LIMPSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 11 November 2003, in St Peter's Church Hall, High Street, Limpsfield at 7.30 pm

PRESENT: Chairman Mr C Walker (CW), Councillors Mr B Alexander (BA), Mrs R Harris (RH), Mrs C Heijmer (CH), Mr J Jensen (JJ), David Marnham (DM), Mr J Pannett (JP), Mrs A Williams (AW), Mrs L Wingate (LW)

1.0 APOLOGIES

There were no apologies for absence. The Chairman announced that County Councillor Nick Skellett would be joining the meeting later.

2.0 MINUTES of the previous meeting were approved and signed as a true record.

3.0 MATTERS ARISING

Minute 7.0: Chairman's report regarding parish allowance regulations. Confirmation has been received from Paul Clayden that a Chairman's allowance may be paid under s15(5) of the LGA 1972 and does not need to be agreed by a parish remuneration panel.

Minute 12.0: Any other business. There will be temporary traffic lights in operation on the A25 Westerham Road approximately 100 metres downhill from the existing traffic lights in order for essential gas main works to be carried out across the carriageway. Works will commence on 13 November and are expected to last 5 days.

4.0 PUBLIC SESSION

There were 5 members of the public present. The Chairman also welcomed PCs Glen Bates and Dan Hazel, and NT warden Mark Richards to the meeting.

LW declared an interest in the following discussion:

4.1 The Chairman invited Mr Ted Riches, Honorary Secretary of the Plumber's Arms Allotment Association to address the meeting.

Mr Riches confirmed that the members of the Plumber's Arms Allotment Association have been given Notice to Quit the allotment site with effect from 31 December 2004. The Landlord has given no stated purpose for resuming possession of the land and has rejected the request of the Association to reconsider its decision to issue the Notice. Mr Riches has informed Mr Skellett of these developments and has been asked to forward copies of relevant documentation to Mr Andy Doran at the Leader's Office.

AW stated that the Landowner's intention with regard to this Green Belt site was an important factor in determining what action to take. The documentation was passed to AW to assess the appropriate course of action bearing in mind the Parish Council's duty to provide allotments, if necessary by compulsory purchase or lease of land for this purpose.

An Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Allotment Association is being called on Sunday, 16 November 2003, at the site of the allotments at 10 am.

The Chairman thanked Mr Riches for attending the meeting.

4.2 The Chairman invited Mr Mike Stone to update the meeting on developments in Bluehouse Lane between Limpsfield Grange School and Granville Road. Mr Stone explained that he had corresponded with Mr Paul Coen, Surrey County Council's Chief Executive, as a result of which a site meeting was held that morning with Jamie Lewis, Highway Steward for SCC. Mr Lewis has agreed to have the trees checked for health, to arrange for leaves and detritus to be cleared so that the TDC mechanical sweeper can get closer to the edge of the bank, and to investigate the feasibility of a footpath along the eastern bank.

The Chairman asked for Glen Bates' and Dan Hazel's views on the safety of this stretch of road.

PCs Bates and Hazel were in agreement that a footpath would be beneficial, although they confirmed that they were unaware of any accidents having occurred along this stretch of carriageway.

The Chairman referred to concerns raised at the last meeting about the speed of traffic travelling along Bluehouse Lane and Wolfs Hill and asked if the police would monitor this. Hazardous car parking outside Hazelwood School is also of concern. It was agreed that the parish council would contact the school to enquire whether this was as a result of reduced parking on site whilst building works were underway. Action: Clerk

(DM declared an interest when parking outside Hazelwood School was under discussion).

The Chairman thanked Mr Stone for attending the meeting.

4.3 The Chairman brought forward item 8.1 Limpsfield Common.

Mark Richards reported on the following:

· Referring to the discussion at the last meeting regarding suitable equipment to tackle overgrown banks [Wolfs Hill], Mark Richards has received confirmation from Surrey Highways that it's contractor, Carillion, does not have a side arm flail available for this purpose.

· The footpath across West Heath has been opened up. Heathers are being cut back to aid regeneration.

· The Limpsfield Chart playground proposal has not yet been given the go ahead by the National Trust. This had been incorrectly reported in the Tandridge Chronicle.

· Dog fouling continues to present problems on the common. It was suggested that an article be submitted to the parish newsletters highlighting the problem.

· Concern had been expressed by the resident of Wisteria Cottage in Wolfs Row that the root system of the sycamore trees on National Trust land adjacent to the Parish Pound could damage the foundations of the cottage. CW to check whether there may be risk of damage to the Parish Pound and office. Action: CW

5.0 COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

The Chairman welcomed County Councillor Nick Skellett to the meeting.

5.1 Bluehouse Lane

Mr Skellett was pleased to confirm that a feasibility study for a footpath in Bluehouse Lane between Park Road and Water Lane would be carried out this year. A report following the consultation of the residents is currently being prepared by Highways and will be put to the traffic committee in December. A recommendation will then be put to the meeting of the Local Committee on 30 January 2004.

Mr Skellett went on to clarify that the road maintenance fund is intended to be spent on maintaining the condition of the roads. The construction of new footways would be at the expense of road maintenance and Surrey Highways has never been in a position to fund a continual footway from this budget. Any major infrastructure development would normally be carried out under a section 106 agreement with developers and difficulties arise when footpaths are not constructed when houses are built.

In the case of Bluehouse Lane, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration: the footway in itself is extremely costly; funds are generally targeted at locations with high accident statistics; there is no indication at this stage that householders are willing to give up land on the south side of the lane which means other solutions will need to be looked at.

JJ pointed out that the section of Bluehouse Lane between Limpsfield Grange School and Granville Road appeared to have been omitted from the consultation in spite of Highways' assurances that this section would be reviewed at the same time, particularly as a footpath along this section would provide a valuable link to Limpsfield High Street for residents of Park Road and Water Lane.

RH commented that the wider initiative of 'Safe Routes to Schools' should support a bid for a footpath. Mr Skellett responded that this suggestion had been looked into but Bluehouse Lane did not rank as having enough children to use a footpath.

JP suggested that SCC should acknowledge the impact that the considerable development of Oxted School has had on the residents of Bluehouse Lane and should itself take responsibility for the safety of the residents. Mr Skellett responded that Oxted School is putting significant monies towards the traffic calming scheme soon to be implemented directly outside the school. JP also asked if a review had been made of funds that may be available from other areas, to which a clear response was not given.

BA asked if there were any plans to develop the school further. Mr Skellett responded that SCC would be concentrating its efforts on improving facilities at De Stafford School and that there were no plans to enlarge Oxted School still further.

5.2 Highways 'budget' for the Parish Council

The Chairman put forward a suggestion made to him that a small highways budget could be made available to the parish council to manage problem areas such as Bluehouse Lane and Wolfs Hill. Mr Skellett responded that this would not be possible.

5.3 Limpsfield High Street

Mr Skellett looked into the issue of the reinstatement of the pavement in Limpsfield High Street with the Highways department. Highways have agreed to update the parish council before the next meeting.

5.4 Sandpits north of the A25

Mr Skellett explained that the future of the sandpit would be dictated by the original consent given to excavate the land which would have included an agreed programme of restoration. JP highlighted his concern that under the Minerals Replacement Plan the landowner could make application to do something else with the land. Mr Skellett recommended studying the Waste Local Plan which is site specific.

5.5 M25 road widening & noise pollution

Mr Skellett stated that when the M25 was originally constructed there was a commitment given to revisit the environmental intrusion. This never happened. SCC is endeavouring to ensure that the developer goes back to first base to meet the original commitment before being allowed to add further lanes. The Chairman pointed out that the noise at the bridges over Water Lane and Titsey Road is of particular concern.

5.6 Woodhurst Lane

Mr Skellett justified the proposal to carry out a further origin and destination survey of HGV's using Woodhurst Lane since it would appear that many of the vehicles are servicing the houses and shops and not just the industrial estate. A clear response to the Chairman's query as to why one of the three previous proposals put forward to manage the above average number of large vehicles was not being pursued, was not given. JP asked if width or weight restrictions could be put on HGV movements to alleviate the worst problems. Mr Skellett replied that whilst there was a permanent weight restriction on vehicle movements over the Holland Lane bridges in Hurst Green, it was not a simple issue to introduce such measures elsewhere.

Finally, Mr Skellett passed the Clerk copies of correspondence sent to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the Redhill Airport proposals.

The Chairman thanked Mr Skellett for attending the meeting.

6.0 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT (including correspondence)

The Chairman reported that the Clerk had received a request for some emergency taxi vouchers. The request was successful and vouchers to the value of £40 had been issued.

CW and CH attended the recent meeting to discuss the playground proposal for Limpsfield Chart. A site approx 12M x 8M on the north side of the cricket pavilion is currently being considered for a toddlers play area without fencing. There is general support for the scheme. It was agreed that should the playground go ahead the parish council would make available the monies held in trust by it for the 'youth of Limpsfield Chart', together with a top up grant from the parish council's own funds.

There was some discussion about a suitable location for a notice board on Limpsfield Chart. It was agreed to approach the Carpenters Arms to discuss siting it on the wall adjacent to the public house.

Action: CW / CH

Corrrespondence:

· Surrey Police - Policing Plan Survey to be returned by 21 November. Action: AW

· SCAPTC - invitation to attend a Risk Assessment Briefing Session on Wednesday, 26 November, at TDC offices at 7 pm. Cost of training £23.50 per head. Decline.

· Fair Trade Action Group - campaign for 'Fairtrade Town' status for Oxted, Hurst Green and Limpsfield.

· TDC - invitation to Housing Strategy Consultation on Wednesday, 12 November at TDC offices from 9.30 - 12.35 pm. Decline.

· SLCC - invitation to regional one day conference about Quality Councils on Monday, 8 December, at the Bridge House Hotel Reigate at 10.00 am. Cost £25.00. Decline.

· Tandridge Local Agenda 21 - Adopt a Street initiative - meeting on Tuesday, 25 November at the Council Offices at 7.00 pm. AW to attend. Action: AW

· Limpsfield Lawn Tennis Club - update on club news.

· SCC - letter confirming that evening and Sunday local bus service reductions announced in July 2003 will be implemented with effect from January 2004.

· P Ainsworth MP - copy of press release and letter sent to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling damning Redhill Airport proposal.

· SCC - invitation to take part in Area Passenger Transport Consultative Group for East Surrey. Accept.

· TDC - invitation to next Oxted Town Centre Working Group meeting on Wednesday,

10 December in the Council Offices at 7 pm. Action: AW

7.0 PARISH COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

7.1 Rights of Way

· Reply from The National Trust regarding laying of tarmac on tracks over common land.

LW issued report forms to each member with details of footpaths to be checked every six months. LW impressed upon members the need to walk their assigned rights of way and complete a report on a regular basis.

7.2 Planning

Correspondence:

· Letter of objection from resident in respect of new application TA/2003/1511 for The Cottage, Little Shepherds, Kent Hatch Road.

Planning Application List No 40, 41, 42, 43 & 44

No objections to

TA/2003/1460/TCA 10, SYLVAN CLOSE, OXTED

REDUCE/SHAPE CROWN OF TWO SILVER BIRCHES BY 15% AND TRIM BACK THIS YEAR'S GROWTH ON YEW BY APPROX 2 - 2.5 METRES.

TA/2003/1377 SANDRIDGE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD

ERECTION OF PORCH CANOPY TO FRONT ELEVATION.

TA/2003/1383 SANDRIDGE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD

ERECTION OF PORCH CANOPY TO FRONT ELEVATION & INSTALLATION OF 3 VELUX WINDOWS TO REAR ROOF SLOPE WITH INTERNAL ALTERATIONS. (APPLICATION FOR LISTED BUILDING CONSENT).

TA/2003/1478/TCA ROSE COTTAGE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD

REDUCE CANOPY OF A BEECH BY APPROX 33%.

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 (AMENDMENT TO 2002/1000 TO SHOW PITCHED ROOF OVER SINGLE STOREY GARAGE.

TA/2003/1455 104, BLUEHOUSE LANE, OXTED

DEMOLITION OF GARAGE AND ERECTION OF DOUBLE GARAGE WITH FIRST FLOOR ACCESSED VIA EXTERNAL STAIRS.

TA/2003/1496 REDWOOD, WESTERHAM ROAD, OXTED

DEMOLITION OF PORCH AND ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY FRONT & SIDE EXTENSION.

TA/2003/1579 TUBS COTTAGE, BALLARDS LANE, LIMPSFIELD

DEMOLITION OF WALL & ERECTION OF PORCH TO EAST ELEVATION. (APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS FOR A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT).

Objections to

TA/98/856/R RED HOUSE LODGE, BRICK KILN LANE, LIMPSFIELD

ERECTION OF DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE WITH LOG STORE. (RENEWAL).

Reiterate objection to a garage being built in the front garden, beyond the building line.

TA/2003/1511 LITTLE SHEPHERDS COTTAGE, KENT HATCH ROAD, LIMPSFIELD

ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO SOUTH ELEVATION.

Reiterate objection that this extension is a disproportionate addition over and above the size of the original dwelling. It is also very close to the boundary of the shared drive.

TA/2003/1516 24, WESTERHAM ROAD, OXTED

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGE. ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE/REAR EXTENSION, FIRST FLOOR EXTENSION & SINGLE STOREY FRONT EXTENSION.

Object to this large extension in a wooded hillside area. Extension is flush against eastern boundary which contravenes policy BE13 of the Local Plan.

TA/2003/1595 LAND ADJACENT THE HAY BARN, SHINGLE BARN FARM, DWELLY LANE, EDENBRIDGE

CHANGE OF USE OF LAND AND BUILDING TO RESIDENTIAL USE TO PROVIDE ENLARGED RESIDENTIAL CURTILAGE AND ANCILLARY BUILDING IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE HAY BARN. Object to the change of use which contravenes policies RE16 & RE19 of the Local Plan.

Charlotte Heijmer declared an interest in the following application.

TA/2003/1578 26, STONELEIGH ROAD, LIMPSFIELD CHART

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGE. ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE & REAR EXTENSIONS, INCORPORATING REPLACEMENT GARAGE. ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY FRONT EXTENSION, FIRST FLOOR FRONT EXTENSION AND REAR CONSERVATORY. (AMENDMENT TO PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SCHEME TA/2003/255). Object on the grounds that this will be an unneighbourly development, particularly as the new plans take it even closer to the boundary than before.

Planning refusals

TA/2003/744 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 and front and rear roof canopies.

Planning Approvals

TA/2003/1037 High Ridge Farm, Red Lane, Limpsfield

Part retention, part erection of steel framed building for the storage & maintenance of tractors & machinery.

TA/2003/1076 Rowlands, Westerham Road, Limpsfield

Erection of 2 metre high close boarded fence and gates to front boundary.

TA/2003/1104 Ballards Mead, Ballards Lane, Limpsfield

Erection of dormer windows to rear and front elevations.

TA/2003/1184 Three Gables, Ballards Lane, Limpsfield

Erection of single storey extension to east elevation.

TA/2003/1111 Hillview Farm, Grants Lane, Limspfield

Continued use of unit 1A for storage purposes (B8) and unit 1B for car repairs (B2).

TA/2003/1220 Chartcroft Cottage, Pastens Road, Limpsfield

Alterations to existing roof to provide new barn hipped gable end and 2 new rear dormers.

TA/2003/992 Land at Black Robins Farm, Grants Lane, Limpsfield

Erection of 15M high monopole with six panel antennae and 1 microwave dish (overall height 17.5M) with 3 associated equipment cabinets all enclosed by 1.2M high fence.

Planning Appeals

ENF/2002/67 Chartcroft Lodge, Pastens Road, Limpsfield

Appeal against enforcement notice to remove carport with balcony.

APP/B3600/A/03/1128638 Land at Clacket Lane Sandpit, Clacket Lane, Limpsfield.

Temporary use of land for the manufacture of topsoil from imported compost and subsoil for the final restoration of Clacket Lane Sandpit. Emphasise that infill should be subsoil and not waste matter.

7.3 Highways

Correspondence:

· Reply from the Highways' Agency advising that a consultation would take place next year on M25 widening proposals.

· E-mail from Moira Cocks, Surrey Police Casualty Reduction Officer for Tandridge regarding Bluehouse Lane roadside maintenance.

· Copy of a letter sent to SCC Highways about the parking problem on the Westerham Road between Snatts Hill and Detillens Lane. Clerk to follow up with Highways. Action: Clerk

RH reported on the recent White Lane task group meeting. The majority view was to keep the lane open but to spend some £5,000 carrying out remedial work to improve the entry to the lane and road warning signs. The lane will be monitored for accidents.

7.4 Publicity

The clerk forwarded articles on Crime Prevention advice (s17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998) and the London Redhill Airport threat for inclusion in the parish newsletters.

7.5 Trees, Village Green & Parish Office

Notice board: A revised schedule has been received from Allianz Cornhill insurers noting the addition of the new notice board.

Drinking fountain: The Parish Council's legal advisor has expressed the view that having renovated the drinking fountain, the Parish Council now has an insurable interest in the fountain. The Clerk has written to Allianz Cornhill clarifying the situation and requesting that the drinking fountain be put back on to the policy for an insured sum of £11,500. Allianz Cornhill has requested that a record of regular checks on all insured items is kept by the Parish Council.

Bench: it was agreed to order a bench chosen by Mrs Ann Hollywood. The parish council will pay for the fixings and installation of the bench. CW to agree a suitable inscription with Mrs Hollywood. The Chairman suggested purchasing two planters to position each side of the bench to deter parking. RH suggested that bollards (black with gold bands) would require less maintenance. Action: CW

8.0 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES

8.1 Limpsfield Common (see minute 4.3)

8.2 Limpsfield School

· Minutes of the Governor's meeting held at Limpsfield School on 6/10/03.

· Reply from Four S regarding changes to school governing bodies.

JJ reported that the school is suffering from under funding but that the Governors' fund is helping it to keep within budget.

8.3 Police Community Partnership Group

AW reported that the Assistant Chief Constable attended the last meeting of the PCPG. Next meeting to be advised.

9.0 FINANCE

· Bank of Ireland - identification documents required for account signatories. Resolved: to have only 5 signatories owing to the paperwork involved. The signatories will be CW / AW / LW / DM and JP.

· CAB - grant query. Resolved: to increase the grant to CAB to £168 to cover the cost of 8 chairs.

9.1 Approve 2nd quarter internal audit. The second quarter internal audit was approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.

Owing to the full agenda, items 9.2 and 9.3 were deferred to the next meeting.

9.2 Clerk's annual salary review

9.3 Budget & precept 2004/5

9.4 Accounts for Payment

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

· Clerk's expenses & internet connection (chq 200) £21.42

10.0 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The Chairman asked for suggestions for a guest speaker to address the next Annual Parish Meeting.

11.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

12.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2 December 2003, at the usual meeting place, Limpsfield School Hall.

The meeting closed at 10.40 pm.