MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 3RD JUNE 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VIC

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 3RD JUNE 2004 AT 8 PM IN THE WI ROOM, BALCOMBE VICTORY HALL

 

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

 

1249   Public Participation

            None.

 

1250   Apologies for absence

            Mrs Katherine Gunning, Mr Neil Infield & Mr David Miners

 

1251   Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

None

 

1252   To discuss matters relating to Traffic Calming

A copy of Owen Williams letter dated 3 June together with the following enclosures were considered at the meeting: -

1.      Drawing No. 504180_004 – Proposed Measures

2.      Drawing No. 504180_005 – Mini Roundabout Layout

3.      Drawing No. 504180_007 – Speed Cushions Details

4.      Drawing No. 504180_011 – Street Lighting

5.      Bill of Quantities totalling £60,560.81.

 

As a result a number of queries were raised in respect of each of the above and it was unanimously agreed that the following matters be raised with OW, with a request for clarification prior to the next meeting on Traffic Calming planned for 10 June 2004.

 

  1. Plan 504180 004 – Proposed Measures

a)   The reference numbers for the speed cushions are not shown on the drawing

b)   How many of the existing poles can be utilised for the new signs designated on this drawing?

 

  1. Plan 504180 005 – Mini roundabout Layout

a)   We cannot clearly identify by how much there is an overrun build out on the “sharpened” corner.  The best way of explaining this would be a section plan overlaying old/new, confirming dimensions.

b)   We seek confirmation that only a small part of the present village green area is affected.  Please advise what area is involved.

c)   The drawing does not indicate by how much the centre dome of the round about is raised.  We request a profile drawing clearly illustrating this.

d)   Are you aware of any likely change to present parking regulations in the vicinity of the school, assuming this scheme is accepted?

e)   What is the legal status of the central chevrons entering /leaving the village?  Will these be solid or broken?

f)    We agreed that it would be logical to sharpen the corner turning left from the London Road into the Haywards Heath Road, the purpose being to slow down traffic at this junction and at the lowest possible cost.  We requested an alternative solution should be considered, bearing in mind the need for value for money as well as the physical constraints of such a scheme.  Please confirm that your present proposal has been made on this basis?


 

  1. Plan 504180 007 – Speed Cushions

a)   Where can we examine an existing cushion (or mock up) to this specification, which we understand to be WSCC SD No 724?

 

4.      Plan 504180 011 – Street Lighting

a)   We note the proposed location of lights on the plan.  It would be useful to know how many are existing/how many new.

b)   Are all the lights shown on the plan the absolute minimum necessary for the scheme?  We ask this because the cost of same item on the Bill of Quantities (531) represents an extremely high percentage of the total cost.

c)   When clarifying point a) we need confirmation that all the new lights proposed are of the Forest Column specification.  How many of the new lights are lanterns/other?  Can we assume that WSCC would adopt & accept responsibility for all NEW lights involved, including maintenance?

d)   How many of the present lights will be made redundant?

e)   We note the introduction of additional lighting at Bramble Hill/Mill Lane.  Please advise background to this.

 

            Mrs Stevenson expressed a personal view that if she has a choice she would not incorporate a mini roundabout in the present scheme under discussion.

 

      In general it was considered that OW had carried out the brief given to them.  During subsequent discussion it will be necessary to ascertain the reason for no refuge being proposed outside Gilletts Surgery, as well as deflection of north/south traffic on the mini roundabout.

 

1253   Decisions for Meeting on 10 June

            a)         Clarification from OW on the above points raised

b)         Final confirmation from all Councillors that the scheme in its current form is acceptable

c)         Likewise is the scheme in principle acceptable to be presented to the villagers in this form?

d)         Agreed that we should take a look at the lighting proposed, as it forms a large percentage of the total cost.

 

1254   Public Consultation Meeting

Agreed that this should now take place on 10 July in the Parish Room and not on 26 June.  Beforehand WSCC approval to the scheme must be obtained.  To maximise impact the display materials available must be well laid out and professional.  An insert sheet giving details will be prepared for the Parish Magazine and possibly for Roger Bell for inclusion in newspapers.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50 pm

 

Signed……………………….

 

Date………………………….

 

RG/HS