HORTON KIRBY AND SOUTH DARENTH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on 5 June 2006 in the Village Hall, South Darenth at 7.30 pm

Present: Cllr P Bradley (Chairman)

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

R Valentine and I Wescombe

In attendance: C Allart, Parish Clerk

P McGarvey District councillor

R Gough, County councillor

Peter Hylands, PCSO

5 members of the public

Apologies for Absence: None

Declarations of Interests:

Cllr Bradley declared a personal interest in Minute 31

Cllr D Payne declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 37 and a personal interest in Minute 31

Cllr Tripp declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 35

Cllr Valentine declared a personal interest in Minute 31

18 POLICE MATTERS

PCSO Peter Hylands was present and discussed his report which had been compiled by Cllr Burchmore. There were several incidents in School Lane overnight on 2/3 June caused by drunken youths. A request had been made for infra-red detectors to be fitted under a couple of street lights in School Lane which would be considered at the next meeting.

Peter Hylands was pleased to report that a fly tipper had been caught and that progress had been made on disturbance motorbikes.

Cllr Valentine reported that he had taken lots of photographs after the football facilities in Rabbits Road had been trashed and these had been passed on to the Police.

Cllr Burchmore also reported that no monies had been received from 2 of the 4 parties who had caused criminal damage and it was

RESOLVED that Cllr Burchmore be authorised to take all necessary steps to pursue claims in the small claims court against these 2 to recover the amounts plus costs.

19 REPORTS OF DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

Cllr Philip McGarvey was able, finally, to report a satisfactory outcome for those in possession of an old rail pass who also wanted a free bus pass. Sevenoaks District Council had finally caved in and had agreed that these people could have one. Those who had applied for a new rail pass would not get a free bus pass.

He also gave out stickers for the village hall which gave information to those who are being abused to get help.

20 REPORT OF COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Roger Gough, county councillor reported that he hoped to have a copy of a draft traffic calming document in time for the next meeting.

He reported that the new path in The Street on the verge at the bottom of Bull Hill had been agreed following a request under the Safer Routes to School scheme.

Both county and district councillors agreed that there would be some delay in considering unitary authorities under a local government review by central government but that it remains an important issue.

21 MINUTES

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the last Parish Council meeting and the Annual Parish Meeting held on 4 May 2006 be signed as correct records.

22 MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

23 VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the last meeting of the Village Hall Committee be received for information.

24 FENCING BETWEEN VILLAGE HALL AND HEATHSIDE

The clerk informed members of the reasons for her decision to instruct the fencing contractor to install round topped fencing rather than spiked fencing. The reason for this was the advice given by the Council’s insurers against spiked topped fencing. Advice taken in May 2006 from Allianz Cornhill insurers stated that if spiked topped fencing was wanted, this must be 3 metres high otherwise the Parish Council could be held liable for any injury.

Cllr Wescombe stated that it was his view that if Sevenoaks District Council had agreed to pay for a defensive fence it was reasonable to expect the fence to prevent climbing. He stated that the clerk should have consulted with the Recreation and Open Spaces Committee chairman or other members first.

Cllr Tripp stated that spikes on a fence would not look nice for a wedding in the village hall.

Cllr Powsey suggested a cheap alternative of anti-vandal paint on the tops of the fencing but others considered that this would lead to problems if people other than those trying to climb the fence got it on their clothes.

It was agreed by all that Members must make sure they communicate exactly what is wanted, including all details, when they make a decision.

RESOLVED that the Receration and Open Spaces Committee consider and recommend a course of action.

25 KENT GUN CLUB

Bob Barrett of Kent Gun Club gave parish councillors more information on the club’s intentions in respect of the development of archery and air rifle shooting and explained how the club wanted to be part of the community and be a benefit to the parish so he asked for the Council’s support. The club wanted to invite parents and their children to join in with the activities of the club as this would teach them discipline. He answered queries that had been raised at the last meeting including the concern about a lot of traffic through Horton Kirby. He said that maps had been given out to members taking 80% of the traffic away from the village.

Cllr Burchmore stated that School Lane had been affected by noise and club members asked to be informed of the details of where and when this was happening so that it could be looked into fully.

The Gun Club promoted its Open Day on Sunday 25 June from 10 am and invited all councillors to visit them on that day.

26 NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT

Following discussion, it appeared that the budget of £300 set in April would not be sufficient to purchase the new equipment needed for the second office.

RESOLVED that a sum of £550 be agreed for new computer hardware and software for the clerk.

27 SHRUBBERY ROAD GREEN/PLAY AREA

Report

On 7 November 2005, Cllr Wescombe agreed to look into the availability of suitable equipment for the Shrubbery Road Green together with costs. On 5 December it was resolved that this Council would instigate a consultation with the residents of Shrubbery Road and Montgomery Road to establish the hopes, desires and ambitions that the community had for the open space. In the February newsletter, it was said that questionnaires would be brought to the doors of those in the survey area in the next few weeks. Cllr Payne was keen to get something moving on this and had asked that the matter be put on this agenda.

Discussion

Cllrs Valentine and Wescombe reported that they had spoken to Colin Smith of Montgomery Road who had agreed to compile a questionnaire of 10 – 12 questions ready for circulation to residents of Shrubbery Road and Montgomery Road. It was agreed that his questions would be looked at and approved prior to circulation to residents.

RESOLVED that the offer from Colin Smith to draft the questionnaire be accepted with thanks.

28 ACCOUNTS 2006/7

A copy of the relevant pages from the Annual Audit Return form were circulated.

RESOLVED that

The figures in section 1 be confirmed;
The statement of assurance in section 2 be approved; and
Mr Jon Turley be appointed to carry out the internal audit.

29 ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PROVISION NEEDED AS A RESULT OF THE PAPER MILL SITE REDEVELOPMENT

Members who met with Karen Clark and Lesley Bowles Sevenoaks District Council officers on 1 June 2006 reported the results of their discussions on the scheme to provide additional community facilities by way of extension to the village hall.

30 FENCE IN ST MARY’S CHURCHYARD

Cllr Tripp reported that still only one estimate had been received so the matter could not be taken further at the present time.

31 GRANTS

The recommendations from the Welfare Working Group for grants were circulated.

RESOLVED that grants as listed at Appendix A be approved.

32 PLANNING APPLICATION FOR PAPER MILL SITE REDEVELOPMENT

RESOLVED that Cllr Wescombe be authorised to represent this Parish Council at the Sevenoaks District Council’s Development Control Committee meeting on 28 June when the application by Fairview New Homes will be considered.

33 KENT AND MEDWAY STRUCTURE PLAN

Notification that the Structure Plan is to be adopted after 29 June 2006 and that in the meantime it is on display at District Council offices throughout Kent was received.

34 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The following decision notice has been received for information:

SE/06/00827/FUL

7 New Road

Single storey rear infill extension

GRANTED

35 CLLR GILL TRIPP’S 30 YEARS’ SERVICE

Members considered how to mark the occasion of Cllr Gill Tripp’s 30 years as a parish councillor on 23 June 2006. Cllr Snape suggested a suitably inscribed framed photograph or painting of a local scene.

RESOLVED that in recognition of her excellent service to the parish during the past 30 years, arrangements be made to present Cllr Tripp with an A3 size framed photograph suitably inscribed.

36 CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005

There was considerable discussion on the letter from Ben Bradshaw of defra on this subject. Enforcement problems and staffing costs were considered if fixed penalty notices for graffiti and dog fouling were undertaken. It was agreed to give the matter more thought and in particular to ask PCSO Peter Hyland’s views on him being involved with these spot fines.

37 SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS

RESOLVED that the schedule of accounts, as submitted, be approved and payments made accordingly.

38 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Proliferation of Mobile Homes

There was discussion on the large number of caravans and mobile homes in the area.

The meeting ended at 9.25 pm

Chairman

Date