MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2005 AT 8

 

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2005 AT 8.00 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE

                 

Present:  Messrs Graham Gosney, David Miners, Gary Marsh, George Wiginton, Simon Greenwood & Mesdames Alison Stevenson, Katherine Gunning & Sue Tibbott. 

 

Prior to commencement of the main meeting Mr Trevor Leggo, Executive Officer of Sussex Association of Local Councils (SALC) presented a paper on Quality Parish Councils.  He explained how the Quality Council scheme, launched in 2003, aims to provide a benchmark minimum standard for parish & town councils nationwide & how its enables councils to work more closely with others in the delivery of local services & to better represent their local communities.

 

1633   Public Participation

Mr David Jacobs, who attended with his partner Mark Ford, had written separately to the Council (letter dated 3rd November) with his outline proposals for development of the workshop/store area addressed the meeting.  He mentioned that application Number BA/05/01680/OUT had now been withdrawn by Mrs Chinn.  An informal discussion took place & Mr Jacobs was made aware of the present feeling of neighbours likely to be affected by development in the area.  It was the overall view that it would be advisable for him to consult the residents for their feelings/views on his proposed concept before proceeding to any stage of planning

 

1634            Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mrs Stevenson (personal) in respect of Bretts development as she is a neighbour of Mr Jacobs.  Mr Marsh (personal) in respect of all planning applications as he is a District Councillor & also a member of the Northern Area Planning Committee.  Mr Greenwood indicated an indirect interest in respect of item 1638 d) as his father is Chairman of the Victory Hall Management Committee (personal interest). 

 

1635            Apologies for absence

Messrs. Roland Burke, Robin Williamson & Mrs Sheila Illsley

 

1636            Minutes as circulated of Meeting held on 11th October 2005

The minutes of the meeting held on 11th October were agreed, as circulated, & signed off by the Chairman as a true & accurate record.

 

1637            Matters arising

1572 d) – The Clerk was able to report that the fence at the rear of the pavilion had been erected by Balcombe Sawmills & that the work was of a high standard.  Mr Greenwood was thanked for this & it was agreed that a vote of thanks to the Sawmill be recorded. 


 

1586 - barred gate on footpath at entrance to Kemps Farm.  Mr Greenwood advised that it appeared that, contrary to observation, the gate was not actually locked. 

1618 - BA/05/02008/FUL – Gilletts Surgery, Deanland Road – Macrocell (amended by MSDC to microcell) installation, 3 antennas building mounted + ground level equipment.  Meeting informed that the application had been refused.  Agreed that the Clerk would circulate details presented to Central Area Planning giving reasons.  Understand that a renewed application may follow.

1627 - Downland Housing Association – Joint Housing Allocation Scheme.  The Chairman answered a query from one Councillor regarding village qualifications.

 

1638            Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for month of October 2005

 – approved as presented

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st October 2005 for both accounts  – approved as presented

c). “Wish List” for Financial Year 2006/2007.  Would need to be deferred to the December meeting as Robin Williamson (RFO) was absent.

d). To consider letter dated 3rd November 2005 from Victory Hall Management Committee concerning Phase 2 development of toilets.  Proposed by Mrs Gunning & seconded by Mr Marsh it was resolved that in view of the circumstances mentioned in Joan Dutton’s letter of 3 November we would exceptionally agree to make available, if required, the £3000 grant before the end of our 2005/06 financial year ending 31st March 2006.  It would need to be understood that there would then be no further allocation available during the next financial year.  The Clerk to write in reply.

 

1639. To consideration the following Planning Applications

For representation by 4th November 2005 (extension requested)

            Mr Marsh left the room during consideration of all the under mentioned. 

a). BA/05/02254/TCA – Bank Cottage, HH Road – lift canopies of various trees to approx. 5m above ground by removing tree branches

- providing the proposed work does not significantly affect the amenities of adjoining properties there was no objection to the application

For representation by 11th November 2005 (extension requested)

BA/05/02087/FUL – 21 Combers – erection of a pvcu conservatory to the rear of the property – in principle we have no problem with the application, but we feel that there could well be a problem with access to the rear glass area.

BA/05/02188/FUL – Pemby, Oldlands Avenue – single storey flat roof extension to the side of the house.  Conservatory to rear.  Flat roof rear lobby & hipped roof front porch – aesthetically the proposed extension is not in keeping & we query the incorporation of flat roofs within the scheme.

 

 

BA/05/02193/FUL – Tall Timbers, Oldlands Avenue – Proposed two storey extension & alterations to existing home. 

We consider the proposed extension in keeping, but we query the position of the garage, which in our opinion is planned for building beyond the existing building line.

For representation by 18th November 2005

BA/05/02255/FUL – Ferndale, Deanland Road – First Floor side & two storey rear extension – although the proposed extension fits the property quite well in terms of design, it brings the property right up to the boundary with the neighbouring house, Rosebay, which itself sits very close to the boundary.  This will result in a bulk of a building, which may be overbearing.

BA/05/02315/FUL – Lodgelands, Crawley Lane – Proposed single storey rear extension to form garden room – although we feel the house is suited for enlargement we feel that the latest proposal is not in keeping with the existing building in terms of design & scale.

b).To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting.

            For representation by 25th November 2005

BA/05/02370/FUL – 4 The Nurseries – erect a pvcu conservatory to rear – no objection

BA/05/02393/TCA – The Granary, HH Road – Oak-remove epicormic growth etc. – no objection

b).To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting.

            For representation by 2nd December 2005

BA/05/01901/CON (revised drawing) – Land at Bretts, HH Road – Removal of former garage canopy – agreed that the present canopy is an eyesore & that the earlier comments on our earlier representation should be repeated.

 

1640            Parish Plan

The Chairman referred to our earlier discussions, as well as the paper already circulated on the subject.  We were reminded that an Action Plan is a means by which the whole community (i e the Parish of Balcombe) can voice opinions on what actions they wish to see taken in their local area in the future.  When the plan is completed it may highlight actions that can be taken by community members, be used to influence councils & service providers, & act as justification of need when applying for funding. 

It had been confirmed that funding of up to £2k for a plan could be applied for, but the cut off date was March 2006.  After discussion & bearing in mind that an Action Group had still to be recruited it was considered that it would be unwise to rush & better to proceed cautiously & get things right. 

Proposed by Mrs Gunning & seconded by Mr Marsh a motion that we proceed with a Parish Plan was carried unanimously. 


The first step would be to recruit an Action Group & subsequently arrange a public meeting.  In the meantime a statement to this effect would appear both in Parish Magazine & on the notice board.  For reference purposes a copy of the published Ardingly plan was circulated to Councillors.

 

1641            Community Based Development for Balcombe (e-mail from P Newman)

There had been no feedback from SALC, who we had approached for   advice/comment following the unsolicited email received.  Agreed that there was now no point in actively pursuing further.  The Clerk would now reply to that effect. 

 

1642   MSDC Small Scale Housing Allocations Development Plan - future consultations – update

The Clerk reported that a further discussion with MSDC (Steve Tilbury) revealed that on 10th January 2006 there will be a report from MSDC Officers to the “Better Environment Advisory Group”.  This document will give details of the sites that will appear in the final document.  Tilbury was not sure whether PC’s will receive a copy, but Gary Marsh will assist.  No consultation permitted for this report.  Next stage then draft report from MDSC now anticipated late February. 

 

1643            Parking in the village & consideration of circulated letter from WSCC dated 17.10.05

Agreed that the matter is still unsatisfactory & that following the letter from Neil Smith (WSCC) we should go ahead & have a meeting.  Also we need to speak to MSDC to enquire whether the forthcoming LAPE (Local Authority Parking Enforcement) can be extended to villages.  An acknowledgement to the circulated PTA letter to be sent.  We will additionally approach Safer Routes to Schools to see whether they will support additional measures such as extending yellow zigzag markings outside the school as well as incorporation of 30 mph red roundels.  PTA & Balcombe School support will be necessary for this.

 

1644            Community Speed Watch Scheme

A new monitoring site in the vicinity of Combers has been agreed with the Police.  The question had been asked about the percentage of motorists driving past a site that had been “zapped”.  A figure of 10% had been mentioned.  Proposed by Mr Marsh & seconded by Mrs Gunning it was unanimously agreed that up to £200 would be allocated to CSW towards the cost of a Christmas function that Roy Bliss wished to arrange to thank volunteers for their work during the year.

 

1645   Traffic Calming

We were disappointed about the reply from Alex Sharkey (WSCC) to Rachel Sanders’ suggestion for additional measures, on the existing 50/50 basis, to be added to the scheme as we were below the originally agreed cost. 


In this connection the Safer Routes to Schools was referred to (see item 1643 above) & a further report on progress will be presented at the December meeting. 

 

1646   To consider proposed future charges for damage caused at pavilion

A report on the recent damage caused by the showers being left on was made & following consultation with the Balcombe Football Club President it was agreed that as this was the second time in 12 months this had happened a bill for £100 should be sent.

 

1647   To note installation of Pavilion Memorial Plaque

Confirmed now in place.  RBL very pleased & will arrange dedication ceremony as appropriate.  Agreed that we should report this to the donors & formally thank them & place this decision on record.

 

1648            Playground Report

Nothing to further to report.  We will continue our friendly liaison with MSDC to try & obtain additional funding etc. 

 

1649            Kelsey House Footpath clearance arrangements by WSCC

The matter has gone round in full circle.  Sharon Baber (WSCC Chichester) is liaising with Northern Area Office (Horsham) with a view to trying to resolve the matter.  Mrs Tibbott has met with Fiona Field (Coveney) who is generally co-operative about dog latches on gates etc.  It may be necessary, after discussion, to involve Ken Mitchell of Paddockhurst Estate.  Sue Tibbott will liaise with the Clerk on progress.  On footpaths generally Mr Greenwood will check the stile problem on the footpath up from the station (Rocks Lane towards Westup).  A problem with a diverted footpath by Peter Dutton’s farm, reported by Mr Marsh, will also be investigated.

 

1650            Honorary Balcombe Archivist

Possible that Joan Dutton could be interested.  Leslie Fairweather definitely not interested.  The County Archivist in Chichester is being approached.

 

1651            Correspondence

Meeting dates for 2006 – will now be circulated after liaison with Gary Marsh beforehand, in view of possible MSDC commitments.

W3 - Vacancy Worker in Charge Rural Clubs – Mr Burke was regrettably absent from the meeting.  The Clerk confirmed that details of the vacancy, due to the resignation of Julie Stewart, had been posted on the notice board & also advised to Rosemary Robertson for inclusion in the Balcombe “Middy” column.  The name of Naomi Roberts was given as a point of contact in his absence & further details will be sought. 

M1 - Information from County Fire Officer.  Letter loaned to Mr Greenwood.

 

 

 

1652            Exchange of Information

Mr Marsh – had received a complaint about the state of the path leading from Jobes along into the rec.  MSDC had been asked to attend & clean it up, but had not yet attended.  The local resident, under an ASBO, was still in residence & due to complications it was hoped that he would shortly be relocated.  Parking in Newlands & Bramble Hill still a problem.  One suggestion was that the cars be logged & details recorded.  No final decision on amount of MSDC Council Tax increase for 2006/07, but 3.2% had been mentioned as a possibility.

Mrs Gunning – Numerous complaints about parking around Forge Cottage. Proposed that we should take the matter up with both MSDC & Ian Eldred direct.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.35 hours.

 

 

Signed…………………………………………..

 

Date……………………………………………..

 

RG/HS

 

Revised at Meeting of 13.12.05