MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 10TH APRIL 2008 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE. 

 

Present:  Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Rodney Saunders, Robin Lindsay-Stewart, Simon Greenwood & Peter Huxley.  Mesdames. Alison Stevenson, Sarah Moore-Williams & Susan Barker-Danby. 

In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council. 

 

2201. Public Participation

No members of the public were present. 

 

2202. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mr Greenwood declared a personal interest in respect of planning application (BA)/08/00799/FUL – 3 White House Farm Cottages - agenda item 2210 a). 

Mrs Stevenson declared a personal interest in respect of planning application (BA)/08/00843/FUL & 08/00857/LBC Kelsey House, London Road -– agenda item 2210 c). 

 

2203. Apologies for absence

Received from Messrs.  Neville Ashcroft, Gary Marsh & Mrs Carol Jarvest

 

2204. To approve Minutes of Regular meeting held on 13th March 2008

            The minutes were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman, after minor amendments. 

 

2205. Matters arising

2190 (2185) – future meeting dates for 2009.  We are examining whether the third Monday of each month would be more suitable to members.  No reply yet received from Paul Gordon. 

2192. A reply had now been sent to MSDC following the Core Strategy Consultation in time for the reply deadline of 20 March. 

2200 - As no reply had been received following Mr Lindsay-Stewart’s letter to the Post Office agreed that this should be followed up as a matter of urgency as we need to have their strategy decision.  Thought WSCC might also be a useful point of contact for advice. 

                     2200 - Statement from the company responsible for the operation of Balcombe railway station on plans (if any) in place for DDA compliance.  Ascertained that Southern is responsible for the station.  Further enquiries to be made. 

2200 – We could expect a letter concerning proposals for possible extensions to the existing churchyard from the Rector. 


 

 

2206. Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for March 2008 - noted as presented

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st March 2008 for both accounts - noted as presented

c). Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 12 months to 31st March 2008 - noted as presented

d). To receive the report from the appointed sub committee for Mazars on the effectiveness of the Council’s internal audit procedures to conform to Annual Governance statement requirements.  The report was circulated & details of the proposed changes outlined.  Mr Huxley proposed acceptance of its findings, seconded by Mr Saunders.  All were in favour.  Accordingly the Chairman signed off modified versions of papers relating to

1). Responsibilities of the RFO, 2). Risk Assessment & 3). Financial responsibilities of the Clerk.  These were circulated to members present. 

e). Handrail for footpath between London Road & Newlands.  Balcombe Estate were currently examining the scheme & would advise, via Balcombe Sawmills, the cost of installing a wooden rail. 

f). To agree underwriting cost of recreation ground hire & insuring Balcombe Superstars competition for 2008.  Agreed.  The Clerk would contact Rosemary. 

 

2207.  Report from Groups

a). Housing & Environment.

Mesdames Stevenson & Jarvest had had a useful core strategy meeting with MSDC.  Agreed that Mrs Stevenson would respond to their findings & draft a covering letter accordingly. 

Mr Saunders agreed to ascertain from MSDC the prospects of our being allocated S106 money ex the Bolnore Village development. 

It was mentioned that Victory Hall funding is still of paramount importance.  Consideration is currently being given to a back stage extension project.

We agreed to co operate in the AirS Housing Needs Survey on a watching brief basis only. 

The problem with the tree on the Haywards Heath Road, reported by Mr Huxley, has still not been resolved.

b). Safety & Security, including Pavilion Security update

   The Clerk had now had an on site meeting with a local security person & as a result estimates had been provided for front window shutters, BS locks to meet insurance company standards & a new more secure entrance door.  Proposed by Mrs Stevenson & seconded by Mr Greenwood it was agreed that this work could be carried out up to a maximum cost of £1000. 


 

 

c). Young People

   A date had been fixed for the “Battle of the Bands”.  Mrs Jarvest will publicise as required. 

Playground.  Rupert Browning had sent in an email about targeting MSDC financial resources towards improving their stock of equipped playgrounds in the district.  Agree we should find out the date for completion of the annual independent inspection & that Mrs Jarvest would be the point of contact & prepare a suitable reply for MSDC.

d). Other Group Reports

A meeting of the Traffic Group to take place on 21st to discuss Atkins’ draft report for further traffic calming measures.  Noted with regret that contrary to initial expectations “pinch points” now do not seem to be permitted by WSCC. 

e). To agree future cycle for Group Reports

At next meeting in May reports from Traffic Group, Facilities & Amenities & Local Societies to be presented. 

 

2208.  Revised “Welcome Pack” – update

            For discussion at the May meeting. 

 

2209.  Arrangements for ”Balcombe First Week”.

Mrs Stevenson had secured a supply of special bags, cost £278.  Posters to be put up (by organising Secretary).  Clerk to circulate earlier email with details of participants etc.  An article to be put in the “Middy” using Carolyn Robertson. 

 

2210.  Planning. – to consider the following applications:-

a). For representation by 4th April 2008 (extension to 11th April)

(BA)/08/00799/FUL – 3 White House Farm Cottages – proposed 2 storey extension to provide living room & utility with bedroom & bathroom over.  Demolition of existing garages & new carports & parking space for 4 cars, 2 of which will be allocated to No. 4 White House Cottages.  No objection. 

b). For representation by 11th April 2008

(BA0/08/00790 – 8 Barn Meadow – new conservatory constructed in glass & timber on the back of the existing dwelling.  No objection, providing construction is acceptable to the owners of adjoining premises. 

(BA)/08/00933/LBC – 35 Casteye Cottage, Haywards Heath Road – removal of disused brick oven on kitchen.  Agreed that as this was a listed building & an important part of village heritage we were anxious that all alterations are carefully effected.  Accordingly agreed that the decision should be left to MSDC to decide on its merits. 

(BA)/08/00972/TCA – Hollow How, Stockcroft Road – Two Limes – Fell & replace.  Noted that the original trunks are now completely hollow so that the new canopies could split apart. 


 

 

Accordingly we agree that there seems no alternative but to fell.  The trees provided good cover in the past & complemented the road.  We are anxious for this to continue & would urge that replacement takes place as soon after felling as is practical. 

 

c). For representation by 18th April 2008

(BA)/08/00843/FUL & 08/00857/LBC – Kelsey House, London Road – Removal of existing conservatory.  Replacement of ground floor extension.  Agreed that this should be delegated to the Housing & Environment Group.  Their subsequent report was that the application was well founded & that there was no objection. 

(BA)/01014/TREE – Charlcote, Oldlands Avenue – Thin canopies of two Limes (T18 & T19) by 50%.  No objection, but pollarding would have been preferred.

(BA)/08/01017/TCA – Deanlands, Stockcroft Road – Reduce higher canopy of Willow by 2-3m.  No objection. 

d). For representation by 25th April 2008

(BA)/08/00956/FUL – Wray Cottage, Newlands – Garage connected to the existing house.  We foresee problems with this application.  As the structure will abut the boundary line there will almost certainly be a problem in attending to maintenance without access to the neighbouring property.  The potential inconvenience to the owner of the neighbouring property needs to be carefully considered. 

(BA)/08/01048/FUL – Lamb Cottage, Stockcroft Road – First floor rear & east extension over existing & front entrance porch.  Agreed that this should be delegated to the Housing & Environment Group.  Their subsequent report was “we note this revised application & still have concerns at the proposals. The application forms a 2nd storey extension over an existing ground floor extension. The rear section will project a good distance into the back garden of the property. As a result the rear extension could be overbearing on the adjoining properties. Although the ground floor already exists this application would set a precedent for the neighbouring houses which largely share the same rear building line, many of which have similar ground floor extensions”.  

Members agreed that in our reply we should refer to the letter of complaint sent on 10th April, & copied to us, by the owner of the adjoining property, Hill Pasture, owned by Mr.  & Mrs. John Scates confirming that we fully concur with their comments. 

(BA)/08/01149/FUL – Heritage, Stockcroft Road – demolition of utility room & building new ground floor extension for utility room & family room.  New extension at first floor for en suite bathroom.  No objection. 

 

The following application replies had been received from MSDC:

(BA)/08/00036 – High Coombe Cottage, Private Road.  Permission.

 

(BA)/08/00170/LBC – 35 Casteye Cottage.  Permission. 

(BA)/08/00467/FUL -Cross Cottage, Stockcroft Road.  Permission. 

(BA)/08/00457/FUL – Little Smeads, Haywards Heath Road.  Permission.

(BA)/08/00196/FUL & 00197/LBC – Great Coopers Corner Farm.  REFUSED. 

(BA)/08/00508/TREE-Croft Corner, Oldlands Avenue.  No Objection

(BA)/08/00509/TREE–Croft Corner, Oldlands Avenue.  REFUSED. 

(BA)/08/00469/TREE – 5/6 Oldlands Avenue.  No Objection. 

(BA)/08/00548/TCA–Stumble Ridge, Oldlands Avenue.  No Objection

(BA)/08/00296/FUL – Oakleigh, Haywards Heath Road.  REFUSED. 

(BA)/08/00491/FUL – Deanlands, Stockcroft Road.  Permission. 

 

2211. a). Annual Report 2008 – progress report

The report would be ready for circulation to all Balcombe households in time for the AGM on 23rd April.  Mr Saunders was thanked for his input in preparing the draft. 

b). To confirm arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting on 23rd April

To be held at URC.  Speaker arranged.  WI to do refreshments as usual.  All Councillors requested to attend.  A revised feature updating financial information to be made available.

 

2212. Correspondence

Other 18        Atkins re B2036 Local Safety Scheme.  Generally felt that generally our concerns had been reflected in the reply. 

Other 24. Letter of complaint from George Wiginton re Easter freighter.  Contents noted. 

W6. Highway Ranger Service.  Details of the proposed dates for implementation noted. 

 

2213. Exchange of Information

Mrs Stevenson – loss of bottle bank facilities. 

Mr Greenwood –Mr Richard Greenwood appreciative for efforts made to repair pothole on Haywards Heath Road. 

Mr Saunders – Asked about new Bramble Hill light & agreed re-surfacing of path, now tarmac had been agreed by MSDC. 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.10 hours

 

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY 2008 (IN THE WI ROOM).

RG/HS