35/09

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 July 2009

at 7.40pm in the Village Hall, following the Annual Meeting

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Jacob Woodd

Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor)

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor) – attended part of meeting

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mrs Linda Hainge.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th June 2009 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  Linden Homes have suggested that the solar panels could be retained in their current position but lowered.  TDC Planning have asked for a drawing showing how the panels would look.  The Contracts Manager has an agreement with the school that contractors’ cars can be parked in the lay-by and along Crawley Down Road between 10am and 3pm.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:   Although PC Moira Cocks has a supply of temporary VAS signs, SCC are unable to erect the poles.  A Speedwatch check was carried out in Crawley Down Road in the evening on 15th June and in the space of 35 minutes 15 cars were recorded doing 47mph or more.  The Activity Log has been given to PC Moira Cocks.

(iii)       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) 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.

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(iv) Footpath outside Stone Cottage still needs clearing alongside A22 – (re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 Ref. 82093891).  SCC confirmed on 7.5.09 that this is still on the SCC list.

(v) 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).

(vi) 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 has confirmed that the problems with the SCC computer system failing to report back results has been sorted out.  Jeremy Clarke has a meeting with Mr David Curl, the new Tandridge Highways Manager, on 22nd July.

(vii) Pedestrians crossing at The Star traffic lights – David Borer, Tandridge Access Group, visited this site on 14th June and was very concerned about this junction.  He will discuss with the new Highways Manager.

(iv)       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.  An email has been received from a local resident confirming the danger of walking along the pavement without street lights.

(v)        Verges:  A letter has been sent to the Editor of the EG Courier apologising to local residents that, despite FPC’s efforts, Antler Homes have failed to repair the verges near Housman Close.

(vi)       Crawley Down Road:  WPC Moira Cocks has asked the Tandridge RPCSOs to carry out checks along Crawley Down Road and Copthorne Road.  Speed checks were carried out on the A22 by St John’s church on 2nd July.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Moira.

(vii)      Number of Parish Councillors:  An email has been received from TDC Policy Adviser who is starting to look at the process.

(viii)      Rules of Common Sign:  Steve Hyder has ordered new signs which will be ready in approx. 8 weeks.

(ix)       Parish Council Lengthsman Pilot Scheme:  FPC will consider this scheme once the results of the Dorking experiment are known.  SCC have drafted an agreement for Parish Councils wishing to engage Lengthsmen, which is available from their Legal Services Team.

(x)        Letter from PRC:  Jeremy Clarke updated Michael Sydney on FPC’s correspondence with TDC and SCC regarding transport modelling and potential impacts within the Felbridge area.

(xi)       Village Hall Carpark:  Following the meeting with Nick Dance, Linda Hainge and Jacob Woodd on 15th June, a revised quote has been received for £6,350 plus VAT, which includes ‘Ts’ to mark out the car park spaces.  It was unanimously agreed to go ahead with this quote.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a copy of the revised quote to Steve Hyder, TDC, and ask for approval from TDC for this single quote.  Jeremy Clarke to prepare the planning application, once he has received a drawing of the proposed plans.  Clerk to send a copy of the quote to Michael Sydney to ascertain if the TDC Local Committee could help with funding.

(xii)      TDC Local Committee:  Jeremy Clarke summarised for Michael Sydney correspondence with SCC following his FOI request for a list of TDC Local Committee resolutions that were not completed or achieved within 1 year.  Michael Sydney agreed to raise the issue of access to TDC Local Committee Meeting minutes at the next meeting

(xiii)      Letter of Complaint to SCC Customer Relations Team:  No reply has been received to the letter sent by Jeremy Clarke on 5th May detailing 6 separate complaints that he wants investigating.

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(xiv)     Village Hall:  A major electrical inspection has been carried out in the village hall and important remedial work has been done.  Resolved:  Jacob Woodd to provide Jeremy Clarke with a copy of the section of the electrical report relating to the CCTV equipment.

(xv)      Woodcock Garage:  TDC have confirmed that Woodcock Hill service station is submitting an application to retain the recently erected garage building.

(xvi)     Path from Puffin Crossing:  At a meeting on 22nd May, Steve Hyder, TDC, suggested railings alongside the pavement and a path across the green avoiding the trees.  It was agreed that a request for financial assistance be sent to Linden Homes.  Following a meeting on 15th June, Nick Dance agreed to quote for this work.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Nick Dance.

(xvii)     Barongs at Doves Barn:  TDC have confirmed that Barongs will be removing the free-standing conservatory shortly.

(xviii)    Village Fair:  It was agreed that this fair was a success.  Two suggestions were received from residents – a flagpole on the village green and a ramp at the rear of the village hall.  It was agreed that a flagpole would be too expensive.  FPC would consider the ramp once the result of the playgroup’s application for a fence is known.

(xix)     Resurfacing of Copthorne Road and verges:  Jeremy Clarke has received a letter from Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC Group Manager East, confirming the amended grass cutting schedule for 2009 and that he has arranged for an early inspection of grass verges at Furnace Wood.

Mr Harwood joined the meeting.

(xx)      Warren Close:  The speed limit sign which has been knocked down was reported to SCC on 23.6.99 (Ref. 83024333).

(xxi)     Flashing Lights near to Felbridge School:  These have been reported by the school to SCC (Ref. 83024313).

(xxii)     Overgrown Hedges along Copthorne Road:  Bridget Huntington to provide house numbers.

(xxiii)    TDC Chairman’s Planning Seminar:  This seminar on 10th June was attended by Ian McBryde and Ken Harwood.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Dead Badger:  This was found by a resident on 19th June on the football ground within the WS boundary and reported to MSDC, who failed to remove it.  Once reported to TDC, it was removed that day.  Resolved:  It was agreed that the Clerk should send a letter to Philip Coote to thank him for his efforts with MSDC.

(ii)        Village Fair/Annual Parish Meeting:  It was agreed that councillors etc should wear name badges at future events.  Brian agreed to arrange the badges.

(iii)       BMX Track/Provision for Older Children:  Ken Harwood reported on a meeting he attended of the TDC Community Services Committee on 2nd July, at which the petition on the BMX track was discussed.  No petitioners attended this meeting.  This committee agreed to note the petition and support Felbridge Parish Council who are looking towards finding some alternative area in the village for the youth to use.  Resolved:  FPC will investigate other equipment such as an aerial runway, timber framed adventure playground, youth shelter, which would take less space and could be sited within the village hall grounds.  Jacob Woodd agreed to speak to the children to investigate what facilities they would like and liaise with Steve Hyder, TDC.  Joan Harwood agreed to ask older residents for ideas on their requirements, when she distributes money from the Beef & Faggot Trust in December.  Michael Sydney mentioned that funding might be available from the TDC Local Committee.

38/09

 

(iv)       Damaged Stiles – Footpath 365:  SCC’s Countryside Access Officer has visited the site of the two damaged stiles and confirmed that they are not recorded on the definitive statement, although the stiles have been in existence for at least 16 years.

(v)        Mikandras, Mill Lane:  Ken Harwood has noted several differences to the original plans and has asked TDC Planning to investigate.  TDC have set up an enforcement enquiry and will inspect the site w/c 6th July.

(vi)       SCC Update:  Michael Sydney reported on the many changes within SCC.  Following the recent elections, on the SCC Council, 35 out of 80 are new members.  7 of the 10 Cabinet members are new.  The new Leader is Andrew Povey.  SCC also has a new Chief Executive and 3 new directors of key parts of their administration.  County Councillors will have more control over the work of the Community Gangs and Michael Sydney will support Parish Clerks in their efforts to get replies from SCC.

(vii)      Speeding:  Michael Sydney reported that SCC has allocated a budget of £1m for the current year to be spent on projects to address speeding problems.

(viii)      Lengthsman Scheme:  Michael Sydney summarised this scheme and will bring suggestions to the next FPC meeting.  FPC suggested that some Precept should be returned from SCC to help with the cost.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Sydney and he left the meeting.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 18th June 2009 – attended by Brian Apps, Joan Harwood, Ian McBryde and Jeremy Clarke.

Applications Acknowledged 25th – 29th May 2009

TA/2009/488:  Camelot, Heather Way, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing garage and erection of single storey extension to side elevation.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 1st – 5th June 2009

TA/2009/579/TPO:  Samares, Domewood.  TPO 232 (T) – Crown reduce 1 oak tree by 20% and reduce overhanging branches of 1 oak tree by 20% (amended description).  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2009/589:  Sweet Briar Cottage, Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Retention of track.  Resolved:  FPC strongly object to this application as it is inappropriate to the green belt. The mechanically operated large gates and gate piers at the entrance as a result of the trackway are inappropriate and would appear to require planning consent but are not part of this application. In addition we believe that the track is unnecessary as sewage treatment companies in this area regularly park in the roads/tracks adjoining properties and withdraw the sewage via hoses up to 50m away, thus it would be possible to empty this tank from the very close track making the formation of a track unnecessary and therefore inappropriate.

Applications Acknowledged 8th – 12th June 2009

TA/2009/412:  Doves Barn Nursery, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of 2 x 1.6m high non-illuminated sales signs located at entrance to site.  Resolved:  FPC object as the size and design of these signs negatively affects the rural amenity of the green belt. We are also concerned about the repetitive applications for ever larger advertising signs at this site.

TA/2009/676:  1 Yew Tree Cottages, Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Erection of first floor side extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

39/09

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd July 2009

Applications Acknowledged 15th – 19th June 2009

TA/2009/647:  Everglades, Domewood, Copthorne.  Demolition of dwelling.  Erection of dwelling.  Resolved:  No Action

TA/2009/485:  46-56 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Display of 3 x 6m flagpoles and 7 freestanding advertising boards.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 22nd-26th June 2009

None in Felbridge

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Village Hall Front Door:  New entry keys were given to Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke and signed for.

(ii)        Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign:  A request for renewal of FPC’s annual subscription has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a cheque for £25.

(iii)       TDC Local Committee:  The next meeting will be held on 3rd July in the Centenary Hall, Smallfield.

(iv)       Brambles growing over path in Crawley Down Road:  Resolved:  Clerk to write to the residents of No. 55 Rowplatt Lane.

(v)        St Catherine’s Hospice:  Following the closure of the Marie Curie hospice in Caterham, St Catherine’s is now the main provider in Tandridge.  A member of their staff is available to speak with local groups.

(vi)       Hedge alongside playground and carpark at Village Hall:  Clerk has asked TDC if their contractors could cut this back.

(vii)      Felbridge Churchyard:  A resident has complained about the grass cutting by TDC.  Steve Hyder, TDC, has visited the site with the residents and addressed their concerns.

(viii)      TVSC:  An invitation has been received to their Network Lunch on 16th July.

(ix)       Skateboard Ramp:  The side panel has been repaired by Paul Matten.

(x)        In circulation:  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 18 Jun 09;  NALC E-bulletin, 12 Jun 09;  TDC Statement of Principles – Gambling Act 2005 review, 11 Jun 09;  Tandridge Leisure Spring Newsletter;  Partial Review of Regional Spatial Strategy for SE, Jun 09;  BMX Bike Track Felbridge Report, Jun 09;  SCC – What do we do?, Jun 09;  TDC News Release re awards for local building project, Jun 09;  GACC Newsletter, Jun 09;  Stepping Out, Jun 09; TDC News Release re residents’ views, 24 Jun 09;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 25 Jun 09;  East Surrey Housing Strategy 2009-13;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 30 Jun 09;  The Voice, Jul 09;  Gatwick Airport Draft Noise Action Plan 2010-15;  TDC Local Committee Meeting Agenda, 3 Jul 09;  LCR, Summer 09;  LORD email re HGV traffic on C and D class roads, 1 Jul 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Jul 09.

 

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

 

708      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for July                      £28.75

709      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for August     £28.75

710      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for July                           £198.46

711      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for July                                 £49.40

712      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for August                      £198.46

713      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for August                £49.40

714      R White                                    Office Allowance for July

and Petty Cash for June                           £74.41

40/09

 

715      Surrey Crimestoppers               Donation                                                 £40.00

716      TVSC                                      Membership April 09 – March 2010        £10.00

717      GACC                                     Annual Subscription                                 £40.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

 

            None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd September 2009 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.05pm.

 

RW

10 July 2009