Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, April 2006
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 3rd APRIL 2006
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Vice-Chair],
R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE, MRS J E DESAVE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK,
P A THORPE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES. PC M RODDICK, COMMUNITY
WARDEN T HAWKWOOD & COMMUNITY WARDEN SUPERVISOR, S GODDARD.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative
Assistant]
630. OPENING OF MEETING
In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman opened the meeting at
7.30pm.
631. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies, previously notified, were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs.
J D Day, Mrs M Mulcuck, Mrs J A Thorpe and County Councillor G Rowe.
632. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS & EXPENSES
Cllr. Thorpe declared an interest in item 640, Planning Application TM/008952/FL
as he is a neighbour of the applicant.
The Vice-Chairman requested permission to adjourn the meeting to allow
the Officers present to give their reports, answer any questions and to
return to their duties as quickly as possible.
* * * * * * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
Mr Johnson, 34 The Stream, Ditton attended to advise the Council and Police
Officer of the problems with youths in The Stream area. Apparently youths
have catapulted a wheel nut through a conservatory, catapulted stones
through fences, street lights and greenhouses, threw a traffic cone through
a window and verbally abused residents and threw stones at one female
resident.
Mr Gunner, 32 The Stream, attended in connection with the above and also
to ask for more police presence in Ditton.
PC Roddick advised them that they must report all incidents to the Police,
no matter how trivial they feel they are. He explained that additional
police cover is apportioned on the number of incidents reported in an
area and there have been only 4 reported incidents of vandalism/criminal
damage in The Stream in the last six months, therefore it would have been
given a low priority rating.
P C Roddick reported that the crime figures for Ditton for the month of
March 2006 totalled 37 and it was NOTED that this is an increase on the
figure for February 2006 which was 24 and for March 2005 which was 25.
Community Warden Tom Hawkwood introduced himself to Members and advised
them of the progress of the Malling Detached Youth Project and his involvement
with the `Extreme` project which had its official launch at Aylesford
Rugby Club recently and was attended by several young people from Ditton.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Meeting was reconvened and Members agreed to work with PC Roddick
to make residents aware that they must report all crime.
633. CONFIRMATION AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
6th MARCH 2006
The minutes of the meeting held on 6th March, as circulated, were CONFIRMED
and SIGNED.
634. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Works at Coldharbour Roundabout [Page 415, Item 579(g)]
Details of the above works, requested at the last meeting, and which had
been previously circulated were READ and NOTED.
635. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING MARCH 2006
(a) Community Centre Committee – 13th March 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED as a correct
record.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(i) FINANCIAL ANALYSIS – SLIPPAGES [Page 429, Item 589(c)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(ii) NO SMOKING IN OAKEN HALL & CORRIDOR [Page 429, Item 590]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(iii) KILNBARN CLUB [ Page 419, Item 591(a)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(iv) REPAIRS TO FLAPPER BARRIER {Page 421, Item 597]
RESOLVED the cost of the repairs be funded solely by the Community Centre
Committee
(v) CCTV [Page 422, item 599]
RESOLVED this be deferred until the next financial year, in accordance
with the Finance and Administration Committee’s recommendation.
(b) Planning, Highways & Transportation Committee – 20th March 2006,
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee – 20th March 2006, herewith
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED as a true
record.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(i) REQUEST TO SLIP FORWARD FUNDS [Page 427/8, Item 613(b)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the requests to slip forward funds for repainting the
play equipment at New Road Recreation ground and overseeding the football
pitches.
The request to slip forward the quarry development fund was declined as
these funds had been absorbed into central funds during 2005.
Cllr. Mulcuck advised Members that he had attended a recent meeting of
the Working Party for Local Nature Reserve status for the quarry and that
the group wish to plant a wild flower trial area. The cost of purchase
the plant plugs would be in the region of £300 and he asked Members
if they would fund the cost from the Quarry budget.
RESOLVED to accede to this request.
(ii) VILLAGE GREEN [Page 429, Item 614(c)(i)] - request for slippage
RESOLVED to RATIFY to this recommendation.
(iii) HANGING BASKETS [Page 430, Item 616]
RESOLVED to RATIFY to this recommendation.
(iv) BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION [Page 430, Item 617]
RESOLVED that the competition goes ahead this year but residents be asked
to bear the water shortage in mind when planning planting and to use plants
which thrive in drier conditions.
MATTERS ARISING:
(i) PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY – FOOTPATH TO ST PETER’S CHURCH [Page 431, Item
619]
A copy of a communication from the Borough Council’s Planning Officer
to the County Council’s Public Rights of Way Officer, was READ and NOTED.
Cllr. Porter advised Members that Borough Councillor Thornewell and County
Councillor Rowe have offered to investigate the matter in an endeavour
to end the dispute over responsibility.
(d) Finance & Administration Committee – 27th March 2006, to follow
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(i) INVESTMENT [Page 434, Item 625(d)]
Discussion took place and the notes of the investment working party and
finance and administration committee, which had been previously circulated,
were READ and the recommendation to invest with UBS for the reasons stated
were NOTED.
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation, subject to the Auditor’s approval.
(ii) UNBUDGETED EXPENDITURE [Page 434, Item 625(f)]
A report from the Chairman regarding unbudgeted expenditure, which was
circulated at the meeting, was READ and NOTED. Discussion took place and
it was pointed out that some of the figures quoted in the report are incorrect.
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to defer the purchase of CCTV.
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation that no unbudgeted expenditure be
permitted, unless it is in the current year of the five year plan or considered
to be an emergency.
(iii) SMOKE DETECTORS [Page 435, Item 625 (g)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(iv) RISK ASSESSMENTS
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(e) Ditton Family Day Committee – 23rd February 2006
The above minutes which had been previously circulated, were READ and
NOTED.
(f) Ditton Twinning Association – 23rd February 2006
The above minutes which had been previously circulated, were READ and
NOTED.
Members were advised that an invitation has been extended for them to
attend the Bastille Celebrations in Rang-du-Fliers on 13th and 14th July
2006. Anyone wishing to attend and/or stay overnight should notify the
Clerk as soon as possible.
636. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Tonbridge & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Standards Committee Annual report
for 2004
Licensing Act 2003
Performance & Finance 2005-07
Minutes of meetings held 13.12.05 – 24.02.06
Minutes of Parish Partnership Panel meeting held 9/3/2006
Kent Police: Single Strategic Police Force – Decision
Kent Police Area Restructuring
Circular letter to residents from PC Matt Roddick
KAPC: Membership Information for 2006/2007+ Encls.
Clerks’ Information Day 16/5/2006
Parish News 315, 21st March 2006 + encls
Plus Publishing Ltd: Local Councils Update, Issues 75/76 & 77
Clerk & Councils Direct, March 2006– Issue 44
CPRE: ‘Houses & Gardens 2006
‘Countryside Voice’ , Spring 2006 + Encls.
Action with Communities in Rural Kent: ‘Rural News’ No. 72 & 73
‘Oast to Coast’, Spring 2006
NALC: What Does you Council do for Your Community?
Yellow Partnership: Action for Street Kids (ASK)
DEFRA: Warm Front Grant
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: ‘Trust News’, February 2006
Kent Fire & Rescue Service: Integrated Risk Management Plan
Rang-Du-Fliers: Village Magazine, September 2005
For Decision
ROSPA: Membership Account for 2006/2007
A communication from ROSPA regarding the current membership was READ and
it was NOTED that currently the membership is held as an individual membership
in the Clerk’s name, however, the account and certificate are in the Council’s
name. This means that the Council is only paying an individual membership
fee of £65 per annum instead of the £170 company membership
fee.
FURTHER NOTED that this Council has now been given the option to change
the membership to a company one or change the details on the account and
certificate to the Clerk.
RESOLVED not to renew membership.
Ton. & Malling Borough Council: Vacancy on Standards Sub-Committee
Members were advised of a vacancy on the Standards Sub-Committee and an
invitation to nominate a serving parish councillor.
NOTED that no member was able to take on this extra responsibility at
this time.
Mr Graeme Sedgewick: Application to Join Local Government Pension Scheme
RESOLVED that Graeme Sedgewick be permitted into the Local Government
Pension Scheme from the 1st April 2006.
637. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
The Clerk read a report from Cllr. Rowe as follows:-
Extreme Project: Several young people from Ditton attended the official
launch at Aylesford Rugby Club recently. The ongoing involvement of Ditton’s
Community Warden with this project will determine its success as far as
Ditton is concerned.
KCC Local Members Grants: Applications for grants should be made as soon
as possible.
It was suggested that a grant application be made for equipment for the
Community Centre.
638. REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICERS
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
639. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Allotment : Rents 35.00
Castle Colts FC: Food Prep 5.00
Ditton C E Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 518.96
Ditton Vets Fc: Food Prep 5.00
Multi Sports: Income 699.50
Rural Action Kent: Donation for delivering Leaflets 100.00
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 13734.91 Net: 10290.96
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 5118.50*
Kent County Council: Superannuation Month 12 2329.47
AquAid (Kent): Water 12.50
Vat 2.18 14.68
British Telecom: Ex Directory, Admin & Fax Lines 191.63
Vat 33.52 225.15
CPRE: Annual Membership 26.00
Initial Fire & Security: Materials Used at Annual Visit 32.55
In Outbuildings Vat 5.70 38.25
K.A.P.C. Annual Subscriptions 844.04
Local Council Review 14.00
858.04
Vat 147.71 1005.75
Kent County Council: Stationery & Whistles 123.51
Vat 21.61 145.12
Kent Men of Trees: Annual Membership 25.00
M B Tree Care: Work to 2 lime trees on Village Green 950.00
Mower Plant Services: Parts for Honda Mower 119.58
Vat 20.93 140.51
T Parker & Sons (Turf Treatment for Cricket Square 173.83
Management 2003) Ltd: Vat 30.43 204.26
Parker Merchanting: General Tools & Survey Spray 96.88
Vat 16.95 113.83
Mr D Pullinger: Locking Playarea – March 2006 25.00
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Diesel 76.57
Vat 13.40 89.97
Peeks (Bournemouth): Bulk Buy Raffle Tickets 64.22
Vat 11.24 75.46
David Stevens: Electrical Work to Mess Room
& Mower Store 213.50
Replacing Church Floodlight 160.00
DAMARA Batteries/Charger 36.80 410.30
Travis Perkins Co Ltd: General Building Materials 585.37
Vat 102.45 687.82
Donations made under sections 137, 142 & 144 of the Local Government
Act 1972:
Under Section 137: Ditton Infant School 250.00
1st Ditton Scout Group 300.00
Under Section 142 Malling Area Volunteer Bureau 200.00
Malling Citizens Advice Bureau 100.00
Victim Support 100.00
Kenward Trust 100.00
Under Section 144 Ditton Heritage Centre 100.00 1150.00
PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT – Expenditure up to 27th March 2006
(Expenditure from 28th – 31st March will be included in the next Agenda
& Minutes, due to end of year requirements)
Carried Forward 1st March 2006 452.78
Add: PC reimbursement 5547.22
6000.00
Deduct: March Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4838.25
Postage Stamps 51.00
OSA Expenses 117.44
Com Centre Expenses 108.56
5118.50 5118.50
881.50
Sum to be drawn on 3rd April 2006 5118.50
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits – Paid During February 2006
The following Direct Debits paid during February 2006 were READ and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
02.02.06 02 20.17
03.02.06 WPA Health Care 380.15
03.02.06 RBS Mentor 284.35
07.02.06 Nildram Ltd 42.82
22.02.06 Nat West Bankline 40.00
27.02.06 Euphony 15.69
28.02.06 Nat West Debit Card 115.25
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.02.06 Sky Business 246.75
06.02.06 Post Office Ltd 58.52
20.02.06 Scottish Courage - Stock 3031.63
21.02.06 The Beer Seller 56.74
22.02.06 AMLD - Gaming Machine 124.00
24.02.06 BOC Manchester - Beer Gas 229.13
28.02.06 Walkers Snacks Ltd 252.47
25.02.06 Nat. West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
25.02.06 Nat. West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Family Day End of Year Balance Sheet, copy herewith
The end of year Balance sheet for the Family Day Committee was READ and
NOTED as follows:-
INCOME EXPENDITURE
Cash in Hand 01.04.2005 332.30 Horticulture Show 225.44
Drawn from allowance 220.00 Purchase of Glow Items 387.54
(Balance Returned) -126.93 93.07 Tins sweets for Helpers 15.40
Horticulture Entry fees 42.20 Tins of sweets for schools
Balance from Horticulture 126.93 (Poster Competition) 20.00
Sale of Glow Items 782.68 Vouchers for Poster Competition 72.00
Donation from Bowls Club 10.00 Vouchers for Guy Competition 19.94
And Poster Competition + mini Chocs
Supply of refreshments to Bonfire Builders 10.00
CASH IN HAND 636.86
1387.18 1387.18
640. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
Cllr. Porter 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.
TM/06/00832/FL Single Storey Side Extension 12 Fernleigh Rise
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/03247/RD Details of site investigation and proposed remediation
works submitted pursuant to
condition 5A & 5B of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL erection of
370 dwellings including 30% of affordable housing with associated parking,
landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings:
Former Frantschach Site New Hythe Lane
SUBMISSION OF SOIL ANALYSIS
BENEATH SLAB LEVELS
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL IS NOT QUALIFIED TO COMMENT ON TECHNICAL MATTERS
BUT, SUBJECT TO PROFESSIONAL SCRUTINY, HAS NO OBJECTION
TM/06/008952/FL Erection of white PVCU conservatory to rear of property
6 St Peter’s Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/00714/TNCA Reduce height by one third of 2 rows Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana
CHANGE OF PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION The Rectory, 2 The Stream
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No
3
The following Decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/06/00032/FL Demolition of existing garage & erect two storey side
extension 14 Cedar Close
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/06/00291/FL Single Storey lounge/kitchen/ garage extension 43 Acorn
Grove
GRANTED
TM/06/00284/FL Single Storey rear extension: 464 London Road
amendments to TM/04/00116/FL to increase width by 1.3m
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
06/10 - 13.3.2006
(d) South East Roadworks & Journey Planner Leaflet (March to May 2006)
Information READ and NOTED.
The Vice-Chairman asked members to accept an additional urgent item which
has only today come to the Council’s notice relating to the Texaco garage.
(e) Texaco Garage – Licence applications
Members were advised that the owners of the site are applying for a late
night refreshment licence to enable them to sell hot food and hot drinks
between 11pm and 5am and an extension to the Budgens ‘off’ licence to
allow the sale of alcohol up to midnight every night.
Discussion took place and Members were concerned of the impact this would
have on residents in this residential area due to the increased number
of late night visits this facility would generate, especially by lorries
and at public house closing times, the food smells which would be emitted
late at night/early morning and also the potential of youths gathering
there late into the night and causing a disturbance to residents.
641. DITTON GAZETTE - Summer
Edition
Members were requested to forward any items for inclusion in the Summer
Edition which is now being put together.
It was suggested that a deadline date for copy for the next edition be
put in each Gazette.
642. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
643. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Cllr. Beadle agreed to chair the meeting if Cllr. Day is not well enough
to attend. It was NOTED that everything else is in hand.
644. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.10pm.
Chairman
3rd May 2006