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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 3rd September 2009

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 Michael Sydney (County Councillor)

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - none.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Ian McBryde declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2009/980, the nature of the interest being that he is a Governor of Felbridge Primary School.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, he left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

The Chairman welcome three local residents to the meeting.

 

Lesley Wilfort, a local resident, was concerned about the bad parking practices of employees and visitors to the new company at No. 45 Crawley Down Road.  Employees and visitors have been seen parking in the Village Hall Carpark, on the grass verges and behind the building.  Resolved:  It was agreed that FPC will write to the company asking them not to park on the grass verges or the Village Hall Carpark.  The Village Hall Committee will also write informing them that they do not have permission to park in the carpark.  Ken Harwood will notify TDC of the change of use of the building and the numerous cars being parked behind the building.  The Chairman encouraged Lesley Wilfort to also contact TDC informing them of her concerns.

 

Tony Cox, a resident of Copthorne Road, was concerned about the flooding of the gardens of numbers 112 and 114 Copthorne Road since the new developments and the resurfacing of this road.  Several drains are crushed or blocked and cannot therefore take the rain water.  Councillor Sydney explained that this is a county-wide problem and SCC budgets are insufficient.  The Chairman confirmed FPC’s concerns and hopes for an improvement.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Surrey Highways to ask for an officer to visit Tony Cox.

 

Rod Benwell, a resident of Crawley Down Road, was concerned about vehicles exceeding the speed limits.  Jeremy Clarke explained that since the Felbridge Safety Study in 2005, FPC have been fighting to get the speed limits reduced to 30mph.  At a meeting with Jeremy Clarke in July, David Curl, Tandridge Highways Manager, confirmed that once the consultation period had closed, the signage will be designed by the Safety Team who will look at and may recommend items such as VAS signs, pinch points etc.  SCC Legal Department have confirmed that this work will be completed by the end of the current financial year.  FPC will continue to


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support Surrey Highways and campaign for VAS signs.  Jeremy Clarke also pointed out that there is a speedwatch site in Crawley Down Road.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Annual Meeting and Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd July 2009 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  TDC are still waiting for a reply from Linden Homes.  To try to avoid a Breach of Conditions Notice, TDC will contact the current owner, Downland Housing Association.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:   Although PC Moira Cocks has a supply of temporary VAS signs, SCC are unable to erect the poles.  A Speedwatch check was carried out in Crawley Down Road in the evening on 13th July and during one hour, 15 vehicles were recorded exceeding 47mph, 3 of which were exceeding 60mph.

(iii)       List of Surrey Highway Repairs:

(i) A22 outside Glendale - The dip in the road (reported 03.03.08 – Ref 82061107) was defected by the CHO and the utility company has been asked to carry out repairs.  On 27.03.09 the CHO reported that he is unable to progress this repair soon.  In the new financial year he will report this as an HSI defect.

(ii) Copthorne Road – The bad hump by the puffin crossing (Re-reported to SCC 14.10.08 – Ref 82093067) has been inspected by the CHO and is on the repair list.  On 27.03.09 CHO reported that this should be repaired by Sutton and East Surrey Water Board.

(iii) Storm Water Drains in Copthorne Road outside No. 51 and opposite the new development at 41 Copthorne Road are broken (reported to SCC (Ref. 82091180 29.09.08).  CHO confirmed 27.03.09 that drains have been ordered and the Community Gang could carry out the work w/c 6th April.

(iv) Footpath outside Stone Cottage still needs clearing alongside A22 – (re-reported to SCC on 21.10.08 Ref. 82093891).  SCC confirmed on 7.5.09 that this is still on the SCC list.

(v) Missing drain cover – south side of Copthorne Road, opposite bus stop on north side, close to entrance to Domewood.  Reported to SCC on 2.3.09 (Ref 83008386 – reported immediately to CHO as considered dangerous).

(vi) On 07.03.09 Jeremy Clarke carried out a survey of all adopted roads within Felbridge and reported 107 defects to SCC.  (Ref Nos. 62903460, 62903458, 62903420, 62903456, 62903455).

(vii) Pedestrians crossing at The Star traffic lights – David Borer, Tandridge Access Group, had a meeting with David Curl on 29th July.  Surrey Highways do not consider the pavement along Crawley Down Road to be bad enough to require resurfacing.  David Curl agreed to look at the A22/A264 junction, but this would be a major cost.

(iv)       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.  Michael Sydney has discussed this issue with David Curl.

(v)        Verges:  A letter has been received from Antler Homes confirming that during September they will level out and re-seed the verges near Housman Close.

(vi)       Crawley Down Road:  WPC Moira Cocks has confirmed that a speed check was carried out early morning on 10th August, during which 4 vehicles were exceeding the speed limit.

(vii)      Number of Parish Councillors:  A report will be sent to the TDC Resources Committee Meeting on 1st October, when a detailed timetable will be discussed.

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(viii)      Rules of Common Sign:  Steve Hyder has ordered new signs which will be ready in approx. 8 weeks.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(ix)       Village Hall Carpark:  Following the meeting with Nick Dance, Linda Hainge and Jacob Woodd on 15th June, a revised quote has been received for £6,350 plus VAT, which includes ‘Ts’ to mark out the car park spaces.  It was unanimously agreed to go ahead with this quote.  Steve Hyder, TDC, has given his approval to this quote.  Jeremy Clarke is preparing the planning application.  Janet Johnson has confirmed that the TDC Local Committee is unlikely to agree to provide funding for this project.

(x)        Letter of Complaint to SCC Customer Relations Team:  Jeremy Clarke is still waiting for a formal reply to the letter he sent on 5th May detailing 6 separate complaints that he wants investigating.  Jeremy Clarke to send a copy of this correspondence to Michael Sydney.

(xi)       Path from Puffin Crossing:  At a meeting on 22nd May, Steve Hyder, TDC, suggested railings alongside the pavement and a path across the green avoiding the trees.  It was agreed that a request for financial assistance be sent to Linden Homes.  Following a meeting on 15th June, Nick Dance agreed to quote for this work.

(xii)      Flashing Lights near to Felbridge School:  These have been re-reported on 28.8.09 to SCC (Ref. 28025659).

(xiii)      Skateboard Ramp:  It was agreed that 3BRamps should paint the ramp in forest green at a cost of £220 plus VAT.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Meetings with County Councillor:  Councillor Michael Sydney suggested monthly meetings with Parish Clerks starting in October/November and quarterly meetings with Clerks, Chairmen and David Curl, Tandridge Highways Manager.

(ii)        Management of Public Highway Verges, Ditches and Hedges:  Michael Sydney circulated a proposal for discussion at the next meeting.

(iii)       Meeting with new SCC Chief Executive:  Michael Sydney has arranged a meeting at Smallfield Village Hall on 10th November to which Clerks and Councillors will be invited.  The Chief Executive will officially open Judges Corner roundabout on this day.

(iv)       TDC Local Committee:  There will be a meeting on Friday, 4th September.  Each County Councillor will be allocated £6,000 to spend on local highway improvements.  Resolved:  Clerk to send list of Felbridge requirements to Michael Sydney.

(v)        Footpath along Copthorne Road:  The brambles and hedging is obstructing the footpath between Mill Lane and Hedgecourt Place.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(vi)       Parking at the Junction of Rowplatt Lane and Crawley Down Road:  This can obstruct the view of vehicles turning into Crawley Down Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to residents nearby.  Ken Harwood to take photos of parked vehicles.

(vii)      Village Shop:  FPC are very pleased that the village shop has re-opened.  The owner is concerned about lighting in front of the shop.  Concern was expressed over the drinks licence.  The owner would like some form of protection in front of the shop.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood agreed to visit the shop owner and suggest he contacts TDC Planning about the lighting and protection in front of the shop.  Clerk to speak to shop owner re a possible noticeboard inside the shop.

(viii)      FSRA:  Linda Hainge will attend the AGM on 9th September.

(ix)       Meeting with Tandridge Highways Manager:  Jeremy Clarke had a meeting with David Curl, Colin Pearse and Michael Sydney on 22nd July, at which FPC’s concerns were discussed.

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(x)        The Star Inn:  Clerk to write to the manager to thank them for their excellent floral displays.

(xi)       Community Noticeboard:  Ian McBryde explained that under the community cohesion scheme, the school are required to have a noticeboard advertising local events.  TDC gave permission for this noticeboard.  Ian agreed to speak to the school about including SCC notices along with the current WSCC ones.

(xii)      Woods behind the Village Hall:  TDC will tidy the area of the old BMX track after the school holidays.

(xiii)      Chairman’s Planning Seminar:  Ian McBryde attended this seminar on 10th June at which changes in planning laws, permissive development, gypsy and traveller sites, and changes to Green Belt were all discussed.

(xiv)     Local Development Framework – Questionnaire on Sustainability:  FPC have been asked to complete a questionnaire for Domewood and Felbridge by 30th October.  Resolved:  Ian McBryde will complete the Felbridge one and Ken Harwood will complete the Domewood questionnaire for circulation to councillors for comments before next meeting.

(xv)      Annual Audit:  The Annual Return has been audited.  There were no comments or recommendations that require attention.  FPC approved the Annual Return.

(xvi)     Planning Meetings:  It was agreed that all councillors would notify Jeremy Clarke of their availability for planning meetings.

(xvii)     New Sign on roadside outside Doves Barn:  This sign is advertising Garden Adventure Ltd.  Resolved:  Clerk to notify TDC Planning.

(xviii)    Enforcement:  Ken Harwood reported that TDC Planning are struggling with the number of enforcement issues.

(xix)     Forge Farm:  Ken Harwood is in contact with TDC Planning regarding developments at this site.

(xx)      Burglary in Mill Lane:  Ken Harwood will contact Inspector Burtenshaw regarding concerns over handling of this burglary by Surrey Police.

(xxi)     Bridleway 257:  The outcome of the Appeal is not yet known.

(xxii)     BMX Track/Provision for Older Children:  East Grinstead Sports Club are investigating the possibility of a BMX track on their land and are liaising with TDC and MSDC.  Ken Harwood is liaising with TDC and EGSC.  Jacob Woodd is investigating alternatives for older children within the Village Hall grounds.  FPC are concerned about the danger to pedestrians from bikers jumping over the ditch at the front of the village hall and damage to the hedge.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform TDC of what is happening.

(xxiii)    A-Board on Village Green:  This board does not have FPC consent.  FPC discussed the possibility of a general sign on the TDC common land advertising local shops, businesses, village hall etc.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to hairdressers to ask them to remove their board from the common land.  Clerk to write to Steve Hyder, TDC, regarding a general board of the green.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 16th July 2009 – attended by Brian Apps, Joan Harwood, Ian McBryde and Jeremy Clarke.

Applications Acknowledged 29th June – 3rd July 2009

TA/2009/702:  Ibstock, Rowplatt Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of detached garage adjacent to north-west boundary.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned that the proposed siting of the garage is so far in front of the dwelling and immediately adjacent to the road. If in the future, screening hedge was ever removed it would leave an isolated building very visible in the street scene and out of character with the neighbouring properties. We would support the relocation of the garage much closer to, or behind, the dwelling.

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Applications Acknowledged 6th – 10th July 2009

None in Felbridge

Applications Acknowledged 13th – 17th July 2009

None in Felbridge

 

Planning Meeting held on 6th August 2009 – attended by Brian Apps, Linda Hainge, Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke.

 

Applications Acknowledged 20th – 24th July 2009

TA/2009/674:  Ripswood, 13 Wembury Park, Newchapel.  Erection of single storey and first floor extensions to rear elevation.  Resolved:  No Action

Applications Acknowledged 27th – 31st July 2009

None in Felbridge

 

Planning Meeting held on 20th August 2009 – attended by Ian McBryde, Brian Apps and Joan Harwood.

 

Applications Acknowledged 3rd – 7th August 2009

TA/2009/848:  92 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 2-storey side extension and part 2-storey, part first floor rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action

Applications Acknowledged 10th – 14th August 2009

TA/2009/902:  Ivy Hatch, Dowlands Lane, Copthorne.  Use of land for the stationing of 3 caravans/mobile homes.  (Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed use).  Resolved:  FPC are opposed to the granting of a CLUED as the proposal has not provided any evidence of continuous use and occupation since 1997.  Therefore no CLUED should be issued unless further evidence of continuous occupation and use is provided.

TA/2009/829:  Woodcock Hill Service Station, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Demolition of garage and erection of garage building.  Resolved:  No Action

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd September 2009

 

Applications Acknowledged 17th – 21st August 2009

TA/2009/963:  Whitegates, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Replacement of single storey structure and extension to existing sand school.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2009/966:  The Ferns, Lake View Road, East Grinstead.  Retention and completion of single storey extension to north elevation. Resolved:  FPC strongly support this application as a significant improvement over a very small dwelling.

TA/2009/978/TPO:  5 Evelyn Close, Felbridge.  TPO 1, 1998 (T) – Reduce 2 Cypress trees back from house by 2 metres.  Crown reduce 1 Sweet Chestnut by 30%.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr McBryde left the meeting.

TA/2009/980:  Felbridge Primary School, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Erection of canopy over existing play area, extension of existing playground and new linking steps (County Determination)  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr McBryde returned to the meeting.

TA/2009/759:  The Cherry House, 3 Tithe Orchard, Felbridge. Demolition of existing double garage and erection of detached triple garage.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned about the position of the proposed triple garage impacting on the views of the residents in Warren Close.  They would prefer to see the triple garage building much closer to the site of the existing garage.

Applications Acknowledged 24th – 28th August 2009

TA/2009/904:  Land Adjacent Maracas, Herons Lea, New Domewood.  Erection of house and garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

 

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

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7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Macmillan Coffee Morning:  A letter from the TDC Chairman was circulated to all councillors.

(ii)        Eden Place, Copthorne Road:  Halifax Estate Agents are dealing with the damaged trees at this property.

(iii)       Surrey Crimestoppers:  An email has been received thanking FPC for their donation of £40.

(iv)       SCAPTC:  The AGM will be held on 6th October at East Horsley Village Hall, at which SCAPTC are suggesting a display of local council projects.  Two Committee Members will be standing down and nominations are required for the two vacancies.  A proposal has been received suggesting an increase in fees for FPC from £374.40 to £430.80, 15%, whilst some councils have no increase and some larger councils have a decrease.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to SCAPTC stating that FPC cannot agree to this increase as no justification has been provided.  Clerk to email other councils in same situation.  Clerk to provide photo and write-up on the playground for display at AGM.

(v)        Councillor Training:  Bletchingly Parish Council are organising councillor training sessions on 1st and 10th October. 

(vi)       ESPLG Meeting:  The next meeting will be held on 28th October.  The Clerk and Joan Harwood will attend.

(vii)      Surrey Police Community Crime Fighters Programme:  An event is being held on 13th October at Brighton for Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, tenants’ leaders etc.

(viii)      TVSC:  An invitation has been received to their Network Lunch on 30th Sept.

(ix)       Charter Towers:  A letter has been received regarding a proposed retirement village on this site and offering more information.

(x)        SLCC Branch Meeting:  Doug Williams, SCA Village Halls Advisor will be speaking at the next meeting on 17th September.  A member of the Village Hall Committee may attend.

(xi)       Gullage Bridle Path:  A local resident is concerned about the bank of earth alongside the path created by ditch clearing alongside the football ground.  FSRA have agreed to dig some channels in the earth to drain the water from the path.  As this path is privately owned by an unknown owner, FPC are unable to consider any improvements to this path.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply to resident.

(xii)      Additional Post Box:  A resident of Mulberry Gate has requested an additional post box.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply stating that this is a matter for the Post Office.

(xiii)      Tandridge Access Guide:  This online directory will be launched on 8th October at the Orpheus Centre, Godstone.

(xiv)     Bus Shelter in Copthorne Road:  A resident has asked if this shelter can be improved.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain quotes for seating inside the shelter.

(xv)      Gatwick Expansion:  GACC have asked for parish councils to support their objection to the planning application for an extension to the North Terminal.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Crawley Council and GOSE.

(xvi)     Felbridge and District History Group:  A letter has been received inviting all councillors to their National Heritage Day exhibition on 13th September.

(xvii)     Sustainable Communities Act:  An email has been received from Local Works asking parish councils to support the Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill which would enable Local Councils to take advantage of the Act.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to MP to ask for his support of this Bill.

(xviii)    In circulation:  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 9 Jul 09;  TDC Press Release re Tandridge News, Jul 09;  TDC Press Release re Review of Older People’s Housing, 16 Jul 09;  Email from Surrey Police re new Neighbourhood Sergeant, 16 Jul 09;  Minutes of SCAPTC Mtg on 30 May 09;  TDC Resources


47/09

 

Committee Agenda, 23 Jul 09;  TDC Council Agenda, 23 Jul 09;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 16 Jul 09;  Tandridge News, Summer 09;  TDC Press Release re Clean up of A22, 23 Jul 09;  TDC Press Release re Council Tax Bills, 24 Jul 09;  GACC Noise Action Plan, 3 Aug 09;  TVCS Newsletter, Jul 09;  NALC E-Bulletin, Jul 09;  SCA Magazine, Summer 09;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes, 14 May 09;  ERHA Bulletin, Summer 09;  Natural World, Summer 09;  Surrey Nature, Summer 09;  Email from Surrey Police re Safer Neighbourhoods, 18 Aug 09;  Email from TDC re Strategic Development at EG, 21 Aug 09;  East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Aug 09;  SCC Rights of Way and Countryside Access Annual Report 2008-09;  The Playing Field Newsletter, Summer 09;  Surrey Police Keyholder Database Information;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 27 Aug 09;  TDC Press Release re Dog Walker Watch, 28 Aug 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Sep 09;  TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 10 Sep 09.

 

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

 

718      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Sept                    £28.75

719      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Sept              £198.46

720      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Sept                                £49.40

721      R White                                    Office Allowance for Aug & Sept

and Petty Cash for July/Aug                  £133.91

722      L Hainge                                  Bulbs for village green                  £29.00

723      BDO Stoy Hayward LLP         Audit of Annual Return             £155.25

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

 

            Clerk to contact TDC regarding the lack of an agenda for the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 4th September.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st October 2009 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 11.10pm.

 

RW

8 September 2009