HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: All Members of the Grounds & Environment Committee (Kristian Berggreen,
David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd and Ian Weir) with copies to all other Councillors for information.
A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on 7 May 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Parish Clerk 30 April 2026
1. TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. TO ACCEPT DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the Grounds and Environment Meeting held on 5th March 2026. (Previously circulated).
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).
6. GROUNDSPERSON REPORT. (Appendix 2).
7. COMMITTEE TERMS of REFERENCE – The committee is asked to review the Grounds & Environment Terms of Reference. (Appendix 3).
8. PARKLANDS COPSE – A summary of works that have recently taken place or are planned at Parklands Copse. (Appendix 4).
9. GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE – The committee is asked to agree to fund a bench to be placed in the Garden of Remembrance, as a tribute to former councillor Jane Baker who passed away last year. Jane was a Parish Councillor for many years; she led and supported the garden volunteer group. The Garden of Remembrance would be a fitting place for her to be remembered. (Appendix 5). Please click here to view Appendix 5.
10. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN –
10.1 – PAVILION WORKS UPDATE (Appendix 6).
10.2 – ADASTRA PARK TOILETS PROPOSAL (Appendix 7). Please click here to view Appendix 7.
10.3 – SEATING IN ADASTRA PARK – Members are asked to consider a proposal to install new picnic tables in the younger children’s play area. (Appendix 8). Please click here to view Appendix 8.
10.4 – ADASTRA CARPARK REPAINTING – Members are asked to consider the report provided and agree to the revised scheme to enlarge the existing disabled spaces. (Appendix 9). Please click here to view Appendix 9.
11. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP – Update regarding the installation of cycle racks and TRO for Keymer Road. (Appendix 10). Please click here to view Appendix 10.1.
12. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal Update.
13. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chair for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. – Thursday 25 June 2026.
Please Note: All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees. Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.
FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA. During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only, providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting
Appendix 1
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 7 May 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 5 – Officer Report
The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on (G&E) Matters:
Memorial Bench
Tree works – Garden of Remembrance
Garden of Remembrance – Volunteers
Tree works – Allotments
Burial Ground Update April/May 2026
Ice cream van – Adastra Park
Playground Inspections 2026-27
£1100 total ex VAT. (25-26 £1074). This represents a minimal increase.
For comparison a quote was received from Infinity Playgrounds:
Operational inspections: 11 x £80
Annual Inspection: 1 x £150
Total per site: £1,030 annually
Total for all 3 sites: £3,090 (2 x play areas & the skate park)
Excluding VAT.
Anti-Social Behaviour – Adastra Park
Rats in Orchard Lane/Adastra Park
Tennis Courts – Update
District Council Consultation
We’ve checked in to ask why they are asking about Adastra Park and whether it covers the MSDC owned green spaces (London Road and Clayton recreation grounds).
We’ve asked for feedback on the survey questions before it’s sent and to see the results afterwards (to be shared with G&E and relevant councillors).
We will share and promote the survey.
Kidical Mass Bike Ride – 2026
Appendix 2
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 7th May 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Groundsperson Report
The purpose of this report is to update members on the activities of our Groundsperson:
Football pitches since last G&E:
Appendix 3
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Subject: Agenda Item 7 – Terms of Reference
Membership of the Grounds & Environment Committee
Chairperson
Conduct of Meetings
Responsibilities
Financial Responsibilities
Fees & Charges
Reviewed May 2026
Appendix 4
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 7 May 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Parklands Copse
The purpose of this report is to update councillors on grounds works that are due or have recently taken place at Parklands Copse:
Appendix 6
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Ground & Environment Committee
Date: 7th May 2026
Contact for this report: Parish Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10.1 – Sports Pavilion Works
Background
Recommendation
Background
Maintenance Plan
| Works Required in 2026 | Progress |
| External Works – the consultant’s report recommended annually removing ivy growth and cleaning off algae. | Works completed by Greenscene to cut back foliage and remove ivy. |
| Roof & Drainage –
· Check annually and clear out gutters, pipes and remove accumulated debris on main and canopy roofs · Re-lay central part of roof along gulley · Re-fix rainwater Pipe
· Install additional drainage to reduce flooding risk – divert rainwater from the downpipes x2 into the ditch and create a drainage channel at the front of the building by the patio doors. |
Groundsman has cleared the gutter on the flat roof. To be added to annual maintenance programme.
Richard Soan Roofing are booked in to carry out electrical integrity testing w/c 4 May, followed by repairs To be carried out alongside roofing repairs above. Greenscene booked in to install drainage and pipework in mid-May |
| Internal works – redecorate water damaged areas in changing rooms and bar. Make good wall light in away changing store and fix changing room roof. Replace shelves in bar. Cllr Bunting has also asked for the damaged ceiling tiles in the kitchen, toilets and bar to be replaced and additional redecorating in the changing rooms, corridors and toilets | Replace plasterboard and redecorate changing room ceiling and walls, paint water damaged cricket club store and damaged walls in the pavilion – works to be scheduled on completion of roof repairs (quote £1,125).
DC Electrical are booked in on 12 May to replace damaged ceiling tiles and fix emergency lights. In addition, extra shelving has been installed to create more storage. Glass recycling bins have been provided for the cricket bar. Taps have been repaired in the pavilion kitchen. A new tap will be ordered for the bar. |
| Bi-Fold doors – the consultant recommended that the bi-fold doors be adjusted and overhauled | This was previously explored but they could not be fixed so have been permanently locked since 2018. The report suggests the doors are replaced in 2028 if they are not repairable. They should be replaced with sturdy glass doors suitable for a public building. |
| Hot Water System | The ASHP is broken but new timers have been fitted allowing the water tank temperature to be maintained, running on mains electricity (this will increase the bill by approx. £100 pcm).
There is a proposal to replace the existing hot water system with a series of instant hot water heaters for the toilet and kitchen sinks and showers. |
| Air Source Heat Pump | The ASHP is faulty and as a result the underfloor heating is not working so there is currently no heating in the pavilion. This needs to be resolved before the Autumn.
Daikin have provided a quote for repairs totalling £3,234.28 for parts and labour. The council has received two quotes to install a modern replacement unit: Supplier 1 – £10,228 Supplier 2 – £14,765 The existing hot water system or new water heaters and the underfloor heating could potentially be powered by a replacement ASHP and / or solar panels with battery storage. Alternatively, they could run on mains electric which may not be as energy efficient and cost effective. |
| Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery – | The MVHR system is due to be serviced in July – the filters will be replaced and the duct work reconnected, if necessary.
The Groundsman can lag the pipes in the plant room. Some of the recommended improvements such as PIR occupancy, time clock control are not available for this model. |
| Fire Safety – replace smoke detectors | WorkNest carried out a Fire Risk Assessment on 30 March. There are no actions requiring immediate attention but there are a number of advisories that will be dealt with during 2026/27.
Compliance actions to date for moderate risk issues (complete within 60 days) – the cooker has been deep cleaned and a portable heater removed. There was no requirement to replace the smoke detectors. |
| Lighting –
Replace all lamps with new LED lamps and all luminaires with LED fittings |
The Council has been advised that all lamps are already LEDs. |
Potential capital project
Appendix 10
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 7 May 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 11 Highways & Transportation Working Group Update
The purpose of this report is to update members on the activities of the Highways & Transportation Working Group.
Background
The working group have been discussing with our WSCC, two main issues that need to be addressed:
Cycle parking
Two sites have been agreed in principle –
Corral designed for disability/mobility/cargo bike parking. (will also take standard bikes)
Costs
The only funding the Parish Council can contribute will be in the form of S106 developer monies, amounting to £1479. Further funding sources are being investigated. Ideally both sites are to be progressed simultaneously.
Installation costs: £120.00 per stand (standard Sheffield only)
Sheffield stand: £173 (with Tapper tube)
Corral: £2250
Total costs: approximately £3000
RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to agree to go ahead with the scheme pending further funds being available.
Traffic Regulation Order – Keymer Road
With the growth of the village and increase in users of Adastra Park/Hall parking along Keymer Road travelling east from the entrance to Adastra Park towards Keymer has become problematic. The group propose that a Traffic Regulation Order application is placed with West Sussex County Council to install double yellow lines at certain points in order to create passing points to increase the flow of traffic. (Appendix 10.1).
Traffic Regulation Order – John Saxby Place
At the access road to John Saxby Place there is only a single yellow line resulting in cars parking and blocking access to residents of the address. It is proposed to include in the TRO application a request to change this to a double yellow line to ensure access is always maintained and penalties can be issued should anyone park across here.
RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to agree to go ahead with the TRO application. As per the guidelines outlined on WSCC website a small amount of community engagement would be necessary to gain the support of affected residents/businesses.
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT Committee held on Thursday 7 May 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Attendees: Councillors David Bunting, Ian Weir, Frances Gaudencio.
In attendance: Cllr Maria Angelaki- King, Cllr Peter Reime, Cllr Clare Black, Helen Valler (Deputy Clerk).
GE25/113 APOLOGIES: Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Peter Richardson, Cllr Kristian Berggreen, Cllr Paul Shepherd, Cllr Bill Hatton, Cllr Sue Hatton.
GE25/114 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.
GE25/115 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Grounds & Environment Committee meeting held on 5 March 2026 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
GE25/116 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. No members of the public present.
GE25/117 OFFICER’S REPORT.
Members noted the report provided in Appendix 1 of the agenda. The following points regarding items on the report were raised:
GE25/118 GROUNDSPERSON REPORT.
Members noted the report provided in Appendix 2 of the agenda. They were pleased that all the football pitches are now playable.
GE25/119 COMMITTEE TERMS of REFERENCE – Members considered the existing Terms of Reference.
Members noted the updated Committee Terms of Reference in Appendix 3. It was RESOLVED that the current document is satisfactory, no changes were made.
GE25/120 PARKLANDS COPSE – Members noted the planned works and recently completed works in Parklands Copse.
GE25/121 GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE – Members considered the proposal to purchase and install a bench as a memorial to Jane Baker. It was RESOLVED that a bench and plaque would be purchased and a suitable position within the Garden of Remembrance would be selected to position the bench. It was thought appropriate to contact Jane’s husband for his input on the exacting wording of the plaque.
GE25/122 ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN.
GE25/122.1 – PAVILION WORKS UPDATE – Cllr Bunting updated members on progress of works to the pavilion.
It was RESOLVED that the repair to the heat pump would be delayed pending further enquiries through the Park Working Group.
GE25/122.2 – ADASTRA PARK TOILETS PROPOSAL –
Members discussed the history of the public toilets in Hassocks and noted that the original choice of site was away from Adastra park in Dale Avenue.
It was RESOLVED that all three options are potentially viable and the Park Working Group would meet soon to discuss in more depth. The timeline was noted.
GE25/122.3 – SEATING IN ADASTRA PARK –
Members discussed the two designs outlined in the report. The lack of shade in the younger children’s play area was highlighted; members of the public have also raised this.
It was RESOLVED that two picnic tables would be purchased, for each location set out in the report. Two concrete bases would be required. The Waddington design was preferable subject to ensuring that it is wheelchair friendly.
GE25/122.4 – ADASTRA CARPARK REPAINTING –
Members discussed the two diagrams of the car park kindly produced by Cllr Richardson. A survey was completed to determine whether there is scope for any more spaces by redesigning the layout. It was raised that there must be at least 6 metres spaces between adjacent rows to allow reversing space.
The conclusion was that the two existing disabled spaces provide inadequate space for wheelchair users to access vehicles.
It was RESOLVED that a new quote would be obtained to repaint the existing lines and chevrons.
GE25/123 – HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP –
Cllr Weir introduced the map he had produced to show the proposed locations for the double yellow lines. Lines will also be required on the south side of the road to discourage vehicles from parking on that side.
The committee resolved to agree with both the installation of the cycle racks and the application to West Sussex County Council for a Traffic Regulation Order. Members noted that additional funds will need to be sourced to complete the full cycle rack scheme.
Cllr Angelaki-King and Cllr Gaudencio left the meeting – 9.05pm
GE25/124 – PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY UPDATE
Cllr Weir provided the following update:
GE 25/125 URGENT MATTERS – There were no urgent matters
GE25/126 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday 25 June at 7.30pm.
There being on other business the meeting was closed at 9.13pm
See full list of 2025/26 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
18/05/2026
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21/05/2026
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