14/07

FELBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL

 

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month (except January and August)

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

 

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th April 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Linda Hainge (Chairman)

                        Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

Mrs Marian Winn

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mrs Bridget Huntington, Mr Brian Apps, Mr Jeremy Clarke and Mr Ken Rimington

 

The Chairman welcomed Ms Mona Johansson, Rural Housing Enabler, Surrey Community Action and PC Kevin Smith and PCSO Julie Watson from Surrey Police.  Ms Johansson spoke about her work with parish councils to help assess the need for affordable housing and find suitable sites.  She spoke about rural exception sites and how she could assist with a housing needs survey, the cost of which would be funded by TDC (50%) and FPC (50%). 

 

PC Kevin Smith spoke about the Police Authority’s decision to replace PCPG meetings with Neighbourhood Panels.  The plan is for two meetings per year in each parish.  All local residents can attend.  The aim is to make the local police more available to find out what issues local residents want the police to concentrate on.  FPC pointed out that they would prefer to see police patrolling the area rather than holding panels and surgeries.  PC Smith reported that from 1st Jan 2007 to date, there had been 9 recorded crimes in Felbridge, 56 in Dormansland and 126 in Lingfield.  This means that the local police have to target Lingfield and Dormansland.  Two surgeries per month are planned and dates have been booked at the Village Hall for Saturday 21st April (10am-11am) and Monday, 30th April (7pm-8pm).  It was agreed that the first Neighbourhood Panel meeting would be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, 7th June, immediately prior to the Annual Parish Meeting and Parish Council Meeting on that day.  Julie Watson will advertise and send out posters for the Parish Council noticeboards.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 1st March were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Community Speedwatch:  A scheme is underway in Lingfield, Dormansland and Crowhurst.  Dave Pearcey, Surrey Highways, might have a spare vehicle activated sign which could be used along Copthorne Road. Resolved:  Clerk to contact the residents who volunteered during 2006 to see if they are still interested and put an appeal for new volunteers on the village website. 

(ii)        Speed Survey:  No information has been received from Dormansland PC re their proposed signs.  WPC Moira Cocks has recently trained two members of the


15/07

 

Targeted Patrol Team to carry out speed checks in their downtime in the Tandridge area.  They have been asked to carry out checks along Copthorne Road and Crawley Down Road.

(iii)       Speed Limit Signs:  WSCC have confirmed that no objections have been received to the statutory notice.  Their legal services team have been instructed to make the Order which was sealed on 31st March 07.

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  A written quotation has been received from Tom Goodall, Security Systems.  It was agreed to proceed with this quotation.  When the equipment has been installed, a rota will be set up to monitor weekly.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Tom Goodall to arrange installation by end April.

(v)        Felbridge Hotel:  The Inspector turned down the appeal by the hotel.

(vi)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  This should be operational by end April.

(vii)      Tidiness of Village:  Surrey Highways have confirmed that the safety rail will be installed when the next phase of pavement resurfacing is carried out along Copthorne Road during April.

(viii)      List of Highway Repairs: 

            (i) The potholes along Rowplatt Lane particularly near Nos.17 and 18 have been reported to Surrey Highways.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Ken Rimington.

            (ii) Further work on resurfacing the pavement and driveways along Copthorne Road between The Star and Mill Lane will commence in April.  Verges will be repaired with top soil. All residents will be sent a letter asking them to cut back hedges etc.  If Surrey Highways have to do this work, the residents will be charged.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Dave Pearcey to suggest posts on the verges along Copthorne Road to prevent parking.

            (iii) The verge around the new road sign and near to the bus stop will be tarmaced.

(iv) Resurfacing of Copthorne Road between the A22 and Mill Lane will be carried out in June/July 07.  As some residents have complained about excessive road noise due to the road surface between Mill Lane and Doves Barn, Surrey Highways have agreed to resurface this stretch too, possibly with a softer surface to help reduce the noise.

            (v) A meeting was held on 4th April with Dave Pearcey, Surrey Highways to discuss issues raised following the resurfacing of Mill Lane.  As a result the contractors will be asked to resurface as far as the bridge, tidy the area just before the bridge to make it usable for passing, finish off and seal the driveways, and repair the verges.

            (vi) Entrance to new development – complaints have been received about the number of street lights.  Dave Pearcey agreed that this entrance was dangerous.  He will investigate whether all the lights are needs.

            Resolved:  Clerk to send notice to village website about resurfacing work along Copthorne Road and pavement/safety rail work.

(ix)       Judges Corner:  Finance for a roundabout has been agreed, £500,000 from 2007/08 and £500,000 from 2008/09.

(x)        Skateboard Ramp:  The ramp has been painted.  Jonathan Bruce will contact Paul Matten about the 6 monthly check.

(xi)       Playground:  TDC have suggested a silver birch or a common oak for the playground.  It was agreed that the playground opening ceremony would be at 12 noon on 5th May.  It was agreed to allocate £100 from FPC funds to cover the cost of the opening ceremony.  Resolved:  Linda Hainge to speak to the Scouts re planting a common oak.  Marian Winn to speak to the playground contractor re planting the tree.  Clerk to send invitation letters to specific people who have


16/07

 

been involved in the project.  Marian Winn and Clerk to organise a costume for a character to open the playground.  Flyers to be printed for distribution at village school and playgroups at the church and village halls.  Clerk to arrange a notice in the Parish Magazine.  Clerk to arrange for an ice cream van to attend.

(xii)      Felbridge School Hedge:  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC to cut back the hedge by 16th April.

(xiii)      Policing in Felbridge:  A letter has been received from PC Moira Cocks in reply to our letter to the Chief Constable.  She has informed the South Tandridge Sergeant, Mike Simmonds, of the Parish Council’s concerns.  Inspector Whitcombe has been replaced by Inspector Elaine Burtenshaw.  A reply has also been received from the Independent Police Complaints Commission who are unable to assist with our complaint, as they only deal with complaints against specific police officers and staff.

(xiv)     Whittington College:  A reply has been received from the Mercers’ Company concerning the loss of the one historic reference to Felbridge Place.  They have noted our comments and these will be taken into account when finalising their proposals.

(xv)      Draft Budget for 2007/08:  Linda Hainge has spoken to the Village Hall Committee, who are very interested in the possibility of extending the village hall carpark, so long as the additional area is kept solely for the use of hall hirers.

(xvi)     Felbridge Village Sign on Crawley Down Road:  A reply is awaited from Surrey Highways regarding the cost of a gateway sign.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.  Clerk to ask if the Community Gang could clean the existing road signs.

(xvii)     Footpaths alongside A22:  The Community Gang have been asked to clear the footpath between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse, outside the Stone Cottage, and between Woodcock Garage and Hobbs Industrial Estate.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xviii)    Affordable Housing:  It was agreed to discuss this at a future meeting.

(xix)     Barong Conservatories Sign:  TDC Planning Department are investigating use of the Grade II listed barn as a conservatory showroom, the erection of the conservatory and the signs.

(xx)      Boards Surrounding Development on Corner of A264:  Rydon Homes have applied for planning permission.

(xxi)     Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road:  Surrey Highways have been asked to investigate the cost of kerbstones between the school carpark entrance and the entrance to the village hall.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xxii)     409/411 Bus Routes:  Metrobus will operate this route from June 2007.

(xxiii)    Finance:  Allianz Cornhill Insurance have been asked to increase the Fidelity Guarantee to £35,000.  There will be no increase to the premium for 06/07.

(xxiv)    Village Green:  Jonathan Bruce is concerned that fencing/posts would change the appearance of the green.

(xxv)    Felbridge Village Fair:  To be held on 23rd June.

(xxvi)    Kerbstone by The Star:  This was reported to Surrey Highways on 19th March.

(xxvii)   Oak Tree on corner of Tangle Oak and Mill Lane:  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC to look at this tree.

(xxviii)  Felbridge Village Shop:  TDC are monitoring.

(xxix)    Solar Panels, Antler Homes Development, Copthorne Road:  Antlers Homes have been advised to re-install the panels into the tiled roof slope.

(xxx)    Mormon Temple, Newchapel:  Bob Evans, TDC, has advised that, if FPC have no comment or objection to a planning application, the Clerk should send an email confirming this.  The following wording was agreed - “The Parish Council has carefully considered this application, but has no objections to make”.

17/07

 

(xxxi)    Judges Corner:  Surrey Highways have added this location to the April jetting list.

(xxxii)   Parish Council Noticeboard in Mill Lane:  Planning permission is required.  It was agreed to go ahead.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood to contact Jeremy Clarke re the spare noticeboard.

(xxxiii)  BMX Bike Track in Woods behind Village Hall:  FPC might consider giving financial support to a more permanent course in the future.

(xxxiv)  Trees overhanging payment:  A letter has been sent to the owners of numbers 49 and 51 Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xxxv)   Litter Bin for new playground:  The Playground Association have asked for a donation towards the cost of an extra litter bin.  TDC have been asked to quote for a covered litter bin suitable for a play area.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xxxvi)  Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  A reply has been received from Mr Voller to explain that the gaps in the hedge are the responsibility of the contractors who laid the drainage pipes.  Once this matter is resolved, a donation of £500 will be released.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Jonathan Bruce.

(xxxvii)Felbridge Luncheon Club:  Mrs Odell has confirmed that the luncheon club needs extra helpers.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest that they contact the village website and the volunteer centers in Lingfield and East Grinstead.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Street Lamp by Bus Stop in Crawley Down Road is not working.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways.

(ii)        Pavement on corner of Rowplatt Lane and Crawley Down Road:  A trench dug by the Water Board contractors has not been filled in sufficiently.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways.

(iii)       Decriminalisation of Parking:  A meeting has been arranged by East Surrey Highways on 27th April to prioritise requests.  FPC are unable to send a representative on this occasion.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply to suggest a visit to Crawley Down Road around 3pm during term time.

(iv)       Pool Cottage, near Wire Mill:  The residents have an issue with the current sewage treatment system at the Wire Mill Inn which is adversely affecting their pond and garden.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood to follow up with TDC.

(v)        Mill Lane Resurfacing:  Ken Harwood has circulated a letter to all residents of Mill Lane informing them of the remedial work to be carried out by Surrey Highways contractors.

(vi)       VAT Refund:  A refund of £724.74 has been received.

(vii)      Tile Showroom, Felbridge:  Concern was expressed that they may not have planning permission for all the signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Weekly Planning List 10/2007

TA/2007/292:  Tanglewood, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of detached double garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 11/2007

TA/2007/308:  Double Dee, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 2x2.1m high brick pillars and 2.1m high gate.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 12/2007

TA/2007/201:  The Wire Mill Inn, Wire Mill Lane, Newchapel.  Installation of sewage treatment plant.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned over the environmental issues and would


18/07

 

like a guarantee that no other properties are affected by the repositioning, particularly those downstream from the plant.

TA/2007/370:  16 Wembury Park, Newchapel.  Demolition of WC and pantry.  Erection of single storey rear extension with habitable accommodation over and dormer window to side elevation and window to gable end.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 13/2007

TA/2007/452/TPO:  Pinewood, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  TPO 3,1999(T) – Fell 1 pine.  Crown reduce another pine by 15% and thin by 20%.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 14/2007

TA/2007/418:  1 Longwall, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Display of non-illuminated signs along Copthorne Road boundary.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object to advertisement pictures as they could be a distraction to motorists on a busy section of road leading to traffic lights.

TA/2007/479:  One Oak, Rowplatt Lane, Felbridge.  Demolition of garage.  Erection of rear extension and formation of front and rear gable ends to extended roof.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds of significant increase in height and size of roof, substantial increase in size of house, and the number of windows overlooking neighbours property.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Areas of Flooding:  A letter has been received from the Chairman of the Flooding Task Group, SCC, asking for details of problem areas which are not already on their map.  Resolved:  It was agreed to include Judges Corner and parts of Copthorne Road and Crawley Down Road.

(ii)        Surrey Wildlife Trust:  A request for a donation for work required at Bay Pond, Godstone, has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a donation.

(iii)       Surrey Community Action:  A community action planning workshop will be held on 19th May.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(iv)       Property Marking Equipment:  TDC are in the process of securing funding to purchase property marking kits.  FPC do not own any equipment that would need marking.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest that these could be sold at the Village Fair.

(v)        Secondary School Preferences:  In some areas children are unable to obtain a place at their chosen secondary school.  No problems in Felbridge have been reported.

(vi)       Planning for Parish Councils:  TDC have sent two copies to FPC, one of which is in circulation.

(vii)      Felbridge Village Hall:  A request for a contribution towards the cost of clearing the storm water drains has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send £100.

(viii)      SCAPTC:  Training for new councillors has been arranged for several dates in May/June 07.

(ix)       In circulation:  LGIU Guide to Planning for Local Councils, Feb 07;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Mar 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 8th Mar 07;  TDC News Release – Homebuy Shared Ownership, 12th Mar 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 8th Mar 07;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 15th Mar 07;  TDC Licensing Committee Agenda, 14th Mar 07;  SCC Tandridge Local Committee Agenda, 23rd Mar 07;  TDC News Release – Smokefree Campaign Launch, 1st Mar 07;  TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine, 19th Mar 07;  TDC News Release re A to Z of Local Services, 19th Mar 07;  SCC Local Transport Plan 2006-2011, Mar 07;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 22nd Mar 07;  TDC News Release re Car Amnesty, 20th Mar 07;  Emails from SCC Trading Standards Officer re rogue traders, 21st Mar 07;  Letter from SCC Transport Officer re Bus Service 409/411, 21st Mar 07;  TDC


19/07

 

News Release re 3rd May elections, 26th Mar 07;  TDC News Release re Sunday Rambler Service, 26th Mar 07;  GACC Newsletter, April 07;  South Tandridge PCPG Meeting – Notes from Brian Apps, 7th Mar 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 4th April 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 27th Mar 07;  Stepping Out Newsletter, March 06;  Tandridge Voluntary Service Council information, 21st Mar 07;  The Voice, April 07;  LCR, March 07.

 

8.         ACCOUNTS AND CHEQUES SIGNED:  Issue of the following cheques was approved by the Parish Council under Standing Orders:

 

544      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Apr                       £28.20

545      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for April                £211.88

546      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for April                                £ 23.50

547      R White                                    Office Allowance for April

and Petty Cash for March                        £  83.08

548      SCAPTC                                 NALC/SCAPTC Subscription 07/08

 and LCR Annual Subscription     £566.07

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd May at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 11.10pm.

RW

11 April 2007