Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, June 2005
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 6TH JUNE 2005
[Click here for a downloadable version in Adobe PDF file format.]
PRESENT: CLLRS. J D DAY [Chairman],
R G W BAKER, MRS A BEADLE, J BEADLE, J E DESAVE, A R MULCUCK, MRS A THROSSELL
AND MRS J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative
Assistant]
78. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
79. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Previously notified apologies were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllrs. Mrs
J E DeSave, M J Porter, Mrs J A Thorpe & P A Thorpe and PC Nickels.
80. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllrs. Day, Mulcuck and Mrs Thwaites declared an interest in item 84(b)
as they are members of Ditton Bowls Club
Cllr. DeSave declared an interest in item 88 (TM/05/1418/FL) as he is
acquainted with the applicant.
81. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON 4TH MAY 2005
The minutes of the above meeting were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
82. MATTERS ARISING
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he is standing down from the Community Centre
Committee.
It was NOTED that the site meeting at the quarry with English Nature was
postponed and will now take place on Tuesday 28th June 2005 at 10.30am.
83. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING MAY 2005
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 9TH MAY 2005
Cllr. DeSave presented the above minutes, which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a correct record.
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he thought that all three ramps in the car
park were to be removed, not just the first two. He expressed concern
that puddling will occur in front of this ramp when it rains and suggested
that the grounds staff cut a channel through the ramp to allow the water
to escape when it rains.
(ii) PLANNING COMMITTEE, 16TH MAY 2005
Cllr. Mulcuck presented the above minutes, which were CONFIRMED and SIGNED
as a true record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 16TH MAY 2005
These minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as
a correct record.
1. Disposal of Green Waste/Bonfire site [Page28, Item 58(c)]
RESOLVED that, as a temporary measure, the grounds staff be permitted
to burn waste on a specified, non sensitive area within the quarry.
Cllr. Baker advised that since making their offer, the allotment holders
have sold their lawn mower and therefore will not be able to undertake
the footpath cutting around their own plots at the current time.
(iv) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 23RD MAY 2005
1. Community Centre Refurbishment Works [Page 33, Item 71]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
2. Vehicle Leasing Through KCC
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation.
(b) For Noting
(i) DITTON FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE, 12TH MAY 2005
The above minutes were READ and NOTED. Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he is
standing down from the Chair.
(ii) DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 12TH MAY 2005
These minutes were READ and it was NOTED that there is to be a further
meeting on Tuesday 7th June 2005 for those people going over to France
for the Bastille celebrations.
(iii) NOTES OF MEETING RE. REMEMBERANCE DAY SERVICE, 18TH MAY 2005
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that the consensus of replies have confirmed that
the service should remain at the Community Centre, however, it was agreed
that the atmosphere could be improved by changing the room layout. It
was suggested that the seating be arranged in a ‘U’ shape to create more
connection between those taking part in the service and the congregation.
It was also confirmed that the vast majority of replies were in favour
of a more traditional service with, perhaps, 3 traditional hymns and one
modern.
A further meeting to finalise arrangements will be held during August.
84. CORRESPONDENCE
(a)For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Minutes of Council, Cabinet & Committee
Meetings 17.2 – 11.04.2005
Agenda & Minutes of Standards Committee
Clerks & Councils: ‘Direct’ May 2005, Issue 39
Plus Publishing Services: ‘Local Councils Update’ May 2005, Issue 67
KAPC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 308,
21st April 2005
Statement by Audit Commission on Audit Regime Review
Minutes of Meeting of Working Party held 17th March 2005
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’, Vol 57 No. 1. May 2005
CPRE: ‘Kent Voice’, Spring 2005
Kent County Council: ‘Shaping your local Health Service – The Joint Select
Committee Response
ROSPA: ‘Staying Alive’, Spring 2005
Maidstone Weald NHS: ‘Patient Link’, Issue 3
‘Talking Point’, April 2005 + Enclosures
ODPM: Citizen Engagement & Public Services: Why Neighbourhoods Matter
and Vibrant Local Leadership
Kent Police: Maidstone & Malling Police Newsletter April/May 2005
Mr P Evans, 1st Ditton Scout Group: Unauthorised parking outside Scout
HQ – Copy of communication sent to Ditton Minors Football Club
Nat. Playing Fields Assoc: Notice of AGM, Membership Nominations &
Annual Report
Kent Police: Car Incident in Quarry
Action with Communities in Kent: Rural News 66 + encls.
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary: One Stop, 50 New Road, Ditton – Licence Transfer
NatWest Mentor Services: Legal Update Issue 12 June 2005
KAPC: Agenda for meeting to be held on 23rd June 2005
(b)For Decision
Kent Police: Invitation to Youth Crime Diversion Programme Launch
READ and NOTED no-one is available to attend.
RESOLVED THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF RESIDENTS ATTENDING AND REPRESENTING
THE COUNCIL AT SIMILAR EVENTS BE INVESTIGATED.
Mrs Stock: Work Experience
A request for a two week work experience place for Dominic Stock was READ
and NOTED.
RESOLVED that, regretfully, this Council does not have the staff or facilities
to assist with a work experience placement.
Ditton Infants School: Funding for Christmas Party
RESOLVED that a donation of £200 be made under Section 137 of the
Local Government Act 1972to assist with the Christmas Party.
Ditton Junior School: Funding for Christmas Party
RESOLVED that a donation of £200 be made be made under Section 137
of the Local Government Act 1972to assist with the Christmas Party.
Mrs Wingrove: Public Footpaths Clearance
A request for this Council to consider negotiating a contract with KCC
for footpath clearance in the parish was READ and NOTED. FURTHER NOTED
this Council does not currently have the manpower to undertake this work
and, therefore, any negotiations would have to include employment of additional
outdoor staff so that it would not be a financial burden on this Council.
RESOLVED to investigate this further.
Kent County Council: Invitation to Overview and Scrutiny of the NHS Induction
Day – Wednesday 15th June 2005
RESOLVED to enquire whether Mrs Day is able to attend as this Council’s
representative
Ton. & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Parish Partnership Panel – Invitation to
Meeting on 9th June 2005
Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to attend.
Ditton Bowls Club: Bowls Club
Car Park – Management of Undergrowth spreading from Quarry land
It was NOTED that there is hard material at the edge of the car park which
prevents strimming being carried out to control the brambles and weeds.
Members were informed that it is understood that this hard material was
dumped there some time ago by the Bowls Club contractors during construction
works.
It was NOTED that it is too compacted to be able to remove it using parish
equipment and it would require hiring in specialist tools.
RESOLVED that Members will visit the site to assess the situation and
report back to the next Open Spaces & Amenities Committee meeting.
SLCC: Summer Seminars 2005 13th & 14th July
NOTED no-one is available to attend.
Kent Downs AONB: Invitation to Launch of the Successful Stage 1 Heritage
Lottery Fund (HLF) Bid – ‘the Valley of Vision’
Cllrs. Mr & Mrs Beadle agreed to attend.
85. FINANCE
(a)Accounts Received
The following account received was READ and NOTED:-
Multi Sports: Hire Fees 102.00
(b)Accounts For Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 13098.01 Nett: 9959.82
DPC Imprest A/C: May Reimbursement 5425.64*
AquAid: Still water 31.25
Vat 5.47 36.72
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster services Feb – May 2005 550.00
Forge Engineering: Repairs to
fidget station 155.00
Vat 27.13 182.13
Gullands: Legal Fees 2730.00
Vat 475.00 3205.13
Gullands Solicitors: Land at Bell Lane 1554.40
re. Wealdoval Vat 262.50 1816.90
Kent County Council: Pitch marker; stationery; 2 x mouse;
Dust mat; refuse sacks; bin; bowl;
Cllrs. Name Badges, Goal nets 243.77
Vat 42.65
286.42
LESS: Credit Note S9154484 15.16- 271.26
Land Technics: Tractor routine service 231.53
Parts 15.48
Vat 43.23 290.24
Lawrence Insurance: Traders Combined 7414.10
Mid Kent Water: KBRG 23.08
Toilet Block NRRG 13.57
Bowls Club/Grounds 41.42 78.07
Mower Plant: Honda Mower Serial No. MZBU 918.72
8235271 Vat 160.78
1079.50
Less Credit Note 420 - Rtnd Goods 19.68-
Vat 3.44- 1056.38
Nildram: ADSL IP 37.00
Vat 6.48 43.48
Park Leisure: Supply & install new play
Equipment 9797.00
Vat 1714.48 11511.48
Parker Merchanting: Super Wipe; Speedline 56.98
Vat 9.97 66.95
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: April Toyota Diesel 35.94
Vat 6.29 42.23
RBS Accounting: EOY Closedown for 2004/2005 345.00
Cost re-allocations & accounts
Reorganisation 395.00
740.00
Vat 129.50 869.50
Sage: Laser Payslips 44.00
Carriage 5.00
Vat 8.58 57.58
Three Towns Office: Postage books; ‘Stick it’ Boards 101.65
Vat 17.78 119.43
Travis Perkins: Plywood; Ballast; Evostick;
Mastercrete; Liteglaze etc. 126.27
Vat 22.11 148.38
Breakdown of Expenditure from Imprest Account during May 2005
Brought Forward 1st May 2005 538.68
Add: PC reimbursement 5461.32
6000.00
Deduct: May Expenses
Postage Stamps 72.00
Inland Revenue 4737.09
Washing Machine Repairs 45.30
Mr Rothwell, Caretaking Wages
Week ending 27th May 2005 393.00
Mrs T Carter-Rees, Deposit
refund (re-issued cheque) 75.00
Burham Football Club – Deposit
Refund 100.00
Voucher Charge 3.25 5425.64
574.36
Sum drawn 2nd June 2003 5425.64*
BALANCE £6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(c) Direct Debits - Paid During April 2005
The following direct debits paid during April 2005 were READ, APPROVED
& NOTED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.04.05 Mobile Telephone 16.02
05.04.05 WPA Health Care 380.15
07.04.05 RBS Mentor 284.35
18.04.05 C F Asset Finance [Computer Lease] 846.98
20.04.05 Pace Petroleum 25.61
24.04.05 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
23.04.05 Nat West Bank Line 43.25
20.04.05 Nat West Business Card 45.63
28.04.05 Euphony Communications 11.06
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.04.05 Sky Business 227.95
12.04.05 Post Office Ltd 58.52
20.04.05 Scottish Courage – Stock 4578.59
21.04.05 Beer Cellar 1159.33
22.04.05 HMC &E- Gaming Machine 124.00
25.04.05 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 211.50
28.04.05 Walkers Snacks Ltd 220.27
30.04.05 Nat West Account Charge 55 00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.04.05 Tonbridge & Malling BC – Business Rate 1405.52
30.04.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(d) Account Paid Between Meetings
Berry & Berry: Legal Fees 2500.00
(e) Internal Audit Report – 3rd Visit
The Internal Audit Report was READ and the comments relating to rationalising
the number of bank accounts and cost benefit analysis for the bars were
NOTED.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Chairman moved that the meeting be adjourned to permit members of
the public to raise any matters for the Council’s attention.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr Vaughan of 84 Woodlands Road advised the Council of his concern and
annoyance at the weeds outside of his property boundary, which are encroaching
on his garden and spreading seeds.
The Clerk and Cllr. Rowe agreed to investigate responsibility for this
land and ensure it is dealt with as quickly as possible.
Mr Sellick of 45 Bradbourne Lane advised that he was attending in connection
with his planning application and to hear the Council’s comments on his
amended plan.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The meeting was reconvened.
86. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Co. Cllr. Geoff Rowe reported on the following matters:-
Parish Partnership Panel – next meeting 9th June 2005
Public Transport Panel – next meeting 21st June 2005
Disability Working Party will meet on 16th June – any concerns to be forwarded
to Geoff Rowe
MAVB Annual General Meeting will take place on 5th July
Bus Priority Measures – work commenced on the A20 London Road junction
with Hermitage Lane during the end of May and will take 5 weeks to complete.
S E Planning Aid – this gives independent planning advice and assistance
to individuals and community groups in the South East of England
Minerals and Waste Discussion Packs – KCC as Minerals & Waste Planning
Authority is charged with preparing a new Framework for minerals and waste
planning in Kent. A copy was handed to the Council. NOTED A RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY 1ST JULY 2005.
Members Grants – this Council is eligible to apply again this year.
KCC election – Co. Cllr Rowe thanked everyone for their support and is
pleased to accept the honour to serve for a further 4 years. He looks
forward to working together in a partnership with Parish, Borough and
County Councils.
87. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICE/PARISH WARDEN
P C Nickels had previously tendered his apologies due to work commitments
but had provided crime figures for April and May which were READ and NOTED.
88. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/05/01373/FL Rear Conservatory 11 Wilton Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/01329/FL Erection of garages for units 1 & 2 Sheldon Court
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/01418/FL Revised design of dwelling and
siting of garage 45 Bradbourne Lane
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/01013/FL Demolition of existing building and residential redevelopment
comprising total of 125 one, two & three bedroom dwellings 62 car
barns,120 parking spaces, access roads & landscaping New Road Business
Est
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL WOULD HOPE THAT CARE IS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ALL
CONTAMINATED MATERIALS AND SOIL ARE REMOVED FROM SITE
TM/05/01438/FL Erection of four dwelling houses and two garages Sheldon
Court
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL STRONGLY OBJECTS TO THIS APPLICATION AT IT BELIEVES
IT WOULD LEAD TO OVER INTENSIFICATION OF THE SITE WHICH IS WITHIN A CONSERVATION
AREA. THIS COUNCIL HAS A GENUINE WORRY THAT THE DEVELOPER IS ATTEMPTING
TO GAIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CHARACTER OF THE LOCALITY.
THE ADDITIONAL
PROPERTIES WOULD ALSO LEAD TO THE LOSS OF THE VIEW OF THE OAST HOUSES.
TM/05/01364/RD Details of tree protection, dormice survey and translocation
of soils submitted pursuant to conditions 3, 7 & 8 of planning permission
TM/04/03577/FL extension to existing all weather training gallop Kiln
Barn Farm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
REGARDING DORMOUSE SURVEY
AND MITIGATION
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/01565/FL One storey front extension & two storey side extension
with garage 11 Cobdown Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/01589/LRD Details of barn repair etc: submitted Pursuant to condition
3 of consent
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 parking and amenity Clifford Sheldon Club Hs space 572
London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/1631/LRD Details of joinery for the barn Submitted pursuant to condition
1 of consent TM/05/00282/LB
Listed Building Applications for The conversion of clubhouse oast to two
residential properties and conversion of barns to residential Clifford
Sheldon units with associated car parking Clubhouse and amenity space
572 London Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
TM/05/1710/FL Enlargement of rear dormers 35A B/Bourne Lne
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/05/01008/FL Conversion of garage into kitchen
Extension 44 Acorn Grove
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/05/00954/FL First Floor rear extension 21 Ditton Place
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/05/00840/FL Single Storey Rear Extension 19 Orchard Grove
GRANTED
TM/05/00792/FL Change of use to powder coating plant and erection of chimneys
Units B & C Link 20
Belling ham Way
GRANTED
TM/05/01025/TPOC 20% crown reduction and thinning of seven Sycamore to
match the trees in neighbouring garden
TPO 12-06-11 15 Ditton Place
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
05/18 - 9.05.2005; 05/19 - 16.05.2005; 05/20 - 23.05.2005
(d) Minutes/Notes/etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
The above document was READ and NOTED.
(e) Application under Section 73 for removal of condition 14 of planning
permission TM/96/00238/FL (seven industrial units) to allow 24 hour movement
of heavy goods vehicles at Priory Park, Ditton Court Quarry, Mills Road,
Quarry Wood, Aylesford, Kent – Application TM/04.04376/FL
An invitation, which had been previously circulated to the Chair and Vice-Chair
of Planning Committee plus Chair of the Council, to speak on the above
application at Area Planning Committee 3 on 26th May 2005 was READ and
it was NOTED no-one was available to attend.
Members were advised that Borough Councillors were minded to refuse the
application at the above meeting but will seek clarification of the legal
implications before making a final decision.
(f) County Lengthsmen
A communication from Kent Highway Services, introducing their proposed
new County Lengthsmen Scheme, was READ and it was NOTED that each parish
council will need to nominate a co-ordinator who will liaise with the
Kent Highway services and attend periodic site meetings.
Cllr. Mulcuck and administrative assistant Mrs Greenaway were jointly
nominated and both accepted.
(g) Highways Agency – South East Roadworks & Traffic Information Leaflet
– May to August 2005
Cllr. Mulcuck advised Members of the intended works and overnight closures
at junctions 2 & 3 of the M20 during this period.
(h) Hermitage Quarry
[i] TM/03/2784 - INVITATION TO SITE VISIT 14TH JUNE 2005
Cllr. Baker agreed to attend this site visit.
[ii] FURTHER DETAILS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS AND
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
TM/03/2784 – Extraction of Ragstone & Hassock and processing on site
for sale as construction aggregates. Restoration by back filling with
inert waste
TM/03/2782 - (previously TM/03/TEMP/0059) - variation of conditions of
planning permission TM/88/295 (restoration and working scheme); and
TM/03/2787 - (previously TM/03/TEMP/00962 – Variation of conditions of
permission TM/95/761 – (working and restoration scheme for the Southern
Extension
RESOLVED this Council has no additional comments to make.
89. KENT COUNTY COUNCIL PENSION FUND
(a) Actuarial Valuation as at 31st March 2004
Document READ and NOTED.
(b) Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – Important Changes to the
Scheme Regulations
Information, circulated, READ and NOTED.
(c) Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations – Amendment Regulations
2004
RESOLVED to amend this Council’s policy in respect of Regulation 32(8)(A),
121(8) and 52 as follows:-
Regulation 32(8)(A)
If a scheme member wishes to aggregate the most recent of their periods
of previous scheme membership with their current membership, it is the
policy of Ditton Parish Council that the election to do so must be made
within 12 months of the Pension Section being notified that the employee
has again become an active member of the Kent Scheme.
Where a person was an active member of the Kent Pension Scheme on 1st
April 2004 an election must be made no later that 31st December 2005.
Regulation 121(8)
If a scheme member wishes to transfer any pension benefits they have built
up in other schemes to the Local Government Pension Scheme, it is the
policy of Ditton Parish Council that the election to do so must be made
within 12 months of the Pension Section being advised that the employee
had become an active member of the Kent Scheme.
Where the person was an active member of the Kent Pension Scheme on 1st
April 2004 an election must be made no later than 31st December 2005.
Regulation 52
It is the policy of Ditton Parish Council only to grant extra pension
scheme membership to employees under regulation 52 of the Local Government
Pension Scheme 1997 , where there is a proven total benefit to the organisation
which includes any costs that might be borne by the authority. Additional
service will not be granted in respect of pre April 1972 service, which
at the point of retirement had not yet been up-rated.
90. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In view of the confidential nature of the following items, the remainder
of the meeting
will be closed to the press and public in accordance with Standing Orders
27 & 50.
91. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(a) Appointment of Administrative Assistant
Members were advised that following interviews with applicants selected
by the Agency, Amanda Davis was selected and commenced her employment
with the Council today, 6th June 2005.
Details of the appointment are recorded in the Confidential Memorandum
Book Ref. CM 324.
(b) Grounds Staff Training
A request from the Clerk for the outside staff to attend an ‘Inspecting
Children’s Playgrounds’ training day on 12th July 2005 at a total cost
of £225.00, was NOTED.
RESOLVED to accede to this request.
(c) Grounds Staff Situation
It was NOTED that a member of the grounds staff will be going into hospital
for an operation on 20th June 2005 and could be off work for 2 – 4 weeks.
FURTHER NOTED that another member of the outdoor staff will also be on
holiday during this period.
RESOLVED a suitably experienced person be engaged as temporary cover for
this period.
92. LAND AT BELL LANE
NOTED that the highways agency have made a holding objection to the application,
pending details of the affect this will have on traffic generation at
junction 4 of the M20.
93. CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM BOOK
(a) Ex-Cleaner/Caretaker [Ref: CM321]
Confidential Memorandum CM321 was READ, CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(b) Personnel Matter [Ref: CM322]
Confidential Memorandum CM322 was READ, CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
(c) Ex-Cleaner/Caretaker [Ref: CM323]
Confidential Memorandum CM323 was READ, CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
94. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.57pm.
Chairman
4th July 2005