Category Archives: Parish Council

Minutes of Annual Meeting held 22nd May 2022 (draft)

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Minutes of the Planning Meeting, Annual Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting held Thursday 12th May 2022 at 6.15 pm at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

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

Mid Sussex District Council:           Cllrs Alison Bennett and Rodney Jackson 

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

There was one member of the public present who were offered an opportunity to speak.  

The meeting opened at 6.20pm. 

Agenda: Extraordinary Meeting – Planning 

22/036/OM.  Apologies for Absence.        None 

22/037/OM. Declaration of Members’ Interests.      None 

22/038/PM. Planning Application SDNP/22/01880/HOUS. 

Location: Four Acres Poynings Road Fulking West Sussex BN5 9NB  

Proposal: Extension to existing annexe to create pool and pool enclosure 

The views of all Councillors were heard, Cllr Kardos commented that the application proposed was a great improvement on the original pre-application. The new pool and pool enclosure will not be visible from the road.  

Councillors had no objection to the proposal and the Extraordinary Meeting closed at 6.50pm 

Agenda: Annual Meeting of Council       Meeting opened at 6.50pm 

22/039/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 Dyos. Councillors unanimously in favour. 

Meeting closed at 7.00pm 

Agenda: Annual Parish Meeting 

22/040/APM Apologies for Absence        None 

22/041/APM Approval of minutes APM 05/05/2021 

The minutes of the 5th May 2021 Annual Parish Meeting were unanimously accepted as a true record of the meeting. The Chairman signed the minutes accordingly. 

22/042/APM   Chairman’s report 

The Chairman advised that a number of initiatives were undertaken in the last year and included: 

Village Hall: Discussions were underway to buy Fulking Village Hall from the Church. Following advice received from “Action in Rural Sussex and England” a Charitable Incorporated Organisation has been set up to act as a vehicle to raise funds and eventually to own the hall once negotiations have been concluded with the Church. This continues to be a lengthy process with many legal and fund raising issues to be resolved. 

Information board: With joint funding from South Downs National Park an information board explaining the design and implementation of the Fulking RAM pump and water system by John Ruskin and others has been installed adjacent to the stream. 

Maintenance and repairs: A number of repairs were undertaken in the children’s playground to keep it up to the required safety standards. The finger post and lamppost in Clappers Lane which were damaged by vehicles have been replaced. 

Operation Watershed: Funds have been received from West Sussex County Council for drainage improvements in the village and we are awaiting a start date from the contractors. 

22/043/APM    Reports from District & County Councillors 

Cllr Alison Bennett (MSDC) reported: 

There is a children’s bench design competition in progress for the Platinum Jubilee with the winning design being created and installed in Haywards Heath. 

The Sustainable Economy document is being drafted looking more at the need of nature rather than just carbon reductions. Natural capital mapping for the whole district is being undertaken to assist with the report.   

The District Plan has been paused temporarily but it will need to be completed at some point. 

School places is still a live issue to ensure Downland Villages continue to allocations at Downlands School in Hassocks. 

Cllr Rodney Jackson (MSDC) reported: 

The Council Tax refund of £150 is underway for housed rated A – D. for those who pay by direct debit, this will be refunded automatically, anyone paying by other methods will need to apply for the refund. 

The long term vision for Clair Hall is still under review. 

A Centre for Outdoor Sports will be established within the Northern Arc development. MSDC will need to apply for additional grants as the CIL monies being received will not cover the cost of the project. 

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported: 

Dementia Week – there is a high proportion of the older generation with dementia in the County and this percentage is likely to increase. Because of Covid-19, less people have visited the doctor and therefore been diagnosed. WSCC urged everyone to support the elderly and receive the support they need.  

Refugees – There are a large number of refugees in Sussex due to the previous Afghan crisis, having Gatwick in the County and now Ukraine friends & family initiative. At Gatwick, WSCC have staff there 24 hours a day to help and support Ukraine host families. 

Death on Saddlescombe Road – Cllr Dennis reminded the meeting of safely courses available to the public. WSCC are reviewing road signage and safety on all the county’s A & B roads 

Velocity Patches – Pot holes remain a big issue, WSCC have established velocity Patches for fixing multiple pot holes in the same area. Cllr Hind thanked Cllr Dennis for the patch repairs at Ladybrook Spring prior to the major road repairs there later in the year. 

Climate Change – WSCC are on track to be carbon neutral by 2030. 

22/044/APM.   To consider and agree the Internal Audit Report Letter dated 20/04/2022. 

The Internal Auditor Report was reviewed by Councillors who approved the report unanimously.  

22/045/APM.   To consider and agree the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2022 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 2022 was reviewed by Councillors who unanimously accepted the report as a true record of the accounts. 

22/046/APM.   Date of next meeting 

The Annual Meeting date will be provisionally set as Thursday 4th May 2023. 

Meeting closed at 8.00pm 

Refreshments.   The public and press are cordially invited to attend. 

Minutes Ordinary Meeting held 13th October 2022 (draft)

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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held on Thursday 13th October 2022 at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman:                   Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council:         Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy, Lucy Mehta &  Tom Kardos 

Mid Sussex District Council: Cllr Alison Bennett 

Parish Clerk:                   Trevor Parsons 

There were eight members of the public present. 

The meeting started at 7.30pm where the Chairman invited members of the public to speak. The main concern raised was the increase in power cuts. 

Action: Cllr Healy offered to contact UKPN to understand why there are a greater number of power cuts.   

22/062/OM. – Apologies for Absence. 

Apologies were received from Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) and Cllrs Colin Trumble & Rodney Jackson (MSDC) all busy with County & District matters. 

22/063/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No declarations received. 

22/064/OM. – Approve the Minutes* of the Ordinary Meeting of 7thth July 2022  

The minutes were unanimously approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting. 

22/065/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions:  To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

  • Operation Watershed works have started in Clappers Lane which will improve drainage of rainwaters significantly. Work on ditch clearance in Edburton Road will start Monday 17th October. The works should be completed by Friday 21st October. 
  • New signage has now been installed both ends of Clappers Lane to alert drivers of a narrow road in an attempt to reduce vehicle speeds along the road.

22/066/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors. 

Cllr Alison Bennett (MSDC) reported: 

  1. A new Winter Support Guide has been published as an aid to residents of where to obtain assistance. 

Action: Cllr Bennett to send the guide to the Clerk in PDF format.  

2. MSDC has submitted a “levelling Up” grant bid for £18.5m to assist in the regeneration of Burgess Hill town centre. 

3. There is a County & District Investment Zone bid to stimulate growth for Burgess Hill town centre and the Science Tech Park.  

4. The latest District Plan Review has been submitted for scrutiny which includes 2000 homes in Albourne / Sayers Common Parish. 

22/067/OM. – Market Garden, Conifers & Small Acres Update 

Councillors reported mobile homes and caravans have been installed without permission in Small Acres. Other than a Temporary Stop Notice issues by SDNPA, no other proactive action appears to have been taken by the Authority.  

The owners of Small Acres have submitted a retrospective planning application and the Parish Council have already submitted Consultee Comments opposing the application from the Planning meeting of 5th October 2022. 

22/068/OM. – Antisocial behaviour MSDC & Police support 

The Chairman reported that two meetings had been held with MSDC and the Police but matters are slow at moving forward. Regrettably the Police have offered little community support so far. FPC is looking to set up a meeting with ASB Team and victims as soon as possible. 

Action: Cllr Alison Bennett offered to contact Mandy and the ASB Team at MSDC to move actions forwards. 

22/069/OM. – Ladybrook Spring & drainage clearance 

The Chairman reported that WSCC have committed to a more permanent repair to the road however WSCC have yet to provide a timescale as to when the works will be completed.  

22/070/OM. – Pop Up Camping 

Annie Brown of BD Harris Farm approached Cllr Kardos and the Parish Council to create an agenda item for the farm to share an update on their strategy and business direction following an issue in the summer where a small number of neighbours had raised concern that the location of a pop-up camp site was too close to their homes and intruded on their privacy.  

The Chairman clarified the legal position that under the so-called 28-day rule, anyone with sufficient space and facilities in a suitable location can open up a campsite for 28 days without requiring planning permission. The facilities required are water and toilets, though these can be temporary and / or mobile. 

Annie Brown spoke on behalf of the farm and immediately apologised to the residents for not communicating their plans for this temporary on farm diversification venture, and for any distress caused. She said the idea for the pop-up campsite was conceived after the Open Farm Day to provide more people with an opportunity to visit the countryside and visit the National Park. Annie told the meeting that after costs there was little profit to be gained from the venture. Following some complaints from neighbours, the pop-up camping venture was shut down.  

The Chairman congratulated Annie and David on the success of the Open Farm Day and confirmed that the Parish Council was supportive of initiatives to encourage people to enjoy Fulking and The South Downs National Park. A number of residents expressed their opinions regarding the pop-up campsite including the suggestion that it be moved to the field containing the Shepherds Huts. 

David Ellin (the farm manager) then told the meeting of the raft of anti-social activity the farm faces every day including regular co-ordinated vandalism of the fences at Truleigh Hill where vandals acting in the name of “right to roam” were cutting through wire fencing to walk wherever they liked. David advised that this action creates a serious health risk to livestock and creating unnecessary additional work for the farmworkers.  

It was agreed to continue to build on the good relations that the Parish and the local farmer have cultivated over the years, and to keep an open dialogue for the benefit of all residents and businesses in the Parish. 

22/071/OM. – ROSPA report & Playground Maintenance 

FPC maintain the playground in North Town Field. Councillors inspect the equipment twice monthly. A recent inspection has identified the need for repairs to the steel frame and other items raised by the RoSPA audit. An initial quote for £6,000 plus VAT was received and Councillors asked the Clerk to request additional quotes to ensure best value can be obtained. 

ACTION: Clerk & Cllr Kardos to obtain additional quotes  

22/072/OM. – Village Hall Update 

The Chairman informed the meeting that discussions between the Council, the Fulking Village Hall CIO and the Church were ongoing and slow progress was being made.  

22/073/OM. – Waste Water Treatment building works 

The existing Treatment works were built in the 1950s. Southern Water are about to embark on a 17-month project to update the wastewater and sewage processing facility for the village. Cllr Dyos advised that she and many villagers are unhappy with the lack of communication and that no-one appears to have been notified of the plans for the upgrade. 

ACTION: Clerk to make contact with the works manager to provide a line of communication between Southern Water and the Parish. 

 22/074/OM. – Fulking Parish Council Budget 2023/2024.  

The current precept stands at £10,080 from MDSC. Budget plans for 2023-2024 are being compiled and it is clear that with rising inflation our maintenance costs will be higher next year. Consensus of councillors was that a rise in precept nearer 10% should be requested to ensure the Council continues to balance its commitments with income received. 

22/075/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies. 

None 

22/076/OM. – Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None 

22/077/OM. – Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

The Clerk reported that an email had been received from Barclays Bank for information regarding the Council bank account. This is a national review from all banks to all non-personal bank account holders. 

ACTION: Clerk to complete and return the review to Barclays Bank. 

22/078/OM. – Financial Matters: To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The Clerk provided information to Councillors confirming the current account balance at Barclays was £10,970.13 at the end of September 2022 and that £38,122.39 was held in deposit account of which £25,957.80 is set aside for Operation Watershed.  

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 12th January 2023 

Agenda – Ordinary Meeting Thursday 13th October 2022

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You are cordially invited to the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Thursday 13th October 2022 at 7.30pm to be held at Fulking Village Hall. The meeting will consider the items set out below.

Trevor Parsons – Parish Clerk

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.

22/062/OM. – Apologies for Absence.

22/063/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests.

22/064/OM. – Approve the Minutes* of the Ordinary Meeting of 7thth July 2022 The minutes, subject to any amendments, to be approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

22/065/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions: To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.

· Operation Watershed

22/066/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors.

22/067/OM. – Market Garden, Conifers & Small Acres Update

22/068/OM. – Antisocial behaviour MSDC & Police support

22/069/OM. – Ladybrook Spring & drainage clearance

22/070/OM. – Pop Up Camping

22/071/OM. – ROSPA report & Playground Maintenance

22/072/OM. – Village Hall Update

22/073/OM. – Waste Water Treatment building works

22/074/OM. – Fulking Parish Council Budget 2023/2024.

22/075/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies.

22/076/OM. – Information Items. To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings.

22/077/OM. – Correspondence. To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received.

22/078/OM. – Financial Matters: To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure.

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 12th January 2023

Planning Meeting – Wednesday 5th October 2022

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You are cordially invited to an Extraordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Wednesday 5th October 2022 at 6.30pm at the Village Hall where the meeting will consider the items set out below. 

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.  

22/058/PM.          Apologies for Absence.  

22/059/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

22/060/PM.          Planning matters – SDNP/22/04317/FUL 

Location: Small Acre Clappers Lane Fulking West Sussex  

Proposal: Change of use of land to provide two pitch settled gypsy accommodation site, including erection of utility building 

22/061/PM.    Planning Matters – SDNP/22/04214/FUL 

Location: Perching Parva Farm Holmbush Lane Woodmancote Henfield West Sussex BN5 9TL  

Proposal: Demolition of existing commercial building and the erection of a replacement building.  

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 13th October 2022 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting Held 7th July 2022 (Draft)

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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held on Thursday 7th July 2022 at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman: Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council: Cllr Linda Dyos, Cllr Karen Healy and Cllr Tom Kardos 

West Sussex County Council: Cllr Joy Dennis 

Mid Sussex District Council: Cllrs Colin Trumble, Alison Bennett and Rodney Jackson 

Parish Clerk: Trevor Parsons 

There was one member of the public present. 

The meeting started at 7.30pm. 

22/047/OM.            Apologies for Absence.

Received from Cllr Mehta and Gary Marsh who both have Covid. 

22/048/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No declarations received. 

22/049/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 7th April 2022.  

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

22/050/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

1) Speed Indicator Device 

The Clerk advised the meeting that he had received a quotation from Stocksigns for £173.39 plus VAT for two single track road warning signs for Clappers Lane. Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) confirmed that these signs could be installed as they are information signs only. 

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of purchasing the signs which will hopefully result in users of Clappers Lane to drive more carefully. 

ACTION: Clerk to order new signage. 

2) Market Gardens & Conifers 

The noise of dogs barking and the possibility of unlicenced dog breeding continues. Cllr Trumble (MSDC) said he understood the problem however advised the meeting that without specific evidence MSDC cannot take any further action.    

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the increasing levels of unsocial behaviour in the village. Cllr Trumble advised the meeting that MSDC has a liaison officer called Mandy Cunningham who may be able to offer general advice and support.  

Cllr Dennis advised the meeting that WSCC also have a Liaison Officer who might be able to give us some guidance. 

ACTION: Clerk to arrange a meeting with Parish Councillors and District & County Liaison Officers 

22/051/OM.            Village Hall Update 

Cllr Hind reported at that we are still waiting for the church to formally confirm their agreement to the sale of the village hall for £75,000.  Cllr Hind advised the meeting that the Fulking Village Hall CIO had been formally created, that a bank account was in the process of being opened and that the Expression of Interest in relation to the Community grant scheme had been submitted. We have also been informed that Nigel Kennedy has offered to put on a fund-raising charity concert. 

Action: Cllr Hind to look at ways to regularise the incomes from VHAG, Social Committee and Village Hall revenues. 

22/052/OM.             Asset Inventory and Maintenance 

The Clerk presented councillors with the latest inventory of assets. Presently there is no formal maintenance schedule in place. A reactive stance to repairs is the present policy which seems to work for the most part.  

The annual RoSPA audit of the playground is due later this month. 

22/053/OM.              SDNPA Planning – Gary Marsh 

Sadly Gary could not attend however WSCC and MSDC provided the following reports. 

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported 

  • Census information for 2021 confirmed that the population in West Sussex had grown by 9.4% in the last 10 years, whereas East Sussex grew by 3.4%. Horsham District saw a 35% increase in over 65’s. 
  • The South East Transport and Bus consultations are still ongoing  

Cllr Trumble (MSDC) reported: 

  • After four years of deliberations, as part of the District Plan, MSDC has passed its sites allocation for new housing (1093 per year) and has land until 2031.  
  • MSDC is reviewing its Ukraine Family Housing Plans following the central government lead refugee housing for 6 –12 months. 

Cllr Hind thanked the County and District Councillors for their reports and requested that Cllr Gary Marsh send the Parish Council a written report regarding MSDC’s position on traveller site provision.  

22/054/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None 

22/055/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

None 

22/056/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The Clerk reported to the meeting the latest financial position which is in line with expectations. We are still waiting for Landbuild to make a start on the Operation Watershed funded repairs in Clappers Lane and Edburton Road hence the larger than normal balance in the deposit account. 

22/057/OM.               To set a date for the next Ordinary Meeting in October 2022. 

Provisionally set for Thursday 13th October 2022. 

Meeting closed at 9.30 pm. 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting held 7th April 2022

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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held on Thursday 7th April 2022 at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman: Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council: Cllr Linda Dyos, Cllr Karen Healy and Cllr Tom Kardos.  

West Sussex County Council: Cllr Joy Dennis 

Parish Clerk: Trevor Parsons 

There were three members of the public present. 

The meeting opened at 7.30pm 

22/019/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

Apologies were received from Cllr Lucy Mehta (FPC) and Cllrs Trumble, Bennett & Jackson (MSDC) 

22/020/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No declarations were received. 

22/021/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 13th January 2022 

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

The minutes of the meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman. All Councillors in Favour. 

22/022/OM.            Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Cllr Joy Dennis reported on WSCC climate change and net zero policies including: 

  • Rampion 2 is ongoing to increase off-shore wind energy capability. The new cable will run underground from Clymping to Bolney substation.  
  • Shoreham Port is now producing clean hydrogen for use on Crawley buses 
  • WSCC have some solar panel farms in place 
  • Most primary schools have solar or air source installed. 
  • YES Solar still have grants available from WSCC for residential properties. 

Cllr Dennis advised that oil extraction on a small scale has been happening in the county for the last 50 years. 

Cllr Dennis report WSCC response to ash dieback. The Council is concentrating on trees near A Roads and B Roads and it is estimated that around 20,000 trees need to be felled. WSCC is working with landowners who have ash trees on their land next to a stretch of road where WSCC trees are being felled, to reduce landowners tree-felling costs wherever possible. 

22/023/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

1)                  Clappers Lane Speed Limit Request. 

Following on from item 22/009/OM in January 2022 meeting the Clerk applied for a TRO to reduce the speed limit on the whole of Clappers Lane to 30mph. In an email dated 16th March 2022 Nick De Sousa, Assistant Highway Manager at WSCC wrote to FPC to advise that as the Police have no record of communications from Fulking / Poynings residents regarding speeding issues the TRO request has been declined. 

Cllr Joy Dennis advised the meeting that a Speed Policy Consultation will be reporting to WSCC by September 2022 with a decision on “Quieter Ways”, which would include roads like Clappers Lane, will be made by December 2022. If the decision is positive, Fulking Parish Council will apply for a reduced speed limit for Clappers Lane thereafter.   

2) Ultrafast Broadband    

Following on from item 22/010/OM in January 2022, OpenReach extended the deadline for eligible houses to apply for Full Fibre Broadband. The DCMS verification process reduced uptake to under 100% of our target however Colin Warburton now advises that 106% has been reached. There appears to be an issue that not all homes who have pledged for Full Fibre have received an email from DCMS to validate their vouchers. We have asked Cllr Dennis if she can provide us with a list of homes which have pledged but not yet validated their application to ensure they have received the validation email from DCMS.  

3) Market Gardens / Conifers 

The Chairman received an update from Cllr Trumble prior to the meeting to advise that MSDC have not progressed the matter. Unfortunately for residents the dog barking issue remains as bad as ever. 

ACTION: Cllr Hind to contact Cllr Trumble to get a further update on progress.  

4) Queens Platinum Jubilee – Green Canopy 

Cllr Hind reported to the meeting that a Red Windsor tree (also known as “Sweet Lilibet” had been purchased by the Council and it has been planted in North Town Field.    

5) Tony Brooks Memorial 

Cllr Dyos presented the option of a small plaque to be put up in the village hall. Councillors thought this was a good idea and Cllr Dyos will find out sizes and prices for the next meeting.         

22/024/OM.            Downlands School Places.   

Cllr Dennis reported to the meeting that, following an appeal, that all applications from Fulking parents for their children to attend Downlands School in Hassocks had been accepted for September 2022. Cllr Dennis advised that Downlands is always over-subscribed and that she and the County Councillor for Hassocks are scheduling a meeting with the head teacher to discuss the matter further with a view to ensuring the Downland villagers continue to have access to the school. Cllr Hind requested that WSCC formally prioritises places for residents of Fulking and other downland villages due to the transport difficulties they face. 

The new secondary school in Northern Arch, Burgess Hill is due to be completed by end of 2024 which will ease pressure on Downlands.  

22/025/OM.         Ladybrook Spring Update. 

Cllr Hind reported that WSCC have just confirmed approval capital expenditure in this year’s budget to undertake permanent repairs and also that the drainage pipe had been cleared recently as a temporary measure. 

22/026/OM.            WSCC Road Closures 

Fulking, Edburton and Poynings villages are enduring a “Storm of Closures” partly due to a long term project with Balfour Beatty to install ducting in the road for a highway of superfast broadband. The issue is made far worst when the differing agencies close two roads at the same time. Cllr Dennis advised the meeting that she has spoken to the traffic management team to request that no two roads are closed at the same time in the future.   

22/027/OM.            Overnight Parking & Rubbish Dumping 

Cllr Hind outlined the concerns of camper vans parking overnight in laybys in the village. The issue is the rubbish which is then dumped when they leave. Cllr Dennis advised the meeting that rubbish is a MSDC matter and that if a “No Overnight Parking” sign was wanted then the Council would need to apply to WSCC Highways for a Traffic Regulation Order. Unfortunately the Council’s experience of the WSCC TRO process is very poor., Councillors decided to review this ongoing situation.  

22/028/OM.            Local By-laws – Parking & North Town Field. 

Cllr Hind raised the matter of dog fouling in the North Town Field field, despite there being a proper dog waste bin. Cllr Hind advised that Poynings recreation area has MSDC signs showing a £1,000 fine for fouling. The Councillors agreed to investigate further with MDSC. 

ACTION: Cllr Hind to investigate with MSDC. 

22/029/OM.            Village Hall 

Cllr Hind reported that five trustees have come forward and progress on establishing a FULKING VILLAGE HALL Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is underway with Charities Commission.  

22/030/OM.            Appointment of New Parish Councillor – Tom Kardos  

Tom Kardos has put himself forward to be co-opted onto Fulking Parish Council. Cllr Hind has already briefed Tom as to the challenges Fulking Parish Council faces. 

Cllr Hind proposed Tom Kardos be co-opted on to Fulking Parish Council, seconded by Cllr Healy. 

Unanimously IN FAVOUR. Cllr Hind welcomed Tom aboard.  

22/031/PM.            Planning Application SDNP/22/01214/LDE  

                                   Location: Perching Parva Farm Holmbush Lane Woodmancote     Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9TL  

                                   Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness (Existing Use) for the use of an existing building for mixed commercial purposes  

The application has not made clear what the current class of use the building is going from / to. Ie is it agriculture? We understand from SDNPA that the building is empty. Fulking Parish councillors voted unanimously AGAINST the proposal.  

22/032/OM.              Reports from Outside Bodies. 

None 

22/033/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None. 

22/034/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

A quote has been received from Tony Steer to replace the timber from the broken village sign on Edburton Road. To repair and replace the sign will cost £805. Councillors voted unanimously in favour. Clerk to contact Tony Steer to move the matter forward.  

22/035/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

Cllr Hind raise a concern that Council Tax bills evidence an increase in Fulking Parish Council precept by 6.3% despite only applying for an increase of 5%. MDSC advised by email that the increase is calculated on the Band D charge and is higher than 5% because of the decrease in the tax base. Cllr Kardos advised the meeting that he has a clear explanation which he will share on email. 

Cllr Hind raise the matter of Clerk’s Pay Award and advised the meeting that the Clerks pay has increased by 1.8% in relation to 2021/2022 financial year meaning there is back pay to be paid. 

Cllr Hind advised the meeting that he will be speaking to Trevor Leggo CEO of WSALC to establish whether there are rules relating to the increasing of the pay band from the current level 20 band.  

Date of the Annual Meeting is Thursday 12th May 2022.  

Next Ordinary Meeting scheduled for Thursday 7th July 2022.   

 

Bobservation No. 93: Sheena Trist RIP

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Sheena Trist is no longer with us. What an inadequate comment for a very good friend who had the distinction of having been a Parish Councillor, Chair of the Parish Council and Parish Clerk at various times. Villagers of her ilk seem to be fewer and fewer these days. Our thoughts go out to Michael and Hollie. We will miss her.

The funeral arrangements for Sheena are: 2 pm on Friday 10th June at St Andrew’s, Edburton, and afterwards at Tottington Manor. All would be most welcome.

Parish Events
I understand that only one member of the public attended the Annual Parish Meeting and can only hope that this might be due to Covid hangover. If it was just apathy I beg you all to get involved in this wonderful village. I have a gut feeling that some villagers have no intention of getting involved in any activities. So be it. The reasons really are not important, but it would be good if the Social Committee gets more active input from Parish Councillors and that villagers make a greater effort to attend and indeed support the Parish Council. It used to be so much better and can be again with a positive approach on both sides.

Fulking Fair
This is going to be a REALLY successful year for Fulking Fair in the North Town Field on Sunday 24 July from 12 until 5pm incorporating the RSPCA fun dog show, live music, Shepherd & Dog bar, Clive Miller’s BBQ, Rushfield’s Pies, Safari pizzas, Indulgent Ice Cream, Teas &Cakes in the Village Hall, Children’s games, Tombola and all manner of stalls. Do please put this in your diary it will be THE village event of 2022.

Annual Parish Meeting

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You are cordially invited to:

PLANNING MEETING, ANNUAL MEETING OF COUNCIL & ANNUAL PARISH MEETING on Thursday 12th May 2021 at 6.15pm at Fulking Village Hall. 

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.  

Agenda: Extraordinary Meeting – Planning 

22/036/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

22/037/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

22/038/PM.            Planning Application SDNP/22/01880/HOUS. 

Location: Four Acres Poynings Road Fulking West Sussex BN5 9NB  

Proposal: Extension to existing annexe to create pool and pool enclosure 

Agenda: Annual Meeting of Council 

22/039/AMC Chairman’s Welcome followed by Election of Chairman & Vice Chairman 

Agenda: Annual Parish Meeting 

22/040/APM Apologies for Absence 

22/041/APM Approval of minutes APM 05/05/2021 

22/042/APM   Chairman’s report 

22/043/APM    Reports from District & County Councillors 

22/044/APM.   To consider and agree the Internal Audit Report Letter dated 20/04/2022. 

22/045/APM.   To consider and agree the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2022 ensuring it accurately presents the financial management of the Council as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. 

22/046/APM.   Date of next meeting 

Refreshments.   The public and press are cordially invited to attend. 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting 13th January 2022

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Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 13th January 2022 at 7.30pm held at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman:                                      Cllr Mark Hind 

Fulking Parish Council (FPC):         Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy and Lucy Mehta 

West Sussex County Council:         Cllr Joy Dennis 

Mid Sussex District Council:           Cllrs Colin Trumble, Alison Bennett, Rodney Jackson and Gary Marsh.  

Parish Clerk:                                 Trevor Parsons 

  

There were six members of the public present who raised the following: 

(I) Fulking Fair to be held on Sunday 24th July 2022 

(ii) Raising awareness of the Alternative Energy conversations being held by villagers 

(iii) Contractors acting for WSCC are not removing all the temporary traffic signs once the works have been completed which is causing confusion. 

The meeting opened at 7.30pm. 

22/001/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

Everyone present – no apologies required 

22/002/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No members interests declared prior to the meeting.  

22/003/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 8th October 2021 and extraordinary meetings 30th November 2021 and 16th December 2021. 

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

The minutes of the meetings were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman. All Councillors in favour. 

22/004/OM.            Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Councillor Dennis (WSCC) reported that budget planning for 2022/2023 were in progress at County level   

Councillor Jackson (MSDC) reported that there was a drop income levels at District level particularly from the leisure centres being closed for a considerable time. Similarly, car parking revenues are also down. District has agreed to use £554k from reserves to reduce the deficit and in addition raise Council Tax by £4.95 per month per household being a 2.8% increase. 

Councillor Jackson reminded the meeting that businesses in the leisure and tourism sectors could apply for government grants. 

Councillor Bennett (MDSC) reported that the District Plan is still being scrutinised in relation to the potential 7,000 new homes which will be required before 2038. Hurstpierpoint, Sayers Common and Albourne may well take the brunt of the increases. 

Councillor Bennett also advised that officers are now qualified to apply fixed penalty notices for fly tipping. 

Councillor Trumble (MSDC) spoke regarding the District Plan informing the meeting that 57% of MDSC land was constrained land (AONB or National Park). This means all new housing is built within the remaining 43% of the district.  

22/005/OM.            2022 – 2023 Precept 

Following the finance review of Parish income and expenditure held in December 2021 where the Clerk laid out a budget of spending for 2022/2023 an increase in precept of 5% would be required to balance revenue against spending. 

According Cllr Hind proposed an increase of 5% raising annual precept from £9,600 to £10,080. Seconded by Cllr Healy. Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the increase. 

ACTION: Clerk to wite to Mid Sussex District Council to request a precept of £10,080. 

22/006/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting. 

Market Garden – Dogs Barking  

Cllr Trumble (MSDC) reported that Environmental Health had visited the site and initially concluded that there was no evidence of breeding at Market Gardens. However, following additional information provided by retired WSCC Councillor David Barling regarding the sale of puppies from adjacent premises, Cllr Trumble advised that he was going to ask the Investigation Office at MSDC to undertake further work. Cllr Marsh advised it was a requirement for premises operating commercial kennels to have the appropriate licences. 

22/007/OM.            MSDC and SDNP representative – Councillor Gary Marsh 

Cllr Marsh is the MSDC representative on the South Downs National Park planning committee. 

Concerns were raised with Cllr Marsh that Consultee Comments made by Fulking Parish Council in planning applications were frequently ignored by SDNPA and Councillors were therefore very dissatisfied with the performance of the planning team within SDNPA. 

An application from last year where SDNPA totally ignored Council representations regarding the negative impact of on-street parking in The Street was given as an example 

In response to a question on G&T sites, Cllr Marsh advised that following the recent assessment of needs undertaken by MSDC (which included Fulking as agreed with SDNPA) there will be no unmet need within the next five years. Post 2028 there may be a need but MSDC will have G&T spaces available to meet any anticipated need identified within Fulking, through the implementation of the District Plan. 

22/008/OM         Ladybrook Spring    

Cllr Hind expressed his thanks to WSCC Highways for recently filling holes by the roadside caused by water runoff and parking cars on Edburton Road and for placing the “ICE” warning signs adjacent to Ladybrook Spring. A capital request for remediation works to Ladybrook Spring has been put forward by Richard Speller Area Highways Manager who visited the site with colleagues. Cllr Hind asked for and received confirmation from Cllr Dennis that she would be supporting this proposal.   

22/009/OM         Clappers Lane Speed Limit request 

Following a concern raised by a member of the public at the October 2021 meeting who noted that the national speed limit of 60 mph applies to this narrow road, the Clerk wrote to all villagers to gauge opinion on the matter. In excess of 40 villagers replied to the Clerk supporting the proposal to reduce the speed limit for the whole of Clappers Lane to be 30 mph. 

Cllr Dennis advised that a proposal to allow lower speed limits, such as 20 mph on rural lanes, is currently being discussed within WSCC. Councillors debated the issue and unanimously agreed in the meantime to apply to WSCC for a TRO to apply a 30mph restriction to the whole of Clappers Lane. 

ACTION: Clerk to apply to WSCC for TRO in line with Councillors decision  

22/010/OM.         Ultrafast Broadband 

Fulking Parish Council, in conjunction with Poynings, has recently been successful in its application for government grants to enable OpenReach to provide Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband to houses in the centre of the village. This amounts to 95 homes in Fulking. The process begins with eligible houses within the scheme applying for vouchers to the value of £4,000 each. Providing enough residents apply for vouchers to cover the cost of delivering Ultrafast, this will be done. Residents applying for vouchers will be required to upgrade their existing broadband to an ultrafast package with a provider of their choice for at least 12 months. 

The Clerk and Chairman have hand-delivered invitations to apply for vouchers to all 95 houses in the scheme and will follow up further communication as the closing date of 25th February approaches. 

22/011/OM.            Village Hall 

A public meeting was held at the village hall on Saturday 4th December 2021 where Cllr Hind presented a proposal to form a Village Hall Trust to purchase the land and village hall, on behalf of the community, from the Church of England at a cost of £75,000. Reverend Tim Harford represented the Church at the meeting.  

Cllr Hind was aware that some residents have challenged the legitimacy of the Church’s ownership but informed the meeting that Fulking Parish Council had taken legal advice. The advice was received that the Church’s ownership, as recorded at Land Registry, was undoubted and “beyond challenge”. 

At the public meeting following a lengthy question and answer session with Cllr Hind and Rev Harford attendees voted 20 in favour of the proposal and 5 against.  

An online TEAMS meeting to discuss the terms of reference for the fundraising team will be held on Tuesday 18th January 2022 to move matters forward.  

22/012/OM.         Queens Platinum Jubilee – Green Canopy 

Cllr Hind informed the meeting of the green canopy initiative with all councils across the UK being encouraged to plant trees in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Fulking Parish Council does not own any land therefore it was agreed to approach North Town Field Trust to see if a tree could be planted on this land.  

ACTION: Clerk to write to NTF to see if this can be done. 

22/013/OM.         To discuss a suitable memory to Tony Brooks. 

Tony Brooks was a former Councillor and Chairman at Fulking Parish Council who sadly passed away in December 2021. He made an outstanding contribution to the community whilst he lived in the village. A discussion was held over whether to and how to record his contribution. A number of options including a memorial plaque at the Ladybrook spring were discussed although Councillors were undecided on the best way forward. and decided to consider the matter further later into 2022.This item to be re-considered at the next meeting 

ACTION: Cllr Dyos to investigate production and cost of a memorial plaque. 

22/014/OM.             Reports from Outside Bodies. 

None   

22/015/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

Alternative renewable energy options to be added to the April 2022 agenda. 

22/016/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

The Clerk received an email from Andrew Griffith MP office advising that the Community Grant Scheme will re-open to May 2022. A grant will be applied for in respect of the purchase of the village hall.  

22/017/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The current cashbook of income and expenditure was sent to Councillors prior to the meeting confirming a balance of £4,619.42 was held in the current account and £40,000 held on instant access deposit due to the receipt of the Operation Watershed grant. These works will be carried out in the next three months. 

22/018/OM.               To set a date of Annual General Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting:  

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 7th April 2022 

Date of the AGM to be Thursday 12th May 2022. 

ACTION: Clerk to set up meetings and invite Councillors via “Office”