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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 20th February 2006 at the Village Hall, Herstmonceux.
Present: Councillors J Angear, J Bingham, J Crittenden, M Goodsell, D Goldman, D Gordon, W Gower, B Naish and F Preedy.
Also present were Mr R Thomas, East Sussex County Councillor and Mr A Long, Wealden District Councillor.
Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.06.14 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors J Crouch, J Tate and Mr W Bentley, East Sussex County Councillor.
06.15 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 16th January 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 Angear.
06.16 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
06.09 Village Information Centre - £1300 was raised in the public appeal not £1800.
06.12 Planning Report, item 12 reference work at the Plantation, Church Road, Herstmonceux – see planning correspondence item 3.
06.17 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No Declarations of Interest in agenda items.
06.18 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £1626.14 (copy attached) proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Goodsell.
06.19 DOCTORS SURGERY
The Clerk informed the meeting that discussions on the layout of the proposed extension are continuing with the practice doctors.
06.20 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Clerk is working on compiling documents for the application.
06.21 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Nothing to report.
06.22 HERSTMONCEUX TRAFFIC CALMING
The Chairman welcomed Mr S Crew and Mr P Handrihan from ESCC who presented the results of the Traffic Calming Consultation.
Mr Crew informed the Council that the consultation in November 2005 was very well attended and over 200 questionnaires were completed and returned. He circulated copies of the proposals together with copies of the questionnaire responses and the conclusions based on the questionnaire responses, comments returned with the questionnaires and comments made at the exhibition.
The six proposals, detailed below were discussed at length by councillors and the decisions on each proposal is as follows:
Proposal 1 Entrance to village from Hailsham direction– two options were proposed: (a) a new 30mph speed limit closer to the village, with a 40mph buffer between Collins garage and existing 30mph limit or (b) additional emphasis on existing 30mph sign. Councillors noted that there is strong support for slowing traffic through Herstmonceux. It was proposed that a combination of both (a) and (b) be installed; the existing 30mph remains in the same position but is emphasised with more prominent signing and a new 40mph limit be introduced between Collins garage and the existing 30mph limit, proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Naish. This was agreed by a majority of seven councillors in favour and one against.
Proposal 2 Carriageway narrowing near Fire Station – councillors proposed to accept this proposal, proposed by Councillor Naish, seconded by Councillor Preedy. This proposal was agreed by a majority vote with five councillors in favour, one against and two abstentions.
Proposal 3 Carriageway narrowing and crossing point or zebra crossing outside the school – councillors expressed concern that the crossing patrol would cease if there was a zebra crossing. Mr Crew stated that ESCC would continue to pay for a crossing patrol for one year after the installation of a zebra crossing. It was also noted that numerous comments had been received at the exhibition in favour of a formal crossing and the school had requested it. It was proposed to accept proposal three with a zebra crossing, proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Gordon. It was agreed by a majority decision, with six councillors in favour, one against and one abstention.
Proposal 4 Junction at West End/Gardner Street - two options were proposed (a) Mini Roundabout at the end of West End or (b) Junction realignment at West End. Concern was expressed by some councillors that the installation of a roundabout would increase traffic flow and this could cause problems for pedestrians, although comments from ESCC states that a roundabout will slow the traffic on all approaches to the junction and assist turning movements to and from West End. Waiting restrictions would keep junction and improved pedestrian crossing point over West end clear of parked vehicles. Both options would need the introduction of yellow lines, which is favoured by a clear majority of residents. It was proposed to accept option (a) the installation of a mini roundabout at West End as this is most consistent with the aim of traffic calming, proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Preedy. It was agreed by a majority vote, with the Chairman using her casting vote.
Proposal 5 Build out crossing points - two options were proposed (a) build out crossing point in the centre of village outside the Post Office or (b) build out crossing point outside the Sundial Restaurant. Councillors expressed concern at both proposals due to the loss of parking spaces needed to implement the proposal and the impact on village businesses. It was proposed not to accept either proposal, proposed by Councillor Naish, seconded by Councillor Gower. It was agreed by a majority decision with seven councillors in favour and one abstention.
Proposal 6 Entrance to village from Bexhill direction - vehicle activated sign. This proposal is in line with slowing the traffic through Herstmonceux. It was proposed to accept this proposal, proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Naish. It was agreed by a majority decision with seven councillors in favour and one abstention.
Mr Crew informed the Council that detailed plans will be drawn up of the proposals and these will be available for public scrutiny in early summer. The plans will be advertised in local newspapers and in the local community. Funding for the work is available in the 2005/6 budget.
Councillor Angear wished to have it minuted that she considered that the public should have been notified that this item would be discussed at this Council Meeting.
06.23 CLERK’S REPORTS – part one
1. WDC informing the Council that dog bin emptying charges will rise on 1.04.06 to £3.95 per bin emptying.
2. WDC information in respect of Members’ Allowances.
3. WDC forward Plan of Key Decisions.
4. WDC timetable of forthcoming meetings.
5. WDC requesting the Council’s comments on an application to renew a permit to provide amusements and prizes at the Horseshoe Inn, Windmill Hill.
6. WDC – regarding the Council’s request for the light to be reinstated at the entrance to Park View. Copied to Councillor Bingham and Mr Goacher.
7. WDC – details of a meeting of the Wealden Ancient Woodland Survey Group on 31.03.06. Copied to Councillor Goodsell.
8. Mr T Cooper asking for the Planning Committee’s support for a campaign against retrospective planning applications. Planning Committee supports his opposition.
9. ESCC informing the Council that the “unsuitable for large vehicles” sign will be removed from the junction of the Under Road. Copied to Councillor Gower.
10. ESCC details of the review of local bus services.
11. ESCC publicity poster for ESCC website.
12. AiRS – details of a project to encourage people to enjoy and celebrate local food. Questionnaire completed and returned.
13. CPRE – details of current campaigns.
14. East Sussex Association for the Blind requesting a donation and a copy of the Winter Bulletin. Referred to August meeting when applications for donations are considered.
15. Tiscali – in respect the money outstanding to the Clerk. Copied to Mr Goacher.
16. Mr Riggs, Herstmonceux Stoolball Club– requesting permission to use the Recreation Ground for the 2006 season and for a tournament on Sunday 2nd July. Permission granted.
17. Mr Creasey, South East In Bloom - informing the Council that the Gardeners Club has decided that it is inappropriate, in view of the current water shortage, to enter the South East in Bloom competition this year. Councillors supported this decision. It was agreed that the clerk should write to competition organisers suggesting that the competition is cancelled this year in the light of continuing water shortages.
18. RoSPA – response to Mr Goacher’s letter re the cost of playground inspections for a group of councils. Copied to Mr Goacher. Councillors agreed that RoSPA should be asked to carry out playground/skateboard inspections this year.
19. Mr Adams – re the cost of playground inspections; the charges are £29 plus £3 for each item of equipment.
20. AiRS – asking if the parish is interested in taking part in a project to portray rural life in 2006. Councillors agreed to support the project and the clerk will contact local groups and individuals to invite them to a meeting at Herstmonceux Primary School at 7.30pm on 16.03.06. Speakers from Action in Rural Sussex and Sound Architect will present the background and aims of the project.
Part two
Correspondence
1. ESCC – details of central government funding to local authorities.
2. Mr Creasey – apologising that he is not able to forward a Neighbourhood Watch report for February.
3. Mrs D Town – re the Extravaganza funding for one year of emptying a dog bin. She apologies for not sending cheque to cover the costs of emptying a dog bin for a year, and asks for details of how much to pay and to whom. She also requests permission to use the field at Lime Park on 2.07.06 for the Annual Dog Show. Permission is granted for the dog show and the RFO will contact Mrs Town in respect of payment for the emptying of the dog bin.
4. Mr L Keeley - with a proposal for housing on land adjacent to the village hall. Referred to the Planning Committee.
5. WDC – minutes of Development Control South Sub-committee Meeting on 2.02.06.
6. WDC Review of Polling Stations - asking for comments on the venues.
7. ESCC Statement of Community Involvement dealing with its planning for minerals and waste and its handling of planning applications – asking if the council considers that it has had sufficient opportunity to become involved in the preparation of the statement.
8. Copy of letter from Stunts Green to WDC concerning activity at Lower Stunts Green Farm, Herstmonceux. See planning Correspondence item 2.
9. RoSPA – re leaflet from Mr Adams regarding play area inspections. The leaflet may be misleading and is currently the subject of legal action.
10. South East Water – informing the Council that a hosepipe ban is still in place and supplying posters for parish notice boards asking people to use water wisely.
11. Herstmonceux School – asking permission to use the Recreation Ground for a cricket tournament on 6.07.06. Permission granted.
Circulation
1. Countrywide Grounds maintenance leaflet.
2. Turnock lighting leaflet.
3. Wealden Business Focus.
06.24 REPORTS
Planning
Application: WD/2006/0192/F
Applicant: Mrs J Underhill
Location: 37 James Avenue, Herstmonceux.
Description: Single storey extension to front of property – amended plan showing lean to roof from flat roof.Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.
Application: WD/2006/0348/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Campbell
Location: Rose Cottage, Stunts Green.
Description: Conservatory to front elevation, widened vehicular access and new pedestrian access – amended description to include widened vehicular access and new pedestrian access.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0291/F
Applicant: A & E Nicholls
Location: Monkey Puzzle Site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Description: Pair of semi-detached houses with parking spaces on extended development site.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0292/F
Applicant: A & E Nicholls
Location: Monkey Puzzle Site, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Description: Pair of semi-detached bungalows with parking spaces on extended development site.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0051/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Millar
Location: Puckridge, Under Road, Herstmonceux.
Description: The provision of two additional dormers and raising roof to a full-pitched roof rather than as approved with a flat section of roof to the ridgeline.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2006/0352/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Tate
Location: Land adjoining Higham Cottage, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.
Description: Alterations, additions and conversion of existing stables and garages to dwelling with garage.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council strongly objects to this application:· The site is outside the village boundary.
· The Council wishes to repeat its previous objections to the construction of stables (WD/94/0742/F), which included the following points: the building is obtrusive into the landscape; the need for cavity walls in a garage is questioned; it is a bungaloid design. The Council considered that the application could lead to a further application for a dwelling on the site, as is now the case.
Application: WD/2006/0470/F
Applicant: Mr G Webb
Location: Field number 3643, corner of Under Road and Cricketing Lane, Herstmonceux.
Description: Erection of single poultry shed with hard standing and turning space on site
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council strongly objects:· The proposed building is inappropriate for the site and would be sited on raised ground on a bank.
· There is no formal access to the site.
· No utilities on the site; water and waste disposal.
Application: WD/2006/0464/F
Applicant: Mrs K Chapman
Location: Oast House, Victoria Road, Windmill Hill.
Description: Change of use (and minor alterations to building) from private drinking club to single-family dwelling house.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Planning Consents received from Wealden District Council
1. 20 Buckwell Rise, Herstmonceux – two storey extension comprising dining room, utility room, new downstairs shower room and new bedroom and bathroom.
2. Appletree Cottage, Cowbeech – proposed single garage.
3. 20 Highview Close, Windmill Hill – proposed single storey side extension with infill to rear of garage and repositioning of front door.
4. Green Doors, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux – proposed first floor extension to the rear.
5. The Old Forge, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux – conversion of roof space and associated alterations (renewal of planning permission WD/2000/0796/F).
6. 20 Fairfield, Herstmonceux – proposed rear extension, single storey to form dining room.
7. Broadacres, Cowbeech – proposed dormer window to front elevation.
8. The Old Bakery, Windmill Hill – demolition of small outbuilding and the formation of a larger extension.
Planning Refusals received from Wealden District Council
Little Gingers, Gingers Green – stable block.
Correspondence
1. Mr Keeley – with a proposal for housing on land adjacent to the village Hall. Referred from Council Meeting on 20.02.06.
2. Mr Brown, Stunts Green – copy of letter from residents of Stunts Green expressing concern at the building activity at Lower Stunts Green Farm. Letter referred from Council Meeting on 20.02.06. I have contacted WDC and asked if a site visit can be made to the site to check if work in progress is in accordance with conditions of permission. 2.03.06 – Mrs Arnold, Planning Officer from WDC has visited the site and confirms that the work is progressing in accordance with the approved plans.
3. WDC re Egg Plantation, Church Road, Herstmonceux – confirming that application WD/04/2646/F was refused on 31.01.06 for temporary accommodation. However, Application WD/03/2820/F was approved for agricultural workshop, windbreak and septic tank in February 2004.
4. WDC re Rocks Nursery, Windmill Hill – in response to the Parish Council’s request for an update on the Enforcement Notice on the property. A further six months was agreed with the owner for compliance and the notices should be complied with by April 2006.
5. WDC re the Parish Council’s comments on the monkey puzzle tree at the Monkey Puzzle site, Windmill Hill – A & E Nicholls acknowledge that there has been some die back of this tree but are waiting until the start of the growing season to see if the tree is dead. If so, the tree will be replaced by a mature specimen of the same species.
6. WDC in respect of tree surgery on trees at Herstmonceux Castle – details of work permitted.
7. WDC - Planning and Environment News.
Footpaths – nothing to report.
School Governor – nothing to report.
Village Hall – AGM was held on 7.02.6. Mr Naish was elected chairman. Clerk has copy of financial statement and Chairman’s report for 2005.
WALC – report circulated to councillors.
Neighbourhood Watch – no report.
Herstmonceux Castle – no report.
Tree Warden – nothing to report.
Emergency Plan – nothing to report.
Ground Committee – small football posts are now kept at the school.
Street Lighting – no problems reported.
Highways – no problems reported.
Parish Plan – no report this month.
Youth and Young People – nothing to report.
Information Centre – no report this month.
South East In Bloom – see Clerk’s report.
ESCC Councillors – Mr Bentley reported that the ESCC will be presented on 21.03.06. The biggest change to funding will be in education which will be funded directly. It is expected that cuts will have to be made in social care but ESCC will be working with voluntary organisations to provide more help in community projects. Council Tax for 2006 will increase by 4.7%.
WDC Councillor – Mr Long reported that the WDC will be presented on 22.03.06. Council tax will increase by 4.3% - 4.5%. He also informed the Council that major changes to local government are being proposed by central government.
F & GP – report circulated to councillors.
4.02.06 Windmill Hill Notice Board
Councillor Naish suggested that the new notice board be erected on the opposite side of the road to the existing one. He will investigate this and report to the March meeting.
It was resolved to accept the F & G P minutes, proposed by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Goodsell. All councillors in favour.
06.25 AGENDA
Chairman………………………………… Date……………………..
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