WOULDHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the MONTHLY MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on TUESDAY,

1^st APRIL, 2008, in  the VILLAGE HALL, WOULDHAM.

                                                                                               

PRESENT:                   Mr. K Malkinson (Chairman), Mr. D Adams, Mr T Fulwell,  Mrs J Head,

Ms A Parnell and Mr R Stone.  

 

IN ATTENDANCE:   Mr R Dalton (Borough Councillor)

PC Dalton (Police)

Mr. M J Ross (Clerk)

MEMBERS OF

 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies for absence were received from Bor. Cllr. Davis.

 

2. MINUTES:  The minutes of the monthly meeting  of the Parish Council, held on the

4^th March, 2008 were proposed by Cllr. Parnell and seconded by Cllr. Stone, to be a true record of the

proceedings of the Parish Council, and it was AGREED that they be signed by the Chairman.

 

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: Members AGREED that matters arising from the

minutes would be dealt with under the appropriate heading as the meeting progressed through the

agenda.

 

4. VACANCIES FOR COUNCILLORS-CO-OPTION: The Clerk reported that he had received a

letter from Mrs. Lesley Morgan, offering herself for co-option onto the Parish Council.   He circulated

copies of her letter of application, setting out her experience, etc. and suggested that he deal with the

necessary paperwork over the next few weeks with a view to Members formally co-opting her on to the

Parish Council at the May meeting.   Members AGREED to this course of action.

 

5. POLICE REPORT: PC Dalton reported that there had been 3 crimes reported in the Village during

the past month.   These were 2 assaults and 1 instance of theft of a motor vehicle.   In the case of the

Laker Road area, there was 1 crime reported being that of theft.

PC Dalton also advised members that, in future there would be 2 full time police officers covering the

area (the area comprised Wouldham, Burham, Eccles and Walderslade), together with PCSO Caroline

Honeysett.

The Clerk reported that he had received an invite from Kent Police Authority for a representative to

attend a conference dealing with “Rural Policing”, being held on the 8^th April at the Ashford International

Hotel.   He asked if anyone was interested in attending but no member indicated an interest.

 

6. BOROUGH COUNCILLORS REPORT: Bor. Cllr. Dalton reported that he would be

attending the Rural Policing Conference and asked if there were any questions that Members

would like him to ask.   Members agreed to consider this and put forward any agreed questions

via the email system.

He also advised members that Borough Cllr. Davis was continuing with his attempts to ensure

the adoption of Oldfield Drive and had stated that the street lights were now fixed but there

continued to be a problem with the plastic bollards to be fixed and the verge to be sorted.

Cllr. Adams felt that these were minor matters that shouldn’t affect the adoption but suggested

that the Clerk be asked to write to the Management Company to ask that these issues be dealt

with immediately.   Members AGREED to this proposal.

Borough Councillor Dalton referred to the Newsletter issued by Trenport Investments regarding

the delays in the timetable for the development of Peters Village and particularly the bridge

crossing.    The projected timetable for the start was now changed from Autumn, 2007 to

Spring of 2009.   He confirmed that the delays were of a financial nature, with the bodies

involved in permitting the bridge crossing, seeking large sums for the rights to cross the river and

negotiations were continuing.   He assured members that the development of Peters Village was

                                                                                                                                                                Action by

 

still dependent  on the bridge crossing and the requirement of the planning consent that the

bridge would be in place by the time the first 150 houses were built, was still applicable.

A recent tour of the Village by Waste Officers of TMBC, together with representatives of Veolia

Environmental Services had determined that the bin on the Recreation Ground should be re-

sited.

The Kent Clean Team would be in the area in the week following the meeting of the PC and

sought directions as to areas within the Parish that Members would like to see tidied up.

The areas of the Black Robin and the high water tide mark by the river were suggested.

Borough Councillor Dalton also stated that he was proposing to try and arrange a litter pick in

the Village in mid May and was keen to publicize the event and in this connection suggested

that an approach might be made to the school to see if some of the children might be involved.

Councillor Adams undertook to raise the matter at the school.                                                                  Cllr. Adams

 

7. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT: County Councillor Rowe had submitted a Report

and this had been circulated to Members.   The main content of it was as follows:

1.      At the last T & M Joint Transportation Board Meeting, it had been reported that

the works on the Traffic Management Scheme in the Village, had been completed

with the exception of the connection of permanent lamp columns.

                  It was also reported that the Medway Valley Initiative, consisting of improved

                  cycling and walking routes in the Medway Valley, was undergoing assessment as

                  part of the Borough Cycling Strategy.   This continues to need to be monitored

      closely.

2.      At the Parish Partnership on 6^th March, 2008, the Parish Charter for T & M was

accepted, a copy of which the Parish has.   This should be of interest.

3.      County Councillor Rowe is arranging a meeting with the Head of Wouldham School

with a view to progressing some minor development project that Cllr. Adams is

interested in promoting.

           

8. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: A number of the public were in attendance from Church Place

and were concerned about the current problem where the owner of the frontage land was demanding a

fee for allowing them to park on the land.   The practice of parking on the land had been in being for

many years and the representatives of the residents at the meeting were looking to the PC for support in

their battle with the landowner.   It was explained that this was a matter between themselves and the

owner of the land and the PC could not get involved.   The PC would however, be quite happy to support

the residents in their legal actions and various alternative actions were discussed including purchase of the

land by either the residents, the PC or the Borough Council.   Bor. Cllr. Dalton confirmed that he was

looking into various ways that he might be able to assist the residents.    In the meantime TMBC had

issued a statement to the Kent Messenger confirming that this was a private matter between the residents

and the landowner.   All Members agreed that the best way forward for the residents was for them to

seek professional legal advice on their position bearing in mind the number of years that they had enjoyed

parking on the land.

 

9. PLANNING: (a) Planning applications considered by the Planning Committee:

(i)        156 High Street – New vehicular access: No comments

(ii)                Land west of Rochester Road, Rochester (Airport Estate)-change of use:

                                                The PC continue to be of the opinion that there are serious doubts about the

                                                capacity of the road system and feel strongly that brownfield land should be

                                                developed before any encroachment onto greenfield land takes place.

(iii)               Peters Village-Reserved matters-Development Platforms, main onsite

road network, landscaping etc.: The PC consider the surface of the

bridleway totally unsuitable for horses and are adamant that it needs to

be of a softer, more horse friendly surface.   Also the surface proposed

 

                                                                                                               Action by

could be very dangerous to horses in wet weather because it could

become extremely slippery.

    (b) Planning Consents issued:

(i)                  The Barn, Rochester Road-Amendment – provision of roof light

                            (c) Planning Applications refused:

(i)                  7 High Street-Demolition of side extension & erection of new 2 storey

dwelling

                            (d) Other Planning Issues: The Clerk reported that he had received

notification from KCC that there were changes to the planning

application process proposed and these would be coming into

effect from the 6^th April, 2008.

He also reported that the appeals by Jonathan Crawley, in respect

of enforcement notices issued relating to 4 & 5 Chalken Cottages,

Portland Road, had been dismissed by the Inspector and the

works to correct the situation had to be carried out.

Access road to rear of High Street: The Clerk reported that he had

received a further plan from Lloyd Hunt Associates with the

revised layout of the proposed access road.   The Chairman

confirmed that the plan showed the access road as agreed by the

planning committee and Lloyd Hunt Associates had been

instructed to proceed with the necessary consultations with

Malcolm Appleby of  Kent Highways.

Three Villages Liaison Group: Aylesford PC had put a suggestion

to TMBC that, in the light of the experience of the temporary

traffic lights that had been operating at the Pilgrims Way/Bull

Lane junction recently, they felt that this had substantially

improved safety at this junction and called upon TMBC to

consider providing permanent traffic lights.

In submitting this proposal, Aylesford PC had looked to Burham

and Wouldham PC’s to support them in this request.   However,

after some discussion there was a divergence of opinion and the

Chairman put the matter to a vote.   The vote was 2 councillors

in favour of supporting Aylesford PC’s proposal with 3 members

against and 1 abstainer.   It was therefore determined that the PC

would not support the proposal for traffic lights at this junction.                 Clerk

 

10. STREET LIGHTING: It was confirmed that the street lights that were reported out in Hall

Road, were still out and it was suggested that the Clerk should contact KCC’s Street Lighting                   Clerk

Dept. to try and ensure that they were repaired as soon as possible.

 

11. HIGHWAYS & VERGES: General:  Cllr. Head referred to the Spreadsheet for April and

enquired whether members had any items to add but there were no other issues raised.                 

                                                                                                                                                 

12. FOOTPATHS/PROW: General: The surfacing of the footpath by the school had not been

carried out as promised by Paul Lunn.  This may be due to the fact the weather has not been

suitable for the work and Cllr. Stone undertook to consult Paul Lunn to determine exactly when

the work would be done.

The direction post at Hill Road was broken and it was suggested that an approach should be

made to David Munn at KCC PROW to arrange for its replacement.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                               Action

 

13. ALLOTMENTS: The Clerk reported that he had been advised by Cluttons, the agents acting

for Trenport Investments, that as from the 1^st April, 2008, Smiths Gore would be taking over the

management of the allotments and all rents due from the PC thereafter should be paid to them.

The Clerk also advised Members that having read TMBC’s Open Spaces Strategy, it would

appear that they do not view the allotments warrant a mention in the schedule of allotments

within the Borough.   Indeed nor do they place any credibility on the Common which is referred

to as “low quality/low value open space with very poor access, litter, overgrown and safety

vulnerable”   This is definitely not correct and the Clerk suggests that he make representations to

TMBC to point out that the PC take exception to these remarks and that the Common is likely

to receive a grant from the Big Lottery Fund and in any event, work has been carried out on the

Common in recent months, with bluebell planting and other works, to improve it.   Significant

other works are also proposed in the near future.   Members AGREED that the Clerk should                    Clerk

make representations to TMBC on both the allotments and the Common, on the lines described.

 

14. RECREATION GROUND: The Clerk advised Members  that he had received a report on

the condition of the play equipment from the Engineers at Zurich Insurance.   There were no

significant areas that required works but a number of minor issues needed to be attended to.

It was AGREED the Clerk mark up a Schedule of the report, showing the repairs required and

pass this to the Chairman so that he can consult with Headland Garden Services to see if they

would be able to effect the necessary repairs identified,

Cllr. Stone informed Members that his source for getting scalpings for the car park, had advised

that the works on Bluebell Hill had used these up and there was no spare.   Consequently it

would be necessary to find another source at a reasonable cost and he undertook to follow this                 Cllr. Stone

up.

                                                                                                                                                 

15.  VILLAGE HALL: Cllr. Stone reported that the Management Committee meeting,

scheduled for the 31^st March, had been cancelled because there had been insufficient action

on issues that needed to be addressed.   The meeting would now take place on the 14^th

April.

 

16. FINANCE:      (i) General: There were no general issue to be raised.

                               (ii) Bank Position:

Income this month: £729.00

                                    Current Account: £2358.77 (less cheques for payment today)

Savings Account: £18,466.10

Building Society Account: £10,016.01                                                             

 

          (iii) Accounts for Payment:                                                                                                     

Cheque No	Payee	Detail	Amount
2361	Cluttons	Half year rent on allotments	323.13
Direct	EDF Energy	Street Lighting - Electricity supply: March, 2008.	22.96
2362	Lloyd Hunt Associates	Fees for acting on Access Road	998.75
2363	Burham Village Hall	Part year rent for storage-1/10/07-29/02/08	50.00
2364	M J Ross	Sal: 750.00; Rent: 125.00; Exp: 41.60; Imp: 13.74	955.34
2365	J Harmer	Litter Duties-March, 2008	176.64
2366	KALC	Membership of KALC for 2008/09	359.68

      All the above accounts were approved for payment.

(iv) Chairman’s Insignia: The Clerk stated that Messrs Shaw &

Sons, who were making the new Chairman’s insignia, had enquired about the colouring of the

various items within the Crest.   It was AGREED that the Church be brown, the ship black, the

horse white and the corn etc. yellow, all set on a blue background with the cross dividing the

crest into 4 quarters, red.

                                                                                                                                                               Action by

 

(iv)              Grants: The Clerk drew attention to the letter from KCC, already

emailed to Members, with particular reference to the deadline dates for the receipt of

applications for grant.   Consideration needs to be given to subjects for grant application in the

near future.

 

17 SPECIAL REPORTS:  Church News & Letter: Various subjects were agreed for

inclusion in the Parish News, including crime figures and the litter picking scheme.

 

18.  CORRESPONDENCE:  The list of letters and other correspondence received during the

month was circulated to Members on the e-mail, so that any Member could request sight of any

particular item that they wished to read.

 

19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on the 6^th May, 2008.

 

20. COUNCILLORS/CHAIRMAN/CLERK: Cllr. Adams enquired about the progress on

seeking a financial reurn from Smurfitts for cardboard.   The Clerk would progress the matter.                   Clerk

Cllr. Head asked how many allotment plots had been let bearing in mind the income of £360,

which, at £15 per plot, suggests there are 24 plots let.

The Clerk advised Members that there were 5 items of correspondence that warrant drawing their

attention to.   These are 1. The Kent Association of Parish Councils had changed its name to the

                                           Kent association of Local Councils.

                                       2. An email from TMBC asking for information regarding the

                                           distribution of ‘Here & Now’ within the Village and Members stated

                                           that some of the outlying properties did not appear to receive copies.             Clerk

                                       3. An email from Jennifer Winters of the Valley of Visions seeking

                                           answers to a number of questions about publicizing the opportunities

                                           that are available.

                                       4. Kent Primary Care Trust seeking comments on the rurality of an

                                           area that does not include Wouldham, but covers Walderslade to

       the west and Stockbury to the east.   Members agreed that some 75%          Clerk

       of the area was rural.

   5. KCC – Draft Permit Scheme – A request for answers to a

      questionnaire.   Since this was a KHS originated document it was

       passed to Cllr. Head to deal with.                                                                 Cllr. Head                

 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9.40pm

 

Signed as a correct record of the proceedings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: 6^th May, 2008.                                                    Chairman:………………………