HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: All Members of the Grounds & Environment Committee (Kate Bailey, Kristian Berggreen, David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Angus Neil, Peter Richardson, Alex Simmons and Paul Shepherd) with copies to all other Councillors for information.
cc. Richard Higgs
A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on 27 July 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Parish Clerk – 20 July 2023
1. TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. TO ACCEPT DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the Grounds and Environment Meeting held on 1 June 2023. (Previously Circulated).
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).
6. BURIAL GROUND PATH. Members are invited to consider a proposal to resurface the remaining section of original tarmac path in the burial ground. (Appendix 2)
7. BURIAL GROUND BENCH. Members are invited to consider a request to install a new memorial bench in the burial ground. (Appendix 3)
8. STONEPOUND BUS SHELTER (NORTH). Members are invited to consider a request to replace a damaged bench beside the bus shelter at Stonepound Crossroads (North). (Appendix 4).
9. ADASTRA TENNIS COURTS REFURBISHMENT. Verbal Update. (Parish Clerk)
10. WSCC FORMAL CONSULTATION: Traffic calming and Parking Restriction on Windmill Ave, Hassocks. Members are invited to note and consider the above formal consultation. Further details are available on the West Sussex County Council website via the following link. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders/ (Appendix 5).
11. SPEED LIMITS IN HASSOCKS. Verbal report Cllr Ian Weir.
12. FLOOD ACTION GROUP. Verbal Update including an update on the Riparian Rights Booklet. Cllr Frances Gaudencio. (Riparian Rights Booklet Background paper).
13. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal update. Cllr Ian Weir.
14. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 21 September 2023 at 7.30pm.
Please Note:
All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees. Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.
FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA. During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only, providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.
Appendix 1
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 1 June 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 5 – Officer Report
1. The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on (G&E) Matters.
GROUNDS
2. Adastra Park.
2.1. Garden of Remembrance. The Garden of Remembrance has been subject to a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks. This has been reported to the Police on all occasions. Some issues have occurred over the weekends and some have arisen due to a large number of school pupils gathering in the garden after school. Downlands School were made aware of the situation and responded very quickly with staff attending after school and a subsequent ban on all pupils from entering the gardens on leaving school. Efforts have also been made to educate pupils about the history of the gardens.
2.2 Play Equipment Annual Inspection. The Annual Play Equipment safety inspection has been undertaken in both play areas and the overall risk level for both areas was recorded as low.
2.3. Food Concessionaire. Verbal Update.
2.4 Memorial Bench. A request has been received for a further memorial bench to be installed in the park as per the Memorial Bench Policy. The bench is in memory of David Price, Chair of Keymer and Hassocks Sports and Social Club. In line with David’s wishes, the bench will be installed on the east border of the South Field directly opposite the Sports and Social Club.
3. Parklands Road Allotments. Further allotment inspections have taken place and some tenants have had their tenancy terminated due to a lack of cultivation, this is in line with the Allotment Tenancy Agreement.
The Hassocks Open Gardens was a great success and Jane Baker reported that the Allotments were looking very good and were enjoyed by many local people as well as visitors from further afield. Congratulations to HAHA and all allotment holders who worked hard to prepare for this event. Many thanks also to Jane Barker in the Parish Office for her work in managing the allotments.
4. Parklands Copse. The small bridge at the eastern end of Parklands Copse has become in need of replacement for safety reasons. The Monday Group will be removing the bridge and rebuilding a new one at a cost in the region of £230-250 for materials. This will be funded from the allocated budget for Environmental Projects in Parklands Copse.
Appendix 2
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 27 July 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Burial Ground Path
1. The purpose of this report is to inform members that the planned improvements to the Burial Ground path has been completed and has been well received.
2. The original plan for the section of the main path did not extend fully along the original path to the end of the burial ground due to concerns about disturbing existing graves due to the level of groundwork required. However, it is now clear that aesthetically it would be preferable to continue the path in the same material if this is possible.
3. Having spoken to the contractor, we have been advised that a layer of the Terrabase could be installed on top of the existing tarmac without the need for any groundwork and this would be sufficiently robust for this short section.
This would involve installing timber edging similar to what has already been installed and then to lay the Terrabase directly onto the macadam path. This should be suitable to take the load of the small tractor which is used to mow the graves.
The cost for this additional work would be £2,728 plus VAT.
4. The Council originally earmarked £40,000 for the Burial Ground path project and the final cost for the completed path as it is totalled £35,157 net. Therefore a further £4,843 is available to fund the final phase as discussed above should the Committee be minded to approve this.
5. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION. The Council is invited to consider approving the installation of a layer of Terrabase on the remaining tarmac surface of the southern end of the existing path at a cost of £2,728 plus VAT. To be funded from the Burial Ground Ear Marked Reserves allocated for the path improvements.
Appendix 3
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 27 July 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 7 – Memorial Bench
1. The purpose of this report is to invite Members to consider a request for an additional memorial bench to be installed in the Burial Ground.
2. There is one wooden bench and three dedicated green steel memorial benches in the burial ground itself – two at the top of the burial area looking down to the plots and one on eastern border of the path at the bottom looking across to the west. There are three further matching steel benches in the Memorial Garden. The steel benches are all situated on block paving and of the following design.
3. A request has been made by a family for a further bench to be installed on the western border opposite the existing bench. This would not have previously been possible, but the installation of the path has now created a suitable area for a bench to be located. However this would need to be smaller than the existing benches which are 1800mm. The site available could accommodate a bench up to 1500mm.
4. Members are invited to consider whether a change in bench design would be acceptable, or if the same design should be maintained.
5. Suggested alternatives for consideration:
Balmoral Teak (as used in Adastra park)
Tribute Teak
6. Information for consideration:
| Bench Make & Design | Size | Colour | Material | Notes | Approximate Total Cost inc del & plaque |
| Streetmaster Victorian Seat | 1800mm | Green | Green steel frame and slats | Bench design currently used.
Washable seats but paintwork requires some maintenance. |
Note: This bench is too big for the location under consideration.
£1000 |
| Streetmaster Victorian Seat | 1800mm or 1200mm | Green Frame.
|
Steel frame.
Iroko wood slats |
Same steel frame but with wooden seats.
Less expensive, easier to maintain. Blends in with existing design. |
£750-£800 net |
| Cyan Tribute or Balmoral Teak Bench
|
1500mm | Natural | Teak | Completely different design.
Low maintenance, low cost benches. Similar design to those installed in the park. |
£370 net |
| Installation. | It is suggested that block paving should be used for the base in keeping with all other bench bases in the Burial Ground. | Cost for block paving 1.8m x 1m £430 plus Vat.
Inc securing bench. |
7. OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS.
i. To agree whether all additional benches should continue to be of the same or similar design as the existing or if this design could be changed.
ii. To approve the installation of additional benches in suitable locations in the burial ground at the discretion of the Clerk/Deputy Clerk. In line with the Memorial Bench Policy for Adastra Park. (previously shared as a background paper)
iii. To agree a donation policy for further benches in the Burial Ground. It is proposed that this is based on the same procedure as for benches in Adastra Park, however the amount will be dependent on the type of bench agreed on.
Appendix 4
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 27 July 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Damaged bench Stonepound North
1. The purpose of this report is to invite Members to consider a request to replace a seat beside the wooden bus shelter at Stonepound North.
Background Information. As with the London Road shelter discussed at the last meeting, this bus shelter originally had a seat inside which was removed due to anti-social behaviour. However there has been a wooden seat outside of the shelter for many years.
This seat is now in a very poor condition and needs to be removed for health and safety reasons.
2. Arrangements have been made for the seat to be removed, however, to ensure that seating remains available, the Monday Group has been asked to install a wooden bench inside the bus shelter, as was approved for the London Road Bus Shelter at the previous meeting.
The cost of materials for this bench is £120 which has been met from the seat budget.
3. Proposal for a replacement seat outside of the shelter. Members are invited to consider whether to replace the damaged seat outside of the bus shelter. It is understood that this seat is well used during dry weather.
4. Additional Information If Members are minded to replace the seat. It is suggested that a bench made of recyclable materials is used rather than a wooden one for maintenance and durability, as shown below:
The Glasdon Eco rest seat has recycled slats and a sturdy steel frame and is similar to that installed at the end of Chancellors Park. The cost of this bench is £526.36 (exc. VAT).
The cost of removal and disposal of the existing bench and the installation of the new bench is anticipated to be in the region of £370 (exc. VAT).
5. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION.
i. Members are invited to approve the installation of a Glasdon Eco rest seat outside of the Bus Shelter at Stonepound North in place of the removed wooden bench at a cost of £530.00 (exc. VAT). plus removal and installation costs in the region of £370 (exc. VAT).
To be funded from the Seats budget which is currently £500 and the Pedestrian Environment Budget which is currently £750.
Appendix 5
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 27 July 2023
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10 – Formal Consultation: Traffic calming and Parking Restriction on Windmill Ave, Hassocks
1. Members are invited to consider the following Traffic Order Regulation (TRO) consultation notification received from West Sussex County Council regarding a proposal to extend the existing double yellow lines on both sides of Windmill Avenue, Hassocks, southwards by 5m.
Dear Sir/Madam
West Sussex County Council proposes to install a raised traffic calming feature on Windmill Avenue in Hassocks.
A speed table feature would be installed approximately 7m south of its junction with Dale Avenue. This feature would have a flat surface 4m in length with approach ramps 1m long on either approach. It would be 65mm in height and constructed in black macadam.
It is also proposed to extend the existing double yellow lines on both sides of Windmill Avenue at its junction with Dale Avenue, southwards by 5m.
Below is a link to the TRO Team’s consultation web page, containing plans showing the new raised feature and restriction, along with the public notice, statement of reasons for proposing the measures, and the draft Order required for the parking restriction. I should be grateful if you could accept this message as the formal consultation on the proposed new Order. If you wish to make any comments or objections to the scheme, please make them to me by e-mail before 10 August 2023.
https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders/
I hope this is all in order but if you have any queries about this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Martin Moore
Martin Moore
Legal Officer: Adur, Arun, Mid Sussex & Worthing – TRO Team
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT Committee held on Thursday 27 July 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks
Attendees: Councillors David Bunting (Chair), Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Angus Neil, Peter Richardson, Alex Simmons and Paul Shepherd.
In attendance: Tracy Forte – Deputy Clerk.
GE23/16 APOLOGIES. Apologies were received from Cllr Kristian Berggreen and Ian Cumberworth, Parish Clerk. Absent without apology: Councillor Kate Bailey.
GE23/17 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.
GE23/18 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Grounds & Environment meeting held on 1 June 2023, be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
GE23/19 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. There were no members of the public present.
GE23/20 OFFICER REPORT. Members noted the Officer’s report.
The Deputy Clerk also updated the Committee on the following matters:
GE23/20.1 Hassocks Parklife Coffee. The new refreshments outlet in the park opened on Monday 24 July and have reported that the first few days have gone well. The intention is to trade Wednesdays to Sundays, however the first two weeks will be slightly ad hoc for various reasons. The feedback to date has been very positive.
GE23/20.2 MSDC Play Days. This took place on the afternoon of Tuesday 25 July and was very well attended and well received by local families. It is a really well organised event funded by MSDC and provides an afternoon of free activities for families with young children. The Parish Office will receive confirmation of the number of attendees but it is anticipated that this year’s number was an even further increase on the 300 people that attended last year.
GE23/20.3 Park Maintenance. The Groundsman is currently unwell and therefore arrangements have been made for external contractors to cover the key duties of litter collection, bin emptying and mowing for the next few weeks. The Deputy Clerk also reported that local park users had informed the office that they were aware of the groundsman’s absence and were very kindly organising themselves to assist with litter collections.
The Garden of Remembrance Volunteer group have turned their focus to taking on some of the duties in maintaining the Gardens, which is greatly appreciated.
GE23/20.4 Festive Lights. As previously approved by the Committee, the Festive Lights contract has been renewed for a further three years starting December 2023 and therefore the Committee will have the opportunity to select a new design. Unfortunately there has been a delay in the design options being made available, however these should be ready within the next couple of weeks and will be shared with the Committee in September. In the meantime the Deputy Clerk invited the Committee to provide a steer on whether there was a preference to continue with white/gold lighting or whether a change was preferred to include some colour. Cllr Gaudencio suggested inviting some representatives from Light Up Hassocks (Hassocks Community Organisation) to be involved in the selection of the lighting design which was supported by other members of the Committee. The Deputy Clerk indicated that she would contact the Light Up Hassocks group to discuss this.
GE23/21 BURIAL GROUND PATH. Members were invited to consider a proposal to resurface the remaining section of original tarmac path at the far southern end of the burial ground. This had been originally left to avoid any risk of disturbing graves adjacent to the path with the groundwork. However it has been advised that a layer of the Terrabase surfacing could be installed on top of the existing tarmac without the need for any groundwork and this would be sufficiently robust for this final short section of path.
Members were therefore invited to consider approving the installation of a layer of Terrabase on the remaining tarmac surface of the southern end of the existing path at a cost of £2,728 plus VAT. Members were informed that £40,000 had been ear-marked for the path and as the final cost had been in the region of £35,500, funds remained to cover the additional surfacing should Members be minded to approve this proposal.
Members were fully supportive of this proposal.
GE23/21.1 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the installation of a layer of Terrabase on the remaining tarmac surface of the southern end of the existing path at a cost of £2,728 plus VAT. To be funded from the Burial Ground Ear Marked Reserves allocated for the path improvements.
GE23/22 BURIAL GROUND BENCH. Members were invited to consider a request to install a new memorial bench in the burial ground.
Members were invited to consider a request made by a family to install a new bench on the western border towards the bottom of the burial ground. This would not have previously been possible, but the installation of the path has now created a suitable area for a small bench to be located, up to 1500mm.
Members were informed that there are currently six benches in the burial ground of the same design which is green steel Victorian 1800mm seats and are installed on block paving.
As part of this request Members were invited to consider the following three matters:
i. To agree whether all additional benches should continue to be of the same or similar design as the existing or if this design could be changed.
ii. To approve the installation of additional benches in suitable locations in the burial ground at the discretion of the Clerk/Deputy Clerk. In line with the Memorial Bench Policy for Adastra Park.
iii. To agree a donation policy for further benches in the Burial Ground. It is proposed that this is based on the same procedure as for benches in Adastra Park, however the amount will be dependent on the type of bench agreed on.
Members discussed this item in detail and the consensus was that there was a preference towards maintaining consistency in bench design within the burial ground, therefore it was agreed that any further benches installed in the burial ground should be of the same or similar design to the green steel framed Victorian design benches already in situ.
It was noted that the existing Victorian steel benches could only be manufactured as 1800mm, however a 1200mm bench could be made using the same steel frame but with wooden slats instead.
GE23/22.1 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE that any additional benches installed in the burial ground should be of the same or similar design to the current Streetmaster Victorian Steel seats, with wooden or steel slats as appropriate.
GE23/22.2 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE to delegate the installation of additional benches in suitable locations in the burial ground at the discretion of the Clerk/Deputy Clerk.
GE23/22.3 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the implementation of a donation policy for Memorial benches in the Burial Ground in line with the Memorial Bench Policy for Adastra Park. The donation amount to be determined once final costings have been achieved.
GE23/23. STONEPOUND BUS SHELTER (NORTH). Members were informed that the wooden seat outside of the Bus Shelter at Stonepound North was in poor condition and required removal. Arrangements have been made for the seat to be removed, however, to ensure that seating remains available, the Monday Group has installed a wooden bench inside the bus shelter.
Members were therefore invited to consider replacing the external seat with a Glasdon Eco rest seat outside of the Bus Shelter at Stonepound North in place of the removed wooden bench at a cost of £530.00 (exc. VAT) plus removal and installation costs in the region of £370 (exc. VAT). This seat is made of recyclable materials.
To be funded from the Seats budget which is currently £500 and the Pedestrian Environment Budget which is currently £750.
Members were in full agreement of this proposal.
GE23/23.1 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the removal of the existing external wooden seat at Stonepound North Bus Stop and to replace it with a Glasdon Eco rest seat at a cost of £530.00 (exc. VAT) plus removal and installation costs in the region of £370 (exc. VAT).
To be funded from the Seats budget which is currently £500 and the Pedestrian Environment Budget which is currently £750.
GE23/24 ADASTRA TENNIS COURTS REFURBISHMENT. The Committee noted the following update shared by the Deputy Clerk on behalf of the Clerk:
The tennis court project completion has been delayed due to a combination of reasons on the contractor’s side.
The original completion date was the end of July, however this has now been moved to mid-August at the earliest. The revised timeline will also be reliant on weather. In light of this it has been necessary to cancel the initial launch date proposal and the Clerk is in ongoing discussion with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to reschedule the official launch in September. It is anticipated that the facility will be available for use prior to the official launch date.
Some snagging work was identified earlier in the project which the contractor returned to resolve. It was necessary to reheat sections of the tarmac to smooth out some of the levels. The issue related to a variation in levels in some of the tarmac joints.
The following elements are yet to be completed: fencing, court colouring, line markings, gate, nets & signage.
In addition, the back-office systems are yet to be fully installed with more configuration required to automate the booking payment system with the support of the LTA.
This was noted by the Committee.
GE23/25 WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL (WSCC) FORMAL CONSULTATION: Traffic calming and Parking Restriction on Windmill Ave, Hassocks. Members were invited to note and consider the above formal consultation. Full details are available on the WSCC website via the following link. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders/
Members re-iterated their concerns about the potential dangers of the shared cycle footway project, but recognised that this was outside of the consultation being considered. Members noted the consultation.
GE23/26 SPEED LIMITS IN HASSOCKS. Cllr Weir introduced this item following the Full Council meeting held on 11 July 2023. At that meeting it had been agreed that the G&E Committee would further discuss potential options to reduce speed limits in areas of Hassocks.
The following issues were discussed with the option for the Parish to raise one or more Community Highways Schemes for submission to WSCC:
GE23/26.1 Ockley Lane. The Section 106 agreement relating to Ockley Park allocated funds to pay for a Traffic Regulation Order. Therefore an opportunity would exist for the parish to apply for this to enable speed reductions to be put in place. It was suggested that this could include an application for WSCC to consider moving the 30mph zone to the top of Ockley Hill and propose a 40mph zone from the top of Ockley Hill to Burgess Hill.
Members were fully supportive of this proposal.
GE23/26.2 Friars Oak Pub A273. Extending the 30mph zone to the north of the Friars Oak Pub.
With the commencement of the additional development on the Land to the rear of the Friars Oak Pub and the new development on the opposite side of London Road, Members strongly agreed that there was a need for extending the 30mph zone further north.
GE23/26.3 Brighton Road A273. Moving the 30mph signage by the garden centre slightly to the north to improve its visibility and extend the proposed 40 mph zone from The Jack and Jill Pub to join up with the 30mph zone outside the Garden Centre. This proposal was also fully supported by the Committee.
GE23/26.4 Village Centre 20mph Scheme. This had been raised initially by Hassocks Community Organisation (HCO). Cllr Weir explained that the viability of a scheme is being explored with WSCC Highways, however in order for this to progress it was important for the Parish to indicate if there was support for such a proposal and to consider the area to be covered.
This was considered by the Committee, who fully supported the proposal in principle and it was agreed that it would be included on the next G&E Agenda for a more detailed discussion. It was also agreed that the relevant representatives from HCO would be invited to share their ideas on this item.
GE23/27 FLOOD ACTION GROUP. Cllr Frances Gaudencio updated the Committee on matters related to the Flood Action Group.
GE23/27.1 In the past year HKD Transition have been able to install the flow meters and gauge boards at various points in the village streams, funded by Hassocks Parish Council. Readings are being taken and in some places this can be done using a mobile device.
GE23/27.2 The Riparian Responsibilities booklet is now finished and includes a map showing the flood risk areas of Hassocks. Cllr Gaudencio extended her thanks to Cllr Simmons for his assistance in producing this map. She also thanked the office staff for their assistance in producing this booklet. An indicative cost had been obtained to have the booklet printed ready for distribution.
A list had been created of potential properties in Hassocks which might have riparian responsibilities; this is in excess of 450 properties and Cllr Barton and WSCC Cllr Lord had previously confirmed that they would be happy to distribute these booklets. Cllrs Neil and Simmons also offered support with the distribution. It was noted that some residents may be unaware of their riparian responsibilities and maybe concerned by the implications of the booklet. It is important therefore that the Parish is prepared for this.
Cllr Gaudencio invited comments from the Committee about including local solicitors and estate agents as recipients of this booklet for sharing with relevant potential property owners.
This proposal was fully supported by the Committee and it was AGREED that when distribution to residents commenced, the Clerk/Deputy Clerk would also send a copy of the booklet with a covering letter, to the relevant commercial organisations in the village.
GE23/27.3 Cllr Gaudencio informed the Committee that other work was ongoing in the background as part of the flood prevention initiatives in the village but much of this was reliant on working with other parties. Therefore the timescales and progression was not always predictable.
GE23/27.4 Parklands Copse. Work is still ongoing with MSDC with regards to various proposals for the land around Parklands Copse Play Area which is owned by MSDC. The Clerk is currently involved in setting up a meeting between some members of the Flood Action Group and the relevant Officer at MSDC. Cllr Hatton suggested that Robert Anderton, MSDC Assistant Director for Commercial Services & Contracts, should be included in any correspondence to ensure he is informed of the projects being proposed.
Cllr Hatton also confirmed that she would be happy to be invited to Flood Action Group meetings as MSDC Councillor Representative.
GE23/28 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW).
GE23/28.1 Cllr Ian Weir updated Members on the situation with currently agreed Public Rights of Way projects.
In the previous financial year (2022/23) the following four projects were approved and expenditure allocated:
Due to a range of issues including significant increases in costs, these projects are currently outstanding and Committee was asked to consider the following revised approach:
Members were in agreement of the actions as suggested above and it was agreed that the Clerk would be asked to:
PROW 21K Identify at least one contractor to seek advice and costs regarding the proposed improvements to the relevant section of this route including associated planning permission for necessary tree works.
PROW 23C Re-tender to obtain current costs to upgrade to a hard surface.
PROW 8C Refer the project to WSCC on the basis that S106 funds are available for the bridleway.
PROW 10K Contact WSCC to ascertain whether WSCC is now accepting diversion orders for PROW or for an anticipated date as to when this might be possible.
GE23/28.2 PROW 15C. Cllr Weir informed Members that the Cinder Path from Hassocks Station to Clayton has deteriorated to the point where regular complaints are received from users. This is probably one of the most important PROWs in the Village due to its heavy use towards the SDNP at Clayton and the local link it provides to Clayton Avenue and Ockenden Way. A long term improvement plan for the entire path would be the ideal. Commencing with a major improvement to the existing tarmac surface which is between the Station and the northern boundary of Butcher’s Wood as the first stage.
Both WSCC and SDNP have indicated that funds are not available for major works but that the position might change if a funding partner were available.
Therefore the Committee was asked to consider, in principle, if it would agree to allocate funding in the next financial year (2024/25) and future years to the long-term upgrade of this path. Some Members expressed reservations as to whether such an extensive improvement was required and of the costs involved. It was noted that more detailed information of the costs would be required.
Following a full discussion, the Committee indicated unanimous support for this proposal in principle.
GE23/29 URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
GE23/29.1 Windmills School Year 6 Environmental Project. The Chair informed Members that the Parish Council had received correspondence from Cllr Kirsty Lord regarding an environmental project that had been undertaken by Year 6 pupils at Windmills Junior School. The project involved supporting the pupils to learn more about Climate Change and encouraging them to consider actions to protect and improve their own environment. The pupils worked in small groups to research, plan and subsequently present their ideas to an invited audience. The winning groups were to be offered the opportunity to develop their ideas further and to see if any could be implemented in Hassocks. Cllr Lord had spoken to the pupils involved and committed to sharing the winning ideas with Hassocks Parish Council, inviting the Council to consider the potential to implement any of the proposed suggestions.
The Committee were in full support of this being included on the next G&E Agenda for further consideration.
S106 Funding – Art Projects. It was noted that at the recent Full Council meeting members were informed that there was £10,000 available as S106 funding for Arts Projects in Hassocks. Cllr Simmons suggested that this could potentially be accessed to fund art work or art centred initiatives based on proposals made by the Windmills School, which was fully supported by Members.
GE23/29.2 Adastra Park Drainage. Cllr Peter Richardson enquired about the drainage project in Adastra Park. It was noted that an update had not been provided due to the Clerk’s absence. Cllr Bunting reported that the delay in any action had been due to a consistent lack of communication from the contractor originally tasked to support this project. The contractor has recently confirmed that they are able to continue to offer its services to the Parish but in the meantime the Clerk has also explored an alternative source for advice. A full update will be provided at the next meeting.
GE23/29.3 Cllr Bunting informed the Committee that there would be a further meeting of the Park Working Group at the beginning of September in advance of the next G&E meeting.
GE23/30 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 21 September 2023 at 7.30pm.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.55 pm
See full list of 2024/25 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
26/11/2024
Policy, Resources & Communications
05/12/2024
Grounds & Environment Committee
See full list of 2024/25 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
The Council Office is located at:
Parish Centre, Adastra Park,
Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8QH.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday CLOSED
Friday
10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
