Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for May 2006
Click for minutes for March 2006

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

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 15th May 2006 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden.

Present:  Mr G Reynolds    Mr P Blockley    Mrs C Pitt   Mr J Clarke   Mrs J Hagens Mr R Lake   Mrs M Kellett   Mrs D Bailey 

Apologies:  Mr S Hockney

MINUTES: The Minutes of the extra-ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 23rd March 2006 were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Clarke declared an interest as Orchards is next door.  Cllr Reynolds declared an interest as his planning application was to be considered.

ELECTIONS AND COMMITTEES: 

Cllr Reynolds asked for nominations for Chairman. Cllr Pitt proposed and Cllr Lake seconded Cllr Blockley as Chairman. All councillors agreed and Cllr Blockley was elected as Chairman. Cllr Lake proposed Cllr Pitt for vice-Chair and Cllr Clarke seconded. All Councillors agreed and Cllr Pitt was elected as vice-chair.  Cllr Blockley thanked Cllr Reynolds for his work as Chairman as well as Patrick Conway who also worked hard over the last 4 years. Cllr Reynolds told the council that Patrick Conway thanked the council for their kind gift.

See attached sheet for committees (printed minutes only)

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS

The council were happy with the current contributions. Cllr Blockley raised Kenward Trust which seemed a worthwhile local charity to support but would find out more information of why they had lost their funding.

PLANNING

Cllr Reynolds discussed the list of planning applications which were behind due to the elections

909 – Plummers Barn – supported

779 – Beaconmill – supported

709 – Old Dairy – supported

687/688 – Diprose – supported

997/1007 – Dingleden – supported

1076 – Red House – supported

1128 – 21 Pullington Cottages. Councillors discussed this application and found it too intrusive – objected.

1019 – Forest Farm – neutral

1207 – Orchards – Cllr Blockely read out Mr Latter’s letter of objection raising concerns regarding increase of size and loss of privacy.  All councillors agreed the existing entrance is dangerous. All agreed that in principle no objection to the development though there were concerns that the balcony might not be in keeping with the age of the house.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk informed the council that JMLoades had completed their structural report of BVH and that quotations for the work were needed. Cllr Clarke to sort this out.

Clerk read an e-mail from Pat Spensley regarding Cherryfields. TWBC is due to cut down 3 of the lime trees but there are no plans to replant at the moment due to financial restrictions. Cllr Blockley asked for this to be discussed after the trees were felled.

Clerk read an e-mail from Lynn Nelson, TWBC to arrange an update meeting for parish council re the new school. May 25th was agreed, Clerk to sort this out.

Clerk informed the council that BT was installing broad band to the school and would have to use the green. The agreement was that they would ‘make good’ the green after work and the council to receive a one-off payment. Clerk to check that this work did not come after the roadworks to improve the road around the green.

Clerk informed the council that the school was putting together a Travel Plan and needed a councillor on the committee. Cllr Hagens volunteered. Clerk to inform the school.

Clerk informed the council that TWBC community plan was now on the TWBC website and that all councillors were invited to read and comment.

Council agreed that they were happy with the audit and for Co-Operative Bank to remain as the council’s bankers.

Clerk read out a thank you from the recipient of this year’s Gybbon & Ginder charity.

Clerk passed to Cllr Blockley the applications for parish clerk. Interview panel to be set up.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Blockley read a thank you from Lorna Elliott about the re-planting of the May Trees.

Cllr Blockley reported that there were concerns regarding the heightened kerbing of the green by The Bull, he will see the concerned resident.

Cllr Clarke asked the Clerk to arrange a meeting with Highways.

Cllr Blockley was concerned that the right of way across the Recreation Ground was not cleared up and sought Councillors approval to contact the solicitors. Cllr Kellett to sort out.

Cllr Blockley sought council’s agreement for a letter to the Charity Commission seeking guidance regarding use of Harmsworth Trust land to be sent. Councillors agreed.

Cllr Reynolds informed the council that Lois Howell and the Chair of the Standards Committee had been asked to attend 17th July parish council meeting. Clerk to confirm.

Cllr Pitt wanted to see more involvement with the community.  She felt that a newsletter with what’s going on should be initiated, and more information in the Parish Magazine. She felt that councillors should be more involved with setting of the agenda, to contact with any issues ‘bubbling up’.

Cllr Pitt reported that there was concern about the Post Office as its services were being cut. Cllr Blockley agreed and to find out what could be done.

Cllr Hagens had been contacted re the Clean Neighbourhood Act 2005 regarding litter and dogs mess. She will seek out further information.

Cllr Clarke felt that there should be a St. George’s flag to fly on St. George’s Day. Councillors agreed to buy one.

Cllr Lake reported to the council regarding parking problems along The Street blocking visibility for residents coming out of the road by the hairdressers.

Cllr Lake reported that 2 of the concrete spurs by the Post Office had been removed but still needed the other 2 to be done. Cllr Kellett to arrange this.

Council was told that the grant for improving walks for disabled/family use had been given the go-ahead and were now waiting for the instalment of the 5 kissing gates, and the existing dog stiles would be used further afield.

Meeting closed at 21.40. Next meeting on Monday 19th June 2006 at Iden Green Pavilion.

Cllr Blockley invited comments form the public, and these ranged from neighbours commenting on Orchards to parking problems.

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