Minutes of the meeting of Maresfield Parish Council held on Tuesday 17^th January 2006,

in the Village Hall, Maresfield

Present:         Cllr W King (Chairman), Cllr H Fry, Cllr J Gutteridge, Cllr G Hardy, Cllr K Ogden,
Cllr T Sparrow, Cllr C Stephens, Cllr C Stevenson, Cllr R Street, Cllr P Tester, Cllr R Tester, DCllr F Brown, CCllr A Reid, CCllr F Whetstone, Mr T Allen (Clerk)
and Mrs C Goossens (Asst Clerk)

Ms Kathy Watson (Sussex Express) and Mrs Cynthia Flittner.

1027    Public Session – None.

1028    Apologies for absence – DCllr Mrs S Martin, DCllr Buck, DCllr Mrs P Kennedy, DCllr Hollins[W L K1] 
and Cllr Mrs S Weekes.

1029    Declarations of interest – None.

1030    Minutes:-

1.      Minutes of the Council meeting (20 December 2005) for adoption – Adopted.

2.      Matters arising from these minutes – None.

1031    Reports by and questions to:-
Cllr King congratulated the County Council for the pavement widening work in Nutley High Street which is virtually finished.  The works have made a huge improvement and were completed quicker than expected.

1.      County Councillors

CCllr A Reid reported the following:

·         At a Cabinet meeting at the end of this month he will present his budget recommendation for 2006/07 and this will then go to Full Council on 21^st Feb.  £18 million worth of costs have been added to the budget.  The Governments grant for East Sussex totals  £1.4 million, there is subsequently a shortfall of £16.6 million, which will be funded in part via increased efficiencies, a reduction of services and an expected increase in council tax of between 4% and 5%.

Mrs Cynthia Flittner joins the meeting.

·         Grant settlements for the next two years have been fixed.  Of the 35 County Councils across England, 50% are now supported by the guaranteed minimum increase in their contribution.  All County Councils receive a 2% increase in the grant from Central Government.  However, RPI is 5.5[W L K2] % and therefore the Government is not making increases in line with current rates of inflation.  Funding which in the past was used to help with borrowing is now directly at the cost of the local ratepayer, which is having a profound effect, for example with reference to the ability to rebuild Tideway School and the building of a link road around Hastings/Bexhill.

·         Adult Social Care and waste management continue to be the sectors with the most rapidly rising costs.  East Sussex has the highest proportion of over 85’s in Southern England and the bid to move away from putting rubbish in the ground towards methods of processing it result in increased expenditure.

·         The organisation contracted to look at the business case review for the reinstatement of Lewes to Uckfield line have just submitted their scoping report and its contents are thought to be encouraging.  The findings should be in the public domain in the next few weeks.

·         Maresfield and Buxted Parish Councils are to be congratulated on their notes from the meeting they held with Police Authority Representatives, with particular thanks to William King and Alison Crowe for what appears to have been a hugely helpful and positive meeting.  Secondly, it would seem that the message of rural parishes is beginning to have some impact with regard to the Forward Policing Plan, and is being noticed amongst those who could have an effect on its outcome.

·         DCllr Brown enquired whether with reference to the Nutley pavement widening and the flooding on the pavement outside of Post Office, the necessary work has been done to prevent this from happening again. The Clerk to raise this with ESCC.
CCllr Reid reported that John Strover has said that drains all the way along the A22 need replacing.

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·         Cllr Fry enquired of CCllr Reid why, with a budget requirement of £18 million, and with ESCC delivering the same services the increase is so much greater than rate of inflation. 
CCllr Reid stated that an increase of 9% in Council Tax would facilitate funding of the whole amount.  The increase can be accounted for in part due to salary increases of 3% at ESCC as per the national standard, an increase in the demand and subsequent cost of adult social care and care for vulnerable children with special education needs and the essential funding of the waste contract.  Furthermore, the recent increases in fuel costs have added approximately £1million to the budget for the coming year.

·         CCllr Reid stated that the EU Waste Management directive does not apply to East Sussex because our plan is already in motion.  West Sussex is approximately 3 years behind East Sussex in terms of waste management planning.  Furthermore, with particular reference to the Onyx application, to date it has been less than complete, which has resulted in the committee being unable to make a balanced decision either one way or the other.

·         Cllr Fry stated that with reference to CCllr Reid’s comments about the Police Authority, he was very glad to note Peter Jones (Chairman of Police Authority) has looked upon the efforts of both Maresfield and Buxted Parish Councils favourably.  As far as progressing policing plan this year is concerned, Cllr Fry feels that Peter Jones is the only member of the Police Authority who has thus far been involved and that other members of the Police Authority ought to be up to speed and have a say as to what goes into the plan.

·         Cllr R Tester stated that he had heard many comments/complaints regarding the cutting back of trees and vegetation at the Batts Bridge roundabout and that the work carried out is likened to vandalism.  Similar work has been carried out all the way to Forest Row.  Furthermore, because the work hasn’t been done properly, there are loose bits which will eventually fall off onto the road.  County Council was responsible for planting trees far too close to the carriageway and Cllr R Tester hopes that in the longer term such planting will not be repeated.
CCllr Reid said that this was the cheapest way to achieve visibility and that come August it will no longer be noticeable.

ACTION:  Clerk to write to ESCC Highways on this matter.

It was Agreed to send a letter to Cllr Matthew Lock to congratulate him on the efficient and speedy manner with which the Nutley Pavement widening project was carried out. 

ACTION:  Chairman

[W L K3] 

2.      District Councillors

DCllr Brown reported the following:

·         Wealden District Council has seen staffing changes over the last few months which may result in lower numbers of personnel.

·         There has still been no definite decision with regard to moving part of WDC’s operation from Pine Grove to Hailsham.

·         The Planning department is currently looking at its processes and in particular delegated powers.

Cllr King noted with reference to the staffing changes raised by DCllr Brown, that at the Parishes Conference in late November 2005, this was reported by the Chief Finance Officer and there is some concern amongst the parishes that Wealden is now understaffed.  Cllr King further reported that he has written to Nigel Coltman, who recognises the issue and is trying to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter with him.

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1032    Council bodies: Actions, minutes and reports by, and questions to, Chairmen:-

1.      Environment & Maintenance
Cllr P Tester reported the following:

·         The Parklands Play Area equipment issue cropped up again at the last meeting and there were some suggestions for tackling the matter as recorded in the draft minutes.

·         The Batts Bridge Road bus shelter remains an ongoing issue and the Parish Council is still negotiating with the insurance company to see if it can get sufficient funding to use a more durable / vandal proof material for the repair work.

                                                   i.      Access to Maresfield Recreation Ground – latest position
Cllr Street reported the following:  An emergency meeting was called to deal with the response from our solicitors recommending a certain course of action, and to discuss whether we thought it was correct to follow their advice.  It was considered that the Parish Council ought to be more receptive to the suggestion of negotiation with the holder of the right of way.  The Parish Council has now agreed that our solicitor will send a letter to Mr Watts’ solicitor stating that we will pursue what we perceive to be our right of access.   Mr Watts has not to our knowledge implemented his threat to put a gate across the entrance to the recreation ground.  Furthermore, we are seeking to register our Right of Way and may also be advised to register ownership of the recreation ground itself.

                                                 ii.      Fencing / Extended grazing of the Forest –Cllr Hardy gave a brief explanation as to the history of this item.   It was noted that although the Clerk of the Conservators is becoming increasingly aware of the general need for greater consultation with those Parishes bordering the Forest, Maresfield Parish Council would like to be consulted by the Board of the Conservators with reference to all future plans for the Ashdown Forest.
CCllr Reid stated that he is unaware of any scheduled consultation meetings but feels that the Conservators will want to speak with both the Commoners and Parish Councils prior to issuing formal proposals. 

 

The Clerk reported that in the papers circulated prior to the meeting, there is a copy of a letter sent to Dr Prendergast from Environment & Maintenance Committee and a note from Cllr Hardy regarding the latest position on the Parklands Play Area.

2.    Finance & Administration

                                                  i.      Month 9 Financial Reports

Cllr Street reported that there has been no meeting of the committee since last Full Council.  There is nothing in the month 9 accounts about which Councillors should be anxious.  A number of anomalies in the figures have been spoken about before.  The budget is on target to end the year as reported at the last meeting when  it was agreed together with the precept.

3.    Planning

Cllr Ogden referred Councillors to minutes of the Planning Committee meeting of 3^rdJanuary.  It was noted that planning has moved into a new era of operation, with Wealden District Council inviting Parish Councils to attend when  WDC carry out their site visits.  This is a big step forward.

i.     Proposal to ‘call-in’ the WDC decision to include the housing allocation at Park Farm, Maresfield, in the Revised Draft Local Plan
Cllr King expanded on his note (14^th December 2005) previously circulated to Council prior to the December 2005 meeting, and asked Councillors for their feedback with regard to advantages and disadvantages of his proposed course of action.

Advantages/Disadvantages/Comments:-

·         A degree of cooperation may be lost between Wealden District Council and the Parish Council.

·         An advantage of plans as they stand is that in the fairly near future, there is going to be an increase in housing for those in the villages who need it.  Adoption of Cllr King’s proposed revised strategy means that the building of these houses will be delayed.

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·         If the Parish Council believes that if this is the right way forward for our community then one would assume that WDC will consider our request on this basis.

·         [W L K4] It was noted that 34 houses on the Park Farm development would be for the benefit of those on Wealden’s list not just Maresfield Parish people.

·         It would be advantageous to ensure that the correct infrastructure/access etc. is put in place and that a well thought out plan for the area is put together.

·         It must be emphasised that Maresfield Parish Council does not object to an allocation of housing for Maresfield.  The reference to the  25% allocation in the village does not tally with what was said in the County Structure Plan -  this is a point about WDC's Local Plan not conforming with requirements, not a NIMBY or sour grapes point.

·         CCllr Reid stated that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is very keen to see housing growth numbers accelerated in the South East both in delivery time and the numbers available.  However, it is very important that the density, design and infrastructure to go with houses is carefully considered and implemented.  Furthermore, in his opinion, Maresfield Parish Council can make a very strong case in this regard, especially in light of its previous work on the Village Plan.  Maresfield Parish Council could make some very strong and progressive points.

·         By “calling in” this decision, the Parish Council is doing the right thing by the people of Maresfield who were against this plan and the way it was created. 

It was Agreed  unanimously[W L K5]  to ‘call-in’ Wealden District Council’s decision to include the housing allocation at Park Farm, Maresfield, in the Revised Local[W L K6]  Plan.

 

4.    Policy Committee
It was noted that the Chairman of this Committee, Cllr Leaney, is unwell.  The Clerk reported that the latest minutes were circulated at the beginning of the meeting.
            i.    Review of Parish Councillors Allowances – The Clerk reported that having spoken with SALC, NALC and other Councils, the general feedback is that very few Parish Councillors claim allowances.  The Clerk has written to Phylida de Sallis on the Wealden remuneration panel and to Charles Hendry MP stating Maresfield Parish Council’s position and asking for their response i.e. we don’t want an allowance for being Councillors but rather a facility whereby those Councillors who incur costs are be able to claim for them.

It was noted that DCllr Brown should be invited to attend the next Policy Committee meeting when the definition of “Affordable Housing” will be discussed.  The Committee is seeking Affordable Housing allocation on a more relaxed basis in rural areas i.e. small developments of two or three houses on the outskirts of the villages as the opportunity for such within villages is very limited. 

ACTION:  Clerk to alert DCllr Brown to the date of the next Policy meeting.

5.    Strategy Sub-Committee – Cllr Sparrow reported that the draft minutes of the last Strategy Sub-Committee meeting were circulated with the meeting papers and that the current key projects are as follows:

·         Youth – Pilot studies have been carried out but as yet the sub-committee has been unable to move forward to something more permanent, however, work is currently progressing on a Nutley one off event and on the provision of an ongoing youth facility in the village.

·         Health – Work is progressing with a view to getting the Primary Care Trust to look at the possibility of creating a sub-surgery in Nutley.  A meeting has been arranged with Mr Bob Deschene at Sussex Downs & Weald PCT for the end of this month, with a view to discussing the matter further.

·         Elderly and Carers – The Sub-Committee is constantly making sure that these groups have everything they need, especially as they are not known to come forward and ask for assistance.  Cllr Fry as Chairman of the Wealden Senior Citizens Partnership provides a useful contact with the elderly and those charged with furthering their interests. 

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·         Website – Management of this is due to be taken in house by the end of January.  All Parish Councillors were encouraged to look at the website and revert to the Parish Office with any useful comments or additional information.

·         Wealden Easylink Bus – The County and District Councillors were urged to alert Parish Council’s around Maresfield, Buxted and the villages around Crowborough, to the fact that we would like representation from them in discussions regarding the creation of a Crowborough based community transport network.  These parishes have already been invited to send a representative to the next Easylink meeting to be held on 31^st January.

CCllr Reid encouraged the Parish to communicate its interest in a Community Bus directly with Cllr Matthew Lock at ESCC. 

ACTION:  Clerk to invite Matthew Lock to the next Easylink Meeting.

6.    Traffic & Transport Committee
Cllr R Tester confirmed that there has been no meeting since last Full Council and that there was therefore nothing new to report.

Cllr King confirmed that he has chased Chief Inspector Blaker with reference to the “new“ Speedwatch i.e. incorporating the possibility of enforcement.  As yet he has received no response and therefore needs chasing once again. ACTION:  Clerk.

 

1033    Outside bodies’ reports
The Clerk reported the latest minutes for the Ford’s Green Management Committee were circulated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Wealden District Association of Local Councils

The Parishes of Wealden will be strongly represented on the project board overseeing the preparation of the District Statement of Community Involvement, a key stage in the preparation of the Local Development Framework.  Local representatives will include one from this Parish and probably one from Buxted.   At its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) WDALC is likely to hear a report from the new Police Commander for Wealden that the number of Police Community Support Officers will increase this year in Sussex.  There will also be moves to base them in their communities(!) and the police will be looking for suitable shared office accommodation from which each PCSO can operate, rather than having to book on and off at a police station.

Action in rural Sussex/SALC

These two organisations have been closely involved in the development of the County Local Area Agreement (LAA).  The actual agreement still has to be finalised but the inclusion of Village Appraisals (Plans) and Quality Councils as a priority target is proving difficult for GOSE (Government Office of the South East) to handle.  If such a target cannot be agreed, it will make a mockery of the government's policy to get more Quality Parish Councils.

Local Strategic Partnership

The LSP is finalising a tighter package of objectives for the partners to achieve – objectives which are recognisable to the community and which directly reflect community needs as demonstrated by Parish/Village Appraisals.  However future work could be dramatically curtailed if ESCC  cut the funding of East Sussex LSPs by not passing on the "second homes" money.  This would renege on an agreement of only two years ago when all the District Councils, the Sussex Police Authority, the East Sussex Fire Authority and the County Council pledged their shares of the second homes money to the work of the county and six district/urban LSPs in East Sussex.

It was approved in principle that accommodation for PCSO’s in the Parish itself would be provided if possible.  ACTION:  Cllr P Tester and the Clerk to propose sites for accommodating PCSO’s in the community and all Councillors to make suggestions as well.

 

. Council Minutes 17 January 2006                                                                                     Page 6

Maresfield Conservation Group

·         The Secretary, Michael Wheeler, has recently met with Persimmon Homes and saw an outline plan for the Park Farm development.  He reported it was an interesting outline plan but emphasised the opposition of the residents in the Park Farm area.

·         In considering the revised Onyx application the Conservation Group has agreed that the amendments to the application are so minor that its position has not changed and it still objects.

·         The results of a recent survey among Conservation Group members regarding the  prioritisation of traffic calming measures in the village will be fed into the T&T Committee by Peter Knivett.

1034    Questions to Chairman – No report.
CCllrs Whetstone and Reid leave the meeting.

1035    Clerk's Report  -

• The Clerk apologised for the omitting to circulate the attachments referred to in his report and confirmed that they will be circulated in due course.
• With reference to the publication of draft minutes on the website, it was considered to be very important for parishioners to be aware of recent proceedings in committee and sub-committee meetings, and the publication of draft minutes on the website would facilitate this.  It is essential that prior to being posted on the website, all draft minutes have been reviewed by the relevant Chairman and that it is made very clear that these draft minutes are un-adopted.  It was Agreed by all that draft minutes should be put on the website with immediate effect.

1036    Payments to be made for approval – Payments totalling £7,336.75 were Agreed.

1037    Quality Council submission – progress update

• Clerk’s submission – all modules have now been completed, the review process is underway and the final submission is expected to be made before the end of January 2006.
• Council’s submission – a timetable for the Council’s submission was circulated with the meeting papers and completion is scheduled for mid-March.

1038    Communications

1.      The Parish Matters – winter edition – Submissions deadline 30^th January 2006
The Assistant Clerk gave an update.

Date of next meeting 21^st February 2006 (Nutley)

There being no further business the meeting ended at 21.11.