Minutes of the Maresfield Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 19^th April 2011 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Maresfield

Present:       Cllr W King (Chairman), Cllr D Barlow, Cllr J Gutteridge, Cllr R Street, Cllr D Finch,

Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander, Cllr Mrs. G Brady, Cllr Mrs. L Reeves, Cllr P Harris, Cllr Mrs. C Reynolds, DCllr Mrs. S Martin, CCllr F Whetstone, Clerk T Allen and Asst. Clerk Mrs. J Bradford.

A. Public session – In attendance, Professor David MacGowan.

The Chairman welcomed Professor MacGowan to the meeting.

Professor MacGowan expressed his gratitude, as a parishioner for all the work that the Council have achieved on behalf of the community. The Chairman thanked Professor MacGowan for his kind words.

1873. To approve apologies for absence and to note other non-attendance – CCllr A Reid, Cllr Mrs. C Flittner, Cllr R Galley, Cllr J Handley, Cllr K Ogden, DCllr N Buck and DCllr M Hoy.

1874. Declarations of Interests – Re. Item 1881. Payments for Approval; Cllr Barlow regarding the NWCTP payment.

1875. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th March 2011:-

1. For adoption - Correction to the minutes held on 15^th March 2011: Cllr R Street was not added to the minutes as being ‘present’ at the meeting.  It was resolved to adopt the minutes as amended.

2. Matters arising from these minutes – None.

(It was resolved to take Item 1876.2 at this point).

1876. Reports by and questions to:-

2. District Councillors – DCllr Mrs. Martin reported on the following topics:-

• South Downs National Park
• Wealden District Council Single Site HQ
• District Council Elections

DCllr Mrs. S Martin reported that she was retiring as a Councillor for Wealden District Council after eight years, the last two as Chairman. DCllr Mrs Martin noted that she has enjoyed her time as a District Councillor and especially working with Maresfield Parish Council.

The Chairman thanked DCllr Mrs Martin for her kind words and for her support over the years.

(DCllr Mrs Martin left the meeting)

1. County Councillors – CCllr Whetstone noted the following points:-

• The finalised County Council budget has not highlighted anything additional, with schools provision as expected.
• Dr Hew Prendergast has resigned as Ashdown Forest Superintendant.

The Chairman made a request to County Councillors for an explanation of the practical consequences that have resulted from the new budget, particularly where cut backs have been made.

1877. Parish Wards – issues, needs and Councillors’ reports:-

1. Fairwarp Ward – Cllr Mrs. Reeves reported of the following points:-

• Grit Bins – It was noted that a proportion of the community in Fairwarp are unhappy with the chosen colour of the grit bins, being yellow, and have enquired as to why an addition of £60.00 would be needed to supply green bins instead, as these can be sourced at no extra cost. It was noted that this matter is in hand with the Fairwarp Community Society. The Clerk noted that the issue was also in hand with ESCC, having been raised at the recent SLR meeting.
• Licensing hearing for Hendall Manor, Herons Ghyll – It was noted that this hearing is to be held at the Uckfield Civic Centre on Thursday 28^th April at 10am.  It was noted that there is a fair amount of community objection to this proposition.

Cllr Reeves enquired if this hearing would fall into the Parish Council’s remit?  The Chairman explained that this matter was in the remit of the Planning Committee, and it was resolved that  Cllrs Bergan-Gander, Reeves and Street should meet to discuss the matter and with power to delegate to one of them to attend this hearing and speak on behalf of the Council if thought necessary.  ACTION: Cllr Bergan-Gander, Reeves and Street

• Fairwarp Sports Field – It was noted that the Charity Commission has now accepted the application to it become a registered charity, and they will be putting together a questionnaire which will enable villagers to provide information and support  and to enable successful funding to take place.

Cllr Bergan-Gander reported on vandalism which has taken place at Fairwarp football ground in recent weeks.  It was thought that regular police presence in the area may deter such goings on.  ACTION:  Clerk to liaise with our local PCSO Mark Carter.

2. Maresfield Ward – The following points were discussed:-

• Parklands Play Area – Cllr G Brady raised concern to reports that the new sand pit at the play area was being used by local cats and foxes to defecate and urinate in.  It was understood that this issue was paramount to Health and Safety, and dangerous to all that use it.  It was also reported that younger children in the community cannot play on the apparatus as it seems to be designed with larger, older children in mind. It was noted that NPRA may soon be disbanding due to lack of support  ACTION: Cllr Mrs Brady and Cllr Mrs Reynolds with Ellie Boultbee and Craig Black and the Contractors of the play area to discuss the matters further.
• Cllr Gutteridge made note of the lively Planning Meeting held on the 28^th March 2011 highlighting the planning application for the redevelopment of the site for up to 170 residential units on land to the south of Maresfield recreation ground was of great concern to the community. 
• The Chairman reported on his attendance at the opening of the new Maresfield Bowls Club Pavilion noting that that £36k had been raised to provide this splendid addition. 
• The Chairman reported that he had visited the re-developed Parklands Play Area, noting that it was being well used.
• The Chairman reported that he had heard from Mrs J Sensier, Secretary of MRGC, that the sports clubs are working well together for the smooth running of Maresfield Recreation Ground.
• The Chairman referred to the new ‘Stepping Stones’ Pre School at Bonners, noting that this is an excellent new facility.

3. Nutley Ward – Cllr Harris reported on an article in a recent edition of the local Courier newspaper, on speeding motorists and speed camera misdemeanours.  It was reported that the speed camera in Nutley High Street took second place, to Halland, Nr Uckfield in the league table of speeding motorists summonses, with a total of 1321. Cllr Barlow noted that the camera had no effect on the northbound traffic speeding.

1878. Council bodies - To receive minutes and decisions, followed by reports from Chairmen and any questions:-
1. Environment Committee.

I. Environment Action Report – It was noted that the ongoing actions are currently well covered.

II. Provision of grit bins report – It was noted that the remaining actions are in    hand with ESCC.

III. Summary notes of the ESCC SLR meeting held on 8^th March 2011 – This report was noted.

IV. To give consideration to the cancellation of the Committee’s meeting scheduled for 26^th April 2011 – It was resolved that this meeting should not be cancelled at this stage as it may have to be held, depending on the outcome of Cllr’s discussions with the Parklands Play Area representatives concerning current play area issues. It was AGREED that the Clerk should liaise with the Chairman regarding the Play Area situation and the decision to proceed or not with the meeting should then be taken by the Clerk.

2. Finance & Administration Committee:-

I. Month 12 –2010/11 Interim Financial Reports and accruals – Noted.  Cllr Gutteridge stated that he had nothing to add to the circulated minutes, which adequately reported on ongoing matters.

II. Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th February 2011 – Received.

Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th April 2011 – Noted.

It was noted that the finalised 2010/11 annual financial accounts should be approved at the next Full Council Meeting; and that Cllr Handley is in the process of conducting the Clerk’s annual appraisal. 

3. Planning Committee:-

I. Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th March 2011 – Received.

II. Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th March 2011 – Noted.

Cllr Harris reported on the Planning meeting where application WD/2011/0366/MEA for Barratt Homes was discussed for the outline application for the redevelopment of the site for up to 170 residential units on the land to the south of Maresfield Recreation Ground.  The Chairman noted that the Committee had given a high quality review of this application.

It was noted that planning permission for the current siting of the Maresfield Post Office had been made permanent by WDC, which is an important factor for the residents of Maresfield and neighbouring villages.

4. Maresfield Recreation Ground Access Sub-Committee.

To discuss and agree the way forward and for the approval and authorised signing of any legal documents approved by the Council’s Solicitor relating to the securing of this access – The Chairman reported that due to problems associated with the drafting and final preparatory work towards the legal documents, conclusion of this matter is a little way from completion.  It was noted that the implications of the accuracy of these legal documents is so significant that they should only be approved by Council on the explicit advice of its Solicitor.

5. Parish Plan Working Party – Cllr Reeves made note of the meeting of the Working Party held on the 23^rd February 2011.  The following points were noted:-

• The results of the analysis of the questionnaires showed that almost all respondents were 61 years of age and over, with very little representation from younger people.
• The Working Party came up with six topics which could be used as the basis of a shorter statement to take out to the community at village fetes, play groups and coffee mornings, to seek further feedback.  These topics are:
  1. GP services within the area
  2. Public Transport
  3. Road Safety
  4. Facilities
  5. Vulnerable, elderly, people with disabilities
  6. Young mothers, young unemployed.

(It was resolved to take item 1878.6 at the end of the meeting)

1879. To receive a report from, and put questions to the Chairman – The Chairman noted that he had only recently returned from a long holiday.

The Chairman noted that earlier in the meeting he had reported on his attendance at the opening of the new Maresfield Bowls Club and the re-developed Parklands Play Area.

The Chairman reported on a recent incident at Brown Brook, Fairwarp, where a tree protected by a TPO had been illegally damaged, and his talk with DCllr Hoy regarding WDC’s role in enforcement of TPOs; noting that it was expected that WDC will prosecute this matter fully

1880. To receive a report from, and put questions to the Clerk – The Clerk’s report was noted with no further matters raised.

(CCllr Whetstone left the meeting).

1881. Payments for approval - Payments amounting to £7785.21 were approved.

1882. Correspondence:-

1. Mr J Mason re. Southern Water works on Maresfield Recreation Ground resulting from the Storm Homes planning application – Cllr Street questioned whether the Council should profit from such utility works which were to improve facilities for the village. It was noted that the Council’s position in this matter needed to be fully understood. ACTION: Clerk to investigate.

2. Mr B Sidwell re. fundraising for the Nutley War Memorial Hall – Noted.

1883. Communications – web site; ‘Your Parish Brief’; Parish mag’s – The Clerk requested that all final reports from Committee Chairmen for the Annual Parish Report are submitted as soon as possible.

1884. 2011 Annual Assembly and Village Fetes – The Clerk noted that Mr Trevor Leggo, Director of SALC has confirmed his attendance for the Annual Parish Assembly next month.

The Chairman noted that the matters of concern relating to the Parklands Play Area may need to be raised by Cllrs in their reports at the Annual Assembly.

1885. Date of next meeting – Annual Meeting of Council, 17^th May 2011, Maresfield Village Hall.

The Chairman thanked the Clerk, the Asst. Clerk and his fellow Councillors for their sterling efforts and support over the Council term and wished retiring Councillors well. 

To give consideration to the next item being discussed in closed session; that in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, i.e. an employment matter, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and that they are instructed to withdraw.

1878.6. Employment Costs Review Working Party – It was resolved that take this item should be taken in closed session. The Clerk and Asst. Clerk left the room. This item is minuted separately and is confidential.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20.50.