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Minutes for November 2003 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk |
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PARISH COUNCIL OF BENENDEN Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 17th November 2003 in the Pavilion, Iden Green. PRESENT: APOLOGIES: Mrs. D. Bailey Mrs. E. North Mr. R. Manning. MINUTES: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 21st October 2003 were confirmed and signed. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, Cllr Lake declared an interest in the planning application at The Poplars, The Street, Benenden MATTERS ARISING: Drains – Hortons Close A representative of Southern Water will be asked to attend the December parish council meeting to give a progress report on the situation at Horton’s Close. Highway matters Minor patching work is to be done along the Iden Green Road from Benenden cross roads to Coldharbour Lane. Kent Highways stress that they do not have the resources to improve the whole road but this work is to alleviate the worst undulations. The Clerk reported that ‘marking up’ will take place this week and Cllr Hemsley will check these to ensure that the worst places are covered. The work is due to start in December. Cllr Hemsley said that Richard Emmett of Highways had not got back to him about repairs in Iden Green High Street. Village Appraisal Cllr Hemsley reported that there had not been a recent meeting. He is now joint chairman with John Potter. A questionnaire has been drafted and this will be discussed at the next meeting. Parish Newsletter Cllr Lake said that as yet there is not enough information on topics of interest to give a complete picture. The fly infestation, the community warden, the bid for funds for the Village Hall, are all of interest but none have been resolved to give an informative view. It is important for parishioners to know what is happening and how the council is responding. Cllr Lake said that all councillors should contribute items if they wished to himself and the Clerk and these would be edited and put into newsletter form for distribution in the New Year. Speedwatch Cllr Conway reported that he had three volunteers for this scheme. A maximum of 10 are needed. They will work two hour shifts, day time only, and will be moved to different locations in Benenden and Iden Green. The police will supply notices, safety jackets and the speed gun. The cost will be in the region of £350. Request for Community Warden A letter has been received from KCC acknowledging Cllr Conway’s request for a Community Warden. Two wardens have been allocated to the Cranbrook area – one for Cranbrook and one to be shared with Benenden, Sissinghurst and Frittenden. TWBC have approved this and it is going before KCC within the next two weeks POLICE MEETING AT GOUDHURST. This is to take place on Thursday 20th November at 8 p.m. in Goudhurst Village Hall. It will be chaired by Archie Norman, MP for Tunbridge Wells. Cllrs Reynolds and Clarke to attend REPORT ON KAPC COUNCILLORS’INFORMATION DAY Cllrs Reynolds and Conway attended and were agreed that it was a very useful meeting. A refresher course on procedure, planning and responsibilities of councillors. FORMATION OF COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE It has been decided that in the interests of good practice a complaints committee be formed as a way of dealing with any complaints about the administration and procedure of the council. Complaints about a councillor are subject to the jurisdiction of the Standards Board. The complaints committee to consist of Cllrs Reynolds, Hemsley and Bailey. ( A copy of the Code of Practice for handling complaints is included and distributed with these Minutes ). FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the October meeting were agreed: Payee - Item - Che No. - Amount Printing at Cranbrook-Stationery-796-4.00 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £8203 in the Deposit Account. PRECEPT PREPARATION The Clerk presented the precept preparation and it was agreed that the Precept for 2004/2005 be £10,000. This to be conveyed to the Finance Director, TWBC. PLANNING MATTERS Cllr Conway read the planning report which had been circulated with the agenda. It was agreed that the site at Avery Barn, Walkhurst Road be monitored as this was increasing. Cllr Clarke said that the hard standing at Mr. Leadbitters house was increasing, when it should be removed. This and the building behind the house to be taken up with the enforcement officer. At this point the Chairman adjourned the meeting for public representations regarding the planning application at The Poplars, The Street, Benenden. Cllr Lake left the meeting After the public representations the chairman reconvened the meeting and the council discussed the application . The car parking area at the side of the shop in the garden was discussed first and all were agreed that this was too small for two cars, the gateway was too narrow and the approach from The Street was dangerous as it crossed the pavement and visibility would be restricted by parked cars. The fact that it had been used by vehicles in the past was disputed by a long time resident of the parish. A vote was taken and all were agreed that this application be rejected The application for a three bedroom house on the site was discussed at length and the main points of objection were that it was over development of the site; it would take away the privacy and block out light from neighbouring properties; it was very close to the boundary of Benenden Barn; approx 1 m and 2.8 m, and the ongoing drain problems in the area have not yet been resolved The points in favour were that it was within the permitted development area; back filling and in filling were allowed; the architectural style was in keeping with neighbouring properties; the ground floor windows would be obscured by a fence. . A vote was taken and the application was rejected by three votes to one. Cllr Conway to convey this to the Borough Council Planning Department. Cllr Lake returned to the meeting. CORRESPONDENCE There is a carol service at Cranbrook Church on 14th December at 6.30 p.m. This is in aid of the Mayor’s official charity – The Samaritans Mayor’s Christmas Reception at Cranbrook Council Offices on Wednesday 17th December from 6 – 8 p.m. Cllr Reynolds to attend. Parish Council Training Day. Thursday 4th December 6p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Council Offices, Cranbrook. Cllrs Reynolds and Conway to attend. The aim of the session is update on implementation of Best Value Improvement Plan, Parish Council Comment Form, Determining Planning Applications, IT update – Public Access and GIS. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr Hemsley asked if a litter bin could be put outside the bus stop in Iden Green. The Clerk to ask TWBC There is a blocked drain at the cross roads on the Pavilion side. Highways to be informed. The Chairman of Iden Green Pavilion is standing down and a replacement is needed. This to be put in the news letter. Cllr Message asked when Tom Scotts’ seat would be repaired. Also the top bar of the seat outside the Village Hall is loose Cllr Lake said the cars parked at the top of Walkhurst Road outside Hurstdene were a hazard. Cllr Conway to ask PC Beck to call on the householder Cllr Clarke asked when the white lines and cats eyes promised for the B2086 would be done. The Clerk said the council had been informed of this last month that this would be done in the near future. Highways to be contacted for a more exact date and also the white lines on the chest hospital road. The Clerk to arrange a Wednesday morning meeting with Highways and councillors Cllr Reynolds said that Cllr Manning had organised a meeting with parish council chairmen in the Cranbrook area, and ongoing from this, a regular meeting with other chairmen in the Borough. Cllr Reynolds said a request had been made by the Primary School for £150 to go towards the cost of books. Cllr Lake said that a precedent could be set by other organisations providing items that were the responsibility of the Education Authority. This to be discussed further. Cllr Conway said he had had notification of the transfer of the liquor license of the Village Shop, Benenden to Theresa Noble of Rolvenden Layne.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.
Chairman 17th November, 2003
THE DATE OF THE DECEMBER MEETING IS NOW MONDAY 15TH DECEMBER IN THE MEMORIAL HALL AT 7.30 P.M. Also enclosed is a draft questionnaire for the Benenden Village Appraisal for discussion at the next meeting. HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS ESTIMATES FOR PLAYGROUND REPAIRS. Following the ROSPA safety reports the Clerk met David Kirby of Bournes to go through the suggested recommendations and obtain an estimate. It was decided in Benenden to install a new ladder unit with metal rungs at a cost of £225.00 and replace the climbing beam with a new metal one with plastic hand grips at a cost of £198 – both plus VAT Modifications to both gates at Benenden and Iden Green at a cost of £50 each plus VAT. The Clerk to get a quote for a new climbing rope at Benenden. Cllr Message asked if notices could be put up in the playgrounds limiting their use to children under the age of 12. This was discussed and the feeling was that this would be difficult to enforce, but the Clerk would enquire of the cost of a sign. FOOTPATH REPAIRS AT BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL The Clerk presented the estimate from Highways for these repairs, but it was decided to meet again with Richard Emmett to go through them as it was felt that although some were essential for safety reasons, with, the possibility of building work in the near future not all were necessary. The Clerk to arrange a meeting with Richard Emmett. BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL TO INCLUDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROPOSED EXTENSION. Cllr Clarke said the management committee had met and had decided to increase the hourly rate by 50p to all hirers. This is approximately £1 less that Rolvenden. He reported that the general run of bookings was static and the table tennis club has not been replaced. The Hall has been advertised. The Brownie packs were deterred by the summer fly problems and the lack of showers. The increased charge was agreed unanimously. Cllr Conway reported on the progress of the extension. The application has come before TWBC but has been deferred to 11th December. The Borough Council and the KCC have a policy to support village halls, but there is no budget. There is also opposition from Hawkhurst as they need a new roof for their hall. Cllr Conway said he was cautiously optimistic about the chances of getting the funding. The total cost of the new building is £208,000 with £140,000 coming from TWBC and KCC and the remainder to be raised in the parish. FINANCIAL MATTERS. Payments made on the Trust’s behalf since the October meeting were agreed; Peter Punchard Hedge cutting and trimming, Benenden Rec Ground 604 260.00 John Bourne Inspection cover repair St. George’s Hall 605 85.00 M. Kellett Salary contribution – Nov 606 42.30 D. Dalrymple October salary 607 342.12 D. Dalrymple Telephone refund 608 47.85 Mid Kent Water St. George’s Hall 609 37.21 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £5487in the Deposit Account |
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