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Minutes of Ordinary Meeting Held 13th July 2017

Minutes of Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held at 7.30 pm on 13^th July 2017 at the Village Hall, Fulking

Present: Chairman Miles Firth, Councillors Kate Watson and Linda Dyos, Clerk to the Council Derek Blackhall, MSD Councillor Colin Trumble, WSC Councillor Joy Dennis, and 4 members of the public.

The Chairman welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Michael Trist, Mark Hind, and Anthony Watts Williams.

Please will all Councillors or district/county council representatives ensure that they notify the Clerk of any possible non-attendance, ideally 24hrs before the meeting.

Declarations of Interest: None.

The minutes of the previous meetings held on 6^th March, 11^th & 13^th April, and 11^th & 18^th May, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman.

2. Matters Arising:

2.1 Clappers Lane Unsuitable for HRVs sign-Richard Speller has estimated the cost of a replacement sign to be £250, but that WSCC will not fund it. The Parish Council approved the funding.

2.2 Ladybrook Spring maintenance update-to be discussed at the meeting after next. Action: Michael

2.3 Drainage along Edburton Road-dropped from the agenda.

2.8 Proposed parking measures West of Lady Brook Spring-Joy will contact Derek to arrange a visit and discuss the benefits arising and regarding possible ‘personally approved funding’. Action: Joy Dennis

2.9 Hillside bridle path drainage-The contractor is not planning to do anything; Miles has told him this is a real issue.

2.10 Flooding on Poynings Road & ‘the Deans’-dropped from the agenda.

2.11 Preston Nomads entrance-Linda reported she had been informed there were no funds available this year.

3. Highways

Gullies/Drains

As usual, any problems/blockages must be reported to

http://love.westsussex.gov.uk/Reports or 01243 642105. Please pass info to the PC for its records.

The Parish Council must be informed of highways/flooding issues for them to follow up; please send incident numbers to the Parish Clerk. Richard Speller has an interest here.

4. Reports from WSCC & MSDC.

4.1 In MSDC, the District Plan has not yet been signed off by the inspector; the SDNPA believe their plan could be adopted by July 2018; our District Councillors remain available to discuss infrastructure issues which would of necessity need to include project plans; there are no ‘Grenfell’ type issues in Mid (or West) Sussex-the NHS are responsible for checking their buildings; there is to be a play spaces/green spaces asset management task undertaken. Colin agreed to supply Derek with a list of all MSDC traveller sites. Action Colin.

4.2 WSCC-Joy reported there is a new road level speed indicator available, should the Parish wish to use it; and that she is on several County committees.

5. Comments from the floor:

In response to a query regarding the situation of the MSDC Plan being ahead of the SDNPA Plan; it was noted FPC come under the SDNPA arrangement

6. Clappers Lane.

It was noted there had been a separate residents meeting, 40 attended, and the minutes had been circulated to all residents. It was agreed to consider options at the forthcoming meeting with Joy. Whilst there were several suggestions for arrangements, it was noted private resident’s agreements were paramount.

7. Other matters.

7.1 Operation Watershed-it was noted Edburtons had not yet set a start date for the work. Derek to chase.

7.2 Transparency-A bid for funds has been sent.

7.3 Annual procedures review-Derek will circulate each procedure for update and approval at the next meeting; it was noted there is likely to be very few amendments from last year. Action Derek

7.4 NTF insurance-It was noted there was a separate policy taken out for the fair; and that Derek would find out if our policy covered the event going forward. Action Derek

7.5 Playground inspection/maintenance-It was noted the ROSPA report was very positive-Derek to circulate to all Councillors; and that necessary maintenance had been carried out and paid for by FPC. There is a possible issue with the playground seats-Kate will investigate.

7.6 The Clerk’s proposed 2018 meeting dates were approved as 11^th January, 12^th April, 12^th July, 11^th October, AGM 3^rd May.

8. Financial matters

The following cheques have been processed since the last PC meeting

NB Advance email acceptance must be obtained from the Parish Clerk in all cases before using an emergency cheque in order to ensure full financial compliance whilst ensuring as far as possible suppliers are paid in the month the invoice is received-this meets SSALC best practice advice.

strong>meeting closed at 8.26pm.</strong

DATE	Description	Cheque No.	£
23/04/17	E on direct debit	012901574940A	42.96
13/04/17	D I Blackhall salary/expenses	100693	999.98
13/04/17	HMRC I/tax	100694	169.80
13/04/17	WS ALC Ltd WSALC/NALC Subs	100695	84.21
11/04/17	Jen Green Gift/M Hind grit bin	100696100686	120.00/118.79
11/05/17	Peter Payne NTF repairs	100697	1240.80
11/05/17	Came & Co insurance	100698	381.42
11/05/17	Kate Watson AGM refreshments/Peter Payne play area repair	100699100700	47.54/£390.00
May 2017	Blank cheques to Kate Watson/Info Commissioner Subs	100701-100702/100704	35.00
18/05/17	Mark Stepney grass cutting	100703	360.00
	Total		£3990.50

Income

Date	Description	Reference	Amount £
April 2017	Precept	LDC	4263.00
April 2017	Op Watershed	WSCC	17,017.93
April 2017	VAT refund	HMRC	374.09
Meeting Closed at 8:26pm

Planning Meeting held 20th July 2017

FULKING PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Fulking Parish Council Planning Meeting
Held in the Village Hall, Fulking
on Thursday 20th July 2017 at 6.30pm

Present: Miles Firth (Chairman), Councillors Kate Watson, Mark Hind, Linda Dyos and Clerk to the Council, Derek Blackhall
10 members of the public were present
Apologies for Absence: Michael Trist

Declarations of interest: None

Meeting opened at 6.30 pm

Prior to the meeting, there were two requests by members of the public to speak.

The following matters were discussed:-

Conversion of Garage into Annex and construction of two bay timber carport.

SDNP/17/03246/HOUS The Cabbage Patch Clappers Lane Fulking BN5 9NH

This was regarded as a significant development, not highly visible; and the plot supports the plan; it was not regarded as an exciting area development; the plan seemed slightly misleading, and whilst it represented yet another larger property request in the Parish, there did not appear to be any planning issues, and the proposal appeared suitable for its purpose.
The resulting vote was an overall NEUTRAL.

SDNP/17/02025/FUL The Dales Poynings Road Fulking BN5 9NB

Erection of a 2 storey detached dwellinghouse over basement accommodation, with new garage and pool, following the demolition of existing dwelling, garage & pool.

It was noted that this resubmission showed no changes in the elevation, no longer included the sweeping drive, and the materials now appeared more sympathetic to the area. The remaining objections surrounded the general style of the overall proposal not being in keeping with the other Parish buildings, its prominence in terms of tree cover and Dark Skies, and it is still visible from the road.
The resulting vote was 1 NEUTRAL and 3 OBJECTIONS.

SDNP/17/01505/HOUS Hillbrook Clappers Lane Fulking BN5 9NH

Demolition of existing conservatory and part of ground floor. Construction of extension to the ground floor. Removal of existing roof and construction of new pitched roof with accommodation at first floor level. Demolition of existing summerhouse

It was noted from this resubmission that the previous objections in respect of the building materials, appearance of being rushed, and the design standard no longer applied due to the evident improvements in this submission; that were a lot of objections on the SDNPA website; and that a balance needs to be struck between the existing site and this proposal; but the following issues noted by the Parish Council previously still apply:

The site’s visibility from the South Downs and Clappers Lane
Not in keeping with local housing – no other chalet style properties in Fulking
Acknowledged that while the site would not be over developed; and some site improvement is still needed if approved (e.g. garages).
These issues (and others previously raised by resents) conflict with the Mid Sussex and SDNP Local Plans in respect of maintenance of views / landscape appearance.

The resulting vote was 1 SUPPORT, 2 NEUTRAL, and 1 OBJECTION.

The meeting closed at 7.12pm

Parish Council Meeting – 12th Oct 2017, 7:30pm – Village Hall

Fulking Parish Council will hold their Quarterly Meeting on 12^th October 2017 at 7.30pm at The Village Hall

A G E N D A

Public Participation There will be a period of 15 minutes set aside at the beginning of the meeting for the public to ask questions or make comments on items on the Agenda. Comments on items not appearing on the agenda can be made at the chairman’s discretion. Once the meeting is in session there will be no further public participation.

1. Chairman’s Welcome.
2. Apologies.
3. Declarations of Interest.
4. Approval of minutes of 13^th July, 20^th July, and 7^th September, 2017
5. Reports from MSDC Councillors & WSCC Councillor Joy Dennis
6. Planning Applications

6.1 SDNP/17/04233/CND Hillside Poynings Road Fulking BN5 9NB
Variation of Condition 8 on planning consent SDNP/16/01987/FUL – External lighting is necessary to ensure safe way finding around the site at night. This is proposed with low level lighting that has been specified to avoid light pollution

6.2 SDNP/17/04811/HOUS The Cabbage Patch Clappers Lane Fulking BN5 9NH
Conversion of existing garage into annex.

Matters arising from the above minutes not on the agenda:
Ladybrook Spring maintenance update-Michael; HGV sign update-Miles; Proposed parking measures West of Lady Brook Spring update-Mark

7. Feedback from SALC conference-Miles
8. Clappers Lane Update-Miles/Linda
9. Operation Watershed update-Kate
10. Transparency update-Derek
11. Annual review of 10 procedures-Derek
12. Financial Matters (including Cheque List & Stubbs, Income & Expenditure to date,
Budget v’s actual, quarterly bank reconciliation, draft 2018/19 Precept discussion.
13. Date of next meeting: 11^th January, 2018.

Members of the Press and Public are welcome to attend.

SDNPA Plan Consultation

The South Downs Pre-Submission Local Plan public consultation is already underway. It runs from 26/9/17 – 21/11/17.

When approved, this is the document against which all planning applications will considered – so if you have any plans in mind, or are concerned about future development, you should be aware of this.

SDNPA are encouraging people to comment using their online consultation system, which you can access here.
The Pre Submission Local Plan and all supporting documents are available to download from their website

Bobservation No.36: Social Committee

The results of this year’s fair were a very creditable profit of £1,450. This was assisted by the generosity of the Shepherd & Dog donating the net cost of the marquee and furnishings after allowing for the Call My Bluff net income.
The fair is organised by the Fulking Social Committee with the vital help of volunteers who are the backbone of the event. Full accounts of the fair are available from Nick Hughes the treasurer.
Dates for your diaries are:
Friday 8th December – Christmas Party in the village hall from 6pm, which I now know clashes with the village ladies pub night at the Shepherd & Dog but hopefully these ladies will be able to call in and say Merry Christmas on their way;
Friday 27th July 2018 – Call My Bluff in the marquee in the North Town Field and
Sunday 29 July 2018 – Fulking Fair also in the North Town Field from noon till 4pm.

The bottom line of all this is to get some more members of the Social Committee. It is only as onerous as you want it to be and you will be welcomed with enthusiasm. We meet about half a dozen times a year generally on a midweek evening at 8pm and have an Annual General Meeting which this time will be in the village hall at 7pm on Wednesday 31 January 2018.
The Social Committee is a great way for new arrivals and their families to meet other villagers and offer new ideas. Please give me a call on 271 or email me at bob.pamrowland@btinternet.com if you are interested in joining us.

Lastly I understand that Harry & Charmayne Diamond have sold Downside and will be leaving us after Christmas. They have been such an important part of the Social Committee and their generous loan of Downside Meadow has meant a big difference in being able to hold the annual fair. I am sure all villagers would want to wish them every happiness in their next home.

Bobservation No.35

We have put Furzefield on the market because we are finding it very difficult to keep on top of the regular land maintenance which becomes more onerous with age creeping along (rapidly!) Needless to say, we had mixed feelings about doing this. Our main concern is that the incoming owners understand and protect the land in its natural state.

After twenty-five years of involvement with Fulking it is very hard to think of living anywhere else and the availability of suitable small bungalows with less land in the village is practically zero. Our estate agents have done a magnificent job of presenting the property in the best possible light and the response has exceeded all expectations, both theirs and ours.

The stress of having potential viewers, nine in the first eight days, would seem unimportant, but it is very demanding. It is interesting how many of them wanted to extend the property in one way or another. It seems to be out of fashion to buy the size of house you want.

The biggest problem is where we are going to go next and I suppose deep down there is an impractical hope that we will not sell and have to stay! Time will tell and in the meanwhile with your patience and support I would like to continue with Bobservations as long as we remain in Fulking. It was flattering that one of the potential buyers had taken the trouble to read all 34 of the Bobservations to get an idea of what happens in the village.

Another thing, the advertised meeting in the Village Hall to have villagers engage in a discussion about the future of Pigeon Post was poorly attended. It may be that very few villagers read Pigeon Post in which case it is quite possible that it will cease in its current paper version. I think this would be a shame but quite understand that it is time someone else picked up the editorial reins.

Planning Meeting – Thursday 7th Sept 2017, 6:30pm – Village Hall

You are hereby cordially invited to attend a planning meeting of the Fulking Parish Council to be held at 6.30pm, on Thursday 7th September 2017 at the Village Hall, The Street, Fulking, to transact the following business:
To discuss:

Ref. No: SDNP/17/04088/HOUS
Extension to and re-modelling of existing house
Barn Cottage Poynings Road Fulking BN5 9NB

Ref. No: SDNP/17/03762/CND
Variation of condition 2 on planning consent SDNP/15/04159/FUL – To increase the number of caravans to 2 mobile homes and 2 touring caravans and ancillary dayroom.
Market Gardens Clappers Lane Fulking BN5 9NH

Members of the Press & Public are welcome to attend.

By prior appointment with the Parish Clerk, a maximum of 2 people may speak for up to 5 minutes each in favour, and a maximum of 2 people may also speak for up to 5 minutes each against the application.

Derek Blackhall
Clerk to Fulking Parish Council
01273 846186
22 Kymer Gardens, Hassocks, BN6 8QZ, West Sussex
parishclerk@fulking.net

Bobservation 34: Village Pulls Together – Fulking Fair Report

Well! with your help, if you did, and without it, if you didn’t, we had a couple of very successful and enjoyable events with the Call my Bluff on Friday 28th July and the Fair on Sunday 30th July. Fortunately, the weather was kind. Financially both events resulted in a good surplus (details will follow). Regarding the Fair, it is interesting that ‘the best laid plans ..’ inasmuch as the scheduled Punjabi Street Food was nominated for the final of the British street food completion on the same day as the fair, the pony lady decided that the available space was not for her, the music guys had a wobble over insurance, Bubble Pop was booked elsewhere and Sussex Wildlife were understaffed and could not come.

It is a great learning curve that something as simple as a village fair requires so much input by quite a few dedicated people to make it successful. Heaven knows what it must be like organising the Chelsea Flower Show. I take my hat off to them! Having said all that, the team put together what was possibly the best Fair we have ever had.

Many thanks to all involved, you were terrific! Great Teas (and cake donations — over £500 raised!), BBQ, Bar, Food, Music, Stalls, Tombola, Parking, Tug-of-War, Kids Games, Puppets, Steam engine and anything I have left out.

As for the Call my Bluff, the Shepherd & Dog changed their wine supplier a couple of weeks before the event which meant a last minute scramble to get wines for the quiz sorted and it turned out they were very good indeed. Dave and Emily, as usual, proved to be the backbone of the evening. Tania was a brilliant first timer on the top table and I enjoyed myself. Louise managed to get £300+ from raffle tickets and Pam washed up all the glasses afterwards. Thanks to everyone who came and proved that this can be a really successful evening without becoming the drunken mess that has sometimes happened in the past. It was one of the best we have had. Long may it continue!