Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9TH

Contact: Adam Chisnall on 033 022 28314  Email: adam.chisnall@westsussex.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

23.

Welcome and introductions

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 and Sujan Wickremaratchi.

Minutes:

23.1   The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.   Members and Officers introduced themselves.

 

23.2   The Chairman noted the high level of public attendance to discuss Woodlands Meed and agreed to allow a short time at the start of the meeting for any questions.

 

23.3   The Chairman read out the latest update on progress with Woodlands Meed from the Progress Statement.

 

23.4   The Chairman invited questions and comments from the public.

 

·     A member of the Complete Woodlands Meed group queried why the decision in the forward plan had been pushed back to May.  A key dated milestone plan was required in order to measure progress.

·     Concerns were raised with the plans for 100 pupil capacity for the new school as there were currently more students than this.  There were also comments that the school had been asked to take on 130 pupils and so the plans for the school should consider the future.

Concerns raised on the apparent lack of planning and felt that a critical path analysis was required to ensure the project remained on track.

·     Asked if the proposed date of opening for the school could be brought forward.

·     Queried the contingences if the plans for Woodlands Meed did not progress.

·     Requested that the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills attends the next County Local Committee meeting.

 

23.5   The Chair of Governors confirmed that project meetings would start on 10 March.  A new project manager had been appointed and the architects had been retained who had specialist knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) requirements.  The Governors had considered the contingencies should Woodlands Meed did not progress and felt that the alternatives were not a good route.  The Governors would share information following the 10 March meeting.

 

23.6   Members responded that all County Council projects required a business case and this work had led to the quoted delays.  Members reported that the Children and Young People's Services Scrutiny Committee was meeting the next day and resolved to raise the questions there where the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and senior officers would be in attendance.  The public were reminded of the webcast where they would be able to watch the scrutiny meeting.

 

23.7   The Chairman thanked the attendees for coming.

 

23.8   Mr Bradbury commented on his time as the former Chairman of the County Local Committee and thanked his colleagues and officers for their support.

24.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

24.1   Mr Hillier declared a personal interest as the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Mid Sussex District Council in relation to any road space audit discussions at the Progress Statement agenda item; and also a personal interest as the Chairperson of the Bentswood Community Partnership in relation to an application for the Community Initiative Fund agenda item.

 

24.2   Mr Lea declared a personal interest as a member of Mid Sussex District Council.

25.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 183 KB

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 November 2019 (cream paper).

Minutes:

25.1   Resolved – that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

26.

Urgent Matters

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.

Minutes:

26.1   Mr Chisnall asked the Committee if they would agree to include an additional application during the Community Initiative Funding agenda item.  The application had been submitted in time for the deadline but was not available for inclusion with the main agenda papers when they were dispatched.

 

·       499/CSMS – Burgess Hill Repair Café, application towards hall hire and publicity costs for three pop-up events.

 

26.2   The Committee agreed to give consideration to the application during the Community Initiative Fund agenda item.

27.

Talk With Us Open Forum

To invite questions from the public present at the meeting on subjects other than those on the agenda.  The Committee would encourage members of the public with more complex issues to submit their question before the meeting to allow a substantive answer to be given.

Minutes:

27.1   The Chairman introduced the item and advised that the open forum was an opportunity for comments and questions to be raised on items not already on the agenda, and over which the County Council has a reasonable interest. The following issues were raised and responses made.

 

·       A resident raised concerns with the accessibility issues at Wivelsfield train station and highlighted government funds that were available for access improvements.  The resident queried who would be able to take the request for funds forward. Mr Barrett-Miles explained that the Burgess Hill Growth plan included elements for sustainable transport; and resolved to raise the mentioned source of funding to the relevant project manager.  The growth plan was a joint project with the County Council and Mid Sussex District Council and the public consultation on the plans would begin in April.  Mr Hillier reported that he had heard that Wivelsfield station could be allocated £1m on this work as part of the Northern Arc work.

·       A resident raised concerns with the condition of the roads in Burgess Hill; the time taken to repair faults; and the quality of the repairs. Mr Speller encouraged people to report any highway faults on Love West Sussex and reported that the contractor was currently addressing 100 potholes a day.  It was explained that potholes needed to be addressed with 28 days of reporting, but it was up to the contractor to determine the level of repair that was undertaken.  The contractor covered the liability of carriageway repairs.

·       A resident highlighted the increased danger potholes caused for cyclists and asked if ones of particular concern for cyclists could be prioritised. Mr Speller explained that the new highways contractor would be using a risk-based approach and so cyclist data could be included in this consideration.

·       A resident spoke on his consideration that the highways budget would be more appropriately spent if roads were well laid to begin with.  Consideration needed to be given to the point of economical repair for roads.

·       A resident noted a recent appeal court ruling that Heathrow expansion is unlawful in terms of UK Climate policies and queried if the A2300 plans should be reconsidered in favour of cycle infrastructure improvements.  - The question had been submitted in advance and so officers were able to provide a detailed response which explained that the Court of Appeal ruled that the Airports National Policy Statement (2018) was not produced lawfully due to a failure to take account of the Government’s commitment to the provisions of the Paris Agreement on climate change.  As the Airports National Policy Statement did not provide the policy basis for the A2300 corridor enhancement, the scheme was not affected by the ruling.  There was a need for new cycle routes and bus service enhancements to facilitate major strategic development north west of Burgess Hill to ensure that sustainable travel options are available in the new community; this was part of a package of infrastructure and service improvements that also included  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

28.

Progress Statement pdf icon PDF 178 KB

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

 

Minutes:

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

 

28.2   Mr Speller introduced the report and updated on the highways elements of the statement.

 

·       The Bentwoods Traffic Regulation Order was proceeding well with 5 of the 9 drawings signed off so far.

·       Crescent Road was approximately 95% completed.

·       Chanctonbury Road had been sealed and enforcement started on 6 February.

·       London Road was hoped to be advertised in the spring.

·       The Haywards Heath Town Enhancement Schemes had slipped and would now be part of next year’s delivery plan.

·       Section 106 funds may be able to provide a new pedestrian crossing at the new Lidl site in Burgess Hill.  A location for the crossing had not yet been identified.

·       A business case was required to consider a pedestrian crossing phase within the Mill Road signalisation works.  Mr Barrett-Miles encouraged residents to make contact to support this scheme.  Mr Speller also reported that drainage improvements could be included.

 

28.3   Members sought an update on the Cedar Avenue works. Mr Speller explained that processes to remove underground apparatus had added delays to the works.

 

28.4   Members queried why the London Road surface dressing works had not included the roundabout. Mr Speller confirmed that roundabouts were not included in surface dressing.

 

28.5   Members requested an update on Queens Road. Mr Speller confirmed that there was a consultation in progress.

 

28.6   Members requested an update on Summerhill Lane.  Mr Speller resolved to look into the works and provide an update.

 

28.7   Resolved – That the Committee notes the progress statement.

29.

Community Highway Schemes pdf icon PDF 92 KB

Information Report attached that details the outcomes of the 2019 Community Highway Scheme applications and assessments.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

29.1   The Committee considered the information report (copy appended to the signed minutes).

 

29.2   Mr Speller introduced the report and gave a summary of key elements in the report.

 

29.3   Mr Speller explained that the 5 schemes in Appendix B would be able to continue via other schemes.

 

29.4   Resolved – That the Committee notes the report.

30.

Central and South Mid Sussex Community Initiative Funding (CSMS07(19/20)) pdf icon PDF 155 KB

Report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

 

The report summarises the Community Initiative Funding applications received via The West Sussex Crowd and the Micro Fund.  The Committee is invited to consider the applications and pledge funding if appropriate.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Community Initiative Fund is a County Local Committee (CLC) administered fund that provides assistance to local community projects.  Bids should show evidence of projects that have the support of the community and make a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and support The West Sussex Plan.

 

At its meeting on 3 March 2020 the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee considered the Community Initiative Funding applications received as set out in Appendix A.


The following applications were approved:-

 

462/CSMS – Bolney Horticultural Society, £736.39, towards purchasing new tables for the society.

 

500/CSMS - 1st Hurstpierpoint Scout Group, £425.98 – towards purchasing a 3m x 4.5m gazebo and leg weights.

 

501/CSMS – Mid Sussex District Scout Council, £748.96 – towards purchasing four 3-man tents, trangias, compasses and map cases.

 

505/CSMS – Sussex Clubs for Young People, £745.00 – towards purchasing kitchen and games equipment.

 

 

The following applications were declined:-

 

470/CSMS – St Peter & St James Hospice, application for the delivery of professional therapy sessions over a 6-month period.  The Committee felt that the Micro Fund was not appropriate for large charities and raised concerns that the therapy sessions were running costs and so not eligible for Community Initiative Funding.

 

425/CSMS - Hurstpierpoint Players, ‘The Big Push’. The Committee had deferred a decision on this item at the November meeting (CSMS04(19/20)) as they had requested clarity on the project costs.  There had been no additional information from the applicant and so, given that it was the last meeting of the financial year, the Committee agreed to decline the application for now but encouraged the applicant to make contact should they wish to reapply in the future.

 

 

During the Urgent Matters agenda item the Committee also agreed to give consideration to an additional application.

 

The application was approved:-

 

499/CSMS – Burgess Hill Repair Café, £708.96 – towards hall hire and publicity costs for three pop-up events.

 

 

The call-in deadline is 11 March 2020.

Minutes:

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

 

30.2   Mr Chisnall apologised that the incorrect Appendix B had been included within the papers and resolved to circulate this directly to members.

 

30.3   Resolved -

 

(a) That the following awards be made:

 

·       462/CSMS – Bolney Horticultural Society, £736.39, towards purchasing new tables for the society.

 

·       500/CSMS - 1st Hurstpierpoint Scout Group, £425.98 – towards purchasing a 3m x 4.5m gazebo and leg weights.

 

·       501/CSMS – Mid Sussex District Scout Council, £748.96 – towards purchasing four 3-man tents, trangias, compasses and map cases.

 

·       505/CSMS – Sussex Clubs for Young People, £745.00 – towards purchasing kitchen and games equipment.

 

(b) That the following application) be declined:

 

·       470/CSMS – St Peter & St James Hospice, application for the delivery of professional therapy sessions over a 6-month period.  The Committee felt that the Micro Fund was not appropriate for large charities and raised concerns that the therapy sessions were running costs and so not eligible for Community Initiative Funding.

 

·       425/CSMS - Hurstpierpoint Players, ‘The Big Push’. The Committee had deferred a decision on this item at the November meeting (CSMS04(19/20)) as they had requested clarity on the project costs.  There has been no additional information from the applicant and so, given that it was the last meeting of the financial year, the Committee agreed to decline the application for now but encourage the applicant to make contact should they wish to reapply in the future.

 

30.4   During the Urgent Matters agenda item the Committee also agreed to give consideration to an additional application.

 

The application was approved:-

 

·       499/CSMS – Burgess Hill Repair Café, £708.96 – towards hall hire and publicity costs for three pop-up events.

 

30.5   The committee discussed the routes for grant funding and raised concerns on with the complexities of the West Sussex Crowd; and frustration with the £750 limit for the Micro Fund.  The Committee resolved to write to the Cabinet Member for Fire & Rescue and Communities to raise their concerns with the West Sussex Crowd and request that the Micro Fund limit be increased to £1000.

31.

Report of Urgent Action

The Committee is asked to note that the Director of Law and Assurance, in consultation with the Chairman of the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee and the Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee, has used his delegated powers under Standing Order 3.45 to approve the following Community Initiative Fund application:

 

461/CSMS – The Escape Youth Club, ‘Opening costs’, £750.00 – towards purchasing start-up equipment for the youth club launch.

 

Background Papers

 

Letters from the Director of Law and Assurance to the Chairman of the Central and South Mid Sussex County Local Committee and the Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee dated 7 February 2020 which were published as part of decision CSMS06(19/20)

 

Contact Adam Chisnall, 033 022 28314

Minutes:

31.1   Resolved – that the Committee notes the Urgent Action decision by the Director of Law and Assurance.

32.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will take place at 7.00 pm on Monday 15 June 2020 at a venue to be confirmed.

 

Members wishing to place an item on the agenda should notify Adam Chisnall via email: adam.chisnall@westsussex.gov.uk or phone on 033 022 28314.

Minutes:

32.1   The Committee noted that the next meeting would take place on Monday 15 June 2020 at a venue to be confirmed.