LAUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 15th July 7.30pm at Laughton
Parish Hall
Present: Cllr Julie Gill (Chair) (JG) Cllr Alex Carey (AC), Cllr Jackie Breeds (JB) Cllr Mike Cook
(MC) and Cllr Miranda Dart (MB)
Also in attendance:
Cllr Barby Dashwood-Morris - Wealden District Council
Karen Crowhurst – Clerk to Laughton Parish Council
Members of the public - 7
Item No Minutes Action by
LP/15/96 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Mortimer and Cllr Bennett (ESCC)
LP/15/97 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
Cllr Dart expressed a personal interest regarding planning application WD/2015/1339/F THE OLD STABLES, SHORTGATE LANE,
LAUGHTON. Cllr Dart informed the Chair that she would like to leave the meeting when Councillors discuss and recommend their a decision for the application.
LP/15/98 TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 17 TH JUNE
Resolved to accept the minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting. This was proposed by Cllr Cook and seconded by Cllr Dart.
The minutes were then signed by Cllr Gill.
LP/15/99 QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,
RELATING TO MATTERS ON THIS PUBLIC AGENDA
One member of the public who is also a member of the Brickhurst
Pond Working Group informed Members that they are still in the process of obtaining quotations for maintenance at the pond.
Another member of the public shared their concerns regarding speeding near Broomham Lane and expressed his strong concerns about the action that needs to be taken. The member of the public informed all attending the meeting of next steps of action which could be taken.
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Members agreed this needs to be an item on the September
Agenda.
LP/15/100 EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL AND WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL
REPORTS
Members noted the written reports from Cllr Bennett (ESCC) and Cllr
Dashwood-Morris (WDC).
Cllr Dashwood-Morris further reported about:
- Affordable Housing
- A brief about the Judicial Review for the Core Strategy
- Speeding in Laughton
LP/15/101 PLANNING a) Plans
WD/2015/1389/F PEAR TREE FARM, LEWES ROAD, LAUGHTON
BN8 6JG
PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGE AND ERECTION OF
REPLACEMENT GARAGE. PROPOSED CHANGE OF MATERIALS OF
EXISTING ROOF FROM THATCH TO CLAY TILES
Comments and observations
Laughton Parish Council supports this application provided that the
Planning Officer or Conservation Officer is satisfied that there will not be an adverse impact on the listed building. Members preference would be to have the thatched roof retained, especially, as it is in the curtilage of listed building. Members have no issues with the rebuilding of the garage as it remains within the same footprint.
Members would request that if Wealden District Council approves this application that Permitted Development Rights are removed in order to retain the garage for that sole purpose and use.
WD/2015/1339/F THE OLD STABLES, SHORTGATE LANE,
LAUGHTON
CONVERSION OF VACANT RURAL BUILDING TO RESIDENTIAL WITH
NEW REAR DORMER WINDOW
Resolved - 7.53pm to suspend Standing Orders.
During the suspension of orders Cllr Dart informed those attending that she will be speaking as a member of the public and not a Parish
Councillor about this application. Cllr Dart advised that she will leave the meeting when the Parish Council considers this application and makes its decision.
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A member of the public who lives opposite the address of the planning application read from a statement they had prepared.
Included in the statement were matters pertaining to:
- The application history
- Changes to planning legislation and made reference to the National
Planning Policy Framework and DC 58
The member of the public shared their thoughts about the application and informed Members of their intention to submit an objection.
The Agent informed as to why the application was recently withdrawn and re-submitted. He then informed Members with further information and emphasised that the application does meet the criteria for redundant buildings.
Miranda Dart shared her thoughts and comments about the application which included some history, background information and a picture highlighting the concerns about overshadowing the neighbouring property.
At 8.05 pm Orders were reinstated and Cllr Dart left the meeting.
Comments and observations
Laughton Parish Council recommends refusal of this application.
Whilst the plans which have been submitted after being withdrawn have been amended. Members still stand by their original comments and observations when first considering the proposed development.
Laughton Parish Council does not consider that the amendments improve or enhance this amended application.
Members have significant concerns about the neighbouring properties as the proposed development will be invasive and overshadow the adjacent cottages.
Cllr Dart rejoined the meeting.
WD/2015/1383/F LAND NORTH OF LEWES ROAD, LAUGHTON BN8
6BN
ERECTION OF A NEW FORESTRY BUILDING TO SUPPORT THE
GROWING OF CHRISTMAS TREES
Comments and observations
Laughton Parish Council recommends refusal of this application on the basis that the building proposed is over sized and out of proportion for the requirements of growing Christmas trees on this site. Members felt that the building is also out of character in the rural country side, being adjacent to ancient woodland and unnecessary given how few employees have ever been seen on site and how infrequently work is required to be carried out.
If Wealden District Council are minded to approve this application,
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Laughton Parish Council would like assurance that there be a 106 agreement to tie the land and the barn/building together and
Permitted Development Rights be removed, thus preventing any different use of the barn/building in the future. b) To consider any planning applications that have been received after the agenda has been published
WD/2015/1387/F PROSPECT FARM, BRICKHURST LANE, LAUGHTON
BN6 6DD
CHANGE OF USE APPLICATION TO INCREASE SIZE OF RESIDENTIAL
GARDEN
Comments and observations
Laughton Parish Council supports this application. However,
Laughton Parish Council requests permitted development rights are removed to protect the rural amenity of the area visible from the bridleway and to protect the setting of the old buildings adjacent to the modern dwelling called Prospect Farm." b) Planning applications refused, approved, referred, withdrawn or appeals
WD/2015/0154/F LAND AT WOODSIDE FARM, BROOMHAM LANE,
WHITESMITH BN8 6JQ
PROPOSED HOLIDAY LET USE OF THE BIG GREEN BUS - Approved
WD/2015/0814/F LAND AT POUND LANE, LAUGHTON BN8 6BE -
Approved
REVISIONS TO CONVERSION SCHEME APPROVED WD/2014/2300/FA
- REVISED SOUTHERN
FENESTRATION AND REDUCTION OF GROUND LEVELS BETWEEN THE
DWELLING AND
OUTBUILDING. PROVISION OF CELLAR BENEATH DWELLING.
WD/2015/0595/F CHURCH COTTAGE, CHURCH LANE, LAUGHTON
BN8 6AH - Withdrawn
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS INCLUDING THE
EXCAVATION OF A NEW
BASEMENT, AND NEW REAR SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSION TO
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL
DWELLING.
WD/2015/0596/LB CHURCH COTTAGE, CHURCH LANE, LAUGHTON
BN8 6AH – Withdrawn
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS INCLUDING THE
EXCAVATION OF A NEW
BASEMENT, AND NEW REAR SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSION TO
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7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL
DWELLING.
Members noted WDC Planning Decisions. c) Other planning matters – To discuss or note any other planning matters brought to the attention of the Parish
Council
Cllr Dart reported about an enforcement matter which is now with the relevant authority. d) Wealden District Council - Consultation on the Proposed
Modifications to the Affordable Housing Delivery Local Plan
Members considered whether to take part in the consultation and agreed not to in this instance. e) Wealden District Council - Consultation on the Licensing
Authority's Review of its Statement of Principles under the
Gambling Act 2005
Members considered whether to take part in the consultation and agreed not to in this instance
VILLAGE GREEN WORKING GROUP - to consider matters pertaining to the village green including agreeing any actions required
Members were reminded about the meeting due to be held on 22 nd
July with Richard Maesfield to establish the next steps for approval by the Council at the next Council meeting.
BENCHES ON THE VILLAGE GREEN – To agree purchase and locations
Cllr Carey provided background information regarding this item, informing Members that the new benches proposed are memorial benches. Cllr Carey provided additional information including the siting of the benches and advised that there will be no cost to the
Parish Council.
After careful consideration Members agreed that the benches could be placed on the Village Green. The positioning of the benches was agreed and Cllr Carey was requested to provide the Clerk with all the details including costs in order for her to amend the asset register.
PLAY EQUIPMENT – update
The Clerk reported that the Contractor carrying out the repairs is aiming to complete the work at the beginning of August.
BRICKHURST POND – MAINTENANCE AND OTHER MATTERS
This matter is still on-going as quotations for the work required are still being obtained.
PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – update
The Clerk reported there have been no expressions of interest.
PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE – to consider alternative website provision
As Cllr Mortimer requested this item. It was agreed to defer this
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Cllr
Carey
The
Clerk

13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. matter until September.
THE BUCKLE NEWSLETTER - SUMMER EDITION
The content of the Buckle Newsletter was agreed and it is the aim to have the next edition ready for distribution by the end of
September.
LAUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT – To approve and adopt the code of conduct
Members considered the Code of Conduct previously circulated to them by the Clerk. It was then resolved to adopt the Code of
Conduct and include it in the Standing Orders.
TRAINING – To consider attendance at future training events for
Council and Staff
It was agreed that Cllr Carey and Cllr Mortimer book themselves for planning training and the Clerk book Cllr Dart onto the Legal and
Finance Day training event.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETINGS DURING AUGUST
Members discussed the need for a meeting in August especially if the Clerk is absent. It was agreed that if need be the Chair or Vice
Chair could call a meeting to discuss Council or Planning Matters.
FINANCIAL MATTERS a) Payments and receipts
Members considered the orders for payments and receipt list circulated by the Clerk it was then proposed by Cllr Dart that the payments and receipts be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr
Breeds. b) Bank reconciliation
Members considered the bank reconciliation previously circulated by the Clerk it was proposed that the Bank reconciliation be accepted by Cllr Gill. This was seconded by Cllr Dart. c) Any other Financial matters
There were no other financial matters for consideration.
CLERK REPORT
The Clerk had nothing to report as all is covered on the agenda.
REPORTS (BY LEAVE)
Cllr Carey reported that road markings near the Roebuck will be renewed in due course and there will be some work to the culvert in the area. Cllr Carey also reported about cold calling and the threat to the bus service. Cllr Carey further reported about the cycling club.
ITEMS FOR REFERRAL TO NEXT AGENDA
1) Speeding in Laughton
2) Parish Council website
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There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.17 pm.
Date of next meeting Wednesday 15 th September 2015.
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