BLETCHINGLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN THE COMMITTEE ROOMS ON MONDAY 10 JANUARY 2011 P R E S E N T R Gater Chairman Councillors: K Bridger, A Butler, D Martin, J Moore and R Trotman In attendance: Clerk - K. Wantling, DC Black, Mr Birt 01/11 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Glenn and Ray and CC Elias and PC Green and PCSO Wells. 02/11 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest. 03/11 MINUTES The minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 13 December 2010 were approved and signed by the Chairman. 04/11 RESIDENTS REQUESTS Little Common Lane Lack of Gritting Cllr Moore reported on a resident s complaint about the recent lack of gritting. The response from SCC was that whilst Little Common Lane was currently classed as Priority 2, SCC reserve the right to grit only if resources permit and after Priority 1 roads have been done. In the current financial circumstances, Priority 2 roads are not much different from roads with no priority. SCC has increased the number of farmers in the county who have been given/lent snow ploughs to use in rural areas on SCC instruction and SCC should reimburse such farmers at contractually agreed rates. CC Elias is awaiting an updated gritting map and it is thought that at the moment it is unlikely that there will be any change to the way that the next snow episode will be dealt with. Following a discussion, IT WAS AGREED that the Clerk would make enquiries with (i) Coppards re costs for providing gritting services; (ii) Chris Martin about possible covered storage facilities for salt and gritting services; (iii) Godstone and Nutfield Parishes as to joint working and (iv) respond to the resident. Barfields Yellow Lines the Clerk reported on a resident s complaint about the diminishing yellow lines recently installed at Barfields. The response from TDC was that the order to remark these lines, along with other similar jobs has been given to the Contractor and it is expected that this work will be completed by the end of February. 05/11 REPORT FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS There was nothing further to report. 06/11 POLICING ISSUES update on progress 1
In the absence of PC Green and PCSO Wells, the Clerk read the supplied report detailing 6 crimes as opposed to 7 for the same period last year. These related to a stolen vehicle, stolen property, damage to property and an assault and criminal damage. An arrest was made in relation to the damage to a vehicle outside the Whyte Harte Hotel. 07/11 MATTERS AND ACTION POINTS ARISING FROM MINUTES The Clerk s report was noted, including the Outstanding Action Points. Anything requiring action was on the agenda. Manhole Covers - The Clerk confirmed that Thames Water were still looking at some of the manholes as to whether they were responsible for the noise and shaking of properties at the junctions of Barfields and Stychens Lane. The one near the War Memorial had been repaired. Hevers Pond a revised work party date was scheduled for the 22 nd January. Little Common Lane overhanging trees The owner of Five Acres has facilitated the raising of the canopy of branches in Little Common Lane bordering their property. THIS WILL NOW COME OFF THE ONGOING ACTION LIST. Annual Parish Meeting - suggestion of possible agenda items such as discussing what services parishioners would like the parish to take on from SCC should any get devolved down. Queens Jubilee 2012 advance notice of the need to start thinking about possible events for this. Skate Park There were concerns about the fact that the structure appears to continue to be used by the youths despite its condition. DC Black would make further enquiries as to the removal date for the structure and the current insurance liabilities. DC Black left the meeting. Church Lane overgrown vegetation SCC are looking at the possibility of arranging a road closure to enable the Golf Club to facilitate the cutting back of the hedge on its borders and at the same time SCC can undertake some road repairs. No further action can be taken until confirmation of the road closure. Affordable Housing Councillor Trotman confirmed that the owner of the suggested land near St Mary s Walk garages was in favour of affordable housing. It was necessary however to be aware of a main drain running through the property when considering designs. There was an Alms House Trust meeting the following day to discuss this issue and subject to the outcome of that, it may be necessary to seek outline planning permission from TDC. It was also necessary to obtain the agreement of the owner of the thin strip of land between the proposed site in question and the main road. 08/11 CURRENT PLANNING ISSUES 9.1 TA/2010/1502 Highfield Cottage, Outwood Lane, Bletchingley, RH1 4NL Erection of detached outbuilding (Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed 2
Development) (MB). Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT the Parish Council object on the grounds that what is being proposed is in reality a substantial new detached dwelling within the greenbelt. 9.2 TA/2010/1424 The Plantation, Springbottom Lane, Bletchingley, RH1 4QZ Removal of 3 x stable blocks, retention of 2 x stable blocks and 1 x store building (RB). Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT the Parish Council support Tandridge District Council s opposition to the original application which went to appeal and was won by Tandridge District Council. The structure was unlawfully constructed and as such needs to be removed. 9.3 TA/2010/1531 Rundles, Castle Street, Bletchingley, Surrey, RH1 4QA Erection of single storey side extension (AS). Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT the Parish Council had no objection. 9.3 Any other current planning matters discussion only TA/2010/124 34 St Catherine s Cross, Bletchingley, RH1 4PX Erection of conservatory to rear (Certificate of lawfulness for an existing development) CLUED GRANTED. TA/2010/1299 Woodhurst, Whitehill, Bletchingley, RH1 4QU Erection of conservatory to south west elevation APPROVED (FULL). 09/11 REPORTS FROM AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 1. Neighbourhood Watch Cllr Bridger reported on the large number of incidents of damage to vehicle windows in South Nutfield. Residents are asked to be vigilant. 2. Footpaths and Bridleways: Nothing to report. 3. Transport: Nothing to report. 4. Speedwatch: Nothing to report. 5. Cemetery: Further plotting of graves has been undertaken as part of the winter maintenance programme. 6. Minerals/Environment The letter from Gary Stringer of Sibelco UK, dated 22/12/10 together with appendices was acknowledged by the Council. Attendance by representatives of Sibelco UK at the previous meeting had been to show what mitigating measures they had put in place and were putting in place to cover our objections detailed in our letter dated 26 th January 2010. Cllr Butler also reported that she was in receipt of a copy of the draft planning application prior to its full submission to SCC. Other organisations such as QOG and the Godstone Village Association were also in receipt of the same. Cllr Butler detailed some further concerns in relation to the draft application. Namely, (i) It was felt that the proposed Dust Plan should be incorporated into the plans rather than be a separate condition. The majority of the appendices showed details of restoration plans; (ii) There is still concern over possible damage to the acquifer despite reassurance that digging does not go deeper than 2m above the acquifer and there has been no history of damage. A response from the Inspector following the Mineral Plan Hearing is still awaited but it is felt that the opinion of Sutton and 3
East Surrey Water needs to be addressed; (iii) Quarry phasing the Parish Council are pleased to note the amendments to the working limit SW of Place Farm and the completion of quarrying at North Park Quarry within 18 months of commencement at Pendell and note that these were concerns of SCC back in February 2010; (iv) the new bridleway link between Pendell and Whitehill is also noted and was suggested by SCC back in February 2010. The last item was the fact that the dust level figure used was that obtained when dust episodes at the Hawthorns were high due to other ongoing building works in that location. We note the dust level concerns. The Parish Council acknowledged and agreed with the proposed comments on the draft application. Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT (i) The Clerk would respond to the letter from Sibelco UK thanking them for attending the presentation. The letter would also state that Bletchingley Parish Council maintains its objection to the quarrying process as a whole but that we acknowledge and welcome the mitigation measures promised as outlined in their letter of 22/12/10. A copy would also be sent to SCC Planning. Cllr Butler would respond as an interested resident to the draft planning application sent to her along the lines noted above. It was also acknowledged that there were other affected organisations/residents who had been sent a copy of the draft planning application for initial comment to be returned direct to Sibelco UK. The Parish Council would await receipt of the final planning application submitted to SCC before responding. Cllr Butler also reported on the Surrey Wildlife work parties and enquired as to whether there were other interested parties who may wish to take part, the first one taking place this Saturday at Kitchen Copse in Bletchingley. Further details could be obtained from Cllr Butler. 7. Tree Wardens: There is continuing concern about the general spread of oak tree infections. 8. Village Hall/Community Centre: Nothing to report other than the fact that a replacement for the Chair of the Village Hall Management Committee is still needed. 9. Recreation/Sports Association: Nothing to report other than the Football Club is concerned about meeting the costs of maintaining the club with the existing membership numbers. 10. Allotments: Nothing further to report. 11. Street Lighting: Nothing to report. 12. CCTV: All systems were running normally. 13. Website: Nothing to report. 10/11 FINANCE 10.1 The following January payments were sanctioned, cheques and stubs signed. 000784 Bletchingley Village Hall 9.00 000785 Mrs K Wantling 718.62 000786 HM Revenue & Customs Only 118.48 000787 Digital Office Solutions 45.99 All 4
000788 DA Landscaping 504.00 000789 Sutton & East Surrey Water plc 40.68 000790 Sutton & East Surrey Water plc 18.02 000791 Sutton & East Surrey Water plc 52.00 1,506.79 10.2 Approval for expenditure required to purchase additional street signage for location of St Catherine s School to be placed under the St Catherine s Cross existing sign (Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 s72). Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT the sign would be purchased with the wording St Catherine s School followed by a directional arrow. A double ended arrow sign would also be purchased to supplement one of the HGV signs previously installed. The total cost of this from Stock Signs would be in the region of 153, including VAT. 10.3 Approval for subscription to Local Councils Update monthly hard copy with free web access, search facility and downloading for meetings at introductory cost of 70 for 1 year, thereafter 100 (LGA 1972 s111). Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT this subscription was not necessary as the information was already freely available either through TDC or through SCAPTC. 11/11 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED The correspondence list circulated was noted. 11.1Formal approval of appointment of Trustees to Bletchingley Exhibition Fund. Following a discussion, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT the Clerk would write a letter confirming approval of the appointment of the named Trustees to the Bletchingley Exhibition Fund. The Chairman informed the Councillors of the letter of resignation received from Cllr Munday, to take effect at the end of this term of office. Notification of his resignation was acknowledged and a response sent to Cllr Munday. 12/11 MATTERS FOR REPORTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA The Chairman reported that at the next election he would not be standing again as Chairman or Cllr due primarily to work commitments and length of time already spent on the Council. Cllrs Bridger and Martin also confirmed their intention not to stand at the forthcoming elections due to the length of their time in office. Cllrs Trotman and Butler confirmed their intention to restand for election. As a result, all Cllrs were asked to make an effort to identify interested parties to put their names forward for the 5 vacancies that would be available at election time in May. The Clerk would make enquiries of SCAPTC about new Cllr induction packs to be handed out to potential candidates. 13/11 DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS Planning Committee Meeting 31 January 2011 Full Council Meeting 14 February 2011 The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.35 pm 5