MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 16TH JANUARY 2008 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM, BALCOMBE SOCIAL CLUB.
Present: Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Rodney Saunders, Neville Ashcroft, Robin Lindsay-Stewart & Peter Huxley. Mesdames. Alison Stevenson, Susan Barker - Danby & Carol Jarvest.
In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council.
The Chairman welcomed Peter Huxley to the meeting as a recently elected co-opted member to the Council.
2147. Public
Participation
At 7.30 pm, prior to the meeting, Mrs Carol Jarvest was available to talk to any young people, between the ages of 13-19, about WSCC’s Youth Opportunities Live Grant Scheme, giving them an opportunity of presenting their ideas for funding.
No members of the public were present at either this or the main meeting of the Council.
2148. Declaration of personal or prejudicial
interest
Peter Huxley declared a personal interest in respect of 2161 b) as he resides in an adjoining property
2149. Apologies for absence
Received from Messrs. Simon Greenwood, Gary Marsh & Mrs Sarah Moore-Williams
2150. To approve Minutes of Regular meeting held
on 10th December 2007
The minutes were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman.
2151. Matters arising
2131 - Hand Rail – WSCC had paid an on site visit. There is no specification as such, but it would be sensible to let them approve the spec. from our contractor prior to proceeding. The Clerk will now obtain a local quote.
2134 (8.1) Balcombe Stores
Parking - Rodney Saunders had spoken with the
new owner of the business & lessee of the shop, Gemma Lewis, about
her proposals for creating some additional public car parking on what is now
the garden to the right of the shop shop..
No planning application was yet in hand due to time constraints.
2134 (8.6). –
2134 (10.2) – B 2036 Traffic problem. Agreed that the draft letter would be sent off, once submitted to the Clerk for action.
2141 – Welcome Pack. The Clerk would forward details to all Councillors for discussion on new proposals at the next meeting.
2142 – Planning. All the December applications had now been approved by MSDC planners.
2152. Financial
a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for December 2007 – noted as presented
b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st December 2007 for both accounts - noted as presented.
c). Receipts & Payments
by Budget Heading 9 months to 31st December 2007 - noted as presented.
d) Rebuilding costs of the
Council’s structural assets. Agreed that
as we now have confirmation that rebuilding costs on our policy are sufficient
we need to take no further action.
e). To ratify payment of
Christmas bonus to Balcombe Ranger as proposed at December meeting. This has now been paid.
f). To note contingency of
£3k in 2008/09 budget for Balcombe Victory Hall. Noted & advised to VHMC accordingly.
g). To note MSDC’s new
charges, effective 2nd January 2008 for Senior Citizen Rail Cards. Noted that BPC’s subsidies to remain as
before - £5 for normal applicants & £9 to those on benefit.
2153. To consider MSDC’s proposal for Core
Strategy Consultation
Agreed that a revised
version of MSDC’s notice be placed in February’s Parish Magazine & that we
reply to them confirming this, also mentioning the Parish Plan requirements in
this connection.
2154. Report from Traffic Matters Group
Mr Saunders had now heard
from one Consultant suggested by WSCC for Traffic Calming assistance, W S
Atkins. This reply will be circulated,
followed by others as these are received.
Following concern expressed about parking congestion in the vicinity of
Balcombe Surgery it was agreed that we should write asking whether the Doctors
would agree to putting up a notice asking visitors to park more thoughtfully
when attending the surgery.
Mr Marsh was attending a
meeting with WSCC regarding the planned A23 improvements.
Agreed that we should look
at possible installation of an additional street light on Bramble Hill, using
unused allocation for upgrading in this year’s budget.
2155. Report from Housing & Environment Group
Nothing to report.
2156. Report from Young People’s Group
Mrs Jarvest would be having a further meeting with Clare Denby about a possible event for young people.
Mention was made of action taken in promoting WSCC’s Youth Opportunities Live Grant Scheme, giving youngsters an opportunity of presenting their ideas for funding.
2157. Report from Local Societies Group
In spite of mention to Terry Harris (Balcombe C of E School), there was, as yet, no interest in formation of a Brownies/Rainbow group for the village.
2158. Reports from other Groups
“New Look” for Balcombe First. Agreed that BPC would support the holding of a special day to promote local shops etc. & in principle underwrite the event with offer of modest funds, subject to agreement of a final proposal. Might be useful to form a small sub-committee with Mrs Gunning. Various dates suggested – May 10th or perhaps together with Balcombe fete?
Post Office - all agreed retention of post office services in Balcombe most essential, notwithstanding Indi’s proposed sale.
Mr Lindsay-Stewart agreed to talk to her informally, following on from her consultation with BPC in December, about continuity.
2159. To note information re PRH Maternity
referral figures supplied by BSUH
Noted, but Councillors queried whether the figures provided included referrals prior to admission as well as transfers of admitted patients.
2160. Ideas for a revised “Welcome Pack” – update
Details of existing pack to be circulated to Councillors.
2161. Planning. – to consider the following
applications:-
a). For
representation by 4th January 2008 (extended to 18th
January)
BA/07/03654/FUL –
Whinchat,
For representation by 25th
January 2008
b). 07/03955/TCA –
For representation 1st
February 2008
07/03791/FUL - Lamb Cottage,
c). To consider any additional Planning Applications received by the date of the meeting. None received.
d). To note reply sent to Planning Inspectorate following David Gould appeal. Noted by Members.
2162. To consider reply from WSCC re bus services
Agreed that we should write to WSCC emphasising the need for the
present timetable for the bus to Crawley to be revised to allow more time for
passengers stopping off in
2163. Correspondence
Other 1 – Pavilion Fire – the Clerk updated Members on the present situation & the basis of our insurance claim. Balcombe FC would be approached for an ex gratia contribution.
Other 2 - St. Agnes Owner re Bramble Hill Foliage. Agreed needed to be attended to, prior to resurfacing of the footpath. Also that relaying the path with a black macadam surface would be quite acceptable to BPC, notwithstanding its location within a conservation area.
Other 3 - Cuckfield Parish Plan. Agreed further copies would be most useful.
2164. Exchange of Information
Mr Huxley – footpath along
Mrs Barker-Danby – a SERCO lorry has damaged the grass verge outside 1 & 2 Bramble Mead.
Mr Lindsay-Stewart – concerned about poor drainage along
Alison Stevenson - next CLC meeting is on 13th February.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.45 hours
(9.45 p m).
Signed…………………………………………..
RG/HS
THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2008
(IN THE WI ROOM).