Minutes of the Maresfield Parish Council meeting

held on Tuesday 20th December 2011 at 7.30pm in Maresfield Village Hall

Present:  Cllr R Street (Chairman), Cllr K Ogden, Cllr D Watson, Cllr Mrs. C Reynolds,Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander, Cllr Mrs. G Brady, Cllr Mrs. L Reeves, Cllr Dr P Handley, Cllr Mrs. C Flittner, Cllr J Unruh, CCllr F Whetstone, the Clerk T Allen and Asst Clerk Mrs J Bradford.

A. Public Session – Mr William King in attendance to speak in relation to item 1991.4.i, regarding MRG access.

1. Mrs Carol Clark from the Citizens Advice Bureau – presentation re. fuel poverty issues.

The Chairman welcomed the members of the public to the meeting, and introduced Mrs. Clark. Mrs. Clark gave a presentation covering the following points:-

• The Fuel Poverty initiative is about being pro active; speaking to the local population to give people support to access the help that they need through the winter months.  Drop in sessions, outreach services and accessing grants and charitable funding are all tasks which the Citizens Advice Bureau can assist with.
• Scottish Power has assigned some funding to the Fuel Poverty Initiative.
• The figure which the Government has set to equate to ‘fuel poverty’ relates to a household spending 10% of their net income on fuel bills.  This figure encompasses a large part of the population.
• It was noted that 40% of excess winter deaths are because of the cold temperatures, where individuals are not sufficiently heating their homes, causing arthritis, colds, flu and rheumatism.  Injuries and accidents are also thought to affect more people in the winter months due to a lack of dexterity.
• The two groups to be aware of are the elderly, and the very young.  In the Wealden District 21.8% of the population is elderly.  Out of 61,000 households, 18,000 of those are elderly pensioners.
• It was noted that the Government has not cut pension credits, which highlights how many elderly people do not claim monies that they are entitled to.

Cllr Unruh noted that a mail shot to residents of the Parish alerting them to this service would be a positive step. The Chairman thanked Mrs. Clark for her presentation, and noted that it is beneficial for the Parish Council to be able to utilise such services as and when they are needed and that they can be promoted in the Council’s electronic newsletter and in the Parish magazines.

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

(Mrs. Clark left the meeting).

2. Other public matters – None.

1986. To approve apologies for absence and to note other non-attendance – Cllr M Craddock,     Cllr G Snashfold, DCllr R Galley, DCllr Buck, CCllr A Reid, DCllr Hardy.

1987. Declarations of interest – None.

1988. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th November 2011:-

1. For adoption - The minutes were adopted as a true record.

2. Matters arising from these minutes – The Chairman noted that in a recent Council meeting Cllr Unruh was to update Councillors to ways of electronic communication e.g. Twitter and Facebook.  It was resolved that this could be done at a later stage.

(It was resolved to take items 1991.4.i and 1991.4.ii at this point).

1991.4. Maresfield Recreation Ground Access Sub-Committee:-

i.              To debate the ongoing situation regarding legalising access and agree way forward.

ii.             Residents and other access and parking issues.

Cllr Ogden reported that the promised signing by the track owners of the required agreement has still not been realised, despite many promises. The Chairman noted that this matter has been live for a considerable amount of time, and important issues now need to be addressed.

Mr William King explained the background history of the issues relating to legalising access at the MRG.  He noted the following points:-

• The track is privately owned by Mr and Mrs. Watts and Gambit Management, and they have historically been working together in this matter.
• An agreement has been reached in principle, although a document has not yet been signed by either party.
• Mr and Mrs. Watts have recently changed their solicitors, which has slowed down the proceedings.
• Mr Clare has reported that he is now taking this matter on personally on behalf of Gambit Management; and has raised additional terms to be added to the agreement.  It was reported that these additions have not yet been properly notified to the Council.

Councillors took the time to discuss the issues regarding both the access to the MRG and the parking difficulties relating to Bonners School parents. The Chairman noted the following options which the Parish Council may choose in relation to dealing with both issues:-

Option1 – The MRG Sub Access Committee to continue to negotiate with Mr and Mrs. Watts and Gambit Management and their solicitors to achieve an agreement for right of access onto the MRG.  It was noted that any additional issues which Gambit Management wishes raise will need to be immediately sought and addressed.

Option 2 – The possibility of working together with ESCC Highways division to site a new entrance from School Hill into the Recreation Ground.  ACTION:  Cllr Ogden to continue to liaise with CCllr Reid and the School and to obtain costings for this work and assess the potential impact on the cricket and football pitches.

Option 3 – Initiate action with the land Registry for Right of Easement across the track onto the MRG land.

It was noted that these options do not specifically tackle the issues regarding the parking issues at the MRG caused by parents of children from Bonners School, which is not legally a Parish Council responsibility; the Council’s position having been clearly set out in an email from the Clerk to the Head Teacher at Bonners School dated 24^th November 2011.

The Clerk noted that the initial planning application for the Bonners pre-school affirmed that parking for parents to drop-off and pick-up would be allowed on site, but once the Pre-School was built an amendment was made to the application without consultation and permission to park at the site was refused.  CCllr Whetstone reported that he had no knowledge of this fact and noted that he would take this matter up with CCllr Reid in due course. Cllr Whetstone noted that the County Council’s responsibility in such matters is not clearly defined and therefore is open to interpretation.

It was resolved that all options at this time should remain open to the Parish Council.

(Mr King left the meeting).

1989. Reports by and questions to:-

1. County Councillors – CCllr Whetstone reported on the topic of superfast broadband facilities in the County.  The following points were noted:-

• ESCC will more than match the Government funding available (BDUK) and is right behind the aim of delivering superfast broadband (2 Mbps +)  to 90% of dwellings by 2015. ESCC is aiming for 100 Mbps for 100% of dwellings and small businesses by 2017.
• ESCC’s Broadband Plan depicting the necessary broadband requirements of the County must be submitted to the Government in February 2012 and it needs input from Parishes regarding demand for this service.
• Contracts for the broadband upgrade work will be let in autumn 2012.
• CCllr Whetstone referred to a hand out which was circulated by Hartfield Parish Council on this topic.  The questionnaire was passed around to all Councillors for general reference.

It was resolved that Maresfield Parish council will take part in this exercise.

2. District Councillors – DCllr Roundell reported that the Wealden District Council LDF Core Strategy was up for examination by the Govt Inspectorate on 17^th January 2012, which could take up to three weeks before a decision is given.  DCllr Roundell reported that the WDC Council Tax level for 2012/13 had been held at the 2011/12 level. DCllr Roundell noted that WDC is preparing for the implications of the new Localism Act.

Cllr Ms A Bergan-Gander enquired to the Joint Waste Procurement Scheme.  DCllr Roundell noted that negotiations on the contracts were ongoing.

Cllr Ogden reported that the discussions were ongoing between the developers at the Park Farm site in Maresfield and land owners with covenants which had limited the number of homes to be built, noting that the new sewage pumping station can now be built. Cllr Ogden confirmed that the affordable homes to be built as part of this development will be for local people in need.

1990. Parish Wards – issues, needs and Councillors’ reports:-

1. Fairwarp Ward – Cllr Ms A Bergan-Gander reported that over the last few months Fairwarp village has had up to six electricity power cuts.  It was also noted that the recent water quality in many homes in the village had been poor; the water company was informed of this fact.

2. Maresfield Ward – The Clerk noted a large pot hole on the highway outside the Chequers hotel in Maresfield.  It has been marked with paint by the ESCC highways division, so it was thought that work would commence on the pot hole shortly. 

Cllr Mrs. Flittner took pleasure in reporting on the large Christmas tree that has been placed by the Church in the centre of the village.

3. Nutley Ward – No issues.

1991. Council bodies - To receive minutes and decisions, followed by reports from Chairmen and any questions:-

1. Finance & Administration Committee:-

i. Month 8 –2011/12 Financial Reports – The circulated cash book, bank reconciliation and management report for month 8 were received and noted.  Cllr Ogden and the Clerk reported that expenditure was as expected and that there were no issues to raise. Cllr Ogden reported that he and Cllr Street had carried out the required audit of accounts.

ii 2012/13 Budget and Precept – discussion and approval – Cllr Ogden introduced the proposed budget and precept considerations for 2012/13, referring to the papers that had been circulated to Councillors.  Cllr Ogden outlined the main points considered by the Committee for the new budget and precept and referred to the table showing three options, i.e. a 0%, 2% or 4% increase in precept.  It was noted that the actual impact in money terms of these increases on Parishioners Council Tax was very small indeed.

Following discussion it was resolved by majority:-

·         To adopt Option 3, representing an increase of 4% on the current budget The level of the new budget would therefore be set at £93923.00, with a precept requirement for 2012/13 of £85206.00 representing an increase of 4% over the current years precept.

·         That the S.137 payments for grants be made as specified.

·         That the allowance in the new budget for the Localism Act be increased from £2500.00 to £3600.00 to cover the AiRS support contract fee.

·         That the amount for legal fees in the new budget to be £2100.00.

·         That retained reserves remain at £30,000.00.

·         That a reduction of 20% be made in grant monies compared with the current financial year

iii. Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th October 2011 – Received.

iv. Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th November 2011 – Noted.

2. Planning Committee – Cllr Ms A Bergan-Gander noted that she had given her apologies for being absent from the Planning Committee meeting that was held on the 5^th December; however this was not noted on the minutes.  ACTION: Asst Clerk to update the minutes of the 5^th December 2011.

i. Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th November 2011 - Received.

ii. Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th December 2011 – Noted.

3. Environment Committee – Cllr Mrs Reeves stated that she had no issues to report.

i. Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th September 2011 - Received.

5. Neighbourhood & Community Parish Plan Development Working Party – To note and approve the outcomes from the meeting held on 1^st December 2011, in particular:-

i. That the new Community Led Plan (CLP) should be developed alongside the new Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) – It was resolved that both the CLP and the NDP should be developed alongside each other.

ii. That the services of AiRS should be engaged to ensure the timely completion of the NDP & CLP – It was resolved to enter into a contract to engage the services of AiRS to ensure the full completion of the NDP and CLP. ACTION: Clerk. Cost savings to be discussed at the Steering Group’s next meeting.

iii. To approve the inclusion of an appropriate amount in the 2012/13 budget to meet the estimated charges for engaging AiRS and other initial costs – It was noted that this had been resolved in the budget discussions earlier in the meeting.

iv. That henceforth the WP is to become the ‘Maresfield Parish NDP & CLP Steering Group’ – This was resolved.

It was noted that DCllr Galley had advised that the production of an NDP was essential for the Parish, to dovetail into the WDC Core Strategy. DCllr Roundell stated that he fully agreed with this.

The Chairman noted that all Councillors will become involved in the Steering Group’s Working Parties. ACTION: Clerk to circulate information on the Localism Act and Neighbourhood Planning.

6. Outside bodies matters:-

i. Ashdown Forest Parishes Liaison Panel – report by Cllr Mrs Reeves.

Cllr Mrs. Reeves reported on recent topics of discussion by the Ashdown Forest Parishes Liaison Panel.  The following points were noted:-

• The Conservators were looking at car parking charges for the Ashdown Forest.  CCllr Whetstone noted that the Conservators were only looking to charge those property owners who regularly park their vehicles on Forest land, and not those that use the Forest for the purpose of leisure activities. It was noted that funding has been secured but that this issue will surface again.
• A significant drop in the number of deer collisions was reported, probably due to increased culling on private estates, and the recent hard winters which have left fewer fawns.
• Dog attacks on sheep and cattle are a continual problem on the Forest.

Cllr Mrs. Brady referred to past incidents of dogs being caught in poachers’ traps. Cllr Mrs. Reeves reported that this subject had not come up in recent meetings.

1992 To receive a report from, and put questions to the Chairman – The Chairman stated that he had nothing to report outside of his Council work during the past month.

1993. To receive a report from, and put questions to the Clerk – The Clerk noted that a Sussex Police ‘Village Surgery’ is to take place at the Parish Office in Nutley on the 22^nd December 2011; involving Police Officer Tim Critchlow and some local residents to discuss any local matters which need action.

1994. Payments to be made - for approval – Payments amounting to £5,016.33 were approved.

(CCllr Whetstone left the meeting).

1995. Communications – web site; ‘Your Parish Brief’; Parish Mag’s – The Clerk noted that the following important topics will be added to Parish communications:-

1. Upgrade of broadband services.
2. Fuel Poverty.
3. New Budget and Precept.

1996. Correspondence:-

1. Uckfield Railway Line Parishes Committee re. ESCC Action Plan for Uckfield Town – The Chairman emphasised the action plan that ESCC has unveiled for the Uckfield Town centre.  It was noted that the Uckfield Railway Line Parishes Committee are requesting support from the Parish Council that the unused track bed at the bottom of the town remains protected for the foreseeable future.

It was resolved that the Parish Council supports this view.  ACTION:  Clerk to inform ESCC of the Council’s support in maintaining the unused track bed in Uckfield Town when the consultation document is received.

1997. Date of next meeting – 17^th January 2012 (Maresfield).

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 21.15.