39/08

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 4th September 2008

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Jeremy Clarke (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

                        Mrs Bridget Huntington (for part of meeting)

Mr Ken Harwood

Mr Ken Rimington (for part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ian McBryde, Mrs Joan Harwood and Mr Jacob Woodd

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Joan Harwood declared a prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2008/1083.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

The Chairman welcomed Dylan May and Nick Laugharne from Linden Homes who presented plans for a further four new homes behind No. 42 Copthorne Road.  This means they now need to provide another affordable unit.  The new planning application will therefore be for 7 units but this is a net increase of 5 units.  Mr May and Mr Laugharne will investigate the solar panels on the three new houses in Copthorne Road, which can be seen above the roof line.  They agreed to check if the requirement for 1.5 spaces per house is a minimum or maximum requirement and will look at FPC’s suggestion that additional general parking is provided.  They also agreed to investigate the distance between plots 6 and 7, and the location of the boundary trees to plot 3 which seem very near to the property.  They agreed to report back to Jeremy Clarke on these queries.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd July 2008 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  A reply is 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

(ii)        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 no funding has been identified by the Local Committee this year for VAS.  Resolved:  Clerk to reply asking which VAS signs in the Tandridge area have been funded or partially funded by SCC in the current financial year.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  Mr Nick Skellett, Leader of TDC Council, has agreed to investigate the delays.  Resolved:  Jeremy Clarke to follow up.

(iv)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:   Replies to FPC’s letters to Roger Archer-Reeves and the Head of SCC Legal Services have been circulated to councillors.  As the re-sited puffin crossing is still not operational, Mr Rimington


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has spoken to the Site Manager who has stated that laying of the anti skid surface has been delayed due to the bad weather.

(v)        List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i) The reflective post on the edge of the kerb behind the Star Inn has been knocked over (reported 26.08.08 – Ref 82087177).  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC and ask for a metal post.

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.

            (ii)  Potholes in Rowplatt Lane were reported to SCC on 20.05.08 (Ref 82073311).  Works have been ordered.

(iii) 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.

(iv) 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.

(v) 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.

(vi) 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..

 (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.  A complaint has been received from a resident.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(vii)      Youth Shelter:  It was agreed that this item be postponed to the next meeting when more councillors are in attendance.

(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)  A new 30mph sign at the end of Rowplatt Lane has been ordered (reported 19.03.08 – Ref 82063883)

(ix)       Village Shop Closure:  Philip Evans, TDC Planning, has made two visits to these premises in July and August and has reported no evidence of anyone living in the shop, nor of more than 3 people living in the flat.  He has now closed this case.

(x)        Surrey Highways:  Jeremy Clarke has been in correspondence with Piers Mason, TDC Planning, regarding Surrey Highways responses to planning applications.  Any FPC representative attending a planning meeting needs to be specific in their comments regarding Surrey Highways consultation.

(xi)       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.

(xii)      Planning Applications:  A letter has been sent to the Secretary of State regarding planning decisions overturned by appointed inspectors. 

(xiii)      Travel Lodge on A22:  A representative of the Spirit Group agreed to look at the broken fence on 29.08.08.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up if fence not repaired.

(xiv)     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


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before making an application for advertisement consent.  Resolved:  Clerk to check which signs still remain.

(xv)      CCTV:  Security Systems have quoted £560 plus VAT for an extra camera directed towards the gateway and installation.  Resolved:  Clerk to suggest a Saturday for installation.

(xvi)     Fence in Copthorne Road:  Planning applications have been received by TDC Planning.

(xvii)     Village Hall Carpark:  The quote from Nick Dance was discussed by the Village Hall Committee who do not currently have funds available.  It was agreed that this item be considered when discussing next year’s budget.

(xviii)    42/44 Copthorne Road:  Tracey Horton, TDC Senior Revenue Officer, has investigated the situation. 

(xix)     Burglaries:  Elaine Burtenshaw, Surrey Police, has provided figures for burglaries in Felbridge and Bletchingly since 2005. The figures in Felbridge show no major differences in the past two years.

(xx)      Rowplatt Lane:  The raised manhole cover in the middle of the road is outside The Ark (not Lyric Cottage).  The CHO will ascertain ownership and ask the utility company to repair.

(xxi)     Crawley Down Road:  An email was sent to Moira Cocks on 26.08.08 asking for a speed check when vehicles are leaving football matches. 

(xxii)     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.

(xxiii)    TDC Local Committee Meeting:  The three questions submitted to the meeting held on 20th June were not discussed at the meeting.  A reply has been received from the Chairman, David Hodge, who will respond to our questions.  Resolved:  Clerk to circulate David Hodge’s email to councillors.

(xxiv)    Copthorne Road:  The long grass on the verge and island near the layby into Furnace Wood has been cut.  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:  Ken Rimington agreed to contact Derek Poole about the potholes and will contact Jenny Isaac if nothing is done.

(xxv)    TDC Development Committee:  A reply was received from Gordon Keymer stating that members of the development control committee represent the interests of all residents of Tandridge.  Ward concerns can be raised by ward members both in advance and by speaking at the relevant DC meeting.  Non members can speak with the agreement of the committee.  They will however not have a vote.  A reply was received from Peter Ainsworth MP stating that any decision regarding the composition of the Council Committee is entirely a matter for the Leader of the Council and the local councillors themselves. 

(xxvi)    Speedwatch:  Graeme Stagg has agreed to contact volunteers and coordinate speed checks.  He now has the equipment.

(xxvii)   Carpark at Bedding Centre:  Sandra Blackburn, TDC Planning, will investigate.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xxviii)  Letter from Resident:  Philip Evans, TDC Planning, will investigate the number of illegally erected Estate Agent boards in the village.  Mark Winstanley, SCC, has responded to the letter regarding the safety of residents crossing Crawley Down Road.  SCC have limited funds and over 80 schemes on their priority list.  Schemes for the next three years have already been programmed.  He has passed the comments to development planning for consideration if another planning application is made for a development at 32-34 Crawley Down Road.  Copies of replies have been sent to the resident.

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(xxix)    Number of Parish Councillors:  Hazel Oakley has provided figures showing the ratio of electors per councillor in Tandridge parishes.  It was agreed to discuss at the next meeting.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Tandridge Local Committee:  At their meeting on 5th September, the committee will agree the use of £103,000 revenue monies identified in the East Area Highways Maintenance Delivery Plan, which also gives details of the Tandridge allocations from an additional £5m for Surrey Highways.  Ken Rimington agrees to the Committee’s recommendations.

 (ii)       Reports to Surrey Highways:  Ken Rimington provided a definition of reports requiring immediate action and those requiring a response in 24 hours or more.

(iii)       Telecare Smart House:  This is a new initiative in East Surrey to support people who are living at home with care needs and is located adjacent to ‘Dormers’, a residential home in Caterham (telephone number 01737 737527 for more information or to book a visit).

(iv)       Highways Bulletin, Tandridge:  This was issued in September and details the responsibilities of SCC, TDC, Surrey Police and Parish Councils.

(v)        Street Trading in Lay-by adjacent to Lake View Road:  An application was turned down.  Resolved:  Ken Rimington will pass on FPC’s comments that they would have liked to be consulted.

Mr Rimington left the meeting.

(vi)       Thornhurst, Rowplatt Lane:  Vegetation is obstructing the pavement.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to residents.

(vii)      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)

(viii)      Eden Place, Copthorne Road:  The holly tree is obstructing the pavement.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact owners via estate agents.

Mrs Huntington left the meeting.

(ix)       Annual Return:  The Annual Return has been audited.  There were no comments or recommendations.  This was approved and accepted by the Council.

(x)        Bank Account:  Currently there is £448 in the current account, £20,290 in the Savings Account, making a total of £20,739.

(xi)       Circulation Bag:  It was agreed that this needs to be circulated more quickly.

(xii)      Oak Tree in Rowplatt Lane:  The oak tree opposite No. 53 and The Ark has died and will be cut down w/c 8th September.  The stump will be left due to a colony of stag beetles living in the base of the tree.

(xiii)      Silver Birch, Mill Lane:  This house was demolished prior to planning permission being granted.  TDC felt that this was due to a misunderstanding and have written to the owners and advised them to cease work.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 30th June – 4th July

TA/2008/914:  Former Dundori, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Display of 2.6m high non illuminated sign.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object to this sign as it is out of character with the rural nature of the village due to its size and design.

TA/2008/930:  46-56 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Display of 3 x 6m high flag poles with 2m banner signs, 2 x 3.05m high signs and 1 x 4m high sign, all non illuminated.  Resolved:  It was agreed that the housing association sign and main site board are acceptable but the flagpoles are too high and would pose distraction to drivers.

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Applications Acknowledged 7th – 11th July

TA/2008/968:  Land to rear of Dewley Mead, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of detached house and detached double garage with formation of access from road approved under 2007/1600.  Resolved:  FPC had no objection to the planning application but requested that the potential negative impact upon Tythe Orchard to the south be considered in detail by the officer.

TA/2008/991:  Cedarwood House, Snowhill Lane, Copthorne.  Demolition of single storey side and rear extension.  Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension with basement, first floor rear extension and dormer window to front roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/1007:  Solway, Domewood, Copthorne.  Demolish conservatory.  Erection of conservatory and single storey extension to rear of dwelling.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 14th – 18th July

TA/2008/927:  Bonaventure, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of single storey front extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/995:  Land North East, Felbridge Hotel, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 6 x 8m high floodlights to tennis courts.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection but request a planning condition preventing use of the lights after 11pm.

TA/2008/1035:  High Timber, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of rear conservatory.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/422:  Sweet Briar Cottage, Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Change of use of barn to residential annexe to Sweet Briar Cottage with external alterations.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection as long as the condition suggested by the applicant on page 10, item 2.26 of the design statement (prevents use as a separate dwelling) is stipulated and enforced. 

Applications Acknowledged 21st – 25th July

TA/2008/993:  Mere, Domewood, Copthorne.  Erection of double detached garage. Resolved:  FPC have no objection subject to the tree officer agreeing to the proposed tree works.

TA/2008/1054:  Felbridge Primary School, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of detached timber shed within the cartilage of a listed building (County determination).  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/1056:  Maracas, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of detached 3-bedroom dwelling with integral double garage and access from Herons Lea (outline).  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 28th July – 1st August.

TA/2008/1077:  Oast House, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Change of use of agricultural building to Class B8 use with installation of 3 roller shutters to south elevation and associated parking.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/1083:  Little Meadow, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of garage.  Resolved:  It was agreed to object due to concerns over this large structure being visually close to the road and impacting on rural nature of village.  FPC would prefer a smaller structure or it moved closer to the house.

Applications Acknowledged 4th – 8th August

TA/2008/1123:  Little Sandford, Snow Hill, Copthorne.  Demolition of existing garage.  Erection of garage and store with first floor studio annexe.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/855:  55 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Retention of front boundary fence.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned about the enclosure and encroachment of the visual openness of Copthorne Road.  Although not a planning matter, FPC are also concerned that this encroachment would appear to be upon Council owned verges and will lead to repetition.

TA/2008/1144:  3 Wembury Park, Newchapel.  Erection of 2 dormer windows to front roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

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Applications Acknowledged 11th – 15th August

TA/2008/1119:  53 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Erection of a single storey rear extension with roof over existing extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 18th – 22nd August

TA/2008/1199:  Silver Birch/Mikandras, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Demolition of chalet bungalow and erection of 4-bed replacement dwelling and new roof over existing garage.  Resolved:  FPC agreed that this application is technically wrong.  It specifies retaining existing garage and only replacing the roof, although the garage is already demolished.  It states that it is the intention to build on the footings of the previous property.  These footings have already been removed which gives rise to the opportunity for the building to increase in size beyond that of the footprint of the previous house.

TA/2008/826:  Woodcock, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Conversion of garage, store and stable to residential and erection of single storey extensions comprising of link between stables and main building, infill court yard and to south west corner to enable conversion of 3 studio flats to 3 x 1 bed flats.  Resolved:  FPC strongly support this application as property provides much needed service to local community.

Applications Acknowledged 25th – 29th August

TA/2008/1182:  Roseleigh Lodge, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Erection of detached 2-bed bungalow.  Resolved:  No Action

TA/2008/796:  Unit 46, Hobbs Industrial Estate, Newchapel.  Construction of hardstanding for storage and creation of parking areas to provide 30 car parking spaces (2 disabled spaces) and 7 lorry spaces.  Erection of warehouse building and staff welfare building.  Installation of 15 x 8.75m. floodlights and erection of 2.4m palisade fencing.  Resolved:  FPC do not object in principle but are concerned over potential visible impact from green belt and request vegetative screening along northerly boundary fence and height restriction of 3 metres on storage.  FPC also request restrictions on storage of hazardous materials.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Steps Across Surrey:  Details of a sponsored walk on 27th September were circulated.

(ii)        Macmillan Cancer Relief:  Invitations to the Chairman of TDC’s Coffee Morning on 26th September were circulated.

(iii)       St Piers SureStart Children’s Centre:  Details of the Sure Start Play Bus have been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed that there are no outlying rural areas in Felbridge that would benefit from this.

(iv)       Rights of Way Improvement Plans:  The Ramblers Association have suggested affiliation and advice.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to take out membership.

(v)        WSCC Minerals & Waste Development Framework:  An invitation has been received to a forum on 23rd October.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a representative.

(vi)       Godstone Parish Council:  They have written to Surrey Highways regarding the condition of pavements in Godstone and would like to hear from other parishes with similar problems.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Godstone Parish Clerk to suggest parishes get together.

(vii)      LORD:  Further information regarding problems with lorries using Mill Lane/Stub Pond Lane and Rowplatt Lane should be reported to SCC website.

(viii)      Surrey Countryside Access Forum:  A letter has been received asking for nominations for members.  Resolved:  It was agreed not to send a nomination.

(ix)       Felbridge Sports Association:  Ken Harwood is liaising with TDC and MSDC over their rate demand.

(x)        Proposed Changes to Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South East:  Deadline for consultation responses is 24th October.  Jeremy Clarke agreed to look at CD version.

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(xi)       Service of Thanksgiving – Guildford Cathedral:  An invitation has been received to the service on 12th October.  Resolved:  No representative is available to attend.

(xii)      Capping of Surrey Police Authority:  A letter has been received giving information about capping of Surrey Police Budget.

(xiii)      In circulation:  Email from SCC re Youth Project/Survey, 2 Jul 08;  SCAPTC Minutes of 60th AGM on 12 Jul 08;  Letter from MSDC re Rural Issues Background Paper, 3 Jul 08;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 10 Jul 08;  TVSC The Voice, Jul 08;  Tandridge News, Summer 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 10 Jul 08;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee, 15 Jul 08;  Surrey Community Action Magazine, Summer 08;  Natural World, Summer 08;  Surrey Nature, Summer 08;  TDC Council Agenda, 24 Jul 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 23 Jul 08;  Letter from C. Moore, TDC re Complaints of Alleged Breaches of Code of Conduct, 29 Jul 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 31 Jul 08;  Friends of East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Aug 08;  Email from LORD re recent activities, 13 Aug 08;  Email re ITV Fixers, 15 Aug 08;  Email re funding for Rural Communities, 13 Aug 08;  The Playing Field, Summer 08;  ERHA Bulletin, Summer 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 28 Aug 08;  TDC News Release re Oxted Station, 21 Aug 08;  Stepping Out Newsletter, Autumn 08;  Surrey Matters, Autumn 08;  TDC News Release – Working together to tackle graffiti;  SALC Briefing and Update Bulletin, Sept. 08;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Sept 08;  LCR, Sept 08.

 

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

 

647      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for September             £29.38

648      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for September                   £193.03

649      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for September                        £48.20

650      R White                                    Office Allowance for Aug/Sept

and Petty Cash for July/Aug                      £126.52

651      Felbridge Village Hall                CCTV Insurance to 07.08.09                   £292.40

652      Sussex Association of   Governance & Accountability

Local Councils                          for Local Councils                                     £20.00

653      Surrey Crimestoppers               Donation                                                   £40.00

654      BDO Stoy Hayward LLP         Fees for Annual Return Audit                   £470.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS - None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd October 2008 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.12pm

 

RW  

9 September 2008