Ditton Parish Council
Meeting Minutes, September 2005
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL,
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY, 5th SEPTEMBER 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, P A THORPE, MRS A THROSSELL & MRS J F THWAITES.
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Admin.
Assistant]
216. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.35pm
217. APOLOGIES
Apologies previously notified were RECEIVED and ACCEPTED from Cllr. Mrs
J A Thorpe.
218. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS & EXPENDITURE
Cllrs. J Beadle, Mrs A Beadle, Mrs J E DeSave & J E DeSave declared
an interest in item 227(a) as they are neighbours of one of the applicants.
Cllrs. J Day, A R Mulcuck, Mrs M Mulcuck and Mrs J F Thwaites declared
an interest in item 230 as they are members of Ditton Bowls Club.
Cllrs. Mrs A Beadle & J Beadle declared an interest in item 231 as
they are members of the Twinning Association.
219. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 1st AUGUST 2005
The minutes of the meeting held on 1st August 2005 were CONFIRMED and
SIGNED as a correct record.
220. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
221. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PLANNING
COMMITTEE HELD ON 18TH AUGUST 2005
The minutes of the Planning Meeting held on 18th August were CONFIRMED
and SIGNED as a true record.
222. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
223. CORRESPONDENCE
For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Ton & Malling Borough Cncl: Minutes of Council, Cabinet & Committee
Meetings April 14th – June 29th
Weekend Bulky Household Refuse Service
‘Here & Now’ August/Sept 2005
Parish Partnership Panel – Meeting 1st September 2005 – Copy herewith
Russett Homes: Annual Report & Accounts for 2004/2005
Kent County Council: 6 Easy Ways to Reduce your Household Waste
Countryside Management in Kent
Medway Valley Countryside Working with Parish Councils
Partnership:
Annual Report 2004/2005
Mid-Kent Pond Project & River Rubbish Roundup
Mentor: Partners in Protecting Your Business Summer/Autumn 2005 – Issue
4
Kent Police Authority: Safer Kent Awards
Maidstone & Malling Newsletter for Parish Councils July 2005
Mr Clarke: Priory Park - Motorbike nuisance (copy of communication sent
to Mr C P Martin)
Countryside Agency: Managing Public Access
KAPC: Parish News, Issue 310 – 3.8.2005
Kent Volunteers: Awards for Volunteering Excellence 2005
Kent Wildlife Trust: Events October 2005 – January 2006
Natural World, Summer 2005
Annual Review, Summer – December 2004
‘Wild Kent’ - Issue 2 2005
Local Councils: ‘Update’, August 2005 – Issue 70
Applause: Programme of Events September – December 2005
For Decision
North Downs Way: National Trail Strategy, Consultation Document
The consultation document, which had been previously circulated, was READ
the recommendations NOTED.
RESOLVED this Council finds it a comprehensive document and has no comment
to make other than that it endorses the recommendations contained in it.
Maidstone Borough Council: Maidstone Local Development Framework
Cllr. Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document and draft comments, if appropriate.
Members expressed their concern that the document was received on the
5th August, when the Council was in recess, and required comments by the
8th August, giving Councils only 3 days to respond.
Local Works: Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill
Members expressed concern at the decline of local services and facilities
and the resulting decline of local jobs.
RESOLVED to support the Sustainable Communities Bill
224. FINANCE
Accounts Received
The following accounts received were READ & NOTED:-
Multi Sports Income: 649.00
Ditton Junior School: Maintenance to Grounds 259.48
Horticulture Show: Unused Funds 126.93
Ditton Gazette : Income from Advertisements 139.00
Castle Colts FC: Pitch Fees 2005/06 125.00
Mr Bayford: Food & Preparation 90.00
Ditton Petanque Club: Food 60.00
Ditton Minors FC: Electricity & Water NRRG Changing Rooms 36.41
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: 12571.98 Net: 9508.16
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 5171.48
AquAid [Kent]: Still Water 12.50
Vat 2.19 14.69
Astra Security Systems: Keys for Top Gate , padlocks etc 105.31
Vat 18.43 123.74
Ditton Parish Council: Oaken Hall Hire – 29th October 2005 252.00
Faversham Trophies: Decanter for Mayor of Rang-du-fliers 51.06
Vat 8.94 60.00
Mrs Marilyn Grantham: Reimbursement of Eye Test Fee 20.00
Parish Council Contribution to Glasses 75.00 95.00
Mrs Nicola Greenaway: Reimbursement of Eye Test Fee 18.95
Horticruitment: Recruitment Agency re. Groundsman 1854.00
Vat 324.45 2178.45
Mrs Sue Kavanagh: Reimbursement of Eye Test Fee 30.00
Kent County Council: Hand Cleaner, Stationery & Toilet Paper,
Pitch & line marker 178.01
Vat 31.15 209.16
Land Technics Ltd: Beacon 12v Pole 29.75
Grease Gun, Cartridge 25.20
54.95
Vat 9.62 64.57
Monro South: Spray suits and Glyfos Total Spray 44.30
Vat 7.76 52.06
Mower Plant Services: Karcher Pressure Washer & Honda 67.07
Blade Vat 11.73 78.80
Nico Office Limited: Colour Toner Kit – Minolta Printer 345.00
Vat 60.38 405.38
Nildram, Limited: ADSL Multiple 08.08.05- 07.09.05 37.00
Vat 6.48 43.48
Parkfoot Garage Limited: Fuel for Parish Vehicle 34.04
Vat 5.96 40.00
RBS Software Solutions: Annual Software Maintenance 50.00
Vat 8.75 58.75
RBS Accounting Solutions: Year End Accounts Preparation 990.00
Band C for year ending 31.03.05 Vat 173.25 1163.25
R & D Club Supplies: BKG Plaque Engraving 25.15
BKG Trophies 43.86
69.01
Vat 12.08 81.09
Mr Clive Stanley: Webmaster Charges x 22 Hours
1/6/05 – 31/8/2005 484.00
Tarmac Limited: Temporary Licence Fee Quarry Land 10.00
Ton & Malling Boro’ Cncl: Fourth Week of 2005 Summer Playscheme 517.50
Three Towns Office Equip: Premier Grip Binders 7.92
Vat 1.38 9.30
Travis Perkins Trading Wood for Notice Board situated at 133.73
Co: Limited: Woodlands Parade Vat 23.40 157.13
West Sole Fencing Co: Fencing to ex Toilet Area NRRG 250.00
Vat 43.75 293.75
Ditton Parish Council Imprest Account - Breakdown of Expenditure during
August 2005
Carried Forward 1141.51
Add: PC reimbursement 4858.49
Carried F/wd 6000.00
Brought F/wd 6000.00
Deduct: August Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Inland Revenue 4483.59
Postage Stamps 51.00
Best Kept Garden Comp Expenses 184.00
Community Centre Expenses 283.32
Personnel Expenses 42.28
Gift to Mayor of Rang-du-fliers 45.00
Petty Cash 79.04 5171.48
828.52
Sum to be drawn on 5th September 2005 5171.48*
BALANCE 6000.00
*Sum required to restore balance to £6000
(d) Direct Debits Paid During July 2005
The following Direct Debits paid during July 2005 were READ, NOTED and
APPROVED:-
[i] DITTON PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNT
01.07.05 02 25.31
05.07.05 WPA Health 380.15
08.07.05 Mentor 284.36
12.07.05 Public Works Loan Board 3106.05
18.07.05 CF Asset Finance 846.98
20.07.05 Pace Petroleum 40.49
22.07.05 Nat West Bank Line 40.00
26.07.05 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
27.07.05 Euphony Comm. Ltd 17.30
28.07.05 Nat West Business Card 224.17
[ii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR ACCOUNT
01.07.05 Sky Business 227.95
11.07.05 Post Office Ltd 58.52
15.07.05 Sky Business 705.00
20.07.05 Scottish Courage – Stock 4639.69
21.07.05 Beer Seller 774.21
22.07.05 HMC &E - Gaming Machine 124.00
25.07.05 BOC Manchester – Beer Gas 211.50
25.07.05 Walkers Snacks Ltd 197.10
29.07.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
[iii] DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ACCOUNT
20.07.05 Tonbridge & Malling BC – Business Rate 1408.00
29.07.05 Nat West Account Charge 55.00
(e) Financial Arrangements with Parish Councils
Information from the Borough Council regarding annual allocations under
the scheme, was READ and the final date for submission of grant applications
NOTED as 28th October 2005.
RESOLVED not to apply for any grants for special works or capital projects
for the next financial year, as these grants require a degree of match
funded.
225. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Borough Councillor M J Porter reported on the following matters:-
Woodlands Parade – Still progressing, but awaiting settlement of legal
agreement with the owner of the land.
Coldharbour Roundabout – Pedestrian operated lights are to be installed.
Bus Lane A20 by Hermitage Lane – this is now in operation. The scheme
reportedly cost £100,000 and enables buses to save one minute in
negotiating the traffic lights. The bus lane proposed for Larkfield Traffic
lights will follow shortly.
Planning application for 2 new bungalows in rear of 9 & 11 Woodlands
Road
Removal of advertising boards junction of Bradbourne Lane and A20
County Councillor G Rowe reported on the following matters:-
Community Liaison Manager for Tonbridge and Malling - Loic Flory has been
appointed and commenced his appointment on the first of this month. He
will be working with the KCC Local Members Board.
The next Board meeting is scheduled to be held at 7.15pm on Wednesday
28th September at Tonbridge Castle, preceded by T&M Youth Advisory
Board at 6pm.
KPA/T&M CDRP Public Consultation – A meeting will be held on Tuesday
6th September at Tonbridge Baptist Church, Darenth Ave, starting
at 6pm for young people and 7.30pm for the wider community.
S.E. Plan - A Public Meeting to discuss the plan will be held on Tuesday
4th October 2005 at 7pm at the University of Kent site, Kings Hill.
The new Chair of KPA - will be visiting Malling from 11.30am on Thursday
27th October, to see as much of neighbourhood policing in operation as
possible. Unsure at the moment if Ditton will be involved.
Community Warden replacement - KCC hope to recruit next week for
Joanne De Simone’s replacement. After training they should be in the area
by the end of October.
In the meantime help will be provided by Spencer Goddard (Senior Warden
on 07969 584173) and Aylesford Warden (Sara Battledore 07813 694140).
Sara should normally be the contact for the next few weeks.
Kent Highway Services, Kings Hill Unit – Office will be moving to
Gravesend Tuesday 6th September 2005 but they can still be contacted on
their usual T&M direct dial numbers for the next few months or alternatively
on 08458 247 800.
Their address is now West Kent Division, Kent Highway Services, Joynes
House, New Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0AT.
Heritage Open Day – takes place this weekend. Ditton Heritage Centre is
open from 10am - 2pm on Sunday.
Licensing Act 2003 - the following applications have been received by
TMBC:-
Ditton Community Centre
Ditton Club
One Stop Ditton
Walnut Tree Ditton
Papas Ditton
Texaco Express Ditton.
Joint Transportation Board – the next meeting is scheduled for 12th Sept
.
Woodlands Parade – the scheme is still being progressed.
Disability Working Party - next meeting Wed. 28th Sept. Items for the
agenda should be sent to TMBC as soon as possible.
Local Development Framework - Public Consultation on Preferred Options
will begin on Friday 16th September. All comments must be submitted in
writing to the Borough Council by Friday 18th November.
Exhibitions will be held as follows:-
Borough Green Village Hall - Friday 23rd September 3-8pm
- Saturday 24th September 10am-3pm
Larkfield Leisure Centre - Tuesday 27th September
- Wednesday 28th September
- Thursday 29th September 3-8pm
Burham Village Hall - Friday 30th September 3-6pm
- Saturday 1st October 10am- 3pm
LDP Conference - Tuesday 13th October 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at
T&MBC.
Kent War on Waste – new literature.
Members raised the following matters with County Councillor Rowe
The logic behind the bus lanes
Details of the research undertaken which led to the installation of the
bus lane
Procedure for requesting one-way traffic systems in a parish
226. REPORT FROM PARISH CONSTABLE/COMMUNITY POLICE
Members were advised that the Community Warden for Ditton, Joanne DeSimone,
has resigned. It was NOTED that arrangements are in hand to recruit a
replacement; however, that person will have to undergo training which
means they will not be on duty in Ditton until at least October.
There were no other police officers present.
227. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS AND 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.
Plans Received for Comment
TM/05/02510/TNCA Cut down 14 Lleylandii and one
Sycamore tree at rear of 12a Ditton Ct. Close
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, BUT WOULD PREFER TO SEE THE TREES REPLACED WITH
SOMETHING OTHER THAN LLEYLANDII
TM/05/02540/FL Single storey rear & side extension and
New Roof to garage 443 London Road RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No.
3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/05/01768/FL Retrospective application for a sun
lounge 592 London Road
GRANTED
TM/05/01996/TEPN56 Prior notification submission in respect
Of installation of one no. 9.7m High
Freestanding monopole with three
Antenna, radio equipment housing Land Fronting
And ancillary development T A Centre
PRIOR APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED
TM/05/01174/FL Erection of 1 No four bedroom detached Land between
House with detached garage 95-101 New Road
REFUSED
TM/05/01147/FL Provision of living room and third
Bedroom extension at first floor
Level 68 Fernleigh Rise
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/05/01849/FL Conversion of garage to kitchen, replacement
Of existing flat roof with pitched roof to
Match existing and replacement
conservatory 34 Fernleigh Rise GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
TM/05/0208/FL Conservatory 18 Acorn Grove
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
05/31 - 08.08.2005; 05/32 - 15.08.2005
(d) Notes, Minutes Etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
READ and NOTED.
(e) TM/05/00959 – Cobdown House, London Road, Ditton
(i) INVITATION TO SITE VISIT 17/8/2005 – previously sent to planning chair
& vice-chair
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he attended the site meeting on the 17th August
and found it very informative and professionally conducted by the Officer.
Cllr. Mulcuck expressed concerns at the proposed parking arrangements
and the bridge over the stream which is owned by the Sports Club.
(ii) INVITATION TO SPEAK AT AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE ON 25TH AUGUST 2005
– previously sent to planning chair & vice-chair
As the Council had no additional comments to make, no request to speak
was lodged.
(f) Hermitage Quarry
A communication from KCC, advising that the following proposals were reported
to their Planning Committee on 16th August 2005, was READ and NOTED:-
TM/03/2782 - Variation of conditions under ref TM/88/295
TM/03/2784 – Proposed Eastern Extension
TM/03/2787 - Variation of conditions under ref TM/95/761
(g) Part 2 Consultation on the South East Plan: September 5th – October
17th 2005
Cllrs. Baker and Mulcuck agreed to peruse this document and draft comments
for the next meeting.
(h) Former Franschacht Site - Appeal by Barratt Southern Counties
It was NOTED that the application has been granted at Appeal.
(i) Review of Supported Local Bus Services in the Malling Area (including
buses to Maidstone Hospital) 58, 158, 88 & 81
Information READ and NOTED.
228. DITTON GAZETTE
(a) Publication date
The Chairman advised he is putting the final touches to the gazette and
hopes to have the Autumn edition ready for printing in the next two weeks.
(b) Items for inclusion
Cllr. Baker asked that details of the Rememberance Day services be included
in this edition.
Cllr. Mulcuck suggested that Committees be featured in each future edition
of the gazette and the Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs be asked to draft
interesting copy about the work and achievements of their committee.
229. REMEMBRANCE DAY
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that a meeting with all parties involved has been
arranged on 29th September 2005 to finalise arrangements.
Cllr. Mulcuck confirmed that the services would be more traditional than
last year with more traditional hymns and the Lesson more relevant to
the memorial service.
RESOLVED that, delegated power be given to the Clerk & Cllr. Mulcuck
to order wreaths, & the sound system for the services.
230. DITTON BOWLS CLUB – MAINTENANCE
A communication from the Chairman of the Bowls Club was READ and it was
NOTED that they wish to terminate the maintenance contract as from the
30th September 2005 and undertake the work themselves.
It was NOTED that the sum the Council received for this service covered
only the staff cost involved and machinery fuel; all chemicals etc., were
paid directly by the club.
FURTHER NOTED that the time the grounds staff spent undertaking the bowls
green maintenance will now be utilised undertaking the maintenance of
Ditton Court Quarry, as the Quarry Working Party who carried out this
work in the past has now disbanded.
In addition to these duties, the Public Rights of Way Officer has invited
this Council to discuss the possibility of it entering into a contract
with Kent County Council for vegetation clearance of the public footpaths
in the parish.
231. DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION
(a) Minutes of meeting held 25th August 2005
Minutes of the meeting held on 25th August, which had been previously
circulated, were READ and NOTED.
(b) Financial Situation
A communication from the Twinning Co-ordinator was READ and their difficulty
in raising sufficient funds to entertain the French when visiting was
NOTED.
Discussion took place and Members felt that the Parish Council ought to
be more involved in Twinning matters. Members were mindful, however, of
the excellent way which the Twinning Association is run and, whilst they
would not wish to interfere in its management in anyway they felt the
Council should assist financially and help with fundraising projects whenever
possible.
RESOLVED to assist the Twinning Association financially, on an annual
basis, but the level of assistance be referred to the Finance and Administration
Committee to enable them to investigate the previous years expenditure
and next years projected expenditure.
232. FORMATION OF WORKING PARTY FOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2006
RESOLVED not to participate for the next few years but include this item
on the agenda each September as a reminder.
233. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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.
234. LAND AT BELL LANE
Members were advised that determination of the planning application has
been delayed yet again due to the Highway Authority’s concerns regarding
the impact of additional traffic on Junction 4 of the M20. It appears
that KCC’s parking standards are higher than those issued by the Deputy
Prime Minister, which means the traffic movements projected to and from
this site, and the likely impact on junction 4, are exaggerated.
It is understood that the prospective purchaser was to have a meeting
with the Highways Authority last week to try to resolve the matter. It
is also understood that the Borough Council are satisfied that all other
issues have been satisfactorily addressed and can see no reason to refuse
the application.
The latest information is that the prospective purchaser has submitted
an amended planning application showing wider parking spaces, thereby
reducing the number of parking spaces to be provided at the site.
235. INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE – OCTOBER 2005
It was NOTED that the national minimum wage will be increased in October
2005 from £4.85 to £5.05 and an additional increase to £5.35
in October 2006.
RESOLVED to increase the Monday to Thursday rate for casual bar staff
in October in line with the new minimum wage.
236. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(a) Appointment of Groundsman
Members were advised that Graeme Sedgewick has been selected by the interview
panel and commenced work as a groundsman today, 5th September 2005. Graeme
has extensive qualifications and experience and will be an asset to the
Council’s grounds staff.
Details of his employment are recorded in the Confidential Memorandum
Book Ref CM 327.
(b) Communication from Member of Casual Bar Staff
NOTED that the member of staff concerned has advised she does not wish
to take this matter any further.
Details of her communication are recorded in the Confidential Memorandum
Book Ref. CM328.
(c) Senior Member of Bar Staff – Advice from Mentor
Advice from Mentor, the Council’s Personnel Advisors, regarding disciplinary
action was READ and NOTED.
Considerable discussion took place.
RESOLVED to adhere to Mentor’s advice, details of which are recorded in
the Confidential Memorandum Book Ref. CM329.
Cllrs. J E DeSave and P A Thorpe asked for it to be recorded that they
voted against the resolution.
237. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 9.56pm
Chairman
3rd October 2005