MINUTES of the Meeting of the Council held on Thursday 23 November  2017 at 8.00pm in the Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint.  

Members Present 

Also Present:   

Joy Dennis (WSCC Ward member)  

John Wilkinson (MSDC Ward member)    

Stephen Hoyles  CLERK TO THE  COUNCIL  

The Chairman welcomed Claire Majasi to her first Council meeting following her recent co-option.     

C17/067.  Apologies for absence and declarations of interest:  The following apologies for absence were received before the meeting and accepted:  Rosemary Burns, Julia Shorrocks,  Amanda Geel.   

Rodney Jackson declared a personal interest in item C17/075.  Hurst Meadows progress.  There were no other declarations of interest.   

C17/068.  Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 26 October 2017:  The Council received and accepted the minutes.   

RESOLVED:  The Minutes of the Council meeting of 26 October 2017. 

C17/069.  Matters arising from the Minutes of the Council held on 26 October 2017:   

(1)  Minute C17/061.2  District Plan – Main Modifications Consultation (Strategic Policy Working Group  (11 October 2017)  (1)  Minute SP17/12.):   Following the RESOLUTION of Council a further item emerged following a comment by Balcombe PC regarding Policy DP6: (Settlement Hierarchy) and the policy of permitting extensions to the existing built-up boundary with housing developments of up to 9 units.  Following consultation with members of the Strategic Policy Working Group it was decided to add the fourth item to the Council’s response, as follows:   

4) Policy DP6:  Settlement Hierarchy – Neighbourhood Plan Strategy:  Policy text:  “..or where the proposed development is for fewer than 10 dwellings;” :   

The Parish Council considers that this does not make the policy sound.  The policy context could permit any number of small developments, each up to 9 dwellings, to be appended to the existing built-up area. This could have the effect of incrementally eroding the valuable countryside at the edge of the built-up area, reducing the effectiveness of designated local gaps, and creating unattractive and unsustainable settlement patterns.  The further policy  text is not sufficiently robust to resist these requirements and all proposed developments should be subject to the substantive policy tests of defined built-up areas, countryside and environment. 

Council was asked to approve this change.  (Ref:  MSDC District Plan – Main Modifications Consultation 2 

October 2017 ;  DRAFT  BRIEFING NOTE  Mid Sussex District Plan 2014-2031-  Main Modifications – 

September 2017  –  18 October 2017;  HP&SCPC email District Plan 9 November 2017) 

RESOLVED:  Council confirms the additional response to the District Plan Main Modifications consultation.   

(2)  C17/064.  Christmas 2017 arrangements:  (1)  Christmas reception – Monday 18 December 2017:  

Following consultation of Members a reception was being arranged to which all Members and partners, plus staff and partners are invited.  The charge was £10 per person to include food and drinks, but Parish Office staff and partners would not be charged.  The net cost of the event was estimated to be £170  (hall hire and food and drinks, less Members charges) which will be met from the Council staff budget.   

There were no other matters arising from the Minutes which were not covered elsewhere on this agenda.  

C17/70.  Adjournment for questions from the public:  There being no members of the public present the Council was not required to consider whether to adjourn the Meeting in accordance with clause 70 of Standing Orders in order to receive questions and presentations.   

C17/071.  Reports from other authorities:  The Council received verbal reports from representatives of other Authorities:  

1. (1) Mid Sussex District Council   (MSDC):   Cllr  John Wilkinson reported: (1) District Plan:  The consultation on the Main Modifications ended 13 November 2017, with the majority of responses from residents of Hassocks.  The responses would be forwarded to the Inspector for his consideration.  The recent call for sites for the period 2024-31 (SHELAA) had also ended.   (2) Court Bushes:  a meeting of potential stakeholders was to be hosted by MSDC and take place 28 November 2017, to consider options for the future of the building.  (3)  Kingsland Laines, Sayers Common:  it was understood that the appeal decision was now likely to be delayed until  January 2018.  (4)  There had been recent visits by Government ministers to MSDC, on matters including the digital economy and transport.    Cllr Wilkinson was asked about the rate of delivery of affordable homes in the District, and whether the District Council had specific policies to protect wildlife.  It was agreed that answers to these matters would be given in due course.  

1. (2) West Sussex County Council County Local Committee   (WSCC/CLC) :  Cllr Joy Dennis reported:  (1)  Northern Arc development:  the developers were making a presentation to interested groups on 24 November 2017  in Burgess Hill, to which all councillors were invited.  Cllr Dennis was keen to ensure that there would be a thorough consultation on the proposed widening of the A2300 road.  (2) It was hoped that a meeting could be convened to explore traffic issues in the High Street and Cuckfield Road.  (3)  Roadworks were planned in Danworth Lane, Langton Lane  and Twineham Lane.  (4)  There was ongoing investigation into mitigating the effects of a visiting mobile fish and chip van in Sayers Common.  (5) Concern had been expressed into the condition of the grass verges at Kemps, Hurstpierpoint, which were a WSCC responsibility.  (6)  The WSCC budget for 2018/19 was being set, and would continue to be tight, but with some capital spending planned for affordable housing and adult care.  (7)  Consultation was taking place on the management of Rights of Way across the county.  (8)  A working group, including Cllr Dennis,  had been formed to investigate the County Council’s bus strategy.  (9)  There was a reminder that road gulley clearance was reactive and depended on WSCC being notified.  Cllr Dennis was asked about the continuing role of fire brigades and libraries.  Cllr Dennis advised the meeting that the fire and rescue service would continue under WSCC control and that the number of libraries in the County was not planned to change.   

1. (3) Mid Sussex Association of Local Councils (MSALC) :  Rodney Jackson reported:  (1)  The MSLAC chairman had resigned following his election to MSDC and nominations for his replacement were being invited.  

(2)  The MSALC annual conference was planned for 3 April 2018.   

C17/072.  Committee and Working Group minutes:  The Committee Chairmen or, in their absence the Vice-chairmen, introduced each Minutes, which the Council was asked to receive and where appropriate, considered the RECOMMENDATIONS::  

C17/072.1   Planning Committee (2 November 2017):  Minute P17/057.1.  13 Wilderness Road, 

Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9XD (DM/17/3940):  The Committee Chairman advised that there had been a request for the application to be considered by MSDC Planning Committee.   

C17/072.2  Finance + General Purposes Committee (9 November 2017) 

(1)  F17/051.2.  Action Plan Review: The Committee considered the PARISH ACTION PLAN 2016-21, to report on progress to date, and to agree any further actions to be given priority for the current Council year 201718.  It was agreed that the following would be RECOMMENDED to Council for inclusion:   

1. (1) Reeds Lane play area:  preparation of project plan for a replacement play facility. 
2. (2) Cycle Route:  A Working Group be formed to access options and prepare proposals for a Parish network.   

The Council agreed the membership of the Working Group.  (Ref:  Parish Action Plan 2016-21 rev 4 UPDATE    31.08.2017) 

RESOLVED:  The following are added to the Parish Action Plan for progress in 2018/19:     

(1)   Reeds Lane play area:  preparation of project plan for a replacement play facility. (2)   Cycle Route:  A Working Group is formed to access options and prepare proposals for a Parish network.  The members comprising Peter Griffiths, Malcolm Llewellyn and Julia Shorrocks.   

C17/072.3  Community Affairs Committee  (21 September 2017)  

(1)  CA17/040.  Parish Action Plan review.  The Committee considered the PARISH ACTION PLAN 2016-

21, to report on progress to date, and agree any further actions to be given priority for the current Council year 2017-18. (Ref:  Parish Action Plan 2016-21 rev 4 UPDATE 31.08.2017).  It was agreed that a recommendation was brought to Council that further Parish Council surgeries are cancelled due to lack of general support.  However, in discussion Council noted that there was some interest from the public, and that the timing and location of the surgeries should be reviewed before a final decision on cancellation.   

RESOLVED:  that the role of Parish Councillor Surgeries is reviewed.  

C17/072.4  Community Affairs Committee   (16 November 2017)  

C17/073.  Paperless Planning applications.  The Council considered proposals for managing paperless planning applications with effect 1 April 2018.  (Ref: BRIEFING NOTE  Paperless Planning apps  14 November 

2017) 

RESOLVED:   

1. (1) The Planning Committee is asked to adopt the digital application system from 4 January 2018.   
2. (2) A laptop (model DELL Inspiron 17 5770 17.3″ Laptop or similar) is purchased for £625 + VAT.   
3. (3) Village Centre Association is requested to install WiFi into the Committee Room.  If necessary the Council shall pay for a dedicated connection at an estimated cost of £200 + VAT.   

C17/074.  Streetscene Improvements Scheme (Phase 1):  Council considered the details for the scheme of Streetscene Improvements, comprising 9 floral posts in the High Street, Hurstpierpoint, and flower beds in the grass verges at Fairfield Crescent, Iden Hurst, and College Lane.  In approving the details the Council requested that the provision of hanging baskets be reviewed, with a view to reducing the overall number. (Ref:  

BRIEFING NOTE: Streetscene Improvements Scheme   15 November 2017) 

RESOLVED:  Council approves the Streetscene Improvements Scheme (Phase 1) for implementation.   

C17/075.  Hurst Meadows progress:  Council noted recent progress.  The Highfield Drive parkland area preparatory works (fences, gates, bridge and signs) were substantially complete and the risk assessment had been undertaken.  The area was therefore available for public access.  Work was in hand to prepare a planting programme to reinforce existing foliage in autumn 2018.  The Little Park  land transfer was in hand and the first stage (the two fields) is expected early December.   

C17/076.  Burgess Hill Northern Arc Development – Stakeholder meeting:  It was reported that the 

Chairman of the Strategic Policy Working Group and the Clerk attended a briefing by Mid Sussex District Council on 13 November 2017, attended by representatives of parish and town councils directly affected by the proposed development. The meeting was advised that the developer group were producing a framework masterplan for approval by MSDC, following which planning applications would be expected.  This framework included the housing and employment mix of development at West End Farm, between the A2300 and Gatehouse Lane.  The Parish Council had requested that it be included in any pre-application meetings for this element.  A presentation of the scheme would take place between 3.30 and 4.30pm Friday 24 November 2017 at Martletts Hall, Burgess Hill, immediately prior to a public exhibition.  All Councillors were invited to the presentation.  (Ref:  Broadway SP invitation ltr  5 November 2017;  Rydon Gleeson exhibition leaflet Nov 2017) 

RESOLVED:  Council is represented at the Northern Arc presentation on 24 November 2017. 

C17/077.  Internal  Audit  Report – 31 March 2017:  Council was asked to receive and note the Internal  Audit  Report – 31 March 2017.  This report was considered by Finance + General Purposes Committee at its meeting 6 June 2017 (Minute F17/008.4)  but the Internal Auditor had since advised that the report should also be noted by Council.  (Ref:  Internal Audit Report  Year ended 31 March 2017) 

RESOLVED:  Council receives and notes the Internal Audit Report for the year ended 31 March 2017 

C17/078.  Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2017:  Council was asked to receive and note the Annual Return and auditor’s report for year ended 31 March 2017.  (Ref:  Annual Return for the year ended 

31 March 2017) 

RESOLVED:  Council receives and notes the Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2017 

C17/079.   Information items, correspondence received and requests:    The Council noted:  

1. (1) Sussex Local Policing  Model: (Ref:  Email  Sussex Police  6 November 2017)  
2. (2) Mobile fish and chip van – Trinity Road carpark.  MSDC have granted a licence for this mobile facility , but no further details are available.  (Ref:  MSDC email  1 Nov 2017)   
3. (3) Co-op shop:  The shop would be returning to its High Street premises 28 November 2017.  It was agreed that the Council would write to the management, thanking them for the continued presence in the village during the refurbishment period.   
4. (4) High Street traders event  3 December 2017.   

There being no other business the Chairman closed the Meeting at   9.45 pm.  

  Chairman