25/07

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 7th June 2007

at 8.30pm in the Village Hall, following the Annual Parish Meeting

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Harwood

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Brian Apps, Mrs Linda Hainge, Mrs Marian Winn and Mr Ken Rimington

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd May were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Community Speedwatch:  9 volunteers are now willing to join the scheme.  10-12 people are required.  Resolved:  More information is required from Surrey Police to enable FPC to produce a leaflet for delivery to houses in Rowplatt Lane, Copthorne Road and Mill Lane to appeal for a few more volunteers.

(ii)        Speed Survey:  WPC Moira Cocks will arrange for a speed check to be carried out in Crawley Down Road between 4-5pm on a Saturday following a football match.  Resolved:  Clerk to remind Moira Cocks in September.

(iii)       Speed Limit Signs:  No further information has been received from Surrey Highways.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  All work has now been completed.  The CCTV equipment will be checked fortnightly at Parish Council and Planning meetings.  Clerk to inspect in between meetings.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain extra keys for cupboard.  A list of councillors’ names and telephone numbers will be posted on the village hall noticeboard in case of an incident.  Clerk to contact Security Systems to ask if the vision of camera number 3, which looks over the playground, could be widened.  Clerk to order 2 small and 1 large sign.  Clerk to order one further camera to be placed on apex of village hall and pointing between cameras 3 and 4 towards the footpath leading into the woods.  It was agreed to authorise costs up to £500.

(v)        A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  Surrey Highways have still not placed the order with EDF.  Ken Harwood is actively following up.

(vi)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

            (i) The potholes along Rowplatt Lane should be repaired w/c 30th April.

            (ii) Atkins Telecom wish to lay a cable alongside Copthorne Road to Birches Industrial Estate.  Surrey Highways are liaising with the company.

26/07

 

(iii) Parking on verges/footpaths – the verges have already been driven and cycled on.  Resolved:  A letter will be sent to all householders in Copthorne Road to ask them not to park on the verges.

            (iv) Surrey Highways have been asked to repair the potholes along Copthorne Road between Mill Lane and the county boundary.  Our request has been passed to the Highways Inspection Team.

            (v) Street lights at entrance to new development - Peter Ainsworth is investigating whether the street lights are a legal requirement.

            vi) Pavement along Crawley Down Road – Surrey Highways have agreed to investigate the pavement where tree roots have pushed up the tarmac.

(vii)      Skateboard Ramp:  TDC have been asked for a copy of Paul Matten’s half-yearly report.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Jonathan Bruce.

(viii)      Playground:  BIFFA have transferred £49,000 into the Parish Council bank account.  A plaque is required giving the names of all sponsors.  Resolved:  Clerk to remind Paul Hemsley, TDC that he agreed to replace the burnt seat in the playground.  Clerk to follow up with Jonathan Bruce regarding repairing the bank between the carpark and the playground.  It was agreed to obtain a quote for surfacing the small remaining area of grass inside the playground.

(ix)       Village Hall Carpark:  The Village Hall Committee will discuss this at their September meeting and will agree their suggestions at their November meeting.

(x)        Outstanding Surrey Highways Issues:  This list has been sent to Roger Archer-Reeves at Surrey Highways.  No reply has been received.

            (i) Felbridge Village Sign on Crawley Down Road:  A reply is awaited from Surrey Highways regarding the cost of a gateway sign.  Surrey Highways have advised that a county wide programme of sign cleaning, starting with major roads, has started.

(ii) Footpaths alongside A22:  The Community Gang have been asked to clear the footpath between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse, outside the Stone Cottage, and between Woodcock Garage and Hobbs Industrial Estate. 

(iii) Kerbstone by The Star:  This was reported to Surrey Highways on 19th March.

(xi)       Affordable Housing:  It was agreed to discuss this at a future meeting.

(xii)      Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road:  An email has been sent to TDC to ask if the mounds of earth could be repaired where the posts have been placed in the badly damaged area.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xiii)      Village Green:  The ruts on the village green have been repaired.  FPC would like to see small posts along the boundary with Copthorne Road from the apex of the green to the puffin crossing.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Jonathan Bruce.

(xiv)     Parish Council Noticeboard in Mill Lane:  Ken Harwood will place a small informal noticeboard on his fence.

(xv)      BMX Bike Track in Woods behind Village Hall:  Linda Hainge and Bridget Huntington will visit the BMX track at Caterham.  A youth shelter will be considered.

(xvi)     Litter Bin for new playground:  The Playground Association have asked for a donation towards the cost of an extra litter bin.  TDC have new lidded bins on order and will advise costs when they arrive.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xvii)     Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  Jonathan Bruce has agreed to look at the gaps in the hedge.  Once this matter is resolved, a donation of £500 will be released.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xviii)    Tile Showroom, Felbridge:  TDC have advised that the adverts fall within deemed consent and do not require specific permission.

27/07

 

(xix)     School sign along Copthorne Road – this is bent and buried in the hedge.  The Community Gang have been asked to carry out this work.  Resolved:  Clerk to add to Surrey Highways list.

(xx)      Printer/Scanner:  A quotation has been received from Ballpoint Office Supplies for a Canon MP160 for £45 plus £27.50 for ink cartridges.  Resolved:  Clerk to order.

(xxi)     Laminator:  A quotation has been received from Ballpoint Office Supplies for a laminator for £30.  Resolved:  Clerk to order.

(xxii)     Parking in Wheelers Way:  Residents of Rose Cottages are parking in Wheelers Way despite a visit by Surrey Police.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Brian Apps and write to WS Highways to ascertain the status of Crawley Down Road.

(xxiii)    Oak Farm Hedge:  TDC Planning Dept have looked at the hedge and have asked the tree officer to inspect it.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC Planning Dept regarding whether the entrance has been constructed in accordance with the plans and the line of the hedge.

(xxiv)    Dips in Crawley Down Road:  The road has sunk where pipes were laid for the Oak Farm development.  This will be dealt with by the NRSWA enforcement engineers.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Terry Upton as this is now urgent.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         School Hedge:  The hedge bordering the school and Copthorne Road needs cutting back.  Children are having to walk in the road.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC.

(ii)        Oak Farm:  Try Homes have placed a sales sign on common land.  Resolved:  Clerk to send them a letter telling them to remove this sign.

(iii)       Strath Cottage Development:  The planning application was discussed at the MSDC Planning Committee meeting on 7th June.  Surrey Highways consider the entrance to be safe. 

(iv)       Public Owned Benches:  A new EU directive states that they must be on concrete plinths and a certain height off the ground.

(v)        Housman Close sign:  The sign obstructs the view of a resident turning out of their drive.  Surrey Highways are to investigate.

(vi)       Sports Pavilion:  The official opening is on 21st July.

(vii)      Felbridge Village Gardens:  8 gardens will be open on 1st July.  Tickets on sale at the village fair and Whittington College.

(viii)      Mill Lane Pavement:  Motorists sometimes drive to the right of the keep left sign at the entrance to Mill Lane, which is dangerous for pedestrians.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways to suggest that the pavement is extended into Mill Lane.

(ix)       Dog Loo Bin:  A bin has been requested for the junction of Rowplatt Lane and Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC.

(x)        Felbridge Showground:  Loose stones on their drive could cause damage to the edge of the new tarmac in Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to the owners to ask them if they would consider tarmacing the final yard of their drive.

(xi)       Information Leaflet:  A leaflet about FPC and containing contact numbers for TDC and SCC was considered for delivery to all homes.  Resolved:  Ian McBryde to prepare a draft.

(xii)      Lingfield Marathan:  Signs for this event are still along the A22 and A264.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask the organisers to remove them.

(xiii)      Maintenance Person:  It was suggested that FPC could employ someone for approx. one day per week.  Resolved:  To be discussed at a future meeting.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

28/07

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Weekly Planning List 18/2007

TA/2007/392:  Glentrool, 23 Rowplatt Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of rear conservatory.  Resolved:  No action.

Weekly Planning List 19/2007

TA/2007/711:  Columbine Cottage, Domewood, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey extensions to side and front elevations.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned about the close proximity of proposed extension to southern boundary of plot and would prefer if the extension was moved north-west.  FPC also request the use of vegetative screening along southern boundary.

Weekly Planning List 20/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 21/2007

TA/2007/709:  Churchill Stud, West Park Road, Newchapel.  Enlargement of sandschool to measure 30m x 60m with 1.5m high post and rail fencing incorporating entrance gate on perimeter and installation of horse walker.  Erection of 2 x 3m high floodlights and relation of existing 4 floodlights.  Resolved:  No action.

TA/2007/736:  Domewood Cottage, Domewood, Copthorne.  Demolition of dwelling and outbuildings.  Erection of 2 detached dwellings each with a detached double garage.  Resolved:  No action.

Weekly Planning List 22/2007

TA/2002/507/R:  8 Warren Close, Felbridge.  Erection of rear conservatory.  Resolved:  No action

TA/2007/832:  Land at Beaver Farm, Eastbourne Road, Newchapel.  Retention of 3 polytunnels.  Resolved:  FPC object on the grounds of position of polytunnels which are isolated in otherwise open green belt and countryside, visibility from public footpath 283 and Stubpond Lane and inadequate screening.

Appeals

TA/2006/1285:  41 and land to rear of 43 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of 41 Copthorne Road.  Erection of 3 detached dwellings and 2 semi-detached dwellings with associated access (outline).  Resolved:  FPC continue to object to this application on the grounds of visibility from proposed entrance,  entrance too close to development at no.100 Copthorne Road and Rowplatt Lane, increased traffic and congestion, infrastructure of village, and would offer developer opportunity to expand behind nos. 39, 37A and 37.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Bench outside Playground:  Linda Hainge has suggested a bench under the tree between carpark and playground, which would be out of the sun.  Resolved:  To be discussed at a future meeting. 

(ii)        Felbridge Hotel:  TDC have rejected a request from the hotel to extend the period of compliance from 5 June to end September.  Failure to remove the scalpings and re-grass the land will result in prosecution proceedings.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC.

(iii)       Felbridge School Admissions:  Mark Burton, School Place Planning Manager, is investigating the availability of school places for Felbridge children.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up

(iv)       Parish Elections Costs:  Election charges for the uncontested election in Felbridge on 3rd May are £93.49.  Resolved:  Clerk to send cheque to TDC.

29/07

 

(v)        Floran Farm, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down:  A letter has been received from WS Planning confirming that they have objected to this plan.

(vi)       Chairmanship Training:  Forest Row Parish Council are organising training.  Resolved:  It was agreed that no-one need attend.

(vii)      Big Lottery Play Fund:  A letter has been received TDC concerning applications for funding.  Resolved:  It was agreed that no application would be made.

(viii)      ESPLG Meeting:  An email about the meeting on 31st May was received and forwarded to all councillors.  No representative from Felbridge was able to attend.

(ix)       Surrey Community Action:  A database registration/update form has been received and an invitation for membership.  Resolved:  It was agreed that the Clerk should complete the form but not take out membership.

(x)        Family Line Surrey:  A letter asking for funding has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a donation.

(xi)       Local Works:  The Sustainable Communities Bill passed through the committee stage on 24th May.  Further pressure from supporters was requested.  Resolved:  It was agreed to take no further action.

(xii)      In circulation:  TDC News Release re Election Results, 4th May 07;  Email from SCAPTC re re-draft of Constitution,  8th May 07;  Notes of Parking Consultation Meeting on 27th Mar 07;  TDC Council Agenda, 24th May 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 10th May 07;  NCYPE Newsletter, Spring 07;  Three Counties Training Spring Bulletin;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 22nd May 07;  TDC News Release re New Chairman, 29th May 07;  Letter from TDC re revised Code of Conduct, 4th May 07;  The Clerk, May 07;  Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Surrey, May 07.

 

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

 

555      Security Systems                      Installation of CCTV equipment            £3865.75

556      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for June                      £28.20

557      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for June                £205.99

558      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for June                                 £29.39

559      R White                                    Office Allowance for June

and Petty Cash for May                          £266.65

560      Surrey Wildlife Trust                 Expenses for talk at Annual

                                                                        Parish Meeting                              £25.00

561      Surrey Wildlife Trust                 Annual Subscription May 07/08                £38.00

562      GACC                                     Annual Subscription May07/08     £20.00

563      Felbridge Village Hall                Hire of Committee Room

                                                                        April 07/08                                             £155.80

564      Tandridge District Council         Election Fees and Expenses                      £93.49

565      Mrs A Tonge                            Playground opening expenses                    £19.62

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None

 

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

 

The meeting closed at approximately 11.00pm.

RW

22 June 2007