JANUARY TO MARCH 2002

MINUTES of a Meeting of Tatsfield Parish Council held on the 14th January 2002 in the Parish Room, Westmore Green, Tatsfield at 8 p.m.

Present: Mr Tony Erbes (in the Chair).
Mrs Margaret Boadella Mr Bob David
Mr Ian Mitchell Mrs Dorothy Reeve

In attendance: Mr John Sandiford (Clerk) and 1 parishioner.
Apologies: Mrs W Maddison, Mr David Wood, Mrs Tina Fry (TD Councillor) and
Mr Harry Pettifor (SC Councillor),


1. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 13th December 2001 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendments:
(a) Paragraph 5 (b((2): the substitution in the second line of “Road” for Land” ;
(b) Paragraph 8(a): the substitution in the first line of “Responder” for “Transponder”;
(c) Paragraph 8(b): the deletion in the first line of “to”;
(d) Paragraph 12: the insertion in the heading of “Downs” after “South”;
(e) Paragraph 13(d): the insertion in the second line after “on” of “a date to be arranged.”.


2. Matters Arising:
(a) Crossways Court: Bob David regretted that he had still not been able to progress the matter.
(b) Emergency List: This had now been revised and copies distributed to all members. It was pointed out that more volunteers with 4 wheel drive vehicles would be very welcome.
(c) Ambulance Responder Scheme: Bob David reported that a recent article in the Caterham Advertiser had expressed doubts about the adequacy of training of the volunteers. He emphasised that all volunteers had undergone extensive training by Surrey Ambulance and were able to provide initial care for patients until the ambulance arrived. This had been pointed out to the newspaper concerned and it had agreed to run a further feature when the next training course commenced.
(d) Queen’s Jubilee: The Chairman indicated that a meeting would be held in the coming week and proposals would then be placed before the Parish Council.


3. Planning Matters
(a) Planning Matters: In the absence of Wendy Maddison, Margaret Boadella reported on the applications received.
(b) Sundry Planning Matters: After discussion, it was agreed that the Parish Council would not appear at the TDC Planning Committee when the application No.01/1459 – Denver, Ricketts Hill Road was considered.
(c) Planning Councillor: Ian Mitchell


5. Finance
(b) Grants:
(1) Play Equipment: The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Mrs Anne Chapman asking for further details about the play equipment and the cost of installation (including a path) but had not yet received any reply.
(2) Composting Scheme: Bob David indicated that the Scheme was now incurring expenditure and it was agreed that the grant of £100 previously agreed, should be paid. It was also agreed that a shredder would be purchased for which a grant would be forthcoming from Tandridge.


6. Highways & Rights of Way
(a) Sundry Highway Matters:
(1) Westmore Green: It had not yet been possible to arrange a meeting with the licensees of The Ship. The Chairman indicated that he would look into the matter.
(2) Titsey Hill Roundabout: There were still no developments.
(3) Old Lane: Bob David declared an interest in this matter as the owner of a property in Ninehams Road that would benefit from any improvement in the drainage in Old Lane. Bob David indicated that there would be a meeting in the near future with SCC Engineers to go over the roads that contributed to the surface rainwater in Old Lane.
(4) Speed Limits: Bob David indicated that, at the last meeting, Harry Pettifor had suggested that Tatsfield should combine with Chelsham & Farleigh and Warlingham Parish Councils to exert pressure for a blanket 30 m.p.h. limit. This suggestion had not so far been taken up. It was agreed that this should be pursued but, at the Clerk’s suggestion, it was agreed that this could well be progressed in conjunction with the CPRE initiative (see paragraph 13(a)).
(5) Road Salting: Bob David indicated that the road salting had been very good except for one occasion when it appeared that Tatsfield had been overlooked. He had taken the matter up with Surrey Highways.
(b) Rights of Way:
(1) Tatsfield Green: The clerk indicated that he had written to Mrs Savery, the owner of the right of access across the Green, pointing out that consent was required if a water supply was to be laid. No reply had been received. It was agreed that no further action was required.
(2) Bridleway, Old Lane: The Clerk had circulated details of the responses received by Surrey CC from frontagers. After discussion, it was agreed that no further action would be taken in the matter as it was felt that the status quo should be maintained. Bob David indicated that he considered that the views of frontagers should be obtained before any decision was made. The Clerk was asked to notify the Tatsfield Bridleways Association accordingly.


7. Reports
(a) County Councillor: No report.
(b) District Councillor: No report.
(c) Police Matters: The Clerk confirmed that, as instructed, he had responded to the recent letter from the Surrey Police Authority with regard to next year’s policing plan. Ian Mitchell indicated that the Parish Council had been invited to comment on the Tandridge DC Crime & Disorder Audit 2002 and he outlined the questions to be answered. It was agreed that he would respond in accordance with the views expressed.
(d) Biggin Hill Airport: Ian Mitchell reported that he had nothing to report. There would be a meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee in the next week.
(e) Transport matters: The report of Denis Hayes was circulated at the meeting and was noted. Margaret Boadella queried whether fares were collected from passengers at all times and Denis Hayes indicated that there were many reasons why a fare should not be paid on every journey e.g. weekly or monthly permits. Each passenger journey should nevertheless be recorded and he would take the matter up with the Bus Operators as failure to record each passenger journey meant that the traffic figures were under-recorded.


8. Council Aims & Objectives
(a) Parish Appraisal: Bob David reported that he had publicised the matter in the Parish Magazine and had also advised SVSC of the proposed timetable. Four local residents had so far volunteered their help.
(b) L-shaped Field Committee: Nothing to report


9. Notified Items
(a) DEFRA Consultation on Quality Parish Councils: The Clerk indicated that he had placed in circulation a copy of the agreed response to this Consultation.
(b) Code of Conduct: It was agreed that this matter would be dealt with at the beginning of the next meeting. If any members had any points arising from the Code, it was agreed that they should raise these matters with the Clerk before the next meeting.
(c) SCC Countryside Strategy Review: The Clerk indicated that he had written to Surrey CC indicating that the consultation period was far too short and that it would not be possible to respond in the time scale requested. In reply, Surrey had indicated that it would welcome comments from the Parish Council and if these comments were received by the end of January, this would enable them to be taken into account. It was agreed that the matter would be considered on 16 January at 4.00 p.m.
(d) Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000: The Clerk pointed that the consultation period ran for 3 months from 12 November and so responses had to be made by 12 February 2002 at the latest. It was agreed that there were no responses required.
(e) Surrey Hills AONB Boundary Project: The Clerk indicated that a response had been received to the comments lodged by the Parish Council and he distributed copies to all members. It was agreed that no further action was required at the present time.
(f) Waste Disposal Group (Eastern Surrey): It was agreed that this matter would also be discussed on 16 January.


10. Village Hall
(a) Building Project Committee: Ian Mitchell reported that it was believed that Southern Builders had ceased trading but no official confirmation of this was as yet forthcoming. The Architect was already in the process of drawing up a detailed claim and a meeting of the Building Project Committee would be held as soon as this could be arranged.
(b) Management Committee: Bob David reported that the internal redecoration had been completed. He also indicated that the Management was considering the purchase of a new sound system and an air conditioning system for use in the hot weather.
(c) Lease of Hall: The Clerk circulated copies of the response received from the Village Hall Management Committee. He pointed out that the Committee accepted all the Parish Council responses on the Committee’s earlier responses except in one case relating to the matter of internal decoration. After discussion it was agreed that the Committee’s offer to redecorate internally every seven years should be accepted.


11. Property & Land Maintenance
(a) Property:
(1) Newlyn, Ricketts Hill Road: The Clerk drew attention to a letter received from Mr K W Munday alleging that roots from trees growing on land belonging to the Parish Council were undermining his drive. The letter indicated that representatives of Tandridge had indicated that the trees in question were at the end of their natural life. The Clerk had spoken to TDC Tree Officer who indicated that no one from his department had given any such opinion. The Clerk had notified Cornhill of the claim and was awaiting its instructions. The Clerk pointed out that it was not clear from the letter whether Mr Munday was making any claim against the Parish Council or whether he was simply asking for the trees to be removed. It was agreed that no further action should be taken until the requirements of Cornhill in the matter were known.
(2) Police House: Bob David indicated that Mr & Mrs Carr had asked if the boundary hedge could be cut and the Chairman indicated that the arrangements were already in hand.
(b) Land:
(1) Tatsfield in Bloom: Bob David indicated that the Clerk was processing the insurance claim in respect of the stolen plough and potato ridger. The organising committee was meeting on 16 January.
(2) Pond: The Clerk indicated that the signs had been produced and installed by Colin Davis Associates and the insurance company notified.
(3) Horse Trough, Village Centre: The Chairman indicated that he believed that it would be an improvement if the trough was moved from its present position to a position outside the shops approximately where the bench seat was at present. It was agreed that the views of the TIB Committee would be sought at the coming meeting and that members would also consider their views so that the matter could be discussed at the next meeting.
(4) The Square: Bob David reported that three corners of the central grass area had been been badly torn up by service vehicles. The matter had been reported to Tandridge and repair of these areas was in hand.


12. Meetings to attend:
(a) SCAPTC General Meeting: 23 February 2002 at 2.30 p.m. at Claygate Village Hall – Chairman to attend.

13. Correspondence
(a) CPRE Initiative on Local Issues: The Clerk drew attention to a letter dated 20 November from CPRE (a copy of which had been distributed to all members) indicating an intention to hold a meeting in February with all local Parish Councils to discuss issues that needed to be highlighted for action on a district or national basis. It was agreed that this initiative should be supported and that a representative would attend the meeting when the date was known.
(b) Youth Worker: The Clerk drew attention to a letter from Whyteleafe Parish Council proposing that a full-time Youth Worker be employed to cover those areas where Parish Councils contributed towards the cost. After discussion, it was agreed that the matter should be supported in principle. It was further agreed that details would have to be discussed and that a meeting with those interested was required. The Clerk was requested to write accordingly.
(c) Tandridge LA21 Consultation: The Clerk indicated that the Parish Council’s views had been requested to the Tandridge D C Blueprint for a Better Tandridge 2002. Ian Mitchell outlined the matters that were under discussion. These included the appointment of a Waste Warden and a research project to monitor the use of green boxes. It was agreed that Ian Mitchell would respond on the Parish Council’s behalf.


14. Any Other Business
(a) Designated Rural Areas: Bob David indicated that there had been reports in the local press suggesting that Tatsfield had lost its rural village status for rating purposes. He had made spoken to the Department concerned to clarify the position and was pleased to confirm that this was not the case and the press report had been wrong.
(b) Tatsfield Fun Run: It was agreed that Westmore Green could be used for the Fun Run on 17 March. It was agreed that the organisers could station a refreshment caravan on the edge of the Green provided that damage to the daffodils was avoided and that any damage to the surface of the Green was reinstated.
(c) TDC Anti-Graffiti Campaign: Bob David indicated that he had attended a demonstration of methods of removing graffiti and was in possession of a kit that could be used should the need arise.
(d) Village Signs: It was thought that the sign to Tatsfield at the junction of Church Hill and the main road required re-positioning. Bob David agreed to check the matter out.
The meeting closed at 11.16 p.m.








The Parish Council met on 11 February in the Parish Room at 8pm.


Planning: The Parish Council considered the following applications on which it had been consulted by Tandridge D.C. and agreed to submit the following responses for consideration when Tandridge D.C. made its decisions:
Ship Hill House East, Ship Hill: Erection of dormer extension in flank roof slope to provide additional accommodation (application for certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use or development). Recommendation: Objection lodged based on possibility of the loss of a small dwelling.
Deepdene, Lusted Hall Lane: Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a 4 bedroomed house with closure of existing access and construction of a new access on to Ricketts Hill Road. Recommendation: Objection lodged based on (1) development in Green Belt and (2) development significantly larger and consequently contrary to District Plan.
Neville House, Edgar Road: Erection of new pitched roofs over existing single storey rear projection and over existing flat roofed areas and 2 storey front section. Recommendation: No objection.


Ambulance Responder Scheme: Bob David said that the training course would not now start until 6 March and the instructor would be a fully qualified St. John Ambulance member. He indicated that the Scheme had certain incidental administration expenses and it was agreed to make a grant of £50 for this purpose.


Westmore Green: Bob David reported that the bus stop area had been marked out again and he hoped that this would encourage car owners not to park there. He also indicated that an ambulance had had difficulty in turning when collecting someone from one of the houses in Lusted Hail Lane that fronted on the Green. This was largely due to parked vehicles and it was agreed that an appeal would be made to residents to leave an area free for vehicles to turn. Bob David agreed to obtain a letter from Surrey Ambulance about the difficulty and the Chairman said he would personally visit the residents concerned.


Old Lane: Bob David reported that he and the Chairman had met SCC Technical Officers involved in the survey of the surrounding area. They were looking at the flooding problems with a completely open mind and would be submitting a report to Surrey Highways shortly.


County Councillor: Harry Pettifor reported on the following matters:
Hospitals: There was a plan to build a new hi-tech hospital at Pease Pottage. This would effectively mean that East Surrey Hospital was down-graded. Surrey CC was interested in knowing what the reaction was to such a scheme. So far all bodies had given the plan a firm “thumbs down” and he had assumed that this would be the reaction from Tatsfield. This was agreed.
Police: He would be visiting the new Caterham Police Station that had opened that day. He was pleased to note that arrests had been made following the recent murders at the Good Companions, Hamsey Green and had been informed that the Police would also be investigating matters at The White Lion, Warlingham, where the incident had started.

Travellers: There was considerable disquiet about the continued trouble caused by travellers camping on local lay-byes and land. He had reason to believe that there were changes in the pipeline that would enable stronger and more effective action to be taken.
Project Pegasus: This was a dedicated, high quality and secure school transport service that was to be introduced in West Surrey. He hoped that it would eventually come to this area.


Police Matters: Ian Mitchell said that crime figures were now being produced on a district basis and these showed a general reduction but it was important to note that figures for burglary from dwelling houses had risen by some 17+%.


Parish Appraisal: Bob David said that as a result of a further article in the Parish Magazine, more volunteers had come forward. He now had some 5-6 names and it was suggested that he should hold a meeting with these volunteers before the Annual Parish Meeting as this might encourage them to obtain further volunteers. He also drew attention to the fact that Surrey CC was considering cutting funding for Surrey VSC and he had written protesting at this proposal. The Government was encouraging parish councils to embark on appraisals and the help and assistance given by SVSC was invaluable.


L-shaped Field Committee: There was nothing to report with regard to the development of the Field as a recreational facility but the Chairman indicated that he had asked Bob David to investigate the possibility of levelling and cutting the Field so that it could be used by youngsters for informal games. Bob David said that Nick Dance was willing to flail and roll the field once all hardcore had been removed and the ruts filled in. He would investigate this aspect and report back,


The Car Park behind the Village Hall: The Chairman said that he had received complaints about noise created when young people played ball games and skateboarded on the car park. The Parish Constable had to be called to move the youngsters away. Parents were asked to note that the Car Park is for the Village Hall and Surgery parking not football and skateboarding.


Horse Trough, Village Centre: Bob David said that, as requested, the Tatsfield in Bloom Committee had discussed the matter. They had considered three possible sites but had concluded that the best option would be to re-locate the trough to The Square. The Committee were of the view that, if a permanent Christmas tree was wanted, a Norwegian spruce should then be planted in place of the trough. As it was apparent that there were conflicting views on this matter, the Chairman suggested that further discussion be adjourned to the next meeting to give members an opportunity to consider the matter properly.


Scout Hut Lay-By: The Clerk read out a letter from Derek Gibbons suggesting that the Parish Council should commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee by the construction of a lay-by outside the Scout Hut in Approach Road. It was agreed that the matter should be considered at the next meeting.


Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebration: The Chairman said that there was a distinct lack of support from local organisations to assist with events. He and Denis Hayes had discussed the matter at length and suggested that a party should be held for the children of the village. The Church was holding its Flower Festival that weekend and would welcome involvement by the village. Discussion took place as a result of which it was agreed to ask the Parish Magazine to include a questionnaire with its next issue to canvass local opinion and to ask for ideas.







The Parish Council met on 11 March in the Parish Room at 8pm.

Planning: The Parish Council considered the following applications on which it had been consulted by Tandridge District Council and agreed to submit the responses listed for consideration by Tandridge District Council when it made its decisions:

16 The Square, Paynesfield Road: Demolition of existing addition and erection of 2 storey side extension. Recommendation: No objection.
6 The Square, Paynesfield Road: Change of use of land to residential garden. Recommendation: No objection.
Heath House, Ricketts Hill Road: Erection of single storey side extension. Recommendation: No objection.
Sunnydene, Crossways: Erection of two storey side extension. Recommendation: No objection.
6 Parkside Cottages, Rag Hill Road: Demolition of existing garage/store and erection of single storey side extension. Recommendation: No objection.
The Haven, Kemsley Road: Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 4 bedroomed bungalow (revised scheme). Recommendation: No objection.
Longreach, Ricketts Hill Road: Erection of single storey rear extension. Recommendation: No objection.
April Cottage, 1 Grove Road: Erection of rear conservatory. Recommendation: No objection.

Old Lane grant: After discussion, it was agreed to make an initial grant of £500 in the financial year commencing 1 April towards the residents' costs of improving the road's surface and drainage and to review the possibility of a further grant at a later date.

Old Lane flooding: Bob David declared an interest in this matter as owner of a property in Ninehams Road that could benefit from any improvement in the drainage in Old Lane. He said that the overall survey report would be submitted to Stephen Childs of Surrey Highways in the very near future but he was not optimistic that it would be helpful.

Scout Hut Lay-by: The Clerk had circulated copies of a further letter from Mr Derek Gibbons with plans of his proposals. After discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should send details of Mr Gibbons' proposals to Surrey Highways and ask for their comments. He was also asked to thank Mr Gibbons for his detailed work on the matter.

Safe Routes to School: Bob David reported that he and Dorothy Reeve had attended a meeting recently when the County Highways proposals were outlined. A detailed report and maps setting out these proposals would be available before the next meeting. There would be a public exhibition of the proposals in the Village Hall on 6 April. Bob David also said that Metrobus was offering in some places a special fare of 50p for schoolchildren on journeys to school, with a parent being allowed to travel free. County Highways are pursuing the possibility of a similar scheme being introduced by Metrobus for Tatsfield School.

County Councillor: Harry Pettifor reported on the following matters:
Hospitals: He understood that Surrey County Council would be officially expressing its total disagreement with the proposals for a new hospital at Pease Pottage and the consequent down-grading of East Surrey Hospital.
Police: He was conscious that there was considerable public disquiet about the lack of response to calls for assistance and he had faxed the Police with details of several matters that had come to his attention. He was aware that the Chairman had been involved in such an incident.

Policing in Tatsfield: A wide ranging discussion took place during which considerable concern was expressed at the lack of a police presence in the village. It was agreed that copies of the correspondence relating to the recent incident with the Chairman should be sent to the Police, that Ian Mitchell and David Wood should have an early meeting with the Parish Constable and that consideration should be given to strong representations being made at the next PCPG meeting to be held in Woldingham on 23 April.


L-Shaped Field: Bob David reported that he had not yet been able to obtain quotations for removing rubble etc. from the field. The Clerk indicated that a letter had been received from Mr Greg Carr complaining that he had not been consulted about the proposal to level the field so that it could be used for informal games by local young people. His comments were noted and the Clerk was asked to acknowledge the letter.

Illegal Dumping: Earth and other waste material had been dumped on land under the Council's control at the corner of Barnfield Road and Maesmaur Road. The owner of "Hillcrest", Old Lane who was undertaking extensive building work to his property was carrying out the dumping. It was agreed that the Clerk should write as soon as possible demanding that the dumping ceased.

Pond: Wendy Maddison reported that Waterside Aquatics would be carrying out maintenance immediately after Easter.

Horse Trough, Village Centre: The Chairman asked for views of members now that they had had time to consider the matter. After discussion, it was clear that the majority of members were not in favour of moving the trough and the Chairman indicated that he did not wish to pursue the matter.

Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebration, 1-4 June: The Chairman outlined the events being planned to celebrate the Jubilee. These include a concert by the Lewisham Concert Band on Saturday, a Children's party on Sunday and a reception at St Mary's Church Hall on Monday.