Meeting Minutes 10 October 2011

Present:  George Coxwell, Paul Kemble, Howard Lambert, Brian Hyde, Gauri das, Lorraine Kemble, Val Coxwell, Tony Arens, Mickey Green, and Stuart Reeve-Young.

Apologies: Brian Hyde (junior), David Baldwin.

Fly Tipping: After one of the locals reported the registration plate of a fly-tipper, an arrest was made. It was particularly interesting to note that the tipper drove into the Sandy Lane Travelers’ site, but was not from the locality. Of recent there has been a slight improvement with less tipping taking place, however there remains a problem with typing in the area.

Salt Bin: Considering the time, effort and no guaranteed outcome of the continued push with the Council for a salt bin in Patchetts village, the society would prefer to bear the cost and have one definitely in place before the winter.

Damaged Bench in Patchetts: has been replaced.

Wall Hall Access Project: In follow up to David Baldwin’s letters of complaint, Brian Hyde met with the Aldenham Parish Council to further complain about the absence of local consultation in regard to the access pathways around Aldenham. Further to the lack of consultation, the pathways have turned out to be impractical because it is not appropriate to have locals and horses treading the same pathway. In response the Parish Council have agreed to discuss the matter further with an ad hoc body of concerned locals. Although little or nothing may be done in retrospect, the principle requires to be acknowledged that less expediency and local consultation are paramount in such matters.

‘Bucklands’ Property Development: Concern was raised about building works and retrospective applications related the Bucklands property on Hilfield Lane. The alarm is that the buildings allegedly compromise planning conditions and impose on the surrounding amenity.

The Three Compasses Pub: Following a function at the pub, facilitating a reported 450 participants, Patchetts Green residents were left in shock. The function was unruly, required police presence and continued through the night. The entire area around the pub was used as a public latrine and private driveways were used without permission. The pub is of ever-growing concern in that it is causing tangible detriment to the character and peace of the village. Many complaints have been made and the pub’s conditions of license have been called into question. PARCS are committed to following to the progress of this matter and will push for a solution.

Speed Limit on the B462: Paul has been in discussion with Highways about a reduction of the speed limit (presently 50 mph) on the B462. He will now meet with Brian Hyde to gather all the past history and incidences that have led to the concern.

Equestrian Centre Traffic: It was reported that councilor Steve O’Brien will be carrying out some research amongst locals about issues related to the Centre’s traffic; in hope of working toward a proposed solution. PARCS do want to see an improvement on the status quo with many horse trucks coming in for functions. Present at the meeting, Stuart, from the centre, expressed that he was committed to improving matters and open to considering any such solutions. He also stated that the centre will make greater effort to discourage parking in the village. However, he also mentioned that it would be best if Councillor O’Brien also opened a dialogue with the Centre and thus include them as a long standing establishment in the village.

Dangerous dip on Hilfield Lane: Some road works on Hifield Lane near Civic Trees have left a dip in the road. Tony will pursue the issue and speak to Civic Trees as the work may well be related to them.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 6^th December, 7.30pm, at the Kemble’s residence.

Note: Thank you to the Aren’s for so kindly hosting the meeting.

Phillimore Pavilion Survey

Aldenham Parish Council are considering the re-development of the Pavilion at the Phillimore Recreation Ground.  The Pavilion would possibly be used for local clubs and societies, youth, and older residents. If you would like to have your say on this, you are invited to log on to www.aldenham.gov.uk, and complete the online pavilion survey. Or just click here.

PARCS Meeting 5/7/2011

Present: Alistair Pinkerton, Paul Kemble, Lorraine Kemble, George Coxwell, Val Coxwell,
David , Brian Hyde, Brian Hyde (Jnr), Micky Green, Tony Arens, Howard Lambert & Gauri
Das.

1. AGM Minutes: The minutes were read and approved.

2. Resignation: Alistair Pinkerton resigned from his participation in PARCS. He will remain in
touch but just does not have the time to be regular in the meetings. He was thanked for his
participation.

3. New Members: Paul Kemble joins as the new Vice Chair, Brian Hyde (jnr), Val Coxwell
and David Baldwin join as committee members.

4. Salt Bins & Bench Replacement: George has contacted Cllr. Steve O'Brien about the
aforementioned, but has still to receive a reply.

5. Fly Tipping: a recent incident was discussed wherein a local person tracked those
responsible for tipping to the Sandy Lane Travelers site. Further clarification on the incident
and follow up will be pursued.

6.Local Councillor: Paul will arrange an immediate meeting with our local Councilor, to
discuss the many issues now mounting, that is, the speed limit on the B462, Fly Tipping,
erosion on the banks of smaller roads, cars parking on the Hilfield lane pedestrian path.

7. Patchetts Equestrian Centre: Stewart and Anna of the centre will be invited to join the
PARCS meetings.

8. Section 106 Wall Hall Access Project: David wrote to the Countryside Access Officer,
Dawn Grocock, inquiring about the consultation process for the new bridal paths and fences.
In her reply, Dawn, explained that as far back as 1998 Octagon along with their planning
application gave funds to offset the impact of the Wall hall estate. Following several meetings
in Aldenham, Hertsmere Borough and County Council, and the Parish Council made
agreements on the best investment of the funds. Part of the funds went to Greenways for car
free routes, and thus the widened paths around Aldenham. In the entire process it appears
there was little or no public consultation, so the matter has been raised with James Clapisson
MP.

9. Royal Event: Brian (senior) explained that on the 3 June a function for the Queens
Diamond anniversary will take place in Patchetts. The full details of the event will be
discussed by Patchetts Forum.

An Effective Website: www.fixmystreet.com

Recently Brian Helbrough from Patchetts wrote to PARCS bringing our attention to a new and useful website: www.fixmystreet.com. Brian wrote to the website reporting the broken bench in Patchetts Green which was receiving no attention. Within days the bench was removed! Brian now eagerly and hopefully awaits a replacement bench.

Annual General Meeting 2011

PARCS AGM 16.05.2011

Present: 

Existing Committee: Lorraine Kemble, Mickey Green, George Coxwell, Howard Lambert, Tony Heriot, Brian Hyde & Gauri-das

Apologies: Alistair Pinkerton

Locals: 17 members

1. Welcome: 

George Coxwell (Chairman) welcomed everyone and gave a summary of the previous AGM and the election of the present committee

2. Chairmans report: 

The committee have been meeting every two months. heir modus has been to be actively in touch with the locality and thus able to represent local interest and concern. For this purpose a website has been set up and a newsletter published. The minutes of all meetings are published on the site, and contact details are also available.  They have responded to matters to do with developments on the National Grid site, the Equestrian Centre and Civic Trees. As on going tasks they are looking at the placement of salt bins in Patchetts, and reducing the speed limit on the B462.

3. Treasurers report: 

There is exactly £1254 in the account. A minimal account has been spent on the newsletter and mail-out. There will be no request for past membership fee of five pounds, as the funds are sufficient and the committee operate at no cost.

4. Matters Arising:

The following matters were raised by those in attendance.

The banks on the lane from Roundbush to Patchetts is constantly eroding

Local road works have been of poor standard

New bridle paths were established with public funds, of which no one was informed or consulted

Overgrown Hedges 

The absence of a solution to the congestion caused by Horse Trucks 

The obstruction caused by parked cars on the Hilfield Lane footpath

Possible funds may be available for road repairs, arising from from section 106 and the Roundbush development

Fly tipping requires a continued reporting and solution. CCTV cameras were suggested

The benches in Patchetts require reporting (health and safety) and replacement

The Three Compasses landlord has responded to concerns and is working to improve disturbances

5. Election:

All previous committee members were re-elected by a majority vote

Paul Kemble will now join the committee

6. An informal meeting will be arrange in six months time, to facilitate engagement with our local Councillors and update. 

7. Thank you to Delrow House for making arrangements for the meeting and providing the teas and snacks.

Meeting Minutes: 7.02.2011

Patchetts Green, Aldenham and Roundbush Conservation SOCIETY (PARCS)

Meeting: 7.02.2011

Present: George Coxwell, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Mickey Green, Tony Arens, Gauri-das, Stuart Reeve-Young and Alistair Pinkerton.
Absent: Howard Lambert & Jo Posner
Guest: Anna from Patchetts Equestrian Centre

1. Pervious minutes read and approved

2. Equestrian Centre: Stuart and Anna presented proposed plans for extending one of the old houses on the estate. As the centre is in discussion with the local conservation officer and planners, what was tabled had already been adjusted in accordance with their views. As the extension to the house is screened by a large hedge and therefore hardly noticeable from outside the estate, and is neither a compromise of the character of the house and village, the Society (PARCS) had no concerns or objections.

3. Civic Trees: Plans for construction at the Civic Trees estate were discussed. As the owners are building a like-for-like structure, the Society had no concerns or objections.

4. Newsletter: 2000 newsletters will be delivered to Brian for delivery to the locality. The distribution will be managed as follows:

Roundbush & Kemprow > Brian
Letchmore Heath, Berry Grove> George
Wall Hall> Lorraine
Aldenham> Alistair
Pegmire Lane, Hilfield lane, Summerhouse Lane> Tony
Hilfield East> Mickey

5. AGM: This year’s AGM will be held on the 16 May at Karl Koenig Hall, Delrow House, Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, WD25 8DJ. The meeting will start at 7.30pm. Everyone to be invited.

6. Next Meeting: 7 for 7.30pm at the Manor on 4th April. Meet in reception.

December Minutes 2010

Meeting:  6.12.2010

Present: George Coxwell, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Howard Lambert, Tony Arens, Gauri-das and Alistair Pinkerton

Absent: Mickey Green & Jo Posner

1.  The previous minutes were read and approved.

2.  Newsletter: before Christmas a newsletter will be distributed to the locality informing residents about the service provided by the conservation society. For this George Coxwell will write a report, Brian will provide information of events, Gauri will arrange the layout and printing of copies, and George will coordinate the distribution. The newsletter will also contain the details of the society's blog and the contact numbers for the members. It should also encourage people to be in touch with PARCS.

3.   Shooting: in follow-up to the concern raised in the previous meeting about the shooting of pigeons, a discussion was had with Alistair about the activity. Alistair explained in great detail the necessity for the shooting because the pigeons destroy whatever crops he plants in the fields. The activity is fully legitimate, police monitored, and he maintains the strictest standards on his farm. Previously he had used an exploding device to scare off the pigeons, however due to the many complaints it was discontinued.

4.   Equestrian centre: as Derek is no longer managing the equestrian centre, Brian will speak to the owner to provide another representative to participate in PARCS.

5.   Morning noise: a resident of Patchett's raised concern about the noise of machinery operating at the equestrian centre early in the morning. George will make enquiries at the centre and request that the use of such machinery is avoided in the wee hours of the morning.

6.   Christmas gathering: Brown announced that there will be a Christmas gathering held on the hard standing outside the Three Compasses public house on Saturday 18th of December, 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited and there will be carol singing, a Christmas tree, mince pies and mulled wine.

7.   There were no planning matters to report.

October Minutes 2010

Meeting:  04.10.2010

Present: George Coxwell, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Howard Lambert, Tony Arens, Gauri-das.

Absent: Alistair Pinkerton, Micky Green.

1.       Previous minutes were read

2.       Bank Account: George and Howard are in the process of formalising the account and the new signatories will be: George, Lorraine and Howard.

3.       Elstree Sub Station: George wrote to the Council raising the Society’s concerns about the proposed development. The location of the development was thought to be to closed to Hilfield lane, and would require the removal of several trees. The Council did not respond to the letter and were neither helpful over the phone. Permission had been granted as they were of the opinion that the development fell well within the planning remit of the power station.  Due to the lake of response and fast tracking of the application, we will continue looking into the matter.

4.       Patchetts Equestrian Centre: a new garbage disposal unit has been applied for by the Centre. As far as it has been understood the development is out of sight for villagers, as it is stationed admist the high barns on the property. George will, however, inquire further into the details of the matter. If we are correct about the location, and no concerns are raised by either villagers or caravan park residents, we will not take issue.

5.       Speed Limit on the B462: Concern was raised about the 50 mph speed limit on the B456 Radlett Road. All members were of the opinion that it should be reduced to 30mph. There have been several near-miss situations, and because of this accident proneness of the area, the Society will begin to lobby for a change.

6.       Local Shooting: Around Patchetts there have been numerous occasions of the recreational shooting of local wildlife. The Society will raise the question of the appropriateness of such a sport in the locality, considering both the wildlife and local pedestrians.

7.       Otterspool and Wall hall: residents of these localities will be included in the Society’s mailing list.

8.       Newsletter: a newsletter will be prepared for distribution before Christmas.

9.       Next Meeting: 6 December at Tony’s place.