Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, September 2007
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2007
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PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman],
J A BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, M D BRINE,
W CORDWELL, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, B D STONE & MRS A THROSSELL. BOROUGH
COUNCILLOR MRS C GRANT. PC DALTON & COMMUNITY WARDEN MARTIN SHERWOOD.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin.
Asst.]
215. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
216. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllr. Mrs Thwaites and Co. Cllr. Rowe and
PC Roddick. The previously notified reasons for absence were APPROVED
by the Council.
The Chairman moved that the Police and Warden Reports be taken next to
enable them to return to their duties.
217. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE /COMMUNITY POLICE/WARDEN
In P C Roddick’s absence P C Dalton reported on the crime figures for
Ditton during August which totalled 22; 5 were attributed to criminal
damage, 2 motor vehicle thefts, 1 burglary to a garage and 14 others.
This is 7 up on the same period last year and 9 up on July.
It was reported that there were 75 calls to the police from Ditton during
August.
It was suggested that as PC Roddick now has to cover Wateringbury and
Nettlestead and cannot spend as much time in Ditton, this could be a contributory
factor for the increase in crime during August.
Members expressed concern at the additional areas PC Roddick now has to
cover at a time when Community Warden, Tom Hawkwood, has been seconded
to another area and replaced twice with temporary wardens. Members feel
this is diluting support and causing a loss of continuity which is having
an impact on the crime figures.
RESOLVED to write to Kent Police and Kent County Council expressing this
Councils concerns.
Community Warden, Martin Sherwood reported on the parking problems in
Primrose Drive and advised that the Fire Authority have, on two occasions,
driven the fire engine round Primrose Drive to assess the problem of attending
in an emergency situation. Having assessed the difficulty, the Fire Authority
are considering undertaking a leaflet drop in this area to promote responsible
parking practices.
Mr Sherwood also reported on an incident at St Peter’s Court, which he
passed on to the Police.
218. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllr. Angel declared a personal interest in item 230, as he lives in Ragstone
Court and Cllr. Stone declared a personal interest in planning matters
as he is a member of the Borough Council planning committee.
219. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 6th AUGUST 2007
The minutes of the meeting held on 6th August were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
Cllr. Nunn advised Members that he has been in contact with this Council’s
accountant and the accounting software currently in use does have the
ability to provide any additional information the Council needs. It will,
however, require him to make quarterly visits to extract the information
at a cost of £395.00 per visit.
Cllr. Stone advised that he understands that a revised plan for the replacement
storage building at 431 London Road has been submitted with a lower roof
height, but this has not been confirmed.
220. MATTERS ARISING
It was NOTED that Revd. Priscilla Payne will be attending during the adjournment
to discuss ideas for a joint venture next year.
221. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence for noting was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Twinning Association: Minutes of meeting held 1st August 2007
Kent Air Ambulance Trust: ‘Kent Flyer’, Issue 3
KAPC: ‘Parish News. Issue 326 – 7th August 2007
The Wildlife Trusts: Annual Review 2006
Wildlife Events in Kent – October 2007 – January 2008
‘Wild Kent’, Summer 2007
‘Natural World’, Summer 2007
Kent County Council: Annual Plan 2007/2008
Press Publishing: Local Councils Update, August 2007 – Issue 94
T & M Crime Reduction Unit: ‘Newsletter’, July Issue 3
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, August 2007
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Agenda for Members of Standards Committee
Russett Homes: ‘Russet News’, July 2007 – Issue 10
Annual Report and Accounts 2006-2007
Annual Review, 2006-2007
Kent County Council: Outcome of Older Person’s Review
(b) For Decision
KAPC: Councillors Information Day, 22nd September 2007
NOTED NO MEMBER IS ABLE TO ATTEND.
NALC: Conference and Exhibition 5 – 7 October 2007
INFORMATION READ AND NOTED.
CIPFA : Treasury Management Conference: Managing Treasury Risk and Governance,
30th October 2007
INFORMATION READ AND NOTED.
Fire Safety Partnership: Fire Marshal and Fire Safety for Managers &
Fire Risk Assessment Seminars 9th & 10th October 2007
RESOLVED TO ENQUIRE WHETHER KENT FIRE AUTHORITY CAN PROVIDE THIS TRAINING.
Ton. & Malling Borough Cncl: Review of Polling Districts & Polling
Places Consultation:
31 August – 26th October 2007
NOTED THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO DITTON.
222. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ and NOTED:-
Resident: Walk Card 2.50
Castle Colts FC: Pitch Fees 2007/08 150.00
Ditton Minors FC: Water Account NRRG 16.55
Energy Account NRRG 25.83
White Line Marking 22.00
Pitch Fees 2007/087 Season 140.00 204.38
Holtwood Rangers FC: Pitch Fees 210.00
Barfield Farm Gazette Advertisement 28.00
Horticulture Show: Refund of Surplus allowance 214.30
Multi Sports: Income 177.00
SR Interiors: Gazette Advertisement 35.00
Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 14394.43 Net: 10774.43
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 4772.10*
Kent County Council: Superannuation – August 2007 2732.64
Astra Security Systems: Office Keys 14.90
Vat 2.61 17.51
AquAid [Kent]: Drinking Water Supplies 6.25
Vat 1.09 7.34
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Services 29th May –
16th August 2007 440.00
Fuelcare: Red Diesel for Tank 327.60
Vat 16.38 343.98
Mrs N Greenaway Contribution towards eye test
and single lens glasses 68.95
Kent County Council: Stationery 49.72
3.5 disks 13.00
Rigger Gloves 6.50
62.72
Credit Note for returned Goods 14.04-
48.68
Vat 10.97 59.65
Landtechnics: Chilton Counter Balance Weight 420.00
Grease & oil 30.51
Door handle 6.27
456.78
Vat 79.94 536.72
Merryweather Wood Cut and Supply of Timber for
Crafts: equipment repairs KBRG 35.00
Netbox5 Limited: Renewal of Support Contract 1000.00
Renewal of Network Contract 895.00
Vat 331.63 2226.63
Parker Merchanting: Fisco Ranger Tape 34.99
Multi wipes, Latex Gloves, Nylon Line 75.76
110.75
Vat 19.38 130.13
Parkfoot Garages Limited: Fuel for Parish Vehicle 82.01
Vat 14.35 96.36
Mr D Pullinger: Locking Play Area – August 25.00
RBS Software Solutions: Planning Software Maintenance 50.00
Vat 8.75 58.75
Tarmac Limited: Temporary Licence Fee 1.10.07 to 30.09.08 10.00
Southern Water: Toilet Block NRRG 26.39
SSG Emprise: Keyholding and Alarm Response 20.88
Vat 3.65 24.48
Travis Perkins Trading: Manhole Cover - Junior School (to be
reimbursed) 56.50
Vat 9.89 66.39
Viking Direct: Stationery & office items 96.85
Protection Plus 1.98
Vat 17.29 116.12
Ditton Parish Council Imprest Account - Breakdown of Expenditure during
August 2007
Carried Forward 1st August 2007 967.59
ADD: P C Reimbursement 5032.41
6000.00
Deduct: August Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Playground Locking 25.00
Uncontested Election Exps 176.12
Stamps [100x24p] 24.00
Petty Cash Reimbursement 57.78
Inland Revenue 4065.20
Flowers for Staff Member 20.00
Workshop Tools and Mower Bulb 44.72
Best Kept Garden Vouchers 95.00
CCTV Monitor shelving 63.60
Petty Cash Reimbursement 67.43
Deposit for Valentine Dance Band 130.00 4772.10
1227.90
Sum to be drawn 3rd September 2007 4772.10*
Balance 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(d) Direct Debits Paid During July 2007
The following Direct Debits paid during July 2007, were READ, APPROVED
and NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
02.07.07 WPA Health 491.80
03.07.07 02 27.54
04.07.07 Mentor 350.13
09.07.07 Nildram 42.82
12.07.07 Public Works Loan Board 2849.17
20.07.07 Pace Petroleum 20.00
23.07.07 EDF Energy 68.57
23.07.07 Euphony Comm. Ltd 16.11
24.07.07 EBS Bank Line 43.25
24.07.07 B T (initial Payment) 256.62
24.07.07 BT (Refunded) 49.89
31.07.07 Siemens Financial Services 675.62
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
03.07.07 Sky Business 276.13
10.07.07 Post Office Ltd 70.27
16.07.07 Sky Business (Annual Subs) 881.25
20.07.07 Scottish Courage – Stock 6740.36
23.07.07 Waverleys 938.78
23.07.07 AMLD - Gaming Machine 156.00
25.07.07 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 235.00
30.07.07 Walkers Snacks Ltd 349.93
29.07.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.07.07 Tonbridge & Malling BC – Business Rate 1118.00
27.07.07 British Gas (Business) 1198.82
29.07.07 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(e) Financial Arrangements with Parish Councils 2008/2009
Information from the Borough Council, which had been previously circulated,
was READ and it was NOTED that this parish council will receive an allocation
due to its debt charges of £3710.70. FURTHER NOTED that the last
date to apply for grants will be 26th October 2007.
223. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Councillor Stone reported on the following matters:-
Cycling Strategy
Health & Poverty in the Borough
Impending consultation on parking restrictions in Scott Close
Traffic signals at Coldharbour: It was NOTED that the signals have been
installed for safety purposes and to ease the traffic flow coming from
Maidstone to join the M20. A safety Audit has been carried out and the
signals have been hailed a success, therefore
no further action will be undertaken. FURTHER NOTED Kent Highways have
stated that they do not have any part-time signals in the County, as records
show that they cause more accidents.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adjournment
Mrs Dalton attended the meeting in connection with the application for
a lawful development certificate TM/07/03178/LDE relating to non-compliance
to condition 13 of TM/93/01067/FL at 431 London Road and advise the Council
of the ongoing problem of the non-compliance.
It was NOTED that there has been protracted correspondence with the Borough
Council and other authorities over the past seven years to try to invoke
this condition, but without success.
Mrs Dalton is now requesting this Council’s assistance in resolving the
matter.
The Revd. Priscilla Payne thanked the Council for their contribution to
the family Day and open Service this year and asked the Council for a
meeting to discuss ideas for a joint event next year.
Mr Tolhurst advised Members of the disturbance and anti-social behaviour
at two recent functions in the Oaken Hall, which impacted upon his quality
of life.
Mr Tolhurst was advised that this matter will be referred to the Community
Centre Committee, which meets next Monday, 10th September.
Cllr. Nunn advised that residents in Pear Tree Avenue were also subjected
to nuisance and disturbance on these evenings and suggested that there
needs to be a policy for locking the new gate between Pear Tree Avenue
and the recreation ground when large functions are taking place, to prevent
this happening.
Cllr. Beadle asked anyone with any information regarding these functions
to write a report for the Community Centre Meeting next week.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
224. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting under item 217.
225. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
Plan Dealt with By Chairman & Clerk During Recess
The following amended plan dealt with by the Chairman and Clerk during
August was READ and the comment NOTED:-
TM/07/020601/TPOC Reduce crown of field maple by 25%
REVISED DESCRIPTION
21 Cedar Close
Chairman advised reiterate previous comment: NO OBJECTION, SUBJECT TO
TREE OFFICER’S APPROVAL
Plans Received for Comment
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
TM/07/03115/FL Formation of a centralised sterile services department
(CSSD) within an existing industrial warehouse unit
Units Link 20
Business Park
Bellingham Way
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, PROVIDED MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ANYTHING
DISCHARGED INTO THE SEWER SYSTEM HAS BEEN PROPERLY TREATED.
TM/07/03178/LDE Lawful Development Certificate Existing: Non-compliance
with condition 13 of TM/93/01067/FL (Shop Unit with staff flat) requiring
the erection of a boundary fence
431 London Road
RESOLVED TO FORMALLY OBJECT TO THIS APPLICATION ON SAFETY GROUNDS. THIS
CONDITION SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENFORCED AT THE OUTSET AND HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT
OF PROTRACTED CORRESPONDENCE WITH RESIDENTS AFFECTED AND THE BOROUGH OVER
SEVEN YEARS, WHICH PROVES THIS IS NOT UNCONTESTED AND HAS NOT BEEN DORMANT.
THIS COUNCIL STRONGLY URGES THE BOROUGH COUNCIL TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER
AND INSIST ON THE INSTALLATION OF DEMARCATION OF THE BOUNDARY.
TM/07/03183/RD Details of contamination validation report for plots 100
-108 & 144 -150 all inclusive submitted pursuant to condition 5 of
TM/03/03415/FL: Erection of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/03208/RD Details of contamination validation report for plots 130
-143 inclusive submitted pursuant to condition 5 of TM/03/03415/FL: Erection
of 370 dwellings etc.
Former Frantschach Site
New Hythe Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/07/01897/FL Conversion and extension to existing to form four self
contained flats
16-18 New Road
ACCOUSTIC APPRAISAL
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(c) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/07/01861/FL Erect 2 mezzanine floors, providing an additional 2411m2
(GIA) of floorspace to Unit 2, and erect 2 mezzanine floors providing
an additional 1409m2 (GIA) of floorspace to unit 3 without complying with
condition 6 of permission TM/05/01040/FL (seventeen B1(c), B2 and B8 buildings
with associated yards, parking areas, hard and soft landscaping)
Site 2, Former Ditton Allotments
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/07/01754 Additional lighting column in car park
Ditton Parish Council
GRANTED
TM/07/02152/FL Front Porch
443 London Road
GRANTED
TM/07/02335/FL Two storey side extension
52 St Peter’s Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/07/01579/FL Replacement of existing storage facility
431 London Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
Members expressed concern that this application was approved without a
reduction in the height of the building, as requested by this Council
and the residents, and asked for an explanation from the Borough Council.
(d) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists, were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
07/30 - 3.7.2007; 07/31 - 6.8.2007; 07/31 - 21/8/2007
(e) Notes, Agenda, Minutes Etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
READ and NOTED.
(f) Plannning Enforcement Investigation – 429 London Road
This matter is under investigation and the owner has indicated that the
breach of planning conditions has been occurring for more than 10 years.
Should this be the case then the breaches of planning control may be immune
from any further enforcement.
The owner has now been requested to submit an application for a Certificate
of lawful Development.
(g) Plannning Enforcement Investigation – 428 London Road
NOTED the unauthorised balcony has now been removed and replaced with
a Juliette balcony.
(h) TM/07/01579 Replacement Storage Facility, 431 London Road
NOTED this was to be referred to Area 3 Planning Committee on 16th August.
226. COMPLAINTS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Information from the Monitoring Officer, which had been previously circulated,
regarding the importance of complying with the 28 day timescale for the
return of Declarations of Interests forms, was READ and NOTED.
227. DRAFT MEETINGS TIMETABLE FOR 2008
The draft timetable of meetings for 2008, which had been previously circulated
was READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED to adopt the timetable.
228. BIG LOTTERY GRANT – REFURBISHMENT OF CEDAR ROOM
Members were advised that this Council’s application to the Big Lottery
Fund for a grant towards the rebuilding of the Cedar Room has been unsuccessful.
RESOLVED to refer this to the Finance and Administration Committee to
discuss ideas for the financing of this project.
229. DITTON GAZETTE
Cllr. Brine advised that this is nearly complete and will make the deadline
for printing. He is awaiting an article from Bryant Homes, who have agreed
to fund this years Bonfire and Fireworks night.
Once complete he will pass it on to the proof readers, Cllrs. Mulcuck
and Baker, before it is sent to print.
230. REMEMBRANCE DAY
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that plans are well advanced and a meeting is being
arranged to finalise plans. He requested permission to purchase the wreath
and engage the services of David Stephens to provide the public address
system.
RESOLVED to accede to the request.
Cllr. Mulcuck offered to undertake the reading this year, which was accepted.
231. DITTON COURT QUARRY BOUNDARY
A copy of the surveyors report and correspondence from this Council’s
solicitor regarding progressing this matter, which had been previously
circulated, were READ and the action taken NOTED.
232. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
Cllr. Mulcuck requested that the article on Burial Reform in the KAPC
‘Parish News’ be forwarded to the Revd. Terranova.
It was NOTED that resident Len Mace won the Hanging Basket section in
the Borough Garden Competition, organised by Russet Homes, and was runner
up in the front garden section.
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The Chairman moved that in view of the confidential nature of the business
about to be transacted, the press and public be excluded from the meeting
in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.
233. KILNBARN CLUB – SUSPENSION OF MEMBER
NOTED no letter of appeal has been received.
234. ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE UPDATE
The Clerk advised that she has been notified that the above software needs
replacing as it can no longer be updated. It was NOTED that two products
are required (a) Anti Virus Defense P:1 Gold [P+] and (b) McAfee Anti-Spyware
P:1 Gold [P+] at a total cost of £966.93 for all of the 5 networked
computers.
RESOLVED to purchase the above products and ascertain how often they will
need to be updated in the future.
235. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.24pm.
Chairman
3rd October 2007
