Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, March 2008
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 3rd MARCH 2008
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], RGW BAKER, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL, M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin, Asst.]
544. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
545. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllrs. Beadle and Angel. The previously notified reasons for absence were APPROVED by the Council. Apologies were also RECEIVED from County Cllr. Rowe and PC Roddick.
546. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Mrs Beadle declared a personal interest in item 556 as her daughter is a solicitor in the practice dealing with this matter.
Cllr. Stone declared a personal interest in item 554, 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
547. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 4TH FEBRUARY 2008
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th February 2008 were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
548. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
549. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING FEBRUARY 2008
(a) Community Centre Committee, 11th February 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Nunn and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(i) KILNBARN SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT ON GAMING MACHINE
Cllr. Nunn gave a précis of the Kilnbarn sub-committee’s meeting with a representative from Gamestec regarding the gaming machine.
RESOLVED the current high payout machine be changed for a lower £35 payout machine and this be reviewed after two months.
NOTED the difference in licence fee is to be reclaimed via Gamestec.
Members were advised that Gamestec will supply machines that are 6-12 months old and change them every 6 weeks. They will be responsible for filling the hopper float and emptying the machine. They will deduct the licence fee and rental from the takings and will provide a spreadsheet showing activity and takings. They will also supply a quiz machine which does not requires a licence
(ii) RECOMMENDATION (Page 290, item 503(e)
The recommendation to slip forward funds was NOTED. Members were advised that further information had been received advising that that two of the glass washers in the bar had stopped working and were beyond economic repair. Cllr. Nunn asked Members to consider reducing the sum requested to be slipped forward to £2,000 and use the other £2,000 to purchase two new glass washers which are urgently required.
Quotations for two new glass washers were READ and NOTED as follows:-
(a) £2316.00 Supply only
(b) £1625.56 Supply & fit Including Water softner and drain pump
(c) £1598.00 Supply only
(d) £1498.00 Supply only
(e) £2100.00 Supply & fit Including drain pump
(f) £2070.00 Supply & fit Including drain pump and water softner
RESOLVED to accede to the request to purchase two new glass washers from Aircool Systems (quotation (b)) and slip forward £2,000 towards the future purchase of chairs.
(b) Planning Committee, 18th February 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 18th February 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
The recommendation to slip forward any surplus funds in the multisports budget was RATIFIED
(d) Personnel Committee, 25th February 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs Beadle and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
The recommendation regarding adoption of the Code of Conduct for staff was RATIFIED.
(i) LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME (Page 298, item 538)
Following clarification of policies 22(2) and 83(8), it was
RESOLVED to approve and adopt the changes to the LGPS policies.
A copy of the amended policy is filed with these minutes.
(ii) CONTRIBUTION BANDS
Members were advised that from the 1st April 2008 scheme members’ pension contribution rate will be determined by their salary. Each scheme member will be placed on a contribution band according to their whole time pay. i.e. salary between £0 - £12,000 = 5.5% contribution rate; salary between £12,001 - £14,000 = 5.8% contribution rate.
In view of this Members were advised that the Council is required to make a decision, before 1st April 2008, regarding the timing of implementing any changes to a scheme member’s band, if their pay increases or decreases during the year.
RESOLVED to only implement changes to a scheme member’s band on 1st April each year.
550. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence for noting was CIRCULATED and NOTED:-
Ton. & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting Held, 26.11.2007
Draft Terms of Reference
Nationwide: Community & Heritage Awards
Kent County Council: Tonbridge & Malling Joint Local Board
Ton. & Malling Borough Council: Standards Committee 6th Annual Report 2007
Notice of Meeting of Parish Partnership Panel 6th March 2008
Change of Management of Borough Housing Register and Homelessness Prevention Services
Kent Air Ambulance Trust: Strategic Review
Business Link: Environment Management
Press Publishing: Local Councils Update, Jan/Feb 2008 - Issue 99/10
CPRE: Tonbridge & Malling CPRE , Members’ Meeting
Kent Wildlife Trust: Supporter Days
KALC: Parish News, Issue 330 – January 2008 + encls
Gullands: ‘News’, Issue 11
SLCC: Larger Councils’ Conference 2008
Hourly Rate Increases
Enjoy England: Celebrate St George’s Day
Environment Agency: News Release
ROSPA: Staying Alive, February 2008
MacMillan Cancer Support; ‘Lets Walk Together’
Kent County Council: Tonbridge & Malling Joint Local Board – Agenda, Minutes, Conclusions
(b) For Decision
KALC: Planning Information Day 2008
READ & NOTED.
NALC: Annual Conference
READ & NOTED.
East Malling & Larkfield PC: Borough’s Open Space Strategy – Green Corridors
READ & NOTED
RESOLVED TO SUPPORT EAST MALLING & LARKFIELD PARISH COUNCIL’S COMMENTS AND ALSO ADD THAT THIS COUNCIL FEELS WALKWAYS SHOULD BE UPGRADED TO ACCOMMODATE CYCLES WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
T & M Crime Prevention Panel: Invitation to Become a Member of the Panel
NOTED as Cllr. Stone is already a member of the panel as a resident and representative for the Borough Council he is also willing to represent the Parish Council.
Rural Kent: Youth Forum Workshop
Cllr. Stone offered to attend the workshop on the evening of 13th March 2008.
551. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following Accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Infant School: Grounds Maintenance 112.31
Ditton Brownie & Guides: Rent & Energy Charges – Guide HQ 61.98
Ditton Petanque: Food 33.34
Haffenden Skips: Gazette Advertisement 105.00
KMS Limited: Gazette Advertisement 60.00
Maidstone Kia: Gazette Advertisement 60.00
Multi Sports: Income 894.00
Trident Trailers: Sale of Bateson Trailer 1156.60
[b] Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following Accounts be ACCEPTED APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross 15044.73 Nett 11312.40
DPC Imprest Account: Reimbursement of Expenses 445.52
AquAid [Kent]: January 2008 - Water Supply 6.49
Vat 1.14 7.63
Chubb Fire Limited: Monitoring Charge to 25.01.2009 396.57
Vat 69.40 465.97
Ernest Doe & Sons: Parts for Strimmer 47.12
Vat 8.21 55.33
Glasdon UK Limited: Admiral Dark Grey Litter Bin – 112.29
KBRG Track Vat 19.65 131.94
K.A.S.: Welding Flux 51.00
Kent County Council: February Superannuation Payment 2798.44
Kent County Council: Stationery 50.79
Vat 8.89 59.68
MAB Groundscare: Parts for Toro Z Master 124.60
Parts for Stihl Spares 25.20
149.80
Vat 26.22 176.02
Parkers Merchanting: Hand Cleaner & Gloves 27.73
Vat 4.85 32.58
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Vehicle Fuel 83.40
Vat 14.60 98.00
Dean Pullinger: Locking KB Playarea - Feb 2008 25.00
RBS Software Solutions: Omega Software Maintenance 300.00
12 Month Period Vat 52.50 352.50
SSG Emprise: Keyholding Service – OSA 20.82
Vat 3.65 24.47
John Shaw [Machinery]: Engine Oil Filter & Spring 48.43
Vat 8.47 56.90
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services 21.11.07 to
15th February 2008 220.00
St Peters Parochial Church Council: Upkeep of Churchyard 2007/08 200.00
Floodlighting Contribution 2007/08 200.00 400.00
Sutcliffe Play 2 x Swing Seat 58.00
Carriage 5.80
Vat 11.17 74.97
Three Towns Office Self Seal Envelopes 19.99
Equipment: Vat 3.49 23.48
Travis Perkins Trading: Mig Welder, Breaker Chisel, General 414.23
Tools, Fixing for Seats & Workshop
Supplies + Noticeboard Repairs Vat 72.51 486.74
United Balloon & Gas Valentines Balloons 5.50
Company: Vat 0.97 6.47
IMPREST ACCOUNT – Reimbursement of Expenditure during February 2008
Carried Forward 1st February 2008 1362.99
Add: Raffle Reimbursement 25.00
Add: PC Reimbursement 1137.01
2525.00
Deduct: February Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Com Centre Expenses 338.50
Bar Petty Cash 84.12
OSA Expenses 44.65 470.52
2054.48
Balance 445.52*
2500.00
*Sum to be drawn on 3rd March 2008
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During January 2008
The following direct debits paid during January 2008 were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
02.01.08 BT Direct Debits 52.36
02.01.08 BT Direct Debits 276.36
02.01.08 Walkers Snacks Ltd 239.28
02.01.08 WPA Health 491.80
03.01.08 O2 29.16
03.01.08 Post Office Ltd 70.27
03.01.08 Sky Business 306.68
04.01.08 RBS Mentor 365.17
07.01.08 Nildram 42.82
14.01.08 Public Works Loan Board 2784.95
18.01.08 British Gas Business 3222.64
21.01.08 BT Direct Debits 75.94
21.01.08 Euphony Communications 10.76
21.01.08 S & N UK Ltd 11156.71
21.01.08 Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council 1118.00
22.01.08 AMLD – Gaming Machine Licence 156.00
23.01.08 EBS Direct Debits 36.50
23.01.08 EDF Energy 1 Ltd 68.57
23.01.08 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
25.01.08 BOC Manchester 235.00
28.01.08 Walkers Snacks Ltd 218.50
28.01.08 NW Business Card 143.33
31.01.08 O2 24.01
(d) Valentine Dance 2007 - Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the above dance was READ and the profit from ticket sales NOTED as £440.78. The profit from the sale of raffle tickets totalled £76.72 and has been placed in the Charities Account.
Cllr. Throssell suggested that consideration be given to having a disco instead of a live band at some of the dances in the year.
Cllr. Mulcuck suggested that less money be spent on raffle prizes for dances with low ticket sales.
RESOLVED to pass the above suggestions to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration at its next meeting.
(e) Appointment of External Auditor
NOTED the Audit Commission propose to appoint Mr Alun Williams, of the Audit Commission’s Limited Assurance Specialist Unit, as auditor to this Parish Council. FURTHER NOTED the appointment will be for a five year period commencing with the 2007/2008 accounts.
552. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Cllr. Stone reported on Dog Licences and Borough Councillors Allowances.
553. REPORT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNIT/COMMUNITY WARDEN
PC Roddick is currently on secondment and had previously given his apologies to the Clerk.
554. PLANNING MATTERS
Plans Received for Comment
TM/07/04047/FL Retention of Close Boarded and Trellis Fence
103 New Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/08/00511/FL Erection of pair of semi-detached houses
35 B/Bourne Lane
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT WOULD BE UNSAFE TO GRANT ACCESS TO TWO PROPERTIES ON A DANGEROUS BEND. THE PROPERTIES WOULD NOT BE IN KEEPING WITH ALL OTHER PROPERTIES ON THAT SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHICH ARE BUNGALOWS AND IT WOULD ALSO BE OVERINTENSIFICATION OF THE SITE.
TM/08/00328/FL Garage Conversion to bedroom/bathroom, front window extension, rear conservatory
44 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION ON THE GROUNDS THAT TO LOSE THE GARAGE WOULD RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT PARKING SPACES FOR A PROPERTY OF THIS SIZE.
TM/08/00489/TPOC Fell 5no Ash trees (3 previously damaged by fire) covered by TPO Aylesford No. 1
1964 (ref. 12-02014)
88 Acorn Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S APPROVAL
TM/08/00573/TPOC Fell Birch, Lawson suppress, Fastigiate Juniper and Fir Tree. Reduce height of Castlewellen Cypress trees. Remove lowest leaning stem of cypress and reduce by approx. 30% (TPO ref. 12.02.30)
425 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S APPROVAL
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No. 3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/04451/FL Change of use from Class B8 Storage and distribution to Class B(c) light industrial Class B2 general industrial and Class B8 Storage & distribution
Unit 6, Bellingham Way
GRANTED
TM/08/00075/FL Variation of condition 6 of permission TM/07/03375/FL (Conversion from club to public house – external and internal alterations) to amend opening hours to 10.00 – 0030 Sunday to Thursday and 10.00 – 01.30 Fridays and Saturdays
42 New Road
REFUSED
TM/07/04365/FL Single storey side and rear extension
2 St Peter’s Close
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/08/00061/TPOC Reduce crown by 25% and lift lower crown of 1 no. Sycamore
27 Acorn Grove
GRANTED
TM/08/00125/AT 1no. set internally illuminated letters, 1no. set externally illuminated letters, 1no. internally illuminated menu case and 1no. non illuminated amenity
Walnut Tree PH
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
08/06 - 12.02.2008; 08/07 - 18.02.2008
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes of Area 3 Planning Committee
READ and NOTED.
(e) Kent Minerals Development Framework: Withdrawal of Submitted Development Plan
READ and NOTED.
(f) Planning Enforcement Investigations
(i) 431 LONDON ROAD
It was NOTED that the adverts which are being displayed on site benefit from deemed advert consent, which means that they are lawful and do not require express consent from the Borough Council.
(ii) 5 DITTON PLACE
NOTED the Borough Council are undertaking an enforcement investigation into an alleged unauthorised erection of a large structure to the side of the above property.
555. DITTON GAZETTE, SPRING EDITION
More items are needed to complete a twelve page Gazette. Members are asked to let Cllr. Brine have any items for inclusion as soon as possible. The gazette will need to be ready for printing by the end of March.
556. RAGSTONE COURT/DITTON QUARRY BOUNDARIES
NOTED that the residents concerned have now restored the correct boundary and therefore the matter is now closed.
557. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
558. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 8.43pm.
Chairman
7th April 2008
