To invite questions from the public present at the meeting on subjects other than those on the agenda. The Committee would encourage members of the public with more complex issues to submit their question before the meeting to allow a substantive answer to be given.
Minutes:
30.1 The Chairman invited questions from those in attendance. The following matters were discussed:
· A resident of Windmill Lane asked if the Council could inspect the ditch on the north side of the Lane and clear it. The Area Highways Manager stated that he would have to first establish the ownership of the ditch as it would be the landowners duty under ‘riparian ownership’ to clear the ditch. If it is privately owned there is a possibility of apply for funds under ‘Operation Watershed’. The Area Highways Manager agreed to look into the ownership and liaise with the local resident and the local Member, Mrs Liz Bennett.
· The Chairman of West Hoathly Parish Council asked for advice on what type of Speed Indicator Device (SID) the Parish Council should purchase. The Area Highway Manager confirmed he would forward details onto the Parish Council clerk.
· Dr Ian Gibson asked about the removal of trees on the A264. He understood the land was owned by West Sussex County Council but following an FOI request, the County Council had confirmed they had not removed the trees. He stated that both Highways England and developers are undertaking works in the area and they had both confirmed they did not remove the trees. Dr Gibson stated that as the landowner, the County Council should investigate this and also arrange for supplementary screening whilst development is undertaken. The Committee asked if it could be investigated via the planning process at Mid Sussex District Council. The Area Highways Manager agreed to look into this and report back to the Committee.
· A resident asked about the item on the Progress Statement in relation to missing or inaccurate signage and said it included speed limit signs. The Area Highways Manager stated he was meeting with colleagues at Mid Sussex District Council in early March and would follow up with the local Member, Mrs Jacquie Russell, and the local resident after that meeting.
· A resident asked about the proposed public consultation for the East Grinstead Road Space Audit and asked how it will be advertised. The Chairman asked Mrs Jacquie Russell, in her role as the Deputy to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, to ensure this was widely advertised.
· A representative from East Grinstead Town Council raised concern about any solution for Railway Approach considering the CLC could only have 1 TRO a year. The Area Highways Manager explained that there are other options for progressing TROs if they are linked to developments or can be privately funded. He explained that Railway Approach could well attract Capital or S106 funding so could be progressed outside of the CLC TRO quota.
· Sarah Howland from Stone Quarry Crew raised concern that the CLC had no funding applications to consider for this meeting and suggested that CIF and Spacehive are not promoted enough. The Chairman stated that both Members and the County Councils Community Team do their best to promote it to local groups and organisation and the voluntary sector. The Locality Lead for Mid Sussex, Gulu Sibanda, did also add that they also arrange workshops and drop in events to help people with the Spacehive process. The Chairman added that the Spacehive process was being reviewed by a Select Committee after the first full year of implementation.