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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 1^st November 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present: Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

Mr Brian Apps

Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Linda Hainge

Mr Ken Rimington (attended part of meeting)

Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ken Harwood, Mr Ian McBryde and Mrs Marian Winn.

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 4^th October 2007 were approved and signed.

4. MATTERS ARISING

(i) Overdevelopment in Felbridge: Further to Bob Evans attendance at the meeting on 4^th October, it was agreed that a letter be sent to Utilities companies to ask what level of expansion in Felbridge has been allowed in their plans over the next three years. Resolved: Clerk to send letters.

(ii) TDC Planning Interactive: Bob Evans has adequately answered in writing all the points raised in Jeremy Clarke’s email.

(iii) Community Speedwatch: Speedwatch roundels have been placed in Crawley Down Road and at the end of Rowplatt Lane. 7 volunteers have been trained. Once a co-coordinator has been appointed and the kit delivered, Moira Cocks will arrange the first check.

(iv) Speed Survey: Despite frequent reminders, no reply has been received to an email dated 27^th July 07 sent to Derek Poole, Surrey Highways asking for two vehicle activated signs for vehicles entering Felbridge – one on Crawley Down Road on the county boundary and one on Copthorne Road near Doves Barn, both at the point where the speed limit reduces. Resolved: Clerk to speak to PC Paul Clifton about VAS.

(v) Speed Limit Signs: A reply is awaited to a letter sent to Jenny Isaacs, the new Head of Transport at Surrey Highways, giving her a summary of events. Resolved: Clerk to follow up.

(vi) CCTV Camera: Jeremy Clarke has obtained a quote from Misco for a UPS costing £58 + VAT. Tom Goodall has agreed to re-programme the equipment. A draft letter to the Village Hall Committee to explain FPC’s reasons for not wishing to give cupboard keys to all their members was circulated. Resolved: Clerk to contact Tom Goodall and send the letter to the Village Hall Committee.

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(vii) A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing: SCC legal department have confirmed that the Planning Inspector does not have authority to direct the re-siting of the puffin crossing. However Surrey Highways have agreed to move the crossing if the developers pay for the work. Angela Goddard, TDC is heading the legal processes for its relocation. Resolved: Clerk to contact Angela Goddard to ensure that the residents of Nos 58 and 60 are properly consulted.

(viii) List of Surrey Highway Repairs:

(i) No reply has been received from Surrey Highways to FPC’s email requesting posts on grass verges. Resolved: Clerk to contact Jenny Isaacs. Clerk to send a letter to the owners of Little Eden concerning cars parked on the grass verge.

(ii) Resurfacing of two sections of Copthorne Road (A22 to junction of Crawley Down Road and from No. 70 to the junction of Rowplatt Lane) will commence on 8^th Nov.

(iii) Surrey Highways have agreed to investigate the potholes along Copthorne Road between Doves Barn and the county boundary and those in the lay-by at the entrance to Furnace Wood. Resolved: Clerk to follow up.

(ix) Skateboard Ramp: Jonathan Bruce has instructed Paul Matten to carry out work required costing £150 plus VAT. Resolved: Clerk to confirm that work has been carried out.

(x) Playground: The burnt seat has been repaired. A formal quote for £3,454 incl VAT has been received from Cotswold Playgrounds for surfacing the remaining areas of grass inside the playground. Resolved: Clerk to organise a plaque giving the names of all sponsors.

(xi) Village Hall Carpark: The Village Hall Committee will agree their suggestions at their November meeting.

(xii) 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: Steve Cunnah, Surrey Highways, has confirmed that the remaining clearance work is beyond the capabilities of the Community Gang. He is trying to obtain further funding for this work. Resolved: Clerk to contact Steve Cunnah to reiterate how dangerous these pavements have become.

(xiii) Village Green: Jonathan Bruce, TDC, has asked that the situation be monitored. If there is an ongoing problem with vehicles driving across the green, he will consider posts.

(xiv) 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.

(xv) Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association: A reply is awaited to FPC’s letter stating that the money must be used for a physical object of benefit to parishioners.

(xvi) Oak Farm Hedge: Jo Sanford, TDC Planning Dept, has obtained ownership details from the Land Registry.

(xvii) Mill Lane Pavement: The request for the pavement to be extended into Mill Lane has been forward to Derek Poole, Local Highway Manager.

(xviii) Information Leaflet: Final draft has been agreed. It was agreed that up to £100 could be spent on printing costs.

(xix) Bench outside Playground: The bench has been installed. Resolved: Clerk to add this to FPC’s insurance policy.

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(xx) Felbridge School Admissions: An email has been received from Mark Burton, School Place Planning Manager, saying that the database will not be able to provide information on where a non-allocated child has gone, unless he has their identity.

(xxi) Public Footpath 263: Philippa Gates has instructed SCC’s contractors to clear both Footpath 286 and 263. Resolved: Footpaths to be checked.

(xxii) Chairmen Board: Burrwood Furniture have been instructed to carry out the work. Three names will be put onto the new board.

(xxiii) A22 outside Glendale: The dip in the road has not been repaired. Resolved: Clerk to follow up.

5. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

(i) Surrey Highways: Ken Rimington reported that an extra £500,000 is available for East Surrey. Resolved: Clerk to write to Jenny Isaacs to ask if it is possible for the remainder of Copthorne Road to be resurfaced.

(ii) Judges Corner: Detailed design work should be completed by 20^th Nov and tenders put out in January. The owners are not currently willing to sell the small piece of land on the corner which needs to be purchased. Ken Rimington does not expect a redesign of the roundabout as a result on non-purchase of this piece of land. £600,000 from the 07/08 budget will be carried over to the 08/09 budget, and added to £500,000 from the 08/09 budget.

Mr Rimington left the meeting.

(iii) Current Balances: Current account balance - £598. Savings account - £26,095. Total = £26,693.

(iv) Annual Return: The Annual Return for the year ended 31.03.2007 has been received back from the external auditors who raised one Issue. They claimed that as at 31.03.07 the Council's Fidelity Guarantee was insufficient to cover the bank balances plus the amount of the precept subsequently received in April. This in not correct. The £35000 cover was adequate - on 5th April, after receipt that day of the £6000 precept & the payment of cheques authorised at April's meeting, the balances peaked at £34905. Resolved: The RFO was asked to write to the auditors asking them to re-consider & remove the Issue.

(v) Budget Update at 31.10.07: A copy was circulated.

(vi) Precept 08/09: RFO agreed to prepare budget for 2008/09. Councillors agreed to consider suitable projects for the village for the next meeting.

(vii) Scouts Trailer: Linda Hainge confirmed that the trailer had been purchased with the assistance of FPC’s donation of £700 in 2006/07.

(viii) Felbridge Nursery: This site has been sold.

(ix) Planning Inspectors Report: The phrase about Felbridge not being too sensitive not to be able to absorb 32 houses was discussed. It was agreed that no action would be taken following Bob Evans meeting with FPC. Peter Ainsworth has written to Bob Evans asking for a statement of his position and understanding.

(x) Burglary: Surrey Police will visit the family to apologise for the way they handled this burglary.

(xi) Track in field in Mill Lane: The bricks have been removed.

(xii) Wiremill: The new owners will resubmit a planning application for the sewage works. Ken Harwood has asked the E.A. to get involved.

(xiii) Beaver Farm Polytunnels have been approved.

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6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Applications Registered 8^th – 12^th October

TA/2007/1511: Kenmare, Herons Close, Copthorne. Erection of 2 storey extension to front elevation, 2 storey side extension, dormer window to rear roof slope and extension of dormer window to rear roof slope. Erection of fence, piers and gates to front boundary. Resolved: No action.

TA/2007/1599: Forge Farm, Stubpond Lane, West Park Road, Newchapel. Change of use of land for the stationing of 6 pitches to be used as a private gypsy caravan site. Resolved: FPC oppose this proposal as they believe it represents inappropriate development on green belt land.

TA/2007/1600: Dundori, Twitten Lane, Felbridge. Demolition of dwelling. Erection of 8 dwellings (3 x terraced, 2 x semi-detached and 3 x detached) with access sightlines including frontage of the property Bitterne. Resolved: It was agreed to object on the grounds of concern about any increase in the number of properties entering Rowplatt Lane; no confirmation of adequate turning circles for large vehicles; inadequate passing bay in Twitten Lane; concern over roof heights of plots 4 and 5; impact of Plot 7 on the amenities of No. 5 Evelyn Close; removal of holly hedge with rich habitat. FPC have requested a site visit and if planning permission is granted, that they are consulted over traffic movements and controls to minimize harm to residents of Rowplatt Lane.

TA/2007/1605: Site of Former Vicarage Lodge, The Glebe, Felbridge. Erection of 2 x 4-bed detached houses. Resolved: No action.

TA/2007/1617: 4 Wheelers Way, Felbridge. Demolition of porch. Erection of single storey extension to front and rear elevations. Resolved: No action.

Applications Registered 15^th – 19^th October

TA/2007/1588: 94 Copthorne Road, Felbridge. Erection of First floor side extension. Resolved: No action.

TA/2007/1625: Roseleigh, West Park Road, Copthorne. Erection of 2-storey side extension. Resolved: No action.

TA/2007/1627: Tudor Lodge, Mill Lane, Copthorne. Erection of conservatory to rear elevation and porch to front elevation. Resolved: No action.

Applications Registered 22^nd – 26^th October

TA/2007/1585: 32-34 and land r/o 28 and 30 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge. Demolition of 32 and 34 Crawley Down Road. Erection of 8 detached and semi-detached houses together with garaging and formation of access road. Resolved: It was agreed to object on the grounds of roof windows in plots 6, 7 and 8 (currently no 3-storey buildings in this part of Felbridge); roof windows on Plot 7 overlook property in Tithe Orchard; impact on wildlife; inappropriate development in rural village.

Applications Registered 29^th – 2^nd November

TA/2007/1645: Land at 76-84 Copthorne Road, Felbridge. Demolition of 82 Copthorne Road. Construction of new access road and erection of 1 x 5-bed detached, 4 x 4-bed detached, 2 x 3-bed detached and 2 x 3-bed semi-detached houses (9 in total) with garaging, parking spaces and landscaping. Resolved: It was agreed to object on the grounds of additional entrance onto A264; loss of amenity to Nos 76-80 Copthorne Road; Plot 9 very close to boundary of No. 80; parking provision; Felbridge School is full; inappropriate development in rural village.

7. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

(i) Felbridge Luncheon Club: A request has been received for a donation towards the Christmas lunch on 13^th December. Resolved: It was agreed to send a donation of £30.

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(ii) East Surrey Museum: This museum has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. An invitation has been received to their small celebration on 9^th Nov. Resolved: No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(iii) Surrey Tree Warden Scheme: An email has been received asking for volunteers to become tree wardens.

(iv) Village Shop Sign: This has been removed from Copthorne Road.

(v) Surrey Wildlife Trust: An invitation has been received to the Annual General Meeting and Members’ Day on 10^th November. Resolved: No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(vi) Queen’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary Service: An invitation has been received to Guildford Cathedral on 18^th November. Resolved: No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(vii) SCAPTC: A request has been received for members to serve on the Association’s management committee. The next General Meeting of the Association will be held on 17^th November. Resolved: No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(viii) LORD: An invitation has been received to the next meeting on 29^th November. Resolved: No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(ix) In circulation: The Playing Field, Autumn 07; The Voice, Oct 07; TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 11^th Oct 07; TDC News Release re South East Plan, 10^th Oct 07; Biffaward Annual Report and Accounts 06/07; Letter from Surrey NHS Primary Care Trust re Fit for Future Plans, 17^th Oct 07; TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 10^th Oct 07; TDC Licensing Committee Agenda, 17^th Oct 07; Letter from WSCC re Minerals and Waste Development Framework update, 10^th Oct 07; ERHA Report and Review 07; TDC News Release re National Land and Property Gazetteer, 19^th Oct 07; Email from Surrey Trading Standards re doorstep callers, 26^th Oct 07; TDC List of Delegated Action taken, 25^th Oct 07; TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 1^st Nov 07; GACC Press Release re No new runway – Tory pledge, Oct 07.

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

590 B. Wright Bus shelter cleaning for Nov £28.20

591 R. White Clerk’s salary for Nov £183.68

592 HM Revenue & Customs Income Tax for Nov £51.70

593 R White Office Allowance for Nov

and Petty Cash for Oct £134.21

594 BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Annual audit £158.63

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Linda Hainge has offered to resign as she will miss 3 meetings next year due to holiday commitments and she does not have a computer. Clerk to print off any emails circulated to all councillors and deliver them to Linda.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6^th December at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 10.15pm.

8 November 2007