DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 11th NOVEMBER 2025
Present: Councillors R. Farhall (Chair), N. Whines (Vice-Chair), J. Giles, M. Hardy, S. O’Sullivan, R. Purdie
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
County Councillor K. Field
District Councillor E. Kirby-Green
1. Disclosures of interests
None declared.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
None required.
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting(s)
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the meetings held on 09.09.25 and 14.10.25 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings. Councillor Whines proposed and Councillor O’Sullivan seconded, the voting was unanimous.
5. Open Forum
5.1 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor K. Field
- Social care was found to be good.
- Ofsted found care plans to be good.
- There is no route to balance the budget for this year, the increased spend is 7.1% for Adult Social Care, and 10% on school transport for SEN children.
- Savings will have to be made, along with some of the capital reserve.
5.2 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green
- The RDC Local Plan will go public in January 2026.
- Charlotte Spalding is now RDC Finance Director.
- An additional Enforcement Officer has been appointed.
5.3 Open Question Time – no members of the public present.
6. Rother District Council Community Grants Fund
The completed application by the King George’s Field Trust has been sent to the Sussex Foundation grant scheme. Results are expected soon.
7. Playground
- The Heras fencing and new equipment has been delivered.
- The work on the new play equipment is expected to be completed by 12.11.25.
Post meeting note: the new equipment has been installed and MPC are very pleased with the result.
8. Highways England/John’s Cross speed limits
- Councillor Purdie is to draft emails, to be sent by the Clerk, to National Highways and the Police, asking for speed data after the new speed limits now in place. (COUNCILLOR PURDIE)
- Residents state that speed limits are still being exceeded and noise is excessive, particularly from motor bikes.
9. Southern Water Solar Array
Councillor O’Sullivan informed the meeting that work has started and some fencing has been installed.
No meetings with SW are scheduled at present.
10. Wastebin in New Cut
There was some discussion regarding the location of the bin, if on the verge at the entrance to New Cut, permission will have to be sought from ESCC Highways.
The Clerk will contact RDC again regarding disposal of waste. (CLERK)
11. Devolution/Local Government Reorganisation
The Chair informed the meeting that the higher authority may be able to overrule any asset transfers made. More details will be known by January/February 2026.
12. Matters outstanding
12.1 Eatenden Lane defibrillator, the installation is imminent and details will be posted on the website.
12.2 Telephone Box, quotations are still being sought for its refurbishment.
13. Planning
13.1 No planning applications for consideration.
13.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
14. Enforcement
14.1 No Mountfield items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
14.2 No other enforcement matters for discussion.
15. Highways/Rights of Way
The Clerk is still attempting to arrange a meeting with the RDC Highways Steward to discuss issues with the A2100.
Post meeting note: a meeting has now been arranged (4th attempt) with the Highways Steward on 16.01.26.
16. Finance
16.1 Bank balances at 31.10.25
- MPC deposit account – £19.305.29
- MPC current account – £ 2,318.04
- KGF current account – £4,623.63
16.2 RESOLVED: to approve the following payments. Councillor Whines proposed and the Chair seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Clerk, salary/home office Oct/Nov 2025 – £1,117.40
- * Turtle Medical defibb case – £438.00
- * Wel Medical defibrillator – £1,500.00
- * Sovereign Play deposit (Cat Boat) – £3.205.73
* already paid
17.3 RESOLVED: to approve the quarterly accounts at 30.09.25, as present by the Clerk. Councillor Whines proposed and the Chair seconded, the voting was unanimous.
17. Dates of next meetings
09.12.25 – full council meeting/planning meeting (provisional)
20.01.26 – full council meeting