Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for Meeting September 2006
Click for minutes for July 2006

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 18th September 2006 in The Pavilion, Iden Green.

 Present:       Cllr Blockley   Cllr Bailey   Cllr Clarke   Cllr Hagens   Cllr Hockney,  Cllr Kellett      Cllr Lake      Cllr Reynolds

Apologies:   Cllr Pitt

44        MINUTES: The minutes of the extra-ordinary meeting of the Council held on 21st August            

2006 were confirmed and signed.   Proposed – Cllr Clarke     Seconded – Cllr Hockney         

45       DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Kellett declared a personal interest in 02455 Mr Hemmings, Plot 5400, Dingleden.

46        MATTERS ARISING

DPD Process– Cllr Blockley reported that to date, no response had been received from any of the parties written to outlining our concerns.

Newsletter – Cllr Blockley explained that the 1st Edition had been compiled and sent to the printers, but had proved disappointing in its production finish. The newsletter will now be printed by Rother Valley Printers and distributed with the November issues of Benenden Parish Magazine.

Strawberry Wood Culvert – Cllr Kellett confirmed that High Weald Project is now involved with the research and restoration. John Adams of H.W.P has declared the culvert as an ancient monument. The project has received support from Community Partnership, English Heritage and Benenden Historical Society. Cllr Blockley proposed that the council make a donation of £100 in recognition of support to the project. The council was in full agreement.

Housing Associations- Cllr Blockley reported that TWBC Cllr Eleanor North had requested a short survey be taken on the local Housing Associations quality of service to tenants. Brenchley Parish had suffered an unsavoury experience. Cllr Blockley thanked Cllr Hagens who had reported on behalf of the Parish Council

47       Local Plan

Cllr Blockley advised that further copies of TWBC Adopted Local Plan had been purchased.  Copies with Cllr Blockley, Cllr Kellett and Clerk at the Community Office

48       KAPC Report

Cllr Hockney and Cllr Blockley attended the meeting. Public Toilets responsibilities were raised again with PC unanimous that TWBC had an obligation to tourism and for the maintenance of toilets. If responsibility were transferred PC could foresee closure of these amenities. Also discussed was Cranbrook PC success in obtaining Quality Status and how other PC could benefit from this. The Joint Transportation Board will be pushing forward with variable speed limits in rural areas. KAPC to approach TWBC for Highways expenditure figures on rural roads. Cranbrook Council Offices – general concern about future for all current users including C.A.B, Help the Aged, Fitness Classes. Angley School had put forward a proposal to house a 6th form block, to include these users

49       Clean Up Day

Cllr Blockley suggested that as part of K.C.C “Clean Kent Campaign” we hold an Autumnal Benenden Tidy Up Day on 7th October 2006 at 9am. The council agreed unanimously. Clerk to advertise, Website, Courier, Newsletter.

50        Planning Report

Cllr Kellett reported on recent applications and decisions.

02181 – Cllr Blockley confirmed that a report had been submitted to TWBC Planning Offciers reluctantly agreeing to the application. This decision was based on the report from Rural Planning Ltd. Cllr Davies confirmed report is due to go before the committee.

02455 – Cllr Blockley confirmed a refusal recommendation had been put forward on the application to convert a hopper hut to a dwelling. The hut had been completely rebuilt and therefore could not be considered as reuse of existing building. 

01940 – Benenden Girls School had been refused permission to create a passing lay-by.

51       Financial Report

Payments made from Rate Account on Council’s behalf since August 2006

Chq No                Payable   Outgoings

049                      B.Sullivan             Clerks Wages        316.80

050              Print at Cranbrook       Stationary & Printing               43.57

                                                                                   360.37      

 The Clerk reported that there was £500.00 in C/A and £17,816.92 in D/A

52       Correspondence

Cllr Blockley advised that the next circulation file is to be distributed containing all new correspondence of relevance. He asked that all action required or concerns be reported to the Clerk.

53        A.O.B

Cllr Blockley reported that all Cllrs had received a copy of the letters from Bates, Wells & Braithwaite. Clerk requires copy for file.

Cllr Blockley advised that a letter from Harry Barham notifying of his retirement at the end of 2006 had been received. Phillip Message will take over from Harry in 2007.

Cllr Blockley confirmed that he will meet with Brian Hayward regarding the ongoing conservation programme. One issue is to install bollards outside The Village Shop.     

After discussions with Tessa Noble it must be noted that there are concerns that this will act as a deterrent and people will no longer stop as freely.

Cllr Clarke advised that the No Entry sign sited at the beginning of Walkhurst Lane, next to the War Memorial is too high.

Cllr Clarke reported that Mr Kenward struggles to mow at the Pavilion due to drainhole covers being raised and timber surrounding the newly planted trees placed at a height which could impede health and safety.  

Cllr Kellett raised the issue of the Holly Tree pruning.      Clerk to contact Mr Kenward.

Cllr Lake thanked Cllr Reynolds for removal of concrete bollards.

Cllr Lake requested that KAPC “new councillor guide” booklets be purchased. Cllr Blockley  requested purchasing 6. Clerk to arrange.

Cllr Hockney asked that the council reappraise recycling facilities in Benenden and place on the agenda for the next meeting. Cllr Reynolds reported that Hawkhurst facilities were a success. Cllr Davies advised that TWBC are keen to promote and provide recycling amenities.

Cllr Clarke requested that we invite PC Gavin Hastings to our next meeting, as there is general concern about a lack of police presence in the village.

Cllr Kellett reported concerns for Hawkhurst Cottage Hospital future. An action committee are looking to let out facilities to raise extra fundung.

Cllr Lake enquired as to TWBC Planning booklets which are an invaluable source of information. Cllr Davies will research and pass to Clerk.

Cllr Hagens advised that she had attended the last meeting for the School Travel Plan.

Benenden C.E Primary is planning to carry out a Walking Bus Scheme in October. Clerk to include on agenda for next meeting.

Cllr Reynolds raised the matter of the drains in Cherryfields. Clerk to include on Highway schedule. Cllr Reynolds reported that fly tipping is a nuisance in his lane with household waste being dumped and set on fire causing damage to an electric fence. Cllr Reynolds advised that Oak Trees are falling due to freak weather conditions. As Trustees we need to  be aware of any potential risks. Cllr Blockley reported that Dan Docker TWBC Tree Surgeon had begun a survey of all trees.

The Formal Meeting closed at 9.15pm.

TWBC Cllr Peter Davies spoke on several issues ranging from:

Public Toilets, Quality Parish Council Status, Road Issues ensuring Parish Councils that TWBC are keen receive their views, Cranbrook Council Offices, Benenden C.E Primary new school will be going before the cabinet on 28th September 2006, and advice that the next DPD Process meeting is scheduled on the same date as Parish Council Meeting.

Cllr Blockley thanked Cllr Davies for attending and opened the meeting to the Public.

Mr Wayne Hemmings owner of the Hopper Hut, planning ref 02455, agreed that the hut had been rebuilt but considered that it was a visual improvement and should be considered as “repairs”. Cllr Blockley stated that there is a correct procedure to follow and this had not been carried out.

 There being no further questions the meeting closed at 9.30pm

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 18th September 2006

54 BENENDEN RECREATION GROUND –Right of Way
Cllrs Blockley and Lake met with Rev Canon Christopher Smith and Mr Philip Bell of the Diocesian Property Services. It was agreed in principal that it would make sense to reroute
the right of way to the Glebe field, which at present runs through the football pitch, to an entrance via the village hall. Cllrs agreed in principal but felt that until such time as the preferred site for the new primary school was known, any further work should be deferred.


55 VILLAGE HALL
Cllr Clarke reported as part of the new Fire Regulations Code he had arranged for Mr J Clayton to investigate the boiler and Mr P Riordan to check all electrical installations. Cllr Clarke to arrange a meeting with Mr Rodney Pearce to help prepare a new Fire Regulations Document. Clerk/Cllr Clarke to liaise with Zurich Insurance.
Cllr Clarke asked if the spare seat could be repaired and installed at Iden Green Recreation Ground. Mr Kellett to be asked to install the seat
Cllr Clarke advised that the rubbish bin area had now been paved and Hurstway Construction had completed works to the stanchions. It was noted that the stanchions on the back of the hall need repainting and the drainage problem must be addressed.

56 FINANCIAL MATTERS
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since August 2006

Income
BVH Wages [jul/aug] 880.10
St Georges [jul/aug] 230.00
COIF 2,422.41
3,532.51

Chq No Payable
D/D Zurich Ins 413.18
857 D.Dalrymple Caretaker Salary 367.83
858 B.Sullivan Clerk Salary 45.00
826.01

The Clerk reported that there was £500 in C/A and £12,078.60 in D/A

Balance in No 2 A/C 11,731.47

Transfer required between D/A & No2 A/C 1,474.86 – vat refund

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