Parish Council Minutes for 9th January 2006Minutes of the meeting held in Jessica's Hall, The Green, Leigh on Monday 9 January 06 under the chairmanship of Cllr Stratton-Brown, commencing at 8pm. PRESENT Cllrs P.Croft, A.Johnston, J.Knock, M Pollard, Mrs H Powell, and R Sykes. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllrs G Marchant, A McCarthy. IN ATTENDANCE 30 parishioners, County Cllr Lake, Mrs A Cook, Sp PC G Eade and the Clerk Mrs Phillips. In view of the number of Parishioners present the meeting commenced with OPEN SESSIONSE/05/02896/OUT Land to rear of Garden Cottages Powder Mill Lane Leigh The Chairman read out the representations drafted by him and invited comments from parishioners. With the addition of comments on street lighting, the difficulty for traffic coming out of Hollow Trees Drive, the condition of Hollow Trres Drive and concerns about the effect on the water table, it was agreed that the comments should be sent to SDC as views OBJECTING TO the outline application. There being no further matters the Chairman closed the Open Session and council returned to formal business with THE MINUTES of the meeting held on 5 December 05 which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROMKissing Gate, Birdcage Walk Cllr Mrs Powell reported that although the kissing gate had not yet been reinstated, the fencing and barbed wire across the bridge has been removed. Clerk to chase KCC footpaths officer. Minute books Cllr Pollard reported that the Minute books from 1894-1979 has been deposited at Hall Place, the remainder are with the Clerk, who reported that these are in need of some repair and rebinding, she was advised that there are people in the village who could possibly undertake this work. REPORTS Cllr Mrs A Cook reported that regrettably the budget increase for the District Council would be in the region of 3%, which would inevitably have an impact on the Council Tax bills. The present Kent Highways arrangements came under fire form the District and Borough Councils and will hopefully be resolved before the start of the new municipal year in May. Sp PC G Eade reported that crime-wise, it had been a quiet month, he reminded the parishioners that they could report any matters of concern via the white box in the shop, which would be treated confidentially. PC Eade informed everyone that since the beginning of 2006 every offence is now arrestable, even dropping a piece of litter or criminal damage such as grafitti. Regarding the concerns of youngsters on the railway line at the station, this had been forwarded to the BT Police although Kent Constabulary patrols frequently visit the station as part of their patrolling. PCEade was asked about the role of Police Community Support Officers about which an email had been received from SDC. PC Eade explained that these were fully trained full time officers who deal with minor matters and act as a visible police presence in the community. The funding is split between Central Govt., District and Parish Councils. This was discussed at some length. The current funding for a Police Community Support Officers in 2006-07 would be 25% of the cost £7,500 and for 2007-08 50% of the cost being £15,000, which is the council's full precept. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to surrounding parishes to sound out whether they would be interested in forming a cluster to employ a PCSO. Clerk also to register an interest with Mrs Bowles at SDC. County Cllr Lake reported that the Government settlement with Local Authorities elsewhere than the SE was 3.5%, however in Kent and other Home Counties the settlement was the rate of inflation 2.7%, some councils have been penalised including Kent who will only receive +/-1.7% which means that the County's taxpayers will have to make up any shortfall and will be looking at an increase of about 5%. This year the over 65's will be hit because their grant of £200 has been removed. Staff cuts are likely in an attempt to balance the budget. Referring to the application for assisted living accommodation, Cllr Lake explained that the KCC were broadly in favour hence the Social Services letter supporting the application for Leigh, however he acknowledged that these developments were more suited to urban conurbations and therefore an officer supporting a specific application without any knowledge of the proposed site had been 'unwise'. Youth Forum Cllr Mrs Powell reported that there was a meeting upcoming on Saturday and a number of thequestionnaires had been returned. Speedwatch update Cllr Pollard reported that he was waiting conformation as to the dates for training in the use of speed gun from PC Vaughan West Kent Housing update RHT update correspondence clarifying the applicant details were discussed and contents noted. The Clerk reported that the application would be going to Development Control Committee at Sevenoaks on 9 February, it was agreed that a letter should go from the Council to all Members. This to be drafted by the Clerk, and agreed between Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Village Halls updatelr Johnston reported that the first phase of building was to start on 10 January, safety fencing would be erected but there would still be access to the Halls and BL Club. Fundraising for further works continues. KAPC next meeting March 11 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERSDog Bins Cllr Croft reported that the additional dog bins had been erected as agreed. The Clerk had obtained the missing bin from Glasdons free of charge. Mr Salliss asked about the pond which had been recently constructed on the school field to the rear of his property as part of the recent drainage works. He expressed concerns about the vicinity of the pond, the effect on the water table and likely flooding of his property should the pond be lined and overflow. Clerk responded that this had been installed at the request of the school and undertook to raise the matter at the next Governors meeting. PARISH PLAN The updated action plan had been circulated and matters for resolution discussed. LISN The Clerk had heard nothing further from Mr Hemming, who had promised to notify her when there was anything further to report. GREEN WORKING PARTYA response about representation had been received from the Cricket Club, other responses awaited.CORRESPONDENCE All relevant received correspondence had been circulated. Various consultation documents were allocated to members for comment. The Clerk suggested that consideration be given to having a small group of Councillors to read and frame responses to these documents. Noted. The email regards PCSO's which had been discussed with Sp.PC Eade was to be actioned as previously agreed. The Kent Village of the Year entry has been received. Cllr Knock had indicated that he would like someone else to organise the village entry this year, and it was suggested that a volunteer be sought through the Council's entry in the magazine. Cllr Knock was thanked for all his successful work over the past few years. RAILWAYS, domestic, BUS 210 - COMMUTER BUS K5Cllr Knock reported an error in the times quoted in the directory Saturday trains to Redhill would run at 56 minutes past the hour not 57 as indicated. Reductions in service still in limbo as the transfer of the service had not yet occurred. PLANNINGThe following applications had been received for comment:SE/05/03054/FUL Alphester, Greenview Avenue. Rear single storey extension to provide new dining room. There were NO OBJECTIONS to this application subject to the usual neighbourliness proviso. SE/05/03024/FUL Little Barnetts Farm, Powder Mill Lane, retrospective application for replacement and relocation of gate. Members wished to OBJECT on the grounds that the constructed gates and walls were out of keeping within this area of MGB. Concerns were voiced over the continuing retrospective nature of applications from this property. SE/05/03149/FUL The Stone House, High Street. Alterations and extension. The plans were not adequate for reasonable comments to be made, the Clerk reminded members that previously consideration had been given to seeking a Listing for the property but since at that time it had been on the market this had not been pursued. It was agreed to comment that it was a property "contributing to the character of the village" and given that it was constructed in 1865 the windows and doors should be sympathetic and in keeping, however also asking for better plans to be provided. An application had been received for the felling of a silver birch in Saxby Wood because an elderly resident suffered when the pollen of the tree was in bloom. It was felt that whilst there was NO OBJECTION to the felling of one tree the wrong one had been identified. The Clerk to speak to WK Housing, (the applicants) and suggest that the tree nearest the flats 9-12 would be more appropriate. The following decisions had been received SE/05/02554/FUL Sandalwood House, High Street. Detached tandem garage in garden to replace existing garage. GRANTED SE/05/02537/DETAIL Land south of 14 the Forstall, detail of external lighting GRANTED FINANCIAL MATTERSA s137 request had been received from David Bennie for a projector to assist in his youth work. Members agreed in principle to contribute. Cllr Mrs Powell who has expertise in this field agreed to ensure that any projector conforms to various safeguards as issued by SEDAC. Members asked for information about membership numbers and whether there was Public Liability Insurance in situ. It was agreed to ask Mr Bennie if he could draw up some sort of financial forecast for future expenditure etc. Thanks were expressed to him for all his voluntary work with the youth in the village. A s137 request had been received from Victim Support, (last year £50) it was agreed to send £50 again. Members discussed the precept for the following financial year and it was resolved that the Sevenoaks District Council be asked for a precept of £15,000. The Clerk was asked to obtain a bill for letting the Small Hall so it could be paid before the year end. A request had been received for the Council's contribution to the Village Halls insurance of £2,454. Agreed. The following cheques were drawn for accounts received:
There being no further matters for discussion the meeting closed with thanks to the parishioners who had remained at 10.20pm. Signed............................. Chairman Date.................................
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