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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 1st April 2010

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Jacob Woodd

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor)

Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Linda Hainge.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Joan Harwood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2010/209, the nature of the interest being that she is a close neighbour to this property.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she was not present at the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.  Mrs Joan Harwood also declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2010/323, the nature of the interest being that she is a close neighbour to this property.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she was not present at the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th March 2010 were approved and signed, subject to the following amendment:-  page 10/10, item 6(vii) should be divided into (a) and (b), point (b) commencing at “Jeremy Clarke agreed to ........”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Woodcock Hill:  Notes from the meeting with residents facilitated by FPC on 4th March were circulated.  PC Moira Cocks has been unable to download data from the speed sign.  She will consider a SDR covert box.  It was agreed that there is still water running down the road and no progress has been made with new signs and traffic calming.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Councillor Michael Sydney pointing out that FPC have not received a reply to their letter to Ian Lake, Cabinet Member for Highways. 

(ii)        Road Signage at Newchapel roundabout:  Tony Cox attended the December meeting and asked if the road direction signs at this roundabout, which currently

direct traffic to Gatwick and Crawley towards East Grinstead and along the A264, could be changed to direct traffic via the improved junction at Judges Corner.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Michael Sydney who agreed to discuss with Surrey Highways.

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(iii)       Vehicle Activated Signs/Speed Limit Reductions:  An email has been received from David Curl, Tandridge Local Highways Manager, confirming that the work should take place over the next few weeks.  He is hoping to put a VAS in Crawley Down Rd in addition to the VAS sign ordered for the eastbound A264.

(iv)       Village Hall Carpark:  The work will be carried out w/c 6th April.    There will be an extra cost of £80 plus VAT for cleaning the carpark prior to white lining.

(v)        Path from Puffin Crossing:  At a meeting on 22nd May 09, Steve Hyder, TDC, suggested railings alongside the pavement and a path across the green avoiding the trees.  A quote has been received from Nick Dance for £3,330.  TDC have confirmed that a Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development will be required.

(vi)       Village Sign:  Steve Hyder, TDC, has agreed in principle to the signs under consideration.  Resolved:  It was agreed that FPC would apply for planning permission with the path from the Puffin Crossing.  Jeremy Clarke to obtain quotes.

(vii)      Skateboard Ramp:  The surface has been replaced and the ramp has been painted.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain a copy of the most recent annual inspection report.

(viii)      Bus Shelter in Copthorne Road:  Queensbury Shelters have confirmed their quote for £285 plus VAT to install a free standing perch.  They will carry out the work in late April.

(ix)       Parking on Verges/Pavements:  Yellow lines at the entrance to the village hall carpark have been suggested to John Pateman, SCC, as part of the Parking Review 2010/11.  Ken Harwood agreed to send an email to Paul Barton, TDC, to ask for TDC to visit to assess the problem.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact TDC Legal Department to ask how FPC can enforce the by-law which prevents vehicles entering onto the common land.

(x)        St Catherine’s Hospice:  The Hospice hope to be able to replace their garden furniture in May.  FPC have agreed a donation of £100 once they have received a copy of the invoice.

(xi)       King George’s Field Plaques:  A reply has been received from TDC with a copy of a letter sent to FPC in 1995.  Following a decision in 1960, National Playing Fields Association consider the village hall grounds are the King George’s Field.  Therefore the plaques should be sited on the new gate posts at the entrance to the village hall carpark and these grounds should be referred to as the King George’s Playing Fields.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to TDC Legal Department asking them to investigate the possibility of a Lien on the Felbridge Playing Fields.

(xii)       Accidents at junction of Crawley Down Road/Copthorne Road:  Moira Cocks has confirmed that data is held within the county but Sussex pass relevant data to SCC for recording and vice versa.

(xiii)      Verges outside 90, 92, 94 Copthorne Road:  A letter has been sent to the owner of No. 92 asking for the damaged verges to be repaired when the building work is completed.

(xiv)           Arrow direction signs on Judges Corner Roundabout:  Moira Cocks will inspect.

(xv)            Complaints Report:  Michael Sydney is waiting for a reply from SCC regarding recommendations in their report.  He also agreed to investigate the delays to work being carried out, after being first reported on the 24 hour hotline.

(xvi)           TDC Local Committee Meeting:  The next meeting to be held on 4th June.

(xvii)         Salt Cell:  Clerk has sent an email to David Curl to ask for the names of local farmers on the SCC list.

(xviii)        Annual Parish Meeting:  It was agreed to invite the Felbridge History Group to provide a guest speaker at this meeting.

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(xix)           Repairs to fencing on bank in front of Village Hall:  It was agreed to investigate who is responsible for grounds maintenance – TDC or Village Hall Committee.

(xx)            Surrey Hills Society:  Michael Sydney mentioned that this organisation can donate money for community projects.  Resolved:  Clerk to investigate whether Felbridge is included in the area covered by this scheme.

 

5.         SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

 

(i)         82093067:  Bad hole by puffin crossing on A264 has been re-reported to SCC – new reference number 83074259.

(ii)        83074257:  Blocked drain on A264 by eastern entrance to Furnace Wood was reported to SCC on 29.03.10.

(iii)       83074773:  Potholes on A264 near to Furnace Wood were reported to SCC on 31.03.10.

(iv)       Dip in road outside Hydropool showroom:  Clerk to re-report to SCC.

(v)        28025659:  The unit on flashing lights is faulty and will be replaced when the new street lighting contractor is operational.

 

6.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)                  Management of Public Highway Verges, Ditches and Hedges:  Michael Sydney reported on the meeting held on 10th March.  Minutes of this meeting have been circulated to all councillors. The Burstow Parish Clerk will distribute the definitive list of verges within each parish.  Michael Sydney is meeting the Town Clerk of Burgess Hill to discuss their scheme.  He also confirmed that SCC have been given an extra £1.5m to continue repairs to roads.

(ii)                Bridleway 257:  An investigator from the Ombudsman’s Office will be visiting the site.  The field should be restored by 8th May.

(iii)               Daffodils:  It was agreed that the daffodils plants last year look good and FPC will sponsor further planting of bulbs.  Resolved:  Michael Sydney suggested that the Clerk contact Janet Johnson, TDC, to ask for a form to apply for a grant from Members’ allowances.

(iv)              Damaged fence in Mill Lane:  A hole in the fence near to the bridge has been reported by a resident of Mill Lane.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC.

(v)                Roadworks near to Mormon Temple:  FPC congratulated SCC on their decision to remove these roadworks prior to the Easter week-end.

(vi)              Final Accounts for year 2009/10:  The Finance Officer will finalise FPC accounts prior to the visit by the Internal Auditor on 22 April 2010.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

7.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 18th March 2010 – attended by Brian Apps, Ian McBryde, Bridget Huntington, Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke.

Applications Acknowledged 22nd-26th February 2010

TA2010/77:  Land to R/O Dove Cottage, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of dwelling with vehicular access to Copthorne Road (Outline Application).  Resolved:  FPC very strongly object to this proposal. We object to the access onto Copthorne Road for the following reasons:-

i.                     There are inadequate sightlines (160m required for 50mph as per DB32) in both directions onto a major highway.

ii.                    There is no existing formally approved access at this location as a drop kerb does not exist.

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iii.                  This is a notorious minor accident area.

iv.                  This exact location has a multitude of complex vehicle movements due to the many entrances and exits from the garage opposite, an additional access will add to the highway safety risks.

v.                   It would be impossible to enforce the ‘left turn only’ exit from the dwelling.

vi.                  There is no safe public highway turning point locally to enable a car leaving the property to turn back towards Crawley (the Furnace Wood lay-by sightlines are incredibly poor).

vii.                Cars approaching the dwelling from the east would have to stop in the middle of the A264 with no safe waiting point thus creating an additional hazard.

viii.               This sets an unacceptable precedent for other properties to gain access onto the fast flowing A264 near this location.

The proposed dwelling is in itself acceptable to FPC, but requires access from Domewood, even if this necessitates modification of Dove Cottage to achieve an access.  Whilst it is not a planning decision matter, any approval subsequently granted must consider how construction traffic would be handled to prevent major disruption and danger on the A264 as a result of vehicles delivering labour, plant and materials to the site.

Applications Acknowledged 8th-12th March 2010

Mrs Harwood left the meeting.

TA/2010/209:  Fittleworth, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey detached garage and new entrance gates.  Resolved:  FPC are not concerned about the garage but are concerned about the sliding electric gate due to the potential noise of it opening and shutting, and that it is out of character with the surroundings. We would have preferred to see traditional wooden gates and centrally opening swing gates rather than sliding metal railings.

Mrs Harwood returned to the meeting.

TA/2010/253:  Land R/O Dewley Mead, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of 5-bed detached dwelling with detached double garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 15th-19th March 2010

TA/2010/297:  Kenmare, Herons Close, Copthorne.  Erection of 2 storey extension to front elevation, 2 storey side extension, dormer window to rear roof slope and extension of dormer window to rear roof slope.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 22nd-26th March 2010

None

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 1st April 2010

Applications Acknowledged 1st – 5th March 2010

TA/2010/227:  Nigh Timber, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of detached garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mrs Harwood left the meeting.

Applications Acknowledged 29th March – 2nd April 2010

TA/2010/323:  Land rear of Denhurst, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Formation of sand school and associated fencing.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mrs Harwood returned to the meeting.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

8.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Standing Orders:  It was agreed that a sub-committee consisting of Ian McBryde, Jeremy Clarke, Brian Apps and the Clerk should meet to discuss Standing Orders for FPC.  It was also agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held in April from 2011 onwards and the Annual Meeting in May from 2011 onwards, to comply with Model Standing Orders.  If the 1st Thursday in May


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coincides with the Parish Council Election Day, the date of the May meeting will be changed.

(ii)        SCAPTC Subscription 2010/11:  It was agreed that FPC would renew their subscription at a cost of £571.20 including VAT.

(iii)       Buses 4U:  Leaflets and posters have been received about this service.  It was agreed to laminate posters for FPC noticeboards and to send details of Whittington College and Woodcock to the Rural Transport Partnership Officer.

(iv)       Surrey Army Cadet Force Cycle Challenge:  As part of their celebrations of 150 years of service, 3 officers will be cycling 150 miles over the week-end of 23-25 July.  They arrive in Felbridge for an overnight stay on 23 July and would like to arrange an event that evening.  Resolved:  FPC would like to support this event and agreed that the Clerk should speak to the Company Commander with suggestions.

(v)        SCAPTC General Meeting:  Steven Child, SCC Highways Group Manager, will address the meeting to be held on 20 April at 7pm at Newdigate Village Hall.

(vi)       TVSC Membership Subscription:  It was agreed that FPC would renew their membership at a cost of £10 for the period April 10 – March 2011.

(vii)             TVSC Network Lunch:  An invitation has been received to the lunch on 13th May, at which the Grants Officer, Community Foundation for Surrey, will speak on their growing number of funds.

(viii)           Surrey Community Action:  A letter has been received about grant funds available, including RASP funding for projects in smaller rural villages.

(ix)              Victim Support:  A letter has been received asking for a grant. It was agreed that FPC are unable to support this organisation.

(x)                In circulation:  Clerks & Councils Direct, Mar 10;  LCR, Spring 10;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 11 Mar 10;  TDC News Release re Young Drivers’ Film, 15 Mar 10;  TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine, 22 Mar 10; East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Spring 10;  Surrey Nature, Spring 10;  Natural World, Spring 10;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 25 Mar 10;  Surrey Police News Release re Felbridge burglaries, 25 Mar 10;  Hub Meeting Minutes, 10 Mar 10;  Email re Surrey Transport Plan, 25 Mar 10;  NCYPE The Voice, Spring 10;  Invitation to Surrey Rural Partnership Conference, 12 May 10;  TPD News Release re elections, 31 Mar 10;  Email from TDC re New Van Permit Scheme for community recycling centres, 31 Mar 10;  The Voice, Apr 10;  Practice & Law Planning Notes, Estates Gazette, 20 Feb 10.

 

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

 

            758      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Apr                     £29.38

759      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Apr                           £222.19

760      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Apr                                 £55.40

761      R White                                    Office Allowance for Apr

and Petty Cash for Mar                           £78.41

762      Felbridge Bowling Club            Grant towards replacement

work surfaces                                       £180.00

763      GACC                                     Annual Subscription May 10-Apr 11       £10.00

764      Sussex Assoc of Local Councils Standing Orders for Local Councils  £25.00

 

10.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS – None.

 

11.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6th May 2010 at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 9.50pm.

RW       08 April 2010