MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 15^th SEPTEMBER 2005 AT 8.00 PM IN THE U R C CHURCH, BRAMBLE HILL, BALCOMBE

Present: Messrs Graham Gosney, George Wiginton, Roland Burke, David Miners, Mesdames Katherine Gunning, Alison Stevenson & Sheila Illsley

1587 Public Participation & Balcombe PTA Draw

12 members of the public attended. Prior to commencement of the meeting Mrs Rosemary Robertson made the monthly PTA Draw & these were as follows: 1^st No. 43 – A J Crane, 2^nd. No. 97 – Sarah Francis & 3^rd. No. 32 – M Buelth.

Mr Jim Cooke addressed the meeting. He had recently written to Downland Housing about housing policy & handed the Clerk a copy of the reply. This indicated that although there is no special policy for housing Balcombe residents it should be possible for this to be arranged. The final decision would be taken by MSDC & the Association. Mr Cooke opined that tenants with Balcombe connections could improve overall behaviour. On an average 5 Downland properties in Balcombe become available for new tenanting.

1588 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

No declarations made.

1589 Apologies for absence

Messrs Gary Marsh, Simon Greenwood, Robin Williamson & Mrs Sue Tibbott

1590 MSDC Mid Sussex Local Development Framework – future timetable

This had been circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting. As regards the draft timetable of the Council the outcome of this meeting should be circulated in the next Parish Magazine. The Clerk would also need to speak to MSDC’s Steve Tilbury for regular updates on the timing from their end. Irrespective of what MSDC might do BPC would continue to consult locally.

1591 Housing needs in Balcombe

The Chairman outlined the purpose of the meeting & advised that in addition to the period 2006-2016 we should be aware of plans for the period 2016 to 2026 were already being put in place at regional level. The question was raised – what should BPC do about it & their precise role? In this connection reference was made to the LDF Policy statement of the Council, again previously circulated.

It was confirmed that within the next 10 years West Sussex would be required to find spaces for 3000 new dwellings each year. There was doubt however that the infrastructure would be able to support this.

As regards the sites in Balcombe that had been put forward it was agreed that 5 of these were likely to prove unsuitable, but nevertheless we should be seen in a positive rather than a passive role & ensure consultation based decisions. Objection sites were likely to be defined, especially the site adjoining the Rectory There would continue to be pressure from SEERA. Our earlier reply to them would be circulated.

It was the overall consensus that we were not in favour of any immediate new housing in the village proposals in the short term we should contribute with a view to future considerations. This might need to embrace social/affordable/starter housing & clarification on the precise make up of these categories would be necessary. We were reminded that there is always a long lead time – Barn Meadow took 15 years in planning – so perhaps now should be the time to start thinking about long term objectives.

One member reminded us that a social housing need comes at a price. It was additionally suggested that 2/3 sites for affordable housing should be selected now. Both proposals should be incorporated within the consultation process.

1592 Review of Parish Council Policy

There was no overall agreement about revised wording for paragraph 4 of the Council’s policy document. The following was proposed:

Subject to village consultation some small-scale additions to the housing stock may be welcome if phased to allow a gradual and slight enlargement & could include “affordable” housing.

Put to the vote, proposed by the Chairman & seconded by Mrs Illsley, the wording was not accepted, there being 3 in favour, 3 against & 1 abstention. The matter would be deferred for discussion at a later date.

1593 Future village consultation & possible Parish Plan

A newsletter would be prepared towards the end of the year, based on the present timetable, & serious consideration given additionally to a questionnaire to include reference to the 5 sites. One member mentioned that Juniors had recently used this method of collecting information as part of a school project. Another way of dealing with local housing needs would be incorporation within a Parish Plan. A panel of residents, independent from BPC, would put this together & would consult on this & other village issues. There was general agreement that a Parish Plan could be most beneficial.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.07 hours.

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..

RG/HS