MINUTES
OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
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MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS |
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NB. Minutes are published after approval by the Council at the subsequent meeting. |
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To view Cobham Parish Council audited accounts for 2007-8 click here
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Minutes of the PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held in the Meadow Rooms Cobham on Monday, 7 June 2010 at 7.30pm
The Chairman Mrs Lynn Ellis welcomed everyone to the meeting. 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 2 MINUTES
Minutes of the AGM and
parish council meeting held on Monday, May 10th 2010
were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. 3 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS None 4 PARISHIONER’S COMMENTS In the light of recent complaints about aggressive dogs and irresponsible dog owners who do not control their dogs, Mrs Margaret Haig spoke in support of responsible dog owners who are in the majority of those exercising their pets at JeskynsPark and in Ashenbank Woods. With regard to the mess lying where people walk, she asked that more dog litter bins be supplied from the Sports Ground entry at the park and at the entry to Ashenbank Woods. 5 MATTERS ARISING Jeskyns report from Denise Bird Denise
Bird began her report by answering the concerns raised by Mrs
Haig, She said that dog litter bins cost about £1,000 per annum
to supply and maintain but one was soon to be erected at
Ashenbank Woods. She said that there were pet “pit stops”
where advice and training were available for dog owners. There
was also a leaflet setting out a code of conduct for dog owners.
It was hoped that a positive attitude would be created and that
the culprits causing the problems would be identified and dealt
with. In answer to the parishioner whose dog was attacked, Denise asked her to fill in an incident form. The Chairman enquired whether there was a police presence on the park. The PCSO Peter Hylands attended regularly. Mrs Haig suggested that some dog owners were willing to sponsor the supply of extra dog refuse bins. The suggestion was welcomed by Denise Bird. Denise answered three questions asked by Cobham Parish Council in advance of the meeting, 1 Of the 45 hours worked by Denise a third of that time was worked on site 2 The core budget from the Forestry Commission was still in use but bids for future funding would continue to be made. 3 There was no intention to alter the five year management plan which still had 3 years to run. Cuts implemented by the new government were uncertain. Denise said that Jeskyns had a large number of visitors and the park was given high priority by the Forestry Commission. The chairman Cllr Mrs Ellis thanked Denise Bird for her report and asked that she keep in touch. The Chairman said that CPC was particularly concerned about irresponsible dog owners and unsuitable parking near the site. In answer to Cllr Glenister’s query about whether there was always someone on site during opening hours Denise said that staffing numbers meant that this was not always possible. Cllr Mrs Dymond asked how many incidents were reported and Denise said that an average of one per week was normal. Denise said that she would send a summary of complaints to CPC. CLSS Youth Club The Chairman welcomed Gillian Burgess and Joanne Raff to the meeting and invited them to speak. Mrs Burgess outlined the activities of the youth club and explained its financial situation, describing a serious shortfall between expenses and income. She continued to apply for funding from various sources and hoped that Cobham Parish Council would also be able to help financially. The Chairman, Cllr Mrs Ellis asked whether they intended to increase the subscription which currently stood at £1.50 per week and £5 per year. This was considered to be very low by members of Cobham Parish Council. Cllr Mrs Ellis also asked whether any fundraising would be carried out by the youth group members. Mrs Burgess and Mrs Raff showed reluctance to increase the subscription in case members were put off. They described a number of fun raising activities to be attempted by the Youth club members including filling in the application forms necessary. Mrs Burgess explained that usually grants were given as a one off payment and they were looking for a permanent and continuous form of income. Cllr Alan Rowe (also Chairman of Meadow Room Management Committee) congratulated the Youth Club for its success and good behaviour when using the Meadow Room. He expressed concern about the low subscription in an affluent area and said that the Brownies paid more even though their outgoings were less. He suggested that £3 per week would be fair. Cllr Mrs Keep asked that since members of Cobham School were regular members what proportion of the youth club membership came from outside the area. Mrs Burgess said that it was about 20%. The answer to Cllr Mrs Dymond’s question about whether the parents of the members knew about the financial difficulties the answer was “no”. She suggested that Luddesdown PC should also be approached for their help. It was clear that if the financial problems of the Youth Club were not rectified, it would fold. Scratton Fields parking Cllr Bernard Glenister once more registered his strong opposition to the Kent Highways parking bay proposals in Scratton Fields and gave a history of the attempts that had been made from the time when GBC had been responsible for the highway. At this time there had been plans drawn up by residents to provide a proper driveway into the site, including a footway cross-over. These plans were sent to GBC, public utilities were contacted and no objections were raised. These plans, which had not received any objections, did not take shape and eventually the residents gave up in frustration but parking there had continued for about 35 years without objection from GBC The proposed parking site which was identified by CPC was intended to relieve the pressure from other parts of Sole Street and would not accommodate the needs of those already parking on the site which includes up to 12 cars and a caravan and the road is too narrow for vehicles to park there. The lack of secure off-road parking as proposed by Kent Highways services would have implications in insurance premiums and lack of parking facilities would devalue the houses. Decisions have been made without consulting the residents and to receive a letter outlining proposals to provide 5 parking bays will cause inconvenience and distress which Cllr Glenister considers is his duty to avoid as a Parish Councillor. Cllr Alan Rowe backed him wholeheartedly. The resident who had been involved in the situation from the beginning and whose (permitted) garage would become inaccessible spoke up on behalf of his neighbours and in support of Cllrs Glenister and Rowe. Cllr Tony Pritchard, explained that the plans he drew up were intended to make the best of a situation which arose because of the insistence by Kent Highways that the residents who were parking there were doing so illegally. He did not wish to be regarded as the harbinger of bad news. The Chairman and Cllr Glenister reassured him that he was not considered to be culpable. After discussion it was suggested by Cllr Alex Moore (GBC) and agreed by CPC that a letter be sent to Kent Highways Services setting out the objections to the parking bay proposals and giving the history of what had gone on in the past. Cllr Dr Haig suggested that, if finance was a problem, then he suggested CPC apply to make this area a By-way Open to All Traffic (BOAT) which would permit a lower standard of roadway. Playing Fields/Parks Committee nothing to report Village Projects Initial drawings prepared by Alan Kew were on display. It was agreed that a number of interested councillors would meet and make a decision about the next step which was to instruct Alan Kew to proceed with a detailed plan. The Chairman, Councllors Spree, Rowe, Glenister and Dr Haig will form the sub-committee. Safety on Henhurst Road There has been no up-date. Footpaths Committee The footpath adjacent to Meadow House and the Sports Ground has been cleared. Cllr Mrs Keep asked that the footpath across the meadow to the “kissing gate” should also be cleared. Action: Clerk Transport No further information that has not been covered earlier. Planning Cllr Glenister gave the following information including CPC comments:- 20100330 – 53 The Street, Cobham DA12 3BX – Replacement of all windows, door and surround on the front elevation. No objection 20100370 - The Exchange The Street Cobham Outline application for the erection of a detached dwelling in the rear garden with vehicular access on to Lawrence Drive – no objection provided possible overlooking adjacent properties is addressed. 20100430 – 2 Chapelwood Place DA13 9AG – Change of use of woodland at rear to residential curtilage. Cobham Parish Council objects strongly to the proposed change of use of the woodland which is subject to an “article 4” direction and is within the North Downs SLA. If permitted a precedent would be created whereby other residents owning plots of this attractive woodland, outside the village envelope, would wish to do likewise. 20100466 – 63 Sallows Shaw Sole Street DA13 9B9 – Erection of single storey rear extension to form an enlarged dining room. No objection KCC Activity park plans - CPC has concern about the position of the access at Marling Cross on a bend of the road with restricted sightlines. The Council is also concerned about additional traffic that may be generated on roads through Henhurst, Cobham and Sole Street 20100279 – Greenhollow 24 Manor Road Cobham DA13 9BN – Revised Plans/revised description. Erection of a detached four bedroom chalet style dwelling with integral garage and demolition of gable on the west elevation of 24 Manor Road Cllr Glenister informed those present of the following GBC decisions:- 20100130 - Knights Place Farm Watling Street Cobham Gravesend ME2 3UB -Erection of a conservatory in substitution of that previously permitted under planning permission reference number 20060639 CPC has no objection. PERMITTED 20100269 – Land rear of 45-53 The Street – Application for the creation of 2 no. Car parking spaces in addition to the four spaces approved under planning permission reference number 20090022 for the erection of a detached two storey, three bedroom dwelling with basement and a detached double car port. (Option A) CPC has preference for Option A thus retaining the mature sycamore tree. The re-constructed wall should not encroach on the roadway. REFUSED 20090824 – Land to Rear of Wedgewood and Greenmount White Post Lane Cobham DA13 9AX - Change of woodland into residential curtilage. Cobham Parish Council strongly objects to the proposal to change the use of this woodland into residential curtilage. The woodland is in the Metropolitan Green Belt and is subject to an “article 4” direction. The area of woodland behind the Sallows Shaw development is divided into plots, each plot owned by the resident whose property rear garden adjoins it. The plot of woodland bounded by White Post Lane and to the rear of the appellants property was wholly owned by another Sallows Shaw resident who still owns the portion south of the public footpath but sold the plot to the appellants recently. The woodland is an important rural amenity enjoyed by local residents, without objection from the owners.. REFUSED 20100120 – 3 Rookery Cottages, Jeskyns Road DA12 3AL – Erection of a detached double open fronted garage. No objection in principle provided the requirements in the letter from Clive Gilbert, dated 22 January 2010, are met. A paved drive would reduce traffic noise to nearby residents. PERMITTED 20100145 – Land between 28 & 29 Scratton Fields DA12 3AS- Amended site address/amended plans – laying out of new hardstanding for five vehicles. no objection PERMITTED 20100209 – 6 Manor Road Cobham DA13 9BN – Construction of first floor extension incorporating ground floor rear extension to provide sitting room, enlarged kitchen/dining room and utility room at ground floor level with three bedrooms, bathroom/wc and dressing room at first floor level. . CPC has concern about overlooking adjacent properties. PERMITTED Meadow Rooms Management It was intended to dispose of the existing piano which was in a poor state and to acquire an electric keyboard. Cllr Rowe reported that 2 parties recently had caused problems. It was suggested that the booking clerk should make sure that the ban on teen-age parties should be upheld. Sole Street parking Traffic Calming in Sole Street Kent Highways intended to begin work on Sole Street Bridge on June 14th. Cllr Moore said that traffic lights would probably be used to control traffic flow and the road was unlikely to be closed. Sweeps Hole Pond North West Kent Countryside Partnership (NWKCP) had agreed to carry out future maintenance for Cobham Parish Council. 6 GBC MATTERS Cllr
Moore had little to add to his input on earlier matters other
than to give some information about the transport quarter which
would involve a change in the one-way system. The longer trains
would have an effect on the platform layout. There was a plan to
have a pedestrian area around the Woodville Halls. 7 KCC MATTERS Cllr Mike Snelling was not present at the meeting. 8 KALC MATTERS Nothing to report. 9 CORRESPONDENCE None 10 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The
Chairman was concerned that the screening trees around the
Intermediate Maintenance Depot(IMD) were slow to emerge. Clerk will ask for the trees to be checked. 11 MATTERS RAISED BY PARISH COUNCILLORS Cllr Bernard Glenister asked the clerk to remind GBC to replace the rubbish bin at the corner on Manor Road. He also asked how Japanese knotweed could be eliminated. Clerk: action Cllr Dr Nigel Haig informed the meeting the BT had dealt with the hole in Lodge Lane Cllr Alan Rowe suggested that CPC start considering plans for a Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2012 and invite Luddesdown to be involved. He reminded the parish council of the celebrations held for the silver and golden jubilees and handed over the details to the Chairman, Mrs Lynn Ellis. FINANCE a)Discussion of the proposal to give a donation to CLSS Youth Club took place but no agreement was reached among councillors. It was decided to defer further discussion until everyone had had more time to come to a decision. b) On the proposition of Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond and seconded by Councillor Steve Dyer the following payments were ratified 21.05.10 KCPFA Subs 20.00 21.05.10 EDF Energy 594.04 28.05.10 A Sattrachai (May 4 w) 104.00 28.05.10 J Beety (May) 208.00 25.05.10 Broker Network Insurance 1271.57 07.06.10 Cobham PCC Grant 350.00 Total 2,547.61 *reissued – previous cheque lost in post & stopped As there was no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed
at 10.20pm Date of next meeting Monday July
19th 2010 Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held in the Meadow Rooms Cobham on Monday, 10th May 2010 at 7.30pm, followed by a PARISH COUNCIL MEETING.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
The Clerk took the chair temporarily. Councillor Mr Alan Rowe proposed and Councillor Dr Nigel Haig seconded the nomination of Councillor Mrs Lynn Ellis. No other nominations were received. Councillor Mrs Ellis was elected as Chairman by unanimous agreement. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN Cllr Glenister proposed and Councillor Dr Giles seconded the nomination of Councillor Mr Steve Dyer. No other nominations were received. Councillor Mr Dyer was elected as Vice Chairman by unanimous agreement. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES Planning Committee (4 members) Councillor Mr Alan Rowe proposed and Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond seconded that Councillors Dr Nigel Haig, Bernard Glenister, Dr Julian Giles and Mrs Sally Keep be duly elected. This was unanimously agreed. Unauthorised Developments Committee The Chairman suggested that since this committee had not been needed during the past year, it might be disbanded at this stage. All councillors agreed. Playing Fields Committee and Parks Committee (2 members) Councillor Dr Giles proposed and Councillor Glenister seconded that Councillors Steve Dyer and Chris Spree be duly elected. This was unanimously agreed. Footpaths Committee (1 member) Councillor Steve Dyer proposed and Councillor Bernard Glenister seconded that Councillor Mrs Dymond be duly elected. This was unanimously agreed. Transport Committee (2 members) Councillor Dr Giles proposed and Councillor Mrs Dymond seconded that Councillors Mr Glenister and Mr Dyer be duly elected. This was unanimously agreed. Meadow Room Representatives (2 members) Councillor Dr Nigel Haig proposed and Councillor Bernard Glenister seconded that Councillors Mrs Rosemary Dymond and Dr Giles be duly elected. This was unanimously agreed. The following representatives were proposed and seconded “en bloc” by Cllrs Bernard Glenister and Dr Julian Giles. This was unanimously agreed School Governor Representative (1 member) Councillor Steve Dyer would continue to be the School Governor Representative. Councillor Mr Rowe would continue. Finance Committee (2 members) The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are duly elected. Webmaster Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond proposed and Councillor Steve Dyer seconded that Councillor Mr Glenister should continue as Webmaster. This was unanimously agreed. This concluded the Annual Parish Meeting Cobham
Parish Council Meeting APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Mr Mike Snelling (KCC) who would be arriving late. The Minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 26th April 2010 were confirmed and signed. 3
PARISHIONER’S COMMENTS Mr
Alan Holland enquired whether a planning application had been
received from the owners of “Critholme”. It had not. He
reported 2 particularly large potholes, one at Clerk
action. 4 MATTERS ARISING Safety
on The
Chairman reported that she and the Clerk had met Maria
Baker, Community Liaison Officer to discuss any outstanding
matters to be dealt with by Kent Highways. Safety on -
Follow up on road
safety measures following meeting in May 2009 with Kent Highways
& Police -
Follow up on pond
& prevention of parking in -
Follow up on
replacing plastic bollards in other lay-by in -
Graffiti removal on
sign at -
Addition of Cobham
Hall sign at Halfpence roundabout -
Replacement of
missing gateway on -
Pothole survey of
parish -
Salt bin in -
Fix unreliable
street light outside Meadow Room -
Find date for
pavement to be installed -
Follow up timetable
for applying for funding for Phase 2 of footway through -
Check future plan
for repairing or replacing -
Look for examples
across Cllr Sally Keep
reported that a pedestrian in Cllr Spree noted
that the red gravel road was dangerous to cyclists and Cllr Dr
Haig asked when the road markings would be restored.
Cllr Spree also pointed out the danger of the exposed
culverts over the drains in Concern
was expressed about the condition of Playing
Fields/Parks Committee Cllr Dyer said that he would contact John Jackson
about the fence parallel with the footpath near Meadow House.
Cllr Spree said that there had been a meeting called by Mike
Booth to discuss the problem of dangerous dogs who had bitten
horses and endangered riders. He asked that any other incidents
should be reported to the warden. The Chairman reminded those present that Denise Bird,
Warden of Jeskyns Park would be attending the CPC meeting on
June 7th and suggested that people let the clerk know
of any questions they would like to pose. People asked the
following :- ·
How many hours does the warden spend at Jeskyns? ·
Where would future funding come from? ·
What plans were being made to keep everything under control? Clerk will send questions to Denise prior to the
meeting. Footpath
Committee The stile at the end of the churchyard had been
replaced by a self-closing gate. Cllr Mrs Dymond said that she would like an on-site
meeting with the footpaths officer at the footpath alongside
Meadow House.
Clerk
will arrange this. Cllr Glenister said that at the start of the
neighbourhood watch meeting in Transport
Committee Cllr Glenister reported that another volunteer driver
is needed for the community bus. Notice was given of closures at Planning Committee Cllr
Glenister reported the following decision by GBC 20100144-
Land South of Colewood
Resevoir Watling St Cobham 20100370
- The Exchange The Street Cobham Outline application for
the erection of a detached dwelling in the rear garden with
vehicular access on to The clerk was asked to enquire about
“Leighton” and about the woodland attached to”Wedgewood”
and “Greenmount”.
Action
Clerk Meadow Room
Management CommitteeAt the AGM Alan Rowe had been elected Chairman again and Julian Giles
was again elected as Vice Chairman. Cllr Rowe reported that lead had been stolen from the
roof which was worth a lot less than the damage caused acquiring
it. The good news for the committee was that a profit of
around £4,000 had been made. The expected expenditure in the
coming year would mean that such a profit would not be made next
time. There was a discussion about litter left behind after
events. Litter gets thrown among the shrubs at the side of the
ramp so some of those would be removed. Additional stage lighting was to be installed. Sole Street
parking. Cllr Glenister said that the problems had been
reduced somewhat by the attendance of traffic wardens. There had
been no further news about the letters to be sent to residents
about the proposed parking bays in Scratton Fields. Traffic calming
in The Chairman read a letter from Alan Peck in which he
described notices he had seen in Cllr Glenister asked that the police be contacted to
run another speed check.
Action
Clerk Sweep’s Hole
Pond Cllr Rowe suggested that at the next meeting CPC
should discuss future maintenance. Clerk will ask for advice from Louise Smith Cllr Mrs Dymond suggested that a site meeting of CPC
members would be a good idea to consider the fencing gap. Village
projects ·
Church Room -The clerk had written to the church warden and his response
was awaited. ·
Car park – A meeting had been arranged with Alan Kew on Tuesday May 18th
at 8.15am. ·
Ashenbank – The matter was being followed up between Clive Steward of
Woodland Trust and Kent Highways. ·
CLSS
Youth Group -
Finance Committee needed to know more details of the financial
position of CLSS and what plans they may have had to raise funds
to cover their expenses. The Chairman pointed out that no provision had been
made in the budget for regular funding and that it would need to
come under review in December. Cllr Mike Snelling pointed out that the grant he had
made available this year was a one-off payment and may not be
repeated next year. It was felt that the youth club needed to be
aware that they needed to take some responsibility for finding
funds. 5 GBC
MATTERS Cllr Alex Moore was not present but Cllr Snelling
gave a short report. Bill Lambert MBE was to become the new mayor and the
Deputy was to be Mike Wenban. Cllr Snelling said that money saved this year would
be used towards the new BMX track and skateboard park. It was
also intended that toilets at A good town square was to be created in the transport
quarter and meetings with the 6
KCC MATTERS There was not much
to report. KLCC is looking at the SATS debate. In answer to the
question about emailing CPC views to Will Farmer, Cllr Snelling
said that it was preferred that people attend the meetings in
person. Cllrs Mrs Ellis, Mrs Dymond and Mrs Keep agreed they
would go to the next meeting. 7 KALC MATTERS
Nothing to report. 8
CORRESPONDENCE None. 9
MATTERS RAISED BY PARISH COUNCILLOR Councillor
Glenister asked that
GBC be contacted to restore the Cllr
Spree reported that in
Greenlands part of the footpaths including some shrubbery on
either side had been incorporated into private gardens. The
garden of the National Trust cottage in The Street needed to be
tidied up. Seats
at meetings were uncomfortable. Cllr
Mrs Dymond asked if
there had been any further response concerning the daffodil
patch. It
was agreed that there had been a lovely display on the corner
this year, the riders and horses had been careful and the damage
was minimal. Cllr
Rowe reported a
complaint regarding the large sign at Handar Paving. Clerk will check whether planning permission is required. Cllrs
Dr Julian Giles and
Steve Dyer discussed
the activities at the track going past “Stonehigh” 10 ANY OTHER BUSINES none 11 FINANCE
There were no cheques to be ratified. As there was no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.30pm.
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