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Draft minutes - to be approved at the next meeting
Minutes of a Meeting of the
held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday 7th April
2008.
________________________________________________________________________________
Present:
Cllr Bob Bowker (Chair - BB) Cllr Peter Coleman (PC) Cllr Mike Evans (ME)
Cllr Maurice Fitzpatrick (MF) Cllr Derek Hobson (DH) Cllr Tom Hoy (TH) Cllr Fay Rouse (FR) (7)
Cllr Peter Parvin – MBC Ward Councillor
PCSO Jon White
Sue Wotton – Clerk (SW)
Gail Gosden – Assistant Clerk / RFO (GG)
1 member of the public
There were no questions from the public
Cllr Bowker opened the meeting at 19.30pm
Apologies for Absence
Cllr Beth Hendy - Family commitment
Cllr Jamie Gosden - Work commitments
235. Personal & Prejudicial Interests
Cllr Fitzpatrick – Personal Interest – Item 243, Affordable Housing
236. Minutes of the Meeting held 3RD March 2008 and Matters Arising
Cllr Fitzpatrick told
Councillors that in item 219 it had been stated that Southern Water had carried
out a CCTV survey on the sewers in
Cllr Hoy proposed the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Coleman and being agreed by all, were then signed by the Chairman.
Matters arising: Min 224 – Roads. The Clerk had written a number of letters on behalf of the Parish Council dated 6/3 in respect of the parking concerns and associated danger to road users, at Lenham Road / Greensand Ridge, to the following: (i) All residents 1-5 Lenham Road and 1-4 Greensand Ridge (delivered by hand 7/3), (ii) KCC requesting action to restrict parking, (iii) Lord Bruce-Lockhart and Cllr Peter Parvin for their support, (iv) MBC Planning Officer, Steve Clarke in respect of application at ‘Nine Oaks’ & associated road safety issues, and (v) PC Stuart Thomas requesting residents’ letter be passed to the Area Traffic Management Officer, PC Jarvis. All were also supplied with an area map. To date, Clerk has not received any replies or acknowledgements – see also Min. 247
It was noted by all
Councillors that there had been a concerted effort by local residents to
improve the problems of the parking situation in
Cllr Coleman queried with Cllr Parvin the lack of response to communications from this Parish Council to MBC. Cllr Parvin said that he should be contacted in the future with these problems, which he will pursue on our behalf. Councillors agreed that MBC are ignoring the charter which they produce.
237. Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting Held on 14th March 2008 and Matters Arising
Cllr Hobson proposed the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Coleman and being agreed, were then signed by the Chairman.
Matters arising: See Min 238(i)
238. Policing
(i) Police report and crime figures – PCSO White.
PCSO White informed Councillors that there had been illegal dumping of glass in the Sports Field. He had located the person responsible and had advised him accordingly. The glass has subsequently been removed.
19-20/03/2008-theft-
PCSO White reported that he and PC Thomas have patrolled the Sports Field, in plain clothes, and found that all dog walkers were acting in a responsible manner.
PC Thomas has carried out
speed checks in the
There have been daily patrols to monitor the parking concerns of local residents; a driver was issued a warning notice for failure to display a tax disc whilst on the road.
Councillors asked that PCSO White clarify the law relating to parking on a footpath, also parking within junctions. PCSO White said he would ask PC Stuart and report to the next meeting.
(ii) Neighbourhood Watch - Cllr Bowker stated that there was not much to report other than the usual scam letters circulating.
(iii) Letter 13/03/2008 – Inspector Sandwell, Rural and Neighbourhood Partnerships - the Clerk reported that there has been a change to the funding of PCSO’s and therefore there is a need to reduce by one post the number of PCSO’s. Therefore PCSO White’s area of responsibility is increased to also include Sutton Valence and Langley. Nicola Morris is the newly appointed PCSO supervisor. PCSO White stated that the amendment will not detrimentally affect this Parish. He will split his time equally between the four parishes, and although PCSO White does not always have police vehicles at his disposal, in those circumstances he will use his own vehicle.
(iv) Clerk had received telephone call from resident on 6/4 complaining of overweight HGVs using Broomfield Road to access building works, when they have lawful access via Chartway Street. Details today e-mailed to PC Thomas and PCSO White in this respect.
239.
Cllr Parvin spoke about two articles in the local paper recently concerning local Councillors problems, he is unable to add any additional information about either issue, but it does mean that the Borough Council is now a hung Council, but the elections in May will resolve the vacant positions.
Cllr Parvin reported on recently attending the Civic Parade for the
returning soldiers from
He advised that there has been a delay in getting B2163 anti skid material in place; this has now been promised for April.
The devolved budget has been cut by a third, there is now only £2000.00 available for any items and he recommended that any one wishing to use part of this budget apply as soon as possible.
Cllr Parvin will be deputy Mayor this year and Mayor next year.
240. Planning
Applications:
(i) MA/08/0082 – 8 Laurel Grove,
(ii) MA/08/0404 – 4 Lenham Road, Kingswood – Erection of a rear conservatory - approved at Planning Committee meeting held on 14th March 2008 – decision ratified
(iii) MA/08/113
- Nine Oaks,
(iv) MA/08/0466 – Cherry Farm, Cross Drive, Kingswood – Erection of a double garage and link Building (Resubmission of MA/07/1602) - approve
(v) MA/08/0507 – 5 Charlesford Avenue, Kingswood – Erection of a single storey side and rear extension including demolition of existing garage -application withdrawn
(vi) MA/08/0508 – Goodwood, Broomfield Road, Kingswood – Conversion of garage to habitable room and erection of a new detached garage -approve
(vii) MA/08/0512 – Gypsum, Broomfield Road, Kingswood – Conversion of integral garage to habitable space -approve
(viii) MA/08/532 – 44 Laurel Grove, Kingswood – Erection of a two storey rear extension -approve
A further application has
been received since publication of this meeting Agenda – MA/08/0611 – Homefield,
A Meeting of the Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled for 10.30am on Thursday 24th April at the Sports Field
Decisions:
(i) MA/08/0174 – The Whispers,
Other:
(i) MA/07/2087 – Nine Oaks, Lenham Road, Kingswood – Demolition of existing house and erection of six dwellings with associated garages and driveways. Appeal to the Secretary of State
(ii) MA/08/0311 – 5 Charlesford Avenue,
Clerk had received notification dated 19/3, that the application has been withdrawn
(iii) Clerk has received letter from KCC dated 27/03/08, regarding proposed changes to the Planning Application process –from 1st April a national form is to be completed and Local Councils can add their own forms to it. Copies were provided to Councillors
(iv) Letter from Yalding PC regarding frustration with MBC Planning Enforcement procedure –Yalding PC will be hosting a meeting in this regard in approximately 6 weeks, date TBA – does K&B wish to attend. Cllr Evans said we are not happy and would like to attend.
241. Finances and Finance Officer’s Report – Report attached.
The RFO presented two bank reconciliations, the first for March 2008 and the second the 2008 Year End which was signed as being correct by the Chairman
(i) Invoices for payment
£ Chq No
Clerk – work & expenses 20 Feb to 20 Mar 2008 805.47* 392
Ass Clerk / RFO – work & expenses 20 Feb to 20 Mar 2008 278.29 393
KALC – Membership Renewal 2008/9~ 481.28 398
ACRK – Membership Renewal 2008/9 35.00 395
K&B News – printing (December 2007 issue) 75.00 396
K&B News – printing (March 2008 issue) 75.00 397
(* includes NI refund)
Cllr Coleman proposed these payments are made, seconded by Cllr Evans and agreed by all.
(ii) Payments for ratification – there were no payments for ratification
(iii) Other
KALC – Membership Renewal & Local Council Review publications~ Councillors agreed unanimously to cancel subscription to the Local Council Review, but to continue with its membership to KALC.
242. Sewage Issues and Correspondence
(i) Letter 13/03/2008 – Malcolm Froud previously circulated to Councillors. Cllr Fitzpatrick
referring to the contents of
the letter said “what is a non skilled local resident doing commenting and
interfering with the issues relating to the sewers?” Cllr Fitzpatrick also
claims that Mr. Froud is always alone when he claims the drains are checked and
appear to be running free, why does no one check at the same time as Mr. Froud
checks? He also stated that the blockage only occurs to the houses in
(ii) The Clerk confirmed that she has still not received the results of Southern Water’s CCTV investigations carried out during December 2007 – she will chase this up. ACTION - Clerk
243. Affordable Housing
(i) At the meeting of the Affordable Housing
Working Group held 3rd April, it had been confirmed that the
sewage capacity check has been completed on the site at
(ii) Report Working Group meeting – 3rd April 2008 - Clerk had prepared and circulated notes (copy on file) of this meeting to Councillors on 5th April and had also received a further request from an ex/returning to live resident, who wishes to register their interest in Affordable Housing – details forwarded to Richard Hall, Housing Enabler for relevant action. Initial surveys, tree and topographical (which will show the track of the sewer) should be completed in the next 2-3 weeks and once received the site plan can be drawn up and agreed. It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted during June 2008 – refer report for full details of meeting.
(iii) Richard Hall has confirmed he has written to everyone who registered their interest to advise they now have to register with MBC – copy letter on file
(iv) Letter 26/03/2008 to MBC – Malcolm Froud re: tree damage on site / TPO trees have fallen over during recent high winds. He has stored them awaiting the MBC’s approval to remove them.
He would like to plant three new ones.
244. Tall Trees Play Area
(i) Report - meeting 11th March 2008- Cllr Coleman felt that the Parish Council should specify the type of fencing to be used as the boundary fence. After discussion it was agreed that the PC will erect a chestnut paling fence and that an estimate would be required. Cllr Coleman asked about the use of sheds and greenhouses on the land. Cllr Evans said there should be no objections to this, it was agreed that the Parish Council would not stipulate in the lease either way. Councillors expressed concern regarding a covenant on the area, the A/Clerk advised that the potential lessees had been made aware and were happy to pursue the leasing of the area. Concern was also raised about the request by the prospective tenant to remove the entrance gates, which will mean that the land will be inaccessible should the lease be rescinded. It was accepted that should access be required it could be obtained by writing to the tenants.
(ii) General update & future action- A/Clerk advised that Mr. Truman from MBC is hopeful that he will be able to draft the lease at the end of this month. He is waiting to attend the Management Committee meeting regarding an additional covenant.
245. Recreation & Sports Field
(i) Dog fouling – Assistant Clerk reported that things are reasonably good at the moment.
(ii) Quote litter signs – Cllr Coleman has obtained quotes for the signs of £39.95 each plus £50.00 to install them. It was agreed to obtain and install two signs. ACTION-PC
(iii) Siting of goal post – Assistant Clerk has spoken to Phil Tweddell and he has been advised of the required location.
(iv) Additional play equipment bid – Cllr Rouse told Councillors that she should hear the results of the application by late June or early July but will investigate alternate funding in the meantime. Details of a Funding Workshop were passed to Cllr Rouse.
(v) Additional seating – Cllr Coleman suggested that an additional picnic seat and seating bench should be added to the Sports Field, this was agreed Cllr Coleman to obtain quotes and ask Cllr Parvin for additional funding.
(vi) Cross Keys Sunday Football Club – Clerk had received e-mail dated 18/3 from Cross Keys (Bearsted) Sunday FC, requesting details and availability for 2009/10 season. Clerk had sent details but to date has heard nothing further.
(vii) Dumping of glass – Assistant Clerk – as mentioned by PCSO White item 238 the person involved was interviewed and agreed to clear the glass.
(viii) Litter clearing by Scout Group – Assistant Clerk has spoken to Mr. Poulton the Scout Leader who is happy in principle if the PC will supply gloves, grabbers and bin bags. After a discussion it was decided that Councillors would themselves collect litter on an occasional basis.
246.
(i) Report meeting 18th March 2008 Clerk had circulated a report dated 4th April to all Councillors. An e-mail dated 02 April had been received and circulated regarding an ‘Early Day Motion’ (EDM 1286) on KIG, tabled in the House of Commons by Labour MP, Jim Dobbin. In this EDM, Mr. Dobbin applauds the Secretary of State’s decision to grant permission for the new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Howbury Park and calls on her to ensure additional sites such as KIG require her support to create a network of international rail freight facilities and alleviate the growing pressure on the M20 and M25. To date 31/3, 16 MPs have appended their signature to this EDM. Mark Watts, working on behalf of the JPG will respond and local MP, Hugh Robertson has negotiated an amendment to the motion drawing attention to the different set of circumstances affecting the Howbury Park <> KIG developments – this will be made known to the public via the Kent Messenger. The next meeting of the JPG is to be held on Wednesday 7th May at the Tudor Park Hotel, Bearsted, at 7.30pm.
247. Roads
(i) Additional signs – Clerk reported that nothing further has been heard since PC Thomas submitted his report to KHS in January 2008 - she will follow this up ACTION - Clerk
(ii) Ashford Drive /
(iii) Parking issues –
(iv) Gravelly Bottom Road – Clerk had sent
further e-mails dated 10th & 18th March to KHS regarding
the state of the road following more, heavy rain + non-completion of drain unblocking
and clearing mud on the highway. A
reply had been received dated 18th March stating, “a batch of drainage work has been passed to
contractors and this does include
(v) Clerk had received e-mail dated 20/3 from KHS regarding a new method of reporting potholes to ensure accurate and quick reporting, taking effect from 25/3. An Information Pack has been provided that contains reporting cards, business cards, fault reporting number, etc. for use by the Parish Council and Parishioners – details will be displayed on the notice boards and in the June edition of the K&B Village News.
248. Twinning –
Cllr Coleman reported that from the 24th - 29th May there are two couples coming to
(i) Twinning signs update – Cllr Coleman reported that the proposed signs have been rejected by Jacobs. The format does not comply with required standards and we are now waiting for Ben Hilden to send details of the recommended format.
(ii) Photo Album – Cllr Rouse has completed the album and the Clerk has obtained a few additional items to include in the parcel.
249.
250. Parish Notice Board (Avenue Stores) – Cllr Hoy will obtain the key for the notice board from the A/Clerk to do some maintenance. The A/Clerk has spoken to advertisers about displaying posters in A5 format and had so far met with no objections.
251. Spring Clean Sweep – Community Clean Ups - MBC have emailed a press release about a ‘Clean up Village’ campaign. It was decided that the Clerk will apply to MBC for litter picks etc ACTION - Clerk
252. Correspondence File - Clerk
(i) Freightliner attendances: Saturday 17th May, 10.15 – 11.30
(Village Hall car park) Sunday 29th June, 14.45 – 15.45
(ii) Kent Police – Kent KeyLink – Key holder service, this is a not for profit organization which will ensure registered key holders will be contacted in the event of an incident. The cost is £20.00 per year per household and £25. +vat for business’s. Kent Police will no longer hold key holder lists.
(iii) Kent Police Authority conference – 8th April, Ashford International Hotel – details circulated to Councillors 1st April – none attending
253. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
(i) Annual Insurance
(ii) Quote for Benches
254. Any Other Business
(i) Chairman and Clerk had today attending an MBC meeting at the Town Hall regarding best value review of concurrent function, the Parish charter and Quality Parish Council status including the sharing of training options and costs of training Clerks – Clerk will produce and circulate notes in due course
(ii) Clerk has received annual Insurance renewal documents from Allianz, due 1st June 2008,annual premium - £941.23
255. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at
There was no further business; Cllr Bowker closed the meeting at 10.25pm
Signed Chairman