Parish Council Minutes for 7th November 2005Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Monday 7 November 05 in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh commencing at 8.00pm under the chairmanship of Cllr Stratton-Brown. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr Mrs H Powell. PRESENT Cllrs P Croft, A Johnston, J.Knock, G Marchant, M Pollard, A McCarthy, R Sykes. IN ATTENDANCE Mr B Potter, Mr S Johnston, Mr J Tiltman, Mr B De Saulles, Mrs A Smith, Mr D Furneaux, Mr A Bramley, Ms J Harris, Mr N.Ford, Mr J Kaye, Cllr Mrs A Cook, Special Parish Constable G Eade and the Clerk Mrs C Phillips. The Chairman opened the meeting thanking everyone for attending and explaining how the meeting would be run. THE MINUTES of the meeting held on Monday 3 October 05, which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. The business of the Council was suspended by the chairman for the OPEN SESSIONThe Open Session was dedicated to the application for affordable housing on the B2027 adjacent to Kennards(The plans for the proposed Affordable Housing had been displayed prior to the meeting to allow Parishioners time to view before the meeting started.) Mr Potter from No8.The Forstall voiced concerns about the proposal for residents of the new development to use FP 431 as the main access to the village, it was not suitable for use by wheelchairs and the current surface would quickly degenerate with greater use in wet weather. He raised the possibility of a pavement being provided on the B2027. Mr De Saulles sought clarification as to whether the Parish Council was supporting the current application and whether this was the beginning of a series of such developments? and if so, whether the Council would support these in the future? Mr Ford wanted to know whether parishioners views would be taken into account when the Council made its final representations? Mr Kaye confirmed that he would be happy for a variation to the application to allow access from the back of the site onto the FP if the RHT would provide a 2m hedge on the FP, which incidentally, was wrongly highlighted on the site plan, actually being the driveway to Old Kennards. The Council thanked the Kayes for their offer. A number of statistics were produced to show the availability of both rental and sale 'affordable housing' i.e from £150K upwards, both in Leigh and a 3 mile radius around the village which was intended to cast doubt on the need versus desire argument which had been part of the RHT case for the application. Mr De Saulles drew the attention of the Council of the 2 new houses in The Forstall which it was understood, were being offered to people outside the Sevenoaks District, one being from Bromley and one from Chatham. This was not what residents of the Forstall had been led to expect when the plans were initially discussed. There being no further points the Chairman informed those present that the decision of the Council would be taken later in the meeting in the Planning section of the Agenda, everyone was invited to remain if they wished, and the council went back into formal session with MATTERS ARISINGYew trees adj The Pump House the work to these trees was in hand. Leaking Fire hydrant at junction of High Street and the Green it appears that this has at last been repaired Possible footway around Fleur de Lis corner still to be investigated. Land Registry the Clerk had yet to visit. Grant to Produce Association the Clerk had discovered that this could be made under the Misc.Prov.Act 1976. Determination in Finance. REPORTSCllr Mrs Cook commenced her report by informing members that she had tried to do something about the telegraph pole which had been installed in the High Street, but to date to no avail. The sign post adj. to the War Memorial had at last been reinstated, Mrs Cook hoped that this had been done by Highways and not by the person who had cut the grass, the Clerk said that it had been reported to KCC as urgent due to the forthcoming Remembrance Day. Mrs Cook voiced her continuing concerns over the potholes and water around the green. Moving onto District Council matters Mrs Cook reminded everyone that compost bins were available for £6 and that there were insulation grants available for landlords. The outlook for the budget were not promising, the grant from Government was increased by only 0.8%, with capping kicking in at 5%. Although the Licensing Act was not supposed to result in any shortfall for District Councils, this was not the case and would be part of £100K deficit and HM Gov were also meeting only 25% of their free concessionary bus fares which meant that Councils would have to pick up the cost of the other 75%. In addition, increased fuel costs would result in £133K over budget for the Council's vehicle pool. Unfortunately cuts were inevitable. Parish Special PC G Eade PC Eade reported that a hallowe'en incident had been phoned to his home number not to the police, so that when this had been picked up the incident had finished. The two youngsters involved in the incident at the cricket pavilion had been identified and the case was ongoing. Cllr Marchant reported on an incident which had occurred in the Weald where windows had been broken either by a catapult or shotgun and despite a phone call to the police there had been no action for 11/2 hours. They are now meeting with an Inspector at Tonbridge. Parish Plan Members had received the parking paper prepared by Mr Rowley and agreed that this should be kept under review although it was recognised that there is no easy answer. It was noted that the lighting under the railway arch in Lower Green was now completed and the lights were working. It was agreed that a letter of thanks should go to Mr Rowley. LISN The Clerk had established that with a number of caveats, the Parish Council public liability insurance would cover people in a search situation, however Cornhill Insurance would require sight of a risk assessment document and instruction documentation to prove that volunteers would not knowingly be placed at risk. This was noted but it was agreed that without police approval the Parish Council would not be involved. It is understood that Mr Hemming is still in discussion with the local police. Youth Forum Cllr Knock reported that at the recent meeting there had been 2 16yr old girls and 2 younger girls from Hildenborough with 4 adults. It was agreed that the 2 16 yr olds would be joint chair with the 2 younger girls sharing secretarial duties. The next scheduled meeting would be Saturday 12 November in the Scout Hut. Leaflets for the meeting had been distributed. West Kent Housing Association - update There are problems with parking in Barnetts Road, the promised new residents parking does not appear to have been provided, the 4 parking bays adj. to the new houses, which are apparently occupied by non-drivers, have clamping bars, and residents who park there are apparently threatened with clamping. Regarding the new houses in Barnetts Road and the apparent offering of the tenancies to people outside the Sevenoaks District the clerk was asked to clarify the situation with WKHA. Village Halls -update Cllr Johnston reported that unfortunately 3 of the 5 builders asked to tender had not done so but of the two remaining Messrs John Jarvis had provided the successful tender, regrettably the successful tender exceeded the budget but there are funds to meet the revised figure. When the work commences, probably after the Christmas break, the toilet block will be demolished and the Small Hall toilets will be the only facility in the complex. It was agreed that the Parish Council would have to move meeting venues from the January meeting, Clerk to arrange alternative venue, hopefully Jessica's Hall or alternately the Scout Hut. KAPC Area Committee meeting The next meeting is Friday 18 November, both representatives asked that their apologies be noted. Environmental matters The matter of the missing dog bin from Glasdons needed further investigation as the company insisted that 3 parcels were delivered and signed for, but one of the bins appears to be missing. Chestnut outside The Chestnuts a quote of £240 had been received from Down to Earth, consent had been received from the District Council, after discussion it was resolved that Down to Earth be asked to undertake the work. Rugby Club, use of the GreenA detailed response had been received from Mr Stephen Johnston on behalf of the Rugby Club and circulated to Members prior to the meeting. After some discussion it was agreed that a Working Group should be formed consisting of Cllrs G.Marchant, A.Johnston, M.Pollard and P.Croft, who would invite representatives from all sporting users of the Green to discuss and consult on upkeep, maintenance and contributions. In the meantime, provided that the weather did not become seriously inclement, there were no objections to the Rugby Club playing although as with the Football club the Council reserved the right to cancel fixtures if the weather adversely affect the Green. Mr Stephen Johnston who was present at the meeting assured members that the Club would be responsible for not playing where to do so would damage the surface. Correspondence All relevant received correspondence had been circulated to members for their information/action. Noted. It was agreed to wait for the new licensing laws to 'bed in' after which action could be pursued if unfortunately it became necessary against The Greyhound PH in Charcott. The letter from Kent Police about Speedwatch was noted, Cllr Pollard will be attending a briefing about the new system. A letter had been received from Kent Police about proposed national re-organisation where forces under 4,000 strong would be amalgamated, although given Kent's workforce number, just under 4,000 and its geographical position, Kent favour remaining an independent force, the council agreed to write in support. A copy letter from Mr & Mrs Pollard relating to horse riding on FP432 and seeking no horse riding signs was supported. The Sevenoaks youth forum weekend letter had been copied to Mr Bennie for action. Smithklinebeecham had advised that the new signage which had been temporary, would now be removed TRANSPORTRailways domestic matters -proposed reduction of services, update Cllr Knock reported that the transfer of services to South Central had still not been completed. There would be one change to the timetable which would result in the last train Monday-Friday running earlier. Central Railways The chairman circulated an article from the Financial Times which proves that Central Rail are still determined to continue their campaign for a alternate rail link to the coast and beyond. GSK Transport Forum Cllr Sykes reported briefly on the minutes. The emergency access will be amended slightly to make access within the site easier when the removal of the old building and upgrade of building 3 occur. During this work there is likely to be a slight increase in heavy traffic accessing the site. Noted PLANNINGBefore determining the applications to hand, Members discussed their views on the application for affordable housing, taking note of the points raised in the earlier Open Session. Both Cllrs Pollard and Marchant expressed their support but both recognised the problem of pedestrians exiting the site onto the B2027 and wanted the Parish Council to pursue the possible provision of a pavement to the village, also to amend to return the FP access to the southern end of the site, noting Mr Kaye's offer, to encourage use of FP431 to Powder Mill Lane. The chairman suggested seeking the inclusion of the Parish Council as a party to the S106 agreement to ensure that the S106 agreement could not be altered in any way at some future date, without the knowledge and consent of the Parish Council. The application for 10 houses was supported unanimously and it was coupled with an agreement to press Sevenoaks District Council to put pressure on Kent County Council to provide the B2027 pavement and to improve FP431, to encourage the Rural Housing Trust to reach agreement with the Kayes and to add the council as a party to the S106 agreement. SE/05/02461/FUL Pump Cottage High Street, construction of replacement conservatory to rear of property. The Council had no objections in principle but felt that this design was out of keeping with the surrounding conservation area. SE/05/02632/LBCALT Southdown House, 1The Square, High Street. Replacement of first floor right sided (facing) window. There were NO OBJECTIONS to this application. SE/05/02554/FUL Sandalwood House, High Street, detached tandem garage in garden to replace existing garage. Cllr Stratton-Brown declared a person interest and took no part in the discussion. Apart from any un-neighbourly impact, the Council had NO OBJECTIONS to the proposal. SE/05/02664/FUL Wildhatch, Greenview Avenue proposal to add 2nd storey to existing single storey extension to provide additional bedroom and en suite. NO OBJECTIONS SE/05/02474/FUL Orchard House, Powder Mill lane erection of open sided two bay garage. Members had concerns over this proposal, first the plan showed a building between the Green and house which is no longer there, they felt that it should not be placed in front of the existing building line, the proposed tarmaced area would be obtrusive due to the nearness of the Green, lastly they questioned the need when the property already has a double garage. SE/05/02313/FUL Hale Oak Cottage, Hale Oak Road, Weald. Amended application, gable to front elevation had been amended to a hipped roof. As previously there were NO OBJECTIONS, subject to none being made by Weald PC. A revised plan for the replacement house proposed at Hollow Trees Hollow Trees Drive had been received, it appeared to be an improvement and Councillors wished to thank the Planning Officer for continuing to achieve an appropriate design for the new house. The Clerk had received a set of plans for a proposed house Yew Tree Cottage, Eggpie Lane, the applicant was seeking a site meeting before formally submitting the application. Cllr Marchant reminded members of the history of the site and advised against a site visit before the receipt of a formal application, in line with Council procedure. Clerk to advise applicant. The following decision notices had been received. The first Appeal for two houses on the site of Cornerways, Lealands Avenue had been dismissed by the Inspector (copies distributed to members). An enforcement notice had been issued against the walls, pillars and gates at Little Barnetts Farm. Noted SE/05/02475/DETAIL Pump Cottage, High Street condition 2 external materials. APPROVED SE/05/02174/DETAIL South View, The Green conditions 4&5 SE/04/00693/FUL and 3&4 of LBCALT SE/04/00692/LBCALT APPROVED SE/05/02021/FUL Pump Cottage, High Street replacement porch APPROVED SE/05/02205/FUL moat Farm Cottage, Powder Mill Lane conversion of vacant store to 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms APPROVED SE/05/01787/FUL 2 The Boffins, Knotley Hall Chiddingstone Causeway loft conversion APPROVED SE/05/01988/LBCALT White Post Oast Chiddingstone Causeway erection of black finished metal flue to serve woodburner APPROVED FINANCIAL MATTERSAs previously discussed the Clerk had investigated alternate funding possibilities to help the Produce Association. It appears that the Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 s19 allows the council to provide funding as an alternate to s137. It was agreed to write and inform the Produce Association inviting them to make a formal costed application. Cllr Sykes presented a preliminary budget paper, which was discussed. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Sykes for his work. Further formal debate would precede the precept application in January. A response had been received from Mr Bennie regarding the purchase of a laptop and an S137 grant in the sum of £150 was agreed. Cllr Sykes explained that the Clerk's pension now had to be paid on a monthly basis, with the first contribution tonight. The following accounts were presented for payment:
It was resolved " that the bills be paid". There being no further business the meeting closed with thanks to the chairman at 10.45pm
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