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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 July 2010

at 8.00pm in the Village Hall, following the Annual Meeting

 

Present:            Mr Jeremy Clarke (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Ian McBryde

Mr Jacob Woodd

Mr Ken Harwood (District Councillor) – attended part of meeting

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence were received from Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor).

 

2.            DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Bridget Huntington and Mr Ian McBryde declared a personal interest in the presentation by Mr Nick Condon, Niccon Ltd, the nature of the interest being that they live in The Limes.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, they stayed in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

            Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

The Chairman welcomed Nick Condon from Niccon Ltd, who is representing a colleague who owns a piece of land (1.75 acres) between The Laurels and The Limes on the A22, which he is hoping to develop.  They have consulted a planning consultant who has advised that this land is not suitable for private residential use but there could be a case for affordable housing development.  The Chairman confirmed that as this is Green Belt land, FPC would resist development and TDC has historically taken a strong stance concerning development in Green Belt.  He also pointed out that Felbridge School is full and the A22 is a very busy and fast road.

 

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

3.            MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

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

 

4.            MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)                  Speed Restrictions in Crawley Down Road:  SCC have cleared some foliage and checked the signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to report that the signs in Crawley Down Road at the county boundary are still blocked by foliage and the 30mph sign on the westbound A264, west of the junction with Mill Way, is also blocked.  There is also a repeater sign missing in Mill Lane, near to the lake.  The post is there but no sign. 


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(ii)                Speedwatch:  Graeme Stagg has contact details for Peter Wickenden and PC Moira Cocks will arrange his training. 

(iii)               Parking in Crawley Down Road:  TDC and SCC have agreed to posts along the edge of the common land but have no funding available.  John Pateman, SCC, has assessed the entrance to the village hall and has not recommended that anything is introduced.  Surrey Police will take action if vehicles are parked within 10 metres of a junction.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain quotes and circulate before next meeting.  It was agreed that it was not necessary for the posts to be concreted in. 

(iv)            Woodcock Hill:  A meeting was arranged by David Curl, SCC, with residents on 17th June and attended by Surrey Police and councillors.  A speedwatch group has been set up and two residents trained.  Surrey Police are doing regular checks.  SCC agreed to erect a pole in the lay-by for the temporary VAS sign to be moved to the northbound carriageway.  SCC will provide a filter drain at the side of the A22 to help prevent water running down the hill.  SCC have confirmed that it is not possible to move the 50mph sign without changing the Traffic Regulation Order that makes the speed limit enforceable by the Police.  This would cost up to £10k.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Moira Cocks re moving the VAS sign.

(v)        Vehicle Activated Signs/Speed Limit Reductions:  The post for the VAS sign in Copthorne Road has a faulty switch.  The VAS supplier is on standby to erect the signs.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with SCC.

(vi)       Path from Puffin Crossing and Village Sign:  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.  FPC agreed the design of sign required and Jeremy Clarke agreed to submit the planning application for the path across the green and the sign.

(vii)      Skateboard Ramp:  Paul Matten has been asked on numerous occasions to send a copy of the most recent annual inspection report.

(viii)            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.

(ix)              Gritting:  The names of two local farmers have been given to SCC.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up to ensure SCC have contacted these farmers.

(x)                Repairs to fencing on bank in front of Village Hall:  Maintenance of the boundary is not mentioned in the lease sent to the Village Hall Committee.  As maintenance of the boundary is TDC’s responsibility, Clerk has sent an email to TDC to ask them to look at the gaps along the front boundary.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Steve Hyder.

(xi)              Daffodils:  FPC’s application for a grant from the TDC Local Committee fund for £250 for daffodil and crocus bulbs to be planted in the public amenity areas of Felbridge will be discussed at the meeting on 2nd July.

(xii)             Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Service:  Marie Silvester, the new Youth Development Worker has agreed to speak at the FPC meeting on 7th October.

(xiii)           Governance and Accountability:  Brian Apps agreed to review FPC’s Financial Regulations now that FPC have received a copy of the new details from SCAPTC.

(xiv)         Hedge outside No. 42 Copthorne Road:  A letter has been sent to the residents.

 

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5.            SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

 

(i)                  SCC Information Bulletin for Tandridge dated 18th June:  This was circulated to all councillors.

(ii)                83033899:  Ken Harwood agreed to cut back the vegetation obstructing the footpath between Mill Lane and Hedgecourt Place.

(iii)               Collapsed drain on A264, westbound carriageway, opposite Star Inn:  The cone was placed over the drain 5 months ago.  Clerk to contact SCC.

(iv)              83074773:  The potholes on the A264 near to Furnace Wood have been repaired.

(v)                28025659:  Now that the new lighting contractor has been appointed, Clerk to ask SCC to replace faulty unit in flashing lights near to Felbridge School.

 

6.            COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)                  Annual Return:  This has been submitted for audit. 

(ii)                Crawley Down Garage:   A car used for advertising has been parked on the picnic area.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Crawley Down Garage.

(iii)               Star Inn:  A drain is overflowing across the pavement alongside the A264.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Manager to point out that they have a legal obligation to prevent this and to remind them that the A-board should not block site lines.

(iv)              Tree on verge in Copthorne Road:   It was agreed to remove the dead tree and replace it with a flowering cherry tree.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Nick Dance.

(v)                Tree Planting:  It was agreed that 5 trees could be planted on the green.  It was suggested that a plan for the green be drawn up with the new sign, new trees and bulbs  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Steve Hyder for advice on suitable trees.  Linda Hainge to contact Felbridge Horticultural Society for suggestions on shrubs that would attract wildlife.  Ken Harwood to contact the TDC tree officer.

(vi)              Star Inn Signs:  Clerk to ask TDC if their planning application has been approved and if the condition suggested by FPC was upheld.

(vii)             Felbridge School:  An invoice has been received for items purchased for their squirrel wood project.  It was agreed to send a donation of £250.

(viii)           Verges on A264 Copthorne Road:  Jeremy Clarke has sent a letter to Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC, about the lack of grass cutting near to Furnace Wood.

(ix)              A-Boards:   Ken Harwood is discussing this situation with TDC.

(x)                Pixie Wood, Rowplatt Lane:   TDC Planning Officer has visited this site and is dealing with the breaches of planning.

(xi)              Oak Tree, Housman Close:  TDC agreed to the removal of the tree which had damaged roots, with a condition that a new tree is planted.

(xii)             Bridleway 257:  The caravan has been removed and TDC are arranging for removal of the rubbish.

(xiii)           Mill Lane:  The road will be resurfaced w/c 5th July.

(xiv)           Speeding in Copthorne Road:  The Police have been stopping vehicles whose drivers seem unaware of the speed limit.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC to ask if the signage is sufficient.

 Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

7.            PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 17th June 2010 attended by: Ian McBryde, Brian Apps, Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke.

Applications Acknowledged 1st – 4th June 2010

None in Felbridge

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Applications Acknowledged 7th – 11th June 2010

TA/2010/646:  Anns Orchard, 65 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Demolition of garage and erection of replacement detached 2-bay garage.  Resolved:  FPC object to this application on the grounds of significantly increased bulk and height compared to the slim single storey existing garage block. 

TA/2010/678:  Mikandras, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Retention of replacement 4-bed dwelling and new roof over existing garage.  (Amendment to approved scheme TA/2008/1199).  Resolved:  FPC do not support retrospective applications on this scale.  FPC also wish to point out to the officers that the Velux windows were not approved as part of 2008/1199 contrary to the Design and Access Statement Page 1, point 3, and therefore the issue of impact on neighbours has not been considered fully as part of the previous application (as claimed by the applicant).  FPC object to the design of the window above the porch as this is a very significant detriment to the approved glazed curtain walling and the proposed window looks out of keeping compared to the approved modern design.  FPC also wish to make the officer aware that this retrospective application does not include the new electric gates and piers despite them being already in existence and requiring consent.

TA/2010/584:  St John The Divine Church, The Glebe, Felbridge.  Erection of 2x4m high lamps in car park.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection but the lamps are only to be switched on when the church/hall is actually in use. The time switch is to be set to turn off no later than 22.30hrs.  These actions are necessary to minimise the light pollution on neighbouring properties.

TA/2010/599:  Woodcock Hill Service Station, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Removal of portacabin.  Installation of replacement portacabin.  Resolved:  No Action

Applications Acknowledged 14th – 18th June 2010

TA/2010/680:  Land Adjacent to Little Sorrel, Herons Lea, New Domewood.  Erection of dwelling.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2010/653:  Silver Birches, Heather Way, Felbridge.  Demolition of garden room.  Additions and alterations to roof incorporating dormer window to west roof slope and gable end to front roof slope.  Erection of single storey rear extension incorporating extension to roof terrace over.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection but are slightly concerned about impact on neighbouring properties as a result of the increased roof terrace and ask that the officers consider this carefully.

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 1st July 2010

Applications Acknowledged 21st – 25th June 2010

TA/2010/551:  Sweet Briar Cottage, Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Use of barn as dwelling and use of Sweet Briar Cottage for care of four adults with one live in carer.  Resolved:  FPC oppose this application on the following grounds.  This reversal of use means that the annex is no longer an annex to the main dwelling, which was FPC’s original concern and why FPC asked to see a planning condition put on the last application.  This proposal means that the barn is no longer incidental to the main use of the property as a single family dwelling. 

 

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

8.            CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Recent Government Announcement on Planning:  An email from Bob Evans has been circulated to all councillors.

(ii)        TDC Planning:  A letter detailing changes to TDC Planning Department processes was circulated.  Resolved:  It was agreed to invite Mr Mason to an FPC meeting to discuss the latest changes and new government policy affecting planning in Felbridge.

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(iii)       Village Hall Carpark:  A resident has asked if the gates could be locked at night as youngsters are meeting in the carpark late at night and causing a disturbance.  This will be discussed at the next Village Hall Committee Meeting on 8th July.

(iv)              TDC Local Committee Meeting:  The next meeting will be 2nd July 2010.

(v)                Surrey Crimestoppers:  A letter has been received asking for a donation.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £40. 

(vi)              Surrey Community Action:  A letter has been received asking FPC to update their details for the SCA database and to consider membership.  Resolved:  It was agreed to return the update form but not take out membership.

(vii)             East Surrey Museum:  A request for a donation has been received.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £20.

(viii)           TVSC:  An invitation has been received to the Network Lunch on 15th July.

(ix)              In Circulation:  SALC/SCAPTC Newsletter and News, 8 Jun 10;  SCAPTC General Meeting Minutes, 20 Apr 10;  Email from SCC re Surrey Local Involvement Network, 11 Jun 10;  2011 Census Councillor Handbook;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 17 Jun 10;  TDC News Release re British Armed Forces Day, 16 Jun 10;  EG Community Play Newsletter, Jun 10;  TDC News Release re Awards for Local Building Projects, 21 Jun 10;  Letter from TDC re Draft Statement of Licensing Policy, 22 Jun 10;  TDC Local Committee Meeting Agenda, 2 Jul 10;  TDC News Release re getting involved in Surrey, 24 Jun 10;  TDC News Release re Changes to Older People’s Housing, 25 Jun 10;  TVSC The Voice, Jul 10;  TDC Your Council/Your Councillors, 2010/11;  Letter from SCAPTC Chairman re Local Government Finance, 30 Jun 10;  St John’s Felbridge Parish News, July/Aug 10;  Letter from SCC re consultation on Surrey Minerals Plan, 23 Jun 10;  Clerks & Councils Direct, Jul 10;  Policing Surrey, 2009/10;  TDC Resources Committee Agenda, 29 Jun 10;  TDC Housing Committee Agenda, 24 Jun 10;  TDC Community Services Committee Agenda, 1 Jul 10.

 

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

 

781            B. Wright                          Bus shelter cleaning for July                 £29.38

782            B. Wright                          Bus shelter cleaning for Aug                 £29.38

783            R. White                           Clerk’s salary for July                           £222.19

784            HM Revenue & Customs            Income Tax for July                                   £55.40

785            R. White                           Clerk’s salary for Aug                           £222.19

786            HM Revenue & Customs            Income Tax for Aug                                  £55.40

787            R White                           Office Allowance for July

and Petty Cash for June                            £84.91

788            Sussex Assoc of Local Councils   Governance & Accountability       £18.80

789            The Felbridge Village Hall            Room Hire Charges – Apr10–Mar11    £171.51

790            Felbridge Primary School            Items for Squirrel Wood Project   £250.00

 

10.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS – The Chairman reminded councillors of the 3 planning meetings before the next full FPC meeting and asked all councillors to attend if they are not away on holiday or business.  Joan Harwood will attend the charity cricket match and barbeque arranged between the Army Cadet Force and Felbridge Cricket Club on 23rd July.

 

11.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd September 2010 at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 9.38pm.

RW

9 July 2010