Present: Cllr P Bradley (Chairman),

Cllrs A Burchmore, H Goody, E Hughes, D Payne, D Snape and G Tripp

D Brazier, County Councillor,

25 members of the public

In attendance: C Allart, Parish Clerk

Apologies for absence: Cllr M Busfield, M Cockrill (illness)

T Searles, District Councillor (another meeting)

Declarations of Interest: None

Cllr Goody said that the decision in Minute 162 was for a joint letter from the Parish Council and the South Darenth Village Society to be sent.

RESOLVED that, subject to this amendment, the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2003 be approved and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Westminster Field Advisory Committee held on 10 April be approved and adopted.

Report

A provisional tree preservation order has been placed on the whole area of land. According to local residents one tree was felled 2 weeks ago but the tree officer is going to have a meeting with the owner. I am sure that many Dartford Road residents will be attending this meeting as they are very worried about the whole situation and wonder what can be done for the best.

Discussion

Residents from Dartford Road attended the meeting to ask what the Parish Council would do to try and secure the land from inappropriate use. There were great fears amongst them that gypsy caravans would appear and they were angry that the land had not been retained in public ownership and that residents had not been notified when the land was offered to the Parish Council.

It was suggested that Sevenoaks District Council should be asked to buy the land back. It was felt that this might be a possibility as there were rumours that the new owner was finding it difficult to get public liability insurance. Alternatively, it was suggested that KCC could purchase it compulsorily and use it for a new, safer road layout.

RESOLVED that

Report

The handyman who has submitted a quote for replacing the pavilion doors is a plumber by trade and has seen the video of the village hall drains. He has expressed the opinion that with the money set aside for both these projects, it would be better to not do the drains (other than the broken drain from the green room) and put on metal doors at the pavilion. He would be talking himself out of a job but says that once the metal doors have been installed they can be forgotten about whereas there could still be problems with metal covered wooden doors. He has checked the drains 4 weeks after they were last rodded and they are clear.

Discussion

Cllr Burchmore reported that he had also seen the video and his expert opinion was that the whole of the services need relaying. He felt this would be the best value in the long run.

RESOLVED that

Report

I have had a site meeting with the representative from Processed Steel Services and enclosed is a letter showing 2 suggested ways of dealing with the verge. You will see that both are considerably more than initially thought. The quote is for the whole length of the bend including the part where there is new kerb. The Sevenoaks District Council highways officer for this area is of the opinion that very few drivers would risk taking their cars over the kerb to park and therefore thinks that bollards along that stretch are not needed.

Discussion

A letter from Anita Cockrill, resident of Bexley Cottages was submitted to Members at the meeting. She stated that bollards along the whole length of verge would cause great problems to herself and other residents as only 5 spaces had been provided by the Millen Court developer and 9 cars needed spaces.

RESOLVED that a site meeting be held on Sunday 4 May at 11.15 am to consider the matter further.

Report

The chain link fence was repaired in March and immediately cut, presumably by kids. What do Members want to do about this?

Discussion

The clerk reported that 6ft high concrete panel fencing would cost in the region of £1500 but this was not thought to be a good idea because of graffiti. A better idea was thought to be the upright metal post fencing similar to that round the fishing lakes and it was agreed to get prices for this.

Report

As agreed last meeting, Members wanted to decide whether to make a donation towards the cost of plants for the village’s hanging basket.

RESOLVED that £20 be paid to South Darenth Village Society for plants.

Report

The next meeting will be on 16 June at Eynsford. Are there any items which Members wish to see added to the agenda?

RESOLVED that the amount of litter in our villages and country lanes be an item for the Consortium agenda.

SE/03/00678/FUL

Hillcroft Dartford Road

Extension to Rear of Property

The Parish Council has no comments.

SE/03/00728/FUL

Days Cottage, The Street

Second Storey to Front Extension

(amendment to previous application)

The Parish Council objects as the proposal to alter the front of the property would be detrimental to the street scene.

SE/03/00754/FUL

8 Bexley Cottages, The Street

Provision of Parapet Wall and Trellis above Existing Rear Garage Roof

The Parish Council has no comments.

SE/03/TEMP/0005

Horton Kirby Primary School

Proposed Office and Store Extension

The Parish Council has no objections.

SE/03/00612/RENEW

Rabbits Road Sports Ground

Rabbits Road

Renewal of Temporary Permission to Use as Football Pitches for Junior FC

The Parish Council has no objections.

Work to New Footpath in 100 Year Wood

Cllr Tripp reported that she and Maurice Tripp had spent the day assisting with the construction of a kissing gate with half a dozen other volunteers from the Countryside Project. Mr and Mrs Don Hicks also turned up for a short time to help. More volunteers would be needed when the path is cleared later in the Summer (23 July).

A letter detailing numbers attending and equipment needed was submitted to Members to consider.

RESOLVED that

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

Retiring Members

The Chairman thanked those Members retiring from the Parish Council. He made special reference to Ted Hughes’ many, many years service to the parish, thanked Helen Goody for her valued comments during her time on the Council and asked that a special letter of good wishes and thanks be sent to Mac Cockrill.

The meeting ended at 9.05 pm

Chairman

Date