OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1998

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 12th October 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 Tony Erbes Mr Ian Mitchell
Mrs Eileen Pearce Mr David Wood
Apologies: Mrs Tina Fry (TD Councillor
In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and 6 parishioners.
1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th September 1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendment:-
In Paragraph 13 - Any Other Business: the deletion of None and the insertion of It was agreed that the Chairman would review the way in which public sessions are arranged.

2 Matters Arising
a Bus Timetable Revisions: Denis Hayes indicated that there was widespread dissatisfaction over the bus route to New Addington and the loss of concessionary fares. There was to be a high level meeting in November to try and change London Transports attitude and, if this failed, the matter be taken to a higher level still. Metrobus had indicated that if the service from Croydon to New Addington was running late, the driver should be asked to radio ahead and the connecting 464 service would be held until the connection was made.
b Public Session at Council Meetings: The Chairman had circulated a note to all members in which he recommended that arrangements should continue as at present. After discussion during which the Clerk drew the attention of the Council to the legal position concerning public participation, Ian Mitchell proposed that:-
(1) at the start of each Council meeting members of the public be invited to name subjects on which they wished to speak;
(2) that public participation sessions be held every hour on the hour thereafter during the meeting; and
(3) that other public participation be at the discretion of the Chairman.
The proposal was seconded by Bob David and carried by 5 votes for and 1 abstention. It was further agreed that reports from County and District Councillors would in future be taken immediately after Item 5 - Highways & Rights of Way on the agenda. This was proposed by David Wood and seconded by Eileen Pearce and carried unanimously.
c Village Ducks: Bob David reported that those interested in keeping ducks on the pond were still not able to bring forward proposals for consideration by the Council.
d Ship Hill verges: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to the owners of properties which had boundary hedges which were overgrowing on to the Ship Hill footpath.
d Bridleway 511 - Chestnut Avenue: The Clerk reported that a public bridleway signpost (as requested by the Parish Council) did not conform to standards of signing for North Downs Way National Trail but the possibility of erecting a horse warning sign was being investigated.

3 Planning Matters
a David Wood reported on the planning applications listed in Appendix A as follows:-
98/830 - Goddards, Manor Road: No objection
98/209 - Park Wood GC: No objection as the sign was a replacement of the same size as previously.
96/424 - Park Farm, Rag Hill Road: no objection to the revised siting but TDC to be asked to impose the usual non-commercial condition and TDC to be advised that one of the applicants had recently erected a stable block on their own land as permitted development.
98/767 - The Old Telephone Exchange, Ship Hill: Eileen Pearce disclosed an interest as the owner of the neighbouring property and took no part in the discussion of the matter. After discussion, it was agreed that an objection should be lodged on the grounds that the development was within MGB, was outside the development core and was an increase in the house category.
98/974 - 5 Whitewood Cottages, Crossways: This was a fresh application revising an earlier application which had been refused in respect of which no objection had been lodged. There were no objections from neighbours. No objection to be lodged by the Council.
b TDC District Plan: Ian Mitchell had nothing further to report.
c Denver, Ricketts Hill Road: The Clerk indicated that the owner of this property wished to be granted a formal right of way over the strip of Tatsfield Green separating the property from Ricketts Hill Road. After discussion, it was agreed that the Parish Council would grant a legal right of way subject to the Councils costs being paid and subject to the payment of a consideration the amount of which to be determined in the light of advice from the District Valuer. The Clerk was instructed to proceed accordingly.
d Park Wood GC: The Clerk was requested to write Tandridge DC to ascertain the position with regard to the enforcement of the Planning Agreement.
e Planning Councillor: Margaret Boadella.

4 Finance
a Borrowing: The Clerk confirmed that the loan of Ł40,000 from the Public Works Lending Board had been completed on the 1st October 1998. The loan was repayable with interest at 5.25% (fixed) by half yearly annuity payments of Ł2596.28 over a period of 10 years. Half yearly payments would be payable on the 1st April and 1st October.
b Budget: The Clerk indicated that he had nearly completed the preparation of a draft budget for 1999/2000 and that the Finance Committee would meet shortly to consider it.
c Audit: The Clerk reported that the audit of the 1997/98 accounts would take place on Monday 23rd November 1998.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a White Lane Road Scheme: Denis Hayes reported that the informal group had compiled a report on this matter that had been circulated to all councillors. It was agreed that this report should form the basis of a formal response to SCC Highways to be prepared by the Chairman in conjunction with the Clerk.
b Narrowing of Rural Roads: Bob David reported that SCC Highways had asked for comments and observations on a possible method of reducing the speed of traffic on country roads by narrowing the running surface. After discussion it was agreed that in principle the scheme had possibilities but there did not appear to be any roads within the Parish which were suitable for use as an experiment.
c Sundry Highway Matters: Bob David reported that he had written to Will Ward of SCC Highways indicating that the Council was willing to adopt the new procedure suggested by Harry Pettifor on a trial basis. He had pointed out that there were a number of matters which had already been raised and which remained unresolved and that these should be resolved first of all.

6 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that the Committee had met on the 25th September when there had been a free and frank discussion. The meeting had been adjourned without any decisions being reached and another meeting would be called shortly to progress matters.

7 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell indicated that he had nothing to report. The next meeting of the Consultative Committee was on the 29th October.
b SCAPTC: Denis Hayes confirmed that the resolution passed at the last meeting had been submitted to SCAPTC and would appear on the next agenda. Godstone PC had agreed to second.

8 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that work was some 3/4 weeks behind schedule due to various factors. The Contractor hoped to complete roofing-in shortly and this would mean work could proceed at much quicker rate as the weather would not play such a big part. The Committee had decided to delay doing anything to improve access over the L-shaped Field as the Doctors had indicated that they were happy to make alternative arrangements for disabled patients unable to walk to the Surgery. The storage skip had been broken into but nothing had been stolen or damaged although a lot of mess had been caused.
b Management Committee: Bob David indicated that the Committee was anxious to proceed with plans to equip the Hall and two groups had been formed - one to consider what equipment was required and the other to consider the hire charges for the new Hall. No decisions had yet been made about any equipment but it seemed that the necessary equipment was likely to cost Ł8-10,000. Of this figure, the Committee, through its fundraising efforts, would probably be able to contribute Ł6-7,000. It was important that some items were ordered by the Parish Council in the very near future if they were to be available for the opening and he proposed that authority be given for the purchase of equipment not exceeding Ł1,500 at this stage. This proposal was seconded by David Wood The proposal was carried by 4 votes in favour with 2 abstentions,

9 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Bob David reported that Allan Bell of Cedarwood, Lusted Hall Lane TN16 2NL was carrying out repairs to the noticeboard at the bottom of Lusted Hall Lane which had been vandalised. The Clerk was asked to write and express the Parish Councils thanks and appreciation.
b Land: The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from a resident in Old Lane complaining about overgrowing vegetation in the ditch. He had taken the matter up with Tandridge DC who had indicated that the vegetation was not cut back in order to prevent further erosion. The Clerk had written to the resident accordingly. Bob David indicated that rubbish had been dumped in the ditch and it was agreed that the Clerk would write the Old Lane residents in the area affected.
c Tree Replacement Programme: Eileen Pearce indicated the informal group considered that further advice should be obtained from a qualified arboriculturalist. As yet such an expert had not been located. After general discussion during which it transpired that a ground inspection of trees was never as satisfactory as a climbing inspection, it was agreed that Eileen Pearce would obtain an estimate of the cost of carrying out a climbing inspection of the trees in Approach Road and on Tatsmore and Westmore Commons.
d SE in Bloom/Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David had circulated to all members a list of items which the organising committee wished to undertaking if funds permitted. He asked members to indicate their views. The Chairman went through the list of 22 items all which met with approval apart from item Nos 8,9,10,12,15 and 18.

10 Reports
a County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) He pointed out certain typing errors in the Minute of his report at the last meeting.
(2) Proper accommodation had now been provided for the sixth form at Oxted School.
(3) He was disappointed at many of the new arrangements with bus timetabling.
(4) Clacket Lane Sandpit had now been placed on the enforcement list and consequently would be subject to regular inspections. There was an infill shortage and it was almost certain that the in-filling time would have to be extended.
(5) The new roundabout scheme at Titsey Hill/Clarks Lane would cost approx Ł40,000 and was due to be considered at a meeting on 28 October.
(6) The gypsies had now been moved on from Warlingham Park Hospital.
b District Councillor: No report.
c CPRE AGM: 23rd September - a written report had been circulated.
d SCAPTC AGM: 26 September - a written report had been circulated.

11 Meetings to attend:
a E Surrey Parishes Liaison Group: 13 October at 7.30 pm in Church Hall, The Glebe, Felbridge - Denis Hayes to attend.
b Surrey Rail Forum: 19 October (previously 14 October) at 10.00 am at County Hall - IM now to attend.

12 Correspondence
a The Chairman drew attention to the Consultation document on Air Pollution in Tandridge issued by Tandridge DC which had been placed in circulation.

13 Any Other Business
a The Square: Difficulties had arisen again from young people playing football. It was felt that this was a matter best resolved locally.
b Abandoned Car: Ian Mitchell indicated that he believed there was an abandoned car in Paynesfield Road.
c Tyre Dumping: It was noted that some tyres appeared to have been dumped in Tatsfield Lane beyond the Parish boundary.
d Youth Club: Tony Erbes reported that Teresa Nightingale (Club Organiser) had left. A replacement had been found but she had left after only a week in post and efforts were now being made to find someone else. A fund-raising day would be held at Park Wood GC in the near future.
e Tipping: Some tipping had occurred in White Lane which had been reported to the Hot-Line which had taken over a week to respond. The rubbish had not been removed. Bob David explained that removal was not the responsibility of the Hot-Line which was solely involved in trying to trace the culprits.
f Council Procedures for Contracts: Tony Erbes indicated that he felt that the Parish Council should define its requirements in cases where public funds were involved in the purchase of goods and/or services. It was agreed that:-
(1) Any member of the Council or of its Committees who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, proposed contract or other matter must declare his interest at the meeting where the contract or matter is to be discussed and must take no part further part in the proceedings or in any later meeting at which the contract or matter is discussed. If so required, the member concerned shall withdraw from the meeting whilst the contract or matter is discussed.
(2) Where the estimated contract value is less than Ł250 the Clerk and/or the member concerned may, if satisfied that value is being obtained, place an order for works, services or supplies with a supplier or contractor selected by him or her.
(3) Where the estimated contract value is between Ł250 and Ł1500 two written quotations shall be sought and the lowest quotation shall be accepted unless it is agreed by the Parish Council and/or the committee considering the contract that better value would be obtained by accepting a quotation other than the lowest.
(4) Where the estimated contract value is above Ł1500 three written quotations shall be sought and the lowest quotation shall be accepted unless it is agreed by the Parish Council and/or the committee considering the contract that better value would be obtained by accepting a quotation other than the lowest.
The meeting closed at 12.04 am.

Minutes of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 9th November 1998 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 pm.
_____________________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Denis Hayes (in the Chair)
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Bob David
Mr Tony Erbes Mr Ian Mitchell
Mrs Eileen Pearce
Apologies: Mr David Wood, Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and Mrs Tina Fry (TDCouncillor
In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), ), and 2 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 12th October 1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

2 Matters Arising
a Bus Timetable Revisions: The Chairman reported that correspondence on this matter had been published in the Parish Magazine. He also drew attention to a revised timetable for route 411 which only just been received but which had been in operation since 29 August.
b Village Ducks: Bob David indicated that those interested were still unable to bring forward suitable proposals.
c Notice Board: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Allan Bell
d Old Lane Ditch: The Clerk reported that he had written to Old Lane residents on this matter.

3 Planning Matters
a Margaret Boadella reported on the planning applications listed as follows:-
98/1027 Oakbank, Ricketts Hill Road: An objection similar to that made to the previous application had been lodged.
96/215A 88 Paynesfield Road: An objection based on unneighbourly development had been lodged.
98/1016 2 Ebor Cottages, Paynesfield Road: There were no objections from neighbours but the garage was outside the development core. It was agreed that Margaret Boadella would inspect the site and then advise the Clerk whether she considered it necessary to lodge an objection.
98/1011 Field at junction of Avenue Road/Manor Road: It was agreed that TDC should be requested to impose a non-commercial use condition.
b Park Wood GC: The Clerk report that TDC had indicated that enforcement proceedings were being held in abeyance until the application for variation of the 106 Agreement was dealt with. As there appeared to be no prospect of immediate action, it was agreed that the Clerk should request a meeting to discuss the matter. Ian Mitchell and Denis Hayes would represent the Parish Council.
c Planning Councillor: Eileen Pearce.

4 Finance
a Budget: The Chairman reported that the Finance Committee meeting had met on Thursday 5 November to discuss the 1999/2000. A copy of the proposed Budget was given to all Councillors and the Chairman indicated that the Committees recommendation was that the precept should remain unchanged at Ł18,500. This would mean that if the recommendation was accepted, the precept would have remained at this level for 3 consecutive years and that if inflation was taken into account, this meant that the precept would have reduced in real terms. It was agreed that the matter would be adjourned to the next meeting for a decision so that members had an opportunity to consider the details.
b Contract Procedures: After discussion, it was agreed that there was need to add to the resolution passed at the last meeting and it was duly resolved that the following paragraphs be added:-
(5) In relation to contracts falling within the the requirements of (3) above any quotations shall be opened simultaneously in the presence of not less than two members of the Parish Council or of the the committee considering the contract;
(6) In relations to contracts falling within the requirements of (4) above the quotations shall opened simultaneously in the presence of not less than three members of the Parish Council or of the committee considering the contract.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Denver, Ricketts Hill Road: The Clerk reported that the District Valuer had recommended that a consideration of Ł500 for the right should be paid and that both the Councils costs and his costs should be paid by the owner. These terms had been accepted by the owner and the deed had been signed by Messrs Hayes and Mitchell on behalf of the Parish Council. The matter would be completed shortly.
b White Lane Road Scheme: Denis Hayes reported that a further response had been submitted to SCC Highways. The Clerk indicated that Councillor Harry Pettifor had indicated that Surrey Highways had agreed to split the matter into two separate schemes so that the Titsey Hill/Clarks Lane roundabout could proceed. This would now proceed as soon as funds were available.
c Sundry Highway Matters: Bob David reported that he had written in detail to Surrey Highways on all outstanding points. He drew particular attention to the fact that Ricketts Hill Road would be white-lined but not until after repair work had been completed in the next financial year. SCC Highways had now agreed to Twinning signs being supplied by Colin Davis and it was agreed that the design should be approved at the next meeting.

6 Reports
a County Councillor: In the absence of Harry Pettifor, the Clerk reported that SCC were likely to refuse the application by Clacket Lane Sandpit to extend the time for compliance with the planning consent conditions as the officers were of the opinion that the operator had not made sufficient efforts to comply and any extension would not improve the matter.
b District Councillor: There was no report in the absence of Tina Fry.
c Parish Constable: No report
d E Surrey Parishes Liaison Group: A report had been circulated by Denis Hayes
e Tandridge Transport Project Group: A report had been circulated by Denis Hayes.
f Surrey Rail Forum: Ian Mitchell reported on various matters arising from this meeting and drew attention to the large increase in rail freight which had taken place recently and which was expected to continue.

7 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David indicated that a meeting of the committee would take place on 13 November at 2 pm.

8 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that the plan issued to users of the Airport showing the flight approach path had been revised and he considered that it was an improvement as far as Tatsfield was concerned. Harry Pettifor, Tina Fry and himself had now met the Airport operators to discuss matters of concern and he drew attention to the fact that planes were sometimes delayed for as much as 20-30 minutes on take-off because of increased air traffic out of London City Airport.
b SCAPTC: Denis Hayes reported that the resolution from Tatsfield was on the agenda for the meeting on 14 November. Godstone Parish Council would second it. He pointed out that NALC was revising its constitution but this would only be of indirect effect on Tatsfield. He was however concerned that SCAPTC had recently circulated a questionnaire containing 87 questions. As far he was aware this questionnaire had not been approved by delegates. A considerable amount of time would be involved in answering it properly and he intended to deal with it as soon as time allowed. He also proposed to raise the matter with SCAPTC.
c Public participation at Council Meetings: The Chairman indicated that he felt that the terms of the resolution passed at the last meeting should be re-considered in the light of correspondence which had passed between the Clerk and SCAPTC which clearly indicated that public participation in Parish Council meetings was not permitted. After considerable discussion, it was proposed that the resolution passed at the last meeting (para 2b) should be rescinded and that the following paragraphs should be substituted:-
(1) before the commencement of each Parish Council meeting members of the public be invited to name subjects on which they wished to speak during adjournments;
(2) the Parish Council meeting be adjourned for public participation for not more than five minutes on the hour every hour during the duration of the meeting; and
(3) any other adjournment of the meeting for public participation be at the discretion of the Chairman.
This was passed unanimously.

9 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that at the last meeting of the Committee on 5 November it had been reported that the project was 4 weeks late. The recent extreme bad weather had prevented the delay being reduced and it was now accepted that completion would not be until the end of January 1999. The Committee had considered the possibility of carrying out work to the L-shaped Field to ensure access to the Surgery but, after consultation with the doctors, it had been agreed not to do anything as the doctors were content to make alternative arrangements for patients unable to attend the Surgery.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that, following the authorisation of funds at the last meeting, curtains had been ordered at a net cost of Ł1363.70. The purchase of chairs and tables was likely to be finalised shortly. All the Councils procedures had been fully observed and details were in circulation. The total expenditure was likely to be approx Ł10,000 but final decisions about such things as china and cutlery were still to be made. Because of delivery dates it might be necessary to place orders before the next Parish Council meeting. He emphasised that orders would be delayed as long as possible because there was nowhere to store items until the Hall was completed. It was therefore unanimously agreed that the authorisation given at the last meeting be increased to a total net expenditure of not more than Ł6,500.
It was noted that the fund-raising efforts were still continuing and it seemed likely that as much as Ł6,000 might be collected. The Chairman, as Treasurer of the VHM Committee, indicated that he anticipated that a sum of Ł2750 would be donated to the Parish Council in the very near future.
It was also noted that the question of hire charges had been considered and recommendations would be placed before the next VHM Committee for consideration.

10 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes indicated that it would probably be necessary to spend Ł500-700 to repair damp penetration in the Surgery. He would obtain quotations in accordance with the newly established practice.
b Land: Eileen Pearce indicated that she was seeking an estimate from Nick Dance for the repair of the damage caused by building work and hoped to have this available for the next meeting. There were also other areas to be dealt with.
c Tree Replacement Programme: Eileen Pearce reported that she had been in contact with a qualified arboriculturalist who had recommended that in the first instance an opinion should be sought from a qualified contractor. She had contacted Down to Earth Trees who had agreed to carry out an initial survey on 30 November for which there would be no charge.
d SE in Bloom/Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David reported that he had received a cheque for Ł95.30 from Tatsfield Horticultural Society. This represented one half of the additional costs incurred since his last report. He had recently accepted the 2nd place Certificate awarded to Tatsfield for 1998 and this was displayed in the Parish Room.

11 Meetings to attend:
(a) SCAPTC General Meeting: 14 November at 2.30 at Lancaster Hall, Send. - Denis Hayes to attend
(b) E Surrey Transport Group: 11 November at 6.15 at Croydon - Denis Hayes to attend.
(c) Tatsfield Helpline AGM: 30 November at 8.00 pm in the Parish Room - Bob David to attend.

12 Correspondence
a TDC Working Together: The Chairman drew attention to this document which had been placed in circulation.
b Crime & Disorder Audit: It was agreed that the Chairman, Margaret Boadella and Bob David would deal with this.
c SCC Millennium Questionnaire: Eileen Pearce agreed to deal with this.

13 Any Other Business
a Biggin Hill Airport Noise Committee: Ian Mitchell indicated that the membership of this Committee was being revised by the Operators. No member representing local interests was included but, after some pressure from Tina Fry, Harry Pettifor and himself, the Operators had very reluctantly agreed to accept the nomination of Councillor Wally Garrett (Croydon) in this capacity. Whilst this solution was not perfect, it was desirable that there should be some representation rather than none at all.
b Metrobus: The Clerk was requested to write Metrobus welcoming the introduction of a narrower bus on the local route as it was considered that it would be less damaging to local roads.
c Environmental Clearance Weekend: Bob David indicated that this would be on 12 December and details would be published in the Parish Magazine.
d Horse Riding on Commons: Instances of horse riding across Westmore Green were noted and it was agreed that a circular letter should be sent to all horse riding establishments drawing attention to bye-law prohibiting this and asking for their co-operation.
The meeting closed at 11.08 pm.

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 14th December 1998 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 pm.
_____________________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Denis Hayes (in the Chair)
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Bob David
Mr Tony Erbes Mrs Eileen Pearce
Mr David Wood
Apologies: Mr Ian Mitchell (illness) and Mrs Tina Fry (TDCouncillor)
In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and and 4 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 9th November 1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

2 Matters Arising
a Bus Timetable Revisions: The Chairman indicated that the question of cross-border fares had been discussed at a meeting on 11 December. There would probably be a further meeting before final agreement was reached.
b Crime Audit: Denis Hayes confirmed that the questionnaire had been completed and returned.
c Village Greens: The Clerk confirmed that this matter was in hand and a complete list of horse-riding establishments was being compiled.

3 Planning Matters
a Eileen Pearce reported on the planning applications as follows:-
98/1140 5 Crossways: No objection.
92/943R Land between Farleigh Cottage & Tatsfield Lodge, Ricketts Hill Road: No objection.
98/262 Mayfield, Ricketts Hill Road: No Objection.
98/1016 2 Ebor Cottages, Paynesfield Road: No further objection.
98/1190 Tatsfield Working Mens Club, Westmore Green: It was agreed that an objection should be formulated by the Clerk in conjunction with Ian Mitchell concerning the formation of the new front entrance to reflect the concern of members that this might lead to problems with neighbouring properties over access and noise.
b Park Wood GC: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Tandridge DC requesting a meeting to discuss the matter.
c District Plan: A report on the latest responses had been circulated by Ian Mitchell and there were no further points arising.
d Planning Councillor: Ian Mitchell

4 Finance
a Budget: It was proposed by David Wood and seconded by Tony Erbes that the draft Budget submitted at the last meeting be approved and that the precept for 1999/2000 be Ł18,500.as recommended by the Finance Committee. This was passed by 3 votes in favour with 2 abstentions.
b Audit: The Clerk reported that the Audit had been completed and that the Certificate was awaited. The Clerk indicated that he had been asked about standing orders and it had been indicated that the subject would be looked into at the next audit. It was agreed that the Clerk should obtain copies of NALC specimen Standing Orders for all councillors and it was agreed that a group comprising the Chairman, David Wood and Margaret Boadella should consider these specimen Standing Orders and recommend which of them should be adopted by the Council.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Denver, Ricketts Hill Road: The Clerk reported that the consideration of Ł500, the Councils costs and the District Valuers costs had been paid.
b Easements: The Clerk reported that he had recently drawn up a list of all the easements granted in respect of Council land. He pointed out that the payment for the SCC Police aerial was capable of being reviewed. It was agreed that Ian Mitchell should be consulted in view of his connection with the Police Authority.
c Surgery rent: The Clerk also drew attention to the fact that this rent was capable of review in June 1999.
d White Lane Road Scheme: Denis Hayes indicated that Surrey Highways had written confirming that the Titsey Hill roundabout scheme had now been added to the Minor Highway Improvement Assessment list which meant that this scheme was capable of being funded in the next financial year. There was however no guarantee that finance would become available. The White Lane scheme was separated from that scheme because of concerns by the local District Councillor which meant that alternative means of funding would have to be found. It appeared that it might be possible to institute this work prior to the installation of the roundabout and the Councils comments on this were requested. It was agreed that the Councils views had been made clear and that any possibility of early progress should be encouraged.
e Sundry Highway Matters: Bob David produced a selection of designs for the new Twinning signs at the entrances to the village. After discussion, one design was selected and it was agreed that, subject to some minor alteration, this design should be submitted to Surrey County Council for approval;.

6 Reports
a County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) He indicated SCC Planning Officers were anxious to see the filling of Clacket Lane sandpit completed and would probably be prepared to accept filling to a lower standard than was strictly required.
(2) An application for planning permission for new permanent buildings at Oxted School was being considered.
(3)The Council was making tremendous efforts to avoid problems arising from the Millennium Bug.
(4) He was very pleased to report that industrial action by the Fire Service had been averted.
b District Councillor: No report in the absence of Tina Fry.
c Parish Constable: No report.

7 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that the meeting of the Committee had agreed upon the brief for the changing room accomodation and three architects had been invited to tender for the project.

8 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: In the absence of Ian Mitchell, there was nothing to report.
b SCAPTC: Denis Hayes had circulated a report of the meeting held on 14 November at which the Chairman, Michael Dawes, had resigned. Following the passing of the resolution submitted by the Parish Council, SCAPTC was inviting nominations for membership of the review body. It was unanimously agreed that Denis Hayes be nominated as a member. Nominations were also being invited for the offices of chairman and vice-chairman of SCAPTC and Denis Hayes proposed that the present acting Chairman Len Grugeon be nominated for the office of chairman. This was agreed.

9 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: In the absence of Ian Mitchell, Bob David reported that the project now appeared to be approximately 6 weeks behind schedule but the Contractor had promised that, except for the Hall floor, all work would be complete by 31 January and that the Hall floor would be completed 7 days later. It was apparent that there were additional costs which would be offset to some extent by savings but there would undoubtedly be an additional amount to be found, probably between Ł15,000-Ł20,000. Tony Erbes indicated that he was still seeking estimates for the work necessary to restore the L-shaped Field but pointed out that this work would in any event have to wait for better conditions in February/March.
b Management Committee: Bob David indicated that the Committee had paid over a sum of Ł3,000 to the Parish Council as a contribution to the cost of the equipment which the Parish Council was purchasing for the new Hall. The Committee would shortly be able to apply for payment of the grant of Ł2,500 from Tandridge DC and this would also be paid over to the Parish Council.. Charges for the hire of the Hall had been discussed and it was hoped that these would be finalised shortly.

10 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes reported that he hoped to have estimates shortly for the repair of the dampness occurring in the Surgery.
b Land: The Chairman reported that applications for possessory titles could now be lodged in respect of all the land over which the Parish Council had made claims. The applications would have to be supported by a Statutory Declaration setting out in detail all the events which showed that the Parish Council had exercised rights of ownership over the land. This would require a detailed inspection of the old Minutes to extract the relevant information. Ian Mitchell was already in the process of doing this. It was agreed that the Clerk could obtain legal advice as to the exact form of the Statutory Declaration.
Eileen Pearce indicated that she hoped to have details available for the next meeting as to the general maintenance of Parish land. It was also noted that the notice board at the end of Ricketts Hill Road had again been vandalised. It was agreed that it was pointless to repair the damage and that there was sufficient left to display official notices. The Clerk was asked to write to Allan Bell again to thank him for his assistance.
c Tree Replacement Programme: Eileen Pearce reported that the inspection by Down to Earth Trees had taken place on 30 Nov. This had been carried out very efficiently and had involved consideration of the report by Jon Allbutt and a ground inspection of all trees in the main areas of Tatsfield and Westmore Greens. The Contractors had indicated that a detailed survey would cost approximately Ł450 + VAT. They had also indicated that they would be happy to address the Parish Council about the matter. It was agreed that the group comprising Eileen Pearce, David Wood, Tony Erbes and Jon Allbutt would consider the matter and report back to the next meeting.

11 Meetings to attend: None.

12 Correspondence
a The Old Bakery: The Clerk reported that notification had been given of the change of licensee to Andrew David Bond and Nicola Elaine Bond on 12 January 1999.
b Westmore Green: The Clerk reported that he had received a request from Tatsfield Horticultural Society to use the Green for a Plant Sale on Saturday 8 May 1999 and a request from Action Research for the Fun Run on 21 Mar 1999. Both requests were agreed.

13 Any Other Business
a Winter Emergency List: The Chairman requested that any changes be notified to Ian Mitchell.
b Environmental Clearance Weekend: Bob David indicated that arrangements appeared to have worked well. There were no other comments.
c Community Bus: Bob David reported that the Scouts had not been successful in their application for Lottery funding and consequently the project could not proceed.
d District/Parish Councillors Surgery: It was noted that there would be no Surgery this month..
e Youth Club: Tony Erbes reported that the Club had been forced to close down about 3 weeks ago. He had arranged a meeting with Neil Watkins who had agreed to act as the Club Organiser and it was hoped that the Club would re-open in late January 1999.
f Carol Service: Tony Erbes requested support for the Carol Service in aid of the Village Hall to be held on 20 December.
g East Surrey Parishes LG: The Chairman indicated that he had invited the Group to hold its meeting on 20 April 1999 in the Village Hall.
h SCAPTC: the Chairman indicated he had also invited SCAPTC to hold its April meeting in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 10.00 pm

INDEX OF MINUTES