Parish Assembly Minutes for 18th April 2005Minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly held on Monday 18 April 2005 in the Small Hall commencing at 8.00pm APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr Mrs A Cook, County Cllr P Lake, Rev. L Kevis, David Bennie and Adam Massingham. For lateness: Cllrs A McCarthy and P Croft. PRESENT Parish Council: Cllrs J.Knock (Chairman) A. Johnston, M.Pollard, G.Marchant, R.Sykes, C.Stratton-Brown. Parishioners: Mrs Stratton-Brown, C Rowley, EC Batchelor, J Batchelor, R.D Davis, A Hill, Mrs H Everett, Mrs H.Powell, PC Eade, PC K Verheirst and the Clerk Mrs C Phillips. Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman asked that everyone stand for a minutes silence to remember Mrs Daisy Batchelor a real stalwart supported of the Village who had recently died. THE MINUTES of the Annual Assembly held on 19 April 2004 which had been previously circulated were agreed by the meeting on the proposal of Mr EC Batchelor, seconded Cllr M Pollard, and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. CHAIRMAN'S REPORTThis last year has again been a busy one, with housing developments, proposed and in progress, much to the fore, and the completion of the Leigh Parish Plan, relating to facilities, services, and future hopes. Good progress continues to be made towards the refurbishing of the Village Halls, of which the Parish Council is Custodian Trustee. The Parish won a major award in the Kent Village of the Year competition. Much work has been preformed on trees, particularly on the Green, and this is continuing. Our concerns for the future include proposed work on the flood barrier, local rail services and a continued watch on Central Rail. The Housing developments may be divided into two parts. WKHA (West Kent Housing Association) and the RHT (Rural Housing Trust), although a watchful eye also needs to be kept on any private development within the Parish. WKHA have completed the building of five houses in Barnett's Road, three on the "garage" site at the top, and two between numbers 16 & 17. Amid considerable confusion, largely caused by incomplete notifications to the Parish Council, plans were approved and passed, but the three houses on the "garage" site have now been built at a higher level than the plans, and spoil spread around the base of the trees. These matters have been taken up by the Parish Council. Development on the "allotment" site beyond the "garage" site has not been proceeded with. There are some doubts as to whether No 13 will need to be demolished. Plans have also been presented by WKHA to build two semi-detached "chalet bungalows" at the eastern entrance to The Forstall, and three terrace style houses behind Meadow Bank and Wyndham Avenue, with access from the former. Whilst not objecting in principle to these small developments, the Parish Council has lodged objections relating to design and drainage. The plans for the Forstall development were however passed without amendment. The WKHA, at a meeting hosted by them, on 24th February have promised to look into points raised concerning both sites. Work at the Forstall has commenced. The WKHA have denied having plans for further development behind Garden Cottages. Two years ago the Rural Housing Trust, at the request of the Parish Council, carried out a survey of the need for affordable rural housing for local people under a Section 106 legal agreement. This showed an established need, and the RHT have since carried out an investigation into sites, available under this section at a reduced price and close to village amenities, and not limited to land outside the Green Belt. Houses for part purchase or affordable rent and strictly limited to those in, or with strong connections to the Parish, and the Parish Council would be asked to vet initial and later applications to ensure that these connections are adhered to. After various investigations the RHT have concentrated on a site in the "top" field above the Forstall, adjacent to the "Kennards" driveway and with access onto the Hildenborough Road. Ten dwellings, some for rent and some for part sale are being proposed, and initial plans were presented at an Open Day held in the Village Hall on March 17, with many parishioners attending and making comment. This will lead onto a formal planning application being made in the near future. The Parish Council understands that well over seventy applications have been made to the RHT, including a number of additional forms being taken on the Open Day. At various Parish Council Meetings over the past year a number of parishioners have raised concerns over this development and fears that it could lead to more in adjacent fields, and that with the additional WHKA houses the village could become over developed. Whilst understanding this concern the Parish Council, one the "need" had been established by the RHT, has supported in principle the limited development reserved for local people, chiefly to allow young people from the village who wish to remain in, or return to Leigh to be able to do so. It should be noted that in contrast, the WHKA houses which are not governed by a Section 106 legal agreement, are available to those throughout the West Kent area, even though the WKHA has stated that preference would be (but would not exclusively have to be) given to local people. On to the "Parish Plan". After a year of meetings, surveys, exhibitions and Open Days, the Steering Committee produced a final plan which was first approved by a Public Parish meeting, and then by the Parish Council on 4 November 04. This covers many aspects of life in the Parish; housing, public transport, traffic, parking, litter indoor and outdoor facilities for sport and recreation, trees and environment, youth activities, and a Parish website. The Parish recommends action by the Parish Council and other bodies, staged over the next year, and at each Parish Council meeting this will be on the Agenda. Thanks are due to all members of the Steering Committee, and most particularly to its Chairman, Martin Pollard, who has put in countless hours co-ordinating the Plan - arranging the survey and meetings, and who will give a report later in the meeting. We entered the 2004 Kent Village of the Year competition organised by the Kent Rural Community Council, and were thrilled to hear that we had been awarded first prize in the "Community Life" section for larger villages, besides receiving awards in the Business and Older People categories. This is a real compliment to all the village, its inhabitants and many varied organisations. It is nice to be recognised and we will be receiving a tree of our choice as well as the plaque which has been fixed to the happily re-erected Village Sign. We have entered again for 2005 (now under "Action with Communities in Rural Kent") The programme of maintenance on the Trees on the Green has continued with various trimmings and root rot eradication on the Ancient Oak. The crown of the Horse Chestnut by "Chestnuts" is being reduced. A parishioner kindly offered a young Horse Chestnut tree, grown from a conker from the Green which has been planted to replace the one felled because of disease in 2003. The flowering cherries outside the Village Halls fared better again this Spring after a poor year in 2004 thanks to attention from Peter Croft. He and Peter Penn have both been involved with inspection and monitoring. The Large Village Hall Refurbishment Plans and Fund raising have all been making good progress, plans for Phase 1 (toilet Block and Storeroom extension) have been approved and Grant applications lodged with SDC (approved) and KCC (decision late March) Thanks are due to a hard working Committee and in particular Helen Everrett, who will also report later in this meeting. Replacement Noticeboards are to be place outside the Halls and next to the School. From April 2005 roads, potholes and verges will once again become the province of the Kent County Council. There has been an improvement over the past year but more will need to be done. The footway at Knotley Hall has been delayed whilst insurance considerations are attended to. We have been concerned by reported proposals for work on the Leigh Flood Barrier including increasing its height. Details of this were supplied very late to the Parish Council and the effects of these on the Parish are being considered. The Tonbridge-Redhill passenger services have been transferred from South East to the South Central Area. There are proposals reported to withdraw the service to Gatwick Airport, which has been a useful link. This and other proposals will need to be looked at carefully by the Council. The burnt out shelter on the up side at Leigh Station was replaced in 2004 and the down side one repainted, but again quickly vandalised. Central Rail and its proposed rail freight line have "gone quiet" but are refusing to quit. Our thanks are due to Cllr Andrew McCarthy for his commitment and continued vigilance. We are pleased to hear that the Tennis Club has received a grant from Sport England towards a new clubhouse. The Rugby Club has prospered in its first year and has asked if it can use the Green for matches- now under consideration. David Bennie continues to put much time and dedicated effort into youth activities including Church clubs, and Scouts etc., where more volunteers are needed. The "Dragons" martial arts club has been set up with initial success. Mr Andrew Hemming has tried hard to get the proposed LISN (missing children or other people search plans) off the ground but this has not yet been possible due to police concerns. A new scheme "Country Eye" to augment and replace Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in rural areas is being proposed at national level. The Parish Precept for 2005/06 has been maintained at £12,500. Our Finance Chairman, Roger Sykes, will shortly report on this, our Accounts, and Section 137 grants made during the year. Clubs and organisations are reminded that application for assistance towards new projects, capital equipment, and improvements may be made to the Parish Council. As referred to at the start of tonight's meeting we are very saddened by the passing last week of Mrs Daisy Batchelor. Throughout her long and busy life she remained dedicated to the village community, and so for so many years was involved at the heart of the Cricket and Stoolball Clubs, the British Legion and its Social Club and the Leigh W.I. A first class caterer, cricket teas, coffee mornings, and the annual RBL Childrens' Christmas party refreshments were provided by her over countless years, besides stalwart organisation of Jumble Sales. Daisy was always a perfectionist, and the whole community here will miss her sadly. Daisy was married to Eric, another stalwart if ever there was, for 63 years, and our thoughts and sympathy are with him, sons Christopher and John, and all the family. We have been saddened also by the loss of Miss Dorothy Faulty, a member of an old village family, and supporter of the Church and other village organisations throughout a long life of 91 years. Like Daisy she attended Leigh School, and their memories along with her sister Kathleen are featured in Chris Rowley's fine book. Our thoughts are with former long serving Councillor Mr Ben Fagg who is seriously ill in hospital. It remains for me to thank the Members of the Parish Council, its Committees and working parties for all their support and hard work during the year. Alan Johnston, our Vice-Chairman and Village Halls representative, Colin Stratton-Brown, chairman of our Planning Committee, Roger Sykes Finance, Martin Pollard Parish Plan, Andrew McCarthy Central railway, Peter Croft Environment and Graham Marchant who stood down as Planning Committee Chairman after many years of dedicated service. Thanks are also due to Les Featherstone (Footpaths and Public Transport) who resigned in January due to health problems, we wish him better health in the future. There was no response to an offer for an election to be held, but some parishioners have expressed an interest in a co-option to be made by the Parish Council. I must thank Eric Batchelor who again kindly performed the internal audit of outr Accounts and is with me our Leigh United Charities representative, and Alison Gibbs who continued to represent the Parish Council as a School Governor until this right was disposed of by the KEC. Thanks are also due to Peter Penn as our Tree Warden, to David Purdy, Peter Croft and Brian Brooker for their assistance in the upkeep of the green and elsewhere. David has had to give up due to ill health and we wish him well. We are pleased and relieved that Graham Eade was able to continue with his sterling help and watchful eye as our Parish Constable. Arthur Hill has continued to produce the lively and informative Parish Newsletter; the delivery of its six monthly Directory of Village facilities, organisations and public transport times is funded by the Parish Council. Thanks are recorded also to Alison Cook, retiring Leader of Sevenoaks District Council but our continuing representative, and Peter Lake, our Kent County Council representative, for their hard work on our behalf. Last but not least I would like to express thanks from myself, the Parish Council, and on behalf of the Parishioners to our Clerk, Mrs Chloe Phillips, for all her conscientious hard work during the year, including all the various consultation documents which come our way. We reply, but are our comment acted upon, or are these more or less just a legal formality? I was elected Chairman seven years ago, following in the footsteps of Harry Lucas. Although I will continue to serve on the Council, I consider it time to step down as Chairman at the Parish Council AGM in May, and hand over to a new pair of hands. I would like to place on record my appreciation of the support of Councillors, often at long and complex meetings, and their very dedicated service to the Parish. FINANCIAL REPORTCllr Sykes presented the audited 2003-04 accounts, copies of which had been circulated to the meeting. The council was £1,000 due to the tree works on the green. Cash in hand at the end of 2004 was £32,000+, at 31 March 05 expenditure will exceed income by £2,000 with an estimated e.o.y balance of £28,800. The 2006-07 budget will need to review the precept level which may need to be increased, to take into account increased S137 levels and general expenditure levels. The accounts will be presented to the Annual meeting in May. CLLR MRS COOK (read in her absence by the clerk.) The past year has proved a successful one for the Council, which obtained a 'good' in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment. Audit is a costly business, both in terms of finances and staff time, so it was important to ensure that the Council adopted a positive approach that would be of benefit to the community by looking critically at all the services that it provides, identifying and rectifying any weaknesses and being absolutely clear about its future priorities. The results in year 1 have been extremely positive and the Council remains committed to reviewing its practices regularly. Other successes over the year have included fit for Purpose a year in advance, a significant achievement and accolades from Ministers in respect of Recycling and Housing Initiatives particularly around bed and breakfast accommodation. The Council continues to invest in new technology and has seen significant improvements in Benefits, Food Hygiene Inspection and Planning Targets. The introduction of Performance has proved valuable in monitoring progress and whilst the Council has to gather data to comply with National Targets it also sets its own often more relevant and challenging targets to link into the priorities set out in the Community Plan. Local Government like many businesses is constantly having to review its structures to take account of new legislation, to ensure effective operating costs and to adapt to changes in best working practice. Over the last year the Council has undertaken to streamline departments and increase investment in I.T. The Council has been recognised as a leader in a variety of areas including its preparations for the new Licensing Regime, working with Dover District Council on the Local Development Framework and most especially its work with partners from the statutory, private and voluntary sectors. The latest example being the Power Project, an initiative working with the Youth Offending Team to support youngsters who have a sibling/siblings with a criminal record to help to prevent them from following a similar path. Partnership working is regarded as one of the Council's greatest strengths. This collaboration has proved itself in the success of the Swanley People First project, the rolling out of the Community Plan as well as in its co-operation with West Kent colleagues on a variety of issues. Working with the Housing Associations to provide key worker/affordable housing and in Community Safety initiatives to cite a few examples. The biggest challenge facing the Council is finance, bringing income and expenditure into line without reliance on its reserves or by putting too great a burden on the tax payer. The government's continuing below inflation grant increases, back door stealth taxes, Gershon and the threat of capping have served to compound the situation. However steps are in place to achieve a £2.9m reduction in the costs of the next three years. This will have an effect on some services which may be delivered by other providers. Most of the savings will come from office efficiencies and wherever possible there will be investment in key services. In 2004 the Council transferred all its Leisure Centres on a 25-year lease to an independent trust Sencio. The first year's results have been extremely positive with the Trust upgrading the fitness services at White Oak and Edenbridge. The Council retained other facilities such as the Bowls Centres which are now run by the members of the Clubs themselves again on a 25-year lease. This approach makes good financial sense and is also in line with the Council's role as enabler giving the community a greater say in the running of its local facilities. The Council fulfilled its commitment to build the Edenbridge Relief Road which was officially opened in December. Other major projects on the stocks include the completion of Blighs Phase 1 and plans to develop Phase 2. A Planning for Real exercise in New Ash Green could lead to the transformation of the shopping and business heart of the village. There are opportunities and concerns for the coming year:
On the positive side is the opportunity to be part of the Local Area Agreement pilot with a ll other Kent Districts as partners with KCC and the Government of the South East to address serious issues around social care and wellbeing. This will be an exciting opportunity which will benefit the County as a whole, and be potentially rewarding financially to this Council. May I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Parish Council on the work they do on our behalf not least in respect of the Parish Plan and their initiative on affordable and rural housing. I would also like to thank John Knock for his stewardship as Chairman of the Parish council. He has been an excellent champion and I've always been grateful for the way he has kept me informed about matters that affect the District Council. COUNTY CLLR LAKE Due to Cllr Lake being a candidate in the current elections, under new rules he is not allowed to attend and report to this meeting. He sends his sincere apologies, had he and the Clerk liased prior to nominations he could at least have sent a written report. SPECIAL PC G EADE PC Eade reported that whilst numbers of incidences were up in the locality, those in Leigh were actually down, and this was in a large part due to the vigilance of Parishioners and their use of the box. With this vigilance things were being nipped in the bud, the problems previously experienced with drugs had moved because of vigilance and were down by 2%. PC Eade thanked everyone for their hard work in monitoring and reporting, even suspicions were welcome, he thanked the Council and his two full-time colleagues Kerry and Miles who cover Leigh as part of their very large beat. LEIGH UNITED CHARITIES Mr Batchelor presented the accounts for the Leigh United Charities. The charity is going to the Charity Commissioners in an attempt to widen their charitable status, which would enable greater distributions to be made. The total income for the year-end 31 January 05 was £45,330. Total expenditure £37,594 excess of income over expenditure £17,005. 85 families receive monthly assistance 69 in Leigh and 16 in the Hildenborough part of Leigh, 107 families receive Christmas help 88 families in Leigh and 19 in the Hildenborough part of Leigh. Mr Batchelor concluded his report with his usual plea for anyone in need or knowing of someone in need to come forward since the Charity is there to help. LEIGH CRANDALLS BEQUEST Cllr Stratton-Brown presented the report of the charity. The Crandalls Charity is a far smaller charity than the Leigh United Charities but has already achieved the wider status sought by them. The income at year-end was £1,750 and expenditure £1,672. Monies had been given to the 60's stretch, school trips and the Parish youth worker. Looking forward, the usual support will be given but additionally there will be £1,500 for the Village Halls and £500 for the Tennis Club. LEIGH SCHOOL GOVERNOR'S REPORT (read by the Clerk) Please accept my apologies on behalf of the school that there is not a representative at this meeting but this is due to a slight mis-understanding. However I hope that this brief written report will provide some interesting information.
Leigh school is grateful for the support that it receives from the Parish council and welcomes visits from members of the Council or public so that they may see for themselves the positive role the school plays in the life of the village. The school is a cornerstone of the community of Leigh and it is vital that this continues to be the case for the future. Adam Massingham Chairman School Governors. VILLAGE HALLS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Chairman Mrs Helen Everett presented the report. This time alst year the Management committee had just renegotiated the lease with the Royal British Legion and had finalised the plans for the refurbishment of the Village Halls. It was our objective during 2004 to start the fundraising effort, with a view to starting refurbishment in 2005. During the year all members of the Committee and numerous village residents have put in a huge effort and we look forward to having achieved our objective.
PARISH PLAN Cllr Pollard presented the report: Funding for the Parish Plan was approved by the Countryside Agency in January 2004 and on completion of the project the nett cost to the Parish Council was just under £170. Additional sponsorship was provided by GlaxoSmithKline and is to be used to help implement some of the action points produced by the plan. The process was started with an Open meeting in January followed by a parish wide survey carried out during April/May 2005. A total of 1,283 questionnaires were delivered to and collected from the 683 households in the parish, covering Leigh, Charcott, Moorden and Powder Mills by a team of helpers. As a result of the perseverance of this team we received returns from over 75% of the households in the parish. The returns were analysed by a purpose written computer system and the full results were distributed to every household in the parish with the June parish magazine. Some of the interesting results for this 75% of the parish were:
Data was also collected from the school and additional surveys carried out with the youth of the parish, societies and clubs and all businesses with premises in the parish. An Open Weekend was held in July in Jessica's Hall where all the data collected was on display together with the first thoughts on proposals that could be developed to improve parish facilities. Again there was good support from parishioners and many comments were collected, together with a number of people volunteering to help with some of the proposed projects. A draft Action Plan was drawn up and circulated to all households in the parish at the end of September and this was discussed in detail at an Open meeting in October. The Action Plan was further refined as a result of this meeting and discussions with the Parish Council and formally adopted by the Parish Council in November. Finally a full report of the project was prepared and issued at the beginning of January. Copies of the illustrated report are available from Chloe tonight or from the Village Shop. They cost £4 with all the proceeds going to the Village Hall fund. Alternatively, a version of the report without illustrations can be downloaded from the Parish Plan website. That was the easy part! The Parish Council have now got to turn as much of the Action Plan as possible into reality. This is a long-term process scheduled over 2/3 years with individual councillors taking responsibility for specific points, but a start has already been made:
The true worth of the Parish Plan can only be measured in terms of what we can achieve as a result of it. A large number of people have spent a great deal of time and effort on this project. It is now up to the Parish Council to show that it was all worthwhile. And finally thanks to my colleagues on the Steering Committee: David Bennie, Helen Everett, John Knock, Peter Penn and Chris Rowley. Without their help, support and enthusiasm the Parish Plan would have not been possible. ANY OTHER BUSINESSMr Rowley thanked the Parish Council for their continuing work and to all the Village organisations who together make Leigh such a special place. However, over the last two weeks his concerns over the efficiency of the SDC Planning Department have increased, they appear to be bogged down with government dictates. The Design Group had bad experiences and it has been said that "planners take no heed of Village Design Statements", local builders who deal with the three local authorities find Tunbridge Wells 'woolly and well meaning', Tonbridge and Malling 'helpful and efficient' and Sevenoaks 'slow, incompetent and unhelpful'. As this was the last Parish Assembly that Cllr Knock would chair, Cllr Johnston wanted to record the thanks of the Parish for all the dedication, hard work, and care that Cllr Knock had exhibited in his seven years as Chairman, it was his opinion that if there were a system of honours in the Village then Cllr Knock would top the list. This was overwhelmingly endorsed by those present. There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm. Signed....................................... Chairman Date..........................................
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