Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, July 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 2nd JULY 2007
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. R G B BAKER, M D BRINE, W CORDWELL, B D STONE, MRS A THROSSELL
& MRS J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin.
Asst]
120. OPENING OF MEETING
In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Cllr. Baker was NOMINATED
to chair the meeting.
The Chairman moved that item 130 ‘Report from Community Police/Parish
Warden’ be taken next to enable PC Roddick to return to his policing duties.
121. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/PARISH WARDEN
PC Roddick gave a report on the following matters
Reported crime figures for Ditton during June 2007 which totalled eleven,
a reduction of five for the same period last year. The reported crime
figures for May 2007 were sixteen.
Mobile CCTV – this is now in situ in Woodlands Road and is working well,
however the ornamental tree at this location is blocking part of the cameras
view.
Police Surgery – for the past few weeks no-one has attended the surgeries,
despite extra advertising. PC Roddick asked if Members had any ideas to
generate more interest and attendance.
Exclusion Order - This Order would enable the council and police to exclude
anyone from an area where they are causing a nuisance. The Order would
be invoked jointly by the parish council and police and would require
the council to set guidelines as to what constitutes a nuisance. This
would then enable the council to ban people from the community centre
and recreation ground for a set period of time. The ban would then be
reviewed shortly before expiry.
It was agreed that PC Roddick would obtain further information on exclusion
orders and the matter be referred back to the parish council at its meeting
in August.
PC Roddick then introduced Ditton’s PCSO Lia Bishop.
Cllr. Stone advised that he has received a lot of good feedback for Lia
from residents including her high visibility in the village.
122. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllrs. Angel, Mrs Beadle, Beadle, Lander,
Mulcuck, Nunn and Porter. The previously notified reasons for absence
were APPROVED by the Council.
123. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
There were no declarations of interest or expenditure.
124. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 4TH JUNE 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th June 2007, were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
125. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Provision of Household Recycling Centre
A response from KCC regarding this Council’s suggestion for a recycling
centre at the site of the Allington Waste Facility on the 20/20 estate
was READ and it was NOTED that this has already received consideration
and been discussed with the Borough Council to identify suitable sites.
However, such a proposal would need to go through a full planning application
process with appropriate public consultation and also consideration being
given to alternative sites.
They advise that the current position is that this proposal is very much
on their agenda and they are looking to progress the matter later this
year.
126. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JUNE 2007
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 11th JUNE 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr Stone and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a true record.
(ii) PLANNING COMMITTEE, 18th JUNE 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr Mrs Throssell and CONFIRMED and
SIGNED as a true record.
It was NOTED that Cllr. Mrs Throssell’s suggestion that the new development
on land formerly known as New Road Business Estate be named Brampton Field
has been accepted. Thanks were extended to Cllr. Mrs Throssell for researching
this and providing the suggestion.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 18th JUNE 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a true record.
1. Request for fixed locking up time for Kilnbarn playarea
Following a request from a resident of Pear Tree Avenue for a fixed locking
up time for the Kilnbarn playarea, the Open Spaces and Amenities Committee
suggested a locking up time of 8.00pm each evening.
Discussion took place and it was pointed out that, as the Kilnbarn Club
will be open to children up to 9.00pm during the summer months, it would
be appropriate for the play area to remain open until 9.00pm also.
RESOLVED that the play area will remain open until 9.00pm during the summer
months and then revert back to dusk in the Autumn and the resident concerned
be advised accordingly.
(b) For Noting
(i) FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE 13TH JUNE 2007
The above minutes were READ and NOTED.
127. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Kent County Council: Future of Older Persons Services
Rural Kent: Council Meeting 9/7/2007
Rural News , 83 – June 2007
Kent Police Authority: Safer Kent Awards
KAPC: ‘Parish News’ – Issue 325, 19th June 2007 + encs
KCC & TMBC Joint Local Board: Agenda for meeting to be held 12th July
2007
R W Holder: Letter of Thanks
Press Publishing: ‘Local Councils Update – Issue 92, June 2007
T & M B C: ‘Here & Now – Issue 3, June/July 2007
Minutes of Parish Partnership Panel held 31/5/2007 + encs
Ton. & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting held 30/4/2007
For Decision
A/Dist. Chief Inspector Gian Chahal: T & M Neighbourhood Police Launch
An invitation to the above launch was READ and NOTED, but no Member is
able to attend.
T & M B C: Parish Partnership Panel
NOTED the next meeting will be held on 13th September 2007.
FURTHER NOTED Cllr. Stone is a member of the panel and will report back
any items of interest.
Borough Leisure & Arts Strategy
This communication was READ and NOTED.
KAPC: Training Programme – Summer 2007
KAPC’s training programme for July and August was READ and NOTED.
NALC: ‘Cracking the Code Conference, 19th July 2007
Information on NALC’s training day on the Code of Conduct to be held in
Birmingham on 19th July 2007 was READ and NOTED.
Ms. L Bays: Bonfire Nuisance
A request for this council to assist with curbing nuisance bonfires was
READ. It was NOTED that the Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department
have already advised this resident to keep a diary of the dates, times
and exact locations of the bonfires, which they will then be able to act
upon if appropriate to do so.
It was NOTED that there are no byelaws currently in force to control the
lighting of bonfires, however, when lighting a bonfire the resident must
ensure it does not cause a nuisance to persons in the vicinity, as this
can be deemed to be an offence.
RESOLVED TO REITERATE THE BOROUGH COUNCIL’S ADVICE
128. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Bowls Club: Metered Water Supply 47.59
Holtwood Rangers FC: Pitch Marking – 16th June 2007 25.00
KAPC: Refund – Overpayment 27.00
Multi Sports: Hire Fees 96.00
Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14623.38 Nett: 11044.64
DPC Imprest A/C: June Reimbursement 5523.13
Kent County Council: Superannuation Subscriptions – June 2007 2732.64
AquAid [Kent]: Still Water & Annual Cooler Rental 29.30
Vat 5.13 34.43
British Telecom: Clerks Line 41.36
Fax Line 49.26
Admin Line 41.41
132.03
Vat 23.09 155.12
Ditton Twinning Assoc: Donation 1000.00
Hadlow College: Tuition Fees - Welding Course 1 & 2
For Grounds Staff 1050.00
Haffenden Skip Hire: Skip Hire 110.00
Vat 19.25 129.25
Initial Fire & Security: Annual Charges – Intruder Alarm 182.75
Grounds Staff Buildings 31.99 214.74
Kent County Council: Final Internal Audit for 2006/2007 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Kent County Council: Stationery & Line Marker etc. 199.15
Vat 34.87 234.02
Land Technics: MF 2225 Parts & Sundries 221.31
Vat 38.73 260.04
Open Spaces Society: Subscription due 01/07/07 30.00
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Diesel for Parish Vehicle 40.85
Vat 7.15 48.00
Mr D Pullinger: Locking Play Area – June 25.00
John Shaw Machinery: Throttle Cable 21.83
Vat 3.82 25.65
SSG Emprise: Alarm Monitoring 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Stream Nursery: Plant up 20 x Hanging Baskets 200.00
Additional Chains 6.00 206.00
Three Towns Office Ink Roller for Adding Machine 10.08
Equipment: Vat 1.76 11.84
Travis Perkins: Materials & Machine Hire – Patio 212.86
Hire of Long Reach Hedge Trimmer 32.90
245.76
Vat 43.03 288.79
Breakdown of Expenditure from Imprest Account during June 2007
Carried Forward 1st June 2007 886.85
Add: PC Reimbursement 5113.15
6000.00
Deduct: June Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4614.08
Postage Stamps 92.00
OSA Expenses 399.44
CC Expenses 264.54
Penfold Amusements - 24/6 185.00
for St Peters Church 5558.31
Less – over reimbursement -35.18
5523.13 5523.13
Balance 476.87
Sum to be drawn on 2nd July 2007 *5523.13
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During May 2007
The following direct debits paid during May 2007, were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
02.05.07 O2 - Mobile Telephone 32.00
02.05.07 WPA Health Care 491.80
03.05.07 RBS Mentor 350.13
08.05.07 Nildram 42.82
21.05.07 Pace Petroleum 15.88
23.05.07 Nat West Bank Line 40.00
29.05.07 NW Business Card 251.16
31.05.07 Euphony Communications 18.48
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
02.05.07 Sky Business 276.13
08.05.07 Post Office Ltd 52.70
21.05.07 Scottish Courage – Stock 7135.67
21.05.07 Waverley TBS 1169.02
22.05.07 AMLD - Gaming Machine 156.00
25.05.07 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 222.08
29.05.07 Walkers Snacks Ltd 383.87
31.05.07 Nat West Account Charge 55 00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
22.05.07 Tonbridge & Malling BC – Business Rate 1118.00
31.05.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Completion of Audit for 2005/2006
(i) SERVING OF NOTICE AND ACCOMPANYING INFORMATION
The Clerk confirmed that the Notice of Completion of Audit, balance sheet
and auditor’s opinion have been posted on all parish notice boards.
(ii) AUDITOR’S OPINION
NOTED that, on the basis of the review, the auditor reported that in the
Audit Commission’s opinion the information contained in the annual return
is in accordance with the Audit Commission’s requirements and no matters
have come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation
and regulatory requirements have not been met.
(iii) AUDITOR’S COMMENTS
The Auditor commented that the Council should review the level of fidelity
guarantee insurance cover, currently £170,000: The Audit Commission
guideline level is balances plus half the precept, which would be £880,000.
The Clerk advised that the accountant feels it is not necessary to increase
the fidelity guarantee to this level because the level of risk is not
there.
The Auditor also commented that the Council is depreciating its fixed
assets, however the NALC publication ‘Governance and Accountability in
Local Council ‘ states that fixed assets should be recorded at book value.
This should be an informed assessment of the open market value of the
asset or the cost of reconstructing it in its existing condition. This
is usually the insured value.
The Accountant advised that it is normal practice to depreciate fixed
assets when preparing the statement of accounts.
It was NOTED that this Council’s accountant is drafting a response to
these comments which will be referred to the next meeting of the council
before it is send to the Audit Commission.
(e) Internal Audit
(i) REPORT OF FINAL VISIT OF AUDIT PROGRAMME FOR 2006/2007
The internal Auditor’s report of his final visit for 2006/2007, which
had been previously circulated was READ and it was NOTED that there were
no matters arising.
(ii) 2006/2007 ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report for 2006/2007 which had been previously circulated,
was READ and NOTED.
Cllr. Stone congratulated the staff on the excellent audit reports.
129. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Cllr. Rowe reported on the following matters:-
Highway Matters - All items reported at the last meeting relating to highway
matters were raised at the last meeting of the Joint Transportation Board.
If members have any concerns then he would be more than happy to
pass them on.
Martin Very the District Area Police Commander for Tonbridge & Malling
- has been appointed Deputy Area Commander for West Kent and promoted
to Temporary Supt. His replacement will be Det. Chief Insp. Tony Thomas
who will be taking up his post on 16th July. In the meantime Acting Chief
Insp. Gian Chahal will be in charge.
Joint T&M Local Board meeting - The first pilot meeting is due to
be held at Kings Hill on Thursday, 12th July 2007 commencing at 7.00pm.
The first major topic will be a discussion around global warming and TMBC
and KCC initiatives to assist in moving the agenda forward. Small Community
Capital Projects will continue to be considered.
The next joint local board is planned for Tues. 4th Sept and will be held
at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge. If Members have any thoughts for agenda
items please let loic.flory@kent.gov.uk know asap.
Grants towards Ditton Community Day - from my KCC Members Fund, has
been approved and should shortly be received.
Coldharbour Roundabout - notification has been received advising that
a review has been undertaken and some alterations scheduled including
lining alterations on the eastbound approach to the Coldharbour roundabout,
changing the existing 3 lanes in to 2. This is scheduled to take place
on Wednesday 4th July 2007 depending on weather.
The PACT project with the police has proved extremely invaluable in partnership
working. Co. Cllr. Rowe is led to believe, however, that the CCTV
camera erected at Woodlands Parade has had to be taken down due to a tree,
privately owned, obscuring its vision, and therefore its value.
Borough Cllr. Stone gave a report on the following matters:-
The White Paper on planning and its impact on parish council’s – he advised
Members that he will be attending a meeting next week. If residents have
any concerns on the impact of the White Paper, they should, in the first
instance contact Area 3 planning and speak to Aaron Hill to register their
concerns and then follow this up in writing.
Allington Incinerator – 85% of the plant is within the Tonbridge &
Malling Borough and the remaining 15% with Kent County Council. Tonbridge
& Malling take responsibility for the plant and Health & Safety
and the County Council take responsibility for the periphery areas.
130. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/PARISH WARDEN
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting under item 121.
131. PLANNING 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.
Plans Received for Comment
TM/07/01993/TPOC Cut back overhanging sycamore tree covered by TPO Aylesford
No.1 1964 ref: 12.02.14)
40 Acorn Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICER’S APPROVAL
TM/07/00343/FLA Single storey side extension, block plan and first floor
plan
43 Cobdown Cl
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL CANNOT COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION AS ONLY THE EXISTING
LAYOUT PLAN WAS INCLUDED.
TM/07/01860/FL Demolition of existing single storey building and construction
of detached two vehicle garage
429 London Rd
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/01787/RD Details of surfacing of car park, land-scaping and surface
water drainage submitted pursuant to planning permission TM/06/01699/FL:
car park extension – revised landscaping scheme
E.Malling Research Station,
New Rd
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/01407/AT Pole mounted free standing board
2 Kiln Barn Rd
GRANTED EXPRESS CONSENT
TM/07/01208/TPOC Reduce height of conifers by a third and remove 2 no.
overhanging branches from sweet chestnut tree
427 London Rd/55 Primrose Drive
GRANTED CONSENT
TM/07/0068/FL Single storey rear extension together with loft conversion
and rear dormer
565 London Rd
GRANTED PERMISSION
TM/07/01443/FL Second storey side extension over existing garage
44 Ragstone Court
GRANTED WITH CONDIITIONS
TM/07/01497/LB Listed Building Application: Creation of two openings to
create a single dwelling
1 & 2 Sheldon Ct.
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/23 - 11.06.2007; 07/24 - 18.06.2007
(d) Applications to be reported to Area 3 Planning Committee on 5th July
2007
Members were advised that the following two applications are to be reported
to Area 3 Planning Committee on 5th July.
(i) DISPLAY OF NON-ILLUMINATED SIGNS AT 429 -431 LONDON ROAD
NOTED planning officers are recommending refusal for signs 2,4,5,6,7,8
& 9 and to grant permission, with conditions, for the other signs.
(ii) REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING STORAGE FACILITY AT 431 LONDON ROAD
NOTED planning officers are recommending approval of this application
(e) Minutes/Notes/etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
NOTED these were not available.
(f) Minutes of Joint Transportation Board
The above document was READ and NOTED.
132. CODE OF CONDUCT
Information on the new Code of Conduct for Councillors, which had previously
been circulated, was READ and NOTED.
The Clerk advised that the Council needs to consider if it wishes to adopt
the model code for parish councils as it stands or include clause 12(2).
As parts of the model code will not apply until the relevant provisions
in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill have been
enacted – they are expected to receive the Royal Assent in late July -
it would be advisable to wait until after that date before adopting the
new code.
133. DITTON COURT QUARRY/RAGSTONE COURT BOUNDARY
In accordance with the Council’s wishes at the last meeting, the Solicitor
was contacted to ask his advice on how this matter should be progressed.
The advice received was circulated to all Members of the Finance &
Administration Committee, who agreed to instruct the solicitor to progress
as advised.
RESOLVED to APPROVE the action taken.
It was NOTED that the resident concerned has now agreed to a surveyor
having access to his land to take measurements. It was also NOTED that
the resident requested a copy of the surveyors report at the same time
this Council received it. However, the solicitor’s advice in this is that
such a request would only be appropriate if it had been agreed that the
surveyor would be jointly instructed and the fees met equally by both
parties. In the circumstances, the request was refused.
134. CEDAR ROOM REBUILD
Members were advised that the application for a grant from WREN Landfill
Tax has not been successful. A decision is still awaited from the ‘BIG’
Lottery application.
135. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING” [Item 7(a)]
There were no matters arising.
136. EXCLUSION ORDER
This item was dealt with under Community Police reports. It was NOTED
at this point that a member of the Kilnbarn Club was witnessed buying
drinks to take outside to give to a minor. The staff on duty had not been
informed of this.
The Clerk agreed to look into this and to warn staff to be vigilant.
137. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.10pm
Chairman
6th August 2007
