MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY 13TH MARCH 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 & Carol Jarvest.
In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council.
2186. Public Participation
No members of the public were present.
2187. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest
Mr Greenwood declared a prejudicial interest in planning application (BA)/03409/COU – Bowders Farm, Haywards Heath Road – agenda item 2199 – as he is the owner of the property.
2188. Apologies for absence
Received from Messrs. Neville Ashcroft, Gary Marsh & Mrs Susan Barker – Danby
2189. To approve Minutes of Regular meeting held on 16th January 2008
The minutes were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman, after minor amendments.
2190. Matters arising
2172 – Following acceptance of quotation from Atkins for a feasibility study Mr Saunders reported that he had had a positive meeting at their Epsom office & that work was now in hand for completion by the end of March.
2158 (2169) – Post Office. Mr Lindsay-Stewart had written to the Post Office asking for guidance should there be a transfer to alternative premises.
2182 - (BA)/08/00457/FUL - Little Smeads Haywards Heath Road. Mrs. Stevenson mentioned that she had clarified our earlier comments to the Council. Not as previously understood a listed building.
2185 – future meeting dates for 2009. We are examining whether the third Monday of each month would be more suitable to members. Clerk to report.
2191. Financial
a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for February 2008 - noted as presented
b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 29th February 2008 for both accounts - noted as presented.
c). Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 11 months to 29th February 2008 - noted as presented.
d). To approve the 2008/09 Budget. This had previously been circulated to Councillors. Mr Lindsay-Stewart (RFO) outlined the applicable changes & reported that to date only one complaint had been received about the increased precept. Proposed by Mrs Stevenson & seconded by Mrs Jarvest, the motion to adopt the 2008/09 budget was passed unanimously.
d). To appoint a sub committee to report to Mazars on the effectiveness of the Council’s internal audit procedures to conform to Annual Governance statement requirements. Members were given background information on this. Mr Saunders, together with the Chairman & RFO would form the sub committee
e). To discuss allowances for Councillors. It was agreed that there would be no change to the present situation whereby no allowances are paid at present other than the Chairman’s allowance.
f). To further consider quote for handrail for footpath between London Road & Newlands. Mr Greenwood offered assistance in seeing whether he could secure an alternative quote & will report back.
2192. To agree reply for MSDC Core Strategy Consultation
Mrs Stevenson would kindly co-ordinate a suitable reply for MSDC to meet the reply deadline of 20 March.
2193. Report from Groups
Traffic Matters – see 2190 above.
Young People – in principle we would consider supporting Tiggers, following Neville Ashcroft’s submission of details for their Race Day event. To date we have not received any detailed request for providing funding to Tiggers during the coming financial year.
All Groups were reminded of the need to provide brief reports for inclusion in the BPC Annual Report. New deadline for submission to the Clerk is 21st March.
2194. Police report on parking problem in Stockcroft Road
Details noted. No additional neighbour complaints noted.
2195. Revised “Welcome Pack” – update
No progress.
2196. Arrangements for ”Balcombe First Week”.
Arrangements proceeding well. Full details will appear, both in the Annual Report & the April Parish Magazine. No further progress to report at present.
2197. Planning. – to consider the following applications:-
a). For representation by 21 March 2008
(BA)/03409/COU – Bowders Farm, Haywards Heath Road – change of use from calf unit (now redundant on the farm) to a wood working premises with some specification improvement (insulation etc) but no structural changes. No objection.
It was noted that application 07/03791/FUL - Lamb Cottage, Oldlands Avenue, had been withdrawn.
2198. To accept kind offer from the Fenn family of a flowering tree
Accepted with thanks. Clerk to write to Lois & make enquiries as to a suitable variety & position on the Green.
2199. Correspondence
M4 - Dog Control Orders – Stakeholder Consultation. Clerk to reply to MSDC.
W3 – WSCC Partnership with Parish Councils. Reply to be prepared.
2200. Exchange of Information
Mr Lindsay-Stewart – no news on sale of the Post Office as yet.
The present church yard was running out of space.
Mr Huxley – We need to have a statement from the company responsible for the operation of Balcombe railway station (First Capital Connect?) on plans (if any) in place for DDA compliance.
Mrs Stevenson – a grant was being made in relation to the Schools’ Traffic Grants Scheme.
Mrs Illsley was standing down as Parish Council nominated Governor to Balcombe C of E School. Proposed, subject to his consent, as absent, Neville Ashcroft be appointed as a replacement.
It is likely that a grant application is being made for Bretts. No grant secured yet.
The Chairman had attended a recent WSCC meeting relating to possible change of boundaries & reported no action required at present.
A new United Reformed Church Minister (Rev. Charles Mann) would be installed in Lindfield on 19th April. Chairman would be attending the installation.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.40 hours
Signed…………………………………………..
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 10th APRIL 2008 (IN THE WI ROOM).
RG/HS