MINUTES OF A
MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 19th JULY 2005 AT
8.00 PM IN THE URC CHURCH, BRAMBLE HILL, BALCOMBE.
Present: Messrs Graham Gosney, Roland Burke, David
Miners, George Wiginton, Gary Marsh & Mesdames Sue Tibbott, Katherine
Gunning, Sheila Illsley & Alison Stevenson.
Prior to commencement of the
meeting there was a 1 Minute
Silence to commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.
18 members of
the public attended. Prior to
commencement of the proceedings Mrs Rosemary Robertson, on behalf of Balcombe School PTA, attended
& the following draw tickets were chosen: 1st No. 26 – Bronwyn Tattersall,
2nd No. 16 – Rosemary Robertson & 3rd No. 55 – Gill
Robertson. Rosemary also mentioned that
the recently held Superstars Competition had resulted in a deficit of £90 &
asked whether BPC would be able to assist.
Mrs Pat Backley was the first speaker, in connection with
MSDC’s Glebe Farm proposal, & requested that the following statement,
prepared by Jacqui Court-Walker (not present) be read out:
“I have a short statement to read out
on behalf of those people who raised questions & made statements to the
members of the Balcombe Parish Council who were present at the meeting on 6th
July 2005, in respect of the submission BA02.
We should be grateful if you would ensure
that a copy of this is retained in the minutes of the meeting.
The subject of planning in any picturesque
village is very emotive. We are sure
that you could tell from our comments at the meeting on the 6th July
that we feel very strongly about the Glebe farm site. Our feelings have been enhanced all the more by our ignorance of
the complete process.
We acknowledge that your communications to
MSDC state you are not making a recommendation to build anywhere in
Balcombe. However we have to recognise
that MSDC have taken forward your recommendation to view the Glebe Farm site as
having “the best potential”, even if only for consultation at this stage.
It is important to us that you understand why
so many questions were tabled & a high level of emotion expressed at the
meeting on the 6th July. Had
the local consultation within the village been explained & commenced much
earlier, we feel that any comments you put forward would have been better received
by all the residents in Balcombe, but particularly those living in Glebe View
& along the Haywards Heath Road who have undoubtedly been affected most.
Ultimately the point of this communication is
not to look back not forward, and to try & build a bridge between us.
In short we want to work with you, not
against you, in a relationship based on clear & open communication from all
parties.
We would like to understand where we are in
the process now & where we move from here.
If the next stage in this process takes place in December this year,
please share with us what collectively we should be doing until then.
We have no further comments today & would
like to thank you for listening.
In reply the Chairman reiterated that we of course would wish to work with them & in this connection referred to the communications of BPC on the subject to MSDC
Mrs Sandra Chapman asked about the procedure for studying details of the Forge Cottage application & was advised by the Chairman of the procedure. Mrs Betty Pearson spoke strongly about the proposal & opined that there would be a parking problem as there would be no garage. Also Forge Cottage had no land. Mrs Isobel Gordon spoke similarly & was concerned at congestion due to no parking being available. Mrs Annette Comport, from Glebe Cottage, next to Forge Cottage, spoke against any form of parking on the green. Planting & the picket fence, together with the designated rights of this ancient area should be borne in mind, or otherwise the continuation of this ancient green was in dire danger. Stop it now. Mr Ian Eldred, the applicant, spoke. His view was that MSDC were well aware of the restrictions ruling & that parking on the green was not allowed. He mentioned additionally that the boundary was “unclear”. As regards parking the present garage was not usable. He mentioned that it had previously been used as a store. In his view one viable use for the enlarged scheme would be for the premises to be used as an hotel, restaurant or B&B. Mrs Pearson countered & said that a previous lady resident of the premises had always used the garage for her car. Mr Simon Baker, a resident of 55 years on the green, said that there were clearly defined borders & a lease for 990 years running from 1957. An annual rent was levied for residents to have the right to cross the green. No parking rights were granted to it. Development would only result in increased traffic & if this were the case how would illegal parking be policed?
No declarations made. Mr Burke
placed on record that he was the brother of the contractor whose quote was to
be considered under agenda item 1552 (g).
Messrs Robin
Williamson & Simon Greenwood.
1550 Minutes as circulated of Meetings
held on 14th June (Regular) & 6th July 2005 (Special)
Meeting of 14th June - heading 1518
(e) to read “Equipment for Community Speed Watch”. Otherwise a correct record &
signed off by the Chairman.
Special Meeting of 6th July. Accepted as a correct record & signed
off by the Chairman.
From meeting of 14th June -
1512 – Private Road sign matter relating to Deanland Road. No reply as yet from MSDC. Chairman opined that perhaps we had not
strictly correctly asked for clarification of how he had understood it & he
would offer additional guidance to the Clerk.
1518 - Risk Assessment – still pending.
1520 – Any requirements relating to phase 2 of a traffic-calming scheme
had, it was agreed, been overtaken by phase 1, work on which would shortly
commence.
1519 - BA/05/01130/FUL – 1 Deanland Road – Brick Garage. The owner had subsequently written to MSDC
clarifying certain questions, following the mixed feeling of the Environment
Planning Group.
a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for June 2005 - agreed as presented. However we should check well in advance of the next annual insurance renewal invitation to see if any better rate might be possible. Premiums had risen significantly over the past years.
b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 30th
June 2005 for both accounts –approved as presented.
c). Detailed receipts & Payments by Budget
Heading as at 30.06.05 – approved as presented
d). To note in connection with Audit for y/e
31.03.05 that a proper opportunity for exercise of electors rights in
accordance with the requirements of the Accounts & Audit Regulations has
been exercised. The Clerk explained to
the meeting the background relating to this requirement.
e). To approve budgeted grant of £3k to Balcombe
Victory Hall in connection with expenditure for new disabled toilet. Proposed by the Chairman & seconded by
Mrs Gunning the motion was carried unanimously.
f). To approve waiving cost of Pavilion Hire for 2nd
July to Balcombe Fete Committee. The
first motion to the effect that the cost be waived only for this year was not
carried & a second, proposed by Mr Wiginton & seconded by Mr Marsh to
the effect that no future pavilion charges are to be charged in the future to
the Fete Committee substituted. This
was agreed unanimously.
g). To approve Mark Burke’s estimate of 17 June
totalling £372 to replace three faulty electric shower units in pavilion,
following his & an independent inspection.
Proposed by Mr Gary Marsh & seconded by Mrs Gunning it was agreed to
instruct Mark Burke to carry out this work.
h). To consider application for support of Balcombe
Young Photographers Competition on 15th October & approve
donation of £50 as in earlier years.
Approved unanimously. Clerk to
advise Julie Worrall.
i). To approve expenditure of £1294 total for
installation of Twitten light between rec & Bramble Mead, of which MSDC
will contribute £600. The motion was
proposed by Mrs Tibbott & seconded by Mr Wiginton.
Approved with one dissention. It was suggested we should check to see
whether any planning approval was required.
j). To approve purchase of a new memorial plaque up
to £150 for the pavilion. The Chairman
showed a sample of the proposed type.
Agreed in principle to proceed, but we should obtain approval from RBL
(Royal British Legion) beforehand.
Understood they could be interested in an official unveiling ceremony.
1553 To
discuss MSDC Small Scale Housing Allocations Development Plan Report & our
planned response on the Glebe Farm site.
The Chairman gave his thoughts & reiterated that the Council was most conscious of peoples’ thoughts. . Any representations would need to summarise the overall views of residents, rather than those near by. We would need to consider the requirements of both first time buyers, as well as those from the general needs sector. What would be the most appropriate way to consult overall amongst the village?
After discussion it was agreed that an appropriate way would be to arrange an evening special “Housing Meeting” in August/September to discuss & reconsider the aspects of all of the six sites proposed by MSDC. Members were asked for their preference of dates & the most convenient time was considered to be September. In the meantime we must continue to evidence that we were continuing to investigate & fine tuning any proposals. This had already been our intention from the receipt of MSDC’s proposals in January.
Mrs Stevenson presented the meeting with a detailed background on the reasons for MSDC proposing sites put forward to them by local landowners & summarised by saying that as six had already been proposed there was surprise that in the final document only one of the sites had appeared. Mr Marsh, our District Councillor, reiterated by saying that MSDC had been forced to act in a quick - & possibly unreceptive way – by pressures from both WSCC & SEERA.
After further discussion it was proposed by Mrs Stevenson & seconded by the Chairman that the Council would formally write to MSDC objecting in detail & giving sound reasons for our opposing development of the Glebe Farm site. Approved unanimously. Mrs Stevenson reminded us that already in 2004 this site had been rated an “objection site” in their Local Plan & quoted from the Inspector’ report.
Finally it was agreed that at the proposed special meeting we would consider Balcombe sites in general for incorporation within a Parish Plan that was under consideration by the Council
In addition to the detailed discussions on the Glebe Farm site the Council discussed the background relating to another of the sites – Balcombe House land adjoining the Rectory, HH Road – owned by Mr Julian Smith. Following a letter to MSDC suggesting the suitability of the site, the owner had been advised by them MSDC that it could not be considered for development, as in particular it was “outside the built up area” of the village & also within an AONB.
It was nevertheless considered that in view of our now being in possession of the intentions of the landowner for development of the site (not available when we made our representation in February) we should now modify our earlier comments to MSDC, namely that the site should not be developed. This was proposed by Mrs Stevenson & seconded by Mrs Gunning & carried, there being five votes in favour, two against & one abstention. The motion was carried.
1554 To consideration the following Planning Applications
For representation by 22nd July
a). BA/05/01322/FUL – Forge Cottage, HH Road – Conversion of redundant forge to a 3 bedroom dwelling + first floor study. Mr Marsh, because of his involvement as District Councillor, excused himself from any involvement in this application & left the room.
Points raised from the earlier representations as well as additional concerns by Councillors were considered. These were as follows
Intensification of activity and resulting disturbance to neighbouring properties:
The proposed new dwelling has no outside space. Where would the bins
go? Where would the occupants sit out
on a pleasant evening? What effect
would that have on the peaceful enjoyment of the surrounding properties?
Lack of parking and removal of garage to the main dwelling, which is presently part of the annexe: off street parking is not provided for either house in the plans and the proposal results in the loss of the existing off street parking by removal of the garage to the main house. If these dwellings were to be built from new they would be required to provide 4 spaces between them. The annexe has no road frontage. The area in front of the main property is already very crowded, frontage is limited by the junction, and the area serves both the shops and pub. Further residential on street parking could only hinder business for these, which would be disadvantageous for the village as a whole. Clause RH12 in the MSDC publication “schedule of model reasons for refusal” is considered relevant
Precedent for conversion of annexes/garages to separate dwellings. – there are many garages with accommodation over in the village, which could be converted to separate dwellings. Although this should always be treated on an individual basis it was considered this application could set a precedent.
With no
garden, parking or outside space of any kind this less suitable than most. With
new applications for annexes or garages with accommodation the Parish Council
advises the inclusion of a restriction on approvals to prevent separate use
wherever possible
There was no objection to the new study/roof alterations to the main house. The existing rear roof is very attractive, and reflects the true age of the building - the proposal is also attractive. Finally it was emphasised that the application does not relate to a redundant forge.
After extensive discussion it was proposed by Mrs Stevenson & seconded by Mrs Gunning that the application be “called in”. Approved unanimously
b).
To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting. None received.
1555. Update on
Pension Contribution arrangements for the Clerk
The Clerk left the room. The Chairman mentioned that he had received a letter from WSCC
dated 12th July confirming that the Clerk must leave the LGPS (Local
Government Pension Scheme) on 24th July, whether he continues in
employment or not. As it may be
possible for contributions to be made to a personal pension scheme further
enquiries would be made as to how this could be operated.
1556. To consider request from Parish of St. Mary,
Balcombe’s Parochial Church Council for the Parish Council to nominate a
trustee to the “Friends of the Church” scheme.
In
principle it was agreed that it would be part of our civic responsibility to
support St. Mary’s church. However more
information was required as to the responsibilities of a nominated trustee of
the Council. Mr Wiginton requested a
copy of the trust deed, as he could possibly be interested in putting his name
forward. The matter would be
reconsidered as an agenda item at the August meeting.
1557 Traffic
Calming
EDF - who are doing the street lighting works
- are planning to start on site w/c 25th July replacing the pole brackets.
Edburton plan to start on site w/c 8th August to do the road crossings, start
ducting works & the new kerb line using temporary traffic lights. EDF will
continue on site with the new lamp columns.
The carriageway surfacing is due on 15th
& 16th August. Another gang will do the construction of the actual speed
cushions & the mini-roundabout dome, hopefully to follow on from the main
surfacing. The road closure will be put in place for this week to enable the
surfacing works. The signed diversion will be via Bramble Hill, although HGV's
may need to be sent via Cuckfield (the sharp angle of the London Road/Bramble
Hill junction will not allow turning of large vehicles). This is a programme &
is subject to change. The surfacing, in particular, is very weather dependant.
All planning is subject to the final WSCC
Cabinet decision to go ahead with this scheme. The report including the
objection to the scheme is wending its way through the WSCC decision-making
process & a decision is due very shortly
WSCC met with Owen Williams recently to
discuss the street lighting. It seems likely that column no. 4 near the western
boundary of Casteye Barn can remain as shown on the drawing, although another
lamp column may be required on the opposite side of the road near the western
boundary of The Rectory.
This is yet to be confirmed, but if this were
required the approx. extra cost would be £1,000 (cost to BPC £500).
WSCC have included for the surfacing of the carriageway in the vicinity of the traffic calming works (100% WSCC cost, no cost to BPC). This scheme was not in the WSCC programme but it will improve the new mini-roundabout junction & also make it easier when WSCC do surface the remainder of the B2036, as they will not need to interfere with the junction.
At the moment further surfacing of London Road is not in the WSCC approved programme of works, so they are unable to advise as to when this may be done.
1558 Recreation Ground Opening –
Reprise
Agreed most successful & MSDC most complimentary
about BPC’s involvement & co-operation.
There had already been some damage to some of the equipment. Mr Wiginton had already e-mailed Rupert
Browning & was awaiting a reply.
Possible use of the upper area – officially – for bike riding would be
looked at later.
1559 Community
Speed Watch Scheme – Update
A memorandum of agreement had been circulated &
this was agreed suitable, with only minor amendments necessary. The next lot of volunteers would be trained
later in July.
1560 Youth
Club – Update
General consensus is that things are now much better
& that the Club is running smoothly.
Chris Marsh has now joined the Youth Club Support team
1561 To discuss Quality Parish Council Scheme –
Update
The Chairman was still awaiting a reply from Trevor
Leggo of SALC about details of accredited Parishes who had received grants.
1562 Request
from Balcombe School for nomination of a School Community Governor – Sheila
Illsley
The appointment of Mrs Illsley by WSCC as a
Community Governor was welcomed unanimously.
1563 To
note reply made to MSDC concerning Scrutiny Review – Sewerage Infrastructure in
the District
The Clerk had received the promised feed back from
Balcombe Estate regarding problems in Mill Lane & had incorporated these in
the reply to MSDC.
1564 To
note acceptance of nomination for MSDC Garden Party to be held on 21st August
2005 by Mr & Mrs George Usher
As
the Chairman would be unable to attend it was agreed that Mr Burke, or
alternatively the Clerk, should attend in his place.
1565 Correspondence
Details of correspondence received previously
circulated to all Councillors & box available for inspection at the meeting
1566 Exchange of Information
Mrs Illsley – Church Lay-by Car Park – Could this be remarked at time of surfacing the main highway? Fly tipping in Crawley Lane.
Mr Wiginton – Highley Manor signs.
Mr Burke – Deanland Road sign.
Mrs Stevenson – parking on Oldlands Avenue due to station parking charge.
Mrs Gunning – would be writing to Jas. Avery (WSCC) re footpath as still no reply
.
There being no further business the meeting
closed at 22.20 hours.
Signed…………………………………………..
Date……………………………………………..
RG/HS