Broomfield and
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Draft minutes - to be approved at the next meeting
Minutes of a meeting
of the Parish Council
held at the Kingswood & Broomfield Village Hall, Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood on 6th July 2009
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Present:
Cllr
M Biggenden Cllr
Cllr
Maurice Fitzpatrick Cllr
Cllr
Sue Wotton – Clerk
Gail Gosden – Assistant Clerk / RFO
Jenny
Whittle – Kent County Councillor for
PC Older – Kent Police
There was one member of the public present. No questions were asked.
Cllr Hendy opened the meeting at 7.35 pm
Apologies for Absence
43. Personal & Prejudicial Interests
None declared
44. Minutes of the Meeting held 1st June 2009 and Matters Arising
Cllr Fitzpatrick recalled that the one member of the public present had only asked one question of him, not two as stated in the minutes – Amended.
Cllr Coleman proposed the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Fitzpatrick and signed by Cllr Hendy, there were no matters arising.
45. Minutes of Planning Committee Meeting 11th June and Matters Arising
Cllr Hobson proposed the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr Fitzpatrick and signed by Cllr Hendy, there were no matters arising.
46. Policing
(i) PC Older – Introduced himself to Councillors and apologized for being unable to attend the last meeting or supply crime figures due to being on annual leave – he will ensure they are provided in future. He looks forward to working within the Parish.
(ii) Police
Report and Crime Figures– PC Older reported that in May there had been two
reports of thefts from motor vehicles in
(iii) PCSO Richard Kirby - Clerk had received e-mail from Neighbourhood Policing to confirm that PCSO Kirby will shortly be replacing PCSO White, and will be introduced to the Parish as soon as possible
(iv) Neighbourhood Watch - Cllr Bowker not present
(v) KPA
– Policing Kent 2009/12 – Clerk had received letter dated 19 June from Kent
Police Authority regarding Plan - Policing in Kent 2009/12. A summary version of the Plan will be
distributed to every household in
47.
Cllr Whittle is now the Deputy Cabinet Member
for Children, Families and Education, specifically nurseries and schools. She has already taken up the issues of the
heating at
Cllr Hoy reminded members of the outstanding issues highlighted within the Parish Plan i) Speed restrictions, ii) Safe access to the Sports Field. It was agreed that Cllrs Hendy, Hoy and A/Clerk would form a Steering Group to further investigate the possibilities of pursuing these issues – Cllr Whittle will offer support where she can.
She advised that there are two KCC funding streams available, one of £25,000.00 set up for use for highways issues, and one of £10,000.00, but members’ applications for either of these funds should be submitted asap.
Cllr Whittle has attended the Pre-Inquiry meeting regarding the KIG application. The Public Inquiry commences on 13th October 2009 for approximately 8 weeks, it will then take some 3 months before the report is available. Cllr Whittle stated it is important that there is a regular attendance of the public during the Inquiry. All six parties are giving statements of evidence at a meeting next week.
48.
No report - Cllr Parvin not present. Clerk informed members that she had written to Peter Parvin expressing condolences of Councillors upon the recent, sudden loss of his son.
49. Planning
Applications:
(i) MA/09/0971 – Land adjacent to Highlands, Chartway Street – Demolition of existing single storey building for class B1 use - No Comment
Decisions (MBC):
(i) MA/09/0635 – 1 Barrack Cottages,
(ii) MA/09/0636 - 1 Barrack Cottages,
(iii) MA/09/0605 – The Old Village Hall Site,
Clerk reported that having received these decision notifications electronically, whilst she had been able to access the conditions for Items (i) & (ii) above on the MBC Website, she had not been able to open those concerned with Item (iii). Clerk was requested to pursue and obtain details of any conditions imposed ACTION - Clerk
(iv) MA/08/1866 – Land adjacent to Foxwood, Lenham Road, Kingswood – application for erection of one bungalow with elderly persons annex with associated works including access and parking area – appeal to the Secretary of State for refusal of full planning permission.
Cllrs requested that a letter be sent to the Secretary of State re-iterating the initial reasons for refusal. ACTION – A/Clerk
(v) MA/08/2231
– The Old Hall,
Other:
(i) TA/0072/09 – Nine Oaks, Lenham Road, Kingswood – an application for consent to remove the two lowest branches from Oak tree overhanging garden shed and conservatory at ‘Tanglewood’; tree being subject to Tree Preservation Order No. 6 of 1992 - Approve
(ii) TPO 4/2009 – Trees at The Oaks,
(iii) TA/0063/09 - 3 Kingsbroom Court, Broomfield Road, Kingswood – application to carry out various tree works. Following further information from MBC and lengthy discussion, members agreed as follows: (i) Necessary clearing and tidying of area, (ii) Larch trees – no objections to removal of lower branches to tidy and allow light penetration, but not to be felled, (iii) Mature Oak, western boundary – removal of lower branches for light penetration approved, but upper canopy to be left intact, (iv) Remaining Oaks and Eucalyptus – crown lift to allow more light to front of property approved. ACTION- A/Clerk
(iv) Section 106 Agreements – MBC Website. The Clerk advised that Section 106 information was sent out quarterly advising Parish Councils where S106 Agreements had been applied.
(v) MA/09/0888 – Rose Cottage, Chartway Street – Erection of a two storey side extension and installation of 1 no. rear dormer
window plus alterations / extension to garage and alteration to driveway, Planning Committee meeting to be held at 10.0am, Tuesday 14th July, at the Sports Field, Lenham Road.
ACTION
– A/Clerk
Cllr Hendy requested that in future, members endeavour to arrive at 7.10pm to view any planning applications in an effort to reduce the length of meetings. Cllr Hendy then closed the meeting at 20.40 for discussion of the next item.
50. Planning Enforcement (closed session)
Cllr Hendy re-opened the meeting at 20.50 and the Clerk was requested to write to MBC Enforcement regarding lack of action in respect of Planning Enforcement issues in the Parish ACTION - Clerk
51. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
The balance of accounts as at the end of June 2009
Current Account - £200.00
Reserve Account - £35,774.80
Receipts for the month include £255.00 for pitch fees from the Star Football club, the half year payment of the Concurrent Functions Grant of £5,150.00 and bank interest of £3.77.
The approved Annual Return has been received. The Notice for Public Inspection has been displayed with a copy of the Annual Return on the Notice Boards since the 22nd June as is required.
52. Finances
(i) Invoices for payment: £ Chq. No
Clerk – Pay, mileage & room expenses, 20 May to 20 Jun ’09 634.70 551
Clerk – Purchase postage stamps 11.88 552
Ass Clerk/RFO – Pay, mileage & room expenses --- “ --- 574.34 553
Ass Clerk/RFO – Purchase –postage,stamps,keys,nappy sacks, parking 30.21 554
HMRC – Clerks’ PAYE & Employer’s NI contributions 200.34 555
P Coleman – Clerk’s Tiscali Broadband/phone, 3 months, Feb – Apr ’09 47.65 556
Spot Hire – coach re:
Pensioners’ trip 16/6 380.00 557
Kingswood & Broomfield
News –printing costs 75.00 558
Kingswood & Broomfield Village Hall – Room Hire 72.00 559
Wicksteed Leisure – repair kits & paint for play area 611.40 560
Allen’s Contractors – repairs at play area 850.00 561
Payment of these invoices was proposed by Cllr Evans, seconded by Cllr Biggenden and agreed by all.
(ii) Payments for ratification:
Kenward Trust donation 50.00 547
ACRK – annual membership 35.00 548
Clerk – Pensioner’s
trip 16/6, entry / cream teas / driver,
KALC
- Purchase LCA –
Ratification of payments proposed by Cllr Evans, seconded by Cllr Biggenden and agreed by all.
(iii) Invoices received since publication of Agenda:
Wicksteed Leisure – additional paint & repair kit 286.98 562
Phil Tweddell – maintenance of footpath* – Whitehall Drive 98.00 563
Audit Commission – Annual Audit Fee 460.00 564
These payments to be ratified at the next meeting
(iv) Other:
Bank reconciliations – Cllr Hoy proposed to approve the bank reconciliations for May & June, seconded by Cllr Coleman, agreed by all and signed by Cllr Hendy.
Concurrent Functions 2009/2010, 1st installment payment has been received.
Payments to HMRC and Clerks – The RFO advised Cllrs that the payments to HMRC are, in some months, due before the monthly meeting, the dates of Clerks’ salary payments also vary considerably. After discussion Cllr Fitzpatrick proposed that payments to HMRC and the Clerks should, in future, be made on the 1st day of each month and ratified at the following meeting, this was seconded by Cllr Evans and agreed by all. ACTION - A/Clerk
53.
(i) Report JPG Meeting 17th June – The minutes of the JPG meeting 17th June had been previously circulated to all members and Cllr Coleman gave an update. After discussion Cllrs resolved to continue to support the Group. Cllr Hoy will attend the next JPG meeting on Wednesday 15th July. ACTION – Cllr Hoy
(ii) JPG Membership / Financial review - Cllrs agreed that the continued membership of the JPG would be considered at the September meeting. ACTION - Clerk
54. Parish Pensioners’ Outing 2009
Cllr Coleman reported that the 16th June trip had been enjoyed by all and a number of cards and letters of appreciation had been received – photos on the Website. Cllr Hendy had also received a letter from parishioners expressing their thanks. A Pensioners’ Outing for 2010 will be considered in October.
55. Complaints Procedure for Parish Councils
The A/Clerk had received via NALC Toolkit, a recommended proforma for the complaints procedure, which the Clerk would view before the next meeting and provide details to members for consideration. ACTION - Clerk
56. Recreation & Sports Field
(i) Revised Scout Group lease – despite further requests, the A/Clerk had received no further information from MBC
(ii) Repair old play equipment / surface – A/Clerk advised that the work of repairing the surface and painting the play equipment was now complete. Several members had viewed the work and all agreed it had been completed to a high standard. Cllr Hobson proposed that the Contractors receive payment for the metered water used, seconded by Cllr Evans and agreed by all. ACTION – A/Clerk
(iii) Additional repairs required at old play area - A/Clerk advised that the Annual Safety Inspection is due 20/21 July and that the fence around the old play area is very loose in places and needs re-setting. Allens Contractors have quoted £115.00 for the repairs. Cllr Fitzpatrick proposed that Allens be appointed to carry out this work, seconded by Cllr Evans and agreed by all. It was also resolved to review painting the railings in October at the time of considering the next Precept application.
(iv) Portacabin – A/Clerk had received a quote to repaint the Portacabin but it did not include painting the roof. Cllr Coleman requested a quote to include this. Cllr Rouse proposed that Jenny Whittle be approached for a donation from her County Council budget for any additional funding for necessary work at Sports Field which was agreed by all. Cllrs requested that the Chairman of the Scout Group is approached re: painting of Scout Hut. ACTION – Clerk & A/Clerk
57.
(i) Parish Portal – Clerk had now received a password but had been unable to obtain access.
(ii) Twinning signs – Cllr Coleman had nothing further to report at this time.
(iii) Traffic
calming,
(iv) Report cards – Clerk reported that KHS are no longer using/supplying the Report Cards but had sent a supply of business cards with relevant numbers and details – will be placed in village shop for use by residents.
(v) KHS
have notified two Parish road closures: (i) Broomfield Road at
58. No. 59 Arriva Bus Service
Clerk had written to Mr Pay at KCC Transport Services on 17 June (letter circulated to all members), no reply received to date. Jenny Whittle had e-mailed Transport Integration in this regard and in reply David Hall had stated that this Arriva service is not KCC funded as had previously been understood.
59. Parish Plan and Village of the Year Review
Clerk had received letter date 10 June 2009 from ACRK regarding support and training in regard to Parish Plans and involvement with Kent Police.
Cllr Hoy had spoken with ACRK regarding Sheltered
Housing within this Parish. After
discussion it was agreed that the current Affordable Housing project should be concluded
first; in the meanwhile Cllr Hoy will continue to research this issue and will
circulate any further information to members. ACTION – Cllr Hoy
Cllr Evans stated that when the Village Plan
was implemented changes to the speed limits were considered and applications to
Kent Police were not met with much enthusiasm. A speed limit of 20mph in the village centre
was suggested, but objections were made. The PC was advised that they could erect their
own signs ‘suggesting’ 20mph. Clerk
requested to enquire of KHS the potential for a change to the existing speed
limits. ACTION
-Clerk
60.
Cllr Hoy advised that he would attend the next Village Hall committee meeting later this month and would report back in August, the offer to include the minutes of their meetings on the PC Website was declined.
61. Footpaths
(i) Footpath Closures – Cllr Coleman reported
that following further phone calls to KCC the footpath between
(ii) Footpath maintenance - Cllr Hendy
received a complaint from a resident regarding the overgrown condition of the
footpath between
62. KCC – Development Planning, Getting Involved
Clerk had received information regarding a Statement of Community Involvement, whereby people can get involved with town and country planning issues – available to members on request.
63. Correspondence File
(i) Letter
dated 12 June from Jenny Whittle,
(ii) KHS – Countywide Drainage Team – request for assistance regarding ownership of ditches in the Parish, for new database – have offered to set up meeting
(iii) Vitalise – supports local Disabled People and Carers – request for donation – not approved
(iv) KCC – Countryside Access Service –
Explore Kent - One Stop Shop for walkers, etc., in
(vi) ACRK – Notifying that the Village Shop was unsuccessful in the Rural Retailer competition 2009
(vii) Kenward Trust – Letter of thanks for donation from Parish Council
64. August Parish Council Meeting
Confirmed availability of Councillors during August enables the meeting to be held.
65. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
None requested other than as discussed during the meeting
66. Any Other Information
(i) Affordable
Housing – Clerk wrote to Steve Clarke on 8th June regarding MBC’s
non-determination of the Planning Application and the further Ecological Survey
on the site at
(ii) Posters had been displayed on noticeboards and Website requesting residents to ensure any trees / vegetation overgrowing pavements be trimmed back
(iii) KALC
Area Committee and Annual Meetings will be held at
(iv) Cllr Hendy reported that the wood clearance in
the
(v) Attendance at Saturday Coffee Mornings at Village Hall – Cllr Biggenden will attend 1st August. ACTION – Cllr Biggenden
67. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held
on Monday 3rd August 2009 at
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.35pm
Signed Chairman