Parish Council Payments over £100 April 2020 – 2021

Clerk Pay Q4 2019 – 2020 1005.42
SLCC Subscription 109.00
Business Services Insurance 246.40
Mark Stepney – Grass 390.00
Playsafety Inspection 103.20
MSDC – Dog Bin Fee – 2019/2020 661.69
Clerk Pay Q1 1053.78
Clerk Pay  Q2 1053.78
Playground Maintenance 498.00
EVO Home Services – Ladybrook. 168.00
Mark Stepney – Grass 575.00
Clerk Pay Q3 1053.78
Fitzpatrick Woolmer Ram Pump 1246.80
MSDC – Dog Bin Fee – 2020/2021 724.41
Clerk Pay Q4 1053.78
Microsoft 365 383.04

Parish Council Payments over £100 April 2022 – 2023

NPOWER 112.18
Trevor Parsons – SLCC 112.00
BHIB Insurance Yr1 of 3. 372.74
Clerk Salary – Dentons 1053.78
RoSPA – Annual Report 105.00
Mark Stepney – Grass 390.00
Stocksigns 208.07
Clerk Salary – Dentons 1053.78
Moore Stephens 240.00
Nebula – Laptop Upgrade 150.00
Xmas Refeshments 146.00
Clerk Salary – Dentons 1343.94
Landbuild – Watershed 31149.36
Microsoft 365 453.60
Action for Rural Sussex 144.00
MSDC – Dog Bins 786.24
Triptych PD Ltd 1761.20
SLCC 139.00
Clerk Salary – Dentons 1150.50

Minutes of Planning Meeting 18th November 2024

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Monday 18th November 2024 at 7.30pm at Fulking Village Hall.  

Present 

Chair: Cllr Mark Hind 

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

Clerk Trevor Parsons 

There were three members of the public present. The meeting started at 7.30pm. 

AGENDA 

Public Participation: There will be a period of 15 minutes set aside at the beginning of the meeting for the public to ask questions or make comments on items on the Agenda. Comments on items not appearing on the agenda can be made at the chairman’s discretion.  

24/063/PM.          Apologies for Absence. 

All Councillors were present 

24/064/PM.          Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

None declared 

24/065/PM.          Planning matters – SDNP/24/02084/FUL 

Proposal: Removal of the existing public grass bank to the front of the property, and formation of new hardstanding/driveway  

Location: 13 Clappers Lane, Fulking, West Sussex, BN5 9ND Grid Ref: Eastings: 524922, Northings: 111602 

The applicant addressed the Council explaining the reasons why the new driveway providing level access to the house was required which it was agreed, was completely understandable. One member of the public had some questions which were answered fully by the applicant. 

It was noted that: 

Limited mobility is the reason why level access is required and recommended by the Occupational Therapist 

Driveway will be built on Common Land in front of their house using qualified surveyor for Amber Living. 

Materials for best drainage recommended 

Planting of bushes either side of the drive to stabilise the land recommended 

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the application. 

24/066/PM.          Planning Appeal – Small Acres 

On 11th November 2024 Fulking Parish council was notified of an appeal against the Refusal of Planning Permission of SDNP/24/02216/FUL at Small Acres. 

Councillors discussed the appeal and decided to send a written representation to the Planning Inspectorate. 

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.  

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting Held 16th January 2025 (Draft)

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting of Fulking Parish Council held Thursday 16th January 2025 at 7.30pm at Fulking Village Hall.  

Present Chair:

Cllr Mark Hind 

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

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) Cllr Geoff Zeidler 

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Cllr Joy Dennis 

Clerk Trevor Parsons 

There were 20 members of the public present. One member of the public raised a concern regarding current building work at a property in the village and Councillors empathised but reiterated that the works were currently within the approval of SDNPA. 

The meeting started at 7.30pm. 

Agenda 

25/001/OM.            Apologies for Absence. 

All councillors were present 

25/002/OM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No interests declared. 

25/003/OM.            Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 17th October 2024 and Planning Meeting 18th November 2024 

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

Councillors unanimously approved the minutes of both meetings as a true and accurate record. 

25/004/OM.            Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Cllr Geoff Zeidler (MSDC) provided his monthly report to all Councillors in his Ward. Item’s relating directly to Fulking were that Clappers Lane TRO has been implemented. Concerns about the Campsite at Springs required a response by 3rd January however SDNPA have agreed to receive our comments by 17th January 2025. Still awaiting the Inspector’s decision in relation to permission at Small Acres which was submitted on 11th December. 

Cllr Joy Dennis (WSCC) reported that a balanced budget at WSCC had been approved meaning that all services will be maintained. West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Unitary Authorities have all put themselves forward to be in the next tranche of the Local government re-organisation which will see District Councils disappear by 2028 and replaced by three new larger unitary authorities. This action will not affect town and parish councils although some services provided by District Councils may be passed to larger town councils after 2028.  

25/005/OM.            Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting. 

Ram Pump House Roof  

The independent surveyors report has been received by the clerk which confirms the structure of the building and roof timbers are sound. Additional remedial works are recommended in the report whilst the Ram Pump House Roof is repaired. 

Action – Clerk to arrange for three roof repair quotes in line with the surveyor’s recommendations. 

Notice board – the new notice board has been delivered, and the Clerk and Cllr Hind will find time to install the new board in the next couple of weeks. 

25/006/OM.           Operation Crackdown        

This is a Sussex Police initiative to removed abandoned cars from our streets. The vehicle abandoned by the Ram Pump has been reported to Sussex Police however little action has been taken so far. Cllr Zeidler confirmed that other parishes are having similar issues and will chase this up. 

25/007/OM.            Proposed Campsite at The Springs SDNP/24/05059/LDP 

This application within the Upper Beeding Parish Council boundary prompted an unusually large attendance that this meeting. Poynings Parish Council have already submitted their comments against application and all speakers were similarly unhappy with the proposal. Councillors discussed the application and agreed to submit comments to SDNPA as follows: 

Fulking Parish Council meet on 16th January to discuss SDNP/24/05059/LDP.  The meeting was attended by more than 20 members of the public, two District Councillors and our County Councillor.  Following a discussion on the application the Council voted unanimously to oppose this application for the following: 

  1. There is no public transport which serves this proposed camp site so all visitors will need to drive.  The majority of access to the site is likely to be via Fulking which already has a 20 mph limit and Heavy Goods access only restrictions in place due to the narrow width through the village.  The potential increase in traffic through the village will be detrimental both environmentally and safety of Fulking. 
  1. Works appear to have commenced on site in advance of this application being approved, including the removal of an ancient hedge.  Other works on the site would appear to also need planning permission separately however at this time there is no application in place. 
  1. The application appears to be changing the use of the private field from agricultural to general Class E / Sui Generis which should not be approved under Permitted Development. If this change of use is approved this could open the door to further development on the site more readily than it remaining agricultural.  

It is the view of Fulking PC that this development will harm the local amenities and request that SDNP trigger an Article 4 direction on the site to remove the permitted development rights and therefore requiring a formal planning application to consider the impact of this proposed site. 

25/008/OM.           2025 – 2026 Precept 

In Ordinary Meeting Item 24/060/OM in October 2024 councillors approved a 22% increase in precept to £13,800 for the purpose to cover increased costs and build a separate fund to replace the playground equipment. Cllr Hind asked Councillors to reflect on this decision in light of the continuing economic crisis.  

Cllr Healy has met with several playground companies at a recent event and all councillors agreed that further work needs to undertaken to better understand the real cost of a replacement playground together with grant funding opportunities available, before agreeing a monetary provision. 

Councillors then unanimously agreed to a 7% increase the precept to £12,000 to cover increased costs are running the Council for 2025/2026. 

25/009/OM.            Village Hall 

An Open Day was held on Saturday 11th January 2025 to raise awareness of the planned purchase of the Hall from the local PCC. Villagers were also encouraged to complete the online survey on what services are utilised and what other services could be provided. 

Additional Trustees and a new joint chair have been appointed to drive the fundraising forward. The Fulking Village Hall CIO charity has until 31st December 2025 to complete the purchase. 

Councillors agreed that the Asset of Community Value category of the Village Hall at MSDC which expires in August 2025 should be renewed.   

25/010/OM.       Small Acres Update 

An appeal to the Planning Inspector is underway following the rejection of the planning application for one gypsy plot by the SDNPA in September 2024. 

25/011/OM.       Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None 

25/012/OM.              Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

An email was received from a resident in Clappers Lane advising that the grit bin was empty. The clerk contacted the local farmer, where our spare grit is stored, and he very kindly refilled the grit bin himself for the Council. We are very grateful to him for doing this. 

He reported at the bin was in poor condition and it was agreed to look at all seven bins owned by the council as other bins are also becoming beyond economic repair. 

25/013/OM.              Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure 

15th October 2024 Sigma Payroll £28.45 

24th October 2024 NPower Streetlights £126.74 

19th November 2024 Ram Rump Lock £150.00 

27th November 2024 Fulking NTF Trust £20.00 

4th December 2024 Mark Stepney Grass £895.00 

7th January 2025 Clerk Salary £1692.60 

Receipts – MSDC Precept £5,625 and SDNPA CIL £375.00 

Councillors reviewed the income and expenditure for the period and unanimously agreed to ratify all the payments made. 

The balance in the current account is £495.71 and the balance in the deposit account is £20,000 

25/014/OM.               To set a date of Annual General Meeting of the Council and Annual Parish Meeting:  

Dates 2025 Ordinary Parish Council Meetings: Thursday 10th April 2025 

Thursday 10th July 2025 

Thursday 9th October 2025 

Provisional Annual Parish Meeting Thursday 22nd May 2025. 

The meeting closed at 9.15pm. 

Bobservation No. 124: Speak of the Devil

Front cover of Devils Dyke book with image of devil and promotion of Devil's Dyke parkThe Devil’s Dyke
Martin Easdown has put together a most delightful and informative softback (A4size) history of the Dyke. This has extensive details of the three railways connected with area. Marvellous photographs from various archives including many of which come from the collection of Steve Poyntz. The original hard back edition was published in 2023 (limited to 100 copies) and was again published in 2024 by Marsteila & Brighton & Hove Museums. I got my copy from the dedicated Poynings villager Sheila Marshall who had a few copies for sale at £10. This is an absolute ‘steal’ for anyone interested in local history or who uses the great pleasure of the local Downland for dog walking etc.
The Church of England
My oh my! what a ghastly mess the Church of England finds itself in, culminating for the present, with the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. To my simplistic eye it looks very much that the only acceptable way forward would be to appoint a lady bishop as head of the Church and give her the authority to sort out the whole indecent mess. Whilst I am not a member of the Church I do feel there was a nationally stabilizing base emanating from its position. This is likely to erode very quickly unless positive action is taken. My sympathies lie with the many who choose to support this very old institution. It must be very disappointing and confusing for them.
Felicitations
I take this opportunity to wish you all very happy, successful and most importantly a healthy New Year. I believe that 2025 may well be a year of national re-emergence from the last sad decade. I hope to join you in this success, my heart still belongs to Fulking!

Minutes of Annual Meeting 18th May 2024 (Draft)

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

Present 

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

Parish Clerk:                                    Trevor Parsons 

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

The meeting opened at 7.37pm. 

Agenda: Annual Meeting of Council 

24/025/AMC Chairman’s Welcome followed by Election of Chairman & Vice Chairman 

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

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

There was no election for a vice chairman. 

Meeting closed at 7.50pm 

Agenda: Annual Parish Meeting 

24/026/APM Apologies for Absence 

Apologies received from Cllr Hind (FPC) who is on holiday, Cllr Zeidler (MSDC) who as attending MSDC business and Cllr Dennis (WSCC) who was attending WSCC business.  

24/027/APM Approval of previous years’ minutes Annual Parish Meeting 18th May 2023 

The minutes of the 18th May 2023 Annual Parish Meeting were proposed by Cllr Healy, seconded by Cllr Mehta and unanimously accepted as a true record of the meeting. The Chairman signed the minutes accordingly. 

24/028/APM   Chairman’s report 

This is a summary of some of the achievements this year: 

Full Fibre Broadband Scheme 

The Council worked with Poynings Parish Council on a joint scheme to make superfast broadband available to the village. Most properties can now have access subject to payment of the appropriate tariff. 

Playground 

Repairs were undertaken to the playground including some welding on the slide, new swings seats and replacement and removal of some of the wooden equipment. Unfortunately, these repairs show that increasing amounts of maintenance are required to keep the playground safe. 

Speed limits 

In response to resident complaints, the Council have been investigating for some time what it could do to help reduce the inappropriate speed of some traffic travelling along Clappers Lane and Edburton Road. 

A new speed limit of 30 mph was agreed by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) for Clappers Lane and new signage installed. The Parish Council took the view that going for the lowest limit of 30 mph which could be approved by WSCC was better than leaving the lane derestricted. 

A joint application with Poynings and Upper Beeding Parish Council’s has been made to WSCC to reduce the derestricted sections of Poynings and Edburton Road’s to 40 mph. The Parish Councils felt a 40 mph limit in place of 60 mph was a reasonable request and are hopeful that this request will be approved by WSCC. 

Planning 

All planning applications for our village are decided by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). The Parish Council however is a consultee on any planning applications received and has commented on four applications during the past year. An Appeal Hearing regarding an Enforcement Notice issued to Small Acres by the SDNPA was held by the Planning Inspector at the SDNPA head office in Midhurst in February. The Parish Council was represented at the hearing and subsequently the Planning Inspector upheld the enforcement notice. 

Village Signs 

The three village signs have been gradually deteriorating over the last few years and two of them were blown down in the winter storms. The Council has arranged for the signs to be refurbished by local resident James Lightfoot and they will be reinstalled over the next few weeks 

Parish Priorities Statement 

The Council has decided to proceed with producing a Parish Plan as encouraged by the South Downs National Park Parish Priorities Statement initiative. It is essential for us to gather the views of residents so we are currently preparing a questionnaire which will be circulated to all as part of our consultation process. We expect to circulate this in the next few weeks and further details will be shared once it has been finalised. 

24/029/APM    Guest Speaker – Kayla Ente MBE  –  Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCO) 

BHESCO is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to affordable renewable energy. Kayla addressed the meeting offering assistance to apply for grants to fund a survey of housing in Fulking to establish viable renewable energy options available to the village. This would include wind, solar, ground and air sourced power generation. Parishioners and Councillors asked challenging questions and answers were provided. The Chairman thanked Kayla for her presentation which was most enlightening. 

24/030/APM    Reports from District & County Councillors 

As neither MSDC or WSCC Councillor was present no reports were submitted. 

24/031/APM.   To consider and agree the Internal Audit Report Letter dated 20/04/2024. 

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

24/032/APM.   To consider and agree the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2024 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 2024 was reviewed by Councillors. Acceptance proposed by Cllr Comber, seconded by Cllr Mehta and unanimously approved as a true record of the accounts. 

24/033/PM    Planning Application – SDNP/24/01765/LIS. 

Proposal: Extension and remodelling of the existing dwelling including the incorporation of renewable energy sources and a wildflower roof in addition to the rationalisation of existing outbuildings. Location: Furzefield , Clappers Lane, Fulking, West Sussex, BN5 9NJ 

The application was discussed by Councillors. 

It was noted: 

Represents a significant redevelopment, a green roof will require a lot of maintenance, short term building traffic along Clappers Lane.  

Councillors raised no objection to the application and recommended a condition that the roof is maintained as a green roof and not for recreation. 

24/034/PM   Planning Application – SDNP/24/01563/HOUS 

Proposal: Retrospective application for amendments to previous approval, to resite the driveway and garage Location: The Dales , Poynings Road, Fulking, West Sussex, BN5 9NB 

Councillors discussed the application and all agreed a neutral stance 

The meeting closed at 8:58pm 

Date of next Ordinary Meeting Thursday 11th July 2024. 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting Held 11th April 2024 (draft)

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

Present 

Chair: Cllr Karen Healy 

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

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) Cllr Geoff Zeidler 

There was one member of the public present. 

The meeting started at 7.38pm. 

24/014/OM.         Apologies for Absence. 

Apologies were received from Cllr Hind who was away on holiday. 

24/015/OM.         Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

No Interests declared. 

24/016/OM.         Approve the Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of 11th January 2024 

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

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

24/017/OM.         Reports from District and County Councillors.   

Cllr Zeidler (MSDC) reported: 

  • Discontent amongst some Councilors with the new Sunday and late parking charges to be introduced in Mid Sussex. In addition, increases to usual parking charges were also approved.   
  • Concern over potential changes to General & Business Rates could result in Mid Sussex receiving less income due to the likely changes. 
  • MSDC are looking closer at carbon reduction and how district, town and parish councils can reduce their footprint. Various apps are now available to measure one’s own footprint. 

24/018/OM.         Matters Arising & Outstanding Actions To clarify and report on actions brought forward from the last meeting.  

TRO Poynings Road / Edburton Road – The Clerk reported that WSCC have acknowledged the application, Sussex Police have indicated no objection and the necessary forms are now with the TRO Team at WSCC. 

WSCC drain unblocking – WSCC acknowledged the online requested and have confirmed the drain has been unblocked. 

Small Acres – The Planning Inspectorate upheld the SDNPA enforcement notice with corrections and variations and refuse to grant planning permission on the application deemed to have been made under section 177(5) of the 1990 Act as amended. 

Village signs – Cllr Comber showed the meeting a photograph of the first village sign which has been repaired by local artist, James Lightfoot. Councillors were delighted with the results and unanimously agreed to commission Mr Lightfoot to repair the other two village signs. The £500 invoice has been present and will be paid for the work done.  

24/019/OM.     Parish Plan 

Progress is being made with the ongoing project, assisted by Action in rural Sussex (AirS)  to create a Community Survey which will help structure the next Fulking Parish Plan. 

Action: Cllrs Comber and Metha have agreed to combine their ideas into a questionnaire format to be submitted to AirS for their consideration.  

24/020/OM.        Reports from Outside Bodies. 

None received 

24/021/OM.       Information Items.  To receive information and items for the agenda at future meetings. 

None received 

24/022/OM.       Correspondence.  To discuss correspondence and respond to correspondence received. 

None received  

24/023/OM.        Financial Matters. To receive the report on the Council’s income and to approve future expenditure. 

The following amounts have been paid from 11th January 2024 to 11th April 2024  

Sigma Payroll                          £28.45 

Dylan Group (Swings)          £150.18 

Streetlight Repairs               £115.50 

Electricity                               £157.41 

Dog Bin Clearance                £876.10 

Rural Sussex Membership   £144.00 

SLCC                                         £144.00 

Microsoft Office                    £493.92 

Clerk Salary                         £1,838.37 

Village Hall Hire                  £     90.00 

Streetlight Repairs             £   117.30 

The Clerk reported to Councillors that the current account balance in Barclays Bank was £1,849.49 with £16,000 held in the deposit account. 

Date of the Annual Meeting is Wednesday 15th May 2024.  

Next Ordinary Meeting scheduled for Thursday 11th July 2024.   

Planning Meeting – Tuesday 25th June 2024

You are cordially invited to the Extraordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council on Tuesday 25th June 2024 at 7.30pm, to be held at the Village Hall. The meeting will consider the items set out below. 

Cllr 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.  

24/035/PM.            Apologies for Absence. 

24/036/PM.            Declaration of Members’ Interests. 

24/037/PM.            Planning Application – SDNP/24/02216/FUL – Small Acres 

        Proposal: Single pitch settled gypsy accommodation site, including siting of mobile home and utility building  

Location: Small Acres, Clappers Lane, Fulking, West Sussex, BN6 9NH  

Grid Ref: Eastings: 525066, Northings: 111695 

24/038/PM.           Planning Application – SDNP/24/02233/LDP – Small Acres 

Proposal: Lawful storage of touring caravan  

Location: Small Acres, Clappers Lane, Fulking, West Sussex, BN6 9NH  

Grid Ref: Eastings: 525066, Northings: 111695 

Date of next meeting – Thursday 11th July 2024