MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARESFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

held on Tuesday 20^th September 2005 in the Village Hall, Maresfield

Present:         Cllr P Tester (acting-Chairman), Cllr H Fry, Cllr J Gutteridge, Cllr G Hardy, Cllr S Leaney, Cllr K Ogden, Cllr T Sparrow, Cllr R Street, Cllr R Tester, DCllr Mrs P Kennedy, DCllr F Brown, CCllr F Whetstone & the Asst. Clerk Mrs C Goossens.

Public:            Ms Katya Mira (Uckfield Courier), Mrs C Flittner, Ms M Thomas and Mr Paul Madden.

A.  Public Session  Item A2 on the Agenda was taken first.

Mrs P Kennedy asked as to the status of the reinstatement of the hedge on Maresfield Recreation Ground, as she understood that additional planting would be carried out this Autumn, a season rapidly approaching.  Cllr R Tester stated that the matter is hand and that plants will be placed between the existing hedge, although he still has to ascertain the exact species.  Cllr G Hardy supported Cllr R Tester in his update stating that the matter is in hand although the area must first be cleared of rubbish etc. prior to planting.

Mrs C Flittner expressed her concern regarding Wealden District Council’s provision of information about the two outstanding Development Court Cases.  It is her understanding that a decision was expected by the end of July but that this has now been deferred.  The WDC website states that there is no further information available at present, however, the Appeals Office has said that the judgement on these Court Cases will be handed down at a meeting on the 12 and 13 October 2005.  DCllr Mrs P Kennedy stated that this was the first she had heard of the matter.
ACTION:  DCllr Mrs P Kennedy to follow up on the matter.

Cllr Ogden stated that both he and Cllr King have been aware of the situation for the last few weeks.

CCllr F Whetstone joins the meeting.

Ms M Thomas asked firstly if in the Parish Council’s discussions with Wealden District Council regarding the Local Development Framework, it is prepared to publicly support policies EN7 and TN4 of the current Local Plan?  Secondly, does the Parish Council support the proposed strengthening of EN7 which will become NE6 in the revised plan?  If the Parish Council does support these policies, Ms Thomas would like to know why the Planning Committee approved the recent application for holiday chalets at the Nutley Arms.  Finally, Ms Thomas stated that there are a number of policies in place to protect and conserve the Ashdown Forest and it is important for the Parish Council to make clear its support of these protection measures.  Her interest lies in how future planning applications will be viewed in a bid to continue to protect the forest.  ACTION:  Ms M Thomas to send her views in writing to the Parish Office.

The meeting reverted to Item A1 on the Agenda.

The Chairman introduced the three candidates for the role of Councillor and asked them in turn if they wished to provide any further information aside from that on their Personal Statements prior to questions from the Councillors.  Cllr Fry Declared an Interest as a member of the NCG.

Mr John Compson:

• In his work with the Nutley Conservation Group, he has spent much time over the summer, working on the Village Design Statement.  He feels it is important to ensure that this work is integrated with that being carried out on the Local Development Framework.
• Cllr Ogden enquired whether Mr Compson would continue as Chairman of Nutley Conservation Group in the event of his being elected to the Parish Council?

Mr Compson said although he didn’t feel there would be a conflict of interest, it was his intention to stand down from his current position if elected to the Parish Council.

• Cllr Leaney stated that much work has been carried out on the LDF, in part through a number of Focus Groups, he asked Mr Compson what he sees as the key challenges faced by the Parish Council in its LDF work?
  Mr Compson stated that this is an all-encompassing issue and a key factor will be how the Parish Council deals with all the requirements of the LDF.  Furthermore, there is the conflict between development and conservation, although he feels that sensible development is acceptable as long as the necessary steps are taken to preserve at the same time.

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• Cllr Fry enquired of Mr Compson how he felt about the other two villages in the Parish, namely Fairwarp and Maresfield, although standing as a candidate for Nutley Ward?
  Mr Compson said he believed the role of Parish Councillor meant working for the Parish as a whole.
• Cllr Ogden stated that it may be the case that there are up to three meetings each week and asked if this would be a problem?

Mr Compson stated that this would not be an issue for him and that he takes on projects in a wholehearted manner.

Mrs Mollie Smith:

• Stated that Ms Thomas had done a fantastic job prior to her resignation.  Mrs Smith has attended numerous Parish Meetings, is up to date with Agendas and has gained much experience through fighting various planning issues.  She feels that there is a need for greater female representation on the Parish Council and is aware of the views of the numerous female parishioners she regularly comes into contact with.  As a pensioner, Mrs Smith feels she has the time to devote to fulfil the role of Parish Councillor.
• Cllr Sparrow asked Mrs Smith for her view on the subject of preservation versus development?
  Mrs Smith stated that she agreed with Mr Compson and added that there was a need for sensitive development, sympathetic to its surroundings.  Furthermore, she sees the need for the creation of a greater number of smaller sized properties.
• Cllr Hardy enquired whether as a member of the Parish Council, Mrs Smith felt she would have more opportunity to help conserve the forest than she does at present as a Commoner?
  Mrs Smith agreed that this was her view.
• Cllr Ogden stated that Government is keen to develop tourism in the area, including the Forest and asked if Mrs Smith was averse to the concept of “day trippers” to the area and such tourism related development?
  Mrs Smith stated that she was keen for more money to be put toward the upkeep of the Forest itself rather than into projects such as the Forest Centre.

Mr Charles Stevenson:

• Cllr Sparrow posed the question of preservation versus development?
  Mr Stevenson raised the issue of Affordable Housing and the need to fulfil the requirements of the young who wish to continue living in the area and stated that he considered the search for a solution to be key.
• Mr Stevenson added that he is in full time employment but that he is an IT specialist and believes in making IT work for you.
  
   

B.  Council Meeting

1.         To vote for the co-option of a new Councillor- A paper ballot resulted in the co-option of Mr Charles Stevenson to the Parish Council.  The Chairman thanked the other two candidates for their time and interest in the position and welcomed Charles Stevenson to the Parish Council.

ACTION:  Cllr King to write to all candidates thanking them for their interest in the vacancy.

2.         Apologies for absence – Cllr King, Cllr Stephens, DCllr Hollins, CCllr Reid and the Clerk.

3.         Declarations of Interest – None.

4.         Minutes:-

            4.1       Minutes of the Council meeting (19^th July 2005) – Adopted.

            4.2       Matters arising from these minutes – None.

5.         Reports by and questions to:-

            5.1       County Councillors

DCllr Mrs Kennedy leaves the meeting.

CCllr Whetstone made the following points:

• Financial outlook - Looking rather grim for the coming year and previous reference to “Efficiency Savings”, will now in actual effect become “cuts”.

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• Easylink Bus Service – Further to the meeting of representatives from those Parishes affected by the cessation of this service, it is not clear as to the position of those involved i.e. Forest Row have already made arrangements to provide a service to East Grinstead and neither Hartfield nor Withyham seem particularly enthusiastic to pursue the matter further.
• Housing – A recent session has been held regarding the plan produced by SEERA in relation to further housing in Wealden.  A consultation process is underway and an information pack has now been sent to Parish Offices for consideration and feedback.  For the purpose of the consultation, the County has been split between the coastal sub-region and the remainder of the County.  The average number of houses built per year in North Wealden since 1991 is 246 compared to the suggestion that in the 20 year period from 2006, the annual build rate will be 170 new homes i.e. a total of 3,400.  A meeting on the subject led by CCllr Reid, will be held at Uckfield Civic Centre at 7.00pm on 12^th October.  Further information can be obtained from Charmian Allcock at WDC.
  Cllr Ogden stated his concern that these numbers will not make sufficient provision for Affordable Housing requirements.
  CCllr Whetstone was of the opinion that although we do not want to find ourselves in a situation whereby the local young cannot afford to live in the area, an increase in the number of “Council Estates” does not appeal to him.
  Cllr Ogden added that “Council Estates” were the forerunners of Affordable Housing in our villages and many of these homes are now privately owned.

DCllr Mrs Kennedy rejoins the meeting.

• Waste Transfer Site - Cllr Ogden stated that the application process for the Waste Transfer Site at Maresfield has been time and again deferred.  In his opinion the County Officers (not the Elected Members) are providing the opportunity for the applicant to significantly alter plans so as to appease the opposition.  In Cllr Ogden’s opinion this is contrary to how other planning applications are treated.  CCllr Whetstone said that it is his understanding that the correct process has been followed, although he continued by saying that it is his understanding that ESCC is currently attempting to reach an agreement with the contractors responsible for dealing with our waste.  Cllr P Tester stated that CCllr Reid has previously informed the Parish Council that the planning application for the waste transfer site in Maresfield is being dealt with at arms length from those individuals at County Council working on agreements with Onyx regarding waste management.  CCllr Whetstone stated that he was not up to speed with planning issues at this time.  However, having visited an Onyx sorting plant in Hampshire he felt it was very well run and it is important for one to face the fact that there are few other suitable sites with such good access and roads as that at Maresfield.  Cllr Ogden asked CCllr Whetstone to read the relevant papers on the subject prior to any vote he may make in the future on this issue.  DCllr Kennedy asked CCllr Whetstone if he fully understood what the proposed waste transfer station means to the village of Maresfield and the parishioners living within it.
• Water – Cllr Hardy enquired of CCllr Whetstone how high on ESCC’s agenda is the provision of water, for surely, the provision of housing and the subsequent requirement for water go hand in hand?  CCllr Whetstone responded that this is not the responsibility of ESCC. 
  Cllr Sparrow stated that water authorities have a statutory responsibility to provide water wherever it is required.
• Local Area Agreement – Cllr Sparrow asked how funding will be distributed to the County Council’s LAA partners at the end of the three year period if all objectives have been met?  CCllr Whetstone said he lacked confidence in the money actually being forthcoming at the end of the term and was generally uncertain as to what the eventual outcome would be.
• Finance – Cllr P Tester asked whether the “cuts” previously mentioned by the County Councillor were likely to be staff cuts or service cuts?  CCllr Whetstone stated that at this stage these are general “cuts” in the budget and he is not at liberty to say what the eventual outcome will be.

CCllr Whetstone leaves the meeting.

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5.2       District Councillors

DCllr Mrs Kennedy made the following points:

·         With reference to Mrs Flittner’s earlier comments regarding the handing down of the judgement of the two outstanding development cases, DCllr Mrs Kennedy having just spoken with the Chief Executive of WDC, confirmed that he too is unaware of the situation.  She confirmed that the matter would be looked into the following morning.

·         Oakwood Park – Cllr Ogden asked if there had been any conditions placed on this planning application when approved for delegation by DCllr Mrs Kennedy?
DCllr Mrs Kennedy confirmed that she had placed conditions on this application specifying essential changes to enhance the safe entrance and egress of vehicles both to and from the property i.e. no traffic may enter turning right onto the property or exit to the right from it, thus preventing vehicles from crossing either carriageway.  This will be enforced by the introduction of concrete kerbing and the relevant signage, all of which is in line with Highways Regulations.
DCllr Mrs Kennedy added that the site has permission to hold “Quiet” events on only 28 days of the year.  Each “Quiet” event is equal to one day out of the 28 day allowance, but should the site be used for “Noisy” pursuits i.e. activities involving engines, this uses up 2 days of the 28 day entitlement.  ACTION:  Clerk to obtain calendar of events for the site and monitor use of entitlement to date.
Cllr Leaney enquired as to whether any works have been recommended to remove the slope on the exit from the property.  DCllr Mrs Kennedy confirmed that the slope will be ramped up and properly graded.

DCllr Brown made the following points:

·         Many council houses are now bought and privately owned mainly due to the high cost of general housing.  To enable the young to purchase a house costing around £200,000 it necessitates a salary of approximately £40,000 per annum.  Councils are no longer permitted to buy houses, meaning greater reliance on the Housing Association.
Cllr Leaney added that the figure quoted by CCllr Whetstone of 170 houses per annum is General Demand Housing and that the needs of today’s young doesn’t feature in the equation.  Furthermore, the Parish Council is aware of the “need” in our Parish and is supportive of it, although this is not necessarily the case when it comes to the issue of “demand”.  Cllr Leaney added that WDC often approves planning applications for the demolition of small properties to be replaced by larger dwellings, which in his mind, is contrary to current policy.  DCllr Mrs Kennedy disputed this fact noting that policy exists stating that dwellings which are cannot be sold may be demolished and re-built.
DCllr Brown concluded that a little less policy and little more common sense is required when considering the matter of housing provision.

·         WDC is currently looking at ways of becoming a more effective and cost efficient Council, hopefully without any increase in Council Tax.

Ms M Thomas and Mr Paul Madden leave the meeting.

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

6.1       Business Park Development Sub-Committee

Cllr Street said that he felt thoroughly discouraged by CCllr Whetstones comments with reference to the proposed waste transfer site, especially regarding how the matter is being dealt with by ESCC.  It is clear to him that CCllr Whetstone has preconceived ideas regarding this proposal and has not read the papers on the subject.  In his mind, Cllr Street feels that the Parish

Council ought to make its feelings of dissatisfaction known and take steps to ensure that the matter is being dealt with correctly at ESCC.

ACTION:  Chairman to write letter to Chairman of County Council.

6.2       Civil Protection

Cllr Gutteridge reported this committee’s recent participation in “Exercise Summer Fete”.  There were a number of ongoing challenges which had to be dealt with during the course of the exercise but the “clear-up” operation or aftermath also had to be considered. 

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Although the exercise was rather unrealistic due to being compressed into a couple of hours and the fact that it assumed a member of the Civil Protection team was available to take control, it did flag up some important issues as follows:

·         WDC are not the 4^th Emergency Service but rather a support mechanism

·         The Maresfield Parish Emergency Plan requires updating and in particular the contact information contained within it.

·         A focus on First Aid would be useful for members of the committee with an investment in the relevant training courses.

·         The question of dealing with press involvement and the possibility of advice being sought in this regard.

·         Research into potential helicopter landing sites within the three villages.

·         There are three villages within the Parish and therefore three different scenarios; three individual exercises may be useful.

Cllr Sparrow re-iterated the importance of this committee and urged the Parish Council to put the necessary resource into bringing outstanding actions up-to-speed.  Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of media involvement in the event of an emergency and supports relevant training for the communications team.

6.3       Communications Team - No report provided. Cllr Ogden praised the recent edition of The Parish Matters.

6.4       Environment & Maintenance

·         Committee Membership - Cllr P Tester said there is concern regarding the current structure of this committee, insufficient numbers of Councillors partly resulting from poor attendance has resulted in some embarrassment when meetings have been unable to go ahead in the presence of members of the public.  He asked that the co-option of an additional Councillor to the E&M Committee be considered at the next Council Meeting.

·         Parklands Play Area – The size and location of the equipment continues to cause upset for some residents in Forest Park.  It has been suggested that the play equipment in question is moved to an alternative play site within the parish where new apparatus is required, and a smaller / more appropriate item is installed in Parklands.  Cllr S Leaney stated that the Fairwarp play area is currently being looked at and that they may be able to make use of the apparatus as size is not an issue at the play area in Fairwarp.

ACTION:  Clerk to contact Wendy Green in this regard. 

6.5       Finance & Administration

6.5.1          Month 5 Financial Reports

As at the end of August 35.9% of the budget has been spent at 42% of the year.  Cllr Street reported that there were a number of variations in the actual spend and that after investigation by the F&A Committee they are happy with these. 

With reference to Salaries/Tax/National Insurance, a review of salaries had not been anticipated but this budget item currently stands at 42% spend so all is well.

DCllr Mrs Kennedy enquired whether this deficit would result in an increase in the precept for the coming year.  Cllr Street responded that the aim is not to end up with a deficit, but he continued that an increase in the precept will depend on the finalization of the budget at the end of the year.  However, it is the aim of the Parish Council to remain within the limit increase for precepts as set by Wealden District Council, which was 5% last year.

Cllr Hardy enquired why spend on Insurance is already so high.  Cllr Street said that the Parish Council insurance premium was paid at the beginning of the year and also the excess of £250 had not been taken into account when budgeting.  Cllr Street ensured Councillors that this does not present a problem for this years budget and that it will be taken into account when budgeting for next year.

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6.5.2          Nutley Memorial Hall car park lighting –

Cllr Street informed Council, that the E&M Committee have proposed this light becomes privately owned and be adopted by the Parish Council similar to those in Maresfield Village.  This light is important for visitors to the Social Club, the Memorial Hall and the Tennis Club.  The cost of the necessary works will be £2,000, an amount which is currently in the Traffic and Transport Committee and unlikely to be spent in this financial year.  The Chairman of the T&T Committee is amenable to the use of these funds.  It was proposed by Cllr Street that that the funds currently in the T&T budget should be used to carry out the works on the car park lighting.  This was seconded by Cllr Sparrow and Agreed by all.

6.5.3          Grants and donations policy –

It was Agreed to defer this item until the next meeting. 

ACTION:  Clerk to circulate draft policy in October Council meeting papers.

An additional item not previously on the Agenda was discussed as follows:

Cllr Street informed Council that there are currently some Right of Way issues in relation to Maresfield Recreation Ground on which legal advice may need to be sought at an approximate cost of £600.  Cllr Street recommended that the funds be allocated out of reserves should the need arise and that the Finance & Administration Committee be permitted to take the decision on the level of spend and if it is indeed required.  This was proposed by Cllr Ogden, Seconded by Cllr Hardy and Agreed by all.

6.6       Planning – Cllr Leaney stated he wished to continue discussion of the point raised in the Public Session by Ms Thomas regarding the Planning Committee’s recommendation of approval for the Nutley Arms planning application.  In his opinion the Committee was wrong in it’s decision and he voted against it at that meeting on the basis of policy as outlined in the Wealden Local Plan.  Furthermore, the Planning Committee had recommended refusal for a similar application at Whitehouse Farm.

Cllr P Tester said that the Parish Council is made up of non-professionals and that it should in certain circumstances feel able to make recommendations that go against Wealdens policy if it was thought to be for the good of the Parish.  It is up to Wealden to effect their policies if they disagree with our recommendations.

Cllr Ogden added that although he was not present at the Committee meeting when the Nutley Arms application was discussed, he could see why members may have voted in its favour in light of Tourism policy introduced by the previous government.

Cllr Leaney said that in the revised plan the paragraph relating to Tourism remains the same as it has done in the past.

Cllr Fry enquired whether the Parish Council as a whole could object or over-rule a decision regarding a planning application, already made by the Planning Committee.

If the Parish Council is inconsistent in its decision making on applications, its recommendations will eventually hold less clout.  Can a system be set-up whereby questionable decisions can be revisited?

Cllr Ogden said with reference to the Whitehouse Farm application, that WDC officers did not present DCllr Hollins with all the available facts when seeking his agreement to delegate this application.

Cllr Sparrow – it is not possible to change a decision made by the Planning Committee.  He added that he supported Cllr Leaney in bringing the issue to light and suggested that he raises it again at the next Planning Committee meeting.

Cllr Hardy asked if it might be an issue for the Policy Committee to consider?

Cllr R Tester acknowledged his support for Cllr Ogden with reference to WDC and how they dealt with the recent Whitehouse Farm application.  He would support a complaint by the Parish Council to WDC.

Cllr Ogden proposed that a request is made to WDC to revisit the Whitehouse Farm application.  Cllr R Tester seconded this proposal and it was Agreed by majority.

ACTION:  Clerk to write to WDC in this regard (Copy to DCllr F Brown).

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Cllr Street made reference to CCllr Whetstone’s weighted arguments against Housing Association housing, and implications that housing for young people is something he supports so long as it is for sale.  Cllr Street continued by stating that to his knowledge, young people looking for houses in Fairwarp are looking for cheap rented accommodation, the likes of which is only provided by Housing Associations.  Furthermore, in his limited experience, the Housing Association does a good job.  Finally, Cllr Street felt that the Parish Council should re-state its support of Housing Association housing.

DCllr Mrs Kennedy enquired as to the status of the HOPE sites within the Parish making particular reference to that at Old Forge Lane in Fairwarp.  Cllr Ogden confirmed that this site is still active but that the owners of the houses in this location are fighting against the loss of their “Village Green”.  DCllr Mrs Kennedy enquired whether there are any other potential sites in the Parish.  Cllr Street said that the locals always seem to object to any suggested sites.  Cllr Leaney stated that perhaps the objections were mainly due to the fact that previous proposals had been for 8, 10 or 12 houses whereas acceptance is more likely if there are groups of one or two properties scattered throughout the Parish on various sites.  Cllrs Ogden and P Tester endorsed this idea.

6.7       Policy Committee –

This Committee has not met for some time and there is therefore nothing to report at present.  The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 5^th October.

6.8       Strategy Sub-Committee -
Youth - Received report of the youth bus detailing its 8 weeks in Maresfield. The report outlined requests for more youth activity as was the case with the Nutley report. We urgently need someone to help us get things done for the youth (a parent or someone) We can hire youth worker and get equipment etc if someone will help with the organization.

Website - Almost ready.  Training for clerks to be arranged.

Carers - Parish Council treading carefully and having asked Parishioners if they require assistance, may do no more if there is a continued lack of demand. There are support agencies available to offer assistance if required.

Business - Voluntary group now meets monthly in Nutley. Trying to set up similar groups in Fairwarp and Maresfield.

Health - Excellent research by Cllr King and Fred Thorogood has resulted in approaches to local doctors and PCT to develop dialogue about more local provision of Doctor/health centre services.

Easy-Link - Contrary to the pessimistic statement by CCllr Whetstone the meeting hosted by MPC was very productive and the usage figures plus statements at the meeting confirm that all should be done to keep it running. It needs short-term cash and some will have to come from parish councils but there are also grants and an offer from a Crowborough businessman. Wealden District Council is giving help including an essential increase in marketing the service. Next meeting Tues 27th Sept in Nutley Memorial hall at 7.00p.m.

6.9       Traffic & Transport Committee –

ESCC have put forward £3,000 to keep running the EasyLink service in the short term and the Nutley Pavement Widening project remains ongoing.

7.         Outside bodies’ reports:-

7.1       Ford's Green Management Committee – A request will be submitted to the Parish Council in the near future for financial assistance for necessary drainage works.

7.2       Maresfield Conservation Group – Waste, housing and traffic continue to be the key focus areas.  The outcome of the Ditchling Inquiry is eagerly awaited, as is the Integrated Traffic Management Plan from the Parish Council’s Traffic and Transport Committee.

A discussion on Speedwatch ensued.  Cllr Fry stated that the first exercise would take place on the B2026.  Cllr Street enquired as to whether Maresfield Parish Council would borrow or buy the speed camera equipment.  Cllr R Tester confirmed that Maresfield and Danehill Parish Council’s would make a joint purchase.  ACTION:  Traffic and Transport Committee to let Council know the likely level of expenditure on Speedwatch equipment.

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Cllr Fry reported that he has been in touch with Owen Williams with reference to a obtaining a quotation for a review of the Integrated Traffic Management Plan for the whole of the Parish.

7.3       Maresfield Recreation Ground Committee –

Cllr R Tester reported that there is currently a problem regarding the use of the access road onto the recreation ground.  According to the solicitor acting for Mr Watts, Maresfield Parish Council is in breach of a “License” which they are unable to produce a copy of. 

Cllr G Hardy is due to speak with Mary Parker at ESCC with reference to tree works on the rec.

DCllr Mrs Kennedy said that an illegal sign has been erected by the Football Club at the entrance to the recreation ground.  Furthermore, this and other signs are becoming unsightly due to the lichen that now covers them.  ACTION:  Conservation Group Reps to bring these items to the attention of the Maresfield Conservation Group.

Cllr R Tester stated that quotations have been received for the required fence work on the recreation ground.  It was noted that there is sufficient money in this year’s budget and that the work must be carried out before the end of this financial year.

ACTION:  Cllr R Tester progressing.

8.         Chairman’s Report - As circulated with the meeting papers.  Cllr Ogden drew the Council’s attention to Item 5 on this report.  Cllr Sparrow stated that an item not present on this report is “Quality Council Status”.  He continued that Cllrs Fry, King and himself have discussed this at length and proposed that prior to the next Council meeting, the Clerk provides a timetable as to what he needs from whom and by when i.e. support required in order to achieve Quality Council status.  This was seconded by Cllr Fry and Agreed by all.

ACTION:  Clerk to provide Council with timetable of necessary submissions from Councillors re. Quality Council status

9.         Clerk's Report  - As circulated with the meeting papers.

ACTION:  Councillors to alert Clerk if they wish to attend any of the SALC training courses.

ACTION:  Clerk to forward relevant details to interested parties.

10.       Payments to be made for approval.  Cllr Street proposed approval of payments amounting to £2925.76, this was seconded by Cllr Sparrow and Agreed by all.

11.       Communications

11.1     The Parish Matters – Autumn edition

Cllr Street suggested that there was a certain amount of disquiet from residents in Fairwarp with reference to an extended license application at the Foresters Arms, although the publican states that he only wishes to open for extended hours on Christmas and New Years Eve.

ACTION:  Clerk to ask local publicans for article for The Parish Matters explaining their intentions with reference to extended licensing hours.

ACTION:   District Council to forward letters re. licensing applications to Parish Office for information.

Cllr R Tester asked whether in the event of there being any problems surrounding the extension of licensing hours, WDC will be able to intervene or offer assistance.  DCllr Mrs Kennedy stated that there is a review process under the auspices of the “Licensing Review Department” where objections can be lodged.  If licensees do not conform to the conditions of extended hours and local residents complain about lack of due care and attention concerning public order, they will not be looked upon favourably.  Finally, meetings to discuss the pubs within Maresfield Parish are imminent.

Date of next meeting, 18^th October 2005 (Nutley)

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 22.08.

Signed……,……………………………Chairman                                   Date……………………