20/07

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 3rd May 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

Mrs Marian Winn

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

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

 

The Chairman welcomed four residents with properties affected by planning application TA/2007/528.  Two of these residents have already written to TDC pointing out the errors in this planning application which shows their land clearly indicated within the bounds of this application although the developer does not own this land.  The residents are concerned about over density, the height of the properties, the access road taking common land and damage to the chestnut trees, boundary distances, wildlife and distance from existing properties.  They would like to work with the Parish Council, if FPC decide to object to this planning application.  The Chairman pointed out that the residents should also put forward their own case to TDC.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th April were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Community Speedwatch:  8 volunteers are willing to join the scheme.  10-12 people are required.  Resolved:  Bridget Huntington will design a leaflet for delivery to houses in Rowplatt Lane, Copthorne Road and Mill Lane to appeal for a few more volunteers.

(ii)        Speed Survey:  Dormansland PC have confirmed that their two signs will cost £8,000 and they have obtained a grant of £2,000 towards the cost.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest to WPC Moira Cocks that a speed check be carried out in Crawley Down Road between 4-5pm on a Saturday following a football match.

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

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  The CCTV cameras and equipment have been installed and are working.  A new double electrical socket is required and a shelf is being made for the equipment inside the cupboard.

(v)        A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  Delay due to EDF.

21/07

 

(vi)       Tidiness of Village:  Surrey Highways have confirmed that the safety rail will be installed at the same time as the pavement resurfacing along Copthorne Road.

(vii)      List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

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

            (ii) There are no plans at present to resurface the pavement along the south side of Copthorne Road between Long Wall and Crawley Down Road, although some areas may be improved when the road is resurfaced

(iii) Parking on verges/footpaths – Surrey Highways believe that posts could create more problems and need maintaining.  Also any displaced parking could cause congestion.  Resolved:  Parking to be monitored.

            (iv) Surrey Highways have confirmed that the stretch of Copthorne Road between Mill Lane and Doves Barn will not be resurfaced in June/July due to reduced budgets.  However this section has been moved up the list of future work.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways to ask that the potholes along Copthorne Road between Mill Lane and the county boundary are repaired.

            (v) Resurfacing of Mill Lane - following a meeting held on 4^th April with Surrey Highways, the contractors have been asked to resurface as far as the bridge, tidy the area just before the bridge to make it usable for passing, finish off and seal the driveways, and repair the verges.

            (vi) Street lights at entrance to new development – the three new lampposts erected on Copthorne Road replace two existing ones on the southern side of the road which will be decommissioned once the new ones have been certified by EDF.  Therefore there should only be one additional lamp column.  Three 5 metre lamp columns within the new development were approved by SCC.

            vii) Pavement along Crawley Down Road – tree roots have pushed up the tarmac.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

(viii)      Skateboard Ramp:  Paul Matten carried out an inspection earlier this year and the TDC playground inspector checks the skateboard weekly.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask TDC for a copy of Paul Matten’s half-yearly report.

(ix)       Playground:  The Playground official opening is at 12 noon on 5^th May.  The contractors have advised that no trees should be planted in the centre of the playground.  A plaque is required giving the names of all sponsors.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC about 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.

(x)        Policing in Felbridge:  It was agreed that Surrey Police could hold a Neighbourhood Panel meeting on 7^th June, 6^th Sept and 1^st Nov, at the start of the FPC meetings.  They held a successful surgery on 30^th April and spoke to several residents.

(xi)       Village Hall Carpark:  It was agreed to ask the Village Hall Committee for their suggestions for extending the village hall carpark and widening the entrance.  Resolved:  Clerk to speak to Linda Hainge.

(xii)      Outstanding Surrey Highways Issues:  It was agreed that a list be sent to Ken Rimington to include the following:-.

            (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 19^th March.

22/07

 

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

(xiv)     Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road:  Surrey Highways have confirmed that funds are unlikely to be available to install kerbstones between the school carpark entrance and the entrance to the village hall.  Posts have been placed in badly damaged area.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC to ask if the mounds of earth could be repaired.

(xv)      Village Green:  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 contact Jonathan Bruce re posts and to ask for the ruts on the green to be repaired.

(xvi)     Oak Tree on corner of Tangle Oak and Mill Lane:  TDC have agreed to look at this tree.

(xvii)     Parish Council Noticeboard in Mill Lane:  Planning permission is required.  It was agreed to go ahead.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood to contact Jeremy Clarke re the spare noticeboard.

(xviii)    BMX Bike Track in Woods behind Village Hall:  FPC discussed and are concerned over liability.  To be discussed at future meeting.

(xix)     Trees overhanging payment:  A letter has been sent to the owners of numbers 49 and 51 Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to the occupier of no. 51 and ask Surrey Highways to comment.

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

(xxi)     Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  Jonathan Bruce has asked 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.

(xxii)     Tile Showroom, Felbridge:  TDC will check the signs. 

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         School sign along Copthorne Road – this is bent and buried in the hedge.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Surrey Highways for Community Gang.

(ii)        Accounts for year ending 31^st March 2007:  These have been finalised in draft form.

(iii)       Flyposting:  Several notices have been removed.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact the companies.

(iv)       Laminator:  It was agreed that long-term it would be cheaper to purchase a laminator for approx £100.  Resolved:  Bridget Huntington to obtain prices.

(v)        Printer/Scanner:  It was agreed that a printer/scanner would be useful for single photocopies.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain prices.

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

(vii)      Oak Farm Hedge:  The new hedge has been very sparsely planted with no mixture of hedging and in exactly the same line as the old hedge.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC Planning Dept to ask them to check whether the entrance has been constructed in accordance with the plans and the line of the hedge, and to ensure that a thick hedge of assorted species is planted (part of the Appeal statement).

(viii)      Footpath along Copthorne Road from Mill Lane to Hedgecourt Place:  Despite numerous requests to Surrey Highways to ask for the hedge and brambles to be cut back, nothing has been done.  Ken Harwood has written to Ken Rimington.

23/07

 

(ix)       Dips in Crawley Down Road:  The road has sunk where pipes were laid for the Oak Farm development.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Weekly Planning List 15/2007

TA/2007/504:  Doves Barn Nurseries, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of 2 free standing non illuminated signs to entrance.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/505:  Doves Barn Nurseries, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of free standing conservatory for use as a showroom.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned over visual impact on listed building.  FPC wish to support local business and therefore recommend that the conservatory is build south of the current position and away from the barn.

Weekly Planning List 16/2007

TA/2007/501:  Barn Adjacent to Doves Barn Nursery, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Continued use of barn as office and conservatory showroom.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/514:  Stratfords House, Hobbs Industrial Estate, Newchapel.  Change of use from Class C3 to Class B1.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/558:  Amber Cottage, 10 Wembury Park, Newchapel.  Demolition of attached garage.  Erection of 2-storey side extension & 2 dormer windows to front roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

Weekly Planning List 17/2007

TA/2007/528:  32-34 & land r/o 28 & 30 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of Nos. 32-34 Crawley Down Road and erection of 9 houses (3x5-bed detached, 1x4-bed detached, 3x3-bed detached & 2x3-bed semi-detached), with associated garaging and formation of new access road.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds of proximity to existing houses, over density, busy road junction, loss of common land, boundary issues, difference in ground levels, inappropriate mass, impact on historic chestnut trees, garage to Plot 1 remote from house, traffic report taken during half term holiday, no shop and primary school full, impact on wildlife.

TA/2007/540/C:  Strath Cottage & 11-15 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 6 detached houses and new access drive following demolition of Strath Cottage and other buildings (consultation from Mid Sussex CC).  Resolved:  No action.

Weekly Planning List 18/2007

TA/2007/479: One Oak, Rowplatt Lane, Felbridge.  Demolition of garage.  Erection of rear extension and formation of front and rear gable ends to extended roof.  (Revised drawings)  Resolved:  It was agreed to object on the grounds of substantial increase in size of house and number of windows overlooking neighbours property.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Annual Parish Meeting:  It was agreed to invite a representative from Surrey Wildlife Trust to speak at the Annual Parish Meeting on 7^th June.  The meeting will commence at 7pm and invitations will be sent to local groups. 

(ii)        Tandridge Access Group:  An invitation has been received to attend the 15^th AGM on 5^th June 2007.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(iii)       Surrey Wildlife Trust:  A letter has been received asking FPC to renew its annual subscription due on 1^st May 07.  Resolved:  It was agreed to renew our subscription at a cost of £38.

(iv)       SCAPTC Management Committee:  An email has been received asking for nominations of members to serve on the management committee.  The AGM will be held on 14^th July 07.  Resolved:  No nominations were suggested.

24/07

 

(v)        Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group:  A request for a donation towards the work of the Surrey group has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a donation.

(vi)       Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC):  FPC’s annual subscription is due in May 2007.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send £20 to cover the annual subscription and one newsletter.

(vii)      Surrey Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum:  A request for volunteers to join this forum has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(viii)      In circulation:  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 17^th April 07;  Surrey Nature, Spring 07;  Natural World, Spring 07;  Surrey Community Action Newsletter, Spring 07;  TDC News Release – Share a Car, 18^th April 07;  East Surrey Passenger Transport Forum Minutes of Meeting on 8^th March 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 25^th April 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 19^th April 07;  TDC Council Agenda, 26^th April 07;  TDC News Release re Illegal Advertising, 24^th April 07;  TDC News Release re Hearing Tests, 26^th April 07;  LCR Journal, May 07;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes, 17^th April 07;  Farming & Wildlife, Autumn/Winter 06;  Clerks & Councils Direct, May 07;  Email from Community Safety Manager re distraction burglars, 1^st May 07;  Email from SEERA Steering Group re traveller camps, 2^nd May 07;  BAA Gatwick Interim Master Plan, October 06;  The Playing Field, Spring 07. 

 

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

 

549      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for May                   £28.20

550      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for May              £200.09

551      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for May                             £ 35.29

552      R White                                    Office Allowance for May

and Petty Cash for April                       £140.77

553      Felbridge Village Hall                Contribution for clearing storm

                                                                        water drains and room hire for

                                                                        planning meetings Jan-Mar 07   £107.20

554      Allianz Cornhill             Insurance Premium due 1^st June 07       £932.32

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 7^th June at 7.30pm, following the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.29pm.

 

RW

10 May 2007