Present: Cllrs Bailey, Beattie, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hemsley, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds, TWBC SH, KCC RM, some 30 parishioners & Clerk

18 Apologies
TWBC FR

19 Declarations of Interest
Cllr GR declared a personal interest in KCC/TW/0151/2012 as he is a Benenden Primary School governor.
Chairman DB declared a prejudicial interest in KCC/TW/0151/2012 as she is a tenant of a KCC leased building linked to Benenden Primary School.

20 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2012 PC resolved to accept the minutes. Chairman DB signed the confirmed minutes as a true record. PC Resolved

21 Matters Arising
Subs & Donations S137 & S143 – SLCC
Chairman DB asked PC to consider subscription to SLCC for the Clerk. Clerk outlined the benefits of being a member of this body. PC Resolved
KALC Clerks Conference 25 May 12
Clerk confirmed the course had been informative and outlined the subjects covered.
[Report attached] PC Noted

Chairman DB advised agenda item 12 Planning Report would be the next item discussed.
Chairman DB left the building and Vice-Chairman MK took the chair.

22 Planning Report
Minutes of the Planning Meeting held 7 June 2012
PC resolved to accept the planning minutes. Chairman MK signed the confirmed minutes as
a true record. PC Resolved
Notes on Public Meeting on KCC/TW/0151/2012
PC resolved to accept the notes of the public meeting. Chairman MK signed the notes as a
true record. PC Resolved
TWBC Application KCC/TW/0151/2012 – PC Recommendation
Chairman MK thanked everyone for attending and for sending in responses, in fact many were still coming in. Note that PC does not have the power to determine applications. PC is consulted for their opinion and whatever we decide this evening will not please everyone, we are between a rock and a hard place, but we represent the whole parish and all views will be taken on board.
JB enquired if the public would get an opportunity to speak on this item and, if members read all the responses.
Chairman MK confirmed approx 74 emails, 8 letters and 9 comments from meeting received.
Clerk confirmed all individual responses had been forwarded to PC up until today when the majority of emails began arriving. Clerk had advised PC of numbers in support and would forward individual emails after the meeting.
Chairman MK advised the public meeting held on 8 June 2012 gave residents an opportunity to speak and all members of the PC attended to hear the views. The public speaking section will be after the PC recommendation is taken.
Chairman MK asked PC for a show of hands if they wished to see a new school in Benenden.
PC voted unanimously that a new school was needed.
Chairman MK then asked each member for their comments:
JC – I would like to see a new school in the village. The site KCC have chosen is in the AONB where the countryside comes right into the village. The design is great, very elaborate, can we afford it? Lighting concern, I have looked at Sissinghurst Primary which has bright lights and horrible gates – will we have the same? I do not agree with the entrance, a serious accident could happen. Car Park, a large tarmaced area could increase surface water lying in road, which PC has tried for years to resolve. Overspill cars will park in Pullington Cottages, Leybourne Dell and BVH car park.
JB – AONB is already taken into account. Much of that is not material to the plan before us. As HMT, we had a meeting to agree the car park and access. Kent Highways have not confirmed their view. PC could approve to traffic calming and approach KCC.
JHgn – My view is quick. We need a new school. The plan is quite special but not the right site.
RL – Many letters / emails are just repeated. The application is contrary to the AONB. The proposed site is not an exception site. The entrance to the site is on a busy road with a dangerous bend. Traffic will drive through the whole street. Possible flooding and light pollution. My concern is building on this contentious site while there are at least two other more appropriate sites in the village is not following the evidence of the majority of the poll.
JB – KCC have advised the poll is not relevant to this application
PB – Poll is mentioned in the Planning application and therefore can be discussed.
MK – PC need the parishioners to know how we feel.
JHem – I have no problem with the plan in front of me my only concern with the application is the entrance, that can be solved.
MK – It does look a wonderful building and offers everything that the old school lacks. However it is in totally the wrong place. A building of that size with all attendant traffic, fencing, and lighting should never be placed on the highest, most visible, beautiful approach to the village but hidden from view so it is not seen from the road. An alternative site was available. If the Localism Act had been in force the poll would have been praised. My concern is traffic speeds. Transport report identifies cars parked around the village will increase by 17%.
JB – who determined the poll?
MK – TWBC organised the poll.
JB – What would make it an acceptable application to you?
MK – put the school on another site.
GR – There are many more positive comments than negative. We must consider the full ramifications for future generations. Concerns: Traffic / Speeding – this may well provide a perfect solution to slowing traffic on the B2086. We may see traffic reduction when new traffic measures in place. Lighting – should all be low level. Farming – I have farmed land at Benenden School with no problems. Arable spraying can be carried out early am or late pm.
Some letters state the school should not be built in the AONB. Wherever it is built in the parish will be in the AONB. The plan ensures HMT is protected. It is a great site educationally allowing children access to the countryside around them. It is easily accessible from all areas of the village including Iden Green. Some members of the PC do not feel involved. I believe we should thank David Harmsworth and team for their dedication and unfailing commitment. I urge you to think hard this could jeopardise a new school forever.
PB – I share many concerns already expressed. There are problems with the car park. 2 points to make: 1. at the public meeting the size of the building & costs associated with it were queried. Response a "bog" standard school would not be suitable to Benenden. Parish would not accept. If you build in the AONB, particularly a prominent position, the development should enhance the AONB and be of Architectural merit, hence the fine architecture design. The site dictates the costs.
2. Again at the public meeting "What influence does the PC have on the decision making process?" None. Under normal circumstances the views of the PC are taken into account by the local planning authority and importantly the decision is made by an independent body with no connections to the applicant. In this case, in my opinion, the whole process has been biased between BCEP governors and KCC and all other views dismissed or ignored. Plans drawn up by KCC & BCEP governors, KCC has submitted the application and KCC will determine it. An independent enquiry is required.
JB – I fully support the proposal but have concerns about the entrance but rely on Kent Highways to sort it out. Think of the effect on the whole village, socially & economically of new school. How can the PC justify the last 4 ½ years of not being involved when time and time again, when people have tried to raise the issue we heard "PC will not comment on this until the application is in"? The impact on this village by not having a new school will be disastrous.
PB – After an exhibition which showed 98% support without the alternative site displayed, a whole set of plans were produced for the alternative site. PC always agreed they would access the impact on the village once the application was received.

Chairman MK thanked the cllrs for their comments and asked for a show of hands for planning application KCC/TW/0151/2012
FOR – 3 JB, GR, JHem
AGAINST – 5 PB, JC, JHag, MK, RL PC Recommend – REFUSAL

DB returned to the meeting. Chairman DB adjourned the meeting for comments from the public.

CS – I am so disappointed. I thought the village had expressed their views. How can we walk away knowing your views do not represent us.
GS – We vote for our cllrs. People outside the parish have no right to influence decisions.
CS – Did you not meet to discuss? How can PC know village opinion?
KG – I have studied the plan. Large vehicles may not be able to turn around on site. "sweep" analysis for lorries required. Risk of slope failure.
MF – Yet again a great deal has been made of the Parish Poll
KCC RM – I am a member of KCC Planning Applications Committee. I will have to decide whether I can properly take part in KCC discussion. I have tried to get the village talking again, bring opposing sides together. My main focus is a school for Benenden. KCC are an Education Authority. We have to continue to develop throughout Kent. The PC could clearly see it is an airy, light site, the best site it should be possible to address traffic & parking problems. If the PC sees that a school on the ridge is a carbuncle then equally I must endeavour to mitigate. Equally I have responsibility. If there was an incident under H&S that caused the school to close then it may stay closed. KCC could relocate children in 5 neighbouring schools within 3 mile radius. KCC would save £1 million a year in running costs and £2-3 million capital expenditure. The village is split. The Planning Committee could make an advisory following the email and letter responses. We could be saying goodbye to a new school.
PB – KCC totally ignored the PC from the beginning.
KCC RM – I convened a meeting at County Hall with members of BCEP Governors and BPC and then purposely stood back.
PB – The Parish Poll showed a clear majority but was totally dismissed.
DH – I am bitterly disappointed with the decision taken by our PC and the standard of discussion. We were told as BCEP Governors it was our responsibility to find a site and work with KCC. We had to do this on educational grounds.
JC – There were 12 sites and the PC looked at every site.
GM – We are very lucky to have the community we have. The energy and input of residents is great. A new school is the key to the continuation of a thriving village. You all voted in favour of a new school. 30 years ago the impact of a controversial new building, BVH, must have created mixed feelings. That impact has now lessened. So will a new school. I have never seen such behaviour at any meeting I have ever attended and BPC cannot go forward with this sort of behaviour.
PD – I was a member of TWBC Planning Process. Feedback results must be passed on. Perhaps a deadline should have been given. TWBC is 4pm on the day of the meeting.
Clerk confirmed she would collate figures and circulate but emphasised the majority of emails had arrived today and were probably still being sent.
RDH – As a governor when Ofsted inspected in 2003 and advised 20% of a school day is lost at Benenden in walking from site to site, it was imperative a new school be built. Governors visited other schools and learnt from their mistakes. An architecturally distinguished design agreed with only 2 sites large enough to take the new school. TWBC could not decide between them and therefore KCC took the decision on the site.

Chairman DB thanked everybody for their comments and advised the meeting would return to the agenda order. Clerk asked for copies of all Cllrs comments.

23 Benenden Primary School
GR reported he had not attended any meetings this month. He reported on the
fantastic support over the Jubilee Weekend.

24 Benenden Jubilee Celebrations
Chairman DB outlined what a tremendous success the Jubilee weekend had been with the weather being the only disappointing factor. Thanks to all cllrs and clerk who helped but particularly GR for everything he was involved with. RL requested the PC formally write to Peter Ellis, Ruth Clark and Barry Nash. PC Action

25 KALC Area Meeting
Chairman DB reported on the recent KALC Area meeting. AGM 7 Nov 12 agenda items required.

26 TW Area Chairman Meeting
Chairman DB reported on a presentation by the ambulance service. Community Responders initiative, train up teams of people who are initial emergency contact. Defiblerators provided. Chairman DB asked if any PC member would be willing to train. JB and JHgn confirmed support PC Action

Kent Police – new policing structure. Figures show loss of 500 PCs but 77 on duty when
there were only 44 before. TW Borough has 14 crimes a day compared to 60 in Medway. Target is a reduction of 1% to 12 crimes a day. TWD Neighbourhood Teams work all hours.
New appt call system. Police call victim when they will visit.
GR confirmed they respond immediately to calls, an excellent service provided.
Olympic Jubilee Torch will go through TW on 17 July 2012.
TWITA – shocking traffic figures for TW area.

27 Training & Development
[i] KALC Dynamic Councillor Course 27th June 2012 Goudhurst – No attendees
[ii] TWBC Planning Training Weds 25th July 5.30pm – JHem, BS to attend
[iii] Code of Conduct & Localism Act
Chairman DB noted that Council had received, for consultation, two draft versions of The Code of Conduct under the Localism Act 2011, s27(2). Firstly the Kent Code of Conduct for Members from TWBC Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer and secondly the NALC Legal Briefing L08-12 NALC’s Template Code of Conduct for Parish Councils. PC agreed more time needed to consider the two drafts and that the matter should be considered by Council at the next meeting on 16 July 2012. PC Noted
[iv] Clerk advised KALC were offering Community & Resilience Training 3rd July at Boughton under Blean 6.30pm – No attendees

28 National Consultation
Leiston-cum-Sizewell Planning Applications [Appeals by TC & PC] Bill
Clerk confirmed letters had been sent to the identified MPs PC Noted

29 Local Consultations
KCC Mineral & Waste invitation to view draft consultation workshops
Clerk previously circulated details of workshops. None in TW Area. PC Noted

KCC Freight Action Plan 2012-16
Clerk advised the PC had been invited to participate. Consultation runs 28 May – 23 Jul 2012. Questionnaire and Briefing emailed. Please forward comments to clerk by 16 July
to collate and send response. PC Action
KALC – DCLG Consultation: Funding Arrangements
Clerk advised KALC had drafted a response to DCLG. Clerk asked for any responses by
28 June to forward to KALC. PC Noted

30 Planning Report [i] TWBC Applications – PC Recommendations [attached]
RL outlined the applications received from TWBC
TW/12/01565 – 7 Fuggles Court loss of light issue REFUSAL
TW/12/01577 – Beacon Hall House no overlooking, re use of timber APPROVAL
TW/12/01597 – Crit Hall good quality building APPROVAL
TW/12/01598 – Crit Hall LBC for replacement conservatory APPROVAL
TW/12/01595 – Moat Bungalow demolition & replace Extn of Time Granted
PC Resolved
[ii] TWBC Decisions Report [attached]
RL advised recent TWBC decisions previously circulated.

RL advised an appeal against TW/11/01647/FUL/CP3 refusal, at White Gates, Hole Park,
Rolvenden for change of use of a redundant farm building to holiday accommodation, had been
dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. PC Noted

31 Financial Report
[i] Monthly Finance Report
Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 15 May 2012
Income
TWBC Celebration Grant 1095.00
TWBC Festive Light Grant 11/12 85.00
HMT SO – Clerk May 12 salary 100.00
BPC Sale of Jubilee Mugs & History Books 955.00
TOTAL 2235.00
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
625 Help the Heroes – S137 don 11/12 200.00
626 James Dean Pottery – 300 customised mugs 1476.00
627 Stationery Express – ink, copying b/w + colour 57.42
628 B Sullivan – May 12 salary 836.81, cds 4.99, flowers 25.00 866.80
629 M English – Public Toilets Clean May 2012 186.00
630 BVHMC – 50% TWBC Light Grant 11/12 42.50
631 IGPT – 50% TWBC Light Grant 11/12 42.50
632 Southern Water – Public Toilets wastewater 140.55
633 Splash Ltd – 200 book reprint + file preparation 1038.47
634 KCPFA – S140 Subs 12/13 20.00
635 CPRE – S140 Subs 12/13 35.00
636 KALC – S140 Subs 12/13 660.18
637 ACRK – BPC + BVHMC S140 Subs 12/13 65.00
638 Communicorp – Clerk & Council S140 12/13 12.00
639 Kent Air Ambulance – S137 don 12/13 210.00
640 KAB – S137 don 12/13 75.00
641 Hospice in Weald – S137 don 12/13 260.00
642 HCH LOF 0 S137 don 12/13 360.00
643 TW&D CAB – S137 don 12/13 360.00
644 Benenden PCC – S137 don 12/13 75.00
645 cancelled - - -
646 Angley School Farm – S137 don 12/13 190.00
647 TW&D Samaritans – S137 don 12/13 210.00
648 EDF Energy – Public Toilets 44.07
649 P Message – flowers for war memorial, fertilizer, petrol 74.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Jun 2012 18.99
TOTAL 6719.48
After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 + C/A held £23251.19

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2012 Balance: £29032.17
Uncleared cheques Total: -£6719.48
Uncleared cheque 10/11: RBL chq no: 101457 write off end 12/13 -£16.50
Uncleared credits Total: £955.00
Balance in C/A £23251.19

PC resolved to accept the monthly report prepared by the Clerk/RFO PC Resolved

[ii] Chairman’s Allowance S15
Chairman DB proposed that the Chairman’s allowance be used for Cllr inks and paper again this year. Budget of £400. Please advise clerk of any ink changes. PC Resolved
[iii] S137 Donation Request – Benenden Newts Swim Club
Chairman DB asked for views on the previously circulated letter. PB & GR had previously been members. JB requested PC look at the accounts. PC resolved to obtain more information before considering the request. Clerk to write. Clerk Action

32 Correspondence Report
[i] 05/06 Monthly Report
Clerk spoke on the previously circulated report
[ii] Free Onshore Wind Seminar – Thurs 5 July East Sussex
Clerk reminded cllrs TWBC FR had forwarded details of this seminar.

Chairman DB advised a land valuation for AH development at Iden Green was arranged for Thurs 21st June. Chairman DB read out an email received from ERHA
advising the landowner of land behind St Georges Place would like the PC to reconsider this site for possible AH development. GR would like to visit the site again. Clerk circulated TW identified possible sites in Benenden. Chairman DB advised the matter would be an agenda item next month.

There being no further business Chairman DB closed the meeting at 10.15pm

DB opened the meeting to members of the public.

Jo Bird – A community response officer from rapid response team in Cranbrook
attended somebody who had been involved in an accident outside her property. Excellent initiative and thanked the PC for taking it forward.

No further comments. The meeting closed at 10.16pm

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 16th July 2012
At: Memorial Hall, The Green, Benenden

 

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST

The Ordinary Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on
Monday 18th June 2012 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden

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

253 Apologies
None

254 Minutes
The minutes of the annual meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on 21st May 2012 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman DB. HMT resolved to accept the minutes as a true record. HMT Resolved

255 Matters Arising
None

256 Benenden Village Hall
BVHMC Chairman advised HMT of the sad news that David Dalrymple’s wife, Noreen, had passed away. Funeral is on 29thJune at 11am. No flowers but donations can be made to Hospice in the Weald. HMT agreed to make a donation of £25.
HMT Noted
257 Monthly Finance Report
Clerk reported on inc/exp on Harmsworth Memorial Trust’s behalf since 15 May 2012
Income
St Georges May 12 rent 158.33
PreSchool Spring Term 12 570.00
BVH May 12 wages 537.80
COIF 1st quarter Dividend 2595.64
TOTAL 3861.77
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva – Insurance May 12 389.36
184 D Dalrymple – Sal May 12 460.80
185 SouthernWater waste water Pre School + St Georges Flat 69.93
SO Rate Account – BS clerk May 12 100.00 TOTAL 1020.09
After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 + C/A held £14860.60

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2012 Balance: £15391.33
Uncleared cheques Total: -£530.73
Balance in C/A £14860.60

HT A/C NO 2 Bank Statement 31 Mar 2012 £1039.29

HT resolved to accept the monthly report prepared by the Clerk/RFO HT Resolved

258 Correspondence
Clerk had nothing further to report on St Georges Cottage smelly water problem and would wait until approached by DD to discuss.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.22pm
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 16 July 2012
At: Memorial Hall, Benenden
Immediately after the Parish Council meeting