Chiddingstone Parish Council Minutes
 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CHIDDINGSTONE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON
WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2006 AT 8.00 PM IN CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY VILLAGE HALL

Present: Cllr P. Cooke (Chairman), Cllr P. Barratt (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs J. Butler, Cllr W. Coulstock, Cllr Mrs D. James and Cllr Mrs M. Ward
Apologies: Cllr M. Cottrell, Cllr I. Durrant and Cllr H. Williams
In attendance: Mrs L. Kleinschmidt (Clerk), District Cllr D. Spence and Public
  1. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Cottrell, Cllr Durrant and Cllr Williams and their reasons for absence were accepted by the Parish Council. Apologies for absence were also received from County Cllr Lake.
     

  2. To co-opt new Member of the Parish Council: Mrs Janice Butler
    Cllr Mrs Ward proposed that Mrs Butler be co-opted onto the Parish Council. This was seconded by Cllr Mrs James and all members were in favour. Cllr Mrs Butler signed the form of acceptance of office and undertaking to observe the Code of Conduct, which was countersigned by the Clerk, as proper officer. Cllr Mrs Butler undertook to complete the Register of Members’ Interest form within 28 days and return to the Clerk.
     
  3. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed
    Cllr Mrs Ward declared a personal interest in any discussions relating to the application at Chiddingstone Primary School as she is a Governor.
     

  4. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 19th July 2006 were approved and duly signed.
     

  5. To Report on Matters Arising from the Parish Council Meeting held on 19th July 2006
  1. Item 32(iii) Courtesy Car: the Clerk reported that she has spoken to Bridget Harris of Edenbridge Volunteer Transport, which operates from Edenbridge Hospital and covers the Chiddingstone area for appointments at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals for all patients registered with the Edenbridge doctors’ surgery. They will also help people who are not registered with the Edenbridge surgery if they can. Volunteer drivers are sought and will need to undergo a criminal records check. Drivers are paid 36p per mile expenses and, although the journey is free, a donation is encouraged. Clerk to mention in Parish Magazine.
  2. Item 43 (iv) Post Box in Bough Beech: the Clerk reported that she has written a letter of complaint to Royal Mail but as yet a response has not been received.
  1. Open Session
    2.

i. District Cllr Donald Spence reported that the planning application for the affordable housing on land east of the village pond, Chiddingstone Causeway (SE/06/01441/FUL) will be considered by the Development Control Committee of SDC on Thursday 21st September. District Cllr Spence added that he will be speaking in favour of the application, and the officer recommendation is for approval. The possible problem of surface water would be a condition of approval, if granted. District Cllr Spence stated that there will be changes in the planning department as Mr Hinton and Mr Edwards have left and replacements are sought.
ii. District Cllr Alison Cook – no report.
iii. County Cllr Peter Lake – no report.

Cllr Cooke asked if there were any questions or comments from members of the public.

  1. Mrs Steer and Mrs Luton stated that, although they are not against the application, they object to the proposed site of the affordable housing, which is Green Belt, and they are concerned that the development will dominate the field.
  2. Mr North advised that he noted from the Parish Magazine that Mrs Jacqueline Leach gave a presentation at the July Parish Council meeting on the proposed developments at Bore Place. Whilst Mr North is on very good terms with Bore Place, he is concerned about the current proposals on land in the Green Belt, and that the one or two small wind turbines proposed could increase in number in the future. Bore Place is open all year and is only quiet on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The drive is a bridleway and is heavily used. Mr North asked for assurance that the Parish Council will only consider the applications, when submitted, against planning policies. Cllr Cooke assured him that, although the Parish Council is not the planning authority, members will be sensitive to comments made by local residents.
  3. Mrs Perkin stated that the lane to Bore Place already takes a lot of traffic and she can see nothing but more and more traffic. Bore Place is not responsible for the maintenance of the road, and the drainage was destroyed by the coaches, lorries, tractors and cars visiting the centre. Mrs Perkin added that it would be beneficial to classify the lane as a Quiet Lane. District Cllr Spence asked if SDC has been informed of the drainage problems, and undertook to raise the matter with the relevant department.
  4. Mr Biddle stated that he was concerned about the prospect of the erection of a new dwelling at Bore Place. There are currently four houses, only two of which are occupied by agricultural workers, and there is no physical requirement for the addition house/s.

Cllr Barratt thanked the members of the public for their comments, and Cllr Cooke asked whether an alternative access to the centre could be considered. The Clerk reminded everyone of the Bore Place Open Evening on Thursday 12th October from 6pm to 8.30pm.

  1. Planning
  1. To consider planning applications received:-

    SE/06/02418/FUL – Coles Farm, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone: application for two stables for personal use only. Members felt that there are already a number of outbuildings on the site and, if the farm is in single ownership, the proposed new stables would increase the number further. If the converted barn is in separate ownership, Cllr Mrs Ward thought that there might be a restriction on the barn not to allow any outbuildings. There was concern that the stables could be converted into a garage at a later date. Cllr Cooke undertook to speak to the planning officer in this regard, and Clerk to send comments thereafter.

  2. A list of planning decisions was circulated.
  3. The Clerk advised that Jan Boomaars has offered the opportunity for members of the Parish Council to view his barns at Vexour. He has advised that a Saturday or Sunday would suit him best. Clerk to speak to Mr Boomaars and arrange a convenient date.

  1. To Report on Correspondence Received

    The Clerk brought members’ attention to the following items of correspondence, as set out on the circulated lists:

    i. Item 11: SDC re: Public Consultation on household waste in Kent. Deadline for comments 4th October 2006. See www.kentwaste.dialoguebydesign.net.

    ii. Item 18: SDC (Ian Bigwood) re: election of Parish Councillors on 3rd May 2007 – letter offering help with regards to budgeting for the election. Election costs will vary depending on whether or not the election is contested. The Clerk reported that previous election costs were £136.17 in 2003, which was an uncontested election, and £1,004.61 in 1999, which was contested. When the Parish Council considers its budget and precept for 2007/08, election costs will need to be taken into consideration.

    iii. Item 41: South East England Regional Assembly – Partial Review of South East Plan – Provision for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites. Consultation with deadline for responses 13th October.

    iv. Item 43: Clerks & Councils Direct – Subscription Renewal. Cost £9 per subscriber for six issues. It was agreed to renew subscription for two copies, one for the Clerk and one for the Chairman, which could be circulated to other members.
     

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

    Cllr Mrs James reported that the Sevenoaks District Play Strategy is not an active funding stream yet – consultations will be sent out on the draft strategy in October and then, when the strategy is in place, the Play Partnership will apply for funding, and then applications will be invited. It is likely that applications for a few large schemes will be successful rather than grants towards lots of smaller schemes. Members thought that the Chiddingstone Causeway sports field would be the ideal place for a play area, and Cllr Coulstock stated that the land belongs to Patrick Hills. It was agreed that Cllr Cooke would approach Mr Hills to discuss this possibility. Consideration was given to the play area being sited on the Chiddingstone sports field, but Cllr Mrs James stated that the land belongs to the Football Club and the Cricket Club and would not be available to purchase.
     

  3. To consider joining Charter 88’s campaign for a modern democracy – empowering citizens and local councils. Cost £30

    The Clerk reported that a recent report by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops concluded that unless urgent action is taken, many high streets would be dead within ten years with the resulting decline of local economies and communities.

    Therefore, Charter 88 is supporting the Sustainable Communities Bill which gives Parish Councils and local people powers over how to protect their communities from further decline by introducing mechanisms for ‘government from the grass roots’. Asks for support from Parish Councils to (i) join Campaign 88 £30 p.a. (ii) support the Sustainable Communities Bill (free) and/or (iii) write to our MP and ask him to support the campaign by ‘signing Early Day Motion no. 641 and handing it to the Table Office’. Members considered whether the Parish Council should join the campaign at £30, but it was felt that this charter is aimed at less rural communities and it was felt that it is not applicable to Chiddingstone. Members agreed not to proceed further.
     

  4. Village Car Parking

    Cllr Cooke advised that this has not moved forward. Cllr Cooke and Cllr Barratt agreed to meet Mr Blackmore on Saturday 23rd at 10.15am, and Clerk undertook to advise Cllr Durrant. The gate by the Castle Inn is now unlocked from 9am to 4pm to allow access for the Chiddingstone School and Nursery children. Cllr Cooke advised that safety on the bridge will be improved, and Cllr Mrs Ward suggested that lighting is provided. Members also considered whether the area of land to the rear of the Castle Inn could be used as a parking area.
     

  5. Finance
    1. List of cheques – Cllr Cooke proposed that the list of cheques be paid. This was seconded by Cllr Barratt and all were in favour.
    2. Proposal to renew corporate membership for the Eden Valley Museum Trust - £75. Cllr Cooke proposed that membership be renewed, this was seconded by Cllr Coulstock and all were in favour.
    3. Proposal to consider a financial contribution towards the Tree Warden Scheme – members agreed to consider the advantages and possibly discuss again at a later date.
    4. Proposal to consider action required re: £500 grant from KCC for bus shelter in Bough Beech. The Clerk reported that the Parish Council Minutes of the meeting held on 16th February 2005 stated that KCC gave grants to schools and Parish Councils. The Parish Council applied for the grant and, on 16th March 2005, the application was amended to show that the grant was for a bus shelter. Cllr Barratt advised that two payments of £500 were earmarked for Chiddingstone. Clerk to speak to County Cllr Lake and ask for the funds, and to also see if the remainder of the £20,000 has been exhausted or whether it might be available for other projects, such as the Play Area.

49.   Items for Reporting or Inclusion in Future Agenda
  1. The Clerk reported that she has ascertained the cost of having a dog bin in the village. The Parish Council would be expected to pay the whole cost, which would be £150 + VAT for the purchase of the bin and the post, £90 + VAT for the installation (Total £240 + VAT). The bin would cost £3.50 + VAT per week to empty, which would cost £182 + VAT per annum. The Clerk advised that she has also had a request for a litter bin on the sports field, perhaps on the fence near the tennis courts. SDC will provide this free of charge, but the Parish Council would be asked to pay for its installation, i.e. £90 + VAT. The bin would be emptied once a week and this service would be free of charge to the Parish Council. The Clerk added that she has seen from the file that an additional litter bin and dog bin was requested in October 2005 for Chiddingstone Causeway, but SDC were not able to supply one at that time. The Clerk suggested that this item be added to the October Parish Council agenda.
  2. The Clerk reported that Ian Harrison has advised that there is a dead branch of an ash tree between the road and his gate, which needs removing. Clerk to ask KCC to carry out tree works.
  3. The Clerk reported that a request has been made for the footpath from the village to the sports ground (SR518) to be tarmaced, and also the footpath from the village to Somerden (SR498). Both requests have been forwarded to KCC, and Clerk advised that she is still chasing the bridge repair, and has asked the school to write in support.
  4. Cllr Mrs Ward stated that the Parish Council stand at the two summer fetes was very worthwhile and felt that consideration needs to be given to purchasing a banner, small marquee and display stands for future use.
  5. Cllr Mrs James stated that the sign in Bough Beech is still broken and the litter bins in the village are not emptied regularly enough. The Clerk advised that she will chase KCC again on both matters.
  6. Cllr Coulstock stated that the Chiddingstone Sports Pavilion is untidy and the surrounding vegetation is overgrown. Cllr Mrs James to speak to David James and he and Cllr Cooke to raise at the next Sports Association meeting.
  7. Cllr Cooke thought that a public meeting should be held to ascertain what local residents think of the proposals at Bore Place. Clerk to obtain advice from KAPC on public meetings.
  8. Cllr Cooke advised that an email has been received congratulating the Parish Council on how well the churchyard is maintained.

The meeting closed at 9.35pm

Chiddingstone Parish Council Meeting – 20th September, 2006
Cheques paid since last meeting (figures inclusive of VAT)
                                                                                                                                       VAT

Tree Hoppers – maintenance of St. Mary’s churchyard for August £411.25 £61.25
Mrs L. Kleinschmidt – salary: 15 hrs x 4 weeks £625.44
Post Office Ltd – Income Tax and National Insurance contributions £119.99
Mrs L. Kleinschmidt – expenses and mileage £23.68

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