...where the High Weald begins...
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
25 February 2008 at 8
pm in the Village Hall
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1.
PRESENT:
Cllrs P Eames (Chairman), D Moore, H Hayward, Mrs A Parsons
2. APOLOGIES:
Cllrs Mrs D Reynolds, S Hebditch, Mrs D Reynolds
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 28 January 2008, having been
circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Declarations of Interest in Agenda Items:
None
4. MATTERS ARISING:
a. Road Safety: Clerk had been advised by the Kent Highways representative liasing with the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit that speed had not been a contributory factor in the recent fatal accident on the A26. Kent Highways were generally advised immediately after serious accidents if they were required to undertake any work to make accident sites safer and this had not been the case in this instance. It was anticipated that the investigative period would take up to four months in total in preparation for the inquest. At such time that all the evidence was available, it would then enable Kent Highways to hold a site review to decide on what action might be either needed, or, most beneficial.
b. Spring Lane Resurfacing: Poor condition of surfacing reported to Inspector at Kent Highways who was investigating the standard of work.
PARISHIONERS’
QUESTION TIME:
It was confirmed that the repairs to potholes adjacent to the village hall scheduled for repair during the half term had been completed, further repairs had been carried out by the bus stop.
There had been further problems with blocked sewage pipes in the High Street affecting neighbouring properties.
A new drain had been installed adjacent to the Lych Gate.
5. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING:
07/04265: 11 High Street
Demolition of single storey structure at rear and replacement with a single storey extension. Demolition of prefabricated garage and erection of two storey extension to the side.
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: GRANTED
07/04364: Gatehouse Farm
Two units of single accommodation with garage and parking area
Parish Council: The PC have concerns at development in this area and any precedent it may set, however, should development be allowed is there a case for a slightly higher number of units to provide lower cost housing for the parish. The standard of the drawings provided was poor. Concerns are raised with regard to the parking of contractorsí vehicles in this area during the duration of the project if approved.
No Objections TWBC: REFUSED
07/04325: 67 Bidbrough Ridge
Reposition existing drives to 67 and 67a Bidborough Ridge
Parish Council: No objections.
TWBC: GRANTED
07/04321: 67 Bidborough Ridge
Two-storey and single-storey side extensions
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: GRANTED
08/00051: The Oast, Lower Haysden Lane
Single storey sunroom extension
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: Decision awaited
08/00059: Isaacs Cottage, Franks Hollow Road
Demolition of existing garage and conservatory. Two storey rear extension
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: Decision Awaited
08/00214: Mill House, Mill Court
Change of use of paddock to residential curtilage
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: Decision Awaited
08/00188: Chestnut Cottage, Upper Hayesden Lane
One Storey Extension to dwelling to replace garage to provide bedroom and living area
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: Decision Awaited
08/00426: Green Acres, Spring Lane
Two storey side extension + existing garage, study, conservatory and covered area to be removed
Parish Council: No Objections TWBC: Decision Awaited
08/00605: 4 Mill Court, Penshurst Road
Roof conversion with two new conservation rooflights on rear (north) elevation
Parish Council: Decision Awaited TWBC: Decision Awaited
6.
FINANCE:
| February Expenditure | ||
| P Richards | Tree Surgery | 100.00 |
| RIP Cleaning Services | Dog Waste Removal | 67.21 |
| EDF Energy | Street Lighting Energy | 58.97 |
| EDF Energy | Street Lighting Maintenance/Repairs | 76.67 |
| Thomson Snell & Passmore Legal Fees | Land Registration | 1070.75 |
| LF Thompson Ltd | Lengthsman | 180.00 |
| Allianz Insurance plc | Annual Insurance | 1647.00 |
| February Income | ||
| Newsletter | 67.50 |
1. Website: Cllr Eames confirmed a parishioner had kindly volunteered to maintain the website, clerk would provide copies of minutes for updating on a monthly basis.
2. Church Wall: Contractors commenced on site on the due date and work was progressing. Clerk to investigate possibility of PC undertaking provision of fencing aspect of contract, checks to be made with Health and Safety Executive regarding any issues of liability or other organisations able to advise on this aspect of the project. Clerk to check position with regard to heritage officers involvement in repairs.
3. Loan Approval: Confirmation received in writing that borrowing approval had been given by the Secretary of State for £90K to meet the bill for the church wall repairs.
7.
REPORTS:
a. VILLAGE CARE/RECREATION GROUND/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE:
1. Play Area Bridge: Cllr Moore advised that slats were missing from the bridge unit, clerk to report to contractor for opinion on repair.
2. Parishioners/Work: Cllr Eames advised members that Mr Green had continued his work in cutting the hedge by the recreation ground, Cllr Moore also reported that Mrs Thorne and Mr Towner had been undertaking regular litter picks in the parish. The public spirited attitude of the parishioners was welcomed and appreciated by members of the council who recorded their thanks to those involved.
b. NEWSLETTER: Cllr Eames required copy by the 16 March 2008.
c. COMMUNITY COUNCIL: No report
d. BIRCH WOOD:
1. Tree Felling: Clerk had written to owners of an adjacent property regarding damage to a number of silver birch trees when they had removed the tops of the trees. The removal and clearance of the resultant debris of the damaged trees was now required together with replanting of the area. Members would ensure that action was taken to ensure this damage was rectified.
2. Rhododendrons: Cllr Eames confirmed that a number of these had been cut back by anglers to assist access to the lake. This was illegal and should any angler be witnessed doing so action would be taken by the PC against those concerned.
3. Signage: Clerk had requested the provision of signage at the Southborough end indicating no cycling or horse riding, this had not to date been provided. Clerk to check progress.
e. ALLOTMENTS: No report
f. SPORTS ASSOCIATION: Cllr Moore advised that new lights were to be fitted in the main room and the toilets.
1. Insurance: Cllr Moore advised that the BSA had historically undertaken responsibility for insurance for the clubs but companies were now withdrawing personal insurance from their cover. Individual clubs were now investigating options open to them. The pavilions were being re-valued.
2. Fencing: Cllr Moore confirmed that both the cricket club and the tennis club had offered to donate funds towards the new fencing project being undertaken by the PC, the bowls club had also been approached to shares the costs and provide a donation towards the work, an answer was awaited.
g. CEMETRY: No report
1. Memorial Garden: It was suggested the lengthsman be asked to add this to his schedule of works to ensure it was maintained to the same standard as the rest of the churchyard
h. BROOKHURST FIELD:
i. Gate: In view of further deterioration to the existing gate it was agreed a new unit would be required.
i. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mr Long confirmed that an initial meeting had been held to re-launch the Bidborough Neighbourhood Watch Programme. A review of the existing signage and any further signs required had been undertaken and this matter was being actioned. A letter would be drafted and distributed by volunteers to everyone in the parish and an article would be placed in the Newsletter currently being prepared. Monthly review meetingshad also been arranged with Carey Amor and Ray Nuttall.
J. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Speed Indicator Device: Cllr Eames had explained the system to a parishioner who had volunteered to assist with the project and attended for training. It was hoped that other parishioners would become interested in order to increase the use of the unit and spread the consequent work load more widely.