28/10

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 June 2010

at 8.10pm in the Village Hall, following the Annual Parish Meeting

 

Present:            Mr Ian McBryde (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

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

Mr Michael Sydney (County Councillor) – attended part of meeting

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Linda Hainge and Mr Jacob Woodd.

 

2.            DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            There were no additions to those previously registered.

 

3.            MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

            The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 6th May were approved and signed.

 

4.            MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)                  Parking in Crawley Down Road:  PC Moira Cocks has agreed to revisit.  It was agreed that problems with parking close to the village hall entrance and on pavements has improved.  SCC believe that it is the responsibility of TDC to look after the common land.  Resolved:  It was agreed that the Clerk would write to SCC and TDC to inform them that FPC intend to install posts along the edge of the common land, where there are no kerbstones.  Clerk to obtain quotes.  Clerk to contact John Pateman, SCC, for an update on the district parking review.

(ii)            Woodcock Hill:  SCC have replaced and resited some 40mph repeater signs and replaced the damaged chevrons.  Lamppost 96 on the northbound carriageway has been suggested for the temporary VAS sign.  The new PCSO has been tasked with changing the batteries in the VAS on a regular basis.  Ian Lake has confirmed that SCC are investigating a longer term solution for the water leak.  Michael Sydney agreed to discuss the water problem with David Curl at the TDC Local Committee Meeting on 4th June.  David Curl is arranging a meeting with residents on 17th June.  Clerk and Joan Harwood to attend.  Resolved:  Although lamppost 96 is some way before the Park Farm entrance, FPC agreed that the temporary VAS should be moved.  Clerk to contact Moira Cocks.  Clerk to contact David Curl to ask for the 50mph sign to be moved further from the bend, so that it is not visible for vehicles travelling down the hill.

(iii)            Road Signage at Newchapel roundabout:  Michael Sydney has discussed with SCC the suggestion that 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.  SCC will consider this.

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(iv)       Vehicle Activated Signs/Speed Limit Reductions:  The VAS signs will be installed in Crawley Down Rd and on the eastbound A264 as soon as Skanska have provided a new power supply between the VAS posts and the existing lamp columns.  SCC are keeping the pressure on Skanska to complete this work.

(v)        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.

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

(vii)            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.

(viii)      King George’s Field Plaques:  Sue Hadida, Senior Lawyer, TDC has confirmed that TDC has no current plans to dispose of the Felbridge Playing Fields and it is unlikely to have any in the future.

(ix)       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.  Clerk to check current situation.

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

(xi)              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.

(xii)             Management of Public Highway Verges, Ditches and Hedges:  FPC have received the list of verges and map.  Michael Sydney has arranged a meeting with the Town Clerk of Burgess Hill in June.

(xiii)           Daffodils:  The Clerk has completed the forms to request 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.  Peter Wickenden volunteered to help with planting.

(xiv)           Peacock Lodge Signs:  TDC Planning have confirmed that multi short-term advertising signs can benefit from deemed consent under Class 6 of the Advertisement Regulations, subject to a totting up procedure which takes account of the total area of all advertisement on a forecourt.

(xv)            Surrey Police:  PCSO Daniel Parsons is the new PCSO covering Felbridge.

(xvi)           Tree Overhanging A22:  Clerk to ask the SCC tree officer to inspect the tree outside The Laurels, London Road.

(xvii)         Street Litter:  Linda Hainge has spoken to the Scouts Leaders who will try to introduce a litter picking exercise. 

(xviii)        Footpath 258 alongside Wiremill Lake:  Philippa Gates, SCC, has written to a resident in Wiremill Lane to confirm that SCC’s contractor has been instructed to install temporary fencing along the edge of the path and a kissing gate.  She is seeking advice from a structural engineer on what action can be taken about the eroding bank.

(xix)           Verge near Houseman Close:  Antler Homes has instructed a company to repair these verges.

(xx)            Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Service:  It was agreed to invite the new Youth Development Worker to speak at the October or November FPC meeting.

30/10

 

5.            SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

 

(i)                  Pothole in Rowplatt Lane – 83075509:  Repaired 18.05.10

(ii)                List of Repairs:  Michael Sydney asked the Clerk to once again send a copy of this list to David Curl, SCC.

(iii)               Dip in road outside Hydropool showroom – 83076260: now repaired.

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

 

6.            COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)                  Woods behind Village Hall:  Ken Harwood has contacted TDC about the recommencement of digging in the woods.

(ii)                Land behind McIvor Close:  TDC have confirmed that the fence line has not changed.  Jeremy Clarke agreed to check the deeds of the village hall grounds.

(iii)               Bridleway 257:  The field was not cleared by 6th May.  Ken Harwood is in contact with TDC.

(iv)              Speed Checks:  Surrey Police have been carrying out speed checks in Felbridge.

(v)                Complaint to SCC:  In their reply, SCC stated that corrective action had been taken and all actions are complete.  Jeremy Clarke to send a copy of SCC’s email to Michael Sydney.

(vi)              Verges along A264:  The verges between Doves Barn and the county boundary have not been cut since last year when the Police intervened due to the danger posed to vehicles exiting Furnace Wood.  Brian Apps to send details to Michael Sydney.

(vii)             Annual Accounts as at 31st March 2010. 

(a)    The Statement of Accounts has been agreed by the Internal Auditor.  The accounts were approved by the Council and recorded as minute reference 30/10, 6(vii)(a).

(b)   The Annual Governance Statement was approved by the Council and recorded as minute reference 30/10, 6(vii)(b). 

(c)    The Internal Auditor made 3 recommendations:- 

(i)      Back-up of computer records – Book-keeping accounts are backed up and stored safely by the Finance Officer.  Action - Copies of important emails to be filed in cabinet at village hall.

(ii)     Internal Financial Regulations – The specimen Standing Orders obtained from NALC are to be reviewed shortly.  It appears that the Council’s Financial Regulations have not been updated for some time and this should be done.  Action – Standing Orders were reviewed and agreed at the last FPC meeting under reference 20/10, 4(xviii).  The Council’s Financial Regulations will be reviewed once a copy of the new Governance and Accountability details have been received from SCAPTC.

(iii)  Legal Expenses – The schedule of insurance cover from Aviva does not cover this particular risk.  Consideration should be given as to whether this aspect might be added to the cover in place.  Action – Finance Officer has received written confirmation from the brokers that £50,000 cover is in place.

(viii)         Playground Committee:  Bridget Huntington confirmed that the bank account has been closed.  The papers relating to this committee are to be filed in village hall filing cabinet.  It was agreed that the membership of Entrust should be continued.

(ix)             Hedge outside No. 42 Copthorne Road:  This is beginning to obstruct the pavement.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to the residents.

(x)                Car parked on pavement in Copthorne Road:  Joan Harwood agreed to put a copy of FPC’s letter on the windscreen.

31/10

 

(xi)             Felbridge Village Fair:  FPC’s stand will be in the village hall in front of the stage and will be manned by Bridget Huntington, Joan Harwood and Jeremy Clarke.

Mr Harwood and Mr Sydney left the meeting.

 

7.            PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 20th May 2010 – no applications discussed.

Applications Acknowledged 4th – 7th May 2010

None in Felbridge

Applications Acknowledged 10th – 14th May 2010

None in Felbridge

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd June 2010

Applications Acknowledged 17th – 21st May 2010

TA/2010/573:  Twin Oaks, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of single storey rear extension.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 24th – 28th May 2010

TA/2010/513:  The Laurels, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of front porch and single storey rear extension. Erection of first floor extension to south elevation and erection of three dormer windows to the rear roof slope in conjunction with loft conversion. Erection of detached garage.  Resolved:  FPC do not object to this application but are concerned about the volumetric increase in size of the property and the proximity of the garage to the boundary.

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

8.            CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         Sussex Community Rail Partnership:  An invitation has been received to the Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting for the Uckfield and EG Community Rail Line Group on 21st June.

(ii)        SCAPTC:  A General Meeting and strawberry tea will be held at Burstow on 24th July and the Annual General Meeting will be held on 5th October.

(iii)               Tree Preservation Order No 23, 2009  TDC confirmed this order on 27 May 2010 at The London Temple, Newchapel.

(iv)              In Circulation:  TDC News Release re Local Elections, 7 May 10;  GACC Survey re Absence of Aircraft Noise, April 10;  GACC Noise Action Plan, May 10;  TDC News Release re Unauthorised Adverts, 18 May 10;  TDC Local Committee Extraordinary Meeting Agenda, 4 Jun 10;  TDC Press Release re Talk Smart Campaign, 19 May 10;  SCC Press Release re Surrey Waste Partnership, 17 May 10;  TDC News Release re new Chairman, 21 May 10;  Rural Services Network letter to new Prime Minister, 21 May 10;  Fuller’s Surrey Village of 2010 Competition information;  TDC Annual Council Meeting Agenda, 20 May 10;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 27 May 10;  SCC Press Release re Waste Food, 24 May 10;  Clerks & Councils Direct, May 10;  The Playing Field, Spring 10;  TDC Planning Policy Committee Agenda, 10 Jun 10;  St John’s Parish News, June 10.

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

 

776            B. Wright                          Bus shelter cleaning for June                            £29.38

777            R. White                           Clerk’s salary for June                          £222.19

778            HM Revenue & Customs            Income Tax for June                                  £55.40

779            R White                           Office Allowance for June

and Petty Cash for May                            £97.61

780            Surrey Wildlife Trust                 Annual Subscription due 01.05.10              £38.00

 

10.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS – Jeremy Clarke has suggested that FPC should check all footpaths within Felbridge and report any problems to SCC.

 

11.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st July 2010 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 10.25pm.

RW

15 June 2010