61/07

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 6th December 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

                        Mr Ken Harwood

                        Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Rimington (attended part of meeting)

Mrs Marian Winn

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Jeremy Clarke.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Bridget Huntington declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1853, as she is the owner of the property.  Mrs Ian McBryde declared a non prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1853 , as his home is opposite.  Mr Brian Apps declared a non prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1825, as he knows the owners of this property.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 1st November 2007 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  Replies are awaited to letters sent to Utilities companies to ask what level of expansion in Felbridge has been allowed in their plans over the next three years.  Sutton and East Surrey Water have confirmed that related water supply matters are accounted for under existing procedures.

(ii)        Community Speedwatch:  All volunteers have been trained.  The first official check was held on 3rd December outside the football ground.

(iii)       Vehicle Activated Signs:  Ken Rimington reported that these are prioritised by Surrey Highways according to the number of accidents and police recommendation.  Information has been received about the proposed Dormansland VAS signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact John Tweed, TWM Traffic Control Systems.

(iv)       Speed Limit Reductions:  The letter sent to Jenny Isaacs, Surrey Highways, was passed to Derek Poole.  Ken Rimington reported that this matter will be discussed at the Tandridge Local Committee meeting on 14th December and that Derek Poole now has copies of the paperwork from WSCC.  The Order will now be advertised.


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(v)        CCTV Camera:  Tom Goodall has agreed to install a UPS.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Tom Goodall.

(vi)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  A letter sent from Linden Homes to the residents of No. 58 Copthorne Road was discussed.  Ken Rimington will ask for a site visit at the Tandridge Local Committee meeting on 14th December.  It was agreed to send a letter to Angela Goddard, SCC Development Control, regarding the impending movement of the puffin crossing.  Resolved:  Clerk to circulate draft letter for agreement prior to sending to Angela Goddard.

(vii)      List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i) Ken Rimington does not support FPC’s request for posts on grass verges but will forward FPC’s proposal to Surrey Highways.  Resolved:  Clerk to send details of FPC’s request to Ken Rimington and to speak to Surrey Police about the cars parked on the grass verges.

            (ii) Surrey Highways have agreed to investigate the potholes along Copthorne Road between Doves Barn and the county boundary and those in the lay-by at the entrance to Furnace Wood.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(viii)      Skateboard Ramp:  Jonathan Bruce has instructed Paul Matten to carry out work required costing £150 plus VAT.  Resolved:  Clerk to confirm that work has been carried out.

(ix)       Playground:  The Playground Association would like to go ahead with resurfacing the remaining grassed area.  It was agreed that FPC will pay for this work in accordance with the formal quote for £3,454 incl VAT received from Cotswold Playgrounds.  The work should be completed by end January 2008. 

(x)        Village Hall Carpark:  The Village Hall Committee has received a new 25 year lease.  Once this is agreed with TDC, the Village Hall Committee will discuss improvements to the carpark, widening the entrance and new double gates, and confirm their suggestions to FPC.

(xi)       Outstanding Surrey Highways Issues:

            (i) 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.

(ii) Footpaths alongside A22:  Steve Cunnah, Surrey Highways, has confirmed that he has secured finding for this work.  Start date to be confirmed.

(xii)      BMX Bike Track in Woods behind Village Hall:  Linda Hainge and Bridget Huntington will investigate.

(xiii)      Youth Shelter:  Clerk to send for free guide from Rekk Ltd.

(xiv)     Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  A reply is awaited to FPC’s letter stating that the money must be used for a physical object of benefit to parishioners.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Mr Voller and mention complaints from a resident about litter left on the football pitch and parking on the verges.

(xv)      Oak Farm Hedge:  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning Dept, has confirmed that this is TDC land and has written to the developer requesting that planting is set back to the correct position.

(xvi)     Mill Lane Pavement:  Clerk to send proposal to Ken Rimington.

(xvii)     Information Leaflet:  Final draft has been agreed.  It was agreed that up to £100 could be spent on printing costs.  New telephone number for Village Hall Bookings needs to be added.

(xviii)    Chairmen Board:  Burrwood Furniture will be asked to collect the board and change the colour.  It was agreed to go ahead and add the lettering at a cost of £35.


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(xix)     A22 outside Glendale:  The dip in the road has not been repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Ken Rimington.

(xx)      Copthorne Road Resurfacing:  Ken Rimington has put resurfacing of the remainder of Copthorne Road at the top of his priority list for Surrey Highways.

(xxi)     Annual Return:  The Annual Return has been returned by the external auditors with one ‘Point for Guidance’.  The Council approved and accepted the Annual Return.  In accordance with the ‘Point for Guidance’, the level of the Fidelity Insurance cover was reviewed and considered to be adequate.

(xxii)     Precept 08/09:  The Budget for 08/09 was circulated.  It was agreed to transfer £3000 to reserves towards provision for 2 VAS signs at a cost of £4,000 each and to consider a youth shelter.  It was agreed to request a Precept of £14,000.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Surrey Highways:  The SCC website or 08456 009 009 should be used to report issues and enquiries.

Mr Rimington left the meeting.

(ii)        Parking:  Cars are parking illegally near the school at the bus stop and on the zigzags.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask PC Paul Clifton to visit the school in the afternoons.

(iii)       Emailing Minutes/Agendas:  It was agreed these would be emailed to councillors except for Linda Hainge and Marian Winn who will continue to receive copies by post.

(iv)       Development Statement:  Tatsfield Parish Council have carried out a survey in the village about planning and development and have produced a statement which was circulated at the meeting.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Mona Johansson to enquire about Surrey Community Action carrying out an assessment.

(v)        Felbridge Hotel:  The ground has been cleared and re-seeded.

(vi)       Tree Clearance in Crawley Down Road:  TDC contractors agreed to clear around the base of the three trees on the other side of the bus shelter.

(vii)      Potholes in Rowplatt Lane:  There are still some that need repairing. 

(viii)      Garages at 69 Copthorne Road:  These have recently been erected.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC if they need planning permission.

(ix)       Beef and Faggot Trust:  Marian Winn attended the recent meeting when the money was shared.

(x)        Cats’ Eyes on A22:  Some of the cats’ eyes between Woodcock garage and the Mormon Temple have become broken.  Resolved:  Clerk to send an email to Ken Rimington.

(xi)       Slip Road at entrance to Furnace Wood:  During rain a huge puddle forms on the road.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways.

Mr Harwood and Mrs Huntington left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Registered 29th – 2nd November

TA/2007/1499:  Little Sandford, Snow Hill, Copthorne.  Demolition of garage and stores.  Erection of garage, stores and swimming pool room with first floor studio annex.  Resolved:  FPC had the following comments:  development within green belt and increased size, proposal should not increase height, east Velux windows should be obscured.

TA/2007/1719:  Crawley Mariners Yacht Club Ltd, Hedgecourt Lake, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of 2 storage containers.  Resolved:  No Action.


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Applications Registered 5th – 9th November

TA/2007/1753:  Firview, West Park Road, Newchapel.  Conversion and extension of garage to provide ancillary self contained unit.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1771:  Rest Harrow, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey extension with dormer windows over to front and side elevations.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Registered 12th – 16th November

TA/2007/1774:  Lake Cottage, Eastbourne Road, Newchapel.  Demolition of shed.  Erection of 2 storey side extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Registered 19th – 23rd November

TA/2007/1825:  Land at front of Lovell Oaks, 120 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of chalet style dwelling with associated access.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1848:  Marinoll, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey rear extension and dormer window to rear roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1853:  Kyleakin, The Limes, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey front extension.  Resolved:  No Action.  FPC would like matching tiles to be used.

Mrs Huntington returned to the meeting.

Applications Registered 26th – 30th November

TA/2007/1898:  Bailiffs Caravan, Beaver Farm, Eastbourne Road, Newchapel.  Retention of mobile home for use as a fishery bailiff.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1918:  Unit 53A, Hobbs Industrial Estate, Newchapel.  Display of 2 x fascia illuminated signs.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Meeting Dates for 2008:  These were circulated and agreed.  Councillors to inform Clerk of holiday commitments that will mean non attendance at meetings.

(ii)        Clerk’s Pay Increase:  It was agreed that the Clerk’s salary should increase by 2.475% backdated to 1st April in accordance with the rates of pay agreed by NALC/SLCC.  The mileage allowance also increases to 40.5p per mile.

(iii)       St John’s Church:  A request has been received for a donation towards the cost of work to improve the path from the gate to the church and hall.  Resolved:  A donation of £500 was agreed.

(iv)       Development behind 46-56 Copthorne Road:  The developers have provided suggestions for names for the new road.  FPC have suggested Birch Grove.

(v)        William Buckwell Memorial Almshouses:  A vacancy has arisen.  Nominations are required by 11th January 2008.

(vi)       East Surrey Parishes Liaison Group:  An invitation has been received to a meeting on 10th December.  Resolved:  No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(vii)      Parking in Rowplatt Lane:  A resident has complained about parking on pavements and near to driveways.  PC Paul Clifton has agreed to investigate.

(viii)      Surrey County Playing Fields Association:  A request has been received for a donation towards their work.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £25.

(ix)       East Grinstead Museum:  A request for a donation towards their running costs has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £50.

(x)        Village Green:  TDC have agreed that a cable can be laid from Copthorne Road to Crawley Down Road to the east of the school.

(xi)       Lime Trees along Footpath 286:  A report commissioned by Linden Homes has found these trees to be diseased and dangerous.  FPC have been asked by SCC to remove them.  Resolved:  Clerk to acknowledge letter from SCC.  In view of the urgency of this work, there was insufficient time to obtain 3 quotations.  It was agreed to ask Holly Tree Surgeons to inspect these trees and quote for any necessary work, as they had previously carried out work for FPC.


65/07

 

(xii)      In circulation:  TDC Standards Sub-Committee Agenda, 12th Nov 07;  Surrey Community Action Newsletter, Autumn 07;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Nov 07;  LCR, Nov 07;  TDC Council Agenda, 8th Nov 07;  TVSC consultation documents, Oct 07;  TDC News Release – Planning Motion, 14th Nov 07;  TDC News Release re satisfied residents, 14th Nov 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 22nd Nov 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 15th Nov 07;  Surrey Primary Care Trust Newsletter, Nov 07;  Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Services - information re their youth services, 9th Nov 07;  Surrey County Playing Fields Association Annual Report 06/07;  Surrey Matters, Winter 07/08;  NCYPE Review, Nov 07; TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine, 22nd Nov 07;  Email dated 24th Oct 07 re Surrey Tree Warden Scheme;  NHS Health and Social Care Awards, Nov 07;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 29th Nov 07;  TDC Licensing Sub-Committee Agenda, 28th Nov 07;  SCAPTC Autumn Bulletin, Nov 07;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Papers, including Tomorrow’s Tandridge Revised Submission Draft, 12th Dec 07;  NCYPE Newsletter, Autumn 07;  Natural World, Winter 07;  Surrey Nature, Autumn 07;  NCYPE prospectus, Nov 07;  SCC Schools Admission criteria, 29th Nov 07;  Tandridge Local Committee Agenda, 14th Dec 07;  Stepping Out Newsletter, Dec 07;  TDC Annual Monitoring Report 06-07;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 13th Dec 07;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 12th Dec 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 6th Dec 07.

 

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

 

595      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Dec                      £28.20

596      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Jan                       £28.20

597      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Dec                             £224.67

598      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Jan                              £188.21

599      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Dec                                  £63.36

600      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Nov                                 £53.02

601      R White                                    Office Allowance for Dec

and Petty Cash for Nov                          £184.11

602      Burrwood Furniture                  Chairmen Board                                     £360.00

603      M Odell                                   Felbridge Luncheon Club                          £30.00

604      Surrey Playing Fields Assoc      Donation                                                  £25.00

605      East Grinstead Museum            Donation                                                  £50.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 7th February 2008 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.40pm.

 

RW  

19 December 2007