Apologies

Planning Applications

2 Lower Farm Barns, High Street, Barley

A letter has been received from NHDC advising that the owners of 2 Lower Farm Barns have appealed to the Secretary of State against the decision to refuse permission for the removal of condition 1 (requiring obscure glazing below a height of 1.6m above floor level) of planning permission granted 29/06/2006.  Any comments already made by the Parish Council will be forwarded but these may be withdrawn, modified or added to.  It was agreed that the Clerk would write to NHDC confirming that the Parish Council had no reason to change its original view.

Peartree Cottage, Smiths End Lane, Barley

The Parish Council had no objection in principle to this application, but felt that the flat roof and large glass windows of the ground floor “conservatory” extension were not in keeping with the character of the building and the conservation area.  They are now advised that the Conservation Officer has no problem with this and would like to know whether the Parish Council wishes to maintain its objections, in which case it will go to Committee.  Although the plans have been amended, there has been no alteration to the flat roof and large windows.  The Clerk was therefore asked to reiterate the points already made and say that the changes had given the Parish Council no reason to modify its view.

Crown House, Shaftenhoe End Road, Barley

The property is in a Conservation Area but outside the village envelope.  The Clerk was asked to write to NHDC as follows:  The dormer construction on the rear elevation is unsympathetic to the existing structure and might be improved by repeating the treatment of the north elevation.  However, if the Officers are nevertheless minded to approve the application, this should be conditional on its use being ancillary to the residential use of the main dwelling.

Land opposite Farriers, Church End, Barley

The Parish Council was opposed to the original planning in this area but although the Local Plan has not changed, the circumstances have, in that the original planning was approved.  This could now be treated as infill and there is limited scope to extend further.  No objections have been made by Barley residents and there have been two letters of support.

Other Business

·        Payments

It was resolved that the following payments should be made (proposed: Councillor Slater; seconded Councillor Martin)

P Isle                                Caretaking (Town House)                        

C Robinson                      Cleaning (Town House)                          

Prompt Fire Protection    Service Fire Extinguishers (Town House)  

Busy Bee Electrical         Electrical equipment test (Town House)  

Scott Robinson                Window leaning                                         

M D Landscapes              Grass Cutting (June 2007)                         

CDA Hertfordshire Subscription                                                        

·     Plaistow

Councillor Turner has received the report from RoSPA.  They have advised that the present free-standing five-a-side goals present danger of death and should either be removed or secured.  Councillor Turner will make enquiries to find out how this problem can be solved.

·     Bogmoor Road

A further closure notice has been issued but appears to be invalid as it refers to a 12 month closure during a period of 12 weeks from 8 August 2007 to 1 November 2007.  The area of closure indicates the whole of Bogmoor Road between Smith’s End Lane and Shaftenhoe End Lane.  The Clerk was asked to write to Hertfordshire Highways to clarify this and ask when the road would be re-opened.

·     Barley Lock-Up

The Clerk has received the report from English Heritage.  It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting. 

·     North Hertfordshire New Waste & Recycling Services

The Clerk has received a letter from NHDC offering a briefing to the Parish Council on the new services.  It was agreed that NHDC should be invited to the next meeting.

·     The Club Room

Bidwells have prepared and served the schedule of dilapidations and Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) have a copy for the County Council.  The claim is in the region of £60,000.  LSH have been instructed to deal with Bidwells.  Neither the school nor the County Council have spent money on maintaining the property and although the Councillors have sympathy for the school, they have a duty to look after the assets of the Parish Council.