Parish Council Minutes for 5th December 2005Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Monday 5 December 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 Cllr Mrs A Cook. PRESENT Cllrs P Croft, A Johnston, J Knock, G Marchant, A McCarthy, M Pollard, Mrs H Powell and R Sykes. IN ATTENDANCE Lizzie Longhurst, Special PC G Eade, County Councillor P Lake and the Clerk Mrs C Phillips. THE MINUTES of the ordinary meeting held on Monday 7 November 05, which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROMYew Trees adj The Pump House Cllr Croft reported that whilst these had been trimmed it was his opinion that the trees had outgrown this site and consideration should be given to removing the trees and replacing with something more appropriate to the size of the site. Cllr Croft to speak to Mr Jones SDC arboriculturist.Hydrant on junction of High Street/Green It is hoped that this is now repaired. Registration of various land Clerk to complete. Measurement of possible pavement around Fleur de Lis PH Chairman to complete. FP 414 Birdcage Walk Cllr Mrs Powell reported that the barbed wire was still in place and the kissing gate was now in a state of collapse. Clerk to chase Mr Finch. (KCC Footpaths) Pothole on B2027opposite the Old Forge Cllr Lake to report to Highways. Trespass on railway line Cllr Knock reported that 3 youngsters had been messing about on the lines at the station trying to graffiti the trains, this had been reported to the Transport Police. Clerk to put a warning in the magazine. REPORTSYouth Forum Lizzie Longhurst was welcome to the meeting. She gave an update on the Youth Forum. So far there had been 3 meetings, the first about the purpose of a Youth Forum, and the second and third about the establishing of the Leigh Forum. Jennifer Clark and Sophie Williams were joint chairmen with Rosemary Nevard and herself as joint Secretary. Following the third meeting a questionnaire had been circulated to all the youth in Leigh and was being collected on Saturday 10, she asked Cllr Johnston if a box could be placed in the shop to collect the remainder, which he agreed to. The date of the next meeting is 14 January 06. Special PC G Eade noted the matter of trespass raised by Cllr Knock and reported that the station platforms were being kept under surveillance and that local police were liasing with the transport police. SPC Eade reported that the caravan chasse from the old print shop site had been dumped on Ensfield Road, this had been reported to SDC over the weekend. The clerk had received an email from Mrs Baldock jnr. And had also reported the matter to SDC. SPC Eade would report the skip parked on the road outside The Old Brickmakers without lights. Cllr Lake also agreed to report this matter to KCC. Clerk to report. County Cllr Lake reported that the likelihood of considerable increase in the Council Tax bills was almost inevitable due to the paltry grant from central government to constituencies in the south of England. The increase will be substantially above inflation and this will have inevitable consequences for the elderly, and young in care. Unfortunately this would mean that planned works to improve school buildings would be down graded. Cllr Lake reported his delight that Penshurst Primary had come top in the recent list whilst all the local schools had done very well. Cllr Lake hoped to be able to make a grant to Leigh school of at least £500 and would send an application form to the clerk to the Governors. Cllr Knock sought reassurance that similar confusion to last year was avoided. At a recent highways meeting, Cllr Lake had castigated the KCC about signs, gullies and grass cutting. Potholes were being attended to. Cllr Knock asked Cllr Lake to push for urgent repairs around the Green as the verges are being eaten away causing deterioration of the already poor surface particularly between Barden Cottages and the pavilion. Lastly Cllr Lake reported that he had correspondence from Mr Bramley about the use of Green Belt for housing. It was explained to Cllr Lake that this was the s106 application supported by the Parish Council, Clerk to email copy of Council's response to the application. Speedwatch update Cllr Pollard reported on the recent meeting which he had attended. The local Area Commander had agreed to swap the previously purchased speedguns with police models which can be used. The cost for a speedwatch sign will be £50, and a training session with PC Vaughan will be held for volunteers early in the New Year. Any data collected will be logged, after the first offence the vehicle details will be logged, the second recording will generate a warning letter from the local police, the third time will generate a further warning letter. A fourth recording will result in the police taking active measures to apprehend the offender. None of the data recorded by the Speedwatch team will be used in any prosecution. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Pollard for all his work.
WKHA - updateTwo letters had been received from WKHA in response to various questions raised by the Parish Council. Regarding the letting of the two new properties in The Forstall, the tenants are from Sevenoaks and Orpington respectively, both were on the District housing list (which is now administered by WKHA) and both had significant mobility needs which these houses could provide as do the new houses at the top of Barnetts Road.Regarding the new shared ownership development at Wyndham Avenue selection for which will favour local people and will follow the following selection order :
Anyone who has an interest in any housing in and around the village is urged to apply to be placed on the housing list held by WKHA so that they can be considered, particularly for these houses as marketing will commence in the early New Year. The RHT development being an exceptions site will only be open to those on the RHT list and no one without the local connection can be considered for these houses. Regarding the Wyndham Avenue site and the Council's concerns over possible flooding, the WKHA has obtained an independent flood risk assessment which assessed the actual likelihood of flooding, whether housing here would increase another sites likelihood of flooding, and the measures taken to deal with any effects or risks. The conclusion was that no new flood defences were required, and these houses have a raised floor level. Regarding parking in Barnetts Road, the parking for No1 was never intended for anyone but the residents which is why the barriers were installed, other than this the WKHA feel that the enhanced road widening and resurfacing has addressed the road safety issues, whilst there is nothing to stop residents putting additional housing within their property boundaries. The Clerk was asked to write and clarify several matters concerning the exact position of residents on the general housing list. Rural Housing TrustThe Clerk was asked copy the comments of the Parish Council on the application sent to SDC to all members for their information.Village Halls - update Cllr Johnson reported that the fund raising continues with a Burns Supper scheduled. The contract for the first part of the works has been signed and work will commence in January for approx. 3 months. It was agreed that he Clerk should try to book Jessica's Hall for the Council's meetings from January to April, hopefully the Annual Assembly would be able to be held in the Small Hall. Environmental Matters Cllr Croft reported that the dog bin at the end of Well Close needed emptying, Clerk to speak to SDC. Regarding the missing bin from Glasdons, the Clerk now had the consignment note and it was seen that 3 packages had been delivered, but only one bin. Clerk to seek the supply of the second bin, which had been paid for but not apparently delivered in the original consignment. There were reports of vehicles driving on the Green, Clerk to ask Mr Rowley if he had seen anything. Cllr Croft had looked at the at the Horse Chestnut tree which had been offered as a memorial to Mrs Daisy Batchelor, however given the site in which it was growing he doubted that it would be possible to successfully transplant it to the Green, the donor to be thanked for his offer. Cllr Croft sought the consent of the Council to remove the redundant tree guards from trees on the Green and their storage for future use in the mower shed. Agreed. Sports Working Party - update Cllr Pollard circulated a draft of a letter which he had written after a meeting of the working party relating to use of and payment for the maintenance of the Green. This detailed the usual work paid for by the Council, noting the work carried out by the Cricket Club at their expense, and suggested payment for works needed after play causing damage to the surface by the responsible clubs. After discussion and clarification, Cllr Pollard agreed to amend the draft and send to the Clerk for distribution to the 4 clubs who use the Green for their comments. Cllr Pollard was thanked for his work. Parish Plan - update SE Trains The Clerk was asked if she had had any success contacting the Station Master. Emails are still bouncing back, the Clerk will go in person to visit Mrs Bridle at Tonbridge station. Parish noticeboards it is understood that Mr Brooker may not now be making these, but the matter is under urgent investigation. CORRESPONDENCE All received relevant correspondence had been previously circulated or tabled. Noted. RAILWAYS -domestic matters Cllr Knock reported that there was a mistake in the directory relating to trains to Redhill, which were leaving Leigh at 56 minutes past the hour not as stated. This error would be corrected in the next magazine. PLANNINGThe Clerk had received notification of two further appeals for the Cornerways, site in Lealands Avenue, the first for the second two houses application and the second for the three houses. The first Appeal had been dismissed. The minutes of the Planning Committee held on November 21, which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. The following applications had been received for discussion and comment: SE/05/02911/FUL Glaxosmithkline Powder Mills Leigh, erection of smoking shelter. NO OBJECTION SE/05/02914/FUL Glaxosmithkline Powder Mills Leigh addition of 3no roof vents to building TN05. NO OBJECTIONS The following decision notices had been received: SE/05/02461/FUL Pump Cottage, High Street, replacement conservatory GRANTED SE/05/02315/CONVAR Moat Farm Barn, Powder Mill Lane removal of condition 6 to allow annex to become separate residence. GRANTED SE/05/02313/FUL Hale Oak Cottage, Hale Oak Road Weald. Demolition of outbuilding and erection of extension to dwelling. GRANTED SE/05/02308/FUL Hollow Trees, Hollow Trees Drive demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling GRANTED SE/05/01364/DETAIL Leigh Village Hall details pursuant to condition 5 (painting) GRANTED SE/05/02350/DETAILSouth View, The Green. Details pursuant to condition 2 (external materials) GRANTED FINANCIAL MATTERS Cllr Sykes presented the revised budget for the financial year 2006-07. There was discussion about payment to the Village Halls, there was provision for £10K payment to the Village Halls and an extra £5K had been earmarked providing that all the other funding was in place. It was anticipated that for 2007-08 similar funding would be in place assuming that the project goes ahead. A s137 grant application had been received from the School and it was agreed that the Council should provide £675 for replacement desks. Cllr Knock had declared an interest as a Governor of the school and took no part in the discussion or vote. A s137 grant application had been received from the Tennis Club and it was agreed that £1,250 grant be made. The Clerk had advised that under s19 of the 1976 Misc.Prov. Act a grant of £350 could be made to the Produce Association towards their show costs for 2006, specifically the marquee hire, It was agreed that a grant of £350 would be made and paid for in the new financial year. and that consideration could be made for further help in 2007. Members accepted the Landscape Services quote for £1316.00. Cllr Sykes was thanked for all his work for the budget and other financial matters during the year. The following cheques were drawn for payment of presented accounts:
ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr Pollard had all the Minute Books from 1894 - 1979 and suggested that they be stored at Hall Place with the Historical Society records. There were concerns over whether they would be in a fireproof environment and the Clerk was asked to investigate whether Tonbridge Library had facilities which the Council could access, if not, to enquire at the Maidstone records and archives in County Hall. There being no further matters for discussion the meeting closed at 10.30pm. Signed................................... Chairman Date.....................................
|
| Please contact us with any updates or comments on this web site. | Page last updated: Tue 10th January 2006 |