Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 16th January 2012
In The Memorial Hall, Benenden
(including Harmsworth Trust minutes)
Click for minutes for ordinary meeting December 2011

These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk

Present: Cllrs Bailey, Beattie, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hemsley, Kellett, Lake, Reynold Clerk + TWBC LH, SH + 8 members of the public

105 Apologies KCC RM, TWBC FR

106 Declarations of Interest
MK declared a personal interest in TW/11/03853 Mr J Kellett, 1 Medway Cottages being a family relative.
JB enquired if the PC as HMT should declare an interest as Mr J Kellett rents a field from the HMT. Clerk outlined that the retrospective planning application for solar panels to his property is not connected to the field he rents.
MK declared a personal interest in TW/11/03863 Dr G Von Tevenar, Benton Farm, Dingleden being a neighbour. PC resolved to accept the minutes.

107 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 12th December 2011
JB noted a spelling error Minute No: 99 KALC Area Meeting "frequently changes" be amended to "frequently changing". PC resolved to accept the minutes. Clerk amended and Chairman DB signed the confirmed minutes. PC Resolved

108 Matters Arising
KCC Kent Highways Tracker Survey
Clerk confirmed the Kent Highways Annual Tracker Survey had been completed by JC, JHem and Clerk.
Walkhurst Road Corner
DB advised she, GR, RL, KCC RM, PM, and Kent Highways Road Safety Engineer Steven Noad had a productive meeting to try and resolve the safety concerns at Walkhurst Road.
DB reported no formal proposals received as yet.
ERHA - Hortons Close Vacancy
Clerk advised ERHA Steven Bland had issued 8 packs but as yet no formal applications returned. Clerk confirmed it had been advertised widely within the village and ERHA were due to use local publications. JB enquired if the shared equity percentage was fixed or negotiable. Clerk to enquire. Clerk Action

Chairman DB allowed TWBC LH to speak to the PC before continuing with the agenda.

TWBC LH advised she is the Chairman of the working group for the Local Development Framework who will be reviewing the core strategy again.
Localism Bill is now an Act with implications that decision making will be brought down to PC level particularly on housing. Although the number of houses within the TW Borough was reduced from 6,000 to under 5,000 on consultation residents want even fewer. Now new housing including Affordable Housing can be determined by the PC’s. There are no target numbers. PC’s should consult with their residents to identify the need then moderate by the constraints of your locality i.e. AONB. Look at exception sites; landowners willing to sell for AH are few, The new NPPF [National Planning Policy Framework] does suggest rural exception sites could accommodate market housing.
DB asked if there is a current proportional mix. TWBC LH confirmed TW Borough set a 65% market to 35% Affordable Homes at present.

TWBC SH advised the % divide may well change as the market is not moving. TWBC is considering a 75% market to 25% AH. Again the Localism Act allows PC’s to strengthen their intentions for the structure of our villages through Parish Plans.

Set housing targets not to see areas swamped. TWBC Brian Ransley Portfolio Holder recognises smaller development is preferable for villages.

DB outlined that BPC are proceeding with an AH scheme in Iden Green which is a continuation of an existing scheme. We have got identified exception sites. While the AONB exists we will continue to protect it. DB suggested that if the percentage change on the exception value is adopted landowners may prefer to sit on land with "hope" value. BPC is aware a Parish Plan / Neighbourhood Plan is vital to identify our needs but information and workshops are only now beginning to be offered. Who will fund this?
JB advised ACRK offer Community led Plans.
DB had been advised KALC would be offering more information in due course.
TWBC LH expects the NPPF to be fully operational in April 2012 and it does outline the protection of Green Belt / AONB areas.

DB thanked TWBC LH and TWBC SH for attending. DB resumed the full PC meeting.

109 Kent Highways
Highways Steward Temp Cover
Clerk advised James Pronger our area Highways Steward is unfortunately very unwell but KHS has provided temporary cover. Please continue to report any issues via Clerk.
Flooding – The Street & Recreation Ground
Clerk advised the heavy rains of Tues 3 Jan had caused extensive flooding to the cellar of the village shop. 2 pumping vehicles required. Drains are an ongoing cause for concern in this area. There do not appear to be drains to take flood water from directly outside the shop. Again flood water lay for 2 days outside Tudor Cottage and Three Wishes. Clerk continues to report to KHS. Monitor outside The Beauty Box.
Crossroads
Clerk advised KHS John Vigor had contacted BPC following the continuing deterioration of the crossroads. White lines would be refreshed but no glass reflective beads. Internal funding was being sought for full resurfacing of the crossroads not just filling the potholes. KHS Engineer Sue Le Porte confirmed this.

Clerk outlined the issues on the previously circulated Highways Report.

110 KALC Chairman’s Conference DB advised the KALC Chairman’s conference was an opportunity for good networking but not
all speakers were relevant to a Parish Council.

111 Benenden Primary School
GR advised the School Governors had not met since his last report. Nothing further to add.
RL enquired if there was any information on the progress with the planning application. GR advised none at present.

112 Public Toilets
Clerk advised the outside door to the Ladies Toilets requires repair as it is not shutting fully so does not automatically lock at night. PC resolved to repair as full replacement is not required at present. Clerk Action. PC Resolved

Chairman DB advised a meeting with the Public Toilets Working Group would be arranged.
Public Toilets WG
113 Youth Bus
GR advised the Youth Bus would not be returning to Benenden for the foreseeable future.
Certain areas have an identified need for the bus where youths have caused problems.
Staff resources stretched already.
Chairman DB expressed BPC disappointment. DB outlined how other local PC’s also valued the service and if funding the service was an issue perhaps PC’s could work together.

114 Annual Assembly 2012
Tuesday 1 May 2012
DB proposed that the Annual Assembly be on Tuesday 1 May 2012. There would not be a meeting on the 16th April and the PC Annual Meeting will be on 21st May. If a PC meeting was required in April, it would be arranged. PC agreed. PC Resolved
Speaker
DB asked PC if they had any suggestions for a speaker at the Annual Assembly. DB, PB & MK had watched a celebration of Benenden Hospital DVD which they thought would be a worthy subject for the AA. PC agreed to ask if Jane Abbott would be available to speak and show the DVD. PC Resolved

115 Parish Council Newsletter
DB thanked everyone for their articles, Maureen Lake for her editorial role and Clive Turner for his computer skills. The PC Newsletter will be available shortly and all Cllrs and Clerk agreed to distribute.

116 Planning Report [i] Planning Meeting Minutes 5 Jan 12
PC resolved to accept the minutes. Chairman DB signed the minutes of Planning Meeting
5 Jan 2012 as a true record. PC Resolved
[ii] TWBC Applications – PC Recommendations
RL outlined the previously circulated planning applications. Discussion followed.
PC resolved to recommend the following applications [attached] PC Resolved
[iii] TWBC Decisions Report
RL advised there were no TWBC Decisions to report.

RL thanked MK and JHem for their commitment to the Planning Rota this month.

L Stockton owner of White Cottage advised she had now met with Mr Anderson
owner of Brewers Shaw and Merlewood.

117 Financial Matters
[i]Monthly Finance Report
Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 7 Dec 2011
Income
CHQ Musters – Stephen Ginder 400.00
CHQ Georgetti – Edmund Gybbon 2.50
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk Dec 11 salary 100.00
TOTAL 502.50

Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
582 EDF Energy – 19 Aug – 30 Nov 11 public toilets 59.97
583 KALC – Finance Conference 19 Nov 11 JB 72.00
584 KALC – Chairman’s Conference 7 Jan 12 DB 72.00
585 Benenden Memorial Hall – PC Mtg 17 Oct & 12 Dec 11 18.00
586 Stationery Express – clean up, pc mtg copies; paper; ink 61.62
587 KCC KCS – 2nd 50% mowing The Green 2011 385.64
588 M Patrick – K6 telephone kiosk refurbishment 395.12
589 M English – public toilets clean Dec 11 186.00
590 IGPT – Hall hire 21 Nov 11 9.00
591 B Sullivan – Xmas gifts PM, DD, MW & AO 59.57
592 Ben Primary School – Living Land event May 11 [s137] 150.00
593 B Sullivan – Dec 11 683.20 post 4.92 cards 3. xmas ME 25. 716.12
594 Post Office – BS Tax/NI 1 Oct – 31 Dec 11 324.93
595 P Message – work on war memorial Jul – Dec 2011 132.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Jan 2012 18.99
TOTAL 2660.96

After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 and C/A held £21,673.08

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Dec 2011 Balance: £22,431.50
Uncleared cheques Total: -£758.42
Balance in D/A £21,673.08
PC resolved to accept monthly finance report prepared by the Clerk/RFO PC Resolved

[ii] Stephen Ginder & Edmund Gybbon 2011 Donation
DB asked BPC to consider where this year’s contribution should go. Clerk reminded BPC it must be for needy or elderly. BPC agreed to postpone to research in identifying individual people or groups. PC Action
[iii] CC Annual Return 2011
Clerk confirmed the Annual Return for both charities Ginder & Gybbon No: 238203 and Benenden Village Green No: 1015247 had been submitted to the Charity Commission.
PC Noted
118 Local Consultations
[i] KCC Household Waste Recycling Centre Service
Clerk thanked Cllrs who had completed and returned the survey. Clerk requested all surveys be returned by 30 Jan 2012 as response required by 9 Feb 2012 PC Action

119 Correspondence Report
[i] Clerk spoke on the previously circulated report 12/01 Monthly Report.
BPC noted the closure of the TWCAB Paddock Wood office. Cranbrook office and the mobile bus would continue to provide full services,
[ii] TWBC William Benson offer to visit PC [No 47]
Chairman DB advised TWBC William Benson would visit PC’s to outline the challenges that face TWBC or on local issues. BPC agreed a visit would be useful. Clerk Action
[iii] Neighbourhood Planning Workshop & KALC L+D
Clerk advised on courses being offered which have been circulated to all BPC.
Clerk intends to attend the free Neighbourhood Workshop in conjunction with ACRK and

DB & BS will attend the KALC Localism Conference on 28 Jan 2012.
Chairman DB asked BPC to contact the Clerk if they wished to attend any course. PC Action

Chairman DB asked for BPC thoughts with regard to purchasing an Oak Tree to mark the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. BPC agreed support. GR suggested placing the Oak in Iden Green when the AH scheme is built. JHem suggested a Yew for Iden Green.
PC Action
There being no further comments the meeting closed at 9.28pm

Chairman DB opened the meeting to the public

TWBC SH wanted to enforce the importance of the "housing element" in the Localism Act which will give PC’s more say. Cranbrook PC has sent a letter of intent to take over responsibility for parking from TWBC.

No further comments.

DB thanked everybody for attending. The meeting closed at 9.30pm

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 20th February 2012 at 8pm
The Pavilion, Iden Green

 

 

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST

Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 16th January 2012

224 Apologies
KCC RM, TWBC FR

225 Minutes The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on 12th December
2011 confirmed and signed by the Chairman. HT resolved to accept the minutes as a true record. HMT Resolved

226 Matters Arising
Meeting with 4Delivery Ltd / Southern Water Work
Chairman DB outlined the previously circulated draft compound requirements, if the HMT agreed to go ahead with the temporary leasing of part of the field. HMT would need to consider that the necessary works would go ahead with or without our involvement and we would have to expect some inconvenience no matter where a temporary site is found. Clerk confirmed BH would not be able to accommodate all 4Delivery’s requirements.
Discussion followed on obtaining a fair market monthly rent, continued concern of exact vehicle movements and spoil removal sizes, a condition of letting to include road re-instatement and gap in hedge closure, advise and involve The Woodcock Inn and draw up a contract through BTF Rural.
Clerk to arrange a further meeting with 4Delivery Ltd HMT Action

227 Benenden Village Hall
JC Chairman of BVHMC advised the proscenium around the stage had been completed by members of Benenden Players. Chairman DB agreed it gave a depth and finish to the stage.
228 St Georges Hall
St Georges Club Lease
Chairman DB advised the lease was signed and completed.
Clerk advised Whitehead Monkton fee was £1000 + vat and Standen Hodgson fee for rental valuation was £150 + vat. HMT resolved to accept the costs. HMT Resolved
Decorative Pillars Repair
JC advised he would remind Paul Freeman of Town & Country Property Services to forward a quote for necessary works.

229 Financial Matters
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 7 Dec 2011
Income
St Georges Dec 11 rent 158.33
IGTC Rent 2011 225.00
JKellett I/G Allotment Field rent 2011 87.50
BVH Dec 11 wages 537.80
TOTAL 1008.63
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva – Insurance Dec 11 390.34
165 KCC KCS 2nd 50% mowing Ben + I/G rec grd 341.45
166 M Kenward – mowing I/G garden + hedge cuts 1141.08
167 D Dalrymple – Sal Dec 11 328.86
168 Bourne Amenity – works to I/G + Ben play area + bark 798.00
SO Rate Account – BS clerk Dec 11 100.00
TOTAL 3099.73

After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 and C/A held £8,467.96

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Dec 2011 Balance: £10,319.54
Uncleared cheques Total: -£1,939.08
Uncleared credit Total: £87.50
Balance in D/A £8,467.96

HT A/C NO 2 Bank Statement 30 Sept 2011
Balance in No 2 A/C 1038.80

HMT resolved to accept the monthly finance report prepared by the Clerk. HMT Resolved

[ii] CC Annual Return 2011
Clerk confirmed the online CC Annual Return 10/11 for Harmsworth Memorial Trust Charity No: 302682 had been completed. HMT Accounts signed by Chair PB, Clerk and Tom Dawlings. BVHMC Accounts signed by Chairman JC, Treasurer Michael Patrick and Tom Dawlings. Clerk confirmed the Chairman’s Report and signed accounts would be forwarded to the Charity Commission immediately. HMT Noted

JB noted the payment of annual sinking fund of £317 and enquired why this was invested in
accumulation shares. JB asked for greater detail and advised the scheme could be reviewed and changed if necessary.
Chairman DB explained the requirement was to repay capital used when the village hall was built. Chairman DB would liaise with the Clerk to clarify. HMT Noted

230 Correspondence
JH advised David Anthony the tree surgeon who had originally quoted for works to the trees at Benenden Recreation Ground, was not obtainable despite several attempts to contact him.
Chairman DB proposed another tree surgeon be contacted to arrange for the agreed works to be implemented. HMT resolved. HMT Resolved

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.05pm

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 20 February 2011
At: The Pavilion, Iden Green
immediately after the Parish Council meeting

 

Copyright Tim Dwyer 2012 - timdwyer@benenden.org.uk