128. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Coulstock and Cllr Durrant and their reasons for absence were accepted by the Parish Council. Apologies were also received from District Cllr Mrs Cook and County Cllr Lake.
      

129. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed – none.
      
130. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 21^st March 2007 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Mrs James.
      
131. To Report on Matters Arising from the Parish Council Meeting held on 21^st March 2007

     Item 119(i) – Cllr Williams reported on the Regional Housing Strategy Review, advising that it is a complex document and it is difficult to answer most of the questions as a level of expertise is required. Under comments, Cllr Williams suggested that he states that the Parish Council is in favour of affordable housing, especially in rural areas, but that the Parish Council does not feel qualified to answer many of the questions. Cllr Williams undertook to speak to Janet Ranson from West Kent Housing on the matter.
      

132. Open Session

i. District Cllr Donald Spence reported that the election preparation is taking most of the time, but there is one more planning meeting on the 26^th April. Regarding the excessive aircraft noise, District Cllr Spence advised that the Environment Select Committee has discussed low-flying aircraft and had circulated a map showing where the planes were stacking up over the Hever area. There is not going to be much improvement in the immediate future.

ii. District Cllr Alison Cook – in the absence of Mrs Cook, the Clerk read her report. The initial feedback from the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is very good, but final written confirmation will not be received until July. Work is continuing towards the District Elections on May 3^rd, and training sessions will be held for candidates. SDC has agreed to sign up to the Nottingham Declaration on climate change, and this will be finalised at the first Council meeting of the new council in May. SDC sees itself as a leader in trying to reduce the carbon footprint. Cllr Mrs Ward stated that she felt that recycling should be stepped up. Cllr Mrs James said that it is hoped that wax cartons and glass will shortly be collected.

3. County Cllr Peter Lake – no report.
    
4. Questions from members of the public – none.

128. Planning

1. SE/07/01073/LBCALT – Oakenden, Oakenden Lane, Chiddingstone Hoath – provision of new bedroom and mezzanine to existing dwelling/barn conversion. Members had no objection.
2. SE/07/00814/FUL – 1 Hill Hoath Cottages, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone – two storey side extension. Members had no objection.

1. List of planning decisions was circulated.

128. To Report on Correspondence Received

1. Item 17: Letter from The Audit Commission certifying the Parish Council’s Annual Audit Return for the year ending 31^st March 2006. The report states that, in their opinion, the information contained in the annual return is in accordance with the Audit Commission’s requirements and no matters have come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met. One comment was that the Parish Council must ensure that the internal auditor covers Box H of Section 4 this year, ie Fixed Asset and Investment Registers.
2. Item 19: Notification from KCC Highways Services that Truggers Lane will be closed from Sunday 3^rd June for 12 weeks for water mains.
3. Item 23: Allianz Cornhill insurance renewal, due 1^st June. Renewal premium £925.34. To be considered at the May Parish Council meeting. Clerk to give copies to Cllr Cooke and Cllr Barratt.
4. Item 25: SDC (Sophie Lord) – In the Zone Summer Programme 2007 – Sophie has visited Chiddingstone sports field and has assessed the site for suitability. Unless there are any other activities on the field, she has set aside Wednesday 8^th August for the Youth Zone to visit Chiddingstone. The Youth Zone provides a free, fun-packed day with a wide range of equipment and resources for children and young people aged 8 and above.
5. Item 26: Communities and Local Government re: The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 (SI No 1159). This revised Model Code of Conduct will come into effect on 3^rd May 2007 and is a clearer, simpler and more proportionate code. The rules on personal and prejudicial interest have changed and the current barriers have been removed on members speaking up for their constituents and for public bodies on which they have been appointed to serve. Copied to all members

128. Village Car Parking

     Cllr Cooke advised that no progress has been made and item to be added to May Parish Council meeting agenda.
      

129. To discuss the provision of a lantern-style street light in Chiddingstone village

     The Clerk reported that she is waiting for a brochure from the suppliers of the lantern, but the lantern is likely to cost approximately £300 + VAT and the column between £300 and £1000 + VAT depending on height and style. EDF has given a verbal quote for the connection of the electricity, which is £619 + VAT if the column is within 3m of the mains cable plus £50 per metre if more trenching is required. This does not include the cost of erecting the street light; a quote would need to be obtained from a qualified electrician. Cllr Cooke reported that an email has been received from Mr Nigel Lucas at the Castle Inn, who is not in favour of a street light in the village. Cllr Cottrell suggested solar lighting, and Clerk to investigate possibilities.
      

130. To consider tenders for the maintenance of St. Mary’s Closed Churchyard, Chiddingstone

The Clerk reported that three tenders have been received:

1. Tree Hoppers, Wadhurst. Total quote for year £3,150 + VAT. Price per visit £175 + VAT
2. AJ Green Landscapes, Hever. Total quote for year £3,150 + Vat. Price per visit £175 + VAT
3. Hever Landscapes, Chiddingstone. Total quote for year £2,790. Price per visit £155

Members unanimously agreed to proceed with the lowest tender for the coming year. The contract will be put to tender at the end of this year for the 2008 season, and the other two companies will have the option of re-tendering.

The Clerk reported that Cllr Durrant has advised that he has in hand the three year maintenance plan for the Closed Churchyard and asked that the item be added to the May agenda.

128. To consider Clerk’s Annual Salary Review

     The Clerk advised that the anniversary of her joining Chiddingstone Parish Council is 1^st April, 2007. The new salary scales for the year 2007/08 have not yet been published. Item to be added to future agenda.
      

129. To consider using services of a local handyman, and agree hourly rate

     Cllr Cooke suggested that it would be a good idea for the Parish Council to use a self-employed handyman to clean road signs, mend seats and notice boards, and alleviate the problem of overflowing litter bins. Members agreed that it is a good idea, and suggested that a list of tasks should be drawn up and then the total number of hours per year could be agreed.
      

130. To agree costs incurred for the repair of the bus shelter in Chiddingstone Causeway

     Cllr Mrs James advised that she is in the process of obtaining quotes. Members agreed that Cllr Mrs James should have the approval to proceed with the repair if the lowest quote is under £200.
      

131. To consider funding by the Parish Council for second speed interactive sign in Chiddingstone Causeway. Cost £3,500

     Cllr Cooke undertook to speak to County Cllr Lake about funding.
      

132. Finance

1. Members approved the following items of expenditure:

1. Subscription renewal to KAPC for 2007/08: £329.50 + VAT, plus Local Council Review publication: £13.50, and Parish News publication: £12.50.
2. Subscription to Action with Communities in Rural Kent for 2007/08: £35.00.
3. Clerk’s attendance at KAPC training day in Lenham on 16^th May: £50 + VAT.

1. Members did not agree to pay a grant at the present time to David Baron towards legal fees in respect of excessive aircraft noise.
2. To approve list of cheques – members agreed.

128. Items for Reporting or Inclusion in Future Agenda

1. The Clerk reminded members that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday 25^th April at 8pm in Chiddingstone Village Hall.
2. The Clerk circulated a copy of the draft Newsletter, which members approved and is ready for circulation.
3. The Clerk updated members on the election process. Eight people were nominated for nine spaces, which means that they all will be elected unopposed. The Parish Council will need to co-opt the ninth member in May, and thought to be given to possible candidates.
4. The Clerk advised that she has a quantity of clear recycling sacks and black dustbin bags for parishioners, and so if anyone is in need of any to let her know.
5. Cllr Mrs James reported that Sallie in the Chiddingstone shop has some leaflets of the local area, for which details about Chiddingstone could be added. Clerk to liaise with Cllr Mrs James.
6. Cllr Mrs Butler reported that she has accepted the position of Clerk to Leigh Parish Council.
7. Cllr Cottrell advised that the lane near Bore Place mentioned on the Highways spreadsheet is Bowzells Lane.
8. Cllr Williams reported that the village sign is still in the process of being refurbished.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

                              KAPC – membership renewal for 2007/08 £400.66 inc. VAT of £57.66

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