WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL

THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THURSDAY 8th December, 2011 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillors Bell, Berger, Browne, Clark, Doyle (chairman), Gadd, Goolden, Kent, Konrad, Martel, Martin, Matthews, Meredith-Hardy, Pearman and Standley.
Also in attendance:  County Councillor Tidy, six members of the public and one member of the press.

1.         To receive apologies and reasons for absence
None

2.          To receive declarations of interest on items on the agenda
None

3.         Police Forum
PCSO Neve reported that County would be placing bollards along a part of Three Oaks Lane and that, in the meantime, owners of cars parking there will continue to be contacted. Notices to that effect are to be placed at the railway station but parked cars causing a wilful obstruction would be ticketed. The 24th of January, 2012 has been set as the date for the first Community Speed Watch meeting (7 p.m. – fire station). It is hoped that between 12 and 20 people will become involved in the training that will see speed watch groups placed around the village and volunteers are being encouraged to attend the meeting. Regarding an incident involving two men on the roof of Bellerby’s school PCSO Neve reminded members of the benefit of using the ‘withdraw, observe and report’ approach to suspicious occurrences.

4.         Public Forum
A member of the public questioned the different approach adopted by the members in respect of handling parking issues in Turners Green Road and Bewl Bridge Lane. The chairman explained that a different approach had been adopted because the circumstances in each road were different but noted that potential damage to tree roots in Bewl Bridge Lane could result and agreed to look at the problem and would ask PCSO Neve to note and act upon the illegal activities in the area.
In response to comments regarding the continued practice of residents leaving rubbish bins at the entrance to the churchyard Cllr. Konrad agreed that an approach would be made to the vicar.
In response to a request from a member of the public to arrange a public consultation regarding the possibility of a large supermarket coming to the village it was agreed that there was nothing tangible enough at present to consider such a consultation.

5.         To approve the minutes of the meeting of 10th November, 2011 as a true record
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held 10th November, 2011 as a true record.

6.         To determine matters arising from the previous minutes
None

7.         To receive reports from the County and District Councillors
County Council
County Cllr. Tidy reported that County had begun to build the framework for the 2012/13 budget and detailed expenditure items concluding that a ‘zero increase’ budget was anticipated and went on to explain the timing of the appointment of the County Police and Crime Commissioner. In response to questions, County Cllr. Tidy confirmed that the £20m set aside for rural broadband was expected to be used to connect the remaining low percentage of users still without broadband after the current plan was completed.
District Council
District Cllr. Standley informed members that the Localism bill was now the Localism Act and detailed the elements that had recently changed. Members also learnt that the District budget for next year was likely to be a ‘zero increase’ and that District had responded to the Boundary Commission consultation. Hearings into the District Core Strategy would open on the 17th of January, 2012 at the East Sussex National Golf Resort.

8.         Chairman’s announcements and correspondence for noting
8.1       To review progress regarding the Volunteer Reception
The reception is to be held at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 26th of January, 2012 and a list of voluntary organisations being invited is to be circulated.
8.2       To review and agree meeting dates for 2012 committee meetings
Resolved to agree 2012 committee meetings dates as per appendix A 
8.3          To review progress regarding 2012 ‘Jubilee’ celebrations
Resolved in principle to retire the village sign, which would remain on display at a suitable site in the village, with one designed and made by the community. Meetings regarding the details are to be held and the council will be consulted further.
8.4          To discuss request for funding a contribution to Wadhurst Institute, Hall and Field Trust costs of relaying the Commemoration Hall car park and approve costs
Members learnt that funding of £3,000 was required towards costs of £4,500. Discussion concluded that the council agreed in principle to financially support the relaying of the car park but that more information was needed to ensure value for money was being obtained. Councillors asked that the WIHFT supply copies of three quotations for the February meeting of the parish council, at which a decision would be made.
8.5          To receive report from Housing Allocation Focus Group meeting
Cllr. Kent reported that the banding system was to remain and that discussion was permiited on only two criteria. The criteria used to define ‘local’ were not discussed.
8.6          Other correspondence items noted
Members learnt that the proposed husky race around Bewl Water at Easter was not going ahead.

9.         Highways, Transport and Lighting matters
9.1       To receive report
Cllr. Meredith-Hardy informed members that an anti-speeding group was to be formed and that 20mph zones were to be explored. Parking at Three Oaks Lane was to be taken up with PCSO Neve and the amount of street lighting in the High Street was to be reviewed.
Cllr. Goolden had obtained confirmation that further gas works still due would not be undertaken until the summer of 2012 and that a larger team would be used.
9.2       To discuss progress regarding the village snow plan
Progress was being made and the WDBA and shopkeepers are keen to become involved and are to be provided with stocks of rock salt which will be distributed shortly. The Fire and Rescue team, and Uplands Community College have been particularly keen to become involved and have each committed to keep large areas of the village clear.

10.       Planning Matters
10.1     To adopt minutes of planning committee meetings held on 12th and 26th of November, 2011
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Planning committee meetings held on 12th and 26th of November, 2011
10.2     To review progress regarding the Neighbourhood Plan
Cllr. Goolden advised members that the process was to start in the new year and asked that names of people who should be approached to participate be forwarded to him. Cllr. Standley was to advise District of member’s intentions to start implementing the process.
10.3     To discuss approach and agree position regarding possible planning application from a national or major supermarket
Discussion centred on whether the council was able to speak for the village as a whole without further consultation. Members noted the recent election, when the subject of a supermarket was an important question for voters. Most members of the council had publicly stated their intention to oppose a supermarket during their election campaigns. It was agreed that as there was not a confirmed proposal at present further consultation was not appropriate.
Members unanimously supported the following statement proposed by Cllr. Goolden:-
With reference to the article in the [Kent and Sussex] Courier of 25th November, 2011, the Parish Council would not, for planning and other reasons, support any application for the introduction of a new national or major supermarket in the parish as it would be detrimental to the fragile balance of our village High Street.

11.       Recreation Ground Matters
11.1     To receive report
Cllr. Matthews informed members that they were invited to the official opening ceremony of the Voelcker field to be held on Saturday 10th of December, 2011. The levelling of the Voelcker field had resulted in a steep bank to one corner of the field that was unsafe for players and spectators. The junior football club has asked that a 2m high fence be erected in that corner of the field. Members resolved that the clerk approach the beneficiary of the covenants affecting the field to discover whether the height restriction of 1.2m on fencing could be increased to 2m for this purpose.
11.2     To agree contractor and approve costs of funding the re-surfacing of the tennis courts
Three quotations had been circulated to members in advance. The clerk advised that replacement post sockets might not be required, and that this would be confirmed when the existing surface was removed.
Councillors approved by a majority the unanimous recommendation of the RGMC that the work should include additional ducting for future flood-lighting.
Councillors approved the quotation supplied by Nordon Ltd. to replace the surface of all four courts, to carry out small repairs on the hard surface, to install additional ducting and, if necessary, to replace post sockets, at a cost of no more than £40,856 + VAT.
This will be funded entirely from the tennis court sinking fund. Members noted the misleading article in the Kent and Sussex Courier suggesting that the cost of resurfacing was to be met by the tax payer; the sinking fund has been built up using the rental payments made by Wadhurst Tennis Club. Cllr. Matthews commended older and retired councillors for their foresight in setting this money aside.

12.       Environmental Matters
12.1     To receive report
Cllr. Konrad advised members that there had been no meeting since the full council last met but that a meeting was being arranged. A representative from the Wealden AONB had offered a number of dates in January to visit and discuss the best approach regarding the duck pond and a meeting with Ken Turner to progress the maintenance plan had been held. A ‘Jubilee’ planting scheme was to be discussed at the next Environment committee meeting involving the village gardening club and quotes for replacing the planting tubs would also be considered. Also being deliberated at the next meeting will be conservation bins and benches. Cllr. Meredith-Hardy reported back from the meeting with South East Water that no tree roots would be damaged on council ground as a result of pipe-laying at the fire station.
12.2     To discuss work schedule for War Memorial and approve costs
Resolved that clerk instruct Burslems to proceed with carrying out repair works and re-pointing of failed joints on the War Memorial at a cost of no more than £530.92

13.       Finance
13.1     To receive report
No meeting had been held since the last meeting of the full council.
13.2     To approve accounts paid/payable
Approved
13.3     To agree draft budget and set precept for 2012/13
Resolved to agree draft budget and set precept at £115,845. Noted that this figure was a reduction of 5.3% on the figure for 2011/12.
13.4     To approve transfer of £4,550, already budgeted for, to a new specific reserve for the Voelcker field
Resolved to approve the transfer of £4,550 to a new specific reserve for the Voelcker field for the purpose of completing the improvement project.
13.5     To note report from Internal Auditor of visit on 21st November, 2011
Noted. The clerk was thanked for his work resulting in a positive report.
13.6     To approve payment of invoice for hire of Carillon Cottage
Resolved to approve the payment of invoice for the hire of Carillon Cottage of £582.50
13.7     To review current spend against budget for 2011/12
Noted

14.       Personnel matters
14.1     To receive report
There had been no meetings since the full council last met. Members learnt that the clerk was on track for completing his CiLCA qualification in March, 2012 and that his number of hours being worked per week had reduced since last reported and that his contract of employment was to be reviewed at the next Personnel committee meeting. The clerk was thanked for his efforts in this regard.

15.       Working Parties
15.1     To receive report of Business/High Street Working Party
There had been no meetings since the full council last met. Cllr. Goolden reminded members that the late night shopping evening was to be held on Friday the 9th of December, 2011 and that the Italian market scheduled for 24th March, 2012 was proceeding as planned.
15.1.1  To discuss the role of the council regarding Employment and Community Enterprise
Cllr. Martin referred members to her circulated paper regarding the opportunities for the council to be pro-active in the utilising of skills of people no longer working. Discussions included the views that any scheme should not compete with what the village already has to offer, or what private enterprise could provide; that the scheme could fill gaps in what the community currently provided, allowing volunteering, and provide office space.
15.2     To receive report of Car Park Working Party
Cllr. Doyle reported that a useful meeting had been held with Jayne Edmonds and John Gordon at Uplands Community College. The group is working on a project to release an area for parking between 30 and 40 cars in the college grounds. Financial support would be required but the Uplands option was considered to be more attractive than the fire station option. 
15.3     To receive report of Communications Working Party
Cllr. Kent advised members that work had been concentrated on the new website.
15.3.1 To receive report of progress regarding website
Parish Websites have been provided with a development brief for implementation which would include a parish e-mail address for all councillors.
15.4     To receive report of Youth Working Party
Youth club numbers had increased from 20 to 35 and one permanent volunteer had come forward. Councillors agreed that representatives of the club should present their case for continued funding support towards the hall hire costs next year.
15.4.1 To discuss Youth Bank proposal and agree costs
Cllr. Browne referred members to his circulated paper and explained the mechanics of the scheme and the benefit to young people. Councillors agreed that the project should be supported. Resolved to commit £2,000 to the combined Youth Council and Youth Bank project.
15.5     To receive report of Cultural Activities Working Party
Members learnt from Cllr. Martin that the Arts Council had rejected a funding application from Wadhurst Culture but that it would be re-visited and re-posted. Funds might also be available from Rother DC. A meeting of the working group was to be held before the end of the month. 

16.       Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10:05 p.m.

Correspondence Nov/Dec, 2011

1. Rural Services Network - Survey on Neighbourhood Planning
2. Newly Published Decision : Consultation Response - Eastbourne Borough Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy
3. rsnonline - Weekly Email News Digest - 14 November 2011
4. Latest Update on Fibre Broadband Survey
5. Sustainable Gov.org - Osborne vows to reassess private finance initiative
6. South East Water Limited – Bewl to Best Beech*
7. Wealden district police Newsletter
8. Proposed merger between East and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Services (previously circulated to members)
9. Wealden Xmas Market
10. rsnonline - Weekly Email News Digest - 21 November 2011
11. Minutes of the last JAG meeting – 8 November, 2011
12. Christmas Floristry Workshop – Flimwell, 9 December 2011
13. Wealden District Police Update 24/11/11
14. Christmas and New Year Events with Wealden
15. CLG consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy ( CIL ) andon Neighbourhood Planning (previously circulated to members)
16. Wealden Xmas Market
17. rsnonline - Weekly Email News Digest - 28 November 2011
18. Police Equality Survey
19. Huskeys at Bewl
20. Latest news from Mediation Plus
21. Sussex Police - Day of Strike Action - 30th November 2011
22. Churchsettle Lane, Wadhurst – John Phipson e-mail to County

Correspondence Nov/Dec, 2011 (continued)

1. South East Water – Current water resources situation (previously distributed to members)*
2. EDF Energy – Ability to manage account online*
3. ESCC – Your County (Autumn 2011)*
4. Wealden DC – Change to trade waste collection day at Pavilion*
5. Introducing your Highways Steward
6. Wealden's Allocations Policy Consultation – Comments sought
7. Sustainable-gov. - Will escalating fuel prices drive UK economy off the road?
8. Sustainable-gov. - Is Osborne’s £30 billion infrastructure boost enough to kick-start Britain’s flagging economy?
9. RSPB Weald Reserves Update – December
10. ESCC - ETE In Your Area
11. Uckfield TC - RE: CLG consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy ( CIL ) and on Neighbourhood Planning
12. Wealden DC response to item No.11
13. WDC needs your help - Localism Act & beyond! (previously distributed to members)
14. Wealden Level 3 Supervising Food Safety Course - only a few places left
15. rsnonline - Weekly Email News Digest - 5 December 2011
    

Accounts paid/payable – Nov/Dec, 2011

 
Appendix A
WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
2012 Meeting dates
Full Council (Second Thursday of every month 19:30 except January and August when no meetings held)
February 9th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th Annual General Meeting
June 14th
July 12th
September 13th
October 11th
November 8th
December  13th

Planning (Saturday fortnightly 09:30)
January 14th, 28th
February 11th, 25th
March 10th, 31st
April 14th, 28th
May 12th, 26th
June 9th, 23rd
July 7th, 21st
August 4th, 18th
September 1st, 15th, 29th
October 13th, 27th
November 10th, 24th
December 8th, 22nd

Finance
April 26th
October 18th

Highways, Transport and Lighting
March 6th
June 12th
September 11th
December 11th

Recreation Ground Management
February 23rd
May 31st
September 6th
November 29th

Environment
To be advised in January, 2012