07/09

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 5th March 2009

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

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

 

            Ian McBryde declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2009/106, the nature of the interest being that he lives in the house next to Alton House, The Limes.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, he left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

            Bridget Huntington declared a personal interest in planning application TA/2009/106, the nature of the interest being that she lives in the house opposite Alton House, The Limes.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she stayed in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon.

Jeremy Clarke, Brian Apps and Linda Hainge declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the letter from Felbridge and District History Group, the nature of the interest being that they are all members of this group.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, they left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th February 2009 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  Following an email and photos from Ken Harwood, TDC Planning Department have sent a letter to Linden Homes asking them what action they are taking to resolve the problem of the solar panels, as they do not conform to the planning application.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  Resolved:  Clerk to contact WPC Moira Cocks regarding a sign in Copthorne Road, somewhere between Hedgecourt Place and Mill Lane.  When reply received, Clerk to contact Ken Harwood and Ian McBryde.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Jeremy Clarke agreed to follow up with Mr Peter Ainsworth MP who is investigating the SCC delays. 


08/09

 

(iv)       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 29.01.09 SCC confirmed that they are chasing the utility company.  On 02.03.09 CHO confirmed work still in progress.

(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 02.03.09 CHO confirmed work still in progress.

(iii) Copthorne Road – On 02.03.09 CHO reported that he is investigating the work carried out by the contractor.  Resolved:  It was agreed that photos of the potholes should in future be sent to the CHO.  FPC to continue to report potholes to SCC and follow up with the CHO.

New potholes now outside Crawley Down Garage.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to FPC.

(iv) 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 02.03.09 that drains have been ordered and the job has been given to the Community Gang on 4th Dec, still on outstanding list.

(v) Footpaths alongside A22 – (re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 Ref. 82093891and 82093892) on 04.12.08 the Community Gang was instructed to clear the footpath outside Stone Cottage and cut back the trees/hedge between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse.  TDC were asked to clear the mud from the footpath.  Resolved:  Ian McBryde to check.

(vi) 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).

(vii) Road Sign in Copthorne Road outside Mulberry Gate - obstructing the pavement leaving insufficient space for wheelchairs etc to pass, reported to SCC on 20.11.08 (Ref 82097824).  CHO reported 02.03.09 that not investigated as considered low priority.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact CHO to point out this is a very busy main road and therefore dangerous.

(viii) Pothole on the yellow box section on Copthorne Road at the junction with Crawley Down Road was reported to SCC on 02.03.09 (Ref 83008384).

(v)        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.

(vi)       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.  SCC reported on 29.01.09 that there is a major dispute with the residents.  CHO referred to Ron Parker 02.03.09.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up and point out one resident has already fallen in ditch and considering a claim.

(vii)      Verges:  Following numerous phone calls, Tony Dunk, Customer Care Manager, Antler Homes, has been asked to inspect the badly damaged verge near Housman Close.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood to follow up.

(viii)      Crawley Down Road:  Ian Marshall, FSRA, has confirmed that there is normally space in the carpark unless there are consecutive matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask FSRA to make arrangements, when there are consecutive matches, to ensure that no cars are parked on the grass verges. 

Speed checks – no reports of speed checks have been received from PC Paul Clifton


09/09

 

(ix)       Carpark at Bedding Centre:  Philip Evans, TDC confirmed on 05.05.09 that the case is now closed.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood agreed to write to Bob Evans.

(x)        Number of Parish Councillors:  Clive Moore, TDC Monitoring Officer, has agreed to obtain some proposed wording for a petition.

(xi)       Letter from PRC:  A reply has been received from Paul Newdick, TDC, enclosing copies of all internal and external correspondence relating to the SE Plan, bypass and housing development.  At the next meeting Jeremy Clarke will report on what action should be taken.

(xii)      Rules of Common Sign:  Jonathan Bruce has agreed to consider replacing the sign in the new financial year.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Steve Hyder.

(xiii)      Dundori:  Philip Evans, TDC, visited the site at 49 Copthorne Road on 17.02.09 and has confirmed that prosecution will take place.

(xiv)     Gatwick Security Team:  PCSO John Chisholm has confirmed that he will speak for 20-25 minutes at the Annual Parish Meeting on 7th May 2009. 

(xv)      The Star Inn:  The A-board was reported to SCC on 24.02.09 (Ref 83007481).  CHO contacted pub by email and phone.  Resolved:  Clerk to report sign on the fence to TDC.  Clerk to contact CHO to ask for immediate action.

(xvi)     Speedwatch:  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Moira Cocks about the possibility of a site in Copthorne Road (near Hedgecourt Place) and on the A22 near The Limes. 

(xvii)     Judges Corner Roundabout:  A letter has been received from SCC regarding road closures.  Resolved:  Clerk to circulate copy of letter to all councillors.

(xviii)    Mobile Easistore Sign:   Jo Sanford will investigate this sign on Woodcock Coaches land.

(xix)     What’s on in Felbridge:  The draft was agreed.  300 copies to be printed and circulated to new housing developments, village hall, church, noticeboards, website etc.  The Chairman thanked Linda Hainge for her work in updating this leaflet and Jacob Wood for Roshe School’s sponsorship of the leaflet.

(xx)      Bridle Way 257:  A report has been submitted to The Director of Planning, TDC, with a copy to SCC.  A residents association has been formed.

(xxi)     GACC:  John Byng, a member of the GACC Committee, has agreed to speak to FPC on 4th June.  Resolved:  Clerk to confirm with John Byng.

(xxii)     Footpaths:  FPC’s letter to SCC asking for definitive maps and statements for all footpaths within Felbridge parish has been passed to Countryside Legal Dept.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xxiii)    Circulation Bag:  The Chairman reminded councillors that the circulation bag should be passed to the next person on the list as soon as possible.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Forge Farm:  Mr Peter Ainsworth MP has been in contact with Ken Harwood about people living in the barn.

(ii)        Hedgecourt Lake:  Ken Harwood believes there is a health & safety issue due to the sheer drop into the lake from the top of the sandbag walls.

(iii)       Mikandras, Mill Lane:  The garage roof has been demolished.

(iv)       Lingfield Division Parking:  Ken Harwood attended the meeting on 4th March.

(v)        Burglaries:  3 burglaries have been reported in Copthorne Road recently.  All affected residents were visited by Ken Harwood.

(vi)       Wiremill Inn:  Philip Evans, TDC, agreed to visit the site on 5th March to investigate the two large advertising signs which have been erected either side of the entrance to Wiremill Lane.

(vii)      Gatwick Security Team:  At a recent meeting with Ken Harwood, the team expressed their concern over security surrounding Gatwick airport.

(viii)      RFO’s Job Title:  It was agreed that, as required by Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, Brian Apps’ existing unpaid role as Responsible Finance Officer shall be re-titled Finance Officer.  A signed copy of the minutes of the


10/09

 

            meeting on 5th March 2009 to be sent with the Annual Return.

(ix)       Minutes: It was confirmed that each page of the minutes are initialled by the chair of the meeting and signed on the last page in accordance with Schedule 12, para 41(2) of the LGA 1972.

(x)        Formal Review of Expenditure vs Budget:  It was agreed that this item will be added to the agenda for the October meeting annually.

(xi)       Internal Audit Effectiveness:  The Annual Review of the schedule of Audit Effectiveness was carried out and updated where appropriate.

(xii)      Risk Management Review:  The Risk Management Schedule was reviewed and updated where appropriate.

(xiii)      Speedwatch:  Brian Apps has spoken to Graeme Stagg, who is planning to carry out more speed surveys now that the weather has improved.

(xiv)     41 & 43 Copthorne Road:  An email has been received from TDC asking for suggestions for a street name for this site.  Resolved:  It was agreed to suggest Chestnut Way or a similar name relating to woodland or the village, or Sampson Way in memory of Mrs Sampson who was a local resident and county councillor.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

            Meeting of the Planning Sub-Committee held on 19th February 2009 – attended by Brian Apps, Jeremy Clarke, Joan Harwood and Linda Hainge

Applications Acknowledged 2nd – 6th February 2009

TA/2009/82 and 83:  46-56 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Variation of condition 4 on permission TA/2006/1550 to allow works to trees.  Variation of condition 4 on permission TA/2006/1611 to allow works to trees.  Resolved:  FPC responded with comments based upon Plan ref: 10113_TR_001, titled ‘trees to be removed’ dated Nov 2008, on the basis that the trees to be removed are only those marked in RED and that all trees marked in GREEN are to be retained without lopping, topping or felling.  FPC object to the removal of the trees marked in red as these form an integral part of the screening of the north boundary of the site.  They do not believe that removing the trees marked in red will strengthen the screening of the north boundary; in fact it will significantly reduce it thus directly contradicting the views of the Planning Inspector and will have a negative impact upon the visual amenities of the green belt outside the settlement.  FPC object on the basis that no justification has been provided to support the necessity to remove the trees marked in red.  FPC also object to lopping or topping works on trees marked in GREEN for the following reasons:-  two trees marked in green are subject to TPO’s;  this would not increase or strengthen screening;  no reasoned justification has been given;  and this would have a negative impact upon the visual amenity along the western boundary.

Applications Acknowledged 9th – 13th February 2009

TA/209/15:  Lynwood, The Limes, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 5th March 2009

Applications Acknowledged 16th – 20th February 2009

TA/2009/138:  Camelot, Heather Way, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing garage and single storey side extension.  Erection of single storey side extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 23rd – 27th February 2009

Ian McBryde left the meeting

TA/2009/106:  Alton House, The Limes, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing conservatory and single storey rear extension and erection of single storey rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

Ian McBryde rejoined the meeting.

11/09

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Standards Workshop:  The Clerk reported on a training session held at TDC offices on 18th February and explained the differences between ‘Personal Interest’ and ‘Personal and Prejudicial Interest’.  It was agreed that future minutes should show the dates of Planning Sub-Committee Meetings, names of persons attending, and details of applications discussed separately. 

(ii)        Village Fair:  An email has been received giving details of the village fair to be held on Saturday, 20th June.  Resolved:  It was agreed that the Clerk should send an open letter to the planning committee confirming that the Parish Council is pleased that once again the village fair is being organised this year and would like all village organisations to be given the opportunity to take part.

(iii)       Society of Local Council Clerks:  It was agreed that the membership fee of £72 should be paid by the Council on behalf of the Clerk.

Jeremy Clarke, Brian Apps and Linda Hainge left the meeting.

(iv)       Felbridge and District History Group:  A letter has been received asking for a donation towards the costs of hiring the village hall on Sunday, 13th September for the group to mount an exhibition as part of the Heritage Open Days Scheme.  Resolved:  A donation of £189.60 was agreed.

Jeremy Clarke, Brian Apps and Linda Hainge rejoined the meeting.

(v)        TDC Local Committee:  A meeting will be held on Friday, 6th March at TDC Offices in Oxted.

(vi)       In circulation:  TDC Corporate Strategy News, Jan 09;  SCAPTC Bulletin, Feb 09;  The Playing Field, Winter 08-09;  Letter from SCC re Surrey Minerals and Waste Development Framework, Feb 09;  TDC Council Agenda, 19 Feb 09;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 17 Feb 09;  TDC Core Strategy adopted 15 Oct 08;  TDC News Release re Council Tax increases, 20 Feb 09;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 19 Feb 09;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 26 Feb 09;  Tandridge Local Committee Agenda, 6 Mar 09;  SCC Youth Project Bulletin, Feb 09;  TDC News Release re Website, 3 Mar 09;  Friends of East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Mar 09;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 12 Mar 09;  Town and Parish Standard, Feb 09;  LCR, Mar 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Mar 09;  TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 5 Mar 09,  Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan, 2009-14.

 

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

 

680      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for March       £28.75

681      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for March                          £193.03

682      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for March                   £48.20

683      R White                                    Office Allowance for March

and Petty Cash for February                      £76.06

684      Society of Local Council Clerks – Clerks Membership                   £72.00

685      B. Apps                                   RFO’s Expenses 2008-09                         £20.72

686      Fun and Friends                        One-off payment                                     £200.00

687      Felbridge Bowling Club            Donation for new dishwasher                   £600.00

688      R. White                                   Backpay for 2.75% salary increase            £63.80

689      HM Revenue & Customer        Tax on Backpay                                        £15.80

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS – Ian McBryde and Ken Harwood agreed to provide a suitable tent for the Parish Council stand at the village fair.

12/09

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd April 2009 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.20pm.

 

RW

11 March 2009