EASEBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL

NEWSLETTER MAY/JUNE 2008


Annual General Meeting
This took place on 14th May 2008, with ten Parish Councillors in attendance.  Mr Ian Heustice was re-elected as Chairman and Mr John Stringer re-elected as Vice-Chairman for the year 2008/2009.


King Edward VII Hospital
The latest planning application for redevelopment of the disused hospital site was discussed at the Parish Council meeting.  The proposal is for “partial demolition, extension and alterations to existing buildings for continued Class 2 use”.  The proposed Class 2 use is as a “close care community” to cater for the needs of the elderly, who require varying degrees of assistance.  Various modern extensions will be demolished and one new wing added to the existing sanatorium building. In addition, it is proposed to utilise the currently empty loft spaces, with the insertion of new dormer windows. The design and external appearance of the Chapel will not be changed or modified in any way.  It is proposed to make the Chapel the social heart of the care community by using the space as a health and spa facility, with a swimming pool in the basement, together with facilities for Bridge etc. It was the majority decision of the Parish Council that the application was acceptable as it would make use of, and preserve, the Listed sanatorium building and did not propose any “new build” in the grounds.  Although it is understood that the Linear Accelerator will be subject to a separate planning application the Parish Council would hope that, if this current application receives approval, there will be no further applications submitted for “new build” on the site.


War Memorial
St Mary’s Easebourne has asked the Parish Council to consider repairs and cleaning of the war memorial, situated in the churchyard.  Following receipt of three estimates, the Parish Council will be instructing a stonemason to clean and re-point the memorial in the near future, hopefully before 11th November 2008, the 90th anniversary of the ending of World War I.


Schools Debate
Although the Parish Council does not feel that it is within its remit to pass an opinion on the Grammar School v Academy educational debate, it is concerned about the possible siting of any new school.  Based on the proposals and facts currently available, the majority view of the Parish Councillors is that any proposed new school building should be on the current site in Midhurst.  This is mainly for logistical reasons, such as inadequate/dangerous access to the Midhurst Intermediate School site, road safety concerns on the A286, bearing in mind the additional traffic that will be generated when Budgenor Lodge is fully occupied, together with additional traffic for a school that would be three times the size of the exiting MIS, and also the lack of other facilities, currently enjoyed by the pupils of the Grammar School, which are sited in Midhurst. There is concern, however, concerning the future of the MIS site if a school were to cease operating there.  In view of so many issues facing Midhurst and Easebourne it is vital that the decision regarding the siting of any new school facilities is taken as part of an overview of the future of the whole area.


The next Parish Council Meeting  will be held on Wednesday 9th July 2008 at 7.30pm in the Refectory.  All are welcome.

 

 

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