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Minutes of a Meeting of the
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Present:
Cllr Nelson Bowker (NB) Cllr Peter Coleman (PC)
Cllr Mike Evans (ME) Cllr Neil Harrison (NH)
Cllr Dave Law (DL – Chairman) Cllr Pat Lyne (PL) (6)
Sue Wotton (SW – Clerk)
Cllr Peter Parvin (PP –
PC Stuart Thomas
Nigel Cuming – Editor The Echo, Rural Transport Warden
52 members of the public.
7.35pm - Cllr Law introduced himself and welcomed members of the public. Cllr Law explained that in respect of Item 4 of the Agenda - Affordable Housing - having declared a prejudicial interest he would be required to leave the room for that Item, but should it be agreed to move that Item to the beginning of the evening, before the Meeting of the Parish Council was opened, and to hear the presentation at this stage, by Jennifer Shaw (Rural Housing Enabler) and Emmanuel Ogedengbe (Orbit Group), he could be present. Cllr Law asked for and received confirmation from Cllr Parvin that this was the case, and it was agreed by other Councillors, that the presentation be brought forward and go ahead outside the Parish Council Meeting. Cllr Law then introduced and welcomed Jennifer, Emmanuel and Richard Daniels (Architect).
Jennifer outlined the history of Affordable Housing
which had lead to the current position in regard to the site at Ashford Drive
being identified as both suitable and available, and answered many questions posed by both members of the
public and Councillors. Strong
opposition was expressed regarding the
At the conclusion of the presentation and questions, Cllr Law thanked Jennifer, Emmanuel and Richard for attending. They thanked the Parish Council for allowing them to attend and give their presentation and stated they would be happy to continue to support and work with the Parish Council in respect of Affordable Housing.
Cllr Law opened the Meeting at 9.28pm
Apologies for Absence
Cllr Sue Clarke (SC) - holiday Cllr Jody Evans (JE – Vice Chair) - holiday
Cllr Beth Hendy (BH) - holiday Val Clark – Street Warden
41. Personal & Prejudicial Interests ( i.e. Pecuniary / Non-Pecuniary)
Cllr Coleman - Village Hall, Village Hall Notice Board
Cllr Law - Affordable Housing
Pat Lyne -
Clerk - Village Hall Notice Board
42. Minutes of the Meeting held 3rd July 2006
The Minutes of the last Meeting held 3rd July were read and signed as correct, proposed by Cllr Bowker, seconded by Cllr Coleman, and signed by the Chairman.
43. Actions / Matters Arising from Meeting held 3rd July 2006
(i) Clerk has written to Chief Superintendent Hope on behalf of Parish Council and residents and has requested the letter and relevant addresses be published in the September issue of the K&B Village News for information of residents who may also wish to write – copy attached
(ii) Cllr M Evans has written to KCC regarding publication ‘Towards 2010’ – copy attached
(iii) Clerk has completed and circulated draft Football Club Contract – see Minute 51 (iii)
(iv) Clerk has organized Pensioners’ outing for Tuesday 19th September – see Minute 54
44. Affordable Housing
Cllr Harrison consulted Local Council Administration 7th Edition, 10.13 (page 99) with regard to making an immediate decision on whether
to proceed with the
In respect of this, the following general points were raised:
Ø Planning
Permission has not been submitted in respect of the
Ø the
Parish Council must make a decision whether to continue in respect of
Ø the Parish Council has, in the past, objected to all Planning Applications outside the village envelope
Ø there has to be ‘exceptional sites’ or Affordable Housing would never be realized
Ø is
the public objection in respect of this particular site (
Ø the
Parish Council should not give up its search for a suitable site for Affordable
Housing for those who want to be able to live in
Ø the
site at
Ø proper consideration should be given to the feelings expressed by the public
Ø time should be taken for Councillors to reflect and not make a quick decision
Following this discussion, Cllr Law then asked Councillors what they wanted to do and each expressed their views. General opinion was that an Affordable Housing scheme for the Parish was still wanted, but the strength of feeling of residents should be considered and ideally an alternative site sought.
There came a point during this discussion, when Cllr Harrison reminded Cllr Law that he should leave the meeting for this Agenda item, which he did, and Cllr Harrison then took the Chair.
Further dialogue ensued, and it was finally proposed and agreed that no decision should be made this evening on whether to abandon the Ashford Drive site altogether, enquiries to find a suitable site should continue, and the subject should be made an Agenda item for the Meeting of the Parish Council on 2nd October. ACTION - Clerk
Cllr Law rejoined meeting at 9.48pm
45. Tall Trees Play Area
The Clerk had received a complaint from David Stubbles about delays to progress. Cllr Law reported that the fencer should have started the work at the weekend (5th/6th August) and he will check that this is so. Cllr Law has now passed the paperwork to Cllr J Evans in respect of the Planning Application for change of use of the land from a play area. The Legal Notices cannot be published until planning approval has been received from Maidstone Borough Council. Cllr Coleman asked what the length of the lease is likely to be, Cllr Law confirmed that initially a 35 year period had been requested, but a 99 year lease would now be preferred – the length of the lease would be decided when the contract is drawn up.
46. Policing
(i) Police Liaison Visit – see attached report from PC Thomas
(ii) Neighbourhood Watch – Cllr Bowker reported that there has been a spate of chain letters which have been passed to PC Thomas. Three came from abroad which are franked and may be traceable
47.
Cllr Parvin reported changes are being made in respect of re-cycling, which will affect the whole Borough. He has received approximately 50 letters in respect of the Forestlan / Chestnut Cottage Planning Application, which will go before the MBC Planning Committee.
Cllr Harrison had received a complaint from a resident in respect of a Planning Application submitted to MBC, which has so far taken five months – Cllr Parvin requested Cllr Harrison ask the complainant to write to him in order for him to establish the reason for the delay.
48. Planning
Applications:
(i) MA/06/1206
– Forestlan and Chestnut Cottage,
The Clerk had since received amended / additional details/ landscaping in respect of this application. After further consideration, it was agreed the original decision to refuse the application should stand, for the same reasons – Clerk to write to MBC accordingly. ACTION - Clerk
(ii) MA/06/1201 – 55 Charlesford Avenue,
(iii) MA/06/1009 – 14 Whitehall Drive, Kingswood - retrospective application for the removal of a 3m high Leylandi Hedge and replacement with a 2m high close board fencing – approved at Meeting of Planning Committee, 19/07/06.
(iv) MA/06/1318 - 5 Chestnut Drive,
Decisions (MBC):
(i) MA/06/351 – Street Farm,
(ii) MA/06/1011
– Holly Shaw, Lenham Road,
(iii) MA/06/1009
– Fairview Barn, Broomfield Road,
(iv) MA/04/1659
– 19 Chestnut Drive,
(v) MA/06/0874
– Overhills, Cross Drive,
(vi) MA/05/1958
– Land at The Meadows,
(vii) MA/06/0822 – Telecommunications Mast, Land east of Morry Lane, Morry Lane, East Sutton – to install a 20m high single pole headframe monopole telephone mast incorporating 3 no. 2.06m antennas, 1 no. 0.6m and 1 no. 0.3m diameter dishes, radio equipment housing and development ancillary thereto - approved
Other:
(i) MA/05/1260 – Land at The Cottage,
Gravelly
Outline application for the erection of 1 no. detached bungalow with means of
Access and siting to be
considered at this stage to be occupied as an affordable starter home by a
young lifetime resident of
49. Finance Officer’s Report - Clerk
£
(i) Current Account as at 03/07/06 200.00
Reserve Account as at 03/07/06 42,707.80
(ii) Invoices for payment:
Chq. No.
Audit Commission – audit fees 2004 141.00 1195
Berry & Co. – audit year ended 31/03/04 464.12 1196
Clerk – 26th June to 30th July 2006, inc. 834.28 1197
KCC – KCS – files, stationery, etc. 38.76 1198
Phil Chander – July delivery Echo (cash) 20.00 Cash
(iii) Audit Commission - 2004/5 Annual Return
The Clerk had held a meeting with Nigel Cuming, sole applicant in respect of RFO, and appraised him of the current situation re: the accounts and annual returns. Clerk has also written to the Audit Commission asking for more time in respect of submission of 2004/5 Annual Return, but no reply received to date. Clerk has checked 2004/5 Invoices file provided by previous Clerk, Ron Harrop, and has established that a total of 23 Invoices for the year are missing, including two from the Audit Commission which upon request, have since supplied duplicate copies of the Invoices concerned. There are also 3 Invoices missing in respect of payments made to Ron Harrop and it was agreed the Clerk write to Mr Harrop requesting duplicates. ACTION - Clerk
50.
(i) Report on Public Meeting re: proposed amalgamation with Platts Heath
Cllr Evans stated that the Meeting had been
widely reported in the Kent Messenger. Very strong feelings with regard to keeping Platts Heath school open and
opposed to the amalgamation with
(ii) Consideration re: donation towards Adventure Trail
Cllr Evans believed that most of the village would want to support the Primary School, especially as it had been stated by Emma Hickling, Acting Headteacher, that the Adventure Trail would be made available for use by other organisations such as the Beavers, Cubs, Pre-school, etc. Cllr Harrison proposed donating the sum of £500 towards this project, seconded by Cllr Evans. Voted 4 : 2 to donate £500 towards the cost of the Adventure Trail. Cllr Evans suggested it be made clear in an accompanying letter, that this is an ‘exceptional request’ so as not to be overwhelmed with similar ones. ACTION - Clerk
51. Recreation & Sports Field
(i) Fencing Play Equipment – Cllr Law is still awaiting a quote regarding suitable fencing
(ii) Footpath – Cllr Coleman – the forms have been circulated for signing via Cllr Jody Evans
(iii) Football Club Contract – the Clerk has now completed and circulated the final draft contract, including additional clauses suggested by Corporate Law, MBC. One final suggestion made by Cllr Bowker regarding the key to the portacabin to be issued against a deposit, it was agreed to replace the word ‘Contract’ with ‘Licence’ and the Licence to expire 31st May and renew 1st June annually. Once amended, the Clerk will send the Contract to the Football Club secretary, Mike George. ACTION - Clerk
(iv) ROSPA Inspection - the Clerk has received the report in respect of the play equipment at the Sports Field from ROSPA. The report identifies a number of areas and items of equipment that are classified ‘low’ or ‘medium’ risk, fail to meet required safety standards, and need attention. This includes some parts of the recently installed Playdale play equipment. Cllr Evans suggested a Meeting of the Sports Field Committee to deal with this issue, Clerk requested to write to Playdale regarding their equipment in this respect, including copy of relevant section of the ROSPA report. ACTION - Clerk
(v) Hedging - Clerk had met with Steven Waring at the Sports Field regarding the planting of a mixed hedge during October/November, and is awaiting his quote
52. Roads
(i) Street
Monitor – Cllr Coleman reported that Val Clarke has received several complaints
regarding the litter bin
(ii) Dog
Bin – Charlesford Avenue – Clerk had received request from a resident living at
the western end of Charlesford Avenue, for an additional dog bin to be placed
at that end of the village and had offered to have a bin fixed to his
fence. Clerk had contacted
(iii) Verges, weeds and street cleansing – Following several complaints from residents regarding overgrown verges, some restricting the view of drivers, and weeds growing in gutters, etc., the Clerk had e-mailed KCC requesting they be cut as a matter of urgency. Also as requested at Meeting 030706 by Cllr Hendy following street cleansing complaints re: some areas of the village being missed, the Clerk has also ascertained remaining 2006 street cleansing dates for the Parish as follows: (all Mondays) 11th September, 23rd October, 4th December. There would be no further weed spraying by MBC until October
(iv) Road
signs – Clerk has again reported road name sign defects at Elder Close and
53. Village Hall
Cllr Coleman had attended his first Meeting of the Village Hall committee as Parish Council representative. Following the Parish Council’s decision to cancel the 2006 Fun Day on 2nd September, a ‘Kingswood Fair’ will be held at the Village Hall in place of the Fun Day. Next Meeting will be held on 18th September.
54. Pensioners’ outing
The Clerk has booked the outing for 45 people, for Tuesday 19th September – Spot Hire coach to
K & ESR Tenterden/steam train to Bodium with coffee and pastries served on board/coach
transfer to visit
displayed notices and handed out application forms and has already had some returned
55. Responsible Finance Officer
Cllr Evans reported that following advertising for an RFO, resident Nigel Cuming is the sole
applicant and Cllr Evans hoped Nigel could be appointed this evening in order to progress the
2004/5 accounts as a matter or urgency. Cllrs Bowker, Lyne and Law spoke of the need for
references. Cllr Coleman had spoken with Nigel, and is confident he has the relevant knowledge
and experience. Cllr Evans then proposed Nigel be appointed as RFO this evening, seconded
by Cllr Harrison, subject to suitable references being supplied by Nigel within three weeks –
agreed unanimously. Nigel has also applied for the role of Assistant Clerk, but no decision can
be made in this regard until after the closing date for applications as shown in the August Echo.
56. Correspondence File
(i) Clerk had received a letter from resident Ann Ward re: PC Stuart Thomas, enclosing a copy of her letter to Chief Superintendent Hope regarding new Policing proposals which would result in the loss of PC Thomas as the Parish Neighbourhood Officer, and urging the Parish Council to also respond (see 43(i)).
(ii) MBC – Freightliner Service dates (Village Hall):
Saturday 12th August , 10.00am – 11.30am
Sunday 1st October, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Saturday 18th November, 10.00am – 11.30am
The Clerk reported that the Freightliner had failed to attend on Saturday 5th August due to a new Contract from 31st July, resulting in a change of schedule and all attendances having been moved forward by one week. The Clerk is assured the Freightliner will attend on the above dates.
(iii) Clerk had received a letter from Maidstone
Borough Council regarding the review of the ‘Parks & Open Spaces Byelaws’. Agreed Clerk to write and confirm that
(iv) Invitation received from Mayor Mike
Fitzgerald, to attend his Charity Dinner Dance on Sunday 27th August
at
57. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
(i) Request
for funding from
(ii) Apologies for absence from Cllrs Coleman and M Evans - holiday
58. Any Other Business
(i) Jan Enever, Editor of the K&B Village News, had contacted the Clerk regarding the non-publication of The Echo on the four months the Village News is published, i.e. March, June, September and December. Cllr Law stated he had held an initial meeting with Jan, but did not recall this agreement. Jan had also expressed concern regarding the loss of revenue from advertising, as adverts are now appearing in The Echo at a lower cost. This could result in the Parish Council having to pay more towards the printing of the Village News. Cllr Coleman had received comments that The Echo had lost its impact since accepting advertisements as there correspondingly less space to include information. Cllr Evans proposed that The Echo should not be published on these months and that advertising no longer be included, seconded by Cllr Coleman, and agreed by all.
(ii) Cllr
Lyne has reported that in a cupboard at the Village Hall, are some items belonging
to the Parish Council, left over from previously run summer Play Schemes. These include racquets and bats, pots of
paint, etc. It has been suggested that
these items could be offered to
(iii) Cllr Bowker raised the issue of a large bunch of keys held by the previous Clerk, Ron
Harrop, but which appear to have been retained. Clerk to write to Mr Harrop requesting the
return of these keys ACTION - Clerk
(iv) The Clerk reminded the Meeting that she will not be able to attend the next Meeting on 4th
September due to being on holiday, and offered her apologies. Cllr Lyne offered to take the
Minutes at this Meeting. This was agreed by all, and Cllr Law thanked Cllr Lyne for taking this on.
(v) The Clerk is in receipt of (and using) the new Parish Council laptop, Invoice in respect of
this has not yet been received. The laser printer/copier is on order and delivery is expected
shortly.
59. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday
4th September 2006 at 7.30pm.
Cllr Law closed the Meeting at 11.27pm.
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