road is due to be offered for sale shortly by EHDC
but without any planning consent. Margaret Grocock has asked the council for
support in preserving the land as it contains and supports rare plants and wildlife.
She stated that she already has support of various organisations. The EHDC
apparently wishes to use the proceeds from the sale to help balance their books.
Mains drainage and sewage currently pass under the land. GWR added if there
were sufficient funds the site would provide ideal parking for the school.
|
Noted |
| 6.0 | Bank Reconciliation | |
| 6.1 |
MW asked that Angela Turner be paid for litter picking, Joy Hargreaves for 2 poppy
wreaths and R.Turner for grass cutting. He also asked whether we had received
the precept payment for the second half of the year.
|
MB
|
| 7.0 |
Correspondence – Electronic Distribution
|
|
| 7.1 |
MW to supply EHDC with an e-mail address – and to undertake a trial run. |
MW |
| 8.0 |
Any Other Business | |
| 8.1 |
Bill Brace said that the style on footpath 1 still needed to be repaired. Robert
Sheriff has agreed to repair the style by Ash Spinney. Footpath No. 4 is pointing in
the wrong direction. Andrea Trendler stated that this is the Council's
responsibility.
|
Noted |
| 8.2 |
John Brocklehurst suggested that the painted village sign needed a brick or stone
plinth at its base.
|
Noted |
| 8.3 |
MB reported that the Service Planning Department of First Capital Connect had
finally become involved with the problems of buses using Bayford Lane instead of
the designated Brickenden Lane as part of the bus replacement service for trains
on Sundays. They are going to contact the bus company direct. A further update
will be given when more information becomes available.
| MB |
| 9.0 | Date of Next Meeting | |
| 9.1 | There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.35pm. | Noted |
| 9.2 | The date of the next regular meeting is to be 21th January 2008 held at Bayford JMI School at 8.00pm. Please note change of date | Noted |