Minutes of the Maresfield Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 20^th April 2010

at 7.30pm in Nutley Memorial Hall.

Present:       Cllr R Galley (Chairman), Cllr D Barlow, Cllr R Street, Cllr J Gutteridge,

Cllr Mrs. V Taylor, Cllr A Clarke, Cllr Mrs. P Palmer, DCllr Mrs. S Martin, CCllr F Whetstone, Cllr J Handley, Clerk T Allen and the Asst. Clerk J Bradford.

A.   Public Session – Mr Bob White, Mrs. Sarah Charman and Mrs. Sam Sainsbury all in attendance to represent the Action Group Piltdown Action Against Land Raise (PAAL).  Mr Michael Wheeler and Mr Dick Thompson to represent the Maresfield Conservation Group (MCG), and Mr Fred Taylor to represent the Maresfield Residents Group (MRG) regarding the Maresfield traffic calming scheme.

(Cllr Galley agreed to chair the public session).

Mr White gave a detailed presentation on the Action Group ‘PAAL’ Piltdown Action Against Land raise, and gave a detailed outline of the workings of the group and what it strives to achieve.  The following points were noted in his presentation:-

·                     The villages of Fletching, Newick and Isfield have pledged support to this Action Group.

·                     Members of PAAL have called on over 1000 homes in the surrounding area to make people aware of this subject.

·                     A total of 3000 objection letters to the Land Raise proposals have been received by ESCC.

·                     The Group has been very active, involving the help of support of local radio stations and television programmes.

·                     PAAL are making a request for support and a monetary contribution from the Parish Council to maintain this level of commitment to the cause.

·                     ESCC will make its decision in October 2010.

(CCllr Whetstone joined the meeting)

a.            Maresfield Conservation Group traffic calming Scheme – Mr Michael Wheeler and Mr Dick Thompson gave a comprehensive presentation on the Maresfield Conservation Group’s outlined Traffic Calming Scheme for Maresfield Village, with the view to having the scheme included into this forthcoming Parish Plan.  A full presentation had also recently been given at the Council’s Strategy Committee meeting held on the 11^th March 2010, and the Committee is recommending that Council adopts this Scheme in the new Parish Plan, LDF responses and other planning submissions.

Mr Wheeler and Mr Thompson spoke about the adoption of this Scheme by the Council, the history of consultation so far, costings and work still to be done.

Mr F Taylor spoke on behalf of the MRG, and agreed that traffic calming proposals should be incorporated into the Parish Plan.  Mr Taylor made note of his email in response to this scheme, giving an outline of differences of emphasis that MRG has with the Scheme outlined by the MCG.

Cllr Mrs Taylor noted that her understanding was that MCG has produced its proposed Traffic Calming Scheme for Maresfield to be implemented irrespective of whether or not development comes to Maresfield.  Cllr Mrs Taylor asked the MCG representatives to assure her that they were not working on a quid pro quo basis i.e.  if a developer ensures the money to achieve the Traffic Calming Scheme then the Conservation Group would support the larger number of houses needed to achieve this (i.e. above 50) and Cllr Mrs Taylor was assured by MCG representatives that they are not. 

b.    Other public matters – None.

(The Chairman closed the public session and opened the meeting).

(It was resolved that Cllr Galley should remain as Chairman for the rest of the meeting).

1716.   To approve apologies for absence and to note other non-attendance – Cllr Mrs. G Brady, Cllr D Finch, Cllr P Harris, Cllr W King, Cllr K Ogden, Cllr C Stevenson, CCllr A Reid, DCllr N Buck, and DCllr M Hoy.

1717.    Declarations of Interests – Cllr Mrs. Taylor as Treasurer of MCG.  Cllr Gutteridge and Cllr Mrs. Palmer as members of the MCG.  Cllr Street is known to Mr Bob White from PAAL.  Cllr Barlow, Re.Item 3. Planning Application WD/2010/0684/F is a friend of the applicant.

(It was resolved to discuss PAAL’s proposal at this point in the meeting).

Councillor’s discussed the proposals presented by Mr White on behalf of PAAL.  After some debate it was resolved by majority that the Parish Council give their support to the Action Group and pledge £100.00 towards their administration fees.  ACTION: Clerk.

(It was resolved to take item 1720.4.II. ‘Recommendation that Council adopts the Maresfield Conservation Group’s proposed traffic calming Scheme for the new Parish Plan, LDF and other planning submissions’ at this point).

The following points were noted in discussion:-

·                     Cllr Galley made note of the extensive presentations made by Mr Wheeler and Mr Thompson, and thanked them for their time and effort spent on this project.

·                     It could be seen that there are two ways forward in light of this proposal. 

1.    To endorse in principle the traffic calming measures put forward by MCG, and to invite ESCC to review this plan.

2.    Involve the Parish Plan Working Party, for their thoughts to this proposal.

·                     It could be seen that the traffic calming scheme proposal by MCG may be adopted in ‘principle’ pending further analysis of the details of the scheme.  Cllr Mrs. Taylor and Cllr Gutteridge both recognised the necessity of implementing traffic calming measures in Maresfield.

·                     The vulnerability of the ‘lanes’ and minor roads that surround Maresfield were emphasised; in view of protecting them from heavy traffic flows at peak times; it was noted that feedback needs to be given from residents that live along these minor lanes and roads for the project to fulfil its function.

·                     Cllr Clarke noted that ESCC needs to give its endorsement to the scheme and the need for further discussions and works to take place.

It was resolved by majority that the Parish Council endorses the adoption of a Maresfield Village Traffic Calming Scheme in principle, for inclusion in the new Parish Plan, LDF responses and other planning submissions, directing MCG and MRG to work together to agree the remaining details in order to produce a Scheme recognised by WDC and ESCC.

(Mr Thompson & Mr Wheeler left the meeting)

1718.   Minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th March 2010:-

1.            For adoption – Cllr Clarke noted that his views on the new Household Waste Recycling System in Fairwarp had not been noted; but stated that there was no need to make any changes to the minutes.   It was resolved to adopt the minutes as a true record.

2.            Matters arising from these minutes – Re. Page 3/Item 4. – It was noted that the letter to Dr Baxter had been sent. It was noted that the actions in Item 1712 had been completed.

1719.   Reports by and questions to:-

1. County Councillors – CCllr Whetstone covered the following areas:-

·                    Road conditions and pot hole repairs throughout the County.

·        WDC report on Road Safety and black spot areas along many stretches of the Counties roads. ACTION: CCllr Whetstone to copy this report to the Clerk.

2.            District Councillors – DCllr Mrs. Martin spoke in detail on the Crown Caddy Recycling Scheme, reporting on the various methods of recycling, and gave dates of when and where WDC will be holding meetings to give information to Parishioners on the roll-out of this new recycling system.

Cllr Clarke enquired as to where all the end waste matter was processed.

1720.   Council bodies - To receive minutes and decisions, followed by reports from Chairmen and any questions:-
1. Environment Committee – Cllr Mrs. Taylor reported that there had not been an Environment Committee meeting since the last Full Meeting of Council in March 2010, noting that there were no issues to raise at this time.

            2. Finance & Administration Committee:-

I.          Month 12 – Interim 2009/10 Financial Reports – Cllr Handley noted that these reports are effectively the unadjusted end-of-year figures, making note of the nett underspend of £9407.00 being higher than forecast.  It was noted that approximately £2k from this underspend will be accrued to the new financial year, with the remaining amount, mainly resulting from underspending on Projects, going into reserves.

II.         Arranging cover for the Assistant Clerk’s maternity leave – The Clerk noted that the Assistant Clerk’s last day in the Office prior to her maternity leave will be 12^th May 2010. The Clerk reported on the arrangements for covering the post, explaining that SALC has been involved in the process of advertising this temporary position and the he is currently in the process of interviewing four candidates.  The Clerk sought Council’s authority for him to follow the process to the end and employ a candidate for this temporary position.  It was resolved to approve this request.

III.        Request for funding from the New Parklands Residents Association – The report from NPRA circulated with the meeting papers was noted. The Clerk informed Councillors on the appeal for funding, made by the Parklands Residents Association in relation to the new Parklands Play Area Scheme that is due to be built  later this year.  It was explained that a total figure of £30k is still required to get the scheme to its target figure.  The Clerk noted that there is currently no Council allocated budget set for this project, although it was recognised that an amount may be allocated from reserves.

Cllr Mrs. Taylor recognised the need for funding availability for all of the play areas in the Parish.  It was noted that an amount of funds had been allocated towards the development of the Fords Green and MRG play areas in the current year’s budget.  It was resolved by majority that the amount of £3000.00 from reserves be given towards the Parklands Residents Association for the new Parklands Play Area Scheme.  ACTION: Clerk.

            3. Planning Committee – Cllr Harris’ report circulated with the meeting papers was noted.

It was resolved to review and make recommendation on planning application WD/2010/0684/F, Ruperts, High Street, Nutley, during this Full Meeting of Council, as Cllr Clarke and Cllr Harris’s prejudicial interest in this application meant that the Planning Committee was non quorate for this item at its meeting held on the 19^th April 2010 and thus unable to take a vote at that time.

It was noted that the three remaining Councillors at the aforesaid Planning Meeting all recommended approval in light of review of this application.  After discussion it was resolved to recommend approval of this application. Cllr Clarke and Cllr Barlow took no part in this matter.

I.          Draft minutes of the meeting held on 29^th March 2010 – Noted.

            4. Strategy Committee – Cllr Barlow reported on his recent discussions with Dr Baxter noting that due to personal issues the AFHC Project Manager, Ian Foster has been away; so it has not been yet possible for Dr Baxter to progress matters with Mr Foster and the PCT. It is hoped these discussions on siting a Satellite Doctors Surgery in Nutley will recommence within the next few weeks.  It could be seen that the PCT has higher priorities for setting up surgeries throughout the region, and in light of the EU Habitat Regulations; this project may not be granted validity as the two interested sites for this proposal fall into this category.

Cllr Galley referred to the WDC ‘Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment’; and reported that if land was readily available for the purpose of a GP Surgery, then this land should not fall foul of the EU Habitats Regulations.

                        I.          Draft minutes of the meeting held on 11^th March 2010 – Noted.

                        II.         Recommendation that Council adopts the Maresfield Conservation Group                                        traffic calming Scheme for the new Parish Plan, LDF and other planning                                           submissions – See above.

            5. Maresfield Recreation Ground Access Sub-Committee report – Cllr Mrs. Taylor referred Councillors to an email which the Clerk had just received from the Council’s solicitor in reference to a response received from Mrs. Watts’ solicitor Mr Sagoo detailing his thoughts on the current situation with to the Council’s right of access to the Maresfield Recreation Ground.  This correspondence was read out at this point in the meeting which included the following statement - “I understand that many discussions are taking place between the parties and that "a package" is being put together which it is hoped will resolve the matter.”

It was noted that the ‘package’ that Mr Sagoo refers to can only relate to developers outline plans for building homes that are being informally discussed, which includes some land owned by Mrs Watts (and others) and the drive in question, but that this is not relevant to the Council’s current action to secure an Agreement for access, unless Mrs Watts et al withdraw their challenge and send an authority granting access rights on acceptable terms. It was questioned why Mrs Watts et al have not given this agreement already if they are considering granting access as part of the proposed development; it’s easy enough to do and would save public money in ongoing legal costs.

It was noted that the Council has made it clear all along that, as the Trustee, it must pursue this right of access and such action will not be linked to any other matter. So the only ‘package’ on the table is the agreement already sent to Mr Sagoo.

It was resolved that the Council’s solicitor should be instructed as above.  ACTION: Clerk to instruct its solicitor to write to Mr Sagoo stating the Parish Councils position.  

            6. Development of the Parish Office Working Party report – The Clerk gave an update to the development of the Parish Office, noting that all electric works should be completed over the coming week.  It was also reported that the new lease is near to completion; although the question of “how long should the lease term run for” was for debated.  It was noted that if the new lease were to run longer than a seven year term then it would have to be registered with Land Registry, which the Memorial Hall Trust seemed reluctant to do.  After discussion it was resolved that the new lease term should run for a period of six years. ACTION: Clerk to instruct Council’s Solicitor accordingly.

            7. Parish Plan Development Working Party report – The Clerk noted that he had not received any input from either the Local Youth Groups or the local Schools towards the possibility of a young persons Questionnaire.  It is expected that a draft copy of the Questionnaire should be ready for review by the next Full Council Meeting in May 2010.

(DCllr Mrs. Martin and CCllr Whetstone leave the meeting).

            8. Maresfield Village Development Working Party report – Cllr Mrs. Taylor noted that she was not present at the meeting that was held on the 12^th April 2010, although Cllr Clarke attended it, and that she was concerned that one or two members of the WP were discussing levels of house numbers with the developers.

The Clerk noted that Cllr Ogden had mentioned that, in a pre-meeting of Ward Cllrs, which Cllr Mrs Taylor did attend, he had reported that David Phillips, WDC, had questioned him recently regarding the number of houses for the proposed new development vs. the benefits that would accrue to the Village. Cllr Mrs Taylor noted that, at this pre-meeting, four out of the five Maresfield Ward Councillors expressed concern in quoting any other figure than the amount of 50 dwellings, as contained in the Council’s LDF Core Strategy response of August 2009. Cllr Mrs Taylor stated that she thought it morally wrong to go against this LDF figure which had been obtained from a public meeting, and that she was concerned that, at the end of the meeting with developers held on 12^th April 2010, that Cllr Ogden had indicated Council’s support for the building of 200 dwellings if all requirements set out for the Village were met. It was noted that the Council’s LDF response did not completely exclude the building of more than 50 homes.

Cllr Clarke stated that at the meeting with developers held on 12^th April 2010, Barratts had the S.106 details which were discussed by those present in detail, including the benefits that would accrue to the Village. At this meeting Cllr King had stated that the Council could not at this stage support the building of 200 dwellings and it was noted that ESCC cannot guarantee the ring-fencing of contributions for the Village.

Cllr galley noted that WDC is currently working on the figure of 50 dwellings for its LDF construction and cannot link house building to deliver specific traffic calming measures.

The Clerk questioned whether the WP had now discharged its remit It was resolved that the Working Party should meet again to consider its position and report back to Council.

1721.   To receive a report from the Chairman – The Chairman’s report was noted with no further matters raised.

1722.   To receive a report from, and put questions to the Clerk – The Clerk’s report was noted with no further matters raised.

1723.   Payments to be made - for approval – Payments amounting to £6065.37 were approved.

1724.   Communications – web site; ‘Your Parish Brief’; ‘The Parish Matters’; Parish mag’s – The Clerk noted the positive response that the ‘Your Parish Brief’ new electronic newsletter has received.

1725.   Annual Parish Assembly 2010 – Friday 21^st May 2010, Fairwarp Village Hall - to agree format and arrangements – The question of a theme and format for this year’s Annual Parish Assembly was discussed.  It was resolved that the local Community Groups should be involved in this process, with Chairmen of each of Council’s Committees also to give their response.  ACTION: Committee Chairmen to liaise with the Clerk on this subject.

(Mr Fred Taylor leaves the meeting).

1726.   Village Fetes 2010 – to agree to agree format and arrangements for Council’s participation.

It was resolved that the Council’s marquee be used this year for Councillors to meet and greet Parishioners and also to be shared with local non commercial groups from the Parish.

1727.   Date of next meeting – Annual meeting of Council - 18^th May 2010 (Fairwarp).

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 21.47.