DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 9th SEPTEMBER 2025
Present: Councillors R. Farhall (Chair), Neil Whines (Vice-Chair), M. Hardy, S.O’Sullivan
County Councillor K. Field
District Councillor J. Barnes
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
1. Disclosures of interests
Councillors Hardy and Whines declared a personal interest in item 6.1 (Grants and donations) as they are both members of the Mountfield Village Hall Committee and will not take part in the voting.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
Councillors Giles and Purdie sent apologies.
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting(s)
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the MPC meeting held 08.07.25 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings. The Chair proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
5. Open Forum
5.1 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor K. Field
- It is fairly quiet at County at the moment as it is holiday season, but many meetings etc., are going on.
- There is a large devolution/local government reorganisation meeting being held on 24.09.25.
5.2 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor J. Barnes
- Devolution is a major project for both ESCC and RDC.
- There is an advantage in integrating housing to social services.
- It does not look as if the projected savings will be made.
- The new housing strategy is in place.
5.3 Public question time – no members of the public present.
6. Grants and donations
6.1 This item has been deferred until the MPC meeting on 14.10.25 as both Councillors Hardy and Whines declared a personal interest and there were not enough members to make a quorate resolution.
6.2 RESOLVED: to make a donation of £150 to Mountfield Football Club to thank them for the use of their pavilion for water and toilet facilities during the installation of the new play equipment. (CLERK)
7. Rother District Council Community Grants Fund
It was agreed to apply for a grant (match-funded) for a new cesspit and toilet block at the KGF, which is urgently needed. This will be finalised at the MPC meeting on 14.10.25. MPC have one quote and are seeking others.
8. Playground
8.1 The installation of the new playground equipment is imminent and the Clerk will notify ESCC RoW of the closure of the Twitten for the duration.
Post meeting note: the installation is due to start on 03.10.25.
(COUNCILLOR WHINES/CLERK)
8.2 The Clerk will investigate a service agreement with Sovereign Play for all the equipment at the playground. (CLERK)
8.3 The Clerk will arrange for new signage on the entrance gate. (CLERK)
9. Highways England/John’s Cross speed limits
This item will be deferred until the MPC meeting on 11.11.25 as Councillor Purdie sent apologies. (COUNCILLOR PURDIE)
The Clerk is still trying to find out about loan or rent of a Black Cat speeding device. (CLERK)
10. Southern Water Solar Array
Councillor O’Sullivan informed the meeting that:
- There will be a road closure for the new entrance in late September/early October.
- Permissive path, it has been decided to form a walking group, residents of Mountfield and Brightling only and with membership requirements.
- SW are installing baffles to reduce the considerable noise from the pumping station.
(COUNCILLOR O’SULLIVAN)
11. Mountfield Village Hall Rest Centre/Resilience Plan
This item is to be deferred until the start of the next financial year (01.04.26)
12. Wastebin in New Cut
The Clerk is still trying to find organisations that will legally dispose of such waste. She will contact the RDC Contract Officer to see if Biffa will provide a quote. (CLERK)
13. Devolution/Local Government Reorganisation
There is a major meeting arranged for 30.09.25 for Chairs, Members and Clerks. The Chair will be attending on behalf of MPC. (CHAIR)
14. Matters outstanding
14.1 Defibrillator for Eatenden Lane, the post and backboard are now installed and the Clerk will order the defibrillator from Wel Medical and arrange for the defibrillator to be fixed. (CLERK)
14.2 Telephone box, quotes are being obtained for refurbishment and cleaning. (CLERK)
15. Planning
15.1 Planning application for consideration:
- RR/2025/1331/P – 10 Mountfield Villas, Solomon’s Lane
Proposed removal of existing conservatory and construction of a single-storey extension to the rear with roof light. Proposed first floor extension to form bedroom and ensuite.
AGREED: to support this application.
15.2 MPC comments made under delegated authority:
- RR/2025/1097/P – 11 Woodsdale Cottages, London Road
Proposed annexe to provide overspill living accommodation for family members.
Object, on the grounds that it is over-development, the proposed development being too large relative to the footprint of the main dwelling
15.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
16. Enforcement
16.1 No Mountfield items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
16.2 The 1066 Café sign is still outstanding.
17. Highways/Rights of Way
Another meeting with the Highways Steward is being arranged to discuss A2100 issues. The Clerk is waiting to hear from ESCC Highways regarding the date. (CLERK)
18. Finance
18.1 Bank balances at 31.08.25
- MPC deposit account – £18,594.59
- MPC current account – £4,654.09
- KGF current account – £4,654.64
18.2 RESOLVED: to approve the following payments. Councillor Hardy proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Clerk, salary/home office Aug/Sep 2025 – £1,117.40
- * Amazon, Jubilee CM refreshments – £140.30
- * Uniserve, IT support – £44.40
- * St. Michaels Hospice donation (PM) – £500.00
- * All Saints Church donation (PM) – £500.00
- * Parish Online subscription 2025-26 – £63.00
- * Sovereign Play deposit – £3,205.73
- * ROSPA Play Safety – £96.00
- * Mitch Safety – £180.00
19. Dates of next meetings
- 14.10.25 – Full council meeting
- 11.11.25 – Full council meeting