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, Ian Weir, Cllr Peter Reime, Cllr Maria Angelaki-King) with copies to all other Councillors for information.

A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on 17th September 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk 11th September 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 30th July 2026. (Previously circulated).

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1). Please click here to view Appendix 1.
Please click here to view Appendix 2 Guide to photos.
Please click here to view Appendix 2 Photos.

6. GROUNDSPERSON REPORT. (Appendix 3).

7. MEMORIAL BENCH PROCEDURE.

7.1 Members are asked to consider the report and agree the procedure for memorial benches in Adastra Park & the Burial Ground. (Appendix 4,4.1,4.2)
Please click here to view Appendix 4 and Appendix 4.3
Please click here to view Appendix 4.1
Please click here to view Appendix 4.2

7.2 Member are asked to consider whether they would like to put in an insurance claim for a vandalised bench which would incur £250 excess payment.

8. TENNIS COURTS UPDATE. Members are asked to consider the report provided. (Appendix 5)

9. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN:

9.1 PAVILION WORKS UPDATE. Members are asked to consider the report provided. (Appendix 6)

9.2 ADASTRA PARK PLANTING SCHEME. Members are asked to consider the attached reports. (Appendix 7.1,7.2,7.3)
To view Appendix 7.1 please click here.
To view Appendix 7.2 please click here.
To view Appendix 7.3 please click here.

9.3 ADASTRA PARK TOILETS UPDATE. Verbal Update.

9.4 ORCHARD LANE FLOODING QUOTES. Members are asked to consider two quotes received for works on Orchard Lane. (Appendix 8)
Appendix 8

10. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP UPDATE. The consultation on the proposed TRO application is running until 21st September. 42 responses received so far.

Consultation on proposed parking and traffic changes around Keymer

10.1 New Road Signs – Contractor has completed stage 1 –

  • Visit locations and confirm the information supplied.
  • Look for any other factors which may be relevant.
  • Prepare new sign face designs and works details for agreement with WSCC and supply a manufacture and installation quote to the PC.

Once the report is received the findings will be reported at the next Highways & Transportation Working Group.

11. FLOOD WORKING GROUP. Verbal Update.

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

12.1 Members are asked to consider the report from Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (previously Sustrans) to determine a suitable link route from Pyecombe to Hassocks. (Appendix 9).
To view Appendix 9 please click here.

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

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 29th October 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 3

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL 

To:  Grounds & Environment Committee                                     

Date: 17th September 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Groundsperson Report

  • Francis on annual leave 22nd August – 14th September
  • Cover for litter picking/rubbish bins and line painting provided by Barcombe Landscapes.
  • Cut all the hedges in the park and smartened them up ready for the non-growing/dormant season
  • Regular watering of the plants in the Garden of Remembrance during the extremely hot weather.
  • Weeding around the bollards in the main car park
  • Started some leaf clearance in gardens and tennis courts.

Appendix 5

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL 

To:  Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 17th September 2026

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk             

Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Tennis court activity

Purpose of Report

To update members on activities and membership of the tennis courts in Adastra Park during summer 2026.

Background

Commencing April 2026, a new process was introduced for Tennis Club memberships. The fees were increased to:

Concession: £100.00

Full member: £130.00

This includes three club sessions per week on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday & access to 2 free hours of court time weekly. Instead of the club taking payment, members were directed to the Parish Council website to take out a membership. This enables us to track membership numbers more closely and publicise the benefits of membership.

Membership 2026                       Membership 2025

Concession: 13                            Concession: 18

Full memberships: 8                     Full memberships: 7

Revenue YTD: £2340                   Revenue YTD: £1725

There were two that didn’t renew due to ill health. I’m not aware of anyone not renewing purely due to the increase in fees.

Activity – Lots of tennis played, made use of court three during the high temperatures due to the shade available. Tournament in August where 14 players attended along with spectators.

Pay & Play 2026

1st April 26 – 31st August 26: 418 paid bookings

Revenue: £2902.56

During this time there were 910 free court hours available to tennis club members, 66 were used.

Stripe fees year to date: £263.00

2025

1st April 2025 – 31st August 26; 581 paid bookings

Revenue: £3994.83

73 free court hours used by tennis club members.

Stripe fees: £272.00

Tennis Coaching Report

The current coaching timetable at Adastra Park:

Sunday 9am Cardio Tennis.  This is a popular group and attracts many younger mums or dads who want a more energetic session that doesn’t focus on technique.   We also run a junior class alongside this so the families can attend together.

Monday 12.30pm Walking Tennis.  This again is a well-supported group that attracts older age players who enjoy the social side of the group whilst having a gentle work out (we allow multiple bounces of the ball).

Wednesday 9am Rusty Rackets/Back to tennis.   A smaller group with regular participants who learn how to serve, rally and score and gain confidence on court.

Thursday 10am Intermediate/improver session.  A more structured and higher standard class for players who are confident in all areas of the game but want to work on specific patterns of play and/or common doubles scenarios.

Summer Activities:

Summer camp on beginning of September and although numbers were disappointing all the children had great fun. Just for 3 hours (as there is no real alternative for wet weather and toilet facilities are a long way from the park so this causes issues with younger children). There are other local established tennis clubs such as the Weald, Hurstpierpoint and even Hurstpierpoint College offering the same but longer days which suit a working parent better.  At the venues above they have clubhouse facilities for a longer lunch break or off court activities that can occupy kids for longer.

We also ran an Open Day (Big Tennis Weekend) in May.   The numbers were ok but it did attract players who could already play and were from neighbouring villages or clubs.  And any visitors who did attend didn’t really follow up with any commitment towards the programme

What has been a good success is the different cross sections of the community who attend the coaching classes I offer with all ages and abilities.   Would like to see the programme busier, but we also have to be mindful that I am competing with a big club (Weald) only 1km away that has far better facilities and larger numbers of players and sessions on offer.

Maintenance

  • Deep clean and algaecide treatment was completed in April 2026 – £1310
  • Annual service of the tennis gates – £593

Appendix 5

Pavilion improvement works – summary of progress to address the recommendations made in the Condition Survey reports received in October 2025.

Works required in 2026/27 Progress Budget & Expenditure
External Works – the consultant’s report recommended annually removing ivy growth and cleaning off algae. Cllr Bunting has also asked for quotes to cut back the hedging/foliage around the building and clear the ditch. Works completed – ivy removal, hedge cutting and ditch clearance Estimated Cost £150 Actual Costs:

Clear ivy & hedging £360 Dig out ditch £2,047

= £2,407 TOTAL
Roof & Drainage –

·         Check annually and clear out gutters and 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.

 Works completed – roof repairs, installation of drainage channel Estimated Cost £12,725 Actual Costs:

Roof repairs £2,470 Install ACO Drain £445

= £2,915 TOTAL
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 Works completed – redecoration, new shelves, replacement ceiling tiles and emergency lighting Estimated cost £1,300 Actual Costs:

Redecorating £1,125 New shelves £180

Ceiling tiles & Emergency lights

£1,156

= £2,461 TOTAL

 
Bi-Fold doors – the consultant recommended that the bi-fold doors be adjusted and overhauled c/f Doors need to be replaced in 2027/28. Estimated Cost £2,000 Actual Costs: £0
Hot Water System –

·         Insulate water pipework within external plant areas

·         Relocate HWS return pump controller

·         Ensure the heating & hot water timeclock is set to only operate as necessary – Set the HWS to only run during occupied hours, with pasteurisation for minimum 1 hour on Friday night via ASHP and immersion heaters.

·         Locate and confirm suitability of heating expansion vessel

·         Make good connections to HWS return pump

 Works completed where possible due to age of the system.

Currently running on mains electric due to failure of ASHP.

 Estimated Cost £650 Actual Costs: £0

 

Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery –

·         Provide time clock control for MVHR unit

·         Reconnect supply and extract ductwork

·         MVHR Control – PIR occupancy detection in main corridor and humidity sensors activating above 55% within the changing rooms.

·         Repair and replace pipework insulation within internal plant room

·         Fully clean and service MVHR unit and provide new filters (current ones are incorrectly sized allowing significant air bypass)

·         Recommission ventilation system

 Works completed where possible due to the age of the system. Annual service found unit is working effectively. Air filters have been changed. Estimated Cost £2,550 Actual Costs:

New filters £78

Annual Service – revenue cost

= £78 TOTAL
Air Source Heat Pump –

·         Set correct time clock control using existing equipment

·         New remote control for ASHP and Heating

 The ASHP is broken and needs to be replaced. It cannot be economically repaired due to the age of the equipment. Estimated Cost £4,500 Actual Costs:

Failed repair £762

= £762 TOTAL
Fire Safety – replace smoke detectors A Fire Risk Assessment was carried out in March 2026. The fire detection and fire alarm system were considered adequate. Estimated Cost £2,500 Actual Costs: £0
Lighting –

·         Replace all lamps with new LED lamp

·         Replace all luminaires with LED fittings

 Not necessary – LED lamps and fittings already fitted Estimated Cost £7,500 Actual Costs: £0

 

NB. Mechanical & Electrical consultancy advice is required in relation to the functionality of the Hot Water System, MVHR and ASHP. A heating solution is needed for the coming winter which is compatible with any future building upgrade and extension project.

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Draft Minutes of the meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT Committee held on Thursday 17th September 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Attendees: Councillors Ian Weir, Paul Shepherd, Bill Hatton, Peter Reime, Sue Hatton,
Maria Angelaki-King, David Bunting (Chair)

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

GE26/032 APOLOGIES. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Kristian Berggreen, Cllr Frances Gaudencio, Cllr Peter Richardson.

GE26/033 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. As a member of the Tennis Club Cllr Paul Shepherd declared an interest in Item 8.

GE26/34 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Grounds & Environment Committee meeting held on 30th July 2026 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

GE26/35 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. One member of the public present.

GE26/36 OFFICER’S REPORT.

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

  • The Deputy Clerk explained that since completion of the skate park around 6 years ago, the final payment to Bendcrete had been kept back pending a visit from them to inspect hairline cracks that had appeared. A site visit has now been completed by Bendcrete and they have agreed to undertake some repairs, which will be completed in the next month.
  • Cllr Bunting summarised the findings from the focus group meeting that took place on Monday 14th The meeting involved major users of the pavilion and park grounds. Some useful conversations were had and some of the suggestions will be considered when the pavilion extension reaches design stage.
  • Adastra Play Park –

Cllr Bunting explained that the fencing around the children’s play park has been in place for some years and is no longer compliant with safety legislation.  One quote has been received and it is evident that once available developer contribution funds have been used for the fencing, there won’t be further money to also provide improvements to the play equipment. Further quotes to be obtained for comparison. This will be discussed in full at the next meeting on 29th October.

GE26/037 GROUNDSPERSON REPORT.

Members noted the report provided in Appendix 2 of the agenda: The following points were made:

  • Leaf fall is becoming an issue earlier in the season due to the hot summer
  • Cllr Hatton commented how lovely all the flower displays around the village were looking now.

GE26/038 MEMORIAL BENCH PROCEDURE.

Members considered the proposed wording for the Memorial Bench application form. After discussion around location of benches and the plaque it was agreed that the wording would simply read:

“The Parish Council agree to maintain the bench for a period of 10 years from the date of the agreement”.

RESOLVED: Members agreed to the above wording to be used on future memorial bench applications.

GE26/038.1 Members agreed that they don’t feel it is worth making an insurance claim for a small amount. Deputy Clerk to investigate any available budget to fund a replacement bench.

GE26/039 TENNIS COURTS UPDATE. Members are asked to consider the report provided.

  • Cllr Bunting summarised the report. Stating that it was our hope that introducing a new charging system for Tennis Club members would increase membership and visibility of the club in the village.
  • Cllr Shepherd stated that he is aware of some members who didn’t renew due to the increase in the annual fees. Others didn’t renew due to ill health. It was raised that there are no junior members of the club.
  • Cllr Weir asked for clarification on the definition of “paid bookings.” These are bookings made by someone who doesn’t hold a membership and is a “pay as you go” player.
  • Members believe the hot summer, and the increased popularity of Padel Tennis has impacted use of the courts.
  • The Deputy Clerk stated that she has recently had a meeting with our Lawn Tennis Association representative, he has compared our usage against comparable courts in the area and found there to be no significant difference.
  • It was explained that currently there is no facility on Clubspark to ask users for permission to send out marketing emails advertising our courts. Our Tennis Coach has in the past, asked for access to our database so he can send out emails to promote his activities, GDPR laws prohibit us from allowing this.
  • It was agreed that our Community Engagement Officer would, in the spring, promote the courts to local schools and community groups.

GE26/040 ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN:

GE26/040.1 PAVILION WORKS UPDATE. Members are asked to consider the report provided

  • Members reviewed the summary provided. This is the work completed following the building condition report that was completed last year. Some of the recommended works have not been required. Other work is on hold having now been taken over by the pavilion development project that is in the early stages.

GE26/040.2 ADASTRA PARK PLANTING SCHEME. Cllr Bunting introduced the item and explained the reports. The member of the public kindly talked the committee through the reports in more detail.

  • The original report is the winter/rain garden proposal. The subsequent report is amended slightly to create a climate resilient plan.
  • Item 4 is native hedge infilling on the north field. This wouldn’t infer with the football pitches.
  • Item 7 – native hedge infilling on the south field. Planning permission for the cricket nets has now been granted, it might be appropriate to delay this until the cricket nets are in to see if any other works are necessary in this area.
  • Item 8 Rain Garden – This is an item in the business plan. Our groundsman is keen to be involved in the planting and maintenance of the new scheme.
  • Some of the other items on the original proposal are ambiguous and may be looked at in the future.
  • Some items are being completed by our ground’s maintenance contractor, Barcombe Landscapes.
  • It was mentioned that at some stage the upper area of the Garden of Remembrance will need attention. As it is an isolated and shaded area it attracts anti-social behaviour.

It was RESOLVED that Item 8 on the schedule to plant a new Rain Garden would be progressed.

Deputy Clerk to obtain quotes from contractors for suitable preparation of the area. Enquiries would then be made to purchase the appropriate plants/shrubs.

GE26/040.3 ADASTRA PARK TOILETS UPDATE

  • Cllr Bunting explained that Quantum are currently developing detailed plans and drawings ready for submission for planning permission. The timetable states to have the application submitted by the end of September.

GE26/040.4 ORCHARD LANE FLOODING QUOTES

Members considered the quotes provided:

  • Since these quotes have been obtained Cllr Bunting has been made aware of another issue concerning the speed bumps. The first one as you enter Orchard Lane, near the entrance to the north field is too high and needs to be reduced in height. Deputy Clerk will speak to our contractor regarding reducing this speed bump and bring amended quotes to the next meeting.

GE26/041 HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP UPDATE

GE26/041.1 NEW ROAD SIGNS – Members were asked to note that our contractor has completed stage one. The findings have been passed onto Cllr Richardson for review. There is a Highways & Transportation Working Group meeting planned for 7th October subject to Cllr Richardson being able to attend.

GE26/042 FLOOD WORKING GROUP UPDATE

  • Members noted that as we are coming into the autumn/winter months a renewed focus on flooding issues in the village will be required. There is a Working Group meeting scheduled for 8th It was noted that MSDC so far are working more proactively to undertake street cleaning before the drains become blocked with leaf fall and debris.

GE26/043 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

Cllr Ian Weir updated the committee:

  • 9K Silverdale – Damian Way. Our contractor will be commencing this work from the beginning of October. The footpath closure notice is in effect until 2nd

GE26/043.1 Walk Wheel Cycle Trust report

Cllr Ian Weir updated the committee:

  • An original plan for a cycle route running alongside the A23 has been shelved due to safety concerns. There were too many dangerous sections where cyclists would be close to the road with no barriers.
  • The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formally SUSTRANS) has provided a quote to undertake a survey to gauge suitability and deliverability of an alternative route going over Clayton Hill using the A273 route. The project is part of a larger plan to deliver a cycle route from Brighton, through Hassocks, Burgess Hill going north towards Crawley.
  • If a suitable route is found the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust will provide funding
  • The full cost of the survey is £7237. It will be proposed at the next full council meeting that the parish council provide funding for 50% of the cost. The scheme is supported by our West Sussex County Councillor.

The committee agreed they are in favour of the project. It was RESOLVED that the proposal will be discussed at the next council meeting.

GE26/044 URGENT MATTERS – There were no urgent matters.

GE26/045 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday 29th October 2026

There being no other business the meeting was closed at 9pm
Hassocks Parish Council
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