Earnley Parish Council

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Earnley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 26 SEPTEMBER 2007 AT

 EARNLEY CONCOURSE

PRESENT:     Mr R Norris (Chairman)          Mr C Bayley     Mr M Karn        Ms L Nugent

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:          Mr M Harrington                      

IN ATTENDANCE:      County Councillor J M Daws-Chew, District Councillor P Clementson to Minute 34 - 07, Sarah Hughes (Action for Wildlife Project Officer) to Minute 34 - 07, six members of the public and the Clerk - S F Dobbin.

30 – 07            Declarations of Interest

Mr Bayley declared a non-pecuniary interest in the planning application in respect of Game Lodge, Batchmere Road, Almodington, as he is a neighbour – see minute 40 – 07 (i) (a).

31 - 07             Minutes of the previous meeting

On a proposal from Ms Nugent seconded by Mr Bayley the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

32 – 07            Chairman’s announcements

(i) Manhood Mobility Volunteer Service (MMVS)

The Chairman advised that the General Meeting of the MMVS was to be held on 9 October and that he would not be able to attend. It was hoped that Mr Harrington would represent the Council. The Clerk commented that, as Secretary to the MMVS, he would be at the meeting.

                        (ii) “Welcome” letter for new residents (Minute 25 – 07 (xv))

The Chairman informed the Council that he had not yet drafted the proposed letter but would do so in the next few days, and would then circulate copies to councillors for comment. Action: Chairman.

33 – 07            Reports from County and District Councillors

Councillor Daws-Chew reported concerns over the risk of coastal inundations. He advised that West Sussex County Council would be holding a meeting to discuss a report on the history of such events, and that he would provide a copy of the minutes of that meeting to the Parish Council.            Action: Councillor Daws-Chew.

Councillor Clementson advised that Chichester District Council had agreed to proceed with the construction of a new museum in Tower Street Chichester, for which the current estimated cost is £6 million.

He also reported on a meeting held between representatives of the District Council and the West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) to discuss the “Fit for the Future” proposals for the provision of health services in West Sussex. The PCT had been reminded of the necessity of including accurate assessments of travel times to hospitals in the local area when considering the provision of hospital services. He provided the Clerk with some papers that had been available at the meeting and the Clerk was asked to circulate these to councillors.    Action: Clerk.

            Earnley Mill (Minute 20 – 07)

Councillor Clementson reported that he had made further enquiries of District Council officers as to the progress being made towards restoration of the Mill. He was advised that the building was for sale and the potential new owners had been in touch with a Council officer and assured her that they intend to eventually fully restore the Mill. The officer had advised that the Council would not be serving a notice at the present time, however, should the condition of the Mill deteriorate and not be made water and weather tight, either by the present or the new owners, the Council would, under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Sections 47, 48 and 54, serve a notice.

Councillor Clementson stated that he considered that he could not take any further action at this time. However, the Council agreed that there should be a finite time for action to be taken to restore the Mill and the Clerk was instructed to pursue the issue with the District Council.        Action: Clerk.

34 – 07            Local Biodiversity Action Plan (Minute 25 – 07 (xiv))

Presentation by Sarah Hughes (Action for Wildlife Project Officer)

Sarah gave an informative presentation on the work carried out in the Selsey area and the plans for developing biodiversity projects throughout Chichester District. For certain projects Wildlife Improvement Grants are available which give a 50 per cent contribution towards the cost with a maximum grant of £500. She provided information on Parish Biodiversity Mapping which involves identification of types of habitat and rare, or local, species. Further information was provided on the availability of Pond Wardens but it was emphasised that the wardens needed the co-operation of landowners. Sarah answered questions from councillors and members of the public.

The Chairman thanked Sarah for her thought-provoking presentation.

District Councillor Peter Clementson and Sarah Hughes left the meeting.

35 – 07            Public Session

The Chairman invited comments from members of the public. Mrs Wilkes asked to speak on the agenda item on Safe Lanes. PCSO Rose Bainbridge advised the Council that it had been a very busy summer season at Sussex Beach.

36 - 07             Finance and balances

The Clerk reported that the balances at 31 August 2007 totalled £2,517.98 represented by £19.03 in the Current Account and £2,498.95 invested in the Instant Access Reserve Account.

There had been one receipt since the last meeting being the contribution from Mr Norris towards the cost of a SALC course.

On a proposal from Mr Bayley seconded by Mr Karn it was agreed to pay the following accounts:

                                                                                                                                    £

            S F Dobbin - Clerk’s salary for July and August                                             166.67

            Mazars – Audit fee for 2006-07                                                                         58.75

37 - 07             External Auditor’s report

The Clerk advised the Council that the auditor’s report stated that the information contained in the annual return was in accordance with the Audit Commission’s requirements and no matters had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met.

38 - 07             Clerk’s Report

(i)         The Safe Lanes initiative (Minute 25 – 07 (i))

Mr Bayley reported that it had been proposed to invite all eleven parish councils on the Manhood Peninsula to a meeting to be held on 29 October, but that that date had know been fixed for the annual meeting between the District Council and the parishes. The meeting would be re-scheduled, but it was difficult to find a date that suited all potential participants. He expressed a concern that little seemed to be happening with no feedback from either Sussex Police or the County Council, and that there was a degree of apathy amongst the parishes.         Action: Mr Bayley

The Chairman closed the meeting to allow Mrs Wilkes to address the Council.

She stated that it was nine years since the start of the campaign to manage vehicle speeds in the parish and surrounding areas. In that time all that had been achieved was the introduction of 30 mph and 40 mph limits, which were ignored by many. Effectively nothing had been accomplished.

PCSO Rose Bainbridge undertook to mention the lack of speed limit enforcement to Sussex Police.

The Chairman re-opened the meeting.                      .

 (ii)       Bus shelters (Minute 25 – 07 (ii))

The Clerk advised that he had obtained an informal opinion on the likely cost of a replacement shelter in Bell Lane and that the amount was within the budget provided by the Council. He would now obtain a formal quotation including the cost of removing the existing shelter and clearance of the site. As the shelter was on highway land and in a conservation area there were a number of other issues to be considered. As such, this effectively precluded the Council from applying to the County Council for any grants which, in any case, were principally available for the provision of new, rather than replacement, shelters. Action: Clerk.

The Clerk advised that the shelter on Almodington Lane, near to the junction with Easton Lane, needed some attention. Mr Bayley and Mr Karn agreed to assess what was required.       Action: Mr Bayley and Mr Karn.

(iii)       Public Rights of Way (Minute 25 – 07 (iii))

Mr Bayley reported that parts of Footpath 59 were overgrown and that he had reported this to the County Council. No action had been taken, and it was likely that none would be taken until the next routine visit by County Council officers.

(iv)       Sidlesham and Almodington Horticultural Development Area (HDA) (Minute 25 – 07 (iv))

The Council noted that this issue was ongoing and being considered by the District Council as part of the production of the Local Development Framework.

(v)                West Sussex County Council – Forward Plan of Key Decisions (Minute 25 – 07 (vi)

The Clerk provided councillors with an analysis of the Forward Plans issued over the last five months. Some 40 per cent of decisions had been delayed from their original decision date but in the majority of these cases the delay was less than two months. However, the Highways and Transport service now had five items where the decision dates had slipped by more than six months from the original date. The Clerk was instructed to provide details of these five items to Councillor Daws-Chew who agreed to investigate the items with the County Council.                  Action: Clerk and Councillor Daws-Chew.

(vi)       Emergency Planning (Minute 25 – 07 (vii))

Mr Norris advised that he had not yet reviewed the existing parish emergency plan which had been given to him by Mrs Kirby. It was clearly a comprehensive document that merited a detailed review. It was agreed that, when Mr Norris had completed his review, the document would be sent to Ian Taylor the District Council’s Emergency Planning Officer. Mr Taylor would be invited to address the January 2008 meeting of the Parish Council to comment on the existing plan and advise on what further action was needed.

Action: Mr Norris and the Clerk.

            (vii)      Parish Council website (Minute 25 – 07 (viii))

The Clerk had provided councillors with outline information on a proposal sent to him by a local supplier of websites for parish councils. The Council agreed to invite the supplier to attend the next meeting of the Council to provide further details on how the websites are used by other local parishes. The Council confirmed that its current budget precluded any significant expenditure on website development.                               Action: Clerk.

            (viii)      Noticeboard in Almodington Lane (Minute 25 – 07 (xii))

Councillors expressed the view that the preferred location for re-siting the existing noticeboard on Almodington Lane was on either of the bus shelters, although the one near to the junction with Easton Lane was preferred, or on the wall by the post box in Almodington Lane. A free-standing board on the open land at the junction of Almodington Lane and Easton Lane was not practical without considerable expenditure. The Clerk was asked to investigate these options and report back.                       Action: Clerk.

            (ix)       Arrangements for internal audit (Minute 24 – 07)

The Council noted that these would be considered at the November meeting.                    Action: Clerk.

(x)        Pagham to East Head Coastal Defence Strategy (Minute 29 – 07)

It was agreed that there were no new issues to be considered at present.

            (xi)       Chichester District Council meeting with the parishes

It was agreed that Mr Norris and Mr Karn would represent the Council at this meeting on 29 October.                   Action: Clerk and Mr Norris and Mr Karn.

(xii)             Chichester District Council review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations.

The Council noted that this review had been completed and no changes to the current arrangements were proposed for the Parish.

(xiii)           Chichester District Crime and Disorder Plan

Councillors agreed to make individual comments on the Strategic Assessment documents issued by the District Council            and to pass them to the Clerk to be forwarded to the District Council.                    Action: All councillors and the Clerk.

(xiv)           Chichester District Council Flood Survey – Winter 2007-08

Mr Karn agreed to complete this survey.                    Action: Mr Karn and the Clerk.           

            (xv)      Sussex Association of Local Councils AGM

It was agreed that the Council would not send a representative to this meeting.

39 - 07             Correspondence

The Clerk circulated a list of correspondence, some of which was to be circulated to Councillors. The Council noted these items.

(i)                  For information

ICIS – Contact details verification

Joint West Sussex County Council/SALC survey of parish councils on joint working arrangements and service partnerships

CDC – posters and promotional material for the “Make a Difference” conference – 11 October 2007

Wicksteed playscapes – promotional material

Invitation to the IOG SALTEX exhibition

Pitch Black – promotional material

West Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust – “Fit for the Future” summary leaflet

WSCC – Pagham Harbour “Marine Madness” day – posters and leaflets

Frontline Automation – promotional material

West Sussex Credit Union – Invitation to the launch of the Credit Union

Sussex Police – Operation Crackdown – posters and leaflets

NALC – Invitation to the 2007 conference and exhibition

CDC – leaflets promoting discretionary grants

CDC – details of public meetings on the “Fit for the Future” consultation

South East Planning Aid – leaflets promoting a free advice service

West Sussex Credit Union – promotional leaflets

CDC – details of Heritage Open Days

West Sussex Sustainable Business Partnership – energy savings reviews for businesses

Furnitubes International Limited – promotional material

Glasdon UK Limited – promotional material

CDC – information re-candidates expenses for the 2007 election

Chichester Council for Voluntary Service – posters advertising two meetings

CDC – District Council Year Book 2007-2008

Vaughtons – promotional material

CDC – “Initiatives” magazine – Autumn 2007

(ii)        For circulation

Paper copies circulated:

West Sussex Public Partnership Forum – Partnership News – July 2007

West Sussex Primary Care Trust – Consultation document – “Creating an NHS fit for the future”

CDC – Letter re-the review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations

CDC – Minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee – 6 July 2007

Selsey Parish Map Group – Invitation to the Selsey Action for Wildlife exhibition

CPRE Sussex – Requests for action on the proposed Glyndebourne industrial scale wind turbine and the Planning White Paper

CPRE Sussex – Briefing guide to the Planning White Paper

WSCC – West Sussex Food & Drink festival 2007 booklet

WSCC – Consultation on two options for the distribution of gypsy and traveller caravan sites

New Forest District Council – Introducing the North Solent Shoreline Management

Plan

WSCC – Minerals and Waste Development Framework: update

CDC – Annual Performance Plan 2007-2008

Chichester and District Citizens Advice Bureau – Annual Report 2006-2007

Clerks & Councils Direct – September 2007

Environment Agency – “Your Environment” – August to October 2007

Local Council Review – September 2007

CPRE – Fieldwork magazine – September 2007

Electronic messages sent:

WSCC - Forward Plan for August 2007 - November 2007

WSCC - South Chichester CLC agenda - 25th July

Support St. Richard’s Campaign - Support St Richard's Campaign

Sussex Police - Operation EMU

CDC - Public Meetings with the PCT - Fit for the Future

Sussex Police - Operation EMU update

CPRE - A turnip - Baldrick's great rural inspiration (CPRE Campaigns Update)

WSCC - Bus Services in Worthing, Bognor Regis & Chichester areas.

CDC - Core Strategy Withdrawal

Manhood Wildlife Project

WSCC - Cycle Stands

WSCC - Cycle Stands Follow Up

West Sussex County Council News Release: Foot and Mouth - West Sussex Countryside Open But Please Show Respect for Farmers

SALC - Post Office Closures

WSCC - Forward Plan for September 2007 - December 2007

Sussex Police Operation Crackdown

CDC - Annual Parishes Meeting - Monday 29th October

Sussex Police - Chichester District public meeting

Sussex Police - Chichester District Commander's Update

Sussex Police - Delivery of Neighbourhood Policing on Chichester District

West Sussex Sustainability Forum - Travelwise Week

CDC - Three Harbours and a Coastal Plain Local Action Group - Information Evening

CDC - Public meetings Proposed Changes - Fit for the Future

Support St. Richard’s Campaign - Information

CPRE - Secret maps and marathons (CPRE's Campaigns Update)

Sussex Police - September Challenge Update from Deputy Chief Constable

WSCC - Forward Plan for October 2007 - January 2008

Notification of the Citizens Advice Bureau’s AGM

Government Office for the South East – Panel Report on the Draft South East Plan

40 - 07                         Planning

            (i) Applications considered since the last meeting

The Council had considered two applications since the last meeting and had made the decisions recorded below.

(a)        E/07/03500/FUL - Game Lodge, Batchmere Road, Almodington, Earnley

One for one replacement of existing dwelling.

NO OBJECTION.

Mr Bayley declared an interest in this Application as a neighbour, and took no part in the making of the decision.

(b)        E/07/03716/TCA - Jasmine Cottage, Bell Lane, Earnley

Notification of intention to fell 1 no. pittosporum and 1 no. prunus (spp). removal of 1 no. stubby oak branch (overhanging rear boundary – west sector) on 1 no. oak tree.

NO OBJECTION.

(ii) Chichester District Council decisions

The Council noted the following decisions which had been received since the last meeting:

(a)        E/07/02321/ELD - 120 Third Avenue, Almodington, Earnley

Use of land as part of residential curtilage of 120 Third Avenue.

CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL USE AS GARDEN LAND GRANTED.

(b)        E/07/002280/DOM - 3 Church Cottages, Clappers Lane, Earnley

Side first floor extension and rear ground and first floor extension.

PERMIT. Slightly revised plans were approved which included the retention of the existing chimney.

(c)        E/07/02965/LBC - 3 Church Cottages, Clappers Lane, Earnley

Side first floor extension and rear ground and first floor extension.

WITHDRAWN.

The Council noted that this application was withdrawn as 3 Church Cottages is not a Listed Building and so no application was necessary.

(d)        E/07/02882/COU - The Studio, formerly Greenacres, Almodington Lane, Almodington

Change of use from builders store and office to B1 use.

PERMIT, with a number of conditions including one that the existing screen fencing, hedges and screen planting to boundaries shall be retained and maintained to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

(e)        E/07/02969/LBC - Jasmine Cottage, Bell Lane, Earnley

Replacement timber conservatory to rear.

LISTED BUILDING CONSENT GRANTED.

(f)         E/07/02919/FUL - Witsend Nursery, Third Avenue, Earnley

Construction of menage.

PERMIT. The description of the proposed works was amended to “Construction of a menege” (sic).

(g)        E/07/03716/TCA - Jasmine Cottage, Bell Lane, Earnley

Notification of intention to fell 1 no. pittosporum and 1 no. prunus (spp). removal of 1 no. stubby oak branch (overhanging rear boundary – west sector) on 1 no. oak tree.

NO OBJECTION AND NO TREE PRESERVATION ORDER TO BE PREPARED.                           

(iii)       Possible breaches of Planning Regulations

The Clerk advised the Council of the following information that had been provided to him by the District Council in respect of the following enquiries:

(a)        Marsh Barn Caravans (Minute 27 – 07 (iii) (b))

The Clerk advised that he had not yet drafted the letter to the District Council that had been proposed at a previous meeting.          Action: Clerk.

(b)        Dragon Nursery, Third Avenue (Minute 27 – 07 (iii) (c))

The file on this issue had been passed to the Council’s Legal Department for review.

(c)        Millside, Bell Lane, Somerley (Minute 27 – 07 (iii) (d))

On 16 August 2007 the District Council issued an Enforcement Notice requiring the brick wall, including the brick piers and metal gates, to be reduced to a height not exceeding one metre above ground level, and to remove the resulting debris from the land. The owners had lodged an appeal against the Notice.

(d)          Orchid Answers, 113 Second Avenue (Minute 27 – 07 (iii) (a))

The District Council advised that currently there were no breaches of planning control at this property.

(e)        132 Almodington Lane

Following the last meeting, and visits to the site by Mr Bayley and Mr Karn, the District Council were advised that the 'storage' building at this address had been fenced off from the bungalow and its garage, and given its own vehicular access and driveway, complete with new brick front walling. The District Council acknowledged receipt of this information and further advice is awaited.

            (iv) Other planning matters

            Bookers Barn, Bookers Lane

The Council noted that this site had been sold and the area had been fenced. The Clerk was asked to obtain advice on whether or not a formal archaeological investigation of the site should be made before any possible new development was undertaken.                        Action: Clerk.

41 - 07             Reports

            (i)         Peninsula Community Forum – 5 September

Mr Norris would be circulating the minutes of this meeting.

            (ii) Neighbourhood Watch

Ms Nugent reported that, as a consequence of the reorganisation of local neighbourhood policing, the services of PC Phil Martin would be lost to the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.

Bogus sales callers were still a problem in the area.

42 – 07            Pond Wardens

It was agreed that this subject should be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council.

43 – 07            Earnley Concourse

On a proposal from Mr Bayley seconded by Ms Nugent it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the managers of the Concourse thanking them, and all the staff, for all the work they do to provide the Council with such excellent facilities for meetings.             Action: Clerk.

The meeting closed at 8.59 p.m.

Date.....................................................            Chairman...................................................