MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 12^th AUGUST 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE UNITED REFORM CHURCH, BALCOMBE.

Present: Mr Graham Gosney, Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Robin Williamson, Mr Roland Burke, Mr David Miners, Mr Neil Infield, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Simon Greenwood, Mesdames Sheila Illsley & Alison Stevenson.

1300. Public Participation

Mr Vic Gander addressed the meeting in respect of the proposed Traffic Calming Proposals. He opined, “We would not be getting anywhere”. The scheme would cost all parties “a lot of money”. Cushions on the Haywards Heath Road would be ineffective as similar cushions installed elsewhere had proved this. It was his view that if motorists reverted to obeying the rules of the road things would get better. Speed cameras and the return of a village policeman bringing the traffic speed down to 20 mph would be the solution.

1301. Apologies for absence

Mr Gary Marsh

1302. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mrs Gunning & Messrs. Miners, Burke & Williamson expressed personal interest as residents of the London Road in respect of Traffic Calming.

1303. Review of village responses to consultation on proposed scheme

Reference was made to the circulated Report of Consultation with residents and how the responses had been analysed. Mr Greenwood said that a copy of the initial analysis by Mrs Gunning had not appeared to have reached him. On the subject of “rat running” via Oldlands Avenue/Newlands the question was raised as to whether Peter Bradley (WSCC) had been made aware of this possibility and it was agreed that it should be mentioned at the forthcoming meeting with him.

1304. Action proposed/in hand resulting from responses by residents

There would need to be further work/consultation in respect of adopting the Phase 2 of the scheme relating to the London Road and residents assured on this. All those who had written in had received an individual acknowledgement

1305. Review of replies (WSCC & Owen Williams) re modifications requested

It was agreed that BPC must formulate a reply in respect of the Safety Audit, details of which had been received. It was important for a policy to be formed based on the OW plan, the result of the Consultation and the Safety Audit, together with the OW response based on its own Safety Audit.

There were still concerns about the lighting proposals. The cost seemed high and it would be useful to receive a costing for each individual light as a cross-reference. We were trying to arrange a meeting with Richard Bird (WSCC) to discuss this aspect.

Mr Miners explained that he thought that a modification to the proposed columns would be more pleasing to villagers and pointed out that anyway the proposed 70 watt bulb and shield would not cause inconvenience to adjoining neighbours. It was emphasised that with reference to BS recommendations these were found not to be mandatory.

The proposal for 3 lights at the junction of Mill Lane was still considered excessive.

Mr Burke mentioned that if we were to have signs, boxes etc. on the road surfaces, these would need to be as permanent as possible. As regards the cushions the optimum distance of separation between them was around 60-80 metres.

Mr Miners had circulated a paper to the meeting. The Chairman’s view was that it would be unwise to implement the scheme in stages, due to possible extra expenses in respect of supervision. Equally lighting should be considered in an overall context. Mr Williamson asked whether it would seem prudent to start with the mini roundabout area, thus getting villagers used to things, and then move on to the Haywards Heath Road part. Agreed that we would need to get clear guidance from WSCC on such measures.

The other points in Mr Miner’s paper were discussed, as appropriate, and there were no adverse comments.

1306. Proposals for future action

The Parish Council would need to make a firm decision on the plan at their September meeting. WSCC should be instructed to undertake monitoring before and after implementation of any scheme adopted.

1307. Approval of tree cutting for Solagen light site

Agreed that the Chairman would advise Mr Simon Birkby that his quote of £45 to trim the trees adjoining Mr Dearden’s property on the London Road was acceptable. Mr Miners would then tell WSCC that they could proceed with the planned installation.

1308. To consider Planning Application

BA/04/01733/FUL – Glenmore, Deanland Road – Loft conversion & single storey extension

Mrs Stevenson declared a personal interest. The site had been inspected and the proposed extension was generally pleasing and not out of proportion to the size of the house.

1309 Exchange of Information

Mr Infield – 2 oak trees within the Balcombe Garage had been felled recently. The Clerk to check with MSDC Enforcement Officer, John Arnold.

Mr Greenwood – Dropped manhole cover at junction of London Road/Haywards Heath Road (marked in blue).

Had MSDC advised any changes to planning procedures?

Mr Wiginton – MSDC new plans for playground area had been received and was looking good. To be studied further for report at next regular meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.58 hours.

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..

RG/HS

adopted without revisiont at meeting of 17.08.04