STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM,
SULLINGTON PARISH HALL,
THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON,
ON WEDNESDAY, 28th NOVEMBER, 2007,
COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. R. Dawe in the Chair, Mr. A. Head, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. C. Mason, Mr. A. Read, Mr. D. Roper, Mr. J. Sanson, Mrs. L. Wheatley and Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese.

In Attendance:   Mr. F. Wilkinson – County Councillor
            P.Sgt. D. Lillywhite – Sussex Police
            14 Members of the Public.   

142.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. D. Atkins (holiday), Mr. R. Carter (work), Mr. E. Gibbons (in hospital), Mr. A. Mullard (ill), Mr. B. Walter (work) and Mr. J. Williams (work).   The reasons for absence were duly APPROVED.    

143.    TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS.  There were no declarations of interest from Members.

144.    TO PRESENT PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THE CREATIVE KIDS COMPETITION.  Andrew Strong was the winner of this competition to design a Christmas decoration.  The Chairman congratulated Andrew and presented him with a certificate and his prize of £25.00.

145.    BRIEFING FROM MR. NIGEL HAVERSON, HEAD OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND LICENSING, H.D.C., ON LICENSING.  The two pieces of legislation that the Parish were likely to become involved in were the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 and H.D.C., as Licensing Authority were implementing government policy which liberalized Licensing in respect of the availability of alcohol and licensing of premises and Gambling in respect of the availability of gambling to the public.  The Licensing Act has four objectives :-

•    The prevention of crime and disorder.
•    Public safety.
•    The prevention of public nuisance.
•    The protection of children from harm.

Any person wishing to object has to set their comments against one of those four objectives, if not it has to be ignored.

The Gambling Act was slightly different in that there were only three objectives :-

•    Protecting children and vulnerable adults from the harm that may be caused by gambling.
•    Ensuring gambling conducted in a fair and open way.
•    Preventing gambling from being a source of or associated with crime and disorder.

The Licensing Authority had to seek to award a license unless there were overriding reasons why they should not.  They had to look for reasons to give, rather than not.  They always had to relate back to the previously mentioned objectives.  It was possible to restrict availability by applying conditions, but these have to be sufficient to overcome a problem and no more.  Both the applicant and objectors have the right to appeal against decisions.  There was no requirement within the Act on the Licensing Authority to consult.  However, it was H.D.C., policy to consult those who lived or had a business in the immediate vicinity of the premises; they normally took 100m, the Parish Council and local Members.  There was a strict timetable, from date of application being received and agreed they had 28 days to receive representations and on the 29th day if none received they must grant the application.  If there were objections there was a further 28 days within which time they had to hold a hearing and determine.  H.D.C., had to give 10 days notice of the appeal and get the papers out.  Businesses could not object on the grounds that the application would be in competition with them as this was not a relevant criterion. 

Parish Councils could only object if they received objections from people that lived in the vicinity of an application, otherwise they would have to personally be affected as a Parish Council.  Local Members had a slightly different position in that they could attend meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee and speak at hearings irrespective of whether representations have been made, but Members could not require an application to go to that stage.  No applications went to a full Licensing Committee meeting although it meets every 6 to 8 weeks.  This Committee approves policy. 

Once a license has been granted it could be revoked and since the Licensing Act came in 7 licenses had been revoked in the district.  Should there be problems caused by  premises they would call a review when they would either lose their license or have additional conditions placed upon them.

Blue notices about applications had to be displayed on the premises concerned and have to remain up for the period of consideration.  H.D.C., check that they are up and remain up.  Should they be removed, the period has to start again from when the notice is put back up.

With regard to the Gambling Act, H.D.C., had to consider these applications against the previously mentioned criteria only, but obviously they would not want a gambling premises to be next to a school if it wanted to be open between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m., because that would put children in the way of harm.  Gambling premises did not tend to cause gathering of people.  Nobody under the age of 18 yrs was allowed to go in gambling premises.   Public houses that had slot machines had to hold both licenses and because and these machines had to be located in such a position that were in view of the bar, they were under the control of the person in charge.

146.    POLICE.  With the agreement of the meeting, P.Sgt. Lillywhite was allowed to give his report.  P.Sgt. Lillywhite reported that there had been an 8% reduction in criminal damage with 14 fewer victims.  Burglary dwelling was 1 higher than last year and they needed to find other avenues to promote messages about cold callers.  He asked that if people had ideas they should contact them. 

Crime Figures – For Storrington there had been a 14.9% reduction in crime over last 12 months with 71 fewer victims.  Horsham South had a reduction of 6.3%.  Their primary focus remained criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Op Respect 2 would take place between the 1st and 6th December, 2007.   This was to be a special operation with officers and PCSO’s on foot every night in the village to run up to the late night shopping event.  This would be funded through overtime.

Thursday 6th would also see the licensing team in the village visiting pubs and off licences, in order to support the off licences in the new `pubwatch scheme` which would enable them to operate a no under 21 year old sales.  Police would be there supporting staff and ensuring that young people knew they would not be served.  There would be a focus on seizing alcohol and returning children to parents as well as looking for opportunities to gather evidence for acceptable behaviour contracts or ASBO.

Halloween saw a 50% reduction in calls and a 40% reduction in reported crime.  If it worked well they would look to repeat it.

Other Matters.  ASBO update – One key individual was currently on bail for public order offences, they were awaiting an ID parade.  Once that had taken place if the CPS decided to charge they would be taking that opportunity to seek an ASBO on conviction.

Five young people had been detained as a result of two recent mobility vehicle thefts - enquiries were continuing and forensic results were awaited.

The Parish Council had asked about the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued and P.Sgt. Lillywhite was looking into this with the process unit, as soon as he could.

Forge House – The Police were still working with Paul Mackie and Peter Herbertson to move into Forge House.  There were some matters like decorating and computer links before they could move in.

Tracey Field was now undergoing training with PCSO Tilley and should be on independent patrol by Christmas.

Neighbourhood Survey - 73 out of 250 (29%) results returned.  The main concern was young people - many did not know who their PCSO’s were.  They needed to communicate what they were doing as they were still not targeting the right people.

Cat Bells Scheme – fitting bells on purses and wallets to deter and prevent purse theft during the Christmas period, people could contact PCSO’s to arrange to have them fitted.

P.Sgt. Lillywhite then left the meeting.
 
147.    TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 24th OCTOBER, 2007.  Minute No. 115 had an ‘of’ that was not required.  With this amendment the Minutes were duly AGREED to be a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.

    MATTERS ARISING :-

148.    Minute No. 118, 91, 65, 11, 250, 185, 133, 222: Southern Water.  The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert M.P., was to have had a meeting with Southern Water, but unfortunately this had been cancelled.  Mr. Wilkinson would also be attending this meeting once re-arranged. 

149.    Minute No. 119, 92, 74: Pond.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese had had an exchange of e-mails with Mr. Stigant of W.S.C.C., regarding future responsibility for this pond and the possibility of blocking up their drains into the pond in order to obtain insurance cover.  W.S.C.C., had stated that they had a legal right under the Highways Act to discharge into the pond.  Mr. Stigant accepted that with that legal right came a responsibility and a potential liability for things that they do and hence in future should their actions cause a problem then they would have a liability.  However, in this particular case they did not cause the problem.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese would research what legal rights W.S.C.C., had to discharge into the pond and ascertain the obligations that were associated with this.
   
The aerators were currently not working which was because the fuse had been blown in the recent storm.  This would be repaired shortly.

    Unfortunately, the water sample taken for test had been contaminated and hence it had not been possible to identify the type of algae.  It was now the wrong time of year so therefore we are not able to send off another sample.  This will need to be done when the water warms up next year.

150.    Minute No. 122: Forge House.  A full-time receptionist had now been employed, but the building was not totally operational yet.  W.S.C.C., had supplied equipment at no cost to the Partnership.   Once all their equipment was installed, the P.C.S.Os would be based from here and there would then be a more visible Police presence in the village.  The one concern that the Partnership had was that once everything was up and running the premises might not prove to be large enough.  This would be a community hub to provide a number of services in a joined up way.  The Extended Schools people from Steyning had visited as they might consider after school homework clubs or mentoring. 

151.    Minute No. 128(c): Fryern Road.  Cables monitoring the speed of traffic had been installed within the 30 m.p.h. area gathering data for having a vehicle activated sign.  However, it was considered that these cables were in the wrong position because they were located too close to the junction with Mill Lane and hence vehicles did not speed at that point.

152.    STORRINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB :-

(a)    Outstanding Utilities Bills.  Two payments had now been received.
 
(b)    Floodlights and letter to the F.A.  Mr. Head declared a personal interest in this item.  He was permitted to make a statement, following which he left the meeting.  Members of the public were allowed to give their views and a member of the Football Club was permitted to respond.  Following long and detailed discussion during which various views were expressed Mrs. Worthington-Leese Proposed that as this was such an important issue and there were so many Councillors not present at this meeting that should the vote on this matter be close that the decision be deferred to another meeting.  There was no seconder for this proposition; therefore Mrs. Worthington-Leese withdrew it. 

    The Chairman said the Council had looked into this matter fully, tried to ensure all shades of opinion were heard and that councillors understood all the consequences of any decision they took.  The Council needed now to make a decision on the floodlights so that both the club and local people knew what was happening and, if needed, plan accordingly.  There were two options :-

(i)    The Council decides that it does not want to continue with discussions and allow the Football Club to have floodlights, i.e., it is saying “no”, or
(ii)    the Council continues discussions with the Football Club with a view to ultimately allowing floodlights, subject to criteria that would be laid down.

Vote for option (i) In Favour 3; Against 4.  Motion Lost.

Vote for option (ii) In Favour 4; Against 3.  It was, therefore, AGREED :-

    That the Council continues discussions with the Football Club with a view to ultimately allowing the floodlights, subject to criteria that would be laid down.

    Mr. Head re-joined the meeting.

153.    TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:-

(a)    Planning and Development Committee Meeting held on the 8th November, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

(b)    Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee Meeting held on the 14th November, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

(c)    Recreation and Property Committee Meeting held on the 14th November, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

(d)    Finance and Budget Committee Meeting held on the 21st November, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

154.    STORRINGTON HIGH STREET IMPROVEMENTS (AS CIRCULATED) AND ACCOMPANYING TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (TRO).  This document had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting.  It was pointed out that the planters, which would have the ‘Stork’ logo on them, would be as shown on the plan.  The bollards would be made from capstan steel and painted black.  The rails by the Post Office would go, but would remain on the Bunces side.  Concerns were raised about the safety of the removal of the railings, but W.S.C.C., were going to produce the data to prove this was justified on safety grounds.  What they would like to do on the corner where Fowlers juts out, would be to remove that corner but this would cost approximately £50,000 and if pushed now it would delay the whole project.  It would be a case of trying to find the money and doing this at a later date.  There would be level pavements throughout in block.  Should utility companies come along and dig any up, they have within 6 months to restore it back to what it was, therefore, it was  hoped that in twenty years time there should still be uniform pavements.  The works would take between 12 and 14 weeks to complete and would be carried out immediately after Easter.  There would, therefore, be single lane working for this period.  It was predicted that traffic volumes would then drop by 50%.  This scheme was duly APPROVED.   

155.    COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS :-

(a)    Drains in Church Street.  The road had been closed for a day in order to carry out the repair to the drains.  The problem had now been solved.

(b)    Flooding, High Street.  H.D.C., Environmental Health Department would be writing to Southern Water about this.

(c)    Atmospheric Pollution Levels in the High Street was at a point where something had to be done.  There was currently a measuring device on Manleys Hill.  The reading was 48 whereas the acceptable norm was 30.  It was double in terms of noxious levels.  A twenty-four hour measuring device would be placed on School Hill for three weeks, but if necessary they would bring this back in the summer.  If the readings were still high they would go back to West Sussex because they have to do something.   

156.    POLICE MATTERS.

(a)    Report on presentation by Jean Irving at the recent Clerks’ Meeting.  This report had been distributed to all Members prior to the meeting and was duly NOTED.

157.    ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-

(a)    Worthing & District Branch Alzheimer’s Society Newsletter.  Available in the Parish Office.
    (b)    South Downs Living Magazine.  Available in the Parish Office.
(c)    Horsham & District Citizens Advice Bureau – Welfare Benefits Outreach Project.  This document was given to Mr. Mackie of the Storrington and Sullington Community Partnership.
   
158.    CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-

(a)    Report from Clerk on The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill.  This report had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting and was self-explanatory.

(b)    W.S.C.C. West Sussex Landscape - Land Management Guidelines on Central Scarp Footslopes, Storrington Woods and Heaths and Central South Downs had been received and were in the office should anyone wish to see them.  A copy of this should be sent to the Storrington and Sullington Community Partnership.

(c)    Horsham District Council – Chairman’s Charity Performance of Dick Whittington in aid of The May How Trust for Cancer Prevention, Saturday, 15th December, 2007 at 7.00 p.m., in The Capitol.

(d)    Footpath from Hormare Estate to Leisure Centre.  A resident had rung to thank the Council for establishing the footpath from Shermanbury Drive together with appreciation for the works undertaken.

(e)    Solar Home Energy.  A copy of the leaflet on how to reduce ever increasing energy bills was in the Parish Office.

159.    CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS.  Christians in Storrington had contacted the Chairman requesting that the Council consider making Storrington a Fair Trade village.  Following discussion it was agreed that while the Council believed in the principle of Fair Trade it did not normally provide refreshments where Fair Trade Products could be used.  It regarded the use by the public of Fair Trade products as a matter of personal decision.

160.    SUSSEX PARTNERSHIP NHS FOUNDATION TRUST APPLICATION PUBLIC CONSULTATION.  Mr. Roper would respond on behalf of the Council.

161.    OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.  Mr. Head pointed out that there were currently unsatisfactory conditions for staff to work and insufficient room.  A number of options had been considered but it was considered that the best one was to relocate the ladies toilet to where the gent’s toilet was and put the gent’s in the current office - both to include a disabled toilet.  It would then be possible to make one large room for the Parish Office and should that space become too small at some later stage, it would then be possible to add on a pod to that side of the building.  Mr. Dawe Proposed and it was AGREED :-

        To pursue these plans to enhance the office space within the Parish Hall.

162.    HORSHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TO 2018: STORRINGTON OLD MILL DRIVE DIAMOND DRAFT SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT.  This would allow outside contractors to look at this area in a composite way rather than to look at one piece, then another.  These criteria would be guidance to any potential developer.  There were no specific designs being put forward at the moment.  This document was duly APPROVED.

163.    ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £22,849.62 plus V.A.T., were duly AGREED.

164.    ADJOURNMENT.  It was considered that there was a need for a strategic overview of the community and a forward vision for the village

165.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING – It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that there should not be a Council Meeting in December and that the Clerk should be given delegated powers for this period.

166.    ALLOTMENTS.

    The Press and Public were duly excluded from attendance during this item due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.20 p.m.