The village of Benenden in Kent

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

323 Apologies: None

324 Minutes:
The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday 19th May 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr DB Seconded: Cllr MK

325 Declarations of Interest:
None declared.

326 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 312 Cllr GR asked for progress on the relevant donation section in respect of Benenden Primary School 400th Anniversary. Clerk to action

327 ACRK – Housing Needs Survey:
Cllr PB reported that the survey would be distributed by ACRK to all households on the electoral roll. The intended postal date is Friday 20th June 2008 with a return date for all surveys by 18th July 2008. Clerk to be issued spares. ACRK to report results. [Letter attached]

Cllr PB advised our nominated representative for Affordable Housing is Cllr AF.

328 PAL Public Conveniences:
Cllr PB & Cllr RL met with TWBC Richard Powell to discuss the future of the Public Toilets in Benenden. Other local PC’s feel strongly that the upkeep of the toilets should remain the responsibility of TWBC, as the toilets are used by tourists not residents. TWBC are approaching all PC to consider changes in light of the ‘Richmond Solution’. General discussion followed on the possibility of BVH, village shops, or pubs providing public toilet facilities. All would not be viable in the village as the ‘Richmond Solution’ is tailored towards Towns. Although many local people do not require use of the toilets, all felt strongly the impact of closure would have ramifications on the village. Cllr PB advised we would continue to monitor.

329 TWBC Draft Housing Allocation Policy:
Cllr PB advised TWBC are proposing to change the way it offers empty Housing Association homes, by moving away from a points system, and introducing a ‘Choice-based Lettings Scheme’. From October 2008 people will be placed on the Housing Register in one of five ‘bands’ according to their housing need.
Cllr PB asked all Cllrs to read the summary of the main changes proposed [copy in Green File]
Cllr PB reported that ‘Choice’ is a good idea but each year 1700 names are placed on the Housing Register list and approx 500 homes are offered. Chairman / Clerk to respond.

330 Police & Parish Forum:
Cllr JH reported on the meeting held on 3 June 2008. Issues covered: 9 reported crimes, 4 from sheds, Shop safe scheme – more suitable for towns, Kent Keyholders, Speedwatch – Police keen to resurrect the scheme, with a suggestion of using inmates from Blantyre House to man watches.
Cllr PB thanked Cllr JH for her input on the Police Forum and Neighbourhood Watch.
Cllr JC expressed concern that although Benenden has a low crime rate and a PACT surgery has taken place, no other Police presence has been seen in the village for some time. Clerk to raise.

331 Village Sign:
Cllr PB reported that the Village Sign was in poor condition and needed replacing. He is investigating people with expertise in this field. Mike Paige to be asked to remove sign and leave frame.

331a KALC:
Cllr PB reported on the meeting held on 11 June 2008. Issues covered: Change of Chairman, Transport Bus Services, TWBC Standards Committee has vacancies for 2 PC members.

331b Parish Chairs Meeting:
Cllr PB reported on the meeting held on 12 June 2008. Issues covered: TWBC draft Choice Based Lettings, Parish Briefing - important for keeping all informed, Joint Planning meetings arranged for East & West committees for 1 year with 1 Chairman, Budget Shortfall - £800k 08/09 with projected £1.2m 09/10. TWBC Chief Executive Sheila Wheeler & Cllr Bullock spoke on action required with intent at making cutbacks. Public Toilets, Street Cleaning, Amenity Lorry – all inline for abolishment. PC discussed TWBC possible mismanagement of funds and lack of judgement at times. Cllr PB advised Public Toilets cost TWBC approx £100k per year to maintain – about 3% of the Annual Borough Budget.

332 Planning Report:
Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]

TW08/01672 – Benenden School extension of existing tennis court floodlights. Full PC discussion. A proposal put to PC by Iden Green Tennis Club was turned down for concern over light pollution. Care must be taken not to set a precedent with Benenden School proposal, although within school grounds, lighting can affect all. Suggestions of set hours could be a condition of PC decision. Plan circulating.
TW08/02043Retrospective – Little Bishopsden Farm, replacement agricultural barn already built. Cllr RL read correspondence from a neighbour affected by the size and structure of the barn. Cllr PB invited Mr Redfern to speak during the Public Section.
TW/PN/ENF06/38 ENFORCEMENT – Plot 5400 Redundant Hopper Huts, Dingleden. Planning App No: TW/06/02455 - TWBC confirmed legal proceedings have been instructed against Mr. W. Hemmings.

333 Financial Report
Payments made on Council’s behalf since May 2008
Income

Chq No Outgoings
210 Benenden Memorial Hall – Hire 12May08+ 19May08 13.50
211 B Sullivan – May salary 391.68
212 Kent Air Ambulance [s137] 150.00
213 Kent Ass for the Blind [s137] 60.00
214 Hospice in the Weald [s137] 200.00
215 HCH League of Friends [s137] 265.00
216 Cranbrook CAB [s137] 265.00
217 Benenden PCC [s137] 60.00
218 Angley School Farm [s137] 140.00
219 Kent BTCV [s137] 100.00
220 Kent County Playing Fields Ass subs 08/09 [s137] 15.00
221 ACRK membership subs 08/09 [s137] 35.00
222 CPRE membership subs 08/09 [s137] 28.00
223 KALC membership 08/09 [s137] 600.27
224 Communicorp-Clerk + Councils Direct [s137] 9.50
225 Baldwins – War memorial plants 44.00
226 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, stny, photocopies 22.75
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99
2418.69
The Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £23,308.17

The Annual Audit Commission Return was confirmed and signed by Cllr PB and Clerk.

Clerk, asked PC to consider 1 ream of paper and 1 ink cartridge for each PC member
for use in 08/09 to be taken from Chairman’s Allowance. Cllr PB proposed. PC motion agreed.

334 Correspondence
The Clerk distributed CCLA – The Essential Trustee to every PC member
Benenden Pre-School had written to the Clerk to invite a representative to attend the AGM
unfortunately nobody able to attend.
Clerk read out S137 acknowledgements
Clerk advised that unfortunately the Village Shop had not been short listed for ACRK –
Rural Community Retailer 2008
Clerk confirmed RoSPA will be carrying out the Playsafety Annual Inspection in July 2008
Clerk read a request from the new manager of the Woodcock Inn requesting permission to
display 3 signs [2 x 1ft] either end of Woodcock Lane and at the crossroads in Iden Green.
Cllr PB advised TWBC Jim Kehoe, Head of Planning, had today contacted PC’s asking for comments on the closure and removal of BT payphones by 24 July 2008. Cllr PB asked each member for their views on the 3 nominated boxes in Benenden, remembering that the boxes were made obsolete as the usage did not justify the costs. General discussion with strong views: Cllr MK reported that local Dingleden residents maintained the general cleaning of the box and were happy to continue in order to keep it; Concern that even if individual boxes were purchased, they could still be removed and replaced with a similar red box; Important visual aspect of Rural Street Scene; 2 boxes are located in the Conservation Area; Sentimental value; establishes villages individual character; English Heritage will not list the boxes although box by BVH is listed. Cllr PB asked Clerk to contact TWBC for annual maintenance costs. Clerk action.
Cllr SH reported water leak on Rolvenden Road opposite Recreation Ground. Clerk already written awaiting response.
Cllr MK emphasised poor condition of our rural lanes. Highways restructure appears to have issues. Cllr GR reported Scullsgate Bridge repairs still not made despite the urgency and taking Highways out to see the problem.

Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.25pm

Cllr PB invited TWBC Cllr PD to speak

TWBC PD confirmed:

Works at ‘See Rose’ had been completed. New kerbing installed.
KCC Highways – An on going issue with our rural lanes in a bad state of repair. We host locally, major national cycle events with dangerous defects on our highways.
Research requirement for Woodcock Inn signs
Joint Transportation Board – An opportunity to meet with officers in most districts, improving working relationships, Highways matters. Next meeting 7 July 2008

Cllr PB thanked TWBC PD and opened the meeting to the Public at 9.29pm

Mr Redfern spoke on the retrospective planning application TW02043 Little Bishopsden Farm, Biddenden. Cllr PB thanked him for his comments and clarified the PC situation. A PC acts only in an advisory role. Cllr PB advised him to contact TWBC Planning fully outlining his concerns.

Roy Chapman invited all PC members to meet with the Antiquarian Chronological Society, who would be visiting the Church to look at the clock and sundial on Friday 11th July 2008 at 11am. Refreshments provided.

Janet Greenroyd, Community Warden advised she would be holding education sessions on theft from cars on Sunday mornings at Hemsted Forest, as car theft accounts for most of our village crime.

Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45pm

Next Meeting: Monday 21st July 2008 at 8pm
Memorial Hall, Benenden

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 16th June 2008

335 Minutes:
The minutes of the Annual meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 19th May 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr DB Seconded: Cllr MK

336 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC reported;
BVH had passed all electrical tests and annual pat testing had been carried out.
Notification of visit from ACRK re Hallmark scheme received. H & S Policy agreed at
BVHMC meeting held 27 May 2008. Clerk to seek legal advice on amendment to
Caretaker contract: ‘Death in Service’ in relation to time given to spouse / children
vacating accommodation. Cllr PB expressed gratitude to the expert local residents who
had freely given time in respect of H & S and Fire Regulations.
Storage Extension – Tenders going out to 7 local firms. Reply required by 31July 2008

Cllr PB thanked Cllr JC and BVHMC for their dedication in ensuring that BVH continues to run successfully.

337 Iden Green Chairman Report: [attached]
Cllr PB advised a full annual report from Bill Lewis, Chairman of Iden Green Pavilion
Committee had now been received.
Cllr MK will attend IGPC meeting on 1 July 2008. Are repair or renew of gates covered
by Enhancement Grant? Clerk has contacted Brian Hayward previously in an attempt too
finalise exact costs expenditure in relation to the grant.

338 Financial Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since May 2008
Income
St Georges May 158.33
BVH May wages 493.30
COIF 2583.90
3,235.53
Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance Jun 534.16
965 S Clarke – oil for mower 4.40
966 D.Dalrymple – May wages 430.71
967 G Vinson – Oak Tree prune Ben Rec Grd 235.00
968 Southern Water-waste Ben Preschool + St Georges 71.93
969 B.Sullivan – May wages 46.50
970 Cancelled - - - -
971 Nisbets – BVH H&S Employers Poster 23.48
1,346.18

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £15,034.99

Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60

		Minutes for Meeting June 2008 Click for minutes for May 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 16th June 2008 in The Pavilion, Iden Green. Present: Cllrs Blockley, Bailey, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds. Clerk 323 Apologies: None 324 Minutes: The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday 19th May 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr DB Seconded: Cllr MK 325 Declarations of Interest: None declared. 326 Matters Arising: Minute No: 312 Cllr GR asked for progress on the relevant donation section in respect of Benenden Primary School 400th Anniversary. Clerk to action 327 ACRK – Housing Needs Survey: Cllr PB reported that the survey would be distributed by ACRK to all households on the electoral roll. The intended postal date is Friday 20th June 2008 with a return date for all surveys by 18th July 2008. Clerk to be issued spares. ACRK to report results. [Letter attached] Cllr PB advised our nominated representative for Affordable Housing is Cllr AF. 328 PAL Public Conveniences: Cllr PB & Cllr RL met with TWBC Richard Powell to discuss the future of the Public Toilets in Benenden. Other local PC’s feel strongly that the upkeep of the toilets should remain the responsibility of TWBC, as the toilets are used by tourists not residents. TWBC are approaching all PC to consider changes in light of the ‘Richmond Solution’. General discussion followed on the possibility of BVH, village shops, or pubs providing public toilet facilities. All would not be viable in the village as the ‘Richmond Solution’ is tailored towards Towns. Although many local people do not require use of the toilets, all felt strongly the impact of closure would have ramifications on the village. Cllr PB advised we would continue to monitor. 329 TWBC Draft Housing Allocation Policy: Cllr PB advised TWBC are proposing to change the way it offers empty Housing Association homes, by moving away from a points system, and introducing a ‘Choice-based Lettings Scheme’. From October 2008 people will be placed on the Housing Register in one of five ‘bands’ according to their housing need. Cllr PB asked all Cllrs to read the summary of the main changes proposed [copy in Green File] Cllr PB reported that ‘Choice’ is a good idea but each year 1700 names are placed on the Housing Register list and approx 500 homes are offered. Chairman / Clerk to respond. 330 Police & Parish Forum: Cllr JH reported on the meeting held on 3 June 2008. Issues covered: 9 reported crimes, 4 from sheds, Shop safe scheme – more suitable for towns, Kent Keyholders, Speedwatch – Police keen to resurrect the scheme, with a suggestion of using inmates from Blantyre House to man watches. Cllr PB thanked Cllr JH for her input on the Police Forum and Neighbourhood Watch. Cllr JC expressed concern that although Benenden has a low crime rate and a PACT surgery has taken place, no other Police presence has been seen in the village for some time. Clerk to raise. 331 Village Sign: Cllr PB reported that the Village Sign was in poor condition and needed replacing. He is investigating people with expertise in this field. Mike Paige to be asked to remove sign and leave frame. 331a KALC: Cllr PB reported on the meeting held on 11 June 2008. Issues covered: Change of Chairman, Transport Bus Services, TWBC Standards Committee has vacancies for 2 PC members. 331b Parish Chairs Meeting: Cllr PB reported on the meeting held on 12 June 2008. Issues covered: TWBC draft Choice Based Lettings, Parish Briefing - important for keeping all informed, Joint Planning meetings arranged for East & West committees for 1 year with 1 Chairman, Budget Shortfall - £800k 08/09 with projected £1.2m 09/10. TWBC Chief Executive Sheila Wheeler & Cllr Bullock spoke on action required with intent at making cutbacks. Public Toilets, Street Cleaning, Amenity Lorry – all inline for abolishment. PC discussed TWBC possible mismanagement of funds and lack of judgement at times. Cllr PB advised Public Toilets cost TWBC approx £100k per year to maintain – about 3% of the Annual Borough Budget. 332 Planning Report: Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached] TW08/01672 – Benenden School extension of existing tennis court floodlights. Full PC discussion. A proposal put to PC by Iden Green Tennis Club was turned down for concern over light pollution. Care must be taken not to set a precedent with Benenden School proposal, although within school grounds, lighting can affect all. Suggestions of set hours could be a condition of PC decision. Plan circulating. TW08/02043Retrospective – Little Bishopsden Farm, replacement agricultural barn already built. Cllr RL read correspondence from a neighbour affected by the size and structure of the barn. Cllr PB invited Mr Redfern to speak during the Public Section. TW/PN/ENF06/38 ENFORCEMENT – Plot 5400 Redundant Hopper Huts, Dingleden. Planning App No: TW/06/02455 - TWBC confirmed legal proceedings have been instructed against Mr. W. Hemmings. 333 Financial Report Payments made on Council’s behalf since May 2008 Income Chq No Outgoings 210 Benenden Memorial Hall – Hire 12May08+ 19May08 13.50 211 B Sullivan – May salary 391.68 212 Kent Air Ambulance [s137] 150.00 213 Kent Ass for the Blind [s137] 60.00 214 Hospice in the Weald [s137] 200.00 215 HCH League of Friends [s137] 265.00 216 Cranbrook CAB [s137] 265.00 217 Benenden PCC [s137] 60.00 218 Angley School Farm [s137] 140.00 219 Kent BTCV [s137] 100.00 220 Kent County Playing Fields Ass subs 08/09 [s137] 15.00 221 ACRK membership subs 08/09 [s137] 35.00 222 CPRE membership subs 08/09 [s137] 28.00 223 KALC membership 08/09 [s137] 600.27 224 Communicorp-Clerk + Councils Direct [s137] 9.50 225 Baldwins – War memorial plants 44.00 226 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, stny, photocopies 22.75 D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99 2418.69 The Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £23,308.17 The Annual Audit Commission Return was confirmed and signed by Cllr PB and Clerk. Clerk, asked PC to consider 1 ream of paper and 1 ink cartridge for each PC member for use in 08/09 to be taken from Chairman’s Allowance. Cllr PB proposed. PC motion agreed. 334 Correspondence The Clerk distributed CCLA – The Essential Trustee to every PC member Benenden Pre-School had written to the Clerk to invite a representative to attend the AGM unfortunately nobody able to attend. Clerk read out S137 acknowledgements Clerk advised that unfortunately the Village Shop had not been short listed for ACRK – Rural Community Retailer 2008 Clerk confirmed RoSPA will be carrying out the Playsafety Annual Inspection in July 2008 Clerk read a request from the new manager of the Woodcock Inn requesting permission to display 3 signs [2 x 1ft] either end of Woodcock Lane and at the crossroads in Iden Green. Cllr PB advised TWBC Jim Kehoe, Head of Planning, had today contacted PC’s asking for comments on the closure and removal of BT payphones by 24 July 2008. Cllr PB asked each member for their views on the 3 nominated boxes in Benenden, remembering that the boxes were made obsolete as the usage did not justify the costs. General discussion with strong views: Cllr MK reported that local Dingleden residents maintained the general cleaning of the box and were happy to continue in order to keep it; Concern that even if individual boxes were purchased, they could still be removed and replaced with a similar red box; Important visual aspect of Rural Street Scene; 2 boxes are located in the Conservation Area; Sentimental value; establishes villages individual character; English Heritage will not list the boxes although box by BVH is listed. Cllr PB asked Clerk to contact TWBC for annual maintenance costs. Clerk action. Cllr SH reported water leak on Rolvenden Road opposite Recreation Ground. Clerk already written awaiting response. Cllr MK emphasised poor condition of our rural lanes. Highways restructure appears to have issues. Cllr GR reported Scullsgate Bridge repairs still not made despite the urgency and taking Highways out to see the problem. Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.25pm Cllr PB invited TWBC Cllr PD to speak TWBC PD confirmed: Works at ‘See Rose’ had been completed. New kerbing installed. KCC Highways – An on going issue with our rural lanes in a bad state of repair. We host locally, major national cycle events with dangerous defects on our highways. Research requirement for Woodcock Inn signs Joint Transportation Board – An opportunity to meet with officers in most districts, improving working relationships, Highways matters. Next meeting 7 July 2008 Cllr PB thanked TWBC PD and opened the meeting to the Public at 9.29pm Mr Redfern spoke on the retrospective planning application TW02043 Little Bishopsden Farm, Biddenden. Cllr PB thanked him for his comments and clarified the PC situation. A PC acts only in an advisory role. Cllr PB advised him to contact TWBC Planning fully outlining his concerns. Roy Chapman invited all PC members to meet with the Antiquarian Chronological Society, who would be visiting the Church to look at the clock and sundial on Friday 11th July 2008 at 11am. Refreshments provided. Janet Greenroyd, Community Warden advised she would be holding education sessions on theft from cars on Sunday mornings at Hemsted Forest, as car theft accounts for most of our village crime. Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45pm Next Meeting: Monday 21st July 2008 at 8pm Memorial Hall, Benenden HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Meeting Held 16th June 2008 335 Minutes: The minutes of the Annual meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 19th May 2008 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr DB Seconded: Cllr MK 336 Benenden Village Hall: Cllr JC reported; BVH had passed all electrical tests and annual pat testing had been carried out. Notification of visit from ACRK re Hallmark scheme received. H & S Policy agreed at BVHMC meeting held 27 May 2008. Clerk to seek legal advice on amendment to Caretaker contract: ‘Death in Service’ in relation to time given to spouse / children vacating accommodation. Cllr PB expressed gratitude to the expert local residents who had freely given time in respect of H & S and Fire Regulations. Storage Extension – Tenders going out to 7 local firms. Reply required by 31July 2008 Cllr PB thanked Cllr JC and BVHMC for their dedication in ensuring that BVH continues to run successfully. 337 Iden Green Chairman Report: [attached] Cllr PB advised a full annual report from Bill Lewis, Chairman of Iden Green Pavilion Committee had now been received. Cllr MK will attend IGPC meeting on 1 July 2008. Are repair or renew of gates covered by Enhancement Grant? Clerk has contacted Brian Hayward previously in an attempt too finalise exact costs expenditure in relation to the grant. 338 Financial Report Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since May 2008 Income St Georges May 158.33 BVH May wages 493.30 COIF 2583.90 3,235.53 Chq No Outgoings D/D Insurance Jun 534.16 965 S Clarke – oil for mower 4.40 966 D.Dalrymple – May wages 430.71 967 G Vinson – Oak Tree prune Ben Rec Grd 235.00 968 Southern Water-waste Ben Preschool + St Georges 71.93 969 B.Sullivan – May wages 46.50 970 Cancelled - - - - 971 Nisbets – BVH H&S Employers Poster 23.48 1,346.18 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £15,034.99 Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60