MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 7TH
OCTOBER AT 8 30 PM IN THE PARISH ROOM, BALCOMBE.
Present: Mr Graham Gosney, Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr
Robin Williamson, Mr Roland Burke, Mr Simon Greenwood, Mr Neil Infield, Mr
George Wiginton, Mr Gary Marsh, Mesdames Sheila Illsley & Alison Stevenson.
1336. Public
Participation
Mr
Robin Hughes, Mr John Kenward & Mrs Lucy Rothman
Mrs
Gunning & Messrs. Burke & Williamson expressed personal interest as
residents of the London Road in respect of Traffic Calming. Mr Wiginton also expressed a personal
interest in planning applications BA/04/02200/FUL & BA/04/02237/LBC in respect of
Troytown Cottage.
1338 Apologies
for absence
Mr David Miners
(in Australia)
1339 Review of Highways Working Group Report of 20.09.04 & recommendations for a Traffic Calming Scheme
It was agreed that, following the detailed
discussions with Alex Sharkey & Richard Bird from WSCC, there was little
room for compromise in any areas of the scheme, especially the lighting. Mrs Gunning expressed disappointment that
there was no “way round” to reducing the required number of lights incorporated
within the scheme. Mr Burke asked
whether lighting could be taken away if subsequently a speed cushion/s was
removed. Opinion was – yes. Mr Greenwood asked about terms of
responsibility if a light within the scheme went out. Opinion – no change from the present situation regarding
lighting.
The procedure for the Exception
Report, to be undertaken by WSCC, was explained, as was the agreed
specifications for both the mini roundabout and the speed cushions. It was emphasised that we must again mention
to WSCC that “Keep Clear” & “zigzag” markings appear within the school
area, to minimise obstruction. We also
need to check with Highways about the re-surfacing of the London Road. Mr Marsh & the Clerk will liaise.
1340 Minor
revisions to scheme
As
discussed under 1339 above.
1341 Proposal
to accept the recommendations of the Highways Working Group
The recommendation of the HWG was that the Council adopt the scheme, as proposed. Prior to a vote members were invited to make further comments in respect of the scheme. Mr Greenwood said that the Council must ensure that any decision be based on “best value for money” & the most efficient use of our precept.
Proposed by Mr
Marsh & seconded by Mr Infield the motion that the Council adopt the
scheme, as proposed, was put to the vote.
4 Councillors voted for the motion, & 4 Councillors against. There were two abstentions. As the Chairman did not elect to make a
casting vote the motion was lost.
1342 Future
action to be agreed
Following the outcome of the vote Councillors were invited to make
alternative proposals for the scheme.
After exhaustive discussion it was decided that in view of the high cost
of lighting specified under the regulatory requirements, together with the need
to preserve the existing village environment, a “re-think” in regard to the
level of calming was necessary. Also
the proposed layout between the village centre & Mill Lane did not, in the
Council’s view, represent good value for money. Accordingly it was the decision of the Council that at present we
should concentrate on the scheme from the mini roundabout – junction of
London/Hayward Heath Roads – up to & including the village centre
only. This motion, proposed by Mrs
Stevenson & seconded by Mrs Gunning, was the put to the vote. 9 Councillors were in favour and 1
against. The motion was therefore
carried.
It was requested that the Clerk would instruct WSCC to proceed on the
agreed basis. It would also be
necessary to re-state the any revisions in respect of the cushions &
lighting. Owen Williams would need to
advise the cost of the reduced scheme & it was suggested that at the next
meeting of the Highways Working Group we address recommendations for control of
traffic entering the village from the appropriate directions.
A formal announcement on the Council’s decision would be made in the
Parish Magazine & on the notice board.
1343 Consideration
of the following Planning Applications
a) BA/04/02144/FUL – Kernow, Deanland Road – New pitched roof
over existing garage. There were no
strong objections to the proposal in principle. However there were concerns that the new roof was too high and it
was though the proposed velux windows in the roof might indicate that the
garage would become more of a second storey extension than a simple roof
heightening.
BA/04/02200/FUL – Troytown Cottage, Haywards Heath Road –
Single storey pitch roof garden room extension
BA/04/02237/LBC – Troytown Cottage, Haywards Heath
Road – Single storey pitch roof garden room extension
Both applications referred to the Environment
Planning Group for recommendations.
1344 Update on Community Speed Watch &
discussion on e-mail from Ian Jeffrey Traffic Management Officer (West) Road
Policing Department dated 15th September 2004 –
Mrs Gunning had kindly made available some
information, following her discussions with Ringmer about their scheme &
reported that it was considered a “great success”. Mrs Stevenson mentioned that she had heard about a Community
Policeman operating “his own” scheme.
There would need to be much more detailed
discussion about incorporation of any scheme for Balcombe and most importantly
the precise mechanics of its operation, bearing in mind that even Ringmer had
had problems in manning a volunteer team of operators on occasions. The Clerk was requested to maintain liaison
with all parties and provide appropriate feed back to the Council.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.05 hours.
Signed…………………………………………..
Date……………………………………………..
RG/HS
revised following
meeting of 19.10.04