THE MINUTES OF FRANT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT FRANT MEMORIAL HALL ON WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER AT 19:30

Present: Councillors Jeal (Chairman), Crookshank, Freestone, Hall, Hewes, Miles, Mrs Myers and Rowland.

Also in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy, District Cllr. Lord Abergavenny, Police Community Support Officer Angela Chapman, R King of Wealden District Council and one member of the public.

1. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Mrs Harris and Mrs Howell; reasons noted and accepted.
Chairman informed Cllrs. of the resignation of Cllr. Mrs Farebrother.

2. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AS A TRUE RECORD
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record and signed.

5. POLICE REPORT
Police Community Support Officer (CSO) Angela Chapman was present. There are four CSOs based at Crowborough. CSO Chapman covers Frant, Bells Yew Green, Eridge, Withyham and Groombridge. The aim is to provide high visibility as a deterrent to prevent crime. CSOs can deal with parking issues, dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour and dog fouling; they have no power to arrest.
CSO Chapman aims to attend Parish Council meetings bi-monthly and to liaise on a regular basis with Cllr. Crookshank.

3. TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
Memorial tree on Frant Green – site meeting being arranged to consider where tree to be planted.
Parish boundaries – maps to be completed indicating suggested revised boundaries.
Bus shelter at Riverhall Hill – hedge cut.
District/Parish conference – items covered included development framework, unauthorised encampment and a review of communications with increased use of electronic methods.
Wealden District Association of Local Councils – Cllr. Crookshank attended the recent meeting and discussed Police issues with Chief Inspector Rex Mathews.

4. OPEN FORUM
None.

6. TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
A grant of £500K has been received towards improving communications with the public by providing community help points and kiosks; these will be located in post offices, libraries and at other central points.
ESCC are supporting a good trader scheme aimed at providing a database of reputable small companies; staff must submit to criminal records checks.
A strategy has been developed to overcome the issue of unauthorised encampments. Travellers causing a nuisance can be moved by the Police to temporary sites. The existing five temporary sites in the county have been poorly maintained; there is now a programme for improvement and management. Many travellers are entitled to benefits; rent will be charged for use of county temporary sites.

7. LAND AT BENHALL MILL ROAD – TO DISCUSS PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION OF SITE IN WEALDEN LOCAL PLAN REVIEW WITH REPRESENTATIVE OF WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL
Robert King, Planning Officer at WDC, was present to discuss the proposal to include land at Benhall Mill Road in the Local Plan Review. Mr King stated he could only answer questions from Cllrs. as the public consultation does not start until 1.11.04; the public did not need to be excluded.
The site had come forward after the first draft of the Local Plan Review and is being recommended for inclusion in the second draft. The area of land had been considered a nature conservation site; a recent ecological survey indicated a decline in conservation value due to lack of maintenance. The proposal is to allow residential development on an area behind Forest Road and improve the conservation merits of the remainder of the site; this is adjacent to another conservation area in separate ownership. Access to the site would be in Benhall Mill Road. In view of the proposed number of housing units, 30% would be allocated as affordable housing.
Cllrs. were concerned that the Parish Council had not been formally notified and consulted. Large scale development would have significant implications on the existing infrastructure with additional pressure on rural roads and Frant School. Comment that development proposals are considered in isolation; there should be a strategic overview to include other proposed residential sites in the parish.
The public consultation will run for six weeks from 1.11.04. Comments and recommendations will be analysed and a final plan produced. The final plan will be approved for development control purposes; it will not be formally adopted in view of the change to a Local Development Framework. District Cllrs. have an opportunity to address the Review Committee.

8. TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr. Hall left at 8.35pm.
WDC arboriculturist has reviewed the Lime tree on Frant Green. Some parts are dying; recommendation for regular pollarding to keep the tree in shape and make it stronger.
The Leader of WDC has given presentations on the way forward; objections are being raised to the proposed number of new housing units in the district as the necessary infrastructure is not in place.
Proposal to develop the cattle market in Hailsham into a supermarket. Objections received by farmers to the loss of the cattle market; nearest alternative market is in Ashford.

9. PLANNING
Cllr. Mrs Myers declared a personal interest in view of her duties as a District Cllr. and did not vote on any of the planning applications. On legal advice from WDC, Cllr. Mrs Myers can comment on applications at parish level.
TO RATIFY RECOMMENDATION FOR PLANNING APPLICATION WD/04/2206 ELY HOUSE
Resolved to ratify the following recommendation:
WD/04/2206/FR Ely House, Ely Grange, Frant – retrospective application for changing four elevations from mock Tudor to tile hung.
No objection.

TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING.
Cllr. Mrs Myers declared a prejudicial interest in applications WD/04/2416/F Stubbygrove Works and WD/04/2454/F Manor Farm Stud and left the room.
WD/04/2416/F Stubbygrove Works, Bells Yew Green – renewal of temporary planning permission WD/03/2732/F (temporary radio base station for The Airwave Network – 15m pole, two equipment cabins and one meter cabinet).
Normally, this Council would not object to the renewal of the temporary planning permission for this radio base station. However, it has become aware that the equipment has been installed in the wrong position on the site. Therefore this Council recommends refusal of this application on the grounds that the construction errors must be rectified and a further planning application submitted before the renewal of the temporary permission can be considered.
WD/04/2454/F Manor Farm Stud, Frant – conversion of oast/barn to for self contained dwelling (additional supporting information).
This Council supports this planning application providing that the conversion complies with DC8, excepting the business-use requirement, of the Wealden Local Plan. Whilst the Council recognises the standard planning requirement to convert buildings such as these to commercial use this will not help secure the future of existing equestrian business. The circumstances of the owners are such that it would be of far greater value for the business to convert the barn to residential use thus enabling younger family members to manage this useful rural equestrian business.
The owner is agreeable to having a Section 106 agreement linking the converted barn to the stud farm.

WD/04/2322/LB Greenwood, Frant – replacement front door and frame.
The Council supports this planning application subject to the views of the Wealden District Council Conservation and Design Officer.
WD/04/1977/F Adams Well Camp Site, Broom Lane Langton Green – new windows and cladding.
This Council supports this application providing the colour of the new cladding is in keeping with its surroundings.
WD/04/2163/LB Mastingate, The Green, Frant – extension to existing kitchen and ground floor bedroom.
This Council supports this planning application and welcomes the removal of the pre-cast concrete garage.
WD/04/2513/LD Station Bridge Yard, Bells Yew Green – application for certificate of lawful development for storage and distribution.
This Council does not support this Lawful Development application. On the basis of the history of the site, the various unsuccessful planning applications and the dismissed appeals, our recommendation is to refuse the application.
Frant Parish Council has consistently objected to developments at this location and there does not seem to be any reason to change its attitude.
WD/04/1765/FR The Chart House Wadhurst Road, Frant – retrospective application for high close boarded fence.
No objection.
WD/04/2475/F Court Lodge Barn, Bells Yew Green – conversion of barn to form a single dwelling.
Resolved to make the following comment after a vote of five in favour and one objection:
This Council has no objection to this application to convert a rural barn to residential use subject to the main objectives (1-5) of DC8 in the Wealden Local Plan 12/98 as it will:
• Preserve an old rural building which appears to be capable of sustaining significant repair.
The Council recognises that:
• This is a new dwelling in the countryside and is sensitive to the effect the creation of a residential curtilage might cause on agricultural land in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Additionally, it is important that:
• The hedging between the neighbour and the barn is preserved for the purposes of maintaining privacy.
• Any external lighting is kept to the minimum to prevent light pollution in this rural area.
It may be appropriate, to preserve the integrity of this small settlement to apply a Section 106 condition linking the potential new property to the main building.

The following application was refused by WDC:
WD/04/1827/F – oak framed extension to house swimming pool at 2 Bayham Abbey Farm Buildings.

The following applications have been approved by WDC:
WD/04/0343/F – play centre at Bells Yew Green Business Centre.
WD/04/1674/F – change of use of part of building at Reflex Printed Plastics.

Cllr. Mrs Myers advised of a procedural error as she had not been consulted by WDC on the application for change of use at Reflex Printed Plastics, despite there being objections to the application on file. Comment that company are having trouble with the condition limiting length of stay to two weeks. Resolved to write to WDC expressing disappointment at the planning decision and the procedural error and enquiring how the condition of a time limit on stay will be enforced.

10. FINANCE
EXTERNAL AUDIT REPORT 2003/04
Annual Return 2003/04 has been signed by the External Auditor.

TO REVIEW SPEND AGAINST BUDGET
Spend against budget reviewed. Spend to 30.09.04 is on track at £7732 with a forecast of £20562 for the year end. In addition there has been capital expenditure of £10164 on the Victoria Well.

TO CONSIDER SUBSCRIPTION TO FWAG
Resolved to continue subscription of £35 to FWAG.

TO APPROVE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

It was resolved to pay the following accounts:
£
Auto Nat West – voucher charge
3.25
DD Seeboard – maintenance charge
113.01
676 Wealden District Council – dog bin
96.94
677 Seeboard Energy – 1.07.04 – 30.9.04
260.50
678 Bells Yew Green Village Hall – hire 20.10.04
15.00
679 Mazars – external audit
141.00
680 FWAG – subscription
35.00
681 J Streets – cleaning bus shelters etc
54.16
682 salary and expenses
400.44
683 Post Office Ltd – tax/NICs
121.01
Bank reconciliation at 1.10.04
Balance B/F
15930.98
Receipts
22411.40
Payments
(20096.16)
18246.22
Current account
400.00
Business Reserve
17914.38
18314.38
Less unpresented items
671
14.00
672
54.16
18246.22

TO AGREE TIMETABLE FOR BUDGET/PRECEPT DISCUSSION 2005/06
Full budget discussion will be held at the November meeting. Draft budget detailing headings and figures for non-discretionary items circulated.

11. ACTION PLAN UPDATE
PLAY EQUIPMENT – TO CONSIDER REPAIR AND AUTHORISE EXPENDITURE
Site meeting held with representative of Playground Services to examine damage to see-saw caused by loose handle. Manufacturing company will provide a replacement handle and repair damaged wood free of charge. Quotation received to supply two flat seats, one cradle seat and replace chains for £285.50 + VAT and install for £200 + VAT. Resolved to accept quotation from Playground Services for £485.50 + VAT for work to the swings.
Representative from Playground Services advised that the set of swings nearest to the roundabout was approximately 50 years old; replacement parts ceased 20 years ago and the metal is deteriorating. Recommendation to replace swings and provide safety surfacing. Cllrs. to consider allocating funds in reserves over next few years.

Cllrs. Miles and Crookshank to attend to protruding bolts on roundabout.

TO CONSIDER WORK REQUIRED TO OAK TREE NEAR MASTINGATE AND AUTHORISE EXPENDITURE
Following comments from residents on the safety of the Oak tree near Mastingate, the tree warden will be considering possible works in consultation with WDC arboriculturist.

PARKING ON FRANT GREEN – TO CONSIDER ACTION REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE GREEN
Comment received that a number of residents are parking on the green near East Lodge. An approach has been made to the owner of the Stone House and arrangements are in hand to increase parking on site. Resolved to monitor situation and keep under review.

FINGERPOST MAINTENANCE – TO CONSIDER RESPONSE FROM INSURANCE COMPANY
ESCC has stated that any contractor working on fingerposts must have £10M Public Liability Insurance. Existing contactors for fingerpost maintenance have £5M insurance; ESCC suggested that Parish Council could cover the deficit.
Response from insurance company that the Parish Council cannot cover the deficit. Parish Council’s Public Liability would only apply if the Parish Council took responsibility for the maintenance of the fingerposts and the maintenance was carried out by an employee of the council or a volunteer using tools and materials supplied by the Parish Council; an application would be required to increase cover to £10M. In view of the response from the insurance company it was resolved to write to ESCC enquiring if they could undertake the repair work and invoice the Parish Council.
Cllrs. are of the opinion that the fingerposts are an important part of the rural environment and should be preserved.

12. LIGHTING – TO RATIFY EXPENDITURE TO COLUMN 14
It has not been possible to repair column 14; a small feeder pillar is required to house the electrical components. Resolved to accept quote of £397+VAT from Seeboard to supply and install the feeder pillar.

13. QUALITY PARISH STATUS – TO CONSIDER REQUIREMENTS
The criteria for Quality Status were noted; a number of areas are already met. Cllrs. appreciate the need to work to towards Quality Status and will review again in February.

14. COUNCIL VACANCY – TO AGREE TIMETABLE FOR CO-OPTION
Following the resignation of Cllr. Mrs Farebrother, the prescribed time to request an election expired 19.10.04. Co-option notices to be placed on the website, notice boards and in Parish Plus. Closing date for applications 30.11.04 with co-option in December.

Cllr. Mrs Farebrother was Vice-Chairman; there will be an election of this post in November.

15. CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
The following items of correspondence were discussed:
- ESCC confirm that request for extension of 30mph speed restriction to include Cricketers Close is on file; it is ranked 17 out of 20 schemes to be investigated and is unlikely to be progressed in the short term.
All other correspondence was dealt with during the course of the meeting and detailed on a separate list circulated to councillors.

16. AFFORDABLE HOMES
UPDATE ON PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO MASSONS YARD
Cllr. Jeal declared a personal interest.
A meeting is scheduled 2.11.04 between architect, WDC and Parish Council.

FUTURE ALLOCATION OF AFFORDABLE HOMES
WDC have advised that under the terms of the nomination process, a vacancy at a rural affordable homes site is notified to the Parish Council who must respond with the names of possible applicants within seven days. All applicants for affordable housing must be on the Housing Register.
Cllrs. concerned that the Parish Council is not consulted on local connection claims.

17. URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.20 pm.