Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for Meeting March 2009
Click for minutes for February 2009

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 16th March 2009 in
The Pavilion, Iden Green, Benenden

Present: Cllrs Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk

Vice-Chairman Cllr Lake was invited to chair the meeting

455 Apologies: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke

456 Declarations of Interest:
Cllr GR declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant in planning application TW/09/00661 – Forest Farm, Nineveh Lane, Benenden. Proposal – New agricultural dwelling for farm manager.
A personal interest was also noted in respect of planning application 09/00661 on behalf of all PC members, as all are acquainted with the applicant through being a member of Benenden PC.

457 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 16th February 2009 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JH

458 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 444/09 Benenden C.E.Primary School – Cllr GR proposed school working party along with Cllr JC as Chairman of BVHMC, meet to formulate plans for desired outcome of village hall car park. Cllr RL to inform Cllr PB

459 TWBC Public Convenience Review:
Cllr RL reported PB, RL and Clerk had met with Richard Powell, TWBC Director of Services to the Community, to discuss the forthcoming closure of the village public toilets. The meeting had proved useful with an extension of 1 month to allow the PC time to research possible costs to convert the facilities to be fully DDA compliant. Cllr PB would report findings and cost implications at the Annual Assembly where parishioner’s views would be taken into account. Cllr RL advised local resident Lorraine Penny had over 300 signatures on an independent village petition, which she would be sending to TWBC.
460 KCC Highways:
My Kent Highways Online: Cllr GR reported he and Cllr JC had attended the workshop. The launch is envisaged in May 09. Access to report issues on-line. Highways would be issuing each gang a hand held computer, photos before and after works completed. Concept should improve efficiency and urgency.
Benenden Crossroads: Cllr RL advised him, Cllr PB, & Cllr JC had met with Kent Highways, Steven Noad to discuss various signage improvements for the approach from each direction of the crossroads. Clerk distributed drawings to members. General discussion followed. PC agreed signage but with reservations concerning the dragons teeth markings. Clerk Action
Salt Bin Request: Clerk advised correspondence had been received from Kent Highways on behalf of a local resident who had requested a salt bin for Oakfields, Iden Green. Clerk advised costs for 7cu ft or 14cu ft. Costs included supply, installation and first fill. Thereafter the cost of maintaining and filling is down to KHS. PC agreed to purchase of a 7cu ft salt bin at £240 + vat. Clerk Action

461 TWBC – Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 09/10 Survey:
Clerk asked for completed surveys. 2 surveys collected. Copies with Clerk Clerk Action
TWBC – Environment, Safer, & Stronger Communities Committee:
Clerk advised a request from TWBC had been received today regarding public opinion on which additional recycling containers would be preferred, inline with the doorstep collection of tins and plastic bottles commencing this summer. Response required by 27 March 09. Clerk to produce surveys and leave with village shops and public inns. Cllr RL suggested extension as Annual Assembly would provide a good number of residents. Clerk to enquire Clerk Action

462 Parish Chairman Meeting Report:
Cllr RL advised TWBC would be installing 13 new signs “Welcome to Tunbridge Wells” “Love Where We Live” around its boundary. A sign would be placed along Benenden Road, near Hole Park. Cllr RL reported that if any resident knows of a serviceman/ woman that has died in service in recent wars, their name should be added to the war memorial. Check with Cllr PB to ascertain criteria.

463 K.A.L.C Meeting Report:
Cllr SH attended the meeting. He advised TWBC William Benson spoke on the financial picture of TWBC. Cllr SH to forward figures to Clerk. Public Conveniences – More on the forthcoming closures and a Brenchley PC member who is keen to co-ordinate contractors and link up interested parties.
464 TWBC – Affordable Housing Rural Review Focus Group:
Clerk reported on the meeting attended by her and Cllr PB. The meeting was disappointing as only one other Parish was represented. Clerk had hoped to gain views and an insight as to what other Parishes had experienced. Despite TWBC rural Help Project [Rural Housing for Local People] investing significant amounts of work with all 13 parishes, only two schemes have planning permission and no schemes have started on site. Clerk reported Cllr PB had reiterated that TWBC must work closely with Parish Councils to gain desired outcomes. Clerk advised TWBC Rural Affordable Housing Officer Jennifer Hudson and TWBC Planning Policy Officer, Deborah Dixon are our confirmed guest speakers at the Annual Assembly.

465 Planning Report:
[a] Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]
Cllr RL requested TW/09/00661 Forest Farm be called in to Planning Committee
TWBC PD – a complex issue as relates to member of PC. Advisable to “Call-In”
[b] TW/09/00028 – Land North-West of Eaglesden Farm. The application had been refused by TWBC Eastern Planning Committee.

[c]Cllr RL asked for TWBC notes on “Amendments to Permitted Development regime for Householder as at 1Oct 2008” to be distributed to members.

466 Financial Report:
Clerk confirmed Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since February 2009
Rate Account
Income 0.00
Chq No Outgoings
271 P.Blockley – exps diesel Matfield Tennis Club 10.00
272 Rother Valley Press – 600 PC Newsletters 142.00
273 P.Blockley – 2 dell ink cartridges 36.98
274 B.Sullivan – Feb salary £408, post £7.70, Refresh 28/2
£4.05, 2 Frames Office £3.98 423.73
275 Benenden Memorial Hall – Hire 16 Feb, 28 Feb 18.00
276 Printing at Cranbrook – photocopy, 1 ink office 32.81
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Mar 09 18.58
682.10

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £14,878.25

Edmund Gybbon Charity
The sum of £102.50 received in respect of Gybbon & Ginder Charity 08/09 has been agreed by Chairman and Clerk, to donate to the Arnold Cole Trust, to distribute as seen fitting.

467 Correspondence:
Cllr RL reported TWBC Councillors, Council Officers, and partner agencies will be coming to Benenden as part of the Ward Walks Programme on 16,23,24 & 26 Sept 2009. Clerk note

Cllr RL read correspondence received from Kitty Malyon [item 20] offering to provide 2 half barrel style flower bins to be placed by the well at the crossroads to echo the flower arrangements outside Wards Butchers, each bearing a small plaque “sponsored by Malyon’s Bar & Restaurant”.
Discussion followed including consideration of possible works to the crossroads re Minute No:460/09. Decision recorded. 3 – Against 2 – For 1 – Abstain. Clerk to respond. Clerk Action
Cllr RL reported and read out a joint letter from Chairman PB and Revd Canon Charles Hill, being sent to Mark Dance, KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, reassuring key partners that the PC and School Governing Body were working closely together on securing Benenden a new Primary School. Cllr PB had asked that the word “continuing” be included. Copy of letter with Clerk.
Cllr RL reported that following a working party meeting, having nursery provision on site was agreed. KCC advised no funding for nursery provision but area would be designated for future use.
BVHMC can not give exclusive-use commitment of the hall to the Primary School. Cllr RL reported PC had sought a guarantee of financial help for legal representation. KCC are prepared to fund £1,000 exc vat for initial legal advice prior to formal negotiations.

Clerk read from the previously circulated report [attached]
Item 6 – KCC Environment & Waste Love Food Hate Waste Posters & Information
Item 12 – Kenward Trust - Opening of Naomi Women’s Residential Project Invitation

Clerk invited all ages to take part in making history with TWBC centenary photograph. People from 1-100 were needed. If interested please contact Clerk.

There being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.07pm

Chairman RL opened the meeting to the Public.

TWBC PD reported on the precept in Benenden being the lowest at TWBC, TWBC precept 2nd lowest in County, Public Conveniences, South East Water large capital works to improve sewage problems to Hortons Close, drainage in area a problem, Email Clerk with details.
TWBC PD Action
TWBC PD advised business of the Parish Council and Harmsworth Trust must be clearly separated. Discussion followed. It was agreed a split Agenda would be produced. The minutes and accounts are already all recorded separately.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Next Meeting:
Annual Assembly – Refreshments 7.30pm
Tuesday 28th April 2009 at 8pm at Benenden Village Hall Benenden
Guest Speakers – TWBC Affordable Housing Officer - Jennifer Hudson
TWBC Planning Policy Officer – Deborah Dixon

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 16th March 2009

Present: Cllrs Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk

Vice-Chairman Cllr Lake was invited to chair the meeting

468 Apologies: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke

469 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 16 February 2009 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr MK
Clerk noted as of Annual May meeting HT Minutes would not be numbered sequentially with PC Minutes. Clerk note
470 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr RL reported BVHMC had agreed hire fees for 2009 to remain at 2008 price. Daily rental costs had been abandoned as proved more expensive than hiring on an hourly basis.
Clerk reported TWBC Food Hygiene questionnaire had been completed. TWBC rated the premises as a Category E risk, only requiring an inspection every 3 years.
Clerk advised a revised rating list had been received from the Valuations Office. Rateable Value increased to £6,500 pa and a full Discretionary Rate Relief had been applied for to TWBC and received.

471 Iden Green Pavilion:
[a]Gates: Cllr RL read a request from I.G.P.M.C asking for the gates underneath the archway to be replaced. Clerk had reported on the poor condition previously Minute No 291/08. HT members agreed to timber gates being replaced “like for like”. Clerk to arrange replacement HT Agreed Clerk Action

[b]Archway: Clerk reported I.G.PM.C has received complaints about the light pollution from the orange sodium lantern. Chairman Bill Lewis had contacted TWBC Brian Hayward to enquire if the light could be changed to a low wattage white light. A suggestion of a metal shade to restrict light area was suggested. No costs known. HT acknowledges concern but does not agree to fund any changes. Clerk note

[c]Table Tennis Table: Clerk confirmed Dikkon Gray will arrange for Table Tennis Table to be removed. HT agreed too costly to keep repairing just to be vandalised again.
472 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust:
Clerk confirmed Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since February 2009
Income
St Georges Feb 158.33
BVH Feb wages 493.30
COIF COIF Dividend 3,699.68
Pre-School Autumn Term Fees 210.00
4,561.31
Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance Mar 09 534.16
022 D.Dalrymple– Feb 09 wages 429.41
023 B.Sullivan – Feb 09 46.50
1,010.07

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £8,297.72

Balance in No 2 A/C - £107.13

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