Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for March 2005
Click for minutes for February 2005

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 of the Council held on Monday 21st March 2005 in the Small Hall at Benenden Village Hall.

 PRESENT:  Mr. P. Conway     Mr. J. Clarke    Mr. P. Message     Mrs. D. Bailey

                    Mr. R. Lake          Mrs. C. Pitt       Mr. S. Hockney     Mr. R.  Garnier

 APOLOGIES  Mr. G. Reynolds

 MINUTES:  The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 21st February 2005 were confirmed and signed.

 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  There were no Declarations of Interest.

 

MATTERS ARISING. 

 

Highway matters    Cllr Conway referred to the report of the meeting when  he  and Cllr Clarke met with Richard Emmett of TWBC Highways .  The entrance to the Green to be widened to prevent parking with new kerbing on the left hand side and double kerbing on the right. Repair of  the footpath outside The Village Shop to be considered with the installation of posts to prevent parking on the pavement.  Holes in the pavement outside Wheelwrights to be repaired.  Remedial work on the Iden Green road to commence March/April 2005.  Golford  Road and  Mounts Hill/Cranbrook Road.  No certain date yet for remedial work.  Parish Clerk to be informed when it is due.

 

Speaker for Annual Assembly. David Coleman is unable to attend.  The new Conservation areas will be displayed and the Parish Appraisal will be launched and the questionnaire given out.   There followed a discussion on the method of distribution and collection. Cllr Davies to speak to Tim Duncan and Cllr Lake will contact Alan Milne of BACS.

 

PRIMARY SCHOOL MEETING   Cllr Hockney said it was disappointing as no new facts were given .  Three sites were displayed with a ‘foot print’ of the school on each, but questions were not satisfactorily answered and the footprint appeared unrealistic     Clrs Conway and Garnier met with the school development group – three sites are under consideration with others in the pipeline and  discussions taking place with Benenden School.  Cllr Conway asked if the parish  council wanted  a new school. All were in agreement. A sequential study is due in June and will be finalised in 2006.

 

PARISH CLERK APPOINTMENT  Cllr Conway said there had been two applicants so far but  he wanted to spread the net further and an advertisement will be put in the Wealden Advertiser.

 

INSURANCE PREMIUM  The Clerk reported that the insurance premium would now be paid in monthly  instalments to ease the burden on the Trust Account.  £728.38  being two months initially, then £364.50  per month  This was agreed.

 PLANNING MATTERS. Cllr Garnier circulated the planning report which is appended.

 

FIMNANCIAL MATTERS  Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the February meeting were agreed.

One Tel                                Internet charge                     916                                       11.19

KAPC                                  Honorarium for secretary                         917                                       26.00

M. Kellett                            February salary       344.14

                                                            Stamps          5.60                                      918                                       349.74

KAPC                                  Planning Day ( R. Garnier)                           919                                       47.00

M. Kellett                            Gybbon & Ginder distribution                          920                                       22.50

Printing @ Cranbrook                            Stationery                            921                                       33.85

One Tel                                Internet charge                     922                                       14.06

 

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £4,196.24 in the Deposit Account.  £6,000  grant had been received from KCC

 

CORRESPONDENCE    The Clerk reminded the meeting of the CPRE meeting in the Corn  Exchange, Maidstone on Wednesday 30th March at 7.30 p.m.  This is about the South East Plan and its impact on Kent.  Cllrs Conway, Garnier, Lake and Hockney wish to attend.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS.   Cllr Hockney had inspected the lime tree at Cherryfields .  The trees need to be considered as a group and a site meeting with a tree surgeon  is needed to decide what to do with the existing trees. Cllr Hockney will report back.

 

He also reported that a go-kart had been driven on the Football pitch.  Cllr Conway said it must be reported to the police.

  Cllr Pitt said cars were being driven on Iden Green Recreation Ground.  This too should be reported to the police.    Also the tennis wall at the tennis club had been covered with graffiti.  The Clerk to contact TWBC

 

Cllr Garnier reported on the recent KAPC  planning  information day  which dealt with the new Planning Act and the need for a Village Design Statement as part of  a policy document.  A copy document will be obtained. The development of the Thames Gateway and Ashford area and the large number of houses to be built in this region with little infra structure to back it up  TWBC is responding and Cllr Davies will e mail their reponse

 

Cllr Conway said as there are several matters to discuss before the Annual Assembly on 25th April,  there will be a Parish Council meeting on Monday 11th April .

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 11 p.m.

Chairman                                                              21st <arch 2005

  

     HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS

 

BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL EXTENSION.  The building work has been completed and there are enough funds for the kitchen and sound/ lighting  to be done.

The car park will be a future project.  Two quotes have been received for the kitchen.

which are being looked at in detail.  

 

Cllr Clarke said he would like the main hall to be re-sprayed – the initial quote is £1,000.  He is getting costs for benches  in the showers  and coat hangers.  Furniture is needed for the office.

 

Cllr Hockney said there was a dark patch in the car park and an extra light was needed, and all the outside lights could be more subtle. Cllr Clarke will review the car park lights.

 

OPENING CEREMONY.  The replies to the invitations are coming in, with most people able to attend.  The Brownies are unable to provide a ’guard of honour’ and children from the primary school were suggested.

 

FINANCIAL MATTERS.  Payments made on the Trust’s behalf since the February meeting were agreed.

 Gale & Dunn                       Architects fee                       707                                       620.63

Nisbets                                 Vacuum cleaner  BVH                        708                                       123.71

M. Kellett                            Salary contribution                         709                                       45.00

Iden Signs                             Sign   BVH                           710                                       293.75

D. Dalrymple                       February salary                                   711                                       350.03

Hurstway Construction                        Building  BVH                     712                                       39,084.88

Gary Glover Assoc                                   Planning supervisor BVH                                     713                                       240.00

F.R.Wintle                           Front gate – St. G. Hall                            714                                       419.20

 

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £9,829.95 in the Deposit Account.

 

Chairman                                                                  21st March, 2005

                          

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