58/09

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 December 2009

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence were received from Mr Brian Apps, Mr Jacob Woodd and Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor)

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Felbridge Parish Councillors declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2009/1140, the nature of the interest being that Felbridge Parish Council is the applicant.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, their response cannot be taken as being independent.

 

The Chairman welcomed Mr Tony Cox who asked if the road direction signs at the Newchapel 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.  Ken Harwood suggested that Mr Cox contact the TDC Local Committee and Councillor Michael Sydney regarding his suggestion.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th November 2009 were approved and signed, subject to the following amendment:– P53/09, 3rd para, line 9, should read “to ask for a speed survey along the A22”.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Speeding along A22:  PC Moira Cocks has been liaising with Judy and Frank Lilley and will try to find a post for a covert recorder in the area.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Moira Cocks.  Once this data has been received, FPC will use this data to strongly urge SCC to take some action.

(ii)        Gulledge Bridleway:  Several local residents have cleared the ditch and drain and have cut drainage channels.  Local residents and councillors will monitor the situation.

(iii)       Tennis Club:  The green banners have been removed.

(iv)       43-47 Crawley Down Road:  Ian Marshall has confirmed that FSRA would be able to allow this company to use their carpark during the week for a fee.  The Manager of RJB Distribution considers this carpark is too far from their offices.  Steve Hyder, TDC, agreed to contact the company about parking on the verges.

(v)        Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  A planning application has been submitted to TDC to lower the panels closer to the roof.  This application is invalid and TDC need further information to validate the application.

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(vi)       Vehicle Activated Signs:  Dormansland Parish Council have purchased two solar powered VAS signs at a cost of £7268 incl VAT and installation.  SCC are to supply and erect the posts.  FPC will discuss further once the speed limit reductions have been implemented by SCC.

(vii)      Verges at Housman Close:  The new Construction Director of Antler Homes has suggested a site meeting.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange.

(viii)      Number of Parish Councillors:  The Chairman has received a letter from TDC Policy Adviser.  Resolved:  Clerk to request the actual step by step procedure that needs to be followed, if FPC decide to request an increase in the number of councillors in the future.

(ix)       Rules of Common Sign:  Steve Hyder now has the new signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to check it has been installed.

(x)        Village Hall Carpark:  The planning application forms have been submitted to TDC.  A letter has been sent to Nick Dance asking if the work could be carried out w/c 15th Feb, subject to approval of the plans by TDC.

(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.  A quote has been received from Nick Dance for £3,330.  Linden Homes are considering FPC’s request for financial assistance. 

(xii)      Skateboard Ramp:  It was agreed that 3BRamps should paint the ramp in forest green at a cost of £220 plus VAT.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xiii)      Management of Public Highway Verges, Ditches and Hedges:  Ian McBryde and Jeremy Clarke have agreed to attend the next meeting on 27th January 2010.  It was agreed to produce a map of Felbridge showing all verges, hedges, ditches and drains that could be included in this scheme.  This will be collated at the Planning Meeting scheduled for 7th January.

(xiv)     Village Sign:  Jeremy Clarke circulated details of rural signs that could be erected on the common land.  Resolved:  Clerk to send details to Steve Hyder, TDC, and ask for his approval to a free standing sign on the green.

(xv)      Woods behind the Village Hall:  Clerk to remind TDC that they agreed to tidy the area and fill in the holes from the old BMX track in the woods.

(xvi)     BMX Track/Provision for Older Children:  Various suggestions were discussed.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Steve Hyder for an update on progress with the EG Sports Club BMX track proposals.  Clerk to source information/pricing regarding a sunken half pipe.

(xvii)     Bus Shelter in Copthorne Road:  The Clerk has obtained 3 quotes for seating inside the shelter.  Queensbury Shelters have quoted £75 per metre for a free standing perch plus £210 to install.  Agreement from SCC is required.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xviii)    Routine Inspection Reports for Roads:  Jeremy Clarke proposed that FPC request the last three routine inspection reports for each and every road in Felbridge from Surrey Highways.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Colin Pearse.

(ix)       Surrey Minerals Plan:  Ian McBryde confirmed that this plan will have no impact on Felbridge.

(xx)      CCTV Service:  Tom Goodall has agreed to carry out an annual service for £100 plus VAT.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange during Christmas holidays.

 

5.         SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

 

(i)         82093067:  Two large dips in the road by the puffin crossing were re-reported by Ken Harwood on 13.11.09.

(ii)        28025659/90084036:  Email sent to SCC on 17.11.09.  Jeremy Clarke agreed to raise a complaint regarding the lack of a reply to this email within 5 days.

60/09

 

(iii)       83043189:  The dead tree outside No. 53 Rowplatt Lane was reported to SCC on 23.11.09.  SCC Tree Officer to visit w/c 30.11.09.

 

6.         GREEN BELT SETTLEMENTS

 

            In November 2009, following an Inspector’s Report, TDC have reinstated Green Belt Settlements, except for CSP3.  This now means that Felbridge is once again a Green Belt Settlement.  As a result any person who submitted a planning application affected by the lack of GBS status is being contacted by TDC to enable re-application without further fees.

 

7.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         Alec King:  The sad news of the recent death of Alec King was announced.  He was the longest serving Felbridge Parish Councillor.

(ii)        Bus Shelter in Crawley Down Road:  Repairs have been carried out following damage caused by vandals.

(iii)       Parking on Verges/Pavements:  Cars are being parked on the verges opposite Evelyn House and on the footpath on occasions completely blocking the path for pedestrians.  Parked cars also block the pavement in Rowplatt Lane, near to the Twitten.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Steve Hyder, TDC, and PC Moira Cocks for advice on the position regarding cars obstructing pavements which results in pedestrians walking in the road.

(iv)       Daffodil bulbs:  These were planted at the end of Rowplatt Lane by Linda Hainge, Joan Harwood and local residents.

(v)        Burglaries:  Ken Harwood visited all victims following the burglaries on 19th November and praised the combined action by Surrey and Sussex Police.

(vi)       West Hoathly Parish Futures Group:  Ian McBryde will circulate a report produced by this group in October 2009.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

8.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 19th November 2009 – attended by Jeremy Clarke, Linda Hainge and Bridget Huntington.

Applications Acknowledged 2nd – 6th November 2009

TA/2009/1208:  Land at Spinney Lodge, London Road, Felbridge.  Use of land for the stationing of a mobile home for residential purposes (Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use).  Resolved:  FPC have no comment assuming that TDC has satisfied itself that it has been in use for 10 years.

Applications Acknowledged 9th – 13th November 2009

TA/2009/1140:  Felbridge Village Hall, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Widen vehicular access and erect 1.3m high gates and amend speed ramps.  Resolved:  As FPC is the applicant, their response cannot be taken as being independent.  FPC are clearly supporting this proposal which was suggested by the community.

TA/2009/1380:  The Homestead, Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of two storey extension to west elevation.  Resolved:  FPC are still concerned about the scale of the proposal at +49% gross external area. They would strongly support an application closer to the +32% that could be achieved under permitted development with a design more sympathetic to the existing dwelling than the permitted development example provided with the application.

TA/2009/1387:  92 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 2-storey side extension.  Resolved:  As all the surrounding properties are as large as this proposal FPC feel that this proposal is not detrimental to its immediate area.

61/09

 

TA/2009/1344:  Grooms Cottage, Wards Farm, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 3-bay oak framed garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

 

Parish Council Meeting on 3rd December 2009

Applications Acknowledged 16th – 20th November 2009

None in Felbridge.

Applications Acknowledged 23rd – 27th November 2009

None in Felbridge.

Applications Acknowledged 30th November – 4th December 2009

TA/2009/1287:  Heatherley Cheshire Home, Effingham Lane, Crawley.  Installation of 8 solar panels to roof.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

9.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Meeting Dates for 2010:  A list of meeting dates was circulated and agreed.

(ii)        Surrey Police:  A News Release announcing a plan for 200 more police constables for Surrey has been circulated.

(iii)       TDC Local Committee Meeting:  This will be held on 4th December at TDC’s offices.

(iv)       Felbridge Luncheon Club:  A request has been received for a donation towards the cost of their seasonal lunch in January.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send £25.

(v)        St Catherine’s Hospice:  A letter has been received asking for a grant.  Resolved:  It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting when the Finance Office would be present.

(vi)       EG Community Play:  An invitation has been received to an evening at EG Town Museum on 17th December.

(vii)      Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill:  Local Works are campaigning for this to be adopted.

(viii)      Surrey Schools Admission Criteria:  The proposed changes to policy for September 2011 do not affect Felbridge School.

(ix)       In circulation:  GACC Press Release re ‘No Runway Pledge’, 16 Nov 09;  Minutes of ESPLG Meeting on 28 Oct 09;  TDC News Release re Prompt Payment Code, 10 Nov 09;  TDC News Release re Dangerous Parking, 11 Nov 09;  Felbridge Parish News, Nov 09;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 19 Nov 09;  Letter from SE Gov Office re extension to Gatwick North Terminal, 17 Nov 09;  Email from TDC re Green Belt Settlements, 19 Nov 09;  Feedback from Passenger Transport Assembly Group. 19 Nov 09;  Email from TDC re phone boxes, 20 Nov 09;  TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine, 20 Nov 09;  GACC Press Release re refusal of Gatwick public inquiry, 23 Nov 09;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 26 Nov 09;  Surrey Police Press Release re burglaries, 23 Nov 09;  Surrey Nature, Autumn 09;  Natural World, Winter 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Nov 09;  Surrey Police Press Release re more police constables, 19 Nov 09, TDC Local Committee Agenda, 4 Dec 09;  Card from Surrey Community Action re Ewhurst Village;  Email from LORD re Goods Vehicle Act Amendment, 3 Dec 09;  TDC News Release re Free Parking on Sundays, 1 Dec 09;  Letter from TDC re Core Strategy Policy CSP3, 30 Nov 09;  East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Autumn 09;  Letter and report from GATCOM re aircraft arrivals at Gatwick, 30 Nov 09;  TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 3 Dec 09;  St John’s Church Parish News, Dec/Jan 09. 


62/09

 

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

 

            737      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Dec                     £28.75

738      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Jan                      £29.38

739      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Dec                           £222.19

740      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Dec                                 £55.40

741      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Jan                            £222.19

742      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Jan                                  £55.40

743      R White                                    Office Allowance for Dec

and Petty Cash for Nov                           £64.90

744      M. Odell                                  Felbridge Luncheon Club                         £25.00

 

11.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

 

            None

 

12.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 4th February 2010 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 9.50pm.

 

RW

15 December 2009