Present: Cllrs Bailey, Beattie, Hagens, Hemsley, Kellett, Lake, Blockley, Reynolds
Clerk, KCC RM + 2 members of the public

49 Apologies
JC [HOL], TWBC SH, TWBC FR

50 Declarations of Interest.
None declared

51 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 18th July 2011
DB proposed Minute No: 44 11/12 was amended to include: "RL to ask ML if she would still consider proof reading and editing" PC resolved to accept the minutes. Clerk amended and Chairman signed the confirmed minutes. PC Resolved

52 Matters Arising
ERHA Affordable Housing Exhibition Feedback
Clerk circulated anonymous feedback which indicated a majority of support for the development. DB advised ERHA wished to know if the PC still proposed to support the development and welcomed comments.
JB expressed concern that allotments could increase traffic along Standen Street which many residents were opposed to with the Cascade development.
DB advised the proposal to provide allotments was a suggestion for the remainder of the land and further research for need and criteria setting would be required
PB recalled 2 requests for allotments in past years and if a need is identified the PC has a duty to provide under LGA 1972.
DB confirmed residents would be given an opportunity to comment at the time of the planning application and asked for PC decision.
JB supported the development in principle but outlined her concerns with allotment site.
PC resolved to accept the proposal. Clerk to advise ERHA PC Resolved
Meeting with Benenden Almshouse Trustees
DB confirmed a meeting with AH working group, BAC and ERHA would take place on 4 Oct in BVH at 2pm. The purpose of the meeting is to identify if any BAC land could be made available for future AH.
Data Protection Register
Clerk had completed form. The fee for registration is £35.

53 Parish Chairman’s Meeting 6th Sept
MK attended the meeting. MK advised TWBC Bob Atwood was not present. Items discussed: campaign to reduce chewing gum; 50p per person to be allocated to each parish as a contribution towards 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations; Strategic Compass - Vision for 2011/12 TWBC "Love Where We Live"; Car Park review – Cranbrook & Southborough; Planning Policy for Residential Developments review - TWBC will not meet 6000 new dwellings target set. A hybrid scheme discussed by Cllr Brian Ransley was not popular with PC’s. It could allow for development of up to 10 Affordable Homes alongside major developments of up to 15 market homes i.e. large 4-5bed properties in small parishes. TWBC requests PC’s to identify any suitable land and work with Planning Officers and developers to build what each parish wants.

54 Kent Highways Division
Walkhurst Road – dangerous parking
DB advised Clerk had tried to establish the exact criteria for improvements suggested when JTB recognised inclusion in the 11/12 budget .Kent Highways Steven Noad confirmed cuts have forced KCC to only implement safety critical schemes but not what was proposed.
DB opened the meeting to KCC RM
KCC RM confirmed he had met with a highways engineer and there were 3 options:
Serve a Traffic Regulation Order – no waiting area, yellow lines -
Widen the footpath and install bollards - fails due to location of the war memorial
Friendly persuasion – signs, leaflets
KCC RM advised he had allocated £700 to safety improvements.
DB thanked KCC RM for the funding.
DB advised consideration had been given to using some of the land from the war memorial
to widen the road in order for the path to be widened. Concrete kerbing must be retained. No yellow lines.
KCC RM outlined suggested works would cost substantially more than £700 fund.
PC requested if proposed works could be estimated.
KCC RM confirmed he would research idea.

Closure of Cranbrook Depot
KCC RM advised the reopening of the depot was not an option. Highways had used the site for salt stocks but the contaminated ground meant this was no longer an option. It is an unsustainable facility. KCC RM reassured PC tat the salt runs in the harsh weather should not affect Benenden as the B2086 is on the school gritting run.
GR requested Kent Highways help to keep "dairy" runs open. Clerk to contact Highways
Steward to remind.
Clerk enquired if the winter policy on grit bins had been amended to allow PC’s purchasing bins to mount them on the Highways yet. Clerk understood that it was a PC responsibility to re-fill any purchased bins.
KCC RM advised the handover to the new contractor Enterprise on 1 Sept 2011 should not impact on services.
KCC RM reported works to the drainage and re-levelling of 5 gullies opposite Cranden Diamonds on the Cranbrook Road which constantly floods and freezes would go ahead following his funding.
DB thanked KCC RM for his support and for attending.

55 Parish Council Newsletter
DB reminded all cllrs to submit their articles to ML before the next meeting. If any cllr
can not meet the deadline please advise Clerk or RL. PC Action

56 Standing Orders Review
Due to the Clerk omitting to send the reviewed Standing Orders DB requested this item be carried over to the next full PC meeting.
Clerk apologised and asked cllrs to report any oversight.

57 Financial Regulations Review
Clerk had omitted to circulate hardcopies of the minor amendments to the Financial Regulations. DB requested this item be carried over to the next full PC meeting.

58 Training & Development
KALC Finance Conference 7 Oct
Clerk advised JB would be attending this course.
L&D Modular Courses
DB outlined the modular training being rolled out by KALC this year. Opportunities to attend various courses to aid development were offered.
Clerk would like to attend but did not expect to attend every module in its first year as each module costs £72 [inc vat] and at present Training & Development does not have its own budget. All courses are allocated to the administration budget for year 11/12.
If any cllr wished to attend a course please contact the Clerk in the first instance.

59 AGM Invitations
CPRE 20th Sept 8pm Goudhurst Village Hall – No delegate
TW CAB 20th Sept 4.30pm Vestry Hall – BS
ACRK 13th Oct 5.30pm Dunkirk – No delegate
KPFA 21st Oct 12.30pm Town Hall, Maidstone - maybe BS

60 Planning Report
[i] RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Applications & Decisions Report [attached]
Following site visits and discussion PC refused the following applications:
TW/11/02282 – Sarnden Farm, Coldharbour Road, Benenden
Proposal: Detached steel framed agricultural building with solar panel roof
TW/11/02408 – OS Plot 0032, Dingleden, Benenden
Proposal: Part Retrospective – stable block & entrance: Change of use of land from grazing
to equestrian.
[ii] Additional Monthly Meeting
DB proposed that the PC introduce an additional planning meeting to help meet the
timescale requests for commenting to TWBC. The meeting would be held on the 1st
Thursday of each month during the day.
PC resolved to accept a new monthly planning meeting. PC Resolved
[iii] TWBC Planning Applications and the Parish Charter
DB read out the letter sent from TWBC Jim Kehoe advising a proposal to trial for a 6 month period, that "TWBC does not make a planning decision for at least 5 working days after the notification to the Local Council". The modification will ensure an improvement on liaison between TWBC and Local Councils.
PC all agreed this has to be an improvement.

61 Financial Report
[i] Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 12 July 2011
Income
BK HMRC – VAT refund 10/11 BPC, HT, BVH 4637.95
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk July 11 salary 100.00
CR Marquee Donation 100.00
BK Marquee Donation 50.00
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk Aug 11 salary 100.00
TOTAL 4987.95
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
544 J Clarke – Cleaning Supplies Public Toilets 29.39
545 TWBC – Public Toilets rates 10/11 + 11/12 390.75
546 Stationery Express – ink office blk / colour 28.98
547 M English – public toilets clean July 11 186.00
548 KCC [KCS] – mowing 50% 11/12 The Green 420.70
549 KALC – TW Area Committee Clerk Honararium 30.00
550 B Sullivan – Jul 11 sal 789.80; postage 5.84; parking 4.00 799.64
551 Stationery Express - b/w copies Jul PC Mtg 12.24
552 EDF Energy – Public Toilets 23Feb-9May 11 187.20
553 BT – Office Phone 28Apr-21Jul 11 94.70
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Aug 2011 18.99
554 Stationery Express – Box of A4 Paper / colour ink 41.05
555 EDF Energy – Public Toilets 10May-18Aug 11 58.71
556 M English – public toilets clean Aug 11 186.00
557 B Sullivan – Aug 11 sal 648.90; stamps 4.32 653.22
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Sep 2011 18.99
SO HT – VAT Transfer 10/11 HT & BVH 4029.52
TOTAL 7186.08
After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £17,250.32

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Aug 2011 Balance: £18,559.49
Uncleared cheques Total: -£1309.17
Balance in D/A £17,250.32
Parish Council resolved to accept monthly finance report PC Resolved

[ii] Budget Report [Clerk]
Clerk advised the circulated draft budget 2012/13 included figures up until 31 Aug
2011 had been shown to TD. This was for information only. Full budget figures for precept to be agreed at the Dec PC meeting.
Clerk and TD continue to liaise to improve PC financial reporting.

[iii] HMT request for 50% costs towards BVH Car Park repairs
DB asked PC to consider the HMT request to accept 50% costs towards the BVH car park ramp repairs.
PC resolved to accept the request. Clerk to transfer £1000 to HMT PC Resolved

62 Local Consultations:
[i] CPRE – national planning policy review
DB advised cllrs to make individual comments as PC members held varying views
[ii] KALC – CLG launch 3 consultations
GR to attend KALC area meeting. Research further information.
[iii] KCC – Countryside Access Improvement Plan
Clerk advised comments received from JHem and TM. DB to ask PM for any further comments.
[iv] TWBC – List of Local Heritage Assets
DB and MK had started to read through the document.
[v] TWBC – Green Infrastructure Plan
DB/Clerk would research if any comment required for rural parishes
PC Action

63 Correspondence Report
[i] Clerk spoke on the previously circulated 07/08 & -08/09 Monthly Reports
[ii] RHS Britain in Bloom Campaign [item 100]
Clerk read out the letter from RHS outlining the campaign which helps bring communities together to improve public spaces.
Discussion followed. GR advised a garden safari was planned for part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Clerk suggested could be a newsletter item. No Action.
[iii] Landspeed Developers

DB advised Landspeed Developers had requested another meeting to discuss possible housing for local needs development with the Parish Council. A meeting had yet to be arranged.

GR requested a letter be sent to Rosemary Van Wengen to express our thanks for her support and commitment to the Parish following her retirement. PC Action

Clerk reported on the Parliamentary Constituencies 2013 Review and distributed information. Proposal by the Boundary Commission for TWBC to be in a new area known as The Weald CC. Any comments must be forwarded to TWBC by 5 Dec 2011
PC Action
Clerk advised the North Farm Recycling Site would be closed for improvements from
Mon 3 – Mon 17 Oct. Provision had been arranged at Sevenoaks Recycling.

GR reported Benenden C.E. Primary School continues to thrive. 176 pupils on roll. Links with Malawi School and now St Mary Magdalene in Woolwich. An application for the proposed school is with KCC.
DB thanked GR for his comments and noted to put the primary school on the agenda each month.

Their being no further comments the meeting closed at 9.40pm

Chairman DB opened the meeting to the public.

PD commented on the parking issues at the war memorial. Police can enforce if parked within 10mtrs of a junction.
DB advised a leaflet has been provided by PCSO Lori Ham that can be adapted for use by a PC.

KCC RM advised an excellent community grant application had been received from BVHMC. He expressed praise for the speed and thoroughness of the application. Grants are awarded in Nov/Dec.

Chairman DB thanked everybody for attending. The meeting closed at 9.45pm

Note: These minutes are not intended to provide a verbatim record of the meeting
and contain only a summary of those matters discussed

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 17th October 2011 at 8pm
The Memorial Hall, Benenden

CHAIRMAN BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

 

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST
Ordinary Meeting held 19th September 2011

187 Apologies
JC [HOL], JHem

188 Minutes
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on 18th July
2011 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. HT resolved to accept the minutes
as a true record. HT Resolved

189 Matters Arising
Benenden Recreation Ground
GR advised he had straightened the football posts. Cranbrook Football Club will
repaint the posts. The goal mouths still require turfing. GR reported he would
endeavour to remove the grit mix at BVH car park to I/G Pavilion.
PB advised the verge near RDH property requires plainings to infill. GR Action
Clerk advised a quotation £240 had been received from Peter Punchard for
perimeter posts renewal. DB proposed HT accept the quote.
HT resolved to accept. Clerk to contact PP. HT Resolved
Iden Green Recreation Ground
DB reported the works to the dead tree; ivy and fence to rear of bus shelter and hedge had been carried out by PP to a high standard.

190 Benenden Village Hall
[i] BVHMC Report
RL reported BVHMC had applied for a KCC community grant to improve outdated lighting.
[ii] ACRK Community Halls Conference & Hallmark Awards
Clerk advised that Level 1 + 2 certificates would be awarded at the conference.
Hallmark awards expired every 3 years and require a £20 renewal fee.
BVHMC are not sending a delegate to the conference.

191 St Georges Hall
[i] Entrance Hall Ceiling
Clerk confirmed the plaster work had been completed.
[ii] Entrance Hall Decorating & Pre-School Ceilings
Clerk reported only 2 quotations had been received despite 4 tenders being issued.
HT resolved to obtain third quotation. JB offered to contact the clerk with BAC
decorator. Clerk Action

192 ROSPA – reports on Benenden and Iden Green Playgrounds
Clerk advised the ROSPA reports had noted considerable improvements since 2010
inspections. Minimal works with usual annual top up of bark required. Clerk sought
permission to contact Bourne Amentiy for quotation of works.
DB proposed. HT resolved to contact Bourne Amenity. Clerk Action

193 Iden Green Recreation Ground – Hedge, May Tree, overgrown boundaries
MK advised on the hazards of pulling out of the lay-by at the Pavilion due to the overgrown boundary trees to both The Pavilion and Orchard Cottage. BL had confirmed he will contribute towards the cost of tidying the hedges and trees.
Clerk had contacted Kent Highways to ask if improved signage could be considered due to the lay out of the highway for vehicles approaching from Sandhurst direction.
DB proposed that HT agree to contact PP for quotation for hedges and trees. HT resolved. Clerk Action

194 Finance Report
[i] HT resolved to accept the monthly finance report prepared by the Clerk

Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 12 July 2011
Income
St Georges July 11 rent 158.33
BVH July 11 wages 537.80
St Georges Aug 11 rent 158.33
BK TFR BPC – VAT refund 10/11 inc BVH 4029.52
BVH Aug 11 wages 537.80
COIF 2nd quarter dividend 3003.78
TOTAL 8425.56
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva – Insurance July 11 390.34
141 Post Office – tax/ni 1Apr-30Jun 11 DD 356.21
142 D Dalrymple – salary Jul 11 inc fuel + phone bill 574.84
143 S Clarke – service mower + hedge cutter 68.00
144 KCC [KCS] – mowing 50% 11/12 Ben + IG Rec Grd 1275.20
SO Rate Account –BS clerk July 11 100.00
D/D Aviva – Insurance Aug 11 390.34
145 M T Austen – St Georges Cottage door repair 25.00
146 BVH – Vat Refund 10/11 1838.20
147 D Dalrymple – salary Aug 11 + 13.34 tap repairs 483.74
148 P Punchard – St Georges Hall hedge + tree works 225.00
149 Playsafety Ltd – 2 Annual Inspections Ben + I/G 151.20
SO Rate Account – BS clerk Aug 11 100.00
150 W Pride – St Georges Hall plaster to ceiling 250.00
151 M & S Electrical – linked smoke detectors St Georges 931.20
152 P Punchard – I/G bus shelter + tree reduction 100.00
TOTAL 7159.27
After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £11,547.23

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 August 2011 Balance: £15,067.83
Uncleared cheques Total: -£3,520.60
Balance in D/A £11,547.23

NB: 3 invoices received 14 Sep TGR GROUNDWORKS for works to BVH Car Park, re-seeding area and installation of lockable post – TOTAL £ 2760 inc vat

HT A/C NO 2
Balance in No 2 A/C 1038.31

[ii] Budget 2012/13 Report
Clerk advised the circulated draft budget was for information only.

195 Correspondence
Clerk advised an invitation to attend a CCLA Investment Seminar had been received.
The seminar is to be held at RSA House, London Tues 11 Oct 2011 at 2pm.
Contact the clerk if interested in attending.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.10pm

Note: These minutes are not intended to provide a verbatim record of the meeting
and contain only a summary of those matters discussed.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 17 October 2011
At: Memorial Hall, Benenden
immediately after the Parish Council meeting

CHAIRMAN OF HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST