and documents

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER

AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY, 4TH MAY 2005

[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]

PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman], M J PORTER [Vice-Chairman], R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE, MRS J E DESAVE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS M MULCUCK, MRS J A THORPE, P A THORPE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council], MRS M GRANTHAM [Community Centre Administrator] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative Assistant]


PART I

1 OPENING OF MEETING

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm and welcomed all Members to the first meeting in the new municipal year.


2 APOLOGIES

Previously notified apologies were received and accepted from Co. Cllr. G Rowe and PC Nickels.


3 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR 2005/2006

Cllr. Day was NOMINATED by Cllr. Mulcuck and SECONDED by Cllr. Porter.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Day was duly elected Chairman of the Council for 2005/2006


4 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR 2005/2006

Cllr. Porter was NOMINATED by Cllr. DeSave and SECONDED by Cllr. Mrs DeSave.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Porter was duly elected Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2005/2006


5 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE - CHAIRMAN

Cllr. Day duly signed the declaration of acceptance of office and undertaking to abide by the code of conduct adopted by this Council on 22nd April 2002.

6 APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES FOR 2005/2006

The following committee appointments were made:-

[a] Planning - 11 Members

[i] MEMBERSHIP

[ii] ELECTION OF CHAIR

Cllr. Mulcuck was NOMINATED by Cllr. Thorpe and SECONDED by Cllr. Mrs Thwaites.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Mulcuck was duly elected Chairman of the Planning Committee for 2005/2006.

Vice-Chairman to be elected at the first Meeting of the Committee

[b] Community Centre - 8 Members

[i] MEMBERSHIP

[ii] ELECTION OF CHAIR

Cllr. DeSave was NOMINATED by Cllr. Porter and SECONDED by Cllr. Baker.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. DeSave was duly elected Chairman of the Community Centre Committee for 2005/2006.

Vice-Chairman to be elected at the first Meeting of the Committee

[c] Open Spaces & Amenities - 7 Members

[i] MEMBERSHIP

[ii] ELECTION OF CHAIR

Cllr. Baker was NOMINATED by Cllr. Mrs Thwaites and SECONDED by Cllr. DeSave.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Baker was duly elected Chairman of the Open Spaces & Amenities Committee for 2005/2006.

Vice Chairman to be elected at the first Meeting of the Committee

[d] Allotment Managers [3]

Allotment Managers were confirmed as:

Cllrs. Baker (Chair), Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites

[e] Finance & Administration - Chair & Vice Chair of Council & All Committee Chairs

Vice-Chairman to be elected at the first Meeting of the Committee

[f] Personnel Committee – 6 Members

[i] MEMBERSHIP

[ii] ELECTION OF CHAIR

Cllr. Mrs DeSave was NOMINATED by Cllr. DeSave and SECONDED by Cllr. Porter.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Mrs DeSave was duly elected Chairman of the Personnel Committee for 2005/2006.

Vice-Chairman to be elected at the first Meeting of the Committee


7 APPOINTMENT OF K A P C REPRESENTATIVES

Cllr. A R Mulcuck agreed to remain as this Council’s representative for a further year.

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PART II


8 DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS

All Members of the Council declared an interest in item 20(b) Planning Application TM/05/01040/FL as this relates to parish land, former allotments at Bell Lane.


9 CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 4TH APRIL 2005

The Minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.


10 MATTERS ARISING

(a) Invitation to Launch of the New Maidstone & Malling Neighbourhood Policing Unit [Item 639(b), Page 340]
Cllrs. J & Mrs A Beadle’s report of their attendance at the above launch, was READ and NOTED.

(b) Gardening for Wildlife (Ditton Court Quarry) ) Item 639(b), page 339

Cllr. Mrs Throssell advised that the Quarry Working Party had recently met to discuss the future. She was informed that they will be forwarding a letter to the Council notifying Members that the group has now disbanded but that they would be willing to remain as consultants as and when required.

Cllr. Beadle advised that he has made contact with the Geological Society regarding Ditton Court Quarry and is awaiting information from them.

Members were advised that a site meeting has been arranged with English Nature to discuss the possibility of designating the quarry as a Nature Reserve and this will be held on Tuesday 17th May 2005 at 10.00am.


11 CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 14TH APRIL 2005

Minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.


12 MATTERS ARISING

(a) Purchase of Equipment (Page 355, Item 669)

Members were advised that the ‘road kit’ for this item of machinery has to be fitted at the factory and is an additional cost of £500.
It was NOTED that this is required to enable the ride on mower to be taken on the roads within the parish.

RESOLVED to include the road kit with the order.


13. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 27th APRIL 2005

Minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a correct record.


14. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.


15 MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING APRIL 2005

(a) Community Centre Committee Meeting, 11th April 2005

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.

RESOLVED to RATIFY the Committee’s recommendation and request to slip forward funds from 2004/2005 to cover the cost of the asbestos survey and purchase of a new scrubber drier.

(b) Planning Committee Meeting, 18th April 2005

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Thorpe and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.

(c) Open Spaces & Recreation Grounds Committee, 18th April 2005

The above minutes were presented by Cllr. DeSave and CONFIRMED and SIGNED.


16 CORRESPONDENCE

(a) For Noting

The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

Ton. & Malling Borough Council: Parish Partnership Panel

‘Here & Now’ Issue 2, April/May 2005

Ms T Ansell: Planning Application re. Cobdown House
Kent Police: Kent Community Safety Partnership
Maidstone & Malling Police Newsletter March 05

Action with Communities in Rural Kent: Annual Report + enclosures

Mentor Services ‘Legal Update’, Issue 11 April 2005

Kenward Trust: Letter of Thanks

‘New Life’, Issue 1 2005

Plus Publishing: ‘Local Councils Update’ April 2005, Issue 66

Mr C P Clark: Motorcycle Nuisance at Priory Park (copy of
communication sent to Mr Martin)

Planning Application at Priory Park (copy of objection sent to the Planning Officer at T& MBC)

Kent Wildlife Trust: ‘Wild Kent’ Issue 1 2005

‘Natural World’ Spring 2005
Russet Homes: ‘Russet News’ – April 2005, Issue One

Mrs J Stout, St. Peters Church: Open Air Service, 19th June 2005 at 10.00am

Maidstone & Tun. Wells NHS Trust: Trauma & Orthopaedics

(b) For Decision [Copies herewith]

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl: Playing Pitch Strategy (1st Draft Consultation)
Cllr. Baker agreed to peruse this document and forward any comments to the Clerk.

Parish Partnership Panel – Items for Future Agenda
READ and NOTED.

Trafalgar Weekend: Trafalgar Weekend 21st – 23rd October 2005 - Invitation to take part

RESOLVED the possibility of a ‘Service of Commemoration’ be discussed with the Rector at the meeting on 18th May 2005

Kent Police: Kent Police & Parish Special Recruitment Campaign
READ and NOTED.

17 FINANCE

(a) Accounts Received

The following accounts received during April 2005 were READ and NOTED:-

Photocopy Users: Damara & Short Mat Bowls 69.35

Multi Sports : Income 380.50

Holtwood Ranger FC: Pitch Fees 2004/05 150.00

Energy Charges: Ditton Minors & Guides 35.98

Ditton Bowls Club: Maintenance Charge to 31st March 2005 651.37

St Peters Church: Use of Cricket Square – 7th May 2005 30.00

Haffenden Skips: Advertising in Ditton Gazette 35.00

(b) Accounts for Payment

RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID with the exception of Just 4’s account which should be held over pending a response to this Council’s letter of complaint:-

Salaries: April 2005 Gross: 14079.76 Nett: 10567.68

DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement of April expenses 5461.32

Any Waste Solutions: Disposal of 7 sacks of Confidential Papers 42.00
Vat 7.35 49.35

AquAid [Kent]: Cooler Annual Rental 52.00
Water 17.97
69.97
Vat 12.25 82.22

Astra Security Systems: Keys Junior School Grounds Gate & 16.89
Additional Mess Room Keys Vat 2.96 19.85

B& S Chains Quick Repair Links 16.58
Vat 2.90 19.48

Canine Crisis Control: Membership 1st May 2005 to 30th April 2006 15.00

Craigdene Limited: To Carry out 2 Annual Inspections 100.00
Vat 17.50 117.50

D.K. Skips Limited: Skip – Allotments 60.00
Vat 10.50 70.50

EDF Energy: Street Lighting Maintenance 268.95
Vat 47.06 316.01

JUST 4: Printing Ditton Gazette 1089.00

Kent County Council: Stationery 144.74
Vat 25.33 170.07

Peter Mackelden: Demolishing NRRG Toilet Block 2200.00
Vat 385.00 2585.00

Monro South: Spray Suit & Selective Weedkiller 50.50
Secateurs 12.45
62.95
Vat 11.02 73.97

Mower Plant: Honda Spares 145.82
Vat 25.52
171.34
LESS CREDIT NOTE 114.27 57.07

Nildram : ADSL Multiple 7.4.05 to 7.5.05 37.00
Vat 6.48 43.48

Parkers Merchanting: 3 Pairs Derby Work Boots 52.32
Sign ‘Danger Keep Out’ 22.10
74.42
Vat 13.03 87.45

Parkfoot Garages Ltd: Toyota Fuel 41.08
Vat 7.19 48.27

Royal British Legion: Sign for KBRG 107.01
Vat 18.73 125.74

Seeboard: Energy – Street Lights 41.72
Changing Rooms NRRG 15.07
56.79
Vat 2.84 59.63

John Shaw: Toro Z500 Ride on Mower 10495.00
Less Trade in on Ransome 213-D 1000.00
9495.00
Vat 1661.63 11156.63

Sisis Equipment: Thatch Control Blades 142.55
Vat 24.94 167.49

Three Towns Office Receipt Books 21.67
Vat 3.79 25.46

RESOLVED to add Cllrs. Mrs A Beadle, J Beadle and Mrs J A Thorpe to the Bank Mandate.

PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT – Reimbursement of April Expenses

Balance Carried Forward 1st April 2005 1349.37
Add DPC Reimbursement 4650.63
6000.00
Expenditure April 2005
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4073.07
Postage Stamps 100.00
Community Centre Expenses 1010.00
Gold Star Bar & OSA 104.82
Cllr Expenses 15.33
Petty Cash 154.85 5461.32
Balance 538.68

*Sum drawn 4th May 2005 to restore balance 5461.32*
6000.00

(c) Account Paid During Meetings During April 2005

Gulland & Gulland: Legal Fees – Sale of Land 3500.00

(d) Direct Debits Paid During March 2005

The following Direct Debits paid during March were READ and APPROVED:-

[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT

03.03.05 02 21.55
04.03.05 WPA Health Care 351.99
15.03.05 RBS 284.36
22.03.05 EBS 40.00
29.03.05 Nat West Business Card 387.47
30.03.05 Euphony 10.37

[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT

02.03.05 Sky Business 227.95
14.03.05 Post Office Ltd 58.52
21.03.05 The Beer Seller 398.29
21.03.05 Scottish Courage – Stock 4739.13
22.03.05 H MC & E Gaming Machine 124.00
25.03.05 BOC Manchester - Beer Gas 211.50
30.03.05 Nat. West Account Charge 55.00

[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

31.03.04 Nat. West Account Charge 55.00

(e) Family Day EOY Balance Sheet 2004/2005

The Family Day balance sheet for the end of financial year 2004/2005 was READ and NOTED as follows:-

18 REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS

There was no County Councillor present.


19 REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE

There was no Police Officer present.


20 PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION 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.

(a) Election of Vice Chairman

Cllr. Mrs DeSave was NOMINATED by Cllr. Mulcuck and SECONDED by Cllr. DeSave.

There being no further nominations, Cllr. Mrs DeSave was duly elected.

(b) Plans Received for Comment

TM/05/01013/FL Demolition of existing buildings and Residential redevelopment comprising a total of 125 on, two & three bedroom Dwellings, 62 car barns, 120 parking spaces, access roads & landscaping New Road Bus. Estate

RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL STRONGLY OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

• IT WOULD BE OVER DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE & INSUFFICIENT PARKING SPACES FOR THE NUMBER OF PROPERTIES PROPOSED
• THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC THIS DEVELOPMENT WOULD CREATE WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON NEW ROAD AND THE SURROUNDING ROADS, ESPECIALLY ST PETER’S ROAD
• THE ACCESS TO THIS SITE IS DIFFICULT, NARROW AND ON A SHARP BEND
• SOME OF THE PROPERTIES PROPOSED WOULD MEAN A LOSS OF PRIVACY FOR RESIDENTS IN WILTON DRIVE AND CHERRY ORCHARD
• THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT AMENITIES LOCALLY TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT - ALL LOCAL DOCTORS SURGERIES ARE NOW FULL AND WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCEPT NEW PATIENTS
• THERE IS NO PROVISION TO RETAIN THE OASTS, WHICH ARE AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE VILLAGE

TM/05/01040/FL Seventeen B1(c); B2 & B8 buildings with Site 2 & Former DPC Associated yards, parking areas, hard Allotments & soft landscaping Bellingham Way

RESOLVED AS THIS IS THE COUNCIL’S LAND IT CANNOT COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION.

TM/05/01174/FL Erection of 1 No Four Bedroom Detached Land Between House with Detached Garage 95-101 New Road

RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL STRONGLY OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION FOR THE SAME HIGHWAY REASONS IT OBJECTED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION, THAT IT WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR VEHICLES TO ENTER AND LEAVE THE DRIVEWAY OF THIS PROPERTY WHICH IS POSITIONED CLOSE TO A BEND WITH A JUNCTION OPPOSITE.

(c) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub C'ttee. 3

The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-

TM/05/00282/LB Listed Building Application: Revised scheme for the conversion of clubhouse oast to two
residential properties and conversion of barns to residential units with associated car Clifford Sheldon Club Hs parking and amenity space. 572 London Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/05/00280/FL Revised scheme for conversion of clubhouse oast to two residential properties and conversion of barns to residential units with associated car parking and amenity Clifford Sheldon Club Hs space. 572 London Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/05/0805/RD Details of access drive submitted pursuant to conditions 10 and 11 of consent ref. TM/04/03721/FL (detached dwelling to rear. 45 Bradbourne Ln
APPROVED

TM/04/03577/FL Extension to existing all weather gallop Kilnbarn Farm
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/04/040305/FL Erection of 370 dwellings, including 30% affordable housing, with associated parking, landscaping and highways, following the demolition of the existing buildings Former Frantschach Site
REFUSED TO PERMIT

TM/05/00566/FL Single storey side extension 18 Orchard Grove
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/05/00389/FL Conservatory 5 Cedar Close
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

TM/05/0029/RD Revised details of materials (Clayden red Multi) submitted pursuant to condition 2 of planning permission TM/03/03756/FL; First floor side extension and new chimney 14 Ragstone Court
APPROVED

TM/05/00593/FL Rear conservatory 47 St Peters Road
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

(d) ‘B’ Lists

The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-

05/14 - 11.4.2005; 05/15 - 18.04.2005;

(e) Agenda, Minutes & Notes of Area 3 Sub Committee

The above document was READ and NOTED.

(f) Reshaping Kent Highway Service

Information from KCC regarding the restructuring of the highway services was READ and NOTED.

(g) Household Waste Recycling Centre

A reply from KCC regarding the provision of a Household Waste Recycling Facility at Ditton was READ and NOTED.

(h) 1A and 1 Lower Bell Lane

Notification from the Borough Council of a complaint regarding the untidy condition of the above properties was READ and it was NOTED that because the condition results from works that do have planning permission, action relating to untidy land under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) is not an appropriate means of dealing with this particular situation at this time. Progress will, however, continue to be monitored.


21 VIBRANT LOCAL LEADERSHIP

A report by Cllr. J Beadle on the above documents, which had been previously circulated, were READ & NOTED.

RESOLVED to forward the report as this Council’s comments.


22 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME - CHANGES TO SCHEME EMPLOYER PENSION POLICY

RESOLVED to amend the Council’s Policy to take account of revised age criteria.

A copy of the amended Policy is filed with these minutes


23 FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE

A request from the Family Day Committee for the Infant and Junior Schools to have separate Christmas parties in the Oaken Hall instead of a joint one, was NOTED.

RESOLVED to accede to this request.


24 MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”

Cllr. Mulcuck advised that the communication from Cobdown Social Club regarding the planning application for Cobdown House, contained many valid reasons for objection and he requested that it be kept on file for future reference.

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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 this part of the meeting in accordance with Standing Orders 27 & 50.

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25 EX-CLEANING & CARETAKING CONTRACTOR

A report from Cllr. Beadle and the Council’s Solicitor, Mr Grylls, of a meeting between Cllr. J Beadle , the Parish Clerk, Mr Grylls and Counsel was READ, discussed and NOTED.

Further information received from the Solicitor this day was also READ and NOTED.

Considerable discussion followed and the estimated costs involved of going to trial, which could go into two days, and complexity of the case were NOTED.

RESOLVED to follow Solicitor’s advice as set out in the Confidential Memorandum Book Ref. CM 321.

RESOLVED that only formal legal advice be acted upon in the future.


26 LAND AT BELL LANE

Members were advised that contracts were exchanged last Friday 29th April 2005. All that is required to conclude the sale is for planning consent to be granted.

RESOLVED financial advice be investigated in the near future regarding investment of the capital sum to be received from the sale.


27 PERSONNEL MATTER

Discussion took place regarding the 3rd Administrative Assistant, details of which are recorded in the Confidential Memorandum Book Ref. CM 322.

RESOLVED that, regretfully, this Council is unable to offer this member of staff a permanent position.


28 CLOSURE

The meeting closed at 9.55pm.

Chairman
6th June 2005

(C) Ditton Parish Council 2005.

With acknowledgements to Catherine Baker, July 2003.

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