JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1998

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 13th July 1998 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 pm.
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Present: Mr Denis Hayes (in the Chair)
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Bob David
Mr Ian Mitchell Mrs Eileen Pearce
Mr David Wood
Apologies: Tony Erbes (absence on holiday), Tina Fry (TDC Councillor) and Harry Pettifor
(SCCouncillor).
In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mr Simon Hall (SCC Highways) and 8 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 8th June 1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
2 Matters Arising
a Bus Route Revisions: The Chairman outlined the representations which he had submitted and indicated that a copy of these representations had been placed in circulation for councillors information.
b Village Ducks: Margaret Boadella reported that the duck house had fallen into disrepair and no longer existed. Bob David indicated that representations from interested parties were likely to be made at the September meeting of the Council and it was agreed to leave any further discussion until then.
c Police & Crime in Tatsfield: The Clerk reported that, as requested in the public session at the last meeting, a letter expressing concern at the increase of crime in the locality had been sent to the Police.
d Westmore Green Parking: David Wood had nothing further to report. It was agreed that the Chairman and the Clerk would arrange for a suitable reply to be sent.

3 Planning Matters
a Ian Mitchell reported on the applications which had come forward during the period since the last meeting as follows:-
93/360 Siljan, Hillside Road
98/543 Parkwood Cottage, Parkwood Road - no objection to be lodged
98/418 Ship Hill House East, Ship Hill - an objection to the erection of 2m high fence on the grounds of visual intrusion and out of keeping with with locality had been lodged.
98/558 Clacket Lane MSA: It was agreed that an objection should be lodged to continued proliferation of this type of development in a sensitive area.
98/619 8 Crossways: No objection.
98/620 Clacket Lane Sandpit: No objection despite general dissatisfaction with the position.
98/621 Clouds, Ricketts Hill: No objection except a request to impose condition restricting alternative use.
98/1491 Sunnybank, Cudham Road (LBB): No objection.
98/105 The Croft, Westmore Green: It was noted that a further revised plan had been lodged. The existing objection was still applicable and no further action was required.
Ian Mitchell drew attention to two previous refusals both of which had been dealt with under the Delegated Action procedure. He outlined the reasons given by TDC and indicated that these would be noted for use with similar future applications.
b TDC District Plan: Ian Mitchell went through the draft response which had been circulated to all councillors. It was agreed that Ian Mitchell be authorised to submit these responses in the necessary form.
c SERPLAN: The Chairman indicated that TDC had requested comments on its Conclusions in this matter which were due to be submitted for full Council approval. As comments were required by 24 July it was agreed that Messrs Mitchell, Pearce and Hayes be authorised to prepare and submit such comments as they considered appropriate.
c Planning Councillor: Tony Erbes.

4 Finance
a The Clerk drew attention to the fact that the Parish Magazine had only requested a grant of Ł300 as against the sum of Ł500 which had been set aside in the Budget.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Whites Lane Road Scheme: The Chairman introduced Simon Hall (SCC Highways) who explained to the meeting the preliminary proposals for a small roundabout at the junction of Titsey Hill(B269) and Clarks Lane (B2024) and the alterations to traffic movements in Whites Lane. He clarified various matters concerning the position of the small roundabout, the lighting which would be required and other details. It appeared that councillors were in principle in favour of the installation of the small roundabout subject to concern about the lighting required. There were strong reservations about the proposals for restricted entry to Whites Lane which would effectively close it to all traffic. Simon Hall requested that the Parish Council should write to him setting out its views and he also indicated that he would welcome any alternative suggestions for Whites Lane.
b Sundry Highway Matters:
(1) Bob David reported that SCC Highways were not prepared to pay for new twinning signs nor had it, as yet, replaced the missing letters from the signs. It was agreed that the Parish Council would meet the cost if SCC would agree to Colin Davis carrying out the work. This was necessary as he was not one of its approved contractors.
(2) HGV proposals: SCC Highways were considering the matter and hoped to put their proposals forward shortly.
(3) SCC Highways had now agreed to white-line Ricketts Hill Road and Approach Road.
(4) Certain hedges in Ship Hill were so badly overgrown that pedestrians could not use the footpath. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to those concerned requesting them to cut the hedges back.

6 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that he hoped to call a meeting shortly to progress the matter.

7 Notified Items
a Tatsfield History Project: Eileen Pearce requested that this item should not appear as a regular item in future. She had nothing to report.
b Surrey CC Countryside Estate: The Chairman indicated that it seemed that SCC were favouring the creation of a County Trust. There would be further discussions when proposals were more definite.
c Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that the proposal to extend the aircraft turning point from 2 to 2.5 nautical miles from the Airport was unlikely to be approved due to conflict with Gatwick Airport limits. The Owners Newsletter had contained a further strong warning to members to observe the existing Airport requirements when overflying Tatsfield. He felt that this reflected the strength of representations which had been made on behalf of the village and he promised to continue representing the Villages concern at the level of noise caused by overflying aircraft.
d TDC Environmental Clearance: Bob David reported that he had not received any comments about this years arrangements. TDC were unable to say what the demand had been because no records had been kept. It seemed that demand was about the same as in the previous year. It was agreed that he would continue to press for an RCV to be provided in The Square in addition to those in Lusted Hall Lane and Ricketts Hill Road.
e Tatsfield Shopping Week: Bob David reported that all the supporting events had been very successful. The shops had had a mixed response which was disappointing. The cost was approx Ł100 which was well below the budget of Ł200 for this event.
f SCAPTC: The Chairman reported that he had contacted 10 Clerks of Parish Councils in the Tandridge area. There had been no response from one. Of the remaining 9 councils, 3 had already withdrawn from membership, 2 were contemplating withdrawal and the remaining 3 Councils all agreed that the situation was far from satisfactory. Godstone had offered to host an informal meeting. After discussion, it was agreed that the Chairman should arrange such a meeting to discuss possible action. The Chairman agreed to try and get the 3 councils which had already withdrawn to attend the meeting or to obtain from them their reasons for withdrawal.

8 Village Hall
a Building Committee: The Clerk reported that the Grant Agreement had been completed and that work had officially commenced on Monday 6 July. The Contractor had agreed to accept payment of instalments within 28 rather than 14 days in consideration of a payment of Ł12,500 on the signing of the agreement. The initial payment of Ł12,500 had now been received and so a similar payment had now been made to the Contractor. A sum of Ł2,000 had been transferred to TPC Village Hall Account to meet certain smaller payments which will have to be made.
The Clerk indicated that he had prepared draft figures showing the cashflow over the next 18 months in order that a decision can be reached by the Finance Committee over the level of borrowing which will be recommended to the Council for approval. He hoped that such a recommendation would come forward at the September meeting and that members would be circulated with full details beforehand.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that to facilitate vehicle access to the Surgery through the L-shaped Field he had arranged for the front hedge to be trimmed back to improve sight lines. The hire charges for storage of equipment in the container had been fixed and the Clerk would be collecting these. He indicated that a large amount of new equipment would be required for the Hall and the Management Committee was in the process of assessing the costs. It was clear that a considerable sum would be required and that the Management Committee would almost certainly be seeking a grant from the Parish Council. to assist with the purchase of the necessary equipment.
The Chairman, as Treasurer of VHMC, indicated that, due to a misunderstanding of the position, insufficient funds had been allocated to the cost of insurance whilst the building work was in progress. The total cost was approx Ł1,183.39.00 as compared to the budgeted amount of Ł400. It was agreed that as the increase was due to the building works and the Parish Council was the owner of the Hall, the Parish Council would contribute the difference of Ł783.39.

9 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: It was noted that the re-decoration of the Parish Room had commenced.
b Land: Eileen Pearce indicated that the cutting of various areas of Parish land was in hand. Bob David drew attention to the fact that the Village Pond appeared to be very overgrown and asked that the matter should be investigated. Eileen Pearce agreed to deal with this.
c Tree Replacement Programme: It was agreed that the Tree Replacement Programme which had been previously submitted for consideration should be approved and that suitable provision should be made in the Budget. It was agreed that the annual removal of trees would need prior approval from the Parish Council before work proceeded.
d Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David reported that all arrangements were well in hand for the judging of the main competition which would take place on 15 July. The village competition judging would take place on 18 July when the prizegiving and other events would take place on Westmore Green.

10 Reports
a County Councillor: No report.
b District Councillor: No Report
c Parish Constable: In the absence of the Parish Constable, Ian Mitchell indicated that two Beat Officers, PC Sue Powell and PC Kevin Smith had been appointed to cover Woldingham and Tatsfield in addition to our own Parish Constable. This should mean an increase in the visible police presence in the Village and was a very welcome development.
d Tatsfield/Vern Committee: report circulated.
e E Surrey Transport Committee: report circulated
f CAB AGM: Bob David reported that he had placed the Annual Report in circulation. The Bureau continued to be well used and more advisers were urgently needed.

11 Meetings to attend:
a SVSC AGM: 15 July at 11.30 am at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking - No one able to attend..
b SCAPTC AGM: 26 September at 2.30 pm at Mole Valley DC Council Offices, Dorking. - Denis Hayes and Ian Mitchell to attend.
c Surrey Rail Forum: 14 October at 10.00 am at County Hall - Denis Hayes to attend.
d SCC Service of Thanksgiving: 4 October at 3.00 pm in Guildford Cathedral - no one willing to attend.

12 Correspondence
a Oxted Barn Theatre: An appeal for financial assistance had been received. It was agreed that this would not be supported.

13 Any Other Business
a Millennium Photograph: Bob David reported that Kevin Black (Border News) had proposed that every local family should be individually photographed as a unique record of the occasion and he wished to know if this would meet with support from the Parish Council. It appeared to be felt that this was not a very practical proposal but that the matter should be referred to the Millennium Committee for approval.
b .Tatsfield School: Bob David indicated that the Minutes of the latest Governors meeting had been placed in circulation. Applicants for the post of Headteacher were to be interviewed the following day.
The meeting closed at 11.28 pm.

MINUTES OF a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 14th September 1998 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 pm.
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Present: Mr Bob David (in the Chair)
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Tony Erbes
Mr Ian Mitchell Mrs Eileen Pearce
Mr David Wood Mr Denis Hayes
Apologies: None
In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), ), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor), Mrs Tina Fry (TD Councillor), Philip Clark (Parish Constable), Kevin Smith (Surrey Constabulary) and 4 parishioners.
Bob David indicated that, following his recent operation, Denis Hayes did not wish to take the chair and had asked him to do so. Denis Hayes was however well enough to attend the meeting and the Vice-Chairman expressed the best wishes of all present to Denis Hayes for his speedy recovery to full health.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 7th July1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-
(1) The insertion of A written report on this matter from Tina Fry was considered. at the end of paragraph 8a - White Lane Road Scheme and
(2) the substitution of There was no report other than the written report referred to in paragraph 8a for No report.

2 Matters Arising
a Tandridge Periodic Electoral Review: The Clerk reported that the Review had been published and was in circulation. The Local Government Commission was recommending that Chelsham & Farleigh should be merged with Warlingham. The matter was now before the Minister for ratification and it seemed almost certain he would confirm the recommendation.
b Bus Timetable Revisions: Denis Hayes summarised the content of correspondence which had passed between himself, SCC and London Transport about through-ticketing to Croydon from which it seemed certain that this would not be available in future for journeys via New Addington. Ian Mitchell also indicated that copies of the new provisional timetable had now been displayed but there had been no advance publicity of the changes in timetable. He suggested that travellers from Tatsfield to Croydon might be better served by travelling via Warlingham when concessions to bus pass holders would still be available. It was agreed that details of the changes would be published in the Parish Magazine and Denis Hayes agreed to pursue matters through SCC.
c Village Ducks: The Vice-Chairman indicated that this matter was likely to come up for discussion at the next Council meeting.

3 Planning Matters
a Tony Erbes reported that the following matters had been dealt with during the summer break:-
98/694 Brooklands, Greenway: No objection.
98/823 Old Rectory Lodge, Rectory Lane, Westerham: no objection.
98/830 Goddards, Manor Road: This matter had only just come to hand and would be dealt with
by the next Planning Councillor
94/753/A Botley Hill Farmhouse: Permission had been granted and this was an application to
amend the plan. It appeared that there was no objection.
98/209 Park Wood GC: No objection provided that the proposed sign was identical to that which
it was as intended to replace.
Park Wood GC: The question of the continued unrestricted use of the restaurant was raised and
it was agreed that it would be dealt with at the next meeting.
Clacket Lane Sandpit: It was agreed that SCC would be asked to impose a timetable for the
infilling with penalties for failure to comply.
b TDC District Plan: Ian Mitchell reported that he had circulated to members a summary of all the responses which had been made and which affected the Parish. The matter would be considered at the November Tandridge DC Council meeting and the Councils replies to these further responses could be considered by the Parish Council and further representations made, if considered necessary.
c SERPLAN: Denis Hayes confirmed that the informal group had met and agreed comments which had been submitted. These indicated that the Councils view was that the MGB should be strictly preserved as it was of value not only to communities such as Tatsfield but also preserved the countryside for others to enjoy.
c Planning Councillor: David Wood and Margaret Boadella agreed to cover the next two months between them.

4 Finance
a Proposed Borrowing: The Clerk summarised the contents of a note which had been circulated to all members. Denis Hayes then proposed and David Wood seconded that the Council borrow the sum of Ł40,000 repayable over 10 years by a fixed interest rate annuity system. This was passed unanimously and it was agreed that the loan would be taken up as soon as possible.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a White Lane Road Scheme: The Clerk confirmed that a letter had been sent to SCC Highways confirming the views expressed at the last meeting. It was agreed that Denis Hayes, Tony Erbes and David Wood would consider the possible alternatives to the SCC White Lane proposal and formulate a response for submission to the Highways meeting which would take place on 28th October. The response would be considered at the next Council meeting.
b Sundry Highway Matters: Bob David reported on the following matters:-
(1)White lining had been completed in Approach Road but not in Ricketts Hill Road. It was agreed that he would suggest that white lining in Ricketts Hill Road should be postponed until after the completion of any re-surfacing.
(2) As a result of the Clerks letter, he was pleased to say that the hedge fronting Carolines Yard, Ship Hill, had been trimmed back.
(3) He had been approached about the difficulties of walking along Ship Hill due to overgrown hedges in other parts of Ship Hill and the Clerk was asked to write to the landowners concerned.
(4) He had also been approached about the dangers for schoolchildren walking to school along Ship Hill in crossing from the footpath on one side to the footpath on the other side. Discussion took place and it was agreed that SCC Safe Routes to School would be contacted to see if help and financial support was available to help solve the problem. Denis Hayes also drew attention to the School Train scheme which was operating in some parts of the country with success.
(5) SCC had recently held a Parish Council Workshop to which the Parish Council had not received any invitation. A copy of the proposals forthcoming from that Workshop would be discussed at the next Council meeting.
(6) The Clerk was requested to notify SCC Rights of Way Officer that the stiles on FP22 and FP23 were overgrown, that the Bridleway in Beech Avenue required cutting to a sufficient height for horse riders, that FP17 south of Long Reach was badly overgrown and that the the Council considered that the Bridleway sign should be re-instated at the junction of Church Hill/Chestnut Avenue.
(7) Eileen Pearce reported that a complaint had been received about the blocked ditch in Old Lane. TDC had recently cleared the Tatsfield Green side of the ditch but had not dealt with the Old Lane sign due to parked vehicles and to the many flints, stones etc. which could damage machinery and/or parked vehicles. The Clerk was requested to write to the complainant to explain the position..

6 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David indicated that the Committee would be meeting on the 25th September and a detailed report would be made to the next Council meeting.

7 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that that the Advisory Committee met on the 23rd July and the minutes of that meeting had been placed in circulation. He mentioned that the revised map showing the approach/departure route had not yet been published and no arrangements had been made for the prmised inspection flight. An application to extend the Airport operating hours was still awaiting a decision.
b SCAPTC: Denis Hayes reported that the meeting on Thursday 27th August had been attended by representatives from Horne, Lingfield & Dormansland, Godstone and Burstow Parish Councils. There had bee attended when there had been a large measure of agreement that something needed to be done. It had been agreed that, subject to approval by the councils concerned, the following resolution would be submitted for consideration at the next ordinary SCAPTC meeting :-
Bearing in mind the importance of the contribution the Association makes to local government in Surrey and considering the some Parish Councils have already left and that others have indicated that they are seriously considering whether they will renew their membership, this meeting calls on the Executive Committee to set up forthwith a review body, including a majority of representatives of member councils, which shall be invited to submit nominations to serve on it, to review the work, structure and financing of the Association and to make recommendations for any changes which it may consider desirable to to the second General Meeting to be held in 1999.
It was proposed by Denis Hayes and seconded by David Wood that this resolution be proposed by Tatsfield Parish Council and submitted to SCAPTC for discussion at its next ordinary meeting. The proposal was passed unanimously.

8 Village Hall
a Building Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that work was 2 weeks behind at present due to various reasons. The Architect had indicated that this would be caught up over the next 2/3 weeks. Tony Erbes had volunteered to be an unofficial Clerk of Works to keep watch on matters generally and report to the Architect. The thanks of all concerned were expressed to Tony Erbes for undertaking this task. Steps were in hand to ensure that the pedestrian footpath to the Surgery was lit at appropriate times and for the temporary drive over the L-shaped field to be surfaced in order to ensure access during bad weather conditions. Denis Hayes reported that The Village Hall Management Committee had paid over its contribution of Ł5600.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that various fund-raising events had already taken place and more were planned to raise funds to purchase equipment for the Hall. Margaret Boadella indicated that she considered that the equipment for the kitchen should be of the highest standard possible even if this meant delaying its purchase until sufficient funds were available.

9 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes reported that he had arranged for the lead flashing around the velux windows of the Surgery building to be replaced as there was water penetration. He had also noticed that there was some damage to decorations in the entrance hall to the Surgery which he felt should be reinstated at the Councils expense. This was agreed.
b Land: Eileen Pearce reported that the village pond had been inspected and the professional opinion was that it was in good order. A further inspection would take place in the spring. when some clearance work would be required.
c Tree Replacement Programme: Discussion took place consequent upon letters received from several local residents, all of which protested at the Councils recently adopted policy. It ws agreed that the matter should be referred back to the informal group for further consideration so that John Allbut had an opportunity to comment on the views expressed by local residents. The matter would then be considered again by the full Council and no action to implement the policy would be taken in the meantime.
d Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David had circulated a full and detailed report to all councillors covering all aspects of the Competition. There were no questions arising. Bob David then proposed that the Parish Council jointly sponsor the 1999 competition with Tatsfield Horticultural Society, the Parish Councils contribution not to exceed Ł350. This was agreed. Bob David read a letter of thanks from Tatsfield School for all the work of the Committee and, in particular, for the decoration of the School.

10 Reports
a County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) He was generally in favouring of granting an extension for the filling of Clacket Lane Sandpit providing that there were proper performance safeguards imposed.
(2) He was very much in favour of Parish Councils having more participation in some functions and he suggested that a list of highway requirements, suitably prioritised, could be submitted to Surrey Highways. It was agreed that this should be tried although there were reservations expressed.
(3) Parts of the Warlingham Park Hospital site had been occupied by gypsies and suitable action was being to evict them.
(4) The Titsey Hill/White Lane road scheme would be discussed again in late October.
(5) He had just heard that the Essex Fire dispute had been settled and he hoped that this would enable a settlement of Surreys dispute.
(6) He indicated that SCC was giving every assistance to Oxted County School following the recent fire He agreed to investigate certain complaints that 6th form pupils at certain times were being sent into the town because there was nowhere for them to be accommodated on site.
b District Councillor: Tina Fry mentioned the following matters:-
(1) She indicated that gypsies were a general problem in the area and she hoped that there would be more police involvement because criminal damage was occurring..
(2) The Youth Club was experiencing difficulties because the accommodation at the Cricket Club was insufficient for the numbers of young people wishing to attend. Oxted Youth Club had offered to help out but this in turn raised problems of transport to and from Oxted.
(3) She had had further complaints that the gates at Clacket Lane MSA were not kept closed as they should be.
(4) She also expressed concern about the future of the Post Office due to the recent unfortunate accident suffered by Brian Standing. The Chairman indicated that this was not strictly a matter for the Parish Council although there would a concern if the Post Office, for whatever reason, was unable to continue. The position was being closely monitored.
c Parish Constable: Philip Clark reported that there had been very few reported crimes in the area of recent months. He felt that the local youth had behaved themselves well and there had been no problems arising from the work to the Village Hall. He expressed concern over the position with numbers attending the Youth Club.
d Parish Beat Officer: Constable Kevin Smith indicated that he had only recently been appointed and was still trying to familiarise himself with the district and prioritise requirements. He was primarily covering the areas of Tatsfield and Woldingham and hoped that he would be a visible presence before very long despite the shortage of manpower generally.

11 Meetings to attend:-
a CPRE AGM: 23rd September at 7.30-8.00 at Orpheus Centre, North Park Lane, Godstone - Ian Mitchell and Denis Hayes to attend..
b SCAPTC AGM: 26 September at 2.30 pm at Mole Valley DC Council Offices, Pippbrook, Dorking - Denis Hayes to attend.
c Surrey Rail Forum: 14 October at 10.00 am at County Hall - Denis Hayes to attend.

12 Correspondence
a A circular from DETR concerning the illegal poisoning of wildlife had been received and would be placed in circulation.
b The Chairman had written to local businesses asking for their co-operation in preventing any further repetition of a recent incident of broken glass.

13 Any Other Business - None
The meeting closed at 11.04 pm.

INDEX OF MINUTES