East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council

Parish Update – February 2025

Long Pond & Redrow

Redrow have made us aware that the removal of one tree and vegetation clearance at Long Pond will be taking place next week (wc 3^rd March). This is to facilitate the installation of S278 drainage pipework and head walls. Redrow have confirmed that their ecologist and arboriculturist have approved their proposal which is in line with the Tree Protection Plan and that an up to date GNC (Great Crested Newt) District Licence is in place (NSP301WDC).

The Parish Council have sought professional planning guidance regarding the works that are being undertaken and that were approved as part of WD/2024/1626/MFA.

Steve Tilbury, an independent planning consultant suggested by ESALC, has reviewed the planning application for us.  His report (see Latest News for report) explains that Redrow sought minor amendments to the scheme, in accordance with established planning law.  Wealden could only consider whether to approve those changes; they could not revisit anything else that had previously been approved.  None of the amendments were intended to alter the previously agreed status or role of Long Pond.  Whether we agreed with them or not, the consultation responses Wealden received meant that there were no good planning reasons for the amendments to be refused.    Steve has made some suggestions as to how Wealden could help all of us to respond more effectively in the future.

Steve’s full advice appears under ‘Latest News’.

London Road Roadworks

The roadworks in London Road are coming back for 3 weeks commencing on 6^th March – this is for the installation of new kerbing, including two additional islands, gullies and re-tarmacking of the road. As part of this we are informed that London Road will be resurfaced in the area surrounding the junction at Dressage Drive going down towards the Community Allotments.

Planning Applications – Harrisons Field, Tourles Farm and Circle of Oaks

A new hybrid planning application has been submitted to Wealden District Council.

In summary the application is for Harrisons Field (London Road), Tourles Farm and Circle of Oaks. The applications for 275 new homes. Once we know the planning application reference number we will publish it on our website and on our Facebook page.

Harrisons Field is an Outline Application providing for 99 new units to include 12 self-build plots and 8 units allocated for the Community Land Trust.

Tourles Farm is an Outline Application providing for 176 dwellings.

Circle of Oaks is a Full Application for 17 units and would serve as a gateway to the wider plan.

Included within the proposed development are:

• A centrally located school with sports facilities that would also serve the wider community
• New public open space
• New footpaths
• Community allotments
• Accessible play areas.

As a Consultee East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council will be holding a Planning Committee meeting to discuss this application and further details will follow in due course. We have asked that Parker Dann hold an Information event/exhibition for this planning application and once we know more about this we will be letting you know.

Further Planning Applications

Parker Dann are also submitting planning applications to have the Section 106 Agreements for Hesmonds Stud varied. There are currently S106 Agreements on place which state that the stud land cannot be split and sold in separate parcels of land. These applications, if successful, would remove these restrictions.

———————————————————————————————————————————————

COUNCIL TAX

Council understand the concerns that are being expressed regarding the increase on the precept for this Parish. The increase represents an additional £2.46 per month to your council tax (Band D Property) for the portion that goes towards the Parish Council.

Balancing and setting the budget for the new financial year was much discussed by councillors at two public Council meetings. Last year we increased the precept by 5% but this did require us to use £19,630 from our Reserves to cover the deficit in expenditure. Moving forwards, it is not possible or prudent for us to continue to use these reserves, especially as legislation prevents us from using ear-marked reserves or CIL funding to offset against a Council Tax increase or to fall below a certain level of Reserves.

As well as the increased costs for Employers National insurance we are also faced with increased costs for insurance, routine and non-routine maintenance and rubbish collection (we do the dog pooh bins). We have also listened to the comments that have been made about the general condition of the Parish and so we have increased the mowing frequency for urban verges to the maximum frequency open to us.  Please note that we are not responsible for potholes and road conditions or general rubbish collection or recycling although we are now meeting with East Sussex Highways and Balfour Beatty every 6 months to discuss road, verge and footway conditions within the Parish.

None of the councillors receive a salary and none of the councillors claim a councillor’s allowance. Councillors all give their time without remuneration to serve the community.