April 2008 Minutes
 

PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], J A BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL, M LANDER (from 8.10), A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, MRS A THROSSELL
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council]

601. OPENING OF MEETING

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

602. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence was RECEIVED from Cllr. Mrs Thwaites. Apologies for late arrival was RECEIVED from Cllr. Lander. The previously notified reasons for absence and late arrival were ACCEPTED and APPROVED.

603. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS

Cllr. Mulcuck and Cllr. Nunn declared a personal interest in item 607(iv)(2) Donation Requests as they are members of the Ditton Heritage Centre Committee.

604. CONFIRMATION AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 3rd MARCH 2008

The minutes of the above meeting were READ, CONFIRMED and SIGNED.

605. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising that are not included elsewhere on the Agenda.

The Chairman MOVED that the Police Report be taken next to enable PC’s Roddick and Dalton to return to their policing duties:-

606. REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICERS

PC Roddick introduced PC Dalton who gave a report on the crime figures for Ditton during March 2008 as follows:-

Total Crimes 15; 5 criminal damage, 1 vehicle crime, 2 thefts (1 from a dwelling and 1 from a shed) and 7 others. The total crimes in Ditton last month were 19 and it was also 19 for the same period last year.

The annual crime figures show that there was a 29.7% drop in crimes during the last financial year which equated to 81 less crimes. Ditton had the fourth highest drop in crime in the Tonbridge & Malling area.

PC Roddick advised members of the changes to the neighbourhood policing system and introduced PC Andy Dalton who will now have joint responsibility with PC Roddick for neighbourhood policing in Ditton and seven other parishes.

As their time will have to be split between these seven areas, daily contact regarding policing matters will be through PCSO Lia Bishop and the Community Warden. It is not anticipated that there will be any reduction in service, although the Officers will not have the day to day contact with each parish that they previously had.

PC Roddick advised that in view of the arson attack on the new public house, he has requested that the mobile CCTV unit be deployed at this location.

607. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING MARCH 2008

(a) For Confirmation

(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE – 10TH MARCH 2008,

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.

Recommendations

1. Finance – Slippage [Page 313, item 562(d)
2. Additional Parking Bays – Slippage [Page 313, item 563(a)
3. Report of Meeting with Gaming Machine Supplier [Page 314, item 564(d)]

RESOLVED to RATIFY the above recommendations.

(ii) PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – 17TH MARCH 2008,

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.

(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE – 17TH MARCH 2008,

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.

Recommendations

1. Request to Slip Forward Unspent Balance [Page 321, item 584(b)

RESOLVED to RATIFY the above recommendation.

(iv) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE – 31ST MARCH 2008, herewith

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.

Recommendations

1. Financial Analysis - Slippage [Page 325, item 595(a)]
2. Donation Requests - [Page 326, item 595(d)]
3. IT Support Contract - [Page 327, item 598]

RESOLVED to RATIFY the above recommendations.

Investment

Cllr. Beadle advised that since the Finance and Administration meeting the council has received a portfolio valuation up to 31st March 2008. He advised that this showed the valuation was only down by 7% and not the 10-12% he anticipated and that there is £17,000 in the cash account.

(b) For Noting

The following meeting notes, were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

(i) PARTNERSHIP MEETING WITH RESIDENTS, 12TH MARCH 2008

(ii) REMEMBRANCE DAY, 25TH MARCH 2008

(iii) TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 27TH FEBRUARY 2008 & 2nd April 2008


608. CORRESPONDENCE

For Noting

The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

Tonbridge & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Performance and Finance 2007/2009

‘Here’ and Now, Spring 2008

Housing Register and Homelessness Investigations and Prevention Services

KAPC: Membership Information Pack 2008/2009 & Publications Order Form

Press Publishing: Clerks and Councils ‘Direct’ - Issue 56, March 2008

Local Councils ‘Update’ - Issue 101, March 2008

CPRE: ‘Fieldwork’, March 2008

‘Kent Viewpoint’, Spring 2008

NALC: ‘Local Council Review’ - Vol. 59 no. 6, March 2008

SLCC: ‘The Clerk’ – Vol 40, March 2008

Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting held 25/2/2008

Communities and Local Gvt: Trafford Hall, Training Courses for tenants and Volunteers

Standards Board for England: ‘Town & Parish Standard’, March 2008

Mentor: ‘Business’, Issue 11

Legal Update – Issue 21, 2008

Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’ - Issue 1, 2008

(b) For Decision

Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Draft Parish Charter (Consultation)
RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE CHARTER AND MAKE NO FURTHER COMMENTS.

609. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS

Co. Cllr. Rowe reported on the following:-

Joint Transportation Board – at the meeting on 3rd March a report was given on the progress of the bus priority measures at the junction with New Hythe Lane. Part of these measures has required work on London Road in Ditton. The £44k provision of cycle lane from New Hythe Lane to Bell Lane/A20 Ditton was also reported upon. Both these two projects should now be completed.
 
Parish Partnership Panel - at the meeting on 6th March, the Parish Charter was considered. This should have been sent to all parish/town councils for formal adoption. TMBC Cabinet Member for Community Services is to visit all parish councils for a charter signing.

Parish Council Chairs are invited to Mayors Tea Party on 17th April.
 
Allington Waste to Energy Plant Planning Application TM/98/1428 and MA/98/1212/106/R6 - a traffic management system is due to be installed to enable a more effective traffic control of the site.
 
Age Concern, Luncheon Club – concern has been expressed by senior citizens that Age Concern has substantially increased the luncheon fees. They have also advised that these fees must now be paid one calendar month in advance and is non-refundable if anyone is unable to attend for any reason.

This means that senior citizens will be required to pay in advance between £32 -£61 per calendar month, which many cannot afford to do.

Priory Grove, Noise Pollution – Concern has been expressed by residents that the new tannoy system installed at Aylesford Sports College, which is in use all day, is extremely loud and intrusive and is affecting their quality of life.

Grant Aid – Application forms are available for Kent County Council Members grants and small community grants.

Matters Raised by Councillors

Rural Policing Conference – invitation not received until 1st April and requested response by 2nd April.

Community Wardens – why do KCC train wardens before taking up references to assess suitability for the job?

Community Charge – what was the level of uncollected rates in the last financial year?

Traffic Lights, New Road – timing.

610. REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICERS

Dealt with earlier in the meeting

611. FINANCE

Accounts Received

The following accounts received during March 2008 were READ and NOTED:-

Allotment Holders: Gate Keys 17.50

Customs & Excise: Refund 1.00

Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance 112.31

Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 685.14

Ditton Minors FC: Line Marking 66.00

Ditton Minors FC: Energy Charge - NRRG 28.20

Jims Mowing: Gazette Ad 35.00

Damara: Photocopying 31.45

Multi Sports Hire: Income 782.00
(b) Accounts for Payment

RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-

Salaries: Gross: 14985.81 Net: 11271.90

DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 1099.65

Kent County Council: Superannuation – March 2008 2798.44

AquAid: Drinking Water Supply 20.25
Vat 3.54 23.79

Craigdene Ltd: Annual Play Equipment Inspection 110.00
Vat 19.25 129.25

CPRE: Annual Subscription 2008/2009 28.00

Gullands: Advice Ditton Court Quarry 600.00
Vat 105.00 705.00

G Haffenden: Skip Hire (Compound) 130.00
Vat 22.75 152.75

Kent County Council: Internal Audit Third Visit 260.00
Vat 45.50 305.50

Kent County Council: Supply and Install Barn Owl Box 80.00
Vat 14.00 94.00

Kent County Council: Vehicle Lease Fee 1071.00
Vat 187.43 1258.43

Kent County Council: Stationery 31.90
Vat 5.58 37.48

Nico Office Ltd: Black Toner (Magicolour) 82.79
Vat 14.49 97.28

Parker Merchanting: Latex Gloves 18.00
Vat 3.15 21.15

Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Vehicle Fuel 95.44
Vat 16.71 112.15

Mr Pullinger: Playground Locking 25.00

ROSPA: Water & Leisure Membership 75.00
Vat 13.13 88.13

Rural Kent: Membership 2008/2009 35.00

SSG Emprise: Keyholding and Alarm response 20.82
Vat 3.65 24.48

Three Towns Stationery: Receipt Books 16.72
Vat 2.92 19.64

Travis Perkins Sander Belt, Brass Crank Pull Handle,
Cement Discs, Washers, Architrave,
Fence Post & panel, paint brushes,
Bath Chain 186.52
Vat 32.65 219.17

Donations Under The Local Government Act 1972 Sections 142, 144 and 137

Under Section 142: Malling Area Volunteer Bureau 200.00
Victim Support 100.00
Malling Citizens Advice Bureau 100.00

Under Section 144: Ditton Heritage Centre: 921.00

RESOLVED that the following payment to Kent Air Ambulance be made under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972

Under Section 137: Kent Air Ambulance 250.00

PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT – Expenditure during March 2008

The following expenditure on the Imprest Account was READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-

Carried Forward 1st March 2008 2054.48
Add: PC Reimbursement 445.52
2500.00
Deduct: February Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Com Centre Expenses 76.75
OSA Expenses 207.19
Postage 164.00
Bar Expenses 273.07
Cllrs: Expenses 33.56
Travelling Expenses 56.76
Petty Cash 259.55
Vat 25.52 1099.65

Balance 1400.35

*Sum to be drawn on 7th April 2008 1099.65

(c) Direct Debits – Paid During February 2008

The following direct debits paid during February 2008, were READ, NOTED & APPROVED:-

[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT

01.02.08 WPA Health Care 491.80
01.02.08 Sky Business 306.68
04.02.08 Post Office Ltd 70.27
05.02.08 RBS Mentor 365.17
08.02.08 Nildram Ltd 42.82
20.02.08 S & N UK Ltd 3,100.41
20.02.08 Red Fuelcards 29.34
21.02.08 Euphony 13.74
21.02.08 Waverley 408.24
22.02.08 EBS Direct Debits 26.50
22.02.08 AMLD – Gaming Machine Licence 156.00
25.02.08 BOC Manchester 235.00
27.02.08 Walkers Snacks 221.15
28.02.08 Nat West Debit Card 74.00

(d) BACS Payments During February 2008

The following BACS payment made during February 2008, was READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-

06.02.08 Inland Revenue 4688.01

(e) Family Day - End of Year Balance Sheet

The 2007/2008 end of year Family Day balance sheet was READ and NOTED as follows:-

INCOME EXPENDITURE Cash in Hand 1/4/2007 786.11 Horticulture Show 245.00
Firework Quiz Income 11.50 Returned to Parish Council* 154.00
Drawn from Allowance* 400.00 Christmas Hamper Items 29.96
Cash in Hand 31/3/2008 839.58
1,269.54 1,269.54

(f) Appointment of External Auditor

NOTED the Audit Commission have confirmed the appointment of Mr Alun Williams of the Audit Commission’s Limited Assurance Specialist Unit as auditor to Ditton Parish Council for financial years 2007/2008 – 2011/2012.

The Clerk advise that she has, today, received notification that the Annual Audit for the year ending 31st March 2008 will take place on 9th June 2008.

612. PLANNING MATTERS

(a) Plans Received for Comment

TM/07/4354/RD Details of contamination Validation report
for plots 151-153 submitted pursuant to
cond. 5 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of
370 dwellings etc.
Submission of revised contamination Report

Former Frantschach Site, New Hythe Lne.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM07/03334/RD Details of contamination validation report
for plots 125 – 129 & 212-219 Inclusive
submitted pursuant to cond. 5 of
TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370
dwellings etc.
Submission of contamination validation Report

Former Frantschach Site. New Hythe Lne.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM/08/00737/TNCA Reduce height & width of overgrown
Hedgerow Diocese of Rochester

The Rectory 2 The Stream
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM/08.00800/RD Details of roofing materials, landscaping,
tree works, bridge, acoustic protection
and surface water drainage. Submitted
pursuant to Conditions 4,5,6,12,14,15 &
17 of TM/05/00959: Erection of a two
storey extension to Cobdown House and
construction of two additional buildings.
All for use classes B 1(a) offices B1(b)
research & development B1(c) Light industry,
together with associated parking

Cobdown House 548 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM/08/00527/TPOC 2 No Ash – Lop by approx. 1/3 of length
of branches TOP Ref: 12-02-14

42 Acorn Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S APPROVAL

TM/08/00907/RD Details of contamination validation report
for plots 275 – 300 & 362-367 7 North East
Play area submitted pursuant to cond. 5 of
TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370
dwellings etc.

Former Frantschach Site. New Hythe Lne.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM/07/04430/RD Details of contamination validation report
for plots 120 – 124 submitted pursuant to
cond. 5 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of
370 dwellings etc.

Former Frantschach Site. New Hythe Lne.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

TM/08/00091/RD Details of contamination validation report
for plots 118 – 119 submitted pursuant to
cond. 5 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of
370 dwellings etc.

Former Frantschach Site. New Hythe Lne.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

  

(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No 3

The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-

TM/08/00019/FL Two storey extension and single storey
side and rear extension

67 Primrose Drive
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/08/00086/FL Installation of roller shutter door at
baleshed

Aylesford Newsprint 6 Bellingham Way
GRANTED

TM/08/00237/FL Change of use of ground floor (no. 18)
and two storey extension to rear to form
4 self contained flats (Resubmission)

16-18 New Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/08/00573/TPOC Fell Birch, Lawson Cypress, Fastigiate
Juniper & Fir Tree. Reduce height of
Castlewellen Cypress trees. Remove
lowest stem of Cypress and reduce by
approx. 30% (TPO ref. 12-02-30)

425 London Road
GRANTED

TM/08/00489/TPOC Coppice 5 Ash trees covered by TPO
Aylesford No.1 1964 (ref. 12-02.14)

88 Acorn Grove
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

(c) ‘B’ Lists

The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

08/10 - 11.03.08; 08/11 - 18.03.2008; 08/12 - 25.03.08

(d) Notice of Withdrawal of Planning Application TM/08/00328/FL (Garage Conversion, front extension and conservatory at 44 Primrose Drive)

NOTED the above application has been withdrawn.

(e) Planning Enforcement Investigations

(i) 52 ST PETER’S ROAD

The Borough Council’s Planning Authority has advised that, following further investigation, it has been determined that a breach of planning control has occurred at the site. The owner/occupier has been invited to submit a retrospective planning application, on a without-prejudice basis.

(ii) 425 LONDON ROAD

The Borough Council’s Planning Authority has advised that an initial investigation will be carried out to determine whether or not a breach of planning control has occurred.

(iii) 76 PRIMROSE DRIVE

The Borough Council’s Planning Authority has advised that an initial investigation will be carried out to determine whether or not a breach of planning control has occurred.

(f) Proposed Changes to the Planning Application Process

Information from Kent County Council, which had previously been circulated, was READ and NOTED.

613. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

(a) Final details

All arrangements are in hand and the speaker has been confirmed.

(b) Chairman’s Reports

Chairmen were asked to forward a copy of their reports to the Clerk before the meeting.

614. DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION - Visit of Le Marcheurs 17/5/2008

(a) Request for Parish Councillor(s) to accompany walkers

It was reported that sufficient Twinning Association members have now come forward to accompany the walkers, but councillors are still welcome to join the walk.

(b) Numbers of Parish Councillors wishing to attend the evening meal

Anyone wishing to attend the evening meal on 17th May is asked to let the Clerk know as soon as possible and also advise her of their choice of menu.

615. COMMUNITY DAY

A report from Ditton Minors Football Club, on the progress of the Community Day arrangements, was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED.

616. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”

There were no matters arising.

617. LONG SERVICE AWARD

Members were advised that a member of staff will have completed 25 years service to the council in July this year.

RESOLVED the Clerk will arrange the purchase of a gift and organise a small reception.

618 . CLOSURE

The meeting closed at 8.26pm.

 

Chairman
7th May 2008