The village of Benenden in Kent

PARISH COUNCIL OF BENENDEN

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 21^st June 2004 in The Pavilion, Iden Green.

PRESENT: Mr. G. Reynolds. Mrs. D. Bailey Mr. J. Clarke Mrs. C. Pitt

Mr. S. Hockney Mr. P. Message Mr. R. Manning Mr. R. Lake

APOLOGIES: Mr. P. Conway

MINUTES: The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 17^th May 2004 were confirmed and signed.

The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Caroline Pitt onto the Council

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Pitt declared an interest in the planning application at Mulberry Cottage, Iden Green.

MATTERS ARISING:

Highway matters. Notices regarding the closure of the Iden Green Road from the cross roads in Benenden to the junction of Coldharbour Lane in Iden Green for the grip-fibre dressing have been displayed in the village.

The Clerk is writing to Tony Carrick of Highways about the drainage problems outside 1 Vyvyan Cottages, Standen Street

KCC Grant - £2,000 No suggestions have been received from parishioners about how this money should be spent. Cllr Lake is to chair a sports committee as it is felt that this grant could go towards goal posts or other sports equipment. Mrs. Thompson is willing to join a sub-committee as she is keen for a netball team to be started. Possibly an indoor court in the Village Hall. Cllr Lake will look into this and start a feasibility study. Cllr Message said the church clock needed repainting. and he will enquire into the cost. The PCC do not have the funds for this.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRESENTATION The Chairman reported that this had been well presented with the vast majority of those present favouring a new site for the school. No definite site had been chosen as all three possible sites; the Glebe Field, and the Scott’s fields have disadvantages as well as advantages. However he was concerned that the consultant had not contacted the Parish Council for their views and were not mentioned as a consultee during the planning process. The Parish Council represents the views of the village and should be included in all stages of this important project. Cllr Pitt is on the Building Committee of the Primary School. She said several other sites had been considered but it had been narrowed down to the three sites presented . The consultant is appointed by theKCC. There are two options; if a site is favoured by the village to go for planning permission to get a decision,or to get the favoured site into the Structure Plan which is the longer route and is at the second reading phase. Either way a site needs to be earmarked before 2007.

Other sites had been considered – the Feoffee Field, a site off New Pond Road and one in Iden Green – the last two had been discarded. Access is the main problem and much more consultation is needed. It was agreed to invite the consultant to a Parish Council meeting.

KCC GRANT – £20,000 Cllr Manning said applications for this grant would be judged on merit and could be used to ‘kick-start’ something of benefit to the community or fund an already ongoing project. Cllr Hockney to head up a small committee to identify a need for this grant – transport project, youth groups, school bus. The Clerk to consult with other clerks for ideas.

PLANNING MATTERS In the absence of Cllr Conway the Chairman went through the planning report. Notice has been received of an Appeal against the decision to refuse the application for a house behind The Village Shop. It was agreed that no further input was needed from the Parish Council but local residents have been given the opportunity to give their views. Regarding the mast at Beacon Hill Farm, the appeal officer is to consult with Peter Turner who will take him to the preferred site.

FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the May meeting were agreed

One Tel Internet charge 839 5.19

Village Hall Hire 840 24.00

M. Kellett Annual Assembly expenses 841 58.17

Colin Burns Accounts fee 842 50.00

HCH League of Friends Section 137 843 250.00

Kent Air Ambulance “ 844 125.00

Hospice in the Weald Section 137 845 150.00

Cranbrook CAB Section 137 846 250.00

Kent Assoc for Blind Section 137 847 50.00

Benenden PCC Section 137 848 50.00

Angley School Farm Section 137 849 125.00

CPRE Membership subscription 850 25.00

KCPFA Membership subscription 851 15.00

M. Kellett June salary 256.71

Stamps 5.60 852 262.31

Harmsworth Trust Grant re Village Hall extension

Section 19 853 5000.00

Steve Bryant Mowing – The Green. May 854 76.43

KAPC Councillors Training Day

2 x £47 855 94.00

Printing at Cranbrook Stationery 856 88.10

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £8,025 in the Deposit Account.

The meeting approved the Accounts for year ended 3lst March 2004 which will now be sent to the Auditors.

CORRESPONDENCE Letter received from TWBC with information about Christmas Lights Grant. The Clerk to request this for Benenden Village Hall and Iden Green Pavilion.

Letter from KCC introducing the new Rights of Way Officer. Information given to Cllr Message.

Mike Dunne of Dept for Pensions will be in the Village Hall on Tuesday 6^th July with an exhibition and advice on pensions. Posters will be displayed in the village.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS Julie Mellor – Environment Officer for TWBC will come to the meeting on 19^th July to talk about the Brown Bin scheme.

Cllr Message said the water leak by the Recreation Ground had not been repaired although the Water Board had investigated it. The Clerk to contact the Water Board.

Cllr Lake said the mowing of the Green was now acceptable, but as the Glebe Field was mowed by KCC would it be possible for them to quote for the Green next year. The Clerk to enquire.

Cllr Clarke said the top edge of the Recreation Ground was not being cut up to the hedge or round the Village Hall. The Clerk to contact the contractor.

Cllr Pitt said the foot path to Iden Green was very over grown by the hedge and Cllr Reynolds will ask Brian Holmes to cut it.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 a.m.

Chairman 21^st June, 2004

The meeting was opened to the public.

Regarding the site for the primary school,Mr. Peter Blockley criticised the assumption of the consultant that the Gybbon House could be disposed of without consulting the Gybbon and Buckland Charity.

He said the site off Walkhurst Road needs serious thought.

Mr. Rob Mills said he had a meeting regarding Speed Watch and had gone through the procedures and visited sites – one in Iden Green and 3 in Benenden. All the equipment is to hand and he brought along a Speedwatch handset. 4 more volunteers are needed to bring the number up to 10, but he is unable to co-ordinate it owing to business pressures. The Clerk to put up posters in the village asking for volunteers.

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS

BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL – UPDATE

Following a meeting with Robin Dalton-Homes, Cllrs Conway and Clarke it was agreed to confirm the appointment of Jonathan Gale as acting architect and Ken Plows as Quantity Surveyor. It was decided to have a Quantity Surveyor as a safe guard to make sure everything was to be seen to be done correctly and to avoid any criticism Gary Glover to be Planning Supervisor to comply with Health and Safety Regs.

Tenders are to be sought from Mike Page; B & B Builders; Hurstway and Davis.

Then a Budget and cash flow can be worked out.

Cllr Conway to be the designated contact

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

Mid Kent Water St. George’sHall 643 29.94

Colin Burns Accounts fee 644 170.00

Steve Lambert Labour – planting replacement

May trees Benenden Rec 645 40.00

M. Kellett Salary contribution 646 42.30

D. Dalrymple May salary 647 358.46

Ben Village Hall 50% curtain cleaning 648 400.00

Steve Bryant Mowing 145.72

Hedge cutting St. G Hall 150.00 649 295.72

D. Dalrymple Telephone refund 650 37.37

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £3,482.38 in the Deposit Account. The No 2 Account stands at £28,920.23; £18,900 of which is the result of donations and fundraising for the Village Hall extension.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS. The Chairman reported that the Management committee said the outside of the Iden Green Pavilion needs repainting and they may not have enough funds to extend the car park. As yet no quotes have come in for this and the Clerk will chase the contractors. Four May trees need replacing and this will be done in the Autumn.

Chairman 21^st June, 2004

		Minutes for June 2004 Click for minutes for May 2004 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 21^st June 2004 in The Pavilion, Iden Green. PRESENT: Mr. G. Reynolds. Mrs. D. Bailey Mr. J. Clarke Mrs. C. Pitt Mr. S. Hockney Mr. P. Message Mr. R. Manning Mr. R. Lake APOLOGIES: Mr. P. Conway MINUTES: The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 17^th May 2004 were confirmed and signed. The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Caroline Pitt onto the Council DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Pitt declared an interest in the planning application at Mulberry Cottage, Iden Green. MATTERS ARISING: Highway matters. Notices regarding the closure of the Iden Green Road from the cross roads in Benenden to the junction of Coldharbour Lane in Iden Green for the grip-fibre dressing have been displayed in the village. The Clerk is writing to Tony Carrick of Highways about the drainage problems outside 1 Vyvyan Cottages, Standen Street KCC Grant - £2,000 No suggestions have been received from parishioners about how this money should be spent. Cllr Lake is to chair a sports committee as it is felt that this grant could go towards goal posts or other sports equipment. Mrs. Thompson is willing to join a sub-committee as she is keen for a netball team to be started. Possibly an indoor court in the Village Hall. Cllr Lake will look into this and start a feasibility study. Cllr Message said the church clock needed repainting. and he will enquire into the cost. The PCC do not have the funds for this. PRIMARY SCHOOL PRESENTATION The Chairman reported that this had been well presented with the vast majority of those present favouring a new site for the school. No definite site had been chosen as all three possible sites; the Glebe Field, and the Scott’s fields have disadvantages as well as advantages. However he was concerned that the consultant had not contacted the Parish Council for their views and were not mentioned as a consultee during the planning process. The Parish Council represents the views of the village and should be included in all stages of this important project. Cllr Pitt is on the Building Committee of the Primary School. She said several other sites had been considered but it had been narrowed down to the three sites presented . The consultant is appointed by theKCC. There are two options; if a site is favoured by the village to go for planning permission to get a decision,or to get the favoured site into the Structure Plan which is the longer route and is at the second reading phase. Either way a site needs to be earmarked before 2007. Other sites had been considered – the Feoffee Field, a site off New Pond Road and one in Iden Green – the last two had been discarded. Access is the main problem and much more consultation is needed. It was agreed to invite the consultant to a Parish Council meeting. KCC GRANT – £20,000 Cllr Manning said applications for this grant would be judged on merit and could be used to ‘kick-start’ something of benefit to the community or fund an already ongoing project. Cllr Hockney to head up a small committee to identify a need for this grant – transport project, youth groups, school bus. The Clerk to consult with other clerks for ideas. PLANNING MATTERS In the absence of Cllr Conway the Chairman went through the planning report. Notice has been received of an Appeal against the decision to refuse the application for a house behind The Village Shop. It was agreed that no further input was needed from the Parish Council but local residents have been given the opportunity to give their views. Regarding the mast at Beacon Hill Farm, the appeal officer is to consult with Peter Turner who will take him to the preferred site. FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the May meeting were agreed One Tel Internet charge 839 5.19 Village Hall Hire 840 24.00 M. Kellett Annual Assembly expenses 841 58.17 Colin Burns Accounts fee 842 50.00 HCH League of Friends Section 137 843 250.00 Kent Air Ambulance “ 844 125.00 Hospice in the Weald Section 137 845 150.00 Cranbrook CAB Section 137 846 250.00 Kent Assoc for Blind Section 137 847 50.00 Benenden PCC Section 137 848 50.00 Angley School Farm Section 137 849 125.00 CPRE Membership subscription 850 25.00 KCPFA Membership subscription 851 15.00 M. Kellett June salary 256.71 Stamps 5.60 852 262.31 Harmsworth Trust Grant re Village Hall extension Section 19 853 5000.00 Steve Bryant Mowing – The Green. May 854 76.43 KAPC Councillors Training Day 2 x £47 855 94.00 Printing at Cranbrook Stationery 856 88.10 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £8,025 in the Deposit Account. The meeting approved the Accounts for year ended 3lst March 2004 which will now be sent to the Auditors. CORRESPONDENCE Letter received from TWBC with information about Christmas Lights Grant. The Clerk to request this for Benenden Village Hall and Iden Green Pavilion. Letter from KCC introducing the new Rights of Way Officer. Information given to Cllr Message. Mike Dunne of Dept for Pensions will be in the Village Hall on Tuesday 6^th July with an exhibition and advice on pensions. Posters will be displayed in the village. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Julie Mellor – Environment Officer for TWBC will come to the meeting on 19^th July to talk about the Brown Bin scheme. Cllr Message said the water leak by the Recreation Ground had not been repaired although the Water Board had investigated it. The Clerk to contact the Water Board. Cllr Lake said the mowing of the Green was now acceptable, but as the Glebe Field was mowed by KCC would it be possible for them to quote for the Green next year. The Clerk to enquire. Cllr Clarke said the top edge of the Recreation Ground was not being cut up to the hedge or round the Village Hall. The Clerk to contact the contractor. Cllr Pitt said the foot path to Iden Green was very over grown by the hedge and Cllr Reynolds will ask Brian Holmes to cut it. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 a.m. Chairman 21^st June, 2004 The meeting was opened to the public. Regarding the site for the primary school,Mr. Peter Blockley criticised the assumption of the consultant that the Gybbon House could be disposed of without consulting the Gybbon and Buckland Charity. He said the site off Walkhurst Road needs serious thought. Mr. Rob Mills said he had a meeting regarding Speed Watch and had gone through the procedures and visited sites – one in Iden Green and 3 in Benenden. All the equipment is to hand and he brought along a Speedwatch handset. 4 more volunteers are needed to bring the number up to 10, but he is unable to co-ordinate it owing to business pressures. The Clerk to put up posters in the village asking for volunteers. HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL – UPDATE Following a meeting with Robin Dalton-Homes, Cllrs Conway and Clarke it was agreed to confirm the appointment of Jonathan Gale as acting architect and Ken Plows as Quantity Surveyor. It was decided to have a Quantity Surveyor as a safe guard to make sure everything was to be seen to be done correctly and to avoid any criticism Gary Glover to be Planning Supervisor to comply with Health and Safety Regs. Tenders are to be sought from Mike Page; B & B Builders; Hurstway and Davis. Then a Budget and cash flow can be worked out. Cllr Conway to be the designated contact FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Trust’s behalf since the May meeting were agreed Mid Kent Water St. George’sHall 643 29.94 Colin Burns Accounts fee 644 170.00 Steve Lambert Labour – planting replacement May trees Benenden Rec 645 40.00 M. Kellett Salary contribution 646 42.30 D. Dalrymple May salary 647 358.46 Ben Village Hall 50% curtain cleaning 648 400.00 Steve Bryant Mowing 145.72 Hedge cutting St. G Hall 150.00 649 295.72 D. Dalrymple Telephone refund 650 37.37 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £3,482.38 in the Deposit Account. The No 2 Account stands at £28,920.23; £18,900 of which is the result of donations and fundraising for the Village Hall extension. ANY OTHER BUSINESS. The Chairman reported that the Management committee said the outside of the Iden Green Pavilion needs repainting and they may not have enough funds to extend the car park. As yet no quotes have come in for this and the Clerk will chase the contractors. Four May trees need replacing and this will be done in the Autumn. Chairman 21^st June, 2004