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Minutes of a Meeting of the
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Present:
Cllr Nelson Bowker (NB) Cllr Sue Clarke (SC)
Cllr Peter Coleman (PC) Cllr Jody Evans (JE – Vice Chair)
Cllr Mike Evans (ME) Cllr Beth Hendy (BH)
Cllr Pat Lyne (PL) (7)
Cllr Peter Parvin (PP –
Sue Wotton (SW – Clerk)
Nigel Cuming (NC - RFO / Echo Editor)
29 members of the public
Apologies for Absence:
Cllr Harrison (NH) Serious illness of close family member
Cllr Law (DL – Chairman) Course,
60. Nominations / Election of a New Chairman to the Parish Council
The Clerk had not received a letter of resignation from Cllr Law, and as not present, the election of a new Chairman could not be held, and would be carried over to the next Parish Council Meeting to be held on 6th November 2006. At this point Cllr J Evans was also not present, therefore Cllr Coleman proposed Cllr Bowker take the Chair for the Meeting, seconded by Cllr Lyne, and agreed by all. Action - Clerk
Cllr Bowker then opened the Meeting at 7.40pm.
61. Personal & Prejudicial Interests ( i.e. Pecuniary/Non-Pecuniary)
Cllr Coleman Village Hall
Cllr Lyne KM Newspaper / Village Hall
Cllr
Hendy Non-pecuniary -
62. Minutes of the Meeting held 4th September 2006
In the absence of the Clerk, Cllr Lyne had recorded notes of the Meeting held 4th September, which were proposed as being a true record by Cllr Hendy, seconded by Cllr Clarke and signed by Cllr Bowker.
63. Actions / Matters Arising from Meeting held 4th September 2006
(i) Clerk
had established that the Parish Council is able to make a donation to the
64. Policing
(i) Police Liaison Visit – Clerk reported that under the new Policing
policy, PC Thomas is unlikely to be able to attend every Parish Council
Meeting. He had provided crime figures
for the period 07/08/06 to 29/09/06 (see attached). PC Thomas is now part of the Maidstone Rural
team and has responsibility for seven Parishes including Chart Sutton, Boughton
Monchelsea and Loose in addition to Broomfield & Kingswood,
(ii) Policing Policy Meeting 12th September – Cllr Coleman and Nigel Cuming had attended (see report in
September edition of The Echo’). Concern
and dissatisfaction had been expressed by most Parishes present. It was also understood at this meeting, that
Broomfield & Kingswood Parish is to be joined with Headcorn in regard to
the provision of a PCSO, and there will also be twelve Special Constables to assist with Policing
the Rural area. Clerk had received a letter from Inspector
Sandwell inviting ONE representative from ‘
(iii) Neighbourhood Watch – Cllr Bowker reported that telephone scams are still operating, whereby caller asks for bank details – residents should beware.
65.
Ward Councillor Peter Parvin stated that he strongly supports the views of the Parish Council with regard to the unsatisfactory changes to Rural Policing, and considers the Police are not fulfilling their obligations to the public. He will work towards ensuring a better service to the Parishes in his Ward, than the new arrangements appear to offer. MBC’s increase in rates will be 3%, it is not known what increases will be imposed by KCC or in regard to the Kent Police Authority. MBC’s new Cabinet is settling in well. The Leader, Eric Hotson, has also expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the Policing changes, appointments of PCSOs, Police funding, etc.
(7.55pm – Cllr J Evans arrived at the Meeting and gave her apologies for being late)
66. Planning - Clerk
Applications:
(i) MA/TA/0117/06 – TPO Tree Surgery and Felling –
Drive, Kingswood –
application for consent to coppice one Oak, one Chestnut and one
tree; subject to Tree Preservation Order 8 of 1979 – approve Action - Clerk
8.03pm – Cllr Bowker closed the Meeting for public questions relating to Item(ii), Meeting reconvened at 8.09pm.
(ii) MA/06/1206 – Erection of 9 no. houses, Forestlan and Chestnut Cottage, Lenham
Road,
original Application Action - Clerk
(iii) MA/06/1705 – Parkland Adjacent,
operation of ‘Hiflyer’ tethered balloon (with winch retrieval) and viewing platform – approve Action – Clerk
(iv) MA/06/1773
– 1 Copperfield Close,
8.25pm – Cllr Bowker closed the Meeting, reconvened at 8.27pm.
Decisions (MBC):
(i) MA/06/1318 – 5 Chestnut Drive,
form ensuite – approved
(ii) MA/06/1205N –
erection of 2m high close-boarded fencing - refused
Other – Appeal Decisions, Planning Inspectorate:
(i) APP/U2235/A/05/1194421 & APP/U2235/A/06/1198038 –
Honeysuckle,
touring caravan for a gypsy couple – both Appeals dismissed
(ii) APP/U2235/A/05/1187348
– Land at ‘The Cottage’,
67. Housing Development (outside envelope) – Cllr M Evans
Cllr Evans suggested keeping this item on the Agenda due to rumour and press releases regarding future development plans in the Parish. Action - Clerk
68. Affordable Housing – Cllr M Evans
Cllr M Evans reminded the Meeting of recent
discussions regarding Affordable Housing for the Parish. The Parish Council is required to deal with
the requirements of all the people in
the village and therefore needs to look at ways of providing a small number of Affordable
Homes for people who live in the village or have a close association, and who
wish to remain here. The law allows for
exceptional sites to be identified for Affordable Housing, using land that does
not otherwise have a high commercial value, and outside the village envelope. The Parish Council has looked for
alternative sites, but
If the Parish Council cannot find a site which is very close to or adjoining the village, another proposal is to build a much larger scheme, previously strongly objected to by residents, which would include a higher number of Affordable Homes than is required, up to 40%. This is not a realistic alternative.
Cllr Bowker then gave information regarding council
housing in
8.40pm – Cllr Bowker closed the Meeting to take public questions and statements regarding Affordable Housing, reconvened at 9.20pm.
Cllr Bowker then summed up, and outlined the following suggestions made for consideration:
(i) Conduct a referendum via The Echo, regarding building outside the village envelope, including an explanation as to what the village envelope is, first taking advice from MBC Corporate Law department with regard to the correct wording
(ii) Put the
(iii) The Parish Council look to providing small groups of Affordable Houses within the village envelope, as an alternative to one development of eleven houses
(iv) Look at brown field sites outside the village envelope
(v) Consider the Sports Field as a site for Affordable Housing
and look for an alternative site to replace the lost recreational area,
including
(vi) Consider the possibility of purchasing some of the social houses in the village
9.27pm – Cllr Bowker again adjourned the Meeting for further questions from the public, after which 24 members of the public left the Meeting and a comfort break was taken. The Meeting was reconvened at 10.05pm.
69. Finance Officer’s Report
Nigel Cuming reported that the accounts for years 2004/5 and 2005/6 are now complete and a Meeting of the Finance & General Purposes Committee would need to be held to agree these accounts prior to going for audit and thereafter to the Audit Commission by deadline date of 30th October, Cllr Coleman will arrange date for this Meeting. (RFO report attached) Action - PC
£
(i) Current Account as at 31/08/06 200.00
Reserve Account as at 31/08/06 39,937.89
(ii) Invoices for payment:
£ Chq Clerk – Work & expenses period 28th Aug to 24th Sept 2006, inc. 437.17 1213
Graphic design – supply/fit printer/copier/fax, laptop & ass’d items 1269.74 1214
Graphic design – supply/install notice board, Village Hall 845.00 1215
Ratification of following payments:
£ Chq
Kingswood & Broomfield News (June & Sept issues) 150.00 1209
KAPC – Finance Training Day, RFO 58.75 1212
Payments in respect of Pensioners’ Outing 19/09/06:
(i) Balance payment – Kent & East Sussex Railway 309.87 1208
(ii) National Trust - entry Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens 273.00 1210
(iii) National Trust - cream teas, Sissinghurst 199.75 1211
(iv) Cllr P. Coleman – Tip, coach driver 20.00 1217
(v) Spot Hire – 53 seater coach 365.00 1216
70. Recreation & Sports Field
(i) Fencing Play Equipment – Cllrs Law and J Evans – Cllr Evans has received one quote from Playdale, Cllr Law is obtaining another from the fencer who recently carried out the work at Tall Trees – next Agenda Action – DL / Clerk
(ii) Footpath – Cllr Coleman – Cllr Evans reported that she has only had three of the twelve KCC forms returned. It was agreed to put a reminder in The Echo Action - NC
(iii) Football Club Licence – Clerk has received a number of e-mails from Club Manager, Mike George, objecting to a number of clauses within the Licence. To date the Football Club has not agreed to sign the Licence and has requested an extension to the 30th September deadline. An extension to 23rd October was agreed and Clerk to again request the outstanding £125 payment from last season from the Club, which had been promised by 8th April. Action - Clerk
(iv) Play Equipment / ROSPA report – Clerk had held on-site meeting with Phil Tweddell.
Levercrest, who supplied metal climbing frame in 1995 went out of business later same year, so
damaged items cannot be replaced. As an interim measure, Mr Tweddell has been requested
to remove and make safe, the central section which was identified as medium risk by ROSPA.
It was agreed to obtain three quotes for the necessary repairs, repainting, re-laying of safety
matting, etc. of the play area. Action - GG
(v) Hedging / Coppicing – Cllr Coleman – has requested five quotes in this regard and re: maintenance of the Sports Field, and has received two so far. Agreed to hold meeting of Sports Field Committee* re: this and ROSPA report, footpath, etc., date TBA by Cllr Coleman. Action – PC / GG
(vi) Portacabin maintenance – Cllr Coleman reported that the cabin is looking shabby and is going rusty in places, therefore is in need of painting. There is also some damage inside – to be discussed at Sports Field Committee meeting*
71. Roads
(i) Street
Monitor - Val Clarke – Mrs Clark reported that a chest freezer was dumped on
Council land at the side of 1 Ivy Close, approximately three weeks ago. Clerk to write to occupant(s) requesting
removal within three days re: ‘fly tipping’ and safety issues. Cllr Bowker reported that tyres had been
dumped near two of the passing places in
Action – Clerk / NC
(ii) Dog
fouling + Chestnut /
(iii) Clean Kent Campaign – Clerk read letter from resident, Sue Chambers, in which Sue states that having consulted other Parish residents, it was generally felt that Kingswood is reasonably clean, with the exception of one or two areas, particularly Chartway Street, but where a ‘clean-up campaign’ would be too dangerous to conduct. Sue will monitor the situation.
72. Village Hall Report & Notice Board
Cllr Coleman reported that the new notice board is in place and has been very well received. He had received a letter from the Village Hall Committee requesting a donation by the Parish Council, towards the cost of updating the toilets in the Hall, including providing disabled and baby changing facilities, at an estimated cost of £30,000. The Committee has also applied for a grant from Maidstone Borough Council and continues to hold fund raising events in this respect. Cllr Coleman suggested supporting the request and it was agreed by all, that the Village Hall is a valuable local resource. Following discussion, Cllr Hendy proposed the Parish Council make a donation of £5,000, seconded by Cllr J Evans and agreed by all. (To be ratified at next Parish Council Meeting). Action – Clerk / RFO
73. Tall Trees Play Area
Cllr J Evans reported that she had sent the Change of Use Application to Maidstone Borough Council and had received a letter acknowledging receipt. The fencing work has also been completed.
74. Pensioners’ Outing Report
The Clerk reported that the Pensioners’ day out had been a great success in every respect and there have been many requests to make an outing an annual event. Clerk has sent report and photograph to the Downs Mail and Kent Messenger, and photos of the day were displayed on the new Parish Council notice board for public viewing. Cllr M Evans proposed a vote of thanks for everyone who had helped with organising the day.
75. Assistant Clerks’ and RFO’s Appointments
Cllr M Evans reported that both candidates, Nigel Cuming (NC) and Gail Gosden (GG), had provided satisfactory references and proposed both be formally appointed as Assistant Clerks and Nigel Cuming as RFO, as of today’s date. Seconded by Cllr J Evans and unanimously agreed. Clerk to arrange meeting with Nigel and Gail to discuss areas of responsibility, etc. Action - Clerk
76. Minutes
–
Clerk had received invitation from Editor of the Downs Mail to submit précised Minutes of the monthly Parish Council Meetings for inclusion in the publication. Proposed doing so by Cllr Coleman, seconded by Cllr J Evans and agreed, Cllr M Evans was concerned for this extra responsibility not to unduly increase the Clerk’s hours – Clerk to monitor. Action - Clerk
77. Correspondence File - Clerk
(i)
£500 donation made by the Parish Council in respect of the Adventure Trail.
(ii) Kingswood Pre-School Group – request for donation . (See Minute 63). Following
discussion, Cllr M Evans proposed paying £200 per month to the Pe-School, subject to review in
six months. This was seconded by Cllr Coleman and agreed by all. Action – Clerk / RFO
(iii) Policing
in
expressing Maidstone Borough Council’s dissatisfaction regarding the changes to Policing Policy
and associated high level of funding.
(iv) Mayor’s Charity Halloween Dinner Dance, 27th October – Clerk has application form.
78. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
(i) Kent Design Guide – Cllr M Evans
(ii) Housing Development (outside Village Envelope) – Cllr M Evans
(iii) Fencing Play Equipment – Sports Field – Cllr Law
79. Any Other Business
(i) KCVYS – Rural Youth Conference Lenham Community Centre, Sat. 11th November – Cllr J Evans and Ass/Clerk Gail Gosden will attend.
(ii) Rural Liaison Meetings – Invitation from Cllr Alan Bradshaw, Cabinet Member for Community Services, to attend either of two Meetings on Friday 13th October 12-2pm at S/Valence Village Hall (with lunch) or Monday 16th October 6.30-8.30 at Lenham Community Centre (with light refreshments) – Cllr Coleman agreed to attend one of these Meetings. Details also given of the Annual Rural Conference on Saturday 18th November from 10-2pm at Lenham Community Centre – attendee TBA.
(iii) Information received from member of the
public regarding high, newly erected fences at two properties in
80. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday 6th November 2006 at 7.30pm
Cllr Bowker closed the Meeting at 10.45pm.
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