MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 13^th JUNE 2007 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE

Present: Messrs. Robin Williamson, Simon Greenwood, Richard Turner, Rodney Saunders, Neville Ashcroft, Robin Lindsay-Stewart & Mesdames. Sarah Moore-Williams, Carol Jarvest, Susan Barker-Danby & Alison Stevenson

In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council

At 7.30 p m, prior to the meeting, PCSO Jayne Milne, together with PCSO Joanne Wood, from Sussex Police, held an informal surgery to address any concerns from residents relating to Police matters. Three members of the public, together with seven Councillors, were initially present.

A useful interchange took place & PCSO Milne explained the way the service was manned & typically, how matters of village concern were handled. It was agreed that it would be useful to include details of our PCSO’s telephone number in the Parish Magazine as well as including Sussex Police website details in the Neighbourhood Watch column.

It was hoped that similar village surgeries could be held every 4/6 weeks. It was confirmed that there would be Police participation at the village fete on 7^th July.

2028. Public Participation

No members of the public were present.

2029. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mrs Stevenson declared personal interest in respect of agenda items 2039 a) & b) as she owns an adjoining property.

2030. Apologies for absence

Gary Marsh was not present.

2031. To approve Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 15^th May 2007

The minutes of the Annual General Meetings of the Council held on 15^th May were approved as a correct record & signed by the Chairman.

2032. Matters arising

2026 - Other 2 – Standards Board – New Code of Conduct. Agreed that a draft will be circulated to Councillors shortly, for incorporation as an agenda item at the July meeting & subsequent adoption.

2027 - Legionella testing of pavilion hot water may be necessary. The Clerk confirmed that he was already in touch with MSDC on the matter.

2033. Proposed Working Groups

Details of the suggested constitution of the groups have now been agreed with the Leaders & the first reporting will commence at the July meeting. Councillors were reminded that Graham Gosney has kindly agreed to assist the Traffic Group. Details of the Working Groups will appear on the notice board.

2034. Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for May 2007 - noted as presented

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31^st May 2007 for both accounts - noted as presented

c). Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 2 months to 31^st May 2007 – a query raised about an entry under 1130 (Subscriptions) which will be answered by the Clerk at the July meeting. Otherwise noted as presented

d). Audit – to re-appoint Internal Auditor (Mr Richard Land-Smith). Proposed by Mr Saunders & seconded by Mr Lindsay-Stewart the Councillors voted unanimously in favour

e). To note outcome of internal audit for accounts covering y/e 31.03.07 & to sign off accounts for submission to external auditor, Mazars. Proposed by Mr Saunders & seconded by Mr Lindsay-Stewart the Statement of Assurance was approved by Councillors, & signed by the Chairman & Clerk. The Statement of Accounts, signed by the RFO, was then signed by the Chairman approving the Council’s accounts.

Agreed that the circulated Asset Register as at 31.03.07 may need future revision. Also that the Risk Assessment of the Council be circulated in time for the July meeting.

2035. Vandalism & possible security measures

The Clerk reported on his discussions with the Police Crime Prevention Officer, Graham Bayley, & will liaise with Richard Turner who will handle the matter under his working group remit.

2036. Keep Balcombe Tidy Week

Agreed put on hold pending recommendations from Sarah Moore-Williams as to how best to arrange this year. Agreed input from the school as well as other local organisations (Scouts?) could be useful.

2037. LDF update

The Clerk had attended the hearing at MSDC’s offices on 6 June. Shortly before the hearing, Balcombe Estate advised that they had dropped their proposal for consideration by the Inspector of Balcombe sites ALT/22 – GLEBE FARM HAYWARDS HEATH ROAD & ALT/24 – VINTENS NURSERY,

OLDLANDS AVENUE. The remaining site ALT/23 – LAND NORTH OF STATION HOUSE, LONDON ROAD was proposed for consideration by the Inspector who will report later in the year. It was emphasised that no planning application for this location has yet been made.

2038. MSDC Garden Party Nominations for 2007

This will be held on Sunday 30 September at Danny. The Councillors were unanimous in proposing Graham & Bridget Gosney as well as Norman & Isobel Howard. One Councillor suggested that Caroline Rix, who had been a leading light at Tiggers be placed on the reserve list.

2039. Planning – to consider the following applications.

a). For representation by 15^th June 2007

BA/07/01333/TCA – Glenmore, Deanland Road – Willow – Trim back to boundary. No objection.

For representation by 22nd June 2007

BA/07/01417/TCA – Glenmore, Deanland Road – Sycamore & Norway Maple – Fell & Replace. No objection.

b). To consider any Planning Applications received by the date of the meeting. For representation by 22nd June 2007

BA/07/01337/FUL – 16 Foxwells – Erection of new UPVC conservatory to rear of property. No objection unless neighbours of the neighbouring properties are concerned at overlooking/ lack of privacy

2040. Youth Club Treasurer

Peter Huxley, a resident on the Haywards Heath Road, a banker with Goldman-Sachs, had kindly volunteered his services & it was agreed that we should accept his kind offer.

Agreed that there was a need to inspect stock of Club equipment held in the pavilion.

2041. Correspondence

Other 16 River Ouse CFMP main stage development update. Details noted. Mr Greenwood explained background.

M6 - Appeal decision – Beech House. The Clerk explained that this related to a hedge dispute between a resident of Foxwells, Mr Ron Shaw & Mr Norman Howard, a resident of Deanland Road.

Other 8 Various from SALC. The Clerk reminded Councillors of Course details that had been scheduled for new Councillors.

2042. Exchange of Information

Mrs Moore-Williams asked about new arrangements for the Balcombe First column in the Parish Magazine.

The Chairman. Douglas Wragg, who kindly maintains the grass area near his house in Newlands, had approached Green Thumb for funding for grass enhancement (cost around £240). Green Thumb had declined to contribute. Councillors agreed that it would create a precedent if BPC paid out £240 from BPC funds for such a project.

An invitation had been received for the Bishop’s Lunch at HH Golf Club on 20 July in connection with the “Walking the Way” project. As the Chairman was unable to attend Mrs Stevenson agreed to go in his place.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.15 hours.

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..

RG/HS

REMINDER: THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 25 JULY, 8 P M IN THE W I ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL