Parish Council Minutes for 7th March 2005Minutes of the ordinary meeting held in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh at 8.pm on Monday 7 March 05, under the chairmanship of Cllr J Knock. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs A McCarthy and G Marchant. Also Cllr Mrs A Cook and County Cllr P Lake. PRESENT Cllrs P Croft, A Johnston, C Stratton-Brown, M Pollard and R Sykes. IN ATTENDANCE Special Community PC G Eade, Mr Bramley, Mr Carey and Ms L Fettis, and the Clerk Mrs C Phillips. THE MINUTES of the meeting held on Monday 7 February 05, which had been previously circulated, were on the proposal of Cllr Stratton-Brown agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROM all matters covered in the agenda. CO-OPTION - CASUAL VACANCY The Clerk reported that no request for an election had been received by the SDC within the statutory time, however to date neither had any indications of interest from parishioners. The vacancy would be mentioned again in the Parish magazine. The Chairman closed the Council meeting and invited parishioners in attendance to speak in the OPEN SESSION Mr Bramley sought clarification over the letter which had been requested from the Planners at Sevenoaks. The Clerk informed him that apparently the officers were unable to look at the site due to the recent snow, a further detailed answer was awaited. Clarification was sought regarding the new developments by WKHA for the new houses in The Forstall and Meadowbank. It was understood that different contractors would be employed and a close watch would be kept on their work. Whilst the houses in Barnetts Road were now ready for occupation the road repairs and general making good was far from finished, however, WKHA were aware and this was being monitored. Mr Carey was concerned that the Parish Council appeared satisfied with the outcome of the new development, councillors indicated that this was far from the case, and they were seeking satisfactory answers from the SDC. There being no further matters for discussion the Council resumed the formal business with REPORTSWKHA Members were in receipt of the resume of the recent meeting held by WKHA to inform the parish about the new development at Meadowbank. Business cards had been received from Mrs Nye (WKHA) and P Read for any problems. It was agreed that a copy of this note should be sent to Mrs Nye for her information. Cllrs were invited to visit the new houses in Barnetts Road the following day to view the houses prior to their occupation. RHT A site map had been received from Mrs Thompson showing the proposed layout of the houses on the Hildenborough Road. The Clerk pointed out that the gate at the rear of the development would be for access by the landowner since the gate onto the Upper Kennard drive would be shut. The Clerk suggested that members should stagger their attendance at the Open Day on 17 March to enable as many parishioners as might attend to be able to talk to a councillor as well as to RHT staff, the Clerk would be opening and closing the hall and would try and be available during the day. Village Halls update A report of the meeting with the Licensing Officer regarding the implications of the Licensing Act 2003 for the halls and RBL Club had been circulated to members. There was no other matter to report. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERSTrees The Clerk reported that although she had yet to receive formal consent, this had been given verbally and a written notice was awaited however, Down to Earth would be undertaking the maintenance on April 6. Cllr Croft would be planting the replacement Horse Chestnut during the week. It was agreed that Peter King be asked to repair the tree guards. The possible replacement of the flowering cherry trees outside the hall was deferred until after the flowering period and for a decision by the VHMC as to the future use of the front area of the halls. Leigh Flood Barrier the Clerk had at last received the consultation document which should have been sent in 2004, whilst a considerable amount of the information has now been updated or deleted, Cllr Stratton-Brown agreed to read and compare with the previously received consultation document. The clerk had spoken to Richard Harris at the Environment Agency and arranged for a visit to the Leigh Barrier in April-May 05 for 12 people. It was reported that horses were again being ridden on the Green, the Clerk was asked to mention this in the magazine comment. Potholes are really bad at the top of Paul's Hill and around the Green. Clerk to write. A letter had been received concerning the driving over the grass area at the end of the east entrance to Hall Place by the church, the Clerk to enquire whether this is in fact a designated FP when action can be taken under that power, to write asking all householders and the vicar to mention this matter and to ask people not to continue. The Council had received a letter from Mrs Gower of Charcott complaining about the damage being done to the roads by tractors. PARISH PLAN Cllr Pollard reported that the grant from the Countryside Agency had been applied for a cheque in the sum of £783 20 was awaited. The plan had cost £166 everything else had been covered, by the original grant from the CA and the monies received from GSK. The Clerk was asked to write and formally thank Mr Avison, Mr Law and Mr Holland for all their work on the website (address wwwleighkent.org.uk). Members attention was drawn to their ongoing responsibilities under the plan. SPECIAL PC G.EADE reported that the Neighbourhood Watch caravan would be at the Penshurst Village Hall on 23 March between 2-8pm. PC Eade had had occasion to reprimand youngsters playing football against Jessica's Hall. A further warning was given about fly tipping, recently blatantly done in Bidborough Village. The car parking on the old print shop site was being dealt with. SEERA CONFERENCE Cllr Stratton-Brown reported on the meeting that he had attended, the matter is quite complex since there are three levels of such matters as house building, at any rate a large number are anticipated under the pan but could be as many as 900,000 in Kent by 2020. The Council will need to comment formally by April. CORRESPONDENCE All relevant correspondence had been circulated to Members. The item relating to a shoe recycling box was agreed at least for a period to gauge use. DOMESTIC RAILWAYS, 210 Bus and k5 Commuter bus. There was no further information on railway timetable changes. The 210 appeared to be working well. The K5 was suffering problems with a new driver, but it was hoped that these would be short lived. The Clerk was meeting with Jane Bridle, Tonbridge Station Manager to discuss ongoing problems. PLANNING The minutes of the Planning Committee of February 21 were with the addition of Cllr Sykes apologies agreed and signed as a correct record by the chairman, Cllr Stratton-Brown. The following application had been received for comment: SE/05/00072/FUL Unit 19 Gaza Trading Estate, Scabharbour Road, Hildenborough Change of use from storage building boxing training facility, with administrative offices for construction company. The Council had NO OBJECTIONS to this application subject to the usual neighbourliness caveat. The following decision had been received: SE/05/00148/LDCEX 15 Barnetts Road A grant of certificate of lawful existing use/development had been granted in respect of a conservatory. GRANTED SE/04/03014/LBC & SE/04/03015/FUL 2 Oak Cottages High Street single storey rear extension REFUSED SE/04/02666/FULEastwood Farm Scabharbour Road Hildenborough Demolition of existing garage and annex, construction of side extension to form garage and bedroom GRANTED The Clerk was in receipt of a number of copy letters of objection to the proposed development at Cornerways, Lealand Avenue. Theses were noted. FINANCIAL MATTERSUnder s137 grant aid the Council agreed a further £266 30 to the school, and under their recreational powers (s19 Local Gov.Misc Prov Act 1976) agreed a first grant to the Tennis Club of £1250, with further monies in the next financial year. The Parish Plan had excess funds from GSK which had their agreement to use for purposes within the Parish, the clerk to clarify the position with the District Audit and KAPC. The Clerk left the room whilst her salary for the forthcoming year was discussed. It was agreed that the gross salary to be paid be increased to £320. The Clerk thanked members for their continuing support. The following accounts were presented for payment:
It was agreed on the resolution of Cllr Stratton-Brown that cheques be drawn and signed for payment in the amount of £2,967.52. MATTERS FOR THE CLERK'S FURTHER ATTENTION Glaxosmithkline Clerk to arrange meeting with Mr Holding's successor to discuss use of Footpath for recreational purposes. Salt Bin Charcott Clerk to clarify salt bin situation with KCC highways Penshurst Road verge Clerk to seek recompense from SE Water for lost bulbs in verge. There being no further matters for discussion the meeting closed at 10.15pm Signed................................... Chairman Date......................................
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