REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN:
Chairman Cllr. Francis Rook
This month has seen a landmark meeting of the full council when Councillors voted unanimously to approve the plans for the community centre on Wilkes Field to go forward for the planning application at TWBC. This was in conjunction with the business plan, which has at the moment a bit of a shortfall on pledged money, but as we have to demonstrate to the planners that it can be built, we have had to write into the plan a loan from the government. We sincerely believe that once fund raising can start after the plan is passed the bulk of the money will come from other sources.
I don't think this Parish Council has done anything like this in the past and as the only quality parish council in the borough of Tunbridge Wells we are living up to our status by creating a building that will be the focus point for this area.
It can be easily demonstrated that there is a physical need for a community centre in Cranbrook because of the lack of suitable community space.
However, what cannot be so easily demonstrated is the benefit to the community of having a modern building catering for their needs and aspirations.
The Vestry Hall was built for the community over 100 years ago and has served that purpose very well for the intervening years. However, like the borough offices in Cranbrook it has ceased to be fit for purpose. It is expensive to maintain and has poor access especially for the disabled. It does have a place in the hearts of the older residents so the Parish Council feel that it must remain accessible to the general public in some way, perhaps as a Craft Centre or with St Dunstan's Church as a tenant promoting the spiritual health of the community?
But now we are well into the 21st century and the population of Cranbrook and surrounds deserve and need a centre that IS fit for purpose for all members of the community.
I have received an email from David Jukes, the leader of TWBC, stating that the refuse lorry (amenity vehicle) that the borough council had threatened to cancel will continue to visit Cranbrook as before, after representations from myself and several other parish chairmen to desist from this ridiculous suggestion. You may have read my comments in the Courier that I was concerned about the increase in fly tipping and the thought of a thirty mile round trip to the tip in Tunbridge Wells.
The gas main renewal is progressing albeit slower than we would like but at least it is being done. This work has been put off for years and personally I am glad that the gas mains, probably laid by my great grandfather who was a pioneering gas engineer, are at last being replaced as some sections were well past their 'sell by' date.
What does sadden me though is the language used by some people. In this year of the 100th anniversary of the Great War, words like 'nightmare' and 'chaos' do not describe a minor delay in journey times or minor inconvenience compared to what our ancestors suffered in two wars. In the trenches and battle fields with bombs raining down and not knowing who was friend or foe. That is what I would describe as a 'nightmare', and 'chaos' and twenty minutes extra in a warm car just doesn't come close in my view.
I was incredibly heartened by the youthful attendance in church on armistice Sunday and I trust that this future generation will not be so easily phased by a set of traffic lights.
I feel sorry for the traders that have been brought to their knees by the recession and increased overheads so this extra whammy of lost trade is close to the proverbial straw however perhaps it will induce some of them to open on a Wednesday afternoon and demonstrate that Cranbrook IS open for business and cease this archaic practice.
On that note I wish all of you a Very Happy Christmas and a Properous New Year and optimistically look forward to a smooth passage of the Community Centre through the torturous waters called Planning.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE:
Chairman Cllr. Bridget Veitch
The work towards the submission of the planning application is progressing.
The building design has been updated to reflect the useful comments and suggestions made during the Public Consultation, and in particular, the kitchen on the Lower Ground Floor has been moved next to the rear of the Hall. The toilets have also been moved. In addition we have planned vehicular access to the entrance of the Lower Ground Floor. This will enable drivers to drop their passengers at the door before parking in the main car parks. It will also facilitate deliveries, for example, caterers using the kitchen. The designs have now been formally approved by the Parish Council for submission in the planning application.
The other reports and documents needed for the planning application are being prepared. Examples of these include reports on the environment, noise impact, archaeology, and flood risk. It is expected that these will be completed soon.
A Business Plan is an essential part of the planning application, as we need to demonstrate that not only can we raise the money to build the Community Centre, but that the income from the hiring of the facilities will be sufficient to maintain it. We also have been asked to demonstrate that there is a need for a Community Centre, and the various reports and surveys done over the past ten years will help with this. It is also reflected in TWBC’s Core Strategy. The Business Plan has been reviewed and the version for submission with the planning application will be completed soon.
We have formally expressed interest in acquiring the toilet block from TWBC, as this will be needed for a turning area for large vehicles, such as refuse lorries. Toilet facilities will be available in the Community Centre instead.
The designs for the Community Centre can be seen at the Parish Office on application to the Parish Clerk. Please be aware that the versions on display are the previous versions used for the Public Consultation.
A quantity surveyor was commissioned to cost the building of the Community Centre, and this has confirmed that we will need to raise approximately £3 million to build and equip the Community Centre. In order to ensure that the Community Centre is built and available as soon as possible, the Business Plan suggests that we may need to take out loans totalling at least £1.5 million. Some of this will be on a short term basis, to be paid back as a result of fund raising, but the major part will be on a 50 year basis from the Public Works Loan Board, and will have to be funded from the precept (rates). The interest rates from the PWLB are low. The rate quoted on 19th November was 3.89%, although the rates change on a daily basis. To raise the precept by £40,000 would require an increase in the precept for a Band D household of 32p per week.
The Parish Council believe that there is a need to consult the residents on the potential increases to the precept resulting from the cost of the Community Centre.
We are grateful for all the support and interest from the community for this exciting project.
Happy Christmas and may you all have a happy and healthy 2015.
POLICY & RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT:
Chairman Cllr. Brian Swann
Our committee meetings followed the usual pattern over the last three months. The thing that has come to the forefront is the need for the Parish Council to support local community projects.
We are very proud of Cranbrook in Bloom and the success they have brought to Cranbrook in the Britain in Bloom Competition. Another group to be proud of is the Windmill Association who keeps our iconic mill open to the public and still grinding wheat flour. I have been to the Annual General Meeting today and the Association really do need more people to be stewards guiding people around the mill. Please consider coming along and learning how the mill works and perhaps learning to grind flour. If you would like to know more please contact Chris Lear on 01580 891821, they really would like to hear from you. Please consider this.
Another project that needs your skills and help is our Community Centre Committee. Cllr. Bridget Veitch has reported on the progress we are making but we still need expertise in project management and particularly in fund raising. If you think you can help or give advice in any way please let us know. We shall need a lot of people when it comes to fund raising locally.
Finally, there will be elections for a new parish council in May next year. We will be looking for people who would like to guide the community in our aim of “improving the quality of life for the people of Cranbrook and Sissinghurst”. It is not onerous but requires dedication and a real interest in the town of Cranbrook and village of Sissinghurst and all the beautiful surrounding countryside. Please consider this.
Please enjoy Christmas and have a very prosperous New Year.
BURIAL GROUNDS AND PROPERTIES:
Chairman Cllr. Denis Hemsted
All would appear to be fine in each of the burial grounds, when the committee did our annual walk about there were just a few little bits that needed attention but nothing major. Generally the contractors make a very good job of the grass cutting and general maintenance as indeed does our Parish Warden Ivor Hatcher.
At present I am pondering whether the fence at Golford, (either side of the main gates) should be replaced with oak or softwood. We have had a quote for the work and when I have had a discussion with the firm I will come back to the committee for their input.
There are various minor repairs on notice boards to be done and these are in hand.
We would very much like a couple more bus shelters, but we all know that money is tight. However I feel very strongly that people who do not use cars should be protected as much as possible from the weather whilst waiting and therefore will push as much as possible for more shelters.
To finish may I wish everyone and particularly our committee a very happy and joyful Christmas.
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Chairman Cllr. Graham Holmes
Hop Pickers Line Project Group
The working group comprises the Parishes of Hawkhurst, Cranbrook & Sissinghurst, Goudhurst and the Town Council of Paddock Wood. Assistance is provided by Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The long term aspiration is to reopen the old railway line between Paddock Wood and Hawkhurst, as a bridleway or public footpath. The group have issued the following statement:
“Kent County Council contacted registered owners of the Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst branch line during the summer months, 2014. Engagement with landowners was an essential step in establishing the feasibility of creating a public right of way along the original track alignment. Although its final conclusions are yet to be published, it is understood that a public right of way could only be established by Order, in general opposition to landowners wishes.
The consequent increase in costs of the project would exceed the sources of funding currently available and the creation of a public right of way over the entire network would therefore not be feasible at this stage.
This does not exclude the potential to secure shorter lengths of the route in the future in association with development (sections of the route having protection within the Local Development Plan), through negotiations with individual existing or future landowners, or alternative proposals to promote a route linking the landscape of the Weald and its hop picking heritage.”
The group are obviously disappointed to note the outcome of KCC’s contact with landowners, but feel that it is important to continue working to consider an alternative route using the existing footpath network and, at the same time ensure that important structures and features of the route are preserved for the future. Work is now being focused on these elements. The economic benefits to the area, resulting from tourist activity are at the core of the project.
Well Done!
Heartiest congratulations to all concerned with Cranbrook in Bloom, this year, in working so hard to make the Town centre look attractive and to note that their efforts did not go unrewarded.
Thanks also go to all those involved in the Apple and History Fayre who worked so hard to create another memorable day, despite the inclement weather.
Two other events of note were the Drumhead Service on Rammell Field and the Remembrance Day Service and parade, both of which were well supported. The number of young cadets in the parade was quite remarkable.
Transport Accessibility Group
This is just a reminder that the Group, of which the Parish Council is a member, works to improve local bus services and your feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
Cranbrook Museum
Are you interested in local history and have some time available to volunteer your services. Our popular Museum is currently looking for some extra help and would like to hear from you. Please contact the Curator, Rod Dann, on 712475 or 712929 (answerphone).
Good Neighbours
Now that the winter months are here, please give some thought to helping elderly or disabled residents who may not be able to get out to do their shopping. You can always help too during an especially cold snap to make sure that they are keeping warm.
Environmental Management:
Chairman Cllr. Bridget Veitch
Many congratulations to Cranbrook in Bloom for all their successes in the South East in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions. They and all their supporters put so much hard work into making Cranbrook look its best, and I am sure that we all appreciated this. The Silver Gilt awards and other awards were very much deserved. You may not have realised that the entry into the Britain in Bloom was by invitation only from the regional winners, and there were only three other towns invited to compete. Again, many congratulations. The group are always looking for others to join and help, so if you have a spare moment please introduce yourself to Linda Page at Pages Newsagents.