MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PLANNING MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY 21^st OCTOBER 2003 AT 7 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

Present: Mr Graham Gosney (Chairman), Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Neil Infield, David Miners, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mrs Sheila Illsley, Mr Robin Williamson, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Gary Marsh, Mr Richard Greig (Clerk).

1074 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest – Mr Infield personal interest in respect of item vii) BA/03/02529/TCA – School House, London Road

1075 Apologies for absence – Messrs. Simon Greenwood & Roland Burke

1076 Consideration of the following Planning Applications

i) BA/03/02365/FUL – Badgers Cottage, Haywards Heath Road – New shed/summerhouse – No objection

ii) BA/03/02391/TCA - Gleddoch, Stockcroft Road – Fell 5 Cypresses – No objection

iii) BA/03/02358/FUL - Balcombe Garage, London Road – Demolition of existing buildings & erection of 10 x 2 bedroom flats + associated parking - Subject to the following reservations the Council supports this application, with the following proviso:

The existing screen of trees around the backside of the site must be retained. This should be mandatory.
The amount of space for car parking and access appears to be inadequate and below County standards.
There is a concern about the safety of vehicles leaving the site on to the London Road, due to speed of traffic there.
A contribution from the developer from a 106 agreement could be used suitably for traffic calming.
The site plan indicates that the only communal outdoor space is on the steep bank at the rear. The drawing seems to be inconsistent in this respect.

iv) BA/03/02459/FUL - Rosebay, Deanland Road – Proposed rooms in roof & rear extension – No objection

v) BA/03/02471/TCA – Kilrowan, Deanland Road – Blue Cedar: fell - Approved

vi) BA/03/02263/FUL – Greeentrees Farm, High Street – Improvement of access track & creation of pond, wetland & sand school – due to the complexity of this scheme is was resolved that this application be referred back to MSDC for adjudication.

vii) BA/03/02529/TCA – School House, London Road – Sycamore: lift canopy to clear school building by approx. 1.5 m. Lift remaining canopy by approx. 1.5m & remove lowest branch on NE side. – Approved.

viii) Any additional applications received prior to the meeting – delegated to the Environment Planning Group for consideration.

The meeting then continued with the address at 19.45 by Inspector Garry Ancell, of British Transport Police.

Signed

Date

RG/HS

Approved without amendment at Meeting of 25.11.03

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON

TUESDAY 21^st October 2003 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

Present: Mr Graham Gosney (Chairman), Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Neil Infield, Mr Roland Burke, Mr David Miners, Mrs Alison Stevenson, Mrs Sheila Illsley, Mr Robin Williamson, Mr George Wiginton, Mr Simon Greenwood, Mr Gary Marsh, Mr Richard Greig (Clerk).

1077 Address by Inspector Garry Ancell, British Transport Police, based at Brighton.

Prior to the main Parish Council meeting on 21 October there was an address by Inspector Garry Ancell, of British Transport Police and Mr Roger Lanham, External Liaison Manager, of South-Central Trains. This was to advise how improvements to existing security at Balcombe Station could be made.

Inspector Ancell was frank. It was an unsatisfactory situation at Balcombe. Whereas crime at stations within the area was down 25% overall, regrettably Balcombe was showing an increase of 75%. 18 incidents had been reported in 2003 to date.

He additionally conceded that there was no short-term fix. However it should be possible to make the site less attractive for the criminals who targeted it. Improvements being considered were the clearing of the undergrowth, improved lighting and possibility security guards. These had been used at other locations successfully.

Roger Lanham knew the Balcombe area well as he had previously been based at Redhill. He mentioned that one of the problems with the present CCTV coverage was the location of the footbridge, which limited field of view. He was already in touch with WSCC concerning joint funding for an additional camera (approx. £8706), but would really like two, which would cost another £2500 on top of that.

Mr Marsh mentioned that in past years there had been village involvement in the cutting back of the undergrowth. The mature trees had been left. It would seem ideal to have one of the new cameras sited near the entrance. Mr Lanham agreed.

Contrary to earlier information it was concerned that the CCTV coverage operates 24 hours a day – not less – and that the tapes themselves run for 72 hours, to cater for low staffing levels.

It was emphasised by both of the visitors that it was essential for all incidents to be reported at the time, as there may well have been more than the reported 18. All reports would be followed up and in the case of a successful prosecution this would be publicised as widely as possible. Of course it would only be possible to follow matters up using the evidence from CCTV cameras, as permanent security guards would be impracticable.

In answer to a question about the ejection of unruly passengers Mr Lanham confirmed that it was policy for them to be taken off the train at manned rather than unmanned stations, where there would be immediate assistance, and that this policy should be known to all train operating staff.

The Chairman thanked both visitors for their talk and agreed that a meeting in the future to discuss progress would be most useful. The Chairman thanked the speakers and the meeting proper commenced at 20.05 hours

1078 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

The Councillors present residing on the London Road, as well as Mr Miners, a resident in the lower end of the Haywards Heath Road, in respect of Traffic Calming.

1079 Public Participation

Included Mr Ken Roberts, Mrs & Mrs Sykes, Mrs Rosemary Robertson.

Mr Roberts told the meeting that he supported Mr Ashmole (8 Bramble Mead) in his complaints about noisy behaviour from the rec, especially after 11pm. He said that picnic tables in the new scheme would only encourage it.

Mention was made of the possibility of shielding the lighting on Bramble Hill. It was also suggested that the lighting on the rec was looked at.

Mr & Mrs Sykes were worried about skateboard noise, should this be incorporated within the scheme. They were given details about the latest thinking on the matter.

1080 Apologies for absence

None.

1081 Minutes of previous meeting 16 September 2003

The following amendments were requested:

· Page 1 – 1053- “Enforcement of speeding (Mr Burke)”

· Page 4 – 1070 - “Proposed by Mr Wiginton…. “

1082 Matters arising

1053 Address by CI Coates – the Clerk mentioned that he had received no updated information about the responsibilities of PC Geoff Bennett.

1055 It was agreed that it would be useful to receive back from the District Council the Balcombe questionnaires relating to the Rural Bus Consultation.

1059 It was mentioned that the new information pack for new residents was now completed.

1064 Mr Miners has now received a copy of the NALC document. A meeting has now been agreed between the Chairman, Vice Chairman, RFO & Clerk to progress.

1065 The Chairman had attended the recent Parish Plans Conference and reported his findings.

1066 Rural Bus Service Consultation. The Chairman considered it would be beneficial of someone in the village to prepare a detailed list of all transport services available in the village and would deal with this.

1069 Mr Marsh was asked about any changes to current policy relating to the handling of planning applications and the comments from parish councils.

1070 The collection for the Postman in the box had raised £325. The Chairman proposed that we match this and asked for approval to increase the previously agreed figure of £250. After discussion it was decided to leave the amount at £250.

1083 Report on Traffic Calming

Mr Miners updated the meeting. There had been little progress with WSCC. The Chairman had been in contact with their Chief Engineer concerning the Solagen lights, which were ready to be installed in a very short time. Their actual sighting needs to be finalised. Mention was made of recent traffic calming success in Redhill, resulting in slowing down on a normal 30 mph road. We were now arranging drawings incorporating the speed cushions that will be incorporated within Phase 1 of the scheme.

Inspector Holley had replied to a recent (personal) e-mail concerning speeding and once the recent Ringmer trials have been analysed it would be useful for BPC to consider their use of a speed camera scheme.

There was a possibility of a noise-reducing surface being incorporated when the London Road is next resurfaced. Priority for 2004 was being considered. Modern cats eyes would also be useful.

Our District Councillor was shortly to give a (Scrutiny) presentation outlining the steps Balcombe was taking.

The forthcoming village consultation on traffic calming should take place in during term time, rather than holiday, it was proposed by one Councillor. We would now have to pay for the initial cost of design work and project management, but the previously agreed arrangements for the matching of our contribution were unchanged.

1084 Report on Street Lighting

Instructions had been given to SEEBOARD to update the lighting, as previously agreed. It was essential that if possible screening should avoid any unnecessary inconvenience to the adjoining houses.

1085 Report on Recreation Ground Development

There had been meetings with both MSDC and two potential suppliers of playground equipment. MSDC had replied to the most recent comments from Mr Ashmole and sent us a copy. The revised thinking was that the lower area might consist of a junior play area and toddler play area, with a free play area in between or alternatively a free play area and toddler play area, with a junior play area in between. The upper area, by the pavilion, might incorporate a skate ramp and a bbq/ping pong table. Consultation was now envisaged for the New Year. We would need to consider whether our future budget needed to include additional funding for the project.

1086 Revision of Standing Orders

This was in hand and a sub committee would meet and report further proposals.

1087 Consideration of security issues at Balcombe Post Office

The matter would be delegated to a sub group (working party) of Mr Gosney, Mr Williamson, Mrs Gunning and the Clerk. This was agreed.

1088 Financial Matters

a) Cash Book Receipts & Payments for the month of September 2003. - Approved.

b) Receipts and Payments for 6 months cumulative to 30.9.03 – Approved.

c) Bank Reconciliation Statement as at 30.09.03 – Approved.

d) Budget Planning for next financial year. The precept, currently £32k, it was proposed to remain unchanged. Councillors to prepare their own “wish list”. Likely items occurring could include Victory Hall, Church, and new streetlights. There were always prospects of obtaining a loan, which might suit our circumstances.

e) To approve an ex gratia payment of £250 to Sam Cooper, Youth Club volunteer for financial year 2003/2004 and an annual increase from £780 per year (£65 per month) to £936 per year (£78 per month) to Paul Kibble, Youth Worker. (Extra cost to BPC = £156 per year). Approved.

1089 Correspondence

Details as circulated on separate list:

Letter re replacement dwelling Tunnel Cottages – Mr Greenwood

Review of Parliamentary Constituency boundaries - Mr Greenwood

Mid Sussex Guide availability - Mr Greenwood

1090 Exchange of Information

Bench at station – Mrs Stevenson. Repair work in hand. New wood ordered.

Mr Infield asked about the end of the village boundary.

Mr Wiginton mentioned interest from Ardingly in mutual co-operation with Balcombe.

Mr Marsh said that the District Council appeared to have resolved the problem with the Twitten ownership, between Combers and Troymead. The Clerk would receive details of the negotiations with David Wilson homes.

Recent problems with the travellers – telephone number details to be advised to villagers

Parliamentary boundaries – agreed we want to stay in Mid Sussex. Ardingly does not want any change.

Mr Miners - Missing/broken 30mph repeaters reported opposite Combers and by Rock Lane.

The Chairman would be attending the SALC AGM at the Ardingly showground on 11 November. There would be no Balcombe representative attending the forthcoming Mid Sussex Association of Local Councils meeting on 29^th October.

Mr Greenwood would be attending the Sussex Police meeting in East Grinstead on 27^th October.

There being no more business the meeting closed at 10.20 pm.

Signed……………………….

Date………………………….

RG/HS

Revised at meeting held on 25.11.03

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON

TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2003 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

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

1091 Apologies for Absence

Messrs. Simon Greenwood, Neil Infield, Robin Williamson & Gary Marsh.

1092 Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mrs Katherine Gunning, & Messrs. Miners & Burke expressed personal interest as residents of the London Road, in respect of Traffic Calming

1093 Traffic Calming – to approve a payment of £4370 for purchase and £327.61 for installation to West Sussex County Council for four Solagen Warning Lights at the approaches to Balcombe School.

The locations for positioning had been discussed with the owners of both Greenaway and Hollydene and the posts would be positioned on the respect corners of the entrances. Those to the north would be positioned where the present lights are. It was considered essential that when confirming these arrangements to WSCC, via Mr John McKerrell, we emphasise that there must be no conflict with our requirements and their own map of the scheme and that we would hold them responsible should there be incorrect positioning. Additionally it should be made clear that there should be no obstruction of the forthcoming sign that will indicate the approach to the mini roundabout that will be incorporated within the scheme.

It was emphasised that we must get our publicity and promotion of the scheme correct. The flashing 20 mph indicator should help to reduce speeding traffic along the London Road and indicate the first positive step of Phase 1 traffic calming.

Comments were invited following the letter dated 24 October 2003, from Mr Peter Bradley, WSCC Group Engineer, Traffic Engineering. These included

· There was no mention of the sharper corner by the green at the junction of London & Hayward Heath Roads.

· Financial cost of employment of contractor. It was agreed that this basically spelt out the earlier arrangement in more detail.

· It was noted that the wording of the second paragraph seemed to indicate that there was no guarantee for future funding after the present Phase 1.

· Mr John McKerrell had verbally indicated a much lower figure than £30k for the cost of Phase 1 work.

There was disagreement by two Councillors on the merits and practicality of making the corner by the Green sharper. A vote was taken and it was approved that we should employ a Consultant to undertake detailed design and safety audit. We would start with the suggested company, Owen Williams, but consider others if necessary. There were conflicting views about the anticipated cost for this work.

Proposed by Mr Miners and seconded by Mr Wiginton it was agreed that the payment of £4370 for purchase and £327.61 for installation of the Solagen lights be approved and that in our covering letter of acceptance should clearly spell out details of both positioning of the lights and need for an unobstructed view of signing for the mini roundabout.

1094 Consideration of the following Planning Applications

i) BA/03/02640/TCA – Little Smeads, Haywards Heath Road – Sycamore: lift canopy to 5 metres above ground. Hazel: remove thickest stems (those above 50mm). Ash: lift canopy by 3 metres. – No objections.

ii) Any additional applications received prior to the meeting. None received.

There being no more business the meeting closed at 9.05 pm.

Signed……………………….

Date………………………….

RG/HS

Revised at Meeting held on 25.11.03

Balcombe Parish Council

Chairman: Graham Gosney, Twittens, Oldlands Avenue, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6LW. Telephone 01444 811420

Clerk: Richard Greig, 11 Foxwells, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6LZ Ansaphone & Fax 01444 811833

COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE – DECEMBER 2003

Playground Improvement

Following regular discussions with District Council, including a recent site visit, they have now made revised proposals for the layout, which are being studied in depth. Additionally we have received proposals for equipment from two leading suppliers. On this basis we are anticipating arranging a village consultation meeting early in the New Year at which plans for proposed layouts will be made available.

Street Lighting

The street lighting renewal previously reported was completed last month and we hope that you are pleased with the results. The cost of this is, of course, provided from Parish Council funds, so obviously further improvements will have to be agreed on a “case of need” basis.

SEEBOARD ask us to co-operate with them concerning the repair of faulty lighting and have asked us to make clear

· Normally routine lamp failures will be fixed within FIVE working days. Some damaged equipment or electricity supply problems may take longer to repair.

· Please continue to report any out of order street lighting, either to the Clerk, or direct to SEEBOARD on 01273 432386.

· IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESENTIAL TO GIVE THE IDENTIFICATION CODE LETTER ON THE POST WHEN REPORTING FAULTS AS ALL LAMPS ARE SO LISTED - FOR EXAMPLE “POST B, OLDLANDS AVENUE, OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO FOXWELLS”. INPRECISE INFORMATION WILL CAUSE DELAYS OR NON-IDENTIFICATION, AS SERVICE CALLS ARE USUALLY MADE IN THE DAYTIME WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OFF. THERE WILL BE DELAYS IF THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT FOLLOWED.

Traffic Calming

The Parish Council has approved expenditure for the purchase and installation of four SOLAGEN (solar powered) lights outside the school and hope that arrangements for installation will be sanctioned shortly. We continue our discussions with West Sussex County Council about timing and availability of funding for completing Phase 1 of the scheme – London Road & lower part of the Haywards Heath Road, as well as finalisation of Phase 2, which will cover the remaining area of the Haywards Heath Road.

Security at Balcombe Railway Station

We hope that many of you were able to attend the short address by Inspector Garry Ancell of British Transport Police, together with Roger Lanham of South Central Trains. prior to commencement of October’s main meeting and found it useful. The following is the Clerk’s notes on the main points covered at the meeting:

“Inspector Ancell was frank. It was an unsatisfactory situation at Balcombe. Whereas crime at stations within the area was down 25% overall, regrettably Balcombe was showing an increase of 75%. 18 incidents had been reported in 2003 to date.

Contrary to earlier information it was concerned that the CCTV coverage operates 24 hours a day – not less – and that the tapes themselves run for 72 hours, to cater for low staffing levels.

Transco

As reported last month Transco have now filled in the trenches along Oldlands Avenue and will start pipe work again in the spring, giving prior notice beforehand to affected parties.

Rural Transport in Mid Sussex

The questionnaires from Mid Sussex District Council in connection with their bid, together with West Sussex County Council, for funding for additional buses to serve rural mid Sussex have now been analysed and a copy is held by the Clerk.

Retiring Village Postman

A total of £600 was raised for Bob Cornell, who retired after over 20 years of service, earlier in the year. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

Water Resources

A letter has been received from South East Water concerning the toll on water resources following the record breaking dry spell of weather and a copy is displayed on the notice board.

Availability of the Clerk

Issue of Rail & Bus passes, green sacks, inspection of current plans etc. each Tuesday, between 9.30 am & 12 noon at 11 Foxwells. Otherwise please telephone 811833 for an alternative appointment.

Public Participation

Our next meeting will be on 16 December and the agenda is displayed prior to the meeting on the notice board. Public participation is always welcome.

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Councillors and Clerk extend their best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all villagers and thank you for your support and co-operation.

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Parish Council

November 2003