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 Wednesday, 10th September, 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

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

34.        Apologies for Absence were received from Messrs. R. Dawe, D. Roper and A. Aldridge.
 The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

35.      To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members.  Mr. Macey declared an interest in planning application number DC/08/1180 and Mrs. King declared an interest in planning applications numbered DC/08/1533 and DC/08/0918.

36.    To Approve and Sign the Minutes of the Last Meeting held on the 10th July 2008.  These minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman. 

Matters Arising:-

37.    Minute No. 22: Land between Oak Close and Thakeham Road.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese reported that a meeting had taken place between the District Valuer, Saxon Weald and the Parish Council to discuss the sale of the land.  The District Valuer had valued the land and put this figure to Saxon Weald, however Saxon Weald had come back with a price almost double that of the District Valuer's. This had since been rejected by the Parish Council.  No further conversations had been held with Saxon Weald as Mr. Mendoza had been on holiday.

38.    Minute No. 24: Village Design Statement.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese reported that Mr. Dawe had asked her for an update on how the Design Statement was progressing.  Mr. Macey reported that he had made a start and was in the process of creating a central core of the community area which would eventually branch off into various directions i.e. Sullington Church, The Hormare Estate, Parham etc.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese again mentioned the document that had been created by West Sussex and the fact that we had permission to extract any relevant information we felt appropriate.  It was suggested and agreed that a Working Party should be created to drive this forward and Mrs. King and Mr. Macey volunteered.  In the meantime the office would create a draft document in preparation for our next Planning meeting (currently scheduled for 9th October).

39.    Rock Common Quarry, The Hollow.  Mr. Macey reported that he had not yet reached a conclusion regarding this rather large document but was well aware of the 30th September deadline.  It was suggested that the Office contact Washington Parish Council for their views.  Mr. Macey agreed to pass his comments, specifically regarding the transport section, to the office and they would respond accordingly.

40.    HDC/Sussex Building Control Sustainable Building Design Guidance.  It was agreed that this document should be discussed at the next Planning Meeting when all members would be present.

41.    Trees around Storrington Pond.  It had been reported to the Parish Clerk that the trees around the pond were overhanging the rear garden of 5, The Willows.  This was causing an issue regarding light; plus the ash tree seeds were getting between paving slabs resulting in saplings sprouting.  It was agreed that Committee Members would visit the site and evaluate the situation.  Mrs. Wheatley and Mrs. King volunteered to do so and report back their findings to the office. 
   
42.         Planning Applications Awaiting Comment – Appendix I.

(a)    DC/08/1467 – Saxon Weald Homes, Beech Grove.  All Committee Members had seen this application and thought that the proposals would be a vast improvement to the area.  It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to:
            SUPPORT this application. It was felt the proposed development would be a vast improvement to an area without appeal and a centre of anti-social conduct.  Providing main services were adequate and more lighting was installed we had no objection to this application.

(b)    DC/08/1793 – Our Lady of England Catholic Church, Monastery Lane.  All Committee Members had seen this application.  It was felt that this application did not appear to differ from an earlier application.  It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to:

        OBJECT to this application.  Due to concerns regarding the increase of traffic along Monastery Lane, it was felt there was a need for a thorough highway and traffic analysis of the area.  The development would put even more of a strain on our local sewerage and water systems which are already unable to cope with the current demand.  Members also felt this would set a precedent for further development behind existing houses.

    (c)    DC/08/1892 – Storrington Lawn Tennis Club, Greyfriars Lane.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese read out the letter from Storrington Lawn Tennis Club dated 29th August.   It was suggested that the office speak with HDC and enquire as to whether there was a time restriction on the existing floodlights and to request an extension.

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

44.    Planning Applications, Comment Summary – since the meeting on the 10th July, 2008.   These were duly NOTED.
   
45.    Section 106 Monies. 

DC/07/2457 - Land formerly known as Strome.  Community Facilities £16,300.  Transport Infrastructure £8,800.

46.    Appeals :-

    DC/07/2389 – 4, Byre Cottage, Sullington Lane – Retention of a conservatory.  An Appeal had been lodged against HDC’s decision to refuse to grant permission. 

As the Parish Council had not objected to this application, it was felt that a letter to the Planning Inspectorate was not necessary.

47.    Tree Preservation Order.

(a)     TPO No. 1070 (variation) – Land around Silver Birches, Thakeham Road.  12 x Oaks CONFIRMED.
(b)    TPO No. 1383 – Ketry, Woodpecker Lane.  1 x Oak and 1 x Silver Birch  CONFIRMED.

48.     Chairman’s Announcements.

(a)     English Courtyard Developments Limited.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese informed the  Committee of their Administration.
(b)    Letter re Trees.  Mrs. Worthington –Leese read out a letter of thanks from a member of public for the very professional tree works that had been carried out at The Glade.
(c)     Southern Water’s Draft Business Plan/Business Plan Roadshows.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese announced that the Parish Council’s comments had been submitted on-line on 8th September 2008.
(d)    A complaint had been received regarding trees at the back of Sullington Hall car park.  Large boughs were sprouting off in all directions and were considered to be dangerous.  It was requested that the Office contact Andrew Gale for his professional opinion and undertake any suggested work accordingly.
(e)    Complaints had again been received regarding the state of the car park area at Sawyards, Manleys Hill.  Considering this was one of the main entrances into the village it was requested that the office report these complaints to the Head of Development at Horsham District Council.

49.    Documents for Councillors to Read.

(a)    CPRE Fieldwork September Issue.  The office would copy any relevant articles and forward them to all on the Planning Committee.
(b)    SPAG documentation – this would be passed to ICE and Recreation & Property Committees for their meetings on 11th September 2008.
   

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20 pm.