LAMBERHURST PARISH COUNCIL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes of the Meeting held on 12th January 2010

Transcription

1 Approved LAMBERHURST PARISH COUNCIL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes of the Meeting held on 12th January 2010 Members present: Cllr Denis Cruse (Chairman) Cllr John Uren (Vice-Chairman) Cllr Steve Cannella Cllr Rolf Smith Cllr Ian Mepham Cllr John Francis Cllr Tim Walker In attendance: Barbara Uren, Clerk Chris Hamilton, Minute Secretary 0 members of the public DC JU SC RS IM JF TW BU CH Welcome The Chairman welcomed the public, councillors and those in attendance to the meeting. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME There were no questions from members of the public. MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies in advance had been received from DHB, who was delayed in London. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were none. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LPC MEETING HELD ON 10 TH NOVEMBER The minutes of this meeting were approved, with all in favour, with one amendment. (Amendment: Page 1 RF should read RS.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LPC MEETING HELD ON AND 8 TH DECEMBER 2009 The minutes of this meeting were approved with the same amendment. (Amendment: Page 1 RF should read RS.) All were in favour with one abstention, DC, who had not been present at the meeting. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE NOVEMBER MINUTES Pg.2 Hook Green Speed Limits TW reported that he was still waiting to hear from Hook Green residents with regard to the letters that they had received from KCC. In the meantime, KCC had made contact with the landowner of woodland that has to be cut back in order for the road signs to be accommodated. CH reported, on behalf of Hook Green residents, that there had been 1

2 Pg.3 six accidents in the space of a few days on the western double bend before Hook Green, all attended by police. There are two places on these bends where water runs across the road and freezes. Gritting had failed to prevent these accidents. BU stated that she had reported blocked outfalls before the snowy weather and would now ask that these be cleared regularly during the winter. TW reported that KCC were working on a long-term solution to these drainage problems. IM arrived at this point. IM s understanding was that the bottom outfall was cleared occasionally but the top one less often. He felt that they should all be cleared, on the same visit, on a more regular basis. BU stated that she had pointed out to KHS the need to clear all four outfalls but would reiterate this and ask for it to be done regularly. Drains in High Street KHS had undertaken investigations before Christmas. These showed that surface water drains were being contaminated with foul water from the public sewer. This was happening outside the chapel further up the hill. Snow had held up proceedings and BU would now to ask for timescales for the necessary repair work. Flooding The Environment Agency had delayed again because of bad weather. DC had written and outlined the history of their promises and they had now given the date for the de-silting as Monday 18 th January. DC was to meet with Neil Gunn and David Collins the following Friday. They would discuss this as well as Neil Gunn s longer term plans for flood alleviation measures and to obtain funding. Common Land (item 5) There was no further information at present. Allotments It was agreed that allotment sizes needed to be known by March when billing would take place. BU was working on this. Iron Slab It was reported that WMH Managers were happy for the slab to be installed provided that there were no costs to the WMH and that services would not disturbed during the installation. It was agreed that we should check the issue with conservation officers, decide on an exact location and ensure services would not be affected. Findings should be reported at the March meeting, after which a visit to the present site of the slab would be arranged. Clock This was no longer running. BU would follow this up. Footpaths There had been no response as yet to the letter regarding Bayham footpaths. It was agreed that Lester Haskell should be asked to deal regularly with weeds on the footpath to the church. Playground Application for a flooring grant for rubber matting had been refused. The council discussed the relative merits of matting and bark flooring in relation to safety, cost, maintenance and durability. It was agreed in 2

3 Pg.4 Pg.7 principle that the playground should be re-floored with bark chippings and that suitable furniture should be purchased and installed, provided the costs were appropriate. SC agreed to try to obtain three quotations for the March meeting, with a view to carrying out the work in the Spring. Parish Plan JF hoped that the group would meet in February. Hedges The hedging had been received and would be planted when conditions permitted. Mugs A Christmas card had been received from the Mugs, thanking LPC for its help and support. Public Conveniences Borough Councillor Barry Noakes had been chasing this up on our behalf but as yet no reply had been received to our original request. The matter was now in the hands of Diane Bradley and William Benson (the new TWBC chief executive) who takes on responsibility in February. DC asked BU to write to congratulate him on his appointment and to say that we look forward to working with him on matters of mutual interest. Bonfire Society The society had thanked LPC in the parish magazine for help and support in the past year. IM asked, on behalf of the Bonfire Society, if LPC would be willing to continue this support in insurance matters in the coming year and it was agreed that this was so, provided any excess costs were, as before, met by the Country Fair and Bonfire Society. Youth Shelter Repairs were back in the hands of Monsterplay. The insurance company had accepted the quotation. Shooting and Beating on Common Land Enquiries had been made and it was thought that the matter had been dealt with informally. No further complaints of this nature had been received. Signage DC reported that this issue was looking more hopeful but that progress was slow. Public Conveniences Roof JU had looked at the roof with the roofers and they had concluded that the roof and soffits, now 40 years old, could do with replacement but there was no leakage at present and therefore no urgent need. The cost would be in the region of 4,000. The council agreed to ask TWBC, in the first instance, whether they would be prepared to undertake this work. Police Phone Number TW was asked to deal with this. Bus Shelter Windows These had been done at no net cost to LPC. 3

4 Pg.2 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE DECEMBER MINUTES Oak Tree on the Playing Field This would be done in March. Christmas Lights The grant had been less than usual this year and was likely to be withdrawn next year. It was agreed that we should thank those who dealt with the lights in the village, which were much appreciated by all, and ask their opinion as to what was needed to upgrade them for the future and the likely cost. It was thought that the lights might not be itemised on the insurance and DHB should be asked to add these to our policy if this were the case. 5. COMMON LAND / ALLOTMENTS Hook Green Parking Problems The issue of parking at the Bowl s Club was continuing to raise problems between the club and the landlord of the Elephant s Head. LPC had received an enquiry from the Bowl s Club about the possibility of having a designated area of common land for parking during practices and matches. It was agreed that councillors should speak to those concerned in the dispute and investigate the issues, reporting back to the March meeting. BU was to write acknowledging receipt of the letter and saying that the Common Land group was investigating. Footpath on the Down A parishioner had written to ask for action on the large puddle on this footpath. It was agreed that the Common Land group should investigate the cause of this puddle. Trees in Hook Green CH, as Tree Warden at Hook Green, reported that two trees had begun to fall on a section of the footpath on the north-west edge of the common land. These might be potentially dangerous and were partially blocking the path such that walkers needed to stoop low to avoid them. The Common Land Group agreed to investigate. 6. PLANNING 09/ , The Slade It was agreed that JU should complain that LPC was not notified that its recommendation had not been in line with LPC recommendations. 09/03765 Misty Meadow This application was discussed. It was noted that permission for the land to be used agriculturally had originally been given after it was proven to be viable. In addition, the council discussed the sale of potatoes at Woodlands Farm which required those stopping to purchase to pull in and out of the drive on a dangerous bend. It was agreed to talk to the planners about this. It was also agreed that the cars for sale at Lamberhurst Quarter were parked on land within the parish of Matfield and, as such, not within our remit. There would be a Planning Information Day on Saturday 14 th March for councillors who were interested. 7. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS KALC Nothing to report KCC LOCAL BOARD Nothing to report. 4

5 HOUSING DC reported that Horsmonden Community Care Project had expressed to LPC its opinion that the Borough Council did not have a clear enough view of the housing needs of the elderly when planning provision. PLAYING FIELD See Recreation FOOTPATHS TRANSPORT There would be a Public Transport Forum on 27 th January at 6pm. BB should be informed and asked to attend if possible. It remained unclear whether a bus service was anticipated between Lamberhurst and the new Pembury hospital. It was agreed that we should obtain further details about the direct link which was planned between Hawkhurst and the hospital. TW was asked to contact Greg Clark. It was noted that KCC and TWBC both funded supported bus services and it should be possible to phone for information. WAR MEMORIAL HALL POLICE & HIGHWAYS There would be a display at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge the following Friday and Saturday regarding the dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury. RECREATION BUSINESSES Nothing to report. FINANCE To be covered later. PARISH PLAN FLOODING WEBSITE It was agreed that new items on the website should be publicised regularly in the parish magazine and on the village notice board. CH agreed to check that the Bonfire Society had a link on the website. PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMEN MEETING Nothing to report. 8. CORRESPONDENCE The items in the papers were noted without further discussion. DC added that the paper A Comprehensive Assessment Area of Kent was available for those who wished to read it. 9. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT JF reported his intention to move half of the sum presently in the current account to a 3 month bond. The accounts for payment were approved with all in favour. (Appendix 1) 5

6 10. REVIEW OF ICE AND SNOW PROBLEMS It was agreed that BU, with the help of councillors, should carry out a survey of salt bins in the parish and ascertain where additional ones were needed. It was further agreed that Pearce Place needed salting, with the school now situated there. 11. REVIEW OF PENDING LIST KHS/KCC i. Village Green and Swan Corner Issues BU would be meeting with a KCC representative. Missing Footway at Down Avenue BU was to put some pressure on AK as a result of the recent . Hook Green Speed Limit Missing Arm Hook Green Traditional Guide Post It was agreed that we should obtain quotations and replace the missing arm at our own expense if not forthcoming from KHS. Missing Letters Traditional Guide Post, The Down Crossroads It was agreed that BU would put further pressure on KHS. Brown Directional Signage Maintenance of Trees/Vegetation, Town Hill and School Hill. There was nothing further to report. ii. KCC/SOUTHERN WATER Drain Problems iii. TWBC Transfer of Public Conveniences iv. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY De-silting River Teise 12. MATTERS OF URGENCY AT CHAIRMAN S DISCRETION DC reminded councillors of the need to attend the course in Powers of Wellbeing which had previously been cancelled. BU should to explain that we are still interested and ask for evening courses. DC reported that money was now available from the government for repairs to and upkeep of War Memorials. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Mr Alan Willett, KCMG, had invited councillors to the Annual Civic Service at All Saints Church Maidstone. He passed on the form in case anyone wished to attend. DC passed to the planning group a document about the future of planning regulations. We are asked for our comments on the new supplementary guidance. Christmas cards had been received from Greg Clark, AK and from the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells. 13. EXEMPT ITEMS. There were none. The meeting was closed at 9.45 pm. 6

7 Appendix 1 Accounts - January LPC - new cheques Cheque No. Total VAT Net 12-Jan-10 South East Water Metered water - allotments 12-Jan-10 Joe Cannella ROSPA playground repairs 12-Jan-10 Barbara Uren December expenses 12-Jan-10 Mrs Chris Hamilton December minutes - TOTAL