Slinfold Parish Council
PO Box 315, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9XX
Tel: 01403 785864 Email:clerk@slinfold-pc.gov.uk
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday 26th February 2009
At 7.30pm at the Parish Room
032/09 Attendance and Apologies for Absence
Those present: Councillors E Sorensen (Chairman), C Burke, W Coad, M Dunkerton, N Jefferys, A
Skeates, G Stenton-Chandler and D White. Also present: Parish Clerk M Burroughs.
Apologies – Cllrs. R Hillyard, N Jefferys, F Jobling, M Hodgson (County) and P Rowlinson (District).
Darryn Moulding from the Street Scene Team Wardens was also present in connection with minute
034/09.
033/09 Declarations of Interest and Notification of Change to Members’ Interests
Cllr. Burke declared a personal interest in 039/09 as he lives close to KGV field where there is a planning
application for a MUGA court. There were no other declarations of interest or changes notified to
Members’ Register of Interests.
034/09 Presentation by the Street Scene Team Wardens
Darryn Moulding attended the meeting to brief members on the work that the team does. The team has
been formed for nearly two years and provides coverage from 7am to 11.00pm daily. HDC and Saxon
Weald sponsor them.
They deal with low-level anti-social behaviour and environmental crime to include graffiti, fly posting
and tipping, abandoned vehicles, dog fouling and engaging with young people using a yellow-card system
for offenders, whereby, three yellow card offences are referred to Sussex Police.
It was suggested that the team could help with reducing smoking litter in the village, particularly outside
the Red Lyon and also provide an article for the parish magazine i.e. contact numbers etc. that Slinfold
residents could use to report low level crime. Darryn Moulding agreed to look at these two matters.
035/09 Chairman’s Announcements
i.
ii.
iii.
S106 funds – Downs Links & School Car Park - The Downs Link work has almost been
completed. WSCC has asked the Parish Council to place a note in the village magazine to ask
that riders walk their horses rather than canter down the path. Cllr. Hillyard and School
Governor, Neville Taylor are attending the CLC Meeting on 2nd March 2009 to try to obtain
agreement to using £16k of Golf Club monies to improve parking in village by extending the
school car park from 7 to 22 spaces. WSCC and Cllr. Hodgson are supporting this application.
Members present were in full agreement to using the S106 monies for this project.
Consultation – Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity – Cllr. White’s
feedback to his review of this consultation as previously circulated was discussed. Members
present agreed with the recommendations made.
HALC Meeting Monday 2nd March at 7.30pm – Cllrs. Sorensen and Burke will confirm if they
are able to attend.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Parish Council Reception – Friday 8th May 2009 – this date was noted by the members present.
Sussex Village of the Year – Members present felt that entry to the competition this year was not
appropriate given the preparation involved, however felt that it may be worth working towards an
entry for 2010. It was suggested that this might be something that Cllr. Jobling may like to
investigate further. The Clerk will liaise with the Councillor on this matter.
Speed Indicator Display (SID) – Training will take place on Wednesday 11th March 2009. Cllrs.
Burke, Coad and Stenton-Chandler will attend the training session and provide further
information at the next parish council meeting.
Village Hall Trustees Planning Application – Mr. Denis Ingelby has prepared an application for
the addition of a porch to the Village Hall. If the application goes to HDC from the Parish
Council, with Mr. Ingelby as agent, then a 50% discount applies, saving £85. Members present
agreed that the application could be submitted in the name of the Parish Council.
Local Needs Affordable Housing – The Clerk has received a letter from, Tom Warder, a Rural
Housing Enabler with Action in Rural Sussex (AirS). The letter asks if the Parish Council would
like to meet to discuss the issue of Affordable Rural Housing; members present felt that a
meeting was not required at this time but agreed to passing on contact information for the
village magazine.
036/09 Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting on 29th January 2009 and the Youth
Club AGM on 11th February 2009, as previously circulated.
The draft Minutes for the Parish Council Meeting and the Youth Club AGM, having been circulated, were
taken as read and it was agreed that the Minutes be accepted and signed as a true record.
037/09 Matters arising from 036/09 (Parish Council Minutes), for information only
i)
ii)
Tanbridge School has confirmed that they would like to use Cherry Tree as a stop off point for
their sponsored walk.
There were no other matters arising to report.
038/09 Matters arising from the Public Session
There were no matters arising from the public session.
039/09 Planning Report
Cllr. Burke presented the Planning Report to the Parish Council.
New and amended planning applications:
The following applications were received in the month and reviewed by the Planning Advisory Group.
HDC has been advised of the Parish Council’s recommendations as follows:
HDC
Date received Address & Post Code
Application
by HDC
of application
number
Nature of application
Name
Applicant or
Agent
Feedback to HDC Planning
Committee (Date)
DC/09/0243
12/02/2009
Lower Lodge The Haven
Billingshurst West Sussex
RH14 9BE
Amendment to previously approved barn conversion
(DC/05/1061) to include internal alterations
Mr Mark Avery
Feedback Outstanding
DC/09/0206
06/02/2009
Gaskyns Lyons Road Slinfold
Horsham West Sussex RH13
0QT
Alterations to south elevation of approved swimming
pool (Building 11) to provide small extension with
hipped gable roof (amendment to DC/08/1620)
Listed Building Consent
Mr Eric Mariani
26/2/2009 Feedback from the PC will be
based upon site visit planned for the
27/2/2009.
DC/09/0205
06/02/2009
Alterations to south elevation of approved swimming
Gaskyns Lyons Road Slinfold
pool (Building 11) to provide small extension with
Horsham West Sussex RH13
hipped gable roof (amendment to DC/08/1619) Full
0QT
Planning
Mr Eric Mariani
26/2/2009 Feedback from the PC will be
based upon site visit planned for the
27/2/2009.
DC/09/0190
05/02/2009
Wild Harrys Hayes Lane
Slinfold Horsham West Sussex
RH13 0SL
Single-storey extension to provide a garden room to
Planning Advisory Committee has No
main house and rebuild link between house and
Mr & Mrs Aldridge Objection (U5/5). 10/2/2009. Ratified PC
ancillary accommodation within barns (Full
26/2/2009
Planning)
DC/09/0189
05/02/2009
Wild Harrys Hayes Lane
Slinfold Horsham West Sussex
RH13 0SL
Single-storey extension to provide a garden room to
Planning Advisory Committee has No
main house and rebuild link between house and
Mr & Mrs Aldridge Objection (U5/5). 10/2/2009. Ratified PC
ancillary accommodation within barns (Listed
26/2/2009
Building Consent)
DC/09/0160
02/02/2009
Littlegate House Hayes Lane Demolition of existing utility room and replacement
Slinfold Horsham West Sussex
with new single-storey utility and garden room
RH13 0SN
extension
Mr & Mrs
Campbell
Planning Advisory Committee has No
Objection (U5/5). 10/2/2009. Ratified PC
26/2/2009
DC/09/0159
02/02/2009
Littlegate House Hayes Lane Demolition of existing utility room and replacement
Slinfold Horsham West Sussex
with new single-storey utility and garden room
RH13 0SN
extension (Full Planning)
DC/09/0155
30/01/2009
Gaskyns Lyons Road Slinfold
Horsham West Sussex RH13
0QT
4 x Dormer windows to replace 8 roof lights on
Building 22 currently under construction
(Amendment to previously approved application
DC/08/1618).
Mr & Mrs
Campbell
Planning Advisory Committee has No
Objection (U5/5). 10/2/2009. Ratified PC
26/2/2009
Mr Eric Mariani
26/2/2009 Feedback from the PC will be
based upon site visit planned for the
27/2/2009.
Applications permitted, refused and withdrawn: The following applications have been processed by
HDC and the results follow:
HDC
Date received Address & Post Code
Application
by HDC
of application
number
Nature of application
Status
Feedback to HDC Planning Committee (Date)
Application
Permitted
Planning Advisory Committee (S 3/2) No Objection. Concern
over traffic onto the A29 and discrepancies in application. No
objection - ratified at PC meeting 29/01/2009
DC/08/2600
22-Dec-08
Random Hall Hotel Stane
Street Slinfold Horsham
West Sussex RH13 0QX
2-storey extension comprising 6 bedroom
suites with single storey extension to rear
enclosing existing open air licensed area,
minor modifications to verge of existing
overgrown pond, associated parking and
alterations to existing bedrooms affected by
new works and re-instatement of owner
occupier's residence to provide 2 bedrooms
and lounge area (Full Planning).
DC/08/2601
22-Dec-08
Random Hall Hotel Stane
Street Slinfold Horsham
West Sussex RH13 0QX
as above see 2600. Listed Building Consent
Application
Permitted
Planning Advisory Committee (S 3/2) No Objection. Concern
over traffic onto the A29 and discrepancies in application. No
objection - ratified at PC meeting 29/01/2009
DC/08/2574
18-Dec-08
Lucerne Five Oaks Road
Slinfold Horsham West
Sussex RH13 0RL
First floor extension
Application
Permitted
Planning Advisory Committee (U 5/5) No Objection (12/01).
Ratified PC Meeting 29 Jan 2009
DC/08/2528
10-Dec-08
Burley Edge 1 Six Acres
Slinfold Horsham West
Sussex RH13 0TH
Surgery to 2 x Oak trees (T3 and T5) (sited
on land to the north of Burley Edge, 1 Six
Acres Slinfold)
Application
Permitted
Planning Advisory Committee (U 4/4) No Objection advised
HDC (18/12).
DC/08/2448
26-Nov-08
Farthings Park Road Slinfold
Horsham West Sussex RH13
0SD
Surgery to 1 Oak tree (T1)
Application
Permitted
Planning Advisory Committee (U 5/5) No Objection (15/12).
HDC advised 18/12/2008
Planning applications pending consideration or decision by HDC:
The Parish Council received a report on all previous applications currently pending consideration or a
decision by HDC.
Appeals: Old Strood, Nowhurst Lane – Appeal for double garage – granted, appeal for costs failed.
New Enforcement issues: None
Other Matters:
-
MUGA KGV – Application DC/09/0076. Cllr. Burke chose to leave the room whilst members
discussed this application (see 033/09).
Further consultation letters have been sent out to those residents who should have received a letter in the
first instance. There were no members of the public present with regard to this application. Cllr. White
shared with members the details of three representations, two from neighbours and one other from the
Environment Agency. Neighbours were concerned about lighting, access and anti-social behaviour. The
Environment Agency, in a letter to HDC, commented upon the risk of flooding and contamination.
Members present having listened to the representations continue to support the application. It was agreed
that as the Parish Council had previously supported the application and had submitted the application to
HDC, that no further feedback was necessary.
040/09 Report from County Councillor
Cllr. Hodgson was unable to attend the meeting and had conveyed his apologies to the Clerk prior to the
meeting. Cllr. Burke informed members present that he had become aware of a Path Creation Order on
the bridle path (Christ’s Hospital Station), previously mentioned by Cllr. Hodgson, which was being
referred to the WSCC, Rights of Way Committee. The Parish Council has sent WSCC a letter of
support.
041/09 Report from District Councillor(s)
Cllr. Rowlinson was unable to attend the meeting and had advised that there was nothing to report.
042/09 Consultation – All Our Futures – Horsham District Sustainable Community Strategy (as
previously circulated)
Members present had reviewed the consultation document, feedback as follows, will be provided by the
Clerk by 13th March 2009.

Parish Councils should have a longer period of time in which to consider their response to
consultations of this nature.
Whilst there are many reports being produced, it will be interesting to see what action will be taken.
The document is repetitive and contradictory in parts, it could be much more succinct.
Most of the commercial areas in the Horsham District have been built upon, creating a dormitory
town.
There is agreement to more affordable housing but there is also a need for local employment to reduce
travelling.
Rural activities need more support to keep shops, post offices, village halls and public houses going
together with more public transport, particularly for the elderly to medical centres.
Young people need more support with leisure activities and job prospects.
With increased pressure for local councils to meet housing needs, it is important that building is
centred on brown field sites.
Where sites have been identified for development, for example in Broadbridge Heath, then developers
should be forced to comply with affordable housing requirements.
Consideration must be given to the UK Sustainability Commission and their comprehensive area
assessment reports. This information together with that from the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre
should provide valuable information to look after the rural nature of our district.
Given the recent down turn in the economy, it is suggested that a brief supplementary report be
produced, relating the most recent position.
The creation of a University locally should be considered; evidence suggests that when students move
away they do not return to the area!
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043/09 Highway Matters
i)
ii)
HGV Sign, Lyons Road - WSCC Highways will be replacing the sign opposite the Toyota
Garage to include an arrow to deter HGV drivers from entering the village. The sign will be
attached to posts so that it cannot be turned around.
Gateway Fencing at the 30mph limit near Bobbins Post – Following a report from a resident that
the fencing had been vandalised, WSCC, Highways has visited the area to assess the damage. This
visit identified a number of defects and anomalies, which WSCC are investigating. WSCC also
enquired as to who erected the fencing, members believed it was WSCC. The Clerk will advise
WSCC, who have advised that the repair of the fencing will be low priority.
044/09 Finance
i)
A list of accounts to be paid in the sum of £1,740.37 was distributed to all Councillors present. The
list was reviewed and duly agreed. Details of The Clerk and Litter Warden’s salaries are available
upon request.
Payments February
2009
Payee
£
Comment
Saxon (Garage Hire)
Saxon Weald
£34.60
Monthly charge for garage
rental
CLERKS SALARY MRS M BURROUGHS
As per schedule
CLERKS EXPENSES MRS M BURROUGHS
£173.33
As per schedule
LW SALARY &
EXPENSES
MR A BAKER
Hall Rental
Slinfold Village Hall
£121.50
PC 52.50 YC 69.00
Spam Filter
Vision Inc
£28.75
Email and spam filter
Communicorp
CommuniCorp
£65.00
Local Council Update
Subscription
Various jobs in village
and play areas
Mr R Pope
£181.00
Handyman Work
Sign for play area
Bel Signs
£94.30
Replace KGV signs which
were broken
New monitor for
Parish PC
N Glover
£165.00
Supply and Install new
monitor as agreed by Finance
Committee
SID Contribution
Horsham District
Council
£100.00
To be agreed
TOTAL
£1,740.37
ii)
iii)
iv)
As per schedule
Speed Indictor Display (SID) – It was RESOLVED to approve a payment of £100 to Horsham
District Council as a one-off contribution towards this device.
Grass Cutting – The Clerk distributed a summary of the quotes received from three contractors
who had been asked to quote for grounds maintenance for Cherry Tree and KGV for the next two
years. The Football Club has asked that contractors re-quote based on a reduced number of cuts
(i.e. 12) between April and September only. Quotes are pending from two contractors but
members present agreed that based on the information received that the contract be awarded to the
most competitive tender received. It was agreed that, upon receipt of the revised quotes, and
as previously agreed, that a decision will be made by the Chairman and members of the
Finance and Recreation Committees.
Application for grant from Victim Support – it was agree to look at this request at the April
2009 meeting.
045/09 Clerk’s Announcements & Correspondence Received
Announcements:
i)
The Clerk has received a request from West Sussex Mediation for a grant – it was agree to look at
this request at the April 2009 meeting.
ii)
Slindon Landfill – A company by the name of Solargrove Properties Ltd had advised that a piece
of land was going to auction in Slindon should anyone in the parish be interested in purchasing
this land. This letter has been sent to all parishes in the area.
iii)
The Clerk advised that she had advised our insurers Allianz of a change in sums insured.
However, despite a reduction in the overall sums insured, this change will attract an increase in
premium, primarily as a result of increasing the value of ‘lighting’ at Cherry Tree and adding the
litter bins.
Correspondence Received:
The following correspondence was made available for Councillors to review:
 WS NHS Trusts Merger & PCT Bulletin
 Southern Water Update Feb 2009
 CP Re Campaigns Update
 ICIS – Information for life
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LCU January – Feb 2009
Your Environment – Issue 22
HDC Development Control 3rd March 2009
046/09 Reports from Representatives on Outside Bodies
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Cllr. Stenton-Chandler provided an update on the Police Panel Meeting on 17 th February 2009.
This report included details on attempted burglaries from cars in the area, speeding, and successes
with regard to Youth Clubs and the reduction of anti-social behaviour. The priorities for the
PCSO in Slinfold for the coming months are maintaining a visible presence, dog fouling, litter and
illegal parking.
Cllr. White mentioned the Youth Club AGM; members had received a copy of the minutes.
047/09 Members’ Questions and Comments
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Cllr. Dunkerton advised that she had been informed that a Catchments Inspector from Southern
Water had visited the village with regard to ‘oil’ pollution in the water. This may be coming from
a leaking oil tank and he will be placing an article in the magazine asking residents to check their
oil tanks.
Cllr. Skeates asked for an update on allotments. The Clerk advised that two possible sites had
been identified but that the likelihood was that these would not be available and that the search for
a suitable piece of land must continue.
Cllr. Burke asked that the Parish Council make representation with regard to the reduction in the
rail service from Christs Hospital to London. The service is deteriorating and the cost of travel is
increasing. It was agreed that a letter of representation be sent to campaigner Monica
Edmunds.
Cllr. White advised that the donation of £2,000 recently received for the Sports Association might
be in dispute. The Clerk forwarded the cheque to the Sports Association as indicated in the letter
received but the Cricket Club has questioned whether they should have been the benefactors. It
was agreed that the Sports Association and Cricket Club should resolve this issue.
048/09 Items for the Parish Magazine
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Meeting Schedule for the coming months.
Downs Link – a plea to horse riders to walk their horses down the path.
Non-emergency Police and Operation Crackdown details.
049/09 Next Meeting(s)
Thursday 26th March 2009 - Parish Council (Parish Room) 7.30pm
Meeting closed at 10.05pm.