Tatsfield Parish Council Minutes

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JANUARY TO MARCH 1999

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 11th January 1999 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 Mr David Wood

Apologies:

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mrs Tina Fry (TDCouncillor), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and 2 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th December 1998 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-
(a) in Para 10c the substitution of a visit for the inspection in the first line, the deletion of had been carried out very efficiently and in the second line and the substitution of a visit to the trees for a ground inspection of all trees in the third line.

2 Matters Arising
a Bus Timetable Revisions: Denis Hayes reported that there had been a further meeting about concessionary fares on 11 December as a result of the widespread concern. This meeting had been attended by Junior Management of London Transport who had undertaken to discuss the substance of all the complaints, including that from Tatsfield, at Director level.
b Village Greens: The Clerk confirmed that this matter was in hand and a complete list of horse-riding establishments was being compiled.
c Winter Emergency List: Ian Mitchell indicated that he had not received any additions/deletions for the list and it therefore remained as before.

3 Planning Matters
a Ian Mitchell reported that there were no current applications. Following the last meeting a letter indicating the Councils views about Application 98/1190 - Tatsfield Working Mens Club - had been submitted.
b Park Wood GC: The Clerk reported that he had spoken that day to Tandridge DC and a promise had given to chase the matter.
c SERPLAN: The Chairman indicated that the draft report had been received and comments were required by 12 February. It was agreed that the draft report would be considered by Messrs Hayes, Mitchell and Pearce and that this group would submit such further comments as were considered appropriate, taking into account the views of TDC on the draft report.
d TDC District Plan: A revised copy of the Plan had just been received containing the full text of the changes. A pre-enquiry meeting was to be held on 9 Mar and it was agreed that Ian Mitchell would attend.
e Planning Councillor: Ian Mitchell

4 Finance
a Standing Orders: Copies of the specimen Standing Orders were still not to hand and the Chairman indicated that he would be visiting SCAPTC offices shortly and would chase the matter up.
b Tatsfield Scouts: The Clerk indicated that he had received a written request from the Scouts for a grant of £220 to assist with the purchase of secondhand chairs from the Village Hall at a total cost of £270. Discussion took place during which differing views were expressed and it was agreed to defer the matter to the next meeting for a decision.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Easements: Ian Mitchell indicated that enquiries were in hand as to the Police Aerial rent review but he did not think he would be in a position to make any recommendation until the March meeting.
c White Lane Road Scheme: the Chairman confirmed that a letter re-affirming the Councils views on this matter had been sent.
d Sundry Highway Matters: Bob David indicated that the designs for the Twinning signs were before SCC Highways for approval.
e Declassification of B260 Titsey Hill: It was noted that there was a proposal to declassify the B260 between the Botley Hill junction to the A25 junction at Limpsfield. It was agreed that this proposal should be opposed strongly based on the increase of HGV traffic along Clarks Lane which would exacerbate the problems at the Clarks Lane/White Lane junction and along the narrow twisting section between Church Hill and Waterworks corner. It would also encourage HGV traffic to use Lusted Hall Lane and Ricketts Hill Lane. It was also not understood why this declassification was proposed when the Highway authority would not consider similar action for Lusted Hall Lane which was was much more unsuited to HGV traffic than was Titsey Hill. The Clerk was instructed to reply accordingly.

6 Reports
a County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) He noted that Parish Councils views on the proposed declassification of the B269 and requested that a copy of the written response be sent to him.
b District Councillor: Tina Fry mentioned the following matters:-
(1) She passed on the thanks and appreciation of Councillor Butcher for the help and support received from Tatsfield representatives at the Development Committee which had considered changes to the District Plan.
(2) A Youth Organiser had just been appointed and it was hoped that he would soon be helping the Youth Club.
(3) Chelsham & Farleigh PC were being asked to pay for roadside bollards and wished to know if Tatsfield had been asked to pay. She was informed that this was not the case.
(4) Chelsham & Farleighs Clerk wished to sit in on a meeting of the Council to observe how meetings were run. The Council indicated she would be welcome.
(5) She indicated that due to other commitments she was not always able to stay for the duration of Council meetings. She was always available to assist members of the public at her monthly surgery or by direct contact.
c Parish Constable: No report.

7 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David indicated that responses from the Architects were awaited. It was likely that one of the three chosen would not be interested and it was agreed that an alternative choice should be obtained.

8 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that the next meeting would be on 28 January.
b SCAPTC: Denis Hayes reported that, as indicated at the last meeting, he had been invited to attend the next Executive Committee meeting when he would be formally co-opted on to the Committee.

9 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that the Architect had indicated that completion of the project would be on the 12 February. A formal opening could take place on 6 March but this would need careful consideration. The over-run on the Contract figure was likely to be £12,000.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that the VHall Treasurer had indicated to the last VHMC meeting that it seemed likely that it would be possible to hand over £4,000 approximately to the Parish Council with a further £3,000 coming from the TDC grant. The Carol concert had been very successful and a vote of thanks was passed to Tony Erbes for his efforts in organising it. All 192 VH mugs produced by Doris Mitchell had been sold raising £464 and thanks were due to her. To date approximately 100 chairs had been sponsored at £15 per chair. Hire charges for the new Hall had been agreed by the Committee and full details would appear in the March Parish Magazine. These charges would be reviewed constantly until the pattern of heating and other costs was established.
c Re-opening of Hall: The Chairman indicated that the Committee had had an initial discussion and it felt that a joint committee should formed comprising 3 members of VHMC (Chairman Aileen McHugo, Ann Jupp and Margaret Parsons) and 4 Parish Councillors. He briefly outlined the views which had so far been expressed as to form and date of the opening and members then expressed their views. It appeared to be agreed that the ceremony should be relatively low key and that the opening should be carried out by pupils from Tatsfield School, that there should be a video of the proceedings, that any speeches should be kept to a minimum and that consideration should be given to having an opening ceremony open to all villagers followed by a more formal occasion at a later date to which which official guests could be invited. It was agreed that the matter should be dealt with by the joint committee and that Messrs Boadella, Mitchell, Hayes, Erbes and David should represent the Parish Council.

10 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes had nothing to report.
b Surgery rent review: The Clerk briefly outlined to members the provisions of the Lease and advised the Council that it should seek professional advice as to the current market rent. This was agreed and the Clerk was instructed to proceed accordingly.
c Land: The Clerk reported that drafting of the statutory declarations had commenced. He had obtained a copy of the Land Registry Notes and these threw doubt as to whether the applications for possessory titles would be successful. He therefore recommended that one application should be lodged at a cost of £40 to ascertain the outcome before any other applications were lodged. This was agreed.
d Tree Replacement Programme: Eileen Pearce reported that the Group had met Jon Allbutt to discuss the matter and decided to recommend to the Council that in the interest of Tatsfield the quotation by Down to Earth Ltd of £450 + VAT to carry out a survey and prepare a suggested programme of work be accepted. This was agreed.
e Tatsfield Green: Bob David reported that he had agreed with TDC that Tatsfield Green would in future be cut once only during July/August after the wild flowers had set their seed. Swathes would be cut to enable walkers to cross the Green at other times.This was subject to the Contractors being satisfied as to the safety aspects of cutting the long grass on the sloping surface.

11 Meetings to attend:
(a) Launch of Pride of Place Awards: Monday 25 January - no one wished to attend.
(b) Tandridge Transport Project Group: 19 March at 10.00 am at TDC Oxted - Denis Hayes to attend.
(c) Neighbourhood Watch/Parish Constable: 17 January at 10.00 am in the Parish Room. Ian Mitchell and Tony Erbes to attend

12 Correspondence
a Surrey CC Countryside Estate: The Chairman indicated that a Working group was to be set up to consider the latest proposals. It was agreed that the the view previously previously expressed on this matter should be repeated.
b Westmore Green: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to TDC as to the inspection of the play equipment by ROSPA.

13 Any Other Business
a Annual Parish Meeting: It was agreed that this would be held on 19 April.
b Millennium Plates: It was agreed that two commemorative plates designed by Doris Mitchell should be purchased from VHMC at a cost of £55, one coloured plate to be presented to Vern dAnjou and one plain plate to be displayed in the Parish Room.
c Westmore Green: It was reported that TRANSCO may be about to dig a trench on the Green. No permission as yet had been sought. It was also noted that the bus shelter had been vandalised by graffiti. David Wood volunteered to approach the parents of those concerned to request that they arrange for the culprits to remove it.
d Tatsfield School: Bob David drew attention to the fact that the minutes of the latest Governors Meeting were in circulation as was a copy of a Newsletter which the newly appointed Headmistress had introduced.
e Environmental Clearance Weekend: Bob David reported that TDC had indicated that the RCV at Ricketts Hill had been under-used and consequently TDC might not be prepared to provide one for this location on future occasions. It was agreed that the matter of an alternative venue should be considered.
f Apologies: Eileen Pearce gave her apologies for the next meeting due to absence abroad.

The meeting closed at 10.33 pm.

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 8th February 1999 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 Mr David Wood

Apologies: Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor).

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mrs Tina Fry (TDCouncillor) and 5 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 11th January 1999 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-
(a) In para 3c the insertion of Mrs before Pearce in the second line.
(b) In para 5e the substitution of Road for lane in the 5th line
(c) In para 13f the substitution of March for next.

2 Matters Arising
a Bus Timetable Revisions: There were no further developments.
b Village Greens:
(1)Horse Riding: The Clerk confirmed that a letter had now been agreed and was being sent out to all horse-riding establishments.
(2) Damage: The Clerk reported that he was in correspondence with Transco with regard to damage caused by one of its vehicles to Westmore Green and to the laying of a gas connection to No.4 Wedgwood.
(3) Westmore Green Play Area: The Clerk reported that TDC had confirmed that the play area had been inspected by RoSPA in November 1998 and that the minor defects mentioned in the report were being dealt with as a matter of routine maintenance.
c SCC Countryside Estate: Denis Hayes indicated that there were no further developments but he drew attention to Countryside Commission report which would be placed in circulation..
a Standing Orders: Denis Hayes reported that the group had met and would be submitting recommendations shortly.

3 Planning Matters
a Ian Mitchell reported on the following:-
83/357/922 Moorhouse Sandpits, Westerham: He indicated that this application for an extension of the time for quarrying was brought about by economic conditions and it was agreed that no objection should be lodged.
99/010 Westcombs, Ricketts Hill Road: It was agreed that no objection based on unneighbourliness would be lodged provided TDC imposed conditions requiring obscure glass in roof windows and limiting the use to private residential.
96/215A 88 Paynesfield Road: It was agreed an objection would be lodged based on unneighbourly development as the existing natural screen was ineffective. If TDC decided to grant the application, a condition requiring a permanent screen no higher than the garage should be requested.
98/1190 Tatsfield Working Mens Club: It was agreed that the amended plans did not meet the objection previously lodged and that this objection should be re-affirmed.
b Park Wood GC: The Clerk indicated that TDC were still awaiting information from the Club. As a business seminar was being advertised at the Club, the Clerk was instructed to write and draw the matter to the attention of TDC and request urgant action.
c SERPLAN: Ian Mitchell outlined the terms of the response which had been submitted.
d TDC District Plan: Ian Mitchell indicated that the Parish Council had been asked to submit any comments arising from amendments which TDC proposed to make in the Plan prior to the public enquiry. The matter had been considered by the Group and he outlined the terms of the proposed response which was agreed.
e Planning Councillor: David Wood

4 Finance
a Grant Application: The Clerk indicated that Kemsley Road Residents Association had requested a grant to assist in the repair of Kemsley Road. After discussion, it was agreed that the application would be regretfully refused as it was felt that the repairs were only a stop-gap measure and it was considered that it was not a good use of the Councils resources.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Sundry Highway Matters:
(1) Westmore Road Parking: Whilst it was agreed that there was evidence of business parking at certain times, it was not felt that this was a long term problem requiring any action.
(2) School Pedestrian Crossing marking: Bob David indicated that this work had been carried out and included a rumble strip across Ship Hill where parents and children crossed. The School PTA had contributed £150 towards the cost and he proposed that, as previously discussed, the Parish Council should contribute £50. This was agreed.
(3) FP21: The Clerk read a letter from Mrs Babs Heffernan concerning the very bad condition of this footpath. It was agreed that the matter should be referred to Martin Fry (SCC Rights of Way) who had previously been involved in discussions and promised to carry out some improvements.
(4) Rural Roads: The Clerk indicated that SC Councillor Harry Pettifor had indicated Bromley LB was considering imposing a blanket 40 mph limit on all its rural roads and intended to consult TDC where these roads crossed the boundary. The only road in Tatsfield which could be affected was Lusted Hall Lane and it was possible that TDC might wish to consult the Council in due course.
(5) De-classification of B269: This would be discussed at the next TPATS meeting on 24 February. SCC Highways had amended their report to the Committee to show that there was strong opposition to the proposal from Tatsfield.
(6) Village Street Map: Eileen Pearce indicated that Ian Mitchell and herself were preparing a map to go on the Notice Boards to help drivers and others locate local roads.

6 Reports
a County Councillor: In the absence of Harry Pettifor there was no report.
b District Councillor: Tina Fry indicated that TDC was involved in setting the Council Tax at the present time and she therefore had nothing to report.
c Parish Constable: Philip Clark reported that the area had been relatively quiet. There had been some fly-tipping, mostly of garden rubbish. There was also concern about speeding traffic and he requested information about registration numbers of cars involved. The Scouts were concerned about road safety outside their Headquarters in Approach Road and he had discussed the problem but it was difficult to find a solution. He had attended the first Special Constabulary Conference recently. Crime in the area was down in most categories and Surrey had one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Recruitment was taking place and he hoped that there would be a visible increase in policing in Tatsfield.

7 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that of the three architects consulted, one had withdrawn, one had submitted a detailed response and one had promised to submit a response shortly.

8 Notified Items
a Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell indicated that he had attended a meeting at the end of January at which it had been indicated that the Boeing 727 had ceased operating from Biggin Hill and a YAK 42 would shortly arrive for re-fitting. Noise complaints were down but so were the number of movements.
b Community Services in Surrey: Bob David outlined the contents of the SCC consultative document on this matter, details of which he had previously circulated. After discussion, it was agreed that Bob David would draft a response indicating that the Parish Council, whilst deprecating the withdrawal or reduction of any Youth, Library or Adult Education services, considered that priority should be given to preserving youth services. If smaller libraries and/or mobile libraries had to be closed or withdrawn, consideration should be given to the transport facilities available to persons wishing to use central libraries. Vocational education should be preserved but it was felt that increases in the cost of non-vocational education might be considered.
c Rose Garden Competition: Bob David proposed that the village should enter the British Rose Growers Association Competition for rose garden design open to Parish Councils. After a wide ranging discussion, it was agreed that an entry should be submitted based on a design prepared by Jon Allbutt and Louis Philibert.
d Parish Transport Forum: The Clerk indicated that SVSC and SCC were suggesting that this Forum should be re-convened in the light of the Governments current focus on public transport. It was agreed to support the proposal to hold an exploratory meeting to discuss the matter and Denis Hayes was delegated to be the Councils representative.

9 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell indicated that the Contractor had estimated final completion by 5 March but the Architect had suggested that completion might not be effected until 19 March. The position was being closely monitored. The over-run on the contract price still remained at approx £12,000 which could be afforded.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that fund-raising efforts were still continuing. A grant of £2,500 had been received from TDC and paid over to the Parish Council. A total of 125 chairs for the Hall had now been sponsored and this had raised approx £1,750.
c Re-Opening of Hall: Bob David reported that, due to the uncertain completion date, no date had yet been fixed by the Joint Committee but it was hoped that this would be fixed at a meeting scheduled for 18 February. He briefly outlined the proposed arrangements and indicated that the Joint Committee was of the view that the cost involved.in the formal opening for wine and for printing & postage of invitations should be met by the Parish Council. This was estimated at £250. This was agreed.

10 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes indicated that he hoped to go out to tender for the repairs to the Parish Room by the next meeting.
b Surgery rent review: The Clerk had circulated a copy of the written opinion given by Messrs Payne & Co and it was agreed that no further action should be taken.
c Police Aerial Rent Review: Ian Mitchell indicated that the SCC Police Authority agent would shortly be making contact with the Clerk.
c Land:
(i) Claimed Land: The Clerk indicated that the Statutory Declaration had been drafted and would shortly be finalised so that an application for registration could be lodged.
(ii) Finger Post Damage: The Clerk reported that a claim had been made against ARRIVA for damage caused by one of its vehicles. The damage had already been repaired at a cost of £170.00
d Tree Replacement Programme: Eileen Pearce indicated that the survey by Down to Earth would be carried out on 18/19 February. Bob David indicated that Mrs McKenzie had offered to donate an oak sapling and he suggested that it should be planted on Tatsfield Green. After discussion, it was felt that it was preferable for it to be planted on Westmore Green.
e Westmore Green: It was noted that the owners of Hedgerows had indicated to Bob David their intention to repair the damage to the Green resulting from the parking of vehicles belonging to the contractors carrying out work to their property.
f Rubbish Dumping: Some dumping had occurred on Shaw Triangle and the Clerk would write to residents in the area in the usual way

11 Meetings to attend:
(a) Limpsfield PC APM: 17 March 1999 at 7.45 in St Peters Hall Limpsfield - Eileen Pearce and the Clerk to attend.
(b) Tan on 6 May and for the European Parliamentary Election on 10 June.
d Clarks Lane: Bob David agreed to ask TDC if it could increase the the frequency of rubbish clearance on this road due to the large amount of rubbish which was constantly to be seen on it.

13 Any Other Business
a Parish Room: Bob David drew attention to the Bookings Diary which he had placed on the Notice Board and he urged members to ensure that bookings for the Parish Room were made with Margaret Parsons.
b Best Kept Village Competition: It was agreed that there would not be an entry.
c Surrey Hills Celebration Map: Ian Mitchell agreed to make enquiries as to why it appeared that Tatsfield had not been involved in this matter, other than at the original meeting.

The meeting closed at 10.31 pm.

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 8th March 1999 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 pm.
___________________________________________________________________________

Present: Mr Denis Hayes (in the Chair)
Mr Bob David Mr Tony Erbes
Mr Ian Mitchell Mr David Wood

Apologies: Mrs Eileen Pearce (absence abroad), Mrs Margaret Boadella (absence abroad), Mrs Tina Fry (TDCouncillor) and Philip Clark (Parish Constable).

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor) and 3 parishioners.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 8th February 1999 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-
(a) In Para 5a(2) the substitution of consisted of a red strip for included a rumble strip in the 2nd line.
(b) After Para 5 the insertion of (7) Surrey Highways had approved the twinning sign design and Colin Davis was arranging for their manufacture.

2 Matters Arising
a Village Greens:
(1) Damage:The Clerk reported that he was still in correspondence with Transco with regard to the laying of a gas connection to No.4 Wedgwood. The damage to the Green had been repaired satisfactorily but further damage in approximately the same place had occurred as a result of emergency work by Thames Water. This matter would now be dealt with. Bob David also agreed to chase up the repair of damage adjacent to Hedgerows which the owners had promised to deal with.
b .Community Services in Surrey: Bob David confirmed that he had submitted a response in the terms agreed at the last meeting. Harry Pettifor indicated that, whilst there would be no official decision for several weeks, he believed that no libraries would be closed down as there was such strong public opposition.
c. Clarks Lane: Bob David indicated Tandridge DC was not prepared to increase litter collections along Clarks Lane at present. If further accumulations of rubbish occurred and they were notified, a special collection would be made and the position would be reviewed.

3 Planning Matters
a David Wood reported on the following matters:-
99/095 Field 6676 Tatsfield Court Farm: No objection.
99/116 Rosedene Ricketts Hill Road: No objection after consultation with Ian Mitchell, Tina Fry and neighbours.
99/144 11 Crossways: No objection.
Ian Mitchell reported on two applications which had just been received:-
99/205 The Croft, Westmore Green: This application was for a single storey extension and a new garage and appeared to meet objections raised on previous applications. It was agreed that Ian Mitchell would consult with neighbours and then respond as he felt right in the circumstances.
99/010 Westcomb, Ricketts Hill Road: An amended plan had been filed and it appeared that previous objections had been met. It was also agreed that Ian Mitchell would respond to this matter as he felt right in the circumstances once he had checked the position.
He also mentioned that the Inspector had supported the Parish Councils objections when refusing the appeal in respect of 98/738 5 Parkside Cottages and had also indicated that precedent was a factor to be considered.
b Park Wood GC: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Tandridge DC following the last meeting indicating that the Parish Council wished to see an early resolution of this matter. No reply had been received and the Clerk was instructed to write once more requesting a response.
c Planning Councillor: Ian Mitchell.

4 Finance
a Grants: The Clerk indicated that a request had been received from Tatsfield/Vern Association for grant. He pointed out that a grant of £200 was included in 1998/99 budget and had been paid over in November 1998. He also indicated that the 1999/2000 budget provided for a grant of £200 but this strictly would not become available until after 1 April. The Chairman pointed out that he was the Councils representative on the Committee and expressed the view that the amount of the grant should be increased to £300 because the Association was financially hard pressed due to its commitments arising from the visit from Vern at Easter. After discussion, it was agreed to increase the amount to £300 on the understanding that it would not be paid until after 1 April and also that details of the Associations financial position were produced to substantiate the difficulties.
b Payments: The Clerk drew attention to the repayment of the new loan due on 1 April which would be made by direct debit.

5 Highways & Rights of Way
a Sundry Highway Matters:
(1) FP21: The Clerk reported that he had written to Martin Fry (SCC Rights of Way) requesting that improvement work be carried out. David Wood indicated that a meeting had been arranged for the following day on site to discuss the matter.
(2) Bob David reported that the twinning signs were almost complete and he hoped that they would be in place by Easter for the visit by Verne.
(3) He reported that SCC had asked the Parish Council to indicate if there were any specific parking matters which it wished to be brought to its attention. It was agreed that there were none.
(4) He had received a reply from SCC Highways about the question of salting and it was considered that an unfortunate combination of circumstances arose on the night of the last Council meeting which had rendered the salt treatment ineffective.
(5) Tony Erbes drew attention to damage which had been caused by machine hedge cutting in the village recently. He felt that the machine used was too large. Bob David agreed to make enquiries as to whether SCC Highways was responsible and, if so, to make representations.

6 Reports
a County Councillor: Harry Pettifor mentioned the following matters:-
(1) He was under the impression that SCC Highways would maintain roadside bollards if they were installed at the cost of the landowner or Parish Council.
(2) The declassification of B269 had been approved and the decision would only be reconsidered if problems subsequently occurred resulting from this change.
(3) The Titsey roundabout scheme was proceeding.
(4) Consideration of any traffic scheme for White Lane had been deferred.
(5).He was trying to persuade SCC highways to either remove or reposition the Delimit signs in Lusted Hall Lane and had been told that the matter would be considered.
(6) He had been campaigning for funds to rebuild Tatsfield School as it was unacceptable for pupils to transfer between two separate buildings without any protection against weather. Whilst it was impossible to obtain sufficient funds for this it seemed that some money might be made available if an acceptable scheme could be put forward which provided all-weather covering between buildings.
(7)The budget for Surrey Police for the coming year was very tight and it would be difficult to maintain existing policing levels
b District Councillor: In the absence of Tina Fry there was no report.
c Parish Constable:
d Millennium Committee: A report had been circulated by the Chairman setting out the Committees recommendations as to events which should be organised. These comprised a Millennium beacon to be lit on 31 December 1999, events in the Village Hall linked to this, a Millennium Walk, a village picnic, construction of a flint beacon on a site to be arranged and the restoration of the beech wood between Ricketts Hill and Old Lane. After discussion, it was agreed that all these recommendations were in principle acceptable but it was felt that before any financial support could be considered, the Committee should be asked to consider the possible costs involved and to put forward their best estimates. The Committee was due to meet on 18 March and the Chairman agreed to pass on the Parish Councils comments. The Clerk pointed out that there was no provision for any financial support in the 1999/2000 budget.
e Agenda 21 Forum: A report had been circulated by the Chairman. Bob David commented that Tatsfield already supported its local shops.
f SCAPTC Meeting: A report had been circulated by the Chairman

7 Council Aims & Objectives
a L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that prior to the meeting, one detailed response had been received and one architect had withdrawn. A response from the third architect who had been approached had just been received that evening and would be considered. It was agreed that Ray Woodward of Woodward Ambrose Architects Ltd, 22 Market Square, Westerham would be a asked to tender in lieu of the Architect who had withdrawn.

8 Notified Items
a Standing Orders: The Chairman reported that the group comprising himself, David Wood and Margaret Boadella had produced its recommendations and a copy of the draft standing orders had circulated to all members. Comments on them had been received from the Clerk and Councillor Eileen Pearce and the Chairman briefly indicated what these were. After all members present had expressed their views, it was agreed that there was a majority in favour of standing orders being adopted by the Parish Council. It then became apparent that detailed discussion of the draft standing orders was required and Bob David agreed to prepare a written note of his detailed amendments/comments within a period of 14 days and to place a copy in members files so that they had an opportunity to consider them before further discussion took place at the next meeting.
b N Tandridge Local History Centre: Ian Mitchell indicated that the History Centre had written to him requesting the appointment by the Parish Council of a representative to Management Committee. It was agreed that Ian Mitchell should be the Councils representative.
c Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell had nothing to report.
d Annual Parish Meeting: Eileen Pearce had circulated members with her views and suggestions concerning the format of this meeting. After discussion, it was agreed that:-
(1) That the main topics of interest would be the Village Hall, the L-shaped Field, the Tree Policy, the Millennium, Planning and Finance.
(2) All of these topics would be interspersed in the Chairmans report and an opportunity for questions would be given as each subject arose.
(3) In particular, the Chairman would ask Ian Mitchell to report on the Village, Bob David on the L-shaped Field Eileen Pearce on the Tree Policy and the Clerk on Finance.
(4) Village organisations would be invited to submit written reports of not more than 1 A4 page in length which would be placed on boards for those attending to see.
(5) Verbal reports from Tatsfield School, the Police and from the County and District Councillors would also be included.
(6) The meeting would be publicised in the Parish Magazine as an opportunity for parishioners to come and discuss all of these topics.

9 Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that weekly meetings between himself, Tony Erbes, the Architect and the Contractor were now taking place in order to keep a detailed track of progress. Completion of the whole project had been promised for 12 March but there was doubt about this. It was, however, certain, that the project would be sufficiently complete to enable the re-opening to take place on 27 March.
The Clerk indicated that the financial situation was in accordance with the budgeted figures, apart from the net over-run on the contract. He had submitted a detailed statement to the Finance Committee which would meet shortly to consider the final figures and a report would then be submitted to the next meeting.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported all 150 chairs had now been sponsored and offers of 2 pianos, 2 microwaves and 1 dishwasher had been made. The Chairman indicated that a grant of £3,000 had been awarded by the Lottery Small Charities Fund for the purchase of certain equipment
specified in the application for the grant. As it had been necessary to proceed with the purchase of these items, strictly the grant would not be forthcoming but it appeared that other equipment could be substituted.
c Re-Opening of Hall.: Bob David reported that the Joint Committee had decided to fix the opening ceremony for Saturday, the 27th March at 10.30 am. Invitations had been sent out. Peter Ainsworth MP had indicated that he would be able to attend on that date. and he would respond to speeches from the Chairman of VHMC, Aileen McHugo and from the Chairman.
The Chairman emphasised that the active support of all councillors would be required on the day.

10 Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: Tony Erbes reported that the dampness in the Surgery had been inspected by a contractor who had recommended that any work should be left in abeyance for 2/3 months.
b Police Aerial Rent: The Clerk reported that he was now in touch with SCCs valuers and he would report back to the next meeting.
c Land: The following matters were mentioned:-
(1) Finger Post Damage:The Clerk reported that a formal claim had been lodged in connection with the damage to the finger post and he was in correspondence with ARRIVAs Insurers.
(2) Claimed Land: The Clerk indicated that he would shortly be lodging the application for a possessory title in relation to Hayes Pasture with HM Land Registry. Bob David indicated that clearance work had been carried out to the claimed land in Ninehams Road to very good effect.(3) Westmore Green: Bob David indicated that Tatsfield Pre-School wished to use Westmore Green for a Cake Sale on Thursday 18 March. Subject to ground conditions being satisfactory, this was agreed. There was a possibility that this would be a monthly event in which case a written application for permission would be made.
d Tree Replacement Programme: Copies of the Survey Report from Down To Earth Ltd had been distributed to all members shortly before the meeting. It was agreed that it was a very comprehensive report and that detailed consideration should be deferred to the next meeting when Eileen Pearce was present. This would also give an opportunity to the group comprising Eileen Pearce, Tony Erbes and David Wood to consider it and make recommendations as to the way in which the matter should be progressed. The question as to whether a representative from Down to Earth Trees should attend the Annual Parish Meeting could also be considered.-

11 Meetings to attend:
(a) Limpsfield PC APM: 17 March 1999 at 7.45 in St Peters Hall Limpsfield. Eileen Pearce and the Clerk to attend.
(b) Tandridge Transport Project Group: 19 March at 10.00 am at TDC Oxted. Denis Hayes to attend.
(c) Surrey CC Heritage Conference: 15 April 9.30-3.45 at Dorking Halls - cost £7 per head.

12 Correspondence
a Goatsfield Road: The Clerk reported that Building Insurers acting for Mr & Mrs K A Budgen of Storrington, Goatsfield Road, had written to him as they believed that the Parish Council owned the site of Goatsfield Road on which a tree was growing, the roots of which might be affecting the stability of the foundations of Storrington. It was agreed that the Clerk would reply indicating to the Insurers that the Parish Council did not own the site of the road and would forward a copy of the correspondence to the Councils Insurers.
b Shopping Week: The Clerk drew attention to a letter from Mrs Doris Mitchell requesting that a Pet Show should not form part of the programme of events. Copies of this letter had been sent by Mrs Mitchell to all councillors. Bob David indicated that he did not know whether he would be organising a Shopping Week this year and pointed out that, although the Parish Council supported the Shopping Week financially, the Shopping Week was not organised by the Parish Council but was organised by him on behalf of the local traders. The question as whether or not there was a Pet Show was not. in his opinion, one for the Parish Council although he accepted that the Parish Council could prohibit the holding of a Pet Show on Westmore Green. In the discussion that followed, it became apparent that there was a divergence of opinion as to whether or not the Parish Council was the organiser of this event and it was agreed that the matter should be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
c Environmental Clearance: It was noted that, in future, a refuse vehicle would be stationed at Lusted Hall for 3 hours on 4 occasions each year and the dates for the next year would 1 May, 26 June, 18 September and 13 November. It was agreed that these new arrangements were the best that could expected in the current financial situation.

13 Any Other Business
a District Elections: Ian Mitchell indicated that the election nomination packs for the forthcoming election might not be available in time. He also pointed out that the count would take place at Council Offices, Oxted on the Friday morning following the election rather than as previously.

The meeting closed at 11.16 pm.

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