Minutes of the Meeting of Bidborough Parish Council held

on 23 May 2005 at 8 pm in the Village Hall

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

 

APOLOGIES: TWBCllr M Howell

 

2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: It was proposed by Cllr Eames, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parsons that Cllr Wheeler continue in post, this was unanimously agreed.

 

3. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN: It was proposed by Cllr Eames that Cllr Mrs Parsons be nominated Vice-Chairman, after discussion it was proposed that Cllrs Eames and Mrs Parsons be joint Vice-Chairmen, this was unanimously agreed.

 

4. CHAIRMAN'S ALLOWANCE : (Section 15 (5) Local Government Act 1972) It was agreed the existing sum set at £50 was sufficient.

 

5. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES : The following members were appointed to the posts:

 

a. Birchwood Association:       Cllrs Eames and Moore

b. Bidborough Community Council:     Cllr Mrs Reynolds and Wheeler

c. Bidborough Sports Association:     Cllrs Eames and Moore

d. Kent Association of Parish Councils:     Cllr Rea

 

6. RATIFICATION OF EXISTING APPOINTMENTS: The following members were appointed to the posts:

 

a. Bidborough Primary School (Minor Authority Governor): Mrs A Parsons

b. Smythe Charity Local Representatives:     Mrs C Lee

c. Smythe Charity Liaison with Trustees:     Rev S Hills

d. Tree Warden:           Andrew Dunn

e. Village Transport Liaison:         Cllr Rea

f. Civil Emergencies Contacts:         Village Shop/ Bidborough Service Station

 

7. ALLOCATION OF COUNCILLORS AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & INTEREST:

The following members will undertake the listed responsibilities for the forthcoming year:

 

a. Allotments:       Cllr P Eames

b. Cemetery /Closed Churchyard:   Cllrs D Wheeler & Mr S Hills

c. Finance /Charities/Insurance:   Whole Council

d. Newsletter: Advertising:     Deenah and Cllr D Wheeler Editor: Cllr P Eames /Miss K Briggs

e. Recreation Ground/Village Care/

Village Grounds Maintenance:     D Moore & C Rea

f. Play Area:         Mrs Kim Langford

g. Lengthsman:       Mr S Steel/Mr T Hills

h. Bidborough in Bloom:       Cllrs Mrs A Parsons and D Wheeler

 

8. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 21 MARCH 2005 having been circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

 

9. MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING - 25 APRIL 2005 were noted.

 

10. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

 

a. Data Protection Act 1998 : Confirmation received from the Information Commissioner's Office that PC entered on register.

 

PARISHIONERS' QUESTION TIME:

Clerk to request removal of dead tree at top of car park again. The Chairman advised that the traffic monitor situated near the village hall was a temporary installation.

 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCILLOR:

TWBCllr Howell advised that resurfacing of Bidborough Ridge from the A26 area and Spring Lane are imminent. The poor road condition opposite the school will be addressed by the Highways. Concerns had been registered by residents with regard to the paintballing activities on the site at the edge of the parish.

 

11. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING:

  

04/02645:   8 Hardinge Avenue

Conversion of garage and additional hardstanding

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

04/02906/7:   Four Winds Windmill and Land, Penshurst Road

Restoration of windmill, extension and conversion to form one house and erection of four houses and three flats.

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

04/02967:   Judd Wood Farm, Hayesden Lane

Article 3 Submission - Proposed Dutch Barn for hay/straw

Notification received from TWBC that application covered by permitted development

05/00228:   Judd Wood Farm, Hayesden Lane

Construction of Garage

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

05/00213:   2 Fosters Farm Cottages, Hayesden Lane

Erection of 1.5m high lap fence along east side of garden

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: REFUSED

05/00700:   Hillside Farm, Franks Hollow Road

Certificate of Lawful Development (Existing) - Breach of Condition

Parish Council: The PC have no specialised knowledge with regard to the validity of the applicant's claim, although members are aware of the original problems relating to the planning history of the existing dwelling. The PC have concerns at future plans for the site and would not wish to see further development in relation to use of any land sold separately; presumably if the existing owner is unable to generate a living from agriculture this would not make future development a viable option. TWBC: Decision Awaited

(Cllr D Wheeler has registered a prejudicial interest relating to the application)

05/00610:   10 Bidborough Ridge

Demolition of existing house, erection of new two storey single dwelling

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

05/00718:   7 Gatehouse Farm Cottages

Single storey conservatory

Parish Council: The Parish Council has concerns over the size of the conservatory and the consequent impact on neighbouring properties.   TWBC: Decision Awaited

05/01119:   67 Bidborough Ridge

Tree Surgery

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

Cllr P Eames registered a pecuniary interest and took no part in the discussion.

05/00926:   Judd Wood Farm, Hayesden Lane

Retrospective Change of Use: From farming/rough woodland to paintball games centre

Parish Council: Clerk to write to TWBC confirming the PC's support for the objections submitted by parishioners.         TWBC: Decision Awaited

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: Clerk to write confirming the PC's support for the application.

  

12. FINANCE:

Expenditure
April:
Seeboard Energy	Street Lighting Energy	31.77
EDF	Street Lighting Maintenance	244.41
CPRE	Annual Subscription	25.00
RIP Cleaning	Dog Waste Removal	51.70
KCPFA	Annual Subscription	15.00
TWBC	Church Wall Loan Repayment	16041.20
Pierson Agriculture	Birchwood Fencing	50.00
Ashdown Garden Services	Village/Churchyard Mowing	525.46
Information Commissioner	Date Protection Registration	35.00
May:
RIP Cleaning	Dog Waste Removal	51.70
Post Office	Stamps - Newsletter Accounts	5.04
Royal Mires Nursery	Oak Barrels - Bidborough in Bloom	100.00
EDF Energy	Street Lighting Maintenance	72.54
EDF Energy	Street Lighting Energy	31.77
Welcome Printing	Photocopying/Stationery    Jan-Apr	45.43
Ashdown Gardens Services	Churchyard/Village Mowing	525.46
Mrs E M Divall	Clerk Salary/Expenses April/May	756.87
Mr S Steele	Lengthsman	200.00
Mrs A Parsons (J Parker Bulbs)	Bidborough in Bloom Plants	218.00
April/May Income:
Newsletter Advertising	401.00
Cemetery	20.00
Bidborough in Bloom	60.00
Allotments	50.00

  

a. Audit: Clerk confirmed the internal audit had been completed, the report was read to members. Members noted there were no areas of concern raised. Accounts for the year 2004/5 had been circulated to members. 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 to continue 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.

 

13. REPORTS:

 

a. VILLAGE CARE/RECREATION GROUND/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:

 

i.   Spring Lane Overgrown Area : Quote for work delayed, awaiting new funds from budget. Response expected during May, PC offered opportunity to quote for work involved. Cllr Moore to check situation with regard to possible maintenance by parishioner.

 

ii.   Recreation Ground : Cllr Moore to instruct Landscape Services to carry out treatment to grass on recreation ground, quotation received of £250 approved by the council.

 

iii.   Play Equipment Grant : Cllr Moore to contact TWBC regarding possible grant for play area safety surfacing. Clerk to report rocking horse handle and roundabout defects to Bourne & Co for repairs

 

iv.   Pond: Cllr Moore reported that strimming and weeding had taken place.

 

v.   Village Mowing Contract : Cllr Moore to provide copy of finalised schedule for clerk to confirm to contractors.

 

vi.   Tree Surgery : Cllr Eames reported on a dead sycamore on the small green, Cllr Wheeler to instruct Paul Richards to deal with this, members were pleased to accept the offer of a replacement tree made by Mr and Mrs Jack Eames .

 

b. NEWSLETTER: No report

 

c. COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Cllr Wheeler confirmed the kitchen would be refurbished.

 

d. BIRCH WOOD:

 

ii. Fishing : No further problems had been experienced since erection of notices asking those using the

area to behave responsibly.

e.   ALLOTMENTS: Cllr Eames confirmed these were all now taken. 

  

g. PRIMARY SCHOOL: Meeting held with Chairman, Cllr Mrs Parsons, Clerk and representatives of the school governing body together with contractor responsible for installation of fencing. Compromise drafted by clerk and submitted to KCC for consideration, indication to date from county that this is unacceptable.

h. CEMETERY:

 

i. Church Wall Survey : Clerk and Chairman to meet with TWBC officers to discuss options when final details available.

 

i. BROOKHURST FIELD: Noticeboards to be treated, members agreed this could be undertaken by the Lengthsmen. Simon Pierson to clear paths, bracken would be sprayed.

j. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

   

 

b. Rural Housing Trust: Members had been advised that the survey response had been very high with a positive feedback from the parish. It was agreed that the PC would continue with the next stage of the survey. Clerk to advise RHT.

 

c. Village Sign: Parishioner to be approached for information on refurbishment of village sign.