07/07

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 1st March 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Linda Hainge

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

Mrs Marian Winn

                        Mr Ken Rimington (attended part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - None.

 

The Chairman welcomed Mr Tom Goodall, Security Systems, who brought samples of CCTV cameras and equipment and demonstrated his suggested camera system. 

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 25th January were approved and signed, subject to the following amendments:- page 2, para (xiv) should read “Full TDC Council”, and page 4, para (xi) should read “Trees on north east corner of Rowplatt Lane”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Community Speedwatch:  It was agreed to look for more volunteers in the Spring.

(ii)        Speed Survey:  No recent speed checks have been carried out by Surrey Police and none are planned at present.  Once the speed limit changes are implemented, Surrey Police will monitor closely.  The vehicle activated signs in Crawley Down were purchased by WSCC.  Ken Rimington suggested that help towards the cost of vehicle activated signs may be available from the Tandridge Local Committee after April 07.  Moveable signs should be considered.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood to contact Chairman of Dormansland PC re their proposed signs.

(iii)       Speed Limit Signs:  WSCC have published the statutory notice.  The objection period ended on 16th Feb.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  Following the demonstration of the equipment by Tom Goodall, Security Systems, it was agreed to proceed subject to agreement of the quotation.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain a written quotation for equipment and installation costs, plus an annual contract for maintenance, from Security Systems.  Ken Harwood to enquire about funding from TDC.

(v)        Felbridge Hotel:  The Inspector indicated that his result would not be available until after 26th February.  Mr Harwood attended the site visit.

08/07

 

(vi)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  The infrastructure is completed.  Surrey Highways are waiting for the power connections from EDF before they can complete the scheme.  Ken Rimington expected this to be completed by 16th March.

(vii        Tidiness of Village:  Surrey Highways have confirmed that the safety rail work will commence after the puffin crossing is completed.

(viii)      List of Highway Repairs: 

            (i) Potholes along Rowplatt Lane particularly near Nos.17 and 18.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways.

            (ii) Dips in pavement and road near No. 25 Copthorne Road - Dave Pearcey, Surrey Highways has visited the owner.  Drainage survey did not show any defects in road outside this property.  However road levels show a low spot which would appear to be the problem.  This will be addressed when major resurfacing work takes place.

            Resurfacing of Copthorne Road – Clarification is needed on timing and whether resurfacing of footpaths will include driveways.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

            Surrey Highways have secured some funding to carry out resurfacing work in Mill Lane from 20 metres in from Copthorne Road to the beginning of Hedgecourt Lake.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest to Surrey Highways that the money should be spent on Rowplatt Lane instead.  One pothole in Mill Lane needs attention.

(ix)       Judges Corner:  The outline plan for a roundabout was agreed at the Tandridge Local Committee Meeting on 26th January.  Finance has to be secured.

(x)        St John’s Churchyard:  At the TDC Council Meeting on 25th January, it was resolved that TDC will take over responsibility wef 1st January 2007, once the condition of the churchyard has been brought up to an acceptable standard.

(xi)       Skateboard Ramp:  Jonathan Bruce, TDC, has agreed that he will arrange for the sides of the ramp to be painted green in the Spring.

(xii)      Footpath 368:  The fence has been moved back.

(xiii)      Playground:  At the meeting on 26th January, Tandridge Local Committee agreed a grant of £5,000.  Installation work is scheduled to commence on 16th April and will take 2/3 weeks.  Paul Hemsley will meet the contractors on 16th April and oversee the work.  TDC will recycle the crazy daisy.  An opening ceremony was discussed with a celebrity that children would identify with.  Saturday, 5th May was agreed.  Mr Ken Harwood proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman and Mrs Winn for all their hard work.  This was seconded by the remaining councillors.  Leaflets advertising the opening ceremony were suggested for distribution at the school, village hall nursery and church.  The Scouts would like to plant a tree to commemorate 100 years of scouting.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to the BBC to enquire about a celebrity for the opening event.  Mr Jeremy Clarke to arrange for photographs of the current playground and of the work as it progresses.  Clerk to contact TDC to ask for suggestions for a tree suitable to plant in the centre of the playground.

(xiv)     Felbridge School Hedge:  Mr Love has agreed to discuss this with the school.

(xv)      Black Spot by Crawley Down Garage:  A letter has been received from Mark Winstanley saying that he can find no evidence that a Surrey County Council spokesman made the comment to the EG Courier.

(xvi)     New Street Name – R/O 96-104 Copthorne Road:  The spelling has been amended to Housman Way.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Mr Housman’s daughter.

(xvii)     Policing in Felbridge:  No reply has been received from Inspector Whitcombe.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to the Police Complaints Authority.

09/07

 

(xviii)    Whittington College:  A reply is awaited to a letter sent to the Mercers’ Company concerning the loss of the one historic reference to Felbridge Place.

(xix)     Draft Budget for 2007/08:  A letter has been received from Jonathan Bruce, TDC, agreeing to the possibility of extending the village hall carpark onto land owned by TDC.

(xx)      Felbridge Village Sign on Crawley Down Road:  Surrey Highways have no plans for a SCC funded gateway sign.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Surrey Highways for cost of a gateway sign.

(xxi)     Footpath alongside A22:  The footpath between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse and outside the Stone Cottage should be cleared by the Community Gang w/c 19th March.

(xxii)     Affordable Housing:  Mona Johansson of Surrey Community Action has agreed to come to the next Parish Council meeting on 5th April.

(xxiii)    Bus Shelter in Crawley Down Road:  This has been painted by Linda and Derek Hainge.

(xxiv)    Barong Conservatories Sign:  TDC Planning Department are investigating use of the Grade II listed barn as a conservatory showroom, the erection of the conservatory and the signs.

(xxv)    Trees on N.E. corner of Rowplatt Lane:  Concern was expressed that these might obscure vision for pedestrians.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact PC Moira Cocks for advice.

(xxvi)    Boards Surrounding Development on Corner of A264:  TDC Planning Department have confirmed that the advertisements require consent and have advised Rydon that they should be removed.

(xxvii)   Village Hall Carpark:  Jonathan Bruce, TDC, has arranged for an initial clean of the carpark prior to regular cleaning twice a year – November and April.

(xxviii)  Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road:  TDC and Surrey Highways have been asked to investigate the cost of kerbstones between the school carpark entrance and the entrance to the village hall.

(xxix)    Passenger Transport Forum:  Mrs Marian Winn has agreed to become the FPC representative on this forum.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Council Tax:  An increase of 4.4% has been agreed.

(ii)        Business Delivery Review:  Savings of £41.5m have been made.

(iii)       409/411 Bus Routes:  Metrobus do not wish to continue running this service.  SCC will maintain the service until June by which time hopefully a new operator will have been found.

(iv)       Community Gang:  They will be working in the Lingfield/Felbridge area w/c 19th March, 30th April, and 11th June.  Notification of work required is needed at least 2 weeks prior to these dates.

(v)        Potholes:  If they are more than 4/6” deep, they should be reported to Surrey Highways.

Mr Rimington left the meeting

(vi)       Finance:  Councillors expenses for 2006/07 were submitted and agreed.  It was agreed that the Fidelity Guarantee should be increased from the current £30,000 to £35,000.  Mr Apps will complete the VAT return in March.  The Playground Association have requested £2780 to cover the cost of a tarmac path around the new playground.  It was agreed that the Parish Council would donate this sum.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Allianz Cornhill Insurance to increase the Fidelity Guarantee.

10/07

 

(vii)      Village Green:  A vehicle has once again driven across the green.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Jonathan Bruce to suggest ranch fencing/wooden posts along Copthorne Road.

(viii)      South Tandridge PCPG Meeting:  Mr Apps and Mrs Hainge to attend the meeting on 7th March.

(ix)       Felbridge Village Fair:  Date to be confirmed.

(x)        Risk Assessment:  Problems with bus shelters are reported by B. Wright.  A ROSPA report on the skateboard ramp was carried out on 5th December.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Jonathan Bruce when Paul Matten will carry out his next 6-monthly check.  The Gifts and Hospitality Register will be reviewed at the Annual Meeting.

(xi)       Kerbstone by The Star:  This needs repairing.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

(xii)      Tree in Bus Layby along Copthorne Road:  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways.

(xiii)      Local Government Restructuring:  SCC have decided not to recommend a unitary authority.  Therefore the current arrangements will continue whereby SCC and TDC provide key local services.

(xiv)     Oak Tree on corner of Tangle Oak and Mill Lane:  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC if this has a TPO.

(xv)      Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  Mrs Hainge and Mr Harwood have been invited to the AGM on 3rd May.  They will be unable to attend due to the Parish Council Meeting and Local Council Elections on that day.

(xvi)     Felbridge Village Shop:  Barry Sargeant, TDC has investigated complaints and will monitor.

(xvii)     Solar Panels, Antler Homes Development, Copthorne Road:  TDC have confirmed they are not part of the planning application.

(xviii)    Mormon Temple, Newchapel:  Their planning application for a gold statue on the steeple was refused.  It has been confirmed that the housing is within Horne Parish but the temple is in Felbridge Parish.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Bob Evans, TDC, in the light of this planning application when it was reported that FPC had no comment to make. 

(xix)     Felbridge Horticultural Society:  10 gardens will be open on 1st July, supporting three charities – St Catherine’s Hospice, Cinnamon Trust and Tearfund.

(xx)      Village Website:  The next quiz will be held on 14th March at The Star.

(xxi)     Judges Corner:  The large puddle is still there in heavy rain.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

(xxii)     Bus Shelter, Crawley Down Road:  It was agreed that Mr Hainge would dig a trench to drain the puddle in front of the shelter.

(xxiii)    Parish Council Noticeboards:  Where necessary repairs and repainting have been done by Mr and Mrs Hainge.  An Ann Summers notice was removed from the noticeboard by the school, which damaged the paint.  Mrs Turk has asked if the noticeboard in Furnace Wood could be relocated.  It was agreed that there should be a noticeboard in Mill Lane.  Resolved:  Mr Harwood to contact TDC.

(xxiv)    BMX Bike Track in Woods behind Village Hall:  It was suggested that FPC might consider giving financial support to a more permanent course in the future.

(xxv)    Street Lamps in Rowplatt Lane:  These are not working at correct times.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(xxvi)    Trees overhanging payment:  Resolved:  Clerk to write to the owners of numbers 49 and 51 Copthorne Road.

11/07

 

(xxvii)   Litter Bin for new playground:  The Playground Association have asked for a donation towards the cost of an extra litter bin.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC to quote for a covered litter bin suitable for a play area.

(xxviii)  Footpath alongside A22:  The footpath near Woodcock Garage and Hobbs Industrial Estate needs clearing.  Resolved:  Clerk to add to the list for the Community Gang.

(xxix)    Communication between Councillors:  Concern was expressed that not all councillors receive copies of emails.  Mrs Winn agreed to print off copies of important emails for Mrs Hainge.

(xxx)    Grass Verge alongside Copthorne Road:  Vehicles frequently park on the verge near The Star.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Jonathan Bruce.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Weekly Planning List 5/2007

TA/2007/52:  Plot 5, 96-100 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 1x4 bed detached house. (Amendment to permission TA/2005/1719 to Plot 5 involving the omission of detached double garage and incorporation of an attached double garage on western side of dwelling and revised design.)  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/57:  3 Hedgecourt Place, Felbridge.  Conversion of garage to habitable room and store room.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/116:  Heathersett, Domewood, Copthorne.  Erection of conservatory to rear elevation.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 6/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 7/2007

TA/2007/189:  Cheddar Lodge, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey extension to south elevation.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 8/2007

TA/2007/215:  Woodsedge, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Demolition of House and carport.  Erection of detached 6 bed house and detached double garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/224:  Little Meadow, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey detached double garage.  Resolved:  The Parish Council are concerned about the visual impact of the garage from Mill Lane.

TA/2007/225:  Little Meadow, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of conservatory to rear elevation.  Resolved:  Whilst they have no objection to the conservatory, FPC wish to point out that the elevation on the drawing does not show the currently existing garage on the right of the front elevation, where a family room is shown.

Weekly Planning List 9/2007

TA/2007/82:  Brailands, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Retention of garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/208:  41 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of 41 Copthorne Road.  Erection of 2-storey block with rooms in roof comprising of 7x2-bed flats with associated access and 9 parking spaces.  (Outline).  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds of size and mass of building out of keeping, insufficient parking, access onto Copthorne Road, and amassed carpark at front of block against boundary of neighbour.

TA/2007/287:  Woodcock Hill Service Station, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Change of use of land to hand car wash and parking of coaches.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds of lack of information.

12/07

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Local Council Elections on 3rd May:  7 nomination packs will be sent to the Clerk in mid March for distribution to councillors.

(ii)        Tree Survey:  TDC will be carrying out a survey on all trees on council land, including the chestnut trees in Crawley Down Road, during March/April.

(iii)       Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  A letter has been received asking for a donation toward the cost of storage cupboards in the main tennis room, flooring for the entrance hall and equipment in the kitchen.  Resolved:  It was agreed that a letter should be sent offering a donation of £500 once the gaps in the hedge have been rectified.

(iv)       ‘Become a Councillor’ DVD:  SALC/SCAPTC have provided FPC with 2 DVDs and information packs, one has been given to the Chairman and one circulated.  Training for new councillors will be arranged for May/June.

(v)        Local Works:  Further support is requested.  Resolved:  It was agreed to take no further action at present.

(vi)       1st Hedgecourt Scout Group:  A letter of thanks has been received for FPC’s donation of £700.

(vii)      Felbridge Luncheon Club:  A letter of thanks has been received for FPC’s donation of £25.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Mrs Odell for further information.

(viii)      Flooding in Copthorne Road:-  A letter of thanks has been received from the owner on No. 118 thanking the Clerk and FPC for their help in getting the problem resolved with Surrey Highways.

(ix)       Tandridge Voluntary Service Council:  A letter has been received asking for a donation to cover the shortfall in running costs.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £100.

(x)        In circulation:  Communication from SE Regional Assembly, 25th Jan 07;  SCAPTC Minutes of General Meeting held on 17th Jan 07;  Letter from Surrey History Centre re Exploring Surrey’s Past, 24th Jan 07;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 1st Feb 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action, 25th Jan 07;  SCC Trading Standards email – Publicity Request, 31st Jan 07;  TDC News Release – Businesses Meet Council, 5th Feb 07;  GACC Press Release, 26th Jan 07;  TDC Special Resources Committee Agenda, 13th Feb 07;  TDC Council Agenda, 15th Feb 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 8th Feb 07;  NALC letter re Review of Quality Council Scheme, 6th Feb 07;  TDC News Release re Council’s Achievements, 6th Feb 07;  TDC News Release re Free Bus Passes, 7th Feb 07;  TDC News Release re District Council Tax Increase, 16th Feb 07;  Letter from Communities and Local Government enclosing Revised Code of Conduct, 22nd Jan 07;  Rights of Way and Countryside Access Annual Report 2005-06;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 15th Feb 07;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 21st Feb 07;  East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership Newsletter, Spring 07;  South Tandridge PCPG letter and Minutes of Meeting on 6th Dec 06;  SCC Minerals and Waste Development Framework consultations, 9th Feb 07;  TDC News Release re Citizen of the Year Award, 19th Feb 07;  TDC News Releases re Postal Voting and Electoral Register, 31st Jan and 26th Feb 07;  Tandridge Voluntary Service Council information from new General Manager, 27th Feb 07;  Partial Review of South East Plan – Primary Land-won Aggregates, 19th Feb 07;  TDC Standards Committee Agenda, 1st Mar 07;  TDC News Release re Smokefree Campaign, 1st Mar 07;  Regional Housing Strategy Review 2007, 5th Feb 07;  Surrey Matters, Spring 2007;  ‘Become a Councillor’ DVD and booklet.

13/07

 

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

 

534      K Harwood                  Bench Repairs (replacement for cheque no. 527)£95.39

535      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Mar                        £28.20

536      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Mar                              £205.19

537      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Mar                                  £ 30.19

538      R White                                    Office Allowance for February/March

and Petty Cash for February                     £139.35

539      J Clarke                                   Expenses for 2006-07                              £110.34

540      B Apps                                    RFP’s Expenses for 2006-07                     £19.23

541      SLCC                                      Clerk’s membership for 2007                     £65.00

542      D Hainge                                  Repairs to Noticeboards                             £32.56

543      Tandridge Voluntary Service Council - Donation                                       £100.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None

 

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

 

The meeting closed at approximately 11.25pm.

RW

12 March 2007