01/09

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 5th February 2009

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman for part of meeting)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke (Chairman for part of meeting)

Mrs Linda Hainge

                        Mrs Bridget Huntington

                        Mr Jacob Woodd (for part of meeting)

Mr Ken Harwood (for part of meeting)

Mr Ken Rimington (for part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mrs Joan Harwood.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Jeremy Clarke declared a personal interest in planning application TA/2008/1762, because his wife owns the land to the north of the plot (no dwelling or building on the land), and his father-in-law is the immediate neighbour  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th December 2008 were approved and signed subject to the following amendment.  Page 60/08 first line should read “Brian Apps to arrange for photos and a write up about Speedwatch for the local newspaper, once an additional site in Copthorne Road has been approved.”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  An email has been received from Linden Homes explaining the reasons for the location of the solar panels on the three new houses in Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a reply to Linden Homes asking if the solar panels could be placed further north.  Clerk to ask TDC Planning to investigate as the solar panels do not conform to the visual appearance of the plans.

Ian McBryde took over as Chairman.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  Ken Rimington reported that several Parish Councils in Surrey have been asking for VAS signs.  SCC do not have the money to supply them even if Parish Councils make a contribution.  Resolved:  Clerk to send an email to Ken Rimington regarding the proposed site in Copthorne Road.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Mr Peter Ainsworth MP is investigating the SCC delays.  Ken Rimington agreed to follow up with Jenny Isaac.

(iv)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs:  These were discussed with Ken Rimington, who agreed to speak to Jenny Isaac about FPC’s dissatisfaction with the deteriorating roads and will suggest a Highway Officer is invited to one of FPC’s meetings.

02/09

 

(i) The reflective post on the edge of the kerb behind the Star Inn (reported 25.09.08 – Ref 82090864) will be replaced with a similar post as there would be health and safety implications in the event of any change of post.

(ii) Linden Homes have confirmed by email that they will reinstate any damage to verges.  The site manager of the Strath Cottage development has given his assurance that when the development is completed, his company will reinstate any damage done to the highway verges.

(iii) 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 29.01.09 SCC confirmed that they are chasing the utility company.

(iv) 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.

(v) Copthorne Road – The CHO inspected the road west of Doves Barn on 30.12.08.  He found some surface erosion and irregularities but no defects that were bad enough to qualify as a 2a defect (7 day repair) or 2c (routine inspection).  He is aware of the problem areas and will keep an eye on them.

(vi) Street Lamp outside 26 Rowplatt Lane with tape wrapped round it (Reported on 08.10.08 - Ref 82092454) was reported to EDF end October – work normally takes 6-12 weeks.  Resolved:  Clerk to check if repair has been carried out.

(vii) 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 phoned 02.02.09 to say that the drains have been ordered and the job has been given to the Community Gang.

(viii) Footpaths alongside A22 – (re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 Ref. 82093891and 82093892) on 04.12.08 the Community Gang was instructed to clear the footpath outside Stone Cottage and cut back the trees/hedge between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse.  TDC were asked to clear the mud from the footpath.

(ix) Manhole outside No. 37 Copthorne Road – (reported to SCC 16.12.08 – Ref 82100967).  CHO confirmed 03.02.09 that the manhole cover belongs to Southern Water and he has put a Section 81 order on it.  He has advised Southern Water that a new frame and cover is needed (ref. no. 2749964).

(x) Missing drain cover – south side of Copthorne Road, opposite bus stop on north side, close to entrance to Domewood.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

Resolved:  Clerk to send list of outstanding repairs to Ken Rimington and CHO.

(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.  SCC reported on 29.01.09 that there is a major dispute with the residents.

(vii)      Verges:  A letter has been sent to the Managing Director of Antler Homes to remind him that he agreed to arrange for the badly damaged verge near Housman Close to be repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(viii)      Travel Lodge on A22:  Monica Cooper from the Spirit Group confirmed on 25.09.08 that she is waiting for quotes to repair the broken fence. Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(ix)       Crawley Down Road:  A reply is awaited to a letter sent to Ian Marshall, FSRA, re parking on the grass verges during football matches.  No reports of speed checks have been received from PC Paul Clifton


03/09

 

(x)        Linden Homes Development:  The Site Manager agreed to inspect the verge and the area beside the hedge on 19.01.09.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xi)       Carpark at Bedding Centre:  TDC have confirmed the 1995 planning application number as TA/95/P/1027/A.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Philip Evans, TDC, for clarification in writing of what action FPC should take when monitoring this site.

(xii)      Number of Parish Councillors:  Hazel Oakley, TDC Electoral Services Manager, has emailed a copy of the Guidance on Community Governance Reviews.  A petition signed by 250 electors of Felbridge will be required.  It was agreed to go ahead.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain proposed wording for petition.

(xiii)      Barongs:  Following two visits, Philip Evans, TDC, has confirmed that some signs have been removed.  He will check if their adverts have been reduced in size sufficiently.

(xiv)     Homelands:  Ken Harwood has reported the A-boards erected daily outside no. 71 Copthorne Road to TDC and sent them photos.

(xv)      Letter from PRC:  A reply has been received from Paul Newdick, TDC, enclosing copies of all internal and external correspondence relating to the SE Plan, bypass and housing development.  Jeremy Clarke is considering what action should be taken.

(xvi)     Road Sign in Copthorne Road:  The road sign outside Mulberry Gate in Copthorne Road which is obstructing the pavement leaving insufficient space for wheelchairs etc to pass, was reported to SCC on 20.11.08 (Ref 82097824) and followed up on 29.01.09.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xvii)     Rules of Common Sign:  Jonathan Bruce has agreed to consider replacing the sign in the new financial year.

(xviii)    Dundori:  Ken Harwood sent an email to TDC on 20.01.09 with photos regarding the advertisement in the grounds of 49 Copthorne Road and the A-board which is placed daily on the A264.

(xix)     Gatwick Security Team:  PC Trevor Godfrey has confirmed that he will speak for 20-25 minutes at the Annual Parish Meeting on 7th May 2009.  Resolved:  Clerk to send an email to confirm this.

(xx)      The Star Inn:  Despite a phone call to the manager on 2.2.09, the A-board has still not been removed.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC stating that this board is blocking the pavement and obstructing the sight lines at a major junction.

(xxi)     Speedwatch:  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Moira Cocks about the possibility of a site in Copthorne Road (near Hedgecourt Place) and on the A22 near The Limes. 

(xxii)     Felbridge Bowling Club:  Linda Hainge agreed to inspect the dishwasher during February.  Resolved:  Following inspection, Clerk to raise cheque for £600.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Judges Corner Roundabout:  At their budget meeting on 5th February, SCC agreed to the 2nd allocation of £600,000 from their 09/10 budget.  Work is due to start on 2nd March 2009, finishing in June.  Ken Rimington showed the plan.

(ii)        Salt Stocks:  SCC have used half their stocks since 2nd February 09.

(iii)       Christopher Sampson:  Ken Rimington announced that Mr Sampson had recently died.  A memorial service will be held at Dormansland church in April.

(iv)       Bike Track behind Village Hall:  Complaints about mess and noise have been received.  It was agreed to monitor this.

(v)        Mobile Easistore Sign:  This is sited on the Woodcock Coaches land.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Philips Evans, TDC, to check this sign.

(vi)       CCTV Cables:  Tom Goodall confirmed that the cables on the roof were low voltage and therefore safe.

04/09

 

(vii)      What’s on in Felbridge:  Linda Hainge agreed to update this.  Copies to be circulated to new housing developments, village hall, church, noticeboards, website etc.

(viii)      Copthorne Road:  A pothole has appeared on the yellow box section on Copthorne Road at the junction with Crawley Down Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(ix)       Councillors Expenses:  Brian Apps asked for expenses to be submitted to Clerk prior to the next meeting on 5th March, so that cheques can be signed at that meeting.

(x)        Bridle Way 257:  A report is being prepared for The Director of Planning, TDC.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 8th – 12th December

TA/2008/1614:  London Temple, West Park Road, Newchapel.  Illumination of the Statue of Angel Moroni on the London Temple Spire.  Resolved:  FPC support the illumination of the statue, but would prefer that the illumination levels were at a lower level to reduce the resulting light pollution and also request that a planning restriction is applied requiring the illumination to be turned off late at night, midnight at the latest.  FPC also request that TDC consult with the civil aviation authority and/or Gatwick Airport to ensure that the illumination does not cause a negative impact upon aviation.

Applications Acknowledged 15th – 19th December

TA/2008/1582:  Land to rear of 46 & 56 Copthorne Rd, Felbridge.  Variation of condition of 4 of permission TA/2006/1550 and TA/2006/1611 – no trees to be lopped, topped or felled.  Resolved:  FPC responded with comments based upon Plan ref: 10113_TR_001, titled ‘trees to be removed’ dated Nov 2008, on the basis that the trees to be removed are only those marked in RED and that all trees marked in GREEN are to be retained without lopping, topping or felling.  FPC object to the removal of the trees marked in red as these form an integral part of the screening of the north boundary of the site.  They do not believe that removing the trees marked in red will strengthen the screening of the north boundary; in fact it will significantly reduce it thus directly contradicting the views of the Planning Inspector and will have a negative impact upon the visual amenities of the green belt outside the settlement.  FPC object on the basis that no justification has been provided to support the necessity to remove the trees marked in red. 

Applications Acknowledged 22nd December – 2nd January 2009

TA/2008/1534:  Roseleigh Farm, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Retention of 3 x mobile field shelters, steel storage container, portable building and hardstanding area for parking.  Resolved:  No action.

TA/2008/1701:  Wildwood, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey rear covered link.  Resolved:  No action

TA/2008/1725:  Mikandras, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of side and rear wall and raised roof pitch and ridge height to garage.  Amendment to planning application TA/2008/1199.  Resolved:  No action.

Applications Acknowledged 5th – 9th January

TA/2008/1762:  Orchard Croft, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing garage.  Erection of detached single storey outbuilding to provide ‘granny annexe’ (consultation by MSDC).  Resolved:  No action.

Applications Acknowledged 12th – 16th January

TA/2008/1760:  Whitgates, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey link extension between main house and outbuilding.  Erection of extension to sand school with associated support facilities.  Resolved:  FPC support this application in principle but are concerned about the increase in footprint within the Green Belt and would insist upon even more screening along the entirety of the frontage onto Effingham Road, subject to sight lines.

05/09

 

TA/2008/1775:  Chestnuts, Herons Close, Copthorne.  Partial demolition of existing single storey rear extension.  Erection of single storey rear extension and front porch extension.  Erection of pitched roof over existing single storey side extension and erection of dormer windows to front and rear roof slopes.  Resolved:  FPC support this application which will improve the visual appearance of the property.

Applications Acknowledged 19th – 23rd January

TA/2008/1774:  Beechcroft, 34 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Erection of part 2-storey/part first floor extensions to north and west elevations and erection of first floor extension to south elevation.  Resolved:  FPC consider this application appears to be outside the current guidelines for development within the Green Belt.

Applications Acknowledged 26th – 30th January

TA/2008/1756:  Stub Pond Fisheries, Stubpond Lane, Newchapel.  Use of land for the stationing of a mobile mechanical concrete crusher with ancillary storage (Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use).  Resolved:  Whilst FPC accept that this is a CLUED application, they consider the use wholly inappropriate in the Green Belt due to noise and the visual impact.  FPC therefore impress upon TDC the necessity to examine the veracity of the claims made within this certificate.

TA/2009/28:  48 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey rear extension (Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development).  Resolved:  No Action.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Code of Conduct – Pocket Guide December 2008:  A copy was given to each councillor.

(ii)        GACC:  An email has been received offering to supply a speaker at a FPC meeting.  Resolved:  It was agreed to invite a representative to speak for 10 mins at the beginning of a FPC meeting.

(iii)       Felbridge Luncheon Club:  A letter has been received from Mrs Odell thanking FPC for their donation.

(iv)       Fun and Friends Carer and Toddler Group:  A letter has been received asking for a donation.  Resolved:  A one-off payment of £200 was agreed to maintain the group’s viability.

(v)        Capel Parish Council:  A letter has been received asking for a donation towards the funds of the Capel Action Group.  Resolved:  It was agreed that a donation towards this fund would be inappropriate.

(vi)       Flooding:  An email has been received from TDC asking for details of properties that have been flooded in the last ten years.  FPC are not aware of any.

(vii)      TVSC:  An invitation has been received to their Network Lunch on 5th March.

(viii)      Surrey Village of the Year 2009:  An invitation has been received to enter this competition.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to enter Felbridge village.

(ix)       Footpaths:  A letter has been sent to SCC asking for definitive maps and statements for all footpaths within Felbridge parish.

(v)        In circulation:  Email re Surrey CareCall, 5 Dec 08;  TDC News Release re Parking, 10 Dec 08;  TDC News Release re Food Service, 10 Dec 08;  TDC News Release re Housing Services, 5 Dec 08;  TDC News Release re Recycling Weekly Service, 5 Dec 08;  TDC News Release re Crime Prevention Message, 5 Dec 08;  SCAPTC Minutes of General Meeting held on 22 Oct 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 18 Dec 08;  Letter from WSCC re Minerals and Waste Development Framework, 12 Dec 08;  Surrey Matters, Winter 08/09;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 4 Dec 08;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 11 Dec 08;  GACC Press Release, 18 Dec 08;  Letter from SCC re Celebrating Age event on 23 Apr 09;  LCR Jan 09;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 8 Jan 09;  Communities and Local Government Code of Recommended Practice, 17 Dec 08;  The Voice, Jan 09;  Email from Surrey Police re trickster tradesmen, 7 Jan 09;  Letter from TDC re Planning Interactive


06/09

 

            Systems, 9 Jan 09;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 8 Jan 09;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 15 Jan 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Jan 09;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 13 Jan 09;  TDC News Release re Car Disposal Service, 12 Jan 09;  Email from SCAPTC re Surrey’s Sustainable Community Strategy, 5 Jan 09;  SCAPTC Bulletin, Jan 09;  GACC Newsletter, Jan 09;  Water Framework Directive Newsletter, 19 Jan 09;  Email from SCAPTC re Surrey Rural Strategy,  20 Jan 09;  TDC News Release re Planning Appeal Decisions, 21 Jan 09;  Email re Goods Vehicle Operators Licences, 21 Jan 09;  TDC Resources Committee, Jan 09;  ERHA Bulletin, Winter 08/09;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 29 Jan 09;  Letter from Surrey Community Action re RASP grants, 16 Jan 09;  TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 26 Jan 09;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 27 Jan 09;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes of Mtg held on 13 Jan 09;  SCA Magazine, Winter 08/09;  TDC Council Agenda, 22 Jan 09;  TDC News Release re Weekly Recycling, 26 Jan 09;  TDC News Release re Changes to Housing Finance, 23 Jan 09;  SCA Press Release re Calor Surrey Village of the Year competition 2009;  Email from LORD re HGVs, 30 Jan 09;  Mind Body Soul Exhibition, Mar 09;  Felbridge Parish News, Feb 09;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 29 Jan 09;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 5 Feb 09;  TDC Recommendations for Parish Council Remuneration.

 

 

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

 

674      Cheque destroyed

675      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for February                      £193.03

676      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for February                           £48.20

677      R White                                    Office Allowance for January & February

and Petty Cash for December/January   £137.15

678      Surrey County Playing Fields Assoc     Affiliation fee for 08/09       £25.00

679      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for February                £28.75

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS - None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 5th March 2009 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.30pm.

 

RW  

17 February 2009