WEST CHILTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

WEST CHILTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Planning Committee of West Chiltington Parish Council was held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 4^th April 2006 in the Parish Office at the Reading Room, Church Street, West Chiltington.

Present: Neil Longson, Michael Jackson, Dennis Tyler, Celia Rayner, Roger Watts, Jonathan Trees and Paul Royce.

Also in Attendance: Tony Thomas (Clerk)

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Harvie Steele (Family Commitments), Pietro di Marino (Business Commitment) and Estelle Warriner (Holiday).

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

It was proposed by Celia Rayner and seconded by Roger Watts and agreed by other members to duly approve the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 7th March 2006 and the Chairman signed the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

3. MATTERS ARISING

i). WILLETS FARM – DC/04/2650

Horsham District Council refused the application to build 21 business units on the site due to the increased traffic generated and the sub-standard junction with Harbolets Road. The residents of Broadford Bridge Road have expressed their appreciation at the support and help received from the Parish Council in fighting this proposal.

ii) PARISH NEWSLETTER

The first edition should be delivered to all homes in the parish this week.

iii) MUSEUM

Quotations have been received for the provision of a disabled toilet and refurbishment of the museum in the sums of £25063, £41731.90 and £45987 all plus VAT (Recoverable). The members asked the Clerk to investigate whether more quotes could be obtained and if delaying the work until the autumn would reduce the cost.

iv) GRASS TREATMENT RECREATION GROUND

Following the Parish Council Meeting on the 14^th March when the matter was briefly discussed, the football and cricket clubs having requested the work to be carried out, quotations has been received in the sum of £210 plus VAT for the work of Aerating/Seeding/Rolling the outfield. It was approved for the quotation to be accepted and the instruction given to carry out the work.

v) ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The meeting will take place in the new school hall, West Chiltington Community School, East Street at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 11^th April 2006.

5. CURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR COMMENT

DC/06/0455 - The Classic Home Company, Palings, Harborough Hill

Erection of one detached dwelling and garage

Our comments reflect those of the two Inspectors of appeals against the refusal of applications WC/87/03 and DC/04/1623, namely the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, on the living conditions of the occupiers of the proposed house and of neighbouring properties in respect of outlook and privacy cannot be overcome. We consider the District Council should use its available powers to block future applications on the site for similar development.

DC/06/0541 - Mr And Mrs I Page, Chantry Cottage, Monkmead Lane

Erection of detached garage with storage over and wc to rear

Parish Council: No Objection

DC/06/0567 - M Stock, Steepwood Farm, Adversane Lane, Adversane

Demolish 1 and 2 Steepwood Farm Cottages and variation of Condition 2 of WC/125/02 to read, "The dwelling hereby approved shall not be occupied until the dwellings known as 1 and 2 Steepwood Farm Cottages have been demolished and the land restored to a condition to be agreed.

Parish Council: No Objection to the proposal in due course but would like approval to be delayed until the slaughterhouse is substantially complete and ready for operation.

DC/06/0530- Mr And Mrs Beal, High Timbers, Nyetimber Copse

Single storey extension

Parish Council: No Objection

DC/06/0616 - The Classic Home Company, Palings, Harborough Hill

Detached garage

Parish Council: Objection – The proposal is obviously linked to the application to demolish existing garage and sub-divide the plot, which we oppose, but also object to the garage being built nearer the road which would spoil the street scene in this part of the road.

DC/06/0640 - Mr I.S. Bray, Trees, The Common

2-Storey side and rear extensions and replacement single attached garage

Parish Council: Objection to the size of the proposed extensions on the two sides of the existing building, it would overpower its neighbours, particularly those to the left. A more modest scheme would be acceptable and we have no objection to the extension to the rear.

DC/06/0420 - Executors of the Estate of Mrs E.E.Fenton, Land adjoining Tankards, Westward Lane

Erection of 1 dwelling and detached garage

Parish Council: Objection to the proposal due to the cramped appearance of the development in relation to Tankards, with the lack of privacy to both properties due to over-looking from first floor windows, exacerbated by the closeness of the properties.

DC/06/0675 - Mr And Mrs S.Hewson, Brookdale Farm, West Chiltington Lane, Broadford Bridge

Change of use of store building to florist workshop and office, change of use of buildings for equestrian use with lean-to extension for storage

Parish Council: No Objection, consider the proposals an appropriate use of a redundant agricultural site in a rural area, and although may generate more traffic than at present it would still be less than when previously in use as a dairy farm.

DC/06/0683 - P And L Kite, White Lodge, Nyetimber Lane

Erection of detached double garage and conversion of garage to provide kitchen/utility room

Parish Council: No Objection but concerned at the loss of a mature fir tree and would like Will Jones’s opinion as to whether it could be saved by repositioning the garage.

DC/06/0729 - Brynley Smith, Fuaran Bhan, 2 Chiltington Close

Surgery on 2 Oaks and 1 Pear trees

Parish Council: No Objection if Will Jones considers the work necessary but members concerned that reducing the crown often lets water in leading to subsequent rotting.

DC/06/0745 - Charles James Homes, Herongate House, Common Hill

Resiting of detached double garage previously approved under planning application DC/05/0274

Parish Council: No Objection, will improve the street scene by being further from the road.

6. PLANNING DECISIONS AND APPEALS

(I) District Council Decisions:

DC/05/2542 - Mrs Niamh Marsh, Old House Farm Barn, Old House Lane, Coolham

Creation of a sand school and erection of building comprising 3 stables and tack and hay rooms (Land South of Old House Farm Barn)

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/05/2650 - Mrs D Stanley, Huntleys Fruit Farm, Broadford Bridge Road, West Chiltington

Continued use as a dwelling (Lawful Development Certificate -Existing)

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Certified as Lawful

DC/05/2665 - Mr P A'Barrow, Timberlands, Broadford Bridge Road, West Chiltington

Erection of bunkers for storage of wood chips, green waste and composting

Parish Council: No Objection – would like stipulation that hedge maintained at least at current height.

District Council Decision: Permitted, subject to landscaping being approved before commencement of work.

DC/05/2749 - Mr Peter Lawson, Island House, Rambledown Lane, West Chiltington

Fell 11 Birch trees and surgery to 1 Oak, 2 Willow, 2 Alder and 1 Birch trees (all located within the wet woodland

Parish Council: No Objection – it seems that the birch trees are the younger specimens and that the older/ larger trees being left could be nearing the end of their lives, which could lead to a big reduction in trees left when they die. The Tree Officer will no doubt consider this point.

District Council Decision: Permitted, subject to conditions re timing of work and replanting.

DC/05/2957 - Mr And Mrs J.R.Merchant, Far Corners, Nyetimber Copse, West Chiltington

Conservatory

Parish Council – No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/05/2958 - Mr And Mrs S Gallagher, Downway, Fir Tree Lane, West Chiltington

2-Storey rear extension

Parish Council – No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/05/2981- Mrs T Sadler-Wilson, Gorse House, Common Hill, West Chiltington

Erection of one dwelling and garage, land to front of Gorse House (Outline)

Parish Council – Objection on the grounds of cramped over-development of a front garden plot, particularly concerned at the siting of the garage at the front of the plot.

Application withdrawn.

DC/05/3006 - Mr A Hill, Nyetimber, Gay Street

Retention of pool building

Parish Council – Concerned that such a large building could have been built without the benefit of prior approval, the architect and builders must have been aware of the necessity of planning approval being required, however the building is attractive and built in a style in keeping with the surroundings and therefore have no objection.

District Council Decision: Refused – The site lies in a rural area and being unrelated to the needs of agriculture, forestry or the extraction of minerals conflicts with Policy LOC2 of West Sussex Structure Plan 2001-16 and CS1 of the HDC Local Plan 1997 which seeks to protect the countryside, safeguard agricultural land and ensure the amount of land taken for development is kept to the minimum.

DC/06/0011 - Ebury And Stone Ltd, Birnam, Harborough Hill, West Chiltington

Amendment to dwelling (Plot A) as approved under planning application DC/04/1725

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0047 - Mr N Moulton, Naldretts Farm, East Street, West Chiltington

2-storey side extension and erection of detached car port with storage over

Parish Council: No Objection to the extension to the house if done sympathetically but do object to the size and scale of the proposed carport with storage over. The number of windows is excessive and its position within the curtilage of the listed building would be detrimental.
Application Withdrawn

DC/06/0048 - Mr N Moulton, Naldretts Farm, East Street, West Chiltington

2-storey side extension and erection of detached car port with storage over (Listed Building Consent)

DC/06/0093 - Mrs S Ansell, Harbolets, Harbolets Road, West Chiltington

2-Storey extension and dormer roof with balcony doors and balustrading (amendment to previously approved Permission DC/05/ 2125)

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0128 - Mr And Mrs Fairmaner, Westerlyn, Roundabout Lane, West Chiltington

Single storey rear and 2 storey side extensions (Amendment to previously approved planning application)

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0149 - Mr D E Hayhoe, Birchwood, Spinney Lane, West Chiltington

Demolition of existing garage and loggia, erection of 2-storey side and rear and single-storey side extensions, first floor front extension to existing porch swimming pool and raised patio area

Parish Council: No Objection – but would like a condition restricting any further development on the site plus the normal restrictions on hours of work, storage of materials and obligation not impede access along the narrow road to minimise the effect on neighbouring properties

District Council Decision: Permitted, subject to conditions regarding the parking, loading, unloading of vehicles and the storage of materials and equipment on site. Obscured glazing to be used on the first floor north elevation windows.

DC/06/0170 - Mr A Galick, Leander, The Common, West Chiltington

Erection of replacement utility room and raising of roof to provide accommodation

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0221 - Mrs Fuller, Gentle Harry’s Farm, Mill Road, West Chiltington

Conservatory

Parish Council: Objection – does nothing to enhance the appearance of a listed building, the previous design was thought more acceptable.

District Council Decision: Refused – the proposal by virtue of its design, positioning and scale would be contrary to policies EDC 1 and EDC 46 of the HDC local Plan 1997.

DC/06/0223 - Mrs Fuller, Gentle Harry’s Farm, Mill Road, West Chiltington

Conservatory (Listed Building Consent)

DC/06/0269 - Mr A Hill, Nyetimber, Gay Street

Change of use of existing barn to B1 office use

Parish Council: No Objection to the change of use but would like it conditioned to use preferably as an office for the vineyard.

Application Withdrawn

DC/06/0272 - Mr A Hill, Nyetimber, Gay Street

Insertion of 4 windows to existing barn and internal alterations (Listed Building Consent)

Parish Council: No Objection to the change of use but would like it conditioned to use preferably as an office for the vineyard.

Application Withdrawn

DC/06/0274 - Mr And Mrs B Johnson, 4 Curbey Close

Single-storey side and front extensions

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0292 – Mr C Fagan, Windmill, The Hollows

Installation of radiators and boiler (Listed Building Consent)

Parish Council: No Objection as long as the work meets the approval of the Conservation Officer.

District Council Decision: Permitted

DC/06/0359 – Mr Allen, 1 Castlegate

Conservatory

Parish Council: No Objection

District Council Decision: Permitted

TPO 1288 – Land West of Gentle Harry’s Farm, Mill Road

Provisional Tree Preservation Order confirmed on 21^st March 2006

DC/05/1357 – Sandalwood, Haglands Lane

Surgery to one oak tree Permitted in August 2005.

Will Jones has now found that more work will be required on the tree for safety reasons, resulting in increase in reduction of the crown to 25/30%. Work not to start until after bird nesting season – September>

APPEALS SUBMITTED:

DC/05/0950 - Longdene Developments, agricultural building north of Old House Farm, Old House Lane - conversion of existing building to form 1 dwelling

Parish Council – Objections. The site lies in open, unspoilt countryside. The existing building consists largely of corrugated asbestos sheeting. It is of no historical importance or architectural merit. If no longer required for agriculture it should be dismantled and removed from the site.

District Council Decision – REFUSED – unsuitable for conversion, contrary to local planning policies, outside built up area.

Appeal Lodged 6^th October: decision awaited

DC/05/1701 & DC/05/2725 - Millwood Designer Homes, Panners West Chiltington Road - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3 dwellings garages and access.

Parish Council – No objection. Approved by a majority vote 4:3.

District Council Decision: REFUSED – The development by virtue of its scale, design and siting would adversely affect the character of the area. No overriding need at present to release further land for development, particularly where the development fails to make the most efficient use of the land and where the proposal is not of a high standard of design and layout. The development makes no contribution towards improvements to transport infrastructure and community facilities.

Appeal Lodged 10^th February 2006: decision awaited

DC/05/2636 - A Fletcher, Ragmans Castle, Common Hill, West Chiltington

Erection of 2 x 2 storey dwellings and double garages and access (Outline)

Parish Council: Objection – As per the appeal decision on DC/04/1495, the plots are narrow in relation to others in the surrounding area and we recommend this application for refusal as cramped over-development. We are also concerned at the plan to transplant the existing rhododendron screen nearer the road, which if not successful and the shrubs die, could leave the whole plot visible from the road, altering the character of the area.

District Council Decision – REFUSED – The proposal is unacceptable in that it does not relate sympathetically in design, form and scale to the existing built and natural environment of the locality and would be harmful to the character of the area. The proposed development makes no provision for contribution towards improvements to transport and community facilities.

Appeal Lodged 16^th February 2006: decision awaited

7. CORRESPONDENCE

i) PLANNING GAIN SUPPLEMENT CONSULTATION RESPONSE

Copy of HDC consultation paper on the replacement for Section 106 agreements by a tax on the increase in value of a site once planning approval has been granted. Very little of the money is likely to be returned to the parish. Copy available from the Clerk.

ii) Section 106 Agreement re Land East of Conifers, The Common

Community facility contribution of £2500, and Transport contribution of £1200 has been received.

iii) Community Payback Scheme

HDC Community Safety Team in partnership with the National Probation Service have set up a scheme whereby young offenders carry out work within the community. Parish Councils can nominate projects within the parish that could benefit from free labour. The members thought project in the recreation ground might be suitable including clearing the stream and around the playground equipment, the Clerk would obtain further details.

iv) WSCC – Resurfacing work in Martlets and Larch End

Work to commence 10^th April for 3 days.

v) Speed Indicator Display (SID)

To use the Speed Indicating Display a one off payment of £100 is required but members queried who would use the equipment, as the Parish Council did not have the staff and thought volunteers would not be forthcoming, it was therefore decided not to proceed at this time with sharing the cost. The members thought that a 20 mph speed limit should apply in the vicinity of the school and the Parish Council would support the school in requesting a reduction of the current 30 mph limit.

vi) WSCC – Suggested Bus Shelter Sites

WSCC have suggested a bus shelter would be beneficial at West Chiltington crossroads, for which grants of 50% of the cost are available, but members said there was no land available in the area to site a shelter and questioned whether there was a need.

vii) Minutes of HALC AGM 14^th March

Copy available from the Clerk

viii) HDC New Corporate Plan

Copy of the new Corporate Plan, Our Community, The Mission, The Vision 2006-2011 available from the Clerk.

ix) Japanese Knotweed

A report from an ecologist carrying out a survey on behalf of Southern Water has found the above in the banks of the stream in the recreation ground. The Clerk will obtain details of how it should be removed/treated.

x) Recreation Ground Car Park

Several residents in the area have reported incidents to the Clerk of the car park being used as a skidpan in the early hours of the morning. Contact has now been made with the police and they will add the area to their rounds.

xi) Crime Reduction Figures

The latest Horsham District crime figures are available from the Clerk

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) Jonathan Trees – refurbishment of the playground equipment - asked when the work was to take place, the Clerk informed him that a sum had been provided in the budget and that contractors were being sought to carry out the work.

b) Michael Jackson – raised the following points:

i) Double glazing in the village hall - to replace existing wooden windows using Section 106 funds, but the Clerk thought this would be regarded as repair and renewals rather than a capital project, and therefore not eligible.

ii) Update on the toddlers playground in Church Meadow - the Clerk was able to tell him that the Parochial Church Council had provided the solicitors with the title deeds and that the lease should be available soon.

c) Roger Watts – reported that drains in Broadford Bridge Road and The Hollows were blocked with leaves and debris and requested the Clerk ask Horsham District and West Sussex County Councils arrange for them to be cleared.

d) Neil Longson – raised the following points:

i) Monkmead Woods – the litterbins are overflowing and the Clerk was asked to arrange for them to be emptied.

ii) Defibrillators – asked that a resolution be put before the next full Council meeting on 9^th May 2006 to approve the purchase of one set of equipment at a cost of approximately £2000 to enable CHART (Chiltington Area Response Team) to operate once the volunteers had received training. The idea received unanimous approval and requested that a representative of CHART be asked to address the meeting, hopefully with members of the public in attendance.

There being no other business the Chairman thank everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 9.45 pm.