MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON

TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

 

Present: Mr Graham Gosney (Chairman), Mr Robin Williamson, Mr Neil Infield, Mr David Miners, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Simon Greenwood, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mr Richard Greig (Clerk).

 

1215   Public Participation

Mrs Rosemary Robertson, representing the Balcombe School 100 Club, requested that three tickets be drawn.  Those selected were – Number 27 Michelle Harper (1st), Number 16 Rosemary Robertson (2nd) and Number 100 Eric Faithfull (3rd)

 

1216   Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Messrs Miners, Williamson, residents of the London Road, declared a personal interest in respect of Traffic Calming.  Also the Chairman in respect of Planning Application BA/04/00695 – Minute 1223 below.

 

1217   Apologies for absence

Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Gary Marsh, Mr Roland Burke Mrs Sheila Illsley

 

1218   Minutes of meeting 23rd March 2004

Page 4 – Minute 1210 should have read, “Refer to Minute 1188 above (Matters Arising)”.

The Minutes were subsequently accepted as a correct and accurate record.

 

1219   Matters arising

1208 – It felt that a meeting with Emma Goddard re south east water’s proposed car parking fees for Ardingly Reservoir could be useful.  Clerk to liaise.  A Friday is normally best for Simon Greenwood.

1209 – Messrs. Miners & Greenwood requested a copy of MSDC’s plans for the playground development.

1214 – CADDIE.  Jim Cooke had a write up on this in the recent Parish Magazine.

 

1220   To note completion of WSCC Highways Work Programme for Stone Hall Bends

The Clerk mentioned that the road was now open.  Mr Greenwood said that minor work was still proceeding, especially in respect of gullies for running off the surface water.

 

1221   Financial Matters

a)         Cash Book Receipts & Payments for the month of March 2004 – approved as circulated

b)         Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31.03 04 for all accounts - approved as circulated

c)         Receipts & Payments Account for 12 months ending 31.03.04 – approved as circulated.  Noted that following successful end of year visit by RBS a new report format would be added to the programme.  Mr Williamson commented on its format.

d)         Forthcoming Audit for year-ended 31.03.04 – in view of c) above agreed that our Internal Auditor, Mr Richard Land-Smith, be invited to carry out an internal audit, according to Mazar’s guidelines for same.


 

1222   Report on Traffic Calming – update on current situation & approval of Owen Williams quote of £7825 for Detailed Design dated 18.03.04 (Phase 1)

Mr Miners detailed further background following the meeting with Messrs. Nicholson & Gibbon of Owen Williams on 16 April.  The Councillors had been previously circulated with a report on issues discussed.  Additional points raised during discussion at the present meeting revolved round ensuring that the confirmatory letter of acceptance included that all requirements were included.  Councillors mentioned inter alia – dimensions of the mini roundabout, height setting for the cushions, possibility of signage near the Rectory and whether minor modifications could be introduced, without extra cost, should these be considered necessary following the consultation meeting.

It was consequently agreed that the following costs be accepted and a letter to this effect be sent:

1)         £7825 for Detailed Design for Phases 1 & 2 (which includes the HH Road section to Mill Lane)

2)         An additional sum of £350 for the production of Consultation Drawings suitable for the Consultation Meeting and

3)         £370 for attendance by a Senior Engineer at the Saturday morning Consultation Meeting.

There would be a BPC meeting on Thursday 3 June to discuss Traffic Calming.  The Clerk would book the Parish Room, initially for Saturday 26th June & alternatively 10th July for the Consultation meeting.  Agreed quote to be accepted on receipt of covering documentation.

 

1223   Consideration of the following Planning Applications

i)    BA/04/00695/FUL    Pippins, Oldlands Avenue – Rear single storey extension – no objection

ii)   BA/04/00813/TCA   1 Deanland Road –Line of deciduous trees; trim lateral branches back to boundary of Wilton Villas (northern side)

Whilst the council has no objection to the trimming of the branches to provide some light to the flats forming Wilton Villas it was also felt that regard should be paid to the wishes of the owner at 1, Deanland Road, to whom the trees belong. The trees form a barrier to the overlooking of the garden at 1, Deanland Road which would be considerable if the trees were thinned too much or severe pruning resulted in damage/ disease.

iii)  To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting: -

None received.

 
1224   To consider forthcoming Annual Parish Meeting on 27 April

This would take place in the Parish Room at 7.30 pm.  Refreshments to be provided by WI.  Speaker from south east water.  Mr Williamson as RFO to present details on the financial side.  Agendas + copies of 2003 minutes and the new 2003/04 Report to be made available.

 

1225   To finalise Annual News Letter covering 2003/04 & distribution arrangements

A draft had been circulated and comments collected.  All Councillors considered this to be an excellent idea.  Format agreed as a folded A4, black & white.  Robin Williamson would arrange printing at Worth Abbey.  Cost at the time estimate around £70.  Coloured “pie charts” as well as the Report to be made available at the Annual Parish Meeting.  This Annual Report would subsequently be inserted into the May Parish Magazine and circulated in this way.  Additional copies to be made available in the usual village outlets.


 

1226   Recreation Ground Development – update on progress

Mrs Illsley & Mr Greenwood requested a copy of the plans.  Mr Wiginton mentioned that there had been staff changes within Rupert Browning’s Department.  He was watching the situation closely on his return, but did not wish to “push” MSDC too strongly at present.  At the appropriate time he would arrange a follow-up meeting with Rupert Browning & members of the Recreation Ground Development Group.

 

1227   To approve SEEBOARD quote dated 23 March for replacement of Column H on Recreation Ground & Column B Deanland Road (both damaged/corroded beyond repair)

            Approved unanimously expenditure of £579 & £321.44 + Vat respectively.

 

1228   To receive update on proposed BPC “Action Plan” for 2004/05

            Because of illness & other factors the proposed meeting had not yet taken place.  It was proposed that the subject be resurrected in around September.

 

1229   To consider previously circulated letter from George Usher – Duty of Care for the Physically Handicapped – Pavements

Agreed that there is a duty of care, but possibly problematic/extremely costly to implement George Usher’s requirements.  The Road Safety Group should bear the matter in mind when considering Phase 3 of the Traffic Calming scheme.  In the meantime the Clerk would pass details of Mr Usher’s concern to WSCC

 

1230   To re-consider NALC guidelines re delegation to a committee under new legislation

            The Chairman explained his interpretation of NALC’s guidelines regarding this and how he considered we should revise the existing arrangement relating to BPC’s consideration of Planning Applications.

 

1231   Correspondence

            M5       In view of short time available Mr Greenwood to comment on the Mid Sussex Housing Needs Survey

            W2      Copy of letter relating to discontinuation of Rights of Way – Disability Discrimination Act to Mr Greenwood

            W3      Letter re Public Rights of Way – Routine Maintenance had been sent to Footpaths Association

            2          Calor Gas Village of the Year.  Agreed application no benefit.

            3          Action in rural sussex Workshops – details to be circulated

5          action in rural sussex AGM – Chairman + clerk to attend

8          Anchor Mid Sussex Handyperson Scheme – of no interest to Balcombe

19        Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter.  Anti-Social behaviour campaign.  We need to have details, via Jim Cooke, of who are the village area co-ordinators.

 

1232   Exchange of Information

            Mr Williamson – New BPC logo/letterhead

            Mr Greenwood – Brenda Haworth-Booth illness

            Mr Infield – mentioned recent Chichester traffic conference.  What progress on local (village) speed camera scheme involvement?  Mr Miners to draw up some information, possibly in the form of a check sheet.  Explained his reasoning behind his design for the mini roundabout at the junction of HH/London Roads.

Mrs Stevenson –Ian Eldred was appealing against MSDC’s refusal of his most recent Hope Cottage basement flat scheme.

Clerk – Villagers’ objections received following painting of wall/bottom of Tracey Wilkinson’s residence in white.  Balcombe Estate aware & checking lease according to Mr Greenwood.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10 pm

 

Signed……………………….

 

Date………………………….

 

RG/HS

 

Revised following meeting 18.05.04