A meeting of the Planning Committee of West Chiltington Parish Council was held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 2nd May 2006 in the Parish Office at the Reading Room, Church Street, West Chiltington.

Present: Harvie Steele, Neil Longson, Dennis Tyler, Celia Rayner, Roger Watts, Pietro di Marino Estelle Warriner and Paul Royce.

Also in Attendance: Tony Thomas (Clerk) and one member of the public.

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Jonathan Trees (Family Commitment), Michael Jackson (Council Meeting)

It was agreed by all members to duly approve the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 4th April 2006 and the Chairman signed the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

There were no matters arising

DC/06/0640 – Mr I Bray, Trees, The Common

2 storey side and rear extensions & replacement garage

DC/06/0821 - Mr And Mrs France, Meldrum, Nyetimber Copse

Single-storey front extension

DC/06/0823 - H. Quirk, Oakhurst, Harbolets Road

Dormer windows

DC/06/0828 - D R Padwick Builders Ltd, Fly Farm, Sinnocks

Redevelopment of commercial areas including demolition of existing buildings/structures, renovation and replacement of existing buildings/structures, access and boundary fences.

The meeting was adjourned to allow Mr Olaf Christiansen, representing the builders, to address the meeting. He explained the plan and answered questions from the members as to the type of materials to be stored and the future use of the office space, particularly numbers of staff and increased traffic. The members thanked him for his explanations and the meeting recommenced.

DC/06/0840 - West Chiltington Golf Course, West Chiltington Golf Club, Broadford Bridge Road

Single storey extensions with rooms in roof space

DC/06/0986 - The Classic Home Company, Land East Of Conifers, The Common

Erection of single garage

DC/06/1022 - West Sussex County Council, West Chiltington County Primary School, East Street

Addition of 6 parking bays plus disabled bay (County Consultation)

DC/06/1025 - Mr And Mrs R Pike, 3 West View, Smock Alley

Single storey rear extension

DC/05/2712 - The Classic Home Company, Land East Of Conifers, The Common, West Chiltington

Erection of a dwelling

DC/06/0183 - Mark Lamport, Stone House, Church Street, West Chiltington

Fell 1 Cherry tree and surgery to 1 Ilex Aquilfoliam (Holly) and 2 Apple trees (Works to Trees in a Conservation Area)

DC/06/0330 – G Isted & R Lauder, Rockdale House, West Chiltington Lane, Broadford Bridge

2-storey extension replacing existing single storey extension, erection of double garage/store and creation of new access.

DC/06/0332 - Miss O J Stone, The Cottage, Panners, West Chiltington Road

Renewal of unimplemented planning permission WC/35/01 to erect a replacement house, double garage and new vehicular access

DC/06/0345 - J N W Edwards, Wildcroft, The Hollows

Tennis court and 2.75 metre high fence surround

DC/06/0469 - Elena Hester, Cannons, Gay Street

Replacement garage

DC/06/0499 - Mr And Mrs Hales, Cherry Tree Cottage, Sunset Lane

Erection of 2 detached dwellings and garages

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

Single storey extension

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.

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.

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.

DC/05/2802 - Brookworth Developments, Bracklyn, Harborough Hill, West Chiltington

Erection of 9 dwellings and access (Outline)

i) County Local Committee – meeting 4^th May 2006 at the Steyning Centre, details available from the Clerk.

ii) Best Awards Evening – Wednesday 10^th May 2006, Chairman and Clerk to attend.

iii) Local Development & Transport Advisory Group, meeting 3^rd May 2006 – details from Clerk.

iv) ‘Issues and Options’ Gypsy & Traveller Development – consultation document, details available from the Clerk.

v) Rave – police are sending evidence forms for people to complain.

vi) Hedges, Broadford Bridge Road – Shirley Stone WSCC Highways Superintendent said the PC were going to arrange for the hedges to be cut back up to golf club entrance and cost recharged to owners – Although the idea was discussed no action has been taken and the Clerk would report back to Mrs Stone.

vii) Tree wardens meeting – Details available from the Clerk.

viii) HDC Community Transport Strategy, Consultation Document – available from the Clerk.

ix) South East Plan, consultation document, copy available from the Clerk

x) CPRE, ‘Update on the new Planning System’, Meeting Wednesday 13^th September 2006 – anyone interested contact the Clerk.

i) Neil Longson reported that the dog fouling on the footpaths in Monkmead Woods was disgusting and requested HDC be asked to put up warning notices regarding the fine for allowing a dog to foul the footpath. The Clerk would talk to HDC to progress the idea of signs.

ii) Pietro di Marino reported that the tap in the pavilion was not working properly and suggested it be replaced. The Clerk would arrange for a replacement.

iii) Paul Royce asked if the Parish Council would be able to give a prize for the Fete & Flower Show, the idea was discussed but it was thought the council was not able to contribute.

iv) Roger Watts reported that Thakeham Church bells restoration was to be celebrated on the 1^st July with a performance by the Brighton Welsh Choir tickets were available from him.

There being no other business the Chairman thank everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.55 pm.