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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 7^th December 2010

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present: Mr Jeremy Clarke (Chairman)

Mr Brian Apps

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor)

Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

The meeting was deferred from 2^nd to 7^th December due to adverse weather conditions.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Linda Hainge, Mr Jacob Woodd and Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor).

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Mrs Joan Harwood declared a personal interest in item 6 (xii), page 59/10, the nature of the interest being that she is a member of the Village Hall Committee. In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she stayed in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon. Mr Ken Harwood declared a personal interest in item 6 (xii), page 59/10, the nature of the interest being that he is involved in the discussions with Tandridge District Council. In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, he stayed in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon. There were no other additions to those previously registered.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4^th November were approved and signed, subject to the following amendment:- item 7, page 54/10, line 1 to read “Planning Meeting held on 21^st October 2010 attended by Linda Hainge, Joan Harwood, Jacob Woodd and Jeremy Clarke.”.

4. MATTERS ARISING

(i) Parking in Crawley Down Road: Work to install posts along the verge from the entrance to the school carpark to the end of the village hall grounds was carried out w/c 8^th November.

(ii) Repairs to fencing on bank in front of Village Hall: Howard Searle has quoted a maximum of £150 for hedging with posts in the gaps and has ordered the hedging.

(iii) Path from Puffin Crossing and Village Sign: At a meeting on 22^nd May 09, Steve Hyder, TDC, suggested railings alongside the pavement and a path across the green avoiding the trees. A quote has been received from Nick Dance for £3,330. FPC agreed the design of sign required. Jeremy Clarke has prepared the planning application for the path across the green and the sign and has contacted TDC to arrange a pre-application advice meeting.

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(iv) Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Service: Marie Silvester, Surrey Youth Development Worker, postponed her visit due to the adverse weather.

(v) Governance and Accountability: Brian Apps agreed to review FPC’s Financial Regulations now that FPC have received a copy of the new details from SCAPTC.

(vi) Tree Planting: Patrick Thackaberry who quoted £321 (lowest quote) for supplying and planting, has confirmed height of trees etc. Start date to be agreed.

(vii) Verges on A264 Copthorne Road: Jeremy Clarke to contact Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC, to ask for a reply to his letter about the lack of grass cutting near to Furnace Wood.

(viii) Speeding: Moira Cocks has carried out training with two additional volunteers from Crawley Down Road and Mill Lane. An email has been received from a resident of Woodcock Hill asking for a contribution from FPC towards the cost of a permanent VAS sign to be erected on the lamp-post opposite the temporary sign. Resolved: FPC would like to see 2 VAS signs (facing north and south) on this lamp-post and would contribute £1,000 towards each sign. Clerk to discuss with resident and offer assistance.

(ix) TDC Planning: Piers Mason is able to attend the Planning Meeting on 20^th January 2011 to carry out some training on planning systems and to discuss the latest changes and new government policy affecting planning in Felbridge.

(x) Posts on verge on A264: Some of these posts have been knocked down. Colin Pearse has agreed to take a look. Resolved: Clerk to contact Colin Pearse.

(xi) Fence along Woodcock Hill: SCC Legal Dept have served the relevant papers on both parties.

(xii) Queen Elizabeth II Fields: The nomination form for Felbridge Playing Fields has been completed and returned to TDC on 29^th November. Resolved: Clerk to monitor progress of this application with Steve Hyder.

(xiii) Gritting: Michael Sydney is progressing with SCC FPC’s suggestion that Crawley Down Road is treated as a Priority 1 route for gritting. He has also received a quote from a local resident and professional gritter to fill grit/salt bins. FPC to discuss in the Spring whether they wish to retain the grit bin on Woodcock Hill.

(xiv) Precept: The Budget for 2011/12 which had been prepared by the RFO was circulated and agreed. It was unanimously agreed to request a Precept of £14,500, which is an increase of £500.

(xv) Sycamore Trees: 3 sycamore trees growing in the hedge between the footpath in Crawley Down Road and Warren Close are getting large. Concern has been expressed about their roots damaging drains. Clerk sent an email to TDC tree officer on 22^nd November.

(xvi) ESPLG Meeting: Clerk has sent a letter to the current Chairman expressing concerns about the meeting in October.

(xvii) Footpath alongside Copthorne Road: Wet leaves on pavement between Felbridge Showground and Housman Close are becoming slippery. Clerk sent an email on 15^th November to ask Colin Pearse if these could be cleared by the Community Gang.

(xviii) Agricultural Permitted Development: A letter has been received from TDC Director of Planning asking for comments on proposed guidelines. FPC replied stating they had no comments.

5. SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

(i) 83074773: Clerk reported to SCC that road was breaking up between Doves Barn and county boundary due to inadequate repairs by Carillion. Repairs carried out end November.

(ii) 83043189 - Dead tree outside 53 Rowplatt Lane: Tree felled 17.11.10.

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(iii) 83096791 - A22 Woodcock Hill: Collapsed drain/pothole between Old Pheasantry and Arlington now repaired.

(iv) 83077038 – Mill Lane: Colin Pearse has inspected the broken fence beside the pond – not rated as Highways..

(v) A22 Southbound carriageway: Bollard in drain near to Mormon Temple. Resolved: Clerk to report to SCC.

6. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

(i) Doves Barn: Burger van signs on verges on both sides of A264. Resolved: Clerk to write to owners of Doves Barn to ask them to remove the unsightly signs which are encouraging vehicles to enter via their exit, which is potentially dangerous.

(ii) Village Hall Carpark: Complaints have been received concerning the icy condition of the carpark. The District Councillor will refer all complaints to the Village Hall Committee.

(iii) Beef and Faggot Trust: Joan Harwood attended a meeting on 6^th December. 16 recipients, including one extra couple, will receive the same amount of money as last year.

(iv) Sign outside 44 Copthorne Road: advertising Penfold Driveways. Resolved: Clerk to send letter asking for sign to be removed.

(v) Verge in Crawley Down Road: A path is being formed across the green opposite the track towards the Gullege. FPC to review.

(vi) Gap in hedge in corner of football pitch: A black sack has been left near to this gap. Resolved: Clerk to ask TDC for a sign in the corner of the recreation ground asking dog walkers to use the dog bin in the carpark.

(vii) Footpaths: Jeremy Clarke has made a random check of Felbridge footpaths and found all had been cleared.

(viii) FSRA AGM: Linda Hainge was confirmed as the FPC representative.

(ix) Footpath 365: Kissing gates have been installed.

(x) Bridleway 257: The defendant was fined and ordered to pay compensation and costs to TDC.

(xi) Beaver Farm: TDC have served an enforcement notice against parking of vehicles connected with off airport parking.

(xii) Village Hall Committee Lease: Ken Harwood, District Councillor, has been asked by TDC to mediate between the Village Hall Committee and TDC, and has been looking through associated paperwork. FPC view the village hall as an important asset to the local community and wish to see hire charges remain affordable. FPC do not feel it is appropriate for the parish council to underwrite any increase costs imposed by TDC.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Planning Meeting held on 18^th November 2010 attended by Brian Apps, Joan Harwood, Bridget Huntington and Jeremy Clarke.

Applications Acknowledged 8^th – 12^th November 2010

TA/2010/1340: Glendale, London Road, Felbridge. Demolition of existing dwelling. Construction of 5 x dwellings (1x3 bed, 3x4 bed and 1x5 bed) with associated access and driveway. Resolved: FPC object very strongly to this proposal on the following grounds:-

• The proposal is detrimental to the rural environment in this location.
• It is a higher density that the last proposal for this site which had its refusal upheld upon appeal.

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• The highways exit is poor with a considerable number of significant junctions onto the A road within a short distance.
• FPC are very concerned about the potential for light pollution affecting the residents of The Limes as their road has no street lighting and thus night-time ambient light levels are low.
• The ecological report recommends a further bat survey is undertaken in Summer and FPC believe this should take place before planning consent is considered to ensure all available ecology information is available when a decision is made.
• The ecology report (para 4.3) contradicts the previous presence of Dormice when the previous application was made considering that the local environment has not changed in that period. FPC strongly recommend that Surrey Wildlife Trust conduct an additional small mammal survey to ensure beyond reasonable doubt that the species is no longer present and thus would not be harmed by this proposal.
• FPC are concerned about the impact on the neighbouring properties.
• FPC are also concerned that the TPO root protection area at the entrance is not proposed to be additionally protected during construction. The current surface at this point is loose gravel and construction traffic would represent significantly increased root compression compared to the very infrequent small car traffic that this entrance has seen in recent years. Please can TDC ensure that the root protection zone is fully protected from potential damage during and after construction.

TA/2010/1352/TPO: Yerba Buena, Herons Close, Copthorne. TPO 8, 1992 (T) – Fell 1 Western Red Cedar. Fell 4 Norway Spruce. Fell 1 Holly. Resolved: FPC will go with the tree officer’s opinion but consider it a shame that trees considered valuable enough to warrant a TPO would be considered for removal in this rural environment.

Applications Acknowledged 15^th – 19^th November 2010

TA/2010/1330: Sweet Briar Cottage, Newchapel Road, Lingfield. Use of barn as separate dwelling with access from Newchapel Road and the provision of two parking spaces for Sweet Briar Cottage. Resolved: FPC oppose this application as the proposed reversal of use means that the annex is no longer an annex to the main dwelling, which was FPC’s original concern and why FPC asked to see a condition put on the previous application. This proposal means the barn is no longer incidental to the main use of the property as a single family dwelling.

TA/2010/1332: Sweet Briar Cottage, Newchapel Road, Lingfield. Use of barn as separate dwelling with access from bridleway. Resolved: FPC oppose this application as the proposed reversal of use means that the annex is no longer an annex to the main dwelling, which was FPC’s original concern and why FPC asked to see a condition put on the previous application. This proposal means the barn is no longer incidental to the main use of the property as a single family dwelling. With regards to the access from the bridleway, FPC consider this to be inappropriate development in the green belt.

TA/2010/1061: Former Ivy Hatch, Dowlands Lane, Copthorne. Stationing of three mobile homes for use as private Gypsy caravan site. Formation of access drive, parking and associated landscaping. Resolved: No Action.

Parish Council Meeting on 2^nd December 2010

Applications Acknowledged 15^th – 19^th November 2010

TA/2010/1374: Haskins Garden Centre, Snow Hill, Copthorne. Demolition of entrance canopy and erection of open sided canopy serving as a covered walkway linking the main garden centre building to the restaurant. Resolved: No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 22^nd – 26^th November 2010

None in Felbridge.

Applications Acknowledged 30^th November – 3^rd December2010

None in Felbridge.

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8. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

(i) Meeting on 8^th December with new SCC Highways Manager: FPC’s wish list agreed. Linda Hainge and Clerk to attend meeting.

(ii) Hub Project: Bridget Huntington to attend meeting on 13^th December.

(iii) St John’s Church: Brian Apps has inspected the new windows and doors installed in the church hall. FPC agreed to send a donation of £1,000 towards the cost of this work.

(iv) Felbridge Luncheon Club: A verbal request has been received for a donation towards the cost of their Christmas lunch on 16^th December. Resolved: It was agreed to send a donation of £25 once a written request has been received.

(v) Double Taxation: An email has been received from the SCAPTC Local Council Support Officer explaining that the Parish Council can decide to spend extra monies to provide a service above the minimum standard provided by SCC.

(vi) Felbridge Nurseries Site: Martells are in contact with MSDC regarding possibilities for development of this site.

(vii) Meeting Dates for 2011 were circulated and agreed.

(viii) Circulation TDC News Release re Preparing for Bad Weather, 5 Nov 10; Minutes from Hub Project Meeting on 8 Nov 10; TVSC E-Bulletin, Nov 10; GACC Press Release re Runway Victory, 16 Nov 10; TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 17 Nov 10; Information on Census 2011 job vacancies, Nov 10; Surrey Greenspace Project Autumn Newsletter, 18 Nov 10; Community Services Committee Agenda, 25 Nov 10; TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 2 Dec 10; TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine Winter 10, 25 Nov 10; TDC News Release re Christmas Card with Crime Prevention Message, 25 Nov 10; Guide from Came & Co re Gritting, 25 Nov 10; TDC News Release re Preparing for Winter, 26 Nov 10; TDC News Release re Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, 26 Nov 10; Email from Surrey Transport Plan re consultation, 26 Nov 10; Email from Councillor Sydney re May Gurney deal for potholes, 28 Nov 10; Friends of East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Autumn/Winter 10; The Playing Field, Autumn 10; Surrey Nature, Autumn 10; Natural World, Winter 10; Surrey Matters, Winter 10; Surrey Bus Review, Nov 10; Clerks & Councils Direct, Nov 10; TDC Local Committee Agenda, 3 Dec 10; Email re Journal of Local Planning, 30 Nov 10; TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 9 Dec 10; SCC Highways Bulletin, 29 Nov to 10 Dec 10; TDC News Release re Planning Enforcement Notices, 1 Dec 10; St John’s Parish News Dec/Jan 10/11; Letter from WSCC re update on Minerals and Waste Core Strategy; Came & Co Parish Matters, Autumn 10.

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

813 B. Wright Bus shelter cleaning for Dec £29.38

814 B Wright Bus shelter cleaning for Jan £30.00

815 R. White Clerk’s salary for Dec £222.19

816 HM Revenue & Customs Income Tax for Dec £55.40

817 R. White Clerk’s salary for Jan £222.19

818 HM Revenue & Customs Income Tax for Jan £55.40

819 R White Office Allowance for Dec

and Petty Cash for Nov £84.75

820 Howard Searle Supply and erect posts in C.D.Rd £1160.00

821 St John’s Church Donation towards cost of replacement

Windows/doors in church hall £1000.00

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10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday 3^rd February 2011 at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 10.00pm.

RW

4 January 2011