MINUTES OF THE SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN SARRATT VILLAGE HALL TUESDAY 11th APRIL 2023


Councillors: Flo Garvey
John Gell
Michael Lowry
John Rugg
Angela Coakley
Sarah Dobson

In attendance: 4 members of the public
Lena Mortimer, Clerk to the Council


23/52 APOLOGIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cllrs Diggins and Farman gave their apologies in advance for their absence. District Councillor Reed also gave his apologies.

Thanks were given to Cllr John Gell and Cllr John Rugg, who are both retiring ahead of the upcoming Parish Council elections after many years of service to SPC.

In recognition of Cllr Gell’s 36 years of public service to the Parish as a member of SPC, and as a former Chair on 2 separate occasions it was resolved Cllr Gell be awarded Freedom of the Parish.
Proposed: Cllr Garvey; Seconded: Cllr Coakley.

Cllr Rugg has offered to continue with KGV as an independent Trustee and is willing to assist an SPC sub-committee to complete the work being undertaken on the new Land Management Plan for the Parish, subject to the Council’s approval. See agenda item 23/90.

23/53 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.

23/54 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no public questions.


23/55 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARRISING
The minutes of the SPC meeting held on 14 March 2023, were approved as a true and accurate reflection of the meeting and signed by the Chair.
Proposed: Cllr Garvey; Seconded: Cllr Rugg

Matters arising, not already covered on the Agenda were:
• The Clerk to write to District Cllr Phillip Hearn thanking him for his support in relation to the TRDC new draft Local Plan, which has seen no sites included for Sarratt Parish.
• As the May Fair is unable to visit Sarratt on the first weekend in May as usual, due to the Coronation Event, they have asked to arrive on Monday 3 July and leave on Monday 10 July with the Fair operational for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Council queried why they needed to arrive so early and the Clerk will write back to the organisers, suggesting a pull-on to the Green of no earlier than 4pm on Tuesday 4 July, which still allows 2 clear days for set up. Cllr Garvey will work with Andrew Whitewood to develop a plan for ‘No Mow May’ to take account of the Coronation Event and the May Fair.

23/56 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL.

Cllr Rugg met District Cllr Reed on 7 April at KGV, to share the plans to upgrade the 1970’s pavilion by reconfiguring the internal layout to provide additional and separate changing, and WC facilities, for the women and girls, who now regularly play football at Sarratt. And in addition to provide better access for the disabled with appropriate WC facilities. A planning application will be required for the proposed changes and the Management Trustees have appointed a Planning Consultant to undertake the required work and submit the application.
Cllr Reed was then shown the location of the proposed changes for the new multi-age playground and commented that TRDC will hopefully look favorably on the playground application for funding from TRDC CIL monies. However due to the period of purdah during the upcoming local elections SPC is unlikely to hear whether its application has been successful until July.
A second application for District CIL funding to cover the alterations and upgrade of the KGV pavilion will be submitted once costs for the planned changes have been received.
Cllr Reed explained the District Council is to consider the introduction of a revised process for assessing the eligibility of future CIL applications. As and when adopted there will be a six-week window each year, probably in June/July, for new applications.

Cllr Gell attended the Village Hall Committee meeting and reported the hall’s funds are currently healthy, due to some successful recent events. A clarification meeting is to be held between the hall and the TRDC as the Local Planning Authority soon, regarding the proposed extension and redesign of the front of the hall.
The issue of internet usage by stall holders at the various fairs held at the hall was discussed and whether SPC had any objection. The Council confirmed it’s happy for card terminals to be used in the hall via the shared WiFi network.
The Clerk confirmed a fob for the SPC alarm has now been made available to the Village Hall Bookings Secretary to turn off the alarm if it’s inadvertently set off by users of the hall.

23/57 CORONATION EVENT UPDATE
The Coronation Committee led by Carol Chorley and Roger Dudley have received the Sarratt coronation celebration mugs, funded by SPC. They have also ordered and received commemorative pens. Carol confirmed the event will be on the Green between 12noon and 5pm on Monday 8 May and that a programme of events and stalls will be in the next edition of Spotlight. There will also be advertising in the Village Shop. An alcohol license has been obtained and the road closure approved.
Cllr Coakley was asked to source some straw bales to be used as seating around the main arena. There will also be a Volunteers Stall adjacent to the Community Café to encourage local residents to become involved with community projects/organisations and will be manned by Cllr Coakley on behalf of SCCF, supported by the Parish Clerk. This is in the spirit of The Big Help Out which launches nationally on 8 May. Local organisations, clubs and groups seeking volunteers should be asked if they wish to participate and prepare ‘vacancy’ notices for the Volunteering Stall outlining where they need support. Carol will add this request to the Spotlight article. Will Hobhouse is ordering banners and t-shirts for the stall.

23/58 CLERK’S ACTIVITES
The Clerk updated Council on the matters outlined in the Clerk’s Activity Report, including:
• Sign of the Times – finger posts – awaiting a visit from the manufacturers to examine the poor workmanship.
• Matters of fly tipping are being addressed with TRDC.
• Gate repair kits have arrived and are being fitted.
• Graeme Knights from the Herts and Middx Badger Group visited the field proposed for development of 78 houses by Burlington Property Group with the Clerk and supplied a report confirming the existence of a large and active badger set.
• The National Lottery application for funds for the Cricketers Pond has been finalised by former Cllr Peter Thorp and the Clerk and will be submitted this week.
• Strimming charges have been refunded by Hertfordshire County Council (£2,500).
• SPC shared the cost of uplifting the disconnected phone box from Bucks Hill to the playground at Sarratt School. This will be used as a teaching aid for History. Andrew Whitewood advised that he has some panes and trim for the box that can be given to the school.
• The bus returning pupils from Kings Langley school to Sarratt recently damaged the Green adjacent to the Cricketers Pub when access to the dropping off point in the Cricketers lay-by was blocked by cars on the Sarratt School pick up. Barnetts Coaches have agreed to make good the cost of restoring the grass.

PLANNING

23/59 LEAD COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
In the absence of Cllr Farman, Cllr Dobson gave the report.
The badger report from the Herts & Middx Badger Group has been sent to the TRDC Planners responsible for the Burlington planning application/appeal.
The Sarratt Neighbourhood Plan is being reviewed by TRDC and is expected to go out for District consultation after the local elections in May/June for a six-week period. It will then go to the External Examiner in July/August with the Parish referendum being held in September/October. TRDC have confirmed they will fund the referendum and hope the process will be completed before the end of the year.

23/60 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Cllr Dobson shared the planning presentation prepared by Cllr Farman for the meeting. SPC comments are listed below:

• Prior Approval: Single storey rear extension (depth 8 metres, maximum height 3.70 metres, maximum eaves height 2.90 metres) 
29 Church Lane Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6HN. Ref. No: 23/0518/PDE 
SPC Comment: No objection

• Construction of an outbuilding 
2 Park Cottages New Road Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6HD. Ref. No: 23/0496/FUL 
SPC Comment: No objection

• Retrospective: Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and conservatory, part single/part two storey rear extension, single storey side extension, new roof to existing side extension, front porch and juliet balcony, internal alterations, alterations to fenestration, insulated render cladding and heat pump. 
Hill Brow Bragmans Lane Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 4FR. Ref. No: 23/0465/RSP 
SPC Comment: No objection. We would like to encourage the applicant to use the opportunity of this change to the building to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the construction beyond the requirements set by building regulations.

• Loft conversion including rear dormer and rear rooflights
Challoners The Green Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6AY. Ref. No: 23/0456/FUL 
SPC Comment: No objection. We would like to encourage the applicant to use the opportunity of this change to the building to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the construction beyond the requirements set by building regulations.

Demolition of existing residential annexe and associated stables and equestrian buildings and the erection of a single storey detached dwelling with associated rooflights, parking and landscaping works 
The Lodge Bay Tree Farm Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9AU  Ref. No: 23/0388/FUL 
SPC Comment: We note a similar application was refused in 2021 and failed appeal. The redesign shown in this application with a reduction in overall built foot print addresses the previous size issues in terms of openness on the Green Belt. We also note that this application for a single storey detached dwelling will replace existing derelict buildings, so improving the overall look of the area. However this application is still converting stable and barn space into new residential space with no special circumstances to justify overriding Green Belt policies to increase built residential space. SPC will therefore be guided by the Planning Officer’s decision on whether to approve the application, and request that if approved, restrictions are added that remove further development rights to the property, and that the applicant use the opportunity of this new build to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the construction beyond the requirements set by building regulations.

• Infilling of natural depression/re-profiling of field with soil from construction of attenuation pond, construction of a temporary access from north of development site onto Little Green Lane to facilitate access for attenuation pond construction and amendment to the details/design of the attenuation pond.  
Land North Of Little Green Lane Killingdown Farm Little Green Lane Croxley Green Hertfordshire. Ref. No: 23/0319/FUL 
SPC Comment: Objection. Object on the basis of what seems an unjustifiable activity on an open space in Green Belt with no special circumstances to override disturbance to Green Belt. We are also concerned about the impact the proposed works will have on biodiversity of the site and additional potential consequences.

Demolition of existing dwelling and ancillary buildings and construction of single storey detached dwelling with accommodation in the roofspace served by front, side and rear rooflights with associated parking and landscaping 
Ashwood Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9AP. Ref. No: 23/0249/FUL 
SPC Comment: Whilst the new single storey detached dwelling looks to be of a similar footprint, the addition of accommodation in the roof space looks to potentially increase floor space by greater than 40%.  SPC notes the likely impact will be minimal and support investment in local property improvement, but equally cannot support increases of >40% in floor space for dwellings in Green Belt without special circumstances and none have been presented. SPC will therefore be guided by the Planning Officer’s decision on whether to approve the application, and request that if approved, restrictions are added that remove further development rights to the property, and that the applicant use the opportunity of this new build to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the construction beyond the requirements set by building regulations.

23/61 PLANNING DECISIONS
Recent TRDC planning decisions.

• 22/2293/RSP | Part Retrospective: Replacement of existing timber fence with increase in height adjacent to the highway 
The Old Mill House Grove Mill Lane Grove Mill Hertfordshire WD17 3TU
SPC: No objection
TRDC: Approved

• Non material amendment to planning permission 22/1043/FUL: Erection of front porch, garage conversion and removal of front bay windows.
Hill Brow Bragmans Lane Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 4FR. Ref. No: 23/0404/NMA 
SPC: No objection. We would like to encourage the applicant to use the opportunity of this change to the building to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the construction beyond the requirements set by building regulations.
TRDC: Withdrawn

• Variation of Condition 2 (Plan numbers) of planning permission 22/2042/RSP (Substantial demolition of existing dwelling and construction of single storey three bedroom bungalow with access, parking and associated works) to allow alterations to rear roof, front porch canopy, garage door and alterations to fenestration
Hollymead Bucks Hill Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9AT. Ref. No: 23/0195/FUL  
SPC: No objection
TRDC: Approved

• Prior Approval: Single storey rear extension (depth 8 metres, maximum height 4 metres, maximum eaves height 2.40 metres)
Doggetts Penmans Hill Chipperfield Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 9DJ. Ref. No: 23/0194/PDE 
SPC: Noted: We note that this property is listed on the LPA system as a "locally important building" and was described in a recent sales brochure as "a charming period property dating in part from the 17th century and extended in 1920s, 1960s and 1980s to form a lovely family home of great character." Although nothing is noted in the application it would appear, therefore, that it has benefitted from previous grants of permission which may have utilised some of the permitted development rights. The proposed extension is of considerable size and we therefore urge the LPA to consider the history of the property carefully and take into account any previous permissions which have been granted. In any event, we recommend that officers undertake a site visit to ensure the development is in keeping with the character of the historic building and plot
TRDC: No objection

• Retrospective: Change of use of land and associated buildings as a commercial wholesaler
Land At Rear Of 47 Church Lane Sarratt Hertfordshire WD3 6HN. Ref. No: 23/0105/RSP 
SPC: No objection. We note that this land is already being used for commercial wholesale and has been for in excess of 20 years.
TRDC: Approved

• Erection of two storey Conference Facility with basement level car parking, external parking and changes to access arrangements and landscaping
The Grove Grove Mill Lane Grove Mill Hertfordshire WD3 4TG. Ref. No: 22/2228/FUL 
SPC: Noted: Whilst recognising the important role that a large conference centre might play in enhancing the attraction of The Grove as a venue for incoming business and local employment, we note that the site is nevertheless in a Green Belt area where there is a presumption against development. We urge the LPA to ensure that the case for exceptional circumstances has been made for such a significant construction in modern materials out of keeping with surrounding buildings. We are also concerned about disruption to the football field which is currently available to hire as a much-needed outdoor amenity.
TRDC: Withdrawn

23/62 APPEALS
There are no further appeals or any update on existing appeals at this time.

23/88 ENFORCEMENTS
The current list of TRDC Enforcement cases was circulated to Council in advance of the meeting and is available on the SPC website to view. It was agreed the Clerk would ask the TRDC Lead Enforcement Officer to remove the older reports and decisions where cases had been closed from future updates prior to circulating to Council.

ENVIRONMENT

23/89 TO RECEIVE THE LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT

Woodlands
The HCC Countryside Management Team have confirmed that the procedure for the Woodland Management Grant remains as previously in that they, having applied for the grant on behalf of SPC, will be notified of the grant offer and SPC will then have to sign and return the acceptance letter that will specify when the grant becomes available.
Two outstanding issues remain, and we await a reply from the HCC CM Team on:
Are they able to assist with appointing contractors for the woodlands work and could their officers undertake the Sarratt PC Woodlands Risk Assessments Due in 2023 and if so at what cost.

The Green
In accordance with the SPC Policy there is a need to undertake the following inspection and report back to Council “The Parish Council will inspect the whole of the Green on an annual basis (April) to determine its condition and any works that may need to be carried out”. Cllr Rugg and Cllr Garvey will undertake a check of the Green, to determine its state and note any issues.
The Clerk has already highlighted and dealt with several recent incidents for grassed areas that have been damaged by unauthorised vehicles, in addition to the nuisance and damage caused by the parking of vehicles on the grass verge between Dawes Lane and Alexandra Drive.

Cricketers Pond
The Clerk is in the process of submitting a lottery application for a grant to undertake the regeneration and renewal of the water filtration reed bad system. Further likely grants are potentially available, but applications are required in Q2 (Cllr Garvey and Diggins have this in hand). Discussions are taking place with the school regarding a potential for the children to extend their existing studies, interest and learning from their wildlife garden into aquatic plants and creatures by exploring the improved pond habitat and using the proposed pond dipping platform.

Footpaths
Whitewoods have fitted some of the replacement latches to the kissing gates that had been obtained by the Clerk (who persevered for some considerable time to obtain the replacement items supplied under guarantee).

King George V Playing Fields
The Clerk arranged for the final repair to the Puzzlewood play equipment to be completed. The repair of the security lights in the car park has been completed.

23/90 PROPOSAL: THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO APPOINT A SUB-COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING THE 2023-2028 LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN.
It was proposed and agreed to form a sub-committee to complete the new Land Management Plan with much of it already in place in draft format. The sub-committee will be chaired by Cllr Garvey, the Clerk will attend, and volunteers are to be co-opted including former Cllr Rugg and ideally a member of the Wildlife Volunteers.
Proposed: Cllr Garvey; Seconded: Cllr Coakley.
Cllr Gell will approach a resident of Commonwood involved with the Wildlife Volunteers as a potential sub-committee member.

23/91 GRASS VERGES (ALEXANDRA ROAD AND THE CRICKETERS)
The Clerk has received several emails of complaint about cars parked on verges in the Village. Some photos were appended. This mistreatment of The Green and adjacent roadside Verges was discussed.
Concerns were expressed regarding damage caused by cars parking on the grass verges close to Alexandra Road. It was decided that as a first step, a letter will be placed under the windscreen wiper of any vehicles persistently parking on these verges, requesting them to cease parking on the grass. Cllr Dobson to send the Clerk a copy of a similar letter request that has been used in the past.
The Clerk will contact the Headmistress at Sarratt School and ask her to circulate a message to parents to stop parking on the access road to the Cricketer’s Pub. As vehicles parked there prevent the Kings Langley School bus accessing this long-established collection and drop-off point for pupils. Furthermore, cars parking with two wheels on the grass are causing damage to the Green. If the poor parking then continues it was agreed appropriate flyers will be put on windscreens. The Clerk will also ask the local PCSO to come and observe the parking, and, consider if it is appropriate to issue fixed penalty notices. If yes, then the PCSO will be requested to do this if the message to parents from the School and notices on windscreens fail to resolve the parking issues.

23/92 NATIONAL LOTTERY APPLICATION FOR THE CHRICKETERS POND
See update under 23/58 and 23/89 above.

SUSTAINABILITY

23/93 TO RECEIVED THE LEAD CONCILLORS REPORT
The Allotmenteers are preparing for Spring and all is in good order. Cllr Dobson asked if letters had been issued to those tenants whose plots were in a bad state. The Clerk advised this had not yet been done but would be actioned. The Clerk will write to the unmaintained allotment plot holders requesting they bring their plots back into order or they will be returned to the Council as per the Allotment terms & conditions.
As per TRDC’s instruction, three trees have been removed from the corner of Dawes Lane and Downer Drive. They have been moved to Micklefield Green Farm. Native plug plants have been planted in their stead.
Sustainable Sarratt met again recently and is encouraging blister packs, pens, mechanical pencils, toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes to be recycled in the facility available in Sarratt Village Shop.

HIGHWAYS

23/94 TO RECEIVE THE LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT

Road Conditions.
Significant damage has been reported as a result of frost and heavy rains to many local road. When reported to the Council, this has been passed-on to Herts Highways. As always Parishioners, where they are able to, are encouraged to file reports direct on the Herts website: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/report-a-problem/report-a-highway-fault/what-type-of-fault-are-you-reporting.aspx
If possible, please also upload photos of the issue. If not, please pass a message to the Parish Office. Of particular concern are the deep potholes caused by frost shatter (they are often linked to drains). Please take extra care when driving.

Road Repairs and Renovations.
There are a number of ongoing road closures currently. For the most up-to-date information, please see: https://one.network/uk/hertfordshire Of particular note is the continued closure of Church Lane, which is scheduled to continue until 14 April, although there are permissions in place for closures up to 28 April, if necessary.

Road Safety
National Road Safety Week 2023 is 16-20 November and Cllr Diggins has registered SPC’s interest. Post-Easter Cllr Diggins will reach out to organisations, individuals and businesses to see how we might support this. Additionally in May TRDC will open their consultation for the updated Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Currently, Sarratt Parish is ill-served by this and will be seeking through our local District and County Councillors a significant rethink. Part of this will be the introduction of a speed restriction to 30mph throughout the Parish, less designated areas where 20mph will be sought, and one small stretch where 40mph will be permitted.

RESOURCES AND POLICY

23/95 LEAD COUNCILLORS REPORT
Cllr Lowry noted that due to a confluence of funds from Herts County Council, and Allotment fees invoiced early and paid on time, SPC has reduced approximately £3000 from the overspend, taking it to £13,000 for the 22/23 financial year, funded from reserves.
Cllr Rugg alerted Council to the fact that the £4K invoice from HCC for compiling and submitting the 10 Year Woodland management Plan is yet to be received and that a £1K plan compilation rebate should be available and be claimed from the Rural Payments Agency.
SPC will be internally audited on 24th May, this will then be followed by the External Audit.

23/96 APPROVAL OF BANK TRANSACTIONS FOR MARCH 2023 expenditure £4512.65 – receipts £3160.00 net cash movements £1352.65
It was resolved to approve the transactions.
Proposed: Cllr Rugg; Seconded: Cllr Coakley

23/97 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 April at 7:30pm. The Annual Report, providing a summary of Council’s activities for the 22/23 year needs to be compiled for the meeting. Cllr Dobson asked that Lead Councillor reports be submitted to her by Tuesday 18 April and will circulate a copy of the previous year report to act as a template.
The Clerk will post an advertisement / invite to the Annual Parish Meeting on the SPC Noticeboard and website. The Clerk to specifically invite the recipients of a 23/24 grant to the meeting. As grants are now paid by bank transfer, certificates will be produced by the Clerk for each of the recipients to be presented at the meeting.
It was agreed unanimously to hold the meeting in the back room of the Village Hall as this worked well last year – Clerk to book and to approach Trudi Deane to see if she would like to do the refreshments again. Also, any wine should be purchased on a sale or return basis and the appropriate quantity of cheese and biscuits ordered.

23/98 SPC POLICIES FOR REVIEW
Cllr Dobson referred to the 8 (updated) policies put forward for review and adoption and circulated prior to the meeting:
➢ Health and Safety
➢ Allotment Policy
➢ Allotment Tenancy Agreement
➢ Environment
➢ Sarratt Green
➢ Memorial Benches and Trees
➢ Signs and Posters
➢ Filming on Parish Lane
It was agreed the policies met the current requirements of SPC and should be adopted.
Proposed: Cllr Rugg; Seconded: Cllr Garvey
Copies will now be forwarded to Mike Edmund to upload onto the SPC website.

The Sarratt Parish Council Policy on the Protocol for Marking the Death of a Significant Public Figure scheduled for review at this meeting, was not covered as the National Guidance has not been updated since the death of the Queen. It was unanimously agreed that this will be deferred until the updated National Guidance is available.


23/99 LOCAL ELECTIONS
The Chair thanked SPC Councillors for submitting their nomination forms. Both Sarratt Wards (Sarratt and Grove) were uncontested resulting in the six candidates being automatically elected and will form the Parish Council as from 4 May 2023. However, this means there will be 3 vacancies for the position of Parish Councillor which SPC would seek to fill using the co-option procedures.
Only three wards in Three Rivers (within the Parishes of Abbots Langley, Watford Rural and Chorleywood) were contested.

23/73 CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence.

23/74 COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Cllr Rugg advised he would, as agreed, be pursuing the Charity Commission on behalf of the KGV Charity for the Commissions guidance and advice on resolving the outstanding issues on a Deed of Variation issued by TRDC.
It was proposed by Cllr Dobson, and agreed, that for future SPC meetings District Council Reed would be given a regular slot on the Agenda to provide an update on TRDC matters

23/75 DATE OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2023
To take place at 7:30 pm in the back Hall at Sarratt Village Hall

23/103 DATE OF ANNUAL STATUTORY MEETING TUESDAY 9 MAY
To take place at 7:30pm in the back Hall at Sarratt Village Hall


Meeting finished at 21:30