HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: All Members of the Grounds & Environment Committee (Cllrs Kristian Berggreen,
David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd, Ian Weir, Peter Reime, Maria Angelaki-King) with copies to all other Councillors for information.
A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on Thursday 29th October 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Parish Clerk 22nd October 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 17th September 2026. (Previously circulated).
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).
6. GROUNDSPERSON REPORT. (Appendix 2).
7. BURIAL GROUND REPORT & FEES REVIEW (Appendix 3)
8. SPORTS FACILITIES CHARGES (Appendix 4)
9. BOWLS CLUB FEES REVIEW. (Appendix 5)
10. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN:
10.1 PAVILION WORKS UPDATE. Awaiting the report from DMP in relation to the future mechanical & electrical requirements of the pavilion. Members are asked to consider a quote from DC Electrical for installation of two timed thermostatically controlled wall heaters. (Appendix 6)
10.2 ADASTRA PARK RAIN GARDEN. Members are asked to agree the quote to complete the recommended works. As agreed, minute ref GE26/040.2 Adastra Park Planting Scheme. (Appendix 7). To view Appendix 7 please click here.
10.3 PLAYPARK ACO DRAIN INSTALLATION. Members are invited to review the quote received for installation of a drain at the inside main gate entrance to the play park (Appendix 8)
10.4 PLAYPARK FENCING. Members are asked to consider the report provided. (Appendix 9)
10.5 ORCHARD LANE TREE WORKS – Members are asked to consider a request from a resident of Orchard Lane for some work on a tree along the lane. (Appendix 10)
10.6 ORCHARD LANE. Members are asked to consider the quote to remove the existing speed bump and re-lay a new one at the north end of Orchard Lane. (Appendix 11)
11. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP UPDATE. Verbal Update. (Minutes 7th October, Appendix 12)
12. FLOOD WORKING GROUP. Verbal Update (Minutes: 8th October Appendix 13)
13. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal Update
Members are asked to consider the list of possible works and prioritise projects to be included in 2027-28 budget. (Appendix 14).To view Appendix 14 please click here.
14. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chair for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 3rd December 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. If there is a Confidential section of the meeting this 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: 29th October 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:
We are now in the process of getting a quote for Stonepound SB replacement including installation costs so we can proceed with this one.
Appendix 2
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Groundsperson report
Groundsperson has been unwell so unable to get a full report.
Appendix 3
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds and Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contact for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 7 – Burial grounds report & fees review
Members are invited to view a report on the Burial Ground usage and a proposal for the fees increase from 1st April 2027.
Between April – October 2026:
| Budgeted Income:
Target Annual Income: £8029 Income YTD – £9851 |
Budgeted Expenditure:
Water £260 YTD: £116 Grounds maintenance £5594 YTD: £2276 |
Fees comparison
Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common
| Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – burial plot | £500.00 – includes first interment |
| 2nd Interment Fee | £250.00 |
| Installation of Headstone | £185.00 |
| Additional Inscription | £65.00 |
| Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – ashes plot | £200.00- includes first interment |
| 2nd interment fee | £125.00 |
| Installation of a memorial tablet | £80.00 |
| Search fee/Grant Amendment | £56.00 |
| Proposed fees 2027-28
Hassocks Burial Ground |
Current Fees
April 2026 |
Proposed changes – April 2027
Increase by CPI Sept 26 – 3.1% |
| BURIAL AREA | EROB (50yrs)
Non-parishioner – 5 x fee |
EROB (50yrs)
Non-parishioner – 5 x fee |
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years (Residents and Non-residents) | No Charge | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years. | ||
| Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial
Single or double depth |
£422.00 | £435.00 |
| INTERMENTS | ||
| Single/Double plot depth | £228.00 | £235.00 |
| Second interment – coffin/ashes | £228.00 | £235.00 |
| Memorials – Burial Area | ||
| For the right to erect a headstone within the burial ground on a grave in Respect of which the exclusive Right of Burial has been granted. | £157.00 | £162.00 |
| For the right to have additional inscription on an existing memorial. | £78.00 | £80.50 |
| CREMATED REMAINS AREA | ||
| A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years months (Residents and Non-residents). | No Charge | No Charge |
| A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years: | ||
| SOUTH SECTION Memorial Tablet area
Purchase Exclusive Right of Burial – 50 years Single or Double depth ashes plot |
£265.00 | £273.00 |
| First ashes interment | £135.00 | £140.00 |
| Second ashes interment | £135.00 | £140.00 |
| Memorial – South Cremation Area | ||
| For the right to install a Flat Memorial Tablet | £79.00 | £81.50 |
| For the right to have an additional inscription | £42.60 | £44.00 |
| NORTH SECTION Memorial Wall Area
Purchase Exclusive Right of Burial – 50 years Single depth ashes plot |
£132.00 | £136.00 |
| Single depth ashes interment | £135.00 | £140.00 |
| Memorial – North Cremation Area | ||
| To purchase a plaque on the memorial wall
and permission for an inscription |
£42.50 | £44.00 |
| Other Charges | ||
| Search Fee | £36.50 | £37.70 |
| Replacement, transfer or amendment of Deed of Grant | £60.00 | £62.00 |
OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: Members are invited to approve the burial ground fees for 2027-28
Appendix 4
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 8 – Sports Facilities charges 27-28
Members are invited to review the proposed charges for 2027-28:
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
Adastra Park Sports Facilities Fees and Charges 2027/28
General Conditions
| Full Rate | CPI Sept 26 – 3.1% | Discounted
Rate |
3.1% increase | |
| 26/27 | Proposed 2027/28 | 26/27 | Proposed 2027/28 | |
| SPORTS HIRE – SUMMER | ||||
| Cricket Turf Wicket – per use | 58.00 | 59.80 | 29.00 | 29.90 |
| Cricket Turf Wicket – evening rate | 30.50 | 31.50 | n/a | n/a |
| Juniors on Artificial Pitch | n/a | n/a | 15.25 | 15.75 |
| Cricket Net Practice – Per session | 30.50 | 31.50 | 15.25 | 15.75 |
| Stoolball – South Field per use | 29.45 | £30.40 | 14.25 | 14.70 |
| North Field | 7.15 | 7.40 | ||
| Bowls – Club Members | Separate report | |||
| Tennis – Pay & Play Hire per Court | 7.30 | 7.55 | 3.65 | 3.75 |
| Tennis – Coaching fees – per hour | 2.95 | 3.05 | ||
| Tennis – Club Members | 130.00 | 134.00 | 100.00 | 103.00 |
| SUMMER PAVILION HIRE | ||||
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Bar/Storage | 49.50 | 51.00 | ||
| Changing Rooms/Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 33.50 | 34.55 | 16.75 | 17.30 |
| Toilets/Kitchen/Storage | 16.75 | 17.30 | 8.40 | 8.65 |
| SPORTS HIRE – WINTER | ||||
| Football – per use | 75.05 | 77.40 | ||
| Junior Football on Senior Pitch | 37.50 | 38.70 | ||
| Mini-Pitch | 18.80 | 19.40 | ||
| Training Session (per session) | 19.20 | 19.80 | 9.60 | 9.90 |
| WINTER PAVILION HIRE – SPORTS | 40.90 | 42.20 | 20.45 | 21.10 |
| COMMUNITY CHARGES | ||||
| Community Pavilion Hire (hourly) | 12.35 | 12.75 | ||
| Fitness Training Charges (4-hour session) | 13.80 | 14.25 |
OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: Members are invited to approve the Adastra Sports fees for 2027-28
Appendix 5
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 9 – Bowls Club Fees
The purpose of this report is to inform members of some proposed changes to the agreement and fees for Adastra Bowls Club. The last agreement was signed in 2013 so is due to be updated.
Background:
The bowls club currently have 68 members, this year the budgeted income from the bowls club was £2850.00. Actual income is £1541.07. This includes Ground Rent, which is charged annually at £1470.00, due for review in 2028.
Due to a gradual reduction in membership at the bowls club and the increase in the cost of materials for maintenance, there is insufficient income to cover the purchase of supplies, which for the current financial year stands at £1825.75 for grass seed, fertilizer, weed killer. The current agreement states that the Bowls Club are responsible for maintenance of the building, the Parish Council are responsible for maintenance of the green, hedges etc.
Current charges 2026
Member under 63 – £168.30 5 members
Member over 63 – £84.05 58 members
As per the current agreement the Bowls Club receive a rebate of the fees in exchange for the members managing the green themselves, this saves the parish council having to employ a groundskeeper specifically for the bowls green. In 2026 the rebate amount was £5645.33.
This leaves the income as stated above: £1541.07
Members are asked to consider the following:
We increase the fees by a sufficient amount to ensure the parish council doesn’t subsidise the club and to allow us to gradually build a sinking fund for any future maintenance requirements when the lease is up for renewal in 2040.
Annual charge for all members, not age dependent: £115.00
| Income
63 x £115.00 = £7245.00 Ground rent: £1470.00 Total Income: £8715.00 |
Expenditure
Grounds maintenance fee paid back to the Bowls Club (2026): £5845.33 Grounds supplies: £2225.00 Water: £245.00 Total Expenditure: £8315.33 |
Surplus: £399.67
RECOMMENDATION: Members agree to the new structure and the agreement is updated for one year, to allow for review in 2028.
Appendix 8
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10.3 – ACO Drain Installation
Background
The area just inside the play park is historically prone to flooding or large puddles forming which makes accessing the play equipment difficult for buggies/wheelchairs.
Members are asked to approve a quote from Greenscene Landscapes to install an ACO drain along the inside entrance to the play area in the south field.
The Aco will be plumbed into the existing surface water French Drainage just outside of the gates.
All waste will be removed and the area left clean and tidy upon completion.
All labour and materials (excluding the bike racks) would be £804.10 plus vat.
RECOMMENDATION: Members agree for this work to be carried out using Adastra Masterplan EMR funds.
Appendix 9
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10.4 – Playpark Fencing
Background
It was identified during our playground inspections that the fencing surrounding the play area is not compliant with current regulations. The gates don’t automatically close, allowing children to wander out and dogs to come in.
There is a gap in the fence around the side next to the tennis courts which could allow a dog to enter the area.
MSDC are holding £16,183 available in S106 for playground improvements in Adastra Park. Due to other commitments, there are no further funds available from our own budget.
Two options are presented:
a). Full replacement of the gates and fencing on three sides. The existing double gates on the western side adjacent to the bowls club will be converted into pedestrian only. A new set of double gates will be installed on the same side, further south at the junction with the south field. These gates will be padlocked, used for access only by our groundskeeper to enter on the tractor. Please see quotes:
Knight Fencing
Protek weldmesh fencing. £15,991.51 (only Knight Fencing have quoted for this design)
Round top picket. £16,254.41
Bow Top railings – £25,515.34
Jacksons Fencing (subject to a site visit)
Anti-Trap Bow top fencing – £21817.03
Timber Playtime fencing – £21793.67
These quotes do not include preparation of the area, removal & disposal of old fencing.
Park Fencing Eastbourne Ltd
Bow Top fencing – £24,795.55
Timber Playtime fencing – £20,114.86
For more details please see:
9.1 – Knight Fencing quote
9.2 – Jacksons Fencing quote
9.3 – Park Fencing Eastbourne quote
b). Replacement of two pedestrian gates only and installation of new double gates (as outlined above)
It has been suggested by Cllr Bunting that to save funds we could consider replacing just the gates and doing some spot repairs to the fencing. This would allow us to retain funds for future replacement of play equipment.
Knight Fencing
£3,451.79 excl VAT. (Appendix 9.4)
Appendix 10
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10.5 – Orchard Lane tree works
Background
A resident of Orchard Lane has contacted the Parish Council with concerns around the condition of a Lime tree along the boundary of the park, opposite the footpath leading to The Close –
“There are several dead branches which need some attention. One branch fell into the corner of our garden, as it overhangs us and one fairly large branch fell into the Lane in the summer.
As the canopy is now quite low the lorries also hit the branches causing damage to the tree.”
Tree Surgeon Report
Wouldn’t say any major issues.
But on the side of caution could do with dead wooding and lifting above the road.
It would be £650.
RECOMMENDATION: Members are asked to agree for the works to be carried out using Adastra Park Grounds/Tree Maintenance budget.
Appendix 11
HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL
To: Grounds & Environment Committee
Date: 29th October 2026
Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 10.6 – Orchard Lane works
To remove the existing, first speed bump in Orchard Lane which is too high. Dig this out back to the existing tarmac lane level and install a new yellow and black, permeable speed bump, bolted into the existing tarmac surface.
The Total £850.87 plus vat (£1021.05 inclusive).
RECOMMENDATION: Members agree for the work to be completed using Adastra Masterplan EMR 334.
Appendix 12
Meeting Notes
Highways and Transportation Working Group Wednesday 7th October 2026
1. Working Group members present – Cllr Frances Gaudencio, Cllr Peter Richardson, Cllr Ian Weir, Cllr Paul Shepherd, Cllr Maria Angelaki-King Andy Hansen, Bob Kenhard
Also present – Deputy Clerk – Helen Valler, Community Engagement – Louise Coles and Alastair Lichten
2. Apologies for absence – there were no apologies
3. The following items were discussed (not in order of the agenda)
3.1 – Clayton Avenue DYL removal. It was noted that Erika had declared a conflict of interest regarding this item as she is a resident. The residents would like the DYL’s removed. Ian reported this has been an issue for some time. There were some objections at the time when they were installed. Erika passed it to Richard Cherry at WSCC. But there has been no response.
Action: Ian will talk to Erika to ask WSCC/Richard to respond.
3.2. Keymer Rd pavement “pinch point” – where cars turn left out of Dale Ave by the old National Tyre Centre. There was a discussion around potentially narrowing the pavement. It was agreed that this was not a high priority, but it should be kept in the Business Plan.
3.3. Sustainable Transport/EV locations. There was an in-depth discussion on this matter. Frances’s main issue is that there is no interconnecting transport around Hassocks and HPC should lobby WSCC.
EV locations – A WSCC survey is encouraging suggestions for new EV locations. There are already 2 EV locations in Hassocks, but they are not heavily used. It was agreed a good idea would be to focus/suggest areas by the large blocks of flats.
The following areas were suggestions to input into the survey: Windmill Avenue – this would be of benefit to residents in one of our highest density areas, where home-charging is impractical. Keymer Road – Kerbside parking could be introduced in the parking bays to the north side of the high-street between Woodsland Road and Chancellors Park. These would benefit those conducting short charges while visiting the high-street during business hours, and residents conducting over-night charging. Semley Road – this is an area with a relatively high proportion of flats, maisonettes or apartments, and would have the additional benefit of providing on streetcar charging to the western side of the train tracks, which is currently underserved.
Action: Louise to circulate the SE Transport Strategy to all
Action: Alastair to submit suggestions to WSCC survey
3.4. Report Consultation DYL Keymer Road/Saxby Place/Dropped Kerb – it was agreed that the consultation was in overwhelming support of the proposed changes to these 3 locations.
Action: Louise to now submit a TRO and further to a letter of support from Erika.
3.5. Lodge lane Pedestrian/Cycle/Equestrian Survey – It was agreed that the best times to undertake the 2 x 7 days surveys were one week in May 2027 and one week either side of this – either during Easter or later in the summer. A CHS submission will then be submitted by end July 2027 further to the data received. It was noted this survey will also provide HGV data to support a resident’s issues with increased usage of HGV’s.
Action: Louise to instruct Obtrada to proceed and firm up dates.
3.6. Bike parking & Pedestrian Crossings – CHS Submission update. The CHS had initially been submitted by Erika, but HPC are now supporting this. It includes improvements to 4 x pedestrian crossings sites (Grand Avenue, Dale Avenue, Wilmington Close, Proper Coffee and Cycling/Keymer Road) and bike provision outside Glo on Keymer Road, plus Corral bike provision on the corner of Chancellors Park/Keymer Road.
3.7. Formal Speed review A273 (Burgess Hill to Pyecombe). The key issues relate to the inconsistencies of speed restrictions notably gaps between 40-, 50-and 60-mile limits. A resident has agreed to potentially make an application, but it could be a mix of CHS and/or a TRO/s. It was noted that Erika’s input was required to have a full understanding/update of the situation.
Action: Ian will contact WSCC/Erika to get more of a steer as to what may be required from HPC.
3.8. Stonepound Crossroads Pedestrian Safety – the key issue relates to no crossing at the top of the High Street. There is a crossing East/West but not North/South. WSCC don’t want to deal with this due to existing overcapacity at the junction. It was felt that residents need to contact WSCC direct.
3.9. Updates:
Hassocks Village Signs – further to the phase one survey by Wilbar, a S106 has now been submitted for funding to support the costs of new signage. In addition, WSCC have also agreed to replace/pay for the cost of new posts for one sign in Lodge Lane.
Stafford way DYL TRO – evidence has been requested from the residents to support potential new DYL’s on this corner (instead of bird fencing).
4.0 Any other Matters
Bob said that there was momentum to install a Keymer information noticeboard (no cost to HPC). This was considered a great idea and could potentially be put on Church land.
Action: Bob will move forward.
It was noted that there were issues/confusion with buses not stopping along London Road to Burgess Hill due to drainage works.
Action: Louise will contact Mike White at Metro Buses for clarity and circulate any response.
5.0 Agree date of next meeting – to be confirmed
Appendix 13
MINUTES
Flood Working Group 8th October 2026
10.30am – Parish Council office
1. Working Group members – Cllr Frances Gaudencio, Cllr Peter Richardson, Cllr David Bunting, Cllr Ian Weir. Cllr Maria Angelaki-King, Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman
Deputy Clerk – Helen Valler
2. Apologies for absence – Cllr Kristian Berggreen & Cllr Sue Hatton
3. Flood Working Group – Terms of Reference
4. Other points discussed
i. The immediate clearance of road gulleys to prevent leaves and debris entering the drainage system.
ii. The work required to keep clear the system of streams that all interlink and ultimately enter rivers. Keeping these clear will prevent water backing up and causing flooding on roads and properties. It was agreed that there is a need to raise awareness to encourage the public to proactively report blockages/debris surrounding any local streams.
5. Implementation of an enhanced street sweeping regime
Actions:
i) Deputy Clerk to liaise with our Community Engagement Officer to create a Facebook campaign to promote proactive reporting and monitoring by residents of local waterways and if necessary, report blockages or debris. This in turn will raise awareness of possible problem areas. Reports can initially be made to the Parish Council where we can pass on to the relevant landowner.
ii) Following the above make an appeal via FB and website for volunteers who may be willing to periodically clear gullys of leaves/debris.
iii) Continue to raise awareness of riparian rights/responsibilities through our Community Engagement Officer.
iv) Contact both companies who have quoted for street cleansing to clarify some points.
v) Approach shops in the High Street to enquire about possible clearing of gutters.
vi) Clerk to chase up MSDC to again ask for a schedule of the street cleansing programme.
vii) Contact external members of the Working group to encourage their future participation – OART & Greener Hassocks & Ditchling.
6. Proposed date of next meeting – to be arranged
See full list of 2025/26 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
29/10/2026
Grounds & Environment Committee
02/11/2026
Planning Committee
See full list of 2025/26 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
The Council Office is located at:
Parish Centre, Adastra Park,
Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8QH.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday CLOSED
Friday
10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
