MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2008
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PRESENT:  CLLRS. M J PORTER (Chairman), J A BEADLE (Vice-Chairman), RGW BAKER, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL (from 7.36pm), M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES.
MRS S J KAVANAGH (Clerk of the Council) & MRS N GREENAWAY (Admin. Asst.)

204. OPENING OF MEETING

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

205. APOLOGIES

Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllrs. Angel and Stone. The previously notified reasons for absence were ACCEPTED and APPROVED.

206. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman moved that the police report be taken next to enable the officer to return to his duties.

207. REPORT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM

PC Roddick reported on the following matters:-

• Crime figures - totalled 11 for the month of August. These figures were broken down as, 4 criminal damage, 2 thefts from vehicles, 1 shed burglary and 4 other crimes. This compared to 22 for the same period last year and 10 for the month of July. In this area over the last year there has been an overall reduction in crime of 32.7%.
   
  
• Operation cubit - was in operation last week and 3 (possibly 4) untaxed vehicles were removed from Ditton.
   
  
• Police article for Ditton Gazette - the article has concentrated on securing of sheds, as there has been an increase in this type of crime.
   
  
• Pear Tree Avenue - PC Roddick advised that there are problems with youths in Pear Tree Avenue again. They have been damaging cars and generally being anti-social. He enquired if it would be possible to have the top gate (adjacent to the petanque piste) closed during the evenings.
   
  
• CCTV - as the mobile CCTV has now been in New Road for some time, he would like to move it to another position and suggested a location in Pear Tree Avenue.
   
• Mini Motos - PCSO Lia Bishop caught another illegal rider last week.
  
   

Discussion took place on the problems being experienced in Pear Tree Avenue and the issue of locking the gate. It was agreed that it would be difficult to find someone who would be willing to undertake locking it during the evenings and unlocking it during the mornings and it was suggested that it be left locked for a set period of days/weeks.

RESOLVED to ascertain the legal position of closing the gate day and night for a set period and if it is legal to do so, then this be put into action.

RESOLVED the mobile CCTV be moved to a location in Pear Tree Avenue.

208. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 4th AUGUST 2008

The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.

209. MATTERS ARISING

It was NOTED that Ditton Minors Football Club managers have advised that they would be willing to act as marshals at the fireworks evening if it goes ahead in the future.

RESOLVED to discuss the future of fireworks displays in the New Year.

210. CORRESPONDENCE

(a) For Noting

The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

Ditton Twinning Association: Minutes of Meeting held 24/7/2008

Trafford Hall: Training Courses for Tenants & Community Volunteers

Rural Kent: 85th Annual Meeting 4/9/2008

‘Oast to Coast’, Summer 2008

ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, August 2008

Local Councils: ‘Update’ - August 2008, Issue 106

KALC: ‘Parish News’ – July 2008, Issue 333

Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’ – 40th Anniversary Issue

Wildlife Trust: ‘Natural World’, Summer 2008

Wildlife Events in Kent Oct 2008 – Jan 2009

Minutes of 49th AGM, 15/9/2007

50th AGM & Members Open Day, 13/9/2008

Annual Review 2007

‘Wild Kent’, Summer 2008

Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel  Agenda for Meeting 15/9/2008 and Minutes of
Meeting held 7/7/2008

(b) For Decision

Kent Highway Services: Parish & Town Council Seminar, 14th October 2008
Cllrs Beadle & Mrs Beadle agreed to attend.

Mayor’s Assistant: Invitation to Jazz Supper at Poult Wood, 3/10/2008
Members were asked to notify the Clerk if they wished to attend.

Kent County Council: KCC Annual Plan
Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document.

Mrs Norma Webb: Horticulture Show
It was NOTED that Mrs Webb and Mrs Farmer, who have been organising this event for several years, will be moving out of the area and therefore no longer able to continue to organise the show.

A letter of thanks and good wishes for the future has been sent to them.

It was NOTED that Mr Smith and Ditton Gardening Club have agreed to take over the organisation of this event.

NALC: The Balance of Power: Central and Local Government – Roundtable Discussion Events
READ and NOTED no-one is available to attend.

211. FINANCE

(a) Accounts Received

The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-

Ditton Open Show: Reimbursement of unused funds 192.30

Barfield Farm: Gazette Advert 35.00

D & F Carpenters: Gazette Advert 28.00

Body & Sole: Gazette Advert 35.00

Jim’s Mowing: Gazette Advert 70.00

Aylesford Pterodactyles: Cricket Fees 372.00

Drive Right: Gazette Advert 28.00

Maidstone Kia: Gazette advert 60.00

Castle Colts FC: Pitch Fees 08/09 165.00

Ditton Guides: Energy charge Reimbursement 9.55

Multi-Sport: Hire Fees 196.00

(b) Accounts for Payment

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

Salaries: Gross: £15152.73 Net: 11062.86

DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 385.94*
Kent County Council: Superannuation – August 2008 3741.23

AquAid: 4 x Still Water 27.00
Vat 4.72 31.72

B & S Chains: Eyebolts & Links (Swings) 73.55
Vat 12.87 86.42

Clive Stanley: Webmaster Services May – Aug 363.00

Cobra Insurance Ltd: Amendments to Policy 152.68
Insurance Premium Tax 7.63 160.31

Ditton Comm. Centre: Hire of Hall – Hallowe’en Dance 270.00

EDF Energy: Changing Rooms NRRG 32.71
Vat 1.64 34.35

Emprise: Keyholding & Alarm Response 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48

Kent Co. Council: Internal Audit Fees – 5th & 6th Visit 520.00
Vat 91.00 611.00

Kent Co. Council: Tennis net, stationery, Line marker 349.13
Vat 61.10 410.23

MAB Groundscare: Parts for machinery 120.16
Vat 21.03 141.19

Merryweather: Repairs to Bench 30.00

Mower Plant: Machinery Spare Parts 64.84
Vat 11.35 76.19

Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Vehicle Diesel 57.34
Vat 10.03 67.37

Parker Merchanting: Permanent Line Marker, nails, gloves
Jacket 40.59
Vat 7.10 47.69

Mr Pullinger: Playground Locking 25.00

RBS Software: Planning Software Maintenance 75.00
Vat 13.12 88.12

R& D Club Supplies: BKG Trophies & Engraving 76.28
Vat 13.35 89.63

Record Press Ltd: Repairs to safety surface 702.00
Vat 122.85 824.85

Tonbridge & Malling BC: Contribution towards Y2 Crew 500.00

Top 2 Bottom Ltd: Emergency Repair to Outbuilding roof 150.00
Vat 26.25 176.25

Travis Perkins: Posts, Plywood, Brushes etc. 201.11
Vat 35.21 236.32

Vaughtons: Restraining Chain 17.65
Carriage 4.00
Vat 3.79 25.44

Ditton Parish Council Imprest Account - Breakdown of Expenditure during August 2008

Carried Forward 1st August 2008 1226.24
Add: PC Reimbursement 1273.76
Adjustment in Exchange Rate 00.08 **
2500.08
Deduct: August Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Postage Stamps 63.00
Community Centre Expenses 76.07
OSA Expenses 25.00
Bar Wages 96.99
Bar Petty Cash Reimbursement 71.92
Family Day Exp – Euros for flowers 33.86 **
Bank Charges – Imprest - to be refunded 15.93 386.02
2114.06
Balance 385.94 *
2500.00

*Sum to be drawn on 1st September 2008 to restore balance to £2500.00

(c) Direct Debits Paid During July 2008

The following direct debits paid during July 2008 were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-

[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT

01.07.2008 WPA Health 573.48
02.07.2008 02 31.69
02.07.2008 Sky Business 306.68
03.07.2008 RBOS PLC Mentor 365.17
09.07.2008 Nildram 42.82
14.07.2008 Public Works Loan Board 2,720.74
14.07.2008 Post Office Ltd 52.70
21.07.2008 BT Direct Debits 69.01
21.07.2008 Euphony 13.36
21.07.2008 S & N UK 8,219.34
21.07.2008 Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl 1,143.00
21.07.2008 Waverleys 1,303.13
21.07.2008 Red Fuelcards 58.99
22.07.2008 EBS Direct Debits 20.00
22.07.2008 EDF Energy 68.57
22.07.2008 Brit Gas Business 1,758.78
23.07.2008 Siemens Financial 564.00
25.07.2008 BOC Manchester 235.00
28.07.2008 EDF Energy 1 Ltd 4.06
28.07.2008 NW Business MC 1,400.47
30.07.2008 GBP Walkers Snacks 480.77

 
(d) Financial Arrangements with Parish Councils

(i) 2009/2010 ARRANGEMENTS

A communication, which had previously been circulated, detailing the proposed change to the method of applying annual increases to parish council allocations under the scheme was READ and this Council’s response NOTED. A further communication from the Director of Finance, which was circulated at the meeting, was READ and the explanation regarding the proposal and this Council’s proposed total allocation for 2009, was NOTED.

(ii) GRANT APPLICATIONS

Discussion took place on whether this Council should apply for a grant this year, bearing in mind that it would need to match at least half of the grant. It was suggested that consideration could be given to using some of the invested capital to match fund the grant.

RESOLVED to apply for a grant to install air conditioning in the Community Centre and the question of using capital be discussed at a future meeting.

(e) Ditton Horticulture Show, Balance Sheet

The balance sheet for the 2008 Show showed the following:-

212. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS

Cllr. Rowe reported on the following matters:-

• Grants – Applications for small capital grants need to be received by the end of September as the Board will be meeting to make their decisions in October.
    
  
• Tonbridge & Malling Joint Local Board will meet at 7.30pm at Kings Hill on 2nd September 2008. The main item will be consideration of "Waste" collection and disposal. Everyone is invited.
  
  
• Tonbridge & Malling Joint Transportation Board meets on 8th September 2008 at 7.30pm at Kings Hill. Items affecting Ditton are:
  
  (i) Bus priority works along A20 between Hermitage Lane and Coldharbour roundabout (cost £193k).(ii)  A20 London Road, Larkfield - provision of cycle lane from New Hythe Lane to Bell Lane Ditton. Project has been deferred due to cost being in excess of the budget allocation of £44K.
  
  
• Tonbridge & Malling Parish Partnership Panel will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 11th September 2008. It is presumed this will also be held at Kings Hill and Cold Calling Controlled Zones should form part of the agenda, so would be of interest to members of Ditton Parish Council.
  
  
• Tonbridge Malling Youth Advisory Group is scheduled to meet at Hadlow Youth Club from 5.30pm on Monday 29th September 2008.
   
  Cllr. Cordwell asked if there is any news on the progress of works at the Ford.

213. REPORT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM

Dealt with earlier in the meeting.

214. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION MATTERS

(a) Plan Dealt with By Chairman & Clerk During Recess

The following application dealt with by the Clerk and Planning Chairman during the summer recess, was READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-

TM/08/01863/FL Second storey extension (bathroom addition). SUBMISSION OF REVISED
ELEVATION PLANS

8 Bell Lane

RESOLVED APPROVED REVISED DETAILS SHOWING PITCHED ROOF

(b) Plans Received for Comment

TM/08/02112/FL Retrospective planning application for Dormer window in garage

69 Primrose Drive

RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE GARAGE NOT BEING USED
FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES

TM/08/02318/FL Construction of mezzanine floor

Unit 9 420 New Hythe Bus. Park
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION

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

The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-

TM/08/01722/RD Details of contamination investigations submitted pursuant to condition 5 of
TM/08/00237/FL: change of use of ground floor (No18) and two storey extension to rear to form 4 self contained flats (re-submission)

16-18 New Road
APPROVED

TM/08/01766/FL Part single, part two storey rear extension

65 Pear Tree Ave
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/08/01056/FL Single storey rear extension

61 Bell Lane
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/08/01776/AT 2 no illuminated fascia signs & 1 no totem sign

Unit 6, Larkfield Mill
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/08/0863/FL Second storey extension (bathroom addition)

8 Bell Lane

GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/07/03648/RD Details of contamination validation reports for plots 1 – 16 and 154 – 165 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL: erection of 370 dwellings including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the
existing buildings

Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED

TM/07/04354/RD Details of contamination validation reports 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, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings

Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED

TM/08/00173/RD Details of contamination validation reports for plots 301 – 310 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL: erection of 370 dwellings including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings

Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED

TM/07/04430/RD Details of contamination validation reports for plots 120 – 124 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL: erection of 370 dwellings including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings

Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED

TM/08/00091/RD Details of contamination validation reports for plots 118 – 119 submitted pursuant to condition 5 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL: erection of 370 dwellings including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings

Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED

(d) ‘B’ Lists

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

08/30 - 28.07.2008; 08/31 - 04.08.2008; 08/32 - 11.08.2008; 08/33 - 18.8.2008

(e) Notes, Agenda, Minutes Etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee

Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he has perused this document and there is nothing contained in the document that affects Ditton.

(f) Kent County Council Draft Permit Scheme

A communication from Kent Highways was READ and the last date for submitting comments NOTED as 19th September 2008.

(g) Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Planning Enforcement Investigations

(i) 24 St Peter’s Road

Following an inspection, the Borough Council advise that it is apparent that no breach of planning control has occurred at the site as the property cannot be described as being untidy for the purposes of Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act. Therefore there is no enforcement action the Planning Authority can take.

(ii) St Peter’s Church, New Road

Following an inspection of the premises and of council records, the Borough Council advise that it is apparent that there may have been a breach of planning control at the site. The matter is subject to further investigation and an enforcement file has been opened and has been allocated to an officer.

(h) A20 London Road, Coldharbour – Priority Bus Lane

Details of Kent Highway’s proposal to introduce a priority bus lane for use by local buses on the A20 London Road, Coldharbour was READ and NOTED. A copy of a strongly worded objection to the scheme sent to Kent Highways Contractors, Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd, from a Maidstone Borough Councillor was also READ and NOTED. Discussion took place and Members expressed their concern at the proposal which is totally unsuitable, will cause further problems at the Hermitage Lane junction, provide no real benefit to buses and is therefore a total waste of £193k.

RESOLVED to advise Kent Highways of this Councils comments to the proposal and endorse the comments of the Maidstone Borough Councillor.

(i) Secretary of State’s proposed changes to draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South East of England

Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document and report back to the next meeting if appropriate.

(j) Kent Community Rail Partnership – Passenger Survey Results

This document was READ and will be available from the Clerk to any Member who wishes to peruse it.

215. DRAFT MEETINGS TIMETABLE FOR 2009

The draft timetable for 2009, which had previously been circulated, was APPROVED.

216. REMEMBRANCE DAY

Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he had submitted some dates for a meeting with the working party and requested permission to order the wreaths and PA system.

RESOLVED to accede to this request.

217. DISPOSAL OF OLD PAYROLL RECORDS

In accordance with the Data Protection Act and Statute of Limitations permanent staff payroll records prior to 1996 will be destroyed.

Payroll records for causal staff, none of whom qualify for entry into the superannuation scheme, will be destroyed in accordance with the Statute of Limitations.

218. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”

Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he would be available to attend the KALC Annual meeting in October.

219. CLOSURE

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

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Last Update ~ 08 October 2008

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