Present: Councillors Crookshank (Chairman), Mrs Howell, Jeal, Rowland and Mrs Scarborough.

Also in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy, four members of the public and one member of the press.

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

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Jeal declared an interest in item 7 as a governor of Frant Primary School.

3.             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 18.06.08 AND PLANNING MEETING 30.06.08 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meetings held 18.06.08 and 30.06.08 as a true record.

4.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
Notice board at Memorial Hall – board to be removed before the next meeting.

5.             OPEN FORUM    
Request for update on ownership of the retail unit at Broomfield. Council advised the member of the public that the application for a food take-away outlet had gone to appeal and that no further applications had been received. Any business operation falling within the existing use classification would not require a planning application.

Report of a proposal to divert the footpath which passes near Tyburn Buildings.

Report of a large amount of water lying at the entrance to Rushlye Close.

6.             POLICE REPORT
The total crime in the area has dropped compared to the same period last year. During the last month there have been reports in the parish of stolen heating oil, satellite navigation equipment and a lawnmower.

PCSO Sarah Roberts will now cover Frant Parish in addition to Withyham.

7.             TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
East Sussex has achieved the greatest reduction in crime in the South East of England; this has been helped by the increase in partnership working and neighbourhood policing.

Three secondary schools in Hastings with poor academic achievements were brought under the control on one headteacher and governing body. The next stage is to replace the schools with two new academies which should be completed by 2012.

ESCC has nominated Frant and Hurst Green for new primary schools under a programme of renewal/renovation.

8.             TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
The following items were reported from a full council meeting 16.07:

• three members received awards for 30 years of service.
• Rotherfield has received an award for village hall management.
• Housing Department has attained Charter Mark status.

Nominations are being collected for civic and environmental awards.
Consultation has commenced on a Draft Housing Strategy 2008-13.
Report of recent success in issuing fines for fly tipping; it is possible for cameras to be used at problem locations.

Cllr. Mrs Howell thanked Cllr. Tidy for his work towards the new school at Frant and the Clerk for her work with the grant application for the play equipment.

9.             HIGHWAYS AND LIGHTING ISSUES
Response received from ESCC to request for a reduction in the speed limit and installation of traffic calming measures at Riverhall Hill following serious accidents at the location. Area has been reviewed as part of the general review of A and B class roads and average speed for Riverhall Hill is 41.3mph. Extending the 40mph limit from Wadhurst to include Riverhall Hill was not considered suitable due to the rural location. A 50 mph limit would be more suitable to the character of the road but may encourage drivers to increase their speed from the present average.

A further letter to be sent asking for road markings/signs to be reviewed to try and improve safety at Riverhall Hill.

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

WD/2008/0611/F The Walled Garden, Wadhurst Road – first floor extension over part of existing – no increase in footprint.
The proposed extension is considered to be sympathetic to the existing dwelling and suitable for the location and, therefore, is supported by the Parish Council.

WD/2008/1634/LB Cornhill, Manor Farm – conservation rooflight.
Frant Parish Council supports this application subject to the confirmation of the Conservation Officer.

11.          REPORT OF MEETING WITH ESCC/WDC TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROPOSALS AT BELLS YEW GREEN
Report of a meeting with ESCC and WDC to discuss suitable highway proposals using funds secured under Agreement for the development of the Broomfield site. Following legal costs, the sum of £40K is available for improvements. Site meeting held to review the location and discuss various proposals. The Parish Council will host a meeting for residents once the recommended proposals have been received from ESCC.

12.          PLAY EQUIPMENT
Update on grant application for replacement equipment
The grant application has been supported at an initial meeting; the proposal is for a grant of £22K and for the Parish Council to provide the remaining £12K from earmarked reserves.

13.          COMMUNICATION
To review welcome pack for new residents
Deferred to next meeting.

To consider promotion of Mobile Council Office
The Mobile Council Office attends Frant on a weekly basis and is a facility enjoyed by many residents. The opening times have recently changed and new posters/information to be displayed in notice boards and shop; information to be included in Parish Plus.

14.          FINANCE
To review spend against budget to 30.06
Spend to end of June reviewed and is on track against budget at £5361.

To approve accounts payable

15.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
The following items of correspondence were reviewed:

1. complaint that hedge at Whitehill is encroaching pavement.
2. 97 bids received for the 4 affordable homes at Broomfield. Houses allocated to people with a local connection to the parish and the flats went to people with connections to Wadhurst and Mayfield.
3. Report of issues associated with large vehicles using Stubbygrove Works. Also concern of traffic speed on Bells Yew Green Road, parking by Frant shop and other highways issues.

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

16.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
Concern about safety of a dead Oak tree at entrance to Stubbygrove Works; matter to be referred to Tree Warden.
A wind turbine has recently been approved at Glyndebourne and may set a precedence for further applications.
Vacancy for community governor at Frant School.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:27.