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Draft Minutes of Hever Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 13th July 2009, in Markbeech Village Hall at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. Roberts (Chair), Boyle, Hodson, Southworth, Thompson, Wade, County Councillor Lake, District Councillor Ryan and the Clerk. The meeting was convened at 7.30pm - To accept Apologies for Absence - Apologies were received from Councillors, Houlton, Miller and Scott. The Chairman announced that Councillor Scott had decided to retire from the Parish Council with immediate effect. The Clerk will notify the Electoral officer at Sevenoaks District Council that there is a vacancy for a Councillor to represent Hever.
2. Declarations of interests from members in respect of items of business to be discussed - None
3. To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11th May 2009 - Were approved and signed as a true record.
4. To report on Matters Arising from Parish Council Meeting held on 11th May 2009 - The Chairman reported that a resident had commented that the advertising for the Annual Meeting was inadequate. The Council noted this and will look into additional publicity for the next Annual Meeting.
5. To report on correspondence received - The Clerk reported that lists of correspondence had been circulated and drew members attention to the following: June item 7) The Clerk reported on the status of the Adoption of the Phone Kiosk on Uckfield Lane, Hever. The phone kiosk will be retained with its telephone service. Both the Parish Council and the District Council objected to the removal of the service on the grounds of an increased social need to retain both the kiosk and the service. The Clerk will report this to Hever Residents Association at their meeting on 20th July 2009.
July item 1) Members considered the invitation from Sevenoaks District Council to send the Chairman and a Representative to attend the Sustainable Community Plan 2010-2013 Workshop on Tuesday 28th July. The Chairman and Councillor Thompson will attend. the Clerk will confirm the booking.
July item 6) Members considered the request from Cowden Parish Council for David Baron and a Parish Councillor to attend their next meeting on 14th September 2009 in order to brief them on the current position with the campaign to reduce Aircraft Noise over the Parish. The clerk reported that David Baron had confirmed his availability and will be attending. Councillors nominated Councillor Miller to attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
6. To discuss the position of Interactive Flashing signs in Four Elms and hear comments from Residents. To approve PC's feedback to Kent Highway Services. - Members reviewed with great interest the comments and feedback from residents regarding the installation and proposed position of the Interactive signs on the B2402. The Clerk reported that 18 letters were sent to residents. To date 6 Residents had responded, 3 were in support and 3 were against installation of flashing signs. The Clerk will request that the Highways Engineer responsible will respond to individual residents' queries by letter. In the event that a resident has any further query the Clerk will organise a site visit with Kent Highway Services. Members concluded that they were unanimously in favour of the flashing signs. 7. To report on progress with providing dog waste bins in Four Elms and Hever - Members discussed the locations proposed for the new Dog Waste Bins in Hever and Four Elms. In Hever the suggested site is near the rubbish bin at the front of the Henry VIII car park. The Clerk will consult with Hever School and Hever Residents Association. In Four Elms the proposed site is by the life buoy at Four Elms Pond. Councillors also decided that if possible the Bins should not be Red Plastic as this would detract from the Village setting; the Clerk will discuss this with Sevenoaks District Council who will be providing the bins.
The Chairman suspended the meeting in order to hear a report from County Councillor Lake at 8:10pm County Councillor Lake reported on his opposition to the proposed Academy to replace the schools at Bradbourne and Wildernesse. This would have a serious impact on children from Edenbridge and the surrounding villages who currently travel to these schools. As a result of the closure of the school in Edenbridge 340 children already travel over the County borders into Surrey and East Sussex. We should be offering an education in Tonbridge rather than in Sackville or Oxted, unfortunately as Tonbridge is not deemed the nearest appropriate school parents are required to pay a £250 supplement for the bus pass required to send their children to school, this is an unacceptable situation. Councillor Lake has written to the Secretary of State for Education to press for the re-consideration of the case for a new academy /school to be built in Edenbridge on the site of the old school as this is what would best serve local people.
Councillor Lake reported that he had attended an event with the Edenbridge Air Training Corps (ATC). The number of recruits has increased to 25 and the aim is to ultimately reach 45. Councillor Lake commended the attitude of the recruits he met and noted this is an excellent initiative for the children of Edenbridge.
Councillor Lake updated Members on the Sustainable Communities Act which is still being discussed by the Cabinet at Kent County Council. Councillor Lake will report to Members on the County Councils position at the next Parish Council meeting on September 7th.
Councillor Lake informed members of the new 25k Highways fund pilot scheme available to Parish Councils to apply for and gave the details to the Clerk. The scheme will run for 2 years and is in addition to the existing 10k fund for Parish projects.
Members expressed concerns over the school bus services, several examples were discussed. Councillor Lake concurred and has written a letter of complaint to the Local Education Authority.
Members updated Councillor Lake on the concerns that both Councillors and Residents had expressed over the use of How Green Lane as a diversion route during the closure of Clinton Lane. The Parish Council reported overgrown hedges to the Highways Call centre on 25th March 2009. Councillors were disappointed that when the risk assessment was carried out to assess whether How Green Lane was a safe alternative route this was not addressed. Councillors requested a copy of the Risk Assessment. During the duration of the diversion a bus was stuck on How Green Lane due to the overgrown hedges. The Clerk reported the incident to Kent Highway Services and HGV‘s were subsequently diverted to another route.
Councillor Lake reported that he was aware that the Transport team had changed the diversion route for HGV's and was confident that due process was followed with regards to the Risk Assessment. Councillor Lake pointed out that if the hedging was on private property this may have been the cause for the delay in responding. Councillor Lake will make enquiries and report back to the Parish Council.
District Councillor Ryan was asked to update Members on the progress with negotiating Car Parking at Hever Station. Councillor Ryan emphasized that the access road and buildings are privately owned. The District Council is working to resolve the issue in partnership with Network Rail. There is a proposal to provide parking on existing Goods Yard this is ongoing, Councillor Ryan will update the Parish Council at the next meeting. Councillor Ryan also reported that a contractor has tendered to repair the access road and potholes before the onset of winter. Members commented that many residents are concerned about the situation and will seek to represent this to DPL the owners of the property and the Goods Yard. Members will consider implications to Rail users when the outcome of the ongoing negotiations is in the public domain.
Councillor Ryan reported that the District Council will be responding to the Consultation on Aircraft Noise, the deadline is in October. The Clerk will follow up on behalf of the Parish Council in order to co-ordinate responses.
The Chairman thanked Councillors Lake and Ryan and re-convened the Parish Council Meeting at 8.40pm
8. To report on the new Bus Shelter on Four Elms Road, Four Elms - The Clerk reported that a letter requesting funding w3as sent to County Councillor Lake in April 2009. Pending the outcome of the funding application the next step will be to commission a site survey before the ground works can begin. When the site is approved then the order can be placed for the shelter itself, the lead time on this is a minimum of 6 weeks. The Chairman invited Councillor Lake to comment on the Parish Council's funding request. Councillor Lake clarified that the funds for this financial year were not available until 25th June and advised that the Clerk should submit a funding application form to Tom Philips at Kent County Council. Members were disappointed by this delay in approving funding for the project; Councillor Lake gave his assurances that funding would be available.
9. To discuss and approve maintenance work at Four Elms Pond - Councillor Hodson reported that the garage owner was continuing and progressing the work to the outlet on his own property. The garage owner had expressed concerns over the welfare of the fish in the pond and as a consequence had met with an Environmental expert to discuss the issues. The problem is caused during the summer months when there is little rainfall and the temperature increases. The pond does require aeration and the PC do own a pump which is not currently stored on site. It was proposed that the pump be moved to Four Elms Farm where the garage owner may access it whenever it is required. This was approved. In addition the pond does require some clearance, Councillor Hodson will request some quotes for the work for Parish Council approval. Councillors considered whether the Pond Fund could make a contribution towards the work to the outlet in order to speed up the work. Members felt that this course of action would be inappropriate as the outlet is on private property and have instructed the Clerk to draft a letter to the garage owner asking what the nature of the works are and when they will be completed.
10. To review and approve the Housing Needs Survey prepared by Action with Rural Communities in Kent- Having previously circulated 3 draft letters to Councillors for their consideration, Draft Letter version 1 was approved as the most appropriate. The Clerk will advise the Local Housing Enabler at Action with Rural Communities in Kent.
11. To report on Planning Applications - Councillor Boyle reported on planning applications received and considered by the Planning Committee since the last meeting of the PC in May. Whistlers application was lengthy and detailed and the Committee spent a good deal of time considering it, the Parish Council is in strong support of the application as the diversification will provide new employment opportunities within the Parish.
Councillor Thompson reported on the provision for Gypsies and Travellers within the Local Development Framework. No further action is required by the Parish Council at this time.
Councillor Thompson outlined a Development Planning Consultation, members agreed that the Planning Committee will consider and respond accordingly.
The Chairman reported on the proposal to build an extension to the Primary School in Four Elms and showed members the outline plans. The drawing shows the proposed new Assembly/Sports Hall on an angle covering most of the hard standing playground area as well as encroaching onto Four Elms recreation ground of which the Parish Council is Trustee. Whilst Councillors are very supportive of the school extending the current school footprint Members did not agree with the proposal as far as building on Community land. Members view was that the School should not be encouraged to apply for Planning permission on land they do not own. The Chairman will report the Parish Councils views to the Chair of School Governors.
12. Finance i) To report on cheques paid Since the last meeting on 11th May 2009 the following payments have been made: 977 Richard Bennett, Hever Church mowing and Strimming £80 978 Hever Village Hall, Hire of Hall on 22.05.09 £7 979 Allianz Insurance, Annual Policy Renewal £982.70 980 Promotion House Printers, Annual Assembly flyers/posters £49.00 981 KALC, Annual Subscription 2009-2010 £437.25 982 KALC, Clerk's Information Day 19.05.09 £69 ii) The following payments were approved 983 Richard Bennett, Mowing/Strimming £110 984 Alan Miller, AGM wine £125.76 985 John Pearce, Repair Four Elms bus stop £535 986 John Pearce, Repair and maintain Four Elms Notice board £65 987 Hever Village Hall, hire £17 988 Sarah Prall, Clerk's salary £1104 989 Sarah Prall, Clerks expenses £132.04 990 EDF Energy, consumption charges £24.57 991 Richard Bennett, Mowing and Strimming £130
13. To report on Parish roads and footpaths i) Spreadsheet - The Clerk reported on the June Parish Spreadsheets as supplied by Kent Highway Services. These reports do not appear to be up to date. The Clerk will query with the Highways Liaison Officer and report back to members at the next meeting. Councillor Wade reported standing water causing a hazard in Hever, (Lane turning off from Uckfield Lane.) There is a spring in the vicinity and the piped drains cannot cope with heavy rainfall causing build up surface water. Clerk to report to Kent Highway Services. Members also expressed concerns about the road signage warning drivers of sharp bend at the Bower on Hever Road. Councillors reported 3 accidents in the last 6 weeks. Members expressed concerns about the road sinking at Cowden Pound Crossroads.
14. Items for reporting or inclusion in future agenda -To discuss the provision of a Fingerpost sign at Four Elms Recreation Ground.
Members will review the Parish Council Consultation submission on the Gatwick Environmental Noise Directive
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