MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH
COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE 2008 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM,
VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE.
Present: Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Robin Lindsay-Stewart, Simon Greenwood, Neville Ashcroft & Peter Huxley. Mesdames. Alison Stevenson, Sarah Moore-Williams, & Carol Jarvest.
In attendance: Richard Greig Clerk to the Council.
2238. Public Participation
Cllr. Bill Acraman was in attendance for part of the meeting. He acquainted members with the background for possible reinstatement of the bridleway see agenda item 2246 below - & opined that if the application was to be approved opening of the bridleway, even with a part diversion, could be of great benefit to parishioners.
2239. Declaration of personal or prejudicial
interest
Mr Greenwood declared a personal interest in respect of planning
applications (BA)/08/01221/FUL New
Barns,
2240. Apologies for absence
Received from Messrs. Gary Marsh & Rodney Saunders. Not present Mrs Susan Barker-Danby.
2241. To approve
Minutes of the Regular meeting held on 14th May.
The minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman.
2242. Matters arising
2223 - Tree Officer reported that Ken still sick. Letter to be sent.
2207 - The problem with the tree on the
2227 Reports Mrs Jarvest asked members to note that the Traffic Working Group report should have made reference that we did agree that we would continue to pursue additional traffic calming measures longer-term. In addition it was also agreed that we should clarify section 106 payments that were not specifically related to Bolnore village.
Mrs Moore-Williams reported that additional supplies of information leaflets on the dangers of dog faeces in public places would be costly, but that she would continue trying additional sources. An article on dog fouling would appear in the July Parish Magazine.
2243. Financial
a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for May 2008 - noted as presented
b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st May 2008 for both accounts - noted as presented
c).
Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 2 months to 31st May 2008
- noted
as presented. An explanation was given
re an entry under General Administration (1101) for dog bin management which
had distorted the figures. Possible
adjustment may take place to transfer the entry to an alternative heading.
d). To agree transfer of 50% of budgeted funds, less outgoings to date, to the Youth Club account. Proposed by Dr Ashcroft & seconded by the Chairman the motion was carried. Agreed that £330 (£500 less cost of recent event) to be transferred over to one of the Youth Club accounts. (Mr Huxley to provide bank details to the Clerk). A separate proposal for transfer of the remaining £500 to be made as appropriate.
2244. Reports
from Traffic, Housing & Environment, Safety & Security & Young
People Groups
Traffic Group In the absence of the Leader no report, but mentioned that a newsletter, with questionnaire for completion included, will be circulated to each household in time for the public consultation to be held on July 5th, between 10 am-12 noon. Agreed this should make reference to proposals for securing shortfall in funding for the work, almost certainly through a local government loan over a period of 5 years.
Housing & Environment nothing further to report, other than to mention
· Meeting on 23rd June with MSDC successor to Judith Hewitt now unlikely due to non availability of group members.
· Mesdames Stevenson, Jarvest & Moore-Williams will attend the AirS housing conference in September
It was the suggestion of one Councillor that it could be advantageous preferable for any housing survey to be combined with other villages (perhaps 3 total).
Safety & Security The Clerk reported that he had been unable to secure any quote for the agreed security measures within the £1000 ceiling approved. In consequence he asked for agreement to go ahead with the lower quote (from ARM Locksmiths) totalling £1450. Proposed by Dr Ashcroft & seconded by Mrs Moore-Williams all were in favour of the motion. Would a premium rebate be available once these security measures were in place? The Clerk will check out.
It was suggested that improved measures should be considered to stop access to the pavilion roof & the Ranger will be consulted.
Young People Groups Mrs Jarvest had circulated an excellent report & was thanked for her efforts. The group would continue to meet & progress the next steps. There would be a separate article on young people in the July Parish Magazine. The recent event had been most successful & both the Police & Fire Brigade had attended.
Dr Ashcroft & Mr Huxley had greatly assisted in the organisation. MSDC (Rupert Browning) had been given our proposals for additional playground funding & the email reply to him was read out. There were several views about developing the upper area. In view of the RBS involvement Mrs Jarvest would talk things over with the Legion Chairman (David Fellowes) & report back.
2245. To note report on Post Office
Mr Lindsay-Stewarts report had been circulated to members. He would continue informal discussions, as appropriate, & report back to the next meeting. Agreed that an alternative location for the post office, providing it would ensure continuity of post office service, would be advantageous to the community.
2246. To again discuss earlier submission (September
2007) concerning application received
from WSCC for the addition to the definitive Map & Statement for Cuckfield
Rural of a bridleway from bridleway 79W in Turners Hill to the High Street in
Balcombe, the B2110
Following Cllr. Acramans earlier submission, & possible advantages should the bridleway be reopened, it was agreed that we would do our best to obtain submissions from the three living residents who had recollections of the bridleway being walked in their lifetime. These would then be submitted to WSCC in support of the application as regrettably the earlier submission in support by the Footpaths Association was not considered as suitable evidence.
2247. Planning. to consider the following applications:-
a). For
representation by 6th June 2008
(BA)/08/01598/TREE
Charlcote,
b). For
representation by 13th June 2008
(BA)/08/01710/TREE La Columba,
(BA)/08/01711/TCA Heritage & Pitfield Cottage,
(BA)/01756/TCA Avon House,
For representation by 27th June 2008
(BA)/08/01221/FUL New Barns,
Members
were provided with background relating to this retrospective application,
submitted subsequent to notice being issued by MSDC to the Planning
Inspectorate, following the issue of an enforcement notice in respect of alleged
failure to comply with conditions relating to an earlier (2005) approval.
Following
unanimous agreement by Councillors that the retrospective application should be
refused the following detailed representation was made to MSDC, after referral
to the Housing & Environment group.
An application to convert
the barn to living accommodation was refused in 2005. This refusal was on the
grounds that the conversion would suburbanise the site and effectively create a
new dwelling. The barn has now been converted into a habitable space with
several rooms including kitchen/bathroom facilities on the basis that the
building is to be used as spa/studio facilities suitable for a commercial
enterprise.
In addition the external
appearance has been much altered with facings, roofing and window/door openings
all altered.
BPC cannot see how the
alteration to the commercial use differs materially in any way to the
conversion to a dwelling in terms of the previous refusal reason of
suburbanisation. BPC therefore objects
to the development on the basis that the good reasons set out by MSDC in the
previous refusal have essentially been broken.
We would have no objection
to the small extension if use were returned to barn.
Other
The
Clerk reported on the background relating to removal (by BT) of a mature oak
within their compound & that dead cherry tree on the green had already been
mentioned to MSDC.
2248. To consider issues raised at Annual Parish Meeting 2008,
a). Footpaths, especially from Rectory to
a). Members were reminded of the background & WSCCs earlier comments. A letter had bee written to the complainant about the matter. b). Agreed that we would report the problems to WSCC Rights of Way Officer. c). The occupant who had mentioned the matter was understood to be satisfied that his comments had been noted. d). Matter being progressed see 2242 (2227) above. Meeting with the MSDC Ranger planned for 13th June.
2249.To note arrangements for
WSCC
The Clerk mentioned that a walk, organised by the Footpaths Association, would take place on 16th. This had been publicised beforehand.
2250. Correspondence
Other 12 - Letter to David Gould. The Chairman advised the reasons for sending this.
Other 9 -
2251. Exchange
of Information
The Chairman Agreed that there appears to be a lack of information village-wise from Balcombe surgery cf extended opening hours at Handcross & recent questionnaire concerning pharmacy services.
Balcombe Fete there would be no collective Parish Council participation.
Mr Huxley frequency of freighter. Situation explained.
Mrs Stevenson damaged finger posts. WSCC to be informed of problem.
Dr. Ashcroft some funding for Tiggers garden had been obtained from MSDC. Opening day 6th July.
Mr Marsh (in absentia) road surface of Newlands. Broken surface on road approach to Great Coopers Farm.
Mr Saunders (in absentia) Gemma Lewis has confirmed that the car park created adjacent to Balcombe Stores is for use by anyone visiting Balcombe Stores & by a small number of local arrangements by prior agreement. An appropriate notice is likely to appear.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.55 hours
Signed ..
THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY 2008 IN
THE WI ROOM