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

Present: Harvie Steele, Dennis Tyler, Michael Jackson, Neil Longson, Pietro di Marino, Paul Royce, Jonathan Trees, Estelle Warriner and Roger Watts.

Also in Attendance: Tony Thomas (Clerk) and three members of the public.

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Celia Rayner (Broken Leg)

It was agreed by all members to duly approve the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 8^th June 2006 and the Chairman signed the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

i). Japanese Knotweed – A quotation of £250 has been received from Phlorum Ltd to complete a survey of the recreation ground for the weed. The members thought this was a lot of money and requested the Clerk seek advice from District and County Councils.

ii) Appeals Against Refusal for 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.

Appeal Decision: Both Appeals Allowed – The Inspector said HDC failed to make a case for s106 Community Facilities contribution, despite this being a reason for refusal of the applications, and therefore Parish Council will not have circa £10K to spend. Michael Jackson said the Inspector did not accept the paperwork provided by HDC, although other Inspectors had but the Chairman told the meeting he is considering writing to Ray Wright / Tom Crowley asking for an explanation, and the members supported this action.

iii). Museum – Morfield Everest are preparing a schedule of costs from the lowest tender relating to the refurbishment of the museum only in view of the withdrawal of the planning application for the toilet due to the recommendation for refusal by planning department. The members felt that the provision of a toilet was necessary due to the premises now being used as an office and for the comfort of members during long meetings. Members suggested perhaps part of the storeroom currently used by the Silver Band could be utilised and the Clerk was asked to discuss the proposal with the architect.

DC/06/1282 - Mr And Mrs H Rashed, Holmesfield, Orchard Dell

Single storey extension to conservatory

DC/06/1305 - Mr D Templeman, Linnets, Finches Lane

Front and rear dormers and front extension to garage

DC/06/1308 - Richard And Maria Hearn, Fantails, Little Hill

Retention of fence

The meeting was adjourned to allow Mr Hearn to address the meeting.

He explained the reasons for requiring the fence and why it had to be higher than normally allowed. The members accepted the reasons but objected to the use of concrete posts and gravel boards and after discussion it was suggested a compromise of wooden posts bolted to concrete spur posts located behind the fence with a suitable planting scheme would be acceptable. Mr Hearn accepted this proposal and the meeting was reconvened.

DC/06/1385 - Mr And Mrs R Newman, 7 Pond Rise

Replacement of existing flat roof over bedroom and shower room with pitched roof

DC/06/1295 - Mr Eric Heerema, Nyetimber Vineyard, Gay Street

Retention of re-positioned front door to original replacing window (Listed Building Consent)

DC/06/1313 - Mr And Mrs Darlington, Land North Of Longmead And Inglewood And Careys, Haglands Lane

Erection of 3 dwellings

DC/06/1449 - Mr M Henshaw, Logans, Threals Lane, West Chiltington

Conservatory (Certificate of Lawful Development - Existing)

DC/06/1505 - Mr P Sloan, Berrington Lodge, Lordings Lane, West Chiltington

Erection of detached garage with storage room over

DC/06/1525 - Miss V Roberts, 2 Pond Rise, West Chiltington

Single-storey side extension, porch and detached garage

DC/06/1573 - Mr And Mrs J Bennett, Little Northlands, Old House Lane, Coolham

Single-storey extension to barn conversion with rooms in roof space (amendment to previously approved

DC/06/1576 - Mr And Mrs J Bennett, Little Northlands, Old House Lane, Coolham

Detached triple garage with implement store and wine cellar

DC/06/ 0257 – West Chiltington Parish Council, Parish Office, Church Street

Erection of single storey rear extension to provide toilet facilities for users with disabilities

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

2 Storey side and rear extensions & replacement single attached garage

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

Erection of single garage

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

Single storey rear extension

DC/06/1035 - Mr And Mrs H B Calverley, Millfield, Mill Road

Extension to provide accommodation in roofspace, creation of bay window, alteration of roof to gable wall at front of property and replacement garage (Renewal of Unimplemented Planning Permission reference WC/47/01)

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/05/0950 - 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/05/2636 - 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) CHART Fundraising – Request to use the main car park of recreation ground for a car boot

sale. The Clerk will make enquiries to HDC whether this is permissible, possible and legal.

ii). HALC Meeting 13^th July 2006 at the Steyning Centre, the Clerk will provide Estelle and Isabel with the agenda as they have agreed to attend.

iii). Slaughterhouse Steepwood Farm – Copy of letter from Mrs Wendy Cross asking for an explanation from Gary Peck, planning officer, of why the breaches of the planning consents are not being enforced? Michael Jackson said the situation was being investigated and appropriate action would be taken.

iv). West Chiltington Youth Football Team. Have requested additional funding to provide numbered kits for each player. Alex Banfield and the manager to address the meeting on 11^th July.

v). HDC Local Performance Plan 2006 – Copy available from the Clerk.

vi). WSCC South Horsham Area Transport Plan Review 2005 – 2006, copy available from the Clerk.

vii). County Local Committee, Meeting 17^th July at Rydon Community College at 7.00 pm

i) Paul Royce raised the poor condition of the pavements from Foxfields to the shops and the overgrown hedges. The Clerk would inform County Highways.

ii) Dennis Tyler reported that the cherry tree on the Pond appeared to be dying.

iii). Jonathan Trees raised the following:

a) An update on whether the sale signs erected by Charles James Homes at their developments on Harborough Hill and Common Hill required planning approval? The Clerk had reported his concerns to HDC Planning Department and a response was awaited.

b) Photographs for the Fayre and Flower Show display board would be taken this week.

c) The oak tree near the recreation ground car park entrance needed pruning as it was blocking visibility of vehicles leaving. Roger agreed to cut it back in the near future.

iv) Michael Jackson raised the approval by the Parish Council of the application by CHART for s106 funding to purchase 4 defibrillators. The Clerk said he would put a resolution before the Parish Council meeting on the 11^th July 2006 for the members to vote.

v) Estelle Warriner said she had been asked whether the Parish Council would paint markings on the recreation ground car park. The members discussed the idea but rejected it on the grounds of cost and the visual impact.

vi) Neil Longson asked whether the roads of West Chiltington were ever going to be swept, HDC had made promises but no action appears to have taken place. The Clerk would make enquiries as to when they proposed to undertake this work.

vii) Roger Watts complemented County highways for the drainage works they are undertaking in Haglands Lane and asked when they are going to undertake the work required in the Sinnocks to stop flooding, this was promised 4 years ago. The Clerk would write to County Highways with his question and would report back to the council.

There being no other business the Chairman thank everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 10.00 pm.