Parish Council Minutes for 6th February 2006Minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 6 February 06 in Jessica's Hall, the Green Leigh under the chairmanship of Cllr C Stratton-Brown, commencing at 8pm. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr P Croft. PRESENT Cllrs M Pollard, R Sykes, A McCarthy, G Marchant, Mrs H Powell and J Knock. IN ATTENDANCE Mr & Mrs Sallis, Lizzie Longhurst, Cllr Mrs A Cook, County Cllr P Lake, Sp PC G Eade and the Clerk Mrs C Phillips. THE MINUTES of the meeting held on Monday January 9 2006 which had been previously circulated were agreed with minor amendments and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROMFP 414The gate across the bridge has been erected and the barbed wire removed. The erection of the kissing gate on Birdcage Walk is still awaited. Speedwatch Cllr Pollard reported that a check is being undertaken of the sites which the Parish Council has identified for use of the speedguns and training will be arranged for March. Pond in School field nothing further had been heard from either KEC or JacobsBabtie about the concerns voiced by Mr & Mrs Sallis, Clerk to pursue. Silver birch removal in Saxby Wood WKHA had been advised of the Council's view as to which tree should be felled, the Council had notified SDC about their decision that the felling of 1 silver birch tree was acceptable but in their view the wrong tree had been identified and that the tree nearer 9-12 Saxby Wood would be more beneficial than the tree nearer the car park. In any event they would not support the felling of more than 1 tree. REPORTSYouth ForumLizzie Longhurst presented a report from the Youth Forum. Regrettably there had been little response to the questionnaire. A discussion about the Sevenoaks Youth action plan had been held. It had been agreed to approach the Parish Council about joining the Kent Youth and Community forum. There is a joining fee of £25 and insurance will also need to be invested in. The Council after discussion agreed to fund the joining fee in principle. Date of next meeting 25 February.Cllr Mrs Cook reported that the Youth Action Plan would be launched at the Celebrating Young People day on 16 March. (The Parish Council had received an invitation and Mrs Powell agreed to attend if possible.) The Government was pressing ahead with proposals for the reorganisation of Local Government and 12 District/Borough Councils and the KCC had met to discuss and respond to the Minister. It appears that part funding would be raised from District Councils who are debt free, which would include SDC. The fear is that removing a tier of local accountability might well result in more quangos. There are currently many more questions than answers as to what the impact on Parish Councils might be. An initial discussion paper was to be published in June. (Cllr Knock reminded everyone of the proposal of 2 years ago when the abolition of PC's was mooted by Central Government). Council tax would be formulated after the budget setting meeting on 21 February. Iit is likely that a Band D property will see an increase of 4-5%. Sevenoaks, along with most other authorities in the SE, got would receive the minimum Government grant, whilst this does not cover the basic responsibilities it is hoped front line services will not be adversely affected. The Housing Act has provided sweeping changes in Local Authority powers. The Council has responsibility to ensure that properties are fit for human habitation, and that multiple occupancy properties are suitable. The Council will be able to take over properties that have been vacant for more than 6 months and let them. The SE Plan Dr Ladyman the Minister for Transport had accepted the need for attention to the provision of infrastructure, and that this meant more than the provision of roads, but there was no mention of funding for such infrastructure provision. Cllr Mrs Cook was thanked for her report. Parish Plan An updated copy of the plan had been provided and it was agreed to record that the provision of a cycle track towards Hildenborough was unrealistic at the current time. The Chairman closed the Council meeting for the Open SessionMr Sallis reported that whilst some improvements had been made to the surface of Barnetts Road it was still far from acceptable. Clerk to contact KCC Highways. There had been a report to the Clerk that the new owner of 6 Wyndham Avenue was seeking permission to fill in the pond in his garden. Since it was acknowledged that this was a valuable drainage run off from the Village, and had ecological value as well, the Clerk was asked to contact the Environment Agency asking that they investigate. There being no other matters for discussion the Chairman Closed the open session and reopened the formal meeting withVillage Halls - update - the works for phase 1 were progressing, the toilets and storage shed had been demolished and new walls were being built. Currently the work was a little ahead of schedule. The Management Committee were was congratulated on the recent Burns Night celebrations which had been very successful. County Cllr Lake apologised for his late arrival from Penshurst PC. It appears that the County Council will be looking at a 4.75% increase. The Government grant was lower thant inflation at by 0.3%. The grant of £1.8m towards caring for children at risk had been removed. , Ccurrently, as well as their own children, Kent has a responsibility for 1,400 children from other counties, for which no additional funding is received. It appears unlikely that the over 70's will receive their £200 top up grant. Cllr Lake was thanked for his attendance and report. Environmental mattersKent Village of the Year The Clerk reported that she had received the entry forms, but regrettably no one had answered her request for help in organising the parish entry. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk approach Mr Penn. Satellite dishes in the Conservation Area Cllr Mrs Powell asked about the status of satellite dishes within the Conservation Area, the Clerk thought that consent was only required for Listed Buildings but would enquire. State of Greenview Avenue Cllr Pollard reported that the turning circle at the top of Greenview Avenue was breaking up and required attention. Clerk to notify Kent Highways. Road between the Compasses and Charcott Cllr Marchant asked that the state of the verges in this stretch of road be reported to KCC Highways as a matter of extreme urgency as the large tractors had reduced the verges to a length of deep rutted potholesditches. Green Working Party The Stoolball and Rugby Clubs had still to nominate their representatives. It was agreed that the school be included as users of the Green. Correspondence All relevant correspondence had been circulated for information.Browitt and Smith subsequent to the Clerk's meeting with Mr Browitt, a letter seeking advice from the Council as to the type of survey was required for the Bungalows had been received. It was agreed that option 2 which would outline necessary repairs in the immediate, short and long term period for the next 10 years in the sum of £550 + disbursements and VAT be sought. Medway consultation document had been received Cllr Marchant agreed to look at this and comment. Play equipment the clerk was building up a collection of catalogues for reference. NHS Consultation documentsCllr Knock had kindly reviewed these and voiced concerns that again, it appeared that services would be further removed and more treatment would be performed in the doctor's surgery or at home. Paramedics and the ambulance service would be expected to cover a greater area and again how good wouldCllr Knock questioned whether sufficient local knowledge would remainbe with this arrangement. Cllr Knock agreed to attend the meeting on 23 February.Sp PC G Eade presented his apologies for late arrival; he too had been at the Penshurst PC meeting. There is an influx of antique 'knockers' in the area coming from Sussex, and people should be wary and not give them access. PC Eade reported that the manhole cover in the B2027 near Knotley Hall was causing a danger becoming proud of the road surface. Also at the Cinder Hill junction the fire hydrant was also standing proud of the carriageway. Railways, domestic matters. Bus 210 commuter bus K5 It appears that the new information board recently installed has been vandalised. Cllr Knock reported that there is now only 1 train which goes directly to Maidstone and this is at 8.50 at weekends. PLANNING Members had been in receipt of a photograph of the Stone House, which they had previously felt unable to validly comment upon due to the minimal documentation. The photo was not a great help but concerns were voiced about the roof lights which were felt to be out of keeping, particularly at the front and side of the building. It was agreed that these comments should be forwarded. SE/05/03229/FUL Yew Tree Bungalow, Egg Pie Lane, Weald. Demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of new dwelling. Members remained opposed to this application, all previous attempts had been refused, but a Lawful Certificate had been obtained in 2003 for the existing building which was not a dwelling in the Council's opinion.. Clerk to reiterate previous objections. The following decision notices had been received: SE/05/02914 Glaxosmithkline, Powder Mills, Leigh Addition of 3 roof vents to building TN05 GRANTED SE/05/02911/FULGlaxosmithkline, Powder Mills Leigh erection of smoking shelter REFUSED SE/05/02771/FUL Chilling House, High Stree, Leigh Garden Shed GRANTED SE/0502664/FUL Wildhatch, Green View Avenue proposal to add a second storey to an existing extension to provide an additional bedroom and en suite. GRANTED SE/05/02795/FUL Pauls Farm Cottage, Ensfield Road Restoration/alteration of barn for playroom/storage use. GRANTED SE/05/02632/LBCALT South Down House 1 The Square, High Street replace first floor right sided(facing) window GRANTED The council had also received and informative alteration to the RHT application on land adj to Kennards, Hildenborough Road. This showed the correct alignment of the footpath as previously notified to the planning department. Noted. FINANCIAL MATTERS The following accounts were presented for payment: Councillors were asked to ratify the payment of the Emergency Line of 11.73 (inc VAT 1.74), so ratified.
It was resolved that 'the bills be paid'.
ANY FURTHER MATTERS FOR THE CLERK'S ATTENTION Cllr Pollard asked about the status of the new noticeboards, Cllr Sykes responded that a quote was awaited and the matter would be resolved at the next RBL committee meeting. There being no further matters for determination the meeting closed at 10.10pm Signed................................. Chairman Date...................................
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