21/08

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 May 2008

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

 

Present:            Mrs Bridget Huntington (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mr Jeremy Clarke

Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

                        Mr Ian McBryde

                        Mr Jacob Woodd

Mr Ken Harwood (attended part of meeting)

                        Mrs Rosalind White (in attendance)

 

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr Ken Rimington.

 

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 3rd April 2008 were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)         Overdevelopment in Felbridge:  Replies are awaited from Surrey Education Authority and SGN Connections.

(ii)        Vehicle Activated Signs:  Cost of two signs would be £7,780 + VAT.  £4,000 has been set aside by FPC.  Resolved:  Clerk to speak to Ken Rimington about an application to TDC Local Committee for the remainder required - £3780.

(iii)       Speed Limit Reductions:  A reply is awaited to Jeremy Clarke’s letter to Peter Langham, Chairman TDC Local Committee, enclosing a formal request to SCC for copies of all documents and communications since March 2005.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to Councillor Skellett, with a copy to Councillor Rimington, to ask when the speed limit reductions were advertised, as instructed by the TDC Local Committee at their meeting in December 2007.

(iv)       A264 Copthorne Road, Puffin Crossing:  The local MP has agreed to arrange a meeting with SCC, TDC, FPC and Linden Homes.

(v)        List of Surrey Highway Repairs: 

(i)  A letter has been delivered to residents of Copthorne Road regarding parking on verges.  Ken Rimington has reported that SCC have agreed to one reflective post on the edge of the kerb behind the Star Inn.  Linden Homes have confirmed by email that they will reinstate any damage to verges.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to MSDC, with a copy to TDC, regarding parking on the verges by contractors working on the Strath Cottage development.

            (ii) Some work has been done on potholes along Copthorne Road between Doves Barn and the county boundary and those in the lay-by at the entrance to Furnace Wood.  Resolved:  Clerk to report potholes in Rowplatt Lane to SCC.  Clerk to send an email to Bob Evans at TDC to ask when they will enforce the Method


22/08

 

Statements for the developments at Dundori and in Copthorne Road, as contractors vehicles are being parked in Rowplatt Lane and mud is being left on the roads. 

(iii) A22 outside Glendale -  The dip in the road has not been repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(iv) Crawley Down Road - The road surface is very uneven outside the Oak Farm development.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(v) Copthorne Road – There is a bad hump by the puffin crossing.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(vi)       Outstanding Surrey Highways Issues:

            (i) Felbridge Village Sign on Crawley Down Road:  Derek Poole has replied saying that he regrets that this cannot be a priority for Surrey Highways at this time.  It may be possible to reconsider at the time of implementation of the new speed limits in the area.

(ii) Footpaths alongside A22:  Steve Cunnah, Surrey Highways, has confirmed that he has secured funding for this work but still cannot confirm a start date.

(vii)      Youth Shelter:  Linda Hainge visited the youth shelter at The Ark, Turners Hill, which is not suitable, and will look at the one at East Court.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Jonathan Bruce for suggestions on suitable companies.

(viii)      Felbridge Sports & Recreation Association:  Linda Hainge has inspected the new table tennis outfit and chairs in the lounge. 

(ix)       Information Leaflet:  Bridget Huntington will arrange printing and distribution.

(x)        Development Statement:  Anne Bott has replaced Paul Hartley at SCAPTC and may be able to assist with this.

(xi)       Crawley Down Road Street Lights:  4 lights near Oak Farm Place have been reported to SCC.  Ken Rimington agreed to speak to Ron Parker.  The 30mph sign at the end of Rowplatt Lane is still not repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with SCC.

(xii)      Village Shop Closure:  The owner is asking for opinions from the local community on plans to open an Indian restaurant/take-away.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up with TDC Planning and report the rubble left outside the shop.

(xiii)      Surrey Highways:  It was agreed that Jeremy Clarke should send a letter to Bob Evans, TDC, asking who actually considered FPC’s comments on the puffin crossing.  Copies of the letter to be sent to Ken Harwood and Ken Rimington.

(xiv)     Verges: The verge near Housman Close is badly damaged.  Antler Homes have been asked to ensure they are repaired.

(xv)      Planning Applications:  A draft letter has been prepared to the Secretary of State regarding planning decisions overturned by appointed inspectors.  Resolved:  Chairman to agree draft letter.

(xvi)     Travel Lodge on A22:  The broken fence has been reported to the Spirit Group who own this site, but has still not been repaired.

(xvii)     Gullivers Café Notices:  Jo Sanford, TDC Planning will look at the 3 notices on trees and a board on the southbound carriageway of the A22.  Resolved:  Clerk to inform Jo Sanford that the notices have not been removed.

(xviii)    CCTV:  Security Systems have quoted £560 plus VAT for an extra camera directed towards the gateway and installation.  It was agreed to go ahead.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Tom Goodall.

(xix)     Fence in Copthorne Road:  An email has been sent to Jo Sanford, TDC Planning regarding fences erected against the footpath by nos. 55 and 57 Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to follow up.

(xx)      Year End Figures:  The Internal Audit has been completed.  3 minor issues had been raised and were discussed: -

(i) Freedom of Information Act - The model scheme was adopted by the Council some years ago, with the necessary returns made to the Information Commissioner's Office.


23/08

 

The Internal Auditor asked if the Council had its own Publication Scheme. The minutes show that the model scheme was adopted at the January 2003 meeting.

(ii) The monthly reconciliation by the RFO of the bank statement will in future be independently checked by another Council Member.

(iii) The areas of Risk Assessment that affect the Council should be graded high, medium or low risk as appropriate.  Medium and low risk areas were identified and annotated, no high risk areas were identified.

(xxi)     Annual Review of Risk Assessment: - The various areas were reviewed and agreed.

(xxii)     Annual Return for 2007- 08: - Section 1, the Statement of Accounts & Section 2, the Annual Governance Statement were approved

The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Brian Apps for all his hard work.

(xxiii)    Insurance:  The Treasurer of the Village Hall Committee has confirmed that the cost to insure the CCTV equipment from April to August will be £76, plus £219 pa from August 08.  Jeremy Clarke proposed a motion, seconded by Brian Apps, that a donation of £145 be given to the Village Hall Committee to cover 50% of the cost of this insurance.

(xxiv)    Village Hall Carpark:  A quote for £5415 has been received from Nick Dance Agricultural Contractors.  TDC have confirmed that planning permission will be required.  Resolved:  Clerk to arrange site meeting with Geoff Finch and Jonathan Bruce.

 

5.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)         42/44 Copthorne Road:  It seems that a business is being run from this address.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to TDC to ask if they are aware of this.

(ii)        Woodcock Garage:  This site was discussed.  Resolved:  Clerk to check if garage has been demolished.

(iii)       77 Copthorne Road:  The planning application has been refused and all trees on the site have TPOs.

(iv)       Burglaries:  There seems to have been a sudden increase in burglaries since building developments started.  Ken Harwood asked for FPC’s support with his volunteers scheme.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Elaine Burtenshaw, Surrey Police, if burglaries in Felbridge have increased over the past two years, compared to somewhere like Bletchingly. 

(v)        Rowplatt Lane:  There is a raised manhole cover in the middle of the road near Lyric Cottage.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to SCC.

(vi)       Crawley Down Road:  Vehicles have been seen speeding when leaving football matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to report to Moira Cocks.

            Cars are being parked on the verges during football matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Mr Voller to put a board on the verge to ask footballers not to park there.

(vii)      Linden Homes Development:  The drive has been widened outside the 3 new houses facing Copthorne Road.  Resolved:  Clerk to check and ask Bob Evans if Linden Homes have permission for this.

(viii)      Street Lighting:  SCC are negotiating to replace around 50,000 street lights with new, high quality lighting over the next years.  This should improve road safety and make footpaths safer for pedestrians.

(ix)       Highway Improvements:  SCC are to spend more than £56 million on highway improvements and maintenance in this financial year, £24m on resurfacing and significant sums on potholes.  Potholes have to be 4cm deep before urgent action is taken.  SCC’s road surface treatment programme for 2008/2010 includes West Park Road, Stub Pond Lane, Copthorne Road from Rowplatt Lane to Lake View Road and Effingham Lane.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Ken Rimington to point out that Stub Pond Lane would be very expensive and FPC suggest Rowplatt Lane instead.

24/08

 

(x)        Tandridge Speed Management:  West Park Road from Snow Hill to the A22 is a targeted route.

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

 

6.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Applications Acknowledged 31st March – 4th April

TA/2008/403:  Land North East of Felbridge Hotel, London Road, Felbridge.  Erection of 4 x 10m high flood lights to tennis courts.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection but would like a restriction of no usage after 11pm.

TA/2008/418:  Land to r/o Dewley Mead, Twitten Lane, Felbridge.  Erection of detached house with formation of access from road approved under 2007/1600.  Resolved:  FPC have no objection to one house on this site, but the high roof appears out of character with surrounding properties.  FPC also wish to retain and protect sweet chestnut trees.

Applications Acknowledged 7th – 11th April

TA/2008/514/TPO:  5 McIver Close, Felbridge.  TPO 1, 1998 – crown reduce 1 oak tree by 50% and remove side stem.  Resolved:  FPC object to this application as no arboricultural reason has been given for this work.

Applications Acknowledged 14th – 18th April

None in Felbridge

Applications Acknowledged 21st – 25th April

TA/2008/578:  3 Wembury Park, Newchapel.  Demolition of conservatory.  Erection of rear conservatory.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/582:  Faringey, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Erection of 2-storey side extension and infill of porch area.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2008/610:  Land Adj. to Roseleigh Farm, West Park Road, Copthorne.  Erection of bungalow with detached garage.  Resolved:  No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 28th April – 2nd May

TA/2008/507:  Little Sorrel, Herons Lea, Copthorne.  Erection of detached garage.  (Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development).  Resolved:  FPC do not object to the garage development but are concerned about access as plan does not show access route.

TA/2008/642/TPO:  90 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  TPO 19, 2006 (T) – remove 3 lowest branches from oak tree in rear garden.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned as there is no neighbouring property at present behind No. 90 and are unsure of the relationship between the tree experts' reasoning for carrying out this work and Health & Safety as specified in the application.  Without just and suitable reasons, FPC would object to this proposal.

TA/2008/573:  88 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of a carport.  Resolved:  FPC do not object to this planning application subject to the hedge providing suitable screening and enhanced where necessary.

 

TA/2008/368:  Churchill Farm, West Park Road, Newchapel.  FPC agreed to seek clarification from TDC over restrictions that could be placed on the frequency of use, if lawful use is granted.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to TDC Planning.

 

Linden Homes Proposals for Felbridge Common – FPC are very concerned about the the visual impact of additional street lamps and telegraph pole and the visual impact of one larger access over two smaller ones.  Resolved:  Clerk to send a letter to the Planning Inspector.

25/08

 

7.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         SCAPTC:  An invitation has been received to the AGM on 12th July when the new constitution will be adopted.  Resolved:  No representative from FPC is available to attend.

(ii)        Anti-Graffiti Kit:  TDC is now supplying these kits.  Resolved:  It was agreed to order one for FPC.

(iii)       Beef & Faggot Trust:  Marian Winn has offered to continue as FPC’s representative.  FPC agreed to this.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Marian.

(iv)       SPISE:  A request for membership has been received.  It was agreed that FPC should not take out membership.

(v)        Surrey Wildlife Trust:  A request for membership renewal has been received, at a cost of £38.  It was agreed that FPC should continue its membership.

(vi)       Parking in Rowplatt Lane:  Following a complaint from a resident, PC Paul Clifton has visited and will speak to the owners of the vehicles parked on the kerbs.

(vii)      Precept:  The half yearly Precept Payment of £7000 has been received.

(viii)      Tandridge Voluntary Service Council:  A request for membership renewal has been received, at a cost of £10.  It was agreed that FPC should continue its membership. 

(ix)       In circulation:  SEE Regional Housing Strategy – 2008-11;  TDC Special Development Control Committee Agenda, 10th April 08;  TVSC Newsletter – The Voice, April 08;  Minutes of LORD Meeting on 1st Apr 08;  TDC News Release re Community Alarm Service, 11 Apr 08;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda, 15th Apr 08;  Letter from MSDC re Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, Apr 08;  Email re Big Drink Debate, 17th Apr 08;  TDC Development Control Committee Agenda, 23rd Apr 08;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 16th Apr 08;  SCC Minerals Plan, Apr 08;  Surrey Community Action Magazine, Spring 08;  TDC Local Development Framework Steering Group Agenda, 21st Apr 08;  Leaflet on proposed Trumps Farm Energy from Waste Facility;  TDC Council Agenda, 24th Apr 08;  TDC News Release re Core Strategy Statement, 23 Apr 08;  Email from TDC Planning re TDC Core Strategy – Alternative Site Allocation Representations, 24th Apr 08;  Email re Competition Commission and Gatwick Runway, 24th Apr 08;  Surrey Trading Standards Press Release re Buy with Confidence scheme, Apr 08;  SPISE Newsletter, Spring 08;  The Playing Field Newsletter, Spring 08;  SCAPTC Programme of Training Courses, 2008.

 

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

626      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for May                      £29.38

627      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for May                 £193.03

628      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for May                                  £48.20

629      R White                                    Office Allowance for May

and Petty Cash for Apr                  £85.93

630      Peter Frost                               Internal Audit                                           £100.40

631      Broker Network Ltd                Annual Insurance with Norwich Union £757.41

 

9.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS   -   None

 

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 5th June 2008 at 7.30pm.

The meeting closed at approximately 10.30pm.

RW  

8 May 2008