HORTON KIRBY AND SOUTH DARENTH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on 5 March 2007 in the Village Hall, South Darenth at 7.30 pm

Present: Cllr P Bradley (Chairman)

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

R Valentine

In attendance: C Allart, Parish Clerk

P McGarvey District councillor

T Searles, District councillor

R Gough, County councillor

2 members of the public

Apologies for Absence: Cllr I Wescombe and PCSO P Hylands

Declarations of Interests: Cllr A Burchmore declared a personal interest in Minute 161 (planning application for 46 School Lane) being a near neighbour.

156 POLICE MATTERS

Cllr Burchmore submitted his report and details were given of 2 burglaries from gardens in Horton Kirby.

157 REPORTS OF DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

The District Councillors reported on various matters of interest including council tax levels, rubbish dumping near Dean bottom and Sevenoaks Playhouse..

158 REPORT OF COUNTY COUNCILLOR

The County Councillor reported on various matters of interest including post office closures.

159 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 February be approved and signed as a correct record.

160 MATTERS ARISING

Grants

It was reported that payment of the grant to the Over 60s club had been deferred until it was known for certain that the club would carry on.

161 PLANNING

SE/07/00367/FUL

46 School Lane

Single storey extension to rear to provide downstairs toilet and felt roof canopy

The Parish Council has no objections to this application

SE/07/00441/DETAIL

Horton Kirby Paper Mills, Horton Road, South Darenth

Details pursuant to condition 66 (revised floor layout for building 6) of application SE/05/02000/FUL

The Parish Council has no comments on this application

SE/07/00544/FUL

2 The Bungalows, School Lane

Demolish existing garage and shed and construct new garage

The Parish Council has no objections to this application

SE/07/00391/FUL

2 Beeches Farm Cottages, Canada Farm Road

Installation of 12 m high small wind turbine

The Parish Council objects to this application on the grounds of noise pollution and adverse visual impact.

The following decision notices had been received for information:

SE/06/03295/DETAIL

Horton Kirby Paper Mills

Details pursuant to condition 21 (SE/05/02000/FUL). Details of the buildings recording survey including a written specification. APPROVED UNCONDITIONALLY

SE/07/00142/FUL

Bayham Cottage, Rays Hill

Front and rear single storey extension

REFUSED

162 FINANCE

It was noted that, as part of the risk assessment, a second councillor was needed to carry out one monthly internal audit per year and this person would be appointed at the annual meeting of the parish council.

Direct Debits

Village hall rates £283 per month from April to Jan each year

Village hall gas £100 per month from Nov 06

Village hall electricity £55 per month from Feb 07

Parish office phone & broadband £19.99 per month

RESOLVED that

the finance risk assessment, as attached, be approved; and
the list of current direct debits, as above, be approved.

163 ELECTION 3 MAY 2007

RESOLVED that a special newsletter be issued to allow all candidates for the parish council election to communicate with the electorate.

164 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Members received information from 2 residents who wished to set up neighbourhood watch areas in School Lane, Rays Hill and The Street. They requested financial help with their set up costs including the purchase of signs.

RESOLVED that support be given to this initiative by giving a grant of £75 to cover the cost of 3 additional street signs.

Cllr Valentine asked that it be recorded that, whilst he fully supported the residents in the matter, he was not happy that there was one rule for one group and a different one for another since no grant had been given to the New Road neighbourhood watch group a few years ago.

165 TEMPORARY PRIORITY NEIGHBOURHOODS

Members received the notes of the first meeting as well as verbal reports from the councillors who attended.

RESOLVED that space in the next ordinary parish council newsletter be given to the various agencies like the Police and West Kent to detail their powers in respect of anti-social behaviour and crime.

166 FIXED PENALTY NOTICES

It was reported for information that Sevenoaks District Council has agreed to review whether it will make any reimbursement to this parish council after a full year of the PCSO accepting the responsibility of issuing Fixed Penalty Notices.

167 WEST KENT MEDIATION

An offer from West Kent Mediation to give a presentation on the services they offer was considered and deferred until a later date.

168 SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS

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

The meeting ended at 9.01 pm.

Chairman

Date