Hassocks Parish Council

Agenda

A meeting of the Parish Council is being held on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber, Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk 3 June 2026

Members of the public are encouraged to come to the meetings and there is an opportunity for them to address the Council relating to the non-confidential items on the published agenda. A period of 15 minutes will be set aside in item 4 Public participation. 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.

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES

1.1         To accept Apologies for absence

2. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

2.1         To deal with any disclosure by Members of any disclosable pecuniary interests and interests other than pecuniary interests, as defined under Hassocks Parish Council’s Code of Conduct and the Localism Act 2011, in relation to matters on the agenda.

3. MINUTES

3.1         To accept the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 12 May 2026.

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Up to fifteen minutes will be available to allow for the public to make representations, answer questions or give evidence in respect of any items of business included in the agenda, in accordance with Standing Orders.

5. TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES

5.1. Planning Committee – to agree the minutes for 27 April 2026 and note the minutes for 18 May 2026

5.2. Grounds & Environment Committee – to note the minutes for 7 May 2026

5.3. Policy Resources & Communications Committee – to note the minutes for 28 April 2026

6. REPORTS

6.1. Police Report

6.2. West Sussex County Councillor

6.3. Mid Sussex District Councillors Report

6.4. Rail and Public Transport Matters

6.5. Community Initiatives

6.6. Reports from Councillors on meetings with outside bodies where the Council is Represented.

7. FINANCE – Members are required to approve financial report and authorise the lists of payments (Appendix 1).

8. CHAIR’S REPORT

8.1. Current matters (oral report).

9. CLERK’S REPORT

9.1. Current matters (oral report).

9.2. Rialtas Accounting Modules – the Council is currently charged £304 exc. VAT for an Allotments Module which is not being used but because we are in a contract until 16 August 2027, we cannot stop the annual payments. Rialtas have agreed that we can transfer this to an Asset Inventory Module which costs £275 per annum plus a one-off set up fee of £779 for the software and initial training (Appendix 2). This will be useful as the Clerk intends to update the Council’s Asset Register during the coming financial year. The costs can be covered through the Website and IT Support budget. To view Appendix 2 please click here.

10. INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT 2025/26To receive and note the contents of the Final Audit Report for the year ending 31st March 2026 (Appendix 3). The internal audit tests and reports on whether systems of internal control are adequate and working satisfactorily. The attached report sets out the work undertaken by the auditor together with any findings and recommendations. The Internal auditor noted ‘Our testing did not identify any procedural errors requiring reporting to the external auditor at this time, nor did we observe any material weaknesses in internal controls that would pose a risk to public funds. In fact, the processes and procedures together with own built in compensating controls are robust, strictly followed and in many respects a model of good practice.’  The Audit Report makes one recommendation – that the Council completes a data audit during 2026/27 to comply with GDPR regulations. To view Appendix 3 please click here.

11. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN.Members are required to consider and APPROVE the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR Form 3) for the year ending 31 March 2026 as follows:

11.1. Annual Internal Audit Report 2025/26 (Appendix 4). To view Appendix 4 please click here.

11.2. Annual Governance Statement (Section 1) (Appendix 5). To view Appendix 5 please click here.

11.3. Accounting Statements, certified by the RFO (Section 2) (Appendix 6). To view Appendix 6 please click here.

12. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION CONSULTATION
The Government have launched an additional phase of consultation on the options for local government reorganisation in Sussex (Appendix 7). The consultation closes on 15 June and Members are asked to consider the Council’s response. To view Appendix 7 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
To note that the date of the next Council meeting is Tuesday 14 July 2026.

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

Committee Meeting:  Full Council

Report of:  Parish Clerk

Date:   9 June 2026

Subject:  Finance – Agenda Item 7

Summary of accounts on 31 May 2026

 

Account Type Institution / Provider Account Ref Balance (£) Last Statement Date Reconciled  (Y / N)
Current Account Unity Trust Bank 7654 31,739.23 31-5-2026 Y
Current Account Barclays Bank 2114 18,292.52 31-5-2026 Y
Savings Account Barclays Bank 3548 403,603.56 29-5-2026 Y
Corporate Purchasing Card Lloyds Bank 0651 -93.38 19-5-2026 Y
Investment Fund CCLA PSDF 1-001 120,000 31-5-2026 Y
Fixed Term Deposit Virgin Money 8214 120,000 31-5-2026 Y
Total 693,541.93

 

Members are requested to:

a)  To AUTHORISE the list of payments in the sum of £275,204.85 issued between 1 – 31 May 2026 from the Unity Current Account (7654) (Appendix A). To view Appendix A please click here.

b)  To AUTHORISE the list of payments in the sum of £55.50issued between 1 – 31 May 2026 from the Barclays Current Account (2114) (Appendix B). Appendix B

c)  To AUTHORISE the list of payments in the sum of £280,000.00issued between 1 – 31 May 2026 from the Barclays Current Account (3548) (Appendix C). To view Appendix C please click here.

d)  To AUTHORISE the list of payments in the sum of £93.38issued between 1 – 31 May 2026 with the Corporate Purchasing Card (0651) (Appendix D). To view Appendix D please click here.

e)  To note the investment in the CCLA PSDF investment fund (Appendix E). To view Appendix E please click here.

f)  To note the investment in the Virgin Money fixed term deposit account (Appendix F). To view Appendix F please click here.

 

Minutes

Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 9 June 2026

Attendees: Parish Councillors Frances Gaudencio (Chair), Ian Weir (Vice-Chair), Maria Angelaki-King, Clare Black, David Bunting, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Don McBeth, Peter Reime, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd

In Attendance: Elaine Langridge (Clerk & RFO), WSCC Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman

MINUTES

PC26/18        APOLOGIES Cllrs Kristian Berggreen, Robert Brewer, Lesley Cruickshank-Robb, Alex Simmons.

PC26/19        DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS Disclosure by Councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, and whether the Councillor regards their interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct – None.

PC26/20        MINUTES The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 12 May 2026 were

accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

PC26/21        PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No members of the public were present.

PC26/22        TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES

  • Planning Committee – Members agreed the minutes for 27 April 2026 and noted the minutes for 18 May 2026
  • Grounds & Environment Committee – Members noted the minutes for 7 May 2026
  • Policy Resources & Communications Committee – Members noted the minutes for 28 April 2026

PC26/23        REPORTS

PC26/23.1     Police Report – the local PCSO, Nathaniel Wales, was unable to attend the meeting but provided a summary of incidents in Hassocks between the 1/5/26 and the 1/6/26:

Common assault x1 (domestic incident)

GRT (gypsy roman traveller community) unauthorised encampment in clayton – 3x

damage reports

Vehicle damage/ interference x4

Shoplifting x1

Robbery x1 with related Criminal damage x1

Burglary x1

Dog vs sheep x1

PC26/23.2     West Sussex County Councillor – WSCC Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman provided information regarding the outcome of the May elections, road surfacing in Hassocks and the traveller encampment at Clayton Recreation Ground (Appendix 1). There are 49 new County Councillors and the average age is 57 years.

With regard to Highways, road markings Chancellors Park and Dale Avenue will be prioritised. Cllr Gaudencio asked for the line in the middle of Ockley Hill to be reinstated following resurfacing.  Also, there is a large ditch on the left hand side so if this could be filled in and the road widened or a white line marked on the side of the road to alert drivers, this would be an improvement.

In respect of the traveller encampment Cllr Woodhurst-Trueman explained that they accessed the site by cutting through the height barrier and a specialist clean-up team had to be appointed before the site could be re-opened to the public.

Cllr Shepherd, who represents the Clayton Ward, stated that the travellers were on site for 8 days and moved off within a couple of hours, following caravan visits by the Police who initially seemed reluctant to intervene despite persistent resident complaints.  The Clerk was asked to contact the Police & Crime Commissioner to raise this as a concern.

Cllr Gaudencio advised that the Clerk has produced guidelines in case of an encampment on Parish Council land which will be circulated to Members for information. The key thing is to be vigilant and inform the Clerk, Cllr Bunting and Cllr Gaudencio immediately if there are any concerns.  New bollards have been installed at the pedestrian entrance to the North Field to ensure this cannot be used for unauthorised vehicle access.

Cllr Woodhurst-Trueman informed the Council that she had reported a fallen tree on Lodge Lane to WSCC and it was cleared within 30 minutes.

Cllr Woodhurst-Trueman left the meeting.

PC26/23.3     Mid Sussex District Councillor – Cllr Sue Hatton provided a report on behalf of MSDC Cllr Chris Hobbs (Appendix 2).

Members were concerned about the additional site allocation of 250 new homes north of Ockley Park as this will reduce the gap between Hassocks and Burgess Hill. They were also concerned about low water pressure and the ability of SE Water to meet demand.  Cllr Weir advised that SE Water is currently consulting on their new plans and he had made this point in feedback.

Cllrs questioned whether the Planning authorities were working together as this new allocation is in addition to the 40 extra homes already proposed in Keymer by the South Downs National Authority. Cllr McBeth drew Members attention to an article in the Argus regarding the current SDNP Local Plan consultation which closes on 23 June and was discussed by the Planning Committee.  It was suggested that the Council’s response to the consultation should be forwarded to the Parish Council representatives at SDNP, so they are aware of our objections.

Mid Sussex District Council emailed Town and Parish Councils on 9 June with a provisional timetable for the District Plan examination. A public consultation on the additional development sites is provisionally scheduled to go ahead between 27 August – 7 September so there will be an opportunity for the Parish Council to formally respond.  Site allocations are currently being tested by MSDC Officers with regard to utilities, environment and transport etc. before the policy documents are finalised for consideration by the Planning Inspector.

Councillors asked the Clerk to request a meeting with the Planning team at MSDC to discuss the additional site allocations and the impact on local infrastructure. It was noted that MSDC will consult with the Health Service, Highways and the utility companies before they finalise the policy statements.

PC26/23.4     Rail and Public Transport Matters – the Rail Group provided a written update (Appendix 3) with thanks for a contribution toward the bench at the station in memory of Leslie Campbell and information about the accessibility works.  Cllr Angelaki-King stated that cars have been parking on the crossing and asked for this to be included in the feedback.

PC26/23.4     Community Initiatives – none

PC26/23.5     Reports from Councillors on meetings with outside bodies

PC26/23.6.    Cllr Bunting informed the Council that he has resigned from the Oldlands Mill Trust. The Secretary had written to the Clerk as they greatly value the link with the Parish Council and asked if it might be possible to appoint a community representative as a nominated charity trustee.  Cllr Peter Reime expressed an interest in taking up the role and will attend the next meeting.

PC26/23.6.1  Cllr Richardson had attended the Downlands Sports Hall 20th Anniversary celebrations.    

PC26/24        FINANCE

PC26/24.1     Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £275,204.85 for the period 1-31 May 2026 from the Unity Current Account (7654).

PC26/24.2     Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £55.50 for the period 1-31 May 2026 from the Barclays Current Account (2114)

PC26/24.3     Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £280,000 for the period 1-31 May 2026 from the Barclays Tracker Account (3548)

PC26/24.4     Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £93.38 for the period 1-31 May 2026 from the Corporate Purchasing Card (0651)

PC26/24.5     Members NOTED the investment in the CCLA PDSF investment fund.

PC26/24.6     Members NOTED the investment in the Virgin Money fixed term deposit account.

PC26/25        CHAIR’S REPORT

The Chair thanked those who attended the Annual Parish Meeting on 21 May, held in Adastra Hall.  The catering and attendance were good and the event was well received with a good atmosphere. The Chair advised that after a review with staff it was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting in 2027 will be a more formal event in the Council chamber but there is scope to arrange a separate community showcase.  Members felt that it was important to reach out to new residents and an event similar to ‘Welcome to Ditchling’, organised by Ditchling Parish Council, would be a good idea. They also suggested that the Annual Report could be publicised more widely.

The Twinning Association lunch on 24 May, followed by the ‘Show and Tell’ presentations in the Council Chamber were very interesting to understand how the European Councils operate. Later in the evening, there was a High Tea at Adastra Hall where the Twinning Friendship Charter 2026 was signed by Cllr Gaudencio, and the French and German Mayors.  Members agreed it would be good to display the signed agreement in the Parish Office.

Alison Bennett MP also attended the celebrations which was publicised in the Mid Sussex Times, alongside a photograph of the dignitaries.  The article referred to the Liberal Democrats political aspirations for a new UK-EU customs union. Cllr Gaudencio, in referring to this and some of the wording in the article, reminded members that Hassocks Parish Council is apolitical.  She intends to arrange a private meeting with the MP to discuss this in more detail.

PC26/26        CLERK’S REPORT

PC26/26.1     Members asked to be sent digital calendar invites for future Committee and Council meetings.

PC26/26.2     Cllrs Black and McBeth agreed to attend the SDNPA Parish Webinar on 1 July.

PC26/26.3     Members noted the purchase of the Rialtas Asset Inventory module to replace the current Allotments module.

PC26/26.4     The Clerk informed Members that she will be on leave between 15-26 June.

PC26/27        INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT

Members noted the contents of the Internal Audit Report 2025/26 and were very pleased that it highlighted good practise. The report stated that ‘processes and procedures together with own built in compensating controls are robust, strictly followed and in many respects a model of good practice.

PC26/28       ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

PC26/28.1    The signed and dated Annual Internal Audit Report 2025/26 was APPROVED.

PC26/28.2    The Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 (Section 1) was APPROVED and duly signed by the Chair Cllr Frances Gaudencio and countersigned by the Clerk in the presence of Councillors

PC26/28.3     The Accounting Statements 2025/26 (Section 2), as certified by the Clerk & RFO, were APPROVED by Members and duly signed and dated by the Chair Cllr Frances Gaudencio.

PC26/29        LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION CONSULTATION

Members discussed the Governments revised proposals for the West Sussex Unitary authority boundaries.  The suggestion is that they are changed from the District Council’s preferred option (B2) of Adur, Arun, Worthing, Chichester; and Crawley, Mid Sussex, Horsham to a coastal unitary consisting of Adur, Arun, Worthing (349,000 population) and a  unitary authority with and Crawley, Mid Sussex, Horsham and Chichester (566,000 population). The Council previously supported the District Council’s preference and Strongly Disagree with the Governments proposed modifications.  The Clerk will respond to the consultation to make this point and will also reiterate that there should be an obligation on the new unitary authorities to set up a formal structure for ongoing engagement with Town and Parish Councils.

PC26/30        URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIR – None

PC26/31        DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday 14 July 2026

Appendix 1

County Councillor Report to Parish Council 9 June 2026

Outcome of May 2026 WSCC elections:

23 Liberal Democrat

23 Reform UK

11 Conservative

7 Green

5 Labour

1 Independent

A Lib Dem-led joint administration being referred to as an ‘alliance’ has been formed with Green and Labour political parties.

Key Roles:

Leader of the Council – Jay Mercer (Lib Dem – Horsham East)

Chair – Donna Johnson (Independent – Selsey, Chichester)

Vice Chair – Nigel Dennis (Lib Dem – Horsham Hurst)

The chamber agreed on Donna Johnson unanimously, meaning she holds a casting vote.

Cabinet members were appointed as follows:

Children, Young People and Learning – Sam Raby (LD – Horsham)

Finance and Property- Jane Davey (LD – Mid Sussex)

Adults’ Services – Richard Bates (LD – Chichester)

Community Support, Fire and Rescue – Tracie Bangert (LD – Chichester)

Support Services and LGR – Nick Russell (LD Chichester)

Public Health and Wellbeing – Ian Davey (Green Party – Goring)

Economy and Skills – Caroline Ward (LD Chichester)

Environment and Climate Change – Natasha Davie (Green Party – Worthing Pier)

Highways and Transport – Erika Woodhurst-Trueman (LD – Mid Sussex)

For further info – Senior council members – West Sussex County Council

Cabinet Advisers were appointed as follow:

Highways and Transport – Matt Hedge (LD – Chichester)

Environment and Climate Change – Izabela Mayne (LD- Chichester)

Community Support, Fire and Rescue – Henna Chowdary (Labour – Tarring)

Adults’ Services – Steven Makin (LD – Horsham)

Public Health and Wellbeing – Lauren Lloyd (LD – Mid Sussex)

Children, Young People and Learning – Kirsten Sutton (LD – Mid Sussex)

Finance and Property – Martin McCabe (Labour – Worthing West

As a cabinet member I am not allowed to sit on scrutiny committees, but I do sit on PROW as a substitute. I will also be appointed to a variety of external bodies relating to my portfolio.

During the first couple of weeks in the post, I have been meeting Directors covering the breadth of the Highways, Transport and Planning (HTP) portfolio, having many briefings, meeting the Democratic Officers supporting my diary and enormous inbox and setting out the Administration’s priorities for HTP.

Surfacing in Hassocks and issues resulting:

Appearance of micro-asphalt vs surface dressing.

  • Parklands Road – delayed
  • Chancellors Park – parked cars issue, crossing point, absence of lines
  • Lodge Lane – gullies
  • Dale Avenue – absence of lines
  • Keymer Road – dropped material mess

Travellers at Clayton Rec:

Verbal update

Erika Woodhurst-Trueman – Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport

County Councillor for Hassocks & Burgess Hill South

West Sussex County Council

Appendix 2

District Councillor Report to Parish Council 9 June 2026

Mid Sussex District Council’s draft District Plan is currently being independently examined by a government-appointed Planning Inspector. As part of that process, the Inspector has asked the council to increase the amount of housing it is planning for to help to meet the need for housing in local council areas where they are unable to meet the need.

This means the Council must find 4,000 more homes in addition to the housing already included in the Plan. To achieve this the Council has been asked to provide more sites for potential allocation in the Plan. These sites will be subject to a technical assessment. Being included on the list does not mean a site will be allocated or developed, and it does not grant planning permission.

Following testing residents will have an opportunity to comment on the final list of additional sites, and we will publish further information to explain what happens next.

  • The list is for technical assessment only.
  • No decisions have been made on any additional sites.

There is only 1 site in Hassocks added to the list; 250 homes north of Ockley Park (off of Ockley Lane). The site includes a land buffer to the north recognising the strategic importance of the Hassocks / Burgess Hill gap.

It is worth recognising that as part of the SHLAA process (strategic housing land availability assessment) where developers and landowners put forward their sites for consideration in the plan, this land was proposed by the promoter for 1100 properties. Without an approved plan, and a government intent on housebuilding, as a district we would be susceptible to developers making unwelcome applications that we would struggle to defend.

                                                                                                                                                      

The consultation has now re-opened for the development of London Road Recreation Ground and we are actively promoting this. Essentially it is unlikely that all the initiatives in the masterplan can be delivered so this work is to determine a priority. Please submit your own responses via the Mid Sussex website and promote it to your residents.

https://engage.midsussex.gov.uk/london-road-recreation-ground

Cllr Chris Hobbs – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure & Customer Services

Ward Councillor, Hassocks

Appendix 3

Rail Group Report to Parish Council 9 June 2026

At the Rail Group meeting on 5 June, the main topic of discussion was the recently completed accessibility works at the station, which we have advised are temporary to be made permanent after a period of monitoring.

We also noted the installation of the memorial bench for Leslie Campbell at the station on 29 May which has greatly enhanced the downside platform, is a lovely memorial for Les in recognition of his long service as a Parish Councillor and member of the Rail Group. We recorded our thanks to the Parish Council and Les’s cousin to help make this happen.

Regarding the temporary accessibility works at the station, the main areas we discussed for feedback are:

  • the relocation of the disabled bays on the east side, which used to be used for drop-off and pick-up, has at times affected traffic flows and there have been some tense situations when cars stop by the east side access for drop-off and pick-up and block cars passing – it is an area the Rail Group flagged up as needing provision before the works were carried out
  • the relocated disabled bays are on a slope and not easy to reverse out of
  • the car parking spaces outside the Heeler Centre for their clients are being used by rail customers
  • the bollards on the east side marking out the potential area for widening the steps and access to the station are frequently being removed by people and there have been several incidents of people tripping up the metal holders secured in the ground to hold them
  • there are no information posters about the works at the station
  • on the positive side, there has been feedback from parents and schoolchildren that the pedestrian crossing layout has greatly improved the safety of children walking to and from school, and from others that it is much safer for pedestrians and for those with pushchairs, cases and wheelchairs to access the station
  • the new road humps to slow traffic on the east and west side have made the area safer for pedestrians

The Rail Group is going to pass this information to GTR’s project manager and would welcome any other feedback the Parish Council has received to include in their report.

Catherine Cassidy

Hassocks Rail Group