Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Thursday 13 March 2025 at 7.30pm at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre.

Members Present:

Also Present:  Sarah Groom, Clerk to the Council.

C24/25.149: To receive and accept apologies for absence:  Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Sarah Baldey, Cllr Helena Browne, Cllr David Evans and Cllr Claire Majsai, and it was:

RESOLVED: That the Council ACCEPTS the apologies for absence for Cllr Baldey, Cllr Browne, Cllr Evans and Cllr Majsai.

C24/25.150: To receive and record declarations of interest:  There were no declarations of interest.

C24/25.151: To receive and accept the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 27 February 2025:  Members reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting.  Cllr Jackson wished to amend his MSDC report regarding dog fouling signage, and it was: 

RESOLVED:  That the Council AGREES the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2025, as amended.

C24/25.152: Adjournment for Questions from the Public: There were no members of the public present. 

Members RESOLVED that in view of the confidential nature of the following items, the press and public be excluded under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.

Confidential Matters:

C24/25.153: Methodist Church: Members reviewed the Business Case, RICS Valuation, Building Condition Survey and the latest Structural Engineers Report.  Members noted the property was listed for sale by auction on 20 March 2025.  Members agreed a way forward, and it was:

RESOLVED: That the Council unanimously AGREED to put forward an offer for the purchase of the old Methodist Church, outside of the auction process, and the value of what the offer would be.  The Parish Council would need three months to complete the sale.  The Clerk was authorised to put the offer to the property agent.

There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.12pm.

Chairman