MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON

THURSDAY 21 AUGUST 2003 AT 8PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

Present: Mr Graham Gosney (Chairman), Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Neil Infield, Mr Gary Marsh, Mr David Miners, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mrs Sheila Illsley, Mr Robin Williamson, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Richard Greig (Clerk). Councillor Andrew MacNaughton (Ardingly & Balcombe) - part time

1034 Post Office Security

By invitation the meeting was addressed, prior to commencement, by the owner, Mrs Indi Thaker, who was accompanied by her husband, Anil and young daughter. Understandably having encountered two robberies within the last 6 months her confidence was a little shaken. The last was particularly traumatic, as the two robbers had entered by squeezing through a very narrow gap between the screen and window, only about 4 ½ inches wide. They had then made off by car, found abandoned at the station, possibly leaving the scene by train.

Regrettably the Post Office authorities were holding her personally liable for the last loss, which Indi thought unfair, as their security auditors had inspected the premises after the first robbery and made no mention of there being any problem with the security screening in place.

The Post Office had confirmed that they were not able to help with any additional security measures, although it should be high on the agenda. Indi thought a way forward would be to install CCTV cameras, possibly thought by some to be an invasion of privacy, but by others to be beneficial. She opined that something needed to be done. She had been in business for 3 years and made only minimal returns, but was keen on providing a service to the village and wanted to stay. However in view of the last episode she had to ask the question is the Post Office now viable?

The Councillors were unanimous in agreeing to write to the Post Office stating that we were unhappy with their view that they will not be liable for the latest loss. The Clerk will seek further background from Indi, on a strictly confidential basis and make the appropriate contact.

1035 Councillor Andrew MacNaughton was introduced to the meeting by the Chairman

1036 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

None but refer minute 1020 below.

1037 Councillor Andrew MacNaughton addressed the meeting

He apologised that this was his first attendance at a Balcombe Parish Council meeting. However he had a lot of other responsibilities. A change from a Thursday to another day would be more beneficial to him. He would however attend whenever he could and asked the Clerk to provide him with copies of future agendas and minutes. Because of his particular responsibilities Councillor MacNaughton offered particular help on planning matters.

1038 Public Participation

Mr & Mrs Tucker, Mr & Mrs Ashmole, Mr & Mrs Norman Thompson & Mr Peter Evans, new Balcombe Estate Agent, representing Simon Greenwood.

The meeting was addressed by Mr Ashmole and subsequently by Mr Tucker, in respect of the proposed development of the recreation ground, following plans drawn up by MSDC. Main problems with the development were advised as follows:

· The hedge between the lower play area and the Ashmole’s garden provides screening in summer, but not in winter. The new play area will then look directly into the back of his house and destroy any privacy. He does not like the idea of a picnic area being incorporated.

· If the proposed scheme goes ahead it will be approx. 20ft from the backdoor and the sloping area means that the play area will be some 5-10 ft higher and look down on the house.

· The new play area will increase noise disturbance.

· Lack of public toilet facilities and present use of the ditch as an alternative.

· Drainage problem into his back garden

· Need for the new scheme to be away from residential property

· Separation of the new play area for small children from the older children’s’ play area would help improve safety

· Noise after midnight and possible congregation of drug users

Their opinions were noted.

1039 Apologies for absence

Mr Roland Burke (wife indisposed), Mr Simon Greenwood (holiday)

1040 Minutes of previous meeting 17 July 2003

These were accepted as a true and correct record. However as a resident of the London Road Mr Infield wished retrospectively to declare a personal interest in Phase 1 of the Traffic Calming Scheme - refer Minute 1023 of meeting of 17^th July 2003

1041 Matters arising

1025 - The Cuckfield skateboard park had now been approved by MSDC and funding made available.

1031 – Mr Wiginton had now received an explanation from Mr Williamson (RFO) in respect of his queries.

1042 To approve increase of hours of the Clerk from 15 to 20 weekly

The Clerk left the room. In his absence, proposed by Mr Marsh & seconded by Mrs Gunning the motion was carried unanimously, effective 1^st September. The extra cost to the Council would be £1119 up to the end of the present financial year and £1918.28 for the next (2004/05). There would be no change to the additional supervisory payment of £795 that is paid in addition to the base salary. Both are NJC agreed rates for the position.

1043 Review of Traffic Calming

There had been 3 meetings on the subject, since the last BPC meeting in July. The first was an overall survey of the area to be covered by Phase 1. The second consisted of a tour of East Grinstead by David Miners, by invitation of Mr John McKerrell, who is co-ordinating our scheme. This enabled him to see how measures had been put in place there and their strengths and weaknesses. For example some ineffective speed cushions had been installed and we must learn from these observations. Mrs Illsley and Mr Infield asked about potential problems with the emergency services. As mentioned in a recent letter Mr McKerrell would be going out to consultation shortly. Various points were made about the precise dimensions allowed on the mini roundabout – radius etc. The Chairman suggested that this should best be left to the WSCC co-ordinator, as he interprets the rules as he sees them. In any case the technicalities of the scheme should best be left to them. The third meeting had been with Mr Dave Gilbert of SEEBOARD, in connection with village lighting improvements and with particular reference to enhanced lighting required in connection with the scheme – refer 1043 below

The Chairman mentioned his discussions with Roger Hobbs – see circulated report – with a view to obtaining irrevocable confirmation, ideally in writing, that WSCC would indeed come up with the promised £30k in their budget for 2004/05. Subsequently we had written on the subject. The Chairman re-emphasised that we must be seen to be exercising a high degree of carefulness, but that on both sides there would have to be goodwill and trust. Mr Williamson asked about ownership of the Solagen lights that would be incorporated in the scheme. As the order for all the work would be placed by WSCC these and other items would not be the property of BPC. Mr Infield reminded the meeting that we were in fact paying the County Council, albeit on a matched basis, to do the job for us.

In view of the reducing time scale the Chairman opined that it was essential we planned an early date for local consultation, at which plans and other details of the scheme would be available. This could be held in the Parish Room and Mr Miners would advise further.

1044 Review of Street Lighting

As previously mentioned a most useful meeting had taken place with Mr Dave Gilbert of SEBOARD. Details had already been circulated, but basically renewals would take place of existing lights on the Haywards Heath Road, London Road, Mill Lane, Oldlands Avenue, Stockcroft Road and Bramble Hill. The new lights would result in less glare and could be adjusted to ensure that they would not shine directly into houses. Mr Marsh asked about the actual cost of lighting for the mini roundabout. David Miners would ask John McKerrell for advice on this. The former also mentioned that he and Gary Marsh had consulted with the majority of residents on the Haywards Heath Road likely to be affected by Phase 1 of the scheme and these included the Rector and the residents of Casteye Barn, who were most supportive. It was proposed that it would also be useful to approach the landlord of the Half Moon public house.

1045 Report on Recreation Ground Development

Mr Wiginton mentioned firstly that the co-opted ladies had been liaising with local mothers with a view to recommending changes within the context of the present draft scheme. This related particularly to the type of apparatus to be installed. It was emphasised that the present scheme is only a concept by the District Council and not written in stone. There was also some comment about whether an actual picnic area would be beneficial. The lack of toilet facilities was acknowledged. Because of recent occurrences of vandalism and noise late at light, mentioned in particular by Mr Ashmole, it was agreed that the Leisure Ranger would be approached by the Clerk for advice. Mrs Illsley mentioned that teenagers congregate on the swings/slides and generally cause a nuisance. Mr Marsh mentioned that the problem with a lack of toilet facilities was an on going problem at District Council level and one he would raise on our behalf. Councillor MacNaughton told us that there had been problems with facilities in Handcross and as a result it was remaining closed. The problem as regards drainage and the ditch was addressed and Mr Wiginton will continue to follow this up with the Council. Skate Park facilities and recent approvals in Haywards Heath and Cuckfield were mentioned. Some thought that this would take off the pressure for us providing some facilities for skate boarding within our scheme. Mr Infield did not agree and thought there still might be a requirement for some facilities to be included in the Balcombe scheme nevertheless. Mrs Stevenson suggested that a sign would be useful stating, “Closed after pm”. Councillor MacNaughton reminded us that hours of use could be incorporated into the appropriate planning application for the scheme. The Chairman said that this point should be raised during the forthcoming consultation process.

1046 Arrangements for Meeting with Police Authority

It was suggested that possibly Inspector Roy Apps from Haywards Heath could attend and address in particular the aspects of Traffic Control (Speeding), Security and other general issues. The talk would be for say 15 minutes before commencement of a PC meeting. Mr Marsh gave some general background on the present situation relating to village policing and how it could be construed that as a result we were basically being ignored. Councillor MacNaughton reminded us that we could always employ (and finance0 our own officer for policing.

1047 Youth Club Developments

Mrs Illsley gave us an update, following discussions at the last meeting. The programme would start again on 8 September. Unfortunately it seemed unlikely that the community bus would be unable to visit the village. We had also not received the promised posters from Stuart Kingsley. Terry Harris had however invited him to speak to Balcombe School about Youth club activities. Mr Marsh mentioned that the girl’s football was still to take place on Mondays at Warden Park. However timing of this (6.15-7.15pm) still made it possible for those interested to get back to Balcombe for the Youth Club start time of 7.30 pm.

1048 Revision to November Meeting Date

A revised date of Tuesday 25 November was agreed. At this time we would discuss proposals for next year’s budget as well as formulating the likely amount of the precept in time for January.

1049 Consideration of the following Planning Applications

i) BA/03/01847/TCA - 4 Nostel Priory Cottages – Two oaks: remove epicormic growth - no objection

ii) BA/03/1061/AP1 – Old Inn House, London Road – Square bay window to 1^st floor of bedrooms above existing studio – no objection

iii) BA/03/01726/FUL – Plot 5, The Nursery, Deanland Road – Conservatory to rear of property – no objection. Subsequently received and discussed at the meeting were

iv) BA/03/01758/FUL	Maison de Fleur, Deanland Road	Erection of garden shed
v) BA/03/02007/FUL	Westup Farm, London Road	23m high Scots Pine" style mast

iv) No objection

v) After detailed discussion amongst the Councillors and considerable input from Mrs Stevenson the overall view was that the outline plan be approved with the option of using either a plain olive green monopole so as to limit the base size, or the use of Portasilo tree mast to limit the head of branches be considered as preferable to the Alan Dick tree mast option proposed.

vi) To note proposed development of the Balcombe Garage Site. Outline plans for a block of 10 3 storied flats were studied. It was emphasised that as yet no application for planning had been made. These 2 bed units, once erected, could not be extended. The Councillors considered that parking would be a real problem. Mr Marsh had briefly spoken about Section 106 liability and whether any of this could be used towards traffic calming. It was suggested that Laurence Stringer of WSCC be approached for advice.

In answer to the question by the Chairman as to whether the Parish Council supported a change of use for the site it was agreed that a suitable development of small affordable houses (flats) would be beneficial. We understood hat such a development was unlikely to be refused solely on parking grounds. Section 106 terms would need to be monitored carefully.

1050 Financial Matters

a) Cash Book Receipts & Payments for the month of July 2003 – approved as circulated

b) To approve donation of £1,500 to St. Mary’s Church as per budget - approved

c) To approve payment of £2,230 against budget of £1950 to replace 15 Street Lamps – approved.

1051 Correspondence

It was agreed by the meeting that commencing October it might be advantageous for Councillors to arrive before the starting time to study the correspondence files beforehand, thus possibly saving time when this subject is raised during the normal course of business. This could be tried for say 2 or 3 meetings.

W3 Balcombe – Public Rights of Way – Routine Maintenance – Mrs Illsley expressed interest.

M8 Parish Plans Conference – examined by several Councillors

W5 Temporary Closure Notice – Footpath No. 6b – Mrs Stevenson expressed interest.

Other 10 Exchange of correspondence re Balcombe power cuts & Other 11 Guidance Notes on Fly Tipping – Mrs Illsley expressed interest.

A draft of the MSDC Community Plan for Mid Sussex had been received for which there was a cut off date of 30 September. Copies would be circulated to all Councillors. Mr Miners and the Chairman would co-ordinate a reply after discussion with others.

The Clerk to reply to letter from Vic Gander re Traffic Calming, Power Cuts & Parliamentary Constituencies and the Haywards Heath Citizens Advice Bureau letter asking for a contribution to funding.

1052 Exchange of Information

Mr Marsh mentioned that there had been a broken manhole cover near the Cowdray Arms, owned by BT. It had now been replaced.

Concerning the problem at the Post Office Mr Williamson proposed that after finding out full facts from Indi we write to the appropriate authority voicing our concerns, if necessary involving our MP. The Clerk will liaise as appropriate.

There was an electricity cable at the bottom of the Mill Steps that was sagging. The Ranger will be asked to investigate.

The Clerk mentioned a request from Andrew Edmondson of the Balcombe website for back copies of BPC Minutes.

Mrs Stevenson asked about the bench near the station. This is in the course of renovation and new pieces need to be ordered to repair it. The Clerk is liaising with the Ranger.

Mrs Gunning spoke about parking by some residents of Newlands on the grassed area and how this was churning up the surface. This would be useful if mentioned in the Parish Magazine.

Mr Miners mentioned a blind spot when exiting out of Rocks Lane. This is dangerous, in particular to Angie Parry. The matter needs to be looked into further.

Mrs Illsley mentioned that Headmaster Terry Harris had problems with teachers exiting from the school, due to obstructions. Would coning off be a temporary solution?

Mr Marsh would be happy to form a small group to make recommendations about a possible CCTV system for the Post Office. The Clerk will copy her in when his enquiries are complete.

Mr Marsh handed over an article about local speed control measures being carried out by villagers in Ringmer, which the Clerk will photocopy and circulate.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.09 hours.

Signed……………………. Date……………..

RG/HS