1/08

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 7th February 2008

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mr Ken Harwood

                        Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Rimington (attended part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mrs Linda Hainge and Mrs Marian Winn.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Bridget Huntington declared a non prejudicial interest in a request from Felbridge and Sunnyside Cricket Club for a donation towards the cost of replacing its net training facilities.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 6th December 2007 were approved and signed subject to the following amendments:-  page 63/07 (xxii) should read “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.”;  page 64/07, 7 (xi) should read “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.”

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  Replies are awaited to letters sent to EDF, SGN Connections and SCC Education Dept.  Southern Water has projected a doubling of the population to the Felbridge Wastewater Treatment Works by 2021.  TDC Planning have written to SCC Education Dept to ask for specific projects which could be funded by money from developers.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a copy of the Southern Water letter to Ken Harwood who will follow up the last paragraph with TDC Planning.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs: Information has been received from Roger Mann, TWM Traffic Control Systems.  An email has been received from David Waugh, Senior Traffic Engineer, SCC, confirming that the VAS signs requested for Copthorne Rd and Crawley Down Rd are considered a low priority and funding is not available for them this financial year.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  The proposals need to be advertised by formal notice coordinated with WSCC’s legal order.  Jeremy Clarke asked Ken Rimington about the resolution passed in 2004 and again in December 2007.  Ken


02/08

 

Rimington suggested a letter be sent to Peter Langham, Chairman TDC Local Committee, at TDC offices in Oxted, with a copy to himself.

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  Tom Goodall has agreed to install a UPS on 8th February

(v)        A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  A site meeting was held on 7th January.  Ken Harwood has produced a report showing examples of the location of puffin crossings at Horsham and Lingfield, which has been sent to Bob Evans, TDC and Linden Homes.  He will also discuss this with Peter Ainsworth at a forthcoming meeting.

(vi)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i) It was agreed that if posts were installed on the grass verges along Copthorne Road before the development commences, it might prevent developer parking.  It was also agreed that a post is required on the corner of the delivery access to the Star Inn to prevent cars mounting the pavement when turning left onto the A22, and on both corners of the junction of the A264/A22.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke agreed to provide a plan for the Clerk showing where the posts are required, to be sent to Ken Rimington.  Clerk to confirm locations with WPC Moira Cocks.

            (ii) Surrey Highways have assessed the potholes along Copthorne Road between Doves Barn and the county boundary and those in the lay-by at the entrance to Furnace Wood.

(vii)      Playground:  Due to bad weather the work planned to resurface the remaining grassed area has been delayed.  It was agreed that if the work is carried out during February, the invoice will be paid prior to the end of this month.

(viii)      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 funding for this work.  Start date to be confirmed.

(ix)       Youth Shelter:  It was agreed to discuss this at a future meeting.

(x)        Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  A reply is awaited to FPC’s letters stating that the money must be used for a physical object of benefit to parishioners. 

(xi)       Oak Farm Hedge:  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning Dept, has confirmed that the new whips have been replanted further back and she has asked Linden Homes to move the bushes at the entrance.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform Jo Sanford that a fence has now been erected which is 2.5 feet in front of the line of the hedge and is causing an obstruction. 

(xii)      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.

(xiii)      Chairmen Board:  Burrwood Furniture have re-stained the board and John Edge Signs have added the lettering.

(xiv)     A22 outside Glendale:  The dip in the road has not been repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xv)      Development Statement:  Mona Johansson has suggested that Paul Hartley from SCAPTC may be able to assist with this.

(xvi)     Garages at 69 Copthorne Road:  Planning consent was granted in Oct 2004.

(xvii)     Slip Road at entrance to Furnace Wood:  During rain a huge puddle forms on the road.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Call Centre.

03/08

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         SCC Trading Standard Officers:  have again won national recognition for exposing rogue builders.

(ii)        SCC Contact Centre:  A new phone system has recently been installed.  Contact Centre current takes 50-65,000 calls per month and is growing.

(iii)       TDC Contacts for Assistance:  Care and Repair Agency – 01883 732818 or email careandrepair@tandridge.gov.uk, Community Alarms/Telecare – 01883 716636 or email careandrepair@tandridge.gov.uk’ Handyperson Scheme – 01883 732802.

(iv)       SCC Highways:  All A and B roads plus other roads carrying 5,000 vehicles per day are salted as soon as bad weather is forecast.  The number of outstanding enquires about potholes in East Surrey has dropped from 1115 in the 6 months to May 2007, to 590 in the same period to November 2007.  All problems regarding Surrey roads should be reported to 08456 009 009 or www.surreycc.gov.uk/highways

(v)        Community Gang:  are working in Felbridge this week and will reposition the sign on the village green and remove a dead cherry tree outside No.10 Copthorne Road.

Mr Rimington left the meeting.

(vi)       Finances:  Current bank balances amount to £21,296.  Known outstanding expenditure amounts to £4,104.  End of year balances should total around £17,000. 

(vii)      Insurance:  An email has been received from Came & Co, a broker specializing in policies for parish councils issued by Norwich Union.  The RFO has requested a quotation within the next 2 months for consideration prior to renewal of the existing policy with Allianz.

(viii)      Football Club:  The new gate to the carpark, whilst not locked, is deterring walkers etc from parking their cars.  It was suggested that the gate should be left open for 3 months.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Bertie Voller.

(ix)       Speedwatch:  Only one session has been held so far.  A rota is planned.

(x)        Street Lights in Crawley Down Road:  4 street lights between McIvor Close and Warren Close and light no. 5 are not working and have been reported to SCC.  Also the lights on both speed limit signs at the end of Rowplatt Close have been reported to SCC.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xi)       Parking on verges in Rowplatt Lane:  Vehicles are regularly parking on the verge between nos. 40 & 54.  It was agreed to monitor this.

(xii)      Hedgecourt Lake:  Ken Harwood has a meeting on 12th February with the Environment Agency.

(xiii)      Stubpond Lane:  Mobile homes and barns have been erected at the end of this lane.  This has been reported to TDC Planning.

(xiv)     Crawley Down Road:  Verges are badly damaged near the village hall and opposite Oak Farm.  Resolved:  Clerk to speak to Jonathan Bruce.

(xv)      Planning Portal:  Ian McBryde attended a demonstration on 15th January by Robin Vaissiere of the Department of Communities and Local Government.  Ian circulated information on the Planning Portal.  The TDC Local Plan is already on the Planning Portal.

(xvi)     Linden Homes Sign:  This sign has been erected in front of no. 48 Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Linden Homes pointing out that this is not permitted and the sign should be on the property that is being developed.

(xvii)     Village Shop:  It has been reported that residents are putting domestic rubbish into the litter bin outside the shop.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Amenity Services to send letters to residents.

04/08

 

(xviii)    Village Shop Closure:  A recent article in Clerks & Councils Direct describes a situation where a village shop was closed without permission.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Bob Evans, TDC Planning, with a copy of the article, asking if there are any differences between this situation and the Felbridge village shop.

(xix)     Surrey Highways: FPC are concerned that Surrey Highways send their comments to TDC on planning applications before the end of the consultation period and therefore have not taken account of all comments made by other parties.  They have a legal obligation to consult.

(xx)      Verges: The verge near Housman Close is badly damaged.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Antler Homes asking when they will restore this verge.  Clerk to ask Jonathan Bruce if a verge is considered a footway and therefore parking is illegal.

(xxi)     Planning Applications:  The Chairman motioned a resolution, which was unanimously agreed, that FPC send a letter to the Secretary of State regarding planning decisions overturned by appointed inspectors.  Resolved:  Clerk to draft a letter for the Chairman.

(xxii)     Travel Lodge on A22:  The fence is broken.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask them to repair this.

(xxiii)    Resignation:  Marian Winn has decided to resign as a councillor due to personal reasons.  FPC therefore have a vacancy for a councillor and a new vice chairman will need to be appointed.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Mrs Winn on behalf of FPC expressing their deep regret and thanking her for all her magnificent work.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Registered 3rd – 7th December

TA/2007/1935:  94 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of first floor side extensions.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1963:  Hedgecourt Lake, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Construction of earth bank supported by concrete bag work and sleepers of approx. 0.48m in height on top of existing embankment together with wall approximately 0.48m in height alongside main spillway.  Resolved:  FPC have major concern over safety of pedestrians, horses and riders and recommend warning signs at either end of road adjoining the lake. 

Applications Registered 10th – 14th December

TA/2007/1972:  48 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Erection of detached double garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1977/TPO:  Crawley Down Group Ltd, Snow Hill, Copthorne.  TPO 176(T) – fell 4 oak trees on frontage.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection to 2 diseased trees being taken down as long as they are replaced by 2 trees of a similar species.  No objection to 2 trees being cut back by 6.5 metres only.

TA/2007/1990:  Maracas, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of 2 x detached garage/general storage buildings, green house, pavilion and steel container with hardstanding.  (Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development)  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Registered 17th – 28th December

TA/2007/2009:  Felmere, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of garden chalet.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/2011:  Borders, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Demolition of utility room, outbuildings and wall.  Erection of single storey side extension, extension to roof and 2.3m high wall.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/2023:  Nigh Timber, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of rear conservatory.  Resolved:  No Action.

05/08

 

Applications Registered 31st December – 4th January 2008

TA/2007/2038:  Cedarwood House, Snowhill Lane, Copthorne.  Demolition of building.  Erection of single storey office building with associated parking.  Resolved:  FPC object to this application as it represents change of use of residential land within the green belt and the new access and hard landscaping for parking is deemed inappropriate development with the green belt.

Applications Registered 7th – 11th January

TA/2007/2019:  101 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of extension to front elevation to include two dormer windows and porch.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/7:  Clannaborough, Domewood, Copthorne.  Erection of extension to provide self contained annex.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Registered 14th – 18th January

TA/2008/44:  Glendale, London Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings.  Erection of 4 detached houses with garages and access.  Resolved:  FPC do not object to this proposal but are concerned about the visual impact of plot 2 upon Homefield and Nevasa, The Limes, and ask for suggested improvements to reduce this impact.  FPC are also concerned about the impact of overlooking from plot 4 upon 2 The Glebe and suggest it may be possible to relocate the window in bed 3, plot 4 to the east and west walls of that room to reduce this impact.

Applications Registered 21st – 25th January

None in Felbridge

Applications Registered 28th January – 1st February

TA/2008/56:  75-77 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of 75 and 77 Copthorne Road.  Erection of 7 houses (comprising of 5 x 5-bed, 1 x 4-bed & 1 x 3-bed dwellings) with associated access.  (Outline).  Resolved:  FPC are concerned about the detrimental impact of plots 1 and 7 on existing properties, the position of the front properties in front of existing properties in Copthorne Road, an additional entrance for 5 dwellings opposite Hedgecourt Place and they would prefer vegetative hedging instead of fencing.

TA/2008/57:  75-77 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of 75 and 77 Copthorne Road.  Erection of 7 houses (comprising of 5 x 5-bed, 1 x 4-bed & 1 x 3-bed dwellings) with associated access.  (Outline).  Resolved:  FPC are concerned about the detrimental impact of plots 1 and 7 on existing properties, the position of the front properties in front of existing properties in Copthorne Road, an additional entrance for 5 dwellings opposite Hedgecourt Place and they would prefer vegetative hedging instead of fencing.

Applications Registered 4th – 8th February

TA/2008/132:  Felbridge Showground, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of extensions to barn to allow use as indoor riding arena.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Standards Committee Advice:  A letter from Clive Moore, TDC Monitoring Officer, regarding reports in the media containing inaccurate statements attributed to individual councillors, was circulated to all councillors.

(ii)        Felbridge Luncheon Club:  A letter of thanks has been received from Mrs Odell for FPC’s donation to their Christmas lunch.

(iii)       East Grinstead Museum:  A letter of thanks has been received for FPC’s donation towards their running costs.

(iv)       ESPLG:  An email has been received asking for comments on the future role of this organisation.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply stating that FPC are not in favour of regular meetings or EPSLG becoming more formal and affiliated to SCAPTC.

06/08

 

(v)        Felbridge & Sunnyside Cricket Club:  An email has been received from the Club Fund Raiser asking for a donation towards the costs of renewing their net training facilities for the junior section.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact the club to ask how much is required.

(vi)       Surrey Air Ambulance Fund:  A letter has been received asking for a donation to help in the provision of their life saving helicopter.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £100.

(vii)      LORD:  An email has been received asking for information on specific roads where there is a problem with HGVs using C and D roads.  A copy of the reporting form was given to Ken Harwood to record any problems in Mill Lane.  An invitation has been received to their meeting on 14th March.  Resolved:  No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(viii)      Tandridge Voluntary Service Council:  An invitation has been received to their Network Luncheon on 13th February.  Resolved:  No representative from FPC is available to attend.

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

(x)        Mid Sussex Core Strategy Pre-Submission Document:  A copy has been received and given to Jeremy Clarke who will draw up a draft response for agreement by FPC councillors.  Consultation period ends on 20th March 08.

(xi)       In circulation:  Email from TDC re EG Area Action Plan, 13th Dec 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 20th Dec 07;  LORD Meeting Minutes, 29th Nov 07;  TDC News Release re flytipping, 10th Dec 07;  Commission for Rural Communities Booklet re Community Empowerment Awards winners 2007;  LCR Journal, Jan 08;  ERHA Bulletin, Winter 07/08;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 3rd Jan 07;  TDC News Release re communication, 3rd Jan 08;  TVSC The Voice, Jan 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 3rd Jan 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 10th Jan 08;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Jan 08;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 15th Jan 08;  TDC News Release re Tomorrow’s Tandridge plan, 10th Jan 08;  Surrey Community Action Magazine, Winter 07/08;  SCAPTC Meeting Minutes, 17th Nov 08;  SCAPTC Winter Bulletin, 21st Jan 08;  Email re LORD Meeting with SCC, 15th Jan 08;  TDC Tomorrow’s Tandridge Draft Plan, Dec 07;  TVSC email, 22nd Jan 08;  Communities and Local Government Consultation Document re Conduct of Local Authority Members, Jan 08;  Local Works newsletter, Jan 08;  GACC Newsletter, Jan 08;  The Playing Field, Winter 07/08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 23rd Jan 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 24th Jan 08;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 30th Jan 08;  TDC Standards Committee Agenda, 28th Jan 08;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes 25th Sept 07 and Agenda 15th Jan 08;  TDC Council Agenda, 24th Jan 08;  TDC Licensing Sub-Committee Agenda, 21st Jan 08;  ESPLG Meeting Minutes, 31st May 07;  TVSC Message in a Bottle Re-launch, 4th Mar 07;  TDC Corporate Strategy News, Jan 08;  Sussex Air Ambulance Fund Strategic Review;  TDC Council Meeting Agenda, 14th Feb 08;  TDC Special Resources Committee Agenda, 12th Feb 08.

07/08

 

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

 

606      Holly Tree Surgeons Ltd           Cutting down of two diseased limes       £3818.75

607      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Feb                      £28.20

608      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Feb                             £188.21

609      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Feb                                  £53.02

610      R White                                    Office Allowance for Jan/Feb

and Petty Cash for Dec/Jan                     £155.26

611      St John’s Church PCC Footpath repairs in churchyard    £500.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            As the next meeting will be the final meeting of this financial year, all councillors were asked to submit any expense claims at this meeting.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6th March 2008 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.40pm.

 

RW  

13 February 2008