Parish Council update from Councillor J Kerr
Parish Council meeting held on Monday 8th July
This meeting was attended by an almost full complement of councillors and there were no members of the public in attendance.
Two planning applications were under consideration
An alteration to a bay window at 28 Oldaker Road was given no objection.
However, one application was subject to further discussion – The variation to conditions of the plans for houses to rear of 45 Allington Road which the Parish Council objected on the grounds that there were concerns that the properties would no longer be 2/3 bedroom bungalows but 3/4 bedroom houses as a result of increasing the height of the properties. The addition of garages rather than car ports was also questioned. It was decided to write to the LDC with our comments.
The approval of the building of a property to the rear of 61A Allington Road was discussed having raised objections to this on previous occasions. The Parish Council has written to LDC questioning why this has been granted given that the application had not been referred to the LDC Planning Committee. A previous application on this site had been refused before on a number of grounds particularly on access to the property and impact on the adjacent school entrance.
It was agreed that Newick Bonfire Society could erect banners on the Green advertising their upcoming fete on Sunday 21st July 2024.
All financial matters were agreed.
The proposed works on Gold Bridge were discussed concerning investigations to be carried out by Balfour Beatty to further check the structure of the bridge with a view to lifting the weight limit, The planned closures are planned from Wednesday 17th July until Friday 19th July between 7pm and 6am. The Council agreed to liaise with East Sussex Highways and East Sussex Police to find out whether the work can be extended over a longer number of days over a shorter period of time to reduce impact of traffic through the village but unfortunately ESCC have confirmed that this is not possible.
Councillor M Thew then reported to the meeting on matters concerning Environment & Recreation. She reported that the Council are waiting for the outcome of both a planning and a funding application to LDC and the outcome of both would be known soon.
It was great to hear that the lease on the allotments in Cornwells Bank has been renewed for the next 5 years. So allotment holders can continue to cultivate their produce unhampered and is very encouraging for “growing your own” in Newick.
The cracks in the surface of the Skate Park were discussed and it was confirmed that the original contractors (Gravity) will look into this in the upcoming weeks, and it was confirmed any repairs will be take place under warranty.
It was agreed that the outcome of the resurfacing of parts of the play area at KGVPF was a great improvement. The two areas concerned were around the trampoline and the “Witches Hat” cone climber.
Councillor A Sippetts has agreed to don his cycling gear to once again check all the Fingerposts that we all enjoy as our lovely rural signposts and see if any need repairs or upgrading. For anyone who has not noticed these are the lovely black and white signs that can been seen throughout Newick. They have been in existence since 1697 as “direction pillars at cross highways” The height enabled stagecoach drivers to read without difficulty and are important for local identity.
Finally, Councillor B Whitlock reported that October will see the return of the exciting Twaddling Race night at Newick Village Hall so do get involved.
