Bidborough Parish Council

Contact the Parish Clerk, Evelyn Divall, telephone: 01732 457541
e- mail: clerk@bidborough-pc.gov.uk

Minutes of the Meeting of Bidborough Parish Council held

on 22 May 2006 at 8 pm in the Village Hall

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1. PRESENT: Cllrs D Wheeler (Chairman), P Eames, C Rea, D. Moore, Rev. S Hills, Mrs A Parsons,

Mrs D Reynolds

APOLOGIES : None

2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: It was proposed by Cllr Eames, seconded by Cllr Rea and unanimously agreed that Cllr Wheeler be appointed Chairman.

3. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN: It was unanimously agreed that Cllrs Eames and Mrs Parsons continue as vice chairmen.

4. CHAIRMAN'S ALLOWANCE : (Section 15 (5) Local Government Act 1972) It was unanimously agreed this remain at £50.

5. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES : The following members were appointed:

7. ALLOCATION OF COUNCILLORS AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & INTEREST:

The following members were appointed:

8. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 27 MARCH 2006, having been circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

9. MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING - 24 APRIL 2006 were noted.

10. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: Covered in the agenda

PARISHIONERS' QUESTION TIME:

The new play equipment installation on the recreation ground area was raised by a parishioner and the apparent lack of consultation regarding its provision, together with concerns over the loss of the existing football and cricket areas used by the children. The parishioner stated he should have been consulted for his views on the project due to the proximity of his property to the site. He expressed concerns at the possible installation of a zip wire and problems associated with such equipment.

Cllr Eames advised that no firm decision had been taken on further equipment as no funding was at present available. The facilities for the children in the parish continued to evolve over time and would be renewed and replaced as necessary. The football area had not been affected in size by the introduction of the new equipment, the same outline previously marked still being in situe, it was in fact considered an improvement on what had been available.

A parishioner felt that a zip wire would be more suited to the larger recreation ground area, the small site being more secluded and susceptible to vandalism. Cllr Rea advised that the PC had been required to pay considerable sums of money over time to repair the results of vandal attacks in the other play area.

Cllr Wheeler had been pleased that the equipment had eventually been provided for the older children in the parish, nothing having been available for them until this time.

A parishioner noted that the matter had been discussed many times at parish council meetings at which members of the public were always made very welcome, plans showing the project had also been available at the recent photographic exhibition.

Cllr Eames advised that mentioned had been made a number of times in the Newsletters, clerk confirmed this was delivered by the councillors free of charge to every home in the parish.

A parishioner thanked the councillors for the provision of the newsletter and endorsed the importance of attending meetings.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCILLOR: No report

11. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING:

05/01146:   Swaylands School, Penshurst Road

Resubmission of part of previous application for alterations, extension and conversion to residential use of Swaylands main building into 28 units with erection of additional garage block, demolition of outbuildings and restoration of landscaping.

Parish Council: PC supports the application and the early commencement of refurbishment of the site.    TWBC: Decision Awaited

05/02568:   OS Plot 4200, Penshurst Road

Construction of a farm workers cottage and farm building (revised proposal - TW/04/03067)

Parish Council: The PC still has concerns regarding development outside the village envelope but will be guided by the TWBC and the relevant experts dealing with the application.  TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/00054:   Portree, Rectory Drive

Brick boundary wall

Parish Council: The Parish Council would object to this application, having visited site and inspected the plans it was felt that the height and design of the proposed wall would have a detrimental affect on the site and its impact, by virtue of the style and height would dominate the area.            TWBC: GRANTED

06/00178:   11 St Lawrence Avenue

Two storey side and rear extension

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: REFUSED

06/00133:   Judd Wood Farm, Hayesden Lane

Part retrospective - Agricultural access

Parish Council: The PC do not accept the reasons provided by the applicant for this access. The agricultural aspect of the work on this site is minimal, however, activities relating to the illegally sited paintball business generate enormous amounts of traffic and it is obvious that the access would be beneficial for this purpose. We note that the recent refusal for the retrospective application for this business states 'The development fails to provide a safely located vehicular access with adequate visibility, which, with the likely level of traffic generated, results in a form of development which is significantly detrimental to highway safety.' It should also be noted that some years ago a neighbouring agricultural development at Home Farm was subjected to strict controls with regard to access points/roads and it might be worth investigating the resultant planned routes that were required at that time. The PC requires refusal of this application.   

TWBC: REFUSED

06/00360:   The Lodge, Old Farmhouse, Penshurst Road

Lawful Development Certificate (Existing) - Use of land for parking of cars

(Cllr Wheeler registered a personal interest in this application)

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: APPROVED

06/00463:   Land rear of 5-10 Spring Lane:

Garden shed for tools and equipment

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: REFUSED

06/00564:   55 Bidborough Ridge

Variation of condition 5/05/03103: Change minimum cill height of 1.7 metres to obscured glass glazing

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

06/00103:   Field Fares, Spring Lane

Retrospective: Amended rear extension and rear terrace. Proposed first floor front extension with pitched roof extension over existing flat roof

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

06/00643:   Four Winds Windmill and Lane, Penshurst Road

Variation of Condition 9 - alteration to wall and railings fronting Penshurst Road

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/00642:   Four Winds Windmill and Land

Building for use as bin store and garaging for units

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/00792:   55 Bidborough Ridge

Replace existing timber garage with brick/tile garage

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

06/00886:   Franklin, 1 Rectory Drive   

Single storey extension

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/00979:   33 Woodland Way

Demolish existing garage and covered area and erect two-storey extension

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/00871:   Ananda House, Franks Hollow Road

Off-road parking bay and retaining wall

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/01149:   Judd Wood farm, Hayesden Lane

Retention of existing track for agricultural use

Parish Council: The PC have grave concerns regarding applications relating to this site. The request to retain this access, installed to facilitate the paintballing venture, is not substantiated with any sound reason relating to agricultural need. It is the understanding of the PC that land altered to enable the paintballing business to operate should be reinstated as it was, this access is part of that reinstatement requirement. The PC are unable to support the application and, in view of the owner's stated intention to seek alternative business uses for the site, would urge the borough officers and members to refuse this application.          TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/01212:   11 St. Lawrence Avenue

Two storey side and rear extension

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/01318:   Ridgelands Cottage, Penshurst Road

Two-storey extension to left hand side of property

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

Appeals:

10 Bidborough Ridge: Demolition of existing house and erection of new two storey single dwelling: Appeal Dismissed

12. FINANCE:

a. Audit: Clerk confirmed the internal audit had been completed and the report circulated to members together with the accounts. No areas of concern had been raised by the internal auditor. Members acknowledged and confirmed the Statement of Assurance under Section 2. The Annual Return was completed and signed by the Chairman and Clerk prior to despatch to the external auditors together with documentation requested for the audit. Existing terms and conditions of parish council accounts were confirmed for a further year.

b. Sir Thomas Smythe Charity for Poor: Confirmation received that £72.43 added during the year in dividend receipts, balance at 31 December 2004 £779.85.

c. Arthur Nicholson Recreation Ground Account : Confirmation of interest received on 10 April 2006 of £31.31 giving final balance of £4470.87. Clerk confirmed the account had been closed and the funds credited to the main parish account to help fund the new play equipment.

d. Church Wall: Clerk to arrange meeting with Nigel Bolton and Keith Delves to discuss present situation with regarding to reports available on tests carried out on church wall. Meeting confirmed for Friday 26 May at noon. 

e.   Village Sign : Members authorised Cllr Wheeler to obtain flowers for a parishioner who had given their time to undertake the work on the sign on behalf of the village at no cost, other than materials used.

13. REPORTS:

a. VILLAGE CARE/RECREATION GROUND/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:

i.   Bidborough in Bloom : Chairman confirmed that the existing bedding plants would be replaced during June and the hanging baskets would be erected in the near future. Every effort had been made to ensure maximum attention was paid to water conservation.

ii.   Vandalism : Clerk advised that the new equipment had been vandalised. The culprits had been reported to the clerk who had discussed the matter with their father and they had written to apologise for their actions. The police had been informed of the matter and the parent had been very supportive of the parish council and its aims to prevent vandalism to parish property. The children concerned had been banned from the equipment for a set period and the father had made good damage to the seat. Members appreciated the support of the parent in their endeavours.

iii.   Bowls Club : Cllr Rea asked members to consider the removal of the holly tree near the water tanks, members of the Bowls Club had discussed the removal with the neighbour who was not opposed to the work. Members agreed unanimously that the Bowls Club could carry out the work.

iv.   Netball Post : This to be re-site to the left-hand side of the new football wall (height of metal rim to be 10' from the ground.) Cllr Moore to check cost of replacement goal posts and ascertain whether any funding would be available from the Sports Association. Clerk to check website for possible assistance with funding. The unserviceable units could be passed to a parishioner working with children's clubs who had expressed a willingness to spend time refurbishing them, if new goal posts were obtained.

v.   Roberts Field Surface : Cllr Moore advised work was necessary to alleviate problems with worn areas, to provide topsoil and re-seed would cost approximately £70 plus labour. Members approved a maximum sum of £150 to cover the work.

vi.   Cricket Net : Cllr Moore to check for grants available to facilitate the removal of the nets from the school land to the recreation ground in order that they were available for public use. Derek Underwood company would refurbish the net when removed, a base would need to be prepared prior to re-siting, this could be adjacent to the fence.

vii.   Seat : Cllrs Moore and Eames to check suitable site for new seat, Cllr Wheeler to provide suitable plaque.

viii.   Pond : Cllr Moore reported that ducks were now using the pond on the main recreation ground.

ix.   Speed Indicator Device (SID): Cllr Eames reported on the recent ‘test run' of the equipment on Bidborough Ridge near the Coronation Seat. The appearance of the yellow safety jackets and the speed unit had encouraged drivers to slow considerably upon approaching the village. Volunteers had come forward to be trained but further numbers were needed.

b. NEWSLETTER: Next edition would be produced in September.

c. COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Mr Marsh reported that the original design of the redevelopment of the front of the hall had proved too costly. The project had been reduced to cover tidying work, issues of health and safety and on making the entrance area more welcoming.

d. BIRCH WOOD: Clerk to contact Brian Hayward and TWBC regarding building spoil left as a result of the work on the monument. 

e.   ALLOTMENTS: No vacancies at present.

f. SPORTS ASSOCIATION & g. PRIMARY SCHOOL: No report

h. CEMETERY:

i. Pathway: Cllr Wheeler advised members that for many years Carole Lee had kept the small patches of garden on either side of the steps to the memorial garden clear and as she was no longer able to continue with this task Rev Hills was asked to place a request in the church magazine for a volunteer to undertake the work. Clerk to write to Mrs Lee on behalf of the Parish Council to thank her for her past effort.

ii. Path from School Lych Gate to Church : Rev Hills advised this had been cleared to make access easier.

i. BROOKHURST FIELD: Clerk advised the details of the Stewardship Scheme had changed again.

j. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

i. Rural Housing Needs Programme: Clerk advised a request had been received from Jennifer Hudson (Affordable Housing Officer - TWBC) for a meeting with councillors to discuss the need for a survey in the parish. Jennifer Shaw, Rural Housing Enabler of Action with Communities in Rural Kent would also attend the meeting. Clerk to arrange and advise councillors of date.

ii.   National Playing Field Association: Clerk advised members of a scheme to safeguard the future use of parish land, the NPFA Fields Protection Officer Paul Allen would be happy to attend a parish council meeting to explain the procedure required. Clerk to arrange meeting and advise councillors of the date.

iii.   Inconsiderate Parking: Clerk to speak with community officer regarding problems of vehicles left for long periods in areas short of parking.

iv. Recreation Ground Entrance: Cllr Moore reported on running water across Spring Lane towards the new recreation ground, it was also noted that the drain below the lower school entrance was blocked. Clerk to report to Highways.