LIMPSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 5 August 2003,  in the school hall, Limpsfield CE Infant School, Limpsfield at 7.30 pm

PRESENT: Chairman Mrs A Williams (AW)

Councillors Mr B Alexander (BA), Mrs R Harris (RH), Mrs C Heijmer (CH),  Mrs L Wingate (LW), Mr J Jensen (JJ)

1.0 APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Mr C Walker and Mr J Pannett.

Mrs A Williams chaired the meeting in the absence of the Chairman, Mr C Walker.

2.0 MINUTES

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed as a true record.

3.0 MATTERS ARISING

· Item 5.0: Wooden bench in memory of Roger Hollywood. A comprehensive response was received from Paul Clayden on the question of planning permission. It was agreed in principle to install a traditional arched back bench with roll arms from Orchard Street Furniture on the waste land adjacent to the Memorial Stores. CW to discuss with Mrs Hollywood before proceeding. Action: CW

· Item 8.3 Highways paragraph 7: Mr Eric Morgan contacted the clerk on the matter of refuse collections. Members were in agreement that it would like a formal response to its letter to Mr K Masters, Amenity Services Contracts Manager, TDC. Action: Clerk

· Ownership of drinking fountain. Mr P J Thomas has referred the question of ownership of the drinking fountain to the District Council's Legal Department.

4.0 PUBLIC SESSION

There were none present.

5.0 CO-OPTION OF PARISH COUNCILLOR

No nominations for the vacancy of parish councillor were received by Tandridge District Council. It was agreed to defer the co-option of a new member until the September meeting. Action: CW

6.0 COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

There were none received.

7.0 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT (including correspondence)

Corrrespondence:

· SCC - disabled parking bay request in High Street, Limpsfield. Members were in agreement that this could set a precedent for further requests for parking bays from other residents. Clerk to respond.

Action: Clerk

· Environment Agency - reply to feedback regarding Time & Tide Publication.

· P Ainsworth MP - copy of Mr Ainsworth's response to the Future Development of Air Transport Consultation.

· TVSC - invitation to 'compact' meeting at Bletchingley Village Hall on 2 September at 12.30pm. Decline.

· SCC - local bus service reductions.

· Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - Consultation paper 'Providing Indemnities to Relevant Authority Officers & Members (deadline 6/10/03). No comments.

· SCC - Surrey Minerals Replacement Local Plan 2004-2016. Consultation on issues and options (deadline 30/9/03). Passed to LW.

· Pesticides Safety Directorate - public consultation. Passed to CH.

· Oxted Parish Council minutes for June and July meetings.

· ESPLG minutes of the meeting held on 16 April 2003.

8.0 PARISH COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

8.1 Rights of Way

· LW received a report from a parishioner that barbed wire and garden rubbish had been left adjacent to footpath 604. Also a 1 metre wide path had been cleared through the copse at the bottom of footpath 605.

Action: LW / Clerk

· The Clerk's letter to Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) Countryside Services regarding tree planting on Itchingwood Common had been passed on to David Hill, ranger for Staffhurst Wood. Mr Hill confirmed that tree planting had been carried out under a Government sponsored Woodland Grant Scheme in conjunction with the Forestry Authority. Whilst some members were in favour of additional tree planting, it was agreed that the Clerk should contact SWT Countryside Services again to enquire about the verbal agreement that this area of Itchingwood Common would remain an open space with unrestricted access.

Action: Clerk

8.2 Planning

Planning Application Lists 26 - 30

No objections to

TA/2003/954 WEST LODGE, WESTERHAM ROAD, OXTED.

ERECTION OF TWO STOREY REAR EXTENSION, INCORPORATING 2 DORMER WINDOWS IN NEW ROOF.

TA/2003/974 44, GRANVILLE ROAD, OXTED.

ERECTION OF REAR CONSERVATORY.

TA/2003/980/TCA 91, BLUEHOUSE LANE, OXTED.

CROWN LIFT BEECH BY APPROX 4.5M. CUT BACK SEVERAL BRANCHES TO PROVIDE BALANCED SHAPE.

TA/2003/1010/TPO 1, BLUEHOUSE GARDENS, LIMPSFIELD.

TPO 117 (T) - LOP 4 BRANCHES OF MAPLE TREE (T.8)

TA/2003/992 BLACK ROBINS FARM, GRANTS LANE, EDENBRIDGE.

ERECTION OF 15M HIGH MONOPOLE WITH SIX PANEL ATTENAE AND 1 MICROWAVE DISH (OVERALL HEIGHT 17.5M) WITH 3 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT CABINETS ALL ENCLOSED BY 1.2M HIGH FENCE.

TA/2003/1012 BARBROOK, 130 BLUEHOUSE LANE, OXTED.

ERECTION OF CONSERVATORY TO SOUTH-EAST ELEVATION.

TA/2003/1066 JESSAMINE COTTAGE ,HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD.

REPLACE EXISTING FIXED GLAZED PANEL WINDOW ON REAR ELEVATION WITH OPENING WINDOW. (APPLICATION FOR LISTED BUILDING CONSENT).

TA/2003/1074/TCA ST. PETERS RECTORY, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD.

CROWN THIN HOLM OAK BY 20% & CROWN LIFT TO 3 METRES. SECTION FELL ASH TO GROUND LEVEL.

TA/2003/882 THE HORNS, GRANTS LANE, LIMPSFIELD.

ALTERATIONS TO FRONT FENESTRATION & EXTENSION TO EXISTING PORCH CANOPY. AMENDED ROOF TO SIDE ELEMENT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED UNDER REFERENCE TA/2001/1044.

TA/2003/1077 BRAYE HOUSE, UVEDALE ROAD, LIMPSFIELD.

ERECTION OF FIRST FLOOR SIDE EXTENSION WITH NEW ROOF OVER INCORPORATING BALCONY TO REAR ELEVATION & ERECTION OF FRONT PORCH.

TA/2003/1107 BLACK ROBINS FARM,GRANTS LANE,EDENBRIDGE.

STATIONING OF MOBILE HOME FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES (APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS FOR AN EXISTING USE OR DEVELOPMENT).

TA/2003/1116/TCA THE MANOR HOUSE,HIGH STREET,LIMPSFIELD.

CROWN REDUCE EUCALYPTUS BY 30% & RESHAPE.

Objections to

TA/2003/977 CHARDLEIGH COTTAGE, PAINS HILL, LIMPSFIELD.

ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION AND FRONT PORCH. Contravenes policies RE8 1, 2 & 3 of the Local Plan.

TA/2003/1045 BROADWAY COTTAGE, STONESWOOD ROAD, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF FIRST FLOOR EXTENSION TO NORTH ELEVATION. Contravenes policies RE8 1, 3 & 4 of the Local Plan.

TA/2003/1060 CRABBETT WOOD, ITCHINGWOOD COMMON, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION. Contravenes policy RE8.4 of the Local Plan. Building is capable of being converted into two dwellings.

TA/2003/1061 3, NEW LODGE DRIVE, LIMPSFIELD.

ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE/FRONT EXTENSION. Contravenes policies BE12.3 and 4. Extension would give the property a cramped appearance within its boundary.

TA/2003/953 WANSBECK, UVEDALE ROAD, LIMPSFIELD.

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING CONSERVATORY, ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION & FRONT ENTRANCE PORCH; ERECTION OF ADDITIONAL GARAGE ATTACHED TO GARAGE BLOCK WITH SELF CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION ABOVE NEW & EXISTING GARAGES. ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION TO PROVIDE SWIMMING POOL. Object to over development of the site.

TA/2003/1037 HIGH RIDGE FARM, RED LANE, LIMPSFIELD.

PART RETENTION, PART ERECTION OF STEEL FRAMED BUILDING FOR THE STORAGE & MAINTENANCE OF TRACTORS & MACHINERY. Proposed building is excessive for a farm of this size.

TA/2003/1114 FORMER LIMPSFIELD WATERCOLOURS,BURSTOW,HIGH STREET,LIMPSFIELD.

DISPLAY OF NON-ILLUMINATED FASCIA AND PROJECTING SIGN. Design and materials are inappropriate in a Conservation Area. Contravenes policy BE20 of the Local Plan.

TA/2003/1120 COLLISHAW,GRANTS LANE,LIMPSFIELD.

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING COVERED YARD AND ERECTION OF TWO STOREY FRONT AND FIRST FLOOR SIDE EXTENSION. Object to an over large development within the Green Belt.

TA/2003/938 BOULTHURST FARM,PAINS HILL,OXTED.

CHANGE OF USE AND ALTERATIONS TO AGRICULTURAL BARN TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL ART STUDIO WITH ANCILLARY FACILITIES. (REDUCED SCHEME NOT INCORPORATING UNIT 1). Original objections still apply. Point out dangerous access.

TA/2003/1100 THORNHILL,WESTERHAM ROAD, LIMPSFIELD.

ERECTION OF 3/4 STOREY BUILDING PROVIDING 3 DWELLINGS WITH UNDERGROUND & INTEGRAL CAR PARKING ON SITE OF PREVIOUSLY DEMOLISHED SCHOOL. Object to this retrospective planning application on the grounds that the building exceeds the footprint of the original building resulting in over development of this Green Belt site.

Planning Refusals

TA/2003/621 Thornhill School, Westerham Road, Limpsfield.

Erection of detached double garage.

TA/2003/630 Land at rear of 6 Detillens Lane, Limpsfield.

Demolition of existing garage; erection of 3-bed detached chalet bungalow with detached double garage and detached double garage serving no 6; widening of existing access.

TA/2003/864 Hatchers Cottage, Dwelly Lane, Edenbridge

Erection of side conservatory.

TA/2003/535 The Paddocks, Itchingwood Common, Limpsfield

Erection of single storey extension to west elevation to link house with adjacent building.

TA/2003/575 Briar Cottage, Pains Hill, Limpsfield

Erection of rear conservatory.

Planning Approvals

TA/2003/617 Hazelwood School, Wolfs Hill, Limpsfield.

Deposit of soil excavated in connection with approved sports hall development to create 2 additional level grassed play areas.

TA/2003/556 Rosewell Cottage, High Street, Limpsfield.

Erection of 2 storey side extension, including new chimney and erection of garden room to rear.

TA/2003/635 22 Park Road, Limpsfield.

Demolition of conservatory and erection of single storey side extension.

TA/2003/693 Comforts Orchard, Grants Lane, Limpsfield

Erection of detached triple open-fronted garage.

8.3 Highways

Correspondence:

· Copy of Mr M Stone's correspondence to Cllr S Marks regarding Bluehouse Lane verges.

· Copy of letter from Mr & Mrs S Mills to Mr N Skellett regarding Bluehouse Lane traffic calming.

· Response from Surrey CC Highways re Featherbed Lane HGV traffic and the B269 Titsey Hill junction with Clarks Lane. Clerk to follow up Highways view that the majority of Featherbed Lane falls within the London Borough of Croydon. Action: Clerk

RH reported back on the White Lane, Titsey, task group meeting held on 9 July. Representatives at the meeting were neither in favour of closure nor of a one way system. A traffic count is to be carried out in September prior to further consultation.

LW reported that overhanging foliage from a tree at 1 Titsey Road was obscuring the sight lines at the junction of Bluehouse Lane with Titsey Road. The school warning sign at the junction of Bluehouse Lane and Granville Road is also obscured by foliage. Action: Clerk

Clerk to chase written response to highways questions put to the Tandridge Local Committee meeting on 18 July regarding Bluehouse Lane and Woodhurst Lane.

Action: Clerk

8.4 Publicity

There was nothing to report.

8.5 Trees, Village Green & Parish Office

The Clerk chased Kavbro again on 4/8/03 regarding reparations to the Drinking Fountain. The Clerk has also contacted I A Geal & Sons and P Fawson to request agreed works to be carried out at the Parish Office as soon as possible.

9.0 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES

9.1 Limpsfield Common

AW reported on the illegal tarmacing that had taken place on West Heath. The National Trust has informed the Limpsfield Commons Committee that it will not be taking any action to reinstate this section of the Greensand Way on this occasion. However, DEFRA is the statutory authority responsible for regulating engineering work on registered common land and it was agreed to write to DEFRA (copy to NT), enclosing photographic evidence of the works that had taken place without permission. Action: Clerk

The possibility of a playground on the common at Limpsfield Chart is still being discussed. AW stated that the LCLCl could only comment on proposals once proper plans were drawn up and presented.

RH highlighted again that the last cottage in Wolfs Row had placed a bench on the adjacent common land and appeared to be cultivating part of the common into a garden. AW to take to next Commons Committee.

Action: AW

9.2 Limpsfield School

The Board of Governors has amended its constitution in line with one of the new Government models, model 14. This will mean the end of the formal link with the parish council which will no longer be required to appoint a governor to the board. The Board of Governors will be made up as follows:

8 foundation governors: 2 diocesan

5 parochial church council (of whom 3 are parents)

1 rector

1 Local Education Authority governor

3 staff governors including the head teacher, a teacher and a member of the support staff

2 parent governors (elected)

Members expressed grave concern about the parish council link with the school being terminated. The parish council wishes to continue to support the school as a minor authority and believes that the close relationship previously enjoyed would be lost. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Carolyn Lemon, Chairman of the Board of Governors, also to the School Governor Support Officer within the Local Education Authority. Action: Clerk

9.3 Police Community Partnership Group

AW reported that an excellent 'meet the police day' had been held recently. The next meeting of the PCPG will be held in October, details to be given at the September meeting of the parish council. It would be an important meeting as the ACC would be present.

10.0 THE QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL SCHEME

This item was deferred to the September meeting. AW requested members to circulate the information about the scheme before this meeting.

11.0 FINANCE

The first quarter internal audit was approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.

11.1 Grants

· Oxted CAB. Resolved: to purchase six office chairs for the Oxted Bureau at a cost of £180 (inc VAT).

· East Surrey Community Mediation. It was agreed to request a copy of the Annual Accounts for 2002/03 prior to agreeing a contribution.

11.2 Accounts for Payment

· Clerk's salary July (so 26 July 2003) £380.66

· TVSC membership 2003/04 (chq 188) £10.00

· H & A P Stebbing (notice board)(chq 189) £793.83

· Old Oxted Landscapers (chq 190) £92.00

· G Cannon expenses & broadband June/July (chq 191) £39.96

12.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

LW has received complaints from parishioners about a new communications mast near the Fire Station which is disrupting their television signal.

It was agreed to ask Ann Osborne to extend an invitation to Charlie Marsh to join her at the October meeting of the parish council.

13.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2003.

The meeting closed at 10.15 pm.