DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 11th MARCH 2025
Present: Councillors N. Whines (Chair), J. Giles, M. Hardy, S. O’Sullivan, R. Purdie
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
District Councillor E. Kirby-Green
Members of the public
1. Disclosure of interests
None declared.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
Councillor Farhall sent apologies
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting(s)
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the MPC meetings held on 10.09.24 and 21.01.25 be confirmed as accurate records of the proceedings. Councillor Hardy proposed and Councillor Giles seconded, the voting was unanimous. The minutes were signed by the Chair.
5. Open Forum
5.2 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor Field sent apologies.
5.3 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green
- The RDC budget has been agreed with an increase of 2.99%.
- The ESCC budget has also been agreed with an increase of 4.99%
- Mike Hughes has been appointed Head of Planning.
- Matt Worsley has been appointed Head of Development Planning.
5.3 Public Question Time
- The footpath (A2100) Solomon’s Lane/John’s Cross has not been cleared, this is now a H&S issue and the Clerk will contact ESCC Highways via Councillor Field. (CLERK)
- Is it possible for a 20mph speed limit for Eatenden Lane?
6. RR/2024/2467/O – SW Solar Array
Councillor O’Sullivan reported that:
- Another meeting with SW will be needed.
- Waiting for hedgerow trees to be planted for screening.
- The “high” hedge has been cut right down.
- SW have been asked to move 2 panels further down.
- We have encouraged SW to start the tree planting early.
- SW will not meet regarding the permissive path around the reservoir.
7. Highways England/John’s Cross speed limits
Councillor Purdie reported that:
- Highways England state that they are constantly reviewing speeds/speed limits.
- Councillor Purdie is to draft an email to Highways England asking them for the latest data on the above. (COUNCILLOR PURDIE/CLERK)
8. Mountfield Village Hall Rest Centre/Resilience Plan
Councillor Whines that he had no further information and is waiting on responses from others.
This item will be revisited at the May meeting. (COUNCILLOR WHINES)
9. New Playground equipment
The Clerk will obtain further quotations for a toddler slide/tower ad a seesaw, including necessary safety surfacing. She will also obtain quotations for recycled plastic picnic tables.
(CLERK)
10. ESCC Consultation – Rights of Way Access Plan
Councillor Whines offered to scan the entire consultation, send it to the Clerk who will distribute it and collate the Members comments. (COUNCILLOR WHINES/CLERK)
11. Devolution/Local Government Reorganisation
- The agenda has been published.
- RDC are currently drafting their detailed proposal.
12. Matters outstanding
- Defibrillator for Eatenden Lane. The Clerk reported that this is making progress and hopes to have it installed shortly.
- Telephone box refurbishment. Councillor Farhall sent apologies and was not present.
- Change of MPC domain name/email suffixes. The Clerk is investigating costs for emails and support from other email service providers. A decision will be made at the May meeting before the Godaddy subscription expires. (CLERK)
13. Mountfield Parish Assembly 2025
This will take place on 08.04.25 in Mountfield Village Hall, starting at 730pm. It will follow the usual friendly and informal format. The Clerk will invite County and District Councillors and the clubs/organisations in Mountfield. Details will be published on the website and noticeboard. (CLERK)
14. Restated Asset Register
As Councillor Farhall was not present, this will be approved via the AGAR at the May meeting. The Clerk will obtain a current valuation for the pavilion. (CLERK)
15. Planning
15.1 No planning applications for consideration.
15.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
16. Enforcement
16.1 Coussens Cranes are to submit a planning application for the adjoining field.
16.2 No other Mountfield items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
17. Highways/Rights of Way
The Clerk will contact ESCC Highways to arrange an SLR meeting/Safety Team due to the issues with the A2100. Please note that these issues have been reported to ESCC Highways numerous times, hopefully this formal meeting will result in permanent repairs. (CLERK)
18. Finance
18.1 Bank balances at 28.02.25
- MPC deposit account – £19,347.87
- MPC current account – £2,846.36
- KGF current account – £4,018.47
18.2 RESOLVED; to approve the following payments. Councillor Hardy proposed and Councillor Purdie seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Clerk, salary/home office (Feb/Mar 2025) – £1,117.40
- * Wel Medical, defibb battery – £267.60
- * Mastercard fee – £3.00
- * UT service charge – £6.00
* already paid
Dates of next meetings
- 08.04.25 – Full Council meeting/planning meeting (provisional starts 7.00pm)
- 08.04.24 – Mountfield Parish Assembly 2025
- 13.05.25 – Annual Council meeting