`40/10

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 2^nd September 2010

at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present:            Mr Jeremy Clarke (Chairman)

                        Mr Brian Apps

                        Mrs Linda Hainge

Mrs Joan Harwood

Mrs Bridget Huntington

Mr Ian McBryde

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 Mr Jacob Woodd

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            Mrs Joan Harwood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning applications TA/2010/932 and TA/2010/678, the nature of the interest being the strong links between Mr Ken Harwood and these applications.  In accordance with the Members’ Local Code of Conduct, she was not present at the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.  There were no other additions to those previously registered.

 

3.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

            The Minutes of the Annual Meeting and Parish Council Meeting held on 1^st July were approved and signed.

 

4.         MATTERS ARISING

 

(i)                  Complaints Procedure/Press Policy:  The proposed Complaints Procedure was agreed subject to the word ‘Chair’ being changed to ‘Chairman’.  Clerk to draw up a proposed Press Policy for discussion at the next meeting on 7^th October, based on the draft received from Horley Town Council.

(ii)                Speed Restrictions in Crawley Down Road:  SCC have agreed to cut back some overhanging branches in Crawley Down Road which are obscuring the terminal speed limit signs.

(iii)               Parking in Crawley Down Road:  It was agreed to install posts along the verge from the entrance to the school carpark to the end of the village hall grounds at a cost of £1160.  TDC have seen a copy of the quotation from Howard Searle and agree to the work being carried out.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Howard Searle.

(iv)       Woodcock Hill:  The VAS sign has been moved to the northbound carriageway.  Moira Cocks will fix the wiring problem.  SCC have installed a filter drain at the side of the A22.  Councillor Sydney has asked SCC to work out the cost of a permanent VAS sign for the resident who has offered to pay for this.  FPC are awaiting speeding data from current temporary VAS.

41/10

 

(v)        Path from Puffin Crossing and Village Sign:  At a meeting on 22^nd 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 on numerous occasions to send a copy of the most recent annual inspection report.

(vii)             Gritting:  Michael Sydney is meeting with SCC and will ask if contact has been made with the two local farmers whose names have been given to SCC. 

(viii)           Repairs to fencing on bank in front of Village Hall:  TDC have confirmed that their budgets are very tight and they are unable to fund the cost of fencing in the gap.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Howard Seale for a quote for this work.

(ix)              Daffodils:  TDC Local Committee Members have agreed to grant £250 for daffodil and crocus bulbs to be planted in the public amenity areas of Felbridge.  Resolved:  Joan Harwood will investigate cost of bulbs.  Clerk to ask for help with planting from the Community Service organisers.

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

(xi)              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.

(xii)             Star Inn:  The drain is no longer overflowing across the pavement.  Ken Harwood, as District Councillor, agreed to visit the manager to discuss the position of the A-board.

(xiii)           Tree on verge in Copthorne Road:   It was agreed to remove the dead tree and replace it with a flowering cherry tree when the tree planting on the village green is done.  Resolved:  Clerk to obtain quote.

(xiv)           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.  Steve Hyder has suggested native trees and the TDC tree officer has provided guidance on tree species and planting.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Steve Hyder for a copy of the section of TDC’s annual inspection report that relates to Felbridge.  Clerk to contact specialist tree nursery for a quote for 5 trees plus planting.

(xv)            Verges on A264 Copthorne Road:  Jeremy Clarke is awaiting a reply to his letter to Roger Archer-Reeves, SCC, about the lack of grass cutting near to Furnace Wood.

(xvi)           Speeding in Copthorne Road:  SCC have confirmed that all the static signing is in accordance with regulations and any additional signage erected by SCC, such as repeater signs, should be viewed as an added bonus.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Moira Cocks to ask for a Speedwatch site in Rowplatt Lane, and to contact Speedwatch organiser to ask when last Speedwatch check was done.

(xvii)         TDC Planning:  It was agreed to invite Piers Mason to the Planning Meeting on 20^th January 2011 to carry out some training on planning systems and to discuss the latest changes and new government policy affecting planning in Felbridge  Resolved:  Clerk to contact Piers Mason.

(xviii)        Surrey Army Cadet Force Cycle Challenge:  The charity cricket match and barbeque arranged between the Army Cadet Force and Felbridge Cricket Club on 23^rd July was attended by Ken and Joan Harwood, Linda Hainge and Jeremy Clarke.

 

5.         SURREY HIGHWAY REPAIRS:

 

(i)                  83033899:  The vegetation obstructing the footpath between Mill Lane and Hedgecourt Place has been cut back.

42/10

 

(ii)                Collapsed drain on A264, westbound carriageway, opposite Star Inn:  This has now been repaired.

(iii)               83074773:  Repairs to the potholes on the A264 near to Furnace Wood are now breaking up.  Michael Sydney to follow up with SCC.

(iv)              28025659 – Flashing lights near to School:  David Curl confirmed on 11.08.10 that this problem has been reported to Skanska.

(v)                90084036 – Street Lights at Oak Farm Place:  A resident has confirmed that access should no longer be a problem as all areas including the hammer head now belong to the management company.  Skanska have written to this resident to confirm that the work should be completed by the end of September. 

(vi)              83043189 – Dead Tree in Rowplatt Lane:  SCC have confirmed that this work is on their list.

(vii)             83077038 – Mill Lane:  The broken fence beside the pond has not been repaired.  Resolved:  Clerk to contact SCC.

 

6.         COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(i)                  Surrey Highways:  Michael Sydney reported that David Curl is moving to another position within SCC and will be replaced by John Lawlor who will be covering 3 areas.  Specifications for tenders for highway contracts were due out in June.  Contracts to be awarded in November/December.

(ii)                Hub Project:  Michael Sydney is waiting for information from SCC regarding the funds they will contribute to this project.

(iii)               Highways:  SCC have £1m available to be spent on highways.  At their meeting on 3^rd September, the TDC Local Committee will decide how to spend their allocation on repair work.

Councillor Sydney left the meeting.

(iv)              Annual Return:  This has been received back from the auditors with no issues being raised.  The Audited Return was approved and accepted by the Council.

(v)                Budget for 2011/12:  It was agreed that the budget should be set maintaining the current Precept of £14,000.

(vi)              Parking on Verges in Crawley Down Road:  Cars have been seen parked on the verges during recent football matches.  Resolved:  Clerk to write to FSRA now that the season has started again, to ask them to remind players not to park on the verges.

(vii)             Felbridge Gate:  Parts are missing and the gate needs repairing.  Resolved:  As this gate is oak, Clerk to contact specialist carpenter.

(viii)           Footpath 286:  This needs clearing.  Clerk reported to SCC on 25.8.10.

(ix)              Posts on verge on A264:  Some of these posts have been knocked down.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask if Community Gang could replace them.

(x)                Posts on verge in Crawley Down Road:  Some of the posts opposite the football pitch have been knocked down.  Resolved:  Clerk to ask Howard Searle to reinstall them.

(xi)              Fence along Woodcock Hill:  Ken Harwood has been liaising with SCC and TDC re the new fence and the ditch that has been filled in.  Michael Sydney will meet the concerned resident on 4^th Sept.

(xii)             Bridleway 257:  TDC have arranged removal of site rubbish and area has now been re-grassed.

(xiii)           Paved front gardens at two houses on A264:  Ken Harwood has contacted TDC.  Planning Officer has spoken to interested parties and is pressing to ensure that they have substantial planting along the front of these gardens.

(xiv)           Bus Shelter in Copthorne Road:  Two panes are broken and two are cracked.  Clerk has asked McPherson Glass for a quote.

(xv)            Hedgecourt Lake:  Mink have been seen around the lake. 

Mr Harwood left the meeting.

43/10

 

7.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

Planning Meeting held on 15^th July 2010 attended by Jeremy Clarke, Linda Hainge, Joan Harwood and Jacob Woodd.

Applications Acknowledged 28^th June – 2^nd July 2010

TA/2010/767:  Nigh Timber, Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Erection of detached garage.  Resolved:  FPC are concerned that this is in front of the building line and may be detrimental to the street scene.  If it is adequately screened from the road, FPC are willing to leave it to the officer’s decision as to the appropriateness of the proposal.

TA/2010/774:  Kenmare, Herons Close, Copthorne.  Erection of detached double garage.  Resolved:   No Action.

Applications Acknowledged 5^th – 9^th July 2010

TA/2010/804:  Herons Bonsai Ltd, Wire Mill Lane, Lingfield.  Erection of single storey building to accommodate a learning centre with the construction of a covered walkway and extension to existing WC block.  Resolved:  FPC strongly support this application.  They believe that the proposed amenity is strongly aligned to the existing site use and the business is an important and long established part of Felbridge.

TA/2010/807:  Land Adjoining Unit 15, Hobbs Industrial Estate, Newchapel.  Erection of building to be used for purposes falling within class B8 (storage and distribution) together with 12 car parking spaces and associated turning area and landscaping.  (Application to extend time limit for implementation of permission 98/1187/A).  Resolved:  No Action.

 

Planning Meeting held on 5^th August 2010 attended by Bridget Huntington, Ian McBryde, Jeremy Clarke, Linda Hainge and Joan Harwood.

Applications Acknowledged 12^th – 16^th July 2010

None in Felbridge. 

Applications Acknowledged 19^th – 23^rd  July 2010

TA/2010/805:  St Johns Church Hall, The Glebe, Felbridge.  Installation of replacement windows and doors (Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed Development).  Resolved:  FPC support this application to enhance and improve a community building.

TA/2010/881:  Land at Domewood, Copthorne.  Reconductor of existing low voltage overhead line.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2010/883:  Land at Effingham Road, Copthorne.  Reconductor of existing low voltage overhead line.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2010/888:  Land around Domewood, Copthorne.  Reconductor of existing low voltage overhead line.  Resolved:  No Action.

TA/2010/895:  84 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of part two storey/part first floor rear extension, single storey front extension and conversion of garage and loft into habitable rooms.  Resolved:  FPC object to this application due to the distance of the proposed two storey extension being less than 1 m from the eastern boundary and we believe that the bulk and size of the proposed dwelling is inappropriate as a result of the proposed rooflines heading away from the road to the twin rear gables.

Applications Acknowledged 26^th – 30^th July 2010

TA/2010/909:  Woodcock Hill Service Station.  Display of 6 x non-illuminated fascia advertisements to front of building and 1 x non-illuminated double sided pole mounted advertisement adjacent to highway.  Resolved:  FPC support this application.

 

TA/2010/478:  Chester Lodge, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge.  Sub-division of building to provide dwelling and change of use of part of building to Veterinary Clinic.  Erection of single storey extension to front elevation to accommodate proposed clinic and internal alterations.  Resolved:  No Action

 

44/10

 

Planning Meeting held on 19^th August 2010 attended by Jeremy Clarke, Linda Hainge, Joan Harwood and Brian Apps.

Applications Acknowledged 2^nd – 6^th August 2010

TA/2010/834:  Camelot, Heather Way, Felbridge.  Demolition of conservatory.  Erection of conservatory to rear elevation.  Resolved:  No Action

Mrs Harwood left the meeting.

Applications Acknowledged 9^th – 13^th August 2010

TA/2010/932:  Long Acres Caravan and Camping Park, Newchapel Road, Lingfield.  Relaxation of condition 9 of permission TA/88/P/0028 dated 26 April 1988 to allow the use to be carried out by other persons.  Resolved:  No Action

 

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.

 

Parish Council Meeting held on 2^nd September 2010

Applications Acknowledged 16^th – 20^th August 2010

TA/2010/1008:  84 Copthorne Road, Felbridge.  Erection of detached garage.  Resolved:  FPC object that the scale of the proposed garage is too large for the front garden plot and exaggerates the overbearing impact of the dwelling.  We do not believe the screening will be effective at reducing this impact as the screening could be removed in the future.  FPC object to the use of simulate brick for the structure which is not in keeping with the local building materials.  We also wish to advise the Officer that the existing garage is proposed for removal as part of current application 2010/895 and as such this proposal represents a replacement for an existing garage that is proposed for conversion to habitation.

Applications Acknowledged 23^rd – 27^th August 2010

None in Felbridge

Mr Harwood returned to the meeting.

 

8.         CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

 

(i)         SCAPTC Subscription:  SCAPTC have confirmed that FPC’s subscription for the year ended 31^st March 2012 will be £471.29, an increase of £16.91.

(ii)        SCAPTC General Meeting:  This meeting, which was postponed from 24^th July, will be held on 16^th Sept at East Horsley Village Hall.

(iii)               SCAPTC AGM:  This will be a joint meeting with SCA on 5^th October.

(iv)              Surrey Highways:  SCC have confirmed that Clerks, as Local Government Officers, can continue to contact CHOs direct but the general public will be required to make contact via their County Councillor. 

(v)                ESPLG Meeting:  Linda Hainge and the Clerk will attend the meeting on 27^th October.

(vi)              SLCC Legal and Finance Training Day:  This will be held on 11^th Oct at Smallfield.

(vii)             TVSC:  An invitation has been received to the Network Lunch on 30^th Sept.

45/10

 

(viii)           TDC Council Agenda:  It was agreed that a hard copy was no longer required.  Clerk would check the emailed agenda and circulate any sections affecting Felbridge.

(ix)              Queen Elizabeth II Fields:  An article in the Playing Field newsletter has been circulated and will be discussed at the October meeting.

(x)                GACC AGM:  This meeting will be held on 12^th November.

(xi)              Surrey Wildlife Trust:  A letter has been received asking for a donation towards their volunteer programme.  Resolved:  It was agreed to send a donation of £50.

(xii)             In Circulation:  TDC News Release re TDC’s Performance and Improvement Plan, 5 Jul 10;  TDC Financial Review and Statement of Accounts, 2009-10;  TDC News Release re Tandridge Magazine, 9 Jul 10;  TDC News Release re Action to restore land in Newchapel, 16 Jul 10;  TDC News Release re Easier Access to Planning Information, 16 Jul 10;  Tandridge Leisure Summer Newsletter, 16 Jul 10;  TDC Overview & Scrutiny Committee Agenda and Minutes, 6 Jul 10;  TDC Planning Committee Agenda, 22 Jul 10;  TDC Council Agenda, 15 Jul 10;  East Surrey Museum Newsletter, Summer 2010;  TDC News Release re Rogue Traders, 27 Jul 10;  Email from SLCC re Capping of Town and Parish Precepts, 30 Jul 10;  TDC List of Delegated Action Taken, 5 Aug 10;  TDC News Release re Enforcement Notices, 3 Aug 10;  Surrey Wildlife Trust Summer Newsletter, 7 Aug 10;  Letter from Campaign Co-ordinator of No-Need for Nuclear, Aug 10;  Surrey Care Trust Newsletter, Aug 10;  The Playing Field, Summer 10;  TDC News Release re Register of Electors, 16 Aug 10;  SLCC Newsletter re Council Tax Increase Referendums, 25 Aug 10;  LCR, Summer 10;  Tandridge Summer Magazine;  Surrey Community Action Magazine, Summer 10;  NCYPE The Voice, Summer 10;  Surrey Nature, Summer 10;  Natural World, Summer 10;  TDC News Release re Unauthorised Adverts, 26 Aug 10;  Parish News, Sept 10.

 

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

 

791      B. Wright                                 Bus shelter cleaning for Sept                   £29.38

792      R. White                                   Clerk’s salary for Sept              £222.19

793      HM Revenue & Customs          Income Tax for Sept                               £55.40

794      R White                                    Office Allowance for Aug/Sept

and Petty Cash for July/Aug                  £143.97

795      BDO                                        Auditors Fees                                       £158.63

796      East Surrey Museum                 Donation towards renovations     £20.00

797      Surrey Crimestoppers               Donation towards burglary project          £40.00

798      St Catherine’s Hospice Donation towards garden furniture         £100.00

 

10.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS – A purse was found in the village hall playground on 24^th August and handed in to Brian Apps, who has reported this to the Police.

 

11.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be held on Thursday 7^th October 2010 at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting closed at approximately 9.30pm.

RW

7 September 2010