STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held in The Chanctonbury Room, The Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, on Thursday, 13th November, 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.


Present:    Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese in the Chair, Mrs. G. King, Mr. J. Macey,
Mr. A. Mullard, Mr D. Roper and Mrs. L. Wheatley.


69.        Apologies for Absence were received from Messrs. R. Dawe (prior engagement) and. A. Aldridge (prior engagement).  The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

70.      To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members.  There were no declarations of interest.

71.    To Approve and Sign the Minutes of the Last Meeting held on the 9th October 2008.  These minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman. 

Matters Arising:-

72.    Minute No. 61: Tree Issues.

    (a)    Tree Works around Storrington Pond.  It was reported that Andrew Gale had visited the site and did not think there was any major concern; he had however agreed to revisit the site and speak to the occupier of 5, The Willows (who was out when he visited previously). 
    (b)    Works to Ash Trees at Parish Hall Car Park.  It was reported that tree works would commence on 1st December 2008.
    (c)     Tree Works at Recreation Ground.  A quotation had been received of £117.50 (inc VAT) to uplift and lateral prune lower branches around a street lamp (including chipping and disposal).  Members agreed that it was imperative this work be undertaken and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the quotation should be accepted.
    (d)    Planting along fence line with Pulborough Road.  The office had chased the Tree Surgeon for his quotation and had been assured it would arrive week commencing 17th November.

73.         Minute No. 62: Listing of The Old School Building.  The office had contacted (by e-mail) the Museum Archivist (Mrs J Ham) but had not received a response to date.  Mr. Macey had also undertaken some research on this topic.  Members suggested the office contact Mr Hues who had life-long knowledge of Storrington and would be more than happy to assist in any way possible.  Mrs Worthington-Leese mentioned she had a couple of Joan Ham’s books on Storrington and would loan them to the office.  All relevant information should be amalgamated in order that and a strong case could be put forward to English Heritage for the building to be listed.  Members UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the building was of historical interest, an important building and should be protected.

74.    Minute No. 65: Enforcement Issues.

(a)    31, Dean Way – unsightly aerial.  The offending aerial had been reduced in height.
(b)    Stables in Fryern Road.  HDC’s Enforcement Officer had reported that there had not been any breach of conditions.
(c)    Sycamore Tree – New Moon Pub.  The office had spoken to HDC’s Tree Department and been informed that the tree could not be felled.  The tree was not only in the Conservation Area but also subject to a Tree Protection Order (TPO) dating from 2001.  Should the applicant still wish to fell this tree, a formal application for consent would need to be made under the Town & Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999.
(d)    Satellite Dish outside Martins.  Mrs Worthington-Leese reported that the dish was still in-situ due to the fact that if removed, the store would not be able to sell lottery tickets.  The dish remained an eyesore in the Conservation Area and HDC’s Enforcement Officer had reported that the shop had been looking for another location for the dish to be placed.  Should this not be possible they would be submitting a planning application.
(e)    M J Garage – Retention of internally illuminated, double sided Sign.  The Enforcement Officer at HDC had reported that this had gone to Appeal.
(f)    Fryern Park.  Mrs Worthington-Leese mentioned that what appeared to be old stables were clearly being converted to a house.  HDC’S Enforcement Officer had said there was no breach, members however were not happy with this response.  As building work was clearly in progress and no planning application had been received, Members requested that the office go back to Mr Hughes and ensure that a site visit be undertaken.  Concerns were raised that perhaps Mr Hughes had been referring to point (b) above Fryern Road Stables and not Fryern Park.

75.    HDC/Sussex Building Control Sustainable Building Design Guidance.  This was duly
noted.

76.    HDC Document – Brinsbury Centre of Rural Excellence, Draft Supplementary
Planning Document.  Mrs Worthington-Leese reported that she was in the process of reading this document and that the deadline for a response was 12th December 2008.  The document would be returned to the office week commencing 17th November in order that other Members could read it and make comments.  Once comments had been collated the office would respond in writing accordingly.

77.    Request for the amount of Housing to be reviewed (in the South East) in light of the Credit Crunch.   Members reported that they understood this was being reviewed and that there had been an article or two regarding this topic in the West Sussex County Times recently.  It was agreed that the office should locate these articles and circulate to all members.  

78.    Planning Applications Awaiting Comment – Appendix I.  These were duly NOTED.

79.    Planning Application Decisions – Appendix II.  These were duly NOTED. 

80.    Planning Applications, Comment Summary – since the meeting on the 9th October, 2008.   These were duly NOTED.
 
81.    Appeals.

(a)    DC/08/1793 – Land North of Norbertine Monastery.  Erection of 5x2-bed, 2x3-
     bed and 2x4-bed dwellings.  An Appeal had been lodged against HDC’s failure to
     give notice of its decision within the appropriate period.  A letter had already been
     sent to the Planning Inspectorate reiterating our Objection to this application.
(b)    DC/08/0786 – Conversion of the Old School House at the rear of 29, School Hill
into a 1-bed dwelling.  An Appeal had been lodged against HDC’s decision to refuse
to grant planning permission.  A letter had already been sent to the Planning Inspectorate reiterating our Objection to this application.

82.    Tree Preservation Order.

(a)    TPO No. 1381 – Smugglers Hut, Greyfriars Lane.  1 x Oak Tree CONFIRMED. 

83.    Chairman’s Announcements.

(a)     CPRE Sussex Countryside Awards.  Mrs Worthington-Leese mentioned that any
entries should be received by 31st January 2009.  Should members wish to nominate a project they should contact the office.
    (b)    Planning – Changes to Permitted Development Rights.  Mrs Worthington-Leese
     reported that the Clerk had attended a meeting at HDC’s Offices recently where this
     topic had been    discussed.  It was agreed that the Clerk’s minutes of this meeting
     should     be copied to all members, along with the link to the planning portal.  
     Members were also informed that Gary Peck (HDC Planning) would be attending our
     meeting on 8th     January to discuss these changes and how they could affect the Parish
     Council.

84.    Documents for Councillors to Read.

    (a)     South Downs Joint Committee Annual Review.  This document would be
         forwarded to Mr. Aldridge.
(b)    Countryside Voice.  Mr. Roper took this document away to read.
(c)     Southern Water Stakeholder Report 2007-2008.  Mr. Mullard took this document to read and make comments on.
    (d)    Sussex Review – Autumn 2008.  The office will circulate all articles of interest to Members.

85.    Any Other Business.  Concerns were raised regarding a possible breach of conditions at the site of 7, Pulborough Road.  Members agreed to carry out a site visit to ensure this was not the case. 


There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.00 pm.