Minutes - March 2010 | Earnley Parish Council

EARNLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF EARNLEY PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THE 24th MARCH 2010COMMENCING AT 7PM

PRESENT: Cllrs Bob Norris (Chairman), Chris Bayley (Vice Chairman), Michael Harrington, Michael Karn and Lindsay Nugent.

In attendance: Mrs Louise Chater (Clerk to the Council), County Cllr Pieter Montyn, District Cllr Graeme Barrett, District Cllr Peter Clementson, two members of the public, PCSO Bainbridge and Steve Hansford, Communities Team Manger, Chichester District Council.

23.10 CHICHESTER DISTRICT COMMUNITY WARDEN SERVICE – PRESENTATION BY MR HANSFORD OF CHICHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL.

Mr Hansford advised the council that the Community Warden Scheme was financed by a partnership scheme. 50% of the funding was provided by Chichester District Council, with 14 other partners. It was noted that initially the scheme was started as a pilot with funding from central government, but now needed to be fully funded by the partnership. It was noted that wardens, who patrolled on foot and by bicycle, liaised with the local community, the Police and PCSOs and spent 80% of their duty time on patrol. Areas that had a warden had experienced a significant reduction in crime. Funding a Bracklesham community warden had proved difficult, which was why they had contacted adjoining parishes, to request assistance with funding. It was noted that West Wittering Parish Council had agreed to provide funding commensurate to the service received. The local warden was Drew Allardice and his contact details were: Mobile phone: 07825 681547 Office phone: 672693 Email: wardens@brackleshamwardens.org.uk Or dallardice@chichester.gov.uk

Q. You speak of 14 other partners who are they?

A: Mr Hansford stated that partners included parish, town and city councils, residential social landlords and the County Council in the ward in which the warden was working.

Q: What hours did the Community Warden work?

A: The Warden worked a monthly pattern. The earliest the warden would work was 8am and the latest was 11pm. The warden worked two weekends a month, and an answer phone was available when the warden was off duty.

Q: Was the warden mainly reactive or proactive?

A: The aim was that the warden was mainly proactive, visiting schools, youth clubs, patrolling areas and building relations with the local community.

Q: Was there a possibility that the Parish could join in a non financial contributory way?

A: The parish already benefitted from having a warden in the adjacent parish as the warden had already dealt with incidents in the parish.

Meeting closed Ava Kirby stated that she did not see how a warden would be effective in the parish due to its the rural nature and the difficulties in building relationships with the people of the parish, as there were no footpaths or areas for people to gather. How would the warden help combat fly tipping? Mr Hansford advised that three prosecutions were reported in the Observer in the previous week. The District Council was able to put cameras in place to gain evidence in problem areas. Wardens removed fly tipping quickly and people were less likely to fly tip if the area was kept clean. Mr Hansford agreed that it would not be a good use of the warden’s time patrolling the area if he was unlikely to come into contact with any residents. Meeting reopened

Mr Hansford stated that should the Parish Council decided to assist with funding the cost of the Community Warden, the District Council would provide a Memorandum of Understanding between the District Council and the Parish Council, which would state the level of service the Parish Council could reasonably expect from the Community Wardens, which would be commensurate with the level of funding provided.

Q: If we notice fly tipping who did we call first?

A: PCSO Bainbridge stated to either call her, or the fly tipping hotline: 01243 521100

Mr Hansford stated that the Parish Council might like to consider inviting the local warden to attend a parish council meeting or a councillor could spend some time on patrol with Mr Allardice. It was agreed that the Clerk would forward Mr Allardice the schedule of meeting dates and invite him to attend the next meeting that coincided with his duty roster. District Cllr Barrett stated that the Council might like to consider discussing the matter with another partner, for example, East Wittering and Bracklesham Parish Council. It was agreed the Chairman would discuss the matter with their Parish Clerk. Mr Hansford left the meeting.

24.10 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME ON MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

1. Concern was expressed that Madestein UK was believed to be about to resubmit its application for glass houses at Easton Farm, Easton Lane, Sidlesham. Cllr Karn stated that although the Almodington Association was expecting a new application; it was noted that no such application had been advertised on the current weekly planning list. The Clerk stated that she had been contacted by a concerned resident and had agreed to advise the resident when the application was advertised on the weekly planning list. It was agreed that upon receipt of the application a public meeting would be called. It was further agreed to invite Sidlesham Parish Council to a joint meeting at Earnley Concourse.

25.10 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were required

26.10 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chairman made no announcements.

27.10 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

County Cllr Montyn advised that Civil Parking Enforcement would be coming into force on 1st April 2010. The Clerk advised that she had circulated the District Council briefing note on the subject supplied by District Cllr Barrett It was noted that since 14th January 2010, West Sussex County Council had temporarily filled 15,550 potholes over the entire county, and that the budget for this work had increased to £5 million and that the Highways Department had to reallocate their funding. The Chairman stated that he had reported the pot hole in Bookers Lane and was pleased to report that it was repaired within two days of his reporting it.

28.10 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT

District Cllr Barrett advised that the rubbish reported as being on Footpath 51 was not actually on the footpath. He was awaiting a call from the Environmental Health Department with regard to any available action. District Cllr Clementson reported that a new committee had been formed to discuss and fix the Planning Enforcement Department. The committee had held its first meeting and the progress made was very positive. It was noted that three enforcement officers with planning experience had been appointed. The officers would be responsible for inspecting misdemeanours as they were reported or become evident, and then prioritising the cases. It was noted that the committee was due to discuss the policing and enforcement of conditions attached to planning consents. It was noted that in future enforcement notices would be posted in the Chichester Observer. It was noted that the committee, which was expected to have a short life span was required to make a report on the progress made by the end of June, to the full Council.

Q: Were the three new appointments dedicated to enforcement or were they part of the planning team.

A: They would be working directly for the enforcement department.

Q: Did the Councillors contact Shona Archer directly or the District Councillors to report planning enforcement issues?

A: The Clerk should contact the District Councillors directly to report enforcement breaches.

29.10 CODE OF CONDUCT

No declarations of interest were registered.

30.10 MINUTES

On a proposal by Cllr Nugent it was resolved to agree and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27th January 2010 and this was duly completed.

31.10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

01.10 Bookers Lane drainage – The Clerk reported that she had been contacted by West Sussex County Council who had stated that the drain had cleared without intervention and was now running freely.

21.10 Parish on line – The Clerk advised that North Mundham Parish Council was in the process of purchasing Parish Online and she would arrange for a demonstration in due course.

32.10 PLANNING

1. Applications considered since the last meeting

E/10/00112/DOM Mr M Morgan Earnley Gate Clappers Lane Earnley Proposed demolition of existing detached annexe and construction of 2 storey rear extension to main house and single storey side extension

NO OBJECTION

E/10/00174/PLD Mr J Taylor 120 Third Avenue Batchmere Use of an existing outbuilding as private living accommodation to be used in conjunction with existing dwelling (resubmission of E/09/01852/PLD).

NO OBJECTION

E/10/00152/DOM Mr M Bridger 103 First Avenue Almodington Batchmere Two storey rear extension to form annexe, including increase in main ridge height and porch.

OBJECT the Parish Council were concerned that this proposal would effectively create a second dwelling and as such was contrary to planning policy.

E/09/05076/FUL Mr Bloxham Millside Bell Lane Earnley Demolish existing dwelling and garage. Construct new two storey replacement dwelling house and detached garage building.

NO OBJECTION subject to conditions being imposed on the applicant as the application was within the Somerly Conservation Area. The Parish Council object to the use of block paving for the driveway as the finish was too urban for this rural area and would reduce the drainage capacity and as the property was currently subjected to regular flooding, the Parish Council would respectfully request the driveway be gravelled as was virtually universal in Somerley. For the Parish Council to find the proposed dwelling visually acceptable in the conservation area it would expect the brickwork to be high quality red-brown local stock, the roof tiles must be clay and the first floor timber cladding dark stained. The window frames must be in timber and as shown on the submitted drawings, and not to incorporate top vents/transom lights. The two willow trees on the northern boundary must be safeguarded and retained and the evergreen trees on the front boundary should be retained.

E/09/00594/DOM Mr M Morgan Earnley Gate, Clappers Lane Earnley Proposed demolition of existing detached garage and construction of new double garage.

NO OBJECTION subject to the external cladding being to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.

E/10/00620/FUL Mr And Mrs Durant Dragon Cottage Third Avenue Batchmere Replacement dwelling

NO OBJECTION subject to Chichester District Council ensuring that the new dwelling was not occupied until the existing Dragon Cottage was demolished.

E/10/00968/EXT Mr R Langley Thatched Cottage Somerley Lane Earnley Single storey oak framed garage, garden store and porch (04/04336/DOM).

NO OBJECTION

E/10/00993/EXT Mr Robert Langley Thatched Cottage Somerley Lane Earnley Erect Oak framed porch over entrance to kitchen area (extension of 05/00150/LBC).

NO OBJECTION 2. Applications to be considered at the meeting There were no planning applications to be considered.

3. Update on Decisions made by Chichester District Council

E/09/07203/ELD Mr R Clowes 132 Almodington Lane Almodington Use of land and buildings for car repair business (Use Class B2).

PERMIT

E/09/03574/FUL L.G.M. Developments Ltd Marlin Construction Greenacres Almodington Lane Almodington Change of use from office (B1 use) to residential (single dwelling). Following the Parish Councils objection the application went before the District Council’s Development Control Committee South. Cllr Clementson stated that as the building was in place, it would be difficult to refuse the permission, as the property already looked like a house. There was some discussion about the precedent the decision set, but with some reluctance the Committee had permitted the application.

PERMIT

E/09/04964/DOM Mrs G Aarons Grange Farm Cottages Almodington Lane Almodington Two storey extension to house and new garden room to annexe.

PERMIT

E/10/00102/TCA Mrs M Niven Jasmine Cottage Bell Lane Earnley Notification of intention to reduce height by 0.5m on 2 no. Leyland Cypress trees, reduce and shape (back to old reduction points) 2 no. Apple trees (in rear garden) and 1 no. Apple tree (in the front garden).

NOT TO PREPARE A TREE PRESERVATION ORDER

PERMIT

E/10/00152/DOM Mr M Bridger 103 First Avenue Almodington Batchmere Chichester Two storey rear extension to form annexe, including increase in main ridge height and porch.

REFUSE

4. Appeals, licence applications and enforcement matters

1. Appeal Ref: 09/00088/REF Game Lodge Batchmere Road Almodington - Appeal dismissed matter closed

2. Appeal Ref: APP/L3815/C/09/2119015 Orchid Answers Ltd 114 Second Avenue Batchmere – Mr J Keats Jnr – appeal progressing.

3. Appeal Ref: 09/00054/REF 113 2nd Avenue Batchmere - Residential use of building in greenhouse. – appeal withdrawn, matter closed.

4. Appeal Ref: 10/00011/REF - North Grange Barn Almodington Lane Almodington - To add one additional parking bay to existing carport/bin store building and to enclose the new additional bay and two existing bays by adding a new wall and doors – It was noted that this was a new appeal but the Parish Council had made no objection to the planning application.

5. Bookers Barn Bookers Lane – it was noted that the Clerk had sent a chaser email on 11th February 2010, to which she had received no response and as such had followed the matter up on 23rd March 2010. It was agreed that the Clerk forward to Cllr Clementson the reference, who would follow up the matter on behalf of the Parish Council.

5. Planning correspondence

1. Grange Farm Cottage Almodington Lane – The Clerk reported that that Dr Wightman had stated that he did not have the authority to enter the property without the landowners consent, and he did not consider that this property was likely to gain successful listing status due to the amendments that had already been made and as such would not commit to submitting a listing. Matter closed.

District Cllr Clementson left the meeting

33.10 FINANCE

a) Bank Balances verbal report as at 24th March 2010

Current Account £150.00

Reserve Account £1,438.12

b) Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques

Link Romania 166.23 Pripoare Earnley Alliance

Mrs Louise Chater 28.60expenses

West Sussex County Council 119.02 pension payment

Post Office Ltd 114.80 PAYE

Southern Electric Contracting 54.70 six month invoice for maintenance contract

On a proposal by Cllr Bayley it was resolved to make payment and sign the cheques and this was duly completed.

34.10 MANHOOD PARISHES ROAD SAFETY GROUP

Cllr Bayley reported that a meeting with Steve Johnson and Tracy Webb of West Sussex County Council had taken place and the situation regarding the semi-permanent SID had been resolved. The SID deployment schedule had been submitted to West Sussex County Council and he was awaiting confirmation that the plan had been approved. Cllr Montyn stated that the plan had been approved It was noted the mobile SID would be operating in the parish on Friday 26th March. It was noted that the risk assessment for a site in Almodington Lane had been submitted and approval was awaited.

35.10 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

Nothing to report

36.10 PONDS

Meeting closed Veronica Wilkes advised the meeting that pond dipping in Haydon’s Pond and Morgan’s Pond had commenced and both ponds produced a large amount of wildlife. Meeting reopened.

37.10 EMERGENCY PLANNING Cllr Harrington stated that no further meetings had taken place, and as such the matter had not progressed any further. Cllr Barrett stated he would follow the matter up with Keith Smith of West Wittering Parish Council.

38.10 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Cllr Nugent asked PCSO Bainbridge if Meow Meow was a problem within East Wittering, PCSO Bainbridge it was an issue as it was so easily available and was relatively cheap. The Government was investigating the possibility of listing it as a banned drug. PCSO Bainbridge advised the meeting that manhole covers were being removed for scrap metal, and requested that people be vigilant and take registration numbers and report the perpetrators where ever possible. PCSO Bromley provided the Council and members of the public with a leaflet promoting Project Kraken which had now commenced and was working to protect the waters of Sussex.

39.10 WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL SOUTH CHICHESTER LOCAL COMMITTEE

It was noted that an additional meeting had been called on 29th March 2010, to assign the remaining funding available, and that no funding requested had been made within the parish.

40.10 EARNLEY WILDLIFE AND BIO DIVERSITY GROUP

The Chairman reported that the group had met that day and surveyed the hedgerow on Jury Lane, Sidlesham, which had proved very interesting. The group was disappointed with the large amount of fly tipping that had taken place in the lane. It was noted that the group was next due to meet on Saturday 27th March 2010 at 10am - 1pm at Pagham Harbour to learn how to spot water vole activity.

41.10 ITEMS FOR REPORTING AND INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDAS

1. North Solent Shoreline Management Plan – public exhibition at Chichester District Council offices, Cllrs Bayley and Norris attended and it was noted that members of the council had completed the questionnaire and acknowledgement had been received.

42.10 CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

1. Environment agency water resources act 1991 (as amended by the Environment Act 1995) notice of application for consent for the purposes of section 88 – Red House Farm Camp Site Bookers Lane. – It was noted that the Clerk had written to Gavin Holder of Chichester District Council but had received no response. Cllr Barrett stated he would follow the matter up.

2. The Clerk advised the Council that she had received the notice of audit which had been set for 29th July 2010. Circulation Folder

1. Solent News – issue 27 winter 2009/10

2. Chichester Harbour News – 2010

3. North Solent Shoreline Management Plan

4. Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management R& D

5. Marshalls – Driveway Design

6. NSPCC

7. Earnley Parish Council letter to Cllr Hall – re Manhood Parishes Road Safety Group

8. CPRE – Sussex Review

9. Clerk and Councils Direct – March 2010

10. LCR – Spring 2010

11. Earnley Gate – Planning consent

12. Grange Farm – Planning consent

13. Jasmine Cottage - not to prepare a tree preservation order

14. Wittering & District 1st Responders

15. Sussex Crimestoppers

16. Sussex Air Ambulance Fund

17. Samaritans

18. Carers Support Service

19. Citizen’s Advice Bureau

20. Energy Saving Trust

21. Partnership News – No 50

22. Newspaper clippings

23. Clerk’s letter to CDC with regard to Environment Water Resources Act

24. Working with your Council

25. Game Cottage – Appeal Decision

26. 132 Almodington Lane – certificate of lawful use

27. Marlin Construction Greenacres Almodington Lane – permit

28. Manhood Mobility – thank you letter

The meeting closed at 8.35 pm

Signed:___Bob Norris _________ Chairman of Earnley Parish Council Dated ____26th May 2010