51/08

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 6th November 2008

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 (for part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ken Rimington and Sian Hewitt, EG Courier.

 

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 2nd October 2008 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  The solar panels on the three new houses in Copthorne Road can be seen above the roof line.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Linden Homes.

(ii)        Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  A reply has been received to FPC’s letter stating that the new School Organisation Plan was presented to SCC Executive on 4th November.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply to this letter asking for clarification of the additional primary provision likely to be needed in the South West Tandridge Area

(iii)       Vehicle Activated Signs:  The Parish Clerks of Worth and Lingfield have confirmed that none of their VAS signs were funded by the Parish Councils.  Surrey Police have advised that a semi permanent sign may be sited in Copthorne Road and have sent details of moveable signs which the Parish Council could finance.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest to Surrey Police that a VAS sign in Copthorne Road be sited between Hedgecourt Place and Mill Lane and that consideration should be given to a sign in Crawley Down Road.  Clerk to invite WPC Moira Cocks to the December meeting.

(iv)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Despite reminders, replies are awaited to emails sent to Mr Nick Skellett, Leader of TDC Council, and Mr David Hodge, Chairman of TDC Local Committee, regarding the delays.

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(v)        List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i) The CHO will inspect and arrange for a replacement reflective post on the edge of the kerb behind the Star Inn (reported 25.09.08 – Ref 82090864).  FPC have requested a metal post.

(ii) 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.

            (iii)  Potholes in Rowplatt Lane were reported to SCC on 20.05.08 (Ref 82073311).  A site visit was carried out on 11.6.08.  CHO considered no work was required.

(iv) A22 outside Glendale - The dip in the road was reported 03.03.08 – Ref 82061107.  This was inspected by the CHO and the utility company has been asked to carry out repairs.  Business Support Officer agreed to chase on 14.10.08.

(v) Crawley Down Road - The road surface is very uneven outside the Oak Farm development.  Re-reported to SCC 14.10.08 – Ref 82093065.

(vi) Copthorne Road – There is a bad hump by the puffin crossing.  Re-reported to SCC 14.10.08 – Ref 82093067.

(vii) Copthorne Road – There are potholes on the eastbound carriageway opposite Doves Barn and tear marks on the west and eastbound carriageways, west of Furnace Wood.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC again.

(viii) Rowplatt Lane - The raised manhole cover in the middle of the road outside The Ark was re-reported on 08.10.08 (Ref 82092457).  CHO to inspect.

(ix) Street Lamp in Rowplatt Lane - The lamp outside No. 26 has tape wrapped round it and is in a dangerous condition.  Reported to SCC on 08.10.08 (Ref 82092454).

(x) Storm Water Drains in Copthorne Road - Drains outside No. 51 and opposite the new development at 41 Copthorne Road are broken and have been reported to SCC (Ref. 82091180 29.09.08).

(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:  The footpaths outside Stone Cottage and between Whittington College and Felbridge Copse were re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 (Ref. 82093891and 82093892).  Philippa Gates has arranged for footpaths 261, 262 and 263 to be inspected and cleared.  Ian McBryde has spoken to Sian Hewitt regarding the absence of Felbridge planning applications in the newspaper.

(vii)      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 to visit site and arrange access with the resident.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(viii)      Verges:  The Managing Director of Antler Homes has agreed to arrange for the badly damaged verge near Housman Close to be repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(ix)       Travel Lodge on A22:  Monica Cooper from the Spirit Group confirmed on 25.09.08 that she is waiting for quotes to repair the broken fence.

(x)        Crawley Down Road:  An email has been received from Moira Cocks confirming that she will carry out speed checks with Paul Clifton when vehicles are leaving football matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Moira Cocks for feedback.

(xi)       Linden Homes Development:  The entrance to the three houses is wider than the drop curb.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Philip Evans to re-visit the site.

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(xii)      TDC Local Committee Meeting:  Despite reminders no reply has been received from the Chairman, David Hodge, who agreed to respond to our questions.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xiii)      Carpark at Bedding Centre:  It was agreed that cars for sale have been parked to the left of the drive for 4-5 years.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Philip Evans, TDC.

(xiv)     Number of Parish Councillors:  Hazel Oakley, TDC Electoral Services Manager, has agreed to check the regulations.

(xv)      Barongs:  Philip Evans, TDC, visited the site.  The two remaining signs at the entrance have planning permission.

(xvi)     Homelands:  SCC Highways have been asked to investigate the A-boards erected outside no. 71 Copthorne Road every day. 

(xvii)     Meeting Dates:  A list of dates for 2009 was circulated.

(xviii)    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.  This was given to Jeremy Clarke.

(xix)     Beef and Faggot Trust:  Joan Harwood will attend the meeting on 3rd December, as FPC’s representative.

(xx)      FSRA:  A letter has been received from Mr Voller confirming that at the AGM held on 26th September, two new trustees were elected.  Resolved:  Clerk to advise Mr Voller that Linda Hainge will continue as FPC’s representative.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Felbridge Nurseries:  Notification of a planning application for 18 dwellings was seen in the EG Courier.  Resolved:  As this is within 200 metres of the Felbridge boundary, Clerk to write to TDC planning and MSDC planning to ask that FPC and TDC are consulted

(ii)        Draft Budget:  This will be available at the December meeting.

(iii)       Model Publication Scheme 2009:  Under the Freedom of Information Act, FPC are required to publish a new publication scheme by January 2009.  Details were circulated to all councillors.  Resolved:  It was agreed that a sub-committee be formed, comprising of the Clerk, Ian McBryde, Jeremy Clarke and Brian Apps, to draft a publication scheme for FPC.

(iv)       Street Lighting along pavement in Crawley Down Road:  It was agreed that this is very poor.

(v)        Road Sign in Copthorne Road:  The road sign outside the new development in Copthorne Road is obstructing the pavement leaving insufficient space for wheelchairs etc to pass.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(vi)       Rowplatt Lane:  Grass cuttings have been left on the common land outside the last house in Rowplatt Lane before the junction with Crawley Down Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform Jonathan Bruce, TDC.

(vii)      New Church Hall Proposals:  An invitation to attend a consultation on 15th November has been circulated to all councillors.

(viii)      Crawley Down Road:  A skip and a pile of earth have been left on the re-seeded grass verge outside Oak House.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform Jonathan Bruce.

(ix)       Bulbs:  As Linda Hainge may be unable to plants the bulbs in 2008, it was agreed that this could be held over until 2009, if necessary.

(x)        Christmas Lights around Village Hall:  A request has been received from the Village Hall Committee for a donation towards the cost of new bulbs.  Resolved:  FPC agreed to a donation of up to £100.

(xi)       Youths around BMX Track:  A verbal complaint has been received from a resident about verbal abuse from youths using the BMX track in the woods behind the village hall.  Resolved:  It was agreed that residents should phone the Police when such incidents occur.

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(xii)      Planning Applications:  A letter was circulated from Woldingham Parish Council regarding planning applications submitted to TDC which lack all the information required under TDC’s requirements.  Resolved:  It was agreed FPC have had similar experiences and would support a joint approach to TDC.  Clerk to write to Woldingham Parish Clerk.

(xiii)      Tandridge District Core Strategy:  Jeremy Clarke gave a summary of the Core Strategy and Permitted Development Rights.  He explained that the green belt now includes the whole of Felbridge and that Policy No. RE2 now applies to Felbridge.

(xiv)     County Council Elections:  These will take place on 4th June 2009.  Councillor Sydney, currently TDC District Councillor for Dormansland, has been selected by the Conservative Group to stand as County Councillor in 2009.

(xv)      SCC Phone Numbers:  Wef from 1st December, the number for SCC will change to 03456 009 009.

(xvi)     Playground Association Bank Account:  FPC agreed that this should be closed.

(xvii)     Footpath from Pedestrian Crossing:  It was agreed that this should be monitored for 6 months.

(xviii)    Rules of Common Sign:  Linda Hainge agreed to clean this.

(xix)     Tree Outside Ebor Lodge, Eastbourne Road:    The tree is obstructing the pavement.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(xx)      Gypsy Sites:-  At a meeting of TDC P&E Committee on 4th November, it was agreed that TDC would use the Core Strategy when dealing with applications from gypsies and travellers.

(xxi)     Hedgecourt Lake Berm:  All trees and shrubs have been cut down.  Discussions are taking place with SCC over the need for a verge and how much of the existing verge is owned by SCC.

(xxii)     Felbridge School:  Ian McBryde has been asked to become a governor and has accepted.  Concern was expressed about the new lighting in the school carpark.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 29th September – 3rd October

TA/2008/1179:  Everglades, Domewood, Copthorne.  Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of detached 4-bed dwelling with integral double garage.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned that the clear bedroom windows at first floor level on east and west elevations could overlook neighbouring properties.  FPC would support this application if these windows were obscured, as there are other main windows in both bedrooms.

TA/2008/1390/TPO:  Mere, Domewood, Copthorne.  TPO 30, 2008 (T) – reduce laterals of 1 oak tree (T.1) by 10% on neighbour’s side and 20% on opposite side.  Reduce crown of 1 oak tree (T.3) by 20%.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned that no expert opinion was provided supporting the unsafe nature of the trees but are willing to support the advice of the tree officer.

Applications Acknowledged 6th – 10th October

TA/2008/1344:  Roseleigh Farmhouse, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement 6-bed dwelling.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/1418:  Land to rear of Dewley Mead, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of 5-bed detached dwelling with detached double garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 13th – 17th October

None in Felbridge.

Applications Acknowledged 20th – 24th October

TA/2008/1378:  48 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

55/08

 

Applications Acknowledged 27th – 31st October

TA/2008/1412:  Cheddar Lodge, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey front, side and rear extensions incorporating accommodation in roof space.  Resolved:  FPC object on the grounds that these extensions are a disproportionate addition over and above the size of the original dwelling.

Applications Acknowledged 3rd – 7th November

TA/2008/1489:  Faringay, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Retention of front porch.  Erection of two storey side extension.  Resolved:  FPC wholeheartedly support the retention of the front porch and support the side extension.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Community Services Personnel:  The probation service are looking for indoor work for the winter months.  The labour is free of charge but materials need to be provided. 

(ii)        Parish Emergency Plans:  An email has been received from the Committee Services Manager offering to help parishes create Emergency Plans.

(iii)       Felbridge Luncheon Club:  A letter has been received asking for a donation towards the cost of their Christmas Lunch on 11th December.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £30.

(iv)       CCTV Insurance:  A letter has been received from the Treasurer of the Village Hall Committee thanking FPC for their donation towards the cost of insurance.

(v)        Under Age Drinking:  A resident has reported a party which took place in October close to Felwater.  The Police were involved and the resident and his family cleared up the rubbish left behind.

(vi)       TVSC:  An invitation has been received to a Network Lunch on 4th December.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(vii)      SCAPTC:  SCAPTC have recommended to their AGM on 22nd October an increase in the annual subscription for Felbridge for 2009/10 of £15.82.

(viii)      In circulation:  Surrey Voice, Autumn 2008;  Letter from Surrey Police re Policing Green Paper;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 9th Oct 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 2nd Oct 08;  TDC Council Agenda, 15th Oct 08;  TDC Special Planning & Environment Committee Agenda and TDC Core Strategy – Version for Adoption, 15th Oct 08;  The Voice, Oct 08;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 16th Oct 08;  TDC News Release re Core Strategy Adoption, 16th Oct 08;  Surrey Community Action Newsletter, Oct 08;  Media Release re airline cash payout, 21st Oct 08;  Lord Progress Report, Oct 08;  Email from Lord re Operators Licences, 25th Oct 08;  TDC News Release re New President of National Revenues Rating and Valuation Institute, 29th Oct 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 30th Oct 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 23rd Oct 08;  TDC Special Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 4th Nov 08;  LCR Journal, Nov 08;  TDC Email re Leaf Mould Bag Promotion, 28th Oct 08;  Surrey Community Action Magazine, Autumn 08;  Surrey Wildlife Trust Milestones 2007-08;  TDC Council Agenda, 6th Nov 08;  TDC News Release re car disposal service, 27th Oct 08;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Nov 08;  ERHA Report and Review 08;  TDC Standards Committee Agenda, 10th Nov 08;  Communities and Local Government consultation paper, Oct 08..

56/08

 

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

 

659      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for November             £29.38

660      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for November                    £193.03

661      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for November                         £48.20

662      R White                                    Office Allowance for November

and Petty Cash for October                       £67.67

663      My Security Systems Plc          Additional CCTV Camera                       £658.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS - None

 

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

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.25pm

 

RW  

13 November 2008