Lancing Parish Council Website
Meetings
Dates for council meetings in municipal year 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 please click on the relevant meeting below for list of dates.
Annual Village Residents Forum will take place on Thursday 27th May 2010
All Meetings commence at 7:30pm (other than the Planning Advisory Committee which commences at 7:00pm) and are open to members of the public.
- Full Council
- Amenities & Environment Committee
- Finance & General Purposes Committee
- Planning Advisory Committee
View issues raised by residents at Council Meetings
Public participation at Council and Committee meetings
A guide to procedures
Members of the public have a right to attend Council or Committee meetings and are welcomed to do so and contribute to those meetings. However, there are certain procedures and protocols that need to be followed to ensure that meetings run smoothly.
Under the Council’s Standing Orders, members of the public may address the meeting but only in relation to business to be transacted at that meeting. In other words any item that appears on the meeting’s agenda. This happens early in every meeting where 15 minutes are set aside for this public forum.
Councillors, having listened to resident opinions, can then consider those viewpoints in the ensuing debate on the subject and prior to any resolutions being made.
This may appear bureaucratic but is due process and standard amongst all Councils and although there is no wish to stifle public opinions or viewpoints, and indeed we welcome the scrutiny from local residents, the Council must undertake its statutory requirements in an appropriate and prescribed manner.
There are however other, less formal ways to deal with any resident’s concerns.
· In the first instance contact the Clerk. The issue can be talked about and hopefully explained and either resolved to your satisfaction or referred to the appropriate person or persons.
· If you feel that a matter would be best dealt with by the Chair of the Council or a Committee, then please contact them either directly or through your local councillor. Details can be found elsewhere on this web site
· Another means, which has been established, is to meet with a representative group of Councillors after each Full Council meeting when issues can be aired. This ‘surgery’ would be a less formal environment where views and opinions can perhaps be more freely exchanged. Please contact the Clerk for more information.
In these ways, matters raised by residents can, if Council agree, filter through to the appropriate agenda for proper debate to be had. This then affords the opportunity for other residents to attend the meeting and contribute to and hear the debate on the subject.
I hope you will find this guide useful and if you have any queries then please contact me accordingly.
Colin Hunt
Clerk to the Council
To view issues raised by residents click link below
Issues raised by residents at Parish Meetings
LANCING PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Lancing Parish Residents meeting held on Thursday, 28th May 2009 at 7.00pm in the Parish Hall, South Street, Lancing.
Chairman Councillor Ann Bridges
In attendance Colin Hunt, Clerk to the Lancing Parish Council
Councillors Present – Councillors Brenda Collard, Fred Lewis, Stephen Martin and Ann Terry.
There were 12 members of the public present at the meeting.
1 The meeting was opened by the Chairman at 7.00pm who welcomed the members of the public to the meeting.
2. Apologies for absence – Councillor Simon Bridges
2 The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 23rd October 2008 was confirmed to be an accurate and true record of the meeting with the exception of one error to a resident’s name.
4. The Chairman read her annual report for 2008/9. Copies were circulated at the meeting together with the minutes of last years meeting.
5. Questions and statements by the Public
5.1 Mrs Matten was concerned about the loss of retail outlets in the Village. Not so long ago the village was vibrant with a large variety of shops selling an array of goods. Recently however a large number of takeaways and betting shops had sprung up in their place which meant that there was less appeal for residents to visit the village centre for their normal shopping.
The Chair agreed with the observation and said that this was mainly due to the economic downturn and that other towns and villages were also suffering. The recent announcement that ASDA would be opening in the Village was welcomed and it was hoped that the store would attract visitors from neighbouring communities.
Mrs Matten asked if perhaps some free advertising in the village voice or some form of grant aid for local businesses may be possible.
5.2 Mr Devoy agreed that the area was less attractive and would like to see bistro type establishments in Lancing. Mr Devoy also spoke about the lack of facilities for younger people with the consequence of groups congregating on street corners. In the past youngsters used to gather at the Mermaid amusement arcade on the sea front but alas his had now gone.
The Chair informed the meeting that the Boundstone Youth Centre was opening an additional night and that the Tabernacle had plans to open a youth facility.
Mr Quallington spoke and hoped that the Electric Storm enterprise would address some of the youth issues although the initiative had seemed to have stalled recently. The Chair advised Mr Quallington that Electric Storm were still active but at the present time they were busy fund raising.
5.3 One local resident, who didn’t tender her name, was critical of the local community for not supporting local trade, which she considered compounded the shop closure situation. She also supported the idea of free advertising and suggested that invitations be sent to local traders inviting them to a meeting to better understand their predicaments.
5.4 Another resident suggested greater use of the other free publication ‘Living in Lancing’ for advertising local issues and urged the Council to be more proactive in the business community. Councillor Brenda Collard informed the meeting that in her capacity as Chair of Adur District Council she was arranging a lunch for small businesses and would report back to Council any matters arising.
5.5 Another resident also suggested that local landlords be approached to see if there was an opportunity for them to reduce rents for empty shop premises in an attempt to attract new businesses to the area. He spoke of the disproportionate rents of Lancing commercial lettings in relation to other areas.
5.6 Mr David Devoy enquired if there was an opportunity for a Farmers Market to be introduced into Lancing. The Chair informed the meeting that this idea was being explored with the car park at Littlecroft being a likely venue.
5.7 Mr Quallington brought up the subject of policing in the Village. He was concerned about the speed of cars generally and down his road, Lynchmere Avenue, in particular. The Chair informed the meeting that there was a police initiative known as ‘Crackdown’ and a web site where incidents could be reported. If car drivers were repeatedly reported then the police would visit the offenders and give warnings. Mr Quallington continued by saying there was still an apparent lack of beat policing.
Mr Stuart Metcalf, the PCSO for Manor Ward, responded and informed the meeting that speeding was indeed an issue in the village and this subject was constantly raised at the police neighbourhood panel meetings.
Mr Metcalf spoke of a new device known as SID (speed indicator device) which was to be deployed on roads in the village and would display motorist’s speed. This was for use in places where the criteria for deploying speed cameras was not reached.
He also elaborated on operation ‘Crackdown’ saying that other motoring offences such use of mobile phones should also be reported and urged residents to use the facility. He also urged residents to feed any policing concerns through to the neighbourhood panels for discussion.
5.8 The Chair asked Mr Metcalf if anything could be done about the sale of cars on the highway, which was particularly evident on Brighton Road and the layby on the A27 by the Leisure Centre. Mr Metcalf advised the meeting that the problem was being dealt with but that the powers lay with Trading Standards.
On this subject Mr Matten said that he and neighbours were monitoring the situation on Brighton Road and gathering evidence which he intend to pass to WSCC for action.
5.9 Councillor Steve Martin asked Mr Metcalf if there was any news on the cannabis café situation. Mr Metcalf referred to reports in the local press and that there appeared to be a planning technicality which had complicated the process of closeure but an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) had been issued for a period of three months pending a decision on the possible permanent closure of the establishment. Current reports did however suggest that there had not been any further activity.
5.10 Mr David Devoy enquired into the latest situation regarding the Mermaid café development. The Chair advised the meeting that a revised planning application for two restaurants had recently been granted and that building works should recommence shortly.
On the same subject one local resident referred to the iconic building at Littlehampton and the press coverage this had received and which had aroused interest. This was now a landmark for the town and he posed the question if a similar ‘statement’ would be worth considering for the village.
The Chair informed the meeting that alternative ideas had been explored but that the costs involved were considered to be prohibitive. However, the Council were expecting that the new kiosk and the introduction of decking would be a great improvement.
The resident, who was a keen kite surfer, explained that the area was very popular with surfers, some of whom travel down from London and that it would be good for the village to offer decent facilities. The Chair informed the meeting that the Council were encouraging kite surfing into the area and had sanctioned the use of areas of the beach for kiting and training and that the Council recognised the potential for the village and were keen to promote the sport.
5.11 Mrs Pam Pashley enquired if there was any possibility that the civic amenity tip, once located at Hailwick Lane could be reinstated. Residents were apparently told it would open again but that nothing had happened. The Chair said that the Council would approach WSCC to find out more about the situation.
5.12 A resident, who lived on Ingleside Crescent complained about the noise from the rear of the Arts Centre on Penhill Road. She had reported this to the Environmental Health Department at ADC who had offered noise monitoring equipment but only for a limited time. The resident did say that the Arts Centre had been helpful and said that sound proofing had been installed but that the resident had not markedly noticed any difference.
The Resident was not opposed to the facility as she respected the youngsters and that there had been bands playing for a number of years. However in her opinion the situation was getting worse and asked if there was anything the Council could do.
The Chair, who represented the Council on the Boundstone Youth Centre Management Board did recall a grant being made for soundproof curtains and a noise limiter and that she would make enquiries at the next meeting of the Management Board.
5.13 Mrs Matten suggested that a local competition might be arranged along the lines of the popular TV show ‘Britain’s got talent’. She suggested that the local schools be invited to take part. This was considered to be a good idea by the meeting although one resident suggested that this be put on hold for the time being as the local schools were heavily engaged in the amalgamation of schools programme
The Chair thanked Mrs Matten for the suggestion and hoped that something could be arranged at an appropriate time. The Chair informed the meeting that she was hopeful of arranging an arts competition between the local schools later in the year with the winning entry being chosen for the Council’s Christmas card.
5.14 Mr David Devoy enquired if Councillor Tony Nicklen was still active in the workings of the Parish Council. The Chair advised the meeting that Cllr Nicklen had attended the last Full Council meeting of the Parish Council and that he was still active at district level.
5.15 Mrs Matten lastly thanked the Council for taking notice of the resident’s issues and delivering on their promises. She spoke of the welcomed transformation of the attitude of the Council and apologised if she had been over zealous in some of her actions but which she assured the Council was in the best interests of the Community.
Cllr Fred Lewis replied to Mrs Matten saying that Mrs Matten’s intentions and comments were always seen a constructive and were welcomed and that any challenge to the Council was seen to be healthy and kept the council ‘on its toes’.
There being no further questions the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting a 20:02.
Colin Hunt
Clerk to the Council
1st June 2009
LANCING PARISH RESIDENTS MEETING
Minutes of the Lancing Parish Residents meeting held on Thursday, 23rd October 2008 at 7.00pm in the Parish Hall, South Street, Lancing.
Chairman Councillor Ann Bridges
In attendance Colin Hunt, Clerk to the Lancing Parish Council
There were about 150 members of the public present at the meeting including a representative from the local Press.
1 The meeting was opened by the Chairman at 7.00pm who welcomed the members of the public to the meeting.
2 The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 29th May 2008 was confirmed to be an accurate and true record of the meeting by all those residents who attended.
3 The Chairman gave an explanation of the purpose of the meeting which was to discuss two possible options for the restoration of Beach Green:-
§ Option A was to excavate the blocks, break up on site and remove the debris from Beach Green and re-instate the area and:-
§ Option B was to import soil, regrade the areas where the blocks are showing and either seed or turf the surface.
4 The Chairman invited Mrs Matten of 237 Brighton Road to give a short photographic historical account of the placement of the concrete blocks beneath Beach Green.
Mrs Matten produced some information and photographs which gave the audience some useful background information.
5 The Chairman thanked Mrs Matten and invited members of the public to speak on behalf of both options. In order to avoid the meeting over running, it was requested that speeches should be limited to no more than 5 minute per speaker.
5.1 Mrs Odom enquired whose idea was it to dig up one of the blocks in the first place. The Chairman advised residents that the reason for removing just one of the blocks was to let residents see exactly how large the blocks were.
5.2 Mr Tony Williamson representing the Lancing and Sompting Lions Club, who used Beach Green for major events, did not have any problems with the existing surface and suggested that there was another option which was to do nothing.
The Chairman advised residents that the issue was one of public liability insurance due to the health and safety issue and that some form of action was required.
5.3 Mrs Angie Mills, the ex-Chairman of Lancing Parish Council spoke for option A and advised residents against increasing the surface level of Beach Green which could cause flooding of the A257.
Mrs Mills also advised the meeting that the paragraph concerning a recommendation to infill was not part of the final report presented by Stratascan.
She also assured the residents that she had done everything possible in her role of Chairman of Lancing Parish Council to help resolve the issue and that in her opinion option B was not a permanent solution.
5.4 David Davies enquired if the options had been costed and whether Beach Green would be maintained to avoid a similar recurrence in future.
The Chairman advised the meeting of a figure quoted for option A was £15k, although this was sometime ago and that due to the downturn in demand for the crushed materials this figure could well increase. The latest costing for option B was estimated at no more than £50k but that competitive tenders will be sought whatever option was preferred.
The Chairman also advised residents that the Council would maintain the Green in future.
5.5 Mrs Theresa Dicker, an ex councillor who had lived opposite the Green for 28 years, stated that the Green was a great source of income to the Parish and that it had not been maintained in all the time she had lived opposite. She spoke for option B and also urged the Council to maintain the Green in future.
5.6 Mrs Matten spoke of an original quotation from a local contractor which was reported to be £500k, which then changed to zero cost and then changed again to a charge of £15k.
Mrs Matten suggested that considering the number of blocks beneath the Green the sale of the concrete could realise a value of £1M.
5.7 Mr Tony Carpmael, who advised the meeting that he was an original founding member of the Beach Green Action Group, also spoke of several prices that had been quoted to him. He was also alarmed at the cost of excavating just one of the blocks which had taken one day and costed £1680.
5.8 Mr Gary Pannell questioned the ex-chairman’s claim of the risk of flooding to the A357 if the surface of the Green was raised. Mr Pannell suggested that only an average of 264mm of cover would be required to counteract the effects of the soil erosion that had taken place and that this additional depth would not cause flooding.
5.9 Mr Quallington supported Mr Pannell’s argument and stated that he had taken water borehole measurements which suggested that the rise in water table varied by no more than 200mm even when accounting for the pressure of the tide and water levels from the Downs.
5.10 Mr White enquired if there was enough reserves to pay for any works or whether there would need to be an increase in rates to cover the costs over a number of years.
The Chairman advised the meeting that there were financial reserves available which should be sufficient to cover the expected costs and that depending upon those cost the works may be able to be undertaken in one year. This will however be dependent upon the extent of the works of the preferred option and competitive tenders received.
5.11 At this point Mrs Matten called a motion for the meeting to be concluded and a vote to be taken on the options. As the majority of residents at the meeting agreed with the motion a show of hands was proposed.
6 The Chairman reminded the meeting of the other votes that had been received and suggested a ballot box vote. This was accepted and those residents that were eligible to vote made their choice.
Once all residents had had the opportunity to cast their votes the ballot was declared closed and the box was opened. The votes were counted by the Chairman in the presence of the Clerk and several residents.
7 The number of votes on the night was:-
For Option A = 6 For Option B = 122
The number of Postal and email received:-
For Option A = 5 For Option B = 391
TOTAL VOTES CAST
The total number of votes received from all sources recorded was:-
For Option A = 11 For Option B = 513
8 The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting a 19:45.
Colin Hunt
Clerk to the Council
31-10-2008
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DRAFT & UNCONFIRMED
LANCING PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Lancing Parish people held on Thursday, 29th May 2008 at 7.30pm,
Chairman Councillor Tony Nicklen
Clerks Colin Hunt, Clerk to the Lancing Parish Council and John Roberts Acting Clerk to the Lancing Parish Council.
Councillors Present – Councillors Andrew Barns, Melvyn Blackband, Ann Bridges, Simon Bridges, Richard Burt, Brenda Collard, Mary Hamblin, Stephen Martin, Morgan Nahid, Ann Terry and Norman Wright.
There were about 60 members of the public present.
1. The meeting was opened by the Chairman at 7.30 with an explanation of the purpose of the meeting and the reasons for the change of date.
2. Apologies for absence – Councillors Lorna Reed, Pat Beresford, Fred Lewis and Kim Bonnett.
3. The Chairman read the retiring Chairman’s annual report for 2007/8. Copies were circulated at the meeting together with minutes of last years meeting.
4. Questions and statements by the Public
(a) Mr Joyner 103 Penhill Road stated that there was no mention of the blocks on last years meeting
The Chairman explained that this was a different meeting and the issue of the blocks were discussed at Council meetings.
(b) Mrs Matten, 237 Brighton Road enquired when the outstanding questions she had raised in various correspondence and meetings would be dealt with.
The Chairman referred to the recent vacant clerks post and explained that answers would be forthcoming where possible in due course.
(c) Mrs Quick, 67 Cecil Road enquired why only 15minutes were allotted for members of the public to raise questions at Council meetings.
The Chairman explained that this was a standard time to invite questions. To allow more time could lead to meetings becoming lengthy and might fail to discuss issues before the Council
Mr Hutton, 22 Marlin Court, stated that when elected Councillors undertook to work on the peoples behalf and should listen to the people.
Mrs Matten reminded the Council of the code of conduct.
The Chairman stated that the Council collectively will decide the issues to be discussed and this was not a personal decision. If elected Members wish to discus certain issues they would be given the opportunity.
(d) Mrs Matten, 237 Brighton Road informed the meeting that she was under the impression that only residents of Lancing were eligible to attend the meeting.
The Acting Clerk advised the meeting that those not living in the Parish could add to the debate but could not vote in any poll.
(e) Mr Booker, complained about the emergency gas works on the A259. He suggested that 70% of time there was no work and no control and although the road works were completed on Friday at 12 noon the road was not open until 6 hours later. He asked that WSCC be contacted for an explanation.
(f) Mr Eden 17 The Tynings, asked how much under-spend does the Council expect this year as there was a £35k under-spend last year and why has the precept risen to 7.5 %. Mr Eden enquired the reason for the traffic wardens (£500) and the testing of electrical equipment (£2400)
The Chairman stated that traffic control was provided by PCSO’s on Bank Holiday Mondays but that the police had not always charged the Parish for the service. The testing of electrical equipment was a statutory duty for all Councils.
Mr Eden enquired why the Parish had such a large reserve fund.
The Chairman explained that the reserve was to cater for emergencies or any contingencies that may happen during the year.
(g) Mrs Quick asked if new Councillors could make themselves k known
All Councillors present stood and introduced themselves
(h) Mr Graham Brown, 147 Brighton Road enquired what scrutiny does this Council play in other council finances
The Chairman responded by assuring the meeting that as a number of Parish Councillors were District Councillors also there was always a concern about all levels of government expenditure. The Chairman pointed out the recent merger between Adur and Worthing and the savings of £500k and that all were looking for savings continually.
(j) Mr Eggington brought up the question that there may be evidence of asbestos in the blocks at Beach Green and that if so the blocks would be better left in place and covered.
Mrs Matten enquired why if asbestos was put in concrete why has one been uncovered and left on public view. A member of the public who had worked for many years in the construction industry said that there may be some confusion as only fly-ash from power stations was used which helped with the viscosity of the mixture.
Mr Eggington qualified his statement and referred to asbestos being present as infill material and if this was the case then the area should be left undisturbed.
The Chairman stated that the blocks had been tested for detrimental material and stated that the issue would be investigated.
Mrs Matten suggested that too much money had already been spent on this issue and that further testing and the idea of a Parish pole was a further waste of money
Mrs. Quick referred to the Conservative election leaflet mandate to hold a referendum if elected. Mrs Quick was of the opinion that that the previous contractor who had undertaken remedial works on the Green had not done a good job and that the professional survey had suppressed the true conclusions. Mrs Quick then called for a vote at the meeting to gauge public opinion on the Beach Green issue.
Mr. Eden seconded this motion.
Cllr Hamblin asked that if only a covering of soil was placed over the area could there be similar problems in the future. The Chairman confirmed that that could possibly be the case.
Mrs Matten suggested that if the Council had maintained the area better over the last 20/30 years then this would not have been a problem and that the Council will hopefully learn from the mistakes and put a sufficient maintenance budget in place in future.
The Chairman reassured Mrs Matten that the area has always been inspected regularly.
Mr. Matten suggested that we ensure that the movements of the market lorries are regulated to minimise any future damage to the surface.
At this point the Chairman put the motion to the vote. There was only one vote not in favour of the motion.
Mrs Matten sought assurance that the members of the Council who had voted for the motion would not vote otherwise at a future Council meeting.
(k) Mrs Pashley commented that the gardens in village look well and suggested that if there was any spare money perhaps consideration could be given to refurbishing Monks Recreation Ground changing rooms.
(l) Mrs Pashley also raised the question of dog wardens on the beach as not all dog owners clear up after their dog. Cllr Bridges explained that the Adur DC is looking into this matter and hopefully this will appear on a future Council agenda.
(m) Mr Hutton was concerned about building in green spaces, and in particular Beach Green, and asked if the Council would consider registering the open spaces and green areas to prevent this from happening.
The Chairman explained that Beach Green is already protected and only certain structures such as a shelter and band stand are permitted. The chairman also said that other sites would be considered.
(n) Mrs Matten raised three matters:-
(1) That the Village Regeneration Scheme had not been progressed and asked that a Councillor champion the project
(2) Could the Parish Council encourage the formation of Youth Council, perhaps with the local PCSO’s and
(3) Could a ‘Gorgeous garden’ competition be organised.
Cllr Bridges informed the meeting that ADC run such a youth Council and that she would support the ‘Gorgeous garden’ initiative.
Cllr Collard informed the meeting that ADC do run a garden competition and that Lancing only submitted five applications last year.
Mrs Matten suggested that perhaps the local schools could help with advertising the event and design posters etc.
(o) Mr Collington suggested that the Councillors should hire a coach and tour the area to see some of the problems and referred to flooding at Manor Parade and the Cemetery which in his opinion needed some form of over pumping and suggested that this issue be taken up by the Parish Council.
Cllr Bridges enquired if Mr Collington had taken this issue up with ADC and he confirmed that he had.
Clrr Terry said she was in the process of walking around the area to gain an understanding of the issues.
(p) Mrs Matten enquired if training would be available for Councillors
The Chairman and Cllr Terry confirmed that Councillor training was underway and that there would be more to follow.
(q) Mr Eden was concerned about the cycle lanes along the foreshore. Mrs Matten agreed and said that there had been several near accidents. Mr Eden asked the Chairman for his thoughts.
The Chairman informed that WSCC were responsible for the lanes and expressed a personal opinion that certain liberties appeared to have been taken by the County Council which will be taken up with them.
(r) Mr Matten raised the question of an apparent encroachment onto Parish land by the developers of the building on Beach Green and asked the chairman if this matter could be investigated.
The Chairman confirmed that this would be done.
(s) Mrs Quick asked what happens now concerning the discussion over Beach Green.
The Chairman advised the meeting that the Council will seek advice on the issue of asbestos and discuss the issue again at a future Council meeting.
(t) Mr Gordon Brown raised a question concerning the public question time at Council meetings. He asked if questions could be raised during and after Council meetings. Mrs Matten informed the meeting that there was one council which do allow public questions throughout the proceedings.
It was agreed that this matter would be discussed at a future council meeting.
(u) Mrs Matten raised the matter of Council ground staff using strimmers in preference to the recently acquired grass mowers.
The Chairman asked the Clerk to look into this matter and report his findings.
There being no further questions the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting a 21:05.
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