Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for June 2003
Click for minutes for May 2003

These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk

PARISH COUNCIL OF BENENDEN

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 16th June 2003 in The Pavilion, Iden Green.

PRESENT: Mr. G. Reynolds, Mr. J. Hemsley, Mrs. D. Bailey, Mr. P. Message

APOLOGIES: Mr. P. Conway, Mr. R. Manning, Mr. R.Lake Mr. J. Clarke, Mrs. E. North

MINUTES The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday 19th May, 2003 were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were no declarations of interest.

MATTERS ARISING Housing Association matters Regarding the drains at Hortons Close, an e mail had been received from Rural Housing saying that the Operations Manager of Southern Water, Martin Banks, was investigating the capacity of the sewers and the treatment works and was doing an analysis of the surface water catchment area. A reply is awaited. The path at St. George’s Close. There is currently no road adoption agreement with Highways who are waiting for both parties, Berkeley Homes and English Village Housing Association to sign the agreement. Their solicitors have been contacted and a response is awaited.

Village Appraisal Cllr Hemsley reported that a public meeting had been arranged for Wednesday 25th June in the Village Hall to discuss the Appraisal. There will be speakers from KRCC and TWBC and a display of previous projects. The meeting will be advertised by posters, Wealden Advertiser, Kent Messenger and K & S Courier.

Hedge beside Village Shop. Cllr Reynolds had called on the owners, but it is a weekend cottage. It was decided to write to them to ask for the hedge to be cut back as it was a serious hazard to pedestrians.

HIGHWAY MATTERS Work had started on the Iden Green improvements and it was noted that one of the speed indicator posts was in the middle of the proposed pathway. Also that the oak posts were very large. Cllr Reynolds had called on the owners of the house whose hedge encroaches into the line of the new footpath from the Church to the bus shelter and got a cool reception. The Borough Council has the right to put in the path and Highways to be asked to write to them and also the owner of the hedge that overhangs the village sign. The kerbing at the bottom of the Green is due to start this week. Highways have ‘defected’ the piece of road at Pullington and await a reply from Morrisons. The main road to Iden Green needs major work which is the responsibility of KCC. Cllr Manning to be asked to pursue this. It was noted that Coldharbour Lane and Hinxden Lane were now designated Roads. TWBC to be informed and the signs changed.

FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the May meeting were agreed:

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £5707 in the Deposit Account.

PLANNING MATTERS The list had been distributed with the Agenda and three additional items were for discussion.
Application for a radio mast for the emergency services to be sited at Beacon Hall Farm. Refusal was recommended. It was 20m high and only 10m from the nearest two properties. The Parish Council’s opinion on all mast applications is that they should be sited in Hempstead Forest.

The Grange, Benenden. Application for 5 bedroomed house for elderly residents.
It could be seen from the road and there was no objection from neighbouring properties. Recommend approval.

Standen Street, Iden Green. Replacement mobile home with four bedroom bungalow.
Recommend approval.

CORRESPONDENCE. Letter from CPRE asking for help with planning applications and other relevant developments in Tunbridge Wells Borough due to the retirement of two committee members.

KAPC two Councillors Information Days -19th and 26th July at Harrietsham. Details to be given to Cllr Lake.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS. Cllr Message reported on the progress of the new Right of Way map. Ernie Pollard is writing a summary of places of interest and Clle Lake is taking photographs. Unfortunately there is only enough money to produce the large map to be sited in a new frame outside the Village Hall, and not enough yet to produce the small maps

Cllr Bailey said two of the new May trees outside the Village Hall had died –Steve Lambert to be contacted.

The Clerk asked the Council to approve the Statement of Assurance in respect of the accounts year ended 31.03.03. This was agreed.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9 p.m.

Chairman, 16th June 03

Cllr Davies said to write to him at TWBC regarding the incorrect road names.
He suggested that the bottle bank be on a 3 month trial basis
A parishioner asked when the white lines would be done in Goddards Green Road, and when surface dressing would be done on New Pond Road. Highways to be contacted

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS

IDEN GREEN PLAYGROUND New bark was needed for the playground and a price of £725 + VAT from AHS at Northiam was accepted. Delivery to be within the week. The Clerk reported that the damaged platform at Benenden playground was due to be installed on 17th June and the replacement rope ladder at Iden Green before the ROSPA inspection in July.

PLAYGROUP ROOMS The Supervisor, Mrs. Darracott, has requested a new floor covering throughout the Playgroup rooms and decoration of the walls only. Three estimates have been received for the flooring –one of approx £3,500, one of £2,395 and one of £1,600. It was agreed that the Trust should contribute to a proportion of these costs and the Chairman and Clerk will arrange a meeting with Mrs. Darracott.
There is a damp patch on one of the walls and Mike Page will inspect the outside for the cause.

FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Trust’s behalf since the May meeting were agre

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £4713 in the Deposit Account.

CORRESPONDENCE A letter has been received from the Secretary of St. George’s Club requesting a bottle bank in the car park. The Clerk has arranged an inspection by TWBC Environmental Services in early July to see if this is a suitable site.

Chairman, 16th June 2003

Copyright Tim Dwyer 2004 - timdwyer@benenden.org.uk