Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for September 2005
Click for minutes for July 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 Parish Council held on 19th September 2005 at The Pavilion, Iden Green

Before the meeting there was a short presentation by Brian Hayward on the Benenden and Iden Green Enhancements. See attached for outline of what was discussed.

Present:  Mr G Reynolds  Mr P Conway  Mr R Garnier  Mr R Lake
               Mr P Message  Mr S Hockney  Mrs D Bailey  Mr J Clarke
Apologies:  Mrs C Pitt
 
 
MINUTES: The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 18th July 2005 were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
 
MATTERS ARISING:

  • Speedwatch. Cllr Conway informed the meeting that the cost would be about £3000 and is currently negotiating with other local councils to share its use. Rob Mills and Stuart Liffen have volunteered to run Speedwatch. Concern was expressed about the current legality of the equipment and the responsibility of the police to enforce the speed limit. Decision was taken to monitor how other villages will cope with it.
  • Village Appraisal.  Cllr Davies reported that 300 forms have been returned. He will try to contact those who have not returned their forms yet and is looking for volunteers to help.

HIGHWAYS
  • Cllr Reynolds was concerned that there had been a lot of activity but that there was a lack of prior notice.  Discussion ensued regarding the quality of repair work to Iden Green Road.  Cllr Davies informed the meeting that the grey gravel on Cranbrook Road is supposed to be anti-slip. Cllr Hockney was concerned about the corner at Pullington Cottages.  Meeting to be arranged with Richard Emmett of the Highways Department.
  • Councillors were concerned about the water leaks, the Clerk reassured them that the water leaks at Rolvenden Road and by the Green were both reported and were being monitored.

PLANNING
  • Cllr Garnier gave the planning report. A decision on Greenwood has been deferred as Planning Officers needed more information.
  • Cllr Garnier asked whether the Parish Council responds to TPO. Decision was to contact Cllr Hockney in these cases.
  • Gable End – enforcement officer to visit regarding the extra cartilage previously granted.  Concerns were expressed regarding the size of the shed.

 
BENENDEN VILLAGE HALL
  • Cllr Clarke reported that all snagging complete except for the floor in the men’s toilet. Kitchen and office were now complete.
  • Cllr Clarke informed the meeting that there were problems with the new licensing laws in relation to the village hall, and on seeking further clarification, found that TWBC was seeking further advice themselves.

ST. GEORGE’S
  • Cllr Clarke reported that the state of the roof and the gulleys was in need of repair. Clerk to get quotations for work.
  • Cllr Clarke reported that the gate to St. George’s Cottage is rotted. Clerk to find out costs.

FOOTPATHS
  • Cllr Message reported to the meeting that there was a KCC grant for improvements to local footpaths to improve access for the elderly, disabled and those with young children. He asked for any suggestions. It was agreed that the walk from Glebe Field into Tom Scott’s field should have the stiles replaced by ‘kissing’ gates, as well as the middle gate on the Hilly Fields path. Cllr Message to find out further information.
  • Cllr Hockney and Cllr Message had met with the Ramblers Association, TWBC footpaths officers and the owner to discuss the re-routing of a footpath at Stream Farm. Owners will pay for the changes.

BENENDEN AND IDEN GREEN ENHANCEMENTS
  • Councillors discussed the various options recommended by Brian Hayward and it was agreed that Cllr Clarke, Cllr Message, Cllr Hockney and Cllr North will walk around the village and report back to the next meeting with their recommendations.
  • Cllr Davies thought that the money for this had come from the Conservation budget and that it was Benenden’s turn this year.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
  • Cllr Reynolds reported that he had met the new MP for Tunbridge Wells.
  • Cllr Conway reported that the Iden Green Tennis Club Lease was nearly completed.
  • Cllr Conway wanted to draw the Councillors attention to the Benenden Web Site run by Tim Dwyer. He felt that as it received more than 300 hits a week it would be useful for the Council to pass on information to this site, such as Benenden Village Hall details, various clubs, etc. Clerk to investigate. Cllr Clarke informed the meeting that this was on the agenda at the next Village Hall meeting.
  • There was a discussion regarding the granting of extended licences to William IV and not to The Bull.
  • Cllr Lake drew attention to the fact that the concrete spurs outside the Village Shop had still not been removed by Highways.
  • Cllr Clarke informed the Council that work on the phone mast had begun in Hemsted Forest.
  • There was concern about what was happening to the football club. Cllr Lake to look into it.
  • The meeting was opened to the public.

The meeting was closed at 10.15pm

Copyright Tim Dwyer 2004 - timdwyer@benenden.org.uk