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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 19th June 2006 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.
Present: Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crittenden, J Crouch, M Goodsell, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish and J Tate.
Mrs J McInnes, the clerk was in attendance.Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Goldman and Preedy, Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mr W Bentley, East Sussex County Councillor.
06.65 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 15th May 2006 have been circulated.
It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Councillor Goodsell, seconded by Councillor Tate.
06.66 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
06.46 Clerk’s 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 – another meeting is planned in the near future.
06.34 Clerk’s Report (March) – part one item 25 – Village of the Year Competition – Herstmonceux has been successful in reaching the second round of the competition and judging will take place from 2-4pm on 22.06.06. Representatives from local organisations have been invited to attend. The Guides will carry out a litter picking exercise through the village on 21.06.06.
06.34 Clerk’s Report (March) – part two item 10 application by Tarmac Topblock; meeting at Ninfield – Mr McInnes attended on behalf of the Council and prepared the following report:
Ninfield P.C. hosted a meeting on 27 May 2006, chaired by Councillor Samantha Guard, to discuss how this subject might progress.
Wartling P.C. Councillors attended and I attended to represent Herstmonceux at the request of the Parish Clerk.
It was generally agreed that:The 12 month permission granted to Tarmac was a reasonable result for the parishes given the circumstances and the recommendation for grant by ESCC & WDC.
Unless an evidence based argument was presented the full permission was likely.
The suggestion that Tarmac had not conformed to environmental requirements had to be established by evidence and reference to the legal requirement.
There is difficulty in identifying increased HGV movements arising from the permission compared with a general increase in HGV traffic.
There is concern that, once established, the increased trend for recycling might lead to further development at the site.Actions:
The Ninfield Parish Clerk would take the lead on this for formal letters and requests.
Herstmonceux and Wartling Parishes to nominate a councillor to contribute to the discussion and to forward any supporting information to Ninfield.
Councillor Guard would co-ordinate occasional meetings between the parishes to deal with any proposals.
Ninfield to clarify the environmental concerns and seek a report from English Nature and also from WDC Landscape & Environment Officer re lack of support from Wealden.
David Williams who lives close to the site to note activity by occasional visits and any increase in dust pollution.I suggest that the Clerk asks the Ninfield Clerk to seek the following from ESCC in order to establish base line information:
The peak time traffic flow figures for the following sites for January to April 2006
A271 Herstmonceux
C class, Wartling Road, Wartling.
A 269 Ninfield.
(If not available, why not; and what traffic flow data is available for these sites)Under the Freedom of Information Act:
Which other sites to recycle road planning material were considered by ESCC prior to the application by Tarmac Topblock?
What were the reasons for and against adopting these sites?
What is the schedule (dates and locations), for road planing in East Sussex up to April 2007?
Councillor Gower was nominated as the representative from Herstmonceux Parish Council.06.67 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Application: WD/2006/1198/F – Councillor Goodsell declared a Prejudicial Interest as he has business interests with the owner.
06.68 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 Bingham, seconded by Councillor Goodsell.
06.69 DOCTORS SURGERY
Minutes of the meeting between the PCT and the Parish Counciil have been circulated to all councillors. (Copy attached).
06.70 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Nothing to report.
06.71 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New plans will be presented to the Council at the Planning Committee Meeting on 12.07.06.
06.72 CLERK’S REPORTS – part one
Clerk’s Report 19th June 2006 – part one
Correspondence
1. Mr C Reed – requesting an allotment in the parish.
2. AiRS – details of a workshop on 30.06.06 for finding funding for community projects. Forwarded to Councillor Gordon.
3. Sussex Police – asking the Council to consider contributing to the funding for transport for the PCSO. Councillor Thomas has contacted Collins Honda to ask if they would sponsor a car. Funding is available from the Police Authority for twelve months and the Council agreed to review the matter after the funding ceases.
4. WDC – agenda and reports from the WDC Council Meeting on 24.05.06.
5. WDC – Forward Plan of Key Decisions.
6. Mrs S Page – asking the Council to reconsider their decision not to erect a name plate at the Old Trug Shop House informing people of the location of the Truggery at Coopers Croft. Councillors asked the Clerk to investigate the cost of a name plaque to record site of the Trug shop but do not support the request from Mrs Page too advertise the Truggery at Coopers Croft.
7. WDC – details of a Local Strategic Partnership Event at Pine Grove, Crowborough on 21.06.06.
8. Herstmonceux C of E Primary School – requesting an allotment in the parish.
9. Mr P Wilson – expressing concern at the hedging overgrowing the footpath in front of the house adjacent to the Monkey Puzzle Development at Windmill Hill. Clerk will contact owner of house to ask them to cut back the hedges. She will also contact the owners of the houses whose gardens are adjacent to the Twitten as the hedges are overgrowing the path and the owners of The Woolpack as the hedge adjacent to the footpath is very overgrown.
10. Charter 88 – asking the Council to support the campaign for a modern democracy.
11. Mr L Keeley expressing concern at the Council’s decision in respect of the proposed traffic calming measures in Herstmonceux and a copy of his letter to ESCC in respect of the article in the local newspapers re leaflets circulated in Herstmonceux by Mr Keeley. Councillors noted Mr Keeley’s comments.
12. Mr Gower – copy of a letter to Mr Handrihan of ESCC Highways informing him that the views expressed in his letter re the proposed traffic calming were his personal views and not the views of the Council.
13. Mr I Stewart – expressing concern at the Council’s decision in respect of the proposed traffic calming measures in Herstmonceux, particularly the mini roundabout at the junction of West End and Gardner Street and the zebra crossing outside the school. Councillors noted Mr Stewart’s comments.
14. WDC – informing the Council of arrangements to deal with complaints regarding breaches of planning control.
15. WDC – timetable for electric blanket testing.
16. Mrs Davis – asking if residents have to contact the Council again in response to the notice concerning requests for allotments in Herstmonceux.
17. AiRS – informing the Council that Herstmonceux has reached the second stage of the Village of the Year Competition. Judging will take place on Thursday 22nd June between 2 – 4pm. All councillors are invited to attend.
18. ESCC – informing the Council that copies of the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 are available in libraries, on the ESCC web site or to buy at £10 per copy.
19. South East Water – update on the drought conditions and posters to display on parish notice boards.
20. NALC – details of Community Empowerment Awards.
21. Rev G France – requesting an allotment in the parish.
22. AiRS – details of a seminar on the Affordable Rural Housing Commission Report on 26.06.06.
23. Defra – Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Circulating to all councillors.
24. ESCC – details of a project to offer free broadband connection to business or community centres. Forwarded to Councillor Gordon.
Circulation
1. Techniform catalogue.
2. Steps to Action – school travel plan information.
3. ESCC Walks around the East Sussex countryside.
4. Bishop sports and leisure.
5. Safety Surfaces Ltd leaflet.
6. ESCC Your County.
7. CPRE Sussex Review.
8. Fieldwork.
9. Farming and Wildlife.
10. FWAG South East Trade Directory.
11. Kompan playground equipment leaflet.
CLERK’S REPORT - Part two
Correspondence
1. Mrs S Phillips – details of events at the Arena, Isaac Newton Observatory.
2. National Village Show Team - details of a new programme for BBC television which celebrates the tradition of the village show. Forwarded to Mr Creasey, Herstmonceux Gardeners Club.
3. Mrs Bingham - expressing concern about the future of the tennis courts on the recreation ground.
4. WDC – Draft Statement of Community Involvement of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development)(England) Regulations 2004. Comments by 31.07.06. Forwarded to Councillor Bingham.
5. Rother District Council – Draft Statement of Community Involvement of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development)(England) Regulations 2004. Comments by 28.07.06.
6. WDC – details of the Town and Parish Clerks’ Seminar on 10.07.06.
7. WDC – details of the programme for electric blanket testing in October.
8. Miss Jarvis – sending her apologies for the Village of the Year judging on 22.06.06.
9. WDC – informing the Council the planning application for Moieties Farm, Cowbeech will be considered by the Development South Sub-committee on 22.06.06.
06.73 REPORTS
Planning
Application: WD/2006/1130/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs B Ekinci
Location: 3 Gardner Street, Herstmonceux
Description: Retain A3 use, add A5 use. Erect new kitchen extract flue.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/1198/F
Applicant: Mrs A Goulet
Location: Byeways, Stunts Green
Description: Four stables, one tack room, open hay storage room for the welfare of horses, as there is no shelter on the site.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council considers that the proposed development is too large near residential properties and has too many stables for private use.Application: WD/2006/1549/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs M Southouse
Location: Nunningham Farm Herstmonceux
Description: Alterations – internal walls to former playroom, stores, lobby and WC to be removed and new walls to be constructed. External walls to these rooms to be reconstructed in same position. Existing roof to be removed and reconstructed.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/1476/F
Applicant: Mr M Sales
Location: The Old Stable Yard, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech.
Description: Three bedroom detached chalet bungalow.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection as the removal of the redundant outbuildings would improve the site.Application: WD/2006/1458/F
Applicant: International Study Centre, Herstmonceux Castle.
Location: Former Physics Block, Herstmonceux Castle.
Description: Conversion of redundant building to part residential accommodation. Re-roofing of whole building. Re-cladding of part external elevations and installation of new windows and doors. Provision of five units of staff accommodation, service and communal areas.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/1400/LB
Applicant: Mr D Gowland
Location: Cowbeech Farm, Cowbeech.
Description: Internal alterations, replacement window, repairs to timber-frame, modify dormer roof.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/1556/F
Applicant: Mr P Puplett
Location: Barn Cottage and Wargrove Farm, Church Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: Proposed amendments to approved barn WD/2001/0206/F and integration of Barn Cottage with approved barn to form single dwelling, with three units of self-catering tourist accommodation with office.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/1509/OH
Applicant: EDF Energy Networks
L0ocation: Moieties, Cowbeech.
Description: Erection of one wood pole within the existing 11KV overhead line.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Planning Consents received from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/1106/F Elm Cottage, Chilsham Lane, Herstmonceux – demolition of existing garage/shed. Erection of single storey garage/shed/storage building and formation of new access and driveway. Closure of existing driveway.
2. WD/2006/1167/F Ambrizette, Buckwell Hill, Herstmonceux – new garage.
3. WD/2006/1008/F Penlands Farm Church Road, Herstmonceux – change of use of two redundant poultry sheds to B1 and B8 use classes.
4. WD/2006/0464/F Oast House, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill – change of use (and minor alteration to building) from private drinking club to single family dwelling house.
5. Wd/2004/2812/RM former Monkey Puzzle Garage site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill – reserved matters; residential development of twelve terraced houses with new access road – discharge of conditions 1,5,17,19,21,24, and 28.
Planning Refusals received from Wealden District Council
1. WD/2006/1105/F Land at Church Road, Herstmonceux (OS Field number 8000) – erection of agricultural building.
2. WD/2006/1363/LDP 15 Ridgeway, Herstmonceux – demolition of existing conservatory and erection of combined kitchen/family room with pitched roof to family room and flat roof to kitchen together with associated works.
Correspondence
1. WDC minutes of the Development Control South Sub-committee held on 25.05.06.
2. WDC Planning and Environment newsletter.
3. WDC re street naming of development at Monkey Puzzle Garage site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill asking for the Council’s comments for a name for the development. The Council agreed that the name of the new development should be Monkey Puzzle Close.
Footpaths – nothing to report.
School Governor – work continuing on new fences.
Village Hall – no report.
WDALC – see F&GP Report.
Neighbourhood Watch – report circulated. Letters re the possible removal of the bench at the junction of West End and the Ridgeway which was the site of antisocial behaviour by a group of young people, have been circulated to residents. Replies to be received by 17.07.06.
Herstmonceux Castle – no report.
Tree Warden – nothing to report.
Emergency Plan – nothing to report.
Ground Committee
· Padlock stolen again. Mr Crouch will buy another.
· An incident of antisocial behaviour at a stoolball match by a group of young people was reported to the Police.
· The litter bin on the recreation is still not being emptied regularly. The clerk will ask the RFO to contact WDC.
· The hedges and grass at Lime Cross will be cut in time for the Dog show.
Street Lighting – no problems reported.
Highways
Problems reported at:
· Cowbeech Hill - a manhole cover.
· Higham Hill – hole.
· Church Road – holes at top end near the Welcome Stranger cottage.
· Windmill Hill sign is obscured by hedging.
· Litterbin at the top of Church Road has been destroyed.
Parish Plan Implementation Group Report – no report this month.
Youth and Young People – report circulated.
Information Centre – report circulated.
South East In Bloom – nothing to report.
ESCC Councillors
· MUGA pitch – a potential source for the outstanding funding has been identified. More details in due course.
· Drought – the water shortage is extremely serious.
· New 30mph signs in Cowbeech will be monitored for six months – a request to relocate the signs will be considered after that time.
WDC Councillor – no report.
F & GP
· Village Hall lease – confidential item.
· Minutes of WDALC AGM were circulated to councillors (copy attached*). It was proposed that a decision on the F & GP Committee’s recommendation of a change in the pattern of clusters be postponed until the July meeting; proposed by Councillor Gordon, seconded by Councillor Angear. All councillors in favour.
Councillor Gower who was excluded from the confidential item on account of his Prejudicial Interest was unintentionally excluded from the item on the WDALC AGM. The Clerk apologised for this oversight.
Councillor Gower commented that he is unhappy at his continuing exclusion on the confidential item and he is seeking further advice.
06.74 AGENDA
Chairman [file copy signed] Date [file copy dated]
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