Minutes of the Fulking Parish Council Planning Meeting held in the Village Hall, Fulking on Thursday 3rd January 2019 at 7pm

Present:
Chairman: Cllr Firth
Councillors: Cllrs Hind, Dyos and Healy
Clerk: Trevor Parsons

Apologies: Cllr Trist

No members of the public were present

There were no declarations of interest

Meeting opened at 7.05pm

Prior to the meeting, there were no requests by members of the public to speak.

The following matter was discussed:

Reference: SDNP/18/06182/APNB

Property: Seasons Farm Clappers Lane Fulking BN5 9NH

Proposal: Agricultural barn to store hay and farm equipment
It was noted that:

The proposal was reviewed on the basis that this is a replacement barn rather than an additional barn, as per site plan 1082822.

The resulting vote on this application was unanimously POSITIVE

The meeting closed at 7:27pm

FULKING PARISH COUNCIL 

MINUTES OF PLANNING MEETING – Market Gardens 

 

Minutes of the Fulking Parish Council Planning Meeting held in the Village Hall, Fulking on Thursday 13th December 2018 at 7pm. 

Present: Chairman Councillor Firth, Cllrs Hind, Healy and Dyos. Clerk, Trevor Parsons 

Apologies: Cllr Trist (FPC) and Cllr Wilkinson (MSDC) 

 

There were eight members of the public plus Councillor Trumble from MSDC present. They were given an opportunity to comment on the application ahead of the start of the meeting.  

 

Declaration of interest: None 

Meeting opened at 7pm. 

 

The following matter was discussed. SDNP/18/05963/FUL Market Gardens – Material change of use of land for stationing of caravans for residential occupation with facilitating development (hard standing) 

It was noted that SDNPA Development manager stated that he “will recommend that this application is placed before Committee…”. (email 3/12/19) 

The Council concluded the following:  

Background 

It was noted from feedback to councillors that the majority of residents of Fulking object to this application and that was reflected in the views expressed by members of the public attending the planning meeting.  

Errors in the application: 

1. The council learned at this meeting that adjacent residents had not been informed of this application, as is the normal practice.  

1. The document headed “Landscape Assessment” does not refer to this application.  

These errors may invalidate the application. 

Inspectors Assessment 

In the Planning Inspectorate’s Appeal Decision of 22 February 2016 (Land to the East of Market Gardens – Conifers) – Section 16 – The Inspector said “if this appeal were allowed, there would be 3 gypsy plots. This clearly represents a consolidation of development in this area and is therefore harmful to the nucleated character of the village and by extension to the character and scenic beauty of this part of the National Park.”  

 

Since 2016 one additional gypsy plot has been agreed by SDNPA and approval of this application for 2 further plots would double the development of this site significantly harming the character and scenic beauty of the National Park. 

The Planning Inspector also said in Section 21 “Local residents were also very concerned about the precedent effect…..It was pointed out the village has a population of only about 100 people and if this appeal were to be allowed about 10% would be gypsies. I have considerable sympathy with the residents’ fears. From their point of view they opposed the Market Garden application and were ignored, they have opposed this appeal, and if this is allowed will feel they were ignored again….. In my view three gypsy plots comes close to but does not dominate the settled community, and that argument becomes stronger with further applications as would the issue of the impact of any more development on the village and on the National Park.” 

If this application is approved there will be six gypsy plots (12 caravans + Amenity Blocks) dominating the settled community of this small South Downs hamlet, totally ignoring yet again the legitimate views of the settled community and encouraging even more speculative caravan site development in this National Park. 

This would be a significant development in any area. However, located in a small hamlet so visible from one of the busiest spots in the South Downs National Park, Fulking Parish Council cannot see how approval of this application, which would consolidate the unplanned and non–strategic development of a 12 caravan site (+ amenity Blocks) can possibly be SDNPA achieving the Purposes and Duty they are set by the Government.

These are:  

Purpose 1: To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. 

Purpose 2: To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public 

Duty: To seek to foster the social and economic wellbeing of the local communities within the National Park in pursuit of our purposes. 

Conflicts with Mid Sussex DC Plan 2004 (the only currently valid plan for the Fulking area) 

Policy H14 (a) Countryside impact – It is generally accepted this application is (and past applications are) damaging to the park, but this has often been overruled on ‘technical/legal’ grounds. 
Although planned to be screened, this site is widely visible – more so that the one to the north (pictures available) to thousands of visitors to the Devils Dyke, Fulking Escarpment and the South Downs Way – the site is 400m from the escarpment and 150m below it. The 2016 Planning Inspectors report stated – “As one walks along the escarpment the angle of view changes and the brightly painted mobile home at Market Garden can be clearly seen”. 

Policy H14 (e) Local Need – At the time of the last application SDNP/17/03762/CND, it was noted that for both Mid Sussex* and SDNPA** there was now no outstanding local need for sites. In addition, it is understood that space is available for rent in the site at Small Dole.  
* Mid Sussex Gypsy and Traveller Assessment 2016 
** South Downs National Park Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople background Paper (2016) 

Conflicts with South Downs local Plan: Pre-submission version September 2017 

Policy SD33 Alternative available pitch which could be used in the locality – we understand that local pitches are available in Small Dole (see above) 

Policy SD33 Over-concentrated or disproportionate in size to nearby communities – The inspectors report (see above) explained that this application would be disproportionate in size to the local community. 

Policy SD33 Capable of being provided with infrastructure – the council with WSCC has spent and continues to spend tens of thousands of pounds to improve drainage in this area after recent flooding threatened adjacent properties which is at least partly due to the reduced run-off and increased hardstanding from these sites. This will only get worse with a new site. 

 

 

The resulting vote on this application was to UNANIMOUSLY OBJECT 

The meeting closed at 8:05pm 

 

 

Signed ……………………………………………………………….        

 

CHAIRMAN ………..Miles Firth…………………… 

Minutes of Ordinary Parish Council held at 7:30pm on Thursday 11th October 2018  at The Village Hall, Fulking

Present:

Chairman:                              Cllr Firth
Fulking Parish Council (FPC)     Cllrs Hind, Dyos and Healy
Mid Sussex District Council      Cllr Watts-Williams
West Sussex County Council    Cllr Dennis
Parish Clerk:                          Trevor Parsons
Members of the Public            There were nine members of the public present

1. Apologies for Absence.

Cllr Trist (FPC and Cllr Wilkinson (MSDC)

2.Declaration of Members’ Interests.

Cllr Firth declared an interest in the planning application for Thatchly (item 6) and took no part in that discussion

3. Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Parish Meeting of 12th July 2018 and Planning Meeting of 3rd October

The minutes were approved and signed as true records of the meetings.

4. Reports from District and County Councillors.

Report from Cllr Dennis (WSCC)

• Speed Indication Device (SID) – Cllr Firth advised that the online results provided inconclusive data, but will circulate them for information.
  Cllr Dennis offered SID to Fulking Parish for a further week, should it be available. The council accepted the offer and would welcome the opportunity to use the device again.
• Cllr Dennis has spoken to a WSCC cabinet member to try and push forward the TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) to apply some road lines near to Shepherd and Dog to reduce congestion on that corner.
• Cllr Dennis has offered to assist Preston Nomads CC with grant application for road repairs at the entrance of the ground.

• WSCC budgets remain very tight with a further £20m of savings to be made. Cllr Dennis confirmed that Statutory Minimum Services will be maintained in regard to Social Service commitments.
• The Fire Service is looking for old cars to be donated to the service for practicing their rescue drills.

Report from Cllr Watts-Williams (MSDC)

• Sixth Form College – Negotiations are progressing well between the government agencies to re-open the college in Haywards Heath. Cllr Watts-Williams advised that any new school must now be opened as an Academy.
• Northern Arc – The Government will fund the roads and infrastructure. 3,500 homes and 3 schools are to be built. The first 500 homes have gained planning approval. The development is planned to finish in 2035.

• District Plan – Following a previous call for sites, 138 sites have been identified to move to the next stage of ecological and traffic surveys.
• Cllr Watts-Williams is now on the SDNPA Planning Committee.
• Traveller Incursions – Any incursions need to be reported to both the Police and MSDC.

5. Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions:  Actions brought forward from the last meeting.

Operation Watershed, Parish Clerk to email Gary Rustle of WSCC to seek assistance in establishing exactly what needs to be done so that contractors can have a better understanding of the works required.

Cllr Firth mentioned to Cllr Dennis that we still await the HGV sign.

6. Planning Matters: To comment on the following planning application:
SDNP/18/04735/HOUS. Thatchly The Street Fulking Henfield West Sussex BN5 9LU.
Erection of a 2 storey rear extension.

The item was chaired by Cllr Hind, the Vice Chairman.

The owner of Thatchly, briefly addressed the meeting to speak in favour of the application to extend the house from a three bed, one bathroom home to a four bed, two bathroom home.

It was noted that:

• This was a straightforward rear extension
• In keeping with the current property
• Well designed

The decision was to unanimously APPROVE the application.

7. Parking in Clappers Lane.

The Council have considered a range of options to improve the parking for residents including parking at the bottom of the lane, using Preston Nomads car park, land opposite (which has now been discounted and road widening which will be too expensive. However more space has now become available in The Street and pressure in CL has eased a little. The situation will be kept under review.

ACTION – Cllr Firth to approach PNCC to see whether residents might be able to rent spaces in the PNCC car park for a small fee.

8. Dark Night Skies.

Cllr Dyos has requested Dark Night Skies as a running item on the council agenda to maintain awareness of the SDNPA commitment to use its role as a planning authority to protect the dark skies above the National Park as well as the landscape on the ground.

ACTION – Cllr Firth to use source material from SDNPA and pass on to residents

9. Elections 2019.

Parish council elections are in May 2019. FPC will seek to encourage residents to stand for election in the run-up period.

ACTION – Parish Clerk to liaise with other local clerks to find out best practices for encouraging new councillors to step forward.

10. Market Garden.

It was agreed that FPC should take steps to be better prepared for future applications to expand the Market Garden / Conifers area. The SDNPA don’t appear to understand the concerns of the residents.

ACTION – Cllr Watts-Williams in his role within SDNPA Planning Committee has offered his assistance.
– Cllr Firth to establish contact with local MP to seek high level advice and support 11. Village Hall Lease.

Due to concerns over personal liability for safeguarding the PCC is looking for an official body to take on the lease of the Village Hall. Cllr Firth has proposed the Parish council take on this role.
An experienced legal advisor has already been identified via SSALC and has provisionally estimate £1,500 costs of this lease negotiation. Cllr firth stressed that this was not a final decision on the lease, but approval to incur cost to begin negotiations. Cllr Hind seconded the proposal, Cllrs Healy and Dyos approved.

12.Fulking Spring, Ram Pump System

It has been proposed by a resident that the Spring Ram Pump system is a valuable asset which could be used to promote the village within the National Park. After significant research two options have been suggested:

1. A restoration of the system for some residents in The Street and Stammers Hill

1. An information board and minor restoration next to the ram pump

It was decided that a first step would be to look at the information board option as there were significant concerns about the cost, likelihood of sponsorship, water standards and noise of a full restoration.  Depending on the success of the noticeboard the full restoration can be revisited later

ACTION – Clerk to look into the information board idea further and report back at the next meeting

13. Unoccupied cottages in Stammers Hill (Nos: 2 & 4)

It was established that No’s 2, 4 and 5 Stammers Hill were owned by an absent landlord and were a potential health risk but that the reason for keeping these properties in poor condition was unknown. It was brought to the meeting’s attention that No 1 Stammers Hill, owned by a different person, was also unoccupied and in a poor condition. Cllrs Watts-Williams and Trumble have visited the site which is falling into disrepair and MSDC is investigating whether legal action the District Council can take to compel the owners to improve these properties.

14. Reports from Outside Bodies.

Cllr Healy attending the inter parish meeting and all the points raised have already been covered by Cllr Watts-Williams report.

15. Information Items.

Cllrs Firth and Hind to update the Winter Resilience Plan.

16. Correspondence.

An email regarding a local Bus Survey has been received and whilst not directly affecting Fulking directly Cllr Dennis asked that the Council respond to the survey with a balanced view.

17. Financial Matters:

The following payments were made by the Council since the previous meeting. The Barclays Current Account balance stands at £9,809.60.

Date                     Description                     Cheque / Online / DDI         Amount

23/07/2018               E-On                           Direct Debit                   £ 53.41
21/08/2018               Q1 Clerk’s Pay              Chq No 100742               £1,039.44
15/09/2018              Payroll Services             Direct Debit                  £ 26.70
02/10/2018              Grass Cutting                Online Banking               £ 390.00

24/09/2018            H2 Precept of £4,348 was received into the account.
Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 10th January 2019 to be held at Fulking Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Minutes of the Fulking Parish Council Planning Meeting held in the Village Hall, Fulking on Wednesday 3rd October 2018 at 7pm.

Present: Chairman Councillor Firth, Cllrs Hind, Healy and Dyos. Clerk, Trevor Parsons

Apologies: Cllr Trist who attended as a resident.

One member of the public was present.

Declaration of interest: Cllr Trist took no part in the meeting in an official capacity but only as a resident.

Meeting opened at 7pm.

Prior to the meeting there was one request received from a member of the public to speak against the application.
The following matter was discussed. SDNP/18/04676/HOUS Elmside, Edburton Road, Fulking BN5 9LR. Glazed link and extension of outbuilding.

The meeting opened with a statement from the member of public objecting to the application.

It was noted that (in reference to the South Downs Plan):

The site has been subject to a number of developments and the current application which concerns connecting the existing extensions to the main house could be considered as adding to the floor area of the main accommodation. If this were the case this would add an estimated 45% to the floor area which would appear to contravene SD45E (replacement dwellings and extensions). While the character of the original farm workers cottage will be further compromised (SD45B).

There is concern that by linking these outhouses to the main building there is potential for change of use to accommodation in the future. This is likely to also conflict with SD45E.

The glazed link would be visible from the road and Downs and likely to result in increased light spill (SD9B and SD9C – Dark Night Skies). Furthermore, concern was raised about the possibility of bird strikes.

The neighbours object to this application and have stated that this will result in a further reduction of their amenities which appears to conflict with SD6 (design strategy).

The resulting vote on this application was unanimously AGAINST.

The meeting closed at 7.18pm.

Minutes of the Fulking Parish Council Planning Meeting held in the Village Hall, Fulking on Thursday 19th July 2018 at 7.30pm (Draft)

Present:
Chairman: Cllr Firth
Councillors: Cllrs Hind, Healey, Dyos and Trist
Clerk: Trevor Parsons

No apologies for absence as all councillors were present.

One member of the public was present

Declarations of interest: Cllr Firth took no part in the meeting as his views have been separately sought by SDNPA as a close neighbour, therefore Cllr Hind, as vice chairman, took the Chair.

Meeting opened at 7.30 pm

Prior to the meeting, there were no requests by members of the public to speak.

The following matters were discussed:

Barn Cottage, Poynings Road, Fulking BN5 9NB

SDNP/18/03314/HOUS: Extension and re-modelling of existing house

It was noted that:

The SDNPA website was down today so a set of documents were emailed to the Council so that councillors and public could view the application documents on the overhead projector.

There was no design statement.

Cllr asked if a heritage statement was available however councillors believed that no heritage statement was provided.

The calibrated online measurement of the existing elevation shows 5950mm not 6368mm therefore new roof height will be nearly 0.8m higher, not the 0.4m indicated in the plans, which was a serious concern.

The new northwest wing being proposed, as visible on the east / west elevation drawing, would dominate the appearance of the building and will be much more prominent from the Poynings (westerly) direction than the existing building

The resulting vote on this application was unanimously AGAINST

The meeting closed at 8:07pm

FULKING PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of Annual Meeting of Fulking Parish Council and Annual Parish Meeting
Meeting held in Fulking Village Hall on Thursday 10th May 2018 at 7.30pm

Present:
Chairman                                                  Cllr Firth
Fulking Parish Council (FPC)                       Cllr Hind, Cllr Dyos and Cllr Trist
Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC)             Cllr Trumble
West Sussex County Council (WSCC)          Cllr Dennis
Clerk                                                        Trevor Parsons
Members of the Public                                9 members of the public present

Apologies      Cllrs Watts-Williams and Wilkinson and Cllr Healy

Annual Meeting of Council

Meeting opened at 19:30

Chairman’s Welcome.
Nominations for Chairman and Vice Chairman were received.
Cllr Firth was nominated for election as Chairman, proposed by Cllr Hind and seconded by Cllr Dyos
Cllr Hind was nominated for election as Vice Chairman, proposed by Cllr Dyos and seconded by Cllr Trist
The Chairman and Vice Chairman signed the Declaration of Acceptances

Meeting closed at 19:35

Annual Parish Meeting
Meeting Opened at 19:36

Apologies for Absence  Cllrs Watts-Williams and Wilkinson and Cllr Healy

Minutes of Annual Meeting of Fulking Parish Council on 11th May 2017 having been previously circulated were agreed and signed. The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held on Thursday 12th April 2018 were signed by the Chairman, Cllr Firth.
Cllr Trist thanked the Chairman for all his extra work caused by the vacant Clerk position.
Cllr Dyos welcomed the former Chairman and resident Tony Brooks, to the meeting.

Chairman’s Report
Thank you all for attending and I’d like to extend a special welcome to our new clerk, Trevor Parsons. This is officially his first meeting where he’s steering us away from the rocks!
We’ve had a very eventful year, mainly behind the scenes…
Derek, our previous clerk left us in January, having done good work for us since 2015, and was strong on procedure and accounting. As they say, there always a silver lining to clouds and learning about how to recruit a clerk, meeting candidates, working with locum clerks, and filling in for Derek has been a useful and interesting experience. But clearly one which without SSALC’s help we probably wouldn’t have got through – Trevor Leggo seems to single-handedly keep Surrey and Sussex councils afloat.
It was not only Clerks that changed, as in October Kate left us having served as a councillor for at least 6 years and chair for 4 years – a huge loss particularly for relatively unexperienced chairmen, who relied on her experience. However, by December we were back to a full strength as Karen joined us. A big thanks to her for volunteering.
We seemed preoccupied by behind-the-scenes activity as we negotiated Data Protection regulations by reorganising our IT systems and now run our electronic communications like a large company. Luckily, we had John Hazard to guide us through the e-pitfalls of this. The main thing is that resident’s personal data is now much safer and accessible than it used to be.

Now, what about the real work of your council?
On the planning front:
We met to consider 13 applications last year – there were more applications where we didn’t meet. Probably the most significant issue was Market Gardens, which was called in by the South Downs planning committee. This was the first time where the mettle of the authority would be tested in our view…
We presented our case at the meeting and were supported by Colin Trumble from Mid-Sussex. Although the outcome (approval) was expected – the superficial manner of the consideration was a shock to us. Our subsequent appeal to the Secretary of State was rejected as no new principle was in dispute. We will continue to put the case for residents, but the unelected nature of the authority is a concern. I understand MSDC are looking at this for us.

Regarding finances
Our precept for 2018/19 has increased by 2% to £8,696 – lower than the average council increase but sufficient for us to support local demands and our increasing admin costs. Our internal audit of the annual accounts has just been completed – a big thank you to Nick Hughes for continuing to do this audit for us without charge – and we will be approving the accounts later in the meeting.

On our perennial headache; Parking, it feels as if we might be making some glacial progress – at least in clarifying what we want and can and cannot have.
Mark has worked hard on laying out options to residents in parking controls around the Shepherd and Dog area. Early indications are that most favour yellow lines of some type. Its clear that South Downs won’t support any off-road parking schemes, but we hope that WSCC will help us with this. Meanwhile we remain vulnerable to gridlock on those busy days at the Shepherd & Dog – despite their best efforts
Linda organised a residents meeting for Clappers Lane parking last July, which again clarified what options were available and which weren’t – this has some way to go.
Still on the Highways…
There was the curious case of the vanishing HGV sign – less said about that the better – a replacement is due shortly. We hope this will make inconsiderate lorry drivers think twice about this short cut. Potholes remain, please keep reporting them – as our roads are low on WSCC priorities. Diligent reporting is the only way to get us ahead in the list.
Flooding, particularly in Clappers Lane remains a big concern. We have improved the ditches with the last tranche of money from “Operation Watershed” and we aim to further improve this by working on the drainage from the ‘Lower Kents’ corner right down to the brook by the sewage plant in the next Watershed application. WSCC are supporting us in that. Furthermore, Preston Nomads have agreed to fix the area in front of their entrance – which is good news.

Of course, there’s the Village Hall, which we had been doing a fair bit of investigation and contingency planning for during the year… but it looks as if there’s a meeting of minds with the PCC which is great news – especially compared other nearby parishes have run huge problems in very similar circumstances
Finally, a few thank you’s – to all my fellow councillors Mark, Linda, Michael & Karen who continue to devote their time working on behalf of the community. Also, thanks to our regional councillors, Joy Dennis (WSCC), Colin Trumble, Anthony Watts Williams and John Wilkinson (MSDC) for their support and interest in our village. Thank you as well to John Hazard and Gerald Gazdar for their contribution to the ever improving and excellent website. Not to mention the Gerald and Nick for providing the Village Hall with the internet –which must be a good thing, right?
Thank you to all of you for attending this evening and being interested in our community.

Report by WSCC
Cllr Dennis provided the meeting with an update on the following matters:
The financial health of the County Council remains strong although maintaining services will be increasingly difficult due to an aging population in the County. A budget is in place to improve the homelessness situation.
Potholes – Over 8,500 potholes have been repaired this winter, the most severe potholes are repaired within 24 hours. In April, two gangs of pothole fixers were in place and this increased to four gangs in May.
Parking – Cllr Dennis has spoken to the SDNPA executive regarding the provision of car parks and agreed with the meeting that a compromise needs to be found with both District and SDNPA.
Rural Broadband – Cllr Dennis is well aware of the poor broadband provision in the rural communities and a Gigabite Broadband Voucher Scheme is being considered.
Northern Arc Steering Group – relating to the 5,000 new homes planned for northern Burgess Hill. Cllr Dennis assured the meeting that she would engage with the Group to minimise the impact of the scheme on rural communities.

Report By MSDC
Cllr Trumble provided the meeting with an update.
The District Plan is now in place which does not include the proposed Mayfield development. This means that all planning applications will be judged against the District Plan. FPC is under SDNPA Plan which was submitted in early May 2018. Cllr Trumble confirmed that consultations between MSDC and SDNPA should be sharpened up and a review will take place in June 2018. It was suggested that Rob Ainsley from SDNPA be invited to a future FPC meeting.
Fulking Parish Council rates increased by 2% in 2018
Cllr Trumble concerred that broadband was very poor in Fulking. MSDC is talking to Broadband for Rural North (B4RN) which is a not for profit organisation working to improve broadband services in rural communities.

The Clerk presented the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2017/2018 which was approved and signed by the Chairman.
Guest Speak – Liz Leggo on Dementia Friends provided the meeting with an excellent inter-active presentation on dementia awareness and its effects on families and friends and invited the Council and members of the meeting to become Dementia Friends.
Date of next ordinary set for Thursday 12th July 2018.
Meeting closed at 20:52.

Everybody was invited to join the PC for refreshments