Minutes of the Maresfield Parish Council meeting

held on Tuesday 18th October 2011 at 7.30pm in Nutley Memorial Hall

Present:  Cllr R Street (Chairman), Cllr K Ogden, Cllr D Watson, Cllr G Snashfold, Cllr M Craddock,

Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander, Cllr R Street, CCllr A Reid, DCllr R Galley, DCllr P Roundell and the

Asst Clerk Mrs J Bradford.

A. Public Session – Mr Fred Taylor in attendance as the Chairman of the Maresfield Residents Association (MRG), Mr and Mrs. Turner and Mr Kyle, all residents of Maresfield.

The Chairman welcomed the members of public to the meeting.

Mr Fred Taylor spoke on behalf of the Maresfield Residents Association.  The following points were raised:-

• The Barratts Strategic application was seen by the MPC Planning Committee in March this year, where both Cllr Ogden and Cllr Mrs. Reynolds and many local residents of Maresfield expressed the views that this application should be rejected by WDC.
• At the WDC Planning meeting on the 22^nd September 2011 WDC Planning Officers recommended refusal to the application submitted by Barratt Strategic, WD/2011/0366/MEA.  It was noted that both Cllr Ogden and Cllr Mrs. Reynolds spoke in favour of the application contrary to their previous views.  It was noted that the reasons given by both Cllr Mrs. Reynolds and Cllr Ogden in favour of this application was the possibility of gaining affordable homes in the Parish and the benefits that may be achieved from S106 monies which this large development could provide.
• It is felt that Parish Councillors should try to reflect the views of their Parishioners, and to inform Parishioners if their views to certain issues i.e. planning issues were about to change.
• The MRG expressed the need for Parish Councillors to echo Parish Council decisions at District level.

Mr Kyle noted that it was his belief that Parish Councillors have a moral duty to take forward initial decisions that they make in all areas of their duties, and he requested that Cllr Ogden explain his reasons as to why he changed his mind, and voted in favour to this application WD/2011/0366/MEA at District level, or vice versa at Parish level.  Mr Kyle requested that if he were to write to the Clerk at the Parish Office to ask for a response to the reasoning behind Cllr Ogden and Cllr Mrs. Reynolds change of views that would he receive a reply to this?

Mrs. Turner enquired if there were other Parish Councillors that represented the Maresfield Ward.

Cllr Ogden noted that he was not able to cast a vote to the application WD/2011/0366/MEA at the WDC Planning meeting as he is a Parish Councillor for the Maresfield Ward; however Cllr Mrs. Reynolds could have voted if she had wished as she represents Crowborough Town at District level.

Cllr Ogden made no further comment on this matter.

Cllr Watson reported that it is the WDC Standards Board Committee that can tackle various issues raised by Parishioners.

It was noted that District Councillors are not bound by decisions that they may make at Parish level.

The Chairman introduced Mrs. Penelope Handley to the meeting, and noted that her personal statement was attached to the meeting papers for Councillors consideration. 

Cllr Craddock enquired that Mrs. Handley was happy to represent the Nutley Ward in the Parish Council.  Mrs. Handley stated that she would be happy to represent the Nutley Ward.

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

1960. To vote for the co-option of a new Councillor to fill one of the Council’s vacancies – The

The Chairman proposed Mrs. P Handley for co-option as a new Councillor; this was seconded by Cllr Ogden.  Mrs P Handley was unanimously elected. Mrs Handley signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

1961. To approve apologies for absence and to note other non-attendance – Cllr Mrs. G Brady,

Cllr Mrs. C Flittner, Cllr Mrs. L Reeves, Cllr Mrs. C Reynolds, Cllr J Unruh, CCllr F Whetstone,

DCllr N Buck and the Clerk T Allen.

1962. Declarations of interest – None.

1963. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 20^th September 2011:-

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

2. Matters arising from these minutes – None.

1964. Reports by and questions to:-

1. County Councillors – CCllr Reid reported on the following matters:-

• ESCC are progressing on the matter of the manorial waste land at St James Lane, Nutley; with the aim of claiming back the land that has been taken by public encroachment.  One land owner has had access to his land blocked by this encroachment.  It is ESCC intention to work closely and sensitively with the local community to reinstate vehicular access to the lane.
• It was ESCC’s intention to sell the piece of land at Normans Pond in Maresfield to local residents; however this has not been possible.  It was reported that this piece of land is to be sold on the open market.  It was thought that it may be divided into three parts for sale, one of those being the ponds themselves.  The capital that will be made through selling of this land will be put back into the pot for various services in the County.  It was noted that the Parish Council will be kept informed to any interested parties.

Cllr Ogden referred to the value of the piece of land at Normans Pond, in Maresfield and thought that ESCC is asking for a greater sum of money than what it is possibly worth.

• It was reported that there is to be no Land Raise sites introduced into the County in the foreseeable future.  It was noted that the amount of household waste that is produced in the County will have to be disposed of through recycling and the utilisation of the new incinerator plant at Newhaven.  It was reported that a percentage of the County’s waste is exported to a large land fill site in Buckinghamshire; and through sharing facilities in this manner; landfill sites such as this one will complement such activities.
• ESCC are looking into ways to which it could assist smaller businesses in the County to grow and flourish.  It was noted that there are privacy issues in dealing with privately owned businesses, such as regulations, planning issues and access to capital.

2. District Councillors – DCllr Galley reported on the following matters:-

• WDC has welcomed the decision by ESCC by stipulating that no Land raise sites are to be permitted in the County in the near future.  It was noted that detailed discussions have taken place between Eastbourne and Hastings Districts to outsource refuse collections between these areas which it is hoped will save WDC half a million pounds over the next year.  It was noted that WDC spends four million pounds on waste alone in any one year.
• Regarding the Core Strategy, DCllr Galley reported that the presumption of sustainable development is great; noting that a large amount of detailed discussion has taken place at Wealden District Council Planning Dept. and a comprehensive report has been passed back to Govt. for their examination.  DCllr Galley raised the matter of the meeting that was held with the Govt’s Core Inspector.  It was noted that The Core Inspector has challenged the amount of new homes that are currently being built in the District, stating that the figure is insufficient.  It was noted that the Government has stated the requirement for a total of 11,000 new homes to be built in the Wealden District by the year 2026.  DCllr Galley reported that the current WDC figures represent a total of 11,000 new homes to be built by the year 2030; and noted that there are clear reasons to support the case for the longer term for the amount of homes that need to be built.  It was reported that a timetable for this Planning Enquiry was not known, as it was now in the hands of the Inspector, however it is estimated that it may be approximately 4/5 weeks before a report is given.

• DCllr Galley informed Councillors with regards to the Barratts Strategic application WD/2011/0366/MEA that it was his view that if Wealden Planning Committee had voted in favour to this application, then he would have specified that it was against WDC Policy and therefore it should not be allowed.  It could be seen that if the applicant were to re-apply and lower the total number of new homes to be built to approx 50, then the Committee may be more favourable as it would be in line with WDC’s Core Strategy.

Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander noted that she had read the detailed Govt’s Cabinet Report regarding Waste Management, and informed Councillors that WDC may incur financial penalties if it pulls out of the tender which is to take place by December 2011.  Cllr Ogden noted that he attended the Wealden District Council’ Waste Management meeting as a representative of the Maresfield Community Group.

1965. Parish Wards – issues, needs and Councillors’ reports:-

1. Fairwarp Ward – Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander informed Councillors of the ‘Church Yard Clear Up’ that was taking place at ‘Christ Church’ Church grounds in Fairwarp on Saturday’s 22^nd and 29^th October 2011.  It was reported that WDC had kindly donated a green waste bin at the site, and WDC had offered to collect any ‘green’ waste that would be gathered by volunteers on those dates.

It was noted that all grit bin issues that had occurred in the Fairwarp village had now been resolved.

The Fairwarp Community Society is looking at various funding ideas to support the proposed village party to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee next June 2012.

2. Maresfield Ward – Issues surrounding parents who are using the Maresfield Recreation Ground to park their vehicles and walk their children to Bonners CE School was noted and discussed.  It was recognised that this issue needs to be addressed.

3. Nutley Ward – Cllr Watson reported that the drains along the A22 highway through Nutley Village need attention, it was noted that many weeds are visibly growing up through the drains, blocking the way for the rain water to pass.  Cllr Watson enquired if CCllr Reid could take this matter forward to the ESCC Highway’s Dept.

1966. Council bodies - To receive minutes and decisions, followed by reports from Chairmen and any questions:-

1. Finance & Administration Committee – Cllr Ogden took the time to thank the members of the F&A Committee for their time spent and interest shown during the F&A meeting held on the 13^th October 2011. 

i. Month 6 –2011/12 Financial Reports – Noted.

2. Planning Committee:-

i. Minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2011 – Received.

ii. Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd October 2011 – Noted.

3. Environment Committee – The Asst. Clerk noted that she is currently dealing with the action points that were agreed at the Environment Committee meeting on the 6^th September 2011.

4. Maresfield Recreation Ground Access Sub-Committee – Cllr Ogden reported that Mr and Mrs. Watts have recently changed their solicitor, and the required written agreement should shortly be in hand. 

5. Implications of the Localism Bill for the Parish Plan – The Chairman explained the background to the Localism Bill and what it means in relation to the Parish Community Plan.  It was reported that a ‘Village Action Plan’ is the non statutory consultation process which Maresfield Parish Council has endeavoured to complete.  A ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ is a statutory document which would be assessed by a Govt. Officer, and marked on its various factors.

It could be seen that a Neighbourhood Plan is a spatial plan; and the Chairman explained that it was his recommendation that the Parish Council embraces this Plan and develops it; supported by the local community and through a referendum.  It was noted that an appropriate spatial Neighbourhood Plan would give the Parish Council and local Community a far greater opportunity to achieve its goals and represent a sustainable level of development in the Parish.  It was noted that a Neighbourhood Plan is part of Wealden District Council’s Core Strategy, and therefore it should be interlinked with this scheme.  DCllr Galley reported that WDC will be able to support and offer advice on all aspects of our Neighbourhood Plan; but it is mainly a document which will be prepared by us and the local community through referendum. 

It was thought that a new Working Party would be a positive start in getting this project underway.  The following Councillors requested to join this Working Party: - Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander,                       Cllr Mrs. Reeves, Cllr Mrs. Reynolds, Cllr Watson, Cllr Snashfold and Cllr Street.

6. Parish Plan Development Working Party – Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander noted that the Parish Plan questionnaire had currently not been re-distributed through Maresfield village.

7. Parklands Play Area Working Party – The Asst. Clerk informed Councillors that this Working Party has not held a meeting for some time and that she had been dealing with Ellie Boultbee directly on all important issues regarding the Parklands play area.  It was thought that the Parklands Play Area Working Party could be disbanded; it was resolved to disband the Working Party.

8. Outside bodies matters – None.

1967. To receive a report from, and put questions to the Chairman – The Chairman’s report was noted.  He updated Councillors to the WDALC meeting, the WDC conference and the SALC executive meeting that he has attended over the course of September and October 2011. 

1968. To receive a report from, and put questions to the Clerk – It was noted that the Clerk has been away on annual leave recently, so there was no report to raise this month.

1969. Payments to be made - for approval – Payments amounting to £4115.07 were approved.  Two items of payment on the monthly ‘Payments for approval’ list where discussed; it was resolved that payments towards the refuse collection at the MRG pavilion by WDC and the dog bin emptying by WDC should be looked at and put onto the next Environment Committee Agenda for discussion at the forthcoming meeting on the 8^th December 2011.

1970. Communications – web site; ‘Your Parish Brief’; Parish Mag’s – The next edition of the e-newsletter is now due, the Clerk welcomed further articles from all Councillors.

1971. Correspondence:-

1. WDC re. Boundary Commission for England’s review of Parliamentary Boundary Constituencies – The Chairman gave Councillors an overview to the correspondence regarding the ‘Boundary Commission for England’s review of Parliamentary Boundary Constituencies’, noting that the Parish Council could respond to this document if required.  It was resolved that a response to this document was not necessary as it was noted that this review holds no real issues for Maresfield Parish Council.

1972. Date of next meeting – 15^th November 2011 (Maresfield).

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