MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 17th AUGUST 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE PARISH ROOM, BALCOMB

 

 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE PARISH ROOM, BALCOMBE.

 

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

 

1325.  Public Participation, including Balcombe School PTA Draw

Mrs Rosemary Robertson on behalf of Balcombe School PTA.  The following numbers were drawn.  1st No. 25 – Nick Daniel.  2nd No. 62 – Mrs G Hazelden.  3rd No. 78 – Mr Steve Crathern.

 

1326            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.  Mr Greenwood declared a possible personal interest in respect of planning application BA/04/01301/COU – Edmonds Farm, Mill Lane.

 

1327            Apologies for absence

            Mr Gary Marsh

 

1328            Minutes of regular meeting held on 17th August 2004

            These were approved with the following amendments – 1310 to read “Miss Le Roux”

            1307 to read “Miss Le Roux’s property”.

 

1329            Matters arising

            1309 – following a visit by MSDC Planning staff it was requested that clarification be obtained regarding the earlier removal of the two oak trees

            1320 – Disabled facilities for users of pavilion.  Quote from Steve Jones discussed.  Clerk to approach MSDC to see whether any funding available towards this.  Requested that the quote is split up into cost for the two jobs quoted.  Matter to be raised at October’s meeting.  Existing users to be approached for clarification of numbers, if any, of disabled persons using the pavilion.

            1321 – Youth Club.  Mrs Illsley had no firm news about Julia’s successor, but this could be Paul Kibble.  The Club now meets on Thursday evening.

1323 – Following recent advice from Jenny Dadd re RCP funding it would be useful to mention this potential source for funding in the Parish Magazine.

Kim Harris, the Police Community Service Officer, would not be able to come to talk to us as she has now left her post.

 

1330            Financial

            a)            Cash Book Receipts & Payments for August 2004 – approved as circulated.

 

b)         Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st August 2004 for all accounts – approved as circulated.

 

c)         To authorise signing off Audit for 2003/2004 and submission to Mazars.  Put to the vote and approved, with one abstention, that the Statement of Assurance be signed & submitted.


 

 

d)            To consider a proposal that with reference to The Local Government Pensions Committee Circular No 156 of May 2004 regarding details of the changes made to the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 1997 by the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [SI 2004/573], the Council adopts the same discretions as those exercised by WSCC, as set out in the document circulated

 

Mr Williamson explained the background to this seemingly complicated procedure & suggested that we reply to WSCC Pensions as proposed.  Agreed.

 

1331             Report on Traffic Calming & decision on whether to proceed with proposed scheme

            Mr Miners reported the new Solagen lights were operational & that the tree adjoining Mr Dearden had been trimmed free of charge.  There was to be meeting on 20th September with WSCC to hopefully tie up any loose ends relating to the scheme, especially those relating to the specifications for the cushions, mini roundabout and the precise cost make up for the lighting.  We would also seek to try & obtain a reduction in the number of lights required between the Village Centre & Mill Lane.  Mr Williamson asked that we also find out whether any “carry over” of funding from 2004 into 2005 would be permitted by WSCC should there be an over run.

            It was agreed that it would not be possible for the Parish Council to take a decision on whether to proceed with the scheme at this meeting.  There would be a Special Meeting of the Parish Council therefore on Thursday, October 7th at which a decision would be made.

`           The Clerk reported on his recent discussions with West Hoathly concerning speed cameras.  Mr Wiginton asked about developments in respect of the Ringmer trials.  Mrs Gunning agreed to make enquiries.

 

1332            Consideration of the following Planning Applications -

a)         BA/04/01301/COU – Edmonds Farm, Mill Lane – Change of use from livestock buildings & storage to equestrian use (stabling for livery) - no objections

            BA/04/01866/LBC – Kelsey House, London Road – New windows & internal alterations to Kelsey House.  Alteration to existing garage to provide ground floor studio.  Alteration to existing 1st floor accommodation.

The alterations to the house raised no concerns.  However in respect of the garage the Council was keen to prevent the building becoming a separate dwelling.  Additionally it was thought that the replacement of the garage doors with fully glazed doors might alter the appearance of the garage & make it become a cottage.

BA/04/01991/REM – Yew Trees Farm, London Road – New House (submission of reserved matters). - Recommended for approval.  House seems well designed with some attractive features.

 

b)         To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting – None received.


 

 

1333            Recreation Ground Development – update & detailed presentation on the latest proposals made by MSDC

            Mr Wiginton would be having another meeting with Rupert Browning, MSDC, shortly, but in the meantime requested Parish Council authority to ask District to proceed on the basis of the latest plans, with amendments that may be necessary.  Approval given unanimously.  After the meeting MSDC will need to provide a detailed schedule relating to proposed timing for the work.  It is understood that they will also circulate the owners of adjoining properties that may be affected.

 

 

1334            Correspondence

            W1 – Copy information re speed measurement + Map to Mr Infield.  WSCC letter to Mrs Seear, London Road.

            M3 – Mid Sussex Local Development Framework Urban Potential Study – interest expressed by Mr Greenwood.  Letter handed to Mrs Stevenson.  Mrs Gunning & Mr Wiginton to assist.

W4 -             Regional Conference on Speed Management 19th October 2004 – the Chairman to attend.

M6 – MSDC Corporate Plan.  The Chairman requested that an additional copy be obtained.

 

1335            Exchange of Information

            Mrs Illsley – sloping pavement Rectory side, down to opposite Green.

            Mr Infield – Water/Sign Post.  Planning Application for 18 Newlands.  Is this approved?

 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.10 hours.

 

 

Signed…………………………………………..

 

Date……………………………………………..

 

RG/HS

approved at meeting of 19.10.04 without revision