APRIL-JUNE 2000

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 12th June 2000 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 p.m.

Present: Mr David Wood (in the Chair)
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Bob David
Mrs W Maddison Mr Ian Mitchell
Mrs Dorothy Reeve
Apologies: Mr Tony Erbes (absence abroad).

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk), Mrs Tina Fry (TD Councillor) and 3 parishioners.

In the absence of the Chairman Tony Erbes, the Vice Chairman David Wood indicated that the Chairman had expressed a wish to see meetings concluded by 10.30 p.m. David Wood also said he was sure that all present were sorry to hear that Simon Askew was unwell and expressed best wishes for his early recovery.

1 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 8th May 2000 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

2 Matters Arising:
a SCC Heritage Strategy 2000: Ian Mitchell indicated that the History Project had submitted a response.
b Transport: Ian Mitchell indicated that he had written to London Buses to congratulate them on the new service that was now operating but, at the same time, drawing attention to the non-promotion of the service locally. Bob David indicated that a page could be made available free of charge for London Buses to advertise details of the service.
c Parkwood Road: Bob David reported that the cost of a sign would be Ł104 + VAT and the cost of installation. Tandridge had not as yet responded to the latest request to provide such a sign.

3 Appointment of Committees & Delegation of Responsibilities
The Clerk had circulated to all members the updated details of the revised committee membership and responsibilities for the current year. These were agreed subject to the inclusion of Dorothy Reeve on the Millennium Committee and to the substitution of the Chairman for Bob David as responsible for submission of reports to the Parish Magazine.

Planning Matters
a Applications as at Appendix A: Dorothy Reeve reported on the applications listed in Appendix A and the following action was agreed:-

00/176 Ashdown, Ricketts Hill Road: No further objection.
00/518 Hill Cottage, Johns Road: No objection.
00/505 The Grasshopper Inn, Westerham Road, Westerham: No objection.
00/541 Motorway Service Area (North Side), Clacket Lane: An objection based on
those previously lodged to additional development had been lodged.
00/585 Wayback, Ricketts Hill Road: Objection to be made based on the fact that the
development appeared to be in conflict with Policy RE11 of the District Plan.
00/653 The Old Granary Forge, Clarks Lane: No objection on the basis that this was
an extension to commercial premises.
00/666 Delamere, Maesmaur Road: Objection to be lodged on the grounds that the
development was out of keeping with the adjoining semi-detached property
and was visually intrusive.
00/691 Bransgore, Ship Hill: to be dealt with by next Planning Councillor.
00/724 Motorway Service Area (South Side), Clacket Lane: Objection as for 00/541
but reinforced by reference to the recent Inspector's report endorsing the
policy of no further intensification of development.
b Tandridge District Local Plan: Ian Mitchell reported that he had obtained a copy of the Inspector's report that had been published on 5 June. It was agreed that he should be reimbursed for this expenditure. He had circulated a summary of the main points affecting Tatsfield and he briefly outlined these. Tina Fry indicated that she was concerned at the introduction of a new category of "previously built sites". She requested the Parish Council to make representations in favour of the preservation of the buffer zone between Biggin Hill and Tatsfield. She also hoped that there was still a possibility that telecommunication masts would be more strictly controlled and that, through SCC, the use of more porous asphalt on local motorways might still be possible.
c Planning Councillor: David Wood

5. Finance
a Payments: as at Appendix B were approved.
b Clerk's Travel Allowance: It was agreed that the travel allowance payable to the Clerk should be increased with immediate effect to Ł15 per month.

6. Highways & Rights of Way
a Furze Corner Crossing: Bob David indicated that SCC Highways had still not completed the work and he was chasing the matter.
b Ship Hill railings: Bob David indicated the railings opposite Ninehams Road had been demolished for a second time recently and he was hoping to persuade SCC Highways to replace them with rather more substantial railings.
c Titsey Hill Roundabout: Revised design proposals were still awaited.
d Chestnut Avenue:
e Road Salting Route: This matter was still being pursued.

7. Reports
a County Councillor: In the absence of Harry Pettifor, there was no report.
b District Councillor: Tina Fry mentioned the following matters:-
(1) Surgery: She requested that if a parish councillor was unable to attend, she should be notified so that she could ensure the Surgery started on time.
(2) Crossways Court: She wished to know what the Parish Council's view was about the erection of a hedge or fence along the boundary. Bob David agreed to make enquiries of residents and pass them on to Tina Fry.
(3) Basketball Stand: She expressed her disappointment that the Parish Council would not inspect the stand to ascertain its suitability. The Clerk pointed out that insurance cover could not be obtained unless the basketball activity was separate from the general public. Consideration would be given to the inclusion of suitable facilities in any development of the L-shaped Field..
c. Parish Constable: Ian Mitchell indicated that there was likely to be less rather than more visible police presence in the village in future. Tatsfield had been reasonably crime free recently but communications were minimal with Caterham Police Station. Efforts were being made by the Chairman Tony Erbes to resuscitate Neighbourhood Watch. He also pointed that Police considered that burglar alarms were a waste of time unless they were connected to a police station and supervised by a reputable and efficient firm.
d Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that the recent Airshow had been reasonably successful. He had accepted an invitation to attend the Preview Day.
e CAB: Bob David drew attention to the report which had been circulated.
f SE Surrey Care: Ditto.
g Transport: The Clerk drew attention to a report from Denis Hayes, copies of which had been circulated.

8. Council Aims & Objectives
a. L-shaped Field Committee: Bob David reported that the Committee had met on the 1st June and wished to recommend the appointment of the JS Partnership as architects to draw up plans for a sports pavilion housing changing facilities and storage room and, when approved by the Parish Council, to submit an application for planning approval. This was agreed.

9. Notified Items
a Millennium Committee: The Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from Leslie Bellatti thanking the Council for its financial assistance with the T-shirts. She indicated that they would be on sale at the Picnic on 16 July and hoped all councillors would be present. Copies of the Committee's accounts had been supplied and copies had been circulated.
b Tatsfield Post Office: Bob David reported that on 25 June Post Office Counters had closed the Post Office down and was conducting an internal investigation. The result of this investigation was expected soon and Post office Counters would notify him of the result once it had notified Sean Spooner. He had put up notices to advise residents of what was happening. It was impossible to forecast what would be the outcome but he had been assured that Post Office Counters were committed to having a full-time post office in Tatsfield.

10. Village Hall
a Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that the Committee had employed an adjudicator to give an opinion on the Hall Floor. He was due to inspect the floor on 21 June and the cost would be in the region of Ł500.Some work had been carried out to reduce the internal heating noise and this work should be completed shortly. The chimney cowl had been removed and this appeared to have improved the external noise made by the boiler. The Architect had arranged for the Green Room to be inspected by two independent firms to report on the most effective ways to cure the dampness. Inspections were due from the Planning Authority to finalise outstanding matters.
b Management Committee: Bob David reported that the Committee had approved a draft constitution on which comments had been invited from the Parish Council. He also reported that the annual accounts had been passed and copies had been circulated to members. These showed a surplus of approximately Ł1,000 for the year.
c Review of Constitution: The Clerk reported that the Committee had submitted a draft revised constitution upon which the Parish Council's comments were invited. As this had not reached the Clerk in sufficient time for him to make and circulate copies to members before the meeting, it was agreed that the matter should be deferred to the next meeting for consideration. An informal meeting of councillors was also arranged for 11 July at 3.00 p.m. to discuss the matter.

10. Property & Land Maintenance
a Property: The Old Bakery: The Clerk reported that he had received a request from the Old Bakery to renew its licence to place tables & chairs on the triangle outside the premises and had paid the fee of Ł5. It was agreed to grant a further licence for one year.
b Pond: Wendy Maddison indicated that she was still trying to obtain a quotation for the regular maintenance of the pond.
c Land:
Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David reported that judging was due to take place on 17 July. A lot of work had been carried out and this would continue right up to day of the judging.
Notice Board: Bob David reported that it was hoped that the necessary planning consent would be forthcoming in the very near future. As soon as it was available, the board would be erected and he was optimistic that this would be in time for the judging.
TATOL Sign: Arrangements were now in hand for the sign to be repainted by Tatsfield Art Group in its original colours.
Oak Seat: Remedial work was in hand and there would not be any cost to the Parish Council.

11. Meetings to attend:
a SCAPTC AGM: Saturday 15 July at 2.30 p.m. at East Horsley Village Hall – Tony Erbes..
b E Surrey District Scouts AGM: 13 June at 8 p.m. – Margaret Boadella indicated she might be able to attend.
c SCC Minerals & Waste Forum: 7 June at The Woodhatch Centre, Reigate
d SCC Seminar on Waste Local Plan Review: on Saturday 1st July 10.00 –1.00 at Dorking Christian Centre, Church Road, Dorking.
e PCPG Public Meeting: 14 June at 7.30 p.m. at Soper Hall, Caterham – Ian Mitchell.
f SCAPTC Web Site Presentation: Friday 30 June at 7.30 p.m. at East Horsley Village Hall – Ian Mitchell.
g SCAPTC New Councillors Seminar: Friday 16 June at 7.30 p.m. at White Hart Barn, Godstone
h Surrey Rail Forum: 17 October at 10.00 a.m. at County Kingston on Thames – Denis Hayes would attend.

12. Correspondence
a North Downs Way: The Clerk reported that a new map and poem had been published to mark the 21st birthday of the Way.
b Surrey Hills Management Strategy: The receipt of the Management Strategy and Executive Summary was noted.
TDC Air Quality Review: The receipt of the second stage review was noted.
The Old Ship: The Clerk reported that formal notice of the transfer of the licence to Mr M G Shotter and Ms Y Hamilton had been received.

13. Any Other Business
a Scarecrow Event: The Vice Chairman drew attention to the Scarecrow event to be held on 8, 9 & 10 September and requested permission to use Westmore Green for the prizegiving on Sunday 10 September and the Village Hall, if wet. This was agreed.
b Tatsfield Church: Bob David enquired whether it would be possible for the Church to purchase cutlery through the Parish Council in order to obtain a discount. The Clerk pointed out that this would mean VAT could not be reclaimed and that it might be better to buy direct.

The meeting closed at 10.17 p.m.

INDEX OF MINUTES