MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 25TH
APRIL 2006 AT 8.00 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE
Present: Messrs Graham Gosney, George Wiginton, Robin
Williamson (part time), Simon Greenwood, Mesdames Alison Stevenson, Sheila
Illsley & Sue Tibbott.
In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council
1745. Public Participation
Mr David Richards addressed the meeting in respect of his revised application BA/06/00622/FUL Oak Tree Cottage, Bramble Mead. He advised the meeting that the revised application was now based on advice given to him by MSDC Planners.
1746. Declaration
of personal or prejudicial interest
. Mrs Tibbott expressed prejudicial interest in respect of Agenda item 1751a) - BA/06/00622/FUL Oak Tree Cottage, Bramble Mead. Mr Greenwood expressed a prejudicial interest in respect of Mast application BA/06/00640/FUL Westup Farm, London Road
1747 Apologies for
absence
Mr David Miners (family illness), Mr Roland Burke (business commitment), Mr Gary Marsh, Mrs Katherine Gunning (indisposed).
1748. Minutes as circulated of Meeting
held on 14th March (Regular)
These were signed off, without amendment, as
a true & correct record. However it
was recommended that in future years an actual copy of the budget figures being
approved (1721d) form part of the circulated minutes.
1749. Matters arising
1744 – Trees at Water Tower triangle.
A reply had been received from WSCC.
Hole in Newlands – reported to WSCC Highways
for attention.
1750. Financial
a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for month of March 2006 – approved as circulated.
b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st
March 2006 for both accounts – approved as circulated.
c). Detailed Receipts & Payments 12 months
ending 31st March 2006. Noted
that some revision needed to correct budget headings. Revised copy to be circulated after RBS meeting.
d). Budget Financial Year 2006/2007. No changes to previously approved
figures. Refer comment under 1748 above.
Agreed that we would need to have a more detailed cost for the
replacement tables & chairs for the W I Room before committing ourselves to
a final sum in respect of the grant we would be making.
1751. a). To
consideration the following Planning Applications:
For representation by 21st April
2006 (extension requested)
BA/06/00622/FUL Oak Tree Cottage, Bramble Mead – Two storey
rear extension and internal alterations (revised application).
The points made earlier by the applicant were considered, as were those
of an adjoining neighbour, Mr & Mrs Tuckey. It was the agreement of the meeting that BPC should endorse these
views. Also agreed that it essential
that a site visit be made by MSDC Planners to examine the site first hand.
Subsequent to the above the following representation was made to MSDC, a
copy being sent to Gary Marsh, District Councillor, who was not present at the
meeting: -
“BPC still has
objections to the proposals.
The plans have been revised from those put
before us last month. The double garage has been removed from the application
and the height of and depth of the upper stories of the extension have been
reduced. Both these result in a better application from the previous - however
the reduction in the effect on number 17 will be minimal.
Unfortunately, therefore, we cannot find
reason to amend what we said about the previous application in respect of the
effect on number 17. The proposals size, bulk and proximity to the boundary of
number 17 will result in a true feeling of enclosure and a loss of light/sunlight
to both the side living room window and to the conservatory where the effect
would be very overbearing.
With an open outlook westwards at present
the detrimental effect on the visual amenity of number 17 would be great. We think these objections are reasonable
& valid.
Further
concerns were raised regarding settlement due to the difference in level
between the two properties and Councillors wished to mention this, as there
could be some effect in digging new foundations close to the boundary.
We would urge
officers to carry out a site visit to inspect number 17’s present plans in hand
- they have they not done so already”.
b). To consider any additional applications received prior to the
meeting
For
representation by 5th May 2006
BA/06/00640/FUL Westup Farm, London Road – Replace three
existing 2G antennas with three upgraded 2G antennas. Also to erect three 3G.
Considered to be a sensible update to the present facilities.
1752. LDF
– MSDC Update
A copy of MSDC’s Small Scale Housing Allocations Submission Document to
the Secretary of State was made available to the meeting. Careful scrutiny of this revealed that the
Glebe Farm site had now been eliminated & that no Balcombe site had been
tabled under the Small-Scale Greenfield sites recommended to be allocated for
housing.
1753. Parish
Plan – Update
Mr Norman Howard was continuing his good work & continuing contact
with the 25 or so residents who had expressed interest in joining the Action
Group. A public statement would be made
in May. Connections made with Lindfield
could prove beneficial. Attempts to
obtain additional funding would continue.
However it was agreed that any budget proposed for the venture would
have to be formally approved by BPC before proceeding.
1754 Traffic
Calming
The readings provided by WSCC in selected locations,
prior to & after introduction of the scheme had been circulated &
analysed. Possible consideration of
additional measures would need to be made in conjunction with the Parish
Plan. It was agreed that in the
meantime we should record a satisfactory outcome to the results of the present
scheme.
1755. Newlands Parking
No progress to report, but we would try to get
MSDC’s views on possible re-arrangement of the lay out of the top car
park.
1756. Playground Report
Mr
Wiginton mentioned new proposals received from Playdale, who were most
co-operative. Only one new
proposal received from them – a fairly basic multiplay unit. A stand alone larger slide unit, possibly
covered & separate from a multiplay unit, could be a possibility. Dogs had been noted within the
compound. GW would kindly approach MSDC
re suitable signage.
1757. Footpath
Report
Mrs Tibbott mentioned that Margaret Enstone had
replaced signs etc. We still needed to
chase up Ken Mitchell, from Paddockhust, re dog latches etc. They worked through RH & RW
Clutton.
1758. Neighbourhood Watch –
update
Matter pending.
1759. Youth Club
An
update still awaited in the absence of Roland Burke concerning their search for
a Treasurer & volunteers for the Club Action Group.
1760. Annual
Parish Meeting – 27th April
Councillors
were advised of arrangements & requested to attend if their duties
permitted.
1761. Nominations for 2006 MSDC Garden
Party
These were requested for consideration at the next
meeting on 10 May.
1762. To finalise arrangements for 2006 Litter
Week
Agreed this date for 2006, but thought better to
have in spring of 2007. Mrs Illsley to
talk to Terry Harris about school involvement.
Colette Randall to be asked for details for sourcing “granny grabbers”,
as supplied to the school. MSDC fly
tipping responses excellent. BPC should
write & compliment them.
1763. Correspondence
1 other – Clean Neighbourhoods
& Environment Act 2005.
15 other
– Sussex Police Questionnaire. Clerk to complete &
return.
1764 Exchange of Information
Chairman – Opined that we should now formally advise Balcombe Football Club that
we understand their explanation & under the circumstances agree to
“suspend” the £100 charge, on the strict understanding that they show proper
respect for the pavilion & its fittings in future. Should similar problems occur we will have
no hesitation in levying the above + any additional charge on them.
Memorial Plaque unveiling ceremony planned for
Saturday 29 April at 12.15 p m.
Mr Greenwood would be attending the forthcoming Sussex Police Authority meeting
& requested details of any points to be raised.
Reminded the meeting that the “Travellers season”
was now approaching.
Mrs Stevenson –parking in vicinity of school currently bad, especially around bottom
of slip road. Clerk to ask PCSO to come
out again to help.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.10 hours.
Signed…………………………………………..
Revised
at Meeting of 10.05.06