BROOMFIELD AND KINGSWOOD PARISH COUNCIL
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Draft minutes - to be approved at the next meeting
Minutes of a Meeting of the Broomfield and Kingswood Parish Council
held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday 4th February 2008.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Present:
Cllr Bob Bowker (Chair - BB) Cllr Peter Coleman (PC) Cllr Mike Evans (ME)
Cllr Maurice Fitzpatrick (MF) Cllr Jamie Gosden (JG) Cllr Beth Hendy (Vice Chair – BH)
Cllr Derek Hobson (DH) Cllr Tom Hoy (TH) Cllr Fay Rouse (FR) (9)
Sue Wotton – Clerk (SW)
Gail Gosden – Assistant Clerk/RFO (GG)
Peter Parvin (PP) – MBC Ward Councillor
16 members of the public
Cllr Bowker commenced the meeting at 7.30pm and introduced Richard Daniels - Architect, Richard Hall - Rural Housing Enabler and Emmanuel Ogedengbe of the Orbit Group, who after giving an input and progress update regarding the proposed Affordable Housing Scheme at Ashford Drive, Kingswood, answered questions from Councillors and members of the public.
At the conclusion of their input, Cllr Bowker thanked Richard, Richard and Emmanuel for attending, and they left the meeting.
The Chairman then asked if there were other questions from the public not relating to Affordable Housing. A written statement was read out by a member of the public
Cllr Bowker then opened the meeting of the Parish Council at 8.30pm
Apologies for Absence
PCSO Jon White Rest Day
196. Personal & Prejudicial Interests
Cllr Fitzpatrick Declared a Personal interest in Item 7 - Affordable Housing
Cllr Gosden Declared a Prejudicial interest in Item 10 - KIG
Cllr Hendy Declared a Prejudicial interest in Item 8 (i) – Planning - 3 Wildwood Close, Kingswood.
The Clerk Declared a Prejudicial interest in Item 9 (iii) – Finances - ratification of annual review pay increase
197. Minutes of the Meeting held 7th January 2008 and Matters Arising
Cllr Rouse proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Fitzpatrick and they being unanimously agreed, were signed by the Chairman.
There were no matters arising.
198. Minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Meeting held on 17th January 2008 and Matters Arising
Councillors’ attention was drawn to an error in the numbering of the minutes of the F & G P meeting.
Cllr Hendy proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Evans and they being unanimously agreed, were signed by the Chairman.
There were no matters arising.
199. Policing
(i) Police report – The Clerk had held a meeting and visited locations around the Parish with PC Thomas and PCSO White, regarding additional road signs, report submitted to KHS by PC Thomas
(ii) Crime figures 4th December 2007 to 31st January 2008 – PCSO White had provided details of reported crimes for the two month period 1st Dec 2007 – 31st January 2008, as follows:
23/11/07 (reported 31/12/07) - Theft, Gravelly Bottom Road – goods bought from a business, buyer failed to pay
4-7/12/07 - Theft, Whitehall Drive - post delivered to an address was tampered with
07/01/08 - Theft from motor vehicle, Laurel Grove – door lock forced, wallet stolen
27/01/08 - Theft, Lenham Road – hired road breaker stolen from vehicle parked outside (Clerk had received an e-mail in this respect, which had been forwarded to PC Thomas for his attention)
(iii) Neighbourhood Watch - Cllr Bowker reported that someone had called on an elderly lady, who had been asked if she could store their horses but no other persons in the neighbourhood had been approached. There was nothing else to report
200. Maidstone Borough Council
Ward Cllr Peter Parvin spoke of his concern about the tone of e-mails circulating regarding Affordable Housing. Cllr Parvin wished to put on record his opinion, which confirmed that in his view Affordable Housing is necessary, but that he does not necessarily agree with MBC Policy and as he has stated previously at Parish Council meetings, he does not think that the project should go ahead at Ashford Drive until the sewage issue is resolved.
Cllr Parvin advised that MBC was due to reduce the Concurrent Functions allowance by 10%. However this decision has subsequently been called in and will not now happen until 2009. The 10% savings is to be used in conjunction with ‘Quality Parish Councils’. Cllr Parvin also advised that there are so few ‘Quality Parishes’ it is estimated that £37,000.00 of this saving would therefore remain ’held in the pot’. To establish Quality Parish status would require any PC to consist of a fully elected council.
Cllr Parvin reported that there would be a meeting of the Full Council to discuss concessionary bus fares. There have been many problems highlighted with the introduction of the new Scheme implemented by Central Government and which he emphasized, is not a local policy. This new Scheme is expected to cost the Borough an extra £500,000.00. Cllr Parvin stated that he couldn’t see any way that local government can re-instate the token system that had been in place. The Clerk brought to the attention of Cllr Parvin that the new bus passes are only able to be used after 09.30 on weekdays, but that the last morning bus into Maidstone left Kingswood at 09.27 which meant that pensioners are not able to use the new passes – the next bus leaves at 13.40. Cllr Fitzpatrick asked if there was any update on a Voucher Scheme for transport for people going to hospital, Cllr Parvin confirmed that there is nothing available.
KIG - Cllr Parvin informed the meeting that the Highways Agency has required AXA to provide further details on the impact of the additional traffic on local roads. It is not expected that the application will progress any further until at least May. The Local Structure Plan will also be delayed until then.
201. Sewage Issues
(i) To receive report from Cllr Fitzpatrick (previously circulated) dated 15th January 2008
Cllr Coleman proposed that the report be adopted this was seconded by Cllr Hobson and agreed by all (report retained on file).
(ii) General update and correspondence
Letter* dated 22 January sent to CEO, Southern Water, previously circulated to all Councillors and interested parties, no reply received to date
Letter dated 28 January from Mr Froud – circulated to interested parties by sender
Further letter dated 30 January from Mr Riley, ADAG – reply sent 1 February and copied by e-mail to all Councillors and interested parties
Letter dated 30 January from Mrs J Edwards, Senior Customer Relations Adviser, Southern Water (SW) acknowledging receipt of letter* and Cllr Fitzpatrick’s report – copies have been forwarded to SW’s engineers for their comments and an update on progress. Upon receipt, Mr Dawson will reply by 11 February
Letter dated 1 February received from Hugh Robertson, MP, acknowledging letter dated 22 January to SW and repeating support
Cllr Fitzpatrick stated that the problem with the water seepage at the j/w Charlesford Avenue and Ashford Drive is still occurring. The Clerk advised that SW were aware and were including this in their CCTV investigation of Charlesford Avenue, Mid Kent water have stated that this is a fresh water leak.
Cllr Rouse informed Councillors that she had seen someone pouring a substance down the drain from a saucepan, in Ashford Drive recently, and felt this could exacerbate the problems with the sewers.
202. Affordable Housing
(i) Letter - Mr M Froud - Affordable Housing & associated issues
(ii) To agree future action – Architect, Richard Daniels and a representative from the Parish Council will hold an initial meeting with Steve Clarke at MBC, to take forward issues raised earlier this evening. Thereafter a meeting of the Working Party will be held.
(iii) To set date for meeting of Working Group - it is anticipated a Working Party meeting will be held prior to the next Parish Council meeting on 3rd March
203. Planning
The Assistant Clerk advised Councillors that an invitation had been received to visit the planning department at MBC for an insight into the workings of the department. Cllrs Bowker, Hendy & Coleman and the Clerk expressed an interest in attending - the Assistant Clerk will arrange an appropriate time and inform Councillors accordingly. ACTION – A/Clerk
Applications:
(i) MA/07/2178 – 3 Wildwood Close, Kingswood – Erection of single-storey side and rear extension rear extension - no objections
(ii) MA/08/0037 – 14 Chestnut Drive, Kingswood – Erection of a single storey rear extension – no objections.
A further Application has been received since the publication of the Agenda for this meeting, therefore a meeting of the Planning Sub-Committee is to be held at 2.30pm Thursday 14th February 2008 at the Sports Field car park.
Decisions (MBC):
(i) MA/07/2193 –Great Ivy Cottage, Upper Street, Broomfield – Listed building consent for the erection of a two-storey rear extension. (Resubmission of planning application MA/07/0906) - approved
(ii) MA/07/2194 – Great Ivy Cottage, Upper Street, Broomfield - Erection of a two storey rear extension (Re-submission of planning application MA/07/0905) – approved
(iii) MA/07/2427 – 24 Charlesford Avenue, Kingswood – Erection of a single storey front and rear extension and installation of additional windows to existing bungalow – approved
(iv) MA/07/2374 – Oakleigh, Chartway Street, Kingswood – Erection of a single storey rear extension - approved
204. Finances and Finance Officer’s Report
(i) Invoices for payment:
£ Chq No
Clerk – work & expenses 20 Dec 2007 to 20 Jan 2008 520.05 378
Ass Clerk / RFO – work & expenses 20 Dec 2007 to 20 Jan 2008 269.21 379
HMRC – Employers & Employees PAYE & NI contributions 151.07 380
Kingswood Fencing – repair main gatepost, Sports Field 276.12 381
Audit Commission – External Audit 2007 470.00 382
(ii) Additional payments to be ratified at the next meeting:
J Hood – coppicing of oak tree in Sports Field 200.00 383
Spot Hire – deposit for coach hire re Pensioners’ Outing 25th June 50.00 384
(iii) Payments for ratification
£
Paul Waring – Sports Field Maintenance * 1796.75 375
K & B Village Hall – quarterly rental Parish Council meetings * 72.00 376
Kent Air Ambulance Trust – donation * 100.00 377
(* Finance & General Purposes Meeting 17th January 2008)
Cllr Evans proposed these payments be ratified, seconded by Cllr Rouse and agreed by all.
(iv) Other
Review Bank reconciliation- Cllr Bowker checked the bank reconciliation against the appropriately dated bank statements and found it to be accurate and signed the reconciliation details accordingly.
Annual Review – The RFO had previously circulated a statement of Internal Control for review and approval of Councillors. Cllr Fitzpatrick proposed that the Parish Council adopts this statement, this was seconded by Cllr Hendy and agreed by all and signed by the Chairman.
The Clerk left the room at 9.29pm for the duration of the discussion of the following item.
Ratification of Clerk’s pay increase - Following the annual review of the Clerk’s salary at the recent F & G P meeting, Cllr Hendy proposed that the Clerk be awarded a 3% pay rise, this was seconded by Cllr Hobson and agreed by all.
205. Kent International Gateway
Cllr Gosden left the room at 9.35 for the duration of the discussion of the following item.
(i) To receive report (previously circulated) from Clerk re: meeting 17th January 2006. Cllr Coleman proposed that this report be adopted this was seconded by Cllr Fitzpatrick and agreed by all.
The Clerk advised that all 15 parishes have remained with the campaign and although there have been suggestions that the Joint Parishes should combine with other organizations for this campaign, it is believed that should the issues alter, as has been mooted, this could cause funding problems in the future. If KIG does not go ahead in its current format the land would still be available for an alternative project.
(ii) Future meetings –Cllr Hoy and the Clerk will attend the meeting on the 6th February and Cllrs Hoy, Coleman and the Clerk will attend a further meeting on 21st February, when Paul Carter, Leader of KCC will be in attendance.
(iii) Delayed Planning Application hearing – as reported by Cllr Parvin, the hearing planned for 13th February has been postponed until AXA have provided the information required by the Highways Agency in respect of traffic impact
206. KAPC – Area Committee Meeting & AGM, 15th January 2008
(i) To receive report from Cllr Evans (previously circulated) - Cllr Hendy proposed this report is accepted, seconded by Cllr Fitzpatrick and agreed by all.
207. Correspondence File
(i) Letter - MBC – invitation to Annual Urban Conference 1st March 2008 -
(ii) Letter - Sutton Valence Parish Council re: Planning Application MA/07/2332 – Objecting to the proposed running track to be built by Sutton Valence School – following discussion it was agreed a letter should be sent to SVPC to request more details be sent should the application go to appeal, for consideration by this Council. ACTION -Clerk
(iii) Letter – MBC – 6th Annual Assembly of the Standards Committee, together with Conference Material pertaining to the attributes required of Independent Members of the Standards Board.
(iv) Letter – MBC – Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel – correction to figures shown
(v) Letter from Kent Air Ambulance Trust - thanking the PC for their donation.
208. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
Tall Trees Play Area – A/Clerk
209. Any Other Business
(i) The annual Pensioners’ outing has been arranged for Wednesday 25th June to the Amberley Working Museum, near Arundel, West Sussex, 53 seat coach booked with Spot Hire, article will be put in March edition of K & B Village News and on the Parish Web Site to advertise the event
(ii) (See Min 200) Clerk had brought issue of pensioners not being able to use bus passes on 59 morning service due to change in times of use, to the attention of Cllr Mike Fitzgerald, Cabinet Member for Community Services at MBC. The Clerk had also attended the meeting of the East Maidstone Bus User’s Group held this morning, when this issue was discussed. KCC are already aware of this situation and will be holding discussions with Arriva with a view to re-timetabling for affected Parishes. An article will be included in the March edition of the K&B Village News and on the Web Site. The Saturday Nu Venture 59 service is not affected and the concessionary bus passes can be used
(iii) Tall Trees – A/Clerk advised Councillors that a meeting had been arranged on Thursday 7th February at 11am with Ian Truman at MBC to discuss the details of leasing the Tall Trees area. Cllrs Hendy and Evans will attend the meeting with the A/Clerk. A meeting has also been arranged with Mr. & Mrs. Stubbles and Mr. Keenor to discuss the leasing arrangements on Wednesday 13th February at 8pm at 67 Charlesford Avenue. Cllrs Hendy and Evans will attend the meeting with the A/Clerk
(iv) Cllr Fitzpatrick has contacted Ben Hilden at KHS about the signage at Ashford Drive and will continue to pursue the issue.
(v) Cllr Rouse thanked all those who had contributed photos for the Twinning album which is to be sent as a gift to Broomfield, USA. She will need to spend approximately £30.00 in this respect, which was agreed.
(vi) Cllr Rouse also informed Councillors that she has been advised that One off Bids for playground equipment cannot be applied through Concurrent Functions and that she will now re-apply for additional resource funds specifically for play ground equipment, via an Outdoor Play Area Resources Application.
(vii) The Clerk wished her thanks be recorded in respect of her 3% pay rise – see Min 204 (iv).
210. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday 3rd March 2008 at 7.30pm.
There being no further business Cllr Bowker closed the meeting at 10.00pm
Signed Chairman