LIMPSFIELD
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on
Tuesday, 3 February 2004,
in the school hall, Limpsfield CE
Infant School, Limpsfield at 7.30 pm
PRESENT: Chairman Mr C Walker (CW)
Councillors Mr B Alexander (BA), Mrs
C Heijmer (CH),
David Marnham (DM),Mr J
Pannett (JP),
Mrs A Williams (AW), Mrs
L Wingate (LW)
1.0 APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Mrs R Harris and Mr J Jensen.
2.0 MINUTES
The minutes of
the previous meeting were approved and signed as a true record.
3.0 MATTERS ARISING
Places at the Tandridge Local Strategic Partnership seminar to be held on
Saturday, 28 February at the Douglas Brunton Centre, Chaldon Road, Caterham
from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm are restricted to two per parish council. It was agreed that AW and LW would attend.
4.0 PUBLIC SESSION
There were no questions raised.
5.0 COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
The Chairman welcomed District Councillor Colin Hall to the
meeting. Colin Hall acknowledged that
there was inadequate support for a footpath down Bluehouse Lane and that
householders were against giving up their land. The Local Committee has, however, agreed to consider a road
marking scheme to delineate a new edge of carriageway to assist
pedestrians. Nothing has been discussed
or agreed for the section of Bluehouse Lane between Limpsfield Grange School and
Granville Road.
The Chairman expressed concern at the suggestion by the
Local Committee that the Parish Council could contribute towards the cost of
this scheme. This would require raising
the precept and would amount to double taxation. JP commented that a quality parish council would be entitled to approach the principle
authority and request to
manage certain projects in the parish itself within the authority’s allocated
budgets, without resorting to any increase in its own resources. Colin Hall
commented that a little “self help” may be of benefit to the parish.
6.0 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (including correspondence)
Corrrespondence:
·
P Ainsworth MP – correspondence regarding the Planning and
Compulsory Purchase Bill
·
Mr R Bristow – report on Surrey Rail Forum held on
22/01/04.
·
SCC – East Surrey Area Passenger Transport Consultative
Group meeting to be held at the Dorking Halls on Monday 16 February from 2.30 –
4.45 pm.
·
Harry Osborne and Anthony Gould – request for a skateboard
facility on Limpsfield Chart to work in conjunction with new play area. Unfortunately, any such facility would have
to be located on National Trust land and The Trust would not agree to it. Clerk to write.
Action: Clerk
·
Oxted CAB – letter of thanks for the new chairs
·
TDC – Housing Capacity Study. Comments invited by end February. Action: JP
·
Rural Housing Trust – invitation to view completed scheme
in Milford on Friday, 13/02/04 between 10 am and 4 pm.
6.1 Allotments update:
A letter has been sent to Mr Innes, Titsey Estate, urging
the Estate to withdraw the Notice issued on the Plumber’s Arms Allotments.
Paul Clayden’s interpretation of a “reasonable alternative”
to the existing allotments site is that such an alternative would have to be:
1. In the
parish.
2.
Physically suitable (e.g. not on a steep slope).
3. Big
enough in area to accommodate all the tenants who want to be relocated with
some extra land for new tenants.
4.
Accessible on both foot and by vehicle.
5. With
soil of similar standard to the existing allotments or capable of
being brought up to that standard.
6. Available
at a price which reflects its intended use as allotments (i.e. agricultural
land value, not building land value).
7. Not
requiring excessive expenditure to make the land suitable for allotment use
(e.g. on fencing, ploughing/rotavating).
8. With a water supply*
* PAAA
requirement
If there is
no such alternative land, the council would have a good case for seeking a Compulsory
Purchase Order (CPO) of the existing site. A CPO by a parish council is subject
to s. 125 of the LGA 1972.
A suggestion has been put forward by a
parishioner to investigate the possibility of i) a preservation order being
placed on the Wolfs Row hedgerow and/or the two oak trees bordering the
allotments and/or ii) extending the Conservation Area (which at present runs
along the middle of Wolfs Row) to include the hedge. The clerk had ascertained from Alan Streatfield, TDC Forestry
Officer, that preservation orders on hedgerows can only be considered in areas
of open countryside and farmland and not in an urban environment such as Oxted
and Limpsfield. A tree preservation
order (TPO) may be applied to trees considered to be of value and quality that
offer good ‘general amenity’ to the public.
Post meeting note: Charlotte Hammerton, TDC Policy Planning
Officer, has explained that conservation area controls only cover trees and not
hedgerows. Including the hedgerow in
the Conservation Area would not be of any useful benefit. After some discussion it was agreed to write
to TDC to request that a TPO be placed on the two oak trees. Action: Clerk
The Chairman pointed out that residents
of Wolfs Row may have differing views about the future of the allotment site
and it was agreed that LW would contact residents for their opinions before the
next meeting. Action: LW
6.2 Notice board update:
The National Trust has requested that the
notice board be sited adjacent to the existing bus shelter on Limpsfield Chart. Members suggested that another site could be
on the verge to the north of the Carpenters Arms which is believed to belong to
The Trust. Mark pointed out that The
Trust would have to issue a licence before a board could be installed on its
land. Mark agreed to investigate the
possibility of this new suggestion. Action: Mark / CW
7.0 PARISH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
7.1 Rights of Way
Philippa Gates has responded to the matters raised at the
December meeting as follows:
Footpath
215: there are a number of pallets loaded with
bagged material that are restricting the width of the footpath. SCC will be writing to Mr Withers requesting
that he moves the pallets to leave a level width of 4’ for the footpath. Footpaths 216/217:
both these paths were subject to a diversion order issued on 17 January
2001 (Parish Council minutes 1 August 2000).
Whilst on site, Philippa Gates improved the waymarking of both paths. Footpath 55: the fallen tree
has been cleared. In a few places sand
from the bank has fallen into the path, however it is possible to walk along
the path past the sand. The condition
of the bank will be monitored.
7.2 Planning
No objections to
TA/2003/1825 9, GRANVILLE ROAD, OXTED
DEMOLITION
OF PART UTILITY ROOM AND KITCHEN AND ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION
AND OPEN PORCH TO SIDE.
TA/2003/1830 BALLARDS HOUSE, BALLARDS LANE, OXTED
DEMOLITION
OF REAR GARDEN ROOM AND ERECTION OF A REAR CONSERVATORY.
TA/2004/80 COMFORTS ORCHARD, GRANTS LANE, LIMPSFIELD
ERECTION OF
DETACHED TRIPLE OPEN-FRONTED GARAGE. (AMENDMENT TO PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SCHEME
TA/2003/693).
TA/2004/88 47, WESTERHAM ROAD, OXTED
ERECTION OF
SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION WITH RAISED DECKING AND ROOM UNDER FOR STORAGE.
Objections to
TA/2004/30 BOULTHURST FARMHOUSE, PAINS HILL, LIMPSFIELD
ERECTION OF
DETACHED SINGLE STOREY BUILDING TO PROVIDE GARDEN ROOM & FITNESS SUITE. Object to this prominent new building within
the Green Belt and curtilage of a listed building. Contravenes Policy 10.1 and 2 of the Local Plan.
TA/2004/22 PITCHFONT FARM, WATER LANE, OXTED
DEMOLITION
OF EXISTING CATTLE BUILDING AND OUTBUILDINGS. ERECTION OF TWO CATTLE BUILDINGS,
WITH ATTACHED GARAGE & WORKSHOP, & ERECTION OF BARN. Object to the size of the new
buildings. Application does not meet
requirements of Policy RE26.1 and 4 of the Local Plan.
TA/2204/73 Three Gables, Ballards Lane, Limpsfield
Erection of
1.8M high wall with gates to front boundary.
Object. Too prominent and out of
keeping with the area.
Planning Refusals
TA/2003/1511 Little Shepherds Cottage, Kent Hatch Road,
Limpsfield
Erection of single storey
extension to south elevation.
TA/2003/1658 The Stables, Crabbett Wood Farm, Itchingwood
Common, Limpsfield
Stationing of a 2-bay mobile home.
TA/2003/1582 Park Farm, Water Lane, Limpsfield
Stationing of 13M high mobile
trailer based telecommunications mast with no 2 sector antennae, 1 microwave
dish and associated equipment cabin for a temporary period of 12 months.
TA/2003/1578 26 Stoneleigh Road, Limpsfield Chart
Demolition of existing garage, erection of 2 storey
side & rear extensions incorporating replacement garage. Erection of single storey front extension,
first floor front extension and rear conservatory.
TA/2003/1595 Land adjacent to the Hay Barn, Shingle Barn
Farm, Dwelly Lane
Change of use of land and building to residential use
to provide enlarge residential cartilage and ancillary building.
TA/2003/1383 Sandridge, High Street, Limpsfield
Erection of porch canopy to front elevation.
TA/2003/1507 Threeways, Brick Kiln Lane, Limpsfield
Demolition of existing single storey addition to west
end of coach house. Erection of 2
storey extension to west and single storey extension to east and with pitched
roofs, incorporating dormer over 2 storey elements.
TA/98/856/R Red House Lodge, Brick Kiln Lane, Limpsfield
Erection of detached double garage with log store.
TA/2003/507 The Studio, High Street, Limpsfield
Retention of vehicular access
TA/2003/1471 &
1675 Willow Pightle, Ballards Lane, Limpsfield
Demolition of existing store. Erection of first floor side extension with
balcony over existing garages.
Conversion of garages to additional accommodation. Erection of rear orangery.
TA/2003/1611 Heathercroft, Chapel Road, Limpsfield
Removal of pitched roof with first floor dormers and
erection of new first floor extending over existing garage, all with pitched
roof.
TA/2003/1638/1639 Briars Cottage, Ridlands Lane, Limpsfield
Erection of replacement 1.8M high timber gates to
pedestrian access.
TA/2003/1672 Bombers Cottage, Dwelly Lane, Edenbridge
Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and
erection of 3 bed bungalow with detached double garage and creation of new
vehicular access and turning area (amended plans).
TA/2003/1881/TCA Jessamine Cottage, High Street, Limpsfield
Removed 2.5M from side branches of goat willow and
reduce canopy by 1.8M on side of tree overhanging Sandridge.
Planning Appeals
TA/2003/1392 1 Whitegates Cottages, Grants Lane,
Limpsfield
Appeals Dismissed
TA/2003/630 Land at r/o 6 Detillens Lane, Limpsfield
TA/2003/1045 Broadway Cottage, Stoneswood Road,
Limpsfield
· AW reported that she understood that
the Parochial Church Council of St Peter's, (PCC) were discussing a proposal
that the Diocese would convey to the PCC the site where the old Rectory barn
once stood in Limpsfield village to build a new church hall, and in return the
PCC would transfer to the Diocese the site of the St Peter’s Church Hall and
the car parking space. This was of concern, as it would give easy access to the
Glebe Field should anyone seek to develop it in future. Moreover, the site of
the old barn is extremely close to the old rectory which is a Grade II listed
building. It was unanimously resolved:
that the Parish Council would object to any planning permission
sought for a new hall on the grounds, inter alia, of its proximity to a very
fine Grade II listed building and the lack of parking facilities to serve a new
church hall.
7.3 Highways
Correspondence:
·
SCC – Highways information bulletin February 2004
Report back on Highways & Local
Committee meetings: CW reported fully
on the Highways meeting held on 14 January 2004 and on the Local Committee
meeting held on 30 January 2004. A vote
was taken on the principle of the Parish Council contributing towards the cost
of highways projects in the parish of Limpsfield. It was unanimously resolved: that the Council
would not want to contribute now or in the future and that it objected to the
principle of raising the parish precept to fund services that should be paid
for out of council tax revenue. Members
discussed the merits of the road marking scheme proposal for Bluehouse
Lane. It was resolved by 6 votes to 1
that it was worth pursuing this scheme.
Clerk to write to highways on these two issues. Action: Clerk
Parking problems on Westerham Road: Action: CW
Hazelwood School parking: it was agreed to
set up a meeting between the Head teacher, CW and CH during the week after half
term if possible. Action: Clerk
7.4
Publicity
It was agreed to support the
village newsletters with a donation of £25 each towards the running costs of
the St Peter’s Limpsfield Parish News and the Chart News.
7.5
Trees,
Village Green & Parish Office
RH had prepared a landscaping plan
for the area adjacent to the Memorial Stores and this was discussed. Resolved: to purchase two Glasdon mini neopolitan bollards at a cost of
£114.02 (exc VAT) each and to arrange for the installation of the bench and
bollards by Kavbro as soon as possible. The landscaping of the site will be
attended to afterwards.
8.0 REPORTS FROM
REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
8.1 Limpsfield
Common
Mark Richards highlighted
the problem with rubbish collection from outside the Carpenters Arms where
there is a long delay between bags being put out and then collected by the
refuse collection vehicle. Spillage is
not cleared up by the refuse collectors.
Clerk to write to Keith Masters, Amenity Services, Tandridge District
Council. Action: Clerk
The next meeting of the Commons
Committee is on 11 March 2004.
8.2 Limpsfield
School
8.3 Police Community
Partnership Group
The considerable crime and
disorder issues in Hurst Green were discussed at the last PCPG meeting. There were no particular worries in
Limpsfield. The next meeting will be
held on 19 April 2004 at the Bluehouse Lane Social Centre at 8 pm.
9.0 PARISH PLAN
CW/JP and AW agreed to join
the steering group for the preparation of a parish plan. It was agreed to set up a meeting for
interested parties on a Monday or Wednesday evening in the next few weeks. Action: Clerk
10.0 FINANCE
10.1 Approve
3rd quarter internal audit. The third quarter internal audit was
approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.
10.2 Accounts for payment
·
Clerk’s salary (SO 26 January 2004) £380.66
·
Barlow Tyrie (bench)(chq 211) £414.63
·
R Bristow (expenses)(chq 212) £6.25
·
Limpsfield CE Infant School (hall hire Jan-June
04)(chq 213) £90.00
·
G Cannon (broadband)(chq 214) £15.00
·
The Chart Newsletter (s137 grant)(chq 215) £25.00
·
St Peter’s Limpsfield Parish News (s137 grant)(chq
216) £25.00
11.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
12.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting
will be held on Tuesday, 2 March 2004.
Diary dates: April
meeting Tuesday, 30
March 2004
APM Wednesday, 31 March 2004
May meeting Tuesday, 4 May 2004
The meeting closed at 10.10 pm.