PRESENT: Parish Councillors: K Goldie (Chairman), R Blake (Vice Chairman), P Crowe, M Jones, P Seal, E Furr and S Gamble
OFFICER IN ATTENDANCE: None
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: District Councillor L Peace
Councillor Goldie welcomed everyone to the meeting.
68. Apologies for Absence
68.1 Apologies were received from Cllr Day, which was unanimously accepted by all.
69. Chairman’s Notice
69.1 The Parish Council’s policy for openness and transparency was read out by Cllr Goldie.
70. Declaration of Interests
70.1 No declarations of interest were received.
70.2 No written requests for dispensation for declarable interests were received.
70.3 The granting of requests for dispensation was not applicable.
71 Minutes of the previous Meeting
71.1 Minutes of the meeting on the 11th June were unanimously approved and the Chairman was duly authorised to sign the minutes.
71.2 Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting on the 25th June were unanimously approved and the Chairman was duly authorised to sign the minutes.
72. Public Participation Session
72.1 There were no members of the public present.
73. Police Report
73.1 No report received.
74. Reports from County and District Councillors
74.1 Report from the County Councillor
No report had been received.
74.2 Report from the District Councillor
District Cllr Louise Peace read a report: Please see Appendix A.
75. Ongoing Projects
75.1 Recruitment of Clerk/RFO
Cllr Goldie reported that three applications had been received. One was awaiting the closing date and unfortunately the other two lived well out of the area and therefore could not be considered.
75.2 Ickleford Sports and Recreation Club
Cllrs Crowe and Jones reported that they will be attending a meeting between the Sports Club Committee and themselves, arranged for later that week, to discuss the outstanding situation regarding the lift.
Action: Cllrs Crowe and Jones
75.3 Rights of Way Report
Cllr Goldie reported that Bridleway 19 entrance, which consisted of a horse hop and kissing gate had fallen into disrepair. This has been reported to HCC Rights of Way, who have responded by assuring that they would look into it and replace if necessary.
75.4 Land to the front of the Old George Public House
Cllr Goldie reported that HCC has been in contact with Greene King to give them a date to respond to the requested evidence.
75.5 Highways
Cllr Blake reported that concerns were still being raised regarding the potholes in Snailswell Lane. Cllr Goldie responded that this is an ongoing problem which neither North Herts nor Herts County Council are wanting to take ownership of. HCC Rights of Way have stipulated many times that the condition is of an acceptable standard for a BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic). Cllr Goldie went on to say that the unmade road was not designed to take HGVs and the regular movement of traffic that is seen today. Cllr Goldie said however, that she was prepared to raise it, once again, with Rights of Way.
Action: Cllr Goldie
75.6 Electricity Supply to Upper Green
Cllr Seal reported that he had managed to agree a very fair deal with EON. They would be onsite on the 14th July to affix a meter. Cllr Seal said he would oversee the situation.
Action: Cllr Seal
75.7 Arnold’s Farm Development and HGVs on Turnpike Lane during school hours
District Councillor Peace reported that she has yet to see any Constructional Transport Plan from the Developer but is well aware of the situation.
75.8 Marquee Storage Boxes
Ongoing.
Action: Cllr Seal
75.9 Cadwell Bridge – painting of lower half for vision safety
Cllr Goldie reported that she had contacted Network Rail, who informed that their interest was involved only with the rail side of the bridge and that anything to do with roads and footways under the bridge was the sole responsibility of Herts Highways.
75.10 Height Restriction bar on Burial Ground Carpark
Cllr Seal reported that after inspection, it was agreed that the bar could not be repaired. Cllr Crowe is to look into who the original Supplier/Installer was.
Action: P. Crowe
75.11 Laptop and Printer
Cllr Blake reported that the purchase of the laptop, approved by Council at the last meeting, from Onsite Computer Services for £750, including 12 months warranty and to transfer all data, had been completed. Cllr Blake will now look into the purchase of a printer.
Action: Cllr Blake
75.12 Infrastructure Delivery Plan
After initial discussion between Cllrs Furr and Crowe, Cllr Furr completed and submitted the form on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Goldie thanked Cllrs Furr and Crowe on behalf of the Council for all their hard work.
75.13 New Bench Request
After the request by a Resident for a new bench to be located on Bridleway 6. It was unanimously agreed for Cllr Jones to consult with local farmer William Crosse, to establish if the location preferred is acceptable.
Action: Cllr Jones
76. New Matters
76.1 To discuss the outcome of the Community Governance Review
District Councillor Peace explained the meaning behind and what the Community Governance Review meant to the Ickleford Parish Council. After discussion it was unanimously agreed to accept the Review as stated. District Councillor Peace said that she would report our decision.
76.2 This item has been redacted, due to a misunderstanding of the end dateline.
76.3 To discuss and approve the repair of the playground slide
It was unanimously agreed for Cllr Seal to look into the repair of the playground slide.
Action: Cllr Seal
76.4 To discuss and approve the repair/replacement on the Map Boards on Upper and Lower Green
After receiving a quotation for the repair of the old wooden map board stands from a resident; discussion took place as to whether the boards could withstand more wet and sunny conditions, it was unanimously agreed for Cllr Jones to look into the costs of replacing both wooden map boards with either recycled plastic or metal.
Action: Cllr Jones
76.5 To discuss and approve Risk Assessment and Marquee Hire agreement for Icklefest
The Risk Assessment, which had been duly completed for Icklefest, was signed and approved by all Councillors present. After discussion it was unanimously agreed that the cost of the Marquee would be waived, in support of the chosen Charities.
76.6 To receive information and update on Icklefest
Cllrs Seal and Jones gave a resumé of what had been organised over the 23rd and 24th August. Proposed by Cllr Gamble, seconded by Cllr Furr and unanimously agreed by all, that permission be granted for the use of Upper Green for Icklefest.
76.7 To discuss and approve the repair/replacement of Sports Club ground fencing.
After discussion it was unanimously agreed for this subject to be discussed at the meeting to be attended by Cllrs Jones and Crowe.
Action: Cllrs Crowe and Jones
76.8 To discuss and approve the safety on roads throughout Lavender Grange
After discussion it was unanimously agreed for Cllr Goldie to, after discussion with the Resident who reported the safety issue, to contact Lavender Grange’s Management Company Virtus, to see whether they have already planned to rectify the problem.
Action: Cllr Goldie
76.9 To discuss and approve the monthly reporting by the Hiz Conservation Group
Proposed by Cllr Gamble, seconded by Cllr Furr and unanimously agreed by all, to approve monthly reporting by the Hiz Conservation Group, as and when they wished to do so, by contacting the Clerk or Chairman in advance of the meeting.
76.10 Tree Survey
After receipt of a Quotation from Evolution Trees for £1,680.00 incl. VAT for the removal of 3 x Silver Birch, and 4 x Sycamore, it was proposed by Cllr Jones, seconded by Cllr Crowe and unanimously agreed by all to accept the quotation.
76.11 To discuss and approve the Letter of Objection to Planning Application 25/01904/FP Land to the rear of 34 Arlesey Road, Ickleford, known as Local Plan IC1
After discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Seal, seconded by Cllr Crowe and unanimously agreed by all, to approve the Letter of Objection to the Planning Application and Cllr Goldie was duly tasked to forward it to North Herts Council Planning Authority.
Action: Cllr Goldie
76.12 To discuss concerns raised by Residents pertaining to Groundworks ongoing at Lodge Court
District Councillor Peace reported that this was being closely monitored by North Herts Council Planning but will look into the situation on our behalf.
76.13 To discuss concerns raised by Residents pertaining to overgrown hedging on Arlesey Road
After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Jones, seconded by Cllr Seal, and unanimously agreed to correspond with the Residents In question, asking them to cut back unnecessary growth.
Action: Cllrs Jones and Goldie
District Councillor Louise Peace left the meeting
77. Planning Applications
77.1 New Planning Applications received since the last meeting
None received.
77.2 Planning Applications received between 2nd and 9th July
None received.
78. Planning Decisions
78.1 Planning Decisions received since the last meeting
None received.
78.2 Planning Decisions received between 2nd and 9th July
None received.
79. Finance
79.1 To note receipts between meetings
None
79.2 To approve payments made between meetings and any payments made at the meeting
The following invoices per unanimously approved for payment after a proposal by Cllr Gamble and seconded by Cllr Jones.
79.2.1 Invoice for £750 from Onsite Computer Services
Payment for Laptop, including 12 months warranty and transference of Data.
Action: Cllr Blake
79.2.2 Invoice for £156 from CPM Playgrounds Ltd
Inspection of Children’s play area and equipment.
Action: Cllr Blake
79.2.3 Invoice for £150 from Ickleford Common Holders
For half payment towards fencing on Ickleford Common.
Action: Cllr Blake
79.2.4 Invoice for £137.37 from DCK
Outstanding payment
Action: Cllr Blake
79.2.5 Invoice for £421.09 from Mark Walker Ground Maintenance
Ground maintenance and watering of burial ground.
Action: Cllr Blake
79.3 To discuss and approve quotation from Evolution Trees
Please refer to Item 76.10 above.
79.4 To discuss and approve any increase in Allotment Rentals
Proposed by Cllr Seal, seconded by Cllr Gamble and unanimously agreed by all to accept the increases as suggested by Cllr Crowe.
79.5 To discuss updates with Unity Bank and approve any changes necessary.
After a proposal by Cllr Crowe, seconded by Cllr Seal and unanimously agreed by all, Cllr Blake was tasked with arranging a managed transfer of funds between the Current Account and Saving Account for better interest.
80. Reports
For information. No decisions or actions can be agreed at this time.
80.1 Rands Educational Foundation Governors (RANDS) – No Meeting
80.2 Ickleford Sports and Recreational Club Committee. – No Meeting
80.3 Ickleford Village Hall Committee – Cllr Jones reported on the meeting saying that arrangements have been made to celebrate the Halls 100th birthday in September. There is also going to be a Lost Property facility.
80.4 Ickleford Burial Ground Trustees – Nothing to report.
81. Chairman’s Report
81.1 Nothing to report.
82. Next Meeting
82.1 Agenda items for next month’s meeting:
82.1.1 Invoice from Stinky Ink
82.1.2 Invoice for Contract Template CL Associates
82.2 The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 10th September, commencing at 7pm.
82.3 The meeting closed at 9.40pm.
Signed by Chairman _______________________________ Date ________________________
Print name of Chairman __________________________
APPENDIX A
Ickleford Parish Council – June 2025.
Bins
Please encourage anyone who has still not received their blue bin to report this to North Herts Council.
Planning and enforcement
There is little to report regarding the IC1 application at Duncots Close at the moment. It was good to see so many members of the public at the meeting regarding this. I note that there was a sewage overflow during the heavy rain at the weekend and that photos have been passed to the planning officer.
I have been informed that an application is in preparation by Bugler homes at Pound Farm. This includes a SEND school for children of secondary school age, 250 homes (with 40% affordable) and sports pitches. It is not clear whether this is to be submitted as part of the next iteration of the Local Plan or as a standalone application.
A call for sites for the next local plan revision has been made.
ASB
* I have an interest in the following item *
Following reports of continued trespass into Bowman’s Mill and some truly shocking TikTok films, I have been in contact with the police, the anti-social behaviour team at North Herts Council and local schools. Please report any instances of trespass to the police.
Local Government Reform
There will be engagement with residents regarding the reorganisation of local government (phasing out district councils) soon. All councils must submit their proposals by 28 November. Proposals separating Herts into 2, 3 and 4 unitary authorities have been suggested.
Community Governance Review
Is on the agenda.
Hitchin Swimming Centre
There will be a part closure of the Hitchin Swimming Centre later this year to carry out a decarbonisation programme. £7.74m (of the 16.6m total project cost) was obtained from a government grant to do this.
It will replace the end-of-life gas boiler with air source heat pumps and there will be roof solar panels.
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