Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Meeting minutes for March 2010
in the Memorial Hall, Benenden
Click for minutes for Febuary 2010

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 15 March 2010
in the Memorial Hall, Benenden

Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Fogg Hagens, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk
Martin Sherwood Community Warden [MS] + 3 members of the public

578 Apologies: Cllr SH [Business]

579 Declarations of Interest:
None

580 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 15 February 2010 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. Proposed: Cllr JH Seconded: Cllr GR

581 Matters Arising:
Minute No 573/10 Community Warden Update: Chairman PB welcomed new cover community warden Martin Sherwood and invited him to speak at the end of the meeting.

582 Village Green – Gas works Scotia Gas:
Chairman PB reported on the meeting with Tony Hayes of SGN. The owners of the Vicarage Coach House had advised the PC a gas supply was to be connected on 17 March 2010.
TH explained SGN would endeavour to mole the Green, had full responsibility for reinstatement and were liable for any damage as a result of the works for up to 2 years.

583 Neighbourhood Watch:
Cllr JH reported Neighbourhood Watch Area Co-Coordinator, Carey Amore had cancelled previous meetings and had made little contact since the launch. Clerk advised full postal roads had been sent to CA approx 6 mths ago. Cllr JH advised a letter outlining the relaunch is to be distributed by volunteers requesting updated email / phone contact. A meeting was scheduled for 16 March 2010 – JH, CA, MS to attend.
Chairman PB enquired if the scheme was running correctly and suggested research how other village NHW schemes worked. Clerk Action

584 Benenden CE Primary School Update:
Cllr AF reported the school working party had been unsuccessful in appointing their chosen architects Roderick James. KCC advised only Kent recognised architects could be used. 10 firms had indicated an interest of which 3 were being considered. It had been hoped this part of the process would have been completed by end Jan 10. Chris Gabriel will work with the chosen architect. KCC are seeking way forward over the copyright to the initial design. Negotiations with the landowners, redirection of pathways would run parallel with the planning application proposal. Desired Timetable: Application by Autumn 2010 with a decision by the end of 2010.
Chairman PB reiterated that on commencement of any activity, the PC would consult with a solicitor for any required action.
Cllr AF advised 1 pupil had been awarded a full scholarship at Benenden Girls School.

585 Review of Parish Council Insurance Policy:
Chairman PB asked PC to consider review of Insurance cover provider. Clerk recommended cover be provided through Came & Co Parish Council Insurance with Aviva - Overall improved cover and benefits with approx 25% cost reduction with extra 5% discount for 3 year tie-in.
Chairman PB proposed change of provider with 3 year tie-in. PC Approval.
PC Approval/Clerk Action

586 Village Community Spring Clean:
Chairman PB expressed disappointment in previous parishioner support for this event. Clerk would advertise in the Parish Magazine and locally. Agreed date Saturday 17 April 2010. meet 8.30am at BVH. Clerk to contact TWBC re equipment hire. Clerk Action

587 Planning Report:
TWBC PC Training
Chairman PB reported 6 members attended the Planning Training. Subjects covered: LDF update, Listed Buildings, Enforcements.
Following our request regarding lack of enforcement action on the order for demolition of Benton Hopper Huts APP/M2270/C/07/2053284 and our refusal to comment on the new application TW/09/03629 - conversion of rebuilt hopper huts to stables, PC received notification from TWBC within 48 hours, that the proposal had been withdrawn by the applicant.

Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Planning Report [attached]

TW/10/00308 – Two Ponds, Walkhurst Road – Replacement dwelling
Proposed dwelling is to be resited by 3 mtrs. Replacement dwelling is modern as was the bungalow when it was originally built.
PC refusal comment now withdrawn as a new application is expected

TW/10/00347/MAJOR – Benenden Girls School – Demolition of Jubilee building and of existing extension on ground floor at north side of Leelands. Construction of new science building & courtyard. Construction of new terrace & colonnade and accommodation to north side of Leelands.
Benenden Girls School is one of the largest employers in the parish and one of the top schools in the country. To stay competitive they must continue to develop. Various building styles on site. Proposal is modern but screened by trees. Light pollution will be kept to a minimum as lights will be off by 6pm except on occasion. APPROVAL

TW/10/00367 – Dolphin Cottage, The Street – Erection of a detached dwelling & provision of parking and turning areas.
Site Visit made. Dwelling to be built at the back of terraced houses with cottage gardens. Over shadowing, light pollution and unacceptable access. REFUSAL

588 Financial Report:
Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 10 FEB 2010

Income
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk Feb10 Salary 100.00
TOTAL 100.00

Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
368 B.V.H.M.C - TWBC festive lights grant 85.00
369 Rother Valley Press - 700 PC newsletters 225.00
370 Rother Valley Press - 100 PC newsletters 40.00
371 B.Sullivan Feb 10 707.75 post 1.00 708.75
372 EDF Energy - Public toilets 20Nov09-23Feb10 61.22
373 M.English – Public Toilets Feb 10 168.00
374 J.Clarke - transport TWBC Planning for 5 Cllrs/Clerk 61.00
375 Stationery Express UK - copying Feb PC mtg, stny 14.17
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Mar 10 18.99 TOTAL 1382.13

After all cheques cleared: Reconciled with Bank Statement 26 Feb 2010

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £11,757.72

589 Correspondence:
Clerk read from the previously circulated report [attached]
Item 37 – Public Inquiry 1 June 2010: St Georges Place Land adjacent to telephone exchange PC Action
Item 47 – SE in Bloom – grants for PC towards displays No Action
Item 52 – Cascade Housing had expressed an interest in meeting with the PC to discuss 2 possible plots for Affordable Housing in Iden Green. Jennifer Hudson, TWBC Rural Housing Officer and Deborah Dixon, TWBC Planning Policy Officer will attend the meeting. Affordable Housing committee will report to full PC. PB/RL/AF/Clerk Action
Item 54 – KHS Winter Damage pothole repairs – PC agreed KHS were attempting to rectify the problem.

There being no further council business the meeting closed at 8.50pm

Chairman PB opened the meeting to members of the public.

Community Warden, Martin Sherwood introduced himself, explained how it takes time to build up local knowledge and how he was keen to work with the PC.
MS spoke on the recent break-ins in Standen Street. He explained he had obtained 6 shed alarms. MS decided to research shed break-ins throughout the local area. 28 break-ins in the West Kent Watch area and Staplehurst [MBC] had 14 alone. MS asked the PC to consider purchasing an amount of alarms which could be issued to any resident following an incident.
MS suggested working with other local PC to purchase in bulk to minimise costs. At approx cost of £3 each if an order for 100 was placed.

Chairman PB welcomed MS and thanked him for his research, attendance at local coffee mornings, meeting with Harmsworth Court residents and genuine interest in the village already.

No further questions from members of the public the meeting closed at 9.00pm

Next Meeting: Annual Parish Assembly
At: Benenden Village Hall
On: Monday 26 April 2010 at 8pm
Refreshments 7.30pm

Guest Speaker – Matt Pitts, Cultural Landscape Advisor, High Weald AONB

“The making of the High Weald Landscape”

PETER BLOCKLEY, CHAIRMAN BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Ordinary Meeting Held 15 March 2010

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

69 Apologies:
Cllr SH [Business]

70 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 15 February 2010 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr DB

71 Matters Arising:
None
72 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC had nothing to report on BVH.

Cllr GR enquired if the Car Park repairs had made any progress. Chairman PB reported
Ringway had yet to respond. Cllr JC to contact local companies for quotation. JC Action

73 Review of Harmswortth Trust Insurance Policy:
Chairman PB asked HT to consider review of Insurance cover provider. PC Minute [585/10] Clerk recommended cover be provided through Came & Co Parish Council Insurance with Aviva - Overall improved cover and benefits with approx 25% cost reduction with extra 5% discount for 3 year tie-in. HT Approval. Clerk to advise BVHMC. HT Approval/Clerk Action

74 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust:
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 13 FEB 2010

Income
St Georges Feb 10 rent 158.33
BVH Feb 10 wages 519.75
BK COIF 4th ¼ Dividend 4081.39
Ben Pre-School Hire Fees Aut 09, Spr 10 & 2 wks Sum 1194.00
5953.47

Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
074 D Dalrymple – Feb 10 salary 335.96
075 M.Austen – DD repairs to toilet pan, seal & pipe 55.00
SO B. Sullivan – clerk Feb 10 100.00
D/D Zurich Insurance Mar 10 512.48
1003.44

After all cheques cleared

Clerk reported C/A held £500 and D/A held £12,255.24

Balance in No 2 A/C £107.33

Reconciled with Bank Statement 26 Feb 2010

Clerk advised a cheque for £930.42 in settlement of closure of National Investment Savings Book was received today. HT Minute: [67/10] transfer to the Co-Operative Bank: Harmsworth Memorial Trust Account No 2 Clerk Action

 

75 Correspondence:
Chairman PB read out a request from the Pre-School to move the fridge into a storage cupboard. Clerk confirmed K Jones Electrical had visited in respect of the replacement 6inch pendant fittings and advised the fridge would require a new socket but could be moved. Clerk awaits quote for works.
Clerk reported the Pre-School has indicated the smoking issue had once again become a problem and St Georges Club users have begun to smoke by the Playhouse. Pre-School also advised the car parking area was strewn with rubbish.
Chairman PB suggested the HT organise a spot check of the play area and car park.
HT Action

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00pm

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 26 April 2010 at 8pm
At: Benenden Village Hall
Annual Parish Assembly
Refreshments 7.30pm

PETER BLOCKLEY, CHAIRMAN OF HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST

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