HARTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2015 AT 7.30PM IN GOODS YARD HOUSE, HARTFIELD.

The following reports and questions from the public took place outside the Parish Council Meeting and do not form part of the Minutes.

The PCSO Sharon Ashwellreported:

  1. There have been three property thefts and one shed break in since the summer.
  2. There has been further sheep worrying in Nutley however the sheep are going in this week.
  3. There have been thefts of generator batteries in Parrock Lane and St Ives.
  4. Other calls out for neighbourhood disputes and domestics were noted.
  5. There will be some changes to the structure of Sussex police the PCSO will have bigger areas and will have no flexibility to change shifts for community events. Events such as panel meetings and street meetings will also stop. There are likely to be further changes and a move to community wardens in the future.

Questions for the PCSO:

  1. Cllr Higgins asked for contact details for sheep owners following a couple of escaping sheep incidents. Sharon confirmed she would provide these to the Clerk to pass on.

District Cllr Hardy reported:

  1. The local government boundary review recommends a reduction from 55 to 45 wards.
  2. He would lose Fairwarp to Maresfield but gain Blackham, Hammerwood and Ashurst wood and retain Holtye.
  3. He confirmed there was yet to be an adopted neighbourhood plan in the District and that all plans must comply with Local Plan.
  4. The Police plans also meant no district commander for Wealden and things would be run from Lewis.
  5. The Hartfield Conservatives have beaten the Forest Row Conservatives again this year at the quiz.

Questions for Cllr Hardy:

  1. Cllr Higgins raised a query over a recent planning application where there was no site notice and no allowance for an extension of time for neighbours. He replied that the direct neighbours should have been notified by letter and there was no allowance for an extension of time even if the site notice was not displayed.
  2. Roger Duncan asked Cllr Hardy to confirm the responsibilities of ESCC and WDC having been passed between them both on the matter of the narrow pavement round the corner field; partial clearing of weeds in Rectory Fields (only half was completed); missing kerb stones and churned verges from Kier lorries and other building lorries turning in Rectory Fields – Cllr Hardy gave him his contact details and asked him to report all in writing and he would look into it himself and report back.
  3. John Chalke had concerns over a rumour about demolition of the Haywagon. Cllr Hardy said it was not likely as it was listed but he would clarify with WDC planning and report back.

County Cllr Whetstone was absent.

Questions from the Public:

John Chalke asked what support was needed for a Neighbourhood Plan to pass referendum. The Chair confirmed a simple majority and suggested all interested parties attend the meetings to get up to date with the current version of the plan and provide constructive input.

Steve and Meg Coppin and their youth leader Adam along with Rev. Julie Sear were in attendance to talk about HYPE (youth group).

Steve and Meg Coppin thanked the Council and Clerk for their support and outlined their experience in Danehill and that in Hartfield since the group commenced in September. The group had been welcomed by the youth and the parents and was seen as a useful tool for hot potato topics socialising and transition from primary to secondary school. The Church had pledged £2500 per annum for 3 years from September 2016 onwards for a one day a week youth worker the overall cost would be £5000 per annum and the group asked the PC to consider match funding the Church contribution. This would enable weekly sessions and two sessions for different age groups.

The Chair thanked them for their efforts to date and time at the meeting and confirmed the matter would be reviewed during the precept and budget setting by the Council.

The public meeting concluded and the main Parish Council meeting commenced.