MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2005 AT 8

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2005 AT 8.00 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE

                 

Present:  Messrs Graham Gosney, David Miners, Robin Williamson, Mesdames Katherine Gunning, Alison Stevenson, Sue Tibbott & Sheila Illsley

 

 

Prior to start of the main meeting Mr Ieuan Sherwood, from Action in rural Sussex, talked to us on the Action Plan Process in connection with the possible preparation of a Balcombe Parish Plan.  He mentioned that timescale was on an average 14 months & that grants could be available from the Countryside Agency to fund part of the cost, typically around £2.5k in total.  The first step would be to set up a Steering Group, representing a cross-section of villagers rather than members of the Parish Council.  Action in rural Sussex would be happy to offer further guidance once BPC had reached their final decision to proceed & the likely time scale.

 

1594   Public Participation

6 members of the public were in attendance.  Both Mrs Glenda Thompson & Mr Ron Parker spoke about their concern at the Bretts planning applications & they hoped that BPC would support their & the many other objections to the two applications.

 

1595            Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

            No declarations made.

 

1596            Apologies for absence

Messrs Gary Marsh, Roland Burke, George Wiginton & Simon Greenwood

 

1597            Minutes as circulated of Meeting held on 16th August 2005

The minutes of the regular meeting, having been previously circulated, were signed off by the Chairman as a true & accurate record.

 

1598            Matters arising

1572 d) – The Clerk had approached Peter Evans at Stone Hall for assistance on the fence, but had received no reply to date.  For follow up.

1576 – Traffic Calming.  Mr Miners reported on the most recent meeting with Rachel Sanders (WSCC).  Subject to final confirmation it may be possible to include “extras” in the scheme, also on the agreed 50/50 basis.  These could include 30 mph roundels at agreed locations – position map supplied & circulated at the meeting – as well as VA (vehicle activated) speed control signage.  Based on the above & costs provided the Balcombe share would approximate £4k.  That this would be well within our reserve capability was confirmed by the RFO present.  Proposed by Mrs Gunning & seconded by Mrs Stevenson it was agreed unanimously that we should confirm to WSCC that we would be in agreement to these additions, on the agreed 50/50 share basis.

 

1577– Recreation Ground.  In the absence of Mr Wiginton (absent prior to hospitalisation) a prepared report by him was submitted.  He had e-mailed MSDC about various matters, including shade tree, gate not closing on Bramble Mead side, permanent fix to whirler & any funding in the next financial year for Phase2.  He additionally reported that there had been many requests that a proper slide be installed as soon as possible.  As regards the development of the area adjoining the pavilion George was still looking/seeking ideas.

1586 – Concerning the barred gate on footpath at entrance to Kemps Farm & Mr Greenwood’s earlier advice that a new tenant was in occupation it was not possible, in his absence, to clarify whether the problem had been resolved.

Mrs Gunning reported that following his visit James Avery (WSCC) had arranged for the hedge running down past the Rectory to be cut back & that this had resulted in a great improvement.  It would take “up to 10 years” & around £16k to deal with the footpath problem, but nevertheless WSCC had added this to a works order.

 

1599            Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for month of August 2005

approved as circulated

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st August 2005 for both accounts - approved as circulated

c). To approve expenditure of up to £200 for hire of WSCC mobile SID (Speed Indicating Devices) - dates/locations to be determined by Balcombe Community Speed Watch.  Deferred in view of possible incorporation of VA devices within the present scheme – refer to under Minute 1598 above.

d). To approve purchase of laminator for Clerk’s office from JP Office Equipment @ £53.13 + VAT.  Proposal accepted to proceed.

e). “Wish List” for Financial Year 2006/2007.  Only one suggestion received to date, namely an allocation of up to £1k for acquisition of Phase 2 playground equipment.  The RFO suggested that in time for the October meeting a small sub committee – Chairman, RFO, Mr Williamson, possibly Mr Greenwood + the Clerk should meet informally to critically examine every item currently on the budget.

The EDF quote of £1292 for repair/updating would need to be examined critically as an agenda item at the October meeting.

Regarding the request from St. Mary’s Church for assistance towards clock repair/maintenance it was the Chairman reminded those present that whilst, subject to availability of funds, we are always prepared to consider contributions towards major projects it should not be our policy to make contributions, such as this, towards general maintenance.  Members concurred & the Clerk would reply on this basis to Barbara Wall on this basis. 


 

 

1600. To consideration the following Planning Applications

a). BA/05/01634/FUL - 2 Oakwood, Haywards Heath Road – Install a velux centre pivot window into 2nd floor shower room, on front elevation.

b). BA/05/01636/FUL – 1 Oakwood, Haywards Heath Road – Install 2 velux centre pivot windows into a 2nd floor shower room & 2nd floor bedroom – taken as a combined application.  The proposals were considered acceptable in that it relates sympathetically in design, form & scale with the existing built & natural environment of the locality.

c). BA/05/01775/FUL – Brockholt, Newlands – Dormer windows to front & rear elevations - The proposal considered acceptable as the proposed dormer windows to front & rear elevations do not directly overlook other properties.

d). BA/05/01842/TCA – Holgate, Stockcroft Road – Two conifers: fell.  There is no objection to the felling of the two conifers as they are casting shade on the adjoining gardens.

e).BA/05/01680/OUT – Land Opposite Bretts, HH Road – outline application for the erection of a detached single storey dwelling.  Considerable local opposition received.  BPC also has strong objections to the proposal.

It should be noted that the site is within a Conservation Area. As such an outline application should not be sufficient. The present plans consist only of a block plan and lack any form of detail of the proposal. (A full plans application should have been submitted.

The site presently houses a warehouse and a double garage. To the rear of which are a block of 2 storey flats, largely occupied by retired people and built 20 years ago. The setting of the warehouse within the area fronting the flats results in a cramped forecourt to these properties with restricted parking and manoeuvring space for vehicles.

The plan for the new dwelling shows an area around the present warehouse enclosed as garden. This area is not presently bounded. It is marked on the existing forecourt to the flats by a narrow kerb set flush to the tarmac. The area is paved along with the remaining forecourt and is used for parking, turning etc by the flats. To enclose the boundary would further impede access and parking to the flats. The boundary comes almost up to the wall of the flats at its closest point.

The site itself is closely surrounded all sides by vehicular accesses. It would be greatly overlooked by the flats and has little outlook. It would be a poor site for a dwelling.

f). BA/05/01774/FUL – Willow Cottage, Brantridge Lane – Conservatory to rear elevation.  There was no objection to erection of conservatory to rear elevation of the property, as it is sympathetic in design

g). BA/05/01901/CON – Land at Bretts, HH Road – Removal of garage canopy & demolition of disused storage warehouse & double garage.

Again strong local representation against received.  BPC has no objections to the demolition of the garage canopy, but does have some concerns over the demolition of the warehouse. 


 

 

Although not the most attractive of buildings it has some charm. In addition, and more importantly, BPC also feel that it is not always preferable to turn commercial accommodation into residential as commercial property is more difficult to get permission to build with a village than housing and is therefore unlikely to be replaced.

The demolition of the warehouse implies change of use without stating this (particularly in light of the parallel application for a bungalow on the site). If change of use is sort it should be stated what this is. We would oppose change of use to residential and therefore feel it necessary to oppose its demolition.

BA/05/01658/FUL – Plovers, High Street – replacement of garage & ancillary accommodation.  We have no objection to this application, which we understand relates to minor revision to an earlier application. 

h).To consider any additional applications received prior to the meeting.

BA/05/01952/FUL – Lodgelands, Crawley Lane – proposed hipped roof porch.  No objection. 

BA/05/01981/FUL – 15 Oldlands Avenue – 2 storey & single storey extension to rear.  We have no objection to the proposed downstairs extension or upstairs bedrooms 3 & 4.  However the proposed upstairs bathroom overlooks the adjoining property & may block light.

We understand that there may be revised plans on the way, in effect turning the proposed upstairs bathroom “sideways” instead of overlooking the proposed conservatory extension at No. 16 Oldlands).

BA/05/01988/FUL – 16 Oldlands Avenue – conservatory to rear of property.  We have no objection to the addition of a conservatory, providing matching brickwork to plinth walls is used to correspond the existing.

BA/05/02008/FUL – Gilletts Surgery, Deanland Road – Macrocell installation, 3 antennas building mounted + ground level equipment cabinet.  Again strong local opposition.  Agreed application to be delegated to Environment planning Group for closer study & representation to MSDC in time for cut off date of 7th October 2005.

Concerning this application it was agreed that the Clerk should write separately to MSDC (Catherine Miles) emphasising our opposition.  Additionally there should be a note to this effect in the Middy as well as the Parish notice board.

Although absent Mr Marsh had informed the Chairman about the outcome of the recent application for extended opening hours by the Half Moon.  These were advised as to 1 am Friday/Saturday & to Midnight on other days.  No live music or public entertainment would be permitted after 11 pm.

 

1601            Parish Plan

The general agreement of the special meeting on 15th September was ratified, namely that we should proceed with implementation of a Parish Plan.  The time scale together with other relevant matters to be discussed at the October meeting.

 

 

1602            Reprise - MSDC Small Scale Housing Allocations Development Plan Special Meeting on 15th September

In view of subsequent advice from MSDC re “slippage” in respect of date for consultation etc.  agreed BPC would now need to adjust their timetable.  Alison Stevenson would try & re-arrange her work timetable to allow attendance at the Sussex & Surrey Rural Housing Conference in Crawley on 12th October.  Cost £55 per person. 

 

1603            Parking in the village & yellow lining

Because of the complaints re Newlands Councillor Marsh has written to the Rail Company pointing out the consequences of re-introducing charging for the car park.  The Clerk to clarify with WSCC whether the reply relating to double yellow lines also covers single ones.  Agreed that both WSCC & MSDC should come to Balcombe to see the parking problem first hand & make the necessary recommendations.

 

1604            Community Speed Watch Scheme – Update

The Co-ordinator, Roy Bliss, had recently put together a newsletter & a copy of this would be circulated to each Councillor for information.

 

1605   To discuss Quality Parish Council Scheme

Agreed we should request Trevor Leggo (SALC) to visit us, say in November, to talk to the Parish Council on the subject.

 

1606            Update - Nomination of trustee from the Parish Council to the Parish of St. Mary, Balcombe’s Parochial Church Council’s “Friends of the Church” scheme.

Mr Wiginton reported to have received the information & that he is willing to serve for the purposes of getting the trust up & running.  However he does not wish to remain the nominated BPC Trustee for an extended period.

 

1607            Update - Memorial Plaque for Pavilion

The Chairman had been in touch with Masters & Son (Sue is the daughter of Jim & Molly Cooke) who had generously agreed to donate the plaque to us without charge.  Agreed that the Clerk would send a letter of thanks.  As regards the final positioning Messrs. Gosney, Miners & the Clerk, together with Mrs Gunning, would liaise.

 

1608   To consider proposal for appointment of an Honorary Balcombe Archivist

Agreed we would consider later, but useful to have a list of any volunteers available who might be interested.

 

 

1609            Update – Clerk’s Pension Arrangements

The Clerk left the room.  The Parish Council then discussed their response to Richard Greig’s request in his letter re pension contributions & the effect of the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (1997).

It as decided that in view of the satisfactory performance he has given as Clerk since April 2003 he should be awarded a salary increase from LC1/SCP20 to LC1/SCP21.   This will increase his salary from £9110.27 to £9442.70, effective from 1st August 2005.  The Chairman will respond to him accordingly.

 

1610            Correspondence

W3            Area Transport Plans.  Receipt to be acknowledged.  Agreed we should also raiser the issue of parking with WSCC.  Liaise beforehand with Mrs Gunning. 

W5            Leaflet for County Local Committees – Copy handed to Mrs Gunning for reference.

Other 7 - Joy Hopkins re Newlands Parking.  Agreed that an acknowledgement of the problem be sent to Joy. 

Other 11 - Julie Worrall re donation for Kissing Gate.  Mrs Tibbott agreed to discuss this in more detail with Mrs Joan Dutton.

 

 

1611          Exchange of Information

            Mrs Illsley – White Lining in church lay by.

Mr Williamson – Suggested that BPC send letter to local NHS Trust opposing any move to move the Baby Unit away from the Princess Royal Hospital.

The Clerk thanked the members of the Environment Planning Group for their support & co-operation in dealing with the large number of planning applications in recent weeks & ensuring that he was able to meet the cut off dates.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.22 hours.

 

Signed…………………………………………..

 

Date……………………………………………..

 

RG/HS