DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 8th SEPTEMBER 2027
Present: Councillors R. Farhall (Chair), N. Whines (Vice-Chair), J. Giles, M. Hardy, S. O’Sullivan
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
District Councillor E. Kirby-Green (part)
22nd September 2026
1. Disclosure of interests
None declared.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies for absence
None required.
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the MPC meeting held on 14.07.26 be confirmed as being an accurate record of the proceedings. Councillor Giles proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
5. Open Forum
5.1 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor Field send apologies.
5.2 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green
- There will be RDC elections in March 2027.
- Local Government reorganisation is presently paused.
- RDC’s Local Draft Plan has been discussed and is going to Cabinet.
- RDC are running at a slight surplus for the first quarter of this financial year.
6. Playground maintenance
The Members discussed the maintenance report from Sovereign Play. It was decided the Councillor Whines would monitor the condition of the wood “step” on the adventure trail and the lo- risk trip hazard around both sets of swings. (COUNCILLOR WHINES)
7. Parish Profile
AGREED: to go forward with this project. Councillor Whines will lead with support from the Clerk.
(COUNCILLOR WHINES/CLERK)
8. Telephone box refurbishment
The Clerk will continue to try and obtain quotes. (CLERK)
9. Grit bin replacement and refill
This work is in progress and will be discussed further at the MPC November meeting. (CHAIR)
10. Southern Water solar array
- No further information is available from SW.
- Further works are expected.
- A close eye will be kept on further planning applications.
11. Duck House
The duck house is off its moorings and at the side of the pond. It will be monitored to see if any ducks/geese occupy it over the winter.
12. Legionella assessment (KGF)
It is considered low-risk, but a risk assessment will be carried out.
13. Planning
13.1 Planning application for consideration:
RR/2026/0987/FN – The Woodyard, Church Road
Demolition of an existing forestry building which has a footprint of 38sq.m and erection of a replacement L shaped forestry building of steel portal frame construction and with a total footprint of 70sq.m, for the storage of forestry materials and harvested timber.
Click on this link to see full details on the RDC planning website
MPC will not comment on this application as it is pre-notification application for forestry/agricultural buildings.
13.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
14. Enforcement
14.1 Walters Wood (A21) is on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
14.2 Morrisons shop (A21) have been issued a planning contravention notice. RDC Enforcement are waiting for their response.
15. Highways/Rights of Way
15.1 Solomon’s Lane wish to their verges on both sides (properties and Southern Water) to become wildlife verges. This means one cut only in the Autumn and none in the Spring (no-mow May). The Clerk will contact ESCC Contractors to arrange this. (CLERK)
15.2 No other highways/RoW matters for discussion.
16. Finance
16.1 Bank balances at 31.08.26
- MPC deposit account – £15,483.34
- MPC current account – £2,565.32
- KGF current account – £1,760.43
16.2 RESOLVED: to approve the following payments. Councillor Hardy proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
- Clerk salary/home office Aug/Sep 2026 – £1,151.00
- * PKF Littlejohn external auditor AGAR 2025-26 – £252.00
- * ESFAE KGF pavilion fire inspection 2026 – £132.00
- * Parish Online subscription 2026-27 – £63.00
* already paid
17. Dates of next meetings
- 13.10.26 – Full Council Meeting (provisional only)
- 10.11.26 – Full Council Meeting
18. Exclusion of Public and Press
RESOLVED: that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, that the public and press be excluded from item 19. The Chair proposed and Councillor Whines seconded, the voting was unanimous.
19. Closed Session
This was consideration of a copyright claim and it was resolved not to respond. Councillor O’Sullivann proposed and Councillor Giles seconded, the voting was unanimous.