Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 7th January 2021 at 7.30pm online. 

Present 

Vice Chairman:                                 Cllr Mark Hind
Fulking Parish Council (FPC):              Cllrs Linda Dyos, Karen Healy and Samantha Leader
Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC):   Cllrs Colin Trumble, Rodney Jackson & Alison Bennett
West Sussex County Council (WSCC): Cllr Joy Dennis
Parish Clerk:                                     Trevor Parsons 

There were two members of the public present who were offered an opportunity to speak but both declined. The meeting opened at 7.30pm. 

21/001/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

We are sad and disappointed that our Chairman Miles Firth resigned with immediate effect on Monday this week. We have encouraged him to stay on but he is determined to go. 

We understand the role of Chairman of a Parish Council is a challenging position. The holder has to lead a team of Councillor’s, often with outspoken and conflicting views whilst at the same time managing sometimes difficult interactions with residents, local and district Councillor’s as well as other bodies. Whilst it is an honour to serve the local community, it is not a surprise that many Chairman eventually decide they can do without the hassle of this voluntary and unpaid role. 

We would like to thank Miles for his excellent leadership and contribution over the last five years. Of particular note is the electronic communication platform he set up for the Council, online banking as well as the effort given to manage the village website. This infrastructure has been invaluable during the current Covid-19 pandemic and has allowed Council and village business to continue with the minimum of disruption. 

Cllr Trumble, on behalf of MSDC, added his thanks to Miles Firth for all his hard work on behalf of Fulking Parish Council.   

21/002/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. None declared 

21/003/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 8th October 2020 

Councillors approved the minutes as a true record of the meeting and Cllr Hind will sign them at the earliest opportunity. 

21/004/OM.            Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Cllr Colin Trumble (MSDC) reported: 

• The main issue has been Covid-19 and in the first two lockdowns £30m of grants were made by MSDC 
• Central Govt has gone back to its original method of housing allocations 

• MSDC District Plan Review set for 2022 
• New Urban Uplift rules mean that more housing will need to be built on brownfield sites within the large town boundaries. 
• MSDC has 54 councillors. The Boundary Review is in progress which may likely result in fewer district councillors. 
• Cllr Trumble will be attending the virtual Downland Villages meeting with SDNPA on 8th January. Cllrs Hind and Healy will represent FPC. 
• Cllr Bennett advised that Christmas trees can be disposed in Green Bins. 

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported: 

• Cllr Dennis provided a full written report to councillors which was been circulated prior to the meeting and noted. 
• There is severe pressure on West Sussex hospitals 

• Vaccinations will commence from Henfield and Hurst from 11th January 2021. 
• WSCC are looking to work even closer with SDNPA especially in the areas of highways and parking. 

21/005/OM.             2020 – 2021 Precept 

The Clerk presented his proposed budget for 2021/2022 recommending the precept increase from £9,450 to £9,600. Councillors approved the new budget and precept unanimously. 

21/006/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions 

1) Ram Pump Noticeboard 

The grant application has been successful and WSCC approval has been received for siting the board on WSCC land, the Clerk will arrange for its production and installation. 

2) Welcome Pack for New Villagers 

Cllr Leader advised the meeting that the Pack is now prepared and the first Pack, welcome and introduction has taken place. 

3) Speed Indicator Device 

Following consultation with Poynings and Pyecombe there is little appetite to jointly purchase a S.I.D. Cllr Leader advised that there are volunteers in the village willing to help if a SID can be borrowed.  

ACTION: Clerk to contact HPP Council to see if we can borrow their SID. 

4) Village Signs 

The council had approached James Lightfoot to repaint the signs. The Council also agreed to contact Jen Green.  

ACTION: Clerk to contact James to see if he is still able to do this. 

21/007/PM.             Market Gardens 

The Clerk reported that FPC had submitted a written representation to the Planning Inspectorate via email receipt of which was acknowledged. Cllr Hind thanked everyone for their input into the submission. 

21/008/OM.          Village Gateway 

A quote of £5,829 plus VAT and installation for six gates for the three entrances to the village has been received however Cllr Hind advised the meeting that a decision over yellow lines will need to be resolved in the first instance.  

21/009/OM.            Village Hall 

The Clerk reported that the council’s application to nominate the Village Hall as an Asset of Community Value had been approved by MSDC. This means that if the current owners wish to sell the site, the Council will have a six-month window to before open market offers can be made. 

Discussions between the Council and Rev Tim Harford are ongoing in relation to a new lease. A new Downlands PCC is being formed and discussions will continue in 2021. 

21/010/OM.             Winter Plan 

Cllr Hind advised the grit bins were still full from 2019 and the village is well placed.  

21/011/OM.             Yellow Lines 

The Clerk reported that he had met with Mr De Sousa of WSCC Highways on 4th December 2020 for a socially distanced site visit in December prior to Lockdown 3.  

The historical TRO and CHS scheme applications being unsuccessful due to both attempts not meeting the criteria required, our meeting was to explore the possibilities of a Parish funded scheme. 

Mr De Sousa advised the Clerk that the cost of yellow lines would be in the region of £10,000 due to the high cost of application, reporting and notices. He raised concerns over displacement of cars into the village and suggested a potential solution for the council to build grasscrete parking on the south side of the road at a cost of circa £30,000 as a possible solution to the meeting of laid down criteria. 

Cllr Joy Dennis offered her support on the yellow lines matter and agreed to speak to Mr De Sousa to see if there is a better way forward. 

Ladybrook Spring 

The Clerk took the opportunity of raising the issue of the flooding at Ladybrook Spring caused by a blocked drain with Mr De Sousa having previously registered the blockage on the WSCC website under reference 3153960 and the matter is on their radar to put right. 

21/012/OM.              Reports from Outside Bodies. 

WSALC are considering forming their own independent ALC away from SSALC. Alongside many West Sussex councils, FPC can see no logical reason for doing this and will support the status quo remaining with SSALC. 

21/013/OM.             Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

High Speed Broadband is to be added to the agenda for the next meeting. 

21/014/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

PROW – Don’t Lose Your Way – (Chris Smith). The Clerk advised that a project to protect pathways in the UK underway and information is being sought from parishes to ensure no pathways are lost. Cllr Leader has offered her services with the project in Fulking. 

21/015/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The Clerk presented the accounts and confirmed a current account balance of £9,297.97 and deposit account balance of £12,147.74 as expected. 

21/016/OM.               To set a date of Annual General Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting:  

The Clerk informed the meeting that no guidance has yet been received regarding annual meeting of the Council (2020 meeting was cancelled throughout the UK). 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 15th April 2021 

Meeting closed at 9.00pm

Extraordinary meeting of Fulking Parish Council (FPC) held on Thursday 1st October 2020 at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. 

Present: Councillors Miles Firth (Chairman), Mark Hind, (Vice Chairman), Linda Dyos, Karen Healy, Samantha Leader and Trevor Parsons (Clerk) 

The meeting opened at 7.00pm and there were two members of the public in attendance. 

20/064/PM.          Apologies for Absence. All councillors present therefore there were no apologies for absence required. 

20/065/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

As Cllr Leader is the next door neighbour to Broadreeds and has responded directly to SDNPA in support of the application, she will take no part in Agenda item 20/066/PM. 

20/066/PM.          Planning matters 

Planning Application:  SDNP/20/03810/HOUS Location: Broadreeds The Street Fulking  BN5 9LU Proposal: Rear extension (demolish existing orangery) 

It was noted that: 

• Existing clear roof being replaced by solid roof will reduce light pollution 
• New casement windows will be an improvement to the look of the property. 
• No increase in floor area, uncontenious improvement supported by neighbours. 

Councillors voted FOUR IN FAVOUR and ONE ABSTENTION for the application. 

20/067/PM.         Planning Matters 

Planning Application: SDNP/20/03696/FUL. Location: 1 Paythorne Farm Cottages Edburton Road Fulking Henfield West Sussex BN5 9LP Proposal: Change of Use to Holiday Let. 

It was noted: 

• Clear need for holiday accommodation in the village 
• Plenty of off-road parking available 

Councillors voted FOUR IN FAVOUR and ONE NEUTRAL of the application. 

 Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 8th October 2020. 

Extraordinary meeting of Fulking Parish Council (FPC) held on Tuesday 15th September 2020 at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. 

Present: Councillors Miles Firth (Chairman), Mark Hind, (Vice Chairman), Linda Dyos, Karen Healy, Samantha Leader and Trevor Parsons (Clerk) 

The meeting opened at 7.00pm and there were two members of the public in attendance. 

20/061/PM.          Apologies for Absence. All councillors present therefore there were no apologies for absence required. 

20/062/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. None 

20/063/PM.          Planning matters

SDNP/20/03461/HOUS – Location: Perching Sands Farmhouse Edburton Road Fulking BN5 9LS Proposal: Replacement of ground floor bay and window alterations. Ground floor side extension and 2 storey addition 

It was noted that: 

• The previous planning application SDNP/13/01530/FUL was approved however the building work was not started. 
• The application appears to conform will SDNPA regulations 

• The applicants have confirmed that access to the public footpath will be maintained throughout the completion of the building work 
• The plans are well produced and will be a general improvement on the property. 
• DNS addressed and materials in keeping with other houses nearby. 

The Council would expect that all building traffic be directed to and from the west to avoid unnecessary traffic through the village.  

Councillors voted FOUR IN FAVOUR and ONE NEUTRAL of the application. 

The meeting closed at 7.20pm. 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 8th October 2020 at 7.30pm via Microsoft Teams 

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 8th October 2020 at 7.30pm online. 

Present 

Chairman:                                              Cllr Firth
Fulking Parish Council (FPC):                    Cllrs Hind, Dyos and Leader
Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC):         Cllrs Rodney Jackson and Alison Bennett
West Sussex County Council (WSCC):       Cllr Joy Dennis
Parish Clerk:                                           Trevor Parsons 

There were two members of the public present. The meeting opened at 7.30pm. 

20/068/0M.    Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Colin Trumble (MSDC) and Cllr Healy (FPC)  

20/069/OM. – Declaration of Members’ Interests. None declared. 

20/070/OM. – Approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 9th July 2020 and Extraordinary Council Planning Meetings of 15th September 2020 & 1st October 2020     The minutes, subject to any amendments, were approved and will be signed as a true record of the meeting. 

20/071/OM. – Planning Applications Update. 

20/072/OM. – Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) provided a written report which is summarised below: 

Health: In the 14 days between 13th September and 26th September 250 people tested positive for Covid-19.  This is similar to the number testing positive during the previous 14 day period (31st August to 13th September). 
The seven-day incidence rate varies among the districts and boroughs of West Sussex. Over the period 20th September to 26th September, Adur demonstrated the lowest rate at 9.3 per 100,000 population, and Worthing had the highest rate with 24.4 per 100,000 population. The overall West Sussex seven day incidence rate was 15.7 per 100,000 population, with mid Sussex at 13.2.
Of the people testing positive for Covid-19 over the seven-day period, over half (55%) were aged under 40, and 21% were aged over 60. 

Adult Social are Winter Plan On 18th September the Government published Adult Social Care: Our Covid-19 Winter Plan 2020 to 2021. The plan sets out government’s overarching priorities for adult social care. The County Council will continue to work with partners and develop an implementation plan to deliver the Winter Plan. 

Care homes: More care homes are closing to admission and visitors where they are concerned that the virus could spread from the community, this is starting to impact on the ability of the health and social care system to discharge those medically fit for discharge. The Council is leading on the commissioning of alternative accommodation to support people to be discharge from hospital where it is not possible to discharge them directly to a care service. 

Hospital capacity: At the present time there is adequate acute hospital and community bed capacity in West Sussex. Hospital discharge hubs and a combined placement team continue to operate, as well as working with the CCG to secure appropriate levels of domiciliary care, care/nursing home beds and voluntary services to support effective discharge. 

Libraries: The Library Service continues to deliver services throughout West Sussex and asks that all visitors continue to comply with the social distancing policies and wear face masks during their visits.  

Shielded and Community Hub: The Community Hub remains in operation providing support seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, where residents of West Sussex are able to receive same day support (weekdays) due to any hardship as a result of Covid-19.   

Locally Supported Contact Tracing: Following the Government’s recent announcement of locally supported contact tracing, the Interim Director of Public Health has registered an Expression of Interest to Public Health England (PHE) for West Sussex County Council to be part of the scheme and included on the waiting list. PHE has advised that local authorities will be prioritised according to COVID-19 transmission rates, with those with the highest numbers receiving access to the scheme first. 

Business: The impact of the closure of Gatwick airport has put Crawley and surrounding areas (Gatwick Diamond) including our own at great risk. Crawley is judged to be at the top of towns/small cities most at risk of economic decline as a result of this Crisis. To this end the LEP (Local economic partnership) are working with the WSCC to support Gatwick Diamond businesses in a variety of ways, and proactively engaged with Government and I await the review of the work and papers being progressed. 

Highways: In Mid June we announced that the government has awarded a £9.8million boost for improving West Sussex Highways’ road network. This is on top of the £8million worth of road resurfacing/pothole prevention works already planned for this financial year. 

Temporary cycle lanes: Seven schemes are being submitted to the Department for Transport to consider, in the first phase of works to help provide safe space as the lockdown eases. 

Climate change: A strategy to adapt to the challenges of climate change has been agreed by West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet.
Plans for a countywide charging network for electric vehicles in West Sussex have taken a step forward. The strategy is available here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/travel-and-public-transport/travelwise-sustainable-transport/electric-vehicles/#electric-vehicle-strategy
The West Sussex top up to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme enables qualifying residential premises and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in rural eligible postcodes to get funding towards the installation cost of gigabit capable broadband. A full list of eligible suppliers in West Sussex is available on DCMS website https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/ 

Cllr Trumble (MSDC) provided the following statement for the council. 

1) I attended the opening of Hayward’s Heath College last Thursday by the Lord Lieutenant and Sir Nicholas Soames. Thanks to the efforts of Sir Nicholas, MSDC and WSCC, Mid Sussex now has a sixth form college managed by the well-respected Chichester College group. Some 300 students started in September, well ahead of targeted numbers.

2) MSDC has responded to the Government’s consultation on the Proposed housing numbers Methodology. The Council’s opposition to the proposed methodology has been made clear as has its opposition to the proposed lifting of the affordable housing threshold to 40 to 50 units. MSDC is in close contact on this with all 3 MP’s who cover the District.

3) Work has started, in Burgess Hill, on the District’s full fibre project. Government funding has been secured for 80km of fibre infrastructure. On the back of this, expressions of interest have now been received from the private sector to add to this. No information as yet on when it will reach the Downland villages!

4) Figures this week show MSDC has paid out £27.8m of funding to nearly 2500 businesses from the coronavirus funding scheme.

5) The informal meeting of the Downland villages on planning issues was useful.
I have no further information as yet on the issues raised.

6) I’m sure Joy will have bang up to date figures for Covid but the latest I have is the rolling 7 day numbers of cases in Mid Sussex is some 25/26 per 100000. This puts Mid Sussex at 254 out of 315 local government areas. 

Cllr Alison Bennett (MSDC) reported 

1) MDSC are working hard on a new Covid-19 budget for the rest of the financial year. 

2) Leisure Centres re-opened on 1st September 2020. 

3) The Boundary Commission have met with MSDC for a review. Currently there are 54 councillors. Their review may result in some changes to boundaries which would take effect after Mat 2023 elections.  

4) Planning permission has been granted for the New Burgess Hill Town Centre. 

20/073/OM. – Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions:  To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

Operation Watershed – The Clerk reported that the Watershed application is making progress for further improvements to Clappers Lane and Edburton Road. He is meeting local residents and seeking landowners written consent to complete the intended project. 

Yellow Lines – The Clerk applied to WSCC on 18th August 2020 for a Community Highway Scheme grant to assist with the cost of making a yellow line on the north side of the sharp bend opposite Shepherd & Dog. 

Fulking to Henfield Bridlepath– No further progress has been made since the last meeting. 

Village Gates – The Chairman reported that so far 76% of villagers who responded to the poll were in favour of village gates. The poll will run for a further week. The cost for purchase and installation of three gates would be around £3,000. He further reported that WSCC are very supportive of parishes installing village gates as a successful method of slowing traffic entering villages. A final proposal will he put together for a vote by councillors. 

Village Signs – No further progress at this stage. 
ACTION: Chairman to contact local artists. 

Community Asset Register of Village Hall – The Council discussed registering the Village Hall as a Community Asset with MSDC. Proposed by the chairman and seconded by the vice chairman and councillors were unanimously in favour of applying for registration 

ACTION – Clerk to complete application to register Village Hall as a Community Asset. 

Fulking to Poynings Footpath – Working with Cllr Dennis the council agreed to consider creating a footpath alongside the road to Poynings. 

Ram Pump – The Clerk reported that grant funding to SDNPA for an information board has re-opened. He has written to Land Registry to establish who owns the land at the Pump in order that permission be obtained to install a board on the owner’s land. 

Speed Indicator Device – Cllr Dennis asked the Council to consider purchasing their own device suggesting we share the cost and ownership with Poynings and Pyecombe. 

ACTION – Clerk to email Poynings and Pyecombe to gauge interest as to whether other councils would be interested. 

20/074/OM. – Playground Maintenance 

A recent inspection has highlighted urgent repairs are needed to the playground equipment and the Chairman has agreed to repairs costing around £500 and instructed a local tradesman to do the work. Councillors unanimously agreed his actions to get these essential works done. Further non-urgent maintenance will be carried out at a later date. 

20/075/OM. – Village Hall Lease Update 

Due to changes at PCC level, control of agreeing a new lease has passed to our local vicar, Rev Tim Harford. 

ACTION – Clerk to arrange a virtual meeting between Rev Harford and FPC to move matters forward. 

20/076/OM – Welcome Pack for New villagers 

Cllr Leader would like to introduce a Welcome Pack for residents new to the village. This one-page flyer would include useful information including website details, community groups and amenities. Councillors agreed this is good idea and should be adopted. 

20/077/OM. – Reports from Outside Bodies.  

WSALC have commissioned a review to consider breaking away from SSALC and forming an independent ALC. This is considered by FPC as a clash of personalities and that FPC has no interest in splitting from SSALC who provide excellent support to the Council. 

20/078/OM. – Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

Environmental Report – Cllrs Healy and Leader attended a meeting of local councils supporting and collaborating with Henfield Hub and Sustainable Henfield with a view to reducing waste and single use plastics. 

Poynings Parish Council – The Chairman attended a virtual meeting set up by Poynings Parish Council to discuss the present planning process with SDNPA. Poynings are very unhappy in relation to The Gatehouse development and have no confidence in SDNPA’s ability to monitor and act upon breaches in planning approvals. Councillors discussed this issue but felt that it was unlikely that the proposal for an alternative planning authority or judicial review were viable proposals. So will not support them. 

Hillbrook – The Council was asked to support a request for SDNP planning to remove agricultural status from a fence which is the subject of a border dispute at Hillbrook, Clappers Lane. The Council investigated the situation with both sides and concluded that although it would not support the specific request or take a view on the border dispute, it would request SDNPA to reopen the case as this appears to be an abuse of agricultural planning regulations. Notes and correspondence are on file. It also recommended that both parties go to mediation to resolve their dispute. The Council stated that it will have no further involvement in this dispute. Both parties objected to the conclusion. Although SDNP planning have not reopened the case they have revisited the site.   

20/079/OM. – Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

No other correspondence received. 

20/080/OM. – Financial Matters: To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The Clerk submitted the cashbook to councillors for review. The finances are in line with the budget set. The NALC agreed pay award for 2020/2021 has been published and the Clerk’s salary adjusted accordingly.    

The meeting closed at 9.35pm. 

Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 7th January 2021.