The village of Benenden in Kent

BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 20th June 2005 in The Pavilion, Iden Green.

Present: Mr G Reynolds Mr P Conway Mrs C Pitt Mr R Garnier Mr R Lake
Mr P Message Mr S Hockney Mrs D Bailey

Apologies: Mr J Clarke will only be able to attend from 8.20 to 9.20 pm

MINUTES: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 16th May 2005 were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Pitt declared an interest in the Planning Application for Bramley Cottage, Iden Green.

MATTERS ARISING:
HAMS Bus Route. The Clerk informed the Council that the route taken by Hams bus down Walkhurst Road was to pick up school children. Hams have agreed to use a smaller bus.

Parish Design Statement Cllr Conway reported that there had been discussion on how to complete the statement and how to fund it. It was agreed by the Chairman to pend this until further information was available.

Dog Fouling The Council discussed the problem of funding special bins. It was pointed out that TWBC have to send a separate lorry to empty them. Cllr Hockney said there were 2 notices but badly positioned. The Community Warden has tried to contact the Dog Warden regarding this problem and is awaiting a reply. There was a discussion of who would supply the notices and a need to monitor the emptying of the bins. The Parish Clerk will follow this up.

PLANNING

Cllr Conway was invited to discuss the meeting he had with Cllr Garnier, Cllr North, Cllr Davies and TWBC councillors regarding the Planning Application of the Poplars. It was agreed by the meeting that a breakdown in communications had happened and shouldn’t have. It was agreed that in future that ALL communication with TWBC has to be in writing by e-mail or letter. Cllr Davies felt that the meeting was productive. Cllr Lake had a letter from David Prentise regarding this issue which he felt was blaming the Parish Council for not making their views known. The Chair felt that no further action by the Parish Council was necessary at this stage. Cllr Conway felt that it would be beneficial for Mr Turner of Cranbrook Planning Department to be invited to address the Council at the next meeting, if available. Parish Clerk to contact.

Cllr Garnier read the Planning Report which was circulated with the Agenda. The retrospective planning application for Hartley’s was discussed. Cllrs to make a site visit. The Old Pub site at Iden Green was raised as there are problems with the 2 planning applications. It was felt that as Mulberry Cottage was flouting planning regulations that a letter should be sent to the Enforcement Officer. Cllr Davies was asked to speak to the Portfolio Holder at TWBC. A site visit was recommended to Ramsden Bungalow as new plans had been submitted. Orchard Cottage, Iden Green was recommended to be referred to Eastern Area Planning as the plans showed a 100% increase in size. Cllr Pitt withdrew as Bramble Cottage was discussed. It was recommended to approve the Planning application which was agreed.

BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Conway discussed the need for improved stage lighting. Cllr Clarke had spoken to Benenden Players who had agreed to fund 50% of the cost. As there is a surplus of £9000 in the Benenden Village Hall account it was proposed by Cllr Conway and seconded by Cllr Pitt to fund 50% of the lighting costs, all agreed. Cllr Clarke to get 3 quotes.

CarPark. Cllr Conway reported that the quote for the Car Park was £50,000 and the council agreed to defer any decisions for the moment.

Grand Raffle Cllrs agreed that as there was currently a surplus in the fund not to go ahead with any more fund raising.

VANDALISM BENENDEN PLAYGROUND

Vandalism in Benenden playground was discussed as there was graffiti and destruction of the fence. Clerk reported that she had 3 quotes for CCTV ranging from £2,200 to £3,500. It was reported that Cranbrook Police have been allocated a Swift camera which they were willing to deploy to Benenden for a limited period. It was agreed that this would be raised at the Police Parish Forum next week and a decision regarding CCTV to be deferred for the moment.

Community Warden Janet Greenroyd was invited to speak regarding her experiences.
She reported that Benenden Girls School would like to forge more links with the village, such as inviting local clubs such as the WI to attend when speakers attend functions there.

Cllr Hockney raised concerns that lighting an area attracted problems such as vandalism. Cllrs agreed that The Benenden village Hall light needed to be turned off before midnight.

IDEN GREEN TENNIS CLUB LEASE

Cllr Conway informed the Council that this was in process. Cllr Pitt took the opportunity to congratulate the Club regarding the new painted clubhouse.

CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk informed the councillors of the TWBC housing needs survey. The clerk will be the link with Highways as County Lengthsman. There is a notice for all councillors and to go on the noticeboards of telephone numbers to contact when needing the police. Cllr Garnier will attend the planning seminar at TWBC. Highways will close Goddards Green road on 16th July for Benenden Hospital Centennial celebrations. Leaflets regarding the new legislation for high hedges have been ordered for Councillors. Clerk reported on ITV The People’s Millions, that there were grants of up to £50,000 if the Councillors were interested, the Chair was given the relevant information.

Any Other Business

Cllr Conway reported from the KAPC meeting that it was useful, they discussed planning and parking issues. In the future topics such as telephone masts and IT throughout the Borough will be discussed.

Cllr Pitt raised the problem of the parking of a motor home in Standen Street that is causing difficulties to negotiate. Parish Council unable to do anything .

Cllr Lake has been asked for advice on what to do if neighbour’s trees are causing problems. Recent publications on High Hedges and what to do was given to him.

Cllr Hockney saw Guy Vinson regarding the Lime Trees at Cherryfields, and he is currently waiting for a quotation. Cllr Reynolds pointed out that there 2 may trees which are dying along the Recreation Ground and will need cutting.

Cllr Reynolds had a meeting with Roger Manning regarding the unsatisfactory work done by Ringway. A discussion ensued that regarding the surface dressing throughout the village and that no grip fibre was used on Mounts Hill as originally agreed. He was concerned that no remedial work had been done before the surface dressing was laid. To write to James Whitehorn and Roger Manning regarding these issues.

Cllr Reynolds told the meeting that Cllr Conway and himself were not re-standing next year and that the Council should be aware of this and look at their structure.

Cllr Davies reported that TWBC had a new Chief Executive, Sheila Wheeler. That he is now responsible for Economic Development, Marketing and Tourism, and Transport. Cllr North was now Chair of the Scrutiny Committee. He will e-mail the clerk with the list of new responsibilities.

Cllr Reynolds then opened the meeting to the public.

Mr Blockley was concerned that there was still no dog litter bins. He also was concerned regarding the issue of poor communication with the Planning Department.

Concern was shown by residents regarding potholes on New Pond Road. Cllr Reynolds to raise with Highways.

		Minutes for June 2005 Click for minutes for May 2005 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 20th June 2005 in The Pavilion, Iden Green. Present: Mr G Reynolds Mr P Conway Mrs C Pitt Mr R Garnier Mr R Lake Mr P Message Mr S Hockney Mrs D Bailey Apologies: Mr J Clarke will only be able to attend from 8.20 to 9.20 pm MINUTES: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 16th May 2005 were confirmed and signed. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Pitt declared an interest in the Planning Application for Bramley Cottage, Iden Green. MATTERS ARISING: HAMS Bus Route. The Clerk informed the Council that the route taken by Hams bus down Walkhurst Road was to pick up school children. Hams have agreed to use a smaller bus. Parish Design Statement Cllr Conway reported that there had been discussion on how to complete the statement and how to fund it. It was agreed by the Chairman to pend this until further information was available. Dog Fouling The Council discussed the problem of funding special bins. It was pointed out that TWBC have to send a separate lorry to empty them. Cllr Hockney said there were 2 notices but badly positioned. The Community Warden has tried to contact the Dog Warden regarding this problem and is awaiting a reply. There was a discussion of who would supply the notices and a need to monitor the emptying of the bins. The Parish Clerk will follow this up. PLANNING Cllr Conway was invited to discuss the meeting he had with Cllr Garnier, Cllr North, Cllr Davies and TWBC councillors regarding the Planning Application of the Poplars. It was agreed by the meeting that a breakdown in communications had happened and shouldn’t have. It was agreed that in future that ALL communication with TWBC has to be in writing by e-mail or letter. Cllr Davies felt that the meeting was productive. Cllr Lake had a letter from David Prentise regarding this issue which he felt was blaming the Parish Council for not making their views known. The Chair felt that no further action by the Parish Council was necessary at this stage. Cllr Conway felt that it would be beneficial for Mr Turner of Cranbrook Planning Department to be invited to address the Council at the next meeting, if available. Parish Clerk to contact. Cllr Garnier read the Planning Report which was circulated with the Agenda. The retrospective planning application for Hartley’s was discussed. Cllrs to make a site visit. The Old Pub site at Iden Green was raised as there are problems with the 2 planning applications. It was felt that as Mulberry Cottage was flouting planning regulations that a letter should be sent to the Enforcement Officer. Cllr Davies was asked to speak to the Portfolio Holder at TWBC. A site visit was recommended to Ramsden Bungalow as new plans had been submitted. Orchard Cottage, Iden Green was recommended to be referred to Eastern Area Planning as the plans showed a 100% increase in size. Cllr Pitt withdrew as Bramble Cottage was discussed. It was recommended to approve the Planning application which was agreed. BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL Cllr Conway discussed the need for improved stage lighting. Cllr Clarke had spoken to Benenden Players who had agreed to fund 50% of the cost. As there is a surplus of £9000 in the Benenden Village Hall account it was proposed by Cllr Conway and seconded by Cllr Pitt to fund 50% of the lighting costs, all agreed. Cllr Clarke to get 3 quotes. CarPark. Cllr Conway reported that the quote for the Car Park was £50,000 and the council agreed to defer any decisions for the moment. Grand Raffle Cllrs agreed that as there was currently a surplus in the fund not to go ahead with any more fund raising. VANDALISM BENENDEN PLAYGROUND Vandalism in Benenden playground was discussed as there was graffiti and destruction of the fence. Clerk reported that she had 3 quotes for CCTV ranging from £2,200 to £3,500. It was reported that Cranbrook Police have been allocated a Swift camera which they were willing to deploy to Benenden for a limited period. It was agreed that this would be raised at the Police Parish Forum next week and a decision regarding CCTV to be deferred for the moment. Community Warden Janet Greenroyd was invited to speak regarding her experiences. She reported that Benenden Girls School would like to forge more links with the village, such as inviting local clubs such as the WI to attend when speakers attend functions there. Cllr Hockney raised concerns that lighting an area attracted problems such as vandalism. Cllrs agreed that The Benenden village Hall light needed to be turned off before midnight. IDEN GREEN TENNIS CLUB LEASE Cllr Conway informed the Council that this was in process. Cllr Pitt took the opportunity to congratulate the Club regarding the new painted clubhouse. CORRESPONDENCE Clerk informed the councillors of the TWBC housing needs survey. The clerk will be the link with Highways as County Lengthsman. There is a notice for all councillors and to go on the noticeboards of telephone numbers to contact when needing the police. Cllr Garnier will attend the planning seminar at TWBC. Highways will close Goddards Green road on 16th July for Benenden Hospital Centennial celebrations. Leaflets regarding the new legislation for high hedges have been ordered for Councillors. Clerk reported on ITV The People’s Millions, that there were grants of up to £50,000 if the Councillors were interested, the Chair was given the relevant information. Any Other Business Cllr Conway reported from the KAPC meeting that it was useful, they discussed planning and parking issues. In the future topics such as telephone masts and IT throughout the Borough will be discussed. Cllr Pitt raised the problem of the parking of a motor home in Standen Street that is causing difficulties to negotiate. Parish Council unable to do anything . Cllr Lake has been asked for advice on what to do if neighbour’s trees are causing problems. Recent publications on High Hedges and what to do was given to him. Cllr Hockney saw Guy Vinson regarding the Lime Trees at Cherryfields, and he is currently waiting for a quotation. Cllr Reynolds pointed out that there 2 may trees which are dying along the Recreation Ground and will need cutting. Cllr Reynolds had a meeting with Roger Manning regarding the unsatisfactory work done by Ringway. A discussion ensued that regarding the surface dressing throughout the village and that no grip fibre was used on Mounts Hill as originally agreed. He was concerned that no remedial work had been done before the surface dressing was laid. To write to James Whitehorn and Roger Manning regarding these issues. Cllr Reynolds told the meeting that Cllr Conway and himself were not re-standing next year and that the Council should be aware of this and look at their structure. Cllr Davies reported that TWBC had a new Chief Executive, Sheila Wheeler. That he is now responsible for Economic Development, Marketing and Tourism, and Transport. Cllr North was now Chair of the Scrutiny Committee. He will e-mail the clerk with the list of new responsibilities. Cllr Reynolds then opened the meeting to the public. Mr Blockley was concerned that there was still no dog litter bins. He also was concerned regarding the issue of poor communication with the Planning Department. Concern was shown by residents regarding potholes on New Pond Road. Cllr Reynolds to raise with Highways.