The village of Benenden in Kent

Present: Cllrs Blockley, Bailey, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds.

Clerk

The meeting was preceded with a talk on Affordable Housing presented by Tessa O’Sullivan from ACRK [Action for Communities in Rural Kent] and Jennifer Hudson from TWBC Housing.
The talk outlined the process of identifying if there was any need within the Parish to provide Affordable Housing and the Parish Council’s involvement with the survey.

293 Apologies:
TWBC Cllr E North

294 Welcome new Parish Councillor:
Cllr PB personally thanked Cllr Caroline Pitt for being a pro-active, hands on member of the PC.
Her dedication and determination in the production of the new Parish Newsletter was evidence of her commitment to her role.
Cllr PB welcomed newly elected Cllr Andy Fogg to the PC.

Election of Vice-Chairman:
Cllr PB asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman.
Cllr RL proposed by Cllr JC seconded by Cllr MK
Cllr GR proposed by Cllr SH seconded by Cllr AF
Cllr PB asked for a show of hands. Cllr RL was duly elected as Vice-Chairman

295 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18th February 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JH

296 Declarations of Interest:
None declared.

297 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 283a - Cllr PB enquired if correspondence had been received from Benenden Primary School requesting a PC representative on the School Governing Body. Clerk confirmed no request to date.
Minute No: 291a – Cllr PB confirmed a PC representative would be selected for Iden Green Pavilion Committee, at the annual may meeting.
Minute No: 291b/c – Cllr JC is awaiting a quotation from David Miles on enlarging car park.

298 Benenden Primary School
Cllr PB read out the email issued on 10Mar08 outlining the definitive cost differential between the two sites, being identified as approx £633,000.

299 Highways:
Cllr JC and Cllr GR reported on recent meeting with Highways. Highways division is being restructured at the end of March 2008 and there is general apathy amongst the department while jobs and roles are still being determined. Clerk produced report with current issues.
Cllrs reported on successful works recently carried out in Woodcock Lane. Cllr SH asked for the removal of 1 golf course sign at Benenden crossroads.

300 Neighbourhood Watch:
Cllr JH advised results in response to leaflet drop had been positive. 3 parishioners have shown an interest in being a coordinator. A public meeting is scheduled for 7 April 2008 at BVH 7.30pm.

Cllr PB suspended meeting at 8.31pm

Cllr PB asked Community Warden to explain progress so far. Janet Greenroyd advised on the excellent response to leaflets. Carrie Amor from Neighbourhood Watch has written to all interested parties inviting them to the meeting. Posters up in the village. Establish Deputy Coordinator and link coordinators to encourage a lively well organized NHW with a view to becoming a No Cold Calling Zone which helps deter rogue traders and bogus callers.
Cllr PB thanked Janet and Joan for continued commitment to this project.

Cllr PB reopened meeting at 8.33pm

Police & Parish Forum:
Cllr JH attended and briefly outlined items discussed. Benenden had had 3 reported crimes from Dec07-Feb08 – all vehicle crimes. PC Baldock gave a presentation on crime prevention equipment as thefts from sheds and garages had increased. West Kent Neighbourhood Watch is sponsoring SelectaDNA, which can mark up to 50 items – costs £20. A copy of the full minutes can be obtained from the Clerk.

301 Spring Clean Up Day
Clerk put forward two possible dates for forthcoming event. Saturday 19th April 2008 at 9am confirmed. Clerk to arrange posters, advert and suggested provision of refreshments. All agreed.

302 Planning Report
Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]
TW/07/04124 – LDC [Existing] Cllr RL advised an enquiry into conditions of working hours had been raised. TWBC Planning to confirm.
Clerk confirmed TWBC Planning Committee questionnaires on abolishment of East/West had been completed and returned.

303 Financial Report
Payments made on Council’s behalf since February 2008

Chq No Outgoings
195 B Sullivan – Feb salary 326.40
196 Waitrose.com-Broadband 18.99
197 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, photocopying, stny 15.87
361.26 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £19,527.87

304 Correspondence
Clerk advised that correspondence had received from:
Kent Highways Service, acknowledging our concerns with flooding at See Rose, Iden Green.
TWBC Cllr Bullock acknowledging our support of the refurbishment of Cranbrook office site
TWBC Cllr PD advised a licence for the footway works and dropped kerb at Hurstdene had
been granted by Highways but TWBC Planning have confirmed that an issue concerning the
removal of the hedge, fencing, erection of a gate and new hardstanding to a listed building is
being pursued.
Cllr PB advised John Marshall had again written to ask BPC to find a suitable site for Recycling in the village. Discussion followed. Cllrs confirmed that as a PC we must listen and try to find a compromise. TWBC failed to recognise a suitable location. Cllr GR suggested NE corner of the Recreation Ground. Cllr PB confirmed any decision will be delayed until final position of new Benenden Primary School is established.
Cllr PB advised TWBC can now charge residents on renaming and numbering property.
Cllr DB advised a small tree had fallen damaging the fence to Laurel Cottage. TWBC owned land.

Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.13pm

Cllr PB opened the meeting to the public

P.Cooper reported public footpath sign on New Pond Road, opposite Sunbeams, had broken.
Clerk to report
M.Finley advised on recycling facility at Tesco. Not intrusive and creates opportunity for residents to walk to recycle. He reported he was disappointed PC did not run a small advertisement for the PC vacancy. Cllr PB confirmed that the correct procedure was followed for 1 vacancy but the comments would be noted for future reference.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm

Next Meeting: Monday 19th May 2008
At The Memorial Hall, Benenden 8pm

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 17th March 2008

305 Minutes:
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 18th February 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JH

306 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC reported with bookings remaining high, BVHMC had agreed hire charges were to stay at the same price as set in 2006.
Cllr JC confirmed £3,250 grant had been received from KCC towards the single storey storage build. Still awaiting third quotation and Building Regulations had been applied for.

307 Financial Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since February 2008
Income
St Georges Feb 158.33
BVH Feb wages 459.68
COIF 3,699.68 4,317.69
Chq No Outgoing
D/D Insurance Feb 426.66
950 Whitehead Monkton – May 06 r.o.w access Glebe Field 587.50
951 D.Dalrymple – Feb wages 403.10
952 B.Sullivan – Feb wages 46.50
953 P.Punchard – hedge cut to recreation ground 80.00
954 P.Punchard – raise crowns to identified trees rec ground 120.00
1,663.76

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £10,235.47

Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60

		Minutes for Meeting March 2008 Click for minutes for February 2008 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk
		Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 17th March 2008 in The Pavilion, Iden Green. Present: Cllrs Blockley, Bailey, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds. Clerk The meeting was preceded with a talk on Affordable Housing presented by Tessa O’Sullivan from ACRK [Action for Communities in Rural Kent] and Jennifer Hudson from TWBC Housing. The talk outlined the process of identifying if there was any need within the Parish to provide Affordable Housing and the Parish Council’s involvement with the survey. 293 Apologies: TWBC Cllr E North 294 Welcome new Parish Councillor: Cllr PB personally thanked Cllr Caroline Pitt for being a pro-active, hands on member of the PC. Her dedication and determination in the production of the new Parish Newsletter was evidence of her commitment to her role. Cllr PB welcomed newly elected Cllr Andy Fogg to the PC. Election of Vice-Chairman: Cllr PB asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Cllr RL proposed by Cllr JC seconded by Cllr MK Cllr GR proposed by Cllr SH seconded by Cllr AF Cllr PB asked for a show of hands. Cllr RL was duly elected as Vice-Chairman 295 Minutes: The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18th February 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JH 296 Declarations of Interest: None declared. 297 Matters Arising: Minute No: 283a - Cllr PB enquired if correspondence had been received from Benenden Primary School requesting a PC representative on the School Governing Body. Clerk confirmed no request to date. Minute No: 291a – Cllr PB confirmed a PC representative would be selected for Iden Green Pavilion Committee, at the annual may meeting. Minute No: 291b/c – Cllr JC is awaiting a quotation from David Miles on enlarging car park. 298 Benenden Primary School Cllr PB read out the email issued on 10Mar08 outlining the definitive cost differential between the two sites, being identified as approx £633,000. 299 Highways: Cllr JC and Cllr GR reported on recent meeting with Highways. Highways division is being restructured at the end of March 2008 and there is general apathy amongst the department while jobs and roles are still being determined. Clerk produced report with current issues. Cllrs reported on successful works recently carried out in Woodcock Lane. Cllr SH asked for the removal of 1 golf course sign at Benenden crossroads. 300 Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr JH advised results in response to leaflet drop had been positive. 3 parishioners have shown an interest in being a coordinator. A public meeting is scheduled for 7 April 2008 at BVH 7.30pm. Cllr PB suspended meeting at 8.31pm Cllr PB asked Community Warden to explain progress so far. Janet Greenroyd advised on the excellent response to leaflets. Carrie Amor from Neighbourhood Watch has written to all interested parties inviting them to the meeting. Posters up in the village. Establish Deputy Coordinator and link coordinators to encourage a lively well organized NHW with a view to becoming a No Cold Calling Zone which helps deter rogue traders and bogus callers. Cllr PB thanked Janet and Joan for continued commitment to this project. Cllr PB reopened meeting at 8.33pm Police & Parish Forum: Cllr JH attended and briefly outlined items discussed. Benenden had had 3 reported crimes from Dec07-Feb08 – all vehicle crimes. PC Baldock gave a presentation on crime prevention equipment as thefts from sheds and garages had increased. West Kent Neighbourhood Watch is sponsoring SelectaDNA, which can mark up to 50 items – costs £20. A copy of the full minutes can be obtained from the Clerk. 301 Spring Clean Up Day Clerk put forward two possible dates for forthcoming event. Saturday 19th April 2008 at 9am confirmed. Clerk to arrange posters, advert and suggested provision of refreshments. All agreed. 302 Planning Report Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached] TW/07/04124 – LDC [Existing] Cllr RL advised an enquiry into conditions of working hours had been raised. TWBC Planning to confirm. Clerk confirmed TWBC Planning Committee questionnaires on abolishment of East/West had been completed and returned. 303 Financial Report Payments made on Council’s behalf since February 2008 Chq No Outgoings 195 B Sullivan – Feb salary 326.40 196 Waitrose.com-Broadband 18.99 197 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, photocopying, stny 15.87 361.26 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £19,527.87 304 Correspondence Clerk advised that correspondence had received from: Kent Highways Service, acknowledging our concerns with flooding at See Rose, Iden Green. TWBC Cllr Bullock acknowledging our support of the refurbishment of Cranbrook office site TWBC Cllr PD advised a licence for the footway works and dropped kerb at Hurstdene had been granted by Highways but TWBC Planning have confirmed that an issue concerning the removal of the hedge, fencing, erection of a gate and new hardstanding to a listed building is being pursued. Cllr PB advised John Marshall had again written to ask BPC to find a suitable site for Recycling in the village. Discussion followed. Cllrs confirmed that as a PC we must listen and try to find a compromise. TWBC failed to recognise a suitable location. Cllr GR suggested NE corner of the Recreation Ground. Cllr PB confirmed any decision will be delayed until final position of new Benenden Primary School is established. Cllr PB advised TWBC can now charge residents on renaming and numbering property. Cllr DB advised a small tree had fallen damaging the fence to Laurel Cottage. TWBC owned land. Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.13pm Cllr PB opened the meeting to the public P.Cooper reported public footpath sign on New Pond Road, opposite Sunbeams, had broken. Clerk to report M.Finley advised on recycling facility at Tesco. Not intrusive and creates opportunity for residents to walk to recycle. He reported he was disappointed PC did not run a small advertisement for the PC vacancy. Cllr PB confirmed that the correct procedure was followed for 1 vacancy but the comments would be noted for future reference. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm Next Meeting: Monday 19th May 2008 At The Memorial Hall, Benenden 8pm HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Meeting Held 17th March 2008 305 Minutes: The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 18th February 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JH 306 Benenden Village Hall: Cllr JC reported with bookings remaining high, BVHMC had agreed hire charges were to stay at the same price as set in 2006. Cllr JC confirmed £3,250 grant had been received from KCC towards the single storey storage build. Still awaiting third quotation and Building Regulations had been applied for. 307 Financial Report Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since February 2008 Income St Georges Feb 158.33 BVH Feb wages 459.68 COIF 3,699.68 4,317.69 Chq No Outgoing D/D Insurance Feb 426.66 950 Whitehead Monkton – May 06 r.o.w access Glebe Field 587.50 951 D.Dalrymple – Feb wages 403.10 952 B.Sullivan – Feb wages 46.50 953 P.Punchard – hedge cut to recreation ground 80.00 954 P.Punchard – raise crowns to identified trees rec ground 120.00 1,663.76 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £10,235.47 Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60