Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, October 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2007
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER (Chairman),
JOHN BEADLE (Vice-Chairman), B ANGEL, MRS AUDREY BEADLE, MIKE BRINE, W
CORDWELL, M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE, MRS A THROSSELL
& MRS J F THWAITES.
COUNTY CLLR. G ROWE, PC. M RODDICK & PCSO. L BISHOP.
MRS S J KAVANAGH (Clerk of the Council) & MRS N GREENAWAY (Admin.
Asst).
285. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
286. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllr. R G W Baker. The previously notified
reasons for absence were APPROVED by the Council.
The Chairman moved that Agenda item 10 be taken next to enable PC Matt
Roddick and PCSO Lia Bishop to return to their policing duties.
287. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER
PC Roddick reported on the crime figures for September as follows:-
11 total crimes
1 criminal damage
3 vehicle crimes, one of which was theft of a vehicle
2 burglaries
5 others
August crime figures totalled 22. The crime figures for September last
year totalled 15.
PC Roddick reported that he and PCSO Lia Bishop have now received training
on the CCTV.
It was NOTED that residents have complained that the youths, who gather
in cars in the Community Centre car park, have been seen wheel spinning
and speeding out of the exit and racing along Kilnbarn Road and New Road
when they leave. PC Roddick advised that he has spoken to them and it
appears that there may be two groups. He asked it if was possible to have
a sign at the car park exit, asking that consideration be given to residents
when leaving and that he had obtained a quotation for a suitable sign
which he will pass to the Clerk.
RESOLVED to pass this request and quote information to the Open Spaces
and Amenities and Community Centre committees.
PC Roddick advised that there is legislation to deal with speeding drivers
and asked that any information regarding cars racing through the village
to be passed to him, to ensure it is dealt with quickly.
Members raised the following matters with PC Roddick:-
Usefulness of CCTV
Staff car broken into
Speeding cars
The PCSO, Lia Bishop, reported that she has recently confiscated alcohol
and cigarettes from minors in the village and they are now getting the
message.
288. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllr. Stone declared a personal interest in item 291(d) as he is related
to the Guide Leader and item 296 as he is a member of the Borough Council’s
Planning Committee.
Cllr. Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites declared a personal interest in item 291(b)(i)
as they are members of the Heritage Centre.
Cllr. Lander declared a prejudicial interest in item 299 and left the
meeting, as he is a close friend of the residents.
289. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
3rd SEPTEMBER 2007
The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct
record.
290. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Continuity of KCC Community Wardens [Page 123, Item 217] –
A response to this Council’s letter of complaint was READ and their comments
NOTED.
RESOLVED to write and enquire why they cannot rotate wardens when they
have operational problems to ensure that parishes do not lose their wardens
for months at a time.
291. MEETINGS HELD DURING SEPTEMBER 2007
(a) Community Centre Committee, 10TH September 2007 - Circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and, following one amendment,
were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a true record.
(i) CONSULTATION ON LOCKING OF TOP GATE IN PEAR TREE AVENUE
It was NOTED that this recommendation has been superseded by a vote taken
at the open meeting on 26th September 2007 when it was agreed that the
gate would be locked on Saturday evenings from 9.00pm to 8.00am for a
trial period of one month.
RESOLVED to RATIFY this decision.
(i) OAKEN HALL WEDDINGS [Page 138, Item 243]
RESLOVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(b) Planning Highways and Transportation Committee , 17TH September 2007
-
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs Throssell and CONFIRMED
and SIGNED as a correct record.
(i) DITTON HERITAGE CENTRE
The recommendation regarding third party funding for the Heritage Centre’s
Wren Application and this Council’s agreement to an interest free loan,
was READ and the recommendation to review the matter to ascertain if the
loan could become a donation was discussed.
It was NOTED that the enclosures were not sent with the letter as stated.
RESOLVED to request details of their financial situation and also ask
if they could give a presentation on the Heritage Centre before the Parish
Council meeting on Monday 5th November 2007 at 7.00pm.
(c) Open Spaces and Amenities Committee, 17TH September 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mrs Thwaites and CONFIRMED and
SIGNED as a correct record.
(d) Finance & Administration Committee, 24TH September 2007
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
(e) Family Day Committee, 5TH September 2007 – Circulated
The above minutes were READ and NOTED.
292. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Mr & Mrs Martin: Bus Stop Opposite T A Centre
Press Publishing: ‘Clerks & Council’s Direct, Issue 53
‘Local Council’s Update, Issue 95
NALC: ‘LCR’ - Volume 59, No.3 September 2007
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’ – Vol 37, No 5 September 2007
Ton. & Malling Crime Prevention
Panel: Minutes of Meetings held 25th June 2007
Ton. & Malling Borough Council: Parish Partnership Panel Minutes 13th
September 2007
Environment Agency: Allington Energy from Waste Facility
Ditton Twinning Association: Letter of thanks
Mr & Mrs L Mace: Letter of Thanks
Leybourne Parish Council: Household Waste Recycling Centre
KAPC: Minutes of Area Meeting held 14th June 2007
Parish News – Issue 327, 17th September 2007 + enclosures.
Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of meeting held 17th September 2007
(b) For Decision
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Notice of Meeting of Panel on 1st November
2007
and request for agenda items by 4th October 2007
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL HAS NOTHING IT WISHES TO PLACE ON THE AGENDA
KAPC: Finance Information Day, 29th October 2007
CLLR. NUNN ADVISED HE WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND.
Le Chateau Boujut (Rang du-Fliers) Wine Festival
An invitation to attend a wine festival on 6th October was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED THAT AS THE INVITATION WAS RECEIVED ONLY THIS DAY, IT IS NOT
POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE A VISIT AT SUCH SHORT NOTICE
293. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Multi Sports: Income 36.00
Ditton United FC: Pitch Fees 150.00
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance 489.73
Ditton Infant School: Grounds Maintenance 112.31
KMS: Ditton Gazette Advertisement 60.00
R Caine: Ditton Gazette Advertisement 35.00
Ditton Minors FC : Water Reimbursement NRRG 26.39
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: September Gross: 14556.95 Net : 10882.20
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement of Expenses 1043.91
Kent County Council: Superannuation - August 2732.64
AquAid; 3 X Still water 19.47
Vat 3.41 22.88
Ditton Community Centre: Hire of Hall – Hallowe’en Dance 258.00
EDF Energy: Multi Sports, Guide HQ & Cedar 208.11
Room Vat 10.41 218.52
Ernest Doe Ltd Mower Parts 56.43
Vat 9.86 66.29
Gullands: Professional Fees 1711.44
Vat 296.98 2008.42
Haffenden Skip Hire: Allotments 110.00
Vat 19.25 129.25
Initial Fire & Security: Annual Charge 01.11.07 to 31.10.08 519.77
Vat 90.96 610.73
Kent County Council: Pitchmarker, Plasters, Wipes Sacks 159.66
Tennis & Goal Nets 87.80
247.46
Vat 43.31 290.77
Kent Wildlife Trust: Annual Group Subscription 41.00
Landtechnics: Tractor Repairs 225.50
Vat 39.47 264.97
Monro Horticulture Ltd: Polyprop Twine 6.21
Vat 1.09 7.30
MAB Groundscape: Chain Saw 81” Bar 480.00
Vat 84.00 564.00
Mower Plant Services: Machinery Parts 88.41
Vat 15.47 103.88
Netbox5: Aluminum Carrying Case &
Delivery Charge 77.00
McAfee Anti-Spyware & Active
virus defense + installation 966.93
Replacement Router 163.14
1207.07
Vat 211.25 1418.32
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Parish Vehicle Diesel 42.24
Vat 7.39 49.63
Parker Merchanting: Linemarker Paint 21.28
Vat 3.72 25.00
Mr Pullinger: Locking Play Area 25.00
SG World: General Account Cheques 237.00
Vat 41.48 278.48
SSG Emprise: Keyholding & Alarm Response 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
John Shaw: Machinery Parts 93.84
Vat 16.43 110.27
Three Towns Office
Equipment Ltd Wall Year Planner 12.32
Vat 2.15 14.47
Trident Trailers: Bulb for Toro & Brake Cable 8.45
Vat 1.48 9.93
PROMOTIONS ACCOUNT
The Beverley Big Band: Music for Halloween Dance 600.00
Peter Eligate Showband: Music for Halloween Dance 600.00
IMPREST ACCOUNT - Expenditure during September 2007
Carried Forward 1st October 2007 1227.90
Add: PC Reimbursement 4772.10
6000.00
Deduct: September 2007 Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4038.62
Postage Stamps 58.00
Flowers – Mr & Mrs Mace 15.00
Petty Cash 72.12
BKG Trophies & Drinks 83.45
Twinning Expenses – Mat Hire 20.00
Post Office – Stamps 58.00
OSA Expenses 59.11
Community Centre Expenses 136.36 4543.91
1456.09
Balance
Sum to be drawn on 3rd October 2007 1043.91 *
2500.00
*Sum required to restore the balance to £2500.00, as the Inland
Revenue is now paid by BACS each month
(c) Accounts Paid Between Meetings
There were no accounts paid between meetings
(d) Direct Debits Paid During August 2007
The following direct debits were READ, NOTED and APPROVED:-
(i) DITTON PARISH COUNCIL GENERAL ACCOUNT
01.08.2007 WPA 491.80
02.08.2007 O2 23.85
03.08.2007 Mentor 350.13
07.08.2007 Nildram 42.82
20.08.2007 Pace Petroleum 42.40
21.08.2007 Euphony 14.12
29.08.2007 Nat West Business Card 955.38
31.08.2007 02 24.69
(ii) COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.08.2007 Sky Business 276.13
06.08.2007 Post Office Ltd 70.27
21.08.2007 Scottish Courage- stock 3738.45
21.08.2007 Waverley TBS 795.79
22.08.2007 AMLD – Gaming Machine 156.00
24.08.2007 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 235.00
28.08.2007 Walkers Snacks Ltd 214.36
31.08.2007 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(iii) COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.08.2007 T & M BC - Business Rate 1118.00
30.08.2007 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
Cllr. Nunn advised that he had written to Mr Kemp at DCK Beavers regarding
the financial software and is awaiting a reply.
(e) Internal Audit Report
A report on the first part of the six day internal audit programme, was
READ and it was NOTED that there were no matters of significance arising
from the audit that would need to be drawn to the attention of the Council.
294. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
County Councillor Rowe reported on the following matters:-
Joint Transportation Board Meeting, 10th September – A report was given
on the progress on bus priority measures and additional cycle lane provision
for the Ditton Area. The total cost of this work will be £109k.
A report on new Gullying Emptying arrangements for 2007/08 was also presented.
Allington Quarry Waste Management Facility - During testing an issue arose
with the insulating lining of the furnaces and the plant has been temporarily
closed to enable the lining to be stripped and replaced. Whilst this work
is being carried out no rubbish can be burned and it has been necessary
to remove the stored rubbish. During the removal the lifting has caused
an odour as the rubbish is disturbed.
Parish Partnership Panel - The next meeting is scheduled to be held 1st
November 2007. Agenda items are requested by 5th October 2007, particularly
relating to police issues.
The Public Transport Panel - will meet again on 6th November 2007. Any
items of concern should be forwarded to him, including residents concern
outside 464 London Road, so that he can ensure they get identified
on the agenda.
The Joint Local Board - will meet on 28th November 2007 at which consideration
will be given to all applications received in respect of Small Community
Capital Funds. Ditton Parish Council’s bids need to be with Kent County
Council as soon as possible. Cllr. Rowe is happy to discuss way forward
for funding for additional play provision.
Other grant aid suggestions - Childrens’ Play: Playful Ideas.
Borough Councillor Barry Stone reported on the following matters:-
Environment Regeneration within Kent – document available
Joint Homeless Strategy – document available
Joint Waste Strategy – document available
Sustainable Community Strategy - document available
Spotlight (T&MBC’s Performance Plan) - document available
Woodlands Parade Enhancement
Plastic Recycling – the Borough Council is hoping to expand this facility
by providing more recycling sites and is also considering home collections.
It appears that there is some confusion over the type of plastic which
can be recycled. It was agreed that clarification be obtained and this
be included in a future edition of the Gazette.
The Chairman moved that the meeting be adjourned to enable members of
the public to address the Council.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ADJOURNMENT
Mr Graeme West and Mr Ian Dennison attended to advise the Council of their
proposals for a joint community day during 2008.
They are proposing a three day event on 3rd, 4th and 5th May 2008, to
combine it with the football club’s 40th anniversary. It will include
a two day football tournament, community shield and other sports &
events. They advised that they would be willing to organise it and would
invite all local clubs/organisations to take part. They will seek sponsorship
and there would be no cost to the Council, except the use of Kilnbarn
recreation ground for the three days.
They advised that all proceeds from the event would be split between all
the Ditton Minors Football teams to be used solely for the benefit of
the children in the team during the year.
Mr West advised that they are committed to providing sporting opportunities
for the children of the parish and hope to expand on the types of sport
they can provide.
Mr Dennison advised that through sponsorship they have been able to provide
free football for under 13’s for the past year and it is hoped that this
can be continued.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The meeting was reconvened and discussion took place and Members agreed
it was a very commendable project. It was suggested that Mr West and Mr
Dennison be invited to a Family Day Committee meeting to discuss the matter
further and in view of the request from the Revd. Ross Terranova and Revd.
Priscilla Payne’s for a joint event with the Council next year, that they
also be invited to the Family Day Committee meeting.
It was NOTED however, that produce would not be ready for a horticulture
competition to be held in May.
It was suggested that perhaps two community days could be organised –
a Community Sports Day in May and a Family Day in June/July.
The Community Sports Day would be the event organised by Mr West &
Mr Dennison and the Family Day could incorporate the Open Church Service
andHorticulture Show etc.
295. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
296. PLANNING, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAY MATTERS
Cllr. Stone 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/07/03375/FL Conversion from club to public house – external and internal
alterations
42 New Road
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND REFUSAL ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT IS INAPPROPRIATE
IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS FOR RESIDENTS.
ALSO THE APPLICATION PLAN PROVIDED DOES NOT INCLUDE A CUBICLE IN THE GENTS
TOILETS.
TM/07/03434/TNCA Sycamore tree to front garden – to remove smaller stem
close to house, lift crown and reduce by 20%
47 The Stream
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO THE TREE OFFICERS ADVICE
TM/07/00249/FL Change from office to residential Submission of acoustic
appraisal, Amended site plan and revised floor Plans
18 New Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/00727/FL First floor rear extension and conservatory to side. Amended
details submitted indicating revised site plan and deletion of garage
conversion to annex
23 Ditton Place
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/03334/RD Details of contamination validation reports for plots 125
to 129 and 212 to 219 inclusive submitted pursuant to condition 5 of the
planning permission. TM/03/03415/FL [Erection of 370 dwellings, including
30% affordable housing]
Former Frantscach Site
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/03473/FL Proposed two storey side extension to create garage and
first floor bathroom
67 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3.
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/02951/ORM Minor amendment to planning permission TM/03/03415/FL
(Erection of 380 dwellings including 30% affordable housing, with associated
parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing
buildings) involving relocation apartment block N2
Former Frantschach Site
APPROVED AMENDMENTS
TM07/01865/TPOC Trim and reshape 1 no. Horse Chestnut By 25% covered by
Tree Preservation Order Ditton No. 2 1981 (ref. 12-06-11)
23 Ditton Place
GRANTED CONSENT
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/36 - 10.9.2007; 07/37 - 17.09.2007;
(d) Minutes, Notes, Agenda for Area 3 Planning Committee
The above documents were not available.
Correspondence from TMBC re 429-431 London Road
(i) Replacement Store at 431 London Road, Ditton (TM/07/01579/FL)
The Borough Council’s response to this Council’s concerns at the height
of the replacement store was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED.
(ii) Notice of appeal in respect of outline application for the erection
of 2 no. detached ¾ bedroom houses (TM/07/01375/OA)
Notice of the appeal, which had previously been circulated, was READ and
it was NOTED that all representations made at the application stage will
be forwarded to the Inspectorate.
(f) Tonbridge & Malling Draft Climate Change Strategy
Cllr. Mulcuck offered to read this document and report back any items
of interest.
(g) Cycling Strategy
Cllr. Mulcuck reported on the cycling strategy and expressed his concern
at the proposals to include a cycle lane along Bradbourne Lane to the
Research Centre in Kilnbarn Road.
RESOLVED to request more details regarding this and advise that this Council
would strongly object on the grounds that Bradbourne Lane is extremely
narrow and could not possibly accommodate a cycle lane.
297. BONFIRE & FIREWORKS EVENING
Cllr. Mulcuck reported that arrangements are progressing well. Bryant
homes have agreed to sponsor the event.
The Schools poster competition will be judged this Friday and the prizes
presented to the children at school on Thursday 11th October. Cllr. Stone
agreed to present the prizes.
Helpers will be needed to help build the bonfire, help on the night and
also assist with the clearing up the next day.
298. REMEMBRANCE DAY
Cllr. Mulcuck reported that all arrangements are in hand.
299. DITTON COURT QUARRY BOUNDARY
The Clerk reported that the residents have now consented to the surveyor
going onto their land to take the necessary measurements and a copy of
his report was supplied to them.
The solicitor has now advised that the residents dispute the measurements
taken by the surveyor and has therefore forwarded a copy of their correspondence
to the surveyor for his comments.
300. CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
As no response has been received from Arriva to this Council’s communication,
an item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Public Transport
Panel meeting.
301. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.25pm.
