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HERSTMONCEUX PARISH COUNCILMinutes of Herstmonceux Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Monday 20 June 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 were Mr A Long, Wealden District Councillor, Mr R Thomas, East Sussex County Councillor and one member of the public.
Mr Goacher, the RFO and Mrs J McInnes, the clerk were in attendance.
05.57 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies.
05.58 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 16th May have been circulated.
Correction to 05.42 Apologies – Mr Thomas was attending the inauguration of the new chairman of Rother District council not East Sussex County Council.
It was then resolved that the minutes be approved, adopted and signed as the correct record, proposed by Councillor Preedy, seconded by Councillor Tate.
05.59 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Clerk’s Report item 3 – the Ground committee will consider Recreation Ground rules and information re bookings to users. No changes to be made.
05.45 Financial Officer’s Report – the RFO sought the permission of the Council to make provision for the sum of £3500 from the 2004/5 Street Lighting budget to meet part of the cost of the second phase of repairing and replacing lighting columns. The meeting agreed to this and a note to this effect will be included in the Accounts for the information of the Internal Auditor.
05.47 Planning – in future, this item will be listed under reports for noting.
05.60 FINANCIAL OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The meeting having been presented with the Payment of Account Report and accompanying vouchers, authorised expenditure totalling £651.04 (copy attached) proposed by Councillor Goodsell, seconded by Councillor Bingham. Cheque number 1000686 for £424.65 for collection of commercial wheelie bin on the recreation ground was withdrawn by the RFO pending investigation of whether this bin has been emptied regularly.
A Statement of Accounts for 1st April 2005 – 30th June 2005 was circulated to all councillors.
A cheque for £140 was received from Mr Keeley and Mr and Mrs Thompson for the Parish Plan fund.
05.61 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Goodsell Declared an Interest in respect of work on the Recreation Ground and a Prejudicial Interest in planning applications WD/05/2845/F the Old Stable Yard, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech and application WD/2005/1070/F Playsters Farm, Herstmonceux as he has business interests with the applicants. He left the room whilst these applications were discussed.
Councillor Bingham declared a Prejudicial Interest in application WD/2005/1070/F as he is a relative of the applicant. He left the room whilst this application was discussed.
Councillor Crittenden - Declared an Interest in planning application WD/2005/1070/F as she is a friend of the applicants.
Councillor Preedy Declared an Interest in application WD/2005/1410/F as she is a neighbour of the applicant.
05.62 DOCTORS SURGERY
Nothing further to report.
05.63 QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL STATUS
Nothing to report.
05.64 EMERGENCY PLANNING
Mr McInnes informed the Council of a meeting of WDC Emergency Planning Team which highlighted the introduction of new legislation on Emergency Planning. Whilst it does not directly apply to parish councils, there would inevitably be an impact on them and an expectation that emergency plans are in place.
He submitted a report to the Council (circulated to all councillors) identifying key points and issues for the Council to update their Emergency Plan.
A subsequent meeting of Herstmonceux Parish Council’s Emergency Planning Committee prepared a
new draft of the plan for the Council’s consideration. (Circulated to all councillors.)
A training evening is planned by WDC on 21st July from 7-9.30pm. This is a paper exercise conducted by telephone with members of the Council. This will not involve calling out any resources or volunteers. It will enable the Council to highlight any areas that need clarification.
05.65 CLERK’S REPORTS – part one
Mrs Sinden – asking if the steps from Monceux Road to Bagham Lane could be replaced by a slope to enable her daughter, who is wheelchair bound easier access to the village. Councillor Gower will contact Highways.
Sussex Police News Service – giving details of the incident in Hailsham on 29.05.05 when a man was murdered.
ESCC Mr Crew – informing the Council that the preliminary plans of the traffic calming scheme for Herstmonceux are being audited. He also informs the Council that funding for the scheme is unlikely to be available before 2006/7.
WDC planning re application WD/2005/0992/F 20 Fiennes Road, Herstmonceux – informing the Council that this application will be considered at the Development Control Sub-committee Meeting on 23.06.05.
WDC planning re application WD/2004/2845/F the Old Stable Yard, Cowbeech - informing the Council that this application will be considered at the Development Control Sub-committee Meeting on 23.06.05.
WDC planning re application WD/2004/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech - informing the council that this application will be considered at the Development Control Sub-committee meeting on 26.05.05.
WDC re Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 – informing the Council of the changes in legislation and the effect of this change on parish councils.
WDC re dog waste bins on the Recreation Ground – they request that the Council considers locating another dog waste bin on the Recreation Ground as the normal waste bins are being used for dog waste. It was agreed to apply to move the existing bin from near the site of the old village hall to the other side of the Recreation Ground.
WDC re public conveniences – informing the Council of changes to the servicing of public conveniences at the weekend. Mr Miller has agreed to open and close the conveniences in Herstmonceux and the key has been forwarded to him. Clerk to write and thank Mr Miller.
WDC re Public Entertainment Licences – notification of licences for Bemzells Cottage, Trolliloes for 24/25/26the June 2005 and the Brewers Arms, Herstmonceux for weekly family fun days.
WDC Campaign for Real Ale – asking the Council to complete a questionnaire on pub closures.
WDC Consultation on the Local Development Framework – asking the council to complete a questionnaire on what areas the council wishes to be consulted.
WDC forward d Plan of Key Decisions.
Mr Phillips - copy of letter to Mr Chewter in respect of Japense Knotweed at the site of the Old Builders Yard, West End, Herstmonceux.
Mr and Mrs M Chewter – copy of letter to Mr Phillips concerning the Japanese Knotweed at the Old Builders Yard, West end, Herstmonceux.
Mr and Mrs Holter asking for information of the proposed all- weather pitch on the Recreation ground as they are considering buying the property adjacent to the proposed site.
Warbleton Parish Council – copy of Warbleton’s Council’s comments on application WD/2005/0677/F Alberts Wood Yard, Joes lane, Windmill Hill.
ODPM information leaflet on the powers of councils in disputes about high hedges. Copied to Councillors Bingham and Goodsell.
High Weald AONB Management Plan – informing the Council that a questionnaire will be circulated to all councils for information on how councils are supporting the objectives of the plan. Guidance notes on the roles and duties of public bodies in respect of the plan are supplied.
Defra – details of the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Town and Country – details of the official opening the development on the site of the Old Trug Shop.
Mrs Rennow – asking for help in tracing Charlie Maskel. Councillor Goodsell can supply information.
Mrs Town re the Dog show on 3.07.05 – asking if the field can be made ready and the gate open on the day by 9am. Councillor Goodsell will arrange.
Mrs Page, the Truggery, Herstmonceux – expressing concern at the confusion caused by the naming of the new development on the trug shop site, the Old Trug Shop. Clerk will contact Mrs Page.
Mrs Grey asking for help in tracing the graves of her relatives buried in the Rose Garden, Herstmonceux. Councillors Gordon and Gower can supply information.
Clerk’s Report - Part two
WDC Planning – informing the Council that application WD/2005/0677/F Albert Wood Yard, Windmill Hill would be discussed on 26.05.05. This application has been refused.
WDC – copy of benefits newsletter sent to all Housing/Council Tax Benefit customers in Wealden.
Mr Gordon – copy of letter sent to Mr Coffey at WDC Planning Department expressing his concern at the conduct of the members of WDC Development Control South Sub-committee whilst discussing application WD/2005/2833/F on 26.05.05.
ESCC informing the Council that a 30mph speed limit will be implemented in Cowbeech in this financial year. There are eight sites where 30mph speed limits are proposed and Cowbeech is the lowest priority.
AiRS details of meeting on 12.07.05 to discuss Action Plans.
NALC – details of course for Fat Track Programme for Quality councils. Councillors course is on Friday 15th July and weekend course for clerks 15-17th July. Course will be held at Dunford House, Midhurst.
Circulation
Wealden Snapshot guide.
SMP playground leaflet.
05.66 REPORTS
Planning – a planning committee meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 23rd May 2005 in the lounge of Herstmonceux Village Hall.
Councillor Angear was elected Chairman, nominated by Councillor Bingham, seconded by Councillor Preedy. Councillor Bingham was elected Vice-Chairman, nominated by Councillor Angear, seconded by Councillor Preedy. All councillors in favour.
Application: WD/05/0948/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.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council strongly objects to this application:it is an over development of the site.a smaller building should be located further back on the site to allow a turnaround.
it is an intrusion on the neighbours’ privacy.
there should be no insertion of first floor living area and window, in accordance with conditions imposed on application WD/02/0910/F.
there is inadequate parking for this site and the neighbouring property. The proposed drive of 2.25 metres is too narrow for vehicular access, as the applicant has sold part of the original access to the neighbouring property.
there could be a fire risk in the siting of the oil tank. There is a well located adjacent to the proposed oil tank which could cause pollution to underground watercourses.
there are traffic hazards by vehicles having to reverse out onto the highway.
there will be an increase in parking on the street, in an already overcrowded road.
the height of the building gives concern in respect of privacy and light.
The council is concerned at the existence of Japanese Knotweed on the site; any building activity could cause this to spread, as it has already to the neighbouring property. The Council understands that under the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to spread the plant.
Application: WD/04/2845/F
Applicant: Mr M Sales
Location: The Old Stable Yard, Bemzells Lane, Cowbeech.
Description: Three bedroom house. Amended plan showing minor reduction in floor area of proposed dwelling and revisions to design.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Parish Council supports this application as new information has been made available:the existing mobile home has a Certificate of Lawful Use and Development WD/03/0730/LD. The third Schedule allows for the use of land for the stationing of a mobile home and its use as a separate dwelling unit – the Parish council would prefer to see the mobile home replaced with a permanent structure.
the proposed development is in AONB and the Parish Council considers that it is important that all materials are in keeping.
the existing mobile homes should be removed as soon as the permanent dwelling is erected.
the existing rights for a mobile home should be removed after the completion of a permanent dwelling.
A planning committee meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8th June 2005 in the lounge of Herstmonceux Village Hall. Comments have been forwarded to Wealden District Council.
Application: WD/2005/1238/F
Applicant: Mr M Atkinson
Location: 1 The Willows, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.
Description: Brick built double garage.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2005/1070/F
Applicant: Mr and Mrs R Bingham
Location: Playsters Farm, Herstmonceux.
Description: New enclosed external staircase to form separate granny annexe.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2005/1264/F
Applicant: Mr A Ainslie
Location: Dormer Farm, Windmill Hill.
Description: Conversion of redundant agricultural buildings to provide five dwellings for holiday use, including the demolition of steel framed barn and provision of septic tank.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The council has no objection to the restoration and conversion of the cart shed and granary. However, the Council feel that the cow shed is of no architectural merit and should be demolished, as to convert it would be an over development of the site.Application: WD/2005/1410/F
Applicant: Miss P Sangster
Location: Lower Stunts Green Farm, Stunts Green.
Description: New lambing shed/implement store.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: No objection.Application: WD/2005/1375/F
Applicant: Mr S Harris
Location: Land adjoining 1 Deudneys Cottages, Old Road, Magham Down.
Description: Erection of stables, bedding and feed stores and tack room.
Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council: The Council is concerned about the siting of the proposed building in the middle of the field, particularly as the site plan shows no distances (for instance, from the gate or other boundaries) and is unclear. The proposed development is opposite a listed building. Furthermore, the proposed building seems over-large for private use and appears to constitute an over development of the site. Neighbours have also expressed their concerns. A site visit is recommended.Items discussed at Council Meeting 20.06.05
WD/2005/1482/F Herstmonceux Castle Science Centre. Councillors Gower, Crouch and Tate all declared a prejudicial interest because they have business dealing with the applicant. Unfortunately, that meant that the planning committee was inquorate and we decided that this application would therefore have to be considered by the full Parish Council at the next meeting.
The Council considered this application and the Parish Council Comments to Wealden District Council are: no objection.
WD/04/2822/F Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech – councillors expressed their concern at the procedures of the Development south Sub-committee Meeting when this application was discussed:
members of the committee were talking throughout the presentation.
inappropriate comments by the sub-committee in respect of the views of local residents were audible to all.
inappropriate comments on Highways comments indicating that these comments would be ignored.
letters informing residents of the meeting arrived on the day of the meeting.
comments from the Parish Council were not read out to the committee.
evidence from neighbours on traffic movements was not apparently presented to the committee.
priorities between different planning policies is not apparent i.e. taking into account areas of AONB or rural diversification.
It was agreed that the clerk would write to Mr Kay, Head of Building Control expressing the Council’s concerns. A letter has been sent but no response received.
Mr Long informed the Council that at the Development South Sub-committee Meeting when this application was discussed, he had recommended this application for approval for three years to assess the actual impact on Cowbeech. Councillors expressed their concern at Mr Long’s proposal, which they did not believe reflected the views of residents of the parish.
Footpaths – it was brought to the Council’s attention that people walking on the footpath adjacent to Ruffit Wood Farm had asked to leave by Mr and Mrs Harffey. Mr Tate will investigate.
School governor – the auction raised £3500 for whiteboards.
Village Hall – village hall will apply for a full licence.
Wealden Association of Local Councils – report circulated.
Neighbourhood Watch – report circulated.
Herstmonceux Castle Liaison – no report.
Tree Warden – no report.
Ground Committee – village litter picking will take place on Sunday 3rd July.
Litter picking on the Recreation Ground needs to be done on a regular basis – Mr Crouch will try and find someone who is willing to do two hours a week. The Council agreed that £5 per hour would be paid for this work.
Street Lighting – lights out in West End and Church Road.
Highways
the fingerpost at the top of Church Road will be put back as soon as possible. Councillor Gower will contact Mr Baurer.
There are holes in the road from Cowbeech to Carters Corner.
The hedges between Herstmonceux and Windmill Hill are overgrown and need cutting back.
The Council instructed the clerk to write and thank Mr Creasey for cutting verges in Herstmonceux.
Emergency Plan – see agenda item 05.64
Parish Plan Working Group – report will be made at July meeting.
Youth Day – attached report was circulated to all councillors. It was a very successful event – the Council instructed the clerk to write and thank Mrs Tate and the committee for their hard work. [report not attached to website copy]
Information Centre – no report.
South East in Bloom – inspection of village will take place on 6.07.05.
East Sussex County Councillor - Mr Thomas informed the Council that the new ward with two councillors covers a large area with an urban population of 12,500 and country population of 4000. The clerk will ensure that Mr Bentley receives notification of meetings in Herstmonceux.
Important issues affecting Herstmonceux are conservation of water and flood defences – the councillors will keep the Council informed.
Woodcote Farm, Cowbeech councillors expressed concern at the procedures of Wealden District council Development control Sub-committee meeting
Wealden District Councillor – Mr Long informed the Council that an Environmental Review concerning sex establishments in the district will be carried out in the near future, parish councils will be consulted.
The windmill at Windmill Hill – the conditions of the planning consent have been breached. The matter is being investigated.
Affordable housing in the parish – Mr Long informed the Council that he did not consider that they had been properly consulted about the number of affordable housing units proposed in the parish. The proposed number of units would be discussed at WDC committee on 28.06.05 and recommendations made to WDC Full Council. He recommended that the Council should inform WDC of their concerns at the lack of consultation.
Councillors Goldman and Bingham met with representatives from WDC and Town and Country Housing on 20.06.05 to receive a report on the units being proposed in Herstmonceux. The number has increased to seventeen units although the Council had only been consulted on the original site of six to eight units. Members of WDC and Town and country Housing will be invited to speak to the Full council in July.
The Council agreed that a letter be sent to WDC expressing their serious concerns at the lack of consultation in this matter.
Finance and General Purpose –
Annual report – councillors would like more details on costings. This item will be postponed until July.
Planning forms – councillors considered that this was too expensive. It was proposed that the clerk should create forms as necessary.
Lease between Parish Council and Village Hall Trust – a letter has been received from the Village hall Management Committee. A meeting will be held at 7.45pm at Lake House on 28.06.05 to discuss the response to the letter. The Chairman reminded councillors that this is a confidential item.
05.67 AGENDA
Chairman…………
Date
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