OUTWOOD

07/02/2024

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OUTWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

C/O 2 Dirty Lane, Ashurst Wood, West Sussex RH19 3RY

Tel:  07592 151985 ~ Email: parish.clerk@outwood.org

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OUTWOOD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2024 AT 7.30 PM IN THE CHURCH ROOM, WASP GREEN LANE, OUTWOOD

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

PRESENT:                             Cllr. Howard (Chair) De Wiggondene-Sheppard, Devlin, Baldock

APOLOGIES:                       Cllr. Malley, County Cllr. C Farr, District Cllrs. Gillman and Smith

IN ATTENDANCE:             The Clerk, District Cllr S Farr

ALSO PRESENT:                 3 Members of the Public

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

Cllr. Howard declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following comment:

  1. The National Trust project to expand the network of hard paths to facilitate easier access for all is seeking funding. For the funding applications to have some gravitas the Parsh Council was asked for a letter of endorsement. – this was discussed under National Trust on the agenda.
  2. Burial Ground – It was reported that the Open Spaces Society had made an objection to the Planning Inspectorate about the expansion of the Burial Ground.  It was hoped that a meeting with the objector might mitigate the problem.  There was some concern that this had happened at this late stage in the proceedings.
  3. The situation on TONE would be covered under the appropriate agenda item

02/00714              MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING 

    1. To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 1st November 2023.
    2. To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd January 2024

The above were proposed by Cllr. Devlin, seconded by Cllr Baldock and signed as a true record.                                                                                                                     RESOLVED

    1. Matters Arising - not covered elsewhere on the agenda. – None

02/00715              DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr. Howard declared a non-pecuniary interest in an item under public questions.

02/00716              COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

The County Council’s Budget had been set with a 4.99% increase overall.

02/00717              DISTRICT COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

                                                                                                    

02/00718              PLANNING APPLICATIONS – None

02/00719              AVIATION AND TRANSPORT – it was reported that there was to be an ‘open house’ Teams meeting at the end of February to set an Agenda for the next formal meeting.

02/00720              COMMUNITY MATTERS

  1. First Aid Courses – The Clerk reported that she was in contact with St John’s Ambulance re dates after April.
  2. National Trust – It was proposed by Cllr. Devlin and seconded by Cllr. Baldock that the Council writes a letter of endorsement for the funding applications to expand the hard footpaths at the appropriate time.                                                                                                                RESOLVED

It was also reported that the ash die-back work had been completed. Volunteers have been: cutting back hedges and way markers have been repaired.

  1. Emergency Planning – It was AGREED to set up a sub-committee to draft a brief Emergency Plan for Outwood.  This sub-committee to consist of Cllrs. Howard and Devlin.
  2. Defibrillator and EV charge grants
      1. It was AGREED that the defibrillator funding email should be sent to the Dog & Duck – on the proviso that they fund the power connection.
      2. SCC has funding for EV charging points – it was AGREED that this be sent to the local pubs, the Lloyd Hall and Windmill Garage.
  3. TONE – The meeting was suspended

It was reported by a member of the public that Claire Coutinho MP was in talks with all parties regarding the problems with excess HGV activity on this site.  There are plans to curb this activity.[1]

02/00721              ANNUAL VILLAGE MEETING

This will be held on 15th April at 7.00pm in the Lloyd Hall. The main topic will be Neighbourhood Planning.  A Teams meeting will be held with the prospective speaker on 18th March.

02/00722              FINANCE

  1. To authorise Clerk to apply for a Corporate Multipay Card Cllr Howard proposed that the Clerk apply for the above card from Unity Trust in order to have a clearer audit trail for Council expenses, this was seconded by Cllr. de Wiggondene-Sheppard, and                                                RESOLVED
  2. To Approve Bank Reconciliation – This had been circulated in advance and signed
  3. To note Detailed Receipts and Payments by Budget Heading – This had been circulated in advance and NOTED
  4. To Approve List of Payments:
  • February 2024 – this had been circulated in advance and signed

02/00723              AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – None

The meeting closed at 8.16pm

Signed:.  …………………………………………………                               Date:…………………………………………….

CHAIR

 

[1] Update from Cllr. S Farr - The Enforcement Officer has reported to me that he met with the Planning Agent who will be submitting retrospective planning applications for both the new car park on the righthand side of the entrance driveway and the use of the land for classic car restoration. He also said he was pleased to see that the tall hoarding that had been erected has now been removed. 

The Enforcement Officer will keep in regular contact with the Planning Agent and he will contact me again when he has more information

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