Minutes of Ordinary Meeting held Thursday 11th January 2024

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 11th January 2024 at 7.30pm at Fulking Village Hall.

Present

Chairman: Cllr Mark Hind

Fulking Parish Council (FPC) Cllr Karen Healy, Cllr Linda Comber, Cllr Lucy Metha & Cllr Tom Kardos

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) : Cllr Geoff Zeidler

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) : Cllr Joy Dennis

There were three members of the public present the conversation is highlighted in item 24/011/OM.

The meeting started at 7.45pm.

24/001/OM. Apologies for Absence.

There were no apologies received as all Councillors were present.

24/002/OM. Declaration of Members’ Interests.

There were no interests declared

24/003/OM. Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 12th October 2023

The minutes, subject to any amendments, to be approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting were approved unanimously by Councillors and duly signed by the Chairman.

24/004/OM. Reports from District and County Councillors.

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported:

There is likely to be pressure on secondary school places when applications are reviewed in February 2024. The bulge in numbers seeking places remains high, but she is optimistic that in 2 – 3 years time the issue with resolve itself with lower numbers of children requiring places. Already WSCC can see lower numbers seeking primary places despite the additional houses built in the District.

The is now a booking system in place at Burgess Hill tip.

WSCC has a balanced budget with all current services retained.

Cllr Geoff Zeidler (MSDC) reported

At the Council meeting on 13th December District Plan was approved with all but one independent member voting for it to progress to Reg19 consultation. The Council has also released its draft 2024-25 Corporate Plan and Budget for consultation. The revised NPPF was published a couple of days later and made clear that there was no basis on which MSDC could rely to reduce its housing targets; and that DHLUC was taking action against Planning Authorities who had not progressed in Planmaking.

The next stage will be a Reg19 public consultation that will start on 12th January for 6 weeks. Responses are limited to ensuring that the plan is “Sound” and “Legal” and is not an opportunity to amend any of the specific elements. If approved by the Inspector next year, then all sites will still need to go through detailed assessment when they submit planning applications.

24/005/OM. Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.

Village signs – Cllr Tom Kardos reported that progress was being made on the new posts, the contractor is waiting for prices for materials before submitting a quote.

24/006/OM. Small Acre Update

The date for the Planning Inspector appeal in relation to un-approved development at the Small Acres site is set for two days starting on Tuesday 27th February 2024 at the South Downs National Park Centre in Midhurst.

24/007/OM. Parish Plan Update

Cllr Linda Comber and Cllr Tom Kardos attended a Parishes SDNPA workshop however the meeting appeared to be more of a call for sites exercise than a workshop to support Local Plans. A discussion was held over the benefits of producing a “Neighbourhood” vs a “Parish” Plan. It was decided to arrange a separate meeting to discuss this further and to agree the next steps. A private meeting of Councillors has been arranged at 7pm on Monday 5th February.

24/008/OM. 2024 – 2025 Precept

The Clerk presented councillors with a draft budget for the 2024 – 2025 financial year. Based on the draft budget Councillors unanimously voted in favour of a 5.3% rise in precept to £11,250 pa.

24/009/OM. Proposed TRO – New speed limit.

Further to a previous agreement to request a TRO on the road from Saddlescombe roundabout to the junction of A2037 at Small Dole, there is disagreement between Fulking, Upper Beeding and Poynings Councils as to the preferred limit to apply for. Fulking and Upper Beeding wish to request a 40 mph limit along the whole of Edburton/Poynings Road whereas Poynings are in favour of a 50 mph limit. Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) agreed to contact the Chair of Poynings to resolve this possible misunderstanding.

ACTION: Cllr Dennis to contact Poynings Chair and then advise Fulking Clerk as to the preferred TRO option.

24/010/OM. Information Items. To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings.

None received

24/011/OM. Correspondence. To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received.

A resident in Clappers Lane had made an online report to WSCC on their website advising of blocked drains causing flooding in Clappers Lane. WSCC maintenance visited the site and cleared the initial problem however with more rainfall the drain is blocked again and when the resident resubmitted an online report the system keeps saying “Case Closed”

ACTION : Cllr Joy Dennis to speak to Highways Department to reopen the case and to arrange for maintenance to clear the blocked drain. She requested that the Clerk register a new report online to WSCC.

24/012/OM. Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure.

The Clerk reported to Councillors via email that the current account balance in Barclays Bank was £7,346.56 with £13,612.38 held in the deposit account.

24/013/OM. To set a date of Annual General Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting:

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 11th April 2024.

Annual Parish Meeting : Wednesday 15th May 2024 at 7pm.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Fulking Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 11th January 2024

You are cordially invited to an Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council on Thursday 11th January 2024 at 7.30pm to be held at Fulking Village Hall. The meeting will consider the items set out below. 

Trevor Parsons – Parish Clerk  

AGENDA 

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.  

24/001/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

24/002/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

24/003/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 12th October 2023 

The minutes, subject to any amendments, to be approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. 

24/004/OM.            Reports from District and County Councillors.   

24/005/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting. 

24/006/OM.            Small Acre Update 

24/007/OM.            Parish Plan Update 

24/008/OM.        2024 – 2025 Precept 

24/009/OM.         Proposed TRO – New speed limit.       

24/010/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

24/011/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

24/012/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

24/013/OM.               To set a date of Annual General Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting:  

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 11th April 2024. 

Bobservation No. 112: Involvement and Charity

Parish Council Poster

Involvement
Listening from as far away as Henfield but with regular visits to and discussions about Fulking     I find that apathy seems to rule the day. I guess that very few Fulking villagers have any idea who all five members of the Parish council are and indeed care much anyway. Now this is a great pity because the whole democratic process begins at Parish Council level and given the opportunity to stand and be voted onto the council is a rare chance to be able to have an influence on all facets of village life. I do encourage you to consider standing for election to the Parish Council whenever the chance comes along.

Charitable giving
Because the majority of readers of this article have it in their power to donate to a charity I find it interesting that choosing a charity is not as easy as it might seem. The need by almost every walk of life is compelling, be it human or animal, children or adults, war torn or peaceful, religious or secular, physical or mental. Do your best, it can be very satisfying being able to help.

New Year
I sincerely wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2024 and please join me in sparing a thought for those of you with problems, be they medical, financial or otherwise.

Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held 18th May 2023 (Draft)

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting of the Council held Thursday 18th May 2023 at 7.30 pm at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman:                              Cllr Mark Hind
Fulking Parish Council (FPC):   Cllrs Karen Healy, Tom Kardos and Lucy Mehta 

Mid Sussex District Council: Cllrs Geoff Zeidler 

West Sussex County Council: Cllr Joy Dennis
Parish Clerk:                                Trevor Parsons 

There were three members of the public present who were offered an opportunity to speak.  

The meeting opened at 7.30pm. 

Agenda: Annual Meeting of Council 

23/038/AMC Chairman’s Welcome followed by Election of Chairman 

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Cllr Healy proposed that Cllr Mark Hind be elected as Chairman for a further 12 months, seconded by Cllr Mehta. Councillors unanimously in favour. 

Meeting closed at 7.35pm 

Agenda: Annual Parish Meeting 

23/039/APM Apologies for Absence 

None received as all councillors were present. 

23/040/APM Approval of previous years’ minutes Annual Parish Meeting 12th May 2022 

The minutes of the 12th May 2022 Annual Parish Meeting were proposed by Cllr Kardos, seconded by Cllr Healy and unanimously accepted as a true record of the meeting. The Chairman signed the minutes accordingly. 

23/041/APM   Chairman’s report 

I would like to start by thanking Karen, Lucy and Tom for putting themselves forward to stand again as Parish Councillors for the next 4 years. I would also like to congratulate Geoff Zeidler on his election as District Councillor for our new Downland Villages ward. 

Finally, I would like to thank Linda Dyos, who has just stood down as a Parish Councillor after 8 years, for her hard work and dedication. I would like to present her with this gift as a small token of our appreciation for her commitment to support our community. I wish her all the best for the future and continued progress in her recovery from her accident. 

I will now provide a brief summary of activity undertaken by the Council over the last 12 months: 

Full Fibre Broadband Scheme 

Installation started in January and several properties now have access to Superfast Broadband. It is anticipated installation will be complete across the whole of the village by the end of the summer. 

Fulking Village Hall 

As part of the plan to eventually buy the village hall from the Church, the Council provided support to enable a registered charity, The Fulking Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to be set up. This CIO was set up following advice from the Sussex branch of “Action with Communities in Rural England” (ACRE) who suggested this would be the best structure to run the hall and secure it as an asset for the community. Discussions remain ongoing with the Church regarding the purchase of the hall. 

Drainage works Operation Watershed 

The Parish Council received funding from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) under “operation watershed” to undertake drainage repairs near Perching Drove on Edburton Road, to stop run off of chalk from the Downs and on Clappers Lane to reduce run off from the fields. 

Ladybrook Spring and Edburton Road 

Following requests by the Parish Council works were undertaken by WSCC to stop the flow of water across the road. Unfortunately, the extremely high levels of rainfall over the winter created numerous potholes and new springs across the road. The Council has requested WSCC to undertake more permanent repairs. 

Clappers Lane – new signs 

Following a suggestion from a resident in Clappers Lane the Parish Council bought and installed two new “Single Track Road” signs in an attempt to reduce the number of vehicles using the road. We remain in discussions with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to extend the 20 mph limit up Clappers Lane to its northern entrance. We hope to have further information on this later this year. 

Planning 

All planning applications for our village are decided by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). The Parish Council however is a consultee on any planning applications received and has commented on 5 applications during the past year. One application was referred to the SDNPA Planning Committee and is currently subject of an appeal to the Planning Inspector. The Council employed a planning consultant to assist with this appeal. 

Playground 

The Parish Council owns the playground equipment in the North Town Field and as part of the insurance arrangements Councillors undertake a 2 weekly safety check. Unfortunately, as the equipment is aging an increasing number of repairs are being required 

23/042/APM    Reports from District & County Councillors 

Cllr Ziedler reported for MSDC  

A new Council was elected on 4th May 2023. The balance of the Council is Liberal Democrats 20; Conservative 18; Independent 5; Green 4; Labour 1. The first Council meeting is on 24th May at which time a Chairman and Leader will be elected and future roles appointed. At present there have been one of two days of induction meetings and so I am not yet fully briefed. 

Given the focus of the Ward I have requested to participate in the District Plan Committee; the Scrutiny Committee for Executive Leader, Deputy Leader, Planning, Economic Growth and Net Zero; and the MSDC representative on the Board of the South Downs National Park. 

District Plan 

The Council is currently progressing the District Plan under the current NPPF although changes to this are expected. I have written to our MPs to request their assistance in having any revision published as soon as possible. The Policy approach to the District Plan may change with Leadership of the Council. The present District Plan is open to challenge as it is over 5 years old and the first speculative SoS appeal has been launched. 

Services 

The budget for the Council was adopted unanimously before the election and so the services plans outlined in the budget are expected to be progressed. 

Infrastructure 

There was a meeting with Southern Water organised by residents of Sayers Common with the support of Bob Sampson and Andrew Griffith MP. This reflected flooding issues in the area, particularly related to new developments. I am aware that there are similar issues in Albourne and I will be ensuring I am engaged in the follow-up. 

Parish Issues for DC Support 

Common Issues 

Almost all the Parishes are seeking TROs or other approaches to mitigate speeding on dangerous roads; flytipping remains a regular issue, as is management of dog waste disposal facilities. Flooding also remains evident in a number of areas. 

Albourne 

An appeal to the SoS has been launched by Croudace relating to 120 houses South of Henfield Road adjacent to Albourne School. 

Fulking 

There is an appeal scheduled in relation to un-approved development at the Small Acres site. This arises under SDNP Planning. 

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common 

The actions arising from the meeting with Southern Water include resolving the level of service from the Capita call centre and four actions to be completed by the end of May. 

Poynings 

None at present. There is local pressure for an extensive re-surfacing of the road through Poynings. 

Twineham 

Response required by 30th May to the Rampion 2 extension socket consultation and there are 3 planning applications for Battery Energy Storage System facilities. DM/23/1184 – Lightrock Power; DM/21/2276 – Envirotech and DM/23/0769 – One Planet. Planning consent exists for a 42 acre solar array. 

The major concern about BESS is Fire and Environmental risk as these are relatively new technologies. Stuart Malcolm is the MSDC Officer with responsibility for electrical applications. 

ACTION : Cllr Zeidler to arrange a joint meeting for the seven parishes under his control. 

Cllr Dennis reported for WSCC that 

  • Adam Denby has now replaced Richard Speller at West Sussex CC and any new Operation Watershed applications should be directed to him. 
  • Superfast Broadband in the area is making progress 
  • Off-site Electric Vehicle Chargers. Town and Parishes are being asked top put forward sites for new EV Chargers. Difficult for Fulking as the Council does not own any land but other Councils are making proposals. 
  • School Places – Brooksmead senior school in Burgess Hill is under construction and is expected to take around 18 months to build. 
  • “Ditch The Problem” challenge has been set to remind landowners of the ramparion responsibilities to keep roadside ditches under their ownership clear. 

23/043/APM    Questions to Matthew Thompson Communities Lead – Fulking Water Treatment Works 

Matthew kindly attended the meeting to provide a brief overview of the current works to substantially improve the present treatment works for those properties linked to the mains sewage outlet. The work involves installing new equipment which will help with the removal or Phosphates (typically found in cleaning products) and iron.  Due to the size of the site the project team has to work from the rear of the site out towards the gate. This has resulted in the project taking longer than it ordinarily would do on a larger site 

23/044/APM.   To consider and agree the Internal Audit Report Letter dated 20/04/2022. 

The Internal Auditor Report was reviewed by Councillors. Acceptance proposed by Cllr Hind, seconded by Cllr Mehta and approved unanimously 

23/045/APM.   To consider and agree the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2023 ensuring it accurately presents the financial management of the Council as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. 

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2023 was reviewed by Councillors. Acceptance proposed by Cllr Kardos, seconded by Cllr Healy and unanimously approved as a true record of the accounts. 

23/046/APM.   Date of next Ordinary Meeting Thursday 6th July 2023. 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting held 12th October 2023.

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 12th October 2023 at 7.30pm at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman: Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council (FPC) Cllrs Karen Healy, Cllr Linda Comber, Cllr Lucy Metha & Cllr Tom Kardos 

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) : Cllr Geoff Zeidler 

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) : Cllr Joy Dennis 

There were two members of the public present and the meeting started at 7.30pm. 

23/65/OM. – Apologies for Absence. 

All councillors were present therefore no apologies for absence 

23/066/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

There were no interests declared 

23/067/OM. – Approve the Minutes* of the Ordinary Meeting of 6th July 2023 and Planning meeting 26th July 2023 The minutes, subject to any amendments, to be approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. 

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting and Planning Meeting were approved unanimously by Councillors and duly signed by the Chairman.  

23/068/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions – To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting. 

Village sign – Cllr Hind advised the meeting that he had approached Jen Green to see if she would be able to refurbish the village sign but sadly she was not able to do so. After further discussion it was agreed that Cllr Comber approach James Lightfoot to see if we would be able to help. 

Clappers Lane TRO – The Clapper Lane TRO to reduce the speed from 60mph to 30mph has been approved by WSCC and appropriate signage will be installed soonest. 

23/069/OM – Small Acres Appeal. 

Cllr Hind informed the meeting that a date for the appeal against the enforcement action at Small Acres been set for 27th / 28th  February 2024 with a venue still to be arranged. 

23/070/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors. 

Cllr Zeidler provided a written update from MSDC – 

MSDC was briefed on steps being taken to ensure a development plan for the Martlets in Burgess Hill was brought forward by July 2024; and the Gatwick DCO which anticipated departures increasing from a current level of 32.8m to 75.6m by 2038. 10 Local Authorities are co-ordinating their opposition. Councillors will be attending Remembrance Services on 12th November. The next full Council meeting is on 13th December. 

District Plan 

MSDC has met with the Parishes most affected including a combined meeting with Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common; Albourne and Twineham. At that meeting the context and evidence relating to the plan was discussed and as a result a further meeting to focus on Master Planning and Traffic is being scheduled. There was also the opportunity for Parishes to prioritise the Local Infrastructure that they would like to be included in relation to the “Sustainable Community” sites. The Reg 19 plan is expected to go to an extraordinary Scrutiny meeting on 22nd November. The revised NPPF has not been launched and Michael Gove has written to Councils on Planning in a letter which is attached. 

Services 

A new contract has been let for maintenance of Open Spaces (including playing fields) which starts on 1st October. Recent performance of the departing provider has been substandard, leading to a number of complaints, and it is hoped that the new “output specification” service will improve. 

The Open Spaces strategy, which may provide clarification on how playgrounds will be supported, will come to Cabinet for review in October. I will keep the Parishes informed of any impact or changes that are envisaged to ensure that parish views are represented. 

Parish Issues for DC Support 

Common Issues 

An informal meeting of Chairs & Clerks from all Downland Village Parishes was held on 14th September at which most Parishes were represented. Joy Dennis also attended from WSCC. It is hoped that this will assist collaboration on common issues such a traffic and managing engagement with the Council to resolve issues. 

Fulking (12th October) 

The date for appeal in relation to un-approved development at the Small Acres site is not yet set. The PC is also seeking funding to renew playground equipment. 

Newtimber (24th October tbc) 

Common issues on speeding with Pyecombe, Poynings and Albourne. 

Poynings (8th November) 

Awaiting feedback from WSCC on issues including speeding and road re-surfacing. 

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported – 

The contractor who successfully tendered for the new school in Burgess Hill and withdrawn from the agreement resulting in WSCC having to restart the tender process which is likely to delay completion of the school by at least 12 months. 

RAAC concrete in schools. Central government has instructed all local education authorities to inspect their premises. So far, no major issues have seen reported in West Sussex, issues appear to be linked to additional buildings / extensions rather than the original structure. 

The Gatwick Airport Consultation remains ongoing. 

The Burgess Hill Green Circle – a green pathway for horses, cyclist and walkers was nominated for a national award. 

WSCC are making progress with the ash die-back project to remove diseased trees. 

Riparian – Householders duty to keep their ditches clear. WSCC continue to send letters to householders who are neglecting the duty to keep the ditches they are responsible for clear of debris. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Points – WSCC continue to look for and install suitable EV charging points across the County and are open to suggested sites. 

Pot Holes – WSCC are continuing to focus on repairing pot holes across the County. 

23/071/OM – Village hall and its running costs 

The long-term future of the village hall was discussed by Councillors and concerns were raised on how the future running costs of the facility would be managed and paid for.  

ACTION: Further investigation of discussion with all groups is needed and Cllr Hind agreed to take this forward. 

23/072/OM – RoSPA Playground Report and Maintenance 

The RoSPA Report was circulated to all councillors prior to the meeting. CLLR Hind advised that the urgent items raised in the report had been dealt with as we await the repairs to be undertaken by Heartwood Creative Limited. 

23/073/OM. – Fulking Parish Council Budget 2024/2025.  

The Clerk reported that budget planning for 2024/2025 was in progress and that costs continue to rise. An increase in precept from £10,680 will be sought to cover the Council’s commitments. 

23/074/OM. – Speed Limits in Edburton Road 

Following the successful application for a speed reduction in Clappers Lane, Councillors agreed that a similar restriction for Edburton Road, should be requested. Cllr Dennis (WSCC) recommended that one TRO Application should be presented to WSCC by the parishes of Poynings, Fulking and Edburton to cover the whole stretch of road, outside the 20mph village speed limits. 

ACTION: Clerk to liaise clerks of Poynings and Upper Beeding to make a joint application 

23/075/OM. – Planning application – Conifer House SDNP/23/03790/TCA 

Proposal: Reduce to just below previous pruning points and thin canopy on 1 no. Maple tree in rear (eastern side) garden (T1) 

Councillors reviewed the application and were unanimous in their support. 

23/076/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies, Information Items & Correspondence 

An email was received from Action in rural Sussex (AirS) regarding support with community plans including Parish Plans, Neighbourhood Development Plans and Parish / Neighbourhood Priority Statements. 

ACTION: Clerk to email AirS to request an initial consultation. 

23/077/OM. – Financial Matters: To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The Clerk reported that the current account balance in Barclays Bank was £8,944.84 with £13,612.38 held in the deposit account. 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 11th January 2024 

Meeting closed at 9.05pm. 

Bobservation No. 108: Village Hall

Fulking_Village_Hall_posterized
Whilst the possible purchase of the village hall from the Church is being discussed by the Parish Council, it is relevant to point out that, whatever happens, the annual costs of running the hall including maintenance and repairs will continue to increase because of the age of the building and, I guess, will be upwards of £3000 pa. in the immediate future. On current performance it will be difficult to raise this sort of money (this year’s fair raised between £800 and £900, some of which may be needed for the North Town Field). So far as I can see there is no easy answer to this and without a generous donor it will be difficult to continue.  Perhaps a way forward is to ask the Parish Council to look into whether it is possible for them to take on the expense of running the hall with an increase in the precept, in this way all villagers would share the cost. It might be a sensible path to take.

Minutes of Planning Meeting 26th July 2023 (Draft)

Minutes of the extraordinary Council Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Wednesday 26th July 2023 at 7.00pm via Microsoft Teams.  

Present 

Chairman:                           Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council (FPC) Cllrs Karen Healy, Tom Kardos, Lucy Mehta & Linda Comber 

There was one member of the public present. 

23/062/PM.          Apologies for Absence. 

All councillors were present. 

23/063/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No interests declared 

23/064/PM.          Planning matters – SDNP/23/02588/FUL 

Location: Land North of The Dean Poynings Road Fulking West Sussex  

Proposal: To change the use of land from agriculture to private equestrian, including construction a single a stable block comprising 3 stables, hay store, feed store and tack room with an adjacent manure bay. 

Councillors discussed the planning application, it was noted: 

Councillors unanimously objected to the application on the grounds of SD24 where the two acres of land is not of a scale to accommodate three horses. The British Horse Society “recommends a ratio of one horse per 0.4-0.6 hectares on permanent grazing (1-1.5 acres per horse)” 

When considering climate change with drier summers and wetter winters, the ratio for additional permanent grazing per horse will need to increase in the future. 

Date of next Ordinary to be Thursday 12th October 2023. 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting Fulking Parish Council held on 6th July 2023 (Draft)

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 6th July 2023 at 7.30pm at Fulking Village Hall.

Present

Chairman: Cllr Mark Hind

Fulking Parish Council (FPC) Cllrs Karen Healy and Tom Kardos

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) Cllr Geoff Zeidler

There were three members of the public present and the meeting started at 7.45pm.

23/047/OM. Apologies for Absence.

Cllr Lucy Mehta (FPC) and Cllr Joy Dennis (West Sussex County Council)

23/048/OM. Declaration of Members’ Interests.

There were no interests declared.

23/049/OM. Councillors Statement.

Cllr Healy spoke to acknowledge on behalf of the Council, Clerk and villagers how pleased we are to see Cllr Mark Hind this evening despite the terribly sad loss of his lovely wife Anne. The sheer level of messages of condolences, offers of help and support illustrate how fond everyone was of Anne, how liked and respected she was and how much she will be missed. The outpouring from the community is also indicative of how well liked and respected Mark is and how much everyone appreciates all that he does for the community.

We are all very lucky to live in such a supportive community at times of adversity, we saw this during covid as well. We hope that time will heal Mark and that he will continue to feel supported by the village community.

23/050/OM. Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 16th March 2023 and Planning Meetings of 23rd March and 3rd April 2023.

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting and Planning Meetings were approved unanimously by Councillors and duly signed by the Chairman.

23/051/OM. Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.

No matter arising as separate agenda items have been created where necessary.

23/052/OM. Reports from District and County Councillors.

Cllr Zeidler (MSDC) reported:-

1) The Boundary Commission report has now been adopted and the Downland Villages Ward will now be in a new “Mid Sussex” parliamentary constituency with revised boundaries comprising Haywards Heath; Burgess Hill; Hurstpierpoint & Hassocks.

2) The new Council has had its first Planning & Cabinet meetings which are progressing collaboratively. There has been regular Councillor training on a range of subjects including Planning and s106 funding. From this it is clear that, other than health & safety concerns, Planning regulations provide no basis for refusal of an application due to the transitional impact on residents during development. The only protection is through the Planning Conditions which I have requested are reviewed to ensure they are more actively enforced.

3) The Scrutiny Committee has confirmed the District Plan as a key focus and agreed to establish a Working Group of 6 Councillors to work closely with officers reviewing the development of the Reg19 Plan. This is proposed to come to Scrutiny on 18th October; and Officers confirmed their commitment to meet Parishes during its development. A key test for the Council will be the Croudace Appeal on 15th August which will test whether the current plan is still valid.

4) The budget for the Council was adopted unanimously before the election and so the services plans outlined in the budget are expected to be progressed.

5) I have not heard whether the actions following the meeting with Southern Water have been completed; but will follow up. It is proposed that the Scrutiny Committee request UKPN attend to explain how they intend to provide and improve services to existing and new residents as part of its work program.

6) Almost all the Parishes are seeking TROs or other approaches to mitigate speeding on dangerous roads with construction traffic a particular concern. I have met with Cllr Dennis of WSCC and agreed an approach to a number of situations which we will discuss at the relevant PCC. I have asked how MSDC can provide advice or assistance to residents when flytipping arises on private land adjacent to the highway.

7) Fulking – The date for appeal in relation to un-approved development at the Small Acres site is not yet set. The PC is also seeking funding to renew playground equipment.

Cllr Zeidler Reported on behalf of WSCC

There are concerns at county level regarding the low levels of immunisations in schools which could cause problems in the future. There is a promotion in local libraries to challenge children to read six books during the six which summer holiday period.

23/053/PM. Planning Application SDNP/23/02336/LIS

Location: Customary Cottage The Street Fulking West Sussex BN5 9LU

Proposal: General conservation and repair works. Structural repairs to gable end. External and internal alterations including replacement of modern fenestration, lowering of ground floor level and cleaning of historic timbers and masonry. Minor landscape works

Councillors reviewed the application and it was noted:

Councillors welcomed all the proposals to the benefit of the house, comprising of comprehensive repairs and reinstatement. Unanimously Approved.

23/054/PM. Planning Application SDNP/23/02531/LIS

Location: Customary Cottage The Street Fulking West Sussex BN5 9LU

Proposal: Conversion of attic space including enlargement of existing hatch, insertion of timber ladder and reinforcing platform

The application was reviewed by Councillors who look forward to reading the planning officers decision. No Objection raised.

23/055/OM New Councillor Co-option

Linda Comber has lived in Fulking village for many years and has put herself forward for co-option as a Councillor for the Parish.

Linda is known to other councillors and the meeting unanimously approved her co-option.

23/056/OM. Playground Update

Cllr Hind reported that the metalwork has been satisfactorily repaired by CP Restorations and the remaining repairs will be completed by Toby English in the next couple of weeks before the RoSPA inspection is undertaken.

23/057/OM. Village sign

The village sign has been down for 12 months and the contractor has not fulfilled the repair. Cllr Kardos will approach his contact to see if they can undertake the reinstallation. Cllr Hind will approach Jen Green to see if the signage can be restored.

23/058/OM. Information Items. To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings.

None

23/059/OM. Correspondence. To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received.

None

23/060/OM. Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure.

The Clerk reported that the current account balance in Barclays Bank was £6,920.39 with £13,576.38 held in the deposit account.

23/061/OM. To set a date for the next Ordinary Meeting for Thursday 12th October 2023.

Meeting closed 9:05pm

Planning Meeting – Land North of The Dean, Poynings Road, Fulking

You are cordially invited to an Extraordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Wednesday 26th July 2023 at 7.00pm via Microsoft Teams where the meeting will consider the items set out below. The public is invited to this meeting so please contact Trevor Parsons – Parish Clerk on 07767 422733 or at parishclerk@fulking.net if you would like to join this meeting.

Mark Hind – Chairman

Following the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, and regarding regulations on Access to Local Government Meetings, members of the public are advised that they have a right to film/record the meetings of Fulking Parish Council. Members of the public are also advised that by attending a meeting of Fulking Parish Council, they give their consent to being filmed/recorded by other members of the public, if such activity is taking place.

AGENDA

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.

23/062/PM. Apologies for Absence.

23/063/PM. Declaration of Members’ Interests.

23/064/PM. Planning matters – SDNP/23/02588/FUL

Location: Land North of The Dean Poynings Road Fulking West Sussex

Proposal: To change the use of land from agriculture to private equestrian, including construction a single a stable block comprising 3 stables, hay store, feed store and tack room with an adjacent manure bay.

Date of next Ordinary Meeting to be Thursday 12th October 2023.

Bobservation No. 106: Anne Hind RIP

Anne Hind
Sadly there is another village death to report, adding to the other villagers who have passed away during the last twelve months. Anne Hind, such an attractive and charming lady, was taken by emergency to hospital but it was not possible to save her. She was of no great age and the shock to her husband Mark must have been quite horrific. I am sure everyone one who knew her was greatly saddened by her passing.

Fulking Fair
The annual fair on Sunday 16 July from midday till 5pm is being driven along by the Chair of the Social Committee, Sally Brownie, and given decent weather will be a tremendous local attraction. Centre stage will be RSPCA fun dog show and support will come from some interesting live music with Henfield Ukulele band, the Steel tribe band, Tenderhooks and The Pycombe PV choir, many entertaining stalls selling teas and homemade cakes, plants, flowers, jewellery, canine treats accessories and training, many children’s games and interests, Tug of War, a large array of food stalls including the Shepherd & Dog bar and BBQ, Indian Home cooking, crepes, pizzas, hot dogs, Ice cream, Fudge, pies, bakeries. In addition to all this a mammoth bottle Tombola. The new location at Long Clays on the Edburton road with adjacent parking will save visitors the walk from one end of the village to the fairground. There will be demonstrations and displays by Sustainable Henfield 2030, Henfield Spinners & weavers, Tottington Woodlanders, HART, hedgelaying, Woodland Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and more.