Present: Cllrs Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk

499 Apologies:
Cllr Bailey, Fogg, Hockney

500 Declarations of Interest:
None

501 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 15th June 2009 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr RL Seconded: Cllr GR

502 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 494/09 Bus Shelter Damage. Chairman PB reported 1 repair quote for window and graffiti damage had been received. As over £500, in line with adopted Financial Regulations, 3 quotes now required.

503 Benenden Primary School:
Chairman PB reported on the meeting held at Sessions House, Maidstone, chaired by Mr Cook, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education. Representatives from the school, parish council, KCC Bruce Macquarrie, Architect and Project Manager all attended.
It was reiterated that any delay is not over the relationship between the School Governors and the Parish Council. Non agreement between KCC and the School Governors over the selected architects for the new build has caused a delay. The School Governors fully supported the architects who produced the concept plan. KCC only use a list of approved architects. The original architects have now withdrawn from the proceedings. The School has offered approx £100-120k towards full planning costs of approx £250k. KCC will make the planning application with TWBC & PC as consultees.
At the present time there is no funding available and KCC are unable to give an estimate on timescale for delivery of build.
Chairman PB advised that any decisions put to the PC would initially be discussed with the working party, PB, RL and GR and then brought before full PC using a democratic system for all decisions made. A decision over the preferred site has been made and a planning application will be produced. PC will have the opportunity to respond. Cllrs discussed the views of the village poll and expressed concern that these be noted.

400 year Celebration Pageant – Chairman PB would be delighted to receive any feedback from the Primary School following the recent celebrations.

Noticeboard – Cllr AF had advised the Clerk that the Primary School could make use of the old noticeboard. PC Agreed to donate. Clerk to liaise with caretaker. PC Agreed

504 TWBC Rural Review Consultation:
Chairman PB advised feedback on the previously circulated review was due in by Monday 10 August. Affordable Housing Committee to respond. PC Action
Chairman PB advised the next Affordable Housing meeting with TWBC Jennifer Hudson and ERHA Alison Thompson was arranged for 10 August.

505 Highways:
Clerk reported on the previously circulated KHS Parish Reports. Discussion followed over the report and age of certain issues still outstanding. Cllr GR enquired about the cluttered crossroads signage. Cllr MK reported direct to KHS ref: CSM10202836 about the public hazard of the appalling condition of Woodcock Lane. Chairman PB advised that a decision over an interactive sign at the crossroads had still not been made. An electricity supply would be needed as site not suited to solar supply.
Clerk to arrange a meeting with KHS. Clerk Action

506 Planning Report:
[a] Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Planning Report [attached]

Cllr RL advised a Planning Forum would take place on Wednesday 22 July at TW Town Hall
at 2pm on Application TW/01440/FUL/CT Applicant: Mr C Begeman, Cascade Rural Housing
Location: OS Plot 6287, Iden Green Road, Iden Green
Proposal: Provision of 14 dwellings for Local Needs Housing
3 speakers from Iden Green would attend. No comments required from PC. An opportunity for
local residents to express their views. Cllr RL reiterated that the PC would not be supporting
this application.

TW/09/00028/FUL/AJ – Applicant: Mr A Britton Location: Land North-West of Eaglesden
Farm, Hinksden Road Proposal: Erection of an agricultural building for the housing of cattle
and siting of mobile home for agricultural worker. Refused by TWBC
Appeal now lodged with Planning Inspectorate. Any further comment to Planning Inspectorate
by 7 Aug 09.

507 Financial Report:
Clerk confirmed Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since June 2009
Income
Marquee Donation 50.00
TOTAL 50.00
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
309 Stationery Express – office ink, copying 22.39
310 K.C.C KCS Landscape Services – The Green 50% 383.75
311 Stationery Express – envelopes, ink 15.39
312 B Sullivan June salary £477.21, post £4.96 482.17
313 Stationery Express – copying, ink DB 61.64
314 Mr.Mrs English – Public Toilets clean 16-21June 36.00
315 J Fagan – Public Toilets cleaning June-6July 123.00
316 Benenden Memorial Hall 18/5 + 20/7 18.00
317 P.Message – War memorial work Jan-June09 110.50
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband July 09 18.58
1271.42

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £15,904.77

508 Correspondence:
Clerk read from the previously circulated report [attached]

Chairman PB advised an email relating to Strawberry Wood Culvert donation request had been received from BACS Chairman Alan Milne. Minute No: 483/09. BACS are overseeing the finance for the project and are not in a position to match fund £250. PC would not give £250 at the present time.
Cllr MK reported on the wonderful progress of works at the Culvert and recommended everybody attend the community awareness event to be held on Saturday 29 August.

There being no further council business the meeting closed at 8.54pm

Chairman PB opened the meeting to the Public.

BH enquired if there was a timescale for the planning application going in and completion of the new school.
Chairman PB advised that he was not aware of any time restrictions.
BH acknowledged on behalf of Iden Green residents, they understood the PC did not support Planning Application TW/09/01440/FUL/CT and was the PC aware residents had received an untitled leaflet.
TWBC PD advised he had received the leaflet and also the PC. He would attend the Planning Forum.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.02pm

Next Meeting: Monday 14th September 2009
at the Pavilion, Iden Green at 8pm

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Ordinary Meeting Held 20th July 2009

Present: Cllrs Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk

16 Apologies:
Cllr Bailey, Fogg, Hockney

17 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 15th May 2009 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr JC Seconded: Cllr RL

18 Matters Arising:
None

19 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC reported on behalf of BVHMC that three double glazed windows had been installed at the hall.
Cllr JC advised BVHMC were delighted with the mowing and strimming around the hall being provided by Landscape Services, KCC. Clerk reported that correspondence had been sent previously noting our disappointment that the quality of works had reduced but also had acknowledged the recent return to form.

20 St Georges Benenden Pre-School:
Rent Review:
Clerk circulated the full rent review report conducted recently, covering local Pre-Schools, Nurseys and Playgroups, in order to ascertain a fair rent renewal rate for all
parties. Clerk expressed concern for the increase in costs to maintaining St Georges
building but equally supports the need to a rise in line with a similar facility i.e. Rolvenden Pre-School. The rent at the Pre-School had remained unchanged since February 2003.
Hayley Sanderson, Treasurer of Benenden Pre-School spoke on the need for raising awareness of the facility, competition from the recently opened Monkey Puzzle Nursery, varying numbers intake and the need to extend hours to attract working parents. HS advised that HT support was required in their application for a sustainability grant.

Chairman PB asked HT members to consider a £6 per morning session and £12 per full
day session to be reviewed annually. Benenden Pre-School to provide annual accounts
to the Clerk. PC Agreed PC Agreed. Clerk Action

Sign Request:
Chairman PB advised that a request for a sign to raise awareness of the Pre-School had
been received. The sign would be placed within the garden, under the tree but visible
from The Street. The size was approx 600 x 400 mm on a 3mt post in traditional style.

Discussion followed re signage clutter, especially near the Crossroads. Chairman PB
advised that the matter would be on hold for the present time.

21 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust:
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since June 2009

Income
St Georges June rent 158.33
BVH June wages 519.75
BVH Insurance Premium 1916.64
2594.72
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Zurich Insurance July 09 512.48
SO COIF Charities Investment Fund 317.00
043 M.Austen – St Georges Club sink waste 48.75
044 D.Dalrymple - wages June £438.02 + Petrol £10. 448.02
045 B.Sullivan – clerk wages June 46.50
046 KCC KCS Landscape 50% Ben + I/G Rec 1163.23
2535.98

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £7,603.31

Balance in No 2 A/C - £107.13

22 Correspondence:
Clerk advised Iden Green Pavilion Committee had indicated changes to hiring and booking. Hire charge increase as at 1 Sept 2009.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 14th September 2009 at The Pavilion, Iden Green, immediately after PC meeting