Reports by District Cllr Cooke and County Cllr Lake were held prior to the commencement of the Parish Council meeting (see separate report). Cllr Cooke left the meeting before the closed session commenced.

18. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Cooke and Cllr Durrant and their reasons for absence were accepted by the Parish Council. Apologies for absence were also received from District Cllr Mrs Cook.
     

19. To co-opt Penny Harris as the new member of Chiddingstone Parish Council The Clerk reported that no requests for an election were received from SDC, so the Parish Council is able to co-opt a new member to replace Cllr Paul Barratt, who resigned on 30^th April. Cllr Benton proposed that Penny Harris be co-opted onto the council with immediate effect, this was seconded by Cllr Williams and all were in favour. Cllr Ms Harris signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office form and agreed to complete her Register of Interests form and return it to the Clerk within 28 days.
     

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

21. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 21^st May 2008 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Cottrell and at vote all were in favour.
     

22. To report on Matters Arising from Parish Council Meeting held on 21^st May 2008
    i. Item 8(v) - the Clerk reported that she has spoken to the Managing Director of Chase Fencing at Penshurst Station, Alan Coulstock, and offered help to tidy the area if needed, and reiterated the Parish Council’s thanks for allowing free parking at the station. Alan advised that the free parking may not continue indefinitely as the cost of maintaining the road and car park are increasing. He also said that if anyone wants to collect any of the combustible waste at the site for woodburning stoves they are very welcome.

ii. Item 13 - the replacement of the High Weald Country Tour brown tourism signs. The Clerk reported that she has tried to contact Kent Tourism, Ruth Wood, about the payment for the replacement of the signs, but she is on holiday and the Clerk will try to contact her again on her return to the office. County Cllr Peter Lake has offered to write on the Parish Council’s behalf.

18. Planning

1. To consider planning applications received

   i. SE/08/01392/WTCA: Cares Cross, Truggers Lane, Chiddingstone Hoath. TN8 7BP Removal and reduction of conifers. Members had no objection to this application.

   ii. SE/08/01472/FUL: Bough Beech Sailing Club, Winkhurst Green, Bough Beech. TN8 7AN Erection of two timber storage sheds and the stationing of two pairs of containers for storage.Members had no objection to this application.
    

2. The Clerk advised that the list of planning decisions is set out on the correspondence list.

18. To report on correspondence received

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

1. Item 1: Notification that SDC has received a consultation from BT concerning a proposal to remove 22 public payphones from the District. SDC asks whether the Parish Council agrees or objects to the proposed closure of the public phonebox in Chiddingstone village. SDC also say that BT do not need to consult on the removal of other payphones in the District, as they are within 400m of another payphone. There has been an email from Nigel Lucas objecting to the removal of the phonebox, and an email from Gary Churchill of The National Trust, asking whether the Parish Council would take on the maintenance of the phone box if BT remove the equipment. Members agreed that it would be a shame to lose this traditional facility and the phonebox is an essential means of communication.

The mobile coverage in Chiddingstone village is very poor, and there are elderly members of the community who have no mobile phones and some don’t even have a landline. Cllr Ms Harris advised that she has seen members of the Youth Club use the phone to contact their parents. The village is also visited by many tourists, and this may be their only means of communication. Members felt that BT has a duty to allow people to communicate and it is a necessary service for the community. Clerk to write to SDC accordingly.

ii. Item 8: Letter from BTCV re: Tree Warden Scheme – asking for a contribution of £100 for the year, which will give our Tree Warden additional support. Members agreed to continue with the free bronze membership, but Clerk to ask Steve Haysom whether he thinks he would benefit from the additional services offered by the silver membership. BTCV also asks whether there is anyone who would like to be the Parish Pond Warden. Cllr Mrs James undertook to ask Diane Heasman if she is interested.

iii. Item 9: KALC – training days:

Chairmanship Training Day – Lenham Community Centre – Thursday 17^th July
Councillors’ Information Day – Lenham Community Centre – Wednesday 2^nd July
Councillors’ Information Day – Lenham Community Centre – Saturday 26^th July

Cost for each course £60 + VAT per delegate. Cllr Mrs James expressed interest in the Chairmanship Day.

iv. Item 13: SDC re: audio version of the ‘In Shape’ magazine. The paper version of the magazine is posted to nearly 50,000 homes and businesses three times a year. The audio version is available and is particularly useful for visually impaired residents. Please contact Alison Walker on 01732-227177 to request a cassette or CD version.

vi. Item 19: Email from Christine Grainger, St. Luke’s Churchwarden, re: external lighting at St. Luke’s church. A notice was sent to the owners of adjacent properties giving full details of the plans and to date their only response has been a request for the lights to be turned off earlier than 11pm, which will be considered. SDC has also been informed of the lighting plans and that local residents have been consulted. It is hoped that the lighting can be installed by the autumn.

vii. Item 21: Email from Peter Lake, advising that he has let the Stoolball Club apply for the grant for grass cutting but this is one off for this year - the Parish Council can apply for another grant but he is also supporting the school with funding.

The Clerk reported that permission to erect the noticeboard on the stone wall by the Chiddingstone Castle metal gate has been given by Alex Lochrane. Four quotes have been received:

1. Woodwork, Chiddingstone. £495 + VAT. Oak wall cabinet for displaying 9 A4 sheets. Single, lockable, glazed door. Carved lettering included in price, wording and finish to be confirmed.
2. Norbury Park Wood Products (part of Surrey Wildlife Trust): £545 + VAT (86cm x 76cm) with 2 locking polycarbonate doors and two 4" posts and including carved lettering. 12 week delivery.
3. Harry Stebbing: £695 + VAT (69cm x 92cm, takes 9 A4 sheets), single door, polycarbonate, locked, brass fittings, wall mounted. Vinyl lettering free, carved letting £3.75 per letter (= £97.50)
4. Church Notice Board Company: £930 + VAT (75cm x 98cm), or £1,320 + VAT (140cm x 98cm), glass doors, lockable. Free engraving and delivery. 3-4 weeks.

Members were keen to support a local craftsman and Cllr Williams proposed that Woodwork be instructed to carry out the work, this was seconded by Cllr Glendinning and at vote all were in favour. This is the cheapest quote and members were satisfied that the work will be good quality.

18. Finance:

1. Members approved the payment of cheques, including:

   SLCC – membership renewal £113 p.a.

   CPRE request for membership renewal £28.00
    

2. Members gave retrospective approval for the renewal of the Parish Council insurance policy with Jardine Lloyd Thompson (renewal 1^st June so payment made at the May Parish Council meeting without the item appearing on the agenda).

Cllr Williams advised that he still has the Chiddingstone sign, which he is refurbishing, and suggested that it could be erected at Gilwyns Corner. Clerk to ascertain ownership and make the necessary enquiries.

The meeting closed at 9.05pm

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