MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY 2008 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE. 

 

Present:  Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Robin Lindsay-Stewart, Simon Greenwood, Neville Ashcroft &.Mesdames Alison Stevenson, Susan Barker-Danby & Carol Jarvest. 

In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council. 

 

2256.   Public Participation

            No member of the public was present. 

 

2257.   Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

No declarations received.  

 

2258.   Apologies for absence

Mrs Sarah Moore-Williams & Messrs. Peter Huxley & Rodney Saunders.  Absent Gary Marsh. 

 

2259.   To approve Minutes of the Regular meeting held on 11th June

To approve Minutes of the Planning meeting held on 3rdJuly.

The minutes of both meetings were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman. 

 

2260.   Matters arising

            Meeting of 11th June:-

2239 - Planning application (BA)/08/01221/FUL – New Barns, Brantridge Lane now withdrawn. 

2245.   pending Post Office sale.  Mr Lindsay-Stewart is continuing a watching brief.

2248 – The Clerk & Mrs Moore-Williams had met up with MSDC Ranger to discuss further steps to reduce dog mess.  Posters had now been put up in key positions. 

2244 - Safety & Security.  New measures to be installed shortly at the pavilion.  In addition two new locks key pads to be fitted to the two outside doors. 

2246 - possible bridleway 79W reopening in Turners Hill to the High Street in Balcombe, the B2110.  The recent article in the Parish Magazine had brought no response.  Regrettably the two elderly people having knowledge of its previous use now too frail to provide written evidence. 

2250 – Mrs Jarvest was in contact with AirS about the mobile Youth Bus & had registered Balcombe’s interest for a future allocation. 

2251 - damaged finger posts.  WSCC have advised that no separate funding available for repair.  Any remedial work would have to come from same budget as normal road signage.  Agreed unsatisfactory as many posts are now very decrepit.  We should ascertain from WSCC that if were minded to contribute towards repair what conditions would apply.  County Councillor & CPRE to be advised of the problem. 


 

 

Meeting of 3rd July:-

2255 - (BA)/08/01685/COU – Land adjacent to 1 Deanland Road – proposed change of use from Garage to B1 Offices.  Reported (via Mrs Barker-Danby) that MSDC approval now to stipulate parking for 2 (as opposed to 3) cars.  Also that arrangements for fire escape needed. 

(BA)/08/01962/FUL – Taormina, Oldlands Avenue.  We qualified our earlier no objection stating there should be no adverse affect on the adjoining property “Charlcote” as the owner of “The Larches”, Deanland Road, has also expressed concern on the effect to his property.  MSDC have been advised of this additionally. 

 

2261.   Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for June 2008 – noted as presented

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 30th June 2008 for both accounts - noted as presented

c). Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 3 months to 30th June 2008 - noted as presented

d). To consider funding application from Balcombe Fete Committee.  Agreed that although application received very late we would support this event that is of overall benefit to the village.  Proposed by Dr Ashcroft & seconded by Mrs Stevenson it was agreed that at this late stage we would agree to fund the fete insurance premium of £335, but to recommend that in future years we are approached for funding at an earlier stage. 

 

2262. Reports from Local Societies & Facilities & Amenities Groups. 

         Local Societies – a welcome pack will be supplied to a new neighbour of Mrs Barker-Danby in Bramble Mead. 

         Facilities & Amenities

         Balcombe Stores would be eligible for WSCC CLC funding of £1075 on a matched basis & Dr Ashcroft would offer assistance to Gemma Lewis with the paperwork etc. if required. 

 

2263.   To receive report on possible WSCC assistance to local shops & organisations, via CLC funding

         See 2262 above. 

 

2264. To consider the outcome of the village Traffic Calming consultation held on 5th July & if favourable to approve the proposal that we proceed with the plans put forward to the village

         It was firstly agreed that a letter should be sent to Keith Parry thanking him for his prompt & efficient handling of the reply questionnaires. 

         After detailed discussion it was agreed that the survey findings were in general supportive of progressing the proposals. Before a formal commitment is made by the Council it was agreed that the Traffic Group should undertake first-hand experience of the “Rumblewave” surfacing in view of its cost.  The Traffic Group should also consider a trial of

VAS (vehicle activated signs) by renting one or more on a daily basis from WSCC.   Pinch Points were also discussed.  In order to establish a negotiating position with WSCC it was agreed that Atkins be asked to provide a professional assessment of the technical feasibility of siting Pinch Points in the village.  One Councillor requested that his opinion, namely that pedestrian safety was equally important, be registered. 


It was then proposed that the following brief be sent to the Traffic Group:-

“At the July Regular Meeting of the Council it was resolved that the Traffic Group should convene a Joint (open) meeting with the Parish Council between 13th August & 24th September.  This meeting will report on the assessment of Rumblewave surfacing and the feasibility of renting VAS, and propose a time table for implementation of the measures based on the findings of the village survey & the proposals of the Consultant Engineers, Atkins Ltd.  Following this meeting the Traffic Group will prepare a formal proposal with costs to be submitted for approval to the full Council meeting on 24 September 2008”. 

 

2265. Planning. – to consider the following applications:-

a). For representation by 25 July 2008

(BA)/08/02189/TCA – The Granary, Haywards Heath Road – reduce/reshape one Oak by 20%.  No objection. 

         BA)/08/02209/FUL – Cushat Law, Crawley Lane – single storey building to provide games room link between garage & dwelling - No objection. 

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

None received. 

 

2266. To discuss & formulate reply to AirS with Action Plan update

Agreed that the Clerk should deal with this. 

 

2267. Correspondence

W1 - Balcombe Footpath No. 27 – Diversion. Details to be circulated to the village (noticeboard & Parish Magazine). 

W4 - Surface Problems – Newlands.  Agreed that we should continue pressure on WSCC. 

Other 14 - Publication Mid Sussex District Guide.  One Councillor opined that it would be useful to revise the text relating to the Balcombe entry for future editions. 

 

2268. Exchange of Information

Mrs Jarvest – reported on playground improvements, to include resurfacing & testing of adult play equipment. 

Mr Greenwood – mentioned the recent Police Report received. 

Dr Ashcroft – forthcoming Traffic Calming Meeting in Cuckfield on 19th July. 

He had met with Dumbledore Practice Manager to try & get some Parish Magazine input on topical matters such as possible changes to dispensing, later opening hours etc. 

He reported on recent progress following Tiggers applications for funds. 

There would be a meeting soon on the School Traffic Plan & he would report further on their findings. 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.30 hours

 

 

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..

 

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST 2008 IN THE WI ROOM