HORTON KIRBY AND SOUTH DARENTH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of a SPECIAL MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on 12 April 2006 in the Parish RoomVillage Hall, South Darenth at 7.30 pm

Present: Cllr P Bradley (Chairman)

Cllrs A Burchmore, D Payne, G Piller, M Powsey, D Snape,

R Valentine and I Wescombe

In attendance: C Allart, Parish Clerk

Apologies for Absence: Cllr G Tripp

Declarations of Interests: None

193 PLANNING

SE/05/02000/FUL & SE/05/02001/2 LBC/CAC amended

Horton Kirby Paper Mill, South Darenth

Redevelopment of Horton Kirby Paper Mill for a mixed use including 210 residential units together with commercial use and car parking and highways works, landscaping and associated works to the river.

The Parish Council generally welcomes this revised scheme and supports the reduced number of dwellings, the increased parking arrangements, the improved road layouts without the roundabout at the bottom of East Hill and the softer landscaping.

One area of major concern is the crossroads junction of Station Road and Dartford road (A225). This is a local black spot in the rush hours for pedestrians as well as vehicles exiting from the villages. A pelican crossing is vital and its siting is crucial if a) it is to be used by all pedestrians and b) if it is to assist in the safe manoeuvring of vehicles at the junction. This Parish Council therefore urges provision to be made for this light-operated crossing to be positioned either under or just to the south of the railway bridge.

It is noted that the bollards which have been objected to before are still included in the amended scheme. They are visually intrusive, do not enhance the semi-rural nature of the village centre, restrict casual parking and could be a hazard. The Parish Council wish to see this feature removed from the plans.

The Parish Council does not wish to see the woodland at the northern end of the site maintained in any formal way. It should be kept as an area set aside for wildlife habitat and visual amenity.

The lighting scheme on the site should in all aspects be in accordance with the requirements of the Villages Design Statement which expects lights to be directed downwards and be switched off at midnight in order to reduce light pollution.

SE/06/00827/FUL

7 New Road, South Darenth Single storey rear infill extension

The Parish Council has no objections to this application.

The meeting ended at 8.15 pm.

Chairman

Date