Albury Village Hertfordshire

Parish Council and other information

Author: Jane Pettitt (Page 2 of 7)

Albury Village Hall

06/05/2025 /

The hall is a beautiful, rural venue for wedding receptions, meetings and more.

Situated in the East Hertfordshire countryside, with a rolling rural aspect, it is only minutes away from major routes such as the M11, A10 and A120 and is only 15 minutes from Stansted Airport. The town of Bishop’s Stortford, with its mainline route into London (35 minutes) is a 15 minute drive away.

Bright and airy, the hall is of modern design (having been built in 2001). There is a bar opening onto the main hall area and the high ceiling makes it ideal for sports such as badminton.

Facilities available at the hall include:

  • Beautiful rural location
  • Main hall with vaulted ceiling, 18m x 8m
  • Kitchen with range cooker and microwave
  • Bar area (not staffed)
  • Meeting room
  • Fenced children’s play area
  • Toilet facilities including accessible toilet
  • Licensed for up to 200 people for a public function (300 people, for a private function)
  • Ample parking in a beautiful country location

Deposit is fully refundable if hall is left clean and there is no damage or cancellation. Rates negotiable for long-term lets. Full terms and conditions with booking application.

  • Refundable deposit of £50 taken at time of booking
  • £500 damage deposit taken for wedding receptions, adult parties/dances etc.
  • Full payment due one month before event.
  • Any licenses necessary must be orgainised by the hirer
  • Hall must be empty by 11.30pm and be left in a clean and tidy state

Email alburyvillagehall@gmail.com for enquiries and bookings.

Hire rates

£19 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

£220 full day (9am until 11.30pm)

£650 for a weekend hire (Midday Friday to midday Sunday)

Albury residents only –  discounted rates:

£12 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

£150 full day (9am until 11.30pm)

£350 for a weekend hire (Midday Friday to midday Sunday)

Meeting Dates

24/08/2024 /

All meetings are held at Albury Village Hall and start at 7.15pm

2026

8th January

10th February

10th March

14th April

12th May

9th June

14th July

8th September

13th October

10th November

Response to Planning Application 3/21/0969/FUL

08/06/2024 /

Construction of a 50MW battery energy storage system facility and associated access, landscaping and other infrastructure works.|Land At Greens Farm East End Stocking Pelham Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 0JU

Albury Parish Council strongly OBJECTS to this planning application.
The Albury Road from Little Hadham through Albury is designated as a construction traffic route to the site of this application. Whilst stated as temporary on the application, this is an irrelevant statement in our view. Whether temporary or permanent, the risk to life for all road users is real and underestimated within this proposal.
Whilst a traffic survey was conducted (September and February) the results do not reflect the serious risk posed. The majority of pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian road use occurs during the summer months and given that the survey was conducted outside of this timeframe, we dispute the results. Also, the survey sites were not within the populated areas of the Albury Road where most of the more vulnerable road users tend to use the road.
The applicant concluding that the road network is able to accommodate the proposed construction traffic is misleading. Albury Parish Council has not at any stage been approached for their opinion on the impact of this proposal. Therefore, we have concluded that Albury residents’ safety and quality of life has been deemed an acceptable level of ‘collateral damage’, and that the parish was not worthy of direct consultation.
We OBJECT to this proposal based on the life-threatening risk to the residents of Albury Parish and anyone using the road through our parish.
The proposed route is wholly unsuitable for large construction vehicles, in particular at Gravesend and Clapgate. Agricultural vehicles already have significant difficulty navigating these narrow rural roads, not just tractors, but the numerous daily HGV vehicles delivering feeds etc, to the various farms on the route.
80% of the route has no footpaths and there are two bus stop areas in the road in Albury. The public using these bus stops (many of them school children) will be put at risk of serious injury or death by being in dangerously close proximity to large construction vehicles.
There are several listed and conservation buildings at Gravesend and Clapgate which will be placed at risk of damage. There are not sufficient passing places on the route to avoid daily congestion and safe passing, and cars parked on the route will also be placed at risk of damage.
This planning application based on ‘green’ credentials and how important this facility is for the push for ‘net zero’ within government directives, fails to observe the ecological damage that will result for the local area.
Therefore, we conclude Albury Parishes flora and fauna is also considered as acceptable ‘collateral damage’. Mature trees, established hedgerows and verges filled with cow slips and native plants are all disposable and any damage just an inconvenience – rather than an ecological disaster. The destruction of any habitat, but especially within the geographical scope of this facility is surely at complete odds with the rationale of this proposal.
There is no real benefit to the local or Albury community provided by this project, yet we will be significantly impacted by the noise, traffic and long-term unsightly appearance of this project.

Response to Stansted Airport Night Flights Consultation

29/05/2024 /

Albury Parish Council MAG Stansted Airport Night Flights Objection

We are writing to you regarding the MAG request to seek relaxation of the current night flight restrictions for its operations at Stansted Airport from October 2026.

After careful consideration and with a balanced view on the employment and business benefits Stansted Airport contributes to the area. As a Parish Council representing the views of residents that live under the BUZAD NPR we hereby tender our objection to the MAG request to relax the current night flight restrictions.

Our view as a Parish Council is as follows:

Proposed Option 1 – to remove all restrictions for night flights on October 2026 would be catastrophic to the health and well-being of residents. Whilst the government study and paper is due to be published in 2025, which will conclude the outcome of a comprehensive study into night flight impact on health, we conclude based on lived experience, that night flights already impact residents’ health. Given the fact that CDA is not used for any flights when using BUZAD, the residents are already subjected to noise levels higher than those at Heathrow and Gatwick. With the parish being in a rural area, this noise is amplified by the quiet ambience with no background traffic or urban noise to counterbalance the effects. Therefore, it would seem logical that any flights throughout the night would wake residents, disrupt sleep and impact in a negative manner on those affected.

WE STRONGLY OBJECT TO OPTION 1.

Proposed Option 2 – Remove the controls on October 2025 whilst keeping noise level limits. Whilst this option does keep noise level limits in place, due to the lack of CDA for BUZAD NPR and the night aircraft being predominantly 777 cargo planes, the limit would simply be for data purposes. The night flights would still impact negatively, with the 777 cargo planes, known within the industry as being particularly noisy with a piercing whine, the limit will not stop this disrupting noise.

WE STRONGLY OBJECT TO OPTION 2.

Proposed Option 3 – Keep all existing controls and limits.

WE STRONGLY URGE THAT OPTION 3 IS CHOSEN.

It is our opinion that restrictions to night flights should remain in place in the absence of convincing evidence that night flights are safer than current evidence and live experience suggest. We also note that the MAG application is also in direct contrast to Section 106 agreement with Uttlesford District Council planning agreement, that the airport under any owner/operator cannot seek a relaxation of night flight restrictions. As such, we find that the application is disingenuous and seeks profit over people and their health. Stansted already has 13,700 night flights permitted per year, versus 5,800 at Heathrow and as such this level seems already to Stansted Airport’s advantage and we urge MAG to improve the efficiency of their operations, rather than apply for more flights that will not only blight residents and rural areas but would be in direct contrast to the UK government target to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030.

Minutes November 2023

06/01/2024 /
ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held 7th November 2023, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Kelly, Klimowicz, Lehmann, Pope and Sargisson.
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (clerk), and 4 members of the public
The chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Jolly.
2. To receive declarations of interest.
a) To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda
b) To receive written requests for dispensations for declarable interests
c) To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate.
No declarations or requests for dispensation received.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 3rd October 2023
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Kelly the councillors agreed the minutes are a true and accurate record of the proceedings. Unanimously agreed.
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
A request for removal of items from the allotments and adjacent land was complied with.
The company that mows the grass at the village hall has cut the hedge.
Legal advice was requested regarding trustee responsibilities but no response was received.
Speeding reminders were posted on the village and school Facebook pages and in the newsletter.
Update from Clarion Housing (see item 13)
5. Councillors to sign printed copies of Standing Orders, Code of Conduct and Financial Regulations circulated prior to the meeting
All of the above-mentioned documents were read by the councillors prior to the meeting and copies were signed at the meeting.
6. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
Residents asked how the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club gained use of the Dole Field. They said the club appears to have assumed control and uses the field for many hours on Saturdays and Sundays. They said cars of players and supporters have churned up the field and often block private driveways, players retrieve balls from private gardens throughout matches without permission, and some players have been seen urinating at the edge of the field and up garden fences.
The chair reminded the residents that the parish council has no jurisdiction over the field but agreed to outline these and previous complaints in a letter to the trustees of the Dole Field and the football club.
7. To consider planning applications.
APPLICATION: 3/23/1969/HH PROPOSAL: Enclosure of carport, single-storey front extension to garage to form workshop, conversion of the detached garage and car port into an annex, installation of 1 roof light window and PV array to the roof, new gable addition to the rear roof and insert rear sliding doors. AT: The Homestead Clapgate Albury. No comment.
APPLICATION: 3/23/1883/HH PROPOSAL: Removal of front porch and rear conservatory. Erection of two-storey front extension and part two part single-storey rear extension. Installation of rear flat roof light window, new first-floor side windows and alterations to fenestration. AT: 1 Barncroft Albury. No comment.
APPLICATION: 3/23/1826/HH PROPOSAL: Removal of existing front and side porches. Construction of two storey side extension and single-storey front porch. Installation of four rear roof light windows. AT: Malting Cottage Upwick Green Albury. No comment.
8. To agree the amount of an annual donation to Stansted Airport Watch
Our annual standing order ceased when we changed banks and it was agreed to restart this with an amount of £200 per year.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Lehmann, to set up an annual donation of £200 to Stansted Airport Watch. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 3/10/2023                           £12283.59
Payments: 3/10/23 EHC play area inspection                  -£63.78
4/10/23 HAPTC councillor training                  -£30.00
9/10/23 Hanbury Group for cameras and lights           -£1437.60
10/10/23 Stort Blinds balance payment              -£3225.00
13/10/23 Albury Village Hall Stort Blinds deposit      -£3230.00
13/10/23 Grant to BSCFC for Dole Field clubhouse -£10717.00
19/10/23 HAPTC Councillor Training               -£85.00
30/10/23 R Murdoch for sign plants      -£21.00
3/11/23  CHBT Node 1453 annual subs    -£151.20
3/11/23  E-scapes village hall mowing October      -£200.00
Receipts:
13/10/23 EHC UKSPF grant  +£30694.17
Available balance at 7/11/2023                   £23817.18
10. To agree payments due.
£300 for the village hall hedge cutting.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Lehmann, that this amount be paid to E-scapes. Unanimously agreed.
11. To discuss the budget forecast for the next year in order to agree next year’s precept
The balance of £23,817 shown above includes a grant of £13,400 for the hall patio refurbishment and £3,700 for the rest of this financial year’s expenditure. Therefore, we expect to have approximately £6700 and a VAT reclaim of £2300, making a total of £9,000 to carry forward. Therefore, the councillors agreed to request a precept of £10,000, the same as for last year.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Kelly, that the precept should be set at £10,000.00 Unanimously agreed.
12. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
13. To discuss any update from Clarion Housing regarding issues at The Bourne
Clarion called to say they were planning to visit The Bourne in October and would then provide an update. This has not been received as yet.
Action: The clerk will follow up.
14. To discuss the progress of reinstating the Albury Parochial Charities
HMRC requested governing documents and these were sent to them on 5th October 2023. Barclays closed the charities account and issued a cheque for £9,503.97.
A new Albury Parochial Charities bank account is being opened with Lloyds Bank.
Barclays declined to pay the cheque once banked. We are trying to establish the reason.
15. To discuss the progress of a request for funds to improve lighting, security and patios at the village hall
A grant of £30694.17 was received from East Herts on 13/10/23. £10717 was donated to the Bishops Stortford Community Football Club to cover some of their costs for renovating the Dole Field clubhouse.
The lights and cameras have been installed and the patio is being repaired in December.
16. To suggest dates for a meeting with HCC, Highways, East Herts Police and other parishes to discuss speeding issues
Before such a meeting takes place, an audit of roads, speed limits, road signs and where we have paths and no paths should be undertaken by all parishes interested in attending. We should also press for 20 MPH speed limits outside all village schools.
Action: The chair will email Stocking Pelham, Furneux Pelham, Little Hadham and Berden parish councils to gauge their thoughts.
17. To discuss information received from the Environment Agency regarding clearance of the River Ash
Historically, land owners adjacent to the river have dug out the river.
Action: The clerk will ask Robert Barclay if this is something he can organise.
18. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 9th January 2024
Parochial Charities update, discuss becoming a trustee of The Dole Field, creating a new parish plan, white railing repairs, River Ash cleaning, village sign area clearance schedule, purchase of strimmer, find out about licence for Anthropos, complete the precept form
The chair closed the meeting at 8.30 pm

Minutes October 2023

05/11/2023 /
ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held 3rd October 2023, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Jolly, Kelly, Klimowicz, Lehmann, Pope and Sargisson.
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (clerk), Councillor Geoff Williamson and 3 members of the public
The chair opened the meeting at 7:20pm
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence. None
2. To receive declarations of interest. None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 5th September 2023
Resolved, the councillors agreed the minutes are a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
The clerk contacted Thames Water to inform them that a member of the public had been seen using a pneumatic drill in the vicinity of the pumping station at Clapgate.
Forwarding of complaints to Clarion Housing (see item 10)
Examining land boundaries and ownership of land behind the Bourne bungalows (see item 11)
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
An MOP raised concerns about the number of football matches being played at the Dole Field at weekends and cars parking on the old cricket pitch. The chair said these concerns should be raised with the trustees of the field.
An MOP associated with the football club said it is playing at the Dole Field with the trustees’ permission in return for maintaining the football pitch and refurbishing the vandalised clubhouse, and that no football match limit had been imposed.
Councillor Geoff Williamson said he has investigated public concerns that work has begun at Wickham Hall with regard to the solar farm. He found it has not, and stated that planning consent is yet to be granted. He has said he has been asked to participate in deciding whether or not the Dole Field Trust should be given 100% rate relief.
6. To consider planning applications.
APPLICATION: 3/23/1787/LBC PROPOSAL: Single storey side extension AT: Elm Cottage Gravesend Albury. No comment
7. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 5/9/2023                   £8844.14
Payments: 7/9/23  Land registry plans             £6.00
7/9/23  Land registry plans            £6.00
7/9/23  Citizens’ Advice East Herts          £200.00
2/10/23 E-scapes Landscaped       £200.00
2/10/23 Litter picking Q2       £130.00
2/10/23 Clerk’s salary Q2       £1018.55
Receipts:       29/9/23 Precept                  £5000.00
Available balance at 3/10/2023                    £12283.59
8. To agree payments due. EHC for play area inspection £63.78
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Kelly, that that this amount be paid to EHC. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
Citizens’ Advice East Herts sent a note of thanks for our donation of £200.
Graham MacAndrew advised us that the groundwork adjacent to the Albury Road bridge over the A120 bypass is being carried out to clear the surface soil of rubble left over after the bridge build. Work should be completed by the end of October.
10. To discuss communications with Clarion Housing regarding issues at The Bourne
The clerk sent a detailed email and photographs to Clarion Housing on 8th September. This was acknowledged on 11th September as being forwarded to the relevant team. The clerk has requested an update and is awaiting a response. Action: the clerk is to follow up again with Clarion and also ask Councillor Williamson to provide a contact East Herts Council has.
11. To confirm allotment boundaries and ownership of land behind The Bourne garage block
The clerk was informed that a resident of the Bourne is using land behind their residence to store items. A land registry search has shown some of this is land is Albury parish council land and another piece is East Herts Council land.
Action: the clerk is to write to the resident explaining this and asking them to remove their items.
12. To discuss a quote received for cutting the hedge in the village hall car park
The company who mows the village hall grass areas has quoted £360 to reduce the hedge in height and width and remove all waste. They also offered to tidy the hedges at the edge of the play area within this price. The councillors agreed this was a good price for the work.
Resolved, proposed ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬Cllr Kelly, seconded Cllr Klimowicz, to accept this quote. Unanimously agreed.
Action: the clerk will liaise with the company to schedule the work.
13. To confirm our response to The Stansted Airport Draft Noise Action Plan was submitted
Our response was submitted before the deadline and can be viewed at https://alburyvillage.co.uk/category/announcements/
14. To discuss the Parish Council becoming trustees of The Dole Field
After a discussion, it was agreed that legal advice should be sought to understand the full implications of becoming a trustee of land. Councillor Williamson mentioned that the chair of Little Hadham parish council may be able to recommend a solicitor with expertise in this field
Action: the clerk will contact the chair of Little Hadham PC and then obtain a quote.
15. To discuss the progress of reinstating the Albury Parochial Charities
The clerk applied to register the charity with HMRC on 1st September and is awaiting a response – it can take up to 6 weeks to hear.
16. To discuss the progress of a request for funds to improve lighting, security and patios at the village hall
The grant has been confirmed for the village hall improvements. We will also receive the money granted to complete The Dole Field clubhouse refurbishment and will forward this to the Bishops Stortford Community Football Club on receipt.
The security cameras and lights installation at the village hall is in progress. The new awning has been ordered. The patio refurbishment is booked in.
17. To suggest dates for a meeting with HCC, Highways, East Herts Police and other parishes to discuss speeding issues
We have had reports of speeding by school parents and carers, as well as residents.
Action: the clerk will ask the school to send out a reminder of where the 30 MPH zones are and will also post a message for residents on FB and in the newsletter.
18. To discuss information received from the Environment Agency regarding clearance of the River Ash
No response has been received.
19. To discuss the next planned Anthropos Festival at Hixham Hall and actions to take
The next Anthropos Festival is planned for 23rd-27th May 2024. It was noted that tickets are now on sale and again although no exact location is mentioned, but there is a rolling 24 music licence.
Investigations will be continued and action taken to object if necessary.
20. To draw the 200 Club number for September
Number 27 was drawn
21. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 7th November 2023
Parochial Charities update, The Dole Field, parish plan, white railing repairs, river cleaning, sign post clearance schedule, purchase of strimmer, agree donation to Stansted Airport Watch

Minutes September 2023

30/09/2023 /
ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held 5th September 2023, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Kelly, Klimowicz, Pope and Sargisson.
In attendance: 5 members of the public
The chair opened the meeting at 19:15
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Lehmann and Councillor Jolly. The clerk is unable to attend due to illness.
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council Annual meeting held on Tuesday 4th July 2023
Resolved, the councillors agreed the minutes are a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
A MOP raised concerns that sheds, fencing and trees have been erected and planted at the rear of the bungalows on The Bourne, Clapgate. It was also flagged by MOP that the bungalow in question and its occupants have erected a lean to, this addition has created discharged surface water from the lean to roof to fall on the garages and their subsequent roofing areas. There are reports of concrete at the rear of the property, which may be on the Sewage works area, being dismantled by the residents of said property, with concerns that sewage contamination may occur. It is believed that the land in question that has been fenced off is most likely Parish Land, and no permission has been sought or granted for any garden extension of any kind.
Action:
PC to write to Clarion Housing with a copy of the letter sent to resident, plus a request to understand the contract in place for the resident and the boundary areas, as understood by the housing association. The letter will also flag that there may be potential water ingress and damage to garages adjacent to the property.
PC to e mail Thames Water and flag that the sewage works may have been subject to damage by said resident and an urgent appraisal of potential damage and any remedies required.
PC to ascertain via land registry the boundaries of properties, parish land and sewage works land by calling off appropriate deeds.
A MOP raised concerns and queried what was happening in regard to Anthropos festival, in particular in light of AMA Festival issues on 2nd Sept 2023.Please refer to point 18.
A MOP requested an update regarding the continuing concerns over aircraft noise on Patmore Heath. A question was raised in regard to concerns to the environmental damage to the SSSI. Please refer to point 10.
A MOP attended the meeting to offer support to the PC, in regard to agricultural speeding vehicles, subsequent damage and concerns. An incident regarding agricultural vehicles at Albury End on 7th August was reported. The PC were grateful for the offer of support, to understand the issues from a farming perspective as well as a parish perspective, and how we can work together to make the roads safer for all.
6. To consider planning applications.
None received.
7. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 4/7/2023                  £10180.44
Payments: 10/7 Allotment mowing Jan to June     -£515.00
24/72 x Village hall mowing June       -£200.00
24/72 x Village hall mowing July      -£200.00
5/93 x Village hall mowing August   -£300.00
5/9       CHBT Ann Supp node 4080      -£151.20
Receipts:       5/7/23 UK Power wayleave                    +£29.90
Available balance at 5/9/2023                      £8844.14
8. To agree payments due. None
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
10. To discuss and formulate a response to the Stansted Airport Draft Noise Action Plan
A draft document was circulated by Councillor Kelly, which the PC discussed. The extension of the deadline means that a response via email rather than on the consultation portal is required by 20th September. The PC will e mail the response prior to this date. The clerk will make this document available on the village website.
11. To discuss the Parish Council becoming trustees of The Dole Field
The Dole Field was placed in trust for use by villagers and local sports club by the late Charles and Ann Newcomb. The current trustees are happy to hand over to the parish council and it is possible for a parish council to be trustees of such an asset. We should however take out trustee insurance and resolve the fact that the field and clubhouse are listed to pay business rates even though no profit is made. The electricity supply is the responsibility of the football club.
The pc agreed and it was propped by Councillor Klimowicz, seconded by councillor Sargisson for the PC to become trustee of the village asset,once a full check of liabilities has been established and a deed of land is obtained.
12. To discuss the status of the Albury Parochial Charities
The clerk applied to register the charity with HMRC on 1st September and it can take up to 6 weeks to complete.
There is no need to re-register with the Charity Commission as income is below £5000.
Once HMRC confirm the charity is registered with them, we can amend signatories on the Barclays account and apply to withdraw money held in a Blackrock client account.
The last Barclays statement received in December 2017 showed a balance of £7368. Income received from 4 COIF funds from September to December was £79.
Blackrock uninvested money and placed it in a client account in July 2017 after the charity was removed from the register – this amount is £4363.
It was agreed by PC that the clerk and Councillor Kelly continue to register the charity and supply a new “objects” declaration for agreement to ensure that the charity and it subsequent fund is available under clear guidelines going forward. The PC would be trustee of this fund and once established and current monies obtained a plan for consultation on how to spend the money within the parish established.
13. To discuss the progress of a request for funds to improve lighting, security and patios at the village hall
We are still waiting for confirmation of payment but have been assured the grant has been agreed in full. The new awning has been ordered as it takes 6 weeks to arrive.
TBC; Once the monies have been paid the agreed works will take place.
14. To discuss how to make Highways and the police take notice and help to resolve speeding problems
PC agreed to continue to request a meeting with highways/police and local government to discuss how we can manage this issue.
15. To discuss speeding issues in the village and possible resolutions including working with Stocking Pelham and other parish councils as necessary
PC agreed that we should interact with Stocking Pelham PC in regard to speeding issues. Share best practice within both parties and attend any relevant meetings as appropriate. Councillor Klimowicz will contact Stocking Pelham PC, to agree sharing of information and actions.
16. To receive an update of discussions with the Environment Agency regarding clearance of the River Ash
Councillor Kelly has established contact with Environment Agency and awaiting meeting date and time for an appraisal of the River Ash and what actions can be taken.
17. To report on the police rural crime update
Councillor Kelly circulated a report after attending the Rural Crime Priority Setting Forum, held on 10.08.23 with the rural policing team. Best practise and the update discussed. It was agreed that any further meetings should be attended by the PC.
Rural policing team will respond in due course to set what are the priorities for the next 6 months to the PC and all East Herts Parishes within the rural area.
The key aspect from the meeting was that the rural policing team asked residents to use 101 reporting for any incidents, to assist in the building of the picture of rural crime trends and outcomes.
18. To discuss the next planned Anthropos Festival at Hixham Hall
After a MOP raised concerns regarding this upcoming event, the PC established that the Anthropos Festival is planned for 23rd-27th May 2024. It was noted that tickets are now on sale and again there is a rolling 24 music licence.
PC has agreed to contact environmental health again to raise the concerns that were raised to the licensing committee and request involvement in what mitigations are being put in place should this festival go ahead. Concerns over traffic management, notably that the festival website details that the events team will be operating a shuttle bus to this year’s event from Bishops Stortford train station will be highlighted. Clerk to contact Cllr G Williamson to request what else we can do to control/mitigate or cancel this event. Given the adverse impact of AMAFEST, the PC are gravely concerned that this event may create similar issues.
19. To discuss making a donation to Citizen’s Advice East Herts and agree an amount if relevant
We donated £200 in May 2022 and have had a request for further support this year. The PC agreed to make a £200 donation in 2023. Proposed by Cllr Klimowicz, seconded by Cllr Kelly.
20. To draw the 200 Club number for September
In the absence of the clerk who has the numbers, this item was deferred until the next meeting.
21. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 3rd October 2023
Stansted Airport flight path changes, parochial charities, The Dole Field, volunteering day, parish plan, memorial garden, white railing repairs, river cleaning, sign post clearance schedule, purchase of strimmer
The chair closed the meeting at 21:00

Albury Parish Council’s response to the Stansted Draft Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2028

13/09/2023 /
This reponse relates to the Stansted Airport Draft Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 (click to view in new window)

Albury Parish lies within BUZAD NPR. Within the proposed Noise Action Plan (the “Plan”), we do highlight that many points of the Plan refer to the areas within noise contours of the airport ground handling with less focus on the NPR areas. We would like to request that for the Plan to be more effective in those rural residential areas in NPR’s, the following points require consideration, planning and implementation.

Chapter 8.

In regard to the question for responses to how adequate noise controls are within the Plan, we submit the following:

Incentives for airlines to provide quieter fleets should be implemented over the Plan period, with a fixed start and end number of fleet upgrades, for both passenger and cargo. A target needs to be set for a % improvement of a quieter fleet at a minimum of 25%. The airlines should set these targets and strong financial incentives put in place to encourage compliance, such as increased fines for noise infringements/use of an older aircraft fleet and regular measurement of noise on NPR routes via monitors.

Night flights should cease within the Plan period, this action would immediately act as the most impactful noise control. 

Albury Parish Council and Albury parishioners, expect the airport to demonstrate year-on-year improvements against empirical targets. 

Chapter 9.

NAP 4 -In regard to the question, are arriving aircraft noise controls adequate within the Plan, we submit the following:

Arrivals on BUZAD NPR only benefit from CDA with 65% of night flights CDA being compliant and hardly any CDA on day flights. As the CDA can be an issue due to other aircraft, we are to understand from the consultation that CDA would not be achievable during the day until the Future Airspace modernisation is complete. This is not an action point, just a statement of fact. We believe that CDA should be a focus within this Plan, irrespective of future modernisation and all endeavours are made to increase CDA on a daily basis. Therefore, this Plan lacks any credible focus for improvement in our view. For the  Plan to be of real, measurable benefit, other measures should be implemented ahead of the modernisation program. Setting targets and improving the number of CDA arrivals during the day to a minimum of 25% of flights for example and then increasing CDA at night from 65% to 90% would be a specific goal that would improve the noise issues. Within the Plan as stated, more effort should be placed in order to increase CDA on day flights. However, if this action point is challenging, then we also believe that the noise controls placed on night flights to decrease noise, such as the pilot-specific actions used within the restrictive period, should therefore be applied to the day flights as an immediate mitigation.

Chapter 11.

NAP 15 – In regards to the question of departing aircraft noise controls being adequate within the plan, we submit the following:

There is no mention within this area of the Plan to add/create respite periods for NPR areas. Respite is planned in Heathrow, Gatwick and other airport NPR areas. We believe this Plan should include an appropriate respite provision, with particular focus on the main overflown path of all NPR swathes.

The BUZAD NPR has most flights concentrated on the western flank of the centre line If respite cannot be achieved, another important action point to add to the Plan would be to review the residential areas within the swathe as indicated on an OS map. Use of PBN to create the concentration of aircraft over the agricultural not residential areas could be achieved. We believe that there are opportunities within an NPR to use PBN with particularly good effect in rural areas. This is a proven action point that Stansted itself has achieved in another location. This action we believe, would remove a significant part of the population from the biggest impact of noise. We believe that by using PBN within this Plan, a potential 6,500 population of the villages of Little Hadham, Hadham Ford, Much Hadham, Albury and Furneux Pelham could be potentially removed from the worst impacts. Albury Parish Council would be willing and give full support to trial this, including the placement of permanent noise monitors within the Parish and active participation in any trial implemented. 

The measurement needs to be relevant to the village locations (BUZAD NPR), as opposed to the airport) as this is where Albury Parish is experiencing issues/concerns and with year-on-year targets for reduction and including frequency of occurrence, loudness. 

NAP 17 – NO fly zones. We challenge the proposal to continue to have a NO fly zone over St Elizabeth’s Centre, on the basis that whilst it has been appropriate on previous plans when the centre had permanent residents, since November 2022 all residents are now removed. Removing this site from the NO fly zone would aid PBN and the improvements as previously detailed. The fact that the NO fly zones have remained unchanged over the previous two plans demonstrates that a comprehensive review of what is happening at ground level has not taken place. This is of great concern, as the SSSI within our Parish, clearly alongside other potentially new and current sensitive sites are not flagged, considered or protected. 

The airport needs to spread the burden of noise equitably across those affected. 

NAP 19 – Within the Plan, the limit of daytime noise has not been adjusted, therefore it provides no impact on noise levels. The limit should be adjusted to lessen the noise impact in line with the anticipated fleet change over to quieter aircraft. To surely have an actual positive effect, each action point must set targets to improve on the previous one. 

Chapter 12.

In regard to the question of night noise controls and are they adequate within the Plan, we submit the following:

All night flights should be phased out within the Plan. Whilst this phasing period is in operation, CDA should be in use on night flights 90% of the time as detailed in our response to NAP 14. 

Chapter 13.

In regard to the question, if mitigation controls are adequate within the Plan, we submit the following:

Mitigation controls within the Plan require more focus on real targets to improve, with real measures of improvements in percentage terms. We do not believe the current controls to be adequate. Mitigation controls require SMART KPIs governing noise in Albury Parish, i.e. an empirical data capture that measures the duration, frequency, and loudness of noise, coupled with a set of targets that demonstrate a year-on-year improvement in noise performance.  

Chapter 14.

In regards to the questions on monitoring and reporting controls being adequate within the Plan, we submit the following:

NAP 34 – The Plan to place more noise monitors is welcomed, each NPR should have a permanent noise monitor available on Webtrak and feedback periodically. The current suite of noise monitors is concentrated within the airport contour area. As Albury Parish has a SSSI, it would be appropriate that a monitor within this area is permanently installed to fully monitor the impact on this protected sensitive site. There should also be provisions to measure noise elsewhere in the Parish.

NAP 36 – All information from noise monitoring should be emailed to stakeholders as well as made available on the Website. This information should be clear and specific to each NPR and airport noise contour area.

NAP 38 – Within the Plan, the information regarding the independent auditor requires clarification. We would also remark that NPR areas should have the opportunity to converse with the independent auditor at regular intervals for a transparent and objective audit to take place.

Chapter 15.

In regards to the question on the effectiveness of communication within the Plan, we submit the following:

NPR routes, in particular those within East Herts, have not had the level of communication from Stansted that we feel is adequate. The public and/or their representatives should have a quarterly face-to-face opportunity to discuss, share and understand the current and future plans of the airport.

The complaints procedure set by the airport leans heavily on a complainant being competent to report issues via links and emails. The addition of an option to speak with a representative more easily would be more inclusive and welcomed. Whilst complaints are responded to within adequate timeframes, the information provided can be extremely technical. A more user-friendly response, with less technical language and clear maps, would be preferential. It is also noted that complainants that submit more than one complaint within certain timescales set by the airport are flagged as potentially ” NIMBY” public. It is logical that NPR areas would generate more complaints than non NPR areas, and we ask to have greater tolerance of complaint numbers in NPR areas. Complaints from NPR’s should be seen as crucial feedback from the communities who are the best placed to monitor if the Plan is working effectively. The grounds for legitimate complaints should also be re-evaluated; currently, residents are discouraged from submitting complaints where aircraft are within noise targets and guidelines, but the frequency and loudness of overflight are materially impacting the quality of life. 

There has been a significant increase in the number of complaints made to the Albury Parish Council over the last two years regarding aircraft noise, location, height and flight paths and especially frequency of overflight.

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2026 Albury Village Hertfordshire

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑