Present: Councillors Crookshank (Chairman), Gray, Hall, Harris, Hewes, Mrs Howell, Mrs Myers, Rowland and Mrs Scarborough.
Also in attendance: five members of the public and one member of the press.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE
Apology received from Cllr. Burgess; reason noted and accepted.
Apology received County Cllr. Tidy.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
None.

3.             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 17.09.08 AND PLANNING MEETING     1.09.08 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meetings held 17.09.08 and 29.09.08 as a true record.

4.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
None.

5.             OPEN FORUM    
Objections received to planning application WD/2008/2517/F for a wind turbine at Inchbroom, Frant. The proposed turbine is 15metres high; this will cause a visual impact to the surrounding area. The description as a domestic turbine was questioned as the anticipated energy output was considered to be at commercial levels. There were also concerns about carbon footprint, noise issues and the possibility of setting a precedent for further sites in the parish.

Residents advised to submit objections to the District Planning Authority.

6.             POLICE REPORT
Report of a fatality involving a motorbike on the A26 by The Nevill Crest & Gun; Police are appealing for witnesses.

7.             TO RECEIVE THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
None.

8.             TO RECEIVE THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr. Mrs Howell gave the following report:

• WDC is to operate from one site at Hailsham whilst retaining a ‘shop front’ presence in Crowborough.
• Ron Mead is to receive the WDC Community Award.
• The unauthorised caravan at Bush House crossroads, Bells Yew Green has been submitted to enforcement.
• A report on the eviction at Barelands will be presented to the Development Control North Sub-Committee at the November meeting.
• Eridge Estate has proposed further affordable housing at the site in Fern Close.
• WDC has no investment in Iceland.
• A consultation is taking place on Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Needs.
• Training session held on Local Development Framework.

Chantal Wilson, Chairman of WDC would like to attend a meeting of the Parish Council.

9.             HIGHWAYS AND LIGHTING ISSUES
9.1          To consider the benefit of painted gateways to identify entry to a village.
It was agreed that the use of gateways would help to identify entry to the villages and support existing traffic calming measures. Some limited funding may be available towards this project; enquires to be made.

9.2          Update on the issue of traffic calming outside Frant Memorial Hall.
Traffic calming and the use of gateways will be considered further at the November meeting. The issue of traffic speed and management will also form part of the Parish Plan process.

9.3          To review letter from Frant School on parking issues and consider request for funds towards new sign.
Suggestion received from Headteacher to install a sign on the school wall asking people to avoid parking outside the school when children are arriving or leaving.

It was recognised that parking in the High Street is an issue; the effectiveness of a sign would be minimal. Parents are already encouraged to operate a one-way system during peak times to ease the traffic flow in the narrow road; regular reminders should be via the school newsletter. An item will also be included in Parish Plus to advise residents.

9.4          To consider street lighting maintenance contract.
EDF is withdrawing street light maintenance from 01.04.09; the energy contract is not affected. Most town/parish councils use the services of ESCC for street lighting. A revised contract for new customers is being drawn up by EDF and will be available for consideration in November.

9.5          To approve repairs to street lighting columns nos. 1 and 30.
Resolved to approve quotation from EDF of £700 + VAT for a new lantern/bracket at column 1 Riverhall Hill and a new pole bracket/lantern at column 30 Pococksgate; payment authorised under Local Councils Act 1957 s3.

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

WD/2008/2517/F Inchbroom, Frant – domestic generator – 15 metre mast.
Frant Parish Council strongly objects to this application for a domestic generator for the following reasons:

• Visibly intrusive at the top of a ridge and would spoil one of the outstanding views in Frant.
• Noise pollution would carry and affect many properties in the locality.
• The proposed siting is not suitable as it is:

               - in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  
               - in agricultural land
               - close to one of the remaining sites of medieval strip farming
               - adjacent to a public footpath.

• Any possible environmental savings would be eradicated with the construction, transportation and installation of the turbine.

The anticipated amount of energy to be produced is considered to be on a commercial scale and it is noted that income may be generated from the scale of surplus energy to the national grid. This does not support the description of a domestic turbine.

The Supporting Documentation for the Planning Application prepared by Segen dated 23.09.08 states under Conditions that ‘no ancillary structures or buildings are required to house electrical equipment or controllers, which will be located in an existing nearby building’. As the turbine is proposed to be sited in a field, details are required on the housing of the equipment.

If permission is granted, a condition must be imposed for the owners of the site to provide at least 12 months data on the effectiveness of the device before construction is permitted.

WD/2008/2441/F & 2443/LB Rowdens Oast, Down Lane – roof conversion and new roof windows.
Frant Parish Council objects to this application as the proposed six new rooflights in the main roof and two new rooflights in the roundels create further visual intrusions in addition to the existing rooflights. The overall impact on the traditional appearance of this listed building would be very severe.

WD/2008/2523/F 14 Broomfield, Bells Yew Green – rear single storey extension and garage roof extension.
No objection.

11.          PLAY EQUIPMENT
11.1        To consider action following play equipment inspection report.
Further inspection of the play equipment has taken place and wear and tear on some equipment was noted; an exposed cable on the Burma bridge and a protruding bolt on the log hut to be attended to. Existing equipment will continue to be monitored pending the installation of new equipment.

11.2        To approve new play equipment.
The Parish Council has been awarded a Pathfinder grant of £22K towards new play equipment; funds must be spent by 31.03.09. The Parish Council has £12K as an earmarked reserve for the project. It was resolved to hold a drop-in session for residents to review the proposal for new equipment.

12.          FINANCE
12.1        To review Internal Audit Plan
Internal Audit Plan 2008/09 reviewed and agreed.

12.2        To review effectiveness of internal control
Internal control is maintained by following procedures in accordance with Financial Regulations and Standing Orders; these documents are reviewed annually by the Council and internal control is considered to be effective.

12.3        To note expenditure to date against budget
Expenditure reviewed against budget and is on track at £10848.

12.4        To consider recommendations from the Wealden Parish Remuneration Panel for member allowances          2009/10.
It was resolved to adopt the recommendations for member allowances 2009/2010 from the Wealden Parish Remuneration Panel as follows, with mileage for approved business both inside and outside the parish:

12.5        To consider subscription to Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
Resolved to continue the annual subscription to the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group which provides advice and support for residents in the parish.

12.6        To approve accounts payable.

13.          TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON PARISH PLAN
A draft questionnaire has been drawn up and is being reviewed prior to distribution to all households. The next meeting of the steering group to be held 3.11.08 at Eridge Parish Hall.

14.          TO CONSIDER REQUEST FROM WDC ON REVIEW OF EXISTING SITES OF NATURE CONSERVATION AND ADDITION OF POSSIBLE NEW SITES
There are four existing Sites of Nature Conservation (SNCI) in the parish.

• CW52 Hawkenbury Farm Meadow – this was reviewed as part of a planning proposal at Benhall Mill Road.
• CW73 The Warren & Broadwater Forest – part of this site is now owned by the RSPB and conservation improvements have occurred.
• CW6 Frant Meadow – this site is owned by the Eridge Estate and included within their land management plan.
• CW70 Clays Wood – the current condition of this site is not known.

Recommendations for any additional SNCI in the parish to be considered at the next meeting.

15.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
Correspondence reviewed and noted.

16.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
WDC advises that the Cllr. vacancy for Frant Ward can be filled by co-option. Advertisements to be placed on noticeboard, website and in the Parish Plus; closing date for applications 30.11.08.
The Duke of Kent is to open the new works at the Burslem site 19.11.08

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:16