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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th April 2006 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.
Present: Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crittenden, J Crouch, D Goldman, M Goodsell, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish, F Preedy and J Tate.
Also present were two members 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, a parishioner commented on the recent decisions of the Parish Council in respect of the proposed traffic calming measures for Herstmonceux. He considered that the decisions had been taken too hastily and the Council had not taken account of the full facts, particularly in regard to the proposed roundabout at the end of West End where it joins the A271 and the zebra crossing outside the school.
The Chairman informed him that a very well attended public consultation was carried out by East Sussex County Council’s (ESCC) Highways Department and the Council’s decisions were based on the public’s comments from the exhibition, the result of the questionnaire and recommendations from ESCC engineers. In particular, the zebra crossing was included in response to the number of requests for it from members of the parish and the school.
In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, the issue of Traffic Calming cannot be put to the vote again for six months unless four councillors put forward a request in writing to the Clerk.
ESCC Councillor Mr Bentley informed the meeting that a report on the proposed traffic calming would be presented to the Lead Member on Monday 24th April 2006. The views expressed by the Council and members of the public would be drawn to the Lead Member’s attention.
Initial drawings of the proposed traffic calming measures are posted on the notice boards in the parish, the village hall and the Information Centre. Any comments should be forwarded to ESCC by 8.05.06.
06.37 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies.
06.38 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 20th March 2006 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 Crittenden.
06.39 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
06.30 Financial Officer’s Report – the payment of the grant to the Information Centre has not yet been made, as the RFO has not yet received confirmation that the new lease has been signed, although he understands that this should take place early next week.
06.34 Clerk’s Report part one – item 24 Launch of the new role of Neighbourhood Constable – Councillor Gordon attended and his report was circulated to all councillors.
Item 25 Calor village of the Year competition – Councillors Goldman, Gordon and Preedy will complete application.
Part two – item 10 – application by Tarmac Topblock, Ninfield for recycling centre – Mr McInnes will attend planning meeting at ESCC.
06.40 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Angear – Prejudicial Interest in planning application WD/2006/1008/F as she is the applicant.
Councillor Gower – Prejudicial Interest in planning application WD/2006/1008/F as he is a relative of the applicant.
Councillor Goodsell - Personal Interest in planning application WD/2006/1008/F as he has business interests with the applicant. Work on the Recreation Ground.
06.41 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £4320.75 (copy attached [not attached to webpage copy- contact Parish Clerk for copy]) proposed by Councillor Goodsell, seconded by Councillor Preedy.
A Statement of Accounts for the period 1.01.06 – 31.03.06 was circulated to all councillors.
A report detailing the changes in VAT requirements in respect of staff mileage claims was circulated to all councillors.
06.42 DOCTORS SURGERY
Nothing further to report. Councillors expressed concern at the delay and hope to have more information at the May Council Meeting.
06.43 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Clerk is compiling the Annual Report which will be circulated throughout the parish
06.44 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Nothing to report.
06.45 ANNUAL REVIEW OF STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
The following amendments (highlighted in bold) were proposed to the Council’s Standing Orders:
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.
70.2 All complaints, until resolved, shall be treated as confidential – a formal proposal on changes to the Complaints Procedure will be made at the May meeting.
The remit of the committees and the Rules for the Recreation Ground and Lime Cross Field will be discussed at the May meeting.
Financial Regulations – the RFO will circulate a copy of the proposed changes to all councillors.
06.46 CLERK’S REPORTS – Part One is attached [not attached to webpages copy - contact Parish Clerk].
Part Two
Correspondence
1. SALC details of the SALC website www.SUSSEXALC.ORG.UK
2. SALC – informing the Council that the 7th Edition of Arnold Baker, Local Council Administration is available at a discount to SALC members.
3. ESCC – re proposed traffic calming. Response to the Council’s request for the proposed zebra crossing to be a pelican crossing.
4. Mr Riggs, Herstmonceux Stoolball Club – reply slip accepting rules governing use of the Recreation Ground and copy of the Club’s Liability Insurance.
5. Mr Phillips, Isaac Newton Trust – informing the Council that there will be a number of open-air events at the Observatory Arts and Creation Centre this year.
6. The Planning Inspectorate – copy of the appeal decision in respect of the application concerning land at the rear of Diamond House, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux. The appeal is dismissed. Copied to Planning Committee.
7. WDC – copy of the minutes of the Development Control South Sub-committee Meeting 30.03.06.
Circulation
1. Grey Matters – newsletter of Wealden Senior Citizens’ Partnership.
2. The Meresman.
3. Action – AiRS newsletter.
4. Glasdon seating leaflet.
5. Your County - ESCC leaflet.
06.47 REPORTS
Planning
Application: WD/2006/0731/F
Applicant: Mr D Creasey
Location: 18 James Avenue, Herstmonceux.
Description: Single storey extension to the front.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0502/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs J Webster
Location: Church Farm House, Herstmonceux.
Description: Removal of modern utility room extension and dilapidated outside cloakroom. New kitchen with utility room extension.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0821/LB
Applicant: Mr and Mrs J Braxton
Location: Buckwell Place, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Insertion of window in NE elevation, insertion of window and French doors in SW elevation. Removal of internal wall, including fireplaces and chimneybreast and conversion of garage to living accommodation.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection to the conversion of the garage to living accommodation but the Council expresses its concern at the internal alteration and removal of a fireplace and chimney breast in a listed building with local historic interest.Application: WD/2006/0320/LB
Applicant: Mr B Timms
Location: Gingers Green Farm House, Gingers Green.
Description: Proposed installation of electric Aga and brick surround.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0855/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs P Townley
Location: The Old Rectory, Lime Park, Herstmonceux.
Description: Proposed conversion of existing buildings and addition to form residential retirement cottage (annexe).
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Planning Consents received from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/0292/F Monkey Puzzle Site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill – pair of semi-detached bungalows with parking spaces on extended development site.
2. WD/2006/0291/F Monkey Puzzle Site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill – pair of semi-detached houses with parking spaces on extended development site.
3. WD/2006/0470/F Field 3643, corner of Under Road and Cricketing Lane – erection of single poultry shed with hard standing and turning space on site.
4. WD/2004/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech – proposed reuse of one poultry barn to three B1 units and one B8 unit.
5. WD/2006/0198/F Jonvanty, Victoria Road, windmill Hill – change of use from detached residence to branch GP surgery, internal alterations, external works to provide car parking and access for the disabled.
6. WD/2006/0192/F 37 James Avenue, Herstmonceux – single storey extension to front of property.
Planning Refusals from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/0114/F Barn Cottage and Wargrove Farm Barn, Church Road, Herstmonceux – proposed amendments to approved barn to form single dwelling, with three units of self-catering tourist accommodation with office.
2. WD/2005/3390/F Little Gingers, Gingers Green, Herstmonceux – stable block.
Correspondence
1. Certificate of Existing Lawful Use or Development WD/2005/0271/LD Martins Coppice, Bemzells Lane, Trolliloes.
2. Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision – Meadow View, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux. The appeal is dismissed.
3. WDC notification of planning appeal – Little Gingers, Gingers Green, Herstmonceux, proposed stable block. Representations on the proposal should be in writing (enclosing three copies) to the Secretary, the Planning Inspectorate, 3/20Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN quoting reference APP/C1435/A/2011848/NWF.
4. WDC Enforcement re the formation of a track and removal of trees at Deudneys Farm, Herstmonceux – informing the Council that the land owner has consent for the access track following an agricultural determination. However, the number of trees felled is being investigated by the Forestry Commission.
The following applications were discussed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18th April 2006.
Application: WD/2006/1008/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Angear
Location: Penlands Farm, Church Road Herstmonceux.
Description: Change of use of two redundant poultry sheds to B1 and B8 use classes.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.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.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council considered this application but it wishes for clarification of the application as the description states that it is for "conversion of redundant farm buildings to B1 business use" but the application papers state that it is also a resubmission of WD/2005/3481/F. WDC Planning Department informed.Footpaths – nothing to report.
School Governor – nothing to report.
Village Hall – nothing to report.
WALC – no meeting.
Neighbourhood Watch – report circulated.
Herstmonceux Castle – no report.
Tree Warden – complaint re eucalyptus tree being investigated.
Emergency Plan – nothing to report.
Ground Committee – the cricket club are now employing outside contractors to mow the recreation ground, which should be an improvement. Mr Hoad has begun his duties and Mr Parkes has been called in to attend to moles.
The padlock on the green gate has been stolen and therefore replaced and there is a new number combination to open it. All relevant parties have been informed.
A letter from the tennis club states that they may wish to demolish their pavilion and replace with a store shed and they are wondering whether cameras could be installed somewhere. Should we continue to keep the gate locked through the summer? Councillors agreed to keep the gate locked.
There are some repairs to carry out on the children’s play area and skateboard park before the RoSPA inspection. Councillors Crouch, Gower and Goodsell will arrange for these to be done.
Street Lighting – no problems reported.
Highways – no problems reported.
Parish Plan Implementation Group – no report this month.
Youth and Young People – no report.
Information Centre – no report.
South East In Bloom – nothing to report.
ESCC Councillors – Mr Bentley raised two issues for the Council’s attention:
1. The application at Tarmac Topblock at Ninfield – the results of this application should be sought.
2. Strategic Health Authority – there had been reports in the local press that the District General Hospital in Eastbourne might be down graded and more medical care provided in local surgeries.
WDC Councillor – Mr Long informed the Council that there would be constitutional changes in respect of planning issues.
F & GP – no meeting.
Discussions on lease between the Council and Herstmonceux Village Hall Committee – a letter from Mr B Naish, Chairman of the Hall committee was circulated to all councillors. It was agreed to discuss the letter at an Extraordinary Meeting on 11.04.06.
06.48 AGENDA
Benches in the parish – to review condition of existing benches and decide if any new benches are required.
Chairman………………………………… Date……………………..
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