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

101 Apologies:
S Dines

Chairman PB asked Cllr GR to propose his agenda items.

102 Harmsworth Memorial Trust Assets – St Georges Hall

GR explained that he saw this as the first in a series of meetings about HT. My desire is the future of Benenden. HT has assets of nearly £3million and I feel it is not being fully utilised. St Georges Hall has 3 purposes none of which are really fit for purpose. We have a duty as HT to protect the assets and provide facilities. My suggestion is to sell the property. There is scope to put a house in that land. HT could then provide improved facilities. A facility for the whole village could be built at the top end of the BVH car park. There is room for a 40mt x 20mt building. I visualise St Georges Club, perhaps a swimming pool, gym, table tennis, a place for younger members of Benenden to utilise. A facility which could be the best in the area – it is possible with vision. To continue to maintain the costs of St Georges, it can’t be justified.

JC St Georges Hall is a liability I agree. But we have to consider car parking and the caretaker’s home and playgroup.

GR Caretaker accommodation could be in the roof of the building or we could provide an AH property. We can borrow money.

PB How do we finance it? What should we do with the people in situ already? COIF pays out approx £12k pa. This is critical to keep the HT going. It is not a business. I accept the facilities are not ideal but it does what it was intended to do. St Georges can be a maintenance problem but providing anew club and pre-school – where?

GR Preschool could go into the roof.

MK Membership? We build it fit for purpose, does not mean it will be used

DB I support facilities for young people. But how will a swimming pool work? How will it be run? We would need to take on lifeguards.

GR with club members do not need lifeguards. We need to have a positive outlook

DB Skate Park / half pipe facility no further. People will not help like they did in the past. Legislation and restrictions would make it unaffordable. I think it would be an irresponsible thing to do.

RL How easy would it be to knock down a Listed Building – not! Would we convert it into a house? Would we provide a covered swimming pool?

JC A new St Georges Club I agree but no to a pool and gymnasium

MK Benenden used to have a mini youth forum. Youth’s were keen but no parents would support any ideas.

JC Could we borrow money from HT and then when St Georges Hall is sold, funds could be paid back.

GR I accept the negativity

PB While I am Chairman I will not borrow money

DB Perfectly acceptable to want to see improved facilities but how would we manage it?

GR People would pay a subscription and then find staff to run it.

DB Upkeep of building as well as staff costs

GR I am just throwing out ideas

PB Stumbling block is where does HT get the money from

GR We would need £500k for the facility and as HT we would have a duty to maximise on the sale value

PB We as PC would never accept a house being built in a garden at Planning level, why should we be allowed to do it.
HT No Action

103 Recycling facility on North East of Benenden Recreation Ground
GR expressed support for a bottle recycling facility in the village with a possible position in the NE corner of the recreation ground.
MK That is a residential area – noise, smell, wasps, broken glass, emptying

JH I am in favour of entrance to the new school at the top of my road but not a recycling facility as well

DB I am in favour but positioned at the back of the car park by the bowling green

GR TWBC must have 8 hours access for emptying

JC TWBC turned it down where the PC had previously suggested

JHem Let us wait and see where the school goes

MK TWBC decided that no suitable location could be found in our village
HT No Action

104 Formation of Community Sub-Committee to develop ideas in the village:
Youth Facilities Group
GR asked HT if there is scope for a working party to be formed to push forward with improving youth facilities within the village. It has to be practical and feasible and what a village our size can support.

PB Are you happy to chair a group?

GR Yes with outside representatives also

PB Thank you
GR Action

BVH Renewable Energy Group
GR asked HT out of duty to at least consider the benefits of looking into renewable energy. Grants are available from the Government. The return is long term, over a 10 year period.

PB Approach TWBC to enquire what grants are available

JHem I like the concept

PB Any restrictions with solar panels etc in a conservation area?

DB CPRE event Larger schemes achieved but vague on Planning requirements

PB BVHMC can look into Renewable Energy

JHem Solar panels feed back to National Grid and there are various contracts

GR Jim Hyde would be a useful contact

BVHMC Action

Chairman PB thanked GR for his ideas.

Chairman PB advised that a letter had been received announcing Cllr Dines resignation. The Clerk will now contact TWBC to begin the vacancy notice period.

JC advised T Robb Groundworks would charge £180 per day for drain works and would not charge any delivery for machinery

There being no further HT business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.35pm