Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, March 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 5th MARCH 2007
[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, B STONE &
MRS A THROSSELL
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin.
Asst]
522. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
The Chairman moved that the Police report be taken at this time to enable
the officers to return quickly to their duties.
523. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
In the absence of community Police Officer, PC Roddick, PC Dalton gave
a report on the crime figures for Ditton during February. These totalled
36, which is a decrease of 4 in the same period last year, but an increase
in 2 on the January figures:
The crimes included 12 criminal damage, 2 thefts from vehicles, 2 vehicle
thefts, 5 burglaries one of which was a commercial premises, 1 attempted,
1 shed and 2 dwellings, plus 14 other crimes.
The crime figures for other areas during February were as follows:-
Aylesford - 41
Snodland - 55
West Malling and Kings Hill - 51
524. APOLOGIES
Previously notified apologies were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs. Mrs
Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites, PC Roddick and County Councillor Rowe.
525. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Mulcuck & Day declared a personal interest in item 527(b) ‘Matters
Arising’ - Ditton Bowls Club’ as they are members of this club. Cllr.
Angel declared a personal interest in item 535, as he lives in Ragstone
Court.
526. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
5TH FEBRUARY 2007
The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED, subject to
one amendment.
527. MATTERS ARISING
Ditton Bowls Club, 21st Anniversary Celebrations [Page 273, item 469(b)
A communication from the Secretary of the Club was READ and the responses
to the questions raised by the Council were NOTED.
RESOLVED a donation of £200 be made to the club from the charities
account, under section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972, to assist
with their celebrations.
528. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING FEBRUARY 2007
(a) Community Centre Committee, 12th February 2007
Cllr. Beadle presented the above minutes which, subject to two amendments,
were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(c) Planning Committee, 19th February 2007
Cllr. Mrs DeSave presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and
SIGNED.
(d) Open Spaces & Amenities Committee, 19th February 2007
Cllr. Baker presented the above minutes which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
Recommendations:
(i) REQUEST TO SLIP FORWARD FUNDS {Page 296, Item 514(c)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to slip forward £1,300.00,
to repaint the play equipment at New Road Recreation Ground during 2007/2008.
(ii) CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING AND UP-KEEP OF CHURCHYARD [Page 296, Item 514(d)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to pay the £400 outstanding
from 2005/2006 from central funds
(iii) UNPAID MULTI-SPORTS ACCOUNT [Page 296, Item 514(e)]
Discussion took place and it was
RESOLVED that a final letter be sent to Mr Hunter to ascertain who is
handling the bankruptcy proceedings and who this Council should contact
in an endeavour to recover the debt.
(iv) DOG LOO [Page 297, item 514(d)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to dispense with the dog loo, as
it is no longer used.
(v) PROVISION FOR YOUTHS [Page 297, Item 516)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation that that this project should go
ahead, subject to funds being found.
(e) Notes of meetings Re: Cedar Room Grant Application
Notes of the above meetings, which had been previously circulated, were
READ and NOTED.
(f) Ditton Twinning Association, 7th February 2007
The above minutes were READ and NOTED.
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that a short mat bowls competition is currently
being arranged between, France, Belgium and England.
Cllr. Beadle advised that Members have been invited to the Annual Vivre
Son Age luncheon in Rang du Fliers on 21st March 2007. Anyone wishing
to attend should let the Clerk know as soon as possible.
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ADJOURNMENT
Residents of Pear Tree Avenue advised Members of a recent burglary to
one of their properties and requested an update on the current situation
and action taken following their attendance at the last meeting, regarding
the anti-social behaviour in Pear Tree Avenue.
The residents were advised that a meeting is being held with the police
and other partners the next day to discuss the action taken so far and
to agree a format for the public meeting with them on Thursday 8th March.
It was reported by one of the residents that one of the garages owned
by Russett Homes has a hole in the roof which is made of asbestos.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
529. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl: ‘Here and Now’, Feb/March 2007 –
Issue 1
Minutes of Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel
The Mayor’s Sponsored Bike Ride
Notice & Agenda for Meeting of Parish Partnership Panel 8.3.2007
Agenda for Standards Committee meeting 7/3/2007
CPRE: Active CPRE Membership
Rural Kent: ‘Rural News’, Jan/Feb 07 – Issue 80 + encs.
Mrs Sutherland: Letter of Thanks
Victim Support: Letter of Thanks
Malling Citizens Advice Bureau: Letter of Thanks
Kent4Community: ‘Inside Track’, Issue 92 -12th February 2007
Plus Publishing: ‘Local Council’s Update’, Jan/Feb 07, Issue 87/88
Local Works: Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill
Age Concern: Trek Peru
KAPC: Agenda for T & M Area Committee, 22nd March 2007
(b) For Decision
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services
RESOLVED TO RENEW THE WEBMASTER’S CONTRACT FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS.
CLLR. BEADLE ASKED IF THE WEBSITE HAS A ‘HIT’ FACILITY AND IF NOT COULD
ONE BE ADDED.
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Heritage Open Days
RESOLVED TO NOMINATE DITTON HERITAGE CENTRE AND STREAM COTTAGE.
Communities and Local Government: A Revised Model Code of Conduct for
Local Authority Members – Consultation
Members were requested to forward their comments to the Clerk before the
9th March 2007 closing date.
The Revd. Priscilla Payne: St Peter’s Church Open Air Service and Family
Day
Following the success of the joint venture in 2006, a request has been
made to hold a similar event this year on 24th June. Revd. Payne also
asked it the Council would consider funding the cost of a roundabout,
giant game and bouncy castle, as it did last year.
It was NOTED that whilst the round-a-bout and bouncy castle were well
used last year, the giant game was not popular and hardly used.
Cllr. Mulcuck PROPOSED that the request to hold a joint venture be acceded
to and the Council fund the cost of a round-a-bout and bouncy castle.
Cllr. Beadle PROPOSED an AMENDMENT that another piece of equipment of
similar cost be hired in place of the giant game.
This was SECONDED by Cllr. Baker and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mrs M Kirchell: Use of Parish Logo
A request to use the logo for village sign as a logo for DAMARA was READ
and NOTED.
RESOLVED to accede to this request.
530. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Ditton Infant School: Grounds Maintenance 109.56
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 310.03
Ditton Minors FC: Line Marking –NRRG 33.00
Ditton Vets FC: Food Prep 30.00
Multi Sports: Income 780.00
Warmlake Bathrooms: Gazette Advertisement 60.00
[b] Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross 14320.09 Net: 10731.67
DPC Imprest Account: Reimbursement of Expenses 4643.48
Kent County Council: February Superannuation Payment 2555.89
St Peters Parochial Upkeep of Churchyard 2005/06 200.00
Church Council: Floodlighting Contribution 05/06 200.00
Upkeep of Churchyard 2006/07 200.00
Floodlighting Contribution 06/07 200.00 800.00
AquAid [Kent]: January 2007 - Water Supply 18.75
Vat 3.28 22.03
Gillett & Johnson Replacement Village Clock 1840.00
[Croydon] Limited: Vat 322.00 2162.00
G Haffenden: Allotment Skip 100.00
Vat 17.50 117.50
Kent County Council: Quarry Working Party Equipment, Refuse
Sack & Stationery
64.46 Vat 11.29 75.75
Redd Factors Limited: Landtechnics – Gear Oil 14.08
Vat 2.46 16.54
National Playing Fields: Subscriptions 25.00
Parkfoot Garage: Parish Vehicle Diesel 76.60
Vat 13.40 90.00
Dean Pullinger: Locking KBRG Play Area - February 25.00
RBS Software: Omega Software Annual Maintenance 300.00
Vat 52.50 352.50
ROSPA: Water & leisure Management Membership 75.00
Vat 13.13 88.13
SSG Emprise: Keyholder Service – OSA – January 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services 25.11.06 to 23.02.07 275.00
Three Towns Office Equipment Limited:
Stationery 9.53 Vat 1.66 11.19
PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT – Reimbursement of Expenditure during February
2007
Carried Forward 1st February 2007 468.27
Add: PC reimbursement 6031.73
Add: Raffle Reimbursement 24.22
6524.22
Deduct: February Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4769.28
Postage Stamps 23.00
Petty Cash 66.77
Surveyors Fees – Ragstone Ct. 176.25
OSA Expenses 14.25
Com Centre Expenses 114.90
5167.70
1356.52
Sum to be drawn on 5th March 2007 4643.48
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During January 2007
The following direct debits paid during January 2007 were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
04.01.07 O2 – Mobile Phone 26.83
02.01.07 WPA Health 418.18
04.01.07 RBS Mentor 350.13
08.01.07 Nildram 42.82
10.01.07 Euphony 18.74
12.01.07 Public Works Loan Board 2,912.40
22.01.07 Pace Petroleum 11.32
23.01.07 Nat West Business Card 49.75
29.01.07 Euphony 7.95
29.01.07 Siemans Financial Services - Copier 564.00
29.01.07 Nat West Business Card 88.81
31.01.07 02 – Mobile Phone 24.48
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
04.01.07 Sky Business 276.13
09.01.07 Post Office Ltd 58.52
22.01.07 Scottish Courage – Stock 9,284.30
22.01.07 AMLD - Gaming Machine 156.00
03.01.07 Waverleys 735.35
25.01.07 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 222.08
31.01.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
10.01.07 BG CGABS 2,235.29
22.01.07 Ton & Malling BC – Business Rate 1266.00
25.01.07 EDF Energy 700.00
31.01.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Investment
(i) REPORT OF MEETING WITH FINANCIAL ADVISOR & INVESTMENT MANAGER
NOTED this meeting is not due to be held until 16th April 2007.
(ii) TRANSFER OF INTEREST
The Clerk requested that the interest from the investment be transferred
in March instead of April.
RESOLVED to accede to this request.
(iii) GENERAL RESERVE RESTORATION
Members were advised that the interest earned from the investment to date
has exceeded expectations. Bearing this in mind the Clerk requested that
the sum earmarked for the general reserves be increased from £10,000
to £20,000.
RESOLVED to accede to the Clerk’s request, provided it does not reduce
the original sum invested.
(e) Architect & Quantity Surveyor Fees
Members were advised that the grant applications for the Cedar Room rebuilding
are well underway. It was NOTED that to complete the Stage 1 applications
ready to submit, will incur Architect fees of approximately £5,000
and Quantity Surveyors fees of £1,000. It was FURTHER NOTED that
these fees will be included as part of the Grant Application to be recouped
if the applications are successful.
(f) Appointment of External Auditor for 2006/2007 Audit
NOTED the Audit Commission has advised that their Officer, Mr Alun Williams,
has been appointed auditor to Ditton Parish Council for financial year
2006/2007.
(g) Internal Audit Report on 4th Visit for 2006/2007
The internal audit report, which had been previously circulated, was READ
and it was NOTED that the Auditor reviewed the Standing Orders and Financial
Regulations, which he found very comprehensive. He suggested that a reference
to the responsibilities of councillors for data protection be added in
the section on risk management in the Financial Regulations.
FURTHER NOTED he also looked at the third quarter figures for the Community
Centre and intends to look at them in more detail at his next visit.
(h) Valentine Dance 2007 - Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the Valentine Dance was READ and the small deficit
NOTED.
Discussion took place and it was NOTED that attendance at the Valentine
and Hallowe’en dances has dropped significantly in the last few years.
RESOLVED less expensive bands be engaged for future Valentine and Hallowe’en
dances.
(i) Bonfire Night 2007 - Balance Sheet
The balance sheet for the above event was READ and a surplus of £474.15
NOTED.
(j) Purchase of Portable CCTV Unit
Discussion took place on the purchase of a mobile CCTV unit which would
be used solely in the parish to monitor trouble spots. It would be moved
to specified areas by the police as necessary.
It was NOTED that advice had been sought from the the West Kent Police
Crime Reduction Officer on the type of equipment needed and also from
Snodland Town Council who have already purchased a system.
RESOLVED to purchase a mobile CCTV system at a cost of £9,000.00.
531. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
In the absence of County Councillor Geoff Rowe, the Chairman read his
report as follows:-
Joint Transportation Board At the meeting on 5th March 2007 it is to be
reported that £44k has been allocated to improve the A20 cycle route
from Ditton to Larkfield.
Coldharbour roundabout The new traffic signal and reconditioning scheme
is being reviewed by officers, as Cllr. Rowe has received many resident
complaints about these new arrangements.
Ditton Mobile Library will continue to call at 3 locations in Ditton
on Wednesdays, fortnightly as follows:-
i) Priory Grove 11-11.25 (alternate with Teapot Lane, Aylesford)
ii) Near School 17.45-18.10
iii) Woodlands Road 17.45-18.10 (alternate with above)
Forthcoming dates to note:
i) Parish Partnership Panel meets on 8.03.07
ii) Tonbridge and Malling Youth Advisory Group is scheduled to meet at
5.30pm on Wednesday 21st March, Samays Youth Centre, Snodland
followed by
iii) KCC Members Local Board at 7.30pm, same evening and venue
The planned Public Transport Panel scheduled for 20.03.07 has now been
cancelled and Councils are requested to raise any concerns that they have
with TMBC for onward transmission to appropriate providers.
Flooding at the junction of New Road/Kiln Barn Cllr Rowe has had assurances
that the road is to be investigated and appropriate action taken. Initially
a gulley clean operation is to be undertaken.
Woodlands Parade TMBC have agreed to proceed with enforcement action in
order to progress the Woodland Parade parking and environmental improvements,
promised a few years ago.
532. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY WARDEN
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
533. 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
Plans Received for Comment
TM/07/00477/FL Two Storey Side Extension
19 Wilton Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/00578/FL Revised details of cycleway along Bellingham Way submitted
pursuant to condition 20 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings
etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/00478/FL Installation of mezzanine floor and new windows
Unit 6 New Hythe Bus Pk
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/00498/FL Single and first floor extension
38 Orchard Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/06/04139/AT Proposal A: Illuminated fascia sign on west elevation (sign
2( illuminated fascia sign on south elevation (sign 3) and new illuminated
free standing double sided directional sign (sign 7)
Proposal B: Illuminated fascia sign on north elevation (sign 1) illuminated
fascia on building facing highway (sign 4) illuminated free standing
pylon sign (sign 5) non-illuminated double sided welcome sign (sign 6)
and new illuminated single sided directional sign (sign 9)
Ditton Service Station
Proposal A – REFUSED
Proposal B – GRANTED
TM/06/02288/FL Alternative scheme of residential development comprising
9no 2 bedroom flats, 20 no 2 bedroom houses, 66no 3 bedroom houses and
1 no four bedroom house (96 dwellings in total) together with the re-alignment
of the public right of way (alternative dwelling mix to that approved
under planning permission (TM/05/01013/FL)
New Rd Bus. Est.
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/07/00026/FL Demolish existing conservatory and construct a single storey
rear extension
24 Wilton Drive
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/05 - 05.02.2007; 07/06 - 12.02.2007; 07/07 - 19.02.2007
(d) Agenda, Minutes, Notes of Joint Transportation Board
It was NOTED that funds have been set aside in 2007/2008 for the installation
of a bus priority lane at A20/New Hythe Lane (£65,000) and cycle
route – Ditton to Larkfield (£44,000).
(e) Conservation Area Appraisals
This document, which had previously been circulated, was READ and NOTED.
Cllr. Mulcuck requested that the developer of the New Road Business Estate
is made aware that the entrance to the site is in the conservation area.
(f) Regional Housing Strategy Review 2007 - Consultation
Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document and draft comments on behalf
of the Council.
534. REVIEW OF THE QUALITY COUNCIL SCHEME - Information from NALC
Members were advised that the Local Government and Public Involvement
in Health Bill, which had its First Reading in the House of Commons on
12th December 2006, will take forward many of the commitments made in
the recent Local Government White Paper, including the extension of the
power of well-being. If enacted the Bill is expected to confirm the White
Paper commitment to extend the power of well-being to all parish and town
councils that satisfy the criteria of the Quality Parish Scheme. This
could mean the introduction of a statutory scheme which could effectively
succeed the current Quality Council Scheme, which does not have a statutory
basis.
In view of the above it has been agreed that existing accreditations will
be extended until such time as the new provisions come into effect. It
has also been agreed that the requirement of 100% electoral mandate for
subsequent re-accreditations will be reduced to 80%.
535. RAGSTONE COURT/DITTON QUARRY BOUNDARIES
A communication from the Surveyor, setting out his findings, was READ
and it was NOTED that the residents refused him access to take measurements,
therefore, in the absence of any additional information in his opinion
it is apparent that these residents have encroached upon the land of Ditton
Parish Council.
NOTED a further communication has been received from the resident requesting
a copy of a document showing the legal boundary, together with a copy
of the aerial photograph.
RESOLVED to instruct this Council’s solicitor to provide the information
requested.
536. DITTON ALLOTMENTS
Legal advice from NALC regarding the proceeds from the sale of superfluous
or unsuitable allotment land was READ and NOTED as follows:-
“As long as the Council has discharged any debts and liabilities which
were incurred in acquiring, adapting or improving the “new” allotment
land at Ditton Court Quarry then it can use the surplus for any purpose
for which capital money can be applied. Whilst this would include future
capital projects/expenditure this would not, in my view, extend to day
to day parish running costs.
“The same principle applies to interest as that set out for capital receipts
above”.
It was NOTED however that interest from capital receipts can be used towards
parish running costs.
RESOLVED to forward a copy of this information to the allotment tenant
who queried the legal position.
537. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
‘Here & Now’, Feb/March 07 – Issue 1
It was NOTED that the new street recycling bins have already been installed
in Ditton.
538. DITTON GAZETTE, SPRING EDITION
The Chairman advised that the spring edition is almost complete, but he
is awaiting the Community Warden’s report and the audited accounts and
auditors opinion for 2005/2006.
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Chairman moved that in view of the confidential nature of the following
items, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting
in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
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539. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(a) Maternity Leave Cover
Members were advised that Mrs Short has agreed to cover the shifts of
the assistant bar manager when she is on maternity leave later this year.
RESOLVED Mrs Short will receive the current hourly rate of pay applicable
to that particular post, when undertaking these shifts.
(b) New Member of Staff
It was a NOTED that Mr Brunger has been appointed as the 5th part-time
member of the caretaking/cleaning staff, in accordance with the Personnel
Committee’s resolution at its meeting on 29th January 2007 [Page 268,
item 458(b)]. His duties will alsovinclude odd jobs in the Centre and
assisting with the grounds work during busy periods and sickness and holidays.
540. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 10.12pm.
Chairman
2nd April 2007
