DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PLANNING MEETING
HELD ON 11th JUNE 2024
Present: Councillors R. Farhall (Chair), N. Whines (Vice-Chair), J. Giles, M. Hardy, S. O’Sullivan, R. Purdie
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
District Councillors J. Barnes, K. Field
Brightling Parish Council: Councillors J. Petty (Chair), A. Wedmore
Southern Water: Mr. T. Dell (Project Manager), Ms. S. Cobb (Stakeholder Manager),
Mita (Capital Communications Team)
Contractor’s Project Team: Mr. A. Brown, Mr. S. Bermingham, Mr. A Juttla
Members of the public
This meeting was recorded (audio only)
1. Disclosure of interests
None declared.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
None required.
4. Open Forum
This session lasted for about one and a quarter hours. The comments and questions regarding this application were made by all in the room, that is: Mountfield Parish Council, Brightling Parish Council, RDC District Councillors and members of the public.
- Mr. Dell (Southern Water) opened by stating that Southern Water have to de-carbonise energy consumption and will also be replacing the pumps in the pumphouse.
This scheme has reduced for design consideration.
The pumphouse is a critical part of Southern Water’s operation and serves a large population.
Southern Water have taken legal advice and believe the site is “operational” land.
- Rother District Council’s failure to notify MPC of this application.
- Although RDC are not legally bound to notify parishes of this type of application – a Certificate of Lawfulness – there was considerable anger that approval was given to a project of this size and impact on a small rural community without any prior notice.
- The application was received by RDC on 27.11.23 and approved on 04.04.24, during this time MPC were completely unaware of it and the first notification they received was from residents who were contacted by Southern Water.
- The Chair has made a formal complaint to RDC, MPC are not satisfied with their reply and will escalate their complaint.
- Our District Councillors will also take this matter further.
- The point was also made, very strongly, that this application is in the High Weald AONB (now known as National Landscapes), the most protected landscapes in England and no notice appears to have been taken of this.
- Councillor Barnes believes this application has been deliberately kept quiet and all agreed.
- Councillor Barnes said this should have been applied for as a full planning application and it is not “operational” land.
- The Chair read out a strong objection from the Darwell Conservation Society.
- Environmental Impact Assessment required
- There is no Environmental Impact Assessment on the application. Southern Water stated that RDC told them it was not needed, however, they have done an independent one, which no one has seen.
- There are great crested newts nearby, Southern Water had vague ideas about ponds to the south of the site and have a land management plan to move the newts elsewhere.
- Southern Water stated that there will be a 40% improvement in diversity, including hedgerow and tree planting.
- All were very sceptical regarding Southern Water’s environmental plans.
- A resident said that the High Weald National Landscape is the largest carbon off-setting area in the south east.
- A resident stated that Southern Water will need to offset damage to the AONB.
- Southern Water stated they will look at further tree planting as screening.
- Impact on local residents and Mountfield/Brightling communities
- Southern Water stated that the boundary with Park Pale House will be improved.
- The height of the stockproof fencing will be 1.8m, it was mentioned that this will not keep deer out.
- A Mountfield resident asked why Southern Water are not using the land next to the pumphouse, screening will not hide the project. Southern Water’s response was unconvincing.
- The Chair asked if mature trees will be protected, Southern Water said yes and the majority will remain.
- Southern Water liaison with Mountfield/Brightling
- The point was made by Councillor Wedmore (BPC) that Southern Water should have communicated with MPC and BPC and they chose not to. There has been a complete failure to consult, a total difference to what is stated on their website.
- Southern Water working with the Mountfield/Brightling communities
- Councillor Field asked if Southern Water will make any concessions to residents to understand and accept this project, no definite reply from Southern Water.
- There are plans available for a permissible path around the reservoir and Councillor Wedmore asked if Southern Water will commit to considering this. Their reply was that this would have to be looked at by a higher level.
- Councillor Wedmore asked if Southern Water would work with the Mountfield/Brightling communities if the LDC was revoked.
- General
- There was particular interest in noise created by the scheme, there was no satisfactory answer from Southern Water.
- Southern Water stated that there is the possibility of additional batteries being placed to the south of the site.
- Southern Water stated that the proposed solar array will only provide 30% of the required output.
- Southern Water stated that the proposed lifespan of the project is 30 years.
Mr. Dell (Southern Water) committed to engagement by Southern Water by working with MPC/BPC to organise mitigation, to be held in public at regular intervals and would involve some meetings on site.
Southern Water’s contractors also gave a short presentation.
Southern Water and their contractors left the meeting.
5. RR/2023/2467/O – Land south of Park Pale House
Those present agreed generally that Southern Water appeared to be reluctant to engage further with the community and the responses to questions about the lack of consultation had been both surprising and disappointing.
Resolved actions to be taken, Councillor Purdie proposed and Councillor Hardy seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Escalate to tier 2 Mountfield’s complaint to RDC Planning. (ACTION CHAIR)
- Obtain a legal definition of “operational land. (ACTION CHAIR AND CLERK)
- Take steps to try and ensure such a project cannot happen in future without a proper planning application.
Other agreed actions:
- District Councillors Barnes and Field will also raise this matter at RDC.
- MPC will write to Ofwat, Southern Water’s regulator. (ACTION CHAIR AND CLERK)
- All will encourage Southern Water to develop a permissive path around the reservoir.
- A working party will be set up immediately, comprising Cllrs. Giles, O’Sullivan and Purdie; Brightling Cllrs. Petty and Wedmore- and 3-4 parishioners living adjacent to the proposed development site.
6. Planning
6.1 Planning applications for consideration:
- RR/2024/765/P – Vinehall Cottage, Vinehall Road
Proposed conversion of garage to habitable accommodation and dormer extension at first floor.
AGREED – to support this application.
- RR/2024/816/P – Old Stable Yard, Vinehall Road
Variation to condition 2 imposed on RR/2022/2991/P to allow amendments to the internal layout of units 1 and 2 to provide a home office to each unit, proposed wider window to unit 1 due to enlargement of home office; the side doors noted to be fixed shut will now be blocked up and installation of a new window to unit 2.
AGREED – to support this application.
- RR/2024/859/P – Garden Cottage, Flat 1, Vinehall Road
Single-storey rear extension, new covered porch and internal alterations.
MPC’s comments on this application will be made under the Clerk’s delegated authority.
6.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
7. Enforcement
7.1 ENF/69/18/MOU – Walters Wood, access off A21.
Gates, engineering works, storage of waste materials, shipping containers and caravans on site. Construction of buildings without permission. Change of use of land to mixed use including forestry and residential use. There is still activity taking place at site and the compliance period for the enforcement notices served has passed, case re-opened for review.
7.2 No other enforcement matters for discussion.
8. Dates of next meetings
- 09.07.24 – Full Council Meeting
- 13.08.24 – Planning Meeting (provisional)
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