46/08

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 2nd October 2008

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mrs Joan Harwood

                        Mr Jacob Woodd (for part of meeting)

Mr Ken Harwood

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

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

 

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 4th September 2008 were approved and signed subject to the following amendment.  Page 39, para 1, should read “They agreed to check if the requirement for 1.5 parking spaces per house ......”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  As a result of discussions at the Parish Council meeting on 4th September, Linden Homes have made a number of amendments to the planning application, which include relocation of Plots 1 – 3 closer to the western boundary, addition of rubbish collection point, solar panels have been moved to the flat roof section of plots 1 – 3, amendment to the driveway of Plot 5.  They are seeking advice from their Planning Consultant on the other issues and will issue FPC with an annotated site plan when the application is submitted.

(ii)        Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  Despite several reminders, a reply is still awaited to FPC’s letter pointing out that their projections are only based on reception places and no account has been taken of all the developments in Felbridge.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up

(iii)       Vehicle Activated Signs:  Cost of two signs would be £7,780 + VAT.  £4,000 has been set aside by FPC.   An email has been received from Derek Poole, SCC, stating that there was a one-off initiative for Surrey in 2007/08 financial year to install VAS in priority sites, which included one sign on Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Resolved:  Clerk to find out details of funding and costs from neighbouring Parish Councils.

(iv)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Progress on speed management will be discussed at the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 3rd October.  Mr Nick Skellett, Leader of TDC Council, has agreed to investigate 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).  Works have been ordered.

(iv) A22 outside Glendale -  The dip in the road has not been repaired, reported 03.03.08 – Ref 82061107.  This has been inspected by the CHO and the utility company has been asked to carry out repairs.

(v) Crawley Down Road - The road surface is very uneven outside the Oak Farm development.  Reported to SCC 22.05.08 – Ref 82073357.  The CHO has been asked to inspect this again.

(vi) Copthorne Road – There is a bad hump by the puffin crossing.  Reported to SCC 22.05.08 – Ref 82073358.  This has been inspected by the CHO and reported to the utility company for repair.

(vii) Copthorne Road – West of the resurfaced section, there are tear marks in the road surface.  Email sent to Stuart Halden, TDC Business Support Officer on 28.07.08.  Some have been repaired. 

(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:  Steve Cunnah, Surrey Highways, confirmed on 11.06.08 that resources for the work are not available at present.  Public footpaths leading to the Wiremill need clearing.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.  Ian McBryde agreed to contact the EG Observer & Courier Reporter about the footpaths and the absence of Felbridge planning applications in the newspaper.

(vii)      Youth Shelter:  This was discussed at length.  It was agreed that this is not a priority and in view of the amount of money spent on the youth of Felbridge over the past few years, FPC should be pro-active in looking for things to benefit other parts of the community.

Mr Jacob Wood left the meeting.

(viii)      Crawley Down Road Street Lights:  4 lights near Oak Farm Place are still not working.  Stuart Halden agreed to chase EDF on 14.07.08.  (Ref 90084036)  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(ix)       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, when the EDF work has finished.

(x)        Planning Applications:  A reply has been received from the Quality Assurance Unit of The Planning Inspectorate to FPC’s letter to the Secretary of State regarding planning decisions overturned by appointed inspectors.  This letter explains the appeals system and stresses that Inspectors are made aware of local views and these are taken into account with all other evidence in determining appeals.

(xi)       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.

(xii)      Gullivers Café Notices:   Hilary Orr, TDC Planning, has looked at the signs and contacted the owner to suggest that they decide on what signage is required before making an application for advertisement consent.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC.


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(xiii)      Rowplatt Lane:  The raised manhole cover in the middle of the road outside The Ark was inspected by the CHO on 17.07.07 (Ref 82081797) and he found no safety issue.  FPC consider there is a safety issue for horses, cyclists and pedestrians.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC.

(xiv)     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. 

(xv)      Linden Homes Development:  In consultation with Surrey Highways, Linden Homes used tarmac to fill a hole as a temporary measure.  When the development is complete, they will reinstate the verge according to Highways requirements.

(xvi)     TDC Local Committee Meeting:  The three questions submitted to the meeting held on 20th June were not discussed at the meeting.  The Chairman, David Hodge, has agreed to respond to our questions.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xvii)     Copthorne Road:  Jeremy Clarke has written to Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC, regarding the resurfacing work that was carried out along Copthorne Road and the potholes that need to be repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Ken Rimington who agreed to contact Derek Poole about the potholes and Jenny Isaac if nothing is done.

(xviii)    Carpark at Bedding Centre:  Philip Evans, TDC Planning, has visited the site.  The owner claims that cars have always been sold on the area to the left of the drive.  Resolved:  Clerk to respond to TDC with information regarding previous planning applications by car sales company and bedding centre.

(xix)     Number of Parish Councillors:  It was agreed that the quorum for the Planning Sub-Committee should be three councillors.  It was also agreed that all councillors should be encouraged to attend both Planning Sub-Committee Meetings and Parish Council Meetings regularly.  However due to changing life styles, councillors do find it difficult to attend all meetings.  It was therefore agreed that FPC would like to increase the number of councillors by one.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Hazel Oakley, TDC.

(xx)      Footpath 365:  A barbed wire fence has collapsed over the footpath between the Sailing Club and Domewood.  (Reported to P. Gates, SCC, on 27.08.08)  Resolved:  Clerk to check that this has been cleared.

(xxi)     Eden Place, Copthorne Road:  Halifax Estate Agents agreed to report the holly tree obstructing the pavement to their clients on 29.09.08

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Bank Account:  A copy of the budget for 2008/09 was circulated.  Currently there is £1,229 in the current account, £18,420 in the Savings Account, making a total of £19,649.  The second half yearly Precept Payment of £7,000 has been paid into FPC’s bank account.

(ii)        Barongs:  There are currently 5 signs at the entrance, whereas they have planning permission for 2 signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform TDC.

(iii)       Homelands:  A-boards are erected outside no. 71 Copthorne Road every day.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform TDC.

(iv)       Planning Meetings:  It was agreed that a planning meeting is only required on the 3rd Thursday of January.  Resolved:  Clerk to produce list of meeting dates for 2009.

(v)        Street Lamp in Rowplatt Lane:  The lamp outside No. 26 has tape wrapped round it and is in a dangerous condition.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(vi)       Rubble in drive of 20 Rowplatt Lane:  This will be investigated.

(vii)      Letter from PRC:  A copy of a letter from PRC to TDC regarding the cross-border issues meeting held on 18th Sept. has been sent to Jeremy Clarke.  It was agreed that a letter be sent to Paul Newdick, TDC, requesting copies of all


49/09

 

internal and external correspondence relating to the SE Plan, bypass and housing development.  Resolved:  Clerk to draft a letter.

(viii)      Field at Judges Corner:  Councillor Alan Jones (Horne) has confirmed that temporary stables are being erected and planning permission will be applied for.

(ix)       Water Mains on A22:  A public meeting is planned for local residents.

(x)        Crime:  There have been reports of a man calling at houses asking residents if they have anything valuable to sell.  A notice has been placed on the website.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 1st – 5th September

None in Felbridge

Applications Acknowledged 8th – 12th September

TA/2008/1281:  Derry Beg, Domewood, Copthorne.  Conversion of part of detached garage to provide ‘granny annex’ involving removal of external staircase and insertion of 2 dormer windows in south-west roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 15th – 19th September

TA/2008/1180:  Dewley Mead, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Temporary change of use of dwelling to provide site office.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 22nd – 26th September

TA/2008/1316:  Chestnuts, Herons Close, Copthorne.  Partial demolition of existing single storey rear extension.  Erection of single storey rear extension and front entrance porch.  Erection of first floor side extension over existing garage and erection of dormer windows to front and rear roof slopes.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 29th September – 3rd October

TA/2008/1187:  Denhurst, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Resurfacing of access track.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object to the use of salmon pink aggregate in this very rural area due to the visual impact.  FPC would support the use of local soil-coloured aggregate and restrictions upon the use of the track solely for rural activities within that field.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Bus Stops along Copthorne Road:  A resident has requested an additional bus stop around Mill Lane/Felbridge School.  Resolved:  Clerk to check where bus stops are currently located.

(ii)        Beef and Faggot Trust:  Marian Winn is unable to continue as FPC’s representative.  Joan Harwood has agreed to take over as representative.  Resolved:  Councillors to give names of needy residents to Joan and Clerk to inform Beef and Faggot Trust.

(iii)       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).

(iv)       FSRA:  The AGM was held on 26th September.  FPC and TDC’s representatives were unable to attend.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Mr Voller for minutes of meeting.

(v)        Sustainable Communities Act:  A letter has been received from Mr Peter Ainsworth MP.  Resolved:  It was agreed to invite Steve Shaw, co-ordinator of Local Works to a FPC meeting to speak about the legislation.

(vi)       Tandridge Community Fund:  An invitation has been received to the launch on 20th October.    Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(vii)      SCAPTC/Surrey Community Action:  An invitation has been received to a joint meeting on 22nd October.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

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(viii)      Hayward Memorial Local History Centre:  An invitation has been received to the AGM on 13th October.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke will attend.

(ix)       GACC:  An invitation has been received to the AGM on 13th November.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(x)        TVSC:  An invitation has been received to a Network Luncheon on 16th October.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(xi)       Surrey Crimestoppers:  A letter of thanks has been received for FPC’s donation of £40.

(xii)      Surrey Community Action:  An invitation has been received to the Surrey Rural Housing Conference on 14th November.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(xiii)      Surrey Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group:  A letter has been received asking for a donation.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a donation.

(xiv)     Society of Local Council Clerks:  Details have been received of a regional one-day conference and training day on 12th November for councillors and clerks.

(xv)      Changes to Permitted Development Rules:  A letter has been received from TDC informing FPC that planning permission will still be required for the proposed village hall access improvements.

(xvi)     In circulation:  Email from IMPACT Tasty Team asking for volunteers for schools project, 10 Sep 08;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 11 Sep 08;  Letter from SEERA re partial review of South East Plan – Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs, 1 Sep 08;  TDC Local Committee Mtg Agenda, 5 Sep 08;  GACC Newsletter, Sep 08;  GACC Press Release re Gatwick for Sale, 17 Sep 09;  TDC News Release re Care & Repair Service, Sep 08;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 30 Sep 08;  Letter from Communities & Local Government re Consultation Paper on The Making and Enforcement of Byelaws, 27 Aug 08;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 25 Sep 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 18 Sep 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 11 Sep 08;  TDC Letter re Gypsy and Traveller Sites, 16 Sep 08;  Notes from Rural Strategy Communities Workshop;  TDC News Release re residents’ survey, 25 Sep 08;  TDC email re Halloween, 25 Sep 08;  Town and Parish Standard Newsletter, Sep 08;  TDC Local Committee Meeting Agenda, 3 Oct 08;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 2 Oct 08;  TDC News Release re weekly recycling, 29 Sep 08;  TDC News Release re bus services, 29 Sep 08;  Email from Jonathan Bruce re tree works in Felbridge, 30 Sep 08.

 

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

 

655      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for October                 £29.38

656      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for October                       £193.03

657      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for October                            £48.20

658      R White                                    Office Allowance for October

and Petty Cash for September                   £73.47

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS - None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6th November 2008 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.12pm

 

RW  

7 October 2008