Parish Council Minutes for 14th May 2007Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held in the Small Hall, High Street, Leigh, Monday 14th May 07 commencing at 7.45 pm under the chairmanship of Cllr. C Stratton-Brown. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE PRESENT Cllrs. Mr. P Croft, Mr. A Johnson, Mr. J Knock, Mr. G Marchant, Mrs H Powell, Mr. R Sykes, Mr. R Dyton, District Cllr. Mrs A Cook, County Cllr. Mr P Lake. IN ATTENDANCE SPC G Eade, and the retiring Clerk Mrs C Phillips, Mrs J Butler (Clerk), ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN The retiring Clerk called for nominations for Chairman, Cllr. Stratton-Brown was proposed by Cllr. Knock and seconded by Cllr. Johnson and re-elected unanimously. Cllr. Stratton-Brown signed his acceptance of office. Cllr. Rick Dyton was welcomed as a new member. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN The Chairman called for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Cllr. Sykes was nominated by Cllr. Knock, seconded by Cllr. Stratton-Brown. Cllr. Sykes was elected unanimously. Mrs Phillips was sincerely thanked by the Chairman on behalf of the Council for dedicating 24 years as Parish Clerk. Mrs Phillips was presented by the Council with a picture of Leigh Green painted by Mrs Vivian Church, and with a bouquet of flowers by District Cllr. Mrs Cook. CO-OPTIONGraham Marchant, who for personal reasons had been unable to arrange for his nomination forms to be completed in time, was co-opted onto the Council on the proposal of the Chairman.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEES Finance: Cllrs. R.Sykes (Chairman), G Marchant, J.Knock, C Stratton-Brown. Internal Auditor E C Batchelor. Proposed by Cllr. Knock, seconded by Cllr. Croft. Environment: Cllrs. P Croft (Chairman) A Johnston, J Knock, R. Dyton Planning: Cllrs. A.Johnston, G.Marchant, R Sykes C Stratton-Brown Green Working Party: Cllrs. A Johnson (Chairman), G Marchant, P Croft, + appointed representatives from user clubs Footpaths Working Party: Cllr. H Powell + Mr. P.Penn, Mr. P Wood and Mr. C Rowley Playground: Cllrs. H Powell and R. Dyton APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES KAPC Sevenoaks Area Committee Cllr. R Sykes CPRE Public Transport Cllrs. J Knock, C Stratton-Brown Leigh United Charities (3rd year of 4 year term) Cllr. J Knock, Mr. E.C Batchelor Village Hall representative Cllr. A.Johnston Election/nomination to all committees and working parties was agreed en bloc. Transport Forum Cllr C Stratton-BrownMINUTES of the meeting held on Monday 2nd April 07, previously circulated were agreed. MATTERS ARISINGYew Tree Bungalow - this issue has been called in by the Environment Agency. Poor repairs to southern side of the road around the Green - the Chairman and Mr C Rowley will pursue this. Charcott Affordable Rural Housing The Chairman, after consulting Councillors, had committed the Council to support this development on the basis of 2 units for Leigh and 2 for Chiddingstone. Cllr. Cook stated that there may be a wildlife protection issue with regard to the development and therefore it may be called to the Development Committee. The Parish Council agreed to write to the District Council to emphasise their support for this scheme. REPORTS District Councillor Mrs Alison Cook. Cllr. Cook highlighted the problems on the Hildenborough Road, particularly near Laundry Cottages Corner, where there was another accident the day before the meeting. There is subsidence that needs work, and the whole camber of the road needs attention. County Cllr. Peter Lake has been informed and has promised to do something about it. Cllr. Cook also called for the Council's support which was agreed. In addition the other end of the village would benefit from an extension of the speed limit to Fairlawns, ideally the limit reduced to 30mph, and the centre of the village's limit reduced to 20mph. It would also be beneficial to introduce an interactive speed sign at this end of the village (as well as that planned for the Hildenborough end). This has all been proposed to Cllr. Lake. Cllr. Cook also noted the poor state of the pavements in Powdermill Lane, due to subsidence. Cllr. Cook informed the meeting that SDC have changed the charging structure for the senior citizens' bus pass, and she has obtained a reduction to £30 per annum, payable biannually if preferred. Finally Cllr. Cook stated that people are worried about possible fortnightly collections and the District Council is opposed to it and will only implement fortnightly collections if absolutely forced to by Government. The Council supported all points made with regard to traffic issues, particularly Laundry Cottages corner and the far side of the bridge and proposed that the Clerk write to Cllr. Lake, and also to SDC in support of the Charcott housing. Cllr. Dyton asked whether Highways could provide protection for pedestrians walking to the station, to which Cllr. Cook replied that there is little room and the cost would be too high. When the issue has been raised before, the landowner has not given permission for a footpath inside the field. County Councillor Mr. Peter Lake Cllr. Lake read out a letter from Brian Fitzgerald from Highway Services with regard to the moving of the 30mph terminal point. Mr Fitzgerald claims it is not necessary, as drivers will not take it seriously if it is moved back beyond the bridge. However Cllr. Lake believes that as this is clearly a settlement, the sign should be moved. The Chairman stated that it was worthwhile trying to get it moved at least slightly as it would help Gibbs Field. Cllr. Lake called for the Parish Council to combine with Home Farm and request Highways to think of an alternative solution. There was general discussion about altering the camber of the road and the line of the road beyond the bridge. The Chairman asked for the Clerk to write a letter to Highways in support. SPC G Eade had nothing to report for this meeting apart from the cars that were parking on the pavements by Oak Cottages, Penshurst Road are now parking on the road as a result of his windscreen notes. General discussion regarding vandalism around the public lavatories ensued. Cllr. Croft offered to check the security of the mower shed. Rural Housing -update The Chairman informed the meeting that Gibbs Field is now occupied and the Charcott proposal has already been mentioned. Village Halls Cllr. Johnson reported that the Listed Building Inspector has visited and he is waiting to hear his report. The main concern with the work on the heating rests with the flue. KAPC Area Committee - a copy of the minutes were given to Cllr. Sykes. Parish Plan - now off the agenda. Youth Forum. The Chairman informed the meeting that about 7 people were present at the breakfast meeting which was directed at adult support for Youth Forums . He has advised David Bennie to claim his expenses from the Parish Council. MEETING DATES FOR 2007 -08The Clerk had circulated a list of dates which were agreed. ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MINUTES The draft of these have not yet been circulated, and it was agreed that members would review them to ensure an accurate record in time for the June meeting. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION Playground on Green - Cllr. Powell has written to Ian Wilson of SDC to ask David Boorman to advise us, and she is waiting for a reply. Cllr. Powell has asked to speak with the School Council in order to get the childrens' opinion and will report back next meeting. Parking Enforcement in rural areas - Cllr. Sykes reported double yellow line parking outside Fleur-de-Lis which should be enforceable. SPC Eade observed that if the landlords knew they would speak to their customers if applicable. SDC's Community Plan launch on 30th May, Otford Recreation Ground and Village Hall. The Chairman urged councillors to attend if possible, and asked that if further press notices were released they should be forwarded to Cllr. Sykes and Cllr. Knott. Mower - Council agreed that the Clerk inform the Church as sole user to take ownership and therefore maintenance of the mower, although it can remain in the secure shed. Overhanging trees from old graveyard - Cllr. Croft to visit site. KCC - letter regarding Parish Council's proposal to erect children's play equipment on Green. No objection as long as development is in proportion to size of Green and other usage - directed to Play Ground Working Party CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATIONAll correspondence received up to 13th May 2007
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Green maintenance - Cllr. Knock reported that the quote for a year was £1,368.76 if they do everything specified. They will bill in July and November. Bartlett Tree Report - Chloe Phillips needs to hand this over to the new Clerk. Trees in the Village Competition - Peter Penn is involved in this. Clerk to find out when application forms need to be submitted. Visit of Fun Fair -The Clerk needs to write to residents on the Green to give advance notice. Buses/Trains - Cllr. Knock had no report apart from a very slight change to the train timetable. The Chairman remarked that the commuter bus 235 to the station was excellent. PLANNING Minutes of 23rd April previously circulated. The following decisions had been received:
SE/07 00536/FUL - Birchdene, Penshurst Rd, Leigh: ground floor side alterations, extension to rear. The following applications had been received for discussion and comment:
SE/07/01187/FUL - Southfields, Scabharbour Road, Hildenborough: two storey side addition and construction of porch. CLERK'S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT The Clerk's draft contact of appointment and job description, which was outlined by Cllr. Sykes and the Chairman, was agreed. The Clerk wished to join the local government pension scheme. This was proposed by Cllr. Knott and seconded by Cllr. Johnson and was agreed. It was agreed that Chloe Phillips's last day would be 15th May 2007 and Janice Butler's contract would commence on 15th April. FINANCIAL MATTERSCllr. Sykes has completed a draft of the balance sheet with end of year balance of £18k. This is less than last year due to village hall and APD expenditure. An invoice for the meetings held in the Small Village Hall is awaited and will be chased. Annual audit is due 11th June.A letter from Leigh Village Produce Association asking for support for marquee and tables hire for Summer Show had been received and was passed to Cllr. Sykes for consideration. The payment of cheques listed below were agreed.
ANY FURTHER INFORMATION The Chairman highlighted that the Parish Council has a vacancy for one Councillor. There being no further matters for discussion the meeting closed at 10.15pm Signed................................... Chairman Date......................................
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