LIMPSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 7 January 2003, 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 R Harris (RH), Mrs C Heijmer (CH), Mr R Hollywood (RHo), Mr J Pannett (JP), Mrs A Williams (AW), Mrs L Wingate (LW)
1.0 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Jensen. Mr B Alexander and Mrs C Heijmer advised that they would be arriving late to the meeting.
2.0 MINUTES
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed subject to the following clarification:-
Item 7.1 (taken after item 3.0) - Mark Richard's asked the Council for their suggestions only in respect of replanting the area near the traffic lights in Limpsfield High Street. The minute may have implied that the Council had been requested to fund the replanting which was not the case.
3.0 MATTERS ARISING
Item 6.1 paragraph 2 - RH had decided it was not necessary for the Council to write to the Countryside Agency on behalf of Mr Granter, Doghurst, as Mr Granter himself was in the process of mounting an appeal. However, RH requested that the detail of Mr Granter's case be minuted for future reference and agreed to supply the Clerk with the necessary information.
Action: RH
Item 6.5: Mr Eric Morgan telephoned the Clerk to explain that there were no immediate plans to redevelop the Soper Halls and the parish council records could safely remain there.
Item 11.0: Annual Parish Meeting. A letter has been sent inviting Mrs Sarah Goad, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, to speak at the next meeting. Reply awaited.
4.0 COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
There were no reports received.
5.0 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT (including correspondence)
The Chairman proposed that the public session be brought forward as eight members of the public were in attendance. The Chairman invited a spokesperson to address the meeting.
Mr M Stone explained that the purpose of attending the meeting was to debate the problem of the poor state of the verges in Bluehouse Lane between Granville Road and Limpsfield Grange School. The build up of vegetation, topsoil and detritus to between 18" - 24" on each side of the road has narrowed the width of the road and forces pedestrians further out into the road into the path of oncoming traffic. The responsibility for the upkeep of the verges appears to be unclear. Currently Tandridge District Council has the verges swept by mechanical sweeper every 13 weeks but this is proving to be insufficient.
Further concerns expressed by the residents attending the meeting were poor street lighting, lack of 30mph speed restriction signs and no footpath provision.
The Chairman agreed that the Parish Council would take the issue of road maintenance up with
Mr C Marsh of Surrey Highways as a matter of urgency. With regards the other concerns raised, these would be dealt with as part of the wider issue of safety in Bluehouse Lane generally which was currently under review by the Local Committee (Transportation) for which Surrey Highways was preparing a report.
In order to be in a position to represent Limpsfield residents' views accurately, the Parish Council agreed to prepare a questionnaire for distribution to households along Bluehouse Lane (from Granville Road to Park Road) to assess preferred safety options.
The Chairman thanked the members of the public for taking the time to attend the meeting.
The public departed the meeting. The Chairman resumed his report.
Corrrespondence:
· LCAS - Newsletter no 15 December 2002.
· Surrey Hills Partnership - Management Plan for the Surrey Hills AONB. A request to identify key landscape features and priority issues in the Limpsfield area of the Surrey Hills on the form provided by 31 January 2003.
· SCC - agenda for the meeting of the Tandridge Local Committee on 18/12/2. (CW)
· CPRE - copy of a letter sent to John Lawrance advising that Liz Butler, the CPRE Chairperson for Tandridge, had resigned from her position. A meeting is to be held early in the New Year to discuss the way forward.
· SCC - Surrey Rail Forum minutes of meeting held on 31/10/02.
· SCC - The Surrey Structure Plan Deposit Draft December 2002. Comments invited up until 21 February 2003. Action: AW
· SCC - report on Working Together Seminar
· Oxted Parish Council minutes 10/12/02
· East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership - Parish Transport Grant for Taxi Vouchers application form.
The merits of Limpsfield Parish Council making a combined bid for the parish transport grant with other Tandridge parishes were discussed. All members expressed concern that only 8 Limpsfield residents currently benefit from the Tandridge taxi voucher scheme that the grant money would enhance. The Clerk agreed to discuss this issue with Mary Foster.
Action: Clerk
6.0 PARISH COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
6.1 Rights of Way
After some discussion it was agreed that RH and LW would review the list of footpath faults prepared last May in order to clearly identify the locations to the Rights of Way Officer at SCC.
Action: RH/LW
6.2 Planning
Correspondence:
· TDC - copy of response sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the national consultation on planning enforcement.
Certificate of Lawfulness: this establishes whether a proposed development falls within 'permitted development' regulations. Third party comments on the merits of an application cannot be taken into consideration, although factual information which may be useful to the Planning Officer when determining a Certificate of Lawfulness is invited.
Planning Application List No 49, 50, 51 and 1
No objections to
TA/2002/1831 CRABBETT WOOD FARM, ITCHINGWOOD COMMON, LIMPSFIELD. LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY EXTENSIONS TO NORTH AND WEST ELEVATIONS. (AMENDED DESIGN TO PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SCHEME TA/2002/562). TA/2002/1832/TCA RODNEY COTTAGE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD. REDUCE LATERAL BRANCHES ON OAK TREE BY APPROX 1M TO 1.5M WHERE IT OVERHANGS THE PROPERTY.
TA/2002/1836 3, BLUEHOUSE GARDENS, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF 2 STOREY SIDE/SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION.
TA/2002/1291 BOULTHURST FARMHOUSE, PAINS HILL, OXTED. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING SINGLE STOREY ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION TO SIDE OF HOUSE AND ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION AND PORCH TO NORTH ELEVATION. DEMOLITION OF 3 X 2-STOREY BAY WINDOWS TO SOUTH ELEVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF 6 NEW FRENCH WINDOWS IN FACADE. AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING.
TA/2002/1292 BOULTHURST FARMHOUSE, PAINS HILL, LIMPSFIELD. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING SINGLE STOREY ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION TO SIDE OF HOUSE AND ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE ELEVATION AND PORCH TO NORTH ELEVATION. DEMOLITION OF 3 X 2-STOREY BAY WINDOWS TO SOUTH ELEVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF 6 NEW FRENCH WINDOWS IN FACADE. VARIOUS INTERNAL.
TA/2002/1904 PAINS HILL CHAPEL, CHAPEL ROAD, LIMPSFIELD COMMON. ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY FRONT PORCH EXTENSION INCORPORATING DISABLED ACCESS AND SINGLE STOREY REAR KITCHEN AND TOILET EXTENSION.
TA/2002/1974 62, STONELEIGH ROAD, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF FIRST FLOOR SIDE EXTENSION.
Objections to
TA/2002/1768 REDWOOD, WESTERHAM ROAD, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF 2 STOREY FRONT EXTENSION INCORPORATING DOUBLE GARAGE. Express concern about proximity to Orchard Cottage.
TA/2002/1835 8 & 10, TITSEY ROAD, LIMPSFIELD. ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION TO BOTH PROPERTIES IN CONNECTION WITH CONVERSION TO SINGLE DWELLING. Object on the grounds that this is a large extension on two very small cottages in a Conservation Area. The extension could affect the neighbours and would change the character of the cottages. Policy HE3 of the Local Plan states that "the design of new buildings should enhance or preserve the area and be sympathetic to the characteristics of buildings in the area".
AW declared a personal interest in the following application:
TA/2002/1748 HAZLEWOOD SCHOOL, WOLFS HILL, OXTED. REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY CLASSROOM AND ERECTION OF SPORTS HALL WITH BASEMENT CHANGING ROOMS. Express concern about the height of the building and its visual impact on the area. Provisions should be made for screening the new building.
TA/2002/1807 BOULTHURST LODGE, PAINES HILL, LIMPSFIELD. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING AND ERECTION OF 1X3-BED DETACHED BUNGALOW. Object to the loss of a farm worker's cottage within the Green Belt and in an Area of Great Landscape Value. The proposed new bungalow is some 20% larger than the original dwelling, although it is on roughly the same footprint. Express concern about dangerous access on to Pollards Wood Road. Attach a condition to prevent any new dwelling from being extended 'upwards' at some future date.
TA/2002/1867 SNATTS BARN, ROCKFIELD ROAD, OXTED. ERECTION OF DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE & 2.4M HIGH RETAINING WALL TO FRONT OF PROPERTY. Unable to comment at this stage owing to unhelpful drawings.
TA/2002/1881 THE WHITE HOUSE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING LOGSHED, ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION.
TA/2002/1884 THE WHITE HOUSE, HIGH STREET, LIMPSFIELD. DEMOLITION OF OF EXISTING LOG SHED, ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION, INTERNAL ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING UTILITY/WC & REPLACEMENT WINDOW (APPLICATION FOR LISTED BUILDING CONSENT).
TA/2002/1892 188, BLUEHOUSE LANE, LIMPSFIELD. Retention of ground floor side extension and first floor rear extension. Reiterate previous objections that this development contravenes policy BE13 of the Local Plan and is un-neighbourly.
Planning refusals
TA/2002/P/1588 Thatchers, Pastens Road, Limpsfield. Demolition of existing lean-to greenhouse and erection of rear conservatory. Certificate of lawfulness refused: development unlawful.
Planning Approvals
TA/2002/P/1561 Chartwell, Brassey Road, Limpsfield. Erection of 2 dormers to rear roof slope.
TA/2002/P/1565 27 Granville Road, Oxted. Erection of detached double garage and widening of existing access.
TA/2002/P/1580 11 Stanhopes, Limpsfield. Tree works.
TA/2002/1619 39 Stoneleigh Road, Limpsfield. Demolition of existing side addition and erection of 2 storey side extension and front entrance porch.
TA/2002/P/1651 The Orchards, Itchingwood Common, Limpsfield. Erection of single storey side extension and pitched roof to existing bungalow.
6.3 Highways
Correspondence:
· Leader's Office - acknowledgement of PC letter regarding footway repairs in Limpsfield High Street.
· Mr M Stone, resident, Bluehouse Lane - complaint about condition of roadway and verges between Limpsfield Grange School and Granville Road (see public session).
· Mr C Marsh, SCC Highways - confirmation that PC letter regarding parking on Pebble Hill is receiving attention.
· Mr C Marsh, SCC Highways - further letter clarifying action being taken on highways issues in Limpsfield:
1. Highways are still actively trying to get the footway outside Limpsfield Lithographic sorted out.
2. It is considered that the road markings in Wolfs Row are adequate for the purpose and there is no need to repaint a centre line.
3. The Grants Lane site visit took place on 30 November with 8 local residents. The agreed work to install much longer (therefore deeper) timber posts connected with a timber handrail alongside the deepest section of the ditch has been carried out.
4. It is not the case that Mr Marsh is unwilling to review footway surfaces at Limpsfield School, but that the surfaces were as agreed and specified for that location by The National Trust. No complaints have been received from users. A letter of congratulation about the pedestrian island crossing has been received from the Secretary of the Golf Club.
5. Many signs need cleaning in Tandridge. A start was made in Limpsfield several months ago but areas which have not had any cleaning need to be visited before returning to Limpsfield.
While willing to accept that the road markings in Wolfs Row were adequate, members felt that measures needed to be taken to stop parking on the corner by the traffic lights, outside numbers 1 and 2 Wolfs Row. Clerk to write to Highways.
RH confirmed that the posts and handrail had been erected down Grants Lane but that the workmanship was very disappointing and would be unlikely to last. It was agreed that the Clerk should write again to highways expressing concern and enclosing a photograph of the sort of post and rail fence that had been expected.
RH reported that Grants Lane had recently been resurfaced but a new pothole had already formed opposite Whitegates. In addition, the gully under the road at the junction of Short Lane with Grants Lane needs clearing to prevent flooding. Directional signposts each end of Guildables Lane are missing. The Limpsfield sign on East Hill is unreadable. Action: Clerk
LW reported that the streetlight outside the Parish Office in Wolfs Row was very dim and may need a new bulb. Post meeting note: for future reference, the number on the base section of the light is required in order to report street light faults.
6.4 Publicity
Annual Parish Report - it was agreed to include the following articles in the report:
Action:
1. Chairman's report and report on crime prevention CW
2. Rights of way LW
3. Planning and the Limpsfield Conservation Area AW
4. Highways RH
5. Feedback on M25 re-surfacing campaign Clerk
6. Parish Office RHo
7. Limpsfield School CH
8. Surrey Rail Forum (report received from Mr R Bristow)
9. Draft publication scheme re Freedom of Information Act Clerk
BA reminded members that reports were needed by 1 February latest.
6.5 Trees, Village Green & Parish Office
A quotation from Fillingham Electrical Limited in the sum of £550.00 plus VAT was accepted by the Chairman on behalf of the Council (as agreed in minute 6.5 of the December meeting). Seeboard replaced the cast iron cut-out on 20 December 2002. RHo confirmed that the Council would be in a position to apply for the grant from Tandridge District Council once it had been invoiced for the electrical work carried out by Fillingham Electrical.
A dehumidifier has been purchased for the parish office at a cost of £229.99. Post meeting note: recognising that the model of dehumidifier purchased would not respond automatically in the event of a power cut, RHo has arranged for it to be replaced with an alternative model at a small increase in cost. Details to be supplied at the next meeting.
7.0 REPORTS FROM REPRESENsh Report - it was agreed to include the following articles in the report:
Action:
1. Chairman's report and report on crime prevention CW
2. Rights of way LW
3. Planning and the Limpsfield Conservation Area AW
4. Highways RH
5. Feedback on M25 re-surfacing campaign Clerk
6. Parish Office RHo
7. Limpsfield School CH
8. Surrey Rail Forum (report received from Mr R Bristow)
9. Draft publication scheme re Freedom of Information Act Clerk
BA reminded members that reports were needed by 1 February latest.
6.5 Trees, Village Green & Parish Office
A quotation from Fillingham Electrical Limited in the sum of £550.00 plus VAT was accepted by the Chairman on behalf of the Council (as agreed in minute 6.5 of the December meeting). Seeboard replaced the cast iron cut-out on 20 December 2002. RHo confirmed that the Council would be in a position to ao report.
8.0 PUBLIC SESSION
This item was taken at the start of the meeting.
9.0 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Correspondence: a letter of acceptance was received from the Information Commissioner that the 'Parish Council Model Publication Scheme' is an appropriate scheme for the Parish Council to adopt. The scheme is approved for a period from 28/2/03 to 28/2/07.
Members were circulated with a draft publication scheme, a schedule of assets and a risk management schedule for approval. These were approved subject to some minor changes to the headings of the schedule of assets. It was agreed that the Council had 'possessory title' of the Parish Office and that it should now formally register ownership. AW agreed to follow through. Action: AW
The publication scheme will be published in the Annual Report and on the Council's website to comply with the requirements of the FOI Act.
10.0 FINANCE
Correspondence
· Inland Revenue - letter confirming that it is not necessary for a PAYE scheme to be operated for the Parish Council as an employer where no employees are paid above the Tax/NIC thresholds.
10.1 Subscription renewals:
Local Councils Advisory Service £305.00
Woodland Trust £18.00
10.2 Accounts for payment
· Clerk's salary (s/o 26 December 2002) £380.66
· Clerk's expenses (November & December)(chq 146) £12.97
· Mr R Hollywood reimbursement re purchase of dehumidifier
for parish office (chq 147) £229.99
· Woodland Trust renewal (chq 148) £18.00
· Local Council's Advisory Service renewal (chq 149) £305.00
· Limpsfield School hall hire (Jan - June 2003)(chq 150) £90.00
· Mrs A Williams reimbursement re purchase of local plan
documents (chq 151) £30.00
· Seeboard direct debit 16/12/2 (electricity) £1.59
12.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Crime & Disorder Act: the Chairman stated that it was his intention to encourage more neighbourhood watches in the parish. A tear-off slip will be included in the Annual Report for interested parties to request more information.
13.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 4 February 2003
The meeting closed at 10.30 pm.