Parish Council Minutes for 1st August 2005Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on the 1 August in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh under the chairmanship of Cllr Stratton-Brown, commencing at 8pm. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs P Croft, M Pollard, A McCarthy, District Cllr Mrs A Cook and Special Parish PC G Eade. PRESENT Cllrs A Johnston, G Marchant, J Knock, Mrs H Powell and R Sykes. IN ATTENDANCE The Clerk Mrs C Phillips. THE MINUTES of the meeting held on Monday 4 July 05,which had been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROMStorage of Archive material Clerk to discuss further with Mr Rice and Mr Rowley as there appeared some confusion as to whether the Hall Place storage facility was still available. Meeting with Station Manager still outstanding Clerk to try and visit on her trips to Tonbridge as Email is not being delivered. The Chairman asked that we suggest a card payment machine for tickets at Hildenborough, as there is considerable delay for those purchasing tickets. Village of the Year Cllr Knock reported that he had been advised that Eastry had been declared overall winner, but other prize-winners would be announced on September 8 when he and Cllr Johnston would attend. Potholes The majority of those previously reported had been repaired however there were some still causing concern. Clerk to write. Water pressure Ensfield Road Cllr Johnston reported that the pressure was better currently. A response was awaited from SE Water. War Memorial inscriptions a response was awaited from Mr Newton. Youth Zone The SDC had recently visited and whilst some 37 youngsters had enjoyed the day, it had unfortunately clashed with the church fun week in the vicarage. Clerk to try and ensure that this clash is avoided next year, and investigate the possibility of other visits during the summer holidays. REPORTSCllr Mrs A Cook In Mrs Cook's absence the Clerk read her report.Youth Forum After the last meeting which had been disappointing, the future of the forum was in the balance. Cllr Mrs Powell agreed to speak to Mr Bennie about his likely future involvement. West Kent Housing - update The Clerk had received a letter from Mr Maughan about the promised trellis to his rear fence which had to date not been erected. WKHA had assured her that this was in the list of snagging items to be attended to prior to the completion of the contract. The entrance to Barnetts Road had been completed, No13 had been removed and the area improved. It was felt that there was now room for an enhanced turning circle, Clerk to write to WKHA. Cllr Marchant reported a problem with rats. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Chief Executive, Mr Hales about the non-response to the previous questions addressed to Mrs Morgan. Clerk to provide the chairman with the various plans for his information. The two properties in the Forstall are nearing completion and to date nothing but praise has been voiced. The foundations work at Wyndham Avenue/Meadowbank had struck a problem, but the foundations were re-designed and piles driven into the ground, so that work was now progressing. Village Halls -update Cllr Johnston reported that the specifications for the new toilets had been received from the architect and this had gone out to tender. The premises licenses had been obtained. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERSThe Vicar had asked the Clerk if the ditch alongside his property could be cleared as problems occur during periods of heavy rain. Cllr Marchant agreed to investigate. The Clerk was asked to report the ongoing problems with flash flooding in the Green Lane and for the road drain covers to be cleaned so that water can disperse in the road drains. The provision of dropped kerbs in the Village had not been progressed, Clerk to clarify whether the Highways Authority has a duty to provide under the Disability legislation and to chase. It was agreed to ask Cllr Croft to attend to the re-strapping of the Yew trees behind the Pump House. FP 416 across the old aerodrome at Charcott was scheduled for its second cut. Complaints had been received regarding the positioning of the flood lights on the tennis courts, as they were in the line of sight from the kitchen window of the adjacent bungalow. The Chairman agreed to follow this matter up. Cllr Knock reported that in line with his Parish Plan responsibilities, he had raised the question of use of school computers as a community resource at the recent School Governors. Whilst they are broadly in favour, currently the computers are spread throughout the school so that this use would be impractical. Noted. Footpaths FP 414 Birdcage Walk where it crosses the Bid Book is now obstructed by barbed wire at face level. Clerk to report. Also to check the condition of FP431 at the Powder Mill Lane end. The Clerk had now obtained the graffiti kit from the SDC. Noticeboards It was agreed that the community grant offered by County Cllr Lake should be used for new noticeboards, including the one to the front of the Village Halls which Mr Brooker is willing to make. LISNSubsequent to the previous meeting the Clerk had spoken to both Mr Hemming and to the relevant Police officer. The contact number for Mr Hemming held by the police was incorrect, but the Clerk was given an undertaking that contact would be made and it was agreed that she should liase with Mr Hemming.
CORRESPONDENCEAll relevant correspondence had been circulated, the Clerk had received letters from Mr Rowley, relating to the parking of two Manor Hire vehicle opposite the War Memorial. It was agreed to write asking that these be returned to the depot or if this was not possible, due to planning restrictions, that they should be parked on the straight piece of road under the bypass. Cllr Marchant informed Members that if these were parked on the highway, then legally they should have parking lights on during the hours of darkness. Clerk to write. Secondly, the vexed question of dog fouling on the Green, which had been addressed in last months magazine. All other correspondence had been noted. RAILWAYS-domestic matters /Bus 210/ Commuter bus K5Apart from some offensive graffiti on the station there was nothing further to report. CENTRAL RAILWAYSIn the absence of Cllr McCarthy there was no report. PLANNINGThe following applications had been received for discussion and comment to SDC: SE/05/01842/LBCALT Old Kennards, Hildenborough Road. Leigh Demolition of larder and outbuilding, construction of new porch. There were NO OBJECTIONS to this proposal. SE/05/01787/FUL 2 The Boffins, Knotley Hall, Chiddingstone Causeway. Loft conversion There was objection to the installation of dormers. It was understood that when these buildings had originally been converted their development rights had been removed. SE/0501622/FUL Cornerways, Lealands Avenue.Leigh Application for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 2x 5 bed houses (minor amendments to the proposal currently the sybject of Appeal ) & SE/05/01824/FUL Cornerways demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3x 4 bed houses. It was agreed to reiterate the previous objections adding the height of the proposal and the lack of provision of emergency vehicular access, It was agreed that in view of previous problems relating to the height of proposed dwellings a detailed map showing contours should be sought. The following decision notices were read and advice was received that the siting of caravan on Old Print Works, Lower Green, would be investigated. SE/05/01363/FUL Bradbourne Lower Green, Loft conversion with rear dormer GRANTED SE/05/01796/DETAIL Land south of 14 The Forstall details of materials GRANTED SE/05/01450 Storeroom extension to Jessica's Hall GRANTED SE/05/01179/FUL 4 Powder Mills construction of 2 storey rear extension with pitched roof to form 1 box room, master bedroom on 1st floor and extension to existing kitchen and lounge REFUSED FINANCIAL MATTERSIt was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Batchelor for his work as external Auditor along with a bottle of whisky. The Auditors report had been received, there were no matters of concern and the accounts had been signed off. The following accounts were presented for payment:
It was proposed by Cllr Marchant seconded by Cllr Johnston " that the bills be paid" Agreed. MATTERS FOR THE CLERK'S FURTHER ATTENTIONThe Clerk was asked what the situation was regarding the purchase of a laptop for Mr Bennie. The Clerk replied that nothing further had been heard but Mr Bennie had previously been advised that if the Church agreed to provide such a computer the Council would consider a contribution. Cllr Knock asked about the Rugby Club and what was happening? Nothing further to date was known, Clerk to chase. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9 50pm. Signed..................................... Chairman Date........................................
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