Minutes of the Chiddingstone Annual Parish Council Meeting Held On

MINUTES OF THE CHIDDINGSTONE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON

WEDNESDAY 16TH MAY 2012 AT 8.00PM IN CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY VILLAGE HALL

Present:Cllr I. Durrant (Chairman), Cllr P. Benton, Cllr M. Cottrell, Cllr Mrs D. James, Cllr P. Vicary and Cllr H. Williams

Apologies:Cllr J. Glendinning and Cllr P. Cooke

In attendance: Mrs L. Kleinschmidt (Clerk), County Cllr Lake and members of the public

Open Session

Report by County Cllr Peter Lake

C.Cllr Lake reported that he has met with Steve Noad from Highways about reducing speed limit in Chiddingstone Causeway and Moorden. Steve will be drawing up a scheme and C.Cllr Lake is keen to pay for the work from his highway budget. There is no chance sadly of achieving a pedestrian crossing in Chiddingstone Causeway as this would cost £25,000, and C.Cllr Lake’s complete highway fund to help all the parishes in his ward is £25,000. There is £10,000 in C.Cllr Lake’s member’s fund and so if there is anything the Parish Council would like to apply for, please let him know. C.Cllr Lake reported that the leader of KCC, Paul Carter, has announced that he is keen for a second runway to be built at Gatwick – it can’t be done before 2019 as they will need to get the land in their possession and it would take ten years to build. In the meantime, efforts are being made to ensure that planes are brought into Gatwick higher up and land with a steeper angle in order to reduce noise disturbance for the surrounding villages, but this makes it difficult for pilots to circle if necessary. Swale Council is keen to have a nuclear tip, but KCC will be opposing this proposal. Fracking, which is the extraction of gas from the earth, has been a potential problem in Cowden, but it now looks unlikely to happen as could cause pollution in the River Eden and the River Medway. C.Cllr Lake reported that by 2017, there will be a requirement for 900 additional secondary school places and 550 additional primary school places in the Sevenoaks area alone. C.Cllr Lake is trying hard to get local children into their local school, all are deserving cases but the village primary schools are full to overflowing. C.Cllr Lake reported that KCC has withdrawn all money from Santander and this money is now safe with the Treasury. To finish, C.Cllr Lake said that he is delighted to see the increased opening hours at Edenbridge Hospital, and he hopes people continue to support the services offered.

County Cllr Lake left the meeting at 8.20pm.

Closed Session

The Clerk asked members to check their Registers of Interest forms and, if no changes were required, to initial accordingly. Any changes must be reported to the Clerk within 28 days of the change occurring.

1. a. Election of Chairman for year 2012/13

Cllr Durrant was nominated by Cllr Benton and seconded by Cllr Mrs James. There were no other nominations and, at vote, it was unanimously agreed that Cllr Durrant would stand as Chairman for the year 2012/13. Cllr Durrant agreed to stand and was duly elected.

1. To receive Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Cllr Durrant signed the Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

1. Election of Vice-Chairman for year 2012/13

Cllr Cottrell was nominated by Cllr Durrant and seconded by Cllr Mrs James. There were no other nominations and, at vote, it was unanimously agreed that Cllr Cottrell would stand as Vice-Chairman for the year 2012/13. Cllr Cottrell agreed to stand and was duly elected.

1. Appointment of Committees and representatives to other bodies

Members agreed the following appointments:

Planning Committee:Cllrs Williams, Durrant, Cottrell, Benton and Mrs James

Allotment Committee:Cllrs Durrant, Cottrell and Williams

Members agreed the following representatives to other bodies:

Kent Association of Parish Councils, Sevenoaks Area Committee: Cllr Williams

Chiddingstone Tennis Club: Cllr Glendinning

Slaters: Cllr Cooke

Margaret Hyde Almshouses: Cllr Cooke and Mr David Forbes

Chiddingstone Village Hall Management Committee: Cllr Cooke and Mrs Penny Harris

Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall Management Committee: Cllr Mrs James

CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England): Cllr Cottrell

Chiddingstone Ramblers: Ms Jenny Chettle

Chiddingstone Tree Warden: Mr Steve Haysom

Chiddingstone Pond Warden: Mrs Penny Harris

1. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Cooke and Cllr Glendinning and their reasons for absence were accepted by members.

1. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest in respect of matters to be discussed – none.

1. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 18th April 2012 were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Cottrell, seconded by Cllr Vicary and all were in favour.

1. To report on Matters Arising from the Parish Council Meeting held on 18th April 2012 – none.

1. Planning - to consider planning applications received

i.SE/12/00729/HOUSE: The Rustles, Ide Hill Road, Bough Beech. TN8 7PG - demolition of existing rear lobby extension to facilitate erection of oak framed orangery to rear. Amended application to include the erection of a retaining wall. Members supported this application.

ii.SE/12/01103/FUL: Chiddingstone C of E School, Chiddingstone TN8 7AH - demolition of existing WCs, erection of single storey infill extension at front to provide new WCs, enlarged office and reception area. New external ramp and stairs to front entrance and ramp at rear to provide access for wheelchair users. Roof conversion to provide new WC and classrooms. New external play areas with fences and gate. Members supported this application.

iii.SE/12/01174/CONVAR: Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall - variation of conditions 3, 5, 6 and 7 of approved plans SE/10/01475/FUL: demolition of rear section of Chiddingstone Causeway Village Hall and construction of replacement, internal alterations to existing front section and construction of decking. Cllr Williams undertook to study the plans and advise members of the details.

The Clerk reported that during the month the Planning Committee submitted the following response:

iv. SE/12/00605/HOUSE: Park Villas, Wellers Town Road, Chiddingstone. TN8 7BE - erection of a rear sun lounge and front porch. Members supported this application.

The Clerk reported that she received an anonymous call about the pair of brick pillars at the entrance to Vexour Farm. The farmer wants to take one done and re-build it to make a wider entrance. The Clerk contacted Nicky Twort, Conservation Officer at SDC, who said that, as the pillars were erected in the 1970s, they are not covered by the listing of Vexour Farm. Email from Ben Phillips, Planning Officer: “Strictly speaking if, as you say, the pillar(s) are over 1m in height and are adjacent to the highway then moving them would require planning permission (as long as they remain adjacent to a highway, which I assume they do). Given the minor nature of the development however we would be unlikely to take enforcement action”.

The Clerk reported the following notification of grant of planning permission / listed building consent:

SE/12/00445/HOUSE and SE/12/00446/LBCALT: Skipreed, Oakenden Lane, Chiddingstone Hoath TN8 7DE – extension adjoining modern extension to listed dwelling. Alterations to doors and windows in extension to listed building.

SE/12/00497/CONVAR: Hoath House, Chiddingstone Hoath – variation of condition 2 of SE/10/03432/FUL and increase height of gates.

SE/12/00054/FUL and SE/12/00055/LBCALT: Hoath House, Chiddingstone Hoath – conversion of redundant East Barn to residential accommodation.

SE/12/00330/HOUSE: Cherry Tree Cottage, Hever Road, Bough Beech. TN8 7NT – demolition of existing porch and erection of new porch incorporating cloak room.

1. To report on correspondence received

i.Item 5: Kent Downs AONB re: Village SOS: through this scheme the Big Lottery Fund wants to support inspiring business ideas that will bring communities together and support activities or enterprises that tackle the challenges they face. Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available in communities with a population of 3,000 or less. The fund cannot contribute towards projects that will cost more than £100,000. Applications must be received by 12 September 2012.

ii.Item 12:.KCC – Patrick Leeson, Corporate Director Education, Learning & Skills re: consultation on the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2012-17. See www.kent.gov.uk/EducationProvision. The Clerk advised that she has sent this on to Rachel Streatfeild.

iii.Item 15: Kent County Playing Fields Association – membership renewal: £20 per annum. The Clerk reported that this is taken by direct debit. Members were happy to renew the subscription.

iv.Item 16: KALC re: national campaign that is being led by the NALC and Suffolk Association of Local Councils with regard to changing the planning framework so that local councils have the same right as developers to appeal planning decisions.

vi.Item 19: KCC: Temporary Road Closure of Hale Oak Road, Chiddingstone from 9 July 2012 for up to 2 weeks. The road will be closed between Little Hale and Hale Wood Farm. There will be no access for through traffic between the junctions with Little Hale and Hale Wood Farm. The alternative route is via B2027, Camp Hill, Coppings Road, Scabharbour Road, Windmill Road. This closure is to enable the replacement of a drainage culvert and is to be carried out by Kent County Council.

vii.Item 20: Country Eye: report of burglary to a property on the main road in Chiddingstone Causeway, between Wednesday 25th April and Friday 27th April. A property was broken into and a copper cylinder tank was stolen - this resulted in severe water damage.

viii.Item 21: SLCC half-day training course on The General Power of Competence. The training has been developed by the SLCC, the Department of Communities & Local Government and NALC, and will allow Clerks to be able to complete the additional CiLCA General Power of Competence module. Cost for members £40 + VAT. Date: Tuesday 3rd July, 10.00am - 12.30pm at Swanscombe Town Council, Kent. The Clerk reported that she would like to attend this training course, but will not attend the KALC event on 25th May as it covers much that was covered at the SLCC conference in March. Members approved the expenditure, which will be split with Leigh Parish Council.

ix.Item 22: Ian Bigwood, SDC Electoral Services Manager, with a copy of SDC’s draft proposals for change under the Community Governance Review. There is no proposed change for the Chiddingstone parish boundary, although as it is proposed that two properties are changing from Leigh to Penshurst parishes, it will change the district council ward boundaries

10. To hear update regarding the Bough Beech Residents Trust

Members were updated on the two items of correspondence relating to The Bough Beech Residents Trust, which was for information purposes only.

11.To consider Family Fun Summer Play Scheme for Chiddingstone

The Clerk reported that Play Place Innov8 submitted an application for a grant from Awards for All towards the playscheme and, as yet, they have not heard whether the application is successful. Edenbridge Children’s Centre have asked if they can be included, and they will bring activities for the under-5’s. This will be free of charge. The Children’s Centre is very keen to become more active within the outlying villages to raise awareness of the centre and their purpose of supporting families.

12.To consider events and costs involved for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations

i.the provision of a parish asset(s) to commemorate the Jubilee

Village name sign: The Clerk reported that the Heritage Finger Post Signs have advised that, as the nameplates for Chiddingstone Causeway, Chiddingstone Hoath and Bough Beech will all require different text setups on the patterns, it will not be the same as making four identical signs, however they are willing to offer a discount for making four of these signs. The original sign is costing £998. The other three signs will cost £978.00 each, to include the embossed Queens Royal Standard and the embossed text reference to the Diamond Jubilee 2012. Delivery is free of charge.

After discussion, members agreed to purchase just the one sign this year, and to budget for one additional sign each year for the next three years. All agreed. The Clerk reported that the Chiddingstone sign already ordered has been included in the insurance renewal.

ii.other costs relating to the event on 4th June

The Clerk reported that there are the following costs:

Prizes:£100 (already approved)

Firework rockets:£100 (already approved)

St. John’s Ambulance:£50 (already approved)

Tug of war rope:£20

Printing of memorabilia booklet:£60 approx. This is using the church’s photocopier.

Flyer:£197. This will be self-financed due to sponsorship.

Band:£200

Insurance is covered by the Parish Council’s insurance policy.

Cllr Mrs James proposed that the Parish Council approve the funding of the remaining items, this was seconded by Cllr Williams and all were in favour.

13.To consider request to take over responsibility for the pond in Chiddingstone Causeway

The Clerk reported that this was discussed briefly at the April Parish Council meeting, and was deferred for further consideration. Diane Heasman has written to ask that the Parish Council take over responsibility for the pond in Chiddingstone Causeway. The members of the Gardening Club are either getting too old or are too busy to keep it going. The pond actually belongs to the Redleaf Trust but Diane has a letter from the late Patrick Hills confirming that the pond comes with the Village Hall. Members asked that Mrs Heasman tries to get some local people to maintain the pond going forward, and did not agree to take over responsibility.

14.To consider how the following Parish Projects are progressing:

1. Chiddingstone Car Park: to consider quotes received by Chiddingstone Castle for the refurbishment of their car park and to consider whether to provide a grant towards this work

Cllr Durrant asked members whether they were happy for Mark Streatfeild to be included in the discussion relating to the car park at Chiddingstone Castle. Members agreed. Mark said that the car park is the responsibility of the trustees, who have to be concerned about the security of the collections. The Castle has made remarkable progress over the past five years and now is very much an integral part of the village. The trustees would be very happy for the school to use the car park to relieve congestion at 08.45 and 15.30 during the school week. It would be very difficult to operate security if the car park is open to the village as a whole and visitors. The trustees are planning to enlarge the size of the car park to 80-100 cars but this would have to include the visitors to the Castle. Cllr Durrant said that Rachel Streatfeild would be happy to encourage parents to park in the car park and will split them alphabetically, and asked Mark whether the school bus could also stop there rather than in the village, which gets very congested at these busy times. Cllr Mrs James asked for more time to think about the matter as the grant would be parish funds that should be spent to benefit the whole parish. Cllr Vicary agreed. Cllr Cottrell said that the Parish Council has always been keen to support the school in the past and if improvements to the car park at the Castle would benefit the school he would support an application for a grant. Cllr Benton asked for more time to consider the matter and Cllr Williams agreed but felt that if the car park is used by the school it would ease congestion in the village. Cllr Durrant said that the Parish Council does appreciate the Castle’s offer to help alleviate the congestion in the village, and Cllr Cottrell felt that if less cars are on the road it will improve safety for everyone. It was agreed to defer a decision until the June Parish Council meeting so that more consideration can be given to the matter.

Members considered the car park by the tennis courts and whether this could be extended and used by visitors to the village. Clerk to investigate and matter to be discussed at the June Parish Council meeting.

1. Allotments

The Clerk reported that she has now received approval from Les Jones to remove the willow tree in the allotment field. Clerk to see if Brodie Hall is interested in removing the tree. Cllr Vicary asked whether the hedge adjacent to Truggers Lane could be laid. Clerk to speak to Harry Walker at SDC as the hedge is in the Conservation Area.

1. Community Garden

The Clerk reported that the BBC said that successful applicants will hear by the end of May if they have been chosen to be part of the television series. Otherwise nothing else to report.

1. Play Area

Cllr Mrs James reported that she has been in contact with Lambert & Foster as land agents for The Redleaf Trust to confirm that nothing has changed and the trustees still give their full approval for the scheme.

15.To consider any action required arising from of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 2nd May, 2012

Cllr Mrs James said that the meeting was excellent and there was a fantastic turn-out. The new posters were very good and well worth the expenditure. All agreed.