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At the Community Room of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Lynsted
Present :
Councillors: English, Barrett, Disney, Baxter, Champion, Dawes
In attendance: Richard Barnicott (Ward Councillor), Liz Attwood (Clerk)
1 Apologies
Apologies were received from the following who were unable to attend:
- Cllr Darling, due to work commitments.
- Cllr Jones, due to family commitments.
- Cllr Bowling, due to illness.
- KCC Cllr Bowles due to a conflicting engagement.
2 Public Speaking
There were no members of the public present.
3 Declarations of Interest
The Chairman asked if any Councillors wished to declare an interest in any items on the Agenda. No one wished to make a declaration.
4 Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 28th November 2006
A number of amendments to the presented minutes were requested by the attendees.
- 1. Present: Add Cllr Bowling to list of those present.
- 2. Item 3, Declarations of Interest. The Chairman asked if other members wished to declare an interest, but no one wished to declare an interest.
- 3. Item 5, Matters Arising: target funding referred to Parish Plan.
- 4. Item 6 Complaint Update: significant additional wording required – see final minutes. As a result it was agreed that the minutes as presented would be revised and re-issued by the Clerk.
- 5. Item 8: Units at St Paul’s Court will be for part purchase only – omit “rent”.
- 6. Item 16: Fourth item should read Disability “Equality” Duty, not Quality”
Subject to the above amendments, it was agreed that the minutes when signed could be endorsed by the Chairman. This was proposed by Cllr Champion and seconded by Cllr Disney.
5 Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting held on 28th November 2006
Cllr Champion reported that missing seat outside Garden House Primitives on the London Road had been resolved. A site meeting had been held with a KCC representative and a new location had been agreed for the seat which would be re-painted. In addition it had been agreed that the damaged footpath would be permanently reinstated. The shop Proprietor, Mr Williams, had also agreed to alter a run of guttering on the building to divert rainwater away from the seat.
Cllr Baxter reported that a metal plaque with the correct lettering had been ordered for the London Road milestone. Teynham Parish Council will request the black lettering on a white background, in keeping with the other A2 milestones.
6 Affordable Housing – Cllr Baxter
There were no new developments to report.
7 Local Plan Review – Cllr Baxter
A report was submitted at the meeting. Despite a number of objections, including those of the Parish Council, Swale Borough Council (SBC) is recommending a change to the status of Village/Parish Design Statements, Parish Plans etc. such that these documents no longer have Supplementary Guidance status, but become instead Material Planning considerations. Although this is a downgrading of status, SBC feels these will still carry weight at appeals etc.
Cllr Disney advised that a possible site had been identified for a new Village Hall – a brownfield site at Vigo farm. The Owner and Agent have been contacted and a response is awaited.
8 Parish Plan – Cllr Baxter/Disney
Cllr Disney stated that Steering Group encompassing three of the Working Groups – Traffic, Environment and Physical, was to re-convened shortly.
Cllr Baxter advised that the Traffic Group had attended a Swale Rural Forum meeting on “quiet lanes”, which Sheila Buttle is progressing; and “Wealden Wheels”, whereby local Parish Councils get together to organise transport for the elderly and infirm. The meeting felt that the latter was worth further investigation, but would need to understand the relationship with the SUN network.
There will be a presentation on harnessing renewable energy at the next Environment Working Group on Tuesday 6th February in the Lynsted Community room at 6.30pm.
Cllr Baxter and Disney will have an on-site meeting with a pond restoration expert on 10th January to look at 3 ponds in the village.
Cllr Baxter advised of a proposed litter pick in the Green Street area. It was planned to get the school involved. This was proposed byCllr Disney and seconded by Cllr Barrett.
Cllr Disney advised that that he had met with Ian Lewis consultant with regard to general traffic situation on London Road through Green Street area. Swale Rural Forum had agreed in principle to put up one third of the money. The Design study which ideally commence early in the next financial year . Understanding is that both Parish Councils would be expected to contribute financially the remaining £6,000. Cllr Disney will investigate alternative funding possibilities including ACRK, Rural Renewal and KCC.
9 Complaint Update – Cllr Barrett
As requested at the last meeting, the Complaints Committee met to consider Mr Jones’ last letter, dated 27th November 2006, which was received too late for consideration at the Parish Council meeting of the 28th November.
Based on advice received from the KAPC, the Complaints Committee felt that all the issues raised in this letter had already been dealt with; either in the Report or in previous correspondence with the Complainant and thus the Complaint is considered closed. The Complaints Committee has replied to Mr Jones to this effect, letter dated 30th November 2006.
Following a question from Cllr Dawes, all documents relating to the complaint would be in the public domain when there is no further correspondence from the Complainant and the matter is considered to be closed. Cllr Barrett agreed to confirm this procedure with KAPC..
Cllr English advised the meeting that he had received a telephone call from Mr Jones, earlier that day, at approximately 5pm, advising that he had sent an e-mail and requesting that this be discussed at this meeting. Cllr English read the covering note only, which requested that the enclosed letter should be read to all the Councillors at the meeting. It was agreed that the Guidelines for Parish Meetings prohibit consideration of short notice items. This was proposed by Cllr Disney, seconded by Cllr Baxter.
It was agreed that the Clerk would respond to Mr Jones, acknowledging receipt and would send the letter to all Councillors as requested, asking for their comments, prior to the next meeting, when it would be dealt with as an Agenda item.
10 Finance
There was some lack of clarity at the meeting as whether the Subsidiarity of 3,650 did in fact refer to 2006/7 or 2007/8. Clerk to clarify.
It had previously been agreed that the 2006/7 figure should be allocated to phase 2 of the Lynsted Lane footpath. The Parish Council were planning to make a contribution. It was noted that a quotation had still not been received from KCC Highways (Mr Haratbar dealing with), so it was not possible to know whether this would go ahead or not. Clerk to chase. This was proposed by Cllr Barrett, seconded by Cllr Champion.
There was an open discussion on how to allocate subsidiarity for 2007/8. It was agreed that the availability of parish funds for local projects should be advertised to the community via the website and parish newsletter. Cllr Champion was interested in funding for the pond restoration.
Clerk to clarify with Lawrence Young of SBC what has been allocated for both years and timescales for any decisions.
The following expenditure was agreed, proposed by Cllr Champion and seconded by Cllr Disney.
- /582 £58.75 for Clerk’s attendance on KAPC course, the Progressive Council 24/01/2007
- /584 £40.09 for Clerk’s expenditure on stationery, including £20 book tokens for school
- /583 £39.50 for Cllr Barrett expenditure on leaving present for Clerk (Chairman’s allowance)
11 Planning
11.1 Summary of the Planning Meeting of the 28th November 2007
Two planning applications were discussed:
- SW/06/1272: Lawful development certificate for an existing outbuilding at Berkeley House. Outcome: The Parish Council had no objection.
- SW/06/1287: Insertion of conservation roof lights, Moonshine cottage, Kingsdown Road. Outcome: The Parish Council had no objection.
11.2 Summary of the Planning Meeting of the 12th December 2007. Four planning applications were discussed:
- SW/06/1357,1300: Replacement and enlargement of open fronted lean-to shed. Brick in vehicular and pedestrian door in listed garden wall and grass over existing driveway at Lynsted Park, Lynsted. Outcome: No objection in principle. As proposed changes were within setting of listed building and wall, it is important that materials used should reflect this Paragraphs 13, 14 and 22 of the Parish Design Statement should apply.
- SW/06/1288: Approval of reserved matters of “siting” design and external appearance of single dwelling pursuant to outline planning permission SW/04/0641 (outline application for a single dwelling) at Amethyst Nursery. Outcome: The Parish Council had objected to the original outline application SW/04/0641 on a number of grounds, including the fact that it was contrary to paragraph 24 of the Parish Design statement (relating to sensitive edges). It would urge that this was not regarded as a precedent for further development into the Lyn Valley. Providing that it was linked to the supervision of horticulture/agriculture as the supporting letter suggests then the Parish Council did not object.
- SW/06/1328: Installation of level deck pergola and timber cabin for use as a snoozellum for disabled persons within the site boundary at Berkeley House, Lynsted Lane. Outcome: The Parish Council had no objection.
- SW/06/1326: Lawful development certificate for the erection of an outbuilding ancillary to use at Vicarage Farm House. Outcome: The Parish Council had no objection.
11.3 Matters Arising From Planning Meetings
The Clerk was requested to write a letter to Swale Borough Council regarding clarification of Parish boundaries in response to the fact that a SBC decision on Dover Castle lighting was sent to Teynham Parish Council in error.
11.4 Other Planning Issues
A certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development for erection of a single storey outbuilding at Berkeley House Lynsted Lane was received on the grounds that it had been completed more than four years ago.
Notification of appeal for refused planning permission, Jeffries, Claxfield Lane, Lynsted was received.
It was noted that a member of the public reported that they had been advised that Swale Borough Council had ruled that additional permanent occupancy in a caravan on Four Acres by a member of the family was not in contravention of any planning rules. Cllr Barnicott to take this matter up on behalf of the Parish Council.
12 Reports
- Kent Association of Parish Councils (KAPC) – Cllr Darling/Clr Bowling - No report received as neither Councillor present. It was noted that Cllr Darling had asked to be released of responsibility of being one of the Parish representatives on the KAPC. Cllr Dawes agreed to become the KAPC representative as it was felt that this was particularly useful experience for the newer Councillors.
- Playing Fields – Cllr Champion - Cllr Champion advised that the last 3 meetings had had to be cancelled as unable to get sufficient attendance. The next meeting was scheduled for 25th January 2007.
- Lighting – Cllr Champion - Cllr Champion advised that all existing lighting was currently operational, although a number of globes were still full of dead insects, adversely affecting brightness. Cleaning of globes should be included in the edf contract, Clerk to check and chase action.
The new lighting column outside the Vallance was still awaited – to be chased by Clerk.
One light which had failed in Batteries terrace had been reported and dealt with since the last meeting.
It was noted that at Dadman’s, where a globe had previously been damaged and a conifer tree cut to avoid smashing the globe that action was required again to prevent a re-occurrence. Clerk to write to residents asking for tree to be trimmed.
- Footpaths – Cllr Jones - No report received and Cllr Jones not present.
Cllr Dawes advised that Granny Stiles path – ZR 269, which had been blocked by a fallen tree had been cleared but tree left in situ. It was unclear whether it had been cleared by a local resident or by KCC. Clerk to check with KCC contract provisions for this – Mr Ellis contact point.
- Tree Warden – Cllr Baxter - Cllr Baxter advised that he had been notified by the residents of Hillside House that a number of mature elms had succumbed to Dutch Elm disease. This had been confirmed by the Tree Officer at SBC and affected trees were to be cut down.
- Transport & Highways - Clerk - It had been noted that the salt bin outside Berkeley House remained empty. It was confirmed that although the bin had been purchased by the Parish Council, KCC Highways had agreed to undertake responsibility for replenishing it and this had not been done for either this or the previous year. Ward Cllr Barnicott agreed to action this on the Parish Council’s behalf.
- Police liaison - Clerk - Nothing to report.
- Standards Committee – Cllr Barrett - Nothing to report.
- Properties Committee – Cllr Champion - Cllr Champion advised that repair and repainting of the bus shelter would await better weather.
Cllr English advised on the poor condition of the notice boards at Kingsdown (water ingress at rear) and St Peters Place ( right hand door rotten). Cllr Champion to inspect to see what can be done. It was noted that no planning application had yet been received for the dropped kerb at Kingsdown, which would require that notice board to be relocated.
- Orchard Committee – Cllr Baxter - Cllr Baxter advised that a virtual tour of the Orchard was now available on the parish website.
It was agreed that the Parish Council would present certificates to the young people who had completed the video filming course in the Orchard either on Blossom Day or Cherry Day.
Cllr Disney advised that he had received an e-mail from Common Ground who have created a website featuring community orchards including Lynsted. Address is http://www.commonground.org.uk/links/l-apples.html {Webmaster Note - the noted web address changed to this one}
- Website – Cllr Barrett - An updated report on the Parish website was received from Nigel Heriz Smith and provided very encouraging reading. This showed a stabilisation of the number of pages read and also an increase in the number of unique visitors per month (2,431 in December 2007).
13 Clerk’s Correspondence
The following correspondence was received and sent round for distribution :
- Parish News – -new Code of Conduct to be adopted by Annual Parish Council Meeting.
- rails Magazine & Kids Trails Magazine – summer 2006 issue.
- KCC Letter re Designation of “Roads used as a Public Path” to “Restricted Byway” status, purple signage, maintained at public expense.
- Swale Housing Community Forums 2007, including dates for walkabouts –
- Mud lark – Newsletter of the Medway Swale Estuary partnership Autumn/Winter 2006/7 issue.
- Kent & Medway Fire & rescue Authority’s integrated Risk Management Plan – seeking views by 12 January via website.
- CPRE Fieldwork December 2006 issue
- Faversham Area Health Check and Action Plan September 2006 – asked for it to be referred to in Parish Magazine
- Tesco – extension of Faversham store – pre-application consultation programme, Thursday 11th January 7pm-8.30pm, stakeholder invitation, reply requested by Monday 8th January
- Kent & Medway Structure Plan – 2006 adopted plan and explanatory memorandum
- New parish request form for work from Kent Highways
- Kent Minerals Development Framework Development Plan Documents & CD– Representations required by Thursday 18th January
In addition to the above, it was noted that the following had been received :
- Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting of Faversham and Swale East Area Forum - It was noted that this incorrectly stated that Parish Councils had been informed via the Area forums and that consultation feedback would be collated in February 2007. Cllr Disney to take this matter up.
- edf lighting bill to end December 2006.
- Bank account statement for No. 1 account.
- E-mail from Mr Jones dated 9th January 2007, enclosing letters dated 9th January 2007 and 27th November 2007 – referred to in section 9 of the minutes of this meeting.
- E-mail from Cllr Jones explaining absences from parish council meetings and requesting information to be sent via post as problems with e-mail. All future correspondence to be sent via post and list of future meetings to be tabled at next meeting.
- Notification of Adoption of the Kent & Medway Structure Plan.
14 Any Other Business
- Cllr Dawes reported that a considerable amount of fly tipping had occurred at Toll Road and agreed to bring to attention of Environmental fly tipping line.
- Cllr Barrett advised that on reading the Teynham Parish newsletter it was more orientated to the business of the Parish Council and included details of Teynham Parish Council prize to children at Teynham Primary School. She felt that Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council should also advertise the fact that it donated prizes to the children at Lynsted and Norton Primary school each term. It was agreed that Cllr Champion would ask the school to contact the parish magazine with details of the recipients for the parish prize to be included in the magazine.
- Cllr Barrett requested details of planning training run by the KAPC – Clerk to advise.
- Cllr Disney advised that the land at Cambridge Lane currently occupied by caravans had recently changed ownership and would lead to this area being cleared.
- Cllrs Baxter and Disney advised that they had recently attended a pre planning consultation meeting on the revised proposals for Norton Ash Garden Centre. A large scheme is proposed which is likely to lead to a development more like Newnham Court. Although the development would inevitably increase the number of cars, it seemed to have taken into account a number of the previous objections and was more likely to appeal to residents.
- It was noted that Cllrs Disney and English would attend a meeting on 24th January with Teynham Parish Council, Swale Borough Council and KCC on the future of the London Road when the Northern Relief road has been completed.
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 20th February at the Belle Friday Centre at 7.30 pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.45pm.
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