MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 2008 (POSTPONED FROM 20TH FEBRUARY) AT 8 PM IN THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, BRAMBLE HILL, BALCOMBE. 

 

Present:  Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Rodney Saunders, Robin Lindsay-Stewart, Simon Greenwood & Peter Huxley.  Mesdames. Alison Stevenson, Susan Barker - Danby & Carol Jarvest. 

In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council. 

 

The Chairman & members offered congratulations to absent Councillor, Sarah Moore- Williams, on the birth of her baby daughter, Francesca. 

 

2165. Public Participation

Mr & Mrs Kemp addressed the meeting in respect of planning application (BA)/08/00196/FUL & 08/00197/LBC - Great Coopers Corner Farm.  They advised that prior to submission of the application a meeting had been held with MSDC planners” In brief it was their wish to bring the property “into the 21st Century in a sympathetic way, maintaining existing visual aspects”. 

 

2166. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

The Chairman, together with Mr Lindsay-Stewart, declared personal & prejudicial interest in respect of planning application (BA)/08/00491/FUL - Deanlands Stockcroft Road, as the applicant is the currently appointed Internal Auditor to the Council. 

 

2167. Apologies for absence

Received from Messrs.  Neville Ashcroft, Gary Marsh & Mrs Sarah Moore-Williams. 

 

2168. To approve Minutes of Regular meeting held on 16th January 2008

            The minutes were accepted as a true record & signed by the Chairman. 

 

2169. Matters arising

2153 - MSDC’s Core Strategy Consultation.  A revised version of MSDC’s had been placed in February’s Parish Magazine. 

2161 – Planning.  (BA)/07/03654/FUL – Whinchat, 3 Deanland Road.   (BA)/07/03955/TCA – Bretts Way, Haywards Heath Road.  Approvals received. 

2158 – Mr Lindsay Stewart updated us on the Post Office.  We would write to them requesting guidance for the transfer to an alternative premises. 


 

 

2170. Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for January 2008 – noted as presented

b). Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31st January 2008 for both accounts - noted as presented

c). Receipts & Payments by Budget Heading 10 months to 31st January 2008 - noted as presented

d). To approve EDF’s quote PLI6022BR for update/improvement of lighting on Bramble Hill totalling £966.45.  Proposed by Mrs Jarvest & seconded by Mr Saunders members unanimously agreed that we should proceed with the work.  

e). To discuss allowances for Councillors.  Agreed that initially Councillors to receive basic background for follow up discussion. 

f). To consider quote for handrail for footpath between London Road & Newlands.  To be discussed at a later date, once budget proposals to hand. 

g). Members were reminded of the necessity to adhere to the circulated timetable for reports relating to the forthcoming Annual Report. 

 

2171.  MSDC’s Core Strategy Consultation

Agreed we would need to make final decision as to contents of our reply at the next meeting, as cut off date is 20th March. 

 

2172.  Report from Traffic Matters Group

Advised quotation from Atkins for feasibility study, proposed by Mr Saunders & seconded by Mrs Jarvest, with one abstention, agreed that we would write accepting total charge of £2k, including the additional £300 for consultation with WSCC.  It to be emphasised that if fees are to exceed £2.5k prior agreement to be obtained from BPC. 

Mr Saunders had attended the meeting on the A23 development & mentioned that as yet there was no budget for funding adjoining villages likely to be affected. 

Members were advised that we had written in detail to the WSCC appointed consultants for the B2036 improvements, at the Cowdray & High Street Junctions. 

The comments from Mr Ashcroft concerning the highlighting of poor parking in the village would be deferred to a later date. 

Agreed that it would be useful for the Parish Council to consider establishing and publicising a database of road traffic incidents (any event that results in at least some damage to a vehicle) within the parish, which residents would be asked to report.  

 

 

The purpose of this would be to provide factual evidence that is needed to convince the authorities.  Iain Brown to be approached to see whether he would take this on. 

 

2173. Report from Safety & Security Group

Mrs Jarvest was thanked for her detailed report.  Points discussed – Neighbourhood Watch.  BPC agree regular “surgery” meeting would be useful, but needs to be NW led. 

Pavement problems need to be advised in a detailed enough report to enable the Clerk to approach the responsible channels at WSCC. 

Contractors for quoting for additional Pavilion security were still being sourced.  Agreed that a speaker from the Police this year at the Annual Parish Meeting would be useful. 

 

2174.  Report from Young People’s Group

Report received.  Of interest recent Dragons Den type presentations to WSCC Youth Service. 

Agreed that Mrs Jarvest & helpers would receive maximum support from BPC regarding re-formation of the Youth Club. 

Also agreed that we would support the proposed Open Event for young people on 17th May & underwrite costs up to £100 maximum. 

Mrs Jarvest was thanked for her hard work on youth matters. 

 

2175. Report from Facilities & Amenities Group

Much preparation work for the Balcombe First Week had been kindly undertaken by Mrs Gunning.  We would support as much as possible.  After study of the financial projections Mr Greenwood proposed & Mr Lindsay-Stewart seconded a proposal whereby we would underwrite the projected total cost of £450, but noted that our exposure is likely to be reduced to around £150 once income from the event has been deducted. 

 

2176   Report from Housing & Environment Group

            No separate report presented. 

 

2177. Reports from other Groups (where applicable)

            None. 

 

2178. To receive report on recent CPRE co-ordinated talk on MSDC Planning policy

Mrs Stevenson considered that attendance at the event had been useful & as result much useful additional information had been made available. 


 

 

2179   To consider Police report on parking problem in Stockcroft Road

`           Members are requested to note information received from Sussex Police that a resident of Stockcroft Road is continuing to put notes on vehicles parked outside his house, indicating that he has the “backing of the West Sussex Police”.  They have confirmed that this must be removed as they do not endorse his actions.  If the situation continues Sussex Police have advised that they may consider using their powers relating to public order. 

 

2180. Revised “Welcome Pack” – update

            Deferred for later consideration. 

 

2181.  Proposals for” Balcombe First Week”.

            See under 2175 above. 

 

2182. Planning. – to consider the following applications:-

a). For representation by 8 February 2008 (extended to 22nd February)

(BA)/00022/FUL – School House, London Road – To extend the existing dropped curb providing vehicle access to the school playground.  Given that the new driveway was already in place & did not require planning approval it was felt that we should not raise an objection to the extension of the kerb drop.  However this may be a matter for Highways to comment on due to the proximity of the roundabout. 

 

For representation by 22 February 2008

(BA)/00036/FUL – High Coombe Cottage, Private Road – Demolition of existing double garage & its replacement with a three bay garage & carport with storage over amended elevation.  Amended plans received 28/01/08.  No objection to the revised plans. 

Note the above two applications had been previously delegated to the Housing & Development Group in view of tight reply constraints. 

 

For representation by 29 February 2008

(BA)/08/00170/LBC - 35 Casteye Cottage, Haywards Heath Road.  Removal of later non structural walls and proposed first floor bathroom. 

BPC has no objection to the proposals at Casteye Cottage. This is, however, one of the oldest houses in the Parish and it was recommended that we draw MSDC’s attention to the existence of a medieval moulded dias beam running the length of the house, high on the east wall of the sitting room/ back lobby.


 

 

This is the only remaining feature of an earlier, medieval house and an outstanding feature.  The removal of the partition wall on the ground floor must be done so as not to damage this beam. 

In addition, if possible, we would like to see the painting &/or sandblasting etc. of this timber prohibited.

(BA)/08/00196/FUL & 08/00197/LBC - Great Coopers Corner Farm, Handcross Road Proposed demolition of existing extension and addition of new extension with new main entrance, including part two-storey extension and link to other existing buildings forming a courtyard. 

Members were disturbed at the proposed alterations to this historical building.  The following representation was consequently made to the MSDC Planners:

“BPC has strong and unanimous objections to the proposals at Great Coopers Corner.

 

The existing building is grade II listed, dates in parts to medieval times and is one of the oldest buildings in the Parish.

 

The natural front of the house faces Handcross Road but has a rather incongruous single storey kitchen extension, which although the “newest” part of the house dates at least in part to pre-1840.

(This extension is referred to as new in the design statement.)

 

The triple garage next to the house was, until the storm 1987, the site of a very fine 15th century barn. The hobby rooms were stabling, stores and granary and as a whole this formed a farm yard to the house.

The present proposals are extensively to build a new 2 storey house on the site. This would be of similar size to the existing house but in a modern style. 

 

This is then linked to the main house by extending/replacing the “new” single storey kitchen to form a wide “corridor” between the two elements and then to further connect the new house into the hobby rooms by glazed link. This then forms a very large expanse of L shaped building with an array of styles and forms.

 

The proposal, in our opinion, leaves the listed house entirely subservient to the new buildings and ignores the historical context of the property.

 

Although the design ethos of building the new section separated and entirely differing from the existing is understood the proposal fails in every aspect of its scale, form and detailing.

 

 

 

The new two storey section is entirely out of keeping. The scale, roof angles, materials & window openings, are all excessively at odds with the present buildings on the site. This section is, in our opinion, far from pleasing. 

 

The single storey link is again out of scale and the mock framing dwarfs the detailing on the original house. The new front door is over sized and dominates the elevation. In all this section has an institutional feel.

 

Furthermore, the proposals block views of the house from Handcross Lane despite what the design statement may say about the glazed link retaining views. The material specification is also worth attention as it seems much newer than implied by the design statement. 

 

The design statement mentions modern living and listed buildings being at odds. That may well be the case. It is regrettable that some of our most historically valuable properties now also have costly price tags.  Listing however means protection and that must be allowed to continue despite the property market”. 

 

(BA)/08/00296/FUL - Oakleigh, Haywards Heath Road.  Detached garage with new crossover onto the public highway. 

It was agreed to support the provision of off street parking at this property. There were however concerns as to the size of the garage and the extent of the forecourt proposed. By removing a large section of the present embankment and hedge the nature of the street scene would be considerably altered.  The plans do not allow for the retention of the higher ground on which the boundary hedge between Oakleigh and Troy Cottage sits on the area on the road verge where a water hydrant is situated.  A revised proposal showing a reduced scheme is therefore recommended. 

 

For representation by 7th March 2008

(BA)/08/00457/FUL - Little Smeads Haywards Heath Road

Erection of a single storey timber glazed units replacing existing conservatory.  We understand that this is possibly a listed building.  The front of the building is extremely attractive.  In contrast we find the proposed alterations unsympathetic & would suggest that these should be more in line with the existing attributes of the property. 

 

 (BA)/08/00467/FUL - Cross Cottage Stockcroft Road - Loft conversion.  No Objection. 


 

(BA)/08/00469/TREE - 5/6 Oldlands Avenue Balcombe Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 6LY.  Two Limes (T45 and T46) - Thin canopies by 50% and reduce by 30%.  No objection. 

(BA)/08/00491/FUL - Deanlands Stockcroft Road.  Retrospective application for existing garden store and summer house.  Councilors have no views on this retrospective application. 

(BA)/08/00508/TREE - Croft Corner Oldlands Avenue- Reduce crowns of 4 Limes (T11-T14) by 30% and thin by 50%.  No objection

(BA)/08/00509/TREE - Croft Corner Oldlands Avenue.  Repollard 4 Limes (T11-T14).  No objection

(BA)/08/00548/TCA - Stumble Ridge Oldlands Avenue.  Reduce Conifer by 30%.  No objection

 

c). To consider any additional Planning Applications received by the date of the meeting.  None received. 

 

2183. To nominate a successor to George Wiginton as a Friends of St. Mary’s, Balcombe Trustee

Mr Huxley agreed to be nominated for the position.  Clerk to advise Father Stephen. 

 

2184.  Correspondence

Members thought the proposed WSCC Ranger service could be of great village to the village & take some of the load off Ron Stevenson. 

 

2185. Exchange of Information

Mr Saunders – requested that meeting dates were not changed at short notice.  Agreed that Clerk would consider proposals for 2009 meeting dates on a set day of each month if this can be arranged to suit all Councillors. 

Mr Huxley – litter adjoining footpath parallel to London Road, near station. 

Mrs Barker-Danby – problems with parking up Bramble Hill

(Commuter cars?). 

The Chairman – There would be an inaugural meeting of the Balcombe History Society in the Parish Room on 22nd April. 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.35 hours

 

Signed…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………..                              RG/HS

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 13TH MARCH 2008 (IN THE WI ROOM).