28/09

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 4th June 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 Ken Harwood

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Jacob Woodd.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Joan Harwood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2009/486, the nature of the interest being that she is a close neighbour to Fittleworth.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon. 

Ian MrBryde declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application TA/2009/490, the nature of the interest being that he lives in the house next to Alton House.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, he left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon. 

Bridget Huntington declared a personal interest in planning application TA/2009/490, the nature of the interest being that she lives in the house opposite Alton House.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she stayed in the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon.

There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

The Chairman welcomed John Byng, Vice Chairman, Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, who spoke about the work of GACC monitoring activities at Gatwick and responding to consultations.  All District and Parish Councils within a 20 mile radius of Gatwick Airport are members of GACC, including FPC.  GACC recognise the important contribution that the airport makes to the economy of this region but feel that it rather dominates the economy and would welcome more sustainable development in the region with industries not reliant on oil.  Further information can be obtained from their website – www.gacc.org.uk

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 7th May 2009 were approved and signed.  The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 7th May 2009 were also approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Linden Homes development in Copthorne Road:  TDC Planning are awaiting a response from Affinity Sutton (the affordable housing provider) and Linden Homes regarding the position of the solar panels.  Ken Harwood is in contact with Linden Homes regarding the street lighting and his suggestion that this be


29/09

 

replaced with low level lighting.  Contractors’ cars are again being parked in the lay-by and along Crawley Down Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Site Manager.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  An email has been received from the Chairman, TDC Local Committee, explaining that funds are limited and the whole issue of speeding and resources will be discussed by the Leader of the SCC Conservative Group with the police after the election.  Although PC Moira Cocks has a supply of temporary VAS signs, SCC are unable to erect the poles.  Resolved:  It was agreed to raise this issue with the new County Councillor.

(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).  SCC system failed to report back results of CHO’s inspection.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask CHO for a copy of the last routine survey carried out in Felbridge with fault codes, and an assurance that in future results of investigations will be reported back automatically by email.

(vii) Pedestrians crossing at The Star traffic lights – EG Access Group have suggested that FPC contact Tandridge Access Group concerning the safety of pedestrians at these traffic lights.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to Tandridge Access Group concerning this junction and the pavements along Crawley Down Road, and enclose copies of FPC’s correspondence with SCC on suggested improvements at this junction.

(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.  Still no progress.  Resolved:  It was agreed to raise this issue with the new County Councillor.

(v)        Verges:  Ken Harwood sent a follow-up letter to Antler Homes on 5th May asking for the repairs to the verges near Housman Close to be carried out as a matter of urgency.  Resolved:  Clerk to send letter to the Editor of EG Courier apologising to local residents that despite FPC’s efforts, Antler Homes have failed to repair the verges.

(vi)       Crawley Down Road:  WPC Moira Cocks has asked the Tandridge RPCSOs to carry out checks along Crawley Down Road and Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with Moira.

(vii)      Number of Parish Councillors:  An email has been received from TDC Policy Adviser who will look at our request following the elections.

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

(ix)       Speedwatch:  5 volunteers had a meeting on 3rd June with WPC Moira Cocks.  Graeme Stagg will draw up a rota for weekly sessions.  Moira will check out a site near to The Limes/Whittington College and Hedgecourt Place.

(x)        Parish Council Lengthsman Pilot Scheme:  FPC will consider this scheme once the results of the Dorking experiment are known.  Resolved:  It was agreed to raise this issue with the new County Councillor.

(xi)       Letter from PRC:  A reply has been received from William Bryans, SCC Transport Studies Team Manager, explaining that SCC is working with WSCC on transport modelling and potential impacts and have expressed their concerns.  Resolved:  It was agreed to raise this issue with the new County Councillor.

(xii)      Village Hall Carpark:  Following the meeting with Steve Hyder, TDC, on 22nd May, it was agreed to ask Nick Dance to requote for the carpark improvements.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange meeting with Nick Dance, Linda Hainge and Jacob Woodd.

(xiii)      Bridleway 257:  Ken Harwood provided an update and confirmed that he has the right to speak when the appeal is heard.

(xiv)     TDC Local Committee:  Jeremy Clarke has received a reply from SCC to his FOI request stating that the formal record of committee meetings are the minutes which are available on the SCC website.  Resolved:  It was agreed to raise this issue with the new County Councillor.

(xv)      Letter of Complaint to SCC Customer Relations Team:  Jeremy Clarke has sent a letter detailing 6 separate complaints that he wants investigating.

(xvi)     Village Hall:  A major electrical inspection has been carried out in the village hall and important remedial work has been done.  Resolved:  Jacob Woodd to provide Jeremy Clarke with a copy of the section of the electrical report relating to the CCTV equipment.

(xvii)     Woodcock Garage:  TDC have confirmed that planning permission was granted in 2007 for change of use to hand car wash and parking of coaches.  TDC to check that the work being carried out is covered by this planning permission.

(xviii)    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.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Nick Dance to quote for this work.

(xix)     Data Protection Act:  The requirements of the Act and the information held on the Clerk’s computer have been reviewed.  The Clerk is not a Data Controller and there is therefore no necessity to register.  An Annual Review has been diarised in case circumstances change.

(xx)      Barongs at Doves Barn:  A new free-standing conservatory has been erected.  TDC are investigating.

(xxi)     Eden Brook:  Ken Harwood to send Clerk copy of TDC letter for filing.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         BMX Track/Provision for Older Children:  Ken Harwood had a meeting with Paul Barton, TDC, in May and had circulated notes from that meeting.  He will attend the TDC Community Services Committee Meeting on 7th July with suggestions to be included in TDC’s response to the petition.  Resolved:  It was agreed that FPC need to find a suitable piece of land within Felbridge and councillors would look at similar provision in other parishes and bring their ideas to the next FPC meeting. 

(ii)        Village Fair:  Details for the FPC stand were agreed.  Chairman to coordinate timetable for manning the stand.

31/09

 

(iii)       Resurfacing of Copthorne Road and verges:  Jeremy Clarke had a meeting with Shane Edwards, Principle Highways Officer, SCC, who was responsible for the resurfacing of Copthorne Road.  He has a limited monthly budget for pre-patching which is not sufficient to pre-patch all potholes.  It was agreed that the surface is still in reasonable condition.  Resolved:  Councillors to report any verges with sight lines that have not been cut.

(iv)       Warren Close:  The speed limit sign has been knocked down.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(v)        Flashing Lights near to Felbridge School:  These seem to be switched on continuously.  Resolved:  Clerk to speak to Felbridge School.

(vi)       Staffordshire Bull Terrier:  Problems with this dog in the Village Hall grounds have been reported to the RSPCA and the police.  Resolved:  Ken Harwood will speak to PC Paul Clifton.

(vii)      Dundori Sign:  Linda Hainge agreed to remove the yellow sign on the sign post on the village green.

(viii)      Overgrown Hedges along Copthorne Road:  Bridget Huntington to provide house numbers at next meeting.

(ix)       Forge Farm:  The planning application for 6 caravans has been turned down.  TDC has been informed that the area has been divided into 6 plots.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 21st May 2009 – attended by Jeremy Clarke, Joan Harwood, Bridget Huntington and Linda Hainge.

Applications Acknowledged 4th – 8th May

None in Felbridge

Applications Acknowledged 11th – 15th May

TA/2009/290:  Land adj Maracas, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of dwelling with detached garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Joan Harwood left the meeting.

TA/2009/486:  Fittleworth, Mill Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey front porch extension.  Resolved:  No Action

Joan Harwood rejoined the meeting.

TA/2009/489:  1b Four Beeches, The Glebe, Felbridge.  Erection of single storey rear bay window extension (Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development).  Resolved:  No Action

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 4th June 2009

Applications Acknowledged 18th – 22nd May

Ian McBryde left the meeting.

TA/2009/490:  Alton House, The Limes, Felbridge.  Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension (Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed development).  Resolved:  No Action.

Ian McBryde rejoined the meeting.

TA/2009/497:  Plots 26 and 27 Eden Place, Land at 46 and rear of 48 and 50 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 1 x 5 bed detached house- variation to plots 26 and 27 as permitted pursuant to planning permission TA/2006/1611.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2009/504:  The Coach House, Wards Farm, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of two storey side extension incorporating a single storey link to existing workshop/store.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 25th – 29th May 2009

TA/2009/496:  Plots 21 and 22 Eden Place, Land at 46 and rear of 48 and 50 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 1 x 5 bed detached house – variation to plots 21 and 22 as approved pursuant to planning permission TA/2006/1611.  Resolved:  No Action.

32/09

 

TA/2009/526:  31 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Display of 1 externally illuminated fascia sign located on front elevation.  Resolved:  FPC fully support the sign but wish to have a condition applying that the light must be extinguished when the shop is closed.

TA/2009/423:  31 Crawley Down Road, Felbridge.  Installation of new shop front incorporating security shutter.  Resolved:  No Action.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Sports Funding:  An email has been received from Surrey Community Action who are preparing a bid for funding.  Resolved:  Clerk to pass the information to FSRA.

(ii)        TDC Chairman’s Planning Seminar:  An invitation to this seminar on 10th June had been circulated to all councillors.  Ian McBryde will attend on behalf of FPC.

(iii)       Tandridge Voluntary Service Council:  A request for renewal of FPC’s membership for 2009/10 has been received at a cost of £10.  Resolved:  It was agreed to renew.

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

(viii)      In circulation:  TDC News Release re New Chairman, 18 May 09;  TDC News Release re Fly Tipping, 18 May 09;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 18 May 09;  TDC News Release re Unauthorised Advertising, 26 May 09;  A to Z of SCC Services, 2009;  TDC Council Agenda, 14 May 09;  NALC E-Bulletin, 15 May 09;  Friends of East Surrey Museum Newsletter, June 09;  Clerks & Councils Direct, May 09; NALC E-Bulletin, 28 May 09;  GACC brochures/newsletters.

 

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

 

703      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for June                     £28.75

704      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for June              £198.46

705      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for June                                £49.40

706      R White                                    Office Allowance for June

and Petty Cash for May                        £101.19

707      Surrey Wildlife Trust                 Membership fee 2009/10                         £38.00

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

 

            A leaflet advertising the Felbridge History Group exhibition on 13th September was circulated.

            Linda Hainge reported that the broken drain outside her house in Rowplatt Lane will be repaired by SCC.

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd July 2009 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.20pm.

 

RW

17 June 2009