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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 18th July 2005 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 was Mr W Bentley, East Sussex County Councillor.
Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.
05.68 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Mr R Thomas, East Sussex County Councillor who was attending a meeting in Hooe.
05.69 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 20th June have been circulated.
Correction to 05.65 Clerk’s Report item 8 – it was agreed to apply to move the existing dog bin from near the site of the old village hall to further up the path.
It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Bingham.
05.70 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
05.60 Financial Officer’s Report – Cheque number 1000686 for £424.65 for collection of commercial wheelie bin on the recreation ground was withdrawn by the RFO pending investigation of whether this bin has been emptied regularly. The RFO has contacted WDC to clarify the matter.
05.65 Clerk’s Report item 12 - WDC Consultation on the Local Development Framework. The questionnaire was completed.
05.65 Clerk’s Report item 24 – Mrs Page from the Truggery, Herstmonceux suggested to the Council that an commemorative sign be erected at the site of Thomas Smith’s Trug shop, together with an information sign indicating where the Truggery is located. Councillors were not in favour of the suggestion.
05.65 Clerk’s Report item 25 – it has not been possible to find the site Rose Garden, Herstmonceux. Clerk will contact Mrs Grey.
05.65 Clerk’s Report 05.65 - part two – item 3 – the letters of complaint WDC Planning have neither been answered nor acknowledged. Clerk will contact Ms L Barakchizadeh, Director of Environmental Services, head the department responsible for planning matters. An email was received on 19.07.05 and passed to the Planning committee for their comments.
05.71 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £526.16 (copy attached) proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Tate.
05.72 FINAL ACCOUNTS
The Final Accounts for the financial year 2004/5 were circulated to all councillors. The Accounts were awaiting scrutiny by the Council’s Internal Auditor
The RFO had prepared the Accounts on an Income and Expenditure basis, in accordance with requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations. The RFO presented the Accounts to the Finance and General Purpose Committee Meeting on 15th July 2005, which recommended that the Final Accounts be approved. The Final Accounts will be advertised to provide proper opportunity for the exercise of elector’s rights in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
The RFO answered questions raised by the meeting which resolved to approve the Final Accounts as presented and it was agreed that it was in order for the Chairman to sign the Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2005. Proposed by Councillor Preedy and seconded by Councillor Tate. All councillors in favour.
05.73 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 an Interest in respect of work on the Recreation Ground and finger posts.
Application: WD/2005/1792/F - Councillor Goodsell Declared a Prejudicial Interest has he has business interests with the owner.
Application: WD/2005/1438/F – Councillor Goodsell Declared a Prejudicial Interest has he has business interests with the owner.
Application: WD/2005/1489/F – Councillor Preedy Declared an interest has she is a neighbour.
05.74 DOCTORS SURGERY
Mr May, from the Primary Care Trust informed the Council that negotiations with the District Valuer on the rent for the proposed new surgery are continuing.
05.75 PARISH PLAN
A report will be presented to councillors at the August meeting and then reports will be made at the November, February and May meetings.
05.76 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Nothing further to report.
05.77 MUGA ARTIFICIAL PITCH
The following report was circulated to all councillors:
All-weather Pitch
Councillors Bingham, Crouch and Goldman and met with Ian Woodland (ESCC), the head teacher and the Chair of the Friends of Herstmonceux School on Tuesday 12 July to discuss the all-weather pitch.
1 Finance
The money available has shrunk to c.£30,000 (some £35,000+ has gone to other projects with more priority which are funded from the same pot). The original estimates call for the expenditure of c.£66,000. Only two options can feasibly cover the shortfall:
[a] no floodlighting — which would save c.£14,000. It could be installed at a later date but not with funding from this source.
[b] only a tarmac surface without the resilient top “carpet” — which would save c.£17,000. This surface could be installed at a later date but not with funding from this source. A tarmac surface might be expected to last eight to ten years; if it is planned to install the carpet at that time some additional maintenance costs may arise in the meantime.
(Ian Woodland agreed to see if additional funding might be available from other charitable sources.)
Even with these savings, there remains a shortfall. The Parish Council has previously considered its contribution to be the land and future management costs and that it would not provide any money. It may now, however, wish to consider whether to make a contribution. £2,000 each from the Parish Council and the Friends of Herstmonceux School might be enough.
NB This was not asked for directly nor was there any discussion as to what will happen if no additional money is forthcoming.
2 Siting
Three options were discussed:
to use the original site (the old children’s playground)
to place the pitch extending away from the skateboard park and using the majority of the car park
to place the pitch in the car park at right angles to the skateboard park extending into the recreation ground itself.
The last two would move the pitch further away from the residents (less noise etc) but also further from the school and would involve the creation of a path for the children to use to access the pitch, with concomitant costs.
Ian Woodland agreed to have the second and third options surveyed / costed.
3 Timescale
If floodlighting is omitted, planning permission need not be sought and the pitch could be installed in September/October.
Councillors expressed their serious concerns at the reduction in the funding available for the project and requested that the Chairman contact Mr Feline of the Big Lottery Fund (originally the New Opportunities Fund) to express these concerns. Councillor Goldman will inform the head teacher, Mrs Hunter.
Councillor Bingham reported that the school governors were also extremely concerned at the reduction in funding and the implications on the proposed project.
05.79 CLERK’S REPORTS – part one
1. WDC – questionnaire and posters about smoking in public places and in the work place. Questionnaire completed and returned.
2. WDC – re Licensing Act 2003 application – informing the Council that applications have been received from the following premises: the Merrie Harriers at Cowbeech, the International Study Centre and the White Horse Inn, Bodle Street.
3. WDC Sussex Air Ambulance fundraising appeal. Referred to August F & G P Meeting.
4. WDC advance notice of an event on 7th and 8th October 2005 concerning Gypsies, Travellers, Black and Minority Ethnic Groups.
5. WDC details of District Parish Conference for councillors on 23rd November 2005.
6. WDC – informing the Council that the Emergency Planning Exercise will take place on Thursday 21st July from 7 - 9.30pm. Councillors Crittenden, Goldman, Gordon and Tate notified.
7. WDC forward Plan of Key Decisions.
8. Eye Ltd – quotation for inspecting the children’s play area on the Recreation Ground. The Council considered that the quotation was too expensive. The RFO informed the Council that Wickstead carried out inspections at competitive prices, and so the clerk will contact them for more information.
9. Herne School, Crowborough – invitation to school’s display on 20th July 2005.
10. Mr Oxley, Town and Country Housing Group – copy of suggested press release about the affordable housing at the Old Trug Shop site, Herstmonceux.
11. Mr Parish – offering his services as an Internal Auditor. Copied to the RFO. The RFO will contact Mr Parish.
12. Miss J Jones – requesting copy of unratified minutes of Council Meeting on 18th July 2005. She is buying a house in Park View and wishes to have more information on the progress of the MUGA project. Agreed.
13. South East Water – details of hosepipe bans in West Sussex and posters requesting that consumers use water wisely.
14. Relate – leaflet and questionnaire.
15. Lieutenant J Chorley informing the Council that an army exercise will take place at Windmill Hill on 5th - 7th August 2005.
Part two
Correspondence
1. Mrs Anderson thanking councillors for allowing her husband’s ashes to be scattered in Herstmonceux.
2. Mr Curley – expressing concern at the poor road surface on the road from Rushlake Green to Cowbeech, which caused his wife to have a motorbike accident.
3. Mr Miller – informing the Council that the large bin on the Recreation Ground is full. Councillor Crouch informed.
4. Mr Creasey – informing the Council that he has resigned as Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator. Clerk will contact Mr Creasey and ask him to reconsider his decision.
5. Miss N Levett WDC Housing – copy of the housing allocations policy, which will be implemented in October 2005.
6. Mr Yates, Fire Station Manager - asking if the Council would like a visit from the SID (mobile speed indication device) in the parish. Letter received 19.07.05 from Mr Yates informing the Council that although this service is available from ESCC this letter only referred to the Rother area.
7. High Weald AONB Advisory Committee Annual Review 2004/5.
Circulation
1. Local Council Review.
2. Wealden Market Towns Newsletter.
3. Wealden Business Focus.
4. Relate Newsletter.
Clerk’s Report 15th August 2005 – 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.
6.
Circulation
1. High Weald newsletter
05.80 REPORTS
PLANNING – REPORT FROM PLANNING MEETING ON THURSDAY 14TH JULY 2005.
Application: WD/2005/1534/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs S McDonagh
Location: Pond Cottage, West End, Herstmonceux.
Description: Conversion of existing outbuilding to granny annexe.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1306/F
Applicant: Mr A Rutherford
Location: 3 Dacre Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Conversion of house into two self-contained flats.
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 vehicular access and provision of new vehicular access.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection to location of new access. The Council does not wish to see any form of hedging planted, which could restrict visibility.
Application: WD/2005/1438/F
Applicant: Miss C Richardson
Location: Cherry Croft Farm, Church Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Construction of four stables within existing former agricultural barn.
Parish Council Comments To Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1730/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs P Baldwin
Location: Fairlawns, Stunts Green, Herstmonceux.
Description: Proposed summerhouse.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1808/F
Applicant: Dr and Mrs Frost
Location: The Old Bakery, Windmill Hill.
Description: Demolition of small outbuilding and the formation of a larger extension and new porch/lobby.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council objects to the side extension as it could be intrusive to the neighbours especially in Highview Close and it is too large and imposing for the site.
The Council has no objection to the front extension.
Application: WD/2005/1792/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Beadle
Location: Brow Cottage, Trolliloes.
Description: Erection of a detached garage.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council objects to this application. It expresses concern that consent for a garage, store and playroom was granted in 1990, WD/1990/0738/F.
Application: WD/2005/1431/F
Applicant: Mr J Malt
Location: The Butcher’s Shop, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.
Description: Change of use from A1 (retail) to A3 café/sandwich shop selling fresh sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold food. Operating from around 0800 to 1700 Monday to Friday.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1767/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Millar
Location: Puckridge, Under Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Erection of new kitchen and utility, with bedrooms and bathroom over.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2005/1793/F
Applicant: East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Location: Herstmonceux Fire Station, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Replace existing single glazed steel “crittal” type windows with PVCU double glazed windows.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Notification of Planning Consents from Wealden District Council
1. Playsters Farm, Herstmonceux – new enclosed external staircase to form separate granny annexe.
2. 1 The Willows, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux – brick built garage with pitched tiled roof.
3. The Observatory Science Centre – temporary “arqualand” structure to accommodate ticket sales desk and small shop area in grounds of science centre.
4. 20 Fiennes Road, Herstmonceux – extensions to rear.Notification of Planning Refusals from Wealden District Council
1. 1 Deudneys Cottages, Old Road, Magham Down – erection of stables, bedding and feed stores and tack room.
2. The Old Stable Yard, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech – three bedroom detached house.Correspondence
1. WDC – notification that application WD/2005/0948/F The Old Builders Yard, West End, Herstmonceux will be considered by the Development Control South Committee at 10am on Thursday 21st July 2005. Mr Long has informed me that he is unable to attend this meeting although he will submit a written report. He recommends that a member of Herstmonceux Parish Council’s Planning Committee attend this meeting to express the Council’s views as the application is recommended for approval. Councillors Bingham and Goodsell will attend.
Footpaths
Nothing to report.
School governor
SATS results will be reported next month.
Village Hall
No report.
Wealden Association of Local Councils
No meeting.
Neighbourhood Watch
Report circulated.
Tree Warden
Nothing to report.
Emergency Plan
Report of Emergency Planning exercise next month.
Ground Committee
Tony Miller has agreed to clear the litter from the Recreation Ground. 1- 2 hours a week to see how it goes. He has been issued with disposable gloves (from Mick), black sacks, heavy duty gloves from WDC and a litter picker. (invoice to follow) By using black sacks inside the bins it may be acceptable for Tony to clear them and we can cancel the Contract with WDC.
The gate to the old playground has been vandalised. It now appears that it has collapsed due to old age.
Two railings have been removed from the car park fence so vehicles can now access the recreation ground so the large green gate is being locked again.
The car park has become a meeting place for all and sundry resulting in a mass of litter. Should the Council consider locking the car park permanently? Councillors agreed that the car park should remain open until the autumn when the matter will be reconsidered. Neighbourhood Watch representatives have requested a meeting with the Ground Committee to discuss the continuing problems at the recreation ground.
The community litter day was a success, councillors clearing the recreation ground and the Guides clearing the rest of the village. Clerk to send a letter of thanks to Shirley Goulder.
We need to produce larger notices re litter and dogs on the ground. Councillor Crouch will arrange this.Reminders for the future
Skate park repairs.
Removal of seat.
MUGA plus outside basketball net etc and shelter.
Playground on Green at Fiennes Road.
Street Lighting
No faults reported.
Highways and Traffic
Signpost at Church Road will be repaired and put back in place.
Hole in the Twitten reported.
Çouncillor Gower has contacted ESCC about the possibility of replacing the steps from Monceux Road to Bagham Lane, with a slope.
Councillor Tate enquired whether it is possible to replace the Herstmonceux sign to the entrance to the village from the Bexhill direction as it is in a poor state of repair. Discussion on this item was postponed until the August meeting.
Parish Plan
Report in August.
Youth and Young People
Report circulated.
Information Centre
No meeting.
South East in Bloom
Clerk will write and thank Gardeners Club for the floral displays in the village and for the extra mowing.
ESCC Councillor
Councillor W Bentley, one of the two ESCC councillors representing the parish introduced himself to the Council. He is available to help the Council in any way he can.
WDC Councillor
Councillor Long was not present.
F & G P
Circulated to all councillors.
1.07.05 Affordable Housing – it was proposed by Councillor Angear, seconded by Councillor Goodsell that the minute reference to the proposed affordable housing be forwarded to Ms Levett WDC.
The lighting and tarmac road surface at the new affordable housing at Park View is expected to be completed shortly.
2.07.05 Final Accounts – it was proposed by Councillor Tate and seconded by Councillor Crouch to accept the Final Accounts. All councillors in favour.
4.07.05 Calor Gas Village Competition – it was proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by councillor Goodsell that the Council should enter this competition. All councillors in favour.
5.07.05 Lease between Village Hall and Parish Council – this was a confidential item and Councillors Angear, Gower and Naish left the room whilst this item was discussed.
The report of the recent meeting between the Village Hall and the Council was circulated to councillors. It was agreed the clerk and chairman should draft a letter with the Council’s proposal.
8.07.05 Annual Report – postponed until the F & GP in August.
05.81 AGENDA
Chairman………………………………… Date……………………..
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