Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, August 2006
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 7th AUGUST 2006
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman],
M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE,
MRS J E DESAVE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F
THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS A J DAVIS [Admin Asst.]
177. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm and advised Members of the funeral
arrangements for Mr Robin Webb.
178. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllr. Mrs Mulcuck and Co. Cllr.
Rowe.
179. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Mrs Throssell declared an interest in item 181, as she is employed
by the NHS Trust.
Cllr. Angel declared an interest in item 187 (Planning Application TM/06/02444/FL)
as he lives in Ragstone Court.
180. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 3rd JULY 2006
The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd July 2006, as circulated, were
CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record
181. MATTERS ARISING
(a) NHS Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Page 71, item 137(b)
(i) REPORT OF MEETING ATTENDED BY CLLRS. DAY & MRS THWAITES
A report of the meeting attended by Cllrs Day and Mrs Thwaites which had
previously been circulated, was READ. Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to write to the NHS
Trust advising of this Council’s concern at the way in which the meeting
was conducted and the incorrect statement that ‘mixed wards and MRSA was
a thing of the past’ and inform them of this Council’s disbelief and anger
at the proposals to take A & E away from Maidstone, the County Town
of Kent, to Pembury and Oncology to Canterbury.
RESOLVED copies of the letter be sent to Jonathan Shaw MP and the Kent
Messenger.
RESOLVED contact be made with neighbouring parishes to ascertain whether
they attended the meeting and seek their views on the proposals and their
support in keeping these vital services at Maidstone.
(ii) SUGGESTED COMMUNICATION TO KENT MESSENGER
A suggested draft communication to be sent to the Kent Messenger was READ
and NOTED.
182. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JULY 2006
(a) For Confirmation & Signing
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 10TH JULY 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and confirmed as a correct
record.
The RECOMMENDATION for the redecoration of the Kilnbarn Club was RATIFIED.
RESOLVED the painting will be undertaken in-house by caretaking staff
and financed through the Community Centre Maintenance Budget.
(ii) PLANNING COMMITTEE, 17TH JULY 2006
Cllr. Mrs DeSave presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and
SIGNED.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 17TH JULY 2006
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
Cllrs. Baker & Mulcuck advised Members of their recent meeting with
the footpaths officer regarding the Church path and it was NOTED that
he agreed to obtain estimates for several options and arrange a further
meeting once these have been received.
Cllr. Baker read a letter from The Rev. Priscilla Payne in which she advised
that the Church would prefer to have the York Stone removed only from
the section of footpath immediately outside the Church gate, as this is
the only section that becomes slippery, and retain the rest of the York
Stone. It is felt by the Church that replacing the whole of the footpath
with pavior bricks would be unsuitable as it becomes uneven and is a hazard
for ladies wearing heels.
Cllr. DeSave advised that he
wished to stand down from the Open Spaces and Amenities Committee. Cllr.
Angel agreed to fill this vacancy.
(b) For Noting
(i) DITTON FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE
The above minutes which had previously been circulated were READ and it
was NOTED that the Race Night will not go ahead.
(ii) DITTON TWNNING ASSOCIATION, 27TH JULY 2006
The above minutes which had previously been circulated were READ &
NOTED.
183. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was circulated at the meeting and READ and
NOTED:-
For Noting
Ditton Junior School: Maintenance of ‘Eco Garden’
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’ Summer 2006
Nat. Water Safety Congress 9th – 10th October 2006
T & M Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting held 3/7/2006
Kent County Council: Funding Opportunities
Annual Plan 2006/07
Kent Police: Merger Update Newsletter, July 2006
Policing Plan 2006/09
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Council: Cycling Development
Corporate Performance Plan 2006/2007
Kent Fire & Rescue Service: Service Performance Plan 2006/2007
Plus Publishing: ‘Clerks & Councils Direct’, July 2006 – Issue 46
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’, Vol 58, No. 2 July 2006
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’ Vol 36. No. 4 July 2006
KAPC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 317, 20th June 2006
Applause: Rural Touring
Mentor Services: Legal Update – Issue 16, July 2006
(b) For Decision [Copies herewith]
Mrs Hooper: Request to have ‘Bouncy Castle’ on Kilnbarn Recreation Ground
on 12/8/2006
RESOLVED TO REFUSE THE REQUEST ON THE GROUNDS OF SAFETY.
Ms. Wall: Car Park Bollards
A letter of complaint regarding damage to a vehicle in the Community Centre
Car Park was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED Ms Wall be advised that cars are parked in the car park entirely
at the owners risk and had she obeyed the signage and not driven out of
the car park the wrong way she would not have sustained the damage to
her car.
Ton & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Community and Neighbourhood Groups
Members were unaware of any action groups within the community but would
be happy to include an item on the Kent Agreement in the next Ditton Gazette,
together with details of where groups can make contact.
Parish Partnership Panel – Agenda Items
Members had no items they wished to be placed on the Agenda.
184. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Cornhill Insurance: Vandalism Claim 225.00
Ditton Guides: Guide HQ Energy
Charges 8.85
Ditton Infants: Grounds Maintenance 219.12
Ditton Juniors School: Grounds Maintenance & Sports Marking 364.67
Ditton United FC: Food & Facilities 108.47
Multi Sports Income: Multi Sports Users 830.00
Harland Fencing: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
C & F Carpentry: Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 13925.29 Net: 10241.82
DPC Imprest: Account: July Reimbursement 5322.08
Kent County Council: Superannuation - July 2006 2699.88
AquAid (Kent): Water & Sanitization June 2006 52.50 Vat 9.18 61.68
Aylesford Tyre & Wheel Barrow Tubes 23.80
Auto Centre: Vat 4.16 27.96
Ditton Community Centre: Hire of Hall – Halloween Dance 258.00
EDF Energy: Unmetered Street
Lighting 65.30
Changing Rooms – NRRG 20.25
Multi Sports & Cedar Rooms 176.56
262.11
5% Vat 13.11 275.22
Kent Association Local Council Administration 7th Edition 48.00
Of Parish Councils: Draft Standing Orders 6.00
Postage 5.71 59.71
Kent County Council: Data Protection Visit- Internal Auditor 125.00
4th Visit for 2005/06 250.00
Final Internal Audit Visit 2005/2006 250.00
625.00
Vat 109.38 734.38
Kent County Council: Parish Council Vehicle Lease fee
29.06.06 to 28.09.06 1071.00
Vat 187.43 1258.43
Kent County Council: Stationery 24.25
Vat 4.24 28.49
Land Tecnics Ltd: Lynch Pins for Tractor 2.48
Vat 0.43 2.91
Monro Horticulture: Glyfos Fence Lines – Spot Treatment 17.20
Vat 3.01 20.21
Mower Plant Services: Long Eye Bolts for Ransome Mower 26.94
Vat 4.71 31.65
Parker Merchanting: Latex Gloves, Insulation Tape & 32.67
Tufanega Vat 5.72 38.39
Parkfoot Garage: Vehicle Fuel
– June 40.85
Vat 7.15 48.00
Mr D Pullinger: Play Area Locking – July 2006 25.00
RBS Software Solutions: Annual Planning Software Maintenance 50.00
VAT Partial Exemption Calculation 790.00
Attendance at P C Meeting 26/6/06 395.00
1235.00
Vat 216.12 1451.12
Sage [UK] Limited: Sage Payroll Cover to 6th July 2007 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Smart Decorating: Redecoration of Parish Office & Council 1740.00
Chamber
Southern Water: Wastewater Toilet Block – NRRG 21.88
Travis Perkins: Hire of Hedge Trimmer 82.23
Assorted Sundries 71.03
153.26
Vat 26.82 180.08
Three Towns Office Stationery 55.95
Equipment: Vat 9.79 65.74
Breakdown of Expenditure from Imprest Account during July 2006
Carried Forward 1st July 2006 550.12
Add: PC reimbursement 5449.88
Horticultural Show Refund 154.40
6154.40
Deduct: July Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4595.18
Postage Stamps 110.60
OSA Expenses 50.00
Best Kept Garden – Judge 36.00
Com Centre Expenses 67.74
Horticulture Show 400.00
Delivery of Ditton Gazette 100.56
Petty Cash 113.15 5476.48
Balance 677.92
Sum to be drawn on 7th August 2006 5322.08*
6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000.00
[c] Direct Debits Paid During June 2006
The following Direct Debits, were READ, APPROVED and ACCEPTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.06.06 O2 30.47
01.06.06 WPA Health Care 418.18
05.06.06 Mentor RBIS 284.35
07.06.06 Nildram 42.82
20.06.06 Pace Petroleum 25.00
27.06.06 Euphony Comm. Ltd 12.87
28.06.06 Nat West Business Card 168.42
26.06.06 Nat West Bank Line 59.75
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.06.06 Sky Business 246.75
12.06.06 Post Office 58.52
20.06.06 Scottish Courage – Stock 9337.89
20.06.06 Sky Business (Subscription) 793.12
21.06.06 Waverley TBS 1077.79
22.06.06 AMLD - Gaming Machine 124.00
26.06.06 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 229.13
28.06.06 Walkers Snacks Ltd 628.59
30.06.06 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.06.06 Tonbridge & Malling BC 1266.00
23.06.06 EDF Energy (Electric) 700.00
30.06.06 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[d] Accounts Paid Between Meetings
There were no accounts paid between meetings.
[e] Accounts for Payment – Community Centre
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Astra Security: Retractable Key Fobs – Caretakers 16.50
Vat 2.89 19.39
John Black: Internal & External Window Cleaning 70.00
Chubb Fire Limited: Service to Fire Alarm System 115.79
Vat 20.26 136.05
Cleanaway Ltd: Refuse Collection – June 2006 131.40
Vat 22.99 154.39
EDF Energy: Repairs to Street Light in Carpark 80.16
Vat 14.03 94.19
Edwardes Bros 4 x Fans [2 for Centre 2 for Bar] 49.00
[Dulwich] Ltd: Vat 8.57 57.57
Easyprint UK: Printing Receipt Books 75.10
Vat 13.14 88.24
Initial Washroom August Rental Charges 58.50
Solutions: Vat 10.24 68.74
Kent County Council: Fire Extinguisher Service & Replacements 253.00
Name Badges & Cleaning Materials 162.89
415.89
Vat 72.79 488.68
Kent County Council: Toilet Rolls 15.60
Vat 2.73 18.33
Parker Merchanting: Hazard Tape & Paint Roller & Tray 16.46
Vat 2.88 19.34
Phonographic Licence Fees 07.07.06-06.09.07 642.92
Performance: Vat 112.51 755.43
Southern Water: Waste Water Charges 1095.16
Tubular Motion Ferrules for Chairs in Oaken Hall 5.48
Furniture: Vat 0.96 6.44
DEPOSIT REFUNDS
Oaken Hall The Don
Carman Hall
14.07.06 £81.25 15.07.06 £50.00
15.07.06 £50.00 21.07.06 £75.00
22.07.06 £81.25 22.07.06 £50.00
29.07.06 £50.00
(f) Bar Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Adrian Mecklenburgh: Post Mix Syrups 425.92
Vat 74.54 500.46
Astra Security: Assorted Keys 46.04
Vat 8.07 54.11
Charus Automatic: Gaming Machine & Cabinet Rental 173.34
To 31st July 2006 Vat 30.33 203.67
Forge Engineering: Welding Frame for Cigarette Disposal Bin 125.00
Vat 21.88 146.88
Kent County Council: Desk Fan 14.95
Vat 2.62 17.57
Kent Refrigeration: Repairs
to Kilnbarn Club Glass Washer 167.43
Vat 29.30 196.73
Kent Frozen Food: Hot Bar Snacks 15.92
Nivek Catering: Straws & Optics 62.54
Vat 10.94 73.48
Silver Spring: Soft Drinks 59.86
Vat 10.48 70.34
SSG Emprise Ltd: July Key Holder Service 30.00
Vat 5.25 35.25
Travis Perkins: Rawlbolts for Fixing Cigarette Bin 16.56
Vat 2.90 19.46
(g) Investment - Notes of Working Party Meeting held 19/7/2006
Notes of the investment working party meeting held on 19th July 2006,
which had been previously circulated, were READ and NOTED. A copy of the
notes is filed with these minutes.
[h] Internal Audit
[i] REPORT OF FINAL VISIT FOR 2005/2006
A report of the final visit for 2005/2006 was READ and it was NOTED that
there are no matters arising that the internal auditor needs to report
to Councillors and he will sign the Annual Return to that effect once
received from the Audit Commission.
[ii] REPORT OF DATA PROTECTION AUDIT
The internal auditor reported that he carried out a brief review of the
Council’s compliance with the Data Protection Act and can accommodate
a full review in the revised audit programme for 2006/2007.
There were a number of matters arising from the review and the Clerk confirmed
that these matters have now been addressed.
(i) VAT Partial Exemption 2005-2006 – Calculation
Details of the calculations for the VAT partial exemption for 2005/2006,
previously circulated, were READ and it was NOTED that the input VAT attributable
to exempt activities was £4678.44, which is significantly below
the exemption limit of £7500.00.
The Chairman moved that an additional urgent item be taken.
(j) Server
The Clerk advised Members of
the failure of the desktop server due to a recent power cut. The main
hard disk has crashed and the ‘ghost’ disk, which is currently providing
the service, has serious defects.
A quotation to replace both disks was READ but it was NOTED that unfortunately
there is no way of telling whether there is any damage to other components
caused by the power cut.
A quotation to replace the desktop with a proper server complete with
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system and anti-spam solution was READ
and NOTED as £3184.00. Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to replace the desktop server with a proper server.
RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order 57(a) to enable the quotation from
Netbox5, the Council’s computer maintenance provider, to be accepted as
a matter of urgency.
185. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Cllr. Rowe had previously given his apologies and Borough Councillor
Porter had nothing to report.
186. REPORT FROM PARISH WARDEN/COMMUNITY POLICE
There was no police officer present.
187. PLANNING MATTERS
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.
Plans Received for Comment
TM/06/00248/FL First Floor Rear Extension
18 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02268/FL Conversion of outbuilding to office accommodation and renovation
of existing storage buildings.
Park Farm, Bradbourne Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02288/FL Revised house types and realignment of public right of
way of planning permission TM/05/01013/FL :
Demolition of existing industrial buildings and erection of new residential
development comprising 6 one bedroom flats; 2 two bedroom houses; 62 three
bedroom houses and 7 four bedroom houses. Total 96 units 186 garage [car
port] surface parking spaces, new estate roads, open space and assoc.
landscaping.
New Rd Business Est.
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION TO THE HOUSE TYPES, BUT THE COUNCIL WOULD LIKE CONFIRMATION
THAT PEDESTRIANS WILL BE SEGREGATED FROM TRAFFIC ON THE SECTION OF FOOTPATH
BETWEEN PLOTS 12 AND 81
TM/05/03247/RD Details of site investigation & proposed remediation
works submitted pursuant to condition 5a & 5b 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
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02444/FL Conversion of garage to garden store and widening of hardstanding
area.
30 Ragstone Court
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, PROVIDING THE EFFECT OF A GARAGE DOOR IS MAINTAINED
TO ENSURE IT DOES NOT DETRACT FROM THE STREET SCENE.
TM/06/03247/RD Details of boundary treatment submitted pursuant to condition
4 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
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02363/TPOC Remove lower branches of sweet chestnuts [TPO 12.06.26]
10 Cedar Close
RESOLVED TO OBJECT TO THIS APPLICATION AS THE DETAILS ARE INCORRECT
TM/06/TEMP/0042 Provision of GRP Kiosk (S73A)
Ditton Wastewater Treatment
Works
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02141/FL Formation of Vehicular Access AMENDMENT SHOWING ALTERATION
TO POSITION OF DRIVEWAY WITHIN SITE.
427 London Road
RESOLVED TO REITERATE PREVIOUS OBJECTIONS THAT IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS TO
HAVE DIRECT ACCESS ONTO THE MAIN ROAD AT THIS POINT WHERE CARS WOULD BE
TURNING IN TO VISIT THE PINIONS PET SHOP
The Chairman moved that the following additional plans be taken, in view
of the urgency for comments to be made:-
TM/06/02466/RD Details of external materials and boundary treatment submitted
pursuant to conditions 2 and 7 of planning permission TM/06/0271/FL:
Erection of a warehouse/storage building with access, car and lorry parking and forecourt.
Vacant Plot Adj. Site 6
Mills Road, Quarry Wood
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02461/ORM Minor amendment of planning permission TM/03/03415 (erection
of 370 dwellings, including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking,
landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings)
involving the erection of conservatories on house types A, B, C1 and D
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02469/RD Revised details of hard landscaping and boundary treatment
submitted pursuant to condition 4 of planning permission TM/03/03415/FL:
Erection of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/02509 Single storey extension & Conservatory
56 Cobdown Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
Members were advised that Ditton Bowls Club have applied for planning
permission to erect a wooden changing room adjacent to the clubhouse.
It was NOTED that, in accordance with their Lease, the Bowls Club require
this Council’s permission to erect any building on the site and, in accordance
with the terms of the transfer of the land, the Council must seek consent
from Tarmac to prevent the pre-emption clause being invoked.
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following Decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/06/01731/FL Conservatory to rear of 8 Ragstone Court
GRANTED
TM/06/01834/FL Variation of condition 1 of consent TM/03/01309/FL to extend
the period for the demolition of existing dwelling and erection
of replacement dwelling
Bramley House
Kilnbarn Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/06/01936/FL First Floor Extension
9 Linkway
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/06/02011/RD Details of landscaping submitted pursuant to doncition
5 of planning permission TM/05/03410/FL:
Change of use to industrial and office use plus works to accommodate additional
floorspace
Broadmead House
New Hythe Bus. Park
APPROVED
TM/06/01936/FL First Floor Extension
9 Linkway
GRANTED
TM/01/01965/FL Loft Conversion incorporating front dormer
68 Bell Lane
REFUSED
TM/06/01628/FL Variation to condition (v) of permission TM/91/00718 to
allow opening on
Sundays and Bank Holidays
5 Woodlands Parade
REFUSED
TM/06/02052/FL Revised House types on plots 210-213 144, 150, 118 &
119
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/06/01699/FL Car park extension
EM. Research Station
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists, circulated at the meeting, were READ and NOTED:-
06/27 - 10.07.2006; 06/28 - 17/07.2006; 06/29 - 24.07.2006
(d) Agenda/Minutes/Notes/etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
NOTED there was nothing to report that affected Ditton.
(e) Kent County Council – Public Consultations
(i) KENT WASTE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: SPATIAL OPTIONS CONSULTATION
The above document was READ and NOTED.
(ii) KENT JOINT MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: HEADLINE STRATEGY
The above document was READ and NOTED.
(f) Planning Enforcement Investigation
at 30 Ragstone Court
Notification of a breach of planning control was READ and it was NOTED
that the alleged breach was unauthorised building works.
The owners have been given 28 days to make an application to rectify the
situation, on a without prejudice basis.
(g) Car Park Extension at East Malling Research Station [TM/06/01699/FL]
–
An invitation, which had previously been forwarded to the Planning Chairman,
to speak when the application is reported to Area 3 Planning Committee,
was READ and NOTED.
188. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING 25/9/2006
It was NOTED that the Clerk will be on annual leave for the above meeting.
RESOLVED to postpone the meeting and hold it on 23rd October 2006, prior
to the Personnel Committee meeting.
189. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
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- - -
In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted,
the Chairman moved that the press and public be excluded from this part
of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
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190. PERSONNEL MATTER
Members were advised that Mrs Tamsett’s trial period comes to an end shortly.
RESOLVED Mrs Tamsett’s contract be confirmed.
The Clerk advised Members of a situation with a Member of Staff and her
family and a Kilnbarn Club Member.
Considerable discussion took place.
RESOLVED the situation be monitored and if the member of staff concerned
is subjected to intimidation or aggression by this club member when he
is visiting the Club, she must advise the Clerk immediately and the member
will have his membership revoked and be banned from entering the club.
191. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.28pm.
Chairman
4th September 2006
