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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. 

08 July 2025

Planning Committee

St Mary's Church Hall, Church Road, Buxted Tuesday 7:00 pm View Details
08 July 2025

Parish Council Meeting

St Mary's Church Hall, Church Road, Buxted Tuesday View Details

Latest Parish News

Unlock a world of possibilities this summer at your local East Sussex library!

26

June 2025
Unlock a world of possibilities this summer at your local East Sussex library!

Your local East Sussex library is not just about what you borrow, it's about what you gain. Yes, you'll find that familiar sense of calm and a world of books to escape into. But it's also a place to connect – to learn something new, bring your little ones for a song, access essential resources, or simply unwind. Whatever your age, whatever your interest, your library has something for you, including:

· Study spaces: Find a quiet spot with computers, printing, scanning, and free wifi. Perfect for students, job seekers, or anyone needing to get things done, your library provides the resources to help you succeed.

· E-library 24/7: Access thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from anywhere, anytime, straight to your device. Your free digital doorway to endless stories and knowledge is always open.

· Activities for children: From joyful Story Time and Rhyme Time sessions for little ones to exciting initiatives like theSummer Reading Challenge, Lego club, and Homework club for older children, your library offers fantastic free activities designed to spark imagination, encourage reading, and support learning for all ages.

· Community connection: Your library is a welcoming space to connect. Join groups, learn new skills, explore local history, or trace your family history. Discover diverse activities and support for all ages and interests.

Begin your library adventure.

It's free to join East Sussex libraries and unlock a wealth of resources for you and your family.Join online or pop into your local library.

Learn more about your library:

  • Pop into your nearest library.

Drainage Works - Station Road, Buxted 28 July - 8 August

24

June 2025
Drainage Works - Station Road, Buxted 28 July - 8 August

See below details of drainage works taking place on Station Road, Buxted between Buxted Primary School east towards Buxted Village from Monday 28th July to Friday 8th August.

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