Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, November 2006
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 6th NOVEMBER 2006
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman],
M J PORTER [Vice-Chair], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE,
MRS J E DESAVE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK, MR B STONE, MRS
A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES. CO. CLLR. G ROWE.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin.
Asst.]
316. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
317. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from P C Roddick.
318. CASUAL VACANCY
The Chairman READ a letter of introduction from Mr Stone who wished to
be considered for the casual vacancy.
RESOLVED Mr Stone be co-opted to fill the casual vacancy on this council.
319. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Day, Mulcuck, Mrs Mulcuck & Mrs Thwaites declared a personal
interest in item 327(e) as they are all members of Ditton Bowls Club.
320. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 2nd OCTOBER 2006
The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
321. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
322. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING OCTOBER 2006
(a) Community Centre Committee, 9th October 2006
The above minutes, which had previously been circulated, were presented
by Cllr. DeSave and confirmed as a true record.
(b) Planning, Highways & Transportation Committee, 16th October 2006
-
The above minutes, which had previously been circulated, were presented
by Cllr. Mulcuck and confirmed as a true record
(c) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 16th October 2006 - Circulated
The above minutes, which had previously been circulated, were presented
by Cllr. Baker and confirmed as a correct record.
(i) REMOVAL OF DOG LOO [Page 163, Item 291] - Recommendation
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED to investigate usage of the dog loo and monitor any misuse before
any decision to remove it is reached.
(ii) SCHOOL CLOCK [Page 162, Item 289(e)]
Members were advised that the grant application has been turned down by
Kent County Council, however, Co. Cllr. Rowe is prepared to fund part
of the cost from his Member’s grant if the Council can find partner funding.
It was NOTED that Ditton Junior School has offered a donation of £200
towards the cost and a resident has also offered a donation.
RESOLVED that this Council will make up any shortfall in donations to
equal 50% of the cost and this will be financed from the Charities account.
(d) Personnel Committee, 23rd October 2006
The above minutes, which had been previously circulated, were presented
by Cllr. Mrs DeSave and confirmed as a true record.
Recommendations:
(i) LGPS POLICY AMENDMENTS [Page 166, Item 300(c)]
A further communication from Kent County Council was READ and it was NOTED
that new advice contradicts the previous advice with regards to flexible
retirement. The advice now is that, if a scheme member reaches the 85
year rule date before age 60, and the Council allows them to take flexible
retirement, it is not possible to reduce their benefits and so the cost
of early repayment of the unreduced benefits will fall to the Council.
To ensure that the Council would not be put in this position, the Clerk
has suggested that the following wording be added to policy 35(1)a ‘Flexible
Retirement’ as follows:-
after ‘…….no detrimental effect on the service’ insert ‘or additional
cost to the council’.
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommended amendments, plus the additional wording
as above under policy 53(1)a.
A copy of the amended LGPS Policy is filed with these minutes.
[ii] AGE DISCRIMINATION (Policy Amendments) [Page 168, Item302]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to adopt the policy amendments,
to comply with the new age discrimination regulations.
(e) Finance & Administration Committee, 23rd October 2006 - Herewith
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Day and accepted as a correct record.
Cllr. Beadle advised that the interest earned on the investment has now
brought it back up to the original £700,000.00.
Recommendations:
[i] CO-OPTION TO FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
[Page 171, Item 307]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to co-opt Cllr. Beadle to the Finance
and Administration Committee, with immediate effect.
[ii] GENERAL RESERVE RESTORATION [PAGE 172, ITEM 310(c)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to restore the general reserve to
£60,000 over the next three years.
[iii] REVIEW OF STANDING ORDERS & FINANCIAL REGULATIONS [Page 172,
Item 311]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to adopt the amendments to the above
documents, details of which had previously been circulated.
[iv] AGENDA – SUPPORTING INFORMATION [Page 173, Item 313]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation and circulate Agenda supporting
documents to committee members only.
323. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’ Autumn 2006
Notice of AGM 2006
KAPC: Minutes of T & M Area Committee Meeting held
7/9/2006
‘Parish News’ Issues 319, 18th September 2006 & 320, 24th October
2006
Notice of 59th AGM
Finance Information Day, 18/11/2006
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: T & M Public Transport Panel – 7th
November 2006
Parish Partnership Panel – Minutes of meeting 14/9/2006 & Notice of
Meeting 9/11/2006
Summary of Accounts 2005/2006
‘Here & Now’ Issue No 5, Oct/Nov 2006
Minutes of Council, Cabinet & Committee Meetings 2006 Vol 4 July 5th
– Sept 6th
Plastic Recycling
Footpath 95 Larkfield/Ditton
ERHA: Rural Housing – The next generation of affordable homes
Rural Kent: ‘Oast to Coast’ Autumn 2006
Ditton Infant School: Letter of Thanks
The Local Channel ‘The Local Column, Issue 21
Plus Publishing: ‘Local Council’s Update’, Issue 84, October 2006
Big Lottery Fund: Launch of Breathing Places Phase 2 & Community Libraries
Programme
NatWest Mentor Magazine, Issue 7 Autumn 2006
‘Legal Update’, Issue 17 – September 2006
Kenward Trust: ‘New Life’, Issue 3 2006
KCVYS: Rural Youth Conference ‘Make it Happen’ 11/11/2006
Wouldham Parish Council: Proposed Loss of Services at Maidstone Hospital
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’ , Vol 59, No 4 – November 2006
SEERA: Update on the South East Plan, No. 10 – Sept. 2006
Local Works: Sustainable Communities Bill
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS: Annual Report Summer 2006
CPRE: ‘Countryside Voice’ Autumn 2006
(b) For Decision
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells
NHS: Public Consultation
RESOLVED TO INVITE THE NHS TO GIVE A PRESENTATION IN DITTON IN EITHER
THE OAKEN HALL OR SCHOOL HALL
Kent County Council: Promoting Kentcarshare in Your Parish
RESOLVED TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE SUCCESS OF THE PILOT
SCHEME AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR CO-ORDINATION OF THE SCHEME LOCALLY.
Towards 2010 – How Does it Affect You
RESOLVED NOT TO ACCEPT THE OFFER TO HAVE A PRESENTATION AS MEMBERS CAN
ACCESS THE PRESENTATION INFORMATION AND DVD THROUGH THE KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
WEBSITE www.kent.gov.uk
Mr & Mrs Martin: Bus Stop Opposite T A Centre
The problems experienced by Mr & Mrs Martin due to the location of
the bus stop were READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED TO CONTACT ARRIVA IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO FIND A WORKABLE SOLUTION
TO THE PROBLEMS.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
Mrs Carr of Orchard Grove advised the Council of the difficulties of exiting
from Orchard Grove onto the A20 in a motor vehicle and asked if it would
be possible to have either a box junction or keep clear area installed
at this location.
Members agreed to pass this request onto KCC’s Highways Department.
Mrs Colegate of London Road expressed her concern at the dirty condition
of the village, especially in New Road.
Members agreed to pass this on to the Borough Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ton & Malling Borough Cncl: Cleaner Borough Campaign – Survey
Cllr. Mrs Thwaites agreed to complete the survey on behalf of the Council.
Kent Youth: Invitation to Service of Lessons and Carols 2/12/2006
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Clerk as soon as possible,
to ensure a place is reserved.
Leybourne Grange Riding School
for the Disabled: Invitation to Christmas Nativity & Blessing 8/12/2006
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Clerk as soon as possible,
to ensure a place is reserved.
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Notice of Parish Partnership Panel Meeting
9/11/2006
Information READ and NOTED no Member is able to attend.
Frantschach Site- Street Naming
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE STREETS AT THIS LOCATION
BEING NAMED AFTER FORMER EMPLOYESS OF REED MEDWAY PAPER SACKS FACTORY
WITH 40 OR MORE YEARS SERVICE.
Age Concern: Invitation to Poppin Club Christmas Party 13/12/2006
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Clerk as soon as possible,
to ensure a place is reserved.
CPRE: Invitation to AGM & Luncheon 17/11/2006
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Clerk as soon as possible,
to ensure a place is reserved.
NALC: Invitation to Quality Council’s to attend “Shaping Communities”
Event 13/2/1007
Details of the programme for the event were READ and the cost of £129.25
per delegate was NOTED.
RESOLVED THE CLERK AND EITHER JOHN DAY OR JOHN BEADLE WILL ATTEND THIS
IMPORTANT EVENT.
324. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Barfield Farm: Summer Gazette Advertisement 28.00
C & K Maintenance: Summer & Autumn Gazette Advertisement 56.00
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance 219.12
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 620.06
Ditton Minors FC: Line Marking – NRRG 44.00
Ditton Petanque Club: Food 135.00
Ditton Vets FC: Food Prep 5.00
Ditton Vets FC: Pitch Fee 2006/07 135.00
Multi Sports: Income 404.00
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14739.21 Net: 10964.99
Kent County Council: Superannuation – October 2006 2699.88
DPC Imprest Account: Reimbursement 5751.67
Aquaid (Kent) Ltd: Water 18.75
Vat 3.28 22.03
Cooks Garden Filing Kit 8.34
Machinery: Vat 1.46 9.80
CSP Collector Set Printing – Autumn Gazette 1375.00
Printers: Vat 240.63 1615.63
Cobra Insurance Commercial Insurance Renewals 9737.05
Brokers:
Ditton Community Hall Hire Christmas & New Years Eve Dances 817.00
Centre:
EDF Energy: Cedar Rm, Mess Rm & Multi Sports 91.35
Vat 4.57 95.92
EDF Energy: Unmetered Street Lights Energy Charges 65.30
Vat 3.27 68.57
Floodlighting Limited: 100 Floodlighting Coins 38.00
Vat 6.65 44.65
Kent Association of 6 x New Councillors Guides 6.00
Parish Councils:
Kent County Council: Fire Training 415.00
Vat 72.63 487.63
Kent County Council: Pitch Marking Powder & Tape 98.60
Vat 17.26 115.86
MB Tree Care: Cut Down Cherry Tree – Centre Car Park 150.00
Mower Plant Services: Ransome Spares 88.66
Vat 15.52 104.18
T Parker & Sons Charger for Famura Sprayer 38.00
(Turf Management) Vat 6.65 44.65
Parker Merchanting: Spray & Gloves 17.86
Protective Clothing 18.15
36.01
Vat 6.31 42.32
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Fuel Account 73.19
Vat 12.81 86.00
Dean Pullinger: Locking Play Area - September 2006 25.00
N P Saunders: Spring Bedding Plants – War Memorial 72.00
Sisis Equipment: Parts for Spreader 76.04
Vat 13.30 89.34
Travis Perkins: General Tools 17.91
Vat 3.14 21.05
United Balloon Co: Balloons for Hallowe’en Dance 8.00
Vat 1.40 9.40
Essex Pyrotechnics: Firework display 4/11/2006 2500.00
Vat 437.50 2937.50
Payments Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972
RESOLVED the following payments be made under Section 137 of the Local
Government Act 1972.
Ditton C of E Infants Donation to Children’s Christmas Party 200.00
School:
Ditton C of E Junior Donation to Children’s Christmas Party 200.00
School:
IMPREST ACCOUNT
Carried Forward 1st October 2006 1227.93
Add: PC reimbursement 4772.07
6000.00
Deduct: October Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4222.09
Postage Stamps 57.20
Community Centre Expenses 250.00
Graeme Segwick – Trav Exp 85.30
Chain Saw Course Fee 436.50
SLCA Course 195.00
Gazette Delivery 106.26
Halloween Dance Refunds 270.00
Costco Registration 37.60
Refreshment for Band 28.10.06 25.00
Petty Cash 63.47
5751.67
Sum to be drawn on 6th November 2006 5751.67
248.33
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Cheque Drawn between Meetings
The following cheque drawn between meetings was READ, NOTED & APPROVED:-
Mr J Riddle: Chain Saw Course Fee – G Sedwick 430.00
(d) Direct Debits - Paid During September 2006
The following direct debits paid during September 2006 were READ, NOTED
& APPROVED:-
(i) DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
01.09.2006 WPA 418.18
05.09.2006 Mentor RBS PLC 284.34
07.09.2006 Nildram 42.82
20.09.2006 Pace Petroleum 28.63
07.09.2006 Euphony 15.77
28.09.2006 Business Card 516.09
(ii) COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUT
01.09.2006 Sky Business 276.13
11.09.2006 Post Office Ltd 73.14
21.09.2006 Scottish Courage- stock 5727.79
21.09.2006 Waverelys 788.40
22.09.2006 HMC&E – Gaming Machine 121.75
25.09.2006 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 229.13
28.09.2006 Walkers Snacks 144.10
30.09.2006 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(iii) COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.09.2006 T & M BC - Business Rate 1266.00
25.09.2006 EDF Energy 700.00
30.09.2005 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(e) Seasonal Donations
RESOLVED the following seasonal donations be made under Sec. 137 of the
Local Government Act 1972:-
Pop-in-Club, Ditton £125.00
Age Concern £250.00
The cheques will be drawn at the next meeting on 4th December 2006.
(f) Audit - Annual Return
RESOLVED to confirm the Statement of Accounts and APPROVE and sign the
Statement of Assurance.
.
(g) Internal Audit Report - 2nd Visit of Audit Programme
The report of the 2nd internal audit, which had previously been circulated,
was READ and it was NOTED that the auditor had tested items of income
to satisfy himself that all samples tested had been properly identified,
recorded and banked. As part of the testing he considered data protection
aspects of the various records maintained of hirers and is satisfied that
appropriate controls are in place. The auditor also sample tested the
bank reconciliations and confirmed the relevant entries and advised that
there are no matters of any significance that would need to be reported
to councillors.
(h) Hallowe’en Dance – Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the Hallowe’en Dance was READ and the profit on
ticket sales of £554.06 NOTED. FURTHER NOTED the profit from the
sale of raffle tickets totalled £115.07.
325. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Councillor G Rowe gave a report on the following items:-
‘Make it Happen’ - Rural Youth Conference to be held at Lenham Community
Centre, 11/11/2006
Youth Capital Fund - Details of Fund
Youth Opportunities - Fund details
Kent Highway Services - Information leaflets available for Parish Councils
from Contact Centre
Tour De France 2007 - Will be travelling though Kent on Sunday 8th July.
Parish Councils are being encouraged to organise ancillary events.
Public Transport Panel - Next meeting will be held 7th November 2006 at
Kings Hill commencing at 7.30pm. Tonbridge & Malling Youth Forum Members
have been invited to state their requests in respect to young peoples
needs. That includes the cost of public transport, frequency, timetable
and routes to meet their needs and the problems about journeys to school
and discipline.
Cllr. Rowe suggested that the issue with the bus stop on the London Road
be forwarded to this panel as all the public transport providers attend
these meetings.
Parish Partnership Panel - Next meeting will be held Thursday 9th November
at Kings Hill. Items for discussion include Neighbourhood Policing, Action
with Rural Communities in Kent & Parish Plans and The Government White
Paper on Local Government.
Tonbridge & Malling Joint Transportation Board - Next meeting will
be held on 4th December 2006 at Kings Hill, commencing at 7.30pm
Parish Clock - Money has been set aside from Cllr Rowe’s Members grant
fund to support the new clock located at Ditton Junior School but he will
be looking for partnership funding.
Borough Councillor Mike Porter reported that this Council’s application
for a grant towards CCTV has been put forward for consideration, although
he will have to declare an interest when the item is discussed.
326. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
The Chairman read a report from PC Roddick, who was unable to attend this
evening, regarding crime figures for Ditton during October 2006.
It was NOTED that there has been a 47% reduction in crime over the same
period last year.
327. 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 and consider them solely on the basis of evidence placed
before him at that meeting
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/06/01445/AT Erection of post mounted and banner signs, along with flag
poles & revised signage detailing signs actually displayed on site
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/03287/FL Insertion of mezzanine floor to provide office and storage
space and installation of window
Gluck Engineering
Unit 1 New Hythe
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/3246/TPOC Raising of crown and thinning out; removal of any dangerous
branches [TPO 12.06.11]
The Weir
17 Ditton Place
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S
APPROVAL
TM/06/3246/TPOC Raising of crown and thinning out; removal of any dangerous
branches + slight thinning of adjoining sycamore [TPO 12.06.11]
The Weir
17 Ditton Place
AMENDED DESCRIPTION OF WORKS
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S
APPROVAL
TM/06/03277/FL New mezzanine floor and 7 no. new windows on the existing
elevation
Unit 15 Access 4:20
New Hythe
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/06/03297/RD Details of foul and surface water drainage submitted pursuant
to conditions 13 & 14 of permission TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370
dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/06/01488/RD Details of refuse storage submitted pursuant to condition
12 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe
APPROVED
TM/06/01784/RD Details of soft and hard landscaping and children’s play
space submitted pursuant to conditions 4 & 16 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection
of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe
APROVED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
06/39 - 2.10.2006; 06/40 - 9.10.2006; 06/41 - 16.10.2006
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes etc. of Area 3 Sub-Committee
The above document was READ and it was NOTED.
(e) Ditton Bowls Club
It was NOTED that the Bowls Club are considering amending their plans,
to erect a single storey changing room adjacent to their clubhouse, to
enable them to erect a brick built extension.
The Clerk advised that a representative from Tilcon will be visiting the
area on 21st November to acquaint himself with the site.
(f) TM/06/02589/FL – Single Storey front extension
Communications from a neighbour of the applicant and the Borough Council
were READ and details of the reasons for granting the application were
NOTED.
328. RAGSTONE COURT/DITTON QUARRY BOUNDARY
Copies of correspondence which had previously been circulated were READ
and it was NOTED that the aerial photographs and Land Certificate have
been passed to the Council’s solicitor, who will now obtain a copy of
the land register entry for the property in question.
The Clerk advised that once received it will be necessary to engage the
services of a surveyor to confirm the boundaries.
329. QUALITY COUNCIL – BENEFITS
Details of the benefits of Quality Status which had previously been circulated,
were READ and NOTED.
330. DITTON REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that the rehearsal had gone well and final details
were in hand.
Those people wishing to attend the short service at the War Memorial on
Saturday 11th November, were asked to arrive at the War Memorial no later
than 10.50am.
Members of the public attending the service in the Community Centre on
Sunday 12th November 2006 need to be seated in the Oaken Hall by 9.30am.
331. BONFIRE & FIREWORKS
(a) Report of Event
Cllr. Mulcuck gave a report on the success of the firework display and
congratulated the Grounds Supervisor and his staff and helpers for all
their work in building the bonfire.
Seventeen guys were entered into the Best Guy competition which was judged
by Tom Hawkwood, the Community Warden.
Members were advised that the bucket collection raised £1295.13
and the profit from the sale of ‘glow’ items totalled £514.04.
(b) Arrangements for 2007
RESOLVED to hold the event again in 2007.
332. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
333. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman advised Members that, after careful consideration, he has
decided not to stand for election next May.
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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 the remainder
of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
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334. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK
(a) Spinal Point Increases 2007/2008: Ref. CM 337
Confidential Memorandum Ref: CM 337 was READ, NOTED and CONFIRMED.
335. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 10.04pm.
