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Minutes for September 2003 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk |
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Before the business of the Meeting P C Derek Beck and Paul Croft, community warden for Hawkhurst, spoke about the crime figures for Benenden and the work of a community warden. A report is appended. Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 15th September 2003 in the Pavilion, Iden Green PRESENT; Mr. G. Reynolds Mr. J. Hemsley Mrs. D, Bailey Mrs. E. North Mr. P. Message Mr. P. Conway Mr. R. Lake Mr. R. Manning APOLOGIES; Mr. J. Clarke MINUTES: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 21st July 2003 were confirmed and signed. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: In accordance with the Code of Conduct Cllr Conway declared an interest in the application for a telecommunication mast at Beacon Hill Farm. MATTERS ARISING Drains at Hortons Close The developers of Hortons Close used incorrect pipe work to link into the system. Other householders in the area are experiencing problems with the drains , and in wet weather the car park at Cherryfields floods Cllrs Manning and North to consult with Southern Water and Highways. Village News Letter Cllr Reynolds said it was important to keep the parish up to date with current matters of interest and it was proposed to produce an information sheet to be distributed with the parish magazine. Cllr Lake to liaise with the Clerk. FLY INFESTATION Cllr North reported that a working party had met to discuss the recent fly infestation. John Potter was elected chairman of the committee. The object was to declare where the parish stands on this year’s problem, what has happened in the past in Benenden and neighbouring parishes. There have been fly infestations in Rolvenden , Biddenden and Staplehurst over the last two years, involving Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and Maidstone Borough Councils and these have laid down guidelines for the use of chicken manure. Failure to follow these could lead to enforcement action. The next meeting is on 23rd September. Cllr Reynolds said the farmers who use chicken manure had met with Philip Cornish of NFU and a representative of Fridays to underline how it should be handled. Chicken manure has been used for many years with no ill effects but this year many different circumstances created the problem. It is important that all users adhere strictly to the guidelines which will be closely monitored by the TWBC Environmental Health Department. This year has seen problems across the country and all local councils will be asked for input. HIGHWAY MATTERS. The work at Iden Green had attracted adverse comments but all were agreed that the new footway and the relocation of the bus shelter had greatly improved matters. The linking footway between the new houses on the Royal Oak site and the old shop was due to be completed next year. Cllr Message disagreed with the new oak posts which were purely cosmetic and unnecessary and the money could have been better spent. The money for this comes from a different ‘pot’ from the roads maintenance budget and is part of a scheme to enhance the rural aspect of the settlement and thus reduce speeding.. Cllr Manning said the workmanship was not good and two sections may have to be re-laid. The surface was patched and resurfacing would be carried out next year. The state of the road from Iden Green to Benenden was discussed. This would be a major project which Cllr Manning is taking up with KCC. The survey requesting the Parish Council’s views on the Iden Green work will be completed by Cllr Hemsley. The state of the grass verge by the footpath along the Iden Green road was still very overgrown and a request will go to TWBC for it to be cut regularly. Cllr Reynolds said he would ask the landowner to cut it for the present. After the new kerbing work at the bottom of the Green the reinstatement work was very poor and the Clerk to write to Highways requesting this be done. Also a broken kerb at Cherryfield. Cllr North said that the cost of street lighting at Leybourne Dell would have to be borne by the parish. She will get more information. AUDITORS REPORT. The Clerk reported that the audit of the Annual Return for year ended 31st March 2003 had been completed and that the relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had been met. The Chairman thanked the Clerk. PLANNING MATTERS. Cllr Conway read the planning report. Orange had resubmitted their application for a mast in Hemstead Forest – 15 metres further back from the road and it was better concealed. There were also facilities for mast sharing. Cllr North said this application had been passed at the TWBC Eastern Area Planning meeting held on 15th September 2003. Cllr Conway reported that there had been no developments on the three appeals pending. It had been noted that there was an increase of hardcore on Mr. Leadbetter’s site. The parish council to investigate. It was agreed that when the revised plans for the development at The Poplars, The Street were to hand a site meeting would be organised before the next parish council meeting. The application for an extension to the building at Cranden Diamonds needed scrutiny as this site was expanding considerably. Collingwood Grange had submitted a second application to lop trees in the grounds. A site meeting was recommended as some were subject to tree preservation orders. The application by Collingwood Grange to build accommodation for older handicapped residents had been refused as this was outside the limits to built development and no proper landscape detail had been given. The application may be resubmitted on an alternative site. Cllr . Reynolds said that the parish council had been in favour of this application and no-one in the village had objected The application for a temporary emergency services mast at Beacon Hill Farm would be discussed at the end of the meeting. An application for a new bungalow at Iden Green had just been received and a site meeting was agreed. FINANCIAL MATTERS. Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the July meeting were agreed: The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the current account and £4,385.37 in the Deposit Account. The second instalment of the precept - £4750 –was due at the end of September. CORRESPONDENCE TWBC Community Plan Consultation. Cllr North to liaise with the Clerk Indemnity Insurance Consultation Document. After discussion it was agreed to contact David Coleman of KAPC for his advice. Playground reports. These have been received and the items needing attention will be actioned. A request for a donation to fund the training of tree wardens has been received from Kent BTCV . This has been deferred. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr Bailey asked about the two dead may trees at the top of the Recreation Ground. The Clerk said one had died and would be removed and the other would be left till the spring to see if it revived. Cllr North said there was pollution in the stream below Cheeseman’s Garage and Cranden Diamonds which appears to come from tanks at Hams Travel. The Environment Agency has taken the case up. The lime trees at Cherryfields need trimming and there is an area beside Laurel House which does not get mowed and has become very untidy. The Clerk to contact High Weald Housing. Cllr Reynolds said he was unable to attend the next meeting on 20th October and Cllr Hemsley said he would chair it. Cllr Conway left the meeting while the temporary telecommunication mast for the emergency services application at Beacon Hill Farm was discussed. This had previously been applied for at Beacon Hall Home Farm and had been withdrawn. It was unanimously decided to refuse the application. The parish council is firm it its decision that all masts should be put in Hemstead Forest. Permission has been given to Orange for a mast in the Forest with additional dishes and therefore there is room for sharing. This opinion to be given to TWBC Eastern Area planning committee. There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m. Chairman 15th September 2003 Cllr Davies said he had requested a smaller refuse lorry for Cherryfields and the Village Green as the large one is causing damage to the kerbs and verges. The Clerk to contact Highways about the damaged kerb. TWBC is organising a conservation area appraisal and a questionnaire will be sent out. There is to be a ‘Village Clear up’ on Saturday 11th October at 9 a.m. at the Village Hall
HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
POLICE REPORT |
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