Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, February 2008
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2008
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], J A BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE, MRS J F THWAITES, BOROUGH CLLR. MRS C GRANT & PCSO LIA BISHOP
MRS S J KAVANAGH [clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin. Asst.]
480. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
481 APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllrs. Baker, Lander & Mrs Throssell. The previously notified reasons for absence were ACCEPTED and APPROVED. Apologies were also RECEIVED from County Cllr. Rowe and PC Roddick.
482. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Porter declared a personal interest in item 491(a) TM/08/00088/FL as he is acquainted with the applicant.
Cllr. Mulcuck declared a personsal interest in item 491 TM/08/00125/AT as he lives adjacent to the premises.
Cllrs. J A & Mrs Beadle declared a personal interest in item 494 as their daughter is a solicitor in the practice currently dealing with this matter.
Cllr. Stone declared a personal interest in 491 planning matters and requested it be NOTED that his comments and decisions on planning applications at this meeting are a preliminary view and, in accordance with the Code of Conduct, he will look at all applications afresh at Borough Council level and consider them solely on the basis of evidence placed before him at that meeting.
483. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 7th JANUARY 2008
The minutes of the meeting held on 7th January were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
484. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
485. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JANUARY 2008
Community Centre Committee, 14th January 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(b) Planning Committee, 21st January 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(i) INTRODUCTION OF 1APP APPLICATION FORM – NEW VALIDATION CRITERIA/CONSULTATION
Cllr. Mulcuck gave a précis of the document.
RESOLVED to advise that this Council has no comment to make other than it agrees with the contents of the document.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 21st January 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs Thwaites and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(d) Bar Finance Sub-Committee, 28th January 2008.
These minutes were not available.
(e) Ditton Twinning Association, 24th January 2008
The above minutes were READ and NOTED.
486. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED.
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Love Food, Hate Waste Campaign
Kent Village of the Year Competition 2008
T & M Crime Disorder
Reduction Partnership: Newsletter Issue 5, January 2008
Local Works: The Sustainable Communities Bill Becomes Law
NALC: Communications Awards & Clerk and Council of the Year 2008
KAPC: Minutes of T & M Area Committee meeting held 13/12/2007
Mrs Liz Short: Letter of Thanks
Age Concern: Letter of Thanks
Mrs D Jerrom: Letter of Thanks re. Lee Hayward
Jonathan Shaw MP: Newsletter – January/February 2008
Plus Publishing: Clerks & Council’s Direct, January 2008 – Issue 55
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’, January 2008 – Vol 39, No 7
ERHA: ‘The Bulletin’ Winter 2007/2008
Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’, Issue Four 2007
Rural Kent: Kent Village of the Year 2008
Rural Community Retailer of 2008
Kent Community Rail Partnership – Stakeholders Meeting 2008
Highways Agency: A2 – Phase 2 Pepperhill to Cobham Scheme
Yellow Partnership Ltd: Action for Street Kids
(b) For Decision
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl
Mr M Worrall (Leader): Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement
Copies of information previously circulated were READ and NOTED
RESOLVED TO FULLY SUPPORT THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IN ENDEAVOURING TO OBTAIN A FAIR FINANCE SETTLEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES IN THE BOROUGH.
Mr I Dennison (DMFC): Community Day
Information on the progress of plans for the community weekend was READ and the request for use of the Community Centre free of charge on the Sunday, was NOTED.
RESOLVED THIS BE REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE AT ITS NEXT MEETING.
The Chairman moved that item 10 on the Agenda be taken next to enable PCSO Lia Bishop to return to her policing duties.
487. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
PCSO Lia Bishop reported on the following matters:-
- Crime Figures – Totalled 12 in January. This was up from 7 the previous month and down from 33 for the same period last year.
The crimes included 2 vehicle crimes, 3 burglaries from sheds/garages and 7 others.
- Licensing hours for the new Public House in New Road – PCSO Lia Bishop advised that she has suggested a PACT meeting be arranged with the Landlords, Licensing Officer, Borough & Parish Council members, residents and Police.
During this report the following matters were raised by Members
- Why didn’t the Police object to the extended Licensing hours for the new Public House
- Underage Drinking
486. Cont'd
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl Magical Musical Evening at Hadlow Manor Hotel
The Mayors Office: Friday 29th February 2008
Information READ and NOTED. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to let the Clerk know as soon as possible.
Pudding Evening at Ightham Mote, Friday 29th March 2008
Information READ and NOTED anyone wishing to attend is asked to let the Clerk know as soon as possible.
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Parish Partnership Panel – Agenda Items
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL HAS NO ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA AT THIS TIME.
Heritage Open Days 2008
NOTED that the Heritage Centre will be open on 14th September.
Kent County Council: Police Consultation on Youth Gatherings
Information READ and NOTED.
Communities and Local Consultation on Orders and Regulations Relating
Government: to the Conduct of Local Authority Members in England
The above document, previously circulated, was READ and NOTED.
488. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Petanque Club: Kilnbarn Club Food 21.66
Pre-School: Buffet 100.00
Mr West: Payment for Damage to Kilnbarn
Entry Door 141.00
Hirers: Multi-Sport Income 439.50
Ditton Bowls Club: Key Deposit 5.00
C & F Carpenters: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Body & Soul. Gazette Advertisement 35.00
Driveright: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Mr Gittocks: Damage to Bar Window Frame 42.54
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance Fee Dec. 2007 342.57
Ditton Infants shool: Grounds Maintenance Fee Dec. 2007 112.31
Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14891.76 Net: 11202.35
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 1137.01*
KCC Superannuation: January 2006 Payment 2798.44
AquAid [Kent]: December Water Supply 12.98
Vat 2.27 15.25
Clerk & Council’s Local Council’s Update -
Direct: Annual Subscription 65.00
EDF Energy: NRRG Changing Rooms 26.86
Vat 1.34 28.20
EDF Energy Cedar Rooms 533.55
Climate Change Levy 27.81
VAT 98.24 659.60
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd: Oil, Grease & Parts 16.92
Vat 2.95 19.87
Fields In Trust:
(Formerly Nat. Playing
Fields) Membership Fees 35.00
Glasdon Ltd: Phoenix Seat 400.03
Vat 70.00 470.03
Kent County Council: Date Stamp, Adding Machine
Rolls. 19.70
Annual Inspection/Testing Fire
Extinguishers 135.00
Vat 27.07
181.77
LESS: Credit 9.69 172.08
KentARA: Corporate Membership Fee 35.00
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Parish Vehicle Diesel – Dec. 07 49.65
Vat 8.69 58.34
Mr D Pullinger: Playarea Locking January 2008 25.00
SSG Emprise: Keyholding & Alarm Response 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Three Towns Office
Equipment Ltd: Staedtler Markers 7.67
Vat 1.34 9.01
Travis Perkins: Brush, Discs, Hammerite 29.84
Hire of Flail Mower 5 Days 100.00
Vat 22.73 152.57
Trojan Treecare: Remove overhanging limbs in
The Stream & Top Conifers in
KBRG 1090.00
Vat 190.75 1280.75
United Balloon: Balloons for NYE Dance 8.00
Vat 1.40 9.40
(c) Account Paid Between Meetings
Trident Trailers: Indespension Tipper 3810.00
Less Discount 381.00
3429.00
Delivery Charge 55.00
3484.00
Less Part Exchange 984.00 2500.00
IMPREST ACCOUNT – Reimbursement of January expenses
Carried Forward 1st January 2008 1389.09
Add: Raffle Reimbursement 285.28
Add: PC Reimbursement 1110.91
2785.28
Deduct: January Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Buffet Christmas & NY Dance 130.00
Flowers – Liz Short 20.00
Stamps 82.20
Casual Bar Wages 45.14
Petty Cash 139.27
Signs 198.00
Training Courses 709.30
Posts & Rails – Quarry 78.13
Welding Supplies 17.00 1422.29
1362.99
Sum Required to restore Balance to £2500 1137.01*
2500.00
*Sum to be drawn on 4th February 2008
(d) Direct Debits – Paid During December 2007
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
The following direct debits paid during December 2007, were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-
03.12.07 WPA 491.80
03.12.07 02 28.49
03.12.07 Sky Business 306.68
05.12.07 RBS (Mentor) 365.17
10.12.07 Nildram (Broadband) 42.82
10.12.07 Post Office Ltd 87.83
18.12.07 BT Direct Debits 49.66
18.12.07 BT Direct Debits 49.82
18.12,07 BT - Initial Payment 59.37
18.12.07 Information Commissioners 35.00 (Data Protection Fee)
20.12.07 S & N UK Ltd 6167.00
20.12.07 T & M BC Business Rates 1118.00
21.12.07 Euphony Comms 14.08
24.12.06 EBS Direct Debits 46.50
24.12.07 BOC Manchester 235.00
24.12.07 AMLD –Gaming Machine 156.00
27.12.07 Walkers Snacks 33.75
31.12.07 NW Business Card 20.00
(e) Internal Audit - Report of 3rd Visit of Annual Programme
The Internal Auditor’s report of the 3rd Visit was READ and it was NOTED that there were no matters of significance from the audit that would need to be reported to the Council.
489. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Cllr. Stone reported on the following matters:-
Installation of Bollards, Pear Tree Avenue – These have now been installed along the grassed area opposite the entrance to the Infant School.
Alcohol Free Zones – The Borough Council is proposing to designate alcohol free zones in the borough. Cllr. Stone is to attend the meeting at which this is to be discussed.
Helium Balloons - In view of the impact to the environment and wildlife caused by debris from helium balloons, the Borough Council is to prohibit the release of helium balloons on its land.
The Clerk read a letter from the Kent County Council Warden Scheme advising that Ditton’s Warden, Tom Hawkwood, has been promoted and will not be returning to Ditton. Temporary cover will be maintained by the response team until another Warden is appointed.
490. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
491. PLANNING MATTERS
Plans Received for Comment
TM/08/00061/TPOC Reduce crown by 25% and lift lower crown of 1no. Sycamore
7 Acorn Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/04401/FL Two storey side extension and improvements to construct granny annexe
9 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/08/00075/FL Variation of condition 6 of planning permission TM/07/03375/FL conversion from Club to public house external and internal alterations to amend opening hours to 10.00 to 00.30 Sunday to Thursday and 10.00 to 01.30 Fridays and Saturdays 42 New Road
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL STRONGLY OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION ON THE GROUNDS THAT TO EXTEND THE OPENING HOURS WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS AND THIS COUNCIL PRESUMES THAT IS WHY THIS CONDITION WAS IMPOSED WHEN THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION WAS APPROVED.
TM/08/00091/RD Details of contamination validation report for plots 118 &n 119 submitted pursuant to cond. 5 of permission TM/03.03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings with 30% affordable housing etc.
Former Frantschach Site
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/04365/FL Single storey side and rear extension
2 St Peter’s Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
A resident of New Road attended to put forward his, and his neighbours, concerns regarding the permitted hours on the liquor licence for the new Public House in New Road. He also wished to hear this Council’s views on the planning application to vary the condition on the permitted opening hours (currently 7.00am to 11.00pm every day), so that they match the liquor licence permitted hours (10.00am to 12.30 Sunday to Thursday and 10.00am to 1.30am Friday and Saturday).
A resident of Bradbourne Lane attended in connection with Planning Application TM/08/00088/FL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The meeting was reconvened.
TM/08/00088/FL Erection of four detached dwellings
Land at 45 Bradbourne Ln
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO A FOOTWAY BEING PROVIDED ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE AS YOU ENTER THE SITE TO PROVIDE SAFE ACCESS FOR PEDESTRIANS
TM/07/4451/FL Change of use from Class B8 Storage and Distribution to Class B1 (c) Light Industrial, Class B2 General Industrial and Class B8 Storage and Distribution:
AMENDED DETAILS OF TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS
Unit 6 Bellingham Way
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/08/00019/FL Two storey side extension and single storey side and rear extensions
67 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/08/00125/AT 1 set internally illuminated letters, 1 set externally illuminated letters, 1 set non illuminated letters, 1 internally illuminated menu case, 1 non illuminated amenity
Walnut Tree PH
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, BUT WOULD ASK THAT THE ILLUMINATED SIGNS ARE TURNED OFF WITHIN HALF AN HOUR AFTER CLOSING TIME
TM/08/00173/RD Details of contamination validation report for plots 301 to 310 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/08/00086 Installation of Roller Shutter Door at Baleshed 6
Aylesford Newsprint
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No. 3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/04246/RD Details of landscaping submitted pursuant to cond. 3 of TM/06/02288/FL
Alternative scheme of residential development
New Road Bus.Est
APPROVED
TM/07/04242/AT 3 no. aluminium fascia signs Unit 5 Bellingham Way
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
08/02 - 14.1.2008; 08/03 - 22.01.2008
(d) Planning Enforcement Investigations
(i) 74 PRIMROSE DRIVE
NOTED that, following the Planning Enforcement Officer’s inspection of the premises and of council records, it is apparent that there may have been a breach of planning control on the site. Further investigations will now be made.
(ii) 52 ST PETER’S ROAD
NOTED that, following the Planning Enforcement Officer’s inspection of the premises and of council records, it is apparent that there may have been a breach of planning control on the site. Further investigations will now be made.
(e) Notification of Appeal - TM/07/03219AT – Non Illuminated Freestanding Sign, Pinions Pet Foods
NOTED, an appeal has been to the Planning Inspectorate by the applicant against the decision of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to refuse consent for the above mentioned advertisement.
(f) Pipkin Presentation – Overview
Cllr. Mrs Beadle gave a précis of the Pipkin presentation, which she recently attended. It was NOTED that this new system will shift the responsibility, cost and administrative work of the planning of highway projects, researching them and undertaking resident consultations from the Highways Authority to Local Councils. Only when this work has been undertaken by local authorities, including parish councils, will the Highways Authority consider projects for inclusion in their prioritising scheme.
(g) Kent County Council Draft Permit Scheme - Consultation
RESOLVED to comment that whilst this Council agrees with the proposals, it would hope that wherever possible, utility companies would endeavour to undertake work in the same location at the same time.
492. WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS
The Clerk advised that the Members of St Peter’s Church are organising a group to welcome new residents to the parish and asked if the Council would like to have a representative join the group or provide some useful information which they would pass on.
The Clerk suggested that copies of Ditton Gazette, a Meetings timetable, Councillors names and a list of useful telephone numbers could be given to new residents as a welcome pack from the parish council.
Cllr. Mulcuck suggested this be produced in booklet form.
493. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, 28TH APRIL 2008
(a) Format
RESOLVED the format will remain the same as last year.
(b) Speaker/s
It was suggested that Kent County Council be asked if they would be willing to give a presentation on their ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ campaign.
494. RAGSTONE COURT/DITTON QUARRY BOUNDARY
(a) Current Situation
No further information was available for the meeting.
(b) Costs
The Solicitor has advised that where no court proceedings have been issued there is no mechanism in place for the recovery of costs.
RESOLVED in view of the above information, this Council will not seek to recover costs.
495. DITTON GAZETTE – COPY DEADLINE
The deadline for submissions is the first week in March. It is hoped to finalise the Gazette before the end of March.
Members were advised that more copy is required for the Gazette and they were asked to send in any ideas for articles to the Clerk or direct to Cllr. Brine.
It was suggested that an article on the results of the PACT meeting regarding the new Public House opening hours be included in this edition. Cllr. Beadle agreed to write this article.
496. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
Cllr. Mulcuck raised the issue of bus passes and whether they could be used countrywide.
He was advised that they can be used in other counties, but not to travel through them.
497. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.27pm.
Chairman
3rd March 2008
