MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PLANNING MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY 6^th JANUARY 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

Present: Mr Graham Gosney (Chairman), Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Neil Infield, David Miners, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Roland Burke, Mr Richard Greig (Clerk).

1140 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

None

1141 Apologies for absence

Messrs. Simon Greenwood, Robin Williamson, Gary Marsh, Mrs Sheila Illsley

1142 Consideration of the following Planning Applications

i) BA/03/02358/FUL (amended) - Balcombe Garage, London Road – Demolition of existing buildings & erection of 10 x 2 bedroom flats + associated parking. Amended plans received showing parking provision to be provided under the proposed building.

Appearance:

The Council would like to compliment the applicants on the appearance of the building. The style and detailing is both appropriate and pleasing.

Parking:

Parking provision to this development remains a concern. Although 15 spaces have been provided in a basement car park the Council feel that this number is not sufficient to match the real requirements of the 10 flats proposed for this site. We believe that an overflow of about 5 vehicles plus visitors will be generated. The

location of the site is such that off site parking will be a problem. The London Road is unsuitable for any on street parking due to traffic volumes, high traffic speeds and poor visibility. The road to the rear, Newlands, already has a significant on street parking problem, which cannot be exacerbated. We are also concerned that the bus stop/ lay-by opposite should not become the overflow.

Ramp:

There is no section provided of the car park access ramp and assurance should be sort to ensure the ramp is level, over sufficient length, at the road. We have concerns that visibility northwards from the ramp will be poor.

Traffic Calming:

Traffic speeds are high on this section of London Road and consideration should be `given to developer contribution towards traffic calming measures in this locality in conjunction with the current plans of BPC in conjunction with WSCC.

Landscaping:

We feel that landscaping proposals should be further detailed.

Bulk:

We have concerns that the size of the development could be considered excessive. This would be the largest building on London Road and is very close to its frontage. The solutions to onsite parking for this number of flats have not been fully resolved. There are no similar size buildings in the village.

Recommend that the application be “called in”.

ii) BA/03/0291/LBC – Old Rectory, Mill Lane – Internal & external alterations to a listed building.

The proposals for both external & internal modifications have been dealt with sympathetically. No concerns about tasteful renovation & improvement of an important listed building.

iii) BA/03/03051/FUL – Land to W. of Stone Hall Farm. Installation of 15m mast with 4 antenna, 2 equipment cabinets & ancillary development.

The proposed mast would be clearly visible to Bowders Farm to the north. The structure is ugly & we would recommend use of an olive painted monopole as an alternative. General concern at proliferation of masts along the railway line. We hope that this will not create a precedent for applications from other operators.

iv) BA/03/03086/FUL – Hourglass Wood, Handcross Road, Balcombe – Installation of a 20 metres lattice structure, 2-microwave dish antenna & ancillary equipment, including 2 equipment cabinets.

The proposed mast would be clearly visible from the Handcross Road (by the railway bridge) and from the western side of the village. Conifers on the elevation drawings appear to be higher than they actually are (by approx.4m). These trees are identifiable from the western side of the village & the mast will show about 5m above. We would request a photomontage, showing view from railway bridge & from Haywards heath Road – suggest just below Bramble Mead.

Recommend that the application be “called in”.

v) Any additional applications received prior to the meeting

None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.52 pm

Signed

Date

RG/HS