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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 4^th October 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present: Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Linda Hainge

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

Mr Ian McBryde

Mrs Marian Winn

Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ken Rimington and Mr Brian Apps.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no additions to those previously registered.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Bob Evans, Director of Planning, Tandridge District Council. Mr Evans acknowledged receipt of FPC’s letter dated 18^th September concerning the impact of the recent Planning Inspector’s decision regarding development in Felbridge. He was disappointed with the result of the planning appeal and agreed with the contents of this letter. He hopes that changes in interest rates and/or changes in government policy will prevent development to this extent. Mr Evans stated that congestion on the A264 and surrounding road network would not be considered a constraint on development but he agreed to ask Surrey Highways to confirm at what point the current road network would be considered a constraint. He also stated that he was not aware of any planning application that has been refused on the grounds of utilities issues and suggested that customers should complain direct to the relevant companies/bodies. SCC Social Services are not too concerned about expansion is areas such as Felbridge. SCC have now acknowledged that Felbridge School is full and may now ask for a contribution from developers towards new school facilities but there is currently no guarantee that this money would be spent in Felbridge. FPC urged TDC to discuss with SCC the need for specific projects to be detailed and a breakdown of the sums requested. Mr Evans therefore confirmed that none of the above issues would become supportable reasons to reject a planning application.

TDC had applied to the Secretary of State to retain Policy HO4, which allowed TDC to oppose development when they had exceeded 120% of their housing allocation, but this was refused. Mr Evans circulated a copy of a draft Core Strategy Policy – CSP 13 – Managing the Delivery of Housing, which will be submitted to the Government in December. If agreed, this would give a firm basis for future planning. FPC fully support this core strategy.

Mr Evans agreed to investigate further the discrepancies between the weekly planning lists on Planning Interactive and the paper copies, as detailed in Jeremy Clarke’s email dated 4^th September.

The Chairman thanked Mr Evans for attending the meeting.

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3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 6^th September 2007 were approved and signed subject to the following amendments:- Page 46/07 last line should read ‘Wheelers Way’ instead of Warren Close; Page 47/07 TA/2007/1332 line 5 should read ‘Rowplatt Lane’ instead of Rowplatt Platt.

4. MATTERS ARISING

(i) Community Speedwatch: 5 volunteers were trained on 25^th September and arrangements are being made to train a further 2 volunteers. WPC Moira Cocks will risk assess the suggested sites and will accompany volunteers on their first check. She will also arrange for a press release in the local newspapers which will include a request for more volunteers.

(ii) Speed Survey: Despite frequent reminders, no reply has been received to an email 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 follow up.

(iii) Speed Limit Signs: Mark Winstanley, Surrey Highways, is awaiting a copy of the speed limit order from West Sussex. Resolved: Clerk to write to Jenny Isaacs, the new Head of Transport at Surrey Highways, giving her a summary of events.

(iv) CCTV Camera: Jeremy Clarke has obtained a quote from Misco for a UPS for 20 mins at a cost of £58 + VAT. Resolved: It was agreed that the Clerk should order this and send a letter to the Village Hall Committee to explain FPC’s reasons for not wishing to give cupboard keys to all their members.

(v) A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing: A reply has been received from Mark Winstanley, Surrey Highways, stating that it is not SCC responsibility to consult the general public if the developer has permission to move the puffin crossing. Ken Rimington has asked SCC legal department to investigate whether or not the Planning Inspector has the power to direct the re-siting of the puffin crossing. Resolved: Clerk to send a copy of this letter from Mark Winstanley, with a copy of his letter to WSP dated 4^th October 2006, to Jenny Isaacs, SCC, with a copy to Bob Evans, TDC, to ask for an explanation.

(vi) List of Surrey Highway Repairs:

(i) SCC Community Highway Officer inspected the potholes opposite numbers 17 and 18 Rowplatt Lane and no highway safety defect was found.

(ii) Following FPC’s letter to householders about parking on the verges in Copthorne Road, two letters have been received from residents pointing out the difficulties in preventing parking on the verges. No reply has been received from Surrey Highways to FPC’s email requesting posts on grass verges. Resolved: Clerk to follow up.

(iii) Potholes in lay-by at entrance to Furnace Wood have not been repaired and new potholes on westbound carriageway of Copthorne Road need attention. Resolved: Clerk to contact Surrey Highways.

iv) The Community Highway Officer inspected the pavement along Crawley Down Road and did not find any safety defect.

(vii) 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.

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(viii) Playground: Jonathan Bruce, TDC has confirmed that the burnt seat will be repaired during October. TDC contractors have removed the bank of earth and installed a fence along the edge of the carpark. A plaque is required giving the names of all sponsors. It was agreed that Bridget Huntington should obtain a formal quote for surfacing the small remaining area of grass inside the playground, but not the area around the swings. Resolved: Clerk to organise the plaque.

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

(x) 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 footpath between Woodcock Garage and Hobbs Industrial Estate has been cleared. The Community Gang are next in Felbridge w/c 15^th October.

(xi) Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road: TDC contractors have filled holes and repaired banks using the soil from the village hall. Jonathan Bruce will provide a letter that can be put on vehicles telling motorists not to park on the green. Resolved: Clerk to circulate copies.

(xii) 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.

(xiii) 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.

(xiv) 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.

(xv) Printer: It was agreed that the Clerk should order a Brother printer at a cost of £59.99 incl. VAT.

(xvi) Parking in Wheelers Way: A letter has been received from Surrey Police confirming that they have no parking restrictions that enforce this area. They have also sent polite notices to the residents of Rose Cottages and other properties that have no off road parking. Surrey Police have asked for feedback. Resolved: Photos of parked cars to be sent to Moira Cocks.

(xvii) Oak Farm Hedge: Jo Sanford, TDC Planning Dept, has visited Oak Farm and agrees with FPC’s comments about the hedge and will investigate further.

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

(xix) Information Leaflet: Ian McBryde circulated a draft leaflet. Final draft to be agreed with the Chairman. It was agreed that up to £100 could be spent on printing costs.

(xx) Bench outside Playground: The bench has been delivered to TDC and will be installed during October.

(xxi) Felbridge Hotel: The hotel were prosecuted and fined £5,000 plus costs.

(xxii) Felbridge School Admissions: An email has been received from Mark Burton, School Place Planning Manager, saying that it is difficult to obtain information on where a non-allocated child has gone. Resolved: Clerk to reply asking Mark to confirm that he will be able to provide this information in future.

(xxiii) Code of Conduct: FPC’s share of the cost of the formal notice of adoption published in the local press on 19^th July is £108.20p.

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(xxiv) Public Footpath 263: Philippa Gates has confirmed that Footpath 286 is on SCC’s annual vegetation clearance programme and has already been cleared once this year. She has instructed SCC’s contractors to clear both Footpath 286 and 263. Work to be completed by early October.

(xxv) VAT Refund: A VAT refund of £11,431 has been received.

(xxvi) Responsible Financial Officer: Brian Apps has announced his intention to move from Felbridge but will continue as RFO until March 2008. He has provided a description of tasks and duties and time required.

(xxvii) Chairmen Board: It was agreed to go ahead with the quotation received from Burrwood Furniture for £360 for the board. This does not include the lettering. Linda Hainge to get agreement to a new board from the Village Hall Committee. Resolved: Clerk to contact Burrwood Furniture.

(xxviii) Planning Forum: TDC to send all letters and copies of planning applications to Jeremy Clarke in future.

(xxix) A22 outside Glendale: A reminder has been sent to SCC regarding the dip in the road.

5. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

(i) EU Referendum: Dormansland Parish Council are considering holding a referendum.

(ii) Surrey Highways: Mr Colin Pearce will become the new Community Highway Officer wef 1^st October. Jenny Isaacs is the new Head of Transport. The Community Gang will be in this area w/c 15^th October and 26^th November.

(iii) South East Plan: The South East Regional Assembly agreed that it was feasible to build 29800 homes in the region per year until 2026. This was increased by Government Inspectors to 32000.

(iv) Home Fire Risk Check: All Surrey householders are entitled to this check which can be booked on freephone 0800 085 0767.

(v) Speeding Motorists: A new campaign aimed at warning motorists of the potential fatal consequences of speeding is running across Surrey.

(vi) Scouts: Linda Hainge to ask the Scouts to propose a location for the tree to commemorate 100 years of scouting.

(vii) Twitten Lane: Residents are concerned about safety when exiting Twitten Lane.

(viii) Beaver Farm: Planning application TA/2007/832 is to be discussed by the Development Control Committee on 11^th October. Jeremy Clarke to attend the site visit on 6^th October.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Weekly Planning List 36/2007

TA/2007/1375: Rear of 88-94 Copthorne Road, Felbridge. Erection of 8 dwellings comprising of 2 detached houses and 6 semi-detached houses with associated parking and access from development approved under reference TA/2005/1719. Alterations to plot 5 of development approved under reference TA/2005/1719. Resolved: FPC agreed to still object for the following reasons: density not in keeping with the surrounding area and inappropriate against the green belt boundary; limited visibility from approved entrance and highway safety along Copthorne Road.

TA/2007/1403: 37 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge. Erection of 2 storey detached dwelling with associated parking. Resolved: FPC have no objections as long as the ridge height of the proposed property is at or below the height of No. 37.

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Weekly Planning List 37/2007

TA/2007/1422: Mikandras, Mill Lane, Felbridge. Demolition of roof. Erection of first floor and pitched roof over entire dwelling with dormer windows in front and rear roof slopes and pitched roof over garage. Resolved: FPC are concerned about the 1^st floor balcony affecting the amenity of neighbouring properties. The proposed garage roof line does not obstruct the view of Tudor Lodge garden and house from the balcony.

TA/2007/1332 (amended): Dundori, Twitten Lane, Felbridge. Demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of 8 dwellings (3 x terraced, 2 x semi-detached and 3 x detached) with associated works to Rowplatt Lane. Resolved: FPC agreed to object to this application due to the surrounding environment, on the following grounds:- dangerous junction; inadequate turning circles within development, damage to historic chestnut trees, inadequate passing bays in Twitten Lane, roof height of plots 4 and 5, close proximity of plot 7 to No. 5 Evelyn Way, removal of significant holly hedge. If planning permission granted, FPC asked to be consulted on traffic movements and controls to minimize harm to residents of Rowplatt Lane. Site visit also requested.

Weekly Planning List 38/2007

TA/2007/1492: Land rear of Homelands, 71 Copthorne Road, Felbridge. Erection of single storey building to be used as site office. Resolved: FPC agreed to object as this is Green Belt development.

Weekly Planning List 39/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 40/2007

None in Felbridge

Mr Harwood rejoined the meeting.

7. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

(i) South East England Development Agency: An invitation has been received to a meeting on 30^th Oct to discuss possible future funding for rural communities in the Surrey Hills area. Resolved: It was agreed not to send a representative.

(ii) Surrey Youth Opportunites Fund: Information has been received from SCC.

(iii) ESPLG Draft Constitution: A copy was circulated by email on 20^th Sept. FPC have no amendments to propose.

(iv) Surrey Crimestoppers: A letter has been received thanking FPC for their donation of £40.

(v) Surrey Community Action: An invitation has been received to the Annual Review Meeting on 17^th Oct. No representative from FPC is able to attend.

(vi) Precept: The half yearly payment of £6,000 was paid into FPC’s bank account on 7^th Sept.

(vii) Tandridge Voluntary Service Council: An invitation has been received to a Network Lunch on 19^th Oct. No representative from FPC is able to attend.

(viii) In circulation: Minutes of LORD Meeting held on 4^th Sept 07; Letter from TDC re Affordable Housing, Sept 07; Local Councils Update, Sept 07; TDC Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 12^th Sept 07; Surrey Matters, Autumn 07; Tandridge Voluntary Service Council Report & Accounts 06-07; TDC News Release re Bus Pass Photos, 28^th Sept 07; GACC Newsletter, Oct 07; TDC News Release re Felbridge Hotel Fine, 19^th Sept 07; TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 25^th Sept 07; TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 13^th Sept 07; TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 20^th Sept 07; Email re UKIP referendum, 25^th Sept 07; Environment Agency Newsletter, Sept 07; TDC Local Committee Meeting Agenda, 5^th Oct 07; TDC News Release re Macmillan Coffee Morning, 2^nd Oct 07; Email re Local Plan Policies, 1^st Oct 07;

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Town and Parish Standard Newsletter, Sept 07; TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 4^th Oct 07; TDC News Release re unwanted cars, 3^rd Oct 07.

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

584 B. Wright Bus shelter cleaning for Oct £28.20

585 R. White Clerk’s salary for Oct £183.68

586 HM Revenue & Customs Income Tax for Oct £51.70

587 R White Office Allowance for Oct

and Petty Cash for Sept £90.14

588 Earth Anchors Bench for playground £497.26

589 Tandridge District Council FPC’s share of cost of advert re

Adoption of Code of Conduct £108.20

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Jeremy Clarke reported that obtaining a TPO for a tree does not afford any extra protection under BS5835 unless it forms part of an avenue of trees.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1^st November at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 10.10pm.

19 October 2007