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SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Office, Village Hall,
The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire. WD3 6AS
Telephone: 01923 262025
Email: Clerk@sarrattparishcouncil.gov.uk
Web: www.sarrattparishcouncil.gov.uk
To all Members of the Parish Council
Cllrs: Sarah Dobson, John Rugg, John Gell, Simon Diggins, Lee Farman, Flo Garvey, Michael Lowry.
Copy To: County Councillor Williams
District Councillor Reed
District Councillor Hayward
Note: Public and Press are welcome.
Parishioners and other interested individuals are invited to attend and take part in the proceedings.
Dear Councillor,
You are hereby summoned to attend the meeting of the SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL to be held in the BACK ROOM, SARRATT VILLAGE HALL, THE GREEN, SARRATT, on TUESDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2021 at 7.30pm, when it is proposed to transact the business specified in the following Agenda.
AGENDA
256/21 APOLOGIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
To receive and approve apologies for absence.
257/21 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any “Declarations of Interest” in items on the agenda
258/21 MINUTES & MATTERS ARISING
To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12th October 2021.
259/21 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL
260/21 CLERK/RFO REPORT
261/21 ACTION LOG
ENVIRONMENT
262/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
263/21 WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
264/21 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
265/21 REMEMBERANCE GARDEN
POLICY & RESOURCES
266/21 BUDGET 22/23 UPDATED DRAFT
267/21 APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS
To approve the internet banking transactions to the sum of £7,640.39
268/21 FINAL EXTERNAL AUDITOR REPORT
269/21 AMENDMENTS TO FINANCE POLICY REQUESTED
PLANNING
270/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
271/21 TO COMMENT ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
To discuss and agree comments on the planning applications.
272/21 TO NOTE PLANNING DECISIONS
HIGHWAYS
273/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
274/21 BUCK’S HILL AND CHANDLERS CROSS TELEPHONE BOXES
275/21 KGV ALIVE PROJECT MANAGER
276/21 CORRESPONDENCE
277/21 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
278/21 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
To receive questions and comments from Councillors
279/21 DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE PUT ON NEXT AGENDA
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 14th December 2021.
Caroline Owen
Proper Officer/RFO, Sarratt Parish Council
Date of Notice: 4th November 2021
SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Office, Village Hall,
The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire. WD3 6AS
Telephone: 01923 262025
Email: sarratt_parish@btconnect.com
Web: www.sarrattparishcouncil.co.uk
Minutes of the Sarratt Parish Council meeting held in
Sarratt Village Hall on Tuesday 14th September 2021
Present: Councillor Dobson
Councillor John Rugg
Councillor Peter Thorp
Councillor John Gell
Councillor Nick Mortimer
Councillor Lee Farman
Councillor Flo Garvey
Councillor Michael Lowry
In attendance: District Councillor Ciaran Reed
11 members of the public
Start time 7.32pm
212.APOLOGIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Apologies from Councillor Diggins.
Due to the lack of space and poor ventilation and the number of members of the public in attendance the Clerk and Chair decided to move the agenda items that members of the public wanted to speak/hear about closer to the beginning of the meeting.
213.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest.
214. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING
To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18th August 2021.
Councillor Dobson noted there was only one RED flagged allotment in the Clerk report whereas there were 6 reported in the Allotment Inspection. The Clerk will check and amend.
Cllr Dobson questioned the Enforcement Notice on Fir Trees, Dawes Lane – a new Enforcement Notice appears to have been issued, but it was understood one was already in existence and should have been complied with in November 2020. The Clerk to query with the Enforcement Team at TRDC.
• Proposed: Cllr Mortimer; Seconded: Cllr Gell.
215. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL
• Cllr Gell attended the Chandler Cross Residents Association meeting and informed Council that a notion is being put forward to extend the resident’s association to encompass the whole of Sarratt. The next meeting will be on 13th October and Cllr Gell will report back to Council on this.
• Cllr Garvey and Cllr Mortimer attended a meeting with Thames Water on the water extraction and pollution of the River Chess. Cllr Garvey will circulate the report to Council.
• Cllr Mortimer attended the KGV meeting and informed Council that their Grant application is on its way.
• Cllr Dobson attended a meeting with the KGV Chair and SCCF Trustees and will discuss under Agenda item 228/21.
216. CLERK/RFO REPORT
• The Sarratt Youth Group is set to start again with first meet scheduled for Sunday 12th September. We have a new lead for the group; Sarah Hickles who previously was a volunteer for the group. I will be doing the Administration for this and will provide updates on the successful uptake. I envisage a slow start until word of mouth and adverting takes hold. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Thorp for his incredible input and success for setting the Youth Group up and moving this new ‘opening’ forward. I understand that although Cllr Thorp is leaving the Council, he will still be volunteering sporadically for the Youth Group, and we are very grateful for this.
• Replacement glass has been ordered for the phone box in Bucks Hill.
• The sign entering Belsize from Chipperfield has unfortunately been broken. I am in communication with the field landowner who has accepted liability and is arranging his insurance company to make contact. In the meantime, I have ordered a replacement, and this should be with us within 4 weeks. Please see images below.
• Fingerposts are due to be delivered in the next month.
• The Grant application process is now open with a deadline of 12th October.
• We have experienced a few IT issues with fraudulent emails being received in quite a sophisticated manner. This has been dealt with accordingly and the office PC is going to be reviewed and security is going to be increased. The SPC email address is also going to be changed (if not done already by the time of the meeting). All details will be circulated. Advice is to remain cautious and vigilant before replying/opening emails.

As I mentioned earlier, this will be Cllr Thorps last meeting in his Councillor capacity. I would like to thank him for all that he has done for SPC and the invaluable work throughout my sickness absence. I wish him all the best for the future.
Sarratt Youth Group had 18 young people attend the first meeting which is wonderful news.
ENVIRONMENT
217.REMEMBRANCE GARDEN (220/21)
Cllr Dobson gave an overview of the objective behind the garden.
A member of public requested the opportunity to speak for 3 minutes and strongly objected to the commemorative garden and informed Council that village greens are protected when registered with Secretary of State and therefore cannot just be dug up. They also made reference to the SPC policy highlighting it states village greens cannot be changed or altered without permission from the Secretary of State. They also highlighted that if this area of The Green was used then it would need to be replaced by another piece of land of the same size somewhere in Sarratt. The Parishioner stated that a letter she received from Cllr Diggins says that he does not consider the whole Green as a single entity. The Parishioner suggested that if it was to go ahead then a village meeting should take place to discuss and plan together as a village.
Cllr Rugg confirmed SPC was aware of a need to apply for permission to change the structure of Green as Council records contain a recent email from him suggesting “ As we have reached this stage it might be sensible to ascertain if the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol ( acting for and on behalf of the Secretary of State) will provide an opinion on the proposal and the likelihood of Sarratt obtaining consent for a change of use for a section of the registered common – as we will be required to apply to them (not TRDC) for permission”
He also informed the meeting that DEFRA issued a revised policy document on this very topic in 2015 and a copy also available online was now held in the Parish Council records.
Cllr Thorp reiterated that there was no intention of SPC urbanising the area or ruining an area of land. It was meant as a positive place for reflection.
It was decided that Cllr Garvey would liaise with the Wildlife Volunteers to create something more natural using wildflowers and then take a view from residents and SPC enable us to all work together.
Cllr Rugg noted that depending upon the scope and design the planting the planting of wildflowers and a small number of trees and was unlikely to be deemed a change of use requiring approval from the Secretary of State.
Cllr Garvey will come back at next meeting with an update.
It was also noted a maintenance budget/ written maintenance agreement for this would be needed, to put peoples’ minds at rest that it will not be neglected in future years.
218.LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (217/21)
It has been a month of lots of little things
• KGV meeting – planning application on extended operating hours has now gone in - awaiting update. Nothing else for SPC currently.
• Complaints re: ivy and nettles around the Parish – Parish Warden tasked to remove
• Belsize sign broken – scene visited, broken part retrieved and reason for breakage photographed – full admission from landowner, now in hands of insurers, new sign ordered
• Complaints from residents re Helicopters at Model Farm on Sarratt Road – looking into it to advise them accordingly. It has already been recommended they keep a log of the times and duration on the helicopter activity. It was noted they are only permitted to use the facility for 28 days per annum. It was decided that a formal letter also be sent to the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the helicopter training exercises taking place over the village.
• The litter picking group went to the Belsize area – 2 bags worth removed. Michael Groom and Sally Furr also picked up substantial amount in Langlebury Lane and Solesbridge Lane – TRDC have removed these.
• Parking on The Green opposite The Boot – signage put up on one side so on Sunday 12th a white 19 plate Discovery parked on the other side! It was decided that posts will be placed opposite the existing posts to stop vehicles parking on the other side of The Green.
• Green wheelie bin week 3 – It has become apparent that residents living adjacent to The Green are using the bins for their own personal household waste and garden cuttings – article in Spotlight please. Clerk will look in to grills to be placed over the litter bins to stop large bags of resident’s household rubbish being placed in them.
Cllr Gell reported that he has received comments that residents do not want the red telephone boxes in Chandlers Cross and Bucks Hill. The Clerk will put it as an agenda item for the next meeting and find out cost of removal.
219. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (218/21)
Cllr Rugg reported that he has contacted Richard Young for an update on the Woodlands Management Plan. He confirms he is awaiting a response from the Forestry Commission (FC) on the proposals for the 10-year plan that we have jointly submitted but he is fairly confident it should be accepted.
He reminded Council that we could potentially qualify for a retrospective FC £1,000 grant for producing the plan – but this will likely trigger a bill from Herts CC for Richard’s work that may come to £3K.
We have £4k in the current Environment budget for Woodland Management Plan work. At the time of compiling the budget we were not sure if the £1K was likely to be available under the revised and emerging ELMS scheme therefore being prudent it was not included as income.
If and when the 10-year plan is accepted, we should (as in the past) then be eligible for Woodland Management grants at a rate and timescale for work determined by the Forestry Commission. They pay in arrears for work that has been undertaken – it is important that we manage this carefully as we were late with claims and copy invoices in 2015 and lost a series of payments by default.
220. SUSTAINABITY REPORT (219/21)
• Queens Green Canopy - talking to one particular landowner about land for this with hopeful possibilities. Looking for more. There has been a request from a resident to have several small trees planted on the patch of grass on the corner of Dawes Lane and Downer Drive – both for beauty and to stop it being used as a car park.
• Community Garden (behind the Village Shop) – this has generated sales of £921 from the fresh produce since April. This year, all that revenue has gone to the shop, but next year, a sizeable proportion will come back into the garden, which should mean they won’t have to fundraise or ask for grants quite so much. Upcoming event is the Apple Festival being held on 19th September at Ramillies Orchard – open to all.
• Allotment - it was proposed the license enabling the Community Garden to rent one of the allotments be agreed by the end of September
Thanks and appreciation were given to Cllr Garvey for all her hard work and moving projects forward so well.
PLANNING
A member of the public requested 3 minutes to speak.
The member of the public explained that she is experiencing problems with an adjacent neighbour placing a large fence at 4”6 height alongside the boundary between their properties. It has impacted the sightline from her drive and created a safety issue which means she is unable to exit her drive by car without someone standing in the road to confirm the road is clear. The member of the public would like SPC to support her case. She has already contacted the planning case officer.
It was decided that SPC would write to both the Planning and Enforcement teams formally and officially. Cllr Farman will follow this up.
221.TO COMMENT ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS (225/21)
21/1770/LBC Green End Farm, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 6AS.
Proposal: Repair works including to internal walls and ceilings and the external front elevation.
NOTED
21/1983/LBC York House School, Sarratt Road, Croxley Green.
Proposal: Replacement of windows along southern elevation.
NOTED
222. TO NOTE PLANNING DECISIONS (226/21)
21/1657/FUL Great Sarratt Hall Cottage, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 4DP
Proposal: Demolition of existing extension and conservatory and construction of single-storey rear extension.
SPC decision: No objection
TRDC decision: Approved
21/1563/FUL Holly Hedges Farm, Olleberie Lane, Belsize WD3 4NU
Proposal: Single-storey front and side extensions. Still awaiting FULL application decision however it seems they have collated all previous applications and approved them collectively.
21/1607/FUL Land at rear of The Woodyard, The Green, Sarratt, Wd3 6BH
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings, change of use of land to residential, conversion of building to 1-bedroom detached dwelling including extensions and alterations to external material, and associated parking, ancillary works and landscaping enhancement including the formation of a pond.
SPC decision: Objection
TRDC decision: Refused
21/1783/FUL Potten Farm Stables Chandlers Lane –
Proposal: Demolition of existing stables and change of use of remaining stable buildings on site to studio units (Use Class B1) with associated parking areas
SPC decision: No objection
TRDC decision: Approved
21/1443/FUL - Land Adjacent to 2 Micklefield Green Cottages Sarratt Road Croxley Green WD3 6AH Proposal: Construction of a 25m x 50m menage with associated change of use to equestrian
SPC decision: No Objection, but we ask that a check is conducted to ensure no hedgerows have been removed in the preparation or execution of this application.
TRDC decision: Approved
223/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (224/21)
Council were informed that former Councillor Soothill will be attending the next meeting to update SPC on Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Dobson asked the Clerk if she could arrange for copies of the Neighbourhood Plan design codes to be printed for each Councillor for the next meeting.
POLICY AND RESOURCES
224/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (221/21)
The RFO informed Council that the quarterly budget report will be presented at next meeting. Cllr Lowry and the RFO will be starting work on the Budget for 22/23 and information and requests will be sent out to Council regarding this.
Applications for Grants are now open and the deadline for submissions is 12th October.
225/21 APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS (222/21)
To approve internet banking transactions to the sum of £8,694.32
Approved: Cllr Thorp; Seconded: Cllr Mortimer
226/21 POLICIES REVIEW (223/21)
The Councillors were asked to read the policy below in advance of this month’s council meeting, as follows;
• Allotment Policy
Approved: Cllr Mortimer ; Seconded: Cllr Garvey
HIGHWAYS
227/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (227/21)
Cllr Diggins provided this report in his absence and was circulated to Council prior to the meeting.
Significant repair work to roads in area ongoing, with concomitant road closures: Solesbridge Lane has been shut for considerable periods; other works have been postponed. The most up-to-date picture is to be found here: https://one.network . While this is subject to change, the only major disruption in our area, going forward, appears to be in the Belsize Area.
Activity
Three main areas:
• Following-up on previous actions:
o Bucks Hill - pleased to see some improvement to road surfaces;
o Sarratt Bottom/Dawes Lane/Moor Lane. Discussions on effectiveness or otherwise of, admittedly limited, traffic calming measures around Sarratt Bottom, Moor and Dawes Lanes. The residents’ view is that this is insufficient and so wish to move to formal traffic regulatory orders; I have requested this on their behalf but have, to date, not received back a reply.
• Double Yellow Lines. It was rumoured that double-yellow lines were proposed for Alexandra Road and Downer Drive; this proved to be false. The investigation did however establish that, as a Parish Council, we are a statutory consultee, so would always be involved, unless it is a private road, in which case we have no, official, locus. For future reference, all such changes are listed here: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/changes-to-your-road/traffic-regulation-orders/traffic-regulation-orders.aspx?searchInput=&page=1&resultsPerPage=10&view=card
• Road Signage and Speeding at Belsize. Recently received correspondence from a resident, concerning road safety at the junctions of Bottom Lane, Toms Hill and Bucks Lane. We have requested that Three Rivers DC restore the fallen road sign and establish a Traffic Regulatory Order so that a 30 mph limit be imposed throughout the area; a response is expected within 10 working days.
Follow-up Actions
I have asked for an update on the following:
• Proposed Strategic Cycleway plan. We sent this in some months ago now but have had no proper response. I chased and the reply, from Three Rivers DC is that they are about to go out to ’stakeholder consultation’; I will continue to follow-up.
• Horrocks Wood/Redhall Lane Flooding. I’ve contacted the Woodland Trust and requested that they cut-down over-grown branches and bushes infringing on the road and restore the poorly-maintained drainage ditch that runs alongside the road. Currently, because the wood surface level is higher than the road, water just drains out onto the road.
• I will also follow-up with Herts CC on other outstanding issues: North Rd/Church Lane; Red Lion Rd; safety outside Sarratt School.
=======
Peace Garden
I am extremely disappointed by the number and range of negative comments received, nonetheless I continue to believe it to be a worthwhile project that deserves our full support. Most of the negativity concerns the Green and it’s apparent eternal character; nothing could be further from the truth. Within living memory it has been a cattle feeding point en route to market; it is still a mixed use area: green space, nature reserve, fairground, memorial area, play area. Our plan would take a small part of the Green, cut-off from the rest, and directly adjacent to the school and make something beautiful and worthwhile that will have meaning for generations.
We should listen to objections but also be robust: we decided on this after fairly robust discussion and with a clear vision as to what it was to achieve, and more importantly, why. I attach the design brief that I passed to Flo and the Head of Sarratt School.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Vision
A place of beauty, reflection, remembrance and rest for all, where the fruits of peace, often hard-won through struggle and war, can be appreciated.
(This might become a visualisation of Green Madrigal(1) by Lynette Roberts; see https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lr1-madrigal.htm )
Concept:
• A Commemorative Garden that remembers not just the dead of the World Wars but more recent conflicts and tragedies, including Covid-19.
• It celebrates the ‘fruits of peace’ ie that which flows from conflict, once resolved, and, that which is only possible with peace. (This is really important to me, as a former soldier: if war has ANY point it is that it allows for the settlement of conflict and creates opportunities for peace and development.) Physically, the location stands in counter-point to the focus of Remembrance at the top of the Green (which is where the VE/VJ Day trees will go).
• It should be a ‘sensory’ garden: accessible to all and enjoyable to all; hence the rather pompous title of ‘Physic’ garden, traditionally a place where herbs and other medicinal plants are grown..
• It should be a ‘natural’ garden, reflecting one of the other great challenges of our time: the conservation and preservation of the natural environment. It overlooks the duck-pond (along with splendid new duckhouse) so there is a sort of perspectives' seque there already.
• It should be open and used by all but planned, inspired and (as far as possible) involve our Young People, especially the pupils of Sarratt School, in the layout, planting and looking after.
• It should be a lasting memorial: easily maintained, scalable (so it can grow - within reason), and so pupils can look back in five, ten, fifteen or longer, years and say, ‘I helped make that’.
Practical
• ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and, depending on what we decide to do, this may take a couple of years to plan and develop, however, it would be good to ‘cut the first sod’/plant the first bushes this autumn.
• The initial SPC budget is in the region of £800 but, depending on the vision and where we want to take it, more might be obtained, especially in subsequent years..
• The Council will deal with planning, consultation and communications’ issues
Other Ideas
• Built-in compass rose
• Permanent labyrinth, recalling the meditative purpose of labyrinths and reflecting the vision of the garden.
• Orientation upright stones: one perhaps facing towards Jerusalem, important to three Abrahamic faiths (and presumably part of the core values of Sarratt School); one perhaps facing West, in black, recalling the horrors of the Slave Trade.
• Natural wood benches
• Use of Fruit trees and edible plants to match the ‘fruits of peace’ idea.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s ambitious but even if we realise part of it, it will be worthwhile. What would be disappointing is if we give in to negative conservatism (not a political statement), that would preserve everything the way it is, imagining (wrongly) that is the way it was.
Cllr Gell commented on the road work activity next to the Wheatsheaf sign. Cllr Mortimer informed Council that this is just works being carried out and the skip will be removed shortly. Not a highways issue.
Cllr Gell received some correspondence regarding the speed of vehicles down Bucks Hill and to do with the ‘keep left’ sign that keeps falling down. All the drains are also blocked up in that area. To inform HCC again.
228/21 KGV ALIVE UPDATE (228/21)
Cllr Dobson provided the background to the project, and advised Council that the project team had been unable to come to a unanimous decision, so had referred the decision to the ‘corporate sponsors’ – SPC, the KGV Management Committee and the Sarratt & Chipperfield Foundation (SCCF) Trustees. She had met with the Chair of KGV and the SCCF Trustees and agreed there was sufficient support for the project to progress to the next stage. This would include further work on the design to ensure it met the needs of the target audience. It would also include work on the measures necessary to mitigate the concerns raised by some residents. Until this was completed funding could not be applied for from various bodies such as the National Lottery. As such the decision to progress to the next stage did not mean the project would definitely go ahead, rather there was sufficient evidence to justify further work on the idea. Key to moving to the next stage was the appointment of a Project Manager and supporting project team.
229/21 CORRESPONDENCE (229/21)
A letter was received from a local resident regarding a potential path going over SPC Common Land. It was decided that a letter be written to the owner requesting that the hardstanding slabs should be removed, as that formalises a path, and the area returned to grass. A letter should also be written to the complainant stating that no trespassing is taking place as it is Common Land. Letter and emails to be shared with Cllr Dobson, Cllr Mortimer and Cllr Rugg before sending.
A letter received from the landlady of The Boot relating to the recent Spotlight article, in particular the issuing of a Noise Abatement Order by TRDC. The letter stated no such order had been received. The Clerk will investigate and respond accordingly. It was decided that whilst SPC supports local businesses we should write to The Boot and reiterate that the noise levels do need to be managed.
230/21 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (230/21)
A member of the public questioned the £800 allocated to the Community Garden. It was confirmed that these funds were granted by SPC only.
231/21 COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS (231/21)
Cllr Gell raised question about KGV fencing and whose responsibility it is to mend. Cllr Mortimer stated that a site visit is going to take place to see if a formal entrance can be made to enable children to go through to get lost balls.
Cllr Farman informed Council that 2 public consultations on the Neighbourhood Plan had taken place and encouragement was given to residents to please engage with it and respond with any comments asap.
Cllr Rugg stated the Financial Regulations should have been bought to Council this meeting for approval. Clerk apologised and will work with Cllr Lowry to bring them to next meeting.
Cllr Thorp thanked Council for their support. He also gave explanation as to why he was leaving SPC, which included the reaction and behaviour of local residents about the Skatepark which had been disgraceful and had affected all those involved mentally. Cllr Thorp said he was very sad about what had happened and wished the Council all the best. Cllr Dobson thanked Cllr Thorp for all his incredible work establishing the Youth Group and the skatepark project especially.
232/21 DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE PUT ON NEXT AGENDA (232/21)
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 12th October 2021.
Meeting closed at 21:38
Caroline Owen
Proper Officer/RFO, Sarratt Parish Council
Parish Office, Village Hall,
The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire. WD3 6AS
Telephone: 01923 262025
Email: sarratt_parish@btconnect.com
Web: www.sarrattparishcouncil.co.uk
Minutes of the Sarratt Parish Council meeting held in
Sarratt Village Hall on Tuesday 14th September 2021
Present: Councillor Dobson
Councillor John Rugg
Councillor Peter Thorp
Councillor John Gell
Councillor Nick Mortimer
Councillor Lee Farman
Councillor Flo Garvey
Councillor Michael Lowry
In attendance: District Councillor Ciaran Reed
11 members of the public
Start time 7.32pm
212.APOLOGIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Apologies from Councillor Diggins.
Due to the lack of space and poor ventilation and the number of members of the public in attendance the Clerk and Chair decided to move the agenda items that members of the public wanted to speak/hear about closer to the beginning of the meeting.
213.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest.
214. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING
To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18th August 2021.
Councillor Dobson noted there was only one RED flagged allotment in the Clerk report whereas there were 6 reported in the Allotment Inspection. The Clerk will check and amend.
Cllr Dobson questioned the Enforcement Notice on Fir Trees, Dawes Lane – a new Enforcement Notice appears to have been issued, but it was understood one was already in existence and should have been complied with in November 2020. The Clerk to query with the Enforcement Team at TRDC.
• Proposed: Cllr Mortimer; Seconded: Cllr Gell.
215. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL
• Cllr Gell attended the Chandler Cross Residents Association meeting and informed Council that a notion is being put forward to extend the resident’s association to encompass the whole of Sarratt. The next meeting will be on 13th October and Cllr Gell will report back to Council on this.
• Cllr Garvey and Cllr Mortimer attended a meeting with Thames Water on the water extraction and pollution of the River Chess. Cllr Garvey will circulate the report to Council.
• Cllr Mortimer attended the KGV meeting and informed Council that their Grant application is on its way.
• Cllr Dobson attended a meeting with the KGV Chair and SCCF Trustees and will discuss under Agenda item 228/21.
216. CLERK/RFO REPORT
• The Sarratt Youth Group is set to start again with first meet scheduled for Sunday 12th September. We have a new lead for the group; Sarah Hickles who previously was a volunteer for the group. I will be doing the Administration for this and will provide updates on the successful uptake. I envisage a slow start until word of mouth and adverting takes hold. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Thorp for his incredible input and success for setting the Youth Group up and moving this new ‘opening’ forward. I understand that although Cllr Thorp is leaving the Council, he will still be volunteering sporadically for the Youth Group, and we are very grateful for this.
• Replacement glass has been ordered for the phone box in Bucks Hill.
• The sign entering Belsize from Chipperfield has unfortunately been broken. I am in communication with the field landowner who has accepted liability and is arranging his insurance company to make contact. In the meantime, I have ordered a replacement, and this should be with us within 4 weeks. Please see images below.
• Fingerposts are due to be delivered in the next month.
• The Grant application process is now open with a deadline of 12th October.
• We have experienced a few IT issues with fraudulent emails being received in quite a sophisticated manner. This has been dealt with accordingly and the office PC is going to be reviewed and security is going to be increased. The SPC email address is also going to be changed (if not done already by the time of the meeting). All details will be circulated. Advice is to remain cautious and vigilant before replying/opening emails.

As I mentioned earlier, this will be Cllr Thorps last meeting in his Councillor capacity. I would like to thank him for all that he has done for SPC and the invaluable work throughout my sickness absence. I wish him all the best for the future.
Sarratt Youth Group had 18 young people attend the first meeting which is wonderful news.
ENVIRONMENT
217.REMEMBRANCE GARDEN (220/21)
Cllr Dobson gave an overview of the objective behind the garden.
A member of public requested the opportunity to speak for 3 minutes and strongly objected to the commemorative garden and informed Council that village greens are protected when registered with Secretary of State and therefore cannot just be dug up. They also made reference to the SPC policy highlighting it states village greens cannot be changed or altered without permission from the Secretary of State. They also highlighted that if this area of The Green was used then it would need to be replaced by another piece of land of the same size somewhere in Sarratt. The Parishioner stated that a letter she received from Cllr Diggins says that he does not consider the whole Green as a single entity. The Parishioner suggested that if it was to go ahead then a village meeting should take place to discuss and plan together as a village.
Cllr Rugg confirmed SPC was aware of a need to apply for permission to change the structure of Green as Council records contain a recent email from him suggesting “ As we have reached this stage it might be sensible to ascertain if the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol ( acting for and on behalf of the Secretary of State) will provide an opinion on the proposal and the likelihood of Sarratt obtaining consent for a change of use for a section of the registered common – as we will be required to apply to them (not TRDC) for permission”
He also informed the meeting that DEFRA issued a revised policy document on this very topic in 2015 and a copy also available online was now held in the Parish Council records.
Cllr Thorp reiterated that there was no intention of SPC urbanising the area or ruining an area of land. It was meant as a positive place for reflection.
It was decided that Cllr Garvey would liaise with the Wildlife Volunteers to create something more natural using wildflowers and then take a view from residents and SPC enable us to all work together.
Cllr Rugg noted that depending upon the scope and design the planting the planting of wildflowers and a small number of trees and was unlikely to be deemed a change of use requiring approval from the Secretary of State.
Cllr Garvey will come back at next meeting with an update.
It was also noted a maintenance budget/ written maintenance agreement for this would be needed, to put peoples’ minds at rest that it will not be neglected in future years.
218.LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (217/21)
It has been a month of lots of little things
• KGV meeting – planning application on extended operating hours has now gone in - awaiting update. Nothing else for SPC currently.
• Complaints re: ivy and nettles around the Parish – Parish Warden tasked to remove
• Belsize sign broken – scene visited, broken part retrieved and reason for breakage photographed – full admission from landowner, now in hands of insurers, new sign ordered
• Complaints from residents re Helicopters at Model Farm on Sarratt Road – looking into it to advise them accordingly. It has already been recommended they keep a log of the times and duration on the helicopter activity. It was noted they are only permitted to use the facility for 28 days per annum. It was decided that a formal letter also be sent to the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the helicopter training exercises taking place over the village.
• The litter picking group went to the Belsize area – 2 bags worth removed. Michael Groom and Sally Furr also picked up substantial amount in Langlebury Lane and Solesbridge Lane – TRDC have removed these.
• Parking on The Green opposite The Boot – signage put up on one side so on Sunday 12th a white 19 plate Discovery parked on the other side! It was decided that posts will be placed opposite the existing posts to stop vehicles parking on the other side of The Green.
• Green wheelie bin week 3 – It has become apparent that residents living adjacent to The Green are using the bins for their own personal household waste and garden cuttings – article in Spotlight please. Clerk will look in to grills to be placed over the litter bins to stop large bags of resident’s household rubbish being placed in them.
Cllr Gell reported that he has received comments that residents do not want the red telephone boxes in Chandlers Cross and Bucks Hill. The Clerk will put it as an agenda item for the next meeting and find out cost of removal.
219. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (218/21)
Cllr Rugg reported that he has contacted Richard Young for an update on the Woodlands Management Plan. He confirms he is awaiting a response from the Forestry Commission (FC) on the proposals for the 10-year plan that we have jointly submitted but he is fairly confident it should be accepted.
He reminded Council that we could potentially qualify for a retrospective FC £1,000 grant for producing the plan – but this will likely trigger a bill from Herts CC for Richard’s work that may come to £3K.
We have £4k in the current Environment budget for Woodland Management Plan work. At the time of compiling the budget we were not sure if the £1K was likely to be available under the revised and emerging ELMS scheme therefore being prudent it was not included as income.
If and when the 10-year plan is accepted, we should (as in the past) then be eligible for Woodland Management grants at a rate and timescale for work determined by the Forestry Commission. They pay in arrears for work that has been undertaken – it is important that we manage this carefully as we were late with claims and copy invoices in 2015 and lost a series of payments by default.
220. SUSTAINABITY REPORT (219/21)
• Queens Green Canopy - talking to one particular landowner about land for this with hopeful possibilities. Looking for more. There has been a request from a resident to have several small trees planted on the patch of grass on the corner of Dawes Lane and Downer Drive – both for beauty and to stop it being used as a car park.
• Community Garden (behind the Village Shop) – this has generated sales of £921 from the fresh produce since April. This year, all that revenue has gone to the shop, but next year, a sizeable proportion will come back into the garden, which should mean they won’t have to fundraise or ask for grants quite so much. Upcoming event is the Apple Festival being held on 19th September at Ramillies Orchard – open to all.
• Allotment - it was proposed the license enabling the Community Garden to rent one of the allotments be agreed by the end of September
Thanks and appreciation were given to Cllr Garvey for all her hard work and moving projects forward so well.
PLANNING
A member of the public requested 3 minutes to speak.
The member of the public explained that she is experiencing problems with an adjacent neighbour placing a large fence at 4”6 height alongside the boundary between their properties. It has impacted the sightline from her drive and created a safety issue which means she is unable to exit her drive by car without someone standing in the road to confirm the road is clear. The member of the public would like SPC to support her case. She has already contacted the planning case officer.
It was decided that SPC would write to both the Planning and Enforcement teams formally and officially. Cllr Farman will follow this up.
221.TO COMMENT ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS (225/21)
21/1770/LBC Green End Farm, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 6AS.
Proposal: Repair works including to internal walls and ceilings and the external front elevation.
NOTED
21/1983/LBC York House School, Sarratt Road, Croxley Green.
Proposal: Replacement of windows along southern elevation.
NOTED
222. TO NOTE PLANNING DECISIONS (226/21)
21/1657/FUL Great Sarratt Hall Cottage, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 4DP
Proposal: Demolition of existing extension and conservatory and construction of single-storey rear extension.
SPC decision: No objection
TRDC decision: Approved
21/1563/FUL Holly Hedges Farm, Olleberie Lane, Belsize WD3 4NU
Proposal: Single-storey front and side extensions. Still awaiting FULL application decision however it seems they have collated all previous applications and approved them collectively.
21/1607/FUL Land at rear of The Woodyard, The Green, Sarratt, Wd3 6BH
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings, change of use of land to residential, conversion of building to 1-bedroom detached dwelling including extensions and alterations to external material, and associated parking, ancillary works and landscaping enhancement including the formation of a pond.
SPC decision: Objection
TRDC decision: Refused
21/1783/FUL Potten Farm Stables Chandlers Lane –
Proposal: Demolition of existing stables and change of use of remaining stable buildings on site to studio units (Use Class B1) with associated parking areas
SPC decision: No objection
TRDC decision: Approved
21/1443/FUL - Land Adjacent to 2 Micklefield Green Cottages Sarratt Road Croxley Green WD3 6AH Proposal: Construction of a 25m x 50m menage with associated change of use to equestrian
SPC decision: No Objection, but we ask that a check is conducted to ensure no hedgerows have been removed in the preparation or execution of this application.
TRDC decision: Approved
223/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (224/21)
Council were informed that former Councillor Soothill will be attending the next meeting to update SPC on Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Dobson asked the Clerk if she could arrange for copies of the Neighbourhood Plan design codes to be printed for each Councillor for the next meeting.
POLICY AND RESOURCES
224/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (221/21)
The RFO informed Council that the quarterly budget report will be presented at next meeting. Cllr Lowry and the RFO will be starting work on the Budget for 22/23 and information and requests will be sent out to Council regarding this.
Applications for Grants are now open and the deadline for submissions is 12th October.
225/21 APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS (222/21)
To approve internet banking transactions to the sum of £8,694.32
Approved: Cllr Thorp; Seconded: Cllr Mortimer
226/21 POLICIES REVIEW (223/21)
The Councillors were asked to read the policy below in advance of this month’s council meeting, as follows;
• Allotment Policy
Approved: Cllr Mortimer ; Seconded: Cllr Garvey
HIGHWAYS
227/21 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT (227/21)
Cllr Diggins provided this report in his absence and was circulated to Council prior to the meeting.
Significant repair work to roads in area ongoing, with concomitant road closures: Solesbridge Lane has been shut for considerable periods; other works have been postponed. The most up-to-date picture is to be found here: https://one.network . While this is subject to change, the only major disruption in our area, going forward, appears to be in the Belsize Area.
Activity
Three main areas:
• Following-up on previous actions:
o Bucks Hill - pleased to see some improvement to road surfaces;
o Sarratt Bottom/Dawes Lane/Moor Lane. Discussions on effectiveness or otherwise of, admittedly limited, traffic calming measures around Sarratt Bottom, Moor and Dawes Lanes. The residents’ view is that this is insufficient and so wish to move to formal traffic regulatory orders; I have requested this on their behalf but have, to date, not received back a reply.
• Double Yellow Lines. It was rumoured that double-yellow lines were proposed for Alexandra Road and Downer Drive; this proved to be false. The investigation did however establish that, as a Parish Council, we are a statutory consultee, so would always be involved, unless it is a private road, in which case we have no, official, locus. For future reference, all such changes are listed here: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/changes-to-your-road/traffic-regulation-orders/traffic-regulation-orders.aspx?searchInput=&page=1&resultsPerPage=10&view=card
• Road Signage and Speeding at Belsize. Recently received correspondence from a resident, concerning road safety at the junctions of Bottom Lane, Toms Hill and Bucks Lane. We have requested that Three Rivers DC restore the fallen road sign and establish a Traffic Regulatory Order so that a 30 mph limit be imposed throughout the area; a response is expected within 10 working days.
Follow-up Actions
I have asked for an update on the following:
• Proposed Strategic Cycleway plan. We sent this in some months ago now but have had no proper response. I chased and the reply, from Three Rivers DC is that they are about to go out to ’stakeholder consultation’; I will continue to follow-up.
• Horrocks Wood/Redhall Lane Flooding. I’ve contacted the Woodland Trust and requested that they cut-down over-grown branches and bushes infringing on the road and restore the poorly-maintained drainage ditch that runs alongside the road. Currently, because the wood surface level is higher than the road, water just drains out onto the road.
• I will also follow-up with Herts CC on other outstanding issues: North Rd/Church Lane; Red Lion Rd; safety outside Sarratt School.
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Peace Garden
I am extremely disappointed by the number and range of negative comments received, nonetheless I continue to believe it to be a worthwhile project that deserves our full support. Most of the negativity concerns the Green and it’s apparent eternal character; nothing could be further from the truth. Within living memory it has been a cattle feeding point en route to market; it is still a mixed use area: green space, nature reserve, fairground, memorial area, play area. Our plan would take a small part of the Green, cut-off from the rest, and directly adjacent to the school and make something beautiful and worthwhile that will have meaning for generations.
We should listen to objections but also be robust: we decided on this after fairly robust discussion and with a clear vision as to what it was to achieve, and more importantly, why. I attach the design brief that I passed to Flo and the Head of Sarratt School.
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Vision
A place of beauty, reflection, remembrance and rest for all, where the fruits of peace, often hard-won through struggle and war, can be appreciated.
(This might become a visualisation of Green Madrigal(1) by Lynette Roberts; see https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lr1-madrigal.htm )
Concept:
• A Commemorative Garden that remembers not just the dead of the World Wars but more recent conflicts and tragedies, including Covid-19.
• It celebrates the ‘fruits of peace’ ie that which flows from conflict, once resolved, and, that which is only possible with peace. (This is really important to me, as a former soldier: if war has ANY point it is that it allows for the settlement of conflict and creates opportunities for peace and development.) Physically, the location stands in counter-point to the focus of Remembrance at the top of the Green (which is where the VE/VJ Day trees will go).
• It should be a ‘sensory’ garden: accessible to all and enjoyable to all; hence the rather pompous title of ‘Physic’ garden, traditionally a place where herbs and other medicinal plants are grown..
• It should be a ‘natural’ garden, reflecting one of the other great challenges of our time: the conservation and preservation of the natural environment. It overlooks the duck-pond (along with splendid new duckhouse) so there is a sort of perspectives' seque there already.
• It should be open and used by all but planned, inspired and (as far as possible) involve our Young People, especially the pupils of Sarratt School, in the layout, planting and looking after.
• It should be a lasting memorial: easily maintained, scalable (so it can grow - within reason), and so pupils can look back in five, ten, fifteen or longer, years and say, ‘I helped make that’.
Practical
• ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and, depending on what we decide to do, this may take a couple of years to plan and develop, however, it would be good to ‘cut the first sod’/plant the first bushes this autumn.
• The initial SPC budget is in the region of £800 but, depending on the vision and where we want to take it, more might be obtained, especially in subsequent years..
• The Council will deal with planning, consultation and communications’ issues
Other Ideas
• Built-in compass rose
• Permanent labyrinth, recalling the meditative purpose of labyrinths and reflecting the vision of the garden.
• Orientation upright stones: one perhaps facing towards Jerusalem, important to three Abrahamic faiths (and presumably part of the core values of Sarratt School); one perhaps facing West, in black, recalling the horrors of the Slave Trade.
• Natural wood benches
• Use of Fruit trees and edible plants to match the ‘fruits of peace’ idea.
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It’s ambitious but even if we realise part of it, it will be worthwhile. What would be disappointing is if we give in to negative conservatism (not a political statement), that would preserve everything the way it is, imagining (wrongly) that is the way it was.
Cllr Gell commented on the road work activity next to the Wheatsheaf sign. Cllr Mortimer informed Council that this is just works being carried out and the skip will be removed shortly. Not a highways issue.
Cllr Gell received some correspondence regarding the speed of vehicles down Bucks Hill and to do with the ‘keep left’ sign that keeps falling down. All the drains are also blocked up in that area. To inform HCC again.
228/21 KGV ALIVE UPDATE (228/21)
Cllr Dobson provided the background to the project, and advised Council that the project team had been unable to come to a unanimous decision, so had referred the decision to the ‘corporate sponsors’ – SPC, the KGV Management Committee and the Sarratt & Chipperfield Foundation (SCCF) Trustees. She had met with the Chair of KGV and the SCCF Trustees and agreed there was sufficient support for the project to progress to the next stage. This would include further work on the design to ensure it met the needs of the target audience. It would also include work on the measures necessary to mitigate the concerns raised by some residents. Until this was completed funding could not be applied for from various bodies such as the National Lottery. As such the decision to progress to the next stage did not mean the project would definitely go ahead, rather there was sufficient evidence to justify further work on the idea. Key to moving to the next stage was the appointment of a Project Manager and supporting project team.
229/21 CORRESPONDENCE (229/21)
A letter was received from a local resident regarding a potential path going over SPC Common Land. It was decided that a letter be written to the owner requesting that the hardstanding slabs should be removed, as that formalises a path, and the area returned to grass. A letter should also be written to the complainant stating that no trespassing is taking place as it is Common Land. Letter and emails to be shared with Cllr Dobson, Cllr Mortimer and Cllr Rugg before sending.
A letter received from the landlady of The Boot relating to the recent Spotlight article, in particular the issuing of a Noise Abatement Order by TRDC. The letter stated no such order had been received. The Clerk will investigate and respond accordingly. It was decided that whilst SPC supports local businesses we should write to The Boot and reiterate that the noise levels do need to be managed.
230/21 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (230/21)
A member of the public questioned the £800 allocated to the Community Garden. It was confirmed that these funds were granted by SPC only.
231/21 COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS (231/21)
Cllr Gell raised question about KGV fencing and whose responsibility it is to mend. Cllr Mortimer stated that a site visit is going to take place to see if a formal entrance can be made to enable children to go through to get lost balls.
Cllr Farman informed Council that 2 public consultations on the Neighbourhood Plan had taken place and encouragement was given to residents to please engage with it and respond with any comments asap.
Cllr Rugg stated the Financial Regulations should have been bought to Council this meeting for approval. Clerk apologised and will work with Cllr Lowry to bring them to next meeting.
Cllr Thorp thanked Council for their support. He also gave explanation as to why he was leaving SPC, which included the reaction and behaviour of local residents about the Skatepark which had been disgraceful and had affected all those involved mentally. Cllr Thorp said he was very sad about what had happened and wished the Council all the best. Cllr Dobson thanked Cllr Thorp for all his incredible work establishing the Youth Group and the skatepark project especially.
232/21 DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE PUT ON NEXT AGENDA (232/21)
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 12th October 2021.
Meeting closed at 21:38
Caroline Owen
Proper Officer/RFO, Sarratt Parish Council
Contact the Clerk:
clerk@sarrattparishcouncil.gov.uk
sarratt_parish@btconnect.com
or telephone (01923) 262025
PLEASE USE OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
In future, email correspondence should be addressed to clerk@sarrattparishcouncil.gov.uk.
To minimise disruption during the changeover, we will continue to monitor the existing email address sarratt_parish@btconnect.com
until 31 December 2021.
Visit the Parish Office:
(Located behind the Village Hall)
Parish News Headlines
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Three Rivers District Council’s Draft New Local Plan Reg 18Sarratt Parish Council’s Response
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Surface Dressing - Closure of the Green
Surface Dressing in The Green
Between Sarratt Road and The Green by Sarratt Hall Farmhouse
Between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 July Works between 09:30am and 4:00pm
*We need the road clear of parked vehicles in order to complete the work.
If you need to use your vehicle, please make sure you move it outside the road closure area shown at least 30 minutes before we are due to start working.
We are able to relocate parked vehicles, if necessary, using a specialist removal vehicle. If you or a member of your household are unable to move a car out of the works area due to shielding, self-isolation or for other reasons, please phone Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm and we will arrange to have the vehicle professionally relocated free of charge.
What you need to know: We would like to reassure you that we are following Government advice relating to construction work and social distancing to minimize the risks related to Covid-19.
We politely request that all residents respect our workforce and follow social distancing guidance when passing the works area or engaging with our on-site team.
Vehicles may not be allowed access through the road closure during the works, except for emergency vehicles. We are unable to provide information of which part of the road will have access and when. Please speak to the on-site team on the day who will be able to advise on access or contact Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm.
Where it is safe to do so, the County Council may be able to exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances in order to meet its public sector equality duty.
Please refer to the yellow signboards on your street to see the exact dates, timings and permit number. Any date changes to these works will be communicated on the yellow signboards at either end of your street and at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/roadclosures
These works are weather dependent and may be postponed if poor weather is forecast.
Details of any disruptions to bus services can be found at www.intalink.org.uk/timetables (search for your service). If you're unable to find this information, please call our customer service centre on 0300 123 4050.
Further information: • The permit number for these works is SD-CWY210904 & SD-CWY210904A full details can be found at www.one.network • If you have any special needs/circumstances that you would like to discuss with the team then please contact Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm or CSCHighways@hertfordshire.gov.uk - By phone on 0300 123 4047. We understand these works may be an inconvenience to you, however, we ask you to support us as we make the necessary improvements.
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Footpath Resurfacing on Caroon DriveNotice and Map...
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Footpath Resurfacing on Dimmocks LaneNotice and Map...
Footpath Resurfacing on Dimmocks Lane
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KGV Alive Proposal: Update
KGV Alive Proposal: Update
Having met Freestyle to discuss concerns that have been raised, the project team are unable to reach a majority decision on whether to proceed with the proposal in its current form.
A report regarding the process will be prepared and shared with the three project sponsors (KGV, SCCF and SPC) for them to decide the next steps.
Parish News
Housing Needs Survey
PLEASE USE OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
In future, please address your email correspondence to clerk@sarrattparishcouncil.gov.uk.
This changeover is part of our continuing approach towards monitoring and maintaining online security.
We will continue to monitor the existing email address sarratt_parish@btconnect.com
for a short time to minimise disruption during the changeover.
Sarratt Parish Council
Vacancy for the position of Councillor
Sarratt Parish Council has two vacancies for the position of Councillor.
Sarratt Parish Council is made up of nine Councillors, all of whom are volunteers, and supported by a Parish Clerk.
We are a non-political Council and work together to best serve the interests of the Parish and its residents. Council meetings are held once a month on the evening of the second Tuesday in the month. Councillors are required to attend the monthly meetings and work on other ad hoc duties between meetings as required, but generally the time commitment is not significant.
Our remit covers:
- The maintenance of the Parish commons, woodlands, footpaths and bridleways
- Planning matters affecting the Parish
- Management of the Parish Council budget and its policies
- Working with Herts County Council on highway issues
- A wide variety of other matters that come from being an integral part of the local community.
We are looking for anyone keen to support the many things our community loves about Sarratt, as well as supporting the future development of the Parish in a way which protects what residents and visitors to the area treasure, whilst enabling it to continue to grow and thrive. At the current time we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who would enjoy supporting the Council on matters associated with managing our Environment agenda.
Applicants do not need any particular skills or prior experience of working on or with a local Council. However, a willingness to support the local community is required and short introductory courses on the role of a Councillor are available to new Councillors.
If you are interested in supporting your community in this way and wish to be considered for the position of Councillor, please contact the Parish Office for an Application Form using the details below.
SARRATT'S OWN YOUTH CLUB IS BACK!
Click for details
KGV Alive Proposal: Update
Having met Freestyle to discuss concerns that have been raised, the project team are unable to reach a majority decision on whether to proceed with the proposal in its current form.
A report regarding the process will be prepared and shared with the three project sponsors (KGV, SCCF and SPC) for them to decide the next steps.
TRDC's Draft New Local Plan Reg 18 Sarratt Parish Council’s Response
Sarratt Parish Council (SPC) has reviewed the draft new Local Plan, issued for consultation on 11 June by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC)
...read more
PUBLIC CONSULTATION – Friday 9th July 2021
KGV ALIVE – SKATEPARK
Meeting 1
Present:
- Chair – Mike Edmund
- Freestyle Collective – 4 representatives
- SCCF – 1 representative Angela Coakley
- KGV Committee – 2 representatives – Helen Mooney and Simon Foot
- Sarratt Parish Council – 2 representatives – Cllr Peter Thorp & Caroline Owen – Clerk
In attendance:
- District Councillor Ciaran Reed
- 33 Members of the public (M.O.P)
Meeting held at KGV Pavilion, KGV Fields, Sarratt.
Start time: 18:00
Minutes
- Chair detailed the protocol necessary for the meeting regarding Covid-19. The protocol for GDPR and data protection regarding names and addresses held was also detailed. It was confirmed that names and addresses would only be used for the purposes of the NHS Track and Trace.
- Chair explained there would be two meetings held this evening to accommodate the number of members of the public wanting to attend. The second meeting is scheduled for 19:30 therefore this meeting will need to conclude at 19:15 to facilitate a prompt start.
- Chair requested that any member of public when speaking may be asked to initially clarify if they are a resident or not for purpose of correct representation.
- Chair explained that he is not here to answer questions but to direct those questions to the relevant group. It was emphasized that members of the public in attendance listen to the facts and ensure any comments are made in an appropriate respectful manner throughout.
- Personal Introduction given by Chair detailing his 24-year background and association with Sarratt.
- Background of KGV recreational site including historical background. Site was given to the village in 1932 and designated as an outdoor leisure facility. As such it is owned by SPC as Custodian trustees. The maintenance is overseen by KGV management committee.
Chair read out quote from 2012 Parish Plan that included a public survey.
“Whilst the younger age ranges are well catered for in terms of activities offered in the parish, older teenagers are less well served.to some extent the problem especially for 14 – 16-year old’s and the 17+ groups may experience transport difficulties which restrict their ability to visit activity centres outside the parish.”
- It was also detailed that at that time the parish did not feel they had enough say which is why tonight’s public consultation has taken place. This is the first time this issue regarding lack of activities for the older age group has been publicly discussed. This issue has been bought up by a young parishioner who wrote to the council requesting a Skatepark and therefore the meeting tonight is to talk it through.
- Chair gave process/agenda/objective for the evening:
For the parishioners to understand the issue at stake.
To hear who ‘Freestyle’ are and what they do.
Proceed to answer questions. - M.O.P requested that it be minuted that this is not the first time the skatepark has been discussed. It has been discussed previously although not as an official meeting due to the level of intensity of feelings in the community.
Chair confirmed that this meeting tonight was the first official meeting.
M.O.P stated that he did not want to hear about the Skatepark and Freestyles presentation. - M.O.P requested that the audience should listen to the presentation by Freestyle because the audience does not have enough information on the proposal.
- M.O.P requested information on who would be making the final decision on the skatepark and when this decision will be made.
It was also asked why it was not put out to tender Chair informed M.O.P that no decision has been made and this is just at public consultation stage.
M.O.P said that it is very presumptuous to have Freestyle presentation before the public have decided if they want a skatepark or not. - Freestyle Introduction. Purpose is to make community’s active by hearing what community’s want and what they do not want and to educate the myths surrounding skateparks.
Their job is to find out what the communities hopes, dreams and fears are. There was a tender process that freestyle won. No decisions have been made, freestyle is not being paid for this presentation, this is public consultation is part of the whole process. Freestyle’s goal tonight is to listen to what Sarratt want and what Sarratt needs.
There is an obvious provision for young people under 7. Great provision for the older generation, great provision for sporting individuals ie football pitch, tennis court. 86% people do not engage with traditional sport and leisure. Football pitch attracts 15% of the people. The 86% that do not participate in football, tennis etc want facilities that enable the use of bikes, boards, scooters, parkour. Overwhelmingly skateparks are for children who do not have the confidence for competitive sports, it is a non-judgmental activity.
- Questions and answers.
- M.O.P – requested Freestyle clarify the tender process as previously told by freestyle that they are non-profit making. Request for Freestyle to supply residents with pictures of parks that they have designed and built in the area to show condition these parks are in now as great concerns over maintenance of the park and the funding required.
Freestyle replied that part of the grant process is to demonstrate identify and propose how the maintenance will be funded for at least the next 10 years. If this is not sustainable the funds will not be given.
Cllr Thorp replied regarding the tender process. Confirmation there was a tender process by Sarratt Parish Council. Confirmation this process was robust.
Freestyle confirmed that this tender process was to be engaged in an opportunity. There was no promise of money, no contractual obligation, if the money is raised then Freestyle has the right to build it. Freestyle is a social enterprise.
Cllr Thorp reported that Sarratt Parish Council responded to a letter from a 14-year-old who unfortunately felt too intimidated to attend tonight due to the rhetoric that has been spreading around the village. The appropriate procedures were followed by the Council. Freestyle was chosen for several reasons. There is approx. £6k in the Council budget that could go towards this, and the rest will have to be raised if the project goes ahead. - M.O.P stated there would be a massive impact on her parents’ life if a skatepark goes ahead due to their location next to the recreation ground. Noise, anti-social behaviour being at the forefront that makes this proposal unacceptable.
M.O.P detailed there was a protest raised by the people who were outside a 200m circumference of a park in Harpenden and their protest was rejected because of that reason.
In comparison to their site and Sarratt KGV site within the same 200m circumference there is approx. 40 houses in proximity.
Main concerns are proximity and noise.
Freestyle responded stating that these are understandable and valid points of concern. When designing a park all comments and fears are considered. This could be looking at designs that could limit the amount of noise. - Freestyle explained that regarding anti-social behaviour, skateparks decrease anti-social behaviour not increase.
PCSO Steve Jacobs- size of Sarratt KGV park is much smaller than other parks in the area.
Steve Jacobs interrupted by much noise from the audience.
Unable to minute the audiences heated discussions due to lack of accuracy created.
M.O.P questioned PCSO Jacobs about stabbings that have been reported at local parks and gang related crime.
PCSO Jacobs confirmed a stabbing had taken place at a park in Croxley Green but not in the Skatepark and confirmed that it had no connection to the users of the skatepark although social media reported incorrectly.
M.O.P questioned if KGV is correct location for skatepark.
PCSO Jacobs confirmed that Sarratt will not attract anti-social behaviour due to its size and location. - M.O.P delighted to have debate. However, one question that has not been asked is if Sarratt wants a skatepark.
No survey results have been circulated. - M.O.P asked if there is a need for a skatepark. How many people have been asked.
Cllr Thorp. Replied all stats will be given to the audience to take home. From the customer group of 7- 17year olds, 70 young people in the village said they would love a skatepark.
M.O.P stated this cannot be true as no one asked her children.
Cllr Thorp confirmed that all households in the village had posted through their door an outline to the proposal detailing the survey and how to take part by either online, telephone or email. - District Councillor Ciaran Reed questioned the wording used regarding the questionnaire being sent to Sarratt or Sarratt Parish.
Cllr Thorp confirmed the paper-based proposal was circulated to every household in Sarratt Village. - Freestyle stated that the community should be looking ahead at least 30 years when deciding about what the needs are as well as in the current time. It needs to be looked and build for 30 years’ time looking at what younger people want generally as well as what they want and need now.
- M.O.P raised question again on who will be making the ultimate decision, who will be responsible, who will be signing this off.
Chair explained the group assembled to examine a letter that was sent to SPC comprises Sarratt Parish Council who are custodians of KGV Fields, KGV Management Committee who manage day to day running of the field and SCCF.
Cllr Thorp confirmed that the 4 representatives here who are representing those mentioned bodies are running the Feasibility study around the process. The evidence will then be looked at and a recommendation will be made that will go back to a Parish Council meeting, KGV meeting and SCCF meeting for ratification or not. M.O.P concerned that majority of members of these bodies are all Pro and therefore not a true representation of the village. - Chair asked Cllr Thorp what the positives and negatives in terms of responses to the survey.
Cllr Thorp- 65% of all respondents were pro skatepark, 11.65% were against.
Freestyle confirmed that all negatives were captured.
Simon Foot KGV Committee – confirmed questionnaire went to every household plus it was on SCCF website and Social media. It was also confirmed that if it is felt that the survey should be more widespread then they will do that.
The feasibility group want to hear different ideas and views. - District Councillor Reed stated that one of the main concerns is the democratic nature of the process. D Cllr Reed stated he is the only elected person in the Parish and his concerns are that the parish Council that is uncontested elections and therefore not voted on by the community of the parish. D Cllr Reed said SPC was not an elected body and that it did not have the remit to make the decision.
Cllr Thorp, representing SPC stated Cllr Reed’s comments were incorrect on both counts.
Cllr Lowry stated that his co option process was robust and he had to go in detail of his experience, and as part of the process was rigorously tested for the position.
D Cllr Reed explained that he is not criticising the parish council however when there is a Parish Council that claims it has the legitimacy of the people by doing a survey, that is significantly different to claiming having legitimacy from a democratic election.
Simon Foot – explained it was a Feasibility survey and not a vote.
Minutes could not be recorded due to audience disorder.
D Cllr Reed asked whether the parishioners would have a vote on how their public money will be spent regarding the £6000 that is available.
Minutes could not be recorded due to audience disorder. - M.O.P states there has been a figure of £70k circulating around the village for the build cost. Confirmation is needed on where the funding will come from. Where will the money come from to maintain and protect it.
Who will pay for graffiti removal, maintenance, protection, CCTV, security?
Simon Foot agreed these questions were valid and all these questions regarding maintenance security etc need to be factored into the feasibility project to see if it is sustainable. If it is not, then it will not be feasible. - Freestyle explained that the maintenance is 0 as it is made of concrete.
- District Councillor Reed asked to reflect on the comments made 2012 Parish Plan where it was identified there was a gap in activities for 7 – 17-year-olds. As a parishioner living in Sarratt D Cllr Reed explained that his social life was not based in Sarratt but at his school.
D Cllr Reed asked the question as to whether this skatepark will provide for the social needs of the teenagers in this village.
Freestyle responded by stating that needs are for local provision. A place that does not rely on mum and dad as taxi that increases pollution. For climate and social reasons, it has to be local. - M.O.P explained that he along with others have bought a house next to a social amenity should know that it does not come with the right to veto a proposal.
There will be no vote, it will be decided by the bodies who are here and have organised this public consultation. 70 young people have expressed that they want this skatepark. It was already identified in the previous 20102 Parish Survey there is a need. KGV fields is the only sports field. It is the only recreational facility for this parish. - Chair thanked the audience for their participation, Freestyle and Clerk.
Meeting Concluded at 19:16
PUBLIC CONSULTATION – Friday 9th July 2021
KGV ALIVE – SKATEPARK
Meeting 2
Present:
- Chair – Mike Edmund
- Freestyle Collective – 4 representatives
- SCCF – 1 representative Angela Coakley
- KGV Committee – 1 representatives – Simon Foot
- Sarratt Parish Council – 2 representatives – Cllr Peter Thorp & Caroline Owen – Clerk
In attendance:
- District Councillor Ciaran Reed
- 23 Members of the public (M.O.P)
Meeting held at KGV Pavilion, KGV Fields, Sarratt.
Start time: 19:33
Minutes
- Chair detailed the protocol necessary for the meeting regarding Covid-19.
The protocol for GDPR and data protection regarding names and addresses held was also detailed. It was confirmed that names and addresses would only be used for the purposes of the NHS Track and Trace. - Chair informed audience that there has already been one meeting this evening. All minutes will be displayed on SPC website and SCCF website and the results of the survey will be circulated at the end.
- Chair requested that any member of public when speaking may be asked to initially clarify if they are a resident or not for purpose of correct representation.
- Chair explained that he is not here to answer questions but to direct those questions to the relevant group. It was emphasized that members of the public in attendance listen to the facts and ensure any comments are made in an appropriate respectful manner throughout.
- Personal Introduction given by Chair detailing his 24-year background and association with Sarratt.
- Background of KGV recreational site including historical background. Site was given to the village in 1932 and designated as an outdoor leisure facility. As such it is owned by SPC as Custodian trustees. The maintenance is overseen by KGV management committee.
Chair read out quote from 2012 Parish Plan that included a public survey.
“Whilst the younger age ranges are well catered for in terms of activities offered in the parish, older teenagers are less well served.to some extent the problem especially for 14 – 16-year-olds and the 17+ groups may experience transport difficulties which restrict their ability to visit activity centres outside the parish.”
- I It was also detailed that at that time the parish did not feel they had enough say which is why tonight’s public consultation has taken place. Chair confirmed this was the first official public meeting to discuss the issue, which arose when a young parishioner wrote directly to SPC to request a skatepark.
- Chair gave process/agenda/objective for the evening.
For the parishioners to understand the issue at stake.
To hear who ‘Freestyle’ are and what they do.
Proceed to answer questions. - Freestyle introduction. Purpose is to make communities active by hearing what communities want and what they do not want and to educate the myths surrounding skateparks.
Their job is to find out what the communities hopes, dreams and fears are. There was a tender throughout process that freestyle won. No decisions have been made, freestyle is not being paid for this presentation, this is public consultation is part of the whole process. Freestyle’s goal tonight is to listen to what Sarratt want and what Sarratt needs and to hopefully mitigate any fears.
There is an obvious provision for young people under 7. Great provision for the older generation, great provision for sporting individuals ie football pitch, tennis court. 86% people do not engage with traditional sport and leisure. Football pitch attracts 15% of the people. The 86% that do not participate in football, tennis etc want facilities that enable the use of bikes, boards, scooters, parkour. Overwhelmingly skateparks are for children who do not have the confidence for competitive sports, it is a non-judgemental activity. - Questions and Answers.
M.O.P asked if teenagers of both genders in Sarratt have been specifically addressed to find out what they actually want.
Cllr Thorp replied that out of the customer group of ages 7 – 18s 76 said they would like a skatepark, 20 were neutral, and 3 were negative. The repondents in that category were evenly split between boys and girls.
M.O.P asked how many of those children live in Sarratt.
Cllr Thorp stated that 87% of the 240 responders live in Sarratt and surrounding villages.
M.O.P questioned why we are asking those who live in surrounding villages. Cllr Thorp reminded the audience that the questionnaire was only posted through the doors of those residents of Sarratt Village. - Freestyle commented that female participation in skateboarding is not down to the activity its down to the aesthetic. Part of the objective is to capture the young girls and to get them active prior to senior school. Freestyle continues to state that it is imperative that skateparks are placed next to playground to enable progression.
M.O.P raises the government figure that says 85% of skateparks are used by boys. Why are we doing something just for boys.
Freestyle state that the reason behind this figure is due to bad design and that councils tend to position skateparks away from playgrounds.
Chair requests that Cllr Thorp answers whether the gender split from those surveyed was 50/50 and is it therefore credible to say that as many girls as boys want it?
Cllr Thorp is unable to confirm this from the statistics at hand. It was confirmed looking at totality that 155 people out of 240 wanted the skatepark, 57 were neutral, 28 negatives.
Freestyle confirmed the figures are a robust piece of data.
SCCF representative, Angela Coakley stated that it was decided that the question of what gender are you would not be asked instead it could be offered.
There was the option of Male/Female/Rather not say. 1.Cllr Garvey applauded Freestyle for their park in Oxhey. Most fears are about anti-social behaviour. Cllr Garvey continued to say that as a private tutor she has had the opportunity to ask 14 – 16-year-olds if they want a skatepark and none of them were interested nor did they fill out the survey however when asking the 7 – 11 age group there was interest. Question is are we addressing the right target group.
Freestyle stated their designs are focused on the concept of increasing participation and health.
Cllr Garvey asked about how it will be maintained. Costing.
Freestyle responded that an application is only approved if demonstration of proof that maintenance is sustainable. - 14-year-old M.O.P states that he would love to have a skatepark here. The perception unfortunately is that young kids trash things. That is not reality. Skate parks are not anti-social and its not an issue.
Chair confirmed privately with the parent of young parishioner that the audience would want to hear his personal views as someone who is in the age group at the heart of tonight’s discussions.
PCSO Steve Jacobs - PCSO Steve Jacobs- size of Sarratt KGV park is much smaller than other parks in the area.
PCSO Jacobs confirmed a stabbing had taken place at a park in Croxley Green but not in the Skatepark and confirmed that it had no connection to the users of the skatepark although social media reported incorrectly.
PCSO Jacobs confirmed that Sarratt will not attract anti-social behaviour due to its size and location. Skaters tend to look after each other and their skatepark.
Freestyle stated that users of Skateparks are often used by dyslexics and children who have mental health issues. If they don’t have a level of confidence, they do not want to be involved in competitive sports so they tend to go for skates, boards, bikes and scooters. They are also less likely to use drugs and alcohol. - M.O.P asked if there will be sanitary facilities?
Freestyle responded that it will only be people from Sarratt using it and that it will not attract users from outside.
Simon Foot confirmed that they had not considered feasibility for toilets. - M.O.P asked if KGV is the only place under consideration for the skatepark.
Chair replied that KGV is the only recreational field in Sarratt. It was given to the village for recreational use.
M.O.P continued to ask how large the park will be.
Freestyle replied that the area has been mapped out on the field to demonstrate the comparison ion size to Croxley skatepark. Sarratt potential park is delineated by orange cones, Croxley in Yellow cones. It is approximately a ¼ the size of Croxley Green.
It is approx. 220 sqm. It will come under Permitted Development.
M.O.P observation is that it will be a huge amount of concrete.
Cllr Thorp advised that the volume of concrete would be less than that used for the tennis courts. - M.O.P asked who will be responsible for supervising the park?
Freestyle commented that the majority of skateparks are not supervised it is usually community policing that takes place.
Simon Foot explained that the feasibility study will investigate and consider CCTV, locking of gates etc. M.O.P questioned how we can stop the older children using the park at 10/11 o’clock at night. How will that be policed.
Chair explained that we are only at consultation stage, and these are yet to be discussed.
Closing time and policing of this will be considered. - M.O.P requested for stats to demonstrate noise levels.
Freestyle will send data. Reiterated that skateparks are not noisier than most other sports and recreational facilities.
It will be designed to be silent.
Simon foot requested that the data could be put into context with a comparison to a tennis game.
M.O.P stated that it is the quality of the noise produced as well as volume that is important.
Freestyle commented that all these considerations will be in stage 3 of the design, this is just consultation stage.
M.O.P says she lives next to KGV and has never heard the swings etc, enjoy listening to the children playing however skateboarding noise is an annoying noise.
Freestyle commented that 70% of skatepark users will be scooters, 20% BMXs,5% skateboarders, 5% inline skates. You will not hear the BMXs, unlikely to hear scooters due to their rubber wheels. - M.O.P asks what we are offering the older teenagers as it seems this is targeted at the younger ones. Should we not be asking them?
Chair asks if there is anything in the survey data regarding the 17+ age group?
Cllr Thorp replied that there is evidence that age group unfortunately did not respond. - M.O.P asked if the survey asked if there was anything they would want other than a skatepark.
Cllr Thorp explained that the reason a Skatepark is being looked into due to a letter sent to SPC by a 14-year-old boy asking SPC for a skatepark. It was because of a direct individual request.
Council then voted unanimously as did SCCF, KGV Management Committee, to look at a feasibility study. The results from the survey that are handed out are a direct result from the question “Do you want a skatepark?”
Chair raises the point that is it appropriate that the target age range should be asked an alternative question “What do you want?”.
Freestyle recommends that the users now should not only be the ones considered, but we should also be looking for decades to come. - M.O.P suggested climbing walls, bouldering etc. Other activities should be considered.
Young M.O.P stated that due to knee problems he is unable to do climbing and football and feels physical ability should be considered.
Simon Foot – Other facilities have not been explored but should and this will be part of the feasibility study.
Freestyle comment that budget is large factor plus area/size of site. 1.M.O.P raised the question of where the budget is coming from?
Cllr Thorp - £6000 is in the SPC budget of public held money and the balance will come from private donation and fundraising. - District Cllr Reed thanked all for input this evening. Is this proposal for Sarratt unique for the community or will users continue to travel elsewhere?
Young M.O.P explained that it takes him 40 minutes to cycle to others.
Freestyle – uniqueness is always accessibility.
Chair- refer to the 2012 Plan regarding accessibility for young people. Freestyle – uniqueness is always accessibility. Chair- refer to the 2012 Plan regarding accessibility for young people. - M.O.P questioned PCSO whether the young people he tends to see at KGV are residents of Sarratt or do they come from elsewhere.
PCSO Jacobs responds saying it is predominantly younger people from Sarratt rather than elsewhere. Sarratt does not attract young people from outside.
Chair raises question that if something is built here will it increase police presence.
PCSO – unless complaints come in then no. - M.O.P asked what the next stage is in the process.
Cllr Thorp states that all information gathered and evidence from this consultation and the survey will go to all groups for ratification or not. All evidence will be published.
Chair suggests that all evidence and deliberations could be put on other platforms rather than just online for transparency and inclusivity. - Chair gives thanks to all contributors.
Meeting Concluded: 20:50
KGV Alive Proposal
Public Meeting
Venue
KGV Pavilion, George V Way, Sarratt
6pm (first meeting)
7:30pm (second meeting)
Agenda
Covid Notice/Housekeeping
Facilitator’s Remarks
Introductions
Project Group Remarks
Q&A
Skatepark Update
Two public meetings, independently chaired by Mike Edmund, were held on Friday 9th July at the KGV pavilion to encourage comments and questions to be raised and directed to the Freestyle Collective (the selected partner) and the project team which is conducting a feasibility process on behalf of Sarratt Parish Council, KGV and Sarratt and Chipperfield Community Foundation. Minutes of both meetings were recorded by the Clerk of the Council. The results of the survey, which every household in Sarratt had the opportunity to complete, were distributed at the meetings. These results were also independently audited by ME and confirmed as a fair and accurate representation of the data.
Survey Results The questionnaire was open for 30 days and comprised questions to obtain both facts (quantitative) and views and feelings (qualitative). There were 240 responses from across all age groups. 87% of respondents were local to Sarratt making the results a reliable and authentic snapshot of the consensus.
Responses included; from the project age group (7-18) 41%, presumed parents (35-54) 29% and (possible) grandparents (55+) 27%
100% of all respondents, of all age groups and of both supporters and objectors, agreed that it’s important for young people to spend time outdoors
75% of respondents agreed that we, as a community, don’t provide enough for young people to do
Over 90% thought that we could provide more facilities at KGV for young people
60% currently leave the village to find outdoor activity for their children
Qualitative comments received were as follows;
- 65% support the project
- 23% are neutral
- Less than 12% are against the project
- 77% of 7-18 support the project, almost equally shared between boys and girls
- 68% of the 35-54 age group support the project
- 44% of the 55+ age group support the project
Below are links to the minutes and the full survey results.
The next stage in the process is for the project group to combine concerns raised in the public meetings with concerns raised in the survey and to meet with Freestyle to discuss if and how these concerns may be addressed. The project team will then present a recommendation which will be considered at the August SPC meeting (Wednesday August 18th) and subsequent KGV and SCCF meetings for ratification or not.
Three Rivers District Council’s Draft New Local Plan Reg 18
Sarratt Parish Council’s Response
Sarratt Parish Council (SPC) has reviewed the Three Rivers District Council’s (TRDC’s) draft new Local Plan (Reg 18), that was issued for consultation on 11 June. Included in this new Local Plan are sites for housing development over the next 15 years and associated policies. These can be found on the TRDC website http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/new-local-plan This consultation document includes NO sites in Sarratt Parish as potential locations for the 9,600 houses TRDC are required by central government to build by 2036. Prior to this consultation, a document published in October 2018 listed around 16 sites for potential development in the Parish. In this latest version of the new Local Plan, all 16 sites have been removed from the list of proposed sites to develop. As such, SPC supports TRDC’s draft new Local Plan on the basis it:
Protects the rural nature of the Parish, including the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and ancient woodland sites within Sarratt Parish;
Retains the rural aspect of the core villages and hamlets in the Parish;
Preserves a large proportion of the Green Belt within the Three Rivers District; and
Keeps ‘open access’ to footpaths, woodlands, commonland and the River Chess that are available and valued by residents throughout the Three Rivers District and who come to Sarratt to enjoy the outdoor space and amenities, such as the country pubs, which have proved so important for people’s mental health during the pandemic and in the future.
With respect to the Policies included in the draft new Local Plan, SPC has made comments on a number of these but in particular we are strongly supportive of the following:Policy Option 12 on Renewable Energy – New developments must produce 20% less CO2 emissions than directed in the 2013 regs. SPC is committed to creating a more sustainable environment and therefore welcomes this new and tangible measure, but would also prefer the target is raised to align with TRDC’s goal for the District to achieve net-zero by 2045 and the County wide target set by Herts CC of net-zero by 2050;
Policy Option 20 on Areas of Natural Beauty (ANOB) – The introduction of a presumption against development in AONBs.
Whilst SPC appreciates other areas of the District are impacted, including areas in the Green Belt, the fact that the document presented for consultation at this stage in the process has no development in Sarratt Parish is very good news for the residents of the Sarratt, and for the District as a whole, protecting an area of green space for not only residents of the Parish to enjoy but also the residents of the wider Three Rivers District and beyond.
Surface Dressing in The Green
Between Sarratt Road and The Green by Sarratt Hall Farmhouse
Between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 July Works between 09:30am and 4:00pm
*We need the road clear of parked vehicles in order to complete the work.
If you need to use your vehicle, please make sure you move it outside the road closure area shown at least 30 minutes before we are due to start working.
We are able to relocate parked vehicles, if necessary, using a specialist removal vehicle. If you or a member of your household are unable to move a car out of the works area due to shielding, self-isolation or for other reasons, please phone Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm and we will arrange to have the vehicle professionally relocated free of charge.
What you need to know: We would like to reassure you that we are following Government advice relating to construction work and social distancing to minimize the risks related to Covid-19.
We politely request that all residents respect our workforce and follow social distancing guidance when passing the works area or engaging with our on-site team.
Vehicles may not be allowed access through the road closure during the works, except for emergency vehicles. We are unable to provide information of which part of the road will have access and when. Please speak to the on-site team on the day who will be able to advise on access or contact Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm.
Where it is safe to do so, the County Council may be able to exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances in order to meet its public sector equality duty.
Please refer to the yellow signboards on your street to see the exact dates, timings and permit number. Any date changes to these works will be communicated on the yellow signboards at either end of your street and at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/roadclosures
These works are weather dependent and may be postponed if poor weather is forecast.
Details of any disruptions to bus services can be found at www.intalink.org.uk/timetables (search for your service). If you're unable to find this information, please call our customer service centre on 0300 123 4050.
Further information: • The permit number for these works is SD-CWY210904 & SD-CWY210904A full details can be found at www.one.network • If you have any special needs/circumstances that you would like to discuss with the team then please contact Leon Zaman 07712 490183 during office hours 09.00 – 5.00pm or CSCHighways@hertfordshire.gov.uk - By phone on 0300 123 4047. We understand these works may be an inconvenience to you, however, we ask you to support us as we make the necessary improvements.
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF PLOUGH LANE, SARRATT
Footpath Resurfacing on Caroon Drive
Footpath Resurfacing on Dimmocks Lane
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