Parish Council Minutes for 5th September 2005Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Monday 5 September 05, in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh commencing at 8pm, under the chairmanship of Cllr C Stratton-Brown. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs G.Marchant, R Sykes and Special community PC G Eade. PRESENT Cllrs P Croft, A.Johnston, J.Knock, A McCarthy, Mrs H Powell, M.Pollard. IN ATTENDANCE District Cllr Mrs A Cook, Mr A Hemming and the Clerk Mrs Phillips. Prior to the commencement of the meeting Cllr Johnston was thanked for the decorating of the Small Hall, which he had undertaken single-handed. THE MINUTES of the meeting held on August 1 2005, which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROMBarnetts Road No response had yet been received from the SDC Chief Executive, the Clerk was asked to write again. Yew Trees Pump House, High Street the trimming of these was in hand Tennis Court lighting the previous comments regarding the intrusive nature of the proposed lighting, were those of a perceived problem, since the lighting is not yet installed, but hopefully will now be resolved. Manor Hire vehicles The clerk had written to Manor Hire suggesting that a more appropriate parking place for their vehicles over night (when return to their site is prohibited by planning condition) would be on the straight road just by Little Barnetts Farm under the by-pass bridge, rather than by the Village Green, this suggestion appears to have been accepted. REPORTSYouth Forum Cllr Mrs Powell reported that Mr Bennie intended to hold a follow-up meeting on Saturday morning in late September or October, and hoped that there would be more adult support to establish the forum. Cllr Mrs Powell agreed to continue to monitor. Cllr Mrs A Cook reported that there were 2 licensing applications which were causing concern and complaint, one was the Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone Causeway, where application had been made for an outdoor license for six family days finishing at 9pm. At the Greyhound in Charcott, details of which Cllr Mrs Cook had yet to see, Clerk to furnish letters, problems related to noise and nuisance to immediate neighbours who live cheek by jowl with the pub. The problem with both is the setting of precedence. Cllr Knock expressed his concerns and speaking from personal experience with the VH applications, knew that the application form to be very complex. After some discussion it was agreed that the clerk should write to the licensing officer, and ask that the Greyhound application go to committee, copying to Sir John Stanley MP and Cllr Mrs Cook. The Chairman suggested that a letter of general complaint regarding the legislation and asking that any review include more input from Parish Councils go to DEFRA. Cllr Mrs Cook continued her report, informing members of planning problems in The Forstall, where apparently the new houses have been built over the gas main. Cllr Mrs Cook also expressed concerns over the Oak tree which had been previously damaged. Also Woodend, Green View Avenue, where obscure glazing cannot be enforced in the bathroom window, due to a lack of condition in the planning consent. Noted. Cllr Mrs Cook was thanked for her report and left the meeting. Speed WatchCllr Pollard reported on the recent meeting held at the Police Training College at Maidstone, to re-launch speedwatch, which previously had been operating on a rather ad hoc basis, district by district. Speed gun use was suspended after Somerset Police were taken to court, because the use of the guns required a telecom licence. Training will be given to volunteers. The portable speed indicator devices have computer software which generates information on which the police act. Cllr Pollard informed members that whilst this equipment is expensive est.£3k, it could be purchased by Councils acting as a cluster, Leigh, Chiddingstone and Penshurst for example, further the Council has £2k donated for the Parish Plan initiative by GSK. After discussion it was agreed in principle that the Council would proceed with the intention of trying a cluster with Chiddingstone and Penshurst PCs, (Clerk to write seeking their views). Clerk to liase with PC Vaughan and Cllr Pollard. The thanks of the council were expressed to Cllr Pollard.The Chairman closed the formal session of the Council and Council went into OPEN SESSION Mr Hemming was present and was asked to update the Council on his LISN scheme, there had been no further contact from the Police, and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact Chief Supt Price again, with a copy to the Chief Constable of Kent. Mr Hemming felt that the Village should go ahead with a modified version with or without the blessing of the police. He also had information that it might be possible to attract EU Leader+ funding and was prepared to redesign and present to the next meeting of the Council. It was felt that the upgraded Emergency Committee and Neighbourhood Watch could also be incorporated. There being no further matters to discuss, the Open Session was closed and Council went back into formal session with: W.K Housing Cllr Knock had concerns over possible flooding in the new development it was agreed that Cllrs Knock, Croft, and Stratton-Brown would visit the site. Rural HousingThe RHT has been asked to undertake a speed survey, which will then be included as a part of their application for planning consent. It was reported that slow worm traps had been placed on the land.Village Halls updateCllr Johnston reported that the responses to the tenders which had been sent out were awaited. Fundraising continues. In answer to a question Cllr Johnston reported that the VH management committee had sufficient funds to carry out phase 1.
ENVIROMENTAL MATTERSThe Clerk reported that two tree felling applications had been received and dealt with by Cllr Croft in the intervening period between meetings. Cllr Croft reported that there were NO OBJECTIONS to either application, the first at Pump Cottage was to remove two birch trees, one of which is immediately adjacent to the new extension and the other abutting the old wall, both had been previously seen by the SDC arboricultural officer who had had no problems with their removal. They will be replaced with smaller ornamental varieties. The second was at South Lodge, 46 Well Close with the removal of a silver birch which currently grows where an extension will be built and the second is a cherry which will be relocated away from the proposed extension to a more suitable site. Noted, with thanks to Cllr Croft. It was agreed to investigate the practicality of a pavement extension around the corner of the Fleur de Lis into Lower Green. The Clerk thought that Highways had previously dismissed this idea as the remaining carriageway would be too narrow. Noted. FP 432 Green View Avenue this had been reported as being blocked, the Clerk had approached Mr Bastable, the farmer who had experienced problems with stock being let out, but who had given an undertaking that this would be resolved in the near future. The Kent Rights of Way officer was also aware. The Clerk was asked to try and find out who owned the land immediately at the end of Green View Avenue. The water hydrant on the green appears still to be leaking Clerk to approach SE Water. The Clerk was asked to check the status of the Chestnut tree outside the Chestnuts. PARISH PLAN2.1 The Clerk was asked to approach the Station Manager about the possibility of CCTV and an information board similar to that at Penshurst station. 2.2 Clerk to chase the completion of the lights through the railway tunnel in Lower Green. 2.3 There will be no change in service until the change of operator. 2.4 Charges are an operational decision 4.11 Computers in school this had been dealt with in the August minutes 4.18 Clerk to chase Mr Nounan at recycling. RUGBY ON THE GREENThe Chairman reported on the recent meeting between himself, Mr Linstread, Mr Aldiss and the Clerk. The present schedule for using the Green are for 8 home fixtures and 12 training sessions. The club is very keen to promote the playing of rugby on the Green and are prepared to make sizeable financial contributions, both to the other clubs who currently use the Green and towards any repairs necessary to accommodate the differing styles of play. Cllr Knock reported on his previous meeting with Mr Kidd from Landscape Services, whose opinion was that the playing of Rugby, Cricket and football was incompatible. The clerk had obtained an estimate of the likely renovation costs. It was agreed that whilst the matter is being resolved the Clerk should write to the rugby club enclosing the estimate from Landscape services and agreeing to the playing of the first home match on 24 September. CORRESPONDENCEA letter seeking help with housing had been received from Mrs Fagg, to which the Clerk had initially responded. She was asked to write again confirming the previously made suggestions. The clerk was asked to ensure all land owned by the Council be registered at the Land Registry along with several other un-owned areas. The District Council is intending to extend the present Conservation Area, it was agreed that all councillors should receive a copy prior to detailed comment. PLANNINGThe following applications had been received for comment: SE/05/02021/FUL Pump Cottage, High Street. Leigh replacement porch. This was the same as the previously received LBC plan and there were NO OBJECTIONS to the application. SE/05/01989/FUL Old Kennards, Hildenborough Road demolition of existing outbuildings and replacement porch, again the LBC application had been previously received and commented upon. There were NO OBJECTIONS to the proposal. SE/05/01786/FUL Burstock, Penshurst Road. Replacement single storey rear extension and new pitch roof on garage. Subject to there being no objections from the neighbouring properties the Council would respond NO OBJECTION SE/05/02051/TELNOT Wooden telephone pole opposite 2 Fleur-de-Lis Cottages High Street. Grave concerns were voiced about installation of an obstruction on what is a narrow pavement, it was agreed to recommend the re-siting to replace the current pole in the front garden of 2 Fleur-de-Lis Cottages. The following decision were received: SE/05/01576/FUL Timbalyghe, Penshurst Road, Two storey side extension GRANTED SE/05/01622/FUL & SE/05/01824/FUL Cornerways, Lealands Avenue Demolition of existing property and erection of 2 detached properties with integral garages. Demolition of existing property and erection of 3no 4 bed houses with integral garages REFUSED APPROVAL OF DETAILS: SE/05/01100/DETAIL land west of 6 Wyndham Avenue condition2, 5, 7,8,11 and 16 of SE/04/01672/FUL APPROVED also SE/05/00641/DETAIL Land south of 14 The Forstall conditions 2, 4,5,7,8,13 and 14 of SE/04/02426/FUL APPROVED
FINANCIAL MATTERSThe bank mandate was signed by some of the Councillors and will be represented at the October meeting for completion. The following accounts were presented for payment:
It was resolved that the bills be paid on the proposal of Cllr Knock seconded Cllr Johnston. There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.40pm Signed................................... Chairman Date.....................................
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