Minutes of Planning Meeting 2nd September 2021

Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 2nd September 2021 at 7.00 pm held at Fulking Village Hall.

Present

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

Parish Clerk Trevor Parsons

The owner of Arbor Vitae attended the meeting and was invited to run through the planning application. No other members of the public were in attendance.

The meeting opened at 7.00pm.

21/072/PM. Apologies for Absence. – none

21/073/PM. Declaration of Members’ Interests. – none

21/074/PM. Planning matters

Location: Arbor Vitae The Street Fulking BN5 9LU SDNP/21/03915/LIS.

Proposal: Extension to swimming pool plant room. New porch on rear elevation of studio at side of house. Erection of single storey artist’s studio to rear of garage in walled garden

It was noted that:

Councillors examined the application and there were no objections raised. The improvements are out of sight from the road and the South Downs and in keeping with the rest of the property.

Four Councillors voted IN FAVOUR with one Councillor NEUTRAL

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 7th October 2021

Minutes Ordinary Meeting 7th October 2021 (Draft)

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 7th October 2021 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 Parish Clerk: Trevor Parsons

There were two members of the public present.

The meeting opened at 7.30pm.

Bob Rowland informed the meeting that the Fulking Village Christmas Party will be held on Saturday 11th December 2021 in the Village Hall and the Fulking Fair will be held on 24th July 2022.

Action: Clerk to invite County and District Councillors to attend Christmas Party

An open discussion was also held regarding vehicles travelling too fast on Clappers Lane where the National Speed Limit applies. Councillors agreed that this is a concern to many residents and it was agreed to add this topic to the January 2022 agenda to discuss possible solutions.

Action: Cllr Healy to discuss options regarding speed limits with Cllr Joy Dennis of WSCC.

21/075/OM. – Apologies for Absence.

All Councillors were present

21/076/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests. None declared

21/077/OM. – Approve the Minutes* of the Ordinary Meeting of 29th July 2021 and Extraordinary Council Planning Meetings of 5th August 2021 & 5th September 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.

21/078/OM. – Councillor Vacancy.

Samantha Leader resigned from the Council on 24th September 2021 as she and her family have moved to Henfield. She will be missed by everyone in the village where she played such an active role in bringing the community together. Bob Rowland confirmed that

Samantha’s stepping down would be a big loss to the village. It was agreed that a small gift be sent to Samantha for all her work.

Mid Sussex DC have been notified of the departure and a Councillor Vacancy notice has been attached to the noticeboard and posted on fulking.net.

Cllr Hind has been previously approached by a villager who had expressed an interest for Co-option and he will pursue the matter further and advise Councillors accordingly of his discussions.

Actions: Cllr Hind offered to arrange the gift for Samantha and to contact villager.

21/079/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors.

Due to an error where the Clerk failed to invite District & County Councillors to the meeting there were no reports received. The Clerk has subsequently emailed his apology to District and County Councillors.

21/080/OM – Market Gardens

Concerns were raised about the excessive barking of dogs from the direction of Market Gardens and Environmental Health at MSDC have agreed to contact the owners with a view to resolve the matter.

Fulking Parish Council also met with representatives from MSDC and SDNPA to express concerns over the Planning Inspectors Decision and the potential for future expansion at the site.

21/081/OM. – Fulking Parish Council Budget 2022/2023.

The Clerk advised Councillors that the Precept for 2021/2022 was £9,600. A budget for 2022/2023 needs to be prepared which will include costs which will be incurred in relation to the village hall which should be included in the budget. From this information a request for Precept will be made to MSDC in January 2022.

It was agreed to hold an extraordinary meeting in early December to discuss further the budget for next year.

Action: Clerk to arrange meeting in early December

21/082/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions: To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.

• Operation Watershed

The Active Community Fund Application was submitted to WSCC for a grant to repair and reinstate overgrown ditches in Edburton Road and Clappers Lane. A grant of around £26k has been sought for these works. A decision is awaited.

• Streetlight

The new streetlight has been installed in Clappers Lane to replace the lamp knocked down by an anonymous speeding van driver. UK Power Network have been paid to reconnect the lamp however the work is still to be done.

Action: Clerk to chase the contractors for an update on light connection

• Finger Post

An order for a replacement post was made on 17th May 2021 from JAKK Country Signs however we still await delivery.

Action: Clerk to chase up the request.

• Ram Pump Information Board

Cllr Hind advised the meeting that the information board is being produced and is expected to be installed by the end of the year.

21/083/OM. – Playground Maintenance

The RoSPA annual inspection report for the playground in North Town Field raise a number of amber warnings which required attention. The playground was surveyed by Playsafe Playgrounds Limited of Midhurst and a quotation for £1,499 plus VAT was presented to the meeting.

Councillors voted unanimously to accept the quote and to proceed with the works as quoted.

21/084/OM. – Village Hall Update

Agenda item 21/060/OM in July 2021 Ordinary Meeting reads “Although the Council is of the opinion that this registration is valid, to avoid any uncertainty it is to take legal advice from Surrey Hills Solicitors a firm recommended by the West Sussex Association of Local Councils (WSALC)”

Fulking Parish Council have now received legal advice from Ian Davison partner of the above firm which is that “the Land Registry is beyond challenge” and ownership of the land and village hall sits with the Church.

Cllr Hind advised the meeting that negotiations have restarted with Rev Tim Harford and that a formal meeting with representative’s of “VHAG” (Village Hall Action Group) be arranged to advise on progress.

Action: Cllr Hind to arrange meeting with VHAG representatives

21/085/OM. – Clappers Lane Water Leak Survey

Meetings have taken place with Councillors, WSCC, South East Water and Southern Water to identify all the leaks along water pipes in Clappers Lane. The road has been closed for several days during September for emergency works to be undertaken.

21/086/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies.

None

21/087/OM. – Information Items. To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings.

21/088/OM. – Correspondence. To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received.

WSALC AGM is set for 29th October 2021 and councillors have received an invite to this virtual meeting.

A letter has been received from Andrew Griffiths MP offering the council his support in relation to grant applications and community funding.

21/089/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 £10,544.04 was held in the current account and £13,048.65 held on instant access deposit.

The new finger post (£1,000) and playground maintenance (£1,500) were costs over and above the planned budget for 2021/2022 however sufficient reserves are held in the above accounts to cover these expenses.

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

The meeting closed at 9.00pm.

Bobservation No. 86: Tony Brooks RIP

Image of Tony Brooks at Fulking FairSadly, Tony Brooks passed away on Sunday 17th October as the result of a stroke and after some 5 years of Alzheimers, the latter eighteen months of which were spent in a nursing home. He was 89.
His total involvement with Fulking was greater than any other villager in the thirty years I have been in Fulking. His advice and help was always available and his engineering background very useful.
Tony and Doris first came to Fulking in 1965 when they purchased the nursery garden at Hillbrook. Over the next 50 or so years he was involved, one way or another, with everything in the village. Having lived in a mobile home on site for 5 years he obtained planning permission to build a bungalow and proceeded to build it himself! The nursery closed in 1998.
Tony’s activities included being elected to the Parish Council and subsequently becoming Chair, and being a backbone of the village Social Committee. He was very active in the Village Hall Action Group improving and maintaining the village hall.
The author of a most comprehensive history ‘The changing Times of Fulking & Edburton 1900 to 2007’, which details the history of practically every house, the profit from which (several thousand pounds) he generously donated to the St Andrews restoration fund. Subsequently he wrote a Volume 2 covering 2007 to 2015. He also wrote a history of the Shepherd & Dog pub. Copies of these books may be available in due course for a donation to the Alzheimers Society.
While his death does not come as a shock it does bring back many memories of what, in these troubled times, seems to have been so satisfying.
The funeral will take place at the Downs Crematorium, Bear Road, Brighton on Thursday 4 November at 1pm.
Lastly, Doris we are thinking of you and send you all our love.

Agenda Ordinary Meeting 7th October 2021

You are cordially invited to the Ordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Thursday 7th October 2021 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.  

21/075/OM. – Apologies for Absence. 

21/076/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

21/077/OM. – Approve the Minutes* of the Ordinary Meeting of 29th July 2021 and Extraordinary Council Planning Meetings of 5th September 2021   The minutes, subject to any amendments, to be approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. 

21/078/OM. – Councillor Vacancy. 

21/079/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors. 

21/080/OM – Market Garden Update 

21/081/OM. – Fulking Parish Council Budget 2022/2023.  

21/082/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions:  To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

  • Operation Watershed 
  • Streetlight 
  • Finger Post 
  • Ram Pump Information Board 

21/083/OM. – Playground Maintenance 

21/084/OM. – Village Hall Update 

21/085/OM. – Clappers Lane Water Leak Survey 

21/086/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies. 

21/087/OM. – Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

21/088/OM. – Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

21/089/OM. – Financial Matters: To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

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

Planning Meeting Thursday 2nd September 2021

You are cordially invited to an Extraordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Thursday 2nd September 2021 at 7.00pm 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.  

21/072/PM.          Apologies for Absence. 

21/073/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

21/074/PM.          Planning matters 

Location: Arbor Vitae The Street Fulking BN5 9LU  

Proposal: Extension to swimming pool plant room. New porch on rear elevation of studio at side of house. Erection of single storey artist’s studio to rear of garage in walled garden. 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 7th October 2021 

Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting 5th May 2021 (draft)

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held Wednesday 5th May 2021 at 7.30pm online. 

Present 

Vice Chairman:                                        Cllr Mark Hind
Fulking Parish Council (FPC):                Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy, Samantha Leader and Lucy Mehta
Parish Clerk:                                            Trevor Parsons 

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

The meeting opened at 7.33pm. 

21/047/AM.   To elect the Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year and receive the Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairman of the Council. 

Cllr Hind was nominated for election as Chairman, proposed by Cllr Healy and seconded by Cllr Dyos. Councillors voted unanimously in favour of Cllr Hind’s election. 

The Chairman will sign the Declaration of Acceptances in the coming days. 

21/048/AM.    To receive and record apologies for absence. 

Apologies received from Cllr Dennis (WSCC) and Cllrs Trumble, Bennett & Jackson (MSDC) 

21/049/AM.    To receive and record declarations of interest. 

No declarations submitted by councillors. 

21/050/AM.     Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Fulking Parish Council have received separate reports from Councillors by separate emails. 

21/051/AM.     To consider and agree the Internal Audit Report Letter dated 20th April 2021. 

The Internal Audit Report was unanimously accepted by Councillors as presented. 

21/052/AM.    To consider and agree the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2021 ensuring it accurately presents the financial management of the Council as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. 

The AGAR was unanimously accepted by Councillors as presented. 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 22nd July 2021 

Meeting closed at 19:47 

 

Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting Held 5th August 2021

Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 5th August 2021 at 7.00 pm held at Fulking Village Hall.

Present: Cllr Mark Hind (Chairman), Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy and Trevor Parsons (Clerk)

There were no members of the public present.  The meeting opened at 7.00pm.

21/069/PM. Apologies for Absence. Cllr Lucy Mehta

21/070/PM. Declaration of Members’ Interests. Cllr Samantha Leader did not attend the meeting due to her interest in Customary Cottage

21/071/PM. Planning matters

Location: Customary Cottage, The Street Fulking BN5 9LU SDNP/21/03640/HOUS

Proposal: Demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement oak frame garage

This application is an amendment to planning application SDNP/20/05420/HOUS approved by SDNPA earlier in 2021. The four conditions of approval outlined in SDNP/20/05420/HOUSE were read at the meeting.

It was noted that:

Condition Three does not include the materials of the driveway. The Council requests that a condition is added to ensure the driveway is constructed of a permeable structure to avoid flooding of the adjacent bridlepath.

Condition Four, Fulking Parish Council requests that this condition makes clear that this new oak framed garage and store room cannot be converted into holiday let accommodation.

In addition the Council is concerned about any future development of the bridlepath to facilitate vehicular access into the garage which may affect the rural nature of the current environment.

All Councillors were NEUTRAL.

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 7th October 2021

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting held 29th July 2021

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 29th July 2021 at 7.30pm held at Fulking Village Hall. 

Present 

Chairman:                                          Cllr Mark Hind
Fulking Parish Council (FPC):                Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy, Samantha Leader and Lucy Mehta
Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC):   Cllrs Colin Trumble & Alison Bennett
Parish Clerk:                                      Trevor Parsons 

There were no members of the public present.  The meeting opened at 7.30pm. 

21/053/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

Apologies were received from Joy Dennis (WSCC) and Rodney Jackson (MSDC) 

21/054/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

There were no declarations received. 

21/055/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 15th April 2021.  

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

21/056/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

1) Speed Indicator Device 

There has been no progress on a temporary SID. 

ACTION – Clerk to contact Joy Dennis on her return from holiday to see if a mobile device is available. 

2) Village Signs 

The Chairman advised that a decision on repairs to village signs is being delayed because the future costs relating to the village hall issue remain unknown 

3) Streetlights 

The Clerk confirmed that claim monies from Royal Sun Alliance of £3,477 was received on 24th March 2021, however a final quote for replacement of the streetlight in Clappers Lane had risen by £2,100 as a result of an increase quote from UK Power Networks.  

Councillors voted in favour of instructing the contractor Streetlights.co.uk to complete the works whilst the further £2,100 claim is being pursued by the Council from RSA.  

4) Finger Post 

The Clerk advised that the new fingerpost have been commissioned and is waiting delivery and installation. 

5) Market Gardens 

The Chairman confirmed he is still to write to MSDC & SDNPA regarding lack of progress on provision of Gypsy sites which was contributed to the Planning Inspector approval of the recent application. 

Concern was raised separately regarding the incessant dog barking which appears to be coming from the property and councillors requested assistance from the MSDC councillors to understand how best to resolve the matter. 

21/057/OM.            Reports from District Councillors.   

Cllr Trumble advised the following: 

  • The “pingdemic” is affecting services within the District Council, however currently services are being maintained but are stretching staff. 
  • There will be a “call for sites” in the 2023 housing plan but with a greater focus on brownfield sites.  
  • Center Parcs are looking to build a new centre north of Balcombe which will create around 1,500 jobs. 
  • MSDC are still looking for “Mid Sussex Applauds” nominations. 
  • He will seek a meeting of MSDC, SDNPA and Fulking Parish Council to discuss Gypsy sites provision following the recent decision of the Planning Inspector on Market Gardens. 

Cllr Bennett advised the following: 

  • There is a Central Sussex Climate Network. Work is being done on digital tools for councils to reduce their climate impact. Cllr Bennett invited councillors to join the Network. 
  • Previously there were no officers trained sufficiently to issue notices to fly-tippers as it was cheaper to clear the rubbish left than pursue prosecution. This stance has now changed and new officers are being trained to fulfil the role of issuing notices. 

21/058/OM.         Code of Conduct Review 2021 

Following Mid Sussex District Council’s publication of its latest Code of Conduct Review 2021, as aligned to in previous years, Fulking Parish Councillors agreed unanimously to adopt the revised 2021 MSDC Code. This is because all Code of Conduct concerns are directed to the Monitoring Officer at MSDC.  

All Fulking Parish Councillors confirmed they had read the updated Code of Conduct 2021 and agreed to abide by the Code in all matters. 

21/059/OM.         Financial Regulations Review 2021 

The Financial Regulations were reviewed by Councillors and by a majority vote, it was agreed to increase the limit where three quotes were required for contracted works to be raised from £500 to £1,500.  

21/060/OM.            Village Hall Update 

Cllr Hind advised that discussions with Rev. Tim Harford regarding the future of the village hall are ongoing. Rev. Harford has now advised that the “Church” has no intention of selling the hall and has proposed some alternatives which are currently being evaluated by the Council. No decisions have been made and any proposals the FPC is willing to progress will be discussed in public at a Council meeting prior to a decision being made. Although the “Church” were confirmed as legal owner of the hall by the Land Registry in 2008 under title number WSX 324138, FPC has received some correspondence from residents questioning the validity of this registration. Although the Council is of the opinion that this registration is valid, to avoid any uncertainty it is to take legal advice from Surrey Hills Solicitors a firm recommended by the West Sussex Association of Local Councils (WSALC). Cllr Hind has had an initial conversation and written instructions have been sent to them. This advice once received will be shared with residents. 

21/061/OM.          Yellow Lines Update. 

The Chairman advised that a decision on yellow lines is being delayed because future costs relating to the village hall issue are still unknown. 

21/062/OM.            Fulking Secondary School Allocations Update. 

Cllr Hind confirmed he had response from Cllr Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills at WSCC acknowledging allocation challenges for the County each year on the matter. Cllr hind will forward the email to Councillors for their perusal. 

21/063/OM.             Asset Inventory and Maintenance 

The Clerk advised that a small team of volunteers is being sought for minor maintenance projects in the village to keep our assets in good condition. The clerk will attend the Fulking Fair to generate interest. 

21/064/OM.              Reports from Outside Bodies. 

None 

21/065/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None 

21/066/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

On the 8th June 2021 an allegation of bullying against the Chairman was received from a resident. On 26th June 2021 they made further allegations of breach of the Code of Conduct against the Council as a whole. The Chairman and all Councillors totally refute these allegations and any breach of the Code of Conduct. The Chairman has responded to the resident to deny these allegations and advised that if they have any evidence they should submit it Tom Clark the Monitoring Officer for Mid Sussex District Council. 

21/067/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

Councillors have received a breakdown of income and expenditure confirming £11,746.91 was held in the current account and £13,048.34 in the deposit account which is in line with expectations for the budget for 2021/2022. 

21/068/OM.               To set a date for the next Ordinary Meeting in 7th October 2021.