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COOKHAM PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
of a Meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE held at the Community Room on Tuesday, 19th June 2007 commencing at 7.30 pm PRESENT: Cllr
H.J. Woodbridge (Chairman), Cllrs
M. Brar (part time), P. Brockwell, M. Coker, D. Fry, G. Harris, M.
Innes, M-L. Kellaway, R. Piercey, D. Ricardo, Jean Stretton and John
Stretton. Also
present:
Nick Meakin (Maidenhead Advertiser), Nick Brunetti (Bucks Free
Press), PC Val de Haan and thirty-four members of public. _________________________________________________________________________ OPEN FORUM: The Chairman opened the meeting to explain to members of the public that this meeting was not a special Crime Forum, as had been incorrectly reported in the Maidenhead Advertiser. This was a normal Parish Council Planning Meeting with an Open Forum which would normally last just 15 minutes. On this occasion the Parish Council had moved a later meeting to enable them to increase the Open Forum session to 30 minutes. The Chairman then asked whether there were any members of the public who were attending to speak on planning matters. Mr Soden of Berries Road spoke of his attempts to erect a wall around his property to replace his hedge. He said that the grounds for refusal laid down by the Planning Inspector was one of caution concerning the risk of flooding. This criteria had now been answered by the Environment Agency and he hoped the Parish Council would be able to support his application. The Chairman then opened the session to other members of the public saying that the problems of crime were nothing new to the Parish Council. The Council frequently met with the police to discuss measures that could be taken within the parish including the installation of low lighting around the war memorial; CCTV on the Alfred Major Recreation Ground. Subtle improvements to street lighting around the parish had also been completed during the last year. The Chairman also said that the Parish Council could only follow the judicial process regarding the idea of hiring a private security firm to patrol Cookham streets. Several people spoke of their concerns regarding parking in Cookham village; parking tickets; burglary from cars and mindless acts of vandalism. The theme from the residents was that there was not enough protection. PC de Haan mentioned the possibility of the parish purchasing a petard camera which could be attached to a street light column and moved around the parish. This would be used in conjunction with a false camera. Brian Feldon’s suggestion for AA Committee TO DO. The session closed with PC Val de Haan agreeing to arrange a separate Crime Forum for members of the public. The Planning Meeting started at 8.15pm. 1. APOLOGIES AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Apologies were received from Cllrs Barnes, Brar and Wellman. Cllr John Stretton gave apologies for Cllr Hewitt. All Cllrs declared a personal interest in Pln Appn 07/01431 and Cllr Piercey declared a prejudicial interest. Cllr Innes declared a personal interest in Pln Appn 07/01406. Cllr John Stretton declared an interest as a member of the Borough Planning Committee and reserved the right to change his mind at a later stage. He also declared a prejudical interest in Pln Appn 07/01493. Cllr Jean Stretton declared a personal interest in this item. 2. PLANS CONSIDERED & DISCUSSED:
3.
TO DISCUSS ANY MEASURES THE COUNCIL
COULD TAKE TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF COOKHAM STATION AND HIGH ROAD AREAS IN
COOKHAM RISE: The Parish
Council discussed their ongoing work with the police in order to fight
crime. Various initiatives had been undertaken over the past few years but
the key was to persuade residents to form a Neighbourhood Action Group
(NAG) to aid the work of the police. Cllr Brockwell said that a
consultation carried out some years ago for street lighting in High Road
had been rejected by residents. She proposed that it would be a timely
exercise to carry out again. The item would be put on the next meeting of
the Adoptive Acts Committee. It was also suggested to make contact with
British Transport Police regarding any measures that could be taken on
land owned by the railway. The Councillors also noted reports in the press
regarding a possible move to start charging for parking at Cookham. This
would drive commuters’ cars into the side roads.
473 The Chairman then asked the Councillors’ permission to bring PC Val De Haan back into the meeting. PC de Haan said that although the figures show a fall in crime, the recent spate of arson is new to Cookham. There was a short discussion on the petard cameras. They cost around £7,000 and can the information can be downloaded direct to the Parish Office. Each adaptor costs around £250. Crime Reduction Supervisor Peter Bennett has more information. It was suggested that the British Transport Police may contribute. The three actions agreed were to: 1. Contact British Transport Police re: petard cameras; 2. Carry out a consultation re: lighting in High Road; 3. Consult Peter Bennett. 3.
CHAIRMANS
SUBMISSIONS – There
were no submissions. The Meeting closed at 9.40pm. |
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