The village of Benenden in Kent

BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 19^th July 2004 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden.

PRESENT: Mr. G. Reynolds Mr. P. Conway Mr. J. Clarke Mrs. C. Pitt

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

APOLOGIES Mr. R. Manning

MINUTES The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 21^st June were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: There were no Declarations of Interest.

MATTERS ARISING.

Highway matters Regarding the drainage problems at 1 Vyvyan Cottages, Standen Street, Highways say they will test the levels to see if they can solve the problems when they are resurfacing. If th problem persists it will be added to their drainage programme and investigated further.

Notice has been given that Mounts Hill, from Cheesemans Garage to the letter box will be closed for approximately one day for grip fibre dressing and the possible replacement of ‘cats eyes’.

Speedwatch. Cllr Conway reported that this has been operating in Iden Green and so far 5 motorists have been caught exceeding the speed limit. They will now get a caution and if caught again will be fined. . The speed gun, reflective tabards and warning signs will be stored in Iden Green Pavilion. More volunteers are needed to cover both Benenden and Iden Green and new posters will be put up.

Primary School Site. Cllr Reynolds has spoken with Bill Martin, head of the building committee, and expressed concern that the consultant has not contacted the Parish Council, and the maps which were promised after the original meeting have not arrived. He has been given an invitation to come to a parish council meeting but no contact has been made. The Chairman expressed great concern with this lack of consultation The new school where ever it is, will have a great visual impact on the village with increased traffic and it is essential that the parish council, as the elected representatives of the village be consulted at all stages.

Cllr Conway commented that it was the KCC’s aim is to extend the use of school buildings out of hours for sport, IT counselling etc and this too will have an impact on the village.

Cllr Pitt said that this would be more suitable for secondary schools, but it is a waste of resources to have schools standing empty for many parts of the year.

TWBC has been consulted and in the personal opinion of the planning office, the most favoured site, the Glebe Field and Tom Scott’s. has access problems and Walkhurst Road, Feoffee site is more favoured. David Hicken, the consultant is recommending drawing up outlying plans of the sites to give an impression of what they would look like.

Cllr Reynolds said if he consulted with the Parish Council they could tell him what the community’s views are and give information of detailed knowledge of the sites considered. The Parish Council could answer many questions.

Cllr Message suggest that the Parish Council meet with David Hicken and walk round the village.

Cllr Davies said not all Borough members have been involved with the decision. A confidential letter to the planners to see if any sites are suitable

Cllr Reynolds will express these concerns to Bill Martin.

KCC Grant - £20,000 Cllr Reynolds said this could be spent on updating the Village Hall kitchen, but it was thought that this was not innovative enough . It was to help start up a needed village project - school bus, youth schemes etc. An application date is needed to create a focus. Cllrs Pitt, Hockney and Lake to discuss this.

Mowing at Cherryfields. All were agreed that this was extremely poor and a letter had been sent to the Estates Dept of TWBC to complain. It is hoped the service will improve in the future.

Water leak at Village Hall The Clerk had been contacted by Mid Kent Water and this was caused by a fractured pipe housing BT cables. BT have been informed.

SPORTS COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Lake said that there is a Cranbrook School pupil who is keen to start a football team and his mother will act as Secretary/Treasurer. There are many points to be sorted out – cost of equipment, insurance pitch marking, cost of referee, match fees and realistic plans for the 2004/5 season. Another meeting has been organised and Jo Thomson will attend as she is keen to start a netball team with possibly hiring a court at Benenden School as there is no room to play in the Village Hall.

CLERK’S SALARY REVIEW It was agreed to raise the Clerk’s salary by 3% and increase the contribution from the Harmsworth Trust to £45 /month.

PLANNING MATTERS Cllr Conway read the planning report which was distributed with the Agenda . The application by Collingwood Grange to construct a 6 bedroom unit for the older residents was discussed. The first application was refused as it was just outside the ‘limits to built’, but was in a better position – less intrusive on neighbours. The current application is within the limits and was approved, but the parish council would have preferred the first site.

Application for a two storey extension to Knockers, Cranbrook Road was 35% of the current footprint but all were in favour of this application.

Briar Barn, Apple Pie Farm. The application for change of use from BI light industrial to domestic dwelling was refused and this has now gone to appeal.

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

One Tel Internet charge 857 5.98

Memorial Hall Hire 858 18.00

M. Kellett July salary 256.71

O/T 16.00

Mileage 12.25

Stamps 5.60 859 290.56

Harry Barham War Memorial garden 860 121.20

Iden Green Pavilion Hire 861 6.00

Steve Bryant Mowing – the Green 862 76.43

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £7,531.52 in the Deposit Account.

CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Tenterden CAB asking for donation towards their running costs. It was decided to review this next year when Section 137 donations are considered.

Letter from Kent Police requesting members of the public to be Special Constables. This to be included in the next Parish Newsletter.

Quote from KCC for mowing the Green next year. This to be approximately £575. This will be reviewed later in the year when tenders are sought .

ANY OTHER BUSINESS. The Clerk reported there is to be a meeting in Tunbridge Wells organised by the CPRE to discuss the new Planning Act and the new Regional Authority in Guildford. . The date is 25^th September and Cllrs Reynolds and Conway will attend. Application forms to be sent.

Cllr Conway said Benenden had been awarded a community warden, shared with Frittenden and will come into operation September/October. He will deal with anti social behaviour, low level crime, domestic violence, dog fouling.

An appraisal of the Benenden and Iden Green Conservation Areas had been produced showing the pros and cons of each area. The Benenden area has not changed and the Iden Green Conservation area has extended down the South side to include Weavers and on the opposite side to King Charles.

Cllr Davies said the Parish Appraisal questionnaire has been gone through, funds are needed, and it is hoped it will be distributed in September.

St, George’s Club has requested a sub committee meeting and this will be arranged for the Autumn.

Cllr Message had obtained information from Rolvenden about the cost of repainting the Church clock. Theirs cost £l,547 and included a new fibreglass face and gilt hands. This will be referred to the Church.

The hedge at The Village Shop needed cutting as it was difficult to read the notice board. Cllr Reynolds said he would see the owner about this and the relocation of the parish notice board.

A white Volvo had been parked in the Village Hall car park for some time and Cllr Conway would contact PC Beck.

Cllr Lake asked if details of the proposed foorball club could be put in the Parish Newsletter. There was still £100 in the previous football club account.

Cllr Pitt said the hedges were overgrown round the 30 mph signs in Iden Green. Highways to be informed. Also was permission needed for private signs advertising B & B, and the Woodcock . etc. The Clerk to check with Highways

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.28 p.m.

Chairman 19^th July, 2004

Cllr Davies said Broad Band should be coming to Benenden in May 2005.

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS

BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL UPDATE

Cllr Conway reported that the Gale & Dunn Partnership had been appointed architects and their fee would be approximately £5,500. A Quantity Survey is not necessary, which has saved a further £5,000 and a Health and Safety Advisor has been appointed.

The tenders have gone out to Hurstway, Davies, B &B Builders and Mike Page, and these should be in by mid August with work starting in mid September. The sub committee will meet when the tenders have been received to bring to the September

PC meeting.

Many fund raising events are being organised – a Casino night, Sahara evening, hopefully Jo Brand at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. The June Barn Dance raised £700. and BACS are donating £500.

PLAYGROUP GARDEN EXTENSION It was agreed that the Playgroup be allowed to include the narrow grass area between their garden and the car park for a raised bed to enable the children to grow vegetables.

MAY TREES AT IDEN GREEN RECREATION GROUND. Following the report by the Tree Surgeon it was agreed that 5 trees be either hard pruned or felled and replaced by pink may trees, and the holly tree be pruned, and the ivy on the existing trees be cut. The cost to be £500.

The Chairman reported that the extension to the Pavilion car park was ‘on hold’ as the exterior of the Pavilion needed re painting.

FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Trusts behalf since the June meeting were agreed:

Chubb Fire Ltd. Fire extinguisher service 651 54.64

M. Kellett Salary contribution 652 42.30

V. Kellett Repairs St. G .Hall 60.00

Ben Rec 53.00 653 113.00

D. Dalrymple June salary 654 350.03

Post Office Ltd. Tax/NI 655 351.83

Steve Bryant Mowing – Recs & verges 656 145.72

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £3,226.91 in the Deposit Account.

Chairman 19^th July, 2004

		Minutes for July 2004 Click for minutes for June 2004 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk
		BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 19^th July 2004 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden. PRESENT: Mr. G. Reynolds Mr. P. Conway Mr. J. Clarke Mrs. C. Pitt Mr. P. Message Mr. R. Lake Mr. S. Hockney APOLOGIES Mr. R. Manning MINUTES The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 21^st June were confirmed and signed. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: There were no Declarations of Interest. MATTERS ARISING. Highway matters Regarding the drainage problems at 1 Vyvyan Cottages, Standen Street, Highways say they will test the levels to see if they can solve the problems when they are resurfacing. If th problem persists it will be added to their drainage programme and investigated further. Notice has been given that Mounts Hill, from Cheesemans Garage to the letter box will be closed for approximately one day for grip fibre dressing and the possible replacement of ‘cats eyes’. Speedwatch. Cllr Conway reported that this has been operating in Iden Green and so far 5 motorists have been caught exceeding the speed limit. They will now get a caution and if caught again will be fined. . The speed gun, reflective tabards and warning signs will be stored in Iden Green Pavilion. More volunteers are needed to cover both Benenden and Iden Green and new posters will be put up. Primary School Site. Cllr Reynolds has spoken with Bill Martin, head of the building committee, and expressed concern that the consultant has not contacted the Parish Council, and the maps which were promised after the original meeting have not arrived. He has been given an invitation to come to a parish council meeting but no contact has been made. The Chairman expressed great concern with this lack of consultation The new school where ever it is, will have a great visual impact on the village with increased traffic and it is essential that the parish council, as the elected representatives of the village be consulted at all stages. Cllr Conway commented that it was the KCC’s aim is to extend the use of school buildings out of hours for sport, IT counselling etc and this too will have an impact on the village. Cllr Pitt said that this would be more suitable for secondary schools, but it is a waste of resources to have schools standing empty for many parts of the year. TWBC has been consulted and in the personal opinion of the planning office, the most favoured site, the Glebe Field and Tom Scott’s. has access problems and Walkhurst Road, Feoffee site is more favoured. David Hicken, the consultant is recommending drawing up outlying plans of the sites to give an impression of what they would look like. Cllr Reynolds said if he consulted with the Parish Council they could tell him what the community’s views are and give information of detailed knowledge of the sites considered. The Parish Council could answer many questions. Cllr Message suggest that the Parish Council meet with David Hicken and walk round the village. Cllr Davies said not all Borough members have been involved with the decision. A confidential letter to the planners to see if any sites are suitable Cllr Reynolds will express these concerns to Bill Martin. KCC Grant - £20,000 Cllr Reynolds said this could be spent on updating the Village Hall kitchen, but it was thought that this was not innovative enough . It was to help start up a needed village project - school bus, youth schemes etc. An application date is needed to create a focus. Cllrs Pitt, Hockney and Lake to discuss this. Mowing at Cherryfields. All were agreed that this was extremely poor and a letter had been sent to the Estates Dept of TWBC to complain. It is hoped the service will improve in the future. Water leak at Village Hall The Clerk had been contacted by Mid Kent Water and this was caused by a fractured pipe housing BT cables. BT have been informed. SPORTS COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Lake said that there is a Cranbrook School pupil who is keen to start a football team and his mother will act as Secretary/Treasurer. There are many points to be sorted out – cost of equipment, insurance pitch marking, cost of referee, match fees and realistic plans for the 2004/5 season. Another meeting has been organised and Jo Thomson will attend as she is keen to start a netball team with possibly hiring a court at Benenden School as there is no room to play in the Village Hall. CLERK’S SALARY REVIEW It was agreed to raise the Clerk’s salary by 3% and increase the contribution from the Harmsworth Trust to £45 /month. PLANNING MATTERS Cllr Conway read the planning report which was distributed with the Agenda . The application by Collingwood Grange to construct a 6 bedroom unit for the older residents was discussed. The first application was refused as it was just outside the ‘limits to built’, but was in a better position – less intrusive on neighbours. The current application is within the limits and was approved, but the parish council would have preferred the first site. Application for a two storey extension to Knockers, Cranbrook Road was 35% of the current footprint but all were in favour of this application. Briar Barn, Apple Pie Farm. The application for change of use from BI light industrial to domestic dwelling was refused and this has now gone to appeal. FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Council’s behalf since the June meeting were agreed: One Tel Internet charge 857 5.98 Memorial Hall Hire 858 18.00 M. Kellett July salary 256.71 O/T 16.00 Mileage 12.25 Stamps 5.60 859 290.56 Harry Barham War Memorial garden 860 121.20 Iden Green Pavilion Hire 861 6.00 Steve Bryant Mowing – the Green 862 76.43 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £7,531.52 in the Deposit Account. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Tenterden CAB asking for donation towards their running costs. It was decided to review this next year when Section 137 donations are considered. Letter from Kent Police requesting members of the public to be Special Constables. This to be included in the next Parish Newsletter. Quote from KCC for mowing the Green next year. This to be approximately £575. This will be reviewed later in the year when tenders are sought . ANY OTHER BUSINESS. The Clerk reported there is to be a meeting in Tunbridge Wells organised by the CPRE to discuss the new Planning Act and the new Regional Authority in Guildford. . The date is 25^th September and Cllrs Reynolds and Conway will attend. Application forms to be sent. Cllr Conway said Benenden had been awarded a community warden, shared with Frittenden and will come into operation September/October. He will deal with anti social behaviour, low level crime, domestic violence, dog fouling. An appraisal of the Benenden and Iden Green Conservation Areas had been produced showing the pros and cons of each area. The Benenden area has not changed and the Iden Green Conservation area has extended down the South side to include Weavers and on the opposite side to King Charles. Cllr Davies said the Parish Appraisal questionnaire has been gone through, funds are needed, and it is hoped it will be distributed in September. St, George’s Club has requested a sub committee meeting and this will be arranged for the Autumn. Cllr Message had obtained information from Rolvenden about the cost of repainting the Church clock. Theirs cost £l,547 and included a new fibreglass face and gilt hands. This will be referred to the Church. The hedge at The Village Shop needed cutting as it was difficult to read the notice board. Cllr Reynolds said he would see the owner about this and the relocation of the parish notice board. A white Volvo had been parked in the Village Hall car park for some time and Cllr Conway would contact PC Beck. Cllr Lake asked if details of the proposed foorball club could be put in the Parish Newsletter. There was still £100 in the previous football club account. Cllr Pitt said the hedges were overgrown round the 30 mph signs in Iden Green. Highways to be informed. Also was permission needed for private signs advertising B & B, and the Woodcock . etc. The Clerk to check with Highways There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.28 p.m. Chairman 19^th July, 2004 Cllr Davies said Broad Band should be coming to Benenden in May 2005. HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL UPDATE Cllr Conway reported that the Gale & Dunn Partnership had been appointed architects and their fee would be approximately £5,500. A Quantity Survey is not necessary, which has saved a further £5,000 and a Health and Safety Advisor has been appointed. The tenders have gone out to Hurstway, Davies, B &B Builders and Mike Page, and these should be in by mid August with work starting in mid September. The sub committee will meet when the tenders have been received to bring to the September PC meeting. Many fund raising events are being organised – a Casino night, Sahara evening, hopefully Jo Brand at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. The June Barn Dance raised £700. and BACS are donating £500. PLAYGROUP GARDEN EXTENSION It was agreed that the Playgroup be allowed to include the narrow grass area between their garden and the car park for a raised bed to enable the children to grow vegetables. MAY TREES AT IDEN GREEN RECREATION GROUND. Following the report by the Tree Surgeon it was agreed that 5 trees be either hard pruned or felled and replaced by pink may trees, and the holly tree be pruned, and the ivy on the existing trees be cut. The cost to be £500. The Chairman reported that the extension to the Pavilion car park was ‘on hold’ as the exterior of the Pavilion needed re painting. FINANCIAL MATTERS Payments made on the Trusts behalf since the June meeting were agreed: Chubb Fire Ltd. Fire extinguisher service 651 54.64 M. Kellett Salary contribution 652 42.30 V. Kellett Repairs St. G .Hall 60.00 Ben Rec 53.00 653 113.00 D. Dalrymple June salary 654 350.03 Post Office Ltd. Tax/NI 655 351.83 Steve Bryant Mowing – Recs & verges 656 145.72 The Clerk reported that there was £500 in the Current Account and £3,226.91 in the Deposit Account. Chairman 19^th July, 2004