Parish Council Minutes for 5th March 2007Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Monday 5 March 07 in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh under the chairmanship of Cllr C Stratton-Brown. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Cllr A McCarthy, Cllr R Sykes and District Cllr Mrs A Cook. PRESENT Cllrs P Croft, A Johnston, J Knock, G Marchant, Mrs H Powell, M Pollard. IN ATTENDANCE Mr & Mrs Bailey, Mr & Mrs K Comfort, Mesdames Charlesworth, PC Andy Blackmore, Crime Reduction Officer; Sgt Lea and PC Ingram Edenbridge local office; Sp PC G Eade and the Clerk Mrs Phillips. THE MINUTES which had been previously circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROM The fence at Chapel House is being replaced. Noted. The chairman introduced PC Andy Blackmore who, living in Hildenborough knows Leigh quite well. He and the Clerk had walked around the village on 30 January looking at areas of concern. PC Blackmore assured those present that Leigh is in global terms a relatively crime free, safe community in a safe part of the County. Up to December 06 there were 6 validated crimes, 1 burglary from a shed, 1 burglary, 3 thefts, 1 criminal damage. Incidents of criminal damage are the largest problem the police face, they take seconds but are the hardest to prevent and prove. Part of PC Blackmore's job is regular meetings with the SDC and discussion about the "hot spots". Swanley, Edenbridge and Sevenoaks are regular problem areas. This is the 2nd largest policing area in Kent with the largest number of people and houses. The policing structure is a District Chief Inspector, a District Inspector, 4 Sgts. and PCs, not forgetting Sp PC Eade. There are three crime reduction officers, covering the three local authority areas. PC Blackmore - Sevenoaks. The main Police station is at Tonbridge. The telephone numbers are 999 for emergencies, 01732 771055 which will connect to the control room, from where action can be determined. 01732 86379361 The local office at Edenbridge is not continuously manned, so there may only be an answer phone. Local officers can be contacted by email on edenbridge.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk. The chairman thanked PC Blackmore, who then answered questions from Cllrs and parishioners. REPORTSPlayground Working Party Cllr Pollard reported that a new Chairman would be required fro the working party as he would not be standing for re-election in May. Cllr Mrs Powell indicated her willingness to undertake this if required. Members were in receipt of the correspondence from NALC regarding the legality of such provision, with which there are no problems. The Clerk informed Members that a response is still awaited from KCC, it will in fact be Counsels opinion since he is consulting with the KCC barrister about another matter and will confirm his opinion with him. The whole matter is still subject to consultation and other matters currently being addressed by the working party. Appointment of new Clerk The chairman reported that there were 3 possible candidates and he would be contacting Cllrs about a meeting regarding the appointment. The chairman closed the formal meeting for the purpose of the OPEN SESSIONMrs Charlesworth and her daughter-in-law were concerned about the Council's minutes and Cllr Cook's parish newsletter regarding the letting of houses in The Forstall and shared ownership off Meadowbank both apparently being hostile to residents moving into the village from outside the area. They had both moved in with their families and were very happy in Leigh, but disturbed by the apparent hostility. Cllrs Knock and Marchant explained that it was the principle and legislation with which the Council had problems not with those who had been given the tenancies. It had previously been thought that local residents had some slight priority when local housing became available, but this was not the case under existing legislation as had been clarified at a recent meeting attended by Mr Leader of WKHA. Mr Bailey thanks the Council for arranging for the Crime Reduction Officer to attend and asked that his thanks to Cllr Johnston and the Clerk be noted for all the help they had given. There being no further matters to discuss the Chairman closed the Open Session and Council returned to formal session with Sp PC G Eade who only wished to report that ongoing from previous meetings, three people have been dealt with, with 1 arrest for drink related crimes. APD - update Cllr Johnston reported that he and Cllr Marchant had obtained a favourable quote for replacement doors at the Bungalows @£600 each + VAT. It was resolved that this estimate be accepted and a cheque for the deposit drawn. It was agreed that Cllr Johnston would have a word with Mr Fullbrook regarding outstanding work at No1. There is a problem with the replacement fires and necessary work to the flues, and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact British Gas asking for their assistance. The purchase of carbon monoxide monitors was in hand. Cllr Johnston will draw up a spreadsheet for long-term expenditure on the Bungalows. Youth Forum Cllr Mrs Powell was concerned that the Forum was in the 'doldrums', it was some months since the last event and she felt that some serious action needed to be considered. Cllr Stratton-Brown agreed to speak to Mr Bennie and the Clerk was asked to put something in the magazine. Village Halls - update Cllr Johnston reported that everything was on track. Regrettably damage had been caused to the new toilets. Identifying the perpetrators was difficult as there had been several bookings in the Hall, however the damage could in part be repaired at a cost. Environmental matters The Clerk had received the tree report from Bartletts which was handed to Cllr Croft. The date for the return of the fun-fair was agreed. Notice to initially put in the magazine. In the absence of a volunteer to organise, it was agreed that the Village would not enter the Kent Village of the Year. The Clerk was asked to thank both the Rugby and Football Clubs for their consideration during the recent poor weather. Railways-domestic matters Cllr Knock reported that as far as he is aware there will be no change to the service with the change to summer service in May/June. Both the 210 service and the commuter service are running smoothly. PLANNINGThe Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 19 February 07, which had been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the chairman as a correct record. The Council was in receipt of the following plans for comment: SE/06/03310/FUL Amended Application Chestnuts, The Green, Leigh. Erection of boundary fence and provision of off-street parking. Reduction of height of fence and change of use from open space to residential. Members were happier with the amended application, but felt that the vehicular access should be moved further south to lessen the conflict with pedestrians and school and other parked vehicles using The Crandalls. It was agreed that any hedging should be indigenous species, definitely not leylandii. SE/07/00536/FUL Birchdene Penshurst road, ground floor side alterations and extension to rear to provide new garage to replace existing new utility room, kitchen and to enclose front porch. Subject to the usual un-neighbourliness clause members had NO OBJECTIONS. The following decisions were received: SE/06/03238/FUL Wickhurst Oast Coppings Road. Proposed single storey utility room extension, plus single storey sunroom/hallway extension REFUSED SE/06/03190/LBCALT Yew Tree Cottage, Egg Pie Lane . Internal revisions and repositioning of first floor windows in west elevation GRANTED SE/06/01042/FUL 4 The Green Lane Leigh. Part demolition and alteration to existing police house. Change of use for the formation of new residential curtilage for the purpose of erecting a 4 bedroom detached dwelling with integral garage. GRANTED SE/06/03078/FUL & SE/06/03080/LBCALT South Down House 1 The Square High Street. To install 12 solar photo voltaic panels on the flat roof of the existing garage. GRANTED.
FINANCIAL MATTERSMembers had received the estimate, previously requested for the s137 request from the school and the decision to grant £1,200 was ratified. A s137 request from Hospice in the Weald was granted in the sum of £50. Additional accounts to those listed in the agenda were agreed. Namely Messrs Bartletts £352.50 (inc Vat 52.50) Shaw & Sons new R&P Book 57.46 (inc VAT 8.56) and 20% deposit for Bungalow Doors 240.00
It was resolved that the bills be paid. Carried ANY OTHER BUSINESSCllr Knock wished to thanks Cllr Pollard for all his work during the time he had been on the Parish Council, including the Parish Plan and the setting up of the website. Everyone concurred and thanked Cllr Pollard. There being no further matters for discussion or resolution the meeting closed at 10.05pm.
Date of next meeting Monday 2 April 2007 Signed..................................... Chairman Date........................................
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