JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1999


MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 13th September 1999 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 p.m.

Present: Mr Tony Erbes.(in the Chair)
Mr Bob David Mr Wendy Maddison
Mr Ian Mitchell Mrs Dorothy Reeve
Mr David Wood

Apologies: Mrs M Boadella (Chairman).

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mrs Tina Fry (TD Councillor), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and 9 parishioners.

In the absence of the Chairman, Tony Erbes, the Vice-Chairman, took the Chair.

1. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 12th July 1999 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:
In the last line of paragraph 7b(5) the deletion of It was proposed to;
In the first line of paragraph 11a the substitution of reported for to report.

2. Matters Arising
(a) Goatsfield Road obstruction: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Ian Reeves and it appeared that the obstruction had been removed.
(b) Edgar Road Rubbish Dumping: The Clerk confirmed that letters had been sent out to the properties affected.

3. Planning Matters
Tony Erbes and Bob David reported on the action taken in respect of the applications listed
99/618 - 16 Paynesfield Road: No objection
99/768 - Hillcrest, Sunnybank, Old Lane: No objection had been lodged. The concerns expressed by neighbours had been made known to Tandridge DC and these appeared to have been taken into consideration.
99/799 - 20 The Square: No objection.
99/800 - The Orchard, Westmore Green: No objection.
99/832 - Normanhurst, Kemsley Road: No objection.
99/856 - 16 Wedgwoods: No objection.
99/933 - 2 Crossways: No objection.
99/965 - Waylands Farm, Approach Road: A letter indicating the intention to lodge an objection would be submitted immediately and this letter would also draw attention to a similar application being considered by LBB (see next application) and suggesting that sharing was a possibility. Whilst appreciating the difficulties in lodging a successful objection, Ian Mitchell was authorised to prepare and submit an objection in such terms as he considered appropriate.
99/02668 - Lusted Hall Farm (LBB): Similar instructions were agreed in this case.
98/1016 - 2 Ebor Cottages, Paynesfield Road: The amendments made by the applicant met previous objections and a letter indicating this would be sent.
97/0286A Clacket Lane Sandpit: Ian Mitchell indicated that an appeal had been lodged by the operator of the site against SCCs refusal to extend the period for restoration of the site. It was agreed that he would consider whether any further representations should be made in support of Surrey CC.
(b) ESMAC: The Clerk indicated that Limpsfield Parish Council was suggesting that the East Surrey Motorway Action Committee should be re-formed to consider the implications of the widening of the M25 between Junctions 6 and 7 and the consequent increase in noise and traffic. It was agreed that the Parish Council wished to be a member of this Committee. Further details of the first meeting would follow.
(c) Surrey CC Waste Local Plan: The Clerk reported that a copy of the published plan had been placed in circulation.
(d) Parkwood Golf Club: Ian Mitchell reported that Tandridge DC had written inviting views concerning the use of facilities such as golf clubs or large houses with gardens or institutions including schools for the purpose of holding business or social functions. He read the terms of the reply that he had sent on the Councils behalf. His action was approved.
Planning Councillor: Wendy Maddison.

4. Finance
(a) Road Repair Grant: The Clerk reported that he had received a request for a grant of £100/150 towards the maintenance of Maesmaur Road (southern end). He pointed that the Council refused to consider a similar application for Kemsley Road due to the general financial position. It was agreed that this application would be refused on the same ground. It was also agreed that a statement should be published in the Parish Magazine indicating that the Council wished to know of any roads where applications for grants might be made in the next financial year. It would be made clear that this did not guarantee that any grant would be made but would enable the Council to consider whether any provision could be included in the 2000/2001 Budget.

5. Highways & Rights of Way
(a) Sundry Highway Matters:
(1) B2024 Clarks Lane: Bob David had circulated all members with a report of the meeting which had taken place with Simon Hall (SCC Highways) to discuss this matter. After discussion, it was agreed that Bob David would write indicating that the Parish Council remained in favour of the scheme although it was disappointed that the more funds were not available to enable the scheme to be more comprehensive. Some members expressed concern about the amount of signage and asked that this should be limited as much as possible.
(2) White Lane: Bob David indicated that another serious traffic accident had occurred at the junction of White Lane/Clarks Lane and it was agreed that the matter should be raised with SCC Highways with a request that the Councils proposals for White Lane should be re-considered.
(b) North Downs Way: The Clerk reported that the Countryside Agency had commissioned a report from a consultant with regard to the improvement of access to the South East National Trails SCC for people with disabilities. Comments were invited and it was agreed that the matter would be publicised in the Parish Magazine.
(c) Highway Erosion: The matter would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
(d) Furze Corner: The Clerk indicated that Tina Fry had written to the Chairman suggesting that the Parish Council should ask Surrey CC Highways to consider the provision of a pedestrian crossing. Children wanting to reach the playing area at Furze Corner.were forced to cross Approach Road on this dangerous bend and she considered a crossing was desperately needed. It was agreed to write to Surrey Highways accordingly.

7. Reports
(a) County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) Titsey Hill: He agreed that signage on the new roundabout should be limited as much as was reasonably possible.
(2) Copyhold Incinerator: He believed that this incinerator provided the most environmentally friendly method of disposing of waste.
(3) Bond Road Waste Clearance Depot: He was making the strongest possible representations to ensure the retention of this depot at this site or , at least, in the Warlingham area.
(4) Gatwick Airport: The forecast was for traffic to increase by one third by 2008 and he was disturbed by the consequent increase in both road traffic and pollution.
(5) Tatsfield School: He was pleased to report that the SCC Development Manager had now agreed that improvements were needed to the buildings and would be placing the School on the list for the next year.
(6) Clacket Lane Sandpit: He hoped to attend the informal hearing on 5 October.
(b) District Councillor: Tina Fry mentioned the following matters:-
Village Hall Carpark: She had an offer of a permanent vandal-proof basket ball stand on condition that it was accessible at all times. Facilities for local children to play were desperately needed and she suggested that it could be installed in the car park. It was pointed out that the Parish Council had previously decided against ball games in the car park area and it was also suggested that it might be better to provide a suitable surface in the L-shaped Field as a temporary measure until the scheme under consideration could or did proceed.
Local Elections: She drew attention to the fact that there would be local elections next year due entirely to the recent Electoral Review that had changed the boundaries of this Ward.
(3) White Lane: She considered the Parish Councils proposal to make White Lane one way from Titsey Hill was totally irresponsible. It would only cause another problem by increasing the traffic along Pilgrims Way.
(4) Youth Club: The Clubs storage cupboard in the Village Hall needed a lock.
(c) SVSC AGM: No report in the absence of the Chairman.
(d) Parish Constable: Phillip Clark mentioned the following matters:-
(1) White Lane: There had recently been a serious traffic accident at the bottom of White Lane at the junction with Titsey Hill and it was obvious that there was a problem with traffic using White Lane. He had noticed that overgrowing vegetation was causing reducing sight lines at the junction with Clark Lane and this had been dealt with.
(2) Approach Road: The footpath was overgrown and needed cutting back.
(3) Scarecrow Event: A pile of rubbish had been left near the pond and some of it had been thrown in the pond. He had dealt with the matter informally but suggested that the matter should be noted for future reference.
(4) Playing Area: He supported the provision of somewhere for the young people to play as the lack of such an area definitely caused difficulties.
(5) Police Presence: The local Beat Officer was now visiting the area regularly and he hoped that there would be an increased police presence.
(e) Biggin Hill Airport: Nothing to report.
(f) E Surrey Transport Committee: The report by Mr Denis Hayes had been circulated and its contents were noted. The Vice-Chairman thanked Denis Hayes for representing the Councils interests on this and other committees.
At the conclusion of the reports and, in the absence of Tina Fry who had left the meeting at the conclusion of her report, the Vice Chairman assured all present that the Parish Council had given very careful consideration to its proposals for White Lane and he was sure that the scheme was not irresponsible as had been suggested by Tina Fry in her report.
8. Council Aims & Objectives
(a) Aims & Objectives for Next 4 Years: It had not been possible to arrange an informal meeting of councillors to discuss this matter. Tony Erbes indicated that he would arrange such a meeting before the next Council meeting.
(b) L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that as the third Architect had failed to submit a design in accordance with the specification or a correct estimate of his fees, he considered that the matter should proceed on the basis of two submissions. In both cases the fee estimate for the preparation and submission of the planning application was £1,400. After discussion, it was agreed that two further submissions, at least, should be sought and it was agreed that Bob David and Ian Mitchell would agree the identity of those to be invited to make those additional submissions.

9. Notified Items
(a) Council Directory: Ian Mitchell indicated that all the necessary revisions had been made and it was agreed that 700 copies should be printed. Tony Erbes agreed to arrange this.
(b) SCAPTC: The Clerk indicated that the Executive Committee had considered the Review Group Report and had made recommendations which would be voted upon at the AGM on 25 September 1999. Copies of these recommendations had been circulated to all members. In the absence of Margaret Boadella, it was agreed that Tony Erbes would discuss the matters with both Margaret Boadella and with Denis Hayes who had chaired the Review Group. Agreement would then be reached as to way in which the Parish Council would vote on the proposals.
(c) Local Government Commission Periodic Electoral Review: The Clerk reported that, following the District Council Review, a County Council review was now to be undertaken. This would consider whether County Council wards needed to be altered in order to give equality of representation. Whatever the outcome of the review, Tatsfield would be entirely within one ward. Details of proposals would be forthcoming in due course.

10. Village Hall
(a) Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that the Contractor was due to return to the Hall on the following day to complete all outstanding items. This would be monitored very carefully with the object of ensuring that the contract was completed both properly and quickly.
(b) Management Committee: Bob David reported that, despite the difficulties, the hall was in full use and bookings were good. The Committee had lodged a claim in respect of lost revenue with the Parish Council that would be passed on to the Builder in due course. It seemed that the dispute about the curtain making might be resolved satisfactorily. A meeting with the curtain maker would take place shortly. Fund raising continued with a School Dinners event on 2 October.
(c) Review of Constitution: It had not been possible to arrange a meeting of the group to discuss the matter and this would be arranged before the next meeting.

11. Property & Land Maintenance
(a) Property: Tony Erbes reported that the decorative repairs to the Surgery would be undertaken shortly. A possible leak in the main roof in the area of the toilet window was being investigated.
(b) Police Aerial Rent: The Clerk reported that as yet the agreed increase had not been paid. The matter had been chased.
(c) Land:
(1) Tatsfield in Bloom: A written report on the general and financial position for the current year circulated by Bob David was noted and agreed. It was agreed that, as previously, the Parish Council would sponsor the 2000 entry to South East in Bloom, jointly with Tatsfield Horticultural Society, to a maximum amount of £350.
(2) Village Pond: Tony Erbes indicated that the contractor had inspected the pond and had agreed to carry out certain clearance work for which a quotation was awaited.
(3) Gorsey Down Farm: Ian Mitchell indicated that he and Bob David had reached agreement with Mr Harrison, the owner of the Farm, as to the location of the joint boundary with the land claimed by the Parish Council that fronted Georges Road. Mr Harrison wished to erect a fence defining his boundary and the agreed boundary had been positioned so as to allow sufficient room for a JCB access to clear the drainage ditch.
(4) Westmore Green: The Clerk reported that letters had been sent to all owners and occupiers adjoining the northern end of the Green indicating that parking would not be allowed in future. Ian Mitchell indicated that on 4 September a large number of vehicles had been parked at the southern end of the Green and he suggested that the matter should be taken up with the owners of properties at that end of the Green. This was agreed and the Clerk was asked to write accordingly.
(5) Claimed Land: The Clerk confirmed that he was still dealing with the proposed applications for possessory titles. In order to strengthen such claims, it was agreed that the question of fencing some areas of land should be considered and Ian Mitchell and Bob David agreed to look into the matter.

12. Meetings to attend:
(a) SCC Community Transport Forum: 14 September at 10.00 am at Bluehouse Lane Social Centre, Oxted - Denis Hayes to attend.
(b) Tandridge LA21 Groups Forum: 22 September 1999 at 7.30 pm in the Council offices agenda awaited.
(c) SCAPTC General & AGM: 25 September 199 at 2.30 p.m.& 4.00 p.m. at Albury Village Hall, The Street, Albury Chairman to attend.
(d) TDC Chairmans Seminar: 7 October at 7.00-7.30pm - Chairman and Clerk.
Surrey LA21 Groups Forum: Saturday 9 October 199 10 am to 4 pm in the Big Hall, Guildford College of Further Education. Ian Mitchell & Wendy Maddison.
(e) Surrey Rail Forum: 19 October at 10.00 am at County Hall Denis Hayes
(f) Surrey Countryside Conference: 28 October 10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. at Farnham Maltings, Farnham to be decided at next meeting.

13. Correspondence
(a) Tandridge Crime Prevention Panel: The Clerk drew attention to a meeting of the Panel to be held on 27 September 199 at 7.30 pm at Police Station Oxted to recruit new members.
(b) Westmore Green: The Clerk reported that, in the absence of the Chairman on holiday, he had given permission for use of Green for (1) a Tatsfield WI Produce Stall on 11th September, and a Croydon Festival of Walking checkpoint on 12th September
(c) Millennium Street Closures: The Clerk reported that he had passed to the Millennium Committee a copy of details of the procedure involved if a street closure was required.
(d) Ramblers Association: The Clerk drew attention to a pamphlet Paths for People, a copy of which had been distributed to all councillors.
(e) Darent Local Environment Agency Plan: The Clerk reported that the Environment Agency was holding a public launch of this Plan on 16 September at Hall Place Bexley which covers the area of Tatsfield.

14. Any Other Business
(a) Millennium Celebration: The cost of the proposed beacon, including its installation, was likely to be in excess of £1,400 + VAT and this would have be borne by the Parish Council if the matter was to proceed. After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council was not willing to underwrite such a large amount. Tony Erbes indicated that he would investigate the matter and report back after he had discussed the matter with the Committee.
(b) SCC Jigsaw Project: Dorothy Reev indicated that she had taken part in this and that a contribution from Tatsfield would be included.
(c) Environmental Clearance: Bob David drew attention to the collection on 18 September.
(d) Shopping Week: Bob David reported that he had decided that he would not be organising such an event this year.

The meeting closed at 11.12 p.m.