BETHERSDEN PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 13th August 2014 in the Village Hall at
8 p.m.
PRESENT:
Mr A. Boyd in the Chair, Mr K. Brannan, Mr P. Buss, Mr K. Mitchell, Mr B. Muddell, Mrs J. Crannis, Mrs M. Draper and the Clerk, Mrs M. Shaw.
In Attendance: R. Taylor (Borough Councillor) and one member of the public.
1. APOLOGIES:
Mr T. Carmichael (approved Business commitment) and Mr H. Eyre.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Mr K. Brannan on The George Field.
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
The minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 9th July 2014 had been circulated prior to the meeting, it was proposed by Mr K. Mitchell, seconded by Mrs J. Crannis, and unanimously agreed that these were a correct record and were duly signed by the Chairman, Mr A. Boyd.
4. Matters Arising:
Bus Shelter – nothing further.
5. FORGEFIELDS, flooding:
The Chairman is still awaiting the drainage and sewage pipework plans from Southern Water. A meeting is to be arranged within the next ten days, to be held at the village hall, between residents, Southern Water and Parish Councillor to discuss the situation. These problems are to be highlighted at the Village Fete to enlighten concerned residents as to the current position.
6. PLANNING CONSULTATIONS:
14/00851/AS 28 Orchard Field, Bethersden.
Erection of a two storey side extension, new garage, creation of open porch and
minor alteration to the existing rear elevation and new vehicle access.
The application was supported.
7. GEORGE FIELD DEVELOPMENT:
The George Field situation requires a Legal Representative, Pengelly & Ryland’s had declined and it was agreed the approach Mr Fyfield of Hallett & Co to liaise with Mr Dixon, Btf Land Agents of Challock, with regard to the disputed boundaries etc.
There needs to be a formal Management Plan for George Field.
The 106 Agreement monies have been received. It is to be investigated as to a suitable account to be opened to deposit this money. Advice to be sought from K.A.L.C.
Nothing further on the proposed “Kingsnorth” memorial seat.
The ditch at the bottom of George Field is silting up.
8. LOCAL NEEDS HOUSING, MILL ROAD:
The application forms for these houses will not be available until April/May next year from English Rural Housing Association. Any prospective applicants must be on the Ashford Borough Housing list before any application will even be considered. This will be publicised at the Village Fete.
9. Recreation Ground:
Mr H. Eyre had prepared a report on the Pavilion and consent was given for him to obtain quotations for necessary remedial work. It was noted that the toilets are in serious need of refurbishing as soon as possible. Mr P. Buss will liaise with Mr H. Eyre on this.
10. TENNIS CLUB:
Nothing further on the new Agreement.
The grant application submitted to A.B.C. by the Tennis Club for the refurbishment of the courts, was successful and they were granted £ 4,000.
Discussion on the timings for public usage of the MUGA court took place.
11. TELEPHONE BOX REPAIRS:
Nothing further.
12. FINANCE:
Co-op Account as at 31st July 2014 (as shown on statement) £ 600 - 36
Lloyds Account £ 129,523 - 81
Income received:-
Interest on Co-op account £ 0 – 18p
Community Development Grant £ 5,535 – 00
106 Agreement Monies £ 72,791 - 99
Cheques were approved and drawn:-
Mrs M. Shaw, Clerks August salary £ 367 – 12 less P.A.Y.E. £ 73 - 42 Balance due £ 293 – 70
Administration expenses £ 49 - 20
Mr D. Cook, Street Cleaner, £ 70 - 00
Southern Water, Recreation Ground £ 42 - 10
Neighbourhood Plan expenses £75 - 58
SMP Larger Format Ltd., Neighbourhood Plan £ 70 - 20
13. COMMEMORATION SERVICE:
The WW1 Service of Commemoration was held on 3rd August and was well attended.
14. REPORTS:
HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS:
Concern was expressed at the lack of response by K.C.C. to complaints, the Chairman will contact the County Councillor.
COMMUNITY WARDEN:
Kathy Carter had forwarded her report which had been circulated, it was agreed that in future a copy would be annexed to the minutes.
15. PLANNING:
Approvals received:-
14/00663/AS West Low Wood Cottage, Ashford Road, Bethersden.
First Floor side extension with single storey side extension and rear dormer
window, side boundary wall increased to 2.3m height and erection of a detached
garage.
14/0701/AS Mill Farm, Bethersden Road, Bethersden.
Erection of a commercial building and a low covered open fronted (revised scheme
to approval 12/01284/AS)
14/00634/AS Wissenden Lodge Farm, Wissenden Lane Bethersden.
Change of use of land for the stationing of 1 no mobile home (retrospective).
Application withdrawn:-
14/00717/AS 18 Forgefield, Bethersden
Extension of existing bungalow to form link attached dwelling, creation of new access and off road parking.
16. CORRESPONDENCE:
KALC Minutes and agendas as circulated.
Community Assets questionnaire – circulated.
A.B.C. WWI commemoration ceremonies – circulated.
17. BOROUGH COUNCILLOR:
Cllr. R. Taylor mentioned that A.B.C. now have a better system of Media Releases to the Press and all which he would normally have reported are now widely known. A.B.C. regularly publish Ashford Voice.
18. WEBSITE etc:
The “hits” are up by 50%. Mr Nick Vincent is now assisting Jim McClymont with the site. There is now to be more co-operation with the Parish Magazine.
19. EMERGENCY PLANNING:
The discussion on the draft template was deferred due to time constraints, but it was basically thought that this should be simplistic rather than being complicated.
20. YOUTH FORUM:
Mrs M. Draper reported that a location had been decided upon for the “Kick-wall”, however some councillors were dubious if this is suitable position and it was agreed that a site meeting was required.
21. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN / PARISH PLAN REVIEW:
The Steering Group are preparing a presentation/display for the Village Fete on 25th August for input from residents, in order to obtain a wider consultation this will also be presented at another venue, possibly the Village Hall or the School. They meet twice a month and the workshops once a month.
The Community Development Grant of £ 5,535 – 00 has been paid.
22. BROADBAND:
Nothing further.
23. DOG FOULING:
The Chairman will contact the Dog Warden regarding signs about this and the possibility of banning dogs completely.
24. DEFIBRILLATOR:
The provision of one of these in each village was only briefly discussed due to time restraints, Councillors to give thought to possible locations. Mr B. Muddell will liaise with Sue Gammon.
25. Village Hall:
The future of the Village Hall looks more hopeful as two new committee members have volunteered.
26. ITEMS OF INTEREST AND FOR NEXT AGENDA etc:
The litter bins at the Recreation Ground do not appear to be being emptied – to be reported.
The Church Clock is working but does not strike.
Numerous hedges need to be cut back, owners to be reminded.
Several ditches also need to be dug out, owners to be contacted.
27. Date of the Next Meeting:
The next Meeting was agreed for Wednesday, 10th September 2014 at 8 p.m.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.
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Meeting of the Bethersden Parish Council, Wednesday, 13th August 2014