Reports by District Cllr Cooke, District Cllr Mrs Cook and County Cllr Lake were held prior to the commencement of the Parish Council meeting (see separate report).

126. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Benton, Cllr Mrs Butler, Cllr Cooke, Cllr Durrant and Cllr Glendinning and their reasons for absence were accepted by members.
      

127. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed – none.
      

128. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 19^th March 2008 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Mrs James and all were in favour.
      

129. To report on Matters Arising from Parish Council Meeting held on 19^th March 2008
     Item 125(v) – Slaters – the Clerk reported that the Moat Housing officer, Esther Adeleye, has agreed to meet the Clerk to discuss the fly-tipping to the rear of the houses.
      

130. Planning

1. To consider planning applications received

   a. SE/08/00808/FUL: Red Gables, Hever Road, Bough Beech. TN8 7NR Single Storey side and two storey rear extension. Members had no objection to this application.

   b. SE/08/00830/FUL: 58 Tyehurst, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AB  Erection of first floor extension on existing flat roofed extension. Members had no objection to this application.

   c. SE/08/00762/FUL: Woodgates, Stonewall Park, Chiddingstone Hoath, TN8 7DG  Single storey extensions, dormer windows and internal alterations. Revised scheme 07/03200/FUL

   and

   d. SE/08/00762/ LBCALT: Woodgates, Stonewall Park, Chiddingstone Hoath, TN8 7DG.   Listed building consent application. Single storey extensions, dormer windows and internal alterations.

   Revised scheme 07/03200/LBCALT. Members felt that this is a very important application. The property is Grade II* listed. Clerk to ask the planning officer for an extension of the deadline for comments until after the Annual Parish Meeting on 30^th April.

   e. SE/08/00785/FUL: Vexour Farm, Hampkins Hill Road, Chiddingstone, TN8 7BB  Erection of three cattle sheds. Members were concerned with the scale of the development and that there could be a possible change of use in future years to light industrial B1 if the currently successful agricultural business fails. Clerk to raise this concern with the planning officer, and otherwise submit a no objection response.

   f. SE/08/00777/FUL: Brickyard House, Tonbridge Road, Chiddingstone Causeway. TN8 7AU  Convert one private dwelling into two private dwellings. Plans not received and Clerk to request an extension of the deadline for comments until after the Annual Parish Meeting on 30^th April.
    

2. List of planning decisions – none received.

Members discussed The Old Sawmill in Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, and asked the Clerk to contact the planning officers to bring to their attention that the applicant received temporary planning permission in 2006 for ten months for the caravan on the site whilst they converted the existing building. However, the caravan is still on site and lived in, well after ten months have elapsed. Members suggested that a letter from SDC as the planning authority to the applicant asking for a timescale might be appropriate.

131. To report on correspondence received

The Clerk reported that lists of correspondence received have been circulated and drew members’ attention to the following item:

Item 5: KHS re: post winter pothole repair. There has been a significant rise in the number of potholes being reported to KHS over the winter months. In response, KHS will be carrying out an intensive campaign to tackle the problem. From April, they will be moving resources and increasing the number of crews to repair as many potholes as possible. KHS are asking the public to report these potholes to them by visiting www. Kent.gov.uk/highways or by emailing kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk or by calling 08458-247800. Many of the potholes in the parish have already been filled.
 

132. To receive update on affordable housing development

The Clerk reported that she requested an update on both the shared ownership units and the rental units from West Kent. Janet Ranson has reported that all units must be completed during the first week of May, and the opening ceremony will be held on Friday May 16^th. There is still one 1-bed shared ownership unit available. Deborah White has reported that there is still one 3-bed rental unit not allocated. It is hoped that offer letters will go out to applicants next week. The Clerk had asked Deborah for her opinion on under-occupancy of the final 3-bed unit, i.e. would West Kent offer it to an applicant who lives within the parish but is only eligible for a 2-bed unit. Deborah reported that she is not keen to immediately under-occupy the unit, given the huge demand that West Kent has for three beds and there are suitable applicants within yards of the boundary who do need a 3-bed unit, but she won’t rule it out yet. Members asked that West Kent supply the Clerk with a list of the successful applicants at the same time as the letters are sent out. Cllr Mrs James advised that Mrs Beth Steer is currently having a battle with the builders as they have erected a new fence adjacent to her property, but it does not allow her space to maintain her fence.

133. To consider the possible provision of a car park in Chiddingstone

See District Cllr Paddy Cooke’s report made in the Open Session prior to the meeting commencing.

134. To discuss the provision of a play area and additional car parking in Chiddingstone Causeway

Cllr Mrs James reported that Mr Patrick Hills is unwell and unable to meet her. Hopefully he will be in touch when he is better.

1. To consider the maintenance of the sports field during summer months and associated expenditure

   Cllr Barratt said that the land is privately owned and, unless the land is in the ownership of the Parish Council, he does not feel that the Parish Council should pay for the maintenance as it could set a precedent. Cllr Mrs James stated that the green is used all year round by residents, and is used heavily in the summer for sports, children and activities like the summer fete.

2. To consider the loan application to KCC Member Community Grant Scheme

   Members agreed that the Stoolball Club should apply for the grant from KCC and be responsible for paying Tim Kemp for the work. The Parish Council will assist as much as possible.

3. To consider how the sports field will be maintained in future

1. To consider subscription renewal to KAPC for 2008/09: £345.03 + VAT

   plus Local Council Review publication: £13.50, and Parish News publication: £15.00

   Members approved the subscription renewal.

2. To consider subscription to Action with Communities in Rural Kent for 2008/09: £35.00

   Members approved the subscription renewal.

3. Cllr Cottrell proposed that members approve the payment of cheques, this was seconded by Cllr Williams and at vote, all were in favour.

1. The Clerk reported that Alex Lochrane would like to do a powerpoint presentation at the Annual Parish Meeting on 30^th April, and undertook to ask Ian Harrison if the Parish Council could borrow his projector screen.
2. Cllr Mrs James was concerned about the safety aspects of the Bough Beech Village Hall and members agreed to consider whether the Parish Council continue to hold meetings in the hall at their Annual Parish Council meeting in May.
3. Cllr Barratt advised that he will not stand for election as Chairman at the May meeting. Cllr Cottrell stated that he is happy to continue in the role of Vice-Chairman.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

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