DRAFT MINUTES OF THE DALLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 27th JANUARY 2026
Present: Councillors N. Harding (Chair), J. Gray (Vice-Chair), M. Gray-Smith, P. Ridley
Mrs. I. Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)
County Councillor E. Kirby-Green
District Councillor K. McLaren
Members of the public
20th February 2026
Before the meeting started, RAYNET gave a short presentation to the Members. It was most interesting and emphasised the vital work they do. DPC hope they will do the same at the Dallington Parish Assembly on 21.04.26.
1. Disclosure of interests
Councillor Ridley declared a personal interest in the additional item on the agenda – Grants and Donations – as she is a member of the Dallington Village Hall Committee. She will not take part in the voting.
2. Dispensations
None requested.
3. Apologies
None required.
4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting(s)
RESOLVED: that the draft minutes of the DPC meeting held on 18.11.25 be confirmed as being an accurate record of the proceedings. Councillor Gray-Smith proposed and Councillor Ridley seconded, the voting was unanimous.
5. Open Forum
5.1 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green
- The work on the budget is moving forward and ESCC are to apply for a £70M loan.
- If elections are to be held this year, it is likely that they will be delayed or not even take place, due to devolution.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding devolution finance.
- Many complaints regarding highways, potholes and flooding is everywhere.
- A drainage plan is presently in process.
5.1 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor K. McLaren
- RDC were able to set a balanced budget for 2026-27.
- She advised DPC on undertaking a Parish Priorities project and will be able to advise and support.
- Regarding the nature emergency, RDC are to embed nature conservation in all aspects of planning.
- Design of new developments will set speed limits of 20mph within such developments.
- Councillor McLaren has joined Battle TC’s Climate and Ecology Group.
5.3 Public Question Time – no questions from members of the public.
6. Approval of the DPC Draft Revenue Budget 2026-27 and to set the DPC Precept 2026-27
6.1 RESOLVED: to approve the DPC Revenue Budget 2026-27 as presented by the Clerk. Councillor Gray proposed and the Chair seconded, the voting was unanimous.
6.2 RESOLVED: to set the DPC Precept 2026-27 at £12,000. The Chair proposed and Councillor Gray seconded.
7. RAYNET use of Dallington Recreation Ground
7.1 RESOLUTION: to approve the hiring agreement for RAYNET as presented by the Clerk. Councillor Ridley proposed and Councillor Gray-Smith seconded, the voting was unanimous. The agreement was signed by RAYNET and the Clerk as Proper Officer.
7.2 No other discussions regarding Dallington Recreation Ground.
8. Adoption of a DPC Email and IT Policy
RESOLVED: to adopt the Email and IT Policy as presented by the Clerk. Councillor Gray proposed and Councillor Gray-Smith seconded, the voting was unanimous.
Post meeting note: this policy is now available on the DPC website.
9. Rother District Council Community Grants Fund
DPC were disappointed that Dallington Village Hall did not receive a grant towards “Digital Dallington.” Please see the item below for further information.
Additional Item – Grants and Donations
RESOLVED: to donate the sum of £500 to the Dallington Village Hall Committee for the purchase of laptop(s), software and a security cabinet. The Chair proposed and Councillor Gray seconded, the voting was unanimous.
10. Devolution/Local Government Planning
The Members decided to undertake a Parish Priorities project, this will involve as many resident views and opinions as possible. Further discussions will take place at the March meeting.
11. Fingerpost at Rookery Lane
This work is now in hand, but as the weather has been appalling, installation may be delayed.
12. Planning
12.1 No planning applications for consideration.
12.2 No other planning matters for discussion.
13. Enforcement
13.1 No Dallington items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.
13.2 No other enforcement matters for discussion.
14. Highways/Rights of Way
14.1 B2029/Woods Corner Junction – DPC were disappointed in ESCC Highways response to the recent meeting on site. Councillor Gray is to respond. (COUNCILLOR GRAY)
14.2 The Chair informed the meeting that the Glaziers Forge footbridge is an accommodation bridge and must be maintained to a “horse and cart standard.”
Rights of Way, there has been a complaint that the style at Rabbets Farm has vanished and gates are chained up. The Clerk will report to ESCC RoW. (CLERK)
15. Finance
15.1 Bank balances at 31.12.25
- DPC deposit account – £11,757.66
- DPC current account – £1,761.70
- DRG current account – £350.77
15.2 RESOLVED: to approve the following payments. The Chair proposed and Councillor Gray seconded, the voting was unanimous.
Dallington Parish Council account:
- Clerk salary/HO Dec25/Jan26, back pay, expenses – £1,347.94
- DRG top-up £300.00
- * Defibb shop, battery – £282.00
- * Village Hall, room hire – £168.00
* already paid.
Dallington Recreation Ground Account:
- *G. Keeley grass cutting/rolling – £160.00
- *G. Keeley hedge cutting – £100.00
* already paid
15.3 RESOLVED: to approve the third quarter accounts at 31.12.25 as presented by the Clerk. Councillor Ridley proposed and Councillor Gray seconded, the voting was unanimous.
16. Dates of next meetings
- 17.02.26 – full council meeting/planning meeting (provisional)
- 17.03.26 – DRG meeting (starts 7.00pm)
- 17.03.26 – full council meeting