DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 20th JANUARY 2026
Present: Councillors R. Farhall (Chair), N. Whines (Vice-Chair), S. O’Sullivan
District Councillor E. Kirby-Green
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
Members of the public
1. Disclosures of interests
None declared.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
Councillors Giles and Hardy sent apologies.
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the meeting held on 11.11.25be 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 Field sent apologies and the following information:
- ESCC are still waiting to see if there will be elections in March 2026.
- The shape of the new unity authority.
- If they will get extra financial support from central government. £70M has been asked for, this is a short-term solution as “help” comes in the form of an interest-bearing loan.
5.2 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green
- There is a need to make savings on the budget.
- Weekly food waste collection is starting in March.
- RDC have a new enforcement officer.
- RDC Local Plan, the housing plan will be available shortly.
- The was disappointment with the KGF/MPC grant application.
5.3 Open Question Time – the members of the public had serious concerns with the planning application RR/2025/2028/FULL and made several comments and are included in item 15. Planning.
AGREED: All Members agreed to bring forward item 15. Planning and item 17. Highways and allow members of the public to speak during these discussions.
15. Planning
15.1 Planning application for consideration:
RR/2025/2028/FULL – land east of London road, Mountfield.
There was a discussion between Members and members of the public on this application.
RESOLVED: to object to this application on the following grounds:
- It is over-development, 9 static and 9 travelling caravans are the size of a small housing estate and within the High Weald National Landscape.
- There is not enough information on the planning application documents.
- There is no indication for infrastructure, e.g. foul waste etc.
- It appears that the only exit for vehicles from the proposed site will be the exit from the Mountfield Waste Facility, this is usually busy and there are often queues.
- There is no indication as to who will manage the site
- We understand there is a Dormouse licence for this area and estimate 85% of biodiversity will be lost.
Post meeting note: Councillor Kirby-Green has confirmed that this application has been called in to the Planning Committee.
15.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
17. Highways/Rights of Way
17.1 There are still major concerns with flooding and drainage on the A2100. A meeting with the Highways Steward has been confirmed for 30.01.26 and hopefully some action by ESCC Highways will be made.
17.2 No other Highways/RoW matters for discussion.
6. Approval of the MPC Draft Revenue Budget 2026-27 and to set the MPC precept for 2026-27
6.1 RESOLVED: to amend the draft revenue budget to increase the budget for MPC assets at the KGF to £3K. This is due to the installation of a new cesspit which is now critical. A grant application was made for this work and unfortunately was unsuccessful. Councillor Whines proposed and Councillor O’Sullivan seconded, the voting was unanimous.
6.2 RESOLVED: to increase the MPC precept for 2026-27 to £15K, due to the new cesspit work at the KGF. Councillor Whines proposed and Councillor O’Sullivan seconded, the voting was unanimous. (CLERK)
7. Adoption of an MPC Email and IT Policy
RESOLVED: that MPC adopt the Email and IT Policy as presented by the Clerk. Councillor O’Sullivan proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
8. Playground – Sovereign Compliance Agreement
RESOLVED: to adopt the Sovereign Compliance Agreement for maintenance and safety of all play equipment. The Chair proposed and Councillor O’Sullivan seconded, the voting was unanimous. (CLERK)
9. RDC Consultation – Draft Local Plan
The RDC Draft Local Plan will be available at the end of January.
10. Rother District Council Community Grants Fund
No parish councils were successful in obtaining a grant. Please see item 6.1 for information and MPC/KGF actions
11. Highways England/John’s Cross speed limits
These are now permanent and legal notices have been received.
12. Southern Water Solar Array
Councillor O’Sullivan informed the meeting that there was no new information, but gates have been installed. Things seem very quiet
13. Village Waste Collection
- Signage was discussed as an alternative to waste bins (£30 per collection).
- This item will be on the agenda at the March 2026 meeting.
14. Matters outstanding
The Clerk will continue to obtain quotes for the Telephone Box refurbishment. (CLERK)
16. Enforcement
16.1 No MPC items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
16.2 No enforcement matters for discussion.
18. Finance
18.1 Bank balances at 31.12.25
- MPC deposit account – £10,382.69
- MPC current account – £2,205.59
- KGF current account – £4,590.37
18.2 RESOLVED: to approve the following payments. Councillor Whines proposed and the Chair seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Clerk salary/HO Dec25/Jan26, backpay, expenses – £1,372.18
- * Mountfield FC donation – £150.00
* already paid
18.3 RESOLVED: to approve the third quarter accounts at 31.12.25 as presented by the Clerk. Councillor Whines proposed and the Chair seconded, the voting was unanimous.
19. Dates of next meetings
- 10.02.26 – full council meeting/planning meeting (provisional)
- 10.03.26 – King George’s Field meeting (starts 7.00pm)
- 10.03.26 – full council meeting