Minutes January 2008

Parish Council Meeting

The meeting was opened at 7.15pm on Monday, 7th January 2008 at Chilworth Infant School.

Present

Prior to the meeting, PCSO Paul Hyde the Tillingbourne Police Community Support Officer gave an informal talk on the subject of his role in the community. He discussed a number of points of concern with Cllrs. The Chairman expressed the Council's thanks for the opportunity to meet with its PCSO.

23.1 Apologies for Absence

None.

23.2 Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meetings held on Monday 12th November 2007 and Monday 10th December 2007, having been circulated to Cllrs, were approved.

23.3 Declaration of Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Cllr Burt declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 23.7 as owner of the Parish Field.

23.4 Matters Arising

23.4a War Memorial Garden

Cllr Allen reported that Mr David Allen had completed remedial grubbing work on the War Memorial garden. Planting had taken place with plants donated to the community. Unfortunately deer had attacked the new plants. The plaque on the tree had been replaced at a cost of £25.50.

The Chairman asked Cllr Allen to convey to David Allen the Council's gratitude for the work he had put in. The Chairman also expressed thanks to the anonymous donator of the plants.

23.4b Permissive footpath for walkers using the Packhorse Bridge

The owner of Chilworth Manor, Mr Graham Wrigley, had been in contact with the Chairman regarding the permissive footpath. No response had been forthcoming from Adam Owen (GBC Parks and Countryside Manager). The Clerk felt that this might be due to the perceived Health and Safety issues regarding the Packhorse Bridge. The Chairman had to suggested to Mr Wrigley that nevertheless he established a path over Manor land with the installation of a kissing gate. The Chairman may arrange another onsite meeting with Mr Wrigley.

23.4c Post Box by Chilworth Rail Station

Cllr Allen had supplied the Clerk with the telephone number of Kevin Bentley (Post Office, Guildford Collections and Delivery Support Manager) in order to follow up on the Council's request for action on the condition of the box. Although the Clerk had got through to Mr Bentley's office, he had not yet been able to speak to Mr Bentley in person.

23.4d Street lamp east of the Tangley Level Crossing

The Clerk had once again spoken with Mr John Cheesman (SCC Guildford LTS). Contrary to previous information, it now appeared that the District Lighting Engineer had confused the Tangley Crossing with the Station Crossing and had wrongly identified a different light as belonging to Network Rail.

23.4e Tree Preservation Orders for selected trees in Blacksmith Lane

Mr Jason Hasaka (GBC Trees Officer) had presented a report, which had been circulated to Cllrs. Cllrs welcomed the findings of the report and fully supported the extension of the report to include the stand of trees adjacent to the drive of Chilworth Manor. It is now the responsibility of GBC Planning to act on the report and pursue a TPO.

23.4f Footpath from Chilworth Manor to Lockner Farm (FP252)

The Clerk, acting on a complaint from a member of the public, had spoken with James Browne (SCC R of W) regarding the condition of the footpath. James Browne had agreed to inspect the footpath but in general felt that it was no worse than any other footpath in that during the growing season and before cutting, it would get somewhat overgrown. Cllrs tended to agree with that opinion.

23.4g North pavement of Dorking Road (Pine View Close to Lockner Farm)

Following a complaint from Mrs McIntyre, Cllr Lunnon had spoken to the landowner of the hedge and it was reported that the hedge had been cut back. However there is still a problem at ground level with brambles obstructing the pavement. Pavements are the responsibility of the District Council rather than Highways. The clerk will pursue with GBC.

23.4h ‘Planter’ at Chilworth Station

The Clerk had again with John Cheesman (SCC Guildford LTS) on the subject of Network Rail's failure to remove the ‘Planter’. Mr Cheesman shares the Council's frustration with the failure of Network Rail to respond to correspondence on the subject. He is reluctantly considering paying for the planter to be removed.

23.4i Car Parking on the Dorking Road (near the Blacksmith Lane junction)

Cars parked near to the junction obscured the view of drivers using the junction and is therefore considered a traffic hazard. This was discussed with PCSO Hyde with a request that advisory notes are left on cars so parked.

23.4j Surrey Hills Society

An Email had been sent to confirm the Councils interest in the Society.

23.4k Gunpowder Mills Consultation Meeting

The Parish Council is to ask the Gunpowder Group to reconsider the format of the meeting, in view of disappointing attendance at this year's event.

23.4l External Security Light at Oak House, Sample Oak Lane

Concern had been expressed over the light dazzling drivers on the Lane. The clerk had reported the matter to GBC Planning Enforcement, who will investigate.

23.5 Highways & Byways

No new items.

23.6 Correspondence

The Chairman had received a letter from Surrey Crimestoppers thanking the Council for its donation.

23.7 Parish Field Committee

Councillor Burt left the room

Field Committee Chairman's Report

a. Cllr Bunting had instructed Roger Taylor (SSALC Solicitor) to act for the Council in the matter of the long-term field lease. Mr Taylor however felt that the deadline of producing a lease by 29th January was unrealistic.

b. The Committee would look into ways of involving the public in the care and maintenance of the Field. If there was enough support, a group of volunteers could be formed.

c. The lease would have a five-year management plan annexed to it. The management plan could be updated with the passage of time and in the light of experience. Mr David Sayce (Surrey Wildlife Trust) had offered to vet such a plan.

d. The Council AFFIRMED that it was under no obligation to meet the owner's legal fees in the matter of the long-term lease for the field.

Councillor Burt rejoined the meeting.

23.8 Councillors' Business

23.8.1 Parish Newsletter

The Chairman had agreed to edit the Spring Newsletter. It was agree to limit the size of the newsletter to 4 A5 Pages. Deadline for contributions was 31st March 2008.

23.8.2 Parish Council Minutes

The 1972 Local Government Act required that Cllrs would receive an individual paper copy of the minutes. However the general advice now is that an emailed copy would meet the requirements of the Act. RESOLVED that minutes would in future be circulated by email unless a recipient specifically requested a paper copy.

23.9 Planning

23.9.1 Planning Committee Chairman's report

a. 07/P/01447 - Southways, White Lane

External lighting Scheme.

The Parish Council submitted comments and opposed the application. PENDING

b. 07/P/01987 – Old Manor Cottage Old Manor Lane

Relaxation of condition 4 of 06/P/01913, which was approved, to allow the insertion of first floor level on the North elevation of Plot 1.

No comment by the Parish Council. APPROVED

23.10 Chilworth Community Association

The donation of £100 had been made to the Association and a letter of thanks had been received from Mrs June Downham (CCA Chairman).

The Clerk notified Cllrs that he would be taking on the role of the CCA's Treasurer with effect from the March CCA AGM.

23.11 Finance

23.11.1 Bank Reconciliation

Cllr Hayward had checked the December reconciliation before the meeting and signed it as correct. The Council approved the reconciliation.

23.11.2 Invoices paid out of committee

23.11.3 Invoices for payment

23.11.4 Clerk's Allowances and Expenses

23.11.5 Financial Forecast

The financial forecast for January was noted.

23.12 Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday 10th March 2008 at Chilworth Infant School, commencing at 7.15pm.

Dates of subsequent meetings:

12th May 2008
14th July 2008
8th September 2008
10th November 2008