Full Council Minutes 2024/2025

CHAPEL ST LEONARDS PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING

Present:             Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman), Cllr C. Jude (Vice Chairman), Cllr C. Briggs,  

                           And Cllr P. Hamilton

In Attendance:  D Cllr P. Sutton and D Cllr R. Dawson

Members of the Public:  11

Chairman’s Welcome

Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) welcomed everyone present to the meeting and thanked them for attending.  She stated that there will be a 15-minute public participation, and we will try to answer on the night but if not, we will get back to you. We will treat you with respect and expect the same in return. 

Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) introduced the newly elected D Cllr Paul Sutton and asked him if he would like to report any issues.  He mentioned that there were footpaths that needed re-surfacing and he would report this.  He also stated that there was funding for defibrillators.

Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) asked the members of public if they would like to speak.  One member stated that the footpath needed repairing and was very icy along Sea Road past the Ship pub and enquired about salting the roads.  Cllr P. Robinson directed him to use Fix My Street an online tool to highlight any issues within Chapel St Leonards.  She stated that she and C Cllr Danny Brookes had gone round the village and he had reported the repairs that were needed.

The Chairman thanked the member of public for his input.  There were no other enquiries.

FC/01/01-26       Chairman’s Welcome

Cllr P. Robinson welcomed all present to the Full Council Meeting and stated that the Council had received two applications from members of the public to become councillors, and co-option would be the first item on the agenda.

FC/02/01-26      To receive applications for Parish Councillor vacancies and co-opt new members.  The Clerk has received two applications, and these have been circulated to all councillors for review prior to the meeting.

Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) introduced both applicants and invited them to say a few words about themselves and why they wanted to become Councillors.  There was a vote and it was a unanimous decision with a show of hands and RESOLVED that Jennifer Sieradzki and Carol Naylor become Councillors for Chapel St Leonards Parish Council.  The Clerk and both applicants signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Councillor and Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) asked them to join the other Councillors at the meeting.

FC/03/01-26      Apologies for Absence

None received.

FC/04/01-26     To receive Declaration of Interest in agenda items under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interest.

None received.

FC/05/01-26      To receive and approve the draft minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 8 December 2025.

Cllr C. Briggs proposed and Cllr C. Jude seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 8 December 2025.  It was unanimous and the Chairman, Cllr P. Robinson signed the minutes.

FC/06/01-26      Chairman’s Report.

Cllr P. Robinson (Chairman) wished a very happy and healthy New Year to everyone present.

She stated that there had been a resignation by Cllr George Ward.  She wished him all the best for the future and thanked him for all his work and time served as a Councillor for the Chapel St Leonards Parish Council.

FC/07/01-26      Precept.

The Chairman, Cllr P. Robinson stated that there had been discussions and meetings regarding the precept, and it was felt that the precept should go up this year as there have been no increases  for the past 3 years.  She then asked the Clerk to clarify the position.  The Clerk stated that this year the precept would rise by 7.7%.  Cllr C. Jude proposed and Cllr C. Briggs seconded the motion.  It was RESOLVED unanimously with a show of hands to raise the precept.

FC/08/01-26      Resolve to appoint an Internal Auditor.

It was RESOLVED unanimously to appoint an Internal Auditor from LALC.

FC/09/01-26      Clerk’s Report

1. Council approval for outgoings and incomings for December 2025

The Outgoings and Incomings were approved by Council and the Chairman, Cllr P. Robinson and the Vice Chairman, Cllr C. Jude signed these.

2. Staff Training Update.

The Clerk stated that two Operatives will be undertaking training for the Advant digger on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.This will be an asset to the Council in view of the sand clearance that is required at Chapel St Leonards.

FC/10/01-26      Committee Updates.

1. Environment and Amenities.

We now have the permit for works to begin on the amphitheatre.The work will start soon possibly end of January2026/ beginning of February 2026.The benches will be going up shortly.

2. Finance.

Cllr C. Jude stated that there had been three quotes for electrical work on the Seafront Café.It was RESOLVED that MHP Electrics would carry out the works. Cllr C. Briggs proposed and Cllr P. Robinson seconded the motion.It was unanimous with a show of hands.

There will also be quotes for the electrical testing of the village green.

Cllr C. Jude stated that the accounts were stable.

FC/11/01-26      Planning – to consider new planning applications as a Statutory Consultee and to note Planning Authority decisions.

Planning Application Number:  03189/25/FUL – Amended

This is an amended plan from the previous application.  The Council still have objection due to the height and dominance of the structure not in keeping with the village green.   It changes the street scene in keeping with the centre of the village.

FC/12/01-26          Date and time of next Full Council Meeting.

Monday, 9 February 2026 at 7.00pm.

The Full Council Meeting concluded at 8.10pm

These are draft minutes until approved and signed at the next Full Council Meeting.