Minutes of the Meeting of Bidborough Parish Council held

on 25 September 2006 at 8 pm in the Village Hall

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

 

APOLOGIES : Cllr D Moore

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 31 July 2006, having been circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

 

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

i. Sycamore Tree: Clerk advised that Jonathan Bibby, Public Rights of Way Officer for Tunbridge Wells Area was dealing with this as it was not the responsibility of the Highways Authority. (Advice received that tree surgery would be undertaken by the Footpaths Department during October)

ii. Noticeboard: Chairman advised that the noticeboard was still serviceable.

   

iii. Affordable Housing Survey: Clerk confirmed these would be available for circulation with the next edition of the Parish Council newsletter.

PARISHIONERS' QUESTION TIME:

 

Clerk provided an update on the situation with regard to the church wall, see details under item (h)

The problem of parking in the parish was raised and the lack of access for delivery lorries and emergency vehicles, particularly in Woodland Way. (TWBC advise that most parking schemes are introduced in urban areas to assist residents who suffer from ‘commuter parking', this is in a attempt to help residents park in their own roads. It would appear that in this instance it is the volume of vehicles owned locally that is causing the access problem and these schemes would not solve the issue raised).

 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCILLOR: No report

 

4. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING:

 

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

06/00643:   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

06/01212:   11 St. Lawrence Avenue

Two storey side and rear extension

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: GRANTED

06/01950:   St. Lawrence Church, High Street

New boundary fencing and repairs to boundary wall   

Parish Council: Decision Awaited       TWBC: Decision Awaited

06/02008:   15 St. Lawrence Avenue

Extensions and alterations

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: REFUSED

06/02651:   The Lodge, Swaylands School, Penshurst Road

LBC - Renovation of existing lodge, removal of lean-to structures on eastern elevation and demolition and rebuild of rear porch.

Parish Council: No Objections       TWBC: Decision Awaited

 

5. FINANCE:

August/September Expenditure
EDF Energy	Street Lighting Maintenance	146.00
EDF Energy	Street Lighting Energy	58.97
Audit Commission	Audit Fee 2005/6	293.75
Pierson Agriculture	Birch Wood Footpath Strimming	160.00
RIP Cleaning Services	Dog Waste Removal	54.29
L F Thompson Ltd	Lengthsman	270.00
Mrs E M Divall	Clerk Salary/Expenses Aug/Sep	1037.65
August/September Income:
Advertising	30.00
Cemetery	90.00

 

a. Annual Audit 2005/2006: Confirmation received from Audit Commission that external audit completed, no matters of concern noted. Notice posted as required confirming same.

 

6. REPORTS:

 

a. VILLAGE CARE/RECREATION GROUND/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:

 

i.   Play Area Upgrade: Final project details approved: Replacement of obsolete/damaged items in small play area; repairs to surfacing; new goal mouth, relocation of cricket nets at an approximate cost of £12,500. Funds available to meet costs: £5K from TWBC, £3K from KCC, £1K from BSA, sponsorship £860, cash in hand including depreciation fund not used for current year £1,675. Balance required to be used from PC contingency account. Work party required to clear obsolete and unserviceable items to facilitate installation of new items.

 

ii.   Lock: Chairman reported that an alternative lock would be provided due to the existing one having been vandalised.

 

b. NEWSLETTER:

 

Cllr Eames advised that the printing had been delayed in order to include information on the church wall. A questionnaire would be included to gauge parishioners views on a variety of local issues, the issue would be circulated during October.

c. COMMUNITY COUNCIL:

 

Mr Marsh confirmed work planned to the front of the building, provision of nappy changing facilities and decoration of the ladies cloakroom had been completed. The playgroup was under new management. The halls could be independently let as they were both now self contained.

 

d. BIRCH WOOD:

 

f. SPORTS ASSOCIATION: Cllrs Wheeler, Rea and Eames to meet to discuss removal of the ash tree growing by fencing between the cricket area and bowls site and removal of holly bushes. 

g. PRIMARY SCHOOL: No report

h. CEMETERY: Clerk advised that a meeting had been held on the 20 September 2006 with Nigel Bolton (TWBC), a representative of BDr (Consultants) Messrs. M Taylor, R Moon, K Watson, D Moore and D Weller to discuss plans. Messrs R Moon and K Watson tabled a detailed written report produced as a result of their inspection of the wall. Mr Taylor updated those present on the latest position reached after previous negotiations with the consultants. Further agreement was reached on alterations to the repair design with fencing to be installed approximately 1m away from edge of top of wall, this was decided to be the most appropriate design for safety purposes and to maximise its effectiveness and reduce impact of installation. Extra soil nails to be installed where necessary to complement the new design of fencing. Members were asked at the meeting if they were of the opinion that the PC, in conjunction with Mike Taylor, had endeavoured to do everything possible to ensure the best option and outcome for the parish, they agreed that the Parish Council had acted appropriately on behalf of the village. New plans to be provided prior to going to tender.

 

Clerk addressed the Cabinet meeting on the 21 September to outline situation. Agreement reached by cabinet that officers and parish could continue to negotiate financial terms but no lump sum contribution could be made due to capping of borough budget. The £150/175K figure allowed by cabinet was thought to be the ‘worst case scenario' and in view of the revised plans it is was hoped that this figure would be reduced at the tender stage. Final agreement on repayment will be discussed when accurate costs are available.

 

Chairman asked Clerk to discuss start date with Nigel Bolton and suggest that mid March would be most suitable. (Nigel Bolton advised sensitive work would not be undertaken when weather conditions were unsuitable.)

 

i. BROOKHURST FIELD: Chairman confirmed that as the benches were made of solid oak they required no treatment. A decision on the necessity of a work party to be discussed at October meeting.

 

a.   Highways: It was noted that the junction at the A26 and Bidborough Ridge was dangerous due to the visibility restrictions caused by contractors' plant. Clerk to check if this could be made safer.

b. Standards Meeting : Cllrs Eames, Wheeler, Moore and Hills had attended an information evening relating to legal aspects of Parish Council business which included the Code of Conduct. Lois Howell was to be invited to address the councillors prior to the October meeting. (Meeting confirmed for 7.30 pm on 30 October for councillors to meet Lois Howell prior to PC Meeting)

c. 2007 Meetings : January 28, February 25, March 31, April 23 (8.15 start), May 19, June 30, July 28, September 29, October 27, November 24.