EASEBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL
Notes of the Annual Village Meeting held on 9th April 2008
In attendance: Mr I Heustice (Chairman), Mr J Stringer (Vice-chairman), Mr B Gowar, Mr J Dabson, Mr D Pack, Dr A Guyatt, Mrs A Marchand, Mr F Martin, Mr M Taylor, Mrs E Hamilton (EPC and CDC), Lt Col T Pemberton (WSCC), the Clerk and 40 members of the public.
Apologies for absence: Mrs J Deacon-Ford
Mr Heustice opened the meeting by welcoming everyone present.
He then outlined the work of the Parish Council during the last year (see report attached)
Briefly summarised these include:
Parish Councillors/Elections
May 2007 - no election as 11 standing for 11 seats
But due to Danny Warner and Peter Rhodes not seeking re-election two new Councillors - Mike Taylor and Dr Andrew Guyatt
Ian Heustice re-elected Chairman at AGM in May 2007
John Stringer elected as Vice-Chairman
As usual Councillors elected to panels with specific areas of responsibility:
Planning, Playing Field, Burial Ground, Footpaths, Finance
District Council Elections
Elizabeth Hamilton elected as new District Councillor in addition to remaining a Parish Councillor
Planning Applications
King Edward VII Hospital
After several amendments plans approved by CDC May 2007
Mainly conversion of existing Listed building with addition of new wing
Some alteration and demolition of existing ancillary buildings
Virtually no additional new build.
Then building put up for sale
Developer is going into partnership with a company that specialises in “care villages” and intend to use the site as a care home.
4th April 2008 - application just received by CDC relating to alteration and extension of main sanatorium buildings. We understand there are to be further planning applications for new ward blocks and highway improvements.
Other main applications granted during 2007/8
St James’s Quarry Shooting Ground – permanent permission granted
Cowdray Farm Shop and Cafe– in disused works Yard buildings
Gilhams Service Station – close and rebuild
During calendar year 2007 the Parish Council considered 61 planning applications.
We objected to 3
CDC refused 2
The system of advertising the planning applications received, adopted in 2006, and giving the public the opportunity to request a public meeting continues - with details published on the Parish Council notice boards and web site as well as in the Observer and the CDC web site and local offices.
This seems to be working very well. No meeting has yet been requested.
Finance
The Parish Council wards grants every year.
This year to: Midhurst Community Bus Association (£250), Royal British Legion (£50), Citizens Advice Bureau (£200), Midhurst & District Swimming Club (£100) = total £600.00
Draft Accounts for 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008 (copies available at the meeting)
Precept was £12,500
Will be maintained at £12,500 for 2008/2009
Income and Expenditure account – explanation of significant differences
Income
Reduced burial fees received from church. Even lower this year, only £570.00
We subsidise the cost of the burial ground by paying the maintenance contractor and in return receive the burial fees. Normally this costs us c£1000 but because of the reduced burial fees this year it has cost us c£1500.
Bank interest – due to merger of Portman B Soc with Nationwide we received a bonus of £312.17 and higher annual interest of £343.75
In addition, since the merger, we no longer pay the £5 per month charge for the current account
Expenditure
Playground - new fence along one side of playground, adjacent to A272 – cost £1400
Propose to replace other side in 2008/9.
Other playground expenses – new litter bin – new cradle swing seats – signs on gates – temporary repairs to benches
Election expenses – due to no election expenses were only £237
Communications
Reminder about web site – www.easebourne.org
Site taken over by Mike Taylor who has revamped and enlarged it. Very good
Cowdray Heritage Trust
Dr Guyatt reported on first year of the site being open to the public.
6,500 visitors – New Manager – Delays with the guide book and some signage – enormous, unexpected costs from the Conduit House renovations – more volunteers needed. Several school visits and events planned for this year.
S106 Money from Budgenor Lodge
Spending of some of this money, for community facilities/buildings, now underway
- Stair Lift for Refectory – disabled access to 1st floor – awaiting planning permission from CDC
- New equipment for playground – suitable for younger children – installation in May
- New benches – 5 in playground and one in burial ground – on order
- Possible new bus shelter in Easebourne Lane outside Conifers school. Awaiting decision on 50% contribution from WSCC to match 50% from S106
War Memorial
We have been asked by church to get war memorial cleaned and repaired. Estimates being obtained. Trying to get funding from War Memorials Trust
Annual Spring Clean Day
Took place on Monday 31st March –11 people participated – collected 12 bags of rubbish
Easebourne Post Office
Closure announced 29th January 2008
We held public meeting on 13th February
Well over 100 people attended – standing room only
Concerns expressed by the public incorporated into EPC response to Post Office Ltd
Andrew Tyrie kept informed and asked to find out if Easebourne PO profitable – under Freedom of Information Act
Petition (EPC) placed in PO – Tony Griffin also put petitions in pubs, golf club etc.
EPC petition sent to Post Office Ltd by consultation deadline of 10th March.
Ideas to save post offices suggested by Essex County Council
Update 08.04.08
Post office not reprieved and will close in 6 weeks
Community Policing
PC Paul Quinnell has addressed the Parish Council with proposals and suggestions to improve the liaison between villagers and the police.
Report from Lt Col T Pemberton (WSCC)
1 Progress on Traffic management Plan.
a) Proposals for crossing the A286 at the cross roads of Hollist Lane and Wheelbarrow Castle, and improvements at the Budgenor Lodge entrance that will include a bus stop and shelter have been agreed and await signing by the developer following which works can be programmed. I have previously advised Council that our engineers and consultants were having difficulty with options for the ‘desire line’ crossing at Hollist Lane, due to the proximity to the cross roads. They have looked at all options, all of which have failed safety audits and are now proposing a dropped studded curb with a marked crossing depicting the straight crossing line. The existing bus shelter will remain but there will be a bust stop and cage slightly south of the cross line. They are also proposing the introduction of a new school patrol warning sign northbound and other new signing and marking. Council have seen these proposals There are no other options that could be applied at this particular feature. What is proposed is an improvement on what exists at this time. The School crossing patrol will of course remain.
b) At Budgenor Lodge entrance. The proposals show improvements to signing and marking and a new bus shelter and lay by. What is also being promoted is the move of the 30 mph zone to north of Budgenor Lodge entrance subject of course to satisfying criteria.
c) On the A272 Petworth to Midhurst. Highways Officers recently met with members of the Parish Council and have taken into consideration representations made to them. A design is being prepared and will be available soon for further Parish consultation.
2) West Sussex County Council e-newsletter service. Why not keep up to date with the many happenings and release of information right across the County. To sign up for our e-newsletter, any individual that is, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/e-newsletter
3) County Local Committees. This is the way that decision making has brought closer to the Parishes and delegated down to the Local County Councillors from County Hall. The process is kept under constant review in effort to increase delegation. The next public meeting is on 20th May at a place yet to be determined and advertised in the media, but a note for your diaries.
4) Street Lighting. The Parish Council, and I, have supported a request for the continuation of Street Lighting along the A286 as far as, and to take in, Budgenor Lodge. This request is being progressed by the County Street Lighting Team now. Street lighting should mean the 30 mph will follow the lights!
5) Highways Rangers. We have introduced this new service across the county from 1st of April and your Parish Council have been advised about how to make requests for work to be undertaken during the periods the Rangers are in the Parish Area. The programme of activity and more information about the Rangers, is included on the County Council website at highway.rangers@westsussex.gov.uk or ring 01243-642105. Individual members of the public may also make requests, but the Parish Council might appreciate you copying them in on requests so that they can coordinate activity and improvement in the Parish.
6) Operation Crackdown. This is a scheme recently introduced that enables members of the public to report anti-social driving to the police. Such things as apparent speeding, inconsiderate driving or riding, mobile phone use, abandoned or untaxed cars, can all be reported simply by calling 01243-642222 or sending a website report to www.operationcrackdown.org
7) 3 in 1 Card for Schoolchildren Travel. This new arrangement was introduced in September last year and enables children and young persons in full time education in West Sussex to travel to and fro; up to 16 at quarter fare and 16 to 19 at half fare. This concession is also available for travel at evenings and weekends. In addition to being a bus pass – free of charge – it is also a recognisable proof of identity, and will attract discounts at the business organisations shown on the card – and growing – that have signed up to support it. For more information check out www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk or pick up an application form at the Library or school.
8) Potholes! This is the pothole season, the time of year when roads break down in numerous areas due to water seepage and frost. Resources are out and about searching finding and fixing and the Mill Bridge, which has particularly suffered, is expected to be done on Friday this week and is programmed for resurfacing in early June. Please report findings to Highways on 01243-642105.
9) Review of Schools in the Rother Valley. I am gathering evidence to arrive at a conclusion and then to give a view. The Independent Consultant on the proposal for an Academy in the Rother Valley is also interviewing me.
10) Post Office Closures. 8th April 2008 - Post Office announcement - Post Office Ltd have announced the outcome of the Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex Area Plan. The consultation covered the Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Chichester area and proposed the closure of 14 branches, four of which will be replaced with outreach services. Of the branches proposed for closure in this phase of the consultation, one, the Parklands Post Office in Chichester, has been reprieved. In addition, a partner outreach service is proposed in West Dean and hosted outreach services are proposed in Graffham, Compton and Redford. These plans will be implemented within the next few weeks. Details of the Post Office report can be found at here
11) A number of miscellaneous points under consideration.
a) A sign saying Easebourne Street ‘Unsuitable for Heavy Vehicles’ to match a sign at the other end of that route in Lickfold.
b) A ‘ SLOW’ sign or marking on approach to the Golf Club from a Westerly direction. [This will be, included in the A272 Road Safety Strategy improvements].
c) Concern about the volume of traffic rat-running in Leutener Road.
d) The deployment of Speed Indicator Devices in the Parish.
e) Vehicle Activated Signs.
f) Roundels at the start of speed limits.
End of Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton Report
Midhurst and Easebourne Schools
Parish Council does not have a remit regarding the Grammar School versus Academy debate. However, we do have an interest in the siting of the ultimate school. It is difficult for the Parish Council to formulate plans based on the rumours and speculation which are rife at the present time. However, when further details emerge or plans are submitted we will call a meeting to ascertain the views or concerns of parishioners.
Mr Heustice concluded by thanking his fellow Councillors and Clerk for their diligent hard work and support over the last year.
Mr Heustice then opened the meeting to questions from the floor.
Q Should we be doing something about the possible siting of the new school in Easebourne, now, before any decision reaches the planning stage?
A Lt Col Pemberton said that no decision had yet been taken on the preferred site.
Mrs Hamilton said that she was yet to find anyone in Easebourne who wanted the school sited there. And also anybody in Midhurst who wanted the school to leave the town.
Q Who is funding the independent consultancy company DJB?
A Lt Col Pemberton said that he would find out.
Q Will the Parish Council contact the independent consultant, before the deadline of 10th May 2008, and let them know the views expressed about the siting of a new school?
Q Who owns the land on which the current schools are sited and will the County Council gain more financially from one site as opposed to the other?
A Mr Stringer said that the Intermediate School site is owned by WSCC but the Grammar School is more complicated as different parts of the site are owned by three different bodies.
Q Does the Parish Council have an opinion about the proposal for a “care village” on the King Edward VII Hospital site as there is a dearth of accommodation suitable for the elderly in the Midhurst/Easebourne area?
A The Parish Council has not discussed the proposal as we have not yet received a detailed planning application. When this is received the application will be discussed at a public meeting.
Q Can any more litter bins be provided in the village?
A The Clerk said that another bin had been requested from CDC, to be sited near High Path, as this is an area that suffers badly from litter. Existing bins are sited adjacent to the village stores and also at the junction of Egmont Road and Dodsley Lane.
Q Has WSCC discussed Post Office closures with Essex County Council?
A Lt Col Pemberton said that discussions had taken place but WSCC are not going to follow the same route as Essex. However, WSCC are trying to help village shops that are losing their post office services.
There followed a break for refreshments.
Mr Heustice then introduced David Hamilton-Fox, Farm Manager for the Cowdray
Estate, who spoke to the meeting about “Organic Farming at Cowdray”.
Mr Heustice thanked the speaker for an interesting insight into the methods of converting Cowdray to organic farming. He also thanked all the members of the public
for attending.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm.
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