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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILHERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 15th August 2005 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.
Present: Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crouch, M Goodsell, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish, and J Tate.
Also present were Mr W Bentley and Mr R Thomas, East Sussex County Councillors, Mr A Long, Wealden District Councillor and one member of the public.
Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.
05.82 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillors Crittenden and Preedy who were unwell and Councillor Goldman whose husband was unwell.
05.83 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18th July 2005 have been circulated.
It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Gower.
05.84 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Calor Gas Village Competition – the Council has been informed that Herstmonceux has been successful in the first round of the competition and judges will be visiting the village at 11.30am on Thursday 18th August. The judges wish to meet representatives of organisations who provide activities for young and older people in the village. The clerk will contact representatives of all appropriate organisations.
05.85 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £844.46 (copy attached) proposed by Councillor Angear, seconded by Councillor Goodsell.Internal auditor
The RFO reported that the Internal Auditor, Mr A Wallwork had been seriously ill and the audit of the 2004/5 Final Accounts would probably be the last accounts audited. The clerk had received a letter from Mr G Parish who has recently retired from the position of a Principal Accountant at Wealden District Council. Mr Parish has indicated in his letter that Mr Wallwork was retiring from audit duties due to ill health and was recommending him as a possible replacement. The RFO assured the Council that Mr Parish was a fully qualified Cost Accountant and had many years of Local Government Finances experience, and having worked for Mr Parish himself for many years, could recommend him as a suitable successor to Mr Wallwork.
05.86 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Herstmonceux Village Hall – Councillors Angear, Gower and Naish Declared Prejudicial Interests in the discussions about the lease between the Village Hall Trust and the Parish Council, as they are trustees of the hall. The councillors left the room whilst this matter was discussed. Councillor Goodsell Declared a Prejudicial Interest in respect of work on the Recreation Ground, the finger posts and clearing the surgery garden.
Application: WD/2005/2036/F – Councillor Goodsell Declared a Prejudicial Interest as he has business interests with the applicant. He left the room whilst this application was discussed.
Application: WD/2005/1489/F – Councillors Gordon and Goodsell Declared an Interest, as they are friends of the applicant. Councillor Preedy Declared an Interest, as she is a neighbour of the applicant.
05.87 DOCTORS SURGERY
Nothing further to report.
05.88 PARISH PLAN
A report was circulated to councillors and noted. The steering group will report to November Council Meeting.
05.89 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Annual report and quarterly bulletins – councillors agreed that the preferred option would be to print 500 copies which could be circulated via shops, businesses and pubs in the parish, rather than posting copies to all households. This would be acceptable under the terms of Quality Parish Status. The clerk will create a draft copy for the next Council Meeting.
05.90 MUGA ARTIFICIAL PITCH
Councillor Goldman has contacted ESCC and Mr Feline of the Big Lottery Fund to express the Council’s concerns at the reduction in funding but has not yet received a response. Councillor Thomas has contacted Mr S Nolan, Deputy Head of Resources at ESCC for more information on this matter, as the project in Herstmonceux, in conjunction with other projects, formed the basis of the bid to the Big Lottery Fund. Councillor Thomas also expressed his serious concerns at the lack of information forwarded to the Council on the changes in the funding.
05.91 CLERK’S REPORTS – part one
Correspondence
1. Mrs Curley – copy of letter sent to ESCC with details of a motorbike accident at Cowbeech on 18.07.05.
2. Rother District Council – copy of Rother Statement of Community Involvement.
3. South East Water - informing the Council that hosepipe restrictions are now in force for East and West Sussex and West Kent.
4. Wealden Federation of Voluntary Organisations – request for a grant and details of a Community Networking Event on 27.09.05 from 12-2pm in Herstmonceux Village hall.
5. Action in Rural Sussex – resource pack for Parish Plans.
6. Mr Crawley, Neighbourhood Watch Chairman – detailing problems at the recreation Ground.
7. Mr Creasey – informing the Council that he will remain as the Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
8. Lord Lieutenants Office – asking if the Council wishes to nominate a voluntary group for the Queens Award for Voluntary Organisations. Copied to all councillors – for discussion at September Council Meeting.
9. ESCC – informing the Council that funding is available from the Community Fund. Bids to be submitted by 30.09.05. Copied to Councillors Goldman and Naish, and Mr Creasey.
10. WDC agenda and reports of meeting on 25.07.05 and minutes of Planning Meeting on 21.07.05.
11. WDC Consultation on proposed policy for Licensing of Sex Establishments.
12. WDC Proposed Parking Order (Off street Parking Places)(Amendment) Order 2005.
13. WDC Forward Plan of Key Decisions.
14. WDC re the Trug Shop site – it is hoped that the work on the light and the road will be carried out in August.
15. WDC re Affordable Housing – the meeting of the Full Council to approve the Revised Draft Local Plan has been postponed until 10.08.05 as WDC are still awaiting the results of the Judicial Review.
16. WDC Licensing Notification for Windmill Hill Tennis Centre and Golf Academy and the Brewers Arms.
17. WDC timetable of forthcoming meetings.
Part 2
Correspondence
1. Uckfield Town Council – asking the Council if they re interested in a training course for staff that inspect children’s play areas.
2. WDC – details of electric blanket testing.
3. Wealden Citizens Advice – details of services provided.
4. SALC membership survey and summer newsletter.
5. WDC Licence application for the Woolpack, Herstmonceux.
Circulation
1. High Weald newsletter
05.92 REPORTS
Applications to be considered:
Application: WD/2005/1932/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Wright
Location: Meadow View, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.
Description: Roof extension with rooms in roof and new front porch.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1669/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs P Morgan
Location: Dunstars Farm, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech.
Description: Erection of agricultural dwelling for use by owner/farm worker.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection in principle as it is clearly a genuine agricultural application. However, the council considers that the proposed dwelling should be located closer to either Studdens or Trolliloes Lane.
Application: WD/2005/1633/O
Applicant: Mrs P A Hawkins
Location: Land to rear of Diamond House, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux
Description: Demolition of existing garage and erection of detached chalet bungalow.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The council considers that this is an infill property and has no objection.
Application: WD/2005/0948/F
Applicant: Mike Chewter Associates
Location: The Old Builders Yard, West End, Herstmonceux
Description: New single storey dwelling to replace 100 year old commercial buildings and site. Amended roof design to include hips and resiting to increase distance between main front wall and rear boundary of Hughenden.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The council wishes to repeat its previous objections to this application.
It is especially concerned that there is no room on the site to enable a car to turn around safely.
Application: WD/2005/1926/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs W Dexter
Location: Oakleigh, Cowbeech.
Description: Single storey flat roof extension to rear of kitchen with timber decking area.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/2036/F
Applicant: Hailsham Roadway Construction Co Ltd
Location: Monkey Puzzle Garage site
Description: Proposed WC and shower facility for existing workshops.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1489/F
Applicant: Miss P Sangster
Location: Lower Stunts Green Farm, Stunts Green.
Description: Closure of existing vehicular access and provision of new vehicular access. Amended plan showing alteration to proposed entrance.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Notification of Planning Consents from Wealden District Council
1. Lower Stunts Green Farm, Stunts Green – new lambing shed/implement store and extension to farm track.
2. Higham House, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux – replace existing porch to rear of property with hardwood conservatory.
3. Barn Cottage, Church Road, Herstmonceux – proposed driveway, turning area and parking area.
4. Beechcroft Farm, Cowbeech – removal of planning condition 3 of planning permission WD/04/1543/F dated 9thAugust 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 circular11/95.
5. 3 Dacre Road, Herstmonceux – conversion of house into two self-contained flats.
6. Land at Lime End Farm, Church Road, Herstmonceux – pair of semi-detached agricultural dwellings and garages.
7. Fairlawns, Stunts Green – proposed summerhouse.
Notification of Planning Refusals from Wealden District Council
1. Moieties Farm, Cowbeech – conversion of redundant farm buildings to B1 business use with domestic accommodation.
2. Pond Cottage, West End, Herstmonceux – conversion of existing outbuilding to granny annexe.
Correspondence
1. Mr Kay WDC – response to the Parish Council’s letter expressing concern at procedures at WDC Planning Committee Meetings and decisions of the committee. The Parish Council Planning Committee instructed the clerk to invite Mr Kay and Mr Coffey to the next Planning Committee Meeting on Wednesday 14th September to discuss these issues. 19.08.05 Mr Kay has confirmed that he and Mr Coffey will attend the meeting. All councillors are invited to attend.
2. CPRE Planning conference on 18.10.05 at Heathfield community Centre from 2-5pm. Four councillors from the Planning Committee wish to attend.
Footpaths
Report circulated to all councillors.
School governor
No meeting.
Village Hall
No report.
Wealden Association of Local Councils
No meeting.
Neighbourhood Watch
Report circulated. Councillors were delighted that Mr Creasey will stay as Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
Herstmonceux Castle
The new chairman of the Friends of Herstmonceux Castle is Mr W Denny.
Tree Warden
Nothing to report.
Emergency Plan
Report of Emergency Planning exercise and amended Emergency Plan was circulated to all councillors. It was agreed to postpone the signing of the report until the September meeting.
Ground Committee
After last month’s discussion on locking the gate in the drive, further disruptions have resulted in complaints to the Neighbourhood Watch from local residents. On Sunday 7th August, Police were called and an arrest was made. Derek Creasey was then threatened when he went to lock the gate. This resulted in a request form Mike Crawley that the gate be locked permanently. This was also the advice from the Police. This was agreed but here was a delay as the padlock and chain were stolen on Monday. Police made another arrest on Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday a new lock and chain was put in place and the gate is now permanently locked. The relevant people have been informed of the code.
The Council needs to consider if this should be the policy in the foreseeable future.
Should we move the gate to the car park entrance? A small gate would need to be erected for pedestrian access. A decision on this was postponed until September.
Should we publicise the reasons for the decision? This was reported in the September bulletin.
The inevitable spiteful repercussions have meant some damage to the Tennis pavilion and another fire in the waste bin.
The dog bin on the path has disappeared. WDC has removed the bin, which was broken. A new bin will be installed further down the path.
Tony Miller is doing an excellent job clearing the litter.
It was suggested that the Police be approached with a request to use the mobile CCTV unit on the Recreation Ground.
Further items for consideration
Notices re litter, dogs etc – Councillor Crouch will arrange.
Pole needs removing.
Seat removal.
Skate Park repairs.
Responsibility for Denefield Green.
Play park for Denefield Green.
Shelter.
Lime Cross football field – children who went to play football were told to leave by Mr Boric Page. Councillor Crouch and the clerk will draft a letter to Mr Page, informing him that the football area is open to all parishioners and not just the football club. The clerk will check with ESCC whether a sign could be erected informing residents that this is a community resource.
Street Lighting
Under phase two of the replacement of lighting columns, one column at Fiennes Road has been erected further out onto the pavement. This pole is also out of alignment. Councillor Bingham has contacted ESCC.
Highways and Traffic
A number of items reported are still outstanding.
Councillor Gordon informed the Council that bollards have been erected in Cowbeech along the verge near the public notice board and on the opposite side of the road. These bollards have not been requested by the Parish Council. A number of residents have complained that these bollards are unsightly and unnecessary. Councillor Bentley is happy to receive any complaints and investigate this matter.
Youth and Young People
Further to last month's development, viz the establishment of a group to pursue a young peoples' suggestion of an “Art/Craft” group, the group has met aiming to identify the details required and the possibilities of funding applications.
There has been a problem in the summer holidays establishing convenient contact time with the young people concerned. The August meting has been cancelled for this reason.
In the place of this meeting, another group will be organising a Youth Music evening to be held in the Village hall early in September. This initiative has the support of Buzz (AiRS). Details will be finalised on Thursday 18th August at St Michaels.
The art group will meet later in September. Music gig has been arranged for 9.09.05
Mrs J Partridge, the AiRS representative for the Buzz project informed the Council that she had been working with young people in Herstmonceux for the past two to three months. She was encouraged by the response and hoped that future projects would encourage more young people to take part in the activities.
In response to the Ground committee report referring to the antisocial and criminal behaviour on the recreation ground by young people, she informed the Council that she is willing to work with the PCSO Ben Stevens in trying to address some of the problems.
Information Centre
No meeting.
South East in Bloom
No report.
ESCC Councillor
Fire and Rescue Service – concerns have been expressed at the proposal for the regionalisation of Control Centres.
Rural sixth form colleges – this was not approved by government.
Speed limits in rural areas – MP Mr C Hendry has raised the issue of inconsistencies in rural speed limits. It is hoped that there will be a policy in the future.
WDC Councillor
The Wealden Local Plan is expected in September.
The Toll Lodge site will not be considered in conjunction with the site adjacent to the Village Hall for affordable housing.
F & G P
Circulated to all councillors.
ESCC Community Fund – a small group with Councillors Goldman and Naish and Mr Creasey, the Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator will formulate the Council’s bid.
Officers’ Salary Review – it was proposed by Council Goodsell and seconded by Mr Bingham to accept the proposal. All councillors in favour.
Application for grants – it was proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Goodsell to give an additional grant of £50 to Viewcraft (Visually Impaired Eastbourne and Wealden Craft). All councillors in favour. A proposal to reduce the amount given to Hailsham Citizens Advice Bureau was defeated by a majority decision.
Annual Report – comments noted under Quality Council item.
It was proposed to accept the F & GP report, proposed by Councillor Gordon, seconded by Councillor Tate. All councillors in favour.
Lease between Herstmonceux Village Hall and Council – confidential item and Councillors Angear, Gower and Naish left the room whilst it was discussed. A decision on the letter from the Village Hall Management Committee was postponed until the F & G P Meeting on 7.09.05 as three councillors were absent from this meeting. All councillors, except for those with a Prejudicial Interest will be invited to this meeting.
05.81 AGENDA
Chairman………………………………… Date……………………..
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