Present: Councillors Crookshank (Chairman), Burgess, Hall, Hewes, Harris, Jeal, Rowland.
Also in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy and one member of the press.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Gray, Mrs Myers and Mrs Scarborough; reasons noted and accepted.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
None.

3.             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 16.07.08 AND PLANNING MEETING 4.08.08 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meetings held 16.07.08 and 4.08.08 as a true record.

4.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
Noticeboard at Memorial Hall – Cllr. Jeal was thanked for removing this noticeboard.

5.             OPEN FORUM    
None.

6.             POLICE REPORT
None.

7.             TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Work has commenced on building the incinerator at Newhaven.

The increase in the cost of fuel is expected to cost ESCC an additional £2m; it will be covered this financial year by additional funds received in the Rate Support Grant.
A bonus £500K has been received for improvements to B and C classification roads.

8.             TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
None.

9.             HIGHWAYS AND LIGHTING ISSUES
Update on traffic issues at Riverhall Hill
ESCC has agreed to review Riverhall Hill to see if additional road markings will help motorists interpret the road ahead.

To ratify two replacement street lights at Eridge
Alterations required to two street lights on A26 following alterations to supply at Warren House. The existing telegraph poles are not sound and a quotation of £500 per light has been received for swan neck style columns. Resolved to ratify the replacement of two lights mounted on telegraph poles with metal swan neck columns.

Other highways issues
ESCC to install drainage at the entrance to Rushlye Close.
Drainage improvements are proposed outside The Brecknock Arms subject to funding.
There is an issue with flooding from a drain outside the entrance to Frant Station; ESCC to arrange for a camera to view the inside of the pipework.
Recently installed bollard and repaired pavement outside The George have been damaged; ESCC is aware of the issue.
Directional sign at A267/Bunny Lane junction has been demolished following an accident; ESCC is aware of the issue.
Report that chevrons in Bunny Lane are obscured by vegetation.

Cllrs remain concerned at the speed of traffic generally in the parish and reference was made to methods used to calm traffic in France and Italy. Cllr. Tidy suggested a petition to identify support for traffic calming measures; a petition can then be presented at a County Council meeting.

10           PLANNING
To make recommendations about Planning Applications received.
It was resolved to respond to the planning applications as follows:

WD/2008/1870/F Plots 28-29 Broomfield – change of use to car hire/courier and delivery.
Frant Parish Council strongly objects to this application for a change of use to car hire/courier and delivery as it is not considered suitable within a residential development.
Parking will be a serious issue for this application as the existing parking provision will not be sufficient; overflow parking will create problems within the residential area. The Planning Design and Access Statement 2.4 refers to unrestricted parking on Bayham Road; this is a B classification road and parking should be discouraged as it creates a hazard within the sight lines for vehicles exiting the housing development and adjacent railway station. The number of vehicle movements and time of business associated with a car hire/courier/delivery business will be far greater than those associated with an A1 shop.

The applicant also refers to Policy GD1; Bells Yew Green does not have a development boundary and, therefore, Policy GD2 applies. The application is considered to be outside the criteria quoted in Policy BS1.

It is appreciated that permission for housing on the site was granted on the basis that some business use would be retained; this was achieved by live/work units and a retail unit. The nature of the site has, therefore, changed considerably from previous garage use. Residents of the new dwellings are entitled to expect the original conditions of the entire site to be adhered to. The type of business conducted under A1 classification is very different from the current proposal.

WD/2008/1865/F Plots 28-29 Broomfield – change of use to Indian take-away.
Frant Parish Council strongly objects to this application for an Indian take-away outlet for the following reasons:

• Cooking smells will be an issue in this residential development in the centre of the village.
• The nature of the business will mean considerable evening and late night traffic which again is not appropriate within the development or in a rural village location.
• Parking will be a serious issue for this application as the existing parking provision will not be sufficient; overflow parking will create problems within the residential area and the B2169 Bayham Road.

The applicant refers to Policy GD1; Bells Yew Green does not have a development boundary and, therefore, Policy GD2 applies. The application is considered to be outside the criteria quoted in Policy BS1.

It is appreciated that permission for housing on the site was granted on the basis that some business use would be retained; this was achieved by live/work units and a retail unit. The nature of the site has, therefore, changed considerably from previous garage use. Residents of the new dwellings are entitled to expect the original conditions of the entire site to be adhered to. The type of business conducted under A1 classification is very different from an A5 hot food take-away.

WD/2008/1847/F 14 Broomfield – single storey rear extension and garage roof bedroom extension.
No objection in principle although care must be taken with the design not to unbalance the row of houses to the detriment of the overall design and amenity of close neighbours.

WD/2008/1743/LB The Limes, Frant – repairs and improvements
Frant Parish Council supports this application for maintenance/improvement of this prominent house on Frant Green, subject to the approval of the Conservation Officer.

11.          TO CONSIDER WDC MOBILE YOUTH PLAY EQUIPMENT
WDC youth play scheme is now operational and Frant is one of the first parishes selected to benefit from the play provision. The Parish agreed to support the scheme at the meeting 19.09.07.

A mobile skatepark for Frant Green has been booked for 28.08.08 11am – 1pm. Weekly play sessions will be held at the Memorial Hall until November; the cost of hiring the hall will be covered by the Parish Council.

12.          TO REVIEW REPORT FROM TREE WARDEN
Two of the new Lime trees planted last November have died; these will be replaced free of charge. Tree guards to be placed round some young trees near the Victoria Well.

Treeworks has reviewed the dead Oak in a field next to the entrance to Stubbygrove Wood and consider that some branches should be cut back; an adjacent dead Elm should be removed. The ownership of the land is not known; an agents board advertising the sale of the land is present and an enquiry will be made via this route.

13.          TO RECEIVE REPORT ON COUNCILLOR TRAINING EVENT 17.07.08
Cllr. Hewes reported on a very informative training and awareness session held in Wadhurst and conducted by Trevor Leggo, Director of Sussex and Surrey Association of Local Councils. A number of topics were covered including:

• procedures
• the high turnover of Clerks
• insurance issues and the need for Cllrs. to be aware of comments made both within and outside meetings
• how to use the precept to add value to the community

14.          TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON PARISH PLAN
Report of a meeting of the steering committee. Cllrs. did not consider that it was appropriate for organisations to be represented on the committee; all residents will have the opportunity of providing input into the Plan during the consultation exercise.

Enquiries being made into possible help with costs for printing, distribution of questionnaires and other documentation.

15.          FINANCE
To approve accounts payable

16.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
The following item of correspondence was reviewed:
-               Southeastern/Network Rail holding a stakeholders forum at Maidstone 29.09; Cllrs. asked to consider who will attend this important meeting.

Remaining correspondence was dealt with during the course of the meeting and detailed on a separate list circulated to councillors.

17.          TO CONSIDER MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR 2009
Most councils do not meet in August due to holiday commitments. It was resolved that in future the Parish Council will not hold a full Council meeting during August but will increase the number of planning meetings as required to attend to planning applications.

18.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
Comment that painted gateways can be used to make motorists aware that they are entering a village settlement.
It is often difficult to park outside the village shop in Frant – item to be placed on agenda for next meeting.
Cllr. Jeal to meet Michael Harte to review parish website.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:00.