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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCIL

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Minutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Thursday 9th December 2004 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.

Present: Councillors Mrs J Angear, J H Bingham, Mrs J Crittenden, J Crouch, Dr D Goldman, M Goodsell, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish, Miss F Preedy and J Tate.

Also present was Mr A Long, Wealden District Councillor and eight members of the public.

Mr Goacher, the Responsible Financial Officer and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.

04.156 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Mr Thomas, East Sussex County Councillor whose attendance at an earlier meeting meant that he was unable to reach Herstmonceux in time for the Parish Council Meeting.

04.157 MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 15th November 2004 have been circulated.

It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Miss Preedy, seconded by Mrs Crittenden.

04.158 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

04.140 WALC report –Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership meetings - Mr Creasey, the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator will attend the meetings and report back to the Council.

04.126 (Clerk’s Report September) item 23 - Cuckmere and Sussex Havens Catchment Flood Management Plan – The council agreed that the following statement should be made on behalf of the Council.

Herstmonceux Parish Council is concerned that proposed flood catchment plans for Pevensey Levels would have an adverse affect on their environmental and agricultural status. This would be exaggerated should the present drainage pumps be decommissioned and they urge that this facility be maintained to enable flexibility of water management in an uncertain future for the Levels.

F & G P Committee November item 5 - Wealden Local Draft Plan. The following comments were forwarded to WDC:

  1. The amount of time that we had for 11 councillors to read, mark and inwardly digest the plan was less than a month which is very short.
  2. Policy HG6 (p.77) Rather more importantly, we understand that the negotiations to buy the plot of land adjoining that already identified for affordable housing are completed (or nearly so) and we would therefore wish the number of units in Herstmonceux to be increased to the most likely number (12 or 13, I believe). 
  1. Policy HG6 (Plan 38, Insert Map no. 30)  Related to this is the question of access to the affordable housing.  The Parish Council is strongly opposed to the proposed access through the Village Hall car park which will raise legal issues, and create maintenance and health and safety problems.  The Parish Council requests that this proposal is reconsidered and the possibility of access through the additional site be investigated in its stead.
  2. Section 12.17 (p.125) Finally, we note that Herstmonceux is listed as being "deficient in outdoors sports facilities".  The Parish Council would wish this comment to be retained as it may assist in its current efforts to provide an all-weather pitch.

Information Centre Board Meeting – Miss Preedy attended a meeting of the Information Centre on Wednesday 8 December as representative for the Parish Council.   The Advisory Board will meet twice a year to look at and discuss/pursue ideas as to how to improve the Information Centre, its service, funding and use/benefit to the community it serves. Input/ideas from the Parish Council would be welcomed. Whilst at the meeting, the managers of the Information Centre wished to pass on their sincere thanks to the Clerk, Mrs McInnes, for keeping them up to date with PC business and for providing them with copies of the minutes and other documents for use in the Centre.  They also indicated that they would be more than happy to keep and pass on other items, for instance a newsletter, and were very happy for the Centre to be used in a manner which would help with the communications element of the PC's aim to qualify as a Quality Parish Council or in other ways that may benefit the Community, the Centre or the Parish Council in achieving their aims.

04.153 Clerk’s Report item 12 – on behalf of the Council Mr Tate completed the questionnaire from the East Sussex Fire Authority.

04.159 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £1216.90 (copy attached) proposed by Miss Preedy, seconded by Mr Tate.

04.160 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Mr Gower – Chairman and Trustee of Herstmonceux Village Hall.

Mrs Angear – Trustee of Herstmonceux Village Hall - Prejudicial Interest.

Mr Goodsell – Matters in respect of work on the recreation ground, the erection of the village sign and the Christmas lights.

Dr Goldman – planning applications WD/04/2781/F Beechcroft Farm, Cowbeech, WD/04/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech and WD/04/2845/F the Old Stable Yard, Cowbeech. Dr Goldman declared a Prejudicial Interest in all three applications and left the room, as she lives in the neighbouring property to Beechcroft Farm, has a professional relationship to Mrs Vaughan and is close personal friends to the owners of the other two properties.

Mrs Crittenden – planning applications WD/04/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech and WD/04/2838/F Higham Farm, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux. Mrs Crittenden declared a Prejudicial Interest in both applications and left the room, as she lives in the neighbouring property to Higham Farm and is close personal friends to the owners of the other property.

04.161 PLANNING MATTERS

Application: WD/04/2812/F
Applicant: A & E Nicholls (Builders) Ltd
Location and Description: Former Monkey Puzzle garage site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Reserved matters – residential development of 12 terraced houses with new access road – discharge of conditions 1,5,17,19,21,24 and 28.
Parish Council Comments: Postponed for more information on the conditions listed. The Planning Committee was delegated powers to advise WDC of comments on this application, proposed by Dr Goldman seconded by Miss Preedy, all councillors in favour.

Application: WD/04/2621/F
Applicant: Mr and Mr S Hobden
Location and Description: Littlewood Farm, Carters Corner, Cowbeech.
Change of use for ménage and change of use of agricultural building to stables and associated fencing and parking.
Parish Council Comments: No objection in principle but concern is expressed at the narrow entrance on to a dangerous, fast road. The Council wish to point out that this development is very close to the neighbour’s property and their views should be taken into consideration.

Application: WD/04/2646/F
Applicant: Mr M Mullis
Location and Description: The Wild Flower Barn (formerly known as Egg Plantation), Church Road, Herstmonceux.
Construction of temporary accommodation cabin (agricultural dwelling)
Parish Council Comments: The Council strongly objects and sees no justification for an agricultural building on this site.

Application: WD/04/2838/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs K Wheatley
Location and Description: Higham Farm, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.
Replacement double garage and associated storage building.
Parish Council Comments: No objection.

Application: WD/04/2781/F
Applicant: Mr M Haydon
Location and Description: Beechcroft Farm, Cowbeech.
Removal of condition 3 of planning permission WD/04/1543/F dated 9th August 2004 which contradicts condition 4 and seeks to nullify the use of the annexe which is established as residential. Condition 3 is ill conceived and fails to satisfy the tests set out in circular 11/95.
Parish Council Comments: The Council object to Condition 3 being removed. It considers that the condition is necessary and refers to point 15 in planning obligations.
NEED FOR A CONDITION 15. In considering whether a particular condition is necessary, authorities should ask themselves whether planning permission would have to be refused if that condition were not to be imposed. If it would not, then the condition needs special and precise justification.

In the time allocated for public comments two residents of Cowbeech spoke expressing concern at application WD/04/2822/F. The points raised were:

    • It is not in keeping with the surroundings.
    • It is contrary to the local policy on traffic movements.
    • The increase in traffic will be dangerous for other road users – walkers, horse riders and children catching the school bus. Two other applications for similar proposals have been turned down.
    • WDC is promoting the Cowbeech Walk from Trolliloes to Bemzells Lane and the extra traffic movements will conflict this.

The applicant spoke in favour of the proposal. The points raised were:

    • Poultry production has had to cease at the site as the companies involved had moved production out of the area.
    • WDC is supporting diversification of farms.
    • Advice has been sought on the possible traffic flow and an independent survey was carried out. The farm was a commercial unit and there was a level of traffic associated with the operation.

Application: WD/04/2822/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs T Vaughan
Location and Description: Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech.
Change of use of two former poultry barns to 5 B1 and 3 B8 units.
Parish Council Comments: After making a site visit, the Council recommend that only one poultry unit be changed for B8 use. The Council also draw attention to the neighbours concerns about the traffic and noise.

Application: WD/04/2786/F
Applicant: Mrs R Allen
Location and Description: Laburnhams, Church Road, Herstmonceux.
Garage roof alterations to form artist’s studio.
Parish Council Comments: No objection.

Application: WD/04/2845/F
Applicant: Mr M Sales
Location and Description: The Old Stable Yard, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech.
Three bedroom House.
Parish Council Comments: The Council strongly objects – there is no justification for a new residential building in an area of AONB.

Planning Permission Granted

  1. Herstmonceux Fire Station.
  2. Ponderosa, Cowbeech.
  3. Cottages on land at Lime End Farm, Herstmonceux.
  4. 2 & 3 Rocklands Cottages, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
  5. Fiddlesticks, West End, Herstmonceux.
  6. Millers Cottage, Windmill Hill.

04.162 DOCTOR’S SURGERY

Nothing to report.

04.163 PARISH PLAN

    • The completed plan has been sent to the Countryside Agency.
    • Four estimates have been received for the printing.
    • The Chairman and the RFO have checked the accounts.
    • The plan will be brought before the Council at the January meeting.

04.164 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS

No further progress to report.

04.164 CLERK’S REPORT – PART ONE

Correspondence

  1. Mrs M Palmer - expressing concern at the proposal to convert poultry units to industrial units at Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech.
  2. Mr Wenham - expressing concern at the proposal to convert poultry units to industrial units at Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech.
  3. WDC Planning – informing the council that the appeal by Mr and Mrs Turton of Egypt Farm, Rushlake Green has been dismissed. Copied to all councillors.
  4. WDC Planning to Mr Tate of Higham Cottage, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux informing him that branches may be removed from the oak tree covered by Preservation Order 6, 1991.
  5. WDC Planning to Mr Harffey informing him that the lorry at Ruffit Wood Farm, Chilsham Lane, Herstmonceux may be used for the transportation of animal feed in relation to agricultural unit without the need for planning permission.
  6. WDC Planning informing the Council that the following applications will be considered at the Development Control South Sub-committee Meeting on 9.12.04; proposed change of use of Sundial Restaurant, Herstmonceux, change of use of farm buildings to storage and modifications of 106 agreement at Ruffit Wood Farm, Chilsham Lane, Herstmonceux and change of use from antique shop to estate agents at Winslow House, Herstmonceux.
  7. WDC Safer Wealden Partnership Community Safety Booklet. Circulated to all councillors.
  8. WDC Benefits newsletter.
  9. WDC Forward Plan of Key decisions.
  10. WDC Report of Review of Parish boundaries and parish electoral arrangements.
  11. WDC agenda and reports for the Council Meeting on 1.12.04.
  12. WDC minutes of Development South Control South Committee Meeting 11.11.04.
  13. WDC Emergency Planning – request to update contacts.
  14. WDC leaflet A Snapshot Guide.
  15. ODPM press release about competition for parish councils.
  16. Standards board – guidance for Monitoring Officers and Standards Committees.
  17. Hailsham Police – request from PCSO Gareth Hollister for parish map. Supplied.
  18. AiRS details of Community Leadership Project which will provides structured support programme to develop Parish Action Plan. Copied to Dr Goldman.
  19. Ms R Delf expressing concern at the poor lighting in the Twitten to the Scout Hut. Copied to Mr Bingham.
  20. Keeley family – cheque for £576.73 raised for Parish Plan.
  21. Transfer of Licence for the Horseshoe Inn, Windmill Hill.
  22. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service – details of a project to offer fire safety advice to vulnerable households and requesting support from the Council.
  23. SLCC details of a meeting on 13.12.04 for parish clerks and application form for membership of SLCC.
  24. Mr and Mrs Earl and Mrs and Mrs McNally – letter concerning the proposed all weather pitch on the Recreation Ground, asking the Council to establish who has legal title to the land and who will have letting rights if the scheme is approved. Copy of letter to Mrs Hunter, head teacher of Herstmonceux C of E Primary School raising concerns about the proposed all weather pitch on the Recreation Ground.

    25. The meeting was closed to allow Mr and Mrs McNally and Mr Earl to express their concerns about the proposed all weather pitch on the Recreation Ground. The points raised were:

    • The proposed site is too close to Mr and Mrs Earl’s property.
    • If it is used for five a side football in the evenings it will very noisy.
    • There will be possible light pollution if facility has floodlighting.
    • Will any development on the site need planning permission?
    • The residents have no objection to the site being used during school hours.
    • Is it possible to consider other sites on the Recreation Ground for this facility?

    The meeting reopened and councillors expressed the following views:

      • The Council has not been informed of the decision of the application for funding from the New Opportunities Fund.
      • If the facility has floodlighting, there will be height restrictions.
      • The school is not in favour of other sites because of problems of access across the Recreation Ground, which will be wet and muddy in winter.
      • The parish council could manage the site outside of school hours.

    Circulation

    1. Wicksteed Leisure – Safety grass leaflet.
    2. What’s on in Wealden.
    3. Fieldwork.

    CLERK’S REPORT 9TH DECEMBER 2004 – PART TWO

    Correspondence

    1. WDC re Parish Precepts – requesting that official Precept notifications be sent to Financial Services by 4.02.05. Forwarded to the RFO.
    2. WDC re Register of Electors – the Register of Electors 2005 was published on 1.12.04 and the notice with details of the register has been posted on the notice board in the Village Hall.
    3. WDC re Review of East Sussex County Council Electoral arrangements – copy of the adaptation of the register showing the new Wealden District polling districts and how the new polling districts fit into the District Wards and Parish/Town Council areas.
    4. ESCC copy of drawing detailing proposals for a pedestrian refuge on A271 at Windmill Hill. Copied to Dr Goldman and Mr Gower.
    5. ESCC Speed Management East Sussex – review of speed limits across county. Copied to Dr Goldman.
    6. Century Street Leisure – reference the quote for half pipe for the skateboard park.
    7. Ordnance Survey – licence for copying maps of the parish.
    8. Relate – requesting a grant. To be considered by F & G P Committee in January.

    Circulation

    1. Age Concern -fundraising challenges.
    2. Brain Research Trust – fundraising challenges.

    04.165 REPORTS

    Finance and General Purpose – no meeting.

    Footpaths - no report.

    School Governor – no report.

    Village Hall –

      • Bookings being taken for 2006.
      • Expenditure increasing, with increased costs for caretaking and cleaning.
      • CCTV has been upgraded because of failure of the original system.
      • New play area completed at a cost of £5200 and £560 on fencing.
      • Additional crockery purchased.
      • A five-year plan will discussed at next meeting in respect of increased costs and income.
      • There will be an increase in charges in line with inflation – this will be the first increase in three years.

    The council congratulated the Village Hall Committee for all their hard work in running a successful hall.

    Wealden Association of Local Councils – no meeting.

    Neighbourhood Watch

    Herstmonceux Castle Liaison – no report. Councillors expressed their concerns at recent articles in the local newspapers indicating that the development of the Isaac Newton Telescope site was continuing and that events were planned on the site for the summer of 2005. I have passed on the Council’s concerns to Mr Coffey, WDC Planning.

    Tree Warden – no report.

    Ground Committee – Will Freeman has officially resigned so we need to pay him or the skatepark account money due and find a replacement.

    It was proposed by Mr Goodsell, seconded by Miss Preedy that the Council should pay Mr Freeman £125, all councillors in favour.

    The bins plus the large wheelie bin have been emptied. Could a litter collection be organised as we did a couple of years ago? Or we do we wait for Mr Pashley who has been asked to attend the January meeting.

    It was agreed to wait until the spring before doing a litter collection. Mr Pashler will attend the January Meeting.

    R. 0. S. P. A. recommendations need to be implemented.

    Hedges have been cut by N Popovic and we need to arrange for Trevor to cut the remaining sections.

    Ground sub-committee –no meeting.

    Street Lighting – a letter from Ms Delf expressing concerns at the poor lighting in the Twitten to the Scout Hut was forwarded to the street Lighting Committee. The overgrown trees and bushes on the properties adjoining the Twitten exacerbate the problem. Mr Crouch and Mr Bingham will approach the householders concerned and ask them to the hedges back. The Council proposed that the clerk should contact Ms Delf and ask her to contact he scouts for their help in cutting back the trees and overhanging branches at the entrance to the scout hut and also carrying out any necessary repairs to the steps.

    ESCC has been contacted and asked to replace orange lenses in streetlights to white to match the others in the parish.

    Highways – Mr Gower was asked to look at the proposed site of the pedestrian refuge in Windmill Hill and contact the ESCC with the council’s comments.

    Speed limit in Cowbeech – re the lowering of speed limits in rural villages. Dr Goldman was given authority to write to ESCC in respect of the speed limit in Cowbeech.

    Emergency Planning Committee – report of WDC meeting was circulated to all councillors. The Chairman of the committee requested that the Councillors all read through the report before the next meeting.  No decisions needed to be taken on the report but the Emergency Plan Committee will meet as soon as possible in the New Year and will report back to the
    Council as necessary.

    04.155 AGENDA

    Chairman………………………………… Date……………………..

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