MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 29th JUNE 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE UNITED REFORM CHURCH, BALCOMBE.

Present: Mr Graham Gosney, Mr David Miners, Mr Roland Burke, Mr George Wiginton, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mrs Sheila Illsley, Mr Neil Infield.

1279. Public Participation

None

1280. Apologies for absence

Mrs Katherine Gunning & Messrs. Gary Marsh, Robin Williamson & Simon Greenwood.

1281. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

None declared

1282. Minutes of Special Meeting of 10 June 2004

Approved as circulated.

1283. Matters arising

1258 a). Mrs Illsley asked what existing columns could be utilised.

Mr Wiginton commented on the proposed lighting to be installed at the Mill Lane mini-roundabout and asked why the Parish Council should have to pay for illuminating an existing roundabout, outside of the present scheme.

1258 b). OW had indicated that they considered that a refuge outside Gilletts would not be viable as costs would be prohibitive – widening of road by 1.5m and re-siting of cables etc.

1284. To consider Planning Application

BA/04/01307/FUL – Bramerton, Victoria Road – Reconstruction of existing garage.

Basically no objection. However it was considered that the bringing forward of the front wall and the slight wrapping around the front elevation of the house would spoil the original nature of the front face of the house.

1285. Traffic Calming

i). Clarification of scheme details

Discussion on whether the proposed cushions would address the anticipated speed reductions. Those at Bursted were 1.7m. This possible for our scheme, except cushions 2 + 6, both 800 mm channel widths.

We needed to have a ballpark cost indication for the Gilletts refuge, notwithstanding minute 1258 b) above.

Lighting. Mr Miners had spoken to Richard Bird (WSCC) who would pay a site visit. Agreed a BPC member should accompany him. The Mill Lane proposals would need to be discussed in particular.

Solagen Installation. Limits re sensor positioning mentioned. Phil Henty would be attending site.

The recent top dressing of the Haywards Heath Road was considered “inadequate”. We should ensure that when the London Road is re-done WSCC use a “quiet” surfacing medium. We should write to them on this.

The Safety Audit appeared to be running late.

Mr Rick Evans had written to the Council. His views included an observation that notwithstanding the speed cushions many motorists travelling from Haywards Heath will zip around Oldlands Avenue & Newlands to join the London Road & that traffic will not be restricted until it reaches the new mini-roundabout.

ii). Publicity for Exhibition on 10 July

Essential that this is publicised well & to include

· Posters

· Separate letter to all frontagers

· Copies of the Newsletter separately to all “dignitaries”

The initial reaction to the Newsletter had been good according to feedback.

iii). Exhibition arrangements & displays

In addition to the Chairman & Clerk, Messrs. Infield, Wiginton, Miners indicated that they would be able to be in attendance on 10 July, together with Mesdames. Stevenson & Illsley.

Mr Miners would obtain some display boards from Balcombe School. Other boards would come from the Footpaths Association. The Chairman to collect from Michael Noble.

Mr Marsh was thanked for preparing a sheet giving the most likely questions/answers to be raised on the scheme. Mr Wiginton kindly agreed to come up with a more comprehensive “grid”. Once everyone was satisfied with the suitability of the questionnaire & “why/why not’s” the Chairman would liaise with the Clerk to ensure that bulk supplies are available for the morning.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.58 hours.

Signed……………………………….

Date………………………………….

RG/HS

Approved without amendment 13.07.2004