13/09

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 2nd April 2009

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

                        Mr Jacob Woodd (attended part of meeting)

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

Mr Ken Rimington (attended part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mrs Bridget Huntington.

 

            The Chairman welcomed Sam Satchell from the East Grinstead Courier and Observer to the meeting.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Jacob Woodd declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Appeal APP/M3645/C/09/2096639 and Appeal APP/M3645/C/09/2096668, the nature of the interest being that he is a member of the Newchapel Road Residents Association.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, he left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th March 2009 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  TDC Planning have received a reply from Affinity Sutton (the affordable housing provider) assuring them that the matter was being investigated.  Ken Harwood had a meeting with Linden Homes and discussed future development at this site, parking issues, street lighting pollution and the bump in the road by the puffin crossing.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  Resolved:  WPC Moira Cocks has asked SCC for an update on progress.  Ken Rimington reported that SCC receive numerous requests for these signs but no specific funds have been identified for VAS.  He suggested FPC write to the Chairman of the TDC Local Committee to request funding for VAS signs in Felbridge.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to David Hodge.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Mr Peter Ainsworth MP has received a letter from Jenny Isaac, Head of Surrey Highways, saying that the legal speed limit order and the site work are now planned for the coming financial year. 


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(iv)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs:

(i) A22 outside Glendale - The dip in the road (reported 03.03.08 – Ref 82061107) was defected by the CHO and the utility company has been asked to carry out repairs.  On 27.03.09 the CHO reported that he is unable to progress this repair soon.  In the new financial year he will report this as an HSI defect.

(ii) Copthorne Road – The bad hump by the puffin crossing (Re-reported to SCC 14.10.08 – Ref 82093067) has been inspected by the CHO and is on the repair list.  On 27.03.09 CHO reported that this should be repaired by Sutton and East Surrey Water Board.

(iii) Copthorne Road – On 27.03.09 CHO reported that he now has a specification for the work method which he is trying to monitor.  He is monitoring how well defects wear if fixed in the quick way, instead of a full cut and patch repair.

(iv) Storm Water Drains in Copthorne Road outside No. 51 and opposite the new development at 41 Copthorne Road are broken (reported to SCC (Ref. 82091180 29.09.08).  CHO confirmed 27.03.09 that drains have been ordered and the Community Gang could carry out the work w/c 6th April.

(v) Footpaths alongside A22 – (re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 Ref. 82093891and 82093892).  The footpath outside Stone Cottage still needs clearing.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with SCC.

(vi) Missing drain cover – south side of Copthorne Road, opposite bus stop on north side, close to entrance to Domewood.  Reported to SCC on 2.3.09 (Ref 83008386 – reported immediately to CHO as considered dangerous).

(vii) Road Sign in Copthorne Road outside Mulberry Gate - obstructing the pavement leaving insufficient space for wheelchairs etc to pass, reported to SCC on 20.11.08 (Ref 82097824).  CHO reported 31.03.09 that he considers that the spacing between the posts is not an issue.  Resolved:  Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke will obtain information on the width of double buggies and wheelchairs.

(viii) Pothole on the yellow box section on Copthorne Road at the junction with Crawley Down Road was reported to SCC on 02.03.09 (Ref 83008384).  CHO confirmed on 27.03.09 that this would not rate as an urgent defect.

(ix) On 07.03.09 Jeremy Clarke carried out a survey of all adopted roads within Felbridge and reported 107 defects to SCC.  (Ref Nos. 62903460, 62903458, 62903420, 62903456, 62903455).  CHO will investigate.

(v)        Felbridge Village Sign on Crawley Down Road:  Derek Poole has replied saying that he regrets that this cannot be a priority for Surrey Highways at this time.  It may be possible to reconsider at the time of implementation of the new speed limits in the area.

(vi)       Crawley Down Road Street Lights:  4 lights near Oak Farm Place are still not working (Ref 90084036).  EDF were asked to leave the site on 20.08.08 by a resident as the cables are on 3rd party land.  Still no progress.

(vii)      Verges:  Ken Harwood sent a letter to Antler Homes on 15th March asking for the repairs to the verges near Housman Close to be carried out as a matter of urgency.

(viii)      Crawley Down Road:  Ian Marshall, FSRA, has passed FPC’s request to the football club, that FSRA make arrangements, when there are consecutive matches, to ensure that no cars are parked on the grass verges. 

No reports of speed checks have been received from PC Paul Clifton.  WPC Moira Cocks has asked the Tandridge RPCSO and possibly the traffic units to carry out checks along Crawley Down Road and Copthorne Road.

(ix)       Number of Parish Councillors:  Clerk has received information from the Hepworth Parish Clerk in Suffolk, who has carried out a similar exercise.  Resolved:  Clerk to draft a letter to TDC, for chairman to agree.

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(x)        Rules of Common Sign:  Steve Hyder will ask his supervisor to have a look at the sign with a view to replacing it.

(xi)       Dundori:  Millwood Designer Homes have been fined £1250 plus costs, for displaying an unauthorized advertisement board.

(xii)      Annual Parish Meeting:  PCSO John Chisholm has confirmed that he will speak for 20-25 minutes.  Resolved:  Clerk to invite prospective county councillors and circulate invitation letter to parish councillors, who will invite interested residents. 

(xiii)      The Star Inn:  The A-board has been removed.  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning, has spoken to the Manager about the boards on the east and south boundary fences.

(xiv)     Speedwatch:  WPC Moira Cocks has confirmed that there is an authorised speed watch site for Rowplatt Lane and at Hedgecourt Place on the A264.  Brian Apps passed this information to Graeme Stagg.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Moira Cocks for an authorised site near The Limes on the A264.

(xv)      GACC:  John Byng, a member of the GACC Committee, has agreed to speak to FPC on 4th June. 

(xvi)     Footpaths:  SCC will provide definitive maps and statements for all footpaths within Felbridge parish after they are updated in April..

(xvii)     41 & 43 Copthorne Road:  FPC agreed to the name suggested by the developer – Cherry Way.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Surrey Highways:  Ken Rimington has spoken to Jenny Isaac, Head of Surrey Highways and received the following replies:-

            Potholes along A264 – these have been inspected by Carillion.

            Speed Limit Reductions – these will be implemented in the current financial year.

            VAS Signs – SCC receive numerous requests for these signs and no funds available.

(ii)        Parish Council Lengthsman Pilot Scheme:  This has been developed by SCC and Dorking Rural Parish Councils to provide for minor highway maintenance activities by employing a lengthsman or a contractor.  Most of the funding would have to come from the Parish Precept.

(iii)       Surface Treatment Programmes:  These are planned for the entire length of West Park Road and Stub Pond Lane.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to David Munro, Executive Member for Highways, to point out that resurfacing of Stub Pond Lane would be a waste of money.

(iv)       Letter from PRC:  Jeremy Clarke has reviewed all the information received from Paul Newdick, TDC, and proposed a reply be sent asking if the most recent traffic modeling provides a representative impact assessment for the Felbridge area.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Paul Newdick.

(v)        Bike Track:  The track in the woods was cleared by TDC on 16 March.  The Chairman spoke to Steve Hyder, TDC, who explained their reasons.  FPC’s view is that there is a need for youth facilities in the village.  The Chairman will arrange a meeting with Steve Hyder in due course to see what facilities are available in other parishes and agree a way forward.

(vi)       Newchapel Road Residents Association:  Jacob Woodd reported that the association are appointing a lawyer to work alongside TDC.

Jacob Wood and Sam Satchell left the meeting.

(vii)      Felbridge School:  The school’s equipment sheds were broken into recently and lots of equipment was stolen.

(viii)      Finances:  The bank balance at 31st March 2009 was £23,862, with £4,000 in the reserve account for traffic calming.  The draft accounts for the year ending 31st March 2009 were circulated.  The audit has been booked for 16th April.  It was agreed that £6,000 could be made available for a major project during the next


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financial year, which could be improvements to the village hall carpark.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Steve Hyder, TDC and obtain updated quotes from Nick Dance.

(ix)       Noticeboard outside Village Hall:  It was agreed that this should only be used for its original purpose which is for displaying footpath maps.  Other general notices will be placed on the noticeboard inside the village hall.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to supply a coloured copy of the footpaths map.

(x)        Bonfires:  A resident has asked about rules regarding the lighting of bonfires.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain copy of the rules from TDC’s website and forward a copy to the village website and to Elisabeth Scott for inclusion in the Felbridge column of the EG Courier and Observer.

(xi)       Bridleway 257:  There is a 4½ ton weight restriction on the culvert, which has been damaged by lorries accessing the site.

(xii)      Churchill Farm:  The owners plan to apply for permission to build another barn for housing animals.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

            Meeting held on 19th March 2009 – attended by Jeremy Clarke, Joan Harwood, Linda Hainge, Bridget Huntington and Jacob Woodd.

Applications Acknowledged 9th – 13th March 2009

TA/2009/210 TPO:  7 Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  TPO 1, 1998 (T) – Fell 1 Spruce Tree.  Resolved:  FPC oppose this application as this is a recent TPO which was applied to protect the trees of merit and no valid reason for felling has been provided to outweigh the TPO.

TA/2009/118/TPO:  Silver Birches, Heather Way, Felbridge.  TPO 214(T) – Remove the 2 lowest lateral branches growing towards house on 2 Oak trees.  Resolved:  FPC note that there is no independent report supporting the proposed tree works. However, as the works are minor, FPC will defer to the Tree Officer’s recommendation.

TA/2009/188:  Sheridan Farm, West Park Road, Newchapel.  Formation of 3-hole golf course with associated landscaping.  Resolved:  FPC do not oppose the proposal, but ask TDC to place a planning restriction upon the site to restrict its use to ‘non-commercial’ as this is the stated use within the application.

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd April 2009

Applications Acknowledged 16th – 20th March

TA/2008/1680:  The Wire Mill Inn, Wire Mill Lane, Newchapel.  Display of 2 externally illuminated signs.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 23rd – 27th March

TA/2009/115:  Four Beeches, The Glebe, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey rear bay window extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2009/95:  Whitegates, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Alterations and additions to front walls, entrance gates and replacement driveway.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection to this planning application but are concerned about the replacement of a porous drive surface with an impervious one. 

Appeal APP/M3645/C/09/2096639 - Land to the south of Sweet Briar Farm and adjacent to Bridleway 257, off Newchapel Road, Newchapel, Surrey

Appeal APP/M3645/C/09/2096668 - Land to the south of Sweet Briar Farm and adjacent to Bridleway 257, off Newchapel Road, Newchapel, Surrey

FPC believe that the above comprise inappropriate development in the Green Belt and harm to the character and appearance of the Green Belt.  They fully support TDC’s reasons for issuing the enforcement notices.

TA/2009/210 TPO:  7 Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  TPO 1, 1998 (T) – Fell 1 Spruce Tree.  Following inspection by TDC’s Forestry Assistant, this application was reconsidered by FPC.  Resolved:  FPC continue to object to this application to fell the tree, but support


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TDC’s recommendation that some of the lower branches could be removed to allow light penetration beneath the canopy.

TA/2009/118/TPO:  Silver Birches, Heather Way, Felbridge.  TPO 214(T) – Remove the 2 lowest lateral branches growing towards house on 2 Oak trees.  Email received from TDC’s Forestry Officer stating that no requirement on new form for a report unless there are health and safety or subsidence implications.  Resolved:  FPC will support Forestry Officer’s recommendation if removing the 2 lower branches will not damage the tree.  If removal is detrimental to well being and shape of the tree, FPC object.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Footpath 366:  FPC have been sent a copy of a letter to the Chief Executive, SCC, from the residents of Wayleave Cottage, Domewood, regarding a public footpath signpost which SCC wish to erect on the grass verge outside their property.

(ii)        SCAPTC:  The next General Meeting will take place on 30th May at East Horsley Village Hall at 2pm.

(iii)       DisabledGo-Tandridge:  An invitation has been received to a consultation event on 7th April at Oxted Community Hall.

(iv)       Surrey Police Authority Public Meeting:  An invitation to this meeting on 30th March at Surrey Police HQ, Guildford, was circulated prior to the meeting.

(v)        Surrey Wildlife Trust:  A request for a donation towards their 50th Birthday Appeal has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a donation.

(vi)       William Buckwell Memorial Almshouses, Lingfield:  A vacant unit will become available in June.

(vii)      TDC Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment:  FPC agreed that they do not wish to participate in the proposed methodology.

(viii)      In circulation:  TDC News Release re Search for Housing Land, 6 Mar 09;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 19 Mar 09;  Stepping Out Spring Issue, Mar 09;  TDC News Release re Tandridge News, 23 Mar 09;  TDC News Release re Chairman’s Golf Day, 26 Mar 09;  Monster Play Systems Newsletter, Mar 09;  Surrey Nature, Spring 09;  Natural World, Spring 09;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 19 Mar 09;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 2 Apr 09;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 26 Mar 09;  St John’s Church Parish News, April 09;  TVSC Journal - The Voice, Apr 09.

 

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

 

690      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for April                            £28.75

691      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for April                      £198.46

692      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for April                                       £49.40

693      R White                                    Office Allowance for April

and Petty Cash for March                                £79.74

694      SCAPTC                                 SCAPTC/NALC/LCR Subscription 09/10  £485.96

695      Felbridge History Group           Donation towards Heritage Open Day         £189.60

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS – FPC support Elaine Burtenshaw’s wish not to amalgamate the Neighbourhood Police Meetings held in Lingfield and Felbridge.  Ken Harwood agreed to speak to Elaine Burtenshaw about the lack of advertising for these meetings.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 7th May 2009 at 8.00pm following the Annual Parish Meeting.

The meeting closed at approximately 10.20pm.

RW  7 April 2009 b