34/08

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 3rd July 2008

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, following the Annual Meeting

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

                        Mrs Bridget Huntington

                        Mr Jacob Woodd

Mr Ken Harwood

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ken Rimington.

 

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 5th June 2008 were approved and signed subject to the following amendment:- page 28/08 (xxi) should read “The raised manhole cover in the middle of the road outside The Ark ……”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  A letter has been received from Surrey Education Authority explaining that Felbridge is in the South West Tandridge Planning Area which includes 4 schools – Burstow, Dormansland, Lingfield and Felbridge.  SCC’s current position is that they would not expand provision at Felbridge owing to current projections, based on births in the Planning Area, of about 10 spare reception places per year.  Resolved:  Clerk to draft a reply pointing out that their projections are only based on reception places and no account has been taken of all the developments in Felbridge.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  Cost of two signs would be £7,780 + VAT.  £4,000 has been set aside by FPC.  The VAS signs in Lingfield were installed and paid for by SCC.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Jenny Isaac, Head of Surrey Highways, to ask why adjoining villages have been supplied with signs and if funds could be made available for signs in Felbridge.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Mr David Hodge has informed Jeremy Clarke that SCC did not respond by 18th June.  The speed limit reductions have still not been advertised.  Ken Rimington has reported that, at the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 20th June, Derek Poole said amendments to speed limits would be progressed this financial year.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to follow up.

(iv)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  At the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 20th June, it was agreed that the puffin crossing would be moved during the school holidays.  Ken Harwood still hopes to arrange a meeting with Jenny Isaac as the meeting planned for 18th June was cancelled.

35/08

 

(v)        List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i)  Ken Rimington has reported that SCC have agreed to one reflective post on the edge of the kerb behind the Star Inn.  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.

            (ii)  Potholes in Rowplatt Lane were reported to SCC on 20.05.08 (Ref 82073311).

(iii) A22 outside Glendale -  The dip in the road has not been repaired, reported 03.03.08 – Ref 82061107.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(iv) Crawley Down Road - The road surface is very uneven outside the Oak Farm development.  Reported to SCC 22.05.08 – Ref 82073357.

(v) Copthorne Road – There is a bad hump by the puffin crossing.  Reported to SCC 22.05.08 – Ref 82073358.

(vi) Copthorne Road – West of the resurfaced section, there are tear marks in the road surface.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

Resolved:  Clerk to send a list of all outstanding Surrey Highways repairs to Jenny Isaac.

(vi)       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, confirmed on 11.06.08 that resources for the work are not available at present.

(vii)      Youth Shelter:  A group of young residents have requested a BMX track.  They will be asked to submit proposals.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange a meeting with Linda Hainge and Steve Hyder, TDC Amenity Services, to discuss suitable companies and shelters. 

(viii)      Crawley Down Road Street Lights:  4 lights near Oak Farm Place are still not working.  The 30mph sign at the end of Rowplatt Lane is still not repaired (reported 19.03.08 – Ref 82063883) despite reminders.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC as the lights are still not working.

(ix)       Village Shop Closure:  This investigation has been passed to Philip Evans, TDC Planning, who will visit the premises.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to the shop owner to ask him to remove the pile of rubble outside the shop.  Clerk to follow up with Philip Evans.

(x)        Surrey Highways:  A reply has been received from Piers Mason to Jeremy Clarke’s letter to Bob Evans, TDC, confirming that TDC planning officers consider all comments and refer applications back to SCC only when further consideration is deemed necessary.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to reply to Piers Mason.

(xi)       Verges: The verge near Housman Close is badly damaged.  Antler Homes have been asked to ensure this is repaired.

(xii)      Planning Applications:  A draft letter has been prepared to the Secretary of State regarding planning decisions overturned by appointed inspectors.  Resolved:  Bridget Huntington and Chairman to agree draft letter.

(xiii)      Travel Lodge on A22:  The broken fence has been reported to the Spirit Group who own this site.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up as fence has not been repaired.

(xiv)     Gullivers Café Notices:  The notices have not been removed.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC.

(xv)      CCTV:  Security Systems have quoted £560 plus VAT for an extra camera directed towards the gateway and installation.  It was agreed to go ahead.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange date for installation with Tom Goodall after 18th July.

36/08

 

(xvi)     Fence in Copthorne Road:  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning, has visited nos. 55 and 57 Copthorne Road.  Both fences need planning permission and she has written to the owners.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC when enforcement has occurred.

(xvii)     Insurance for CCTV equipment:  FPC agreed to pay the insurance premium up to August 2009.  Total cost £292.40p.

(xviii)    Village Hall Carpark:  A meeting was held on 10th June with Geoff Finch, Jonathan Bruce and Jacob Woodd.  Geoff Finch confirmed that planning permission is definitely required.  Jonathan Bruce agreed to the loss of the small piece of common land and asked that the plaques remain on the gate posts.  Resolved:  Clerk to give copy of quote to Linda Hainge for discussion at the next Village Hall Committee meeting.

(xix)     42/44 Copthorne Road:  Tracey Horton, TDC Senior Revenue Officer, will investigate the situation.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xx)      Burglaries:  A reply is awaited to a letter sent to Elaine Burtenshaw, Surrey Police, asking if burglaries in Felbridge have increased over the past two years, compared to somewhere like Bletchingly. 

(xxi)     Rowplatt Lane:  The raised manhole cover in the middle of the road is outside The Ark (not Lyric Cottage).  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC, original report on 22.05.08 – Ref 82073311.

(xxii)     Crawley Down Road:  Vehicles have been seen speeding when leaving football matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Moira Cocks in Sept when football matches recommence.

(xxiii)    Linden Homes Development:  In consultation with Surrey Highways, Linden Homes used tarmac to fill a hole as a temporary measure.  When the development is complete, they will reinstate the verge according to Highways requirements.

(xxiv)    Highway Improvements:  Ken Rimington has confirmed that Stub Pond Lane is no longer on the programme of work to be completed.

(xxv)    TDC Local Committee Meeting:  The three questions submitted to the meeting held on 20th June were not discussed at the meeting.  FPC agreed that a letter be sent to the Chairman, David Hodge asking why the questions were not addressed at the meeting.  Resolved:  Clerk to prepare a draft letter.

(xxvi)    Copthorne Road:  The long grass on the verge and island near the layby into Furnace Wood, which is obstructing the view of motorists, has been reported to SCC on 10.06.08, Ref 82076777.  Resurfacing work has been carried out along Copthorne Road without the potholes being repaired.  Ken Rimington has reported that the contractor has been instructed to return and rectify the problems.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to draft a letter to Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC.

(xxvii)   TDC Development Committee:  A reply is awaited to the letter to David Cameron MP.  Replies have been received from Peter Ainsworth MP and Gordon Keymer.  Letters from FPC were published in the EG Observer and Surrey Mirror and an article was published in the EG Courier.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to draft a letter to Gordon Keymer asking for a reply to FPC’s specific questions.

(xxviii)  Housman Close:  TDC have suggested that the extension to this Close be named Springfield Gardens.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC to confirm FPC’s agreement to this name.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Stranger Alert:  Concern was expressed over the lack of communication between East Grinstead and Lingfield Police and that local groups were not informed by the schools.  Jacob Woodd has spoken to PC Paul Clifton who will put together a list of local groups.  Felbridge School have agreed to pass information to local groups in future.

37/08

 

(ii)        Speedwatch:  FPC are concerned that the equipment is not being used.  Resolved:  Clerk to send letters to trained volunteers to ask for one of them to organise a rota of speed checks.

(iii)       Carpark at Bedding Centre:  As this shop is closing down, the car sales company are using the carpark spaces for cars for sale.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Bob Evans, TDC.

(iv)       Responsible Finance Officer:  Brian Apps reported that he is moving house on 11th July but will continue his role as Councillor and RFO.

(v)        Woods behind Village Hall:  There is a large hole under the chestnut trees.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC to arrange for the hole to be filled in.

(vi)       Thefts from Building Sites:  Gas axes have been used to open containers.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest that a message be put on the website asking people to be alert and aware.

(vii)      Grass Verges:  At the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 20th June, Ken Rimington asked SCC if the number of cuts in rural areas could be increased and if TDC could be involved in this work.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 2nd – 6th June

TA/2008/572:  Mikandras, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing dwelling.  Erection of 5-bed dwelling and new roof to existing garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 9th-13th June

TA/2008/807:  94 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Variation of condition 2 of permission 2007/1935 to allow the use of vertical tile hanging to side elevation.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/870: Felbridge Primary School, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of detached timber shed within the curtilage of a listing building.  (Consultation by Surrey County Council).  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 16th – 20th June

TA/2008/909/TPO:  Rushmore, Domewood, Copthorne.  TPO 195 (T) – reduce canopy of 1 oak tree by 20%.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object as there is no professional recommendation that the work is necessary.

Applications Acknowledged 23rd – 27th June

TA/2008/892:  Copthorne Cottage, 88 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing single storey side extension.  Erection of single storey flat roof side extension.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds that the extension is too close to the boundary and the flat roof is out of character and should be at a 15 degree pitch.

Applications Acknowledged 30th June – 4th July

TA/2008/961: 54 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey side and rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Letter from Resident:  The resident is concerned over the safety of residents crossing Crawley Down Road to the sports ground and over the number of illegally erected Estate Agent boards in the village.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a copy of the letter to Bob Evans, TDC, and to Jenny Isaac, SCC, with a letter saying that FPC support the suggestions made.

(ii)        Surrey Crime Stoppers:  A letter has been received asking for a donation towards their activities.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £40.

(iii)       Training for Councillors:  Ashurst Wood Parish Clerk has arranged some training in September for local councillors.

38/08

 

(iv)       SCAPTC Annual General Meeting:  A reminder has been received about this meeting on 12th July.  Resolved:  No representative from Felbridge is available to attend.

(v)        In circulation:  Email from TVSC re resignation of General Manager;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 12 Jun 08;  TDC Local Development Framework Steering Group Notes of Mtg on 2 Jun 08;  SE Regional Sustainability Framework Report;  Policing Surrey Newsletter, 08/09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, July 08;  St John’s Felbridge Parish News, June 08;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 3 Jul 08;  LCR Journal, Jul 08;  Your Council and Councillors, 08/09;  TDC News Release re New Home Choice Service, 16 Jun 08;  Tandridge Local Committee Agenda, 20 Jun 08;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 19 Jun 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 19 Jun 08;  Local Works Newsletter;  Stepping Out Newsletter, Summer 08;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 25 Jun 08;  TDC Standards Committee Agenda, 30 Jun 08;  Surrey Matters, Summer 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 26 Jun 08;  MSDC letter re Core Strategy Pre-Submission Document, 18 Jun 08; TDC News Release re Performance and Improvement Plan for 2008, 30 Jun 08;  TDC Licensing Committee Agenda, 8 Jul 08.

 

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

 

639      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for July                        £29.38

640      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for August       £29.38

641      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for July`                 £193.03

642      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for July                                   £48.20

643      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Aug                              £193.03

644      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Aug                                   £48.20

645      R White                                    Office Allowance for July

and Petty Cash for June                             £75.99

646      GACC                                     Annual Subscription                                   £20.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS - It was agreed that the Clerk should contact TDC to ask about the process for increasing the number of councillors due to population increase.  The Chairman asked councillors to ensure that Linda Hainge was kept fully informed.  Jeremy Clarke agreed to print off emails for Linda.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 4th September 2008 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 9.45pm.

 

RW  

10 July 2008