The village of Benenden in Kent

PARISH COUNCIL OF BENENDEN

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 16th July 2007 in The Memorial Hall, Benenden

Present: Cllrs Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Pitt, Reynolds

180 Apologies: Cllr Bailey

181 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18th June 2007 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr MK Seconded: Cllr GR

182 Declarations of Interest:
Personal Interests were declared by Cllr JC and Cllr GR over planning application TW/07/02024 Benenden Girls School – increase in width of drive.

183 Matters Arising:
GR confirmed he had contacted Countryside Alliance in response to the Fly-tipping Survey. Copy to be given to Clerk

184 Code of Conduct
PB asked for delegates to attend a training session being held by Lois Howell, Head of TWBC Legal Services on the forthcoming new Standards Board Code of Conduct. GR, MK, JH, PB to attend. Clerk to confirm places. Action

185 Highways
PB reported on two road closures: Golford Road from 16th July 2007 & Swattenden Lane from 30th July 2007 for approx 15 days, issued by Mid Kent Water to provide new main connections.

186 Parish Plan
PB and RL reported on the workshop held by Action in Communities in Rural Kent on this interesting concept. The parish plan is a village appraisal of what is needed in the village conducted by nominated villagers with PC on the committee by not PC lead. It would take approx 18months to complete with costs up to £6,000 with grants available 50% of costs. The action plan could be used in tandem with a village design statement including parish views on affordable housing. PB asked that the PC give serious thought to this task in early 2008. An example of Preston Parish Plan will be distributed in the Green Folder. RL stated that the work involved could create a united village.

PB reported that a speaker from ACRK would attend a PC meeting in Feb 2008 to talk on Affordable Housing. Currently as part of TWBC Housing Strategy 2006-2011 which aims to provide 500 new units by 2011, 409 sites identified so far, Benenden is scheduled into the survey in 2008/09

187 Conservation Enhancement Grant
PB reported that Brian Hayward had confirmed delivery of noticeboard by 30 July 07 and costs for an arch and light over at Iden Green Pavilion were being researched. PB reported that a metal pole at the bottom of the Village Green needs removing. Clerk to Action
The PC asked that their disappointment with the procedure of the grant be recorded.

188 Benenden Primary School
PB reported that the meeting with KCC Bruce MacQuarrie and the architects Roderick James had been productive. Concept plans due at beginning of Sept 07. A decision will be taken into the make up of the PC group depending on the findings presented. If a meeting is called with school members then only the working party will attend [PB CP RL and Keith Gabriel]. No decisions or presentation of PC views will be given without full consultation of all PC members.

189 Planning Report
RL commented on recent planning applications & decisions [attached]
TW/07/02042; TW/07/02103; TW/07/02165; TW/07/02181 all approved.
PB reiterated to all PC that if any Cllr is concerned about a decision then contact RL to arrange further Cllrs to view the application.

190 Financial Report
PB reported as part of the Internal Audit Review, internal audit check lists will be produced, which will need to be implemented up to 3 times per year.
PB proposed that due to ever increasing downloads of reports and documents, each PC member be given an ink cartridge and a ream of paper annually towards costs. Vote unanimous - Motion agreed.

Payments made on Council’s behalf since Jun 2007
Income
VAT Refund – chairs for BVH 1053.24
Dr Davies – Print for Rvd Smith 10.00
Total 1063.24

Chq No Outgoings
141 B.Sullivan – Jun salary 391.68 + post 7.52 399.20
142 Waitrose.Com Broadband 18.99
143 K.A.P.C – Code of Conduct Training 20.00
TRF H/T BVH Chairs & Floor vat refund 2907.64 144 P Message – War Memorial Maintenance Jan-Jun 07 + petrol 106.00
145 Iden Green Pavilion Trust – Hire of Hall 12.00
146 Printing at Cranbrook – photocopying & computer ink [3] 56.81
Total 3520.64

Clerk reported that the C/A held £500.00 and the D/A £12,537.74

191 Correspondence
PB reported Rev Canon Christopher Smith had written to thank the PC for framed print
CP reported that the Table Tennis Table in Iden Green had been damaged. Clerk to report to Iden Green Tennis Club. GR to inspect - repair or remove as necessary. Action

SH reported bench at the top of Leybourne Dell was damaged. Clerk to enquire about repair with Victor Kellett. Action
MK reported a post by the recreation ground had been removed. Action
PB stated that quad bikes had been seen driving over the recreation ground. Remind all villagers to report crimes to Police not to PC.
CP reminded PC of the forthcoming Family Fun Rounders at Iden Green on Mon 27 Aug 2007.

Cllr Blockley opened the meeting to members of the public.

MF said that if KCC did not feel it was necessary for further consultation they would advise. He understood that if the KCC did not own the land they would submit a planning application to TWBC: if they own the land they could determine an application themselves.

PB stated that KCC would look at both schemes and will then decide on one to carry forward without consultation. PB reiterated that at some stage a meeting will be held with all parties [School Governors, KCC, PC working party].

MF expressed his concern that his group would be not be included, if KCC didn’t feel obliged to consult with all interested parties.

PB understood MF’s concerns but reiterated PC importance of establishing PC views and unfortunately KCC’s action is outside PC remit.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm

Next Meeting: Monday 17th September 2007 at 8pm
Iden Green Pavilion, Iden Green, Benenden

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 16th July 2007

192 Minutes
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 18th June 2007 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr CP Seconded: Cllr JC

193 St Georges Club
PB reported that PC committee had met with St Georges Club representatives and agreed the positioning of the wall mounted cigarette bin to be on the wall facing New Pond Road. Mike Austen had contacted David Dalrymple re security lights.

194 Benenden Village Hall
JC raised concerns about correct Health & Safety requirements for BVH. A representative from ACRK will attend BVH to offer guidelines. MK suggested KAPC for advice.

195 Financial Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since June 2007

Income
St Georges June 158.33
BVH June wages 459.68
BVH backdate wages 1apr07 58.89
TRF Vat refund BVH chairs & floor 2907.64
Total 3584.54
Chq No Outgoing
D/D Insurance June 426.66
907 D.Dalyrmple – June 07 396.62
908 Post Office – Tax + NIC 1Apr-30Jun07 380.70
909 B.Sullivan – June 07 46.50
910 BVH – Vat Refund Chairs 1053.24
911 S.Clarke – Mower Service 68.46
912 Chubb Fire Ltd – Annual Service St Georges 77.43
913 Jack Clayton & Co – Gas Safety Inspection St Georges 61.69
914 Southern Water – St Georges waste water drainage 54.83
915 D Dalrymple – BT phone line rental + £5 calls 66.54
Total 2632.67

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £10,848.10

Balance in No 2 A/C - £104.73

		Minutes for Meeting July 2007 Click for minutes for June 2007 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 16th July 2007 in The Memorial Hall, Benenden Present: Cllrs Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Pitt, Reynolds 180 Apologies: Cllr Bailey 181 Minutes: The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18th June 2007 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr MK Seconded: Cllr GR 182 Declarations of Interest: Personal Interests were declared by Cllr JC and Cllr GR over planning application TW/07/02024 Benenden Girls School – increase in width of drive. 183 Matters Arising: GR confirmed he had contacted Countryside Alliance in response to the Fly-tipping Survey. Copy to be given to Clerk 184 Code of Conduct PB asked for delegates to attend a training session being held by Lois Howell, Head of TWBC Legal Services on the forthcoming new Standards Board Code of Conduct. GR, MK, JH, PB to attend. Clerk to confirm places. Action 185 Highways PB reported on two road closures: Golford Road from 16th July 2007 & Swattenden Lane from 30th July 2007 for approx 15 days, issued by Mid Kent Water to provide new main connections. 186 Parish Plan PB and RL reported on the workshop held by Action in Communities in Rural Kent on this interesting concept. The parish plan is a village appraisal of what is needed in the village conducted by nominated villagers with PC on the committee by not PC lead. It would take approx 18months to complete with costs up to £6,000 with grants available 50% of costs. The action plan could be used in tandem with a village design statement including parish views on affordable housing. PB asked that the PC give serious thought to this task in early 2008. An example of Preston Parish Plan will be distributed in the Green Folder. RL stated that the work involved could create a united village. PB reported that a speaker from ACRK would attend a PC meeting in Feb 2008 to talk on Affordable Housing. Currently as part of TWBC Housing Strategy 2006-2011 which aims to provide 500 new units by 2011, 409 sites identified so far, Benenden is scheduled into the survey in 2008/09 187 Conservation Enhancement Grant PB reported that Brian Hayward had confirmed delivery of noticeboard by 30 July 07 and costs for an arch and light over at Iden Green Pavilion were being researched. PB reported that a metal pole at the bottom of the Village Green needs removing. Clerk to Action The PC asked that their disappointment with the procedure of the grant be recorded. 188 Benenden Primary School PB reported that the meeting with KCC Bruce MacQuarrie and the architects Roderick James had been productive. Concept plans due at beginning of Sept 07. A decision will be taken into the make up of the PC group depending on the findings presented. If a meeting is called with school members then only the working party will attend [PB CP RL and Keith Gabriel]. No decisions or presentation of PC views will be given without full consultation of all PC members. 189 Planning Report RL commented on recent planning applications & decisions [attached] TW/07/02042; TW/07/02103; TW/07/02165; TW/07/02181 all approved. PB reiterated to all PC that if any Cllr is concerned about a decision then contact RL to arrange further Cllrs to view the application. 190 Financial Report PB reported as part of the Internal Audit Review, internal audit check lists will be produced, which will need to be implemented up to 3 times per year. PB proposed that due to ever increasing downloads of reports and documents, each PC member be given an ink cartridge and a ream of paper annually towards costs. Vote unanimous - Motion agreed. Payments made on Council’s behalf since Jun 2007 Income VAT Refund – chairs for BVH 1053.24 Dr Davies – Print for Rvd Smith 10.00 Total 1063.24 Chq No Outgoings 141 B.Sullivan – Jun salary 391.68 + post 7.52 399.20 142 Waitrose.Com Broadband 18.99 143 K.A.P.C – Code of Conduct Training 20.00 TRF H/T BVH Chairs & Floor vat refund 2907.64 144 P Message – War Memorial Maintenance Jan-Jun 07 + petrol 106.00 145 Iden Green Pavilion Trust – Hire of Hall 12.00 146 Printing at Cranbrook – photocopying & computer ink [3] 56.81 Total 3520.64 Clerk reported that the C/A held £500.00 and the D/A £12,537.74 191 Correspondence PB reported Rev Canon Christopher Smith had written to thank the PC for framed print CP reported that the Table Tennis Table in Iden Green had been damaged. Clerk to report to Iden Green Tennis Club. GR to inspect - repair or remove as necessary. Action SH reported bench at the top of Leybourne Dell was damaged. Clerk to enquire about repair with Victor Kellett. Action MK reported a post by the recreation ground had been removed. Action PB stated that quad bikes had been seen driving over the recreation ground. Remind all villagers to report crimes to Police not to PC. CP reminded PC of the forthcoming Family Fun Rounders at Iden Green on Mon 27 Aug 2007. Cllr Blockley opened the meeting to members of the public. MF said that if KCC did not feel it was necessary for further consultation they would advise. He understood that if the KCC did not own the land they would submit a planning application to TWBC: if they own the land they could determine an application themselves. PB stated that KCC would look at both schemes and will then decide on one to carry forward without consultation. PB reiterated that at some stage a meeting will be held with all parties [School Governors, KCC, PC working party]. MF expressed his concern that his group would be not be included, if KCC didn’t feel obliged to consult with all interested parties. PB understood MF’s concerns but reiterated PC importance of establishing PC views and unfortunately KCC’s action is outside PC remit. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm Next Meeting: Monday 17th September 2007 at 8pm Iden Green Pavilion, Iden Green, Benenden HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Meeting Held 16th July 2007 192 Minutes The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 18th June 2007 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr CP Seconded: Cllr JC 193 St Georges Club PB reported that PC committee had met with St Georges Club representatives and agreed the positioning of the wall mounted cigarette bin to be on the wall facing New Pond Road. Mike Austen had contacted David Dalrymple re security lights. 194 Benenden Village Hall JC raised concerns about correct Health & Safety requirements for BVH. A representative from ACRK will attend BVH to offer guidelines. MK suggested KAPC for advice. 195 Financial Report Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since June 2007 Income St Georges June 158.33 BVH June wages 459.68 BVH backdate wages 1apr07 58.89 TRF Vat refund BVH chairs & floor 2907.64 Total 3584.54 Chq No Outgoing D/D Insurance June 426.66 907 D.Dalyrmple – June 07 396.62 908 Post Office – Tax + NIC 1Apr-30Jun07 380.70 909 B.Sullivan – June 07 46.50 910 BVH – Vat Refund Chairs 1053.24 911 S.Clarke – Mower Service 68.46 912 Chubb Fire Ltd – Annual Service St Georges 77.43 913 Jack Clayton & Co – Gas Safety Inspection St Georges 61.69 914 Southern Water – St Georges waste water drainage 54.83 915 D Dalrymple – BT phone line rental + £5 calls 66.54 Total 2632.67 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £10,848.10 Balance in No 2 A/C - £104.73