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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 15th May 2006 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.
Present: Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crittenden, J Crouch, M Goodsell, D Goldman, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish, F Preedy and J Tate.
Also present was one member of the public.
Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.
Public Participation
In the time set aside for public participation, Liz McDonagh the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Herstmonceux, Wartling and Hellingly introduced herself to the Council. She informed councillors that as she was now policing a smaller area, she was able to spend more time in Herstmonceux. She had recently attended a meeting with residents in the Ridgeway area to discuss problems with antisocial behaviour from young people. Community Police Officer PC B Blackman had been informed of the problems. Councillor Goodselll informed PCSO McDonagh that he had experienced problems with youths damaging fencing and disturbing animals on his farm and she will investigate this matter.
The Clerk was asked to put an item in the Parish Magazine informing residents of how to contact PCSO McDonagh and reminding parents that they are responsible for their childrens behaviour.
0.649 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
Councillor J Crouch was elected Chairman, proposed by Councillor Goldman, seconded by Councillor Preedy. All councillors in favour.
Councillor Goldman was elected Vice Chairman, proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Goodsell. All councillors in favour.
06.50 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillors Mr W Bentley and Mr R Thomas, East Sussex County Councillors.
06.51 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18th April 2006 have been circulated.
It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Goldman.
06.52 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
06.46 Clerks Report part one item 1 Councillor Bingham attended the first meeting of the Focus Group which will produce a Supplementary Planning Document for local buildings of historic, architectural or social importance. More information will be available in due course.
Item 18 - Defra information on Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 the Clerk will order the parish council guide.
06.34 Clerks Report (March) part one item 25 Village of the Year Competition Councillor Goldman informed the Council that the application form is nearly completed. The Council thanked Councillor Goldman for her time and enthusiasm for the project.
06.34 Clerks Report (March) part two item 10 application by Tarmac Topblock a report detailing the results of the planning meeting at ESCC was circulated to all councillors. The Council supported the recommendation that the councils of Herstmonceux, Ninfield and Wartling should work together to monitor the temporary approval. The Clerk will contact the councils.
06.53 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Application: WD/2006/10902/F Councillor Goodsell declared a Prejudicial Interest as he lives near the site and left the room whilst this application was discussed.
Application: WD/2006/1106/F - Councillor Goodsell declared a Prejudicial Interest as he lives near the site and left the room whilst this application was discussed.
Application: WD/2006/1105/F Councillor Angear declared a Prejudicial Interest as she owns the adjoining land and left the room whilst this application was discussed.
Application: WD/2006/1167/F Councillor Tate Declared a Prejudicial Interest as the applicant is employed by him and left the room whilst this application was discussed.
06.54 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £4,716.75 (copy attached) proposed by Councillor Goldman, seconded by Councillor Gower.
06.55 DOCTORS SURGERY
The Clerk informed the meeting that no further information on the proposed extension had been received. She had contacted Mr May of the Primary Care Trust requesting a meeting.
06.56 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Nothing to report.
06.57 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New plans are required and the Council will be consulted when these are available.
06.58 ELECTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEES, COUNCILLORS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
The following terms of reference were agreed:
Finance and General Purposes Committee
The Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) consists of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Parish Council and three elected councillors. It meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.30 in the Small Hall of the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The F&GPC makes proposals on the matters within its terms of reference in a monthly report to the Parish Council. In a matter of urgency, it can take action on behalf of the Parish Council for the benefit of the parish.
The F&GPC considers major financial issues, including proposals for the precept presented to the November meeting of the Parish Council. It advises the Council on officers' salaries, pay awards and contractual arrangements. It makes proposals for what grants should be awarded each August.
It considers policy issues and matters of general concern.
Ground Committee
The Committee consists of no less than three elected members.
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The committee has responsibility for the maintenance, development and overall responsibility of the Recreation Ground, Lime Cross Field and the Village Green, and the equipment thereon.
In an emergency, the Ground Convenor may spend £250; for sums above this amount the approval of the Chair of the Council and the RFO must be sought.
Members draft responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attend appropriate outside meetings where possible.
The committee provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure it wishes/expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
Footpath Committee
The committee consists of no less than three elected members.
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The committee:
§ convenes to inspect any footpath matters that are reported to the Council.
§ reports to full Council on any action needed.
§ liases with the Walking Club to receive information on any problems with footpaths.
In an emergency, the committee may spend £50; for sums above this amount the approval of the Chair of the Council and the RFO must be sought.
Members draft responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attend appropriate outside meetings where possible.
The committee provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure it wishes/expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
Emergency Planning Committee
The committee consists of no less than three elected members. It currently has one co-opted member.
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The Committee will:
§ ensure that there is an Emergency Plan in place for the Parish.
§ review the plan and its procedures annually and keep the contact lists up to date.
§ keep fellow Parish Councillors involved and regularly informed.
§ publicise the existence of the plan to the residents
In an emergency, the committee may spend £50; for sums above this amount the approval of the Chair of the Council and the RFO must be sought.
Members draft responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attend relevant outside meetings where possible.
The committee provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure it expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee consists of all 11 parish councillors and has a quorum of 6. Six councillors are elected to have special responsibility for planning should they not be able to attend a Planning Committee meeting it is their responsibility to inform the Clerk in good time.
The Committee has delegated powers to consider and comment on planning applications.
In advance of the meeting the Clerk informs members of the plans to be discussed.
The Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Herstmonceux Village Hall.
Site meetings are arranged as necessary. Councillors should notify the Clerk in good time if they feel a site visit is necessary.
Members draft responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attend appropriate outside meetings where possible.
COUNCILLORS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Street Lighting
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The councillor:
§ is responsible for reporting all faulty lights in the parish to ESCC.
§ makes recommendation to full Council on maintenance and updating of lampposts as necessary.
The councillor drafts responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attends relevant outside meetings where possible.
The councillor provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure it wishes/expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
Highways and Traffic
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The coouncillor will liase between the Parish Council and ESCC Highways Department in highways matters relating to traffic and roads and County Council maintained footpaths.
In an emergency, the councillor may spend £50; for sums above this amount the approval of the Chair of the Council and the RFO must be sought.
The councillor drafts responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attends appropriate outside meetings where possible.
The councillor provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure he wishes/expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
Children and Young People
Meetings will be held as necessary.
The councillor will:
§ take an interest in activities, groups and organisations providing or extending amenities for children and young people in the Parish.
§ support relevant initiatives.
§ act as a channel of communication between such activities and the Council.
In an emergency, the councillor may spend £50; for sums above this amount the approval of the Chair of the Council and the RFO must be sought.
The councillor drafts responses to relevant correspondence, surveys etc. and attends appropriate outside meetings where possible.
The councillor provides the RFO with a written estimate of any expenditure he wishes/expects to incur in the coming year no later than 31 October so that it may be incorporated in the estimates at the November meeting of the Parish Council.
The following councillors were elected:
Finance and General Purposes Committee Councillors J Bingham, D Gordon and W Gower.
Ground Committee Councillors J Crouch, M Goodsell, J Tate and W Gower.
Footpath Councillors J Angear, M Goodsell, F Preedy and J Tate (Chairman).
Emergency Planning Committee J Crittenden, Mr A McInnes (Chairman co-opted member), Councillors B Naish and J Tate.
Planning Committee Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crittenden, M Goodsell, F Preedy and J Tate.
Councillors with special responsibilities are as follows:
Street Lighting Councillor Bingham.
Highways and Traffic Councillor W Gower.
Children and Young People Councillor D Gordon.
Tree Warden Councillor M Goodsell.
Council representatives to the following organisations were elected:
Wealden Association of Local Councils Councillors D Goldman and D Gordon.
South East in Bloom Councillor J Angear.
Herstmonceux Information Centre Councillor D Gordon.
Neighbourhood Watch Councillor J Crittenden.
06.59 ANNUAL REVIEW OF STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
It was proposed to accept the following amendments (highlighted in bold) to the Councils Standing Order, proposed by Councillor Goldman and seconded by Councillor Tate. All councillors in favour.
9q) invite a member having an interest, unless it is Prejudicial in the subject matter under debate to remain. This resolution is governed by the Standing Order 59.
41.2 b) Planning Committee (all councillors are members of the Planning Committee). The quorum of the Planning Committee is six nominated councillors. If these nominated councillors are unable to attend a planning meeting they must inform the Clerk. The Planning Committee has delegated powers to forward comments on behalf of the Council to Wealden District Council or East Sussex County Council as appropriate on all planning applications.
41.5 Committees shall make recommendations only to the Council. Each Committee may spend up to £50.00 to solve any emergency, but the Ground Convenor may spend up to £250.00 to cover any emergency. For sums in excess of these amounts committee chairmen must seek the approval of the Chairman of the Council and the RFO or appropriate Officer.
Financial Regulations the RFO circulated a copy of proposed changes to all councillors and these changes were agreed, proposed by Councillor Goldman, Seconded by Councillor Preedy. All councillors in favour.
Copies of the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations will be circulated to all councillors.
06.60 BENCHES IN PARISH
A request has been received from Mr Creasey, the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator to remove the bench at the end of the Ridgeway as it has been the location of a number of antisocial incidents by young people who congregate there. After discussion, councillors decided to review the situation in one month. In the meantime, Councillor Naish will deliver a letter to the residents in the Ridgeway asking for their views on the removal of the bench.
The damaged bench at Cowbeech Hill will be removed and replaced with one stored at Councillor Binghams farm.
The damaged bench at Stunts Green will be repaired by Councillor Goodsell.
No problems reported with any other benches in the parish.
06.61 CLERKS REPORTS part one
Correspondence
1. Mr G Taylor asking the Council to provide allotments for the parish. The Clerk will put a notice on all the parish notice boards asking residents to contact her if they are interested in having an allotment.
2. Mrs F Davis asking the Council to provide allotments for the parish.
3. Ms N Beart asking the Council to provide allotments for the parish.
4. Mrs L Waghorn asking the Council to provide allotments for the parish.
5. ODPM discussion paper on procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws. Forwarded to Councillor Goldman.
6. SALC newsletter.
7. WDC forward Plan of Key Decisions.
8. WDC details of Club Premises Certificate for Herstmonceux Sports Pavilion.
9. WDC details of licensing application for the Isaac Newton observatory, Herstmonceux Castle.
10. WDC re affordable housing on Hope site and North Lodge site new plans are required and the Council will be consulted when these are available.
11. FWAG details of AGM on 18.05.06.
12. AiRS questionnaire on funding workshops and details of Parish Action Plan surgeries.
13. CPRE details of Planning Seminar on 26.09.06, booking required. Councillors Tate and Goodsell will attend.
14. Mr Searle requesting information on MUGA pitch as potential buyers to his house are deterred by the uncertainty. The Clerk will inform Mr Searle that no further information available.
15. Embassy Press quotation for printing newsletter. Quotation accepted, proposed by Councillor Angear, seconded by Councillor Tate. All councillors in favour.
16. WDC details of electric blanket testing in Wealden; testing will be carried out at the Fire Station, Herstmonceux on 3.10.06 from 10 12noon.
17. Wealden Independent Mediation Service request for funding. To F & G P for consideration prior to the August meeting when grants are discussed.
18. SALC details of project by tyre specialist Goodyear to help transform playgrounds.
19. ESCC informing the Council that the new 30mph signs will be erected in Cowbeech on 26.05.06.
20. ESCC footpaths update on the footpath at Ruffit Wood. Copied to Councillor Tate.
21. ESCC Annual Monitoring Report 2004/5 Minerals and Waste.
22. ESCC details of reduction in bus services and dial a ride services in East Sussex.
23. Campaign for Sustainable Communities details of public meeting on 18.05.06.
Correspondence
1. Mr Baker informing the Council that the dead monkey puzzle tree at the Monkey Puzzle site has now been removed. He asks if a new tree will be erected at the site. The Clerk will contact WDC.
2. WDC minutes of the Development Control South Sub-committee meeting on 27.04.06.
3. WDC re the Affordable Housing adjacent to the village hall. Revised plans have been discussed with the planning department and the Council will be consulted in due course.
4. WDC re the light at the Old Trug shop House; the Council is asked to mark the site on an enclosed map. Copied to Councillor Bingham.
5. Mrs Bonett requesting an allotment.
6. Mr Legg information on hand made wooden notice boards.
Circulation
1. Miracle play equipment leaflet.
2. Clerks and Councils Direct.
3. The Clerk.
4. Local Council Review.
5. Wealden Business Focus.
06.62 REPORTS
Planning
Application: WD/2006/10902/F
Applicant: Mr J Winstanley
Location: Chilsham Farm Nurseries, Chilsham Lane.
Description: Four bedroom dwelling house to support current activities on site.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection to a house if it meets the requirements of agricultural need. However, the Council considers that the proposed development is not a suitable design for an agricultural building in a rural area.
Application: WD/2006/1009/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs N Gleadow
Location: Moieties Farm, Cowbeech.
Description: Conversion of redundant farm buildings to B1 business use with domestic accommodation.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection but the Council would prefer the site to be entirely residential.
Application: WD/2006/1105/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs A Dyer
Location: Land at Church Road, (OS Field 8000) Herstmonceux.
Description: Erection of agricultural building.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council objects:
· The applicant is not involved in agriculture and so they can see no requirement for an agricultural building, particularly of this size, on this acreage.
· The siting of the proposed building is obtrusive to the neighbours.
· The proposed building is on the top of a hill and there is no provision for drainage except a ditch which drains on to the marsh.
Application: WD/2006/0758/LB and WD/2006/0780/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs D Ardouin
Location: Little Butlers, Church Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: First floor extension over existing modern flat roofed extension.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2006/1167/F Councillor Tate Declared a Prejudicial Interest and left the room whilst this application was discussed
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Blunden
Location: Ambrizette, Buckwell Hill, Herstmonceux.
Description: New garage.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2006/1106/F
Applicant: Mr D Newton
Location: Elm Cottage, Chilsham Lane, Herstmonceux.
Description: Erection of single storey garage/shed/storage building and formation of new access and driveway. Closure of existing drive.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2006/1018/FR
Applicant: Mr T Newman
Location: Rocks Smallholding, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Description: Retrospective applications for a mobile home in connection with agricultural small holding.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection but the Council recommends that the mobile home should be the only residential unit on the site.
Application: WD/2006/1019/FR
Applicant: Mr T Newman
Location: Rocks Smallholding, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Description: Retrospective applications for six farrowing units, two boar houses, and one isolation unit for pig breeding enterprise.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Planning Consents received from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/0556/F Merrie Harriers Barn, Cowbeech installation of two conservation roof lights to existing landing to rear.
2. WD/2006/0731/F 18 James Avenue, Herstmonceux single storey extension to the front.
3. WD/2006/0506/F 21 Fairlawns Drive, Herstmonceux proposed first floor side addition.
4. WD/2004/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech proposed reuse of one former poultry barn to three B1 un its and one B8 unit. (Amended decision clause 4 states development permitted for limited period expiring on 31st March 2009 not 2008)
5. WD/2006/0502/F and WD/2006/0503/LB Church Farm House, Herstmonceux removal of modern utility room extension and dilapidated outside cloakroom. New kitchen with utility room extension.
Planning Refusals received from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/0624/F Down View, Stunts Green demolition of existing bungalow erection of chalet bungalow and garage.
2. WD/2006/0352/F land adjoining Higham Cottage, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux alterations, additions and conversion of existing stables and garages to dwelling with garage.
3. WD/2006/0017/F The White House, Stunts Green construction of brickwork boundary wall and gate piers to roadside.
Footpaths report circulated to all councillors. Copy attached.
School Governor report circulated to all councillors. Copy attached.
Village Hall no report.
WALC no meeting.
Neighbourhood Watch report circulated. Councillors asked the Clerk to contact Mr Creasey and pass on the Councils congratulations at the improvement in crime figures in Herstmonceux.
Herstmonceux Castle no report.
Tree Warden Councillor Goodsell had investigated the eucalyptus tree that was overhanging a property in Orchard View. He informed the Council that the top had been cut out of the tree a few years ago and he didnt consider the tree to be at risk. Branches that overhang the property in Orchard View can be cut back at the owners expense. The Clerk will contact the residents in Orchard View. The tree warden also recommends that the residents should contact the owner of the tree before any work is undertaken.
Problems with ash poles sticking out onto the highway at Cowbeech Hill will be dealt with by the tree warden.
Emergency Plan nothing to report.
Ground Committee new padlocks have been purchased to replace the ones stolen. The new code number has been circulated to all nominated users. The playground maintenance repairs are in hand.
Street Lighting no problems reported.
Highways all problems reported to ESCC.
Parish Plan Implementation Group Report
NB all the actions below have already been approved by the Parish Council and will come within the allocated budget.
Signage
1. The Cowbeech sign to Rushlake Green is to be replaced. The question of improved Parking and Recycling signs will remain in abeyance until the detailed plans for traffic calming measures in Herstmonceux are approved.
2. We request the Clerk to get costings for an improved sign for the recreation ground. Councillor Goodsell will remove the sign.
Dogbins
1. As Herstmonceux Extravaganza has kindly agreed to fund one of the two agreed additional dogbins, arrangements should now be made for a further dogbin to be sited near the Horseshoe. The RFO will order the new bin.
Publication
1. A very preliminary draft is currently circulating among groups members; after corrections, amendments etc it will go Embassy Press (Crowborough) who will design a mock up of the publication.
It was proposed and agreed to carry forward the £1,000 from last years budget, proposed by Councillor Goldman, seconded by Councillor Gower. All councillors in favour.
The Group will report again at the August Parish Council meeting.
Youth and Young People nothing to report.
Information Centre there has been a working group meeting and the group meet again in July to discuss the Trustees proposed business plan.
South East In Bloom see Clerks report.
ESCC Councillors no report.
WDC Councillor no report.
F & GP no meeting.
On behalf of the Council, Councillor Crouch thanked Councillor Goldman for her excellent leadership over the past two years as Chairman.
06.63 AGENDA
Chairman Date ..
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