83. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Mrs James and her reason for absence was accepted by members.
     

84. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed.
    Cllr Cooke, Cllr Mrs Ward, Cllr Barratt, Cllr Mrs Butler and Cllr Durrant declared personal interests in the grant application made by Chiddingstone School.
     

85. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 15^th November 2006 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Cottrell, seconded by Cllr Mrs Butler.
     

86. Open Session

1. District Cllr Donald Spence reported that Jackie Ruaux, the Planning Officer for the Chiddingstone area, is leaving SDC and it is as yet unknown who will take over the responsibility for the area.
2. County Cllr Peter Lake reported that he is now the Chairman of the Highways Board. Council tax for the next financial year will be about 5% and it is unlikely that there will be cuts to essential services. Voluntary organisations will continue to be supported. KCC has had to make savings of £20 million from its budget as Government funding will be less than that given last year. County Cllr Lake advised that Mr Simon Ellis from 2 Post Office Cottages, Chiddingstone Causeway, has written to District Cllr Alison Cook regarding the speed of vehicles along B2027 and measures must be taken to slow traffic down. Hever Parish Council is concerned about noise associated with low-flying aircraft. Mr David Barron is leading a campaign and can be contacted at davidbarron@aol.com. There is not much good news regarding Edenbridge Hospital – the consultants who have been employed to look at the shortfall in the PCT are not going to be able to complete their work until the end of March. Cllr Cottrell asked if there is anything that can be done to help Dr Andrew Russell in his campaign to save the hospital, and Cllr Lake replied that it is best to wait and see what help Dr Russell wants. The PCT wants to balance its books by the end of March 2007, so it is likely that the future of the hospital will be known by then. The maximum number of beds at the hospital is 17, although only 10 are open. Regarding mental health – stark new figures show that there are 800 young people in Kent (aged 15-19) with eating disorders and little in the way of treatment. There are 3,500 severely autistic children (aged 0-19) in Kent and there is little support from CAMS. These issues are not being addressed by the PCTs. The Government is offering compost bins for £10 each (retail price £50) with free delivery and can be purchased on www.recyclenow.com/compost or on 0845-0770757, quoting HCA1. The Member Community Grant will be available again in the next financial year.

    iii. District Cllr Alison Cook reported that she has spoken to doctors, patients and families at Sevenoaks Hospital, and patients often don’t come from this area as they don’t have a community hospital nearer to home. Cllr Mrs Cook advised that she carried out a survey to see what issues concern residents. Vandalism and petty crime was top of the list and was the thing that concerned most residents. The Chief Superintendent of Tonbridge Police Station told Cllr Mrs Cook that calls to the police in future will be directed to people who have knowledge of the area and there are two new PCs in the area. It is hoped that young offenders will be engaged in something useful and something that interests them and then, hopefully, they will be encouraged to do what they are supposed to do, e.g. attend school. Another concern for local people is traffic and lack of parking. There is also a growing fear about the future protection of the Green Belt. Cllr Mrs Cook advised that Mr Simon Ellis also brought up the subject of litter and SDC commissioned another litter bin by the Causeway Post Office but it has not yet been installed, as the owner of the property did not want it erected there. The SDC Budget is under consideration and it will be a difficult time again as another £500,000 needs to be taken from the budget, in addition to the £3 million over the last three years. SDC is not expecting an increase in grant from the Government.

83. To Report on Matters Arising from the Parish Council Meeting held on 15^th November 2006

1. Item 74: repair to bridge over the river at Somerden. The Clerk advised that she complained about the unsatisfactory repair to KCC, but was told that the repair cost £500 but to provide a more complete repair would cost £7,000, funds that KCC do not have available.
2. Item 77(iii) – the Clerk advised that she attended the Standards & Ethics workshop on the Code of Conduct on 13^th December which was very interesting. The Government hope to introduce a new Code of Conduct before the elections on 3^rd May. Anticipated changes will include (i) if a prejudicial interest is declared, the member will be able to stay in the room and speak on the matter, but will need to leave the room for the vote; (ii) in 2008 the Monitoring Officers of District Councils will consider allegations instead of The Standards Board and the decision will then be taken by the Standards Committee after a recommendation made by the Monitoring Officer. There will be a mediation process and appeal process. Serious misconduct will be sent to The Standards Board for investigation. This will save The Standards Board £9 million per annum, but no additional funding appears to be available to the District Councils. (iii) The requirement for members to report breaches of the Code of Conduct made by their fellow members will be removed. (iv) There will be a new provision to address bullying. There is a manual if members would like to borrow it.
3. Grant towards bus shelter in Bough Beech – the Clerk reported that she has received the application form from Tom Phillips at KCC. The application will be for a Member Community Grant and must come into one of the following categories (i) projects to promote and support the development of young people in our communities; (ii) projects to help Kent’s most vulnerable adults and older people to live independently; (iii) projects to promote activities which encourage and celebrate cultural diversity and participation in the civic life of Kent; (iv) projects to encourage active participation in local community life; (v) projects to help make Kent a safer county and (vi) projects to enhance Kent’s physical environment. Projects must commence before 31^st March and must have planning permission when required. Members agreed to apply for a grant in the next financial year.

83. Planning

1. To consider planning applications received – in the absence of Cllr Williams, members could not discuss the current planning applications and postponed decisions until the next Planning Committee meeting.
2. List of planning decisions were circulated.

83. To Report on Correspondence Received

1. Item 3: SDC (Christine Nuttall – Monitoring Officer) re: appointment of Parish/Town representative for the Standards Committee of SDC. The role of the committee is to promote and maintain a high standard of conduct in public life. If members would like to know more, please contact the Clerk.
2. Item 7: The Planning Inspectorate – notification that the appeal has been dismissed on Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall for partial demolition of the existing corrugated iron structure and replacement with a larger ‘Glulam’ building. Cllr Cooke advised that the appeal was dismissed due to the perceived detrimental affect on the Green Belt. The Village Hall Management Committee will meet the architect in the next few weeks to see what can be done. Parking was also mentioned by the inspector as being a problem and members thought that this could be improved by initiating the parking spaces on the recreation ground as previously discussed. The land to the east of the hall is owned by Mr Patrick Hills and there is no guarantee that this could be used for parking. Cllr Mrs Ward suggested that the hall could be used as a children’s centre, which is a current government initiative.
3. Item 12: KCC – Barbara Hucker re: parish issues spreadsheet. After taking into account the comments from the parishes, KCC has agreed to add a comments column and reference numbers to the spreadsheet. The Clerk advised that she has updated the spreadsheet and returned it to KCC, adding the issue of speeding vehicles on the B2176, Station Hill, Chiddingstone Causeway. The replacement fingerpost at the end of Mill Lane in Bough Beech has still not been done, and neither has the repair to the sign in Bough Beech, despite assurances from KCC that it will be done by year end. They have repaired the school sign in Chiddingstone, and repaired pot holes on the bend approaching Chiddingstone, opposite the water treatment works.
4. Item 20: SDC (Mike Higgins) re: Hoath Corner Conservation Area. As part of the review of conservation area boundaries, the Chiddingstone Hoath area has been redesignated. A conservation area is defined as "an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance." For information only.
5. Item 22: The Office of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Mr Allan Willett CMG – invitation to the Chairman and guest to the annual Civic Service at All Saints Church, Maidstone, on Tuesday 20^th March 2007 at 11am. RSVP by 26^th January. Cllr Cooke undertook to attend if he could.
6. Item 27: Kent Police Authority – questionnaire for completion and return. Cllr Durrant undertook to complete and return the questionnaire.

83. To consider provision of village gateway signs

    The Clerk advised that Kent Downs AONB have written to ask whether the Parish Council would like gateway signs, as Kent Downs AONB expect to be able to provide 50% of the cost (a single sign approx £500 and a pair £1000). The signs would be constructed of cast ductile steel and mounted on oak posts. The letter and logos will be raised. Members agreed not to proceed with the purchase of gateway signs. Kent Downs AONB have also asked for information on the location and condition of any traditional road signs in our parish. Cllr Cooke asked that the refurbishment of the Chiddingstone sign be put on the agenda for the February meeting.
     

84. To consider provision of Play Area on Chiddingstone Causeway sports field

    Members agreed to obtain quotes for the Play Area and investigate grant opportunities. Mr Patrick Hills, who owns the land, is in Australia at present and Cllr Cooke undertook to contact him as soon as he is back.
     

85. Village Car Parking

    Cllr Cooke undertook to arrange a meeting with a planning officer on site. With the imminent departure of Jackie Ruaux, it is unsure who will be the planning officer for Chiddingstone but members were keen to proceed with this matter as quickly as possible.
     

86. Affordable Housing – to consider site for four additional units in the parish

    The Clerk advised that she has spoken to Janet Ranson at West Kent for an update. Tenders for developing the main site are due in on 25^th January and then hopefully building will commence in the spring. Janet has made a revised offer to Patrick Hills for the purchase of the area in Charcott Green for four units, but she has yet to hear back from him. Those on the housing list for Chiddingstone will be considered and the Parish Council will no doubt be approached to verify statements, such as a parent living in the parish. They will start the process of allocating the units three months prior to the development being completed. Janet advised that she did take a look at the area of land to the rear of the village shop in Chiddingstone Causeway, but it was flooded and she felt that it was therefore not suitable. Cllr Cooke undertook to speak to Janet in this regard.

    The Clerk advised that she has received a copy letter from GOSE advising that the Secretary of State has concluded that there is not sufficient conflict with national planning policies to warrant calling in the application for her own determination and, therefore, SDC are authorised to determine the application as they see fit.
     

87. To approve Risk Assessment

    Members were in agreement to the Risk Assessment as prepared by the Clerk but asked that risks associated with the tennis courts and adjacent car park, and the area of land in front of The Rectory in Chiddingstone be added to the assessment. The Parish Council also own small areas of land in Chiddingstone Hoath, and Clerk to investigate where these areas are and whether there are any associated risks.
     

88. To approve and sign Clerk’s Contract of Employment

Cllr Durrant declared a personal interest as he is a friend of the Clerk. The Clerk advised that NALC produce a standard Contract of Employment and asked members to consider the following:-

1. The Clerk is currently on NALC spinal column point 27 and as part of her annual review on 1^st April, the Council needs to decide whether to agree a salary scale of annual increments, subject to satisfactory performance, or whether to review the salary annually. Members agreed to review annually.
2. The Clerk asked whether the Council wishes to continue to pay a monthly sum to take into account the use of space, lighting, heating and electricity as the Clerk works from home. The Council used to pay Dorothy £50 per month. Cllr Barratt thought that this is very reasonable compared to the cost of renting a parish office and members agreed to continue with the monthly payment.
3. The Clerk advised that she currently does not charge for mileage within the parish, but does charge for mileage outside the parish at 40p per mile, which is the recommended amount. Members agreed.
4. The payment of overtime is included in the contract, but the Clerk advised that she will only charge in exceptional circumstances, as some weeks are busier than others.

83. Finance

1. To consider grant request made by Chiddingstone School. The majority of members had declared a personal interest in this matter (see above) but it was felt that they are not prejudiced in the matter and remained in the room to discuss and vote. The school has requested a grant towards the purchase of new musical instruments. Cllr Durrant proposed that a grant of £1,000 be given to the school for this project. This was seconded by Cllr Cottrell and at vote all were in favour.
2. To consider grant request made by Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service. Members agreed that this is a worthwhile and important service for the local community. Cllr Mrs Ward proposed that a grant of £200 be given to Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service. This was seconded by Cllr Mrs Butler and at vote all were in favour. Clerk to add information on the service to the website and the parish magazine, and also request that the contact number is included in the list at the front of the magazine. It was also agreed that the Clerk should make the local organisations aware of the service and also write to the doctors surgeries in Edenbridge and Penshurst.
3. To consider and approve Earmarked Reserves. The Clerk reported that, at year-end, there should be funding of approximately £28,000 in the bank. The Clerk suggested that an amount is kept in the bank for contingencies and it was agreed that £15,000 is placed in an Earmarked Reserve for the Play Area / Village Car Park / Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall. At year-end any remaining funds could also be transferred to the Reserve.
4. To approve list of cheques – members approved the expenditure.
5. Dog bins – the Clerk advised that, after speaking to SDC, she has been advised that they do not hold dog bins in stock. At the Parish Council meeting held on 18^th October, approval was given for the purchase of two dog bins at £150 + VAT each. The cheapest option available for the Parish Council to purchase is £89.46 + VAT each plus various posts and fixing options. Members agreed not to proceed with the option to reduce damage caused by a firework if someone sets one off in the bin, at a cost of £10.77 + VAT. Members preferred the green and black colour option and asked the Clerk to speak to Cllr Coulstock regarding the fixings. Postage is £18.90 and will take two weeks.

83. Items for Reporting or Inclusion in Future Agenda

The meeting closed at 9.50pm