Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, January 2008
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY 2008
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. MJ PORTER [Chairman], J BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL, M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE (from 7.42pm),
& MRS A THROSSELL.
PC RODDICK AND COMMUNITY WARDEN STEVE CROSS.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative Assistant].
430. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm and wished all Members a very Happy New Year.
431. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllr. Mrs Thwaites & County Councillor Rowe. The previously notified reason for absence was ACCEPTED.
The Chairman MOVED that the Police and Warden reports be taken next to enable the officers to return to their duties.
432. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
PC Matt Roddick wished all Members a Happy New Year and reported on the crime figures for Ditton during December as follows:-
2 criminal damage; 1 theft from a vehicle; 2 garage burglaries & 1 other crime.
This compares to 20 during the same period last year and 10 the previous month.
PC Roddick advised Members of the Speedwatch campaign and outlined the procedures. The cost of the equipment would be borne by the parish council, but could be shared with a neighbouring parish.
It was NOTED that P C Roddick will be undertaking a compulsory 6 week CID training course at the end of January.
Community Warden, Steve Cross, advised that he and PC Roddick had undertaken a property marking exercise at Larkfield Fire Station during last weekend, which proved very successful.
Steve Cross also advised that there is no news on whether Warden Tom Hawkwood would be returning to Ditton but he advised that a new Warden has been employed to cover East Malling and it is hoped that this will enable him to concentrate solely on Ditton during PC Roddick’s absence.
PC Roddick was advised of the problems of dangerous parking outside Ditton Infant School and asked if he could be a presence outside the school in the near future in an endeavour to deter parents from parking dangerously.
433. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. J & Mrs Beadle declared a personal interest in item 442, as their daughter is a solicitor at the firm of solicitors being instructed in this matter.
Cllr. Lander declared a personal interest in Item 442(a), as he is associated with the residents concerned in this matter. He also declared a personal interest in item 437(b) as his father is part owner of Charlton Athletic Football Club.
Cllr. Stone declared a personal interest in item 437(b) as he is on the Borough Council Committee which is supporting the Charlton Athletic scheme.
434. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 3rd DECEMBER 2007
The minutes of the above meeting held on 3rd December 2007 were READ and following one amendment, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
435. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
436. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING DECEMBER 2007
(a) Finance and Administration Committee, 10th December 2007
The minutes of the above meeting were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(i) ESTIMATES AND EXPENDITURE FOR 2008/2009 –Recommendation
Discussion took place and the increased tax base for Ditton NOTED.
RESOLVED to reduce the interest expected from the investment, and which is included in the estimates, by £10,000.00. This will mean a precept of £209,834.00 and a parish council tax rate of £111.23 - an increase of 0.08% on last year.
Subject to the amendment the estimates were RATIFIED. A copy of the amended estimates is filed with these minutes.
437. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence for noting, which had been previously circulated, was READ and NOTED:-
Plus Publishing: ’Local Councils Update’, December 2007, Issue 98
Ditton Junior School: Letters of thanks re Christmas Party
Kent County Council: Continuity of KCC Community Wardens
Report & Accounts 2007 Superannuation Fund
Ian Dennison: Football Tournament/Sports Day – Update
Ton. & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting held 26th November 2007
Blast Films Ltd: Documentary series
KAPC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 329, 7th December 2007
Wildllife Trust: ‘Natural World’ , Winter 2007 + encls.
‘Wildlife Events in Kent February – May 2008
NALC: ‘Local Council Review – Vol 59, No. 5. January 2008
Kent Highways: Planned Roadworks December 207 – February 2008
(b) For Decision
Mr A Dennington: Charlton Athletic Community Scheme Solutions
A request to meet with the Council and discuss how the community could benefit from the scheme was READ & NOTED.
RESOLVED TO ASK FOR A MEETING WITH THEM TO WHICH DITTON FOOTBALL CLUBS, THE COMMUNITY WARDEN AND PARISH COUNCILLORS WILL BE INVITED.
National Probation Service: Unpaid Work
RESOLVED THEY BE ADVISED THAT THIS COUNCIL DOES NOT HAVE ANY PROJECTS AT THE PRESENT TIME BUT WILL KEEP THE DETAILS ON FILE FOR THE FUTURE WHEN IT MAY HAVE A SUITABLE PROJECT.
Office of Her Majesty’s Lord
Lieutenant of Kent: Civic Service, 4th March 2008
NOTED that the Chairman is unable to attend.
RESOLVED CLLR. AND MRS MULCUCK WILL ATTEND THE SERVICE TO REPRESENT THIS COUNCIL.
Mr R Gough: Post Office Closures
RESOLVED TO ADVISE MR GOUGH THAT THIS COUNCIL IS TOTALLY OPPOSED TO THE CLOSURES AND URGES THE POST OFFICE LTD TO OFFER OUTREACH SOLUTIONS AS A SUPPORT OPTION IN KENT, AS THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED IN OTHER COUNTIES.
CPRE: Climate Change Conference, 1.2.2008
NOTED no Member is able to attend.
438. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Hirers: Multi Sports 391.50
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance - October 112.31
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance - October 342.57
Ditton Minors FC: Reimbursement Water Charges NRRG 13.85
Ditton Junior School Grounds Maintenance – November 342.57
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance - November 112.31
Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 15311.91 Nett 11573.80
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement of December Expenses 1110.91
Kent County Council: Superannuation - December 2007 2869.78
AquAid Still Water 59.96
Vat 10.49 70.45
Coblands: Shrubs & Replacement Cherry Tree 127.49
Vat 2.74 130.23
Kent County Council: 2nd Internal Audit Visit 2007/2008 260.00
Vat 45.50 305.50
Kent County Council: Superwhite Powder, Pitchmarker 104.50
Laminating Pouches 18.95
Vehicle Lease Fee (3 Months) 1071.00
1194.45
Vat 209.04 1403.49
MAB Landscape: Filling systems for Chain Oil & Fuel 22.22
Vat 3.89 26.11
Mad Hatter Band: Balance of Valentine Dance 1327.00
LESS: Deposit Paid 130.00- 1197.00
Monro South: String for Pitch Marking 6.42
Vat 1.12 7.54
Parker Merchanting: Hazard Tape, Latex Gloves, Boots 52.99
Vat 9.28 62.27
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Vehicle Diesel, November 07 50.13
Vat 8.77 58.90
Peeks Ltd: Christmas Hall Decs 17.85
LESS: Discount 2.00% 0.36-
17.49
Vat 3.06 20.55
Popi: December Ditton Gazette 1069.00
Mr Pullinger: Playarea Locking at Weekends Dec. 25.00
Southern Water: Charges 26/4/07 – 23/10/07 24.78
SSG Emprise: Keyholding Services December 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Three Towns Office
Equipment Ltd: Stationery 27.21
Vat 4.76 31.97
Ton. & Malling B C: Lottery Renewal Licence 20.00
Travis Perkins Ltd: Maintenance Sundries 149.35
Vat 26.14 175.49
Imprest Account – Breakdown of Expenditure during December 2007
Carried Forward 1st December 2007 1871.43
Peter Eligate – NYE 1400.00
Add: PC Reimbursement 628.57
3900.00
Deduct: December 2007 Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Postage Stamps 34.00
Petty Cash 136.12
Petty Cash – Bar 98.62
Delivering Gazette – Dec 110.52
OSA Expenses 200.00
Bar Wages 21.06
Buffet – 7th December 2007 70.00
Community Centre Expenses 212.42
Society Local Clerk – Subs 182.00
Peter Eligate – 31.12.07 1400.00
Mileage– N. Greenaway 42.92 2510.91
Balance 1389.09
Sum to be drawn on 7th January 2008 1110.91
2500.00
*Sum required to restore the balance to £2500.00 as the Inland Revenue is now paid by BACS each month
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During November 2002007
The following direct debits paid during November 2007, were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.11.07 WPA Health 491.80
01.11.07 O2 27.12
01.11.07 Sky Business 306.68
05.11.07 RBOS Mentor 715.54
07.11.07 Nildram 42.82
07.11.07 BT Direct Debits 86.60
20.11.07 Pace Petroleum 19.38
20.11.07 S & N UK Ltd 5,382.61
20.11.07 Tonbridge & Malling B C. 1,118.00
21.11.07 Euphony 20.16
22.11.07 EBS Direct Debits 56.25
22.11.07 AMLD 156.00
26.11.07 BOC Manchester 235.00
28.11.07 Nat West Business Card 509.64
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
05.11.07 Post Office Ltd 70.27
30.11.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
30.11.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Financial Arrangements With Parish Councils 2008/2009
Information in connection with the above was READ and it was NOTED that Parish precepts must be received by the Borough Council no later than 18th January 2008.
It was NOTED that the Council Tax base for Ditton for 2008/2009 is 1,886.62.
This Council’s allocation under the Scheme of Financial Arrangements for 2008/2009 was READ and NOTED as follows:-
3624 registered adults – Basic Allocation @ £2.50,
assuming a minimum of 1,250 £9060.00
Cemeteries & Churchyards 1,410.00
Footway Lighting 0.00
Debt Charges 3,454.00
£13,924.00
FURTHER NOTED this sum will be paid in two instalments, the first on 2nd May 2008 and the second on 21st November 2008.
(e) Christmas Dances - Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve dances, which was circulated at the meeting, was READ and the profit of £4775.44 on ticket sales NOTED. The profit on the sale of raffle tickets over the three evenings was £948.72 and this has been placed in the Charities Account.
The Chairman thanked the staff for their hard work in organising the dances and the Clerk thanked Cllr & Mrs Mulcuck and Cllrs. Mrs Throssell and Mrs Thwaites for their help at the New Year’s Eve dance which was much appreciated.
(f) Investment - Regulation 1781/2006
Information on the above regulation, which had been previously circulated, was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED to enquire the reason for transmitting data to appointed third parties in other countries at the Council’s next meeting with UBS.
439. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Cllr. Barry Stone reported on the following matters:-
- Maidstone Hospital – he will be attending a meeting and will raise any concerns this Council has.
- Pinions Farm Shop – the application to build two detached houses on the land behind the shop has been refused at appeal.
- Square Deal Landfill Site - supsected leakage. New wells to be drilled during the latter part of January to monitor the situation.
An email from Co. Cllr. Rowe was READ and it was NOTED that he advises that he did send an emailed report and apologies to the Clerk for the December meeting, but for whatever reason, this did not arrive. Co. Cllr Rowe also sent his apologies for being unable to attend this evening’s meeting and advises that he will be unable to attend the next two meetings of this Council or send a report.
Cllr. Porter read Co. Cllr. Rowe’s report, which had been emailed to the Clerk, as follows:-
- Bus Stop, London Road Opposite Drill Hall – a meeting has been held with the residents concerned, Arriva and KCC Highways at which a local agreement was reached. The residents concerned are going to monitor the situation and advise Co. Cllr. Rowe if the protocol breaks down in the future.
- Closed landfill site at Knoxes Shaw Farm – The environment Agency is concerned that this site could be polluting underground water in the rack aquifer beneath the site. There is a need to install a number of monitoring wells in the surrounding area and the drilling for these is scheduled to commence mid January and completed within 2 weeks.
- Parish Partnership Meeting – the next meeting will take place at Kings Hill on 6th March 2008, commencing at 7.30pm. Agenda items should be sent to T&MBC within the next few weeks.
- PACT – This went well and attracted 6 new Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. Cllr. Rowe sent his congratulations to those involved and also for the initiatives taken.
440. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
441. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORATION MATTERS
Cllr. Stone requested it be NOTED that his comments and decisions on planning matters 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.
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/0704242/AT 3 No. aluminium fascia signs
Unit 5, Bellingham Way
RESOLVED NO OJECTION
TM/07/04354/RD Details of contamination validation report for plots 151-153 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings including 30% affordable housing with associated parking, land-scaping & highways following the demolition of the existing buildings
Former Frantscach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OJECTION
TM/07/04211/AT Non illuminated advertisement signs to Front Unit 2, Access 4,
20 Bellingham Way
RESOLVED NO OJECTION
TM/07/03997/FL Conservatory REVISED DRAWINGS SHOWING ALTERATIONS TO SIDE OF CONSERVATORY
5 Ingram Close
RESOLVED NO OJECTION
(c) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-C’ttee No. 3
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-C’ttee No. 3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/03739/RD Details of materials submitted pursuant to condition 2 of TM/06/02288/FL
New Rd Bus. Estate
APPROVED
TM/07/03724/TPOC Prune 1 no. sweet chestnut tree, lift crown & thin remaining crown by 20% covered by TPO Aylesford No.1 1964 (ref. 12-02-14)
28 Acorn Grove
GRANTED
TM/07/03988/AGN Prior Agricultural notification: Equipment and machinery store with Rest room and WC
E.Malling Res. Centre
PRIOR APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED
TM/07/03811/FL Single storey side extension
38 Pear Tree Ave
REFUSED TO PERMIT
TM/07/03832/FL Conservatory
518 London Road
GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS
TM/07/03794/LDP Lawful development certificate Proposed: re-roof and re-clad balesheds 4-8 in materials to match those on sheds 9-12 (goosewing grey) and install roller shutter doors
Aylesford Newsprint
CERTIFIED OF LAWFUL USE OR DEVELOPMENT GRANTED
TM/07/03796/LDP Lawful development certificate to reduce the area of balesheds 4-8 re-clad and re-roof with materials to match those of existing sheds 9-12 (goosewing grey)
Aylesford Newsprint
CERTIFIED OF LAWFUL USE OR DEVELOPMENT GRANTED
TM/07/03703/FL 2.4m high palisade fence with sliding gate
Unit 6, Bellingham Way
GRANTED PERMISSION
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/47 - 27.11.2007; 07/48 - 03.12.2007; 07/49 - 10.12.2007
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes etc. of Area 3 Planning Committee
The above document was READ and NOTED.
(e) Parking Outside Ditton Infant School
Cllr. Stone outlined the problems of the dangerous parking outside Ditton Infant School and the measures taken by the school to deter this behaviour.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to request that a traffic warden be in attendance at the school when children are being dropped off and picked up and also a letter from the parish council be sent to all the parents with children at the school setting out the danger being created by illegal and dangerous parking.
442. DITTON QUARRY/RAGSTONE COURT BOUNDARY
(a) Reinstatement of Correct Boundary
NOTED no further information was available.
(b) Rear Accesses onto Quarry Land
Cllr. Beadle gave a précis of the situation and the advice given by the solicitor.
RESOLVED that as the quarry land is public open space, no further action be taken regarding rear accesses onto the land from the adjoining properties.
(d) ‘B’ Lists
443. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
444. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 8.55pm.
Chairman
4th February 2008
