Grounds & Environment Committee

Agenda

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 25th June 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk 18th June 2026

1. TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

2. TO ACCEPT DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

3. ELECTION of CHAIR & VICE-CHAIR – Members are requested to elect a Chair & Vice-Chair of the Grounds & Environment Committee.

4. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the Grounds and Environment Meeting held on 7th May 2026. (Previously circulated).

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

6. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).

7. GROUNDSPERSON REPORT. (Appendix 2).

8. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2026 – Members are asked to consider the attached report. (Appendix 3).

9. JAPANESE KNOTWEED INSPECTIONS. Members are asked to be aware of the two attached reports regarding the annual inspections. (Appendix 4). Please click here to view Appendix 4.

10. MEMORIAL BENCH ADASTRA PARK – A member of the public has requested a bench be installed in the park in memory of her father. (Appendix 5).

11. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN

11.1. PAVILION WORKS UPDATE.

11.2. ADASTRA PARK TOILETS UPDATE.

11.3. ADASTRA PARK TOILETS – Members are asked to consider and agree to go ahead with a structural survey & CCTV drainage survey in order to progress the refurbishments works.

Building structural survey: £650 ex VAT – Stuart Radley Associates

Drainage survey:  £390 ex VAT. This would include a CCTV drainage survey of the accessible drainage runs serving the toilet block, with our findings provided following the survey. If any defects, blockages, or areas of concern are identified, we will advise on the most suitable next steps. Alton Facilities Services.

11.4. ORCHARD LANE WORKS. Members are asked to consider works to Orchard Lane. (Appendix 8). Please click here to view Appendix 8.

11.5. HEDGEHOGS – Members are asked to consider the attached report (Appendix 9).

11.6. LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS. Members are asked to consider the proposals for biodiversity improvements to the park (Appendix 10) please click here to view Appendix 10 and the quotation attached. (Appendix 10.1). Please click here to view Appendix 10.1

12. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP – Verbal Update.

13. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal Update.

14. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chair for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. – Thursday 30TH July 2026.

Please Note: All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees. Item 5 – 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: 25th June 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Officer Report

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on (G&E) Matters:

  • Bench now delivered and installed on the southbound platform at the station in memory of Les Campbell
  • The Parish Council have been successful in their application to the Football Foundation for a grant to improve the condition of the football pitches. Discussions currently with Barcombe regarding an enhanced maintenance schedule.
  • Two bollards have been installed at the north entrance to Adastra Park, to obstruct vehicles from driving onto the field.
  • A dead and damaged Willow Tree from the north boundary of the park was removed on 3rd       Cost: £550.00.
  • Robert Heath Heating Ltd are booked in for the 2nd July to carry out the repairs to the Air Source Heat Pump in the Pavilion. The repair cost of £3200 has already been paid.
  • On 15th July the next meeting will take place of the Bus route 273 Working Group. This will be held at Hurstpierpoint Parish Council. It will cover the next steps, licences, permissions and additional works required. Our temporary additional member of staff will be attending on our behalf. She will be fully briefed beforehand.
  • Dog Waste Bins Update

Subject to a 28 day consultation WSCC have approved the following locations:

  • Ockley Lane/Woodsland Rd
  • Stanford Ave/junction of London Rd
  • The Fairway/London Rd
  • Campion Close – Saxon Gate

I am now waiting for them to start a 28 day consultation period, before a licence can be issued for the installation to go ahead.

  • Still awaiting approval:
    Junction of Lodge Lane/PROW 12K – WSCC are unable to licence this location due to lack of space on the highway boundary. They have advised a bin could be installed a short distance into the PROW. I am waiting to hear from MSDC for permission.
  • Ockley Park – Copley Drive & western end of Woodsland Road – Waiting to hear from WSCC as to whether they need to also approve these locations along with the managing agent of the development.
  • Car park resurfacing
    A new quote has been obtained to resurface the car park and reconfigure the two disabled spaces to provide more room at either side.Batten Road Marking – based in Henfield£1420.00 (no VAT)£160.00 – to burn off lines and complete hatched area.
    They will be instructed to complete the work over the summer holiday when the car park has less usage.

 Appendix 2

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL 

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                     

Date: 25th June 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 7 – Groundsperson Report

Due to the weather a lot of time is taken up with clearing litter and cutting the grassed areas and the allotments. Other regular tasks:

  • Weekly checking of headstones at burial grounds, all secure
  • Regular grass cutting and strimming, mostly daily now in growing season
  • After gathering some quotes from various pest control companies, I arranged for the treatment of a rat infestation issue along the hedge between orchard lane and the north field. Bait boxes were safely installed and have successfully reduced numbers of rats in the area
  • Some hedge cutting after thoroughly checking for nesting birds. Mainly areas obstructing CCTV and access to buildings/walkways. Will continue in the coming weeks around the pavilion area and bowls green
  • Currently working with councillors to improve some areas of the park (for example, potential for new plants, bulbs and biodiversity meadow areas) and hoping to implement some ideas later this year

Appendix 3

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To: Grounds and Environment Committee

Date: 25th June 2026

Contact for this report: Deputy Clerk

Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Christmas lights 2026

The purpose of this report is to present to councillors a proposal for a new Christmas lighting contractor:

Background:

Our three-year contract with Merlin Lighting came to an end after Christmas 2025.

I am awaiting a new quote.

Over the last three years there have been numerous issues with the lights:

  • Displays on the lighting columns not working. No testing or repair taking place despite repeated requests.
  • Late communication from our contact leaving little time to finalise the required permission from WSCC to attach the lights to the columns.
  • During the 2025/26 season we hired a lighting display from Merlin Lighting to be displayed on the outside wall of Hassocks Hardware. Due to the display constantly tripping the lighting in the shop it was rarely illuminated.

Quote 1 – Festive Lighting Company

To decorate 16 lamp post columns with a double-sided design – 32 motifs

3-year contract: £7099.00 per year

5-year contract: £6595.00 per year

Full details are contained in Appendix 3.1. Please click here to view Appendix 3.1

Includes installation, testing, removal, storage.

Current contracts with Brighton & Hove City Council and Horsham District Council.

I have asked if they can provide a more elaborate design for the Hassocks Hardware wall.

Quote 2 – Turnock Lighting

Offering a 3-year contract which would include a fixed price of:

  1. a) Provide an initial pole stress test & report (for WSCC) plus a simpler one for each of the next 2 years. (unless you have any severely corroded or very old poles)
  2. b) Electrical testing & result sheets for the WSCC street lighting chief engineer at the same time as annual installation work.
  3. c) Provide annual rental for 15 of our medium size pole displays & one wall display, do annual installation, switch on, & removal. (Appendix 3.2). Please click here to view Appendix 3.2
  4. d) annual test/repair/storage of all displays in our factory each year, ready for the following year.

3-year contract – £7100 per annum (estimate only). There would be additional costs such as travel, as they are based in the West Midlands. Final price would be decided upon a site visit. They don’t provide lighting for anyone else in this area. Would prefer that we find a local electrician to do the install to save on travel costs.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION:  The Festive Lighting company have provided a clear comprehensive report outlining the scope of the contract. It is recommended they become our new supplier. The option of 3 or 5 years needs to be discussed and agreed:

Total cost over 5 years: £32,975.00

Total cost over 3 years: £21,297.00

Current available budget over 3 years: £20,500.00

Current available budget over 5 years: £27,500.00

EMR 10k. Annual Budget: £3500.00

Shortfall in budget to make up: 3 years £797.00. 5 years £5475.00. These amounts would need to be added to the budget each year.

Appendix 5

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL 

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 25th June 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk             

Subject: Agenda Item 10 – Memorial Bench

The purpose of this report is to ask members to consider a request from a member of public who would like to donate funds for a bench in Adastra Park in memory of her father. Members are asked to consider whether the person has sufficient connection to the village/park to justify a bench.

Background

  • Person’s father passed away in May 2026
  • Played for Hassocks Football Club for many years.
  • Lived in Burgess Hill
  • Surviving family live in Hassocks & Lindfield.

Appendix 9

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL 

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 25th June 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk             

Subject: Agenda Item 11.5 – Hedgehogs & Biodiversity

The purpose of this report is to invite councillors to agree the purchase of hedgehog haven boxes to be positioned around Adastra Park:

  • Starter Pack (4 Hedgehog Havens): Perfect for a pilot in a key green space. £240 (Unit cost: £60).
  • Community Pack (8 Hedgehog Havens): Ideal for a comprehensive park or estate project. £440 (Unit cost: £55) – Our most popular council option.

Every package includes:

  • The specified number of high-quality, assembled hedgehog houses, constructed with high-quality long-life UK made timber.
  • A supply of hedgehog nesting material sufficient for all hedgehog houses.
  • A supply of hedgehog food.
  • A ceramic drinking bowl.
  • Our ‘Hedgehog Highway & Habitat’ guide (creating corridors, linking green spaces).
  • A placement and monitoring guide for officers/volunteers.
  • A press release template and social media graphics to announce your project.
  • Delivery included and 10 year guarantee.

RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to consider this proposal in conjunction with the landscape proposals.

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Draft Minutes of the meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT Committee held on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Attendees: Councillors David Bunting, Ian Weir, Frances Gaudencio, Kristian Berggreen, Paul Shepherd, Bill Hatton, Peter Richardson, Peter Reime.

In attendance: Helen Valler (Deputy Clerk). One member of the public.

GE26/001 APOLOGIES. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Sue Hatton and Cllr Maria Angelaki-King

GE26/002 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.

GE26/003 ELECTION OF CHAIR & VICE CHAIR. It was proposed by Cllr Hatton and seconded by Cllr Berggreen that Cllr David Bunting is elected Chair.

It was RESOLVED that Cllr David Bunting is elected chair of the Grounds & Environment Committee for 2026/27

It was proposed by Cllr Hatton and seconded by Cllr Bergreen that Cllr Paul Shepherd is elected Vice-Chair.

It was RESOLVED that Cllr Paul Shepherd is elected Vice-Chair of the Grounds & Environment Committee for 2026/27.

GE26/004 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Grounds & Environment Committee meeting held on 7th May 2026 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

GE26/005 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. One member of the public present.

GE26/006 OFFICER’S REPORT.

Members noted the report provided in Appendix 1 of the agenda. The following points regarding items on the report were raised:

  • The Deputy Clerk updated councillors regarding the dog waste bins. Confirmation from WSCC that the 28-day consultation period will begin in the next few days.
  • Ockley Park locations – Woodsland Road and Copley Drive. WSCC have confirmed that these two roads remain unadopted, so only permission from the managing agent is necessary, which has already been sought and confirmed.
  • Deputy Clerk clarified the wording in relation to Adastra Car park. It should read repainting the lines rather than a complete re-surface. Councillors were happy with this work going ahead during the summer holidays when the car park is quieter.
  • Deputy Clerk confirmed that we have had to pay for the heat pump repair in advance as that is the policy of the contractor, to enable them to order the required parts.
  • It was confirmed that the Deputy Clerk will ensure our temporary member of staff is fully up to date before she attends the bus shelter meeting on 15th

GE26/007 GROUNDSPERSON REPORT.

Members noted the report provided in Appendix 2 of the agenda.

GE26/008 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2026. Members discussed both the quotes provided. The Deputy Clerk explained that she has requested a quote from our current supplier but nothing had been provided as yet.

They noted that the quote from Festive Lighting is concise in layout, clearly stating the future costs. Cllr Richardson expressed surprise that they are able to provide costings for as much as 5 years in the future. The following points were raised:

  • Is there a service level agreement in the event of a fault developing with any part of the display. Will they agree to attend within a certain time frame to complete a repair.
  • If for any reason we are unhappy with the service after year one, is there a facility to cancel the contract for the next two years.
  • It was RESOLVED that Festive Lighting will be contracted on a 3-year basis to provide our Christmas lights. Subject to gaining clarification on the above points.

GE26/009 JAPANESE KNOTWEED INSPECTIONS. Members noted the reports provided. The Deputy Clerk explained that we currently pay £100 per site annually for monitoring of each of the two sites within Adastra Park. The agreement with the contractor is that he attends once a year to assess possible growth. Any treatment needed is included in the annual cost.

GE26/010 MEMORIAL BENCH ADASTRA PARK. Members discussed the request for a bench in Adastra Park and whether the person had a sufficient connection with Hassocks. It was noted that there is limited space for new benches and what space there is, should be kept available for persons with more of a connection to the village and park. It was discussed that at a later date a policy surrounding donations, to clarify responsibilities for future maintenance, should be agreed by committee.

It was RESOLVED that councillors didn’t feel this family had sufficient historical connections to approve a new bench installation.

GE26/011 ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN.

GE26/011.1 PAVILION WORKS UPDATE. Members noted that we are currently in the process of obtaining three quotes for project management of the proposed works. The quotes will be considered and a contractor selected at a future meeting. This information was placed on the agenda to provide councillors with an idea of the type of contract being sought.

GE26/011.2 ADASTRA PARK TOILETS UPDATE. Members noted that we are currently in the process of obtaining three quotes for project management of the proposed works. The quotes will be considered and a contractor selected at a future meeting. This information was placed on the agenda to provide councillors with an idea of the type of contract being sought. The project manager will handle potential contractors and the tendering process to assist with the workload of the Clerk.

It was explained that there are funds available of 200k for each project. With potential to move money should the budget for one of the projects come in under this amount.

Cllr Bunting also explained that we will shortly being going ahead with a survey of park and pavilion users. MSDC were also undertaking a survey, but the status of this is unclear, clarification is being sought.

Councillors were asked to submit question suggestions by 10th July.

GE26/011.3 ADASTRA PARK TOILETS. This item was discussed in conjunction with Item 11.2.  Cllr Bunting explained there is a need to go ahead and complete both these surveys as soon as possible. To provide any future project manager with the necessary information surrounding the building. Other quotes for both pieces of work have been sought unsuccessfully.

The building survey should provide the answer as to whether the building can be refurbished or would need to be rebuilt.

It was RESOLVED that Stuart Radley Associates would be commissioned to carry out the building survey at a cost of £650 ex VAT.

It was RESOLVED that Alton Facilities Services would be commissioned to carry out the CCTV drainage survey at a cost of £390 ex VAT.

GE26/011.4 ORCHARD LANE WORKS. Councillors discussed both the proposed items of works to Orchard Lane. Deputy Clerk was unable to get quotes before the meeting went ahead. It was agreed that the work to the ‘sleeping policemen’ is required to alleviate flooding on the lane. In relation to the footpath entrance to the north field another option was discussed:

  • A quote to create a footpath along the eastern side of Orchard Lane from Grand Avenue to the entrance to the field.

The Deputy Clerk to make more enquiries for a quote for this work.

GE26/011.5 – HEDGEHOGS/BIODIVERSITY. Councillors discussed the proposal to purchase a hedgehog starter pack for Adastra Park. The following points were raised:

  • Who would be responsible for monitoring. The Deputy Clerk has spoken to our Groundsperson, who is happy to place the boxes, once appropriate locations are selected.
  • Councillors discussed whether Adastra Park is the most appropriate place, it being a sports field.
  • It was discussed whether Talbot Field might be more appropriate. The Deputy Clerk will contact the group responsible for Talbot Field maintenance to discuss further. No decision was made at this time.

GE26/011.6 LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS. One member of the public talked councillors through the proposals contained in the report. The councillors thanked them for their work to produce the report.

This was discussed in conjunction with the quote from Barcombe Landscapes for improvements to the park. The following points were raised:

  • Are there more opportunities available for flood alleviation measures that are not contained in the report.
  • Cllr Bunting explained that the term sand/gravel banding is a process used to help water drain in areas prone to being flooded and boggy.
  • There are 11 potential areas for improvement that are identified in the report. Some are small projects that can be completed by our Groundsperson, others are more extensive works that would need more thought.
  • Need to be aware of the work carried out by our Garden of Remembrance volunteers. The top area of the garden is very shaded and has limited potential. Other ideas could be discussed.
  • The playground in the north field is in need of a drainage channel just inside the gate.
  • Further information and more detailed costs to be obtained in time for the next meeting on 30th

GE26/012 HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP – The deputy clerk explained that a Working Group meeting is planned for 10th July.

  • WSCC have confirmed that they need evidence of community support to progress the TRO application for double yellows along Keymer Road.
  • A member of public wishes to come along to this meeting to raise the issue of traffic problems along Lodge Lane.
  • The road sign replacement project will be discussed with a view to making a final agreement.

GE26/013 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY. Verbal update provided by Ian Weir.

  • A meeting recently took place with WSCC Estates Team, Downlands School and Windmills School. The upgrade of footpath 12k involves the removal of a fence, this will delay the improvement works.
  • Silverdale – Ditchling path – Cllrs & Clerk in discussion with landowner
  • Possible improvements to footpath across Clayton Rec to connect with new gate and crossing.
  • Ockley Park – Burgess Hill. This footpath is now completed up to the phone mast. The section of land owned by Burgess Hill Town Council is to be completed.

GE26/014 URGENT MATTERS – There were the following matters discussed

  • The Chair of the Committee commented that the hanging basket and lamppost basket displays were looking lovely, thanks to our contractor.
  • The recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Adastra park were discussed. Deputy Clerk to contact our PCSO Officer to enquire about what sufficient evidence they would require to take action.

GE26/015 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday 30 July 2026

There being no other business the meeting was closed at 9.08pm
Hassocks Parish Council
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