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Buxted Parish Council

Buxted Parish Council came into being in 1894 when the present system of Parish Councils was instituted to give rural communities a voice. Buxted Parish covers some 7,000 acres with an electorate of about 2,500 out of a population of 3,200. It encompasses the villages of Buxted, High Hurstwood and Five Ash Down.

The parish is divided into two wards – Buxted/Five Ash Down (10 councillors) and High Hurstwood (5 councillors). Councils are elected for a term of 4 years. Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday in every month (except August), alternating between Buxted Reading Room, High Hurstwood Village Hall and Five Ash Down Village Hall, at 19.30. Meetings agendas are displayed one week in advance on the Parish notice boards in Buxted (on the Ionides Trust site), High Hurstwood (near The Hurstwood pub) and in Five Ash Down (outside the Village Hall) and on the website. The agenda includes a list of any planning applications received from Wealden District Council for consultation. All meetings of the Council and its committees are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or raise issues with the Council before the meetings formally begin.

An early requirement was to provide allotments, which we do. Councils can also support arts and crafts; contribute to maintenance of churchyards; protect commons, provide buildings for public meetings, functions and entertainment, maintain public footpaths and bridleways (jointly with ESCC), provide footway lighting (we don’t), provide and maintain public open spaces, and comment on planning applications.

We also take an active interest in highways matters, policy and our environment (e.g. trees and hedgerows). More and more we have to comment on government policies for local government and voice our electors’ concerns.

Parish assets include Buxted Reading Room, two recreation grounds (Buxted and High Hurstwood), two allotment areas in Buxted (recently re-generated) and High Hurstwood, children’s play areas in Buxted and High Hurstwood, and two bus shelters. The budget is set annually over the period October to December. Planned expenditure less income forms the ‘Parish Precept’ which is levied as part of annual Council Tax. Apart from meeting general running expenses of the council – specifically employing our Parish Clerk – the council makes grants to local organisations and contributes to local projects e.g. Buxted Traffic calming.

The Parish Council recognises the burden of Council Tax but is also conscious of local needs for improvements in the Parish that increasingly are not being covered by either County or District as they seek to keep within national government budgets. Before increasing Precept to cover costs of local improvements such as the recent traffic calming, the Parish Council ensures that such improvements are what our electorate want and are prepared to pay for.

Councillors sit on various committees (e.g. Finance, Planning, Communications) and outside bodies (e.g. Ionides Trust, Buxted Community Hall Trust). Each keeps an eye on different parts of the Parish, e.g. for planning purposes and trees.

Our Parish Clerks, Beccy Macklen & Claudine Feltham (01435 515219) clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk, who act as the Council’s ‘proper officers’ on the Council’s behalf and under its direction. 

09 September 2025

Planning Committee

Five Ash Down Village Hall Tuesday 7:00 pm View Details
09 September 2025

Parish Council Meeting

Five Ash Down Village Hall Tuesday View Details

Latest Parish News

ESCC Cllr Galley Monthly News September 2025

08

September 2025
ESCC Cllr Galley Monthly News September 2025


Commemorations

Commemorating historical events has been a big theme this summer.

We did not have any major local celebrations of VJ Day. That is fraught with ethical issues but without that war ending many more lives would have been lost.

As Chairman of the County Council, I attended a memorial of the Newhaven to Dieppe Raid in August 1942. Allied troops, the majority Canadian, sailed from Newhaven to land near Dieppe and hopefully outflank the Germans. Unfortunately, they knew our troops were coming and gunned them down on the beaches and took a lot of prisoners.

French and Canadian representatives attended a moving ceremony on August 10th in Newhaven. This was hosted by Kim Bishop, the lively Mayor of Newhaven. The following weekend, the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Lewes, the Mayor of Newhaven and I went over to Dieppe to join the French commemoration. We were there for two days but the French take these events very seriously and there were many activities there over several days. There are a number of locations where a vigil is kept and wreaths are laid. In France this is a big community event and a lot of young people are involved which is very encouraging.

Some may question why we continue to mark these anniversaries. It is about remembering those who gave their lives so we can be free of tyranny. It is also about younger generations understanding how fragile is the peace and democracy we all rather take for granted. The most memorable event was when French, Canadian and British representatives read out the names of over 1300 young men who were killed in and around Dieppe.

In September I will be joining the Royal Society of St George to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This was a game changing battle of the Second World War.

Road Safety

We have a lot of road safety issues at the top of the agenda a present.

Extra measures have been introduced in Danehill along with the improved road surface.

The Signage going up to Nutley School has been enhanced and work is being done outside the school to put in a more level surface.

We are awaiting improved signage near Buxted School

There are speeding and safety problems on the A22 between Pippingford and Wych Cross.

A recent fatal accident has highlighted the dangers along Crowborough Road, Nutley.

Speeding along the A 275 towards Trading Boundaries continues to require better signage.

A reduced speed limit will soon be introduced at Horney Common and on the road from Buxted to Hadlow Down.

Roy Galley

September 8th 2025

Roy Galley.cllr.roy.galley@eastsussex.gov.uk

01825 713018

What to do when you encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in your community

03

September 2025
What to do when you encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in your community

The RSPCA are extremely passionate about supporting local residents when you encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in your communities. Very often, people are unsure of the best steps to take in these situations, and their aim is to make it easier for you to find clear guidance and get in touch with them quickly.

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