Agenda and minutes

The Committee is asked to elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman for the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee for the 2018/19 municipal year.

1.1        Adam Chisnall opened the meeting and explained that as it was the first meeting of the municipal year the Committee were required to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman.

1.2     Resolved – That:

•      Mr Bradbury is elected as Chairman of the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee for the 2018/19 municipal year.

•      Mrs Jones is elected as Vice-Chairman of the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee for the 2018/19 municipal year.

Members of Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee are Andrew Barrett-Miles, Pete Bradbury, Joy Dennis, Stephen Hillier, Anne Jones, Andrew Lea, Kirsty Lord, Sujan Wickremaratchi.

2.1        Members and Officers introduced themselves.

2.2        The Chairman welcomed Richard Burrett, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, and Deborah Myers, Director of Education and Skills.

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

3.1        Mr Bradbury declared a personal interest as a Sussex Learning Trust Member in relation to the discussion on Haywards Heath Six Form School provision.

3.2        Mr Lea declared a personal interest as he had links with the University of Brighton in relation to the discussion on Haywards Heath Six Form School provision.

3.3        Ms Lord declared a personal interest as a secretary for the guides in relation to pitch she was preparing for the West Sussex Crowd which would apply for Community Initiative Funding.

Items not on the agenda that the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

4.1        The Chairman highlighted that the appendix for the Prioritisation of Traffic Regulation Orders had been received by Members for consideration and that paper copies were available for members of the public.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 February 2018 (cream paper).

5.1        The Committee requested that the Mr Lea’s declaration in minute 52 should be changed from ‘..was a consultant’ to ‘…has links’.

5.2        The Committee also requested that the 6^th bullet in minute 76 should be amended to include the word ‘restrictions’ after ‘…on street parking’.

5.3        Resolved – that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2018, amended as above, be approved as a correct record, and that they be signed by the Chairman.

6.1        The Chairman noted the high attendance in the gallery for Woodlands Meed and proposed an item before the substantive agenda in order to discuss the current situation with the school.

6.2        Deborah Myers highlighted that the responses to the previously asked questions by the campaign group had been circulated and that paper copies were available for members of the public (copy appended to the signed minutes).  The feasibility study had been completed and the next stage would be to discuss options with the Governors.  The original meeting with Governors had been postponed to 4 July due to Ofsted visiting the school.

6.3        The lead campaigner spoke and thanked officers and members for being present at the meeting to discuss the school; and also thanked Nicholas Soames for his support.  Concerns were raised on the lack of progress and the impact this had had on resources.  A request was made for more clarity on timescales.  – Deborah Myers explained that it was not possible to discuss timescales until after the meeting with the Governors.  Following the meeting with Governors, a discussion would be required with the Cabinet in order to understand the extensiveness of the proposed works and the timeframe for delivery.  The Chairman confirmed that the statutory duty of the local authority was to engage with Governors. 

6.4        A pupil spoke to the Committee and explained some of the difficulties pupils faced with the current facilities and emphasized that the pupils deserved an appropriate school.  – The Committee thanked the pupil for raising concerns on behalf of all pupils.

6.5        Richard Burrett explained the process that would follow the meeting with the Governors and how the proposals would need to be discussed with the Cabinet with regard to inclusion within the Capital Programme.  It was important to find the correct, long term solution for the school, even if this resulted in a longer process. 

6.6        Richard Burrett informed the public that Deborah Myers was leaving the authority but gave reassurance that the progress and traction would not be lost as a result.  Deborah Myers explained that before she left the authority in August she wanted to ensure that an agreement was secured with the Governors on an option, and that this proposal had gone to Cabinet.

6.7        Members from the campaign group expressed importance on the correct solution being found with regards to space and special educational needs.  A request was made for improved communications to avoid waiting for each Committee for an update, which would assist with anxiety and transparency concerns.   - Richard Burrett resolved to improve communications, but could not confirm a frequency for updates.  The Woodlands Meed Communication page would be utilised for updates.

6.8        Committee members expressed sympathy and concern for the school and resolved to keep Woodlands Meed on the Progress Statement and on the Committee’s radar until the matter was concluded.

The document contains brief updates on statements of progress made on issues raised at previous meetings.  The Committee is asked to note the report.

7.1        The Committee considered the progress report on matters arising from previous meetings (copy appended to the signed minutes).

7.2        The Chairman highlighted the entry for Haywards Heath Six Form School provision and that Nicholas Soames had recently published a letter on the subject.  The item had also been discussed at a full council meeting.

7.3        Concerns were raised on the impact of the Cuckfield resurfacing roadworks.  The Chairman confirmed that he would be attending a meeting with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure to discuss lessons that could be learned.

7.4        Richard Speller informed the Committee of an issue with McDonalds in Burgess Hill and how the changes to the drive through were impacting the roundabout.  The issue had been discussed with Mid Sussex District Council and the Police and it had been proposed to loop the queueing cars back into the car park to resolve the matter.  Yellow linage on the roundabout had been considered, but this would require use of the revenue budget.  The situation would continue to be monitored.  The Chairman requested that this issue, and a road space audit update were placed on the next Progress Statement.

7.5        The Committee requested an update on the South Road feasibility study in Haywards Heath.  – Richard Speller confirmed that South Road was included within the Highways Progress Statement, and resolved to include an update within the Committee’s next Progress Statement.

7.6        Ms Lord discussed the issues relating to the Stonepound Crossroads resurfacing works which had destroyed the traffic signal loops.  This had been discussed with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure to ensure that lessons were learned going forwards.

7.7        Richard Speller confirmed that the Traffic Regulations Orders (TROs) for Bentswood area, Wealden Way and Crescent Road should advertise shortly.  Officers had resolved the outstanding objections with the Manor Road TRO and it would be going forwards for implementation.

7.8        Richard Speller updated the Committee on the Integrated Works Programme and reported that Oathall Road was complete; the Torch 4 Access Path (incorrectly titled ‘Touch’ in the papers) was open.  The Speed Indicator Device (SID) for Burgess Hill had been serviced and returned.  An update on SID devices would come to the next Committee meeting.

7.9     The Chairman asked the public if they had any questions.

·         Queried the speed limit on Valebridge Road.  – Richard Speller explained that to convert the speed limit to 30 mph would require the demonstration of compliance engineering to ensure adherence with the speed limit.  A model would be required to build this information.  The proposal was not recommended as it did not meet policy.

(a)     Local Member Updates – Committee members are invited to provide verbal updates on recent and upcoming items of interest within their electoral divisions.

(b)     Public Open Forum - To invite questions and comments from the public present at the meeting.  The Committee would encourage those with more complex issues to submit their question(s) before the meeting (ideally several days) in order to allow a substantive answer to be given.  Contact us on 0330 222 2540 or email: monique.smart@wesstsussex.gov.uk

8.1        The Chairman reported that he had raised concerns with the Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities and the County Council Chairman over the merging of the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committees.  It was reported that the Governance Committee would be conducting a review to look into the concerns.

8.2        The Chairman introduced the public open forum section and advised that this was an opportunity for comments and questions to be raised on items not already on the agenda, and over which the County Council has jurisdiction. The following issues were raised and responses made.

·         Question from a resident regarding progress from a February 2017 storm water survey.  – Mrs Dennis confirmed that Albourne Parish Council had submitted an Operation Watershed application to resolve this.

·         Concerns raised on crossing on Keymer Road and that it required a pedestrian crossing to improve safety, particularly for school children arriving from the train station.  Burgess Hill Girls School,  were happy to assist with costs.  – Richard Speller explained that there was no accident data for the area and that footfall data would be required to consider this location.  The Chairman proposed that Mrs Jones and Richard Speller met with the resident to discuss this.

·         Queried raised from a matter discussed during the Progress Statement on the McDonald’s Drive Through impact on the roundabout.  The resident queried the cost of yellow boxes on the roundabout to resolve.  – Richard Speller explained that the cost was negligible and that the issue was linked to police support for enforcement.

·         Concerns raised on high speeds on Hickmans Lane.  – Richard Speller confirmed that Lindfield Parish Council had undertaken a transport study on this, but the results were not published.  A Community Highway Scheme could be utilised to fund something from the developer if the scheme was selected.  Lindfield Parish Council are looking into this.

·         Query if members were concerned with lack of Spacehive applications.  – The Chairman said he would welcome more applications.  Nick Burrell reported that there had been 37 CIF applications received which was roughly 10 lower than this position last year.

·         Proposal to create a free school on the Haywards Heath site.  – The Chairman explained that this was a matter for the Government.  The resident was encouraged to attend Nicholas Soames’ surgery to discuss with him.  The resident resolved to send his proposal to the Committee members to gain their support.

·         Comment on A frames being a danger on pavements.  – Mr Wickremaratchi resolved to discuss this with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure.

Report by Director of Highways and Transport attached.

The Committee is asked to consider the proposals to improve the safety of traffic movement and parking in the villages of Hassocks and Keymer and having considered the resulting benefits to the community, authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the order as advertised.

9.1        The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways and Transport (copy appended to the signed minutes).

9.2        Richard Speller introduced the report and explained that the Parish Council had worked hard to complete the initial phase of the scheme and the TRO would pick up the parking elements.  9 objections had been received and so the TRO was being brought back to the Committee for consideration.  Some objections had been linked to confusion between the 2 schemes.

9.3        Ms Lord explained that this TRO was the first phase and that some objections to this TRO were linked to the extent of the works.  This would be covered by the second phase TRO that hopefully come to the October meeting for consideration.

9.4        Richard Speller added that any negative trends from this TRO would be addressed in the second phase TRO.

9.5        The Committee unanimously agreed to support the TRO.

9.6        Resolved – That the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee, having considered the resulting benefits to the community outweigh the objections raised, authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised.

Report by Director of Highways and Transport & Head of Highway Operations attached.

The Committee is asked to consider the proposals for Penland and surrounding Roads and authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised except for amendments outside 38/40 Penland Road, 43/45 Penlands Road, 94/96 Turners Mill Road, 24/26 Turners Mill Road, opposite 18/22 Pasture Hill Road, as detailed in paragraph 1.12 and Appendix C of the attached report.

10.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways and Transport and the Head of Highway Operations (copy appended to the signed minutes).

10.2     Richard Speller introduced the report and there had been difficulties with this TRO due to its large size.  Objections had been considered and as a consequence some restrictions were being removed from the TRO.

10.3     A resident queried the impact of the proposal for the Harlands Road car park in Haywards Heath becoming new flats.  – Richard Speller explained that there would likely be some displacement of cars from this, but there were no plans to revisit this TRO.  The road space audit would consider this.

10.4     The Committee unanimously agreed to support the TRO.

Resolved – That the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee, authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised except for amendments outside 38/40 Penland Road, 43/45 Penlands Road, 94/96 Turners Mill Road, 24/26 Turners Mill Road, opposite 18/22 Pasture Hill Road, as detailed in paragraph 1.12 and Appendix C highlighting revised plans.

Report attached by Director of Highways and Transport.

A new residential property development is being constructed on land south of Hanlye Lane, known as the Penland Farm Development.  To accommodate this, the developer has been required to re-profile the junction of Hanlye Lane with Balcombe Road/Borde Hill Lane and install a new roundabout.  Safely accommodating this new junction requires an adjustment to the length of the 30 mph speed limits on the roads approaching the new junction. 

The Committee is asked, having considered the objections received to the proposal, to authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the proposed Traffic Regulation Order as advertised.

11.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways and Transport and the Head of Highways Engineering (copy appended to the signed minutes).

11.2     Richard Speller introduced the report and explained that the new roundabout for Hanlye Lane and Balcombe Road required a speed limit change in the area.  Objections had been received relating to how far the speed limit would extend to.  Richard Speller explained that the 30 mph extension was not linked to the existing road.  

11.3     A resident queried if there would be footpath provision from the roundabout to Penlands.  – Richard Speller explained that this would not happen at present, but could be included as part of the main Penlands development.

11.4     The Committee unanimously agreed to support the TRO.

11.5     Resolved – That the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee, having considered the objections to the proposal, authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the proposed Traffic Regulation Order as advertised.

Report by the Director of Highways and Transport attached.

A Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to enforce School Keep Clear markings and Traffic Signs was previously agreed for priority across Mid Sussex.  This included proposals for School Keep Clears for Blackthorns Primary School in Blackthorns Close.

Following two public consultation objections from local residents have been received.

The Committee are asked, having considered the objections to authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the order as advertised.

12.1   The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways and Transport and the Service Manager of Transport and Countryside (copy appended to the signed minutes).

12.2   Richard Speller introduced the report and explained that the TRO would ensure that the school keep clear lines were enforceable. 

12.3   A resident raised concerns on the impact the TRO would have on Blackthorns, which was a cul-de-sac with limited parking.

12.4   Mr Lea spoke, as the local member, in support of the TRO and the safety aspects it would bring.  The TRO had been amended to reflect the comments that had been received.  Other issues could be addressed via a community application.  Richard Speller explained that if a request came in from the community, officers would utilise design consultees to understand the proposals.

12.5   Richard Speller confirmed that the timing of the restriction was consistent with other restrictions as a standard time frame. 

12.6   Operation Crackdown was proposed as a good process for reporting illegal parking.

12.7   A resident felt that the County Council should encourage a change of culture to remove illegal and dangerous parking.  - The Chairman proposed an article in the Connections publication to highlight this.

12.8   The Committee unanimously agreed to support the TRO.

12.9   Resolved – That the Central and South Mid Sussex CLC having considered that the resulting benefits to the community outweigh the objections raised, authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to make the Order as advertised.

Report attached by Director of Highways and Transport.

The Committee is asked to review the proposals and agrees to progress the top three highest scoring Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

13.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Highways and Transport and the Head of Highway Operations (copy appended to the signed minutes).

13.2     Resolved – That the Committee agrees to progress the top three highest scoring TROs from Appendix A:

·      Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill – Parking, Junction Protection

·      London Road, Pyecombe – Parking, Junction Protection

·      South Road & Sussex Road, Haywards Heath – Parking, Timing.

Report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

The Committee are asked to note the report and the amount available for the Committee to allocate in 2018/19.

14.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Law and Assurance (copy appended to the signed minutes).

14.2     The committee noted that there were no applications in the fundraising stage.

14.3     Ms Lord informed the Committee that she was preparing an application on behalf of the guides for heating of their hut.  It was hoped that the application would be ready in time for the next Committee meeting.

Report by Director of Education and Skills.

The Committee are asked to approve the nominations of Authority School Governors as set out in the report.

15.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education and Skills (copy appended to the signed minutes).

15.2     Resolved – That Central and South Mid Sussex Local Committee approve the following nominations:

Nomination for Reappointment:

·         Downlands Community School - Mrs Diana Hunt for a further four year term

Nominations for Appointment:

·         St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School - Mrs Helen Bilton for a four year term

·         Twineham Primary School - Mrs Joy Dennis for a four year term

The next meeting of the Committee will take place at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 30 October 2018 at Mid Sussex District Council – Council Chamber.

Members wishing to place an item on the agenda should notify Monique Smart via email: monique.smart@westsussex.gov.uk or phone on 033022 22540.

16.1             The Committee noted that its next scheduled meeting would take place on 30 October 2018 at Mid Sussex District Council – Council Chamber.