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Thursday, 21 October 2010

Minutes 09/08/2010

Meeting held: Monday 9/08/2010
Location: Round Bush Nursery (Brian Hyde’s place)
Present: George Coxwell, Alistair Pinkerton, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Howard Lambert, Tony Arens & Gauri das.
Apologies: Mickey Green & Derek Lea.

1.       Members and their duty to represent: Alistair raised the issue of the establishment of the present committee and if there was a need to correct the errors of the past with proper order and formal elections of members. It was recognised by the body that the isolation and unilateral actions of the previous officers was wrong and that inclusion, transparency, due diligence and honest representation should be foremost in the new body’s actions. Everyone agreed that being in touch with the people of the area and their concerns was of the upmost importance.  It was also recognised that the election of the present members at the previous AGM, held on the 29th March 2010 at Karl Koenig Hall, Delrow, was official, and they should remain in position until the next AGM is held in 2011.
2.       Bank Account: Howard expressed that he is as yet unaware of the financial position of the society or its bank details. George offered to contact the previous responsible persons to get all the details. It was thought that there may well be over a thousand pounds in the account.
3.       Newsletter: By October/November a newsletter will be distributed describing the recent changes, any relevant news or updates. George will take responsibility to get this done and Lorraine offered to help with the distribution. This will also be used to encourage interest, collect email addresses and share contact details.
4.        Patchetts Forum: Brian asked if there was any objection to the continuation of the Patchetts Forum; a body which had formed partly due to the previous dysfunction of the Conservation Society. The Forum was encouraged to continue, there were no objections.
5.       Planning Focus: Whereas several of the planning applications shared with the Society by Hertsmere Council are related to small domestic related developments, the Society would not interfere unless environmental or aesthetic detriment were obvious or where individuals had raised concern. Such applications are more in the interest of the immediate neighbours, whereas larger developments concern the Society.
6.       National Grid Application: It was agreed that the Society would object to the proposed National Grid Development on Hilfield Lane. The development proposed is to consist of a small building to contain a meter for measuring the amount of electricity used through a cable to Elstree, for railway purposes. The stated reasons for the objection are:
a.        Detriment to the several trees and green screen around the plant.
b.       Any such meter facility should be based in Elstree.
c.        There appears to be ample space within in the sites developed area without need for development to further encroach upon greenbelt land.
d.       Such a simple but integral meter shed could be a soft spot for terrorist attacts.
e.       For the National Grid to have a second entrance from Hilfield lane is an unnecessary development.
George will write a letter of objection to the Council.
7.       New members: It was proposed that Sally Pochin (Kemprow), Lisa Patnik and Jo Posner also join the committee. All voted in favour and they will be invited to the next meeting.
8.       Next Meeting: the next meeting will be held on 4th October 2010, 7pm at George Coxwell’s home.