42/07

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 6th September 2007

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

                        Mr Ian McBryde (attended part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

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

 

The Chairman welcomed PS Mike Simmonds, Neighbourbood Specialist Sergeant for South Tandridge and PCSO Nicky Gilbert.  Mike Simmonds informed FPC that PC Paul Clifton will replace PC Kevin Smith later in September.  Mike Simmonds would like to encourage residents to contact the police or visit them at Lingfield Police Station which is generally open from 8am to midnight.  He agreed to follow up with Moira Cocks on speedwatch training dates for the 11 volunteers we now have in Felbridge and speed checks for Crawley Down Road after football matches on Saturdays.  Ken Harwood mentioned problems with youths late at night and early morning in Mill Lane and by Hedgecourt Lake and asked for the police to visit.  Although very little police presence has been seen in Felbridge, Mike Simmonds confirmed that both PCSO Julie Watson and PCSO Nicky Gilbert do visit Felbridge.  Bridget Huntington pointed out that residents become concerned when there is no police response to incidents reported and confusion over the county boundary when 999 is phoned.  Mike Simmonds assured us that if the police do not attend, it is because they are deployed elsewhere.  Lingfield Police Station has 2 vehicles and 6 police officers to cover all the parishes.  Twice monthly police surgeries are held and during October and November these will be held at the village school and at the village hall.  Crime figures notified during the 28 days up to 2.9.07 show 2 crimes in Felbridge.

 

2.            DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mr Ian McBryde declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1152, as he is the owner of the property.  Mrs Bridget Huntington declared a non prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1152 as her home is opposite.  Mr Jeremy Clarke declared a non prejudicial interest in Planning Application TA/2007/1320 as his spouse is the owner of the bordering field.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.            MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 5th July 2007 were approved and signed.  The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th July 2007 were also approved and signed.

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4.            MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Community Speedwatch:  We now have 11 volunteers.  Resolved:  PS Mike Simmonds agreed to follow up on training dates with WPC Moira Cocks.

(ii)        Speed Survey:  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, has confirmed that West Sussex have made a speed limit order for their side of the boundary, a copy of which has been sent to Surrey Highways.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(iv)       CCTV Camera:  Keys for the cupboard were given to those councillors present and signed for, and entry cards are held by Ken Harwood and Marian Winn.  It was agreed that cupboard keys could not be given to members of the village hall committee.  The Clerk asked to be notified when there is a power cut so that the record button can be re-set.  CCTV signs have been erected and an extra CCTV camera installed to point alongside the new playground.  Resolved:  Clerk to place a CCTV sign in the window at the far end of the village hall.  Jeremy Clarke to investigate a UPS which would keep the power supplied during a short power cut.

(v)        A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  This is now operational.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Mark Winstanley, Surrey Highways, to ask for reassurance that local residents will be properly consulted before agreement is reached on the final position of the puffin crossing.

(vi)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

            (i) Surrey Highways agreed to investigate potholes opposite numbers 17 and 18 Rowplatt Lane (enquiry number 92010233).  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Marian Winn to confirm if the work has been done.

(ii) A letter to householders about parking on the verges in Copthorne Road was delivered during August.  Two letters have been received from residents pointing out the difficulties in preventing parking on the verges.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Surrey Highways quoting relevant sections from these letters and asking for posts on the grass verges all along Copthorne Road.

            (iii) Surrey Highways have been asked to repair the potholes along Copthorne Road between Mill Lane and the county boundary.  Some have been repaired. 

            (iv) Street lights at entrance to new development in Copthorne Road - Peter Ainsworth is investigating.  The situation is still not resolved.

            v) Pavement along Crawley Down Road – Steve Cunnah, Surrey Highways logged this enquiry on 23 May requesting an inspection by the Highway Steward.

(vii)      Skateboard Ramp:  Jonathan Bruce has instructed Paul Matten to carry out work required costing £150 plus VAT. 

(viii)      Playground:  Jonathan Bruce, TDC has confirmed that he will arrange for the burnt seat to be replaced and that he has instructed his contractors to remove the bank of earth and install a post and rail fence along the edge of the carpark.  A plaque is required giving the names of all sponsors. It was agreed to obtain a quote for surfacing the small remaining area of grass inside the playground.  Resolved:  Clerk to speak to Bridget Huntington about the plaque.

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

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(x)        Outstanding Surrey Highways Issues:  Stuart Halden, Business Support, East Surrey Highways has replied regarding this list.

            (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 asked for confirmation of exact locations.  The Community Gang are next in Felbridge w/c 15th October.  Resolved:  Clerk to confirm footpaths that need clearing.

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

(xii)      Damage to verge along Crawley Down Road:  TDC contractors will fill holes and repair banks using the soil from the village hall.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform Jonathan Bruce that contractors working on the St John’s Ambulance Hall are parking vehicles on the grass verge and parents collecting children from the school are partly parking on the grass verge.  The banked edge of the verge needs raising.  Clerk to invite Jonathan Bruce to visit early one morning.

(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 letter has been received from Mr Voller thanking FPC for their donation of £500 and asking if the money could be used for general expenses.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply stating that the money must be used for a physical object of benefit to parishioners.

(xvi)     Printer/Scanner:  A quotation has been received from Ballpoint Office Supplies for a Canon MP160 for £45 plus £27.50 for ink cartridges.  Resolved:  Clerk to order.

(xvii)     Laminator:  A quotation has been received from Ballpoint Office Supplies for a laminator for £30.  Resolved:  Clerk to order.

(xviii)    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.

(xix)     Oak Farm Hedge:  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning Dept, has visited Oak Farm with the tree officer who is satisfied with the mix of species but has written to the agent to tell them to replant the bushes that have died.  Jo Sanford also confirmed that the entrance is laid out according to plans.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to investigate.

(xx)      Oak Farm:  A letter has been sent to Try Homes asking them to remove their sales sign from the common land. 

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

(xxii)     Information Leaflet:  Ian McBryde has circulated a draft leaflet about FPC containing contact numbers for TDC and SCC and will collate comments.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to provide FPC logo in electronic format.

(xxiii)    Bench outside Playground:  It was agreed to order the Frigate seat, 2.4 metre length, without arms, at a cost of £409 plus VAT.  Resolved:  Clerk to order via TDC.

45/07

 

(xxiv)    Felbridge Hotel:  Prosecution proceedings have been adjourned to 13th September.  Resolved:  It was agreed that a letter be sent to TDC urging them to pursue this as a prosecution irrespective of whether the hotel carry out the work prior to the court date.

(xxv)    Felbridge School Admissions:  A reply has been received from Mark Burton, School Place Planning Manager, regarding the availability of school places for Felbridge children.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply asking him to advise where those children who didn't get places at Felbridge School in the last 3 years, were allocated places.

(xxvi)    Code of Conduct:  A formal notice of adoption was published in the local press on 19th July and notification was emailed to the Standards Board on 27th July.

(xxvii)   Flyposting:  Clerk has telephoned all companies who have posted notices around the village.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact companies that are still posting notices.

(xxviii)  Public Footpath 263:  Philippa Gates has replied that this footpath was last cleared in August 2005 following a request from Jeremy Clarke.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply to Philippa Gates pointing out that she promised Jeremy Clarke that this footpath would be cleared annually and maintained. 

(xxix)    Motor Scooter:  Linda Hainge spoke to the young person on 12th July during the Village Hall Committee meeting and also to PC Kevin Smith.

(xxx)    Trees in Crawley Down Road:  An email has been received from a resident stating that some of the work was completed satisfactorily by TDC but not the growth obscuring vision when exiting Warren Close.  He himself carried out this work.  TDC have been asked to clear away this tree rubbish.  Resolved:  Brian Apps to monitor.

 

5.            COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         VAT Refund:  Confirmation has been received that FPC’s claim for a VAT refund of £11,431 will be paid in full.

(ii)        October Meeting:  As Brian Apps will be on holiday, he will arrange for £1,000 to be available in the current account for cheques signed at this meeting.

(iii)       Responsible Financial Officer:  Brian Apps announced his intention to move from Felbridge but will continue as RFO until March 2008.  Resolved:  Brian Apps to provide short description of tasks and duties and time required.  Clerk to check if Mr Apps needs to resign as a parish councillor when he moves from Felbridge.

(iv)       Berm at Hedgecourt Lake:  This planning application has gone to appeal.

(v)        Beaver Farm:  Planning application TA/2007/832 was discussed at the Development Control Committee meeting on 30th August.  A site visit is to be arranged.

(vi)       Mill Lane:  Lorries loaded with bricks have been driving down Mill Lane and leaving their loads in a field to create a track.  This has been reported to TDC.

(vii)      94 Copthorne Road:  Planning application TA/2007/932 was discussed at the Development Control Committee meeting on 30th August and was refused.

(viii)      Chairmen Board:  Jeremy Clarke posed a motion that another FPC chairmen board be purchased.  This was unanimously agreed.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain quotes from supplier of current board.

(ix)       Planning Interactive:  Jeremy Clarke has sent an email to Bob Evans, TDC Director of Planning, regarding problems he has experienced with the website.  A reply is awaited.

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(x)        Copthorne Road appeal:  The Inspector’s comments were discussed.  It was agreed to send a letter to Bob Evans showing how many areas are available for development in Felbridge, using the built up area boundary within which back garden development is allowed.  This could result in approx 200% increase in the number of houses.

(xi)       Felbridge School:  Richard Bailey has become Chairman of the School Governors.  The school are concerned about the gated entrance to the Rydon Homes development.  If trucks obstruct the pavement, this could be dangerous for children walking past.

Mr Harwood and Mr McBryde left the meeting.

 

6.            PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Weekly Planning List 27/2007

TA/2007/973:  Half Acre, Snow Hill, Worth.  Demolition of dwelling and outbuildings.  Erection of 4-bed detached dwelling.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2007/1058:  The Warren, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Formation of vehicular access with associated turning and parking area.  Resolved:  No Action

Weekly Planning List 28/2007

TA/2007/1052:  142 Glenthorne, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Use of land as residential garden land (Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use).  Resolved:  No Action

Weekly Planning List 29/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 30/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 31/2007

None in Felbridge

Weekly Planning List 32/2007

TA/2001/1123/A2:  Plot 23C The Plantation, West Park Road, Newchapel.  Removal of condition 3 of permission TA/2001/1123 dated 18 March 2002 to allow storage, maintenance and repairs of vehicles, equipment, ride and other equipment.  Resolved:  FPC consider no justification given for removing condition has been given and believe original reasons for imposing condition A3 should stand.  FPC would reconsider if justification given.

TA/2007/1075: Land at 76-84 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of 82 Copthorne Road.  Construction of new access road and erection of 5 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:  FPC agreed to object  on the following grounds: impact on visual amenity of green belt and recreational facilities of Felbridge Showground; dwelling density not in keeping with surrounding area; access onto A264;  proliferation of exists onto A264; current surplus of housing in Felbridge; lack of places at Felbridge primary school.

Weekly Planning List 33/2007

TA/2007/1152:  Kennesis, The Limes, Felbridge.  Erection of extension to existing dormer window on front roof slope and single storey rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action

TA/2007/1302:  Land adjoining 50 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Erection of detached 4 bed dwelling and garage.  Closure of one existing access to Felbridge Road and works to improve visibility at other access.  Resolved:  It was agreed to request vegetative screening along eastern boundary to reduce visible impact on properties in Wheelers Way.

47/07

 

TA/2007/1324:  Maracas, Herons Lea, New Domewood, Copthorne.  Use of land as residential garden land (Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use).  Resolved:  No Action

Weekly Planning List 34/2007

TA/2007/1332:  Dundori, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing dwelling.  Erection of 8 dwellings (3 x terraced, 2 x semi-detached and 3 x detached) with formation of access road from Twitten Lane.  Resolved:  see below

Weekly Planning List 35/2007

TA/2007/1332:  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.  (Amended description)  Resolved:  FPC agreed to object to this application due to the surrounding environment, on the following grounds:-  dangerous junction; loss of parking in Rowplatt Lane due to build out; restriction of access to some drives in Rowplatt Lane, narrowness of Rowplatt Lane, danger to pedestrians and horses, 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.

Mr McBryde rejoined the meeting.

 

7.            CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         ESPLG:  Crowhurst Parish Clerk has asked if Felbridge Parish Council would be able to take over chairing and administration of ESPLG for the next 6 months.  It was agreed that FPC are unable to do this. 

(ii)        King George V Fields:  This was discussed by TDC Community Services Committee on 5th July.  It was agreed that no action is needed from FPC. 

(iii)       TDC Director of Planning:  Bob Evans has agreed to attend the next meeting on 4th October to discuss concerns over the amount of infill development in Felbridge.

(iv)       Planning Forum:  The Clerk attended this forum on 5th September.  TDC are improving their planning service and changing to a daily system for registering planning applications and sending out letters.  It was agreed that the letters to FPC with copies of planning applications should be sent direct to Jeremy Clarke.  A new national planning application form will be introduced by 1st April 2008.  TDC will charge for planning advice to developers but will continue to advise residents free of charge.  It was agreed that when necessary a special additional Planning Sub-committee Meeting would be called to discuss planning applications which require a response within 14 days.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC to advise FPC address for letters and copies of planning applications.

(v)        William Buckwell Memorial Almshouses:  A vacancy has arisen.  Closing date for applications was 31st August.

(vi)       SCAPTC:  The 2007 questionnaire was completed.

(vii)      Exploring Surrey’s Past:  SCC are developing parish pages for the Places section of the website.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clark agreed to supply information on behalf of Felbridge.

(viii)      Felbridge Traffic Lights:  Faults were to be rectified on 4th September.

(ix)       Passenger Transport Forum Annual Assembly:  No representative from FPC is able to attend the meeting on 26th September.

(x)        Lorries off Rural Roads:  An email regarding a meeting on 4th September was circulated on 14th August.  No representative from FPC was able to attend.

(xi)       Macmillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning on 28th September:  An invitation to all councillors was circulated with the minutes of the previous FPC meeting.

48/07

 

(xii)      A22 outside Glendale:  SCC has asked Docwra to attend to the dip in the road.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xiii)      Bridge Park, Imberhorne Lane:  Councillors Jeremy Clarke and Brian Apps attended a public exhibition on 1st August and sent comments to the Account Manager of Green Issues.

(xiv)     Pitches for Gypsies and Travellers:  A study of current sites and provision for future sites was circulated by email on 27th July.  Comments from councillors were submitted to TDC on 6th August. 

(xv)      ERHA:  An invitation was received to the official opening of a scheme in Tatsfield on 23rd August.  No representative from FPC was able to attend.

(xvi)     In circulation:  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 17th Jul 07;  Tandridge News, Summer 07;  TDC Special Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 18th Jul 07;  SCC AtoZ of Council Services;  TDC Resources Committee, 12th Jul 07;  ERHA Bulletin, Summer 07;  SCC Trading Standards Email re recent cases, 24th Jul 07;  TDC News Release re flooding, 24th Jul 07;  SCAPTC AGM Bulletin, 14h Jul 07;  TDC News Release re communications survey, 6th Jul 07;  TVSC Interim Newsletter, Jul 07;  ERHA Report and Review 06;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 25th Jul 07;  TDC Council Agenda, 26th Jul 07;  Email re SE River Basin District consultation document, 25th Jul 07;  WSCC Minerals & Waste Development Framework update, 3rd Aug 07;  Local Works newsletter, 9th Jul 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 2nd Aug 07;  TDC Planning & Environment Committee Minutes of meeting on 18th Jul 07;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes of meeting held on 24th May 07;  The Playing Field, Summer 07;  Surrey Community Action newsletter, Summer 07;  Natural World, Summer 07;  Surrey Nature, Summer 07;  TDC letter re Mid Sussex Core Strategy, 3rd Aug 07;  East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership newsletter, Summer 07;  NCYPE newsletter, Summer 07;  Stepping Out, Aug 07;  TDC News Release re carton recycling scheme, 24th Aug 07;  TDC News Release re benefit service, 24th Aug 07;  TDC News Release re business networking exhibition, 31st Aug 07;  TDC News Release re Trickster musical, 3rd Sept 07;  LCR, Sept 07;  TDC Standards Committee Agenda, 5th Sept 07;  SCC letter re second Local Transport Plan, Sept 07;  Government Office of South East letter re draft Regional Spatial Strategy Plan, Sept 07;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Sept 07;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 6th Sept 07;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 23rd Aug 07;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 30th Aug 07;  Policing in Surrey, 07/08.

 

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

 

576            B. Wright                          Bus shelter cleaning for Sept                            £28.20

577            R. White                           Clerk’s salary for Sept                £205.99

578            R White                           Office Allowance for Aug & Sept

and Petty Cash for July & Aug              £193.35

579            HM Revenue & Customs            Income Tax for Sept                                 £29.39

580            L Hainge                          Materials for bus shelter repairs etc            £11.19

581            B Huntington                                Playground expenses                                £13.48

582            Security Systems                     Installation of additional camera   £564.00

583            Surrey Crimestoppers              Donation towards ongoing costs        £40.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

            None.

49/07

 

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

 

The meeting closed at approximately 12.15am.

 

RW

13 September 2007