Present: Cllr P. Barratt (Chairman), Cllr P. Benton, Cllr Mrs J. Butler, Cllr M. Cottrell, Cllr J. Glendinning and Cllr Mrs D. James

Reports from County and District Councillors were held prior to the commencement of the Parish Council meeting (see separate report). There were no questions from members of the public.

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

49. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed

    Cllr Mrs Butler declared a prejudicial interest in item 52 as the planning application under discussion is for her property.

50. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 25^th July 2007 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Mrs James, seconded by Cllr Cottrell and all were in favour.

51. To report on Matters Arising from Parish Council Meeting held on 25^th July 2007

1. Item 37 (ii) – site meeting at Blacksmiths Corner at the junction with Grove Road. Cllr Barratt reported that he and Cllr Williams met with Mr Bryan Fitzgerald from Kent Highway Services and local residents to look at what could be done to improve the safety of this junction. Mr Fitzgerald was sympathetic and has agreed that a 'Junction ahead' warning sign and 'Slow' painted in the carriageway is necessary and will be implemented once funding has been identified. Cllr Barratt to inform residents accordingly.
2. Item 39 (iv) Correspondence – the Clerk reported that she has received an email from Janet Ranson about Abbagail Wray, who was told that she could not join the housing list for Chiddingstone and Janet has advised that that the lettings team did have a record of the conversation and the issue is simply that the lady is single and the rented units are all family homes. The team assured Janet that they would never have told Abbagail that she needed to get pregnant but would have told her that they cannot allocate a 3 bedroom home to a single person. They have, nevertheless, included her on the list of potential applicants.
3. Item 43 – proposal to consider financial contributions towards purchase of second interactive speed sign in Chiddingstone Causeway – the Clerk reported that she has now received an application form for a grant from the KCC Member Community Grant. Members were all in favour of now completing the form requesting a grant of £1,500 towards the second interactive speed sign.

1. To consider planning applications received

   Cllr Mrs Butler declared a prejudicial interest in the following item and left the room while the application was considered.

   SE/07/02706/LBCALT – Tyehall, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone – alteration of existing windows to patio doors, removal of unused modern chimney and removal of internal wall. Members had no objection.

2. The list of planning decisions had been previously circulated. One additional planning approval is at Bough Beech Treatment Works for the erection of two single storey detached buildings used to house equipment for water treatment processes.

Lists of correspondence received had been circulated, and the Clerk drew members’ attention to the following:

i. Item 1: Clerks & Councils Direct – subscription renewal. The Parish Council currently has two additional subscriptions, at a cost of £9.50 per subscriber for six issues. It was agreed to renew the two subscriptions.

ii. Item 3: The Environment Agency – consultation document for the South East River Basin District, which covers Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex, East Sussex and South and East Kent. Consultation runs until 24^th January 2008 and any person may make representations by completing the online response form on their website www. Environment-agency.gov.uk/wfd.

iii. Item 6: KCC – consultation document on the Countryside Access Improvement Plan. A duty was placed on all highway authorities to produce a Countryside Access Improvement Plan through the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000. Kent’s Improvement Plan has now been produced in draft and includes (i) an overview of the current state of access to the countryside in Kent and (ii) key objectives to improve the public ROW network over the next ten years. Comments invited by 1^st October. Plan can be viewed online on www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess.

iv. Item 11: SDC – details of their Community Grant Scheme 2008/09 with closing date of 16^th November 2007. Scheme open for applications from voluntary organisations who provide help and services for the residents of the district, as well as groups working with local young people and play schemes.

v. Item 16: SDC – The Future of Transport in Sevenoaks District – conference on 23^rd October from 9.15am to 2.30pm in Sevenoaks Community Centre.

vi. Item 24: SDC – notification that TPO has been made on trees in the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road. Cllr Barratt questioned the boundary of the new conservation area as it could have an impact on discussions relating to the proposed car park in Chiddingstone.

vii. Item 29: SDC (Ian Bigwood) re: Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations. Deadline for representations is 12^th October. The Polling Places in our parish are The Rock Inn, Chiddingstone Hoath; Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall, and Chiddingstone Primary School. Members approved the Polling Places and Clerk to respond.

viii. Item 34: Email from resident in Chiddingstone Causeway wishing to bring to the Parish Council’s attention the appearance of the Causeway shop and adjacent land, which he terms as less than satisfactory. There are two disused commercial refrigeration units, an unsightly old caravan (with TV aerial) and a large amount of rubbish and debris. Members did not believe that this is in the remit of the Parish Council.

ix. Item 36: Kent Police – invitation to the Sevenoaks District: Neighbourhood Management Launch on Monday 15^th October from 9.30am to 2pm at the SDC Chamber. The objectives of the launch are to (i) explain what Neighbourhood Policing is; (ii) Introduce the Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Policing Team; (iii) Explain what Neighbourhood Management is; (iv) Provide an overview of some of the supporting roles available in the context of Neighbourhood Management and (v) Provide an opportunity for informal networking. The event will conclude with a buffet lunch.

x. Item 37: SDC re: Sevenoaks District Open Space Study Consultation and Tree Legislation Parish and Town Council workshops on Tuesday 9^th October at 6pm and Wednesday 10^th October at 2pm in the Council Chamber. Two representatives invited. Sessions likely to last about 3 hours max. Cllr Mrs Butler and the Clerk hoped to attend.

xi. Item 38: KCC – Kent Free Trees Scheme – offering up to 25 free trees in West and Mid Kent. Closing date for applications 31^st October. Cllr Barratt suggested that this is mentioned in the Parish Magazine.

xii. Item 44: Email from Mrs Lynn Marmont-Longley advising that her daughter, Mrs Katrina Benger, who currently rents from Mr Hills at the Old Brick Yard, Chiddingstone Causeway, has applied to go on the housing list for the affordable houses in Chiddingstone Causeway. She has now advised West Kent that she is expecting twins and wants to be considered for a unit. Katrina was told that, as she is in privately rented accommodation, she would need to become homeless in order to be re-housed.

13. Item 46: Email from Janet Ranson. At the request of Cllr Williams, the Clerk has asked whether a site visit could be arranged to the affordable houses in the Causeway, and Janet said that she is sure it can be arranged. Members agreed it would be a nice idea and Clerk to arrange when Cllr Williams available. Members will also be able to view the homes when they are completed.

Item received after list compiled:

xiv. Email from KAPC re: Post Office campaign. Kent is one of the first areas in the country to undergo a government led review of the post office network aimed at finding savings through closures. KCC is very concerned about the impact these closures will have and has launched a campaign to support Kent's post office network. A consultation is due to be published on 2nd October which at present allows only a six week period for response. KCC’s concerns are outlined on their website, which also includes an online petition, a downloadable petition for use in your local community and an online questionnaire. Please see www.kent.gov.uk/postoffice.

54. To consider participation in a Councillors’ training session with neighbouring parishes

The Clerk to Cowden Parish Council, Susan Wellerd, has discussed with Rodney Williamson from KAPC about whether he would be willing to do a bespoke training session for members of neighbouring Parish Councils in this area. Rodney has agreed and there would be a charge to be split between those Parish Councils taking part, but it would not be as much as the fees charged for the Councillors’ Information Days. The Clerk has advised that she has spoken to Penshurst and Bidborough Parish Councils who are interested. Hever Parish Council unfortunately is not interested, and Leigh Parish Council will let us know. Members preferred an evening session.

The Clerk advised that, alternatively, KAPC is holding a Councillors’ Information Day at Lenham Community Centre on 22^nd September. Cost £55 + VAT per delegate. Members agreed that they would prefer the bespoke session.

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

Cllr Mrs James reported that the area to the side of the Village Hall has always been utilised by users of the hall and she felt that there would be more space on the sports field, plus there would be added benefit of hopefully some car parking there too.

56. To consider quote for maintenance of Closed Churchyard, including trees and repair to wall

The Clerk reported that three quotes have been received for the repair of the church wall. There was concern that the specification for the work may not have been the same for each quote, and Cllr Durrant to be asked to draw up a specification to be sent to each company with a request that they confirm that the specification is what they have quoted on. Item to be considered at the October Parish Council meeting.

57. To discuss the repair of the War Memorial in St. Mary’s Closed Churchyard, Chiddingstone

The Clerk advised that she has sent off for a grant application form from The War Memorials Trust. The grant scheme contributes up to 50% of the eligible costs with a maximum of £10,000. Closing dates for applications are 30^th April and 31^st October each year. Work should not commence until the Panel has made its decision on the application. Details were enclosed of The Conservation Register, which holds detailed information on conservation- restoration practices, and The National Association of Memorial Masons, which lists the names of all its members. Members agreed that the National Association of Memorial Masons be contacted in the first instance to gain advice on what work would be required. Then a quote for the work to be obtained by a reputable mason and an application for a grant to be made by the 30^th April deadline.

58. To agree the employment of the parish handyman at £10 per hour

In the absence of Cllr Cooke, this item to be postponed until the October Parish Council meeting.

59. To consider purchase of hearing loop. Cost £705 + VAT

Cllr Barratt had borrowed a hearing loop and brought it to the meeting for members to see. Members felt that, as the loop is costly and unlikely to be used much, it was agreed that a notice should be added to the Parish Council agendas advising members of the public that if they make a request in advance for a loop to be available at meetings, Cllr Barratt could borrow it again.

i. Members approved the payment of cheques – proposed by Cllr Mrs Butler, seconded by Cllr Benton. All were in favour.
ii. To approve insurance premium for bus shelter in Chiddingstone Causeway – the Clerk reported that the premium for the year would be £56.60 + 5% tax based on a re-build value of £5,000. Cllr Barratt questioned whether the public liability insurance covers all items owned by the Parish Council, or whether these items would need to be specified. Clerk to investigate and report back.
iii. The Clerk reported that SDC has agreed to put the dog bin in Chiddingstone Causeway on the rota for emptying at a cost of £19.50 per quarter for one emptying per week.

1. The Clerk reported that she has finally managed to get hold of Farah Miri-Mezaine at KCC Tourism office who advised that a survey was done on the High Weald Country Tour signs in 2004, and all signs were in place and in a good state of repair. She will replace any that are now missing but wanted to know where they were located. Sallie in the shop said that they were both ends of Mill Lane, at the Wheatsheaf, at the Triangle Oast and possibly by the church wall in Chiddingstone.
2. Cllr Benton stated that he thought the area opposite Chequers in Bough Beech, and the area around the two semi-detached cottages next to Chequers, look very untidy.
3. Cllr Mrs James asked about the car park proposal for Chiddingstone and what the Parish Council’s involvement would be. Cllr Barratt stated that the Parish Council’s role would be to help facilitate the car park and the landowner would fund it.
4. Cllr Glendinning advised that he is still waiting to hear from Cllr Cooke regarding the insurance for the tennis courts.
5. Cllr Barratt reported that he has received a complaint from a resident in Oakenden Lane about the noise from a wedding at Hoath House. Clerk to speak to Cllr Durrant and another resident in Chiddingstone Hoath.

The meeting closed at 9.10pm

County Councillor Peter Lake’s report was heard after the Parish Council meeting closed – please see separate report.

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