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 Wednesday 9 June 2021


Present: Councillor Sarah Dobson
Councillor Peter Thorp
Councillor John Gell
Councillor Nick Mortimer
Councillor Simon Diggins (left the meeting at 8.25pm)
Councillor Lee Farman
Councillor Flo Garvey
Councillor Michael Lowry

In attendance: District Councillors Ciaran Reed and Alex Hayward
2 members of the public

Start time 7.31pm


131.APOLOGIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Apologies from Councillor Rugg and the Clerk.
Welcome to three new Councillors, Flo Garvey, Lee Farman and Michael Lowry.
Welcome also to Ciaran Reed, our new District Councillor.

132.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

133. MINUTES
To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Annual Statutory Meeting held on 19th May 2021.
Proposed: Cllr Mortimer
Seconded: Cllr Gell

134. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL
None.

135. APPOINTMENT OF LEAD AND DEPUTY MEMBERS TO WORKING GROUPS
Proposal for working group leads and deputies:
Policy & Resources – Cllr Thorp, deputy Cllr Lowry
Highways – Cllr Diggins, deputy Cllr Gell
Environment – Cllr Rugg, Cllr Mortimer
Sustainability – Cllr Garvey
Planning – Cllr Farman, Cllr Rugg (temporary basis)
All appointments were approved.
Proposed: Cllr Garvey
Seconded: Cllr Diggins

136. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER BODIES
Proposal for represenatives to other bodies:
King George V Trustees – 2 reps: Cllr Rugg and Cllr Mortimer
TRDC Environmental Forum – 1 rep: Cllr Garvey
Sarratt Village Hall – 1 rep: Cllr Gell
Days Charity – 1 rep: former Cllr David Rees, has agreed to keep Council updated on matters arising
London Green Belt Council - 1 rep: Cllr Gell
Joint Committee of Parish Councils – 3 reps: Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
HAPTC – 2 reps: Chair and Clerk
Chandlers Cross Residents Association – 1 rep: Cllr Gell
All appointments were approved.
Proposed: Cllr Farman
Seconded: Cllr Mortimer

137. REVIEW OF STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
Approved.
Proposed: Cllr Garvey
Seconded: Cllr Gell
The updated Standing Orders and Financial Regulations effective 9 June 2021 will be uploaded onto the SPC website.

ENVIRONMENT

138.LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
Several fallen branches/trees in Dawes Common and across the nearby footpaths have been dealt with – trees cut up and footpaths made good.
TRDC have advised they will no longer be emptying 19 litter bins on SPC land (for free) and we need to find a service provider. The Clerk has written to TRDC requesting an extension of the current service to the end of July to allow SPC time to make alternative arrangements, which has been agreed. SPC will need to secure quotes from three potential suppliers, which could include TRDC as a paid for service. Cllr Garvey suggested we ask each supplier to quote for the following levels of service:
1. Standard bin pick up to go to land fill
2. Bin pick up to be separated for recycling by the supplier
3. Additional bins - 1 x standard and 1 x mixed recycling at each location
Action – Clerk to progress

139.WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
A meeting was due to take place early this month with Robert Young from the HCC Countryside Management Team to look at the next iteration of the 10-year Woodland Plan following comments from Councillors, Sustainable Sarratt and the Wildlife Volunteers during site visits to Commonwood Common that took place in April on his original ideas. Unfortunately, Richard has had to take early paternity leave. The next meeting is therefore anticipated in early July.

POLICY & RESOURCES

140.LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
No written report.

141. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS
To approve internet banking transactions to the sum of £6,156.82.
Approved: Cllr Mortimer
Seconded: Cllr Garvey

142.AGAR – Chair to sign off
Not all information was available in time for the meeting so there will be an extraordinary meeting before 30 June to sign off the 20/21 AGAR.

PLANNING

143. LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
The Chair advised that effective next month Cllr Farman, as the new Lead for Planning, would be presenting future agenda items on planning, but for this meeting this would be led by her. However, both Cllr Farman and Cllr Rugg had been involved in prepping for the review of this month’s planning applications (see below).
The Chair expressed thanks to Cllr Gell who attended the TRDC Planning Committee on 27 May to raise SPC’s objections to the planning application for Petherick Pastures in Buck’s Hill which was subsequently refused by the Planning Committee.
The Chair advised TRDC’s new Local Plan (Reg 18 site consultation) was due to be published on Friday 11 June, with a six-week consultation period. It was agreed to schedule an extraordinary SPC meeting on Wednesday 23 June to review the implications for Sarratt, and formulate our response to TRDC, as well as agree what communication/engagement should be made to Sarratt parishioners. It was noted that the Chandlers Cross Residents’ Association (CCRA) is keen to ‘leaflet drop’ residents to speak up about the plan. A request has been made to the CCRA to desist from leaflet dropping Sarratt residents until SPC has had chance to review the sites being considered under the new TRDC Local Plan at the meeting, now proposed for 23 June.

144.TO COMMENT ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Great Wheelers, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 6BJ: 21/0541/FUL
Discharge of Condition 3 (Method Statement) and Condition 4 (Materials) pursuant to application.
Decision: No objection

Morar, Dimmocks Lane, Sarratt, WD3 6AP: 21/1090/FUL
Single storey rear extension and garage conversion including alterations to fenestration.
Decision: No objection

Inglewood, Poles Hill, Sarratt, WD3 4NR: 21/1242/FUL
Conversion of existing garage to self-contained annexe including excavation of surrounding land and construction of retaining walls.
Decision: No objection providing that a condition is applied to any approval such that the annex must remain ancillary to the main property and cannot be sold as a separate dwelling.

4 New Cottages, Solesbridge Lane, Chorleywood, WD3 6AD: 21/1326/FUL
Part single, part two storey, front, side and rear extensions, extension of the existing driveway.
Decision: Objection on the grounds of over-development, and request the application is called into Committee if the Planning Officer is minded to approve.

145.TO NOTE PLANNING DECISIONS

Old House Farm, Old House Lane. Application No: 21/0595/FUL
Extension to existing garage and conversion into habitable accommodation – amended to a garage extension only
SPC: No objection
TRDC: Refused on the basis of size, scale and siting, and therefore over development of the Green Belt and a reduction in the openness of the Green Belt.

Petherick Pastures, Bucks Hill, WD4 9AE. Application No: 21/0542/FUL
Demolition of existing buildings and menage and construction of detached bungalow with associated parking, hardstanding and soft landscaping.
SPC: Objection
TRDC: Refused by TRDC Planning Committee


Little Paddock, Little Windmill Hill, Chipperfield, WD4 9DG. Application No: 21/0797/FUL
Single storey side garage extension to main house, raised patio to rear and single storey pool outbuilding with associated patio.
SPC: No objection.
Withdrawn by applicant

Brackenhurst, The Common, Chipperfield, WD4 9BZ. Application No: 21/0656/CLPD
Construction of outdoor swimming pool.
SPC: No objection.
TRDC: Approved

Christmas Tree Farm Deadmans Ash Lane Sarratt Hertfordshire: 21/0850/PIP
Permission in Principle: Change of use to residential and construction of two single storey houses with associated residential curtilages.
SPC: Objection.
Withdrawn by applicant

It was noted that an appeal has been lodged for Application No: 20/2802/FUL (The Old Cattle Shed, Red Lion Lane, Sarratt, WD3 6BN) for the erection of a multi-purpose agricultural barn at the bottom of Red Lion Lane. SPC objected to the application which was refused by TRDC.

HIGHWAYS

146.LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
No significant changes since the last report. Roadworks continue throughout the Parish as HCC Highways and other contractors clear the Covid-19 backlog.
Focus over the last month has concentrated on:
• Police liaison over safety concerns for Sarratt Road, to ascertain their views.
• Progressing safety and road improvements, especially Church Lane, Red Lion Lane and outside York House School.
• No response as yet on the grant submitted by SPC to HCC for monies to improve cycle safety.
Looking ahead:
• Seek to improve liaison over road closures between HCC and contractors.
• Requirement for definitive improvements on Bucks Hill - the road surface is a complete disgrace, there are more pot-holes and patch repairs than actual road surface.

147.FINGERPOSTS
Unfortunately, the supplier of our ordered, new fingerposts has ceased trading so we need to look for a new supplier.
Chair to pursue

148.KGV ALIVE UPDATE
Responses to the feedback questionnaire closed on 31 May after a month, a public consultation meeting has been arranged for Friday 9th July at KGV. Tickets for this meeting can be requested by emailing: amc.sarratt@gmail.com


149.REMEMBRANCE GARDEN UPDATE
Cllr Diggins is in contact with Sarratt School but left the meeting prior to this agenda item and was therefore not available to provide any further information.
Chair to speak with Cllr Diggins regarding the project

150.OAK TREE 666
A new plaque is currently being produced and should be delivered before the end of June.
Cllr Garvey has offered to provide two saplings, which can be nurtured before being planted out to replace Oak Tree 666 as requested by TRDC. This offer was gratefully accepted. It was also noted planting the new oak trees on the War Memorial side of the Green would inhibit the use of that section of the Green for events such as the May Fair. It was agreed to discuss with the Wildlife Volunteers alternative locations on the section of the Green where oak tree 666 was located.

151.BIGGERSTAFFS PLAQUE
A 1.5 ft x 1 ft plaque has been agreed for the wall of the garage to commemorate the centenary anniversary of Biggerstaffs.
Chair and David Turner meeting with Andy Biggerstaff on 10 June to confirm final details.

152.CORRESPONDENCE
A letter has been received from Edgar Anderson, our local representative for the Chiltern Society Rights of Way Group, proposing a bench in recognition and memory of the late John Goodman. It was agreed that subject to the family being supportive this was a good idea but it should be located somewhere other than Dawes Common which already has a large number of benches. Somewhere close to the Wildlife Sanctuary near Valley Farm might be a good alternative.
Clerk to contact the family and Edgar Anderson

153.PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
None.

154.COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
Council universally welcomed Cllrs Farman, Garvey and Lowry and thanked them for such a positive contribution at their first meeting, they are all a great addition to SPC. Thanks were also given to District Cllrs Hayward and Reed for attending.

155.DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE PUT ON NEXT AGENDA
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 13th July 2021.

Meeting closed at 9.23 pm


Caroline Owen

Proper Officer/RFO, Sarratt Parish Council

SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL

Key matters arising from the Sarratt Parish Council (SPC) meeting held on Wednesday 19 May in the main room of the Village Hall were as follows:

Announcements

Following expiration of the UK Government legislation on 6 May 2021, on the holding of local government meetings virtually, and in line with the easing of COVID restrictions for England, SPC is now holding their meetings in person for the first time since March 2020, and where possible are holding these in the main room of the Village Hall to enable social distancing

As this was the 2021 Annual Statutory Meeting, election of key SPC positions was required. Councillor Dobson was appointed as Chair, and Councillor Rugg was appointed as Vice Chair. 

Presentations were also made by four candidates for the position of Councillor to fill the three vacancies SPC currently has. Formal co-option of the successful candidates will take place at the SPC meeting on Wednesday 9 June. 

Environment

Councillor Mortimer reported the following to Council:  

• Loose bolt on new play equipment in KGV fixed and the netting which had been installed upside down has now been rectified. 
• It was necessary to lock the gates of KGV for three days due to a local issue – these are now open again.
• Fallen branches on footpath in Dawes Lane removed
• Road sign in Dimmocks Lane facing the wrong way has been turned back and secured.
• Litter picking group went out for the first time since the last lockdown - approx 2 bags picked up.
• Camping in Commonwood Dell continues, signs of drinking but no damage. SPC is not sure who is responsible but is monitoring the situation.
• On Monday, the new duck house was launched with the assistance of the Explorer Scouts, thanks to donations from the local members of the RSPB. The original semi-submerged house was inspected and as there was no sign of occupancy it was removed and taken away by our contractor Andrew Whitewood. An article has been prepared for Spotlight. The opportunity was taken to clear some of the nettles and pond edge growth, and it was agreed the new duck house should be treated with preservative at the end of the nesting season probably at the same time as the Autumn pond maintenance takes place. 

Councillor Rugg recently attended a virtual presentation where Julie Grieves Head of Sustainability for Herts County Council (HCC) provided an introduction and overview of the County Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy. Julie Grieves has been invited to attend a Public meeting in Sarratt to outline the strategy to a wider public audience including the Sarratt Sustainability Group.

Councillor Rugg provided an update on progress of the draft 10-year woodland management plan. Following successful woodland walks with the Wildlife Volunteers, Sustainable Sarratt members and Councillors, feedback was provided on the initial draft plan. Their suggestions are being assessed by Richard Young of HCC for incorporation into the next draft of the plan that should be available during the first week in June.

Following the recent announcement to consider tree planting to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee a suggestion was made by Councillors’ Rugg and Mortimer that it might be worth SPC exploring if a landowner or an existing small wood owner might be willing to donate or provide land to the Parish on a long lease for such tree planting. The project is currently being coordinated across the county by the HCC Countryside Management team with trees to be donated free of charge possibly by the Woodlands Trust. 

Policy & Resources

The schedule of SPC meetings for 21/22 was approved and will be placed on the SPC notice board and website. It was noted that this may change if needed due to COVID guidelines/restrictions.

The organiser of the Sarratt Arts Fair taking place Thursday to Sunday between 12 and 27 June has requested permission to erect signs directing people and traffic to the event. Permission was granted.

Planning 

Councillor Dobson & Councillor Rugg attended a site meeting in Bragmans Lane with Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety for the British Horse Society who undertook a risk assessment of the suggested site for a 20-metre telecommunication mast and associated equipment. Local concerns had been raised over the siting of this mast due to the detrimental effect it would have on a picturesque corner, and that it would remove a verge extensively used by riders and horses as a refuge to avoid fast moving traffic. SPC have since learnt that TRDC have refused the mast application due to concerns over its visual impact.

SPC Comments on this month’s Planning Applications 

• 30 Church Lane Sarratt WD3 6HL: 21/0996/CLPD

Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed Development: Single storey rear extension

Comments: Noted

• 28 Church Lane Sarratt WD3 6HL:  21/0978/CLPD 

Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed Development: Single storey rear extension

Comments: Noted

• 38 Dawes Lane Sarratt WD3 6BB: 21/0973/FUL 

Single storey rear extension

Comments: No objection. However, whilst SPC does not have strong grounds for objection given the proposed extension does not exceed 6m in depth nor the width of the existing property, it does have a concern that this is a significant extension to the footprint of the original dwelling and therefore would suggest this is overdevelopment of the site. 

• York House School Sarratt Road Croxley Green WD3 4LW: 21/0726/FUL

Variation of Conditions 2 (Plans), 7 (Archaeology), 11 (Sustainable Drainage), 14 (Parking and Turning) and 16 (Hard and Soft Landscaping) pursuant to planning permission 20/1022/FUL: (Variation of Condition 12 (Energy Statement) of planning permission 18/1069/FUL (Partial demolition, part redevelopment together with single-storey extension and a two-storey extension to the rear of the Listed Building, parking provision and associated landscaping) to vary Energy Statement and include phasing if required), to amend roof levels, fenestration details and hard and soft landscaping and to allow details to be submitted in relation to each phase

Comments: No objection 

• The Orchard The Green Sarratt WD3 6AT: 21/0983/FUL 

Enclosure of existing brick-built columns to form extension and replacement of a glass roof with slate. 

Comments: Objection. SPC objects to this application to enclose what is effectively an open-air pergola with brick walls and replace the glass roof with a slate roof, and so making an open-air terrace an additional room attached to the house. SPC objects on the grounds that this is therefore overdevelopment of a property in the Conservation Area that has already been extended.

• Land North Of Callipers Hall Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9BP: 21/0894/FUL 

Creation of a wildlife lake, associated landscaping and wild planting and the installation of a domestic solar array

Comments: No objection

• Christmas Tree Farm Deadmans Ash Lane Sarratt Hertfordshire: 21/0850/PIP

Permission in Principle: Change of use to residential and construction of two single storey houses with associated residential curtilages. 

Comments: Objection. Sarratt Parish Council (SPC) strongly objects to the PIP application for the establishment of 2 new dwelling houses in the green belt which therefore constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt. Furthermore, as planning permission for change of use from agricultural to residential was granted in 2015 (following an appeal) the site does not appear to meet the requirements required for an application using the Permission in Principle approach, which states no prior change of use from agricultural use. SPC respectfully request that this is called into Committee if the planning officers are minded to approve.

• The Lodge Bay Tree Farm Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9AU: 21/0841/FUL

Demolition of existing residential annexe and associated stables and equestrian buildings and the erection of a two storey detached dwelling. 

Comments: No Objection to the plans for a single dwelling and associated land as defined by the boundary of the drive on the application as this is in keeping with the density of other local residential properties.  

• Bucks Hill Farm Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9AP: 21/0788/FUL

Erection of 18m high telecommunications pole with new concrete base and associated ancillary works including cabinets and fencing 

Notes: Following an earlier application that SPC objected to based on the specific site of the mast, this new application sees the mast being positioned in a nearby but more acceptable location.

Comments: No objection

• The Mulberry Bush Farm Dawes Lane Sarratt WD3 6BQ: 21/1139/FUL

Removal of Conditions 11 (Agricultural Occupation) of planning permission 17/2169/FUL

Comments: Objection. Sarratt Parish Council (SPC) strongly objects to this application. Agricultural use and the associated occupation was a key tenet of the original application 17/2169/FUL for the dwelling, and its subsequent approval. SPC is aware from recent correspondence with the owner of The Mulberry Bush, and a recent site visit by the TRDC Case Officer, that the owner contends that the farm is moving towards horticulture and viniculture which he states are both valid forms of agriculture. As such there are no grounds for the removal of Conditions 11 (Agricultural Occupation) and application 21/1139/FUL should be refused. SPC respectfully request that this is called into Committee if the planning officers are minded to approve.

Key Planning Decisions.

• The Mulberry Bush Farm Dawes Lane Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6BQ: 21/0507/PDF

Prior Notification: Change of use of agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use Class C1 hotel / holiday accommodation

SPC decision: Objection

TRDC decision: Withdrawn by applicant

• Land Known as The Puffing Field adjoining Brackenhurst Windmill Hill Chipperfield WD4 9DG: 21/0282/FUL

Demolition of existing structures and construction of two storey detached self-build residential dwelling with associated curtilage

SPC decision: Objection

TRDC decision: Refused

• Land adjoining Blenheim Cottage Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire: 21/0173/FUL

Change of use of land to use for equestrian use including erection of stable block and hay store, provision of hardstanding, construction of driveway and menage

SPC decision: Objection

TRDC decision: Refused

• Telecommunications Mast Grass Verge On Bragmans Lane. Application No: 21/0752/PDNT

SPC decision: Objection

TRDC decision: Refused

Key TRDC Enforcements for March and April 2021

• 20/0171/COMP: Fir Trees, Dawes Lane, Sarratt - New access and erection of gates (David Heighton)

The LPA consider that the soil embankment and hedgerow are reinstated and the gates and fencing removed as the works required planning permission. The TRDC Enforcement Officer has a meeting with the Planning Solicitor to discuss this matter next week.

• 21/0047/COMP: New Model Farm, Sarratt Road, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth - Barn conversion to offices (David Heighton)

Site visit required.

• 21/0073/COMP: Watercress Farm, Moor Lane, Sarratt - Material change of use: New takeaway/café

Owner made aware that planning permission is required. Timescale provided for submission.

Highways

Councillor Diggins provided an update on the forthcoming planned roadworks, closures and diversions and outlined his reminders to HCC Highways on several issues that SPC had raised with them.

Planned Road Closures:  Sarratt Road, near to Croxley Green will be closed for maintenance from 1-5 June inclusive, on a 24-hour basis. Significant disruption is expected. 

Road Improvements. Councillor Diggins has contacted HCC Highways, requesting an update on the following identified road improvements, promised for the first half of current year 21/22:

• Church Lane, Sarratt/North Rd, Chorleywood: dangerous and inappropriate use by heavy goods’ vehicles. The proposal, supported by County Councillor Williams, was initially to improve signage (advisory at this stage); then examine what could be done digitally (SatNav advisories) and examine what other options might be possible. It was agreed the Clerk should maintain contact with Chorleywood Parish Council as concerns have also been raised by their residents on this issue.  
• Red Lion Lane, Sarratt: to prevent inappropriate use by HGVs, on a very narrow road. Can signage be improved; what other options exist?
• Coltspring Stables Corner. There was another bad accident on Sarratt Road by Coltspring Stables on 14 May, blocking the road and necessitating the Police be called. This is the third major incident in six months. Councillor Diggins has highlighted to HCC that the owner of the Stables has had to rebuild her front entrance twice in that time. The bend is dangerous, from both directions, and urgent consideration is needed to revise the speed restrictions in place for the corner (ideally for the entire road). Councillor Diggins has asked for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be considered to permanently reduce the speed and, as an interim measure, additional signage is installed now to warn drivers. 

A grant application has now been submitted for funding under the Hertfordshire Police Commissioner’s Cycle Safe Scheme. 

KGV Alive    

Councillor Thorp reported the community consultation process on the upgrade to the play areas of KGV to include new facilities including a skateboard area was successful with over 230 responses. These are now being analysed by the project team. The next stage in the process is a public meeting provisionally scheduled for Friday 11 June in the Village Hall. Details to be publicised through Spotlight, appropriate websites and a leaflet drop to Sarratt households.

VE Day & VJ Day Commemoration   

Councillor Diggins updated Council on progress:

• VE & VJ Day Commemorative Plantings - To plant two oaks, on the Village Green, in proximity to the War Memorial. 
• Individual Tree Plantings - Linked to the Commonwood improvement plan, trees to be planted (in the most appropriate place) with a tree for each Sarratt casualty in WWI & II. Plan to be developed further but to involve young people from the village. 
• Remembrance and Reflection Garden - Councillor Diggins is liaising with Sarratt School to develop a proposal to establish a Remembrance and Reflection Garden on the Village Green, adjacent to the School entrance. The garden will allow reflection not just on the casualties of war but also more recent tragedies, including those who have lost their lives and/or suffered from Covid-19. 

The next SPC meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021 in the Main Room of the Village Hall. Parishioners and the general public are invited to attend. The agenda will be published on the SPC notice board outside the Village Hall and on the SPC website my Thursday 3 June 2021.