Minutes of the Meeting of Cobham Parish Council held at The Meadow Rooms Cobham on Monday 11 January 2010 at 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chairman Mrs Lynn Ellis welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Chris Spree, Cllr Alex Moore

2 MINUTES Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd November 2009 and the Budget Meeting on 7^th December were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.

3 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS  None

4 PARISHIONER’S COMMENTS

There was a rumour that Sole Street train station was closing. Parishioners were assured by the Chairman that this was not the case. There had been a reduction in services since

December to one train per hour in off-peak times. The matter was being taken up with South Eastern Railway Co. with the help of our MP, Adam Holloway. This action followed a survey carried out by volunteers from Cobham and Sole Street of a week’s off-peak use

There was a discussion about salt provision. Apart from the dangerous lack of salt at the junction between The Street and Battle Street it was considered by those present that the local roads had been looked after quite well during the recent freeze. The Chairman said that salt provision was on the agenda at the Parish Chairmen’s meeting.

The Manager of the Leather Bottle informed the meeting that it was intended to hold a “Beer Festival” in the Summer Bank Holiday weekend. The Chairman advised that neighbours should be kept informed of such events. Cllr Mrs Dymond suggested that it would also be advisable to liaise with Cobham Sports Association whose annual fête is held on August Bank Holiday Monday.

5 MATTERS ARISING

Village projects

The Chairman outlined some of the grant provisions available such as the Leader Funding from the EU which was specifically available for areas within the AONB category. Cobham, Luddesdown, Shorne and part of Meopham qualified for this funding.  It was ascertained that there was a further sum of around £12,000 available from the IMD compensation fund which could be used for a project approved by the funder. A reminder was given that other organisations were free to make their own applications for funds, of which there were a number of sources. Cllr Rowe suggested that the clerk should only be asked to pursue funding which was being sought by Cobham Parish Council. The Chairman then asked each Councillor in turn to suggest a project for consideration.

Among the suggestions put forward was the chiselling of the lettering on the War Memorial. The councillors were reminded that provisions had been made by the CPC for the work to be done within budget considerations.

Following a discussion of the merits of suggested items the following projects were chosen in order of priority

1.      Restoration of St Mary’s Church Rooms

2.      Resurfacing of the car park at the Sports Ground

3.      Finding remedies to the problems of the lay-bys in Halfpence Lane .

Projects 1, 2 and 3 were proposed by Cllr Steve Dyer and seconded by Cllr Bernard Glenister and carried unanimously.

It was decided that an urgent meeting with the Cobham Churchwardens and the Revd Angela Walker (the new vicar) needed to be organised.

Cllr Rowe made the point that if the Church Rooms were managed in the same way as the Meadow Room, profits could be made and regular maintenance could be kept up. He said that the property was owned by Cobham Church and not by the Diocese, hence the absence of quinquennial reports.

Cllr Snelling said that he would be willing to pursue funding for this project and to discuss it with Chris Inwood , Principal Economic Development Officer GBC.

Councillors had raised the problem of the overflowing pond in Halfpence Lane . It was noted that this was the responsibility of Kent Highways and the Woodland Trust.

The Sole Street Footway was expected to be the responsibility of Kent Highways and would

be considered in their annual budgets.

KCC AND GBC MATTERS

The Chairman invited Cllr Mike Snelling to give his report at this stage so that he could leave to attend another meeting.

Cllr Snelling reported that in the budget for the coming financial year the increase in the Council tax is the BASE of 1.86%, but with a further 0.7% in respect of asylum seekers costs which will be withdrawn if the government reimburse as they should do. The budget would be allocated in the following main areas

·         £12million in Kent Highways maintenance. There will be a lot of repair needed on roads following the recent adverse weather conditions.

·         £6.5million for social care

·         £5.8milllion for early years education

Severe expenditure cuts are expected. Freedom passes are to be extended to areas outside Kent . Cllr Snelling invited questions.

Cllr Glenister reported that the parking bays opposite the shop were again being used by residents who probably think that their parking permits allow this. Cllr Snelling said that he would speak to the parking manager.

 Regarding GBC matters, Cllr Snelling informed the meeting that the Heritage Quarter plans would be decided about the beginning of March.

He said that the Transport Quarter involved the rebuilding of the station and car park and the redirecting of traffic. This project was expected to start in the 2009/10 financial year.

The Barratts site is expected (temporarily) to be made into a flat car park with about 150 spaces. The pedestrian link with Manor Road is to be restored. These works are expected to be complete by the end of April. Planners are seeking advice on the best permanent use of the site.

A pontoon is to be constructed at the riverside from which pleasure cruises can be organised. The GBC hopes to attract ships over from Tilbury.

Cllr Mrs Dymond enquired about Canal Basin plans and Cllr Snelling said that stage 2 of the Planning application should be in place in about a month. He said that Clive Gilbert could be contacted to arrange to view the plans.

Action Clerk.

Cllr Snelling said that GBC’s budget had not yet been announced. Free parking at weekends would continue. Cllr Dr Haig asked that the privately owned St George’s car park should be clearly marked as not participating in the Free Parking Scheme.

Safety on Henhurst Road

The parish council is awaiting an update on this matter.

Playing Fields/Parks Committee Report

Cllr Steve Dyer informed the council that the annual inspection of the Children’s Play Area noted that it was in good condition and well maintained.

Footpaths Committee Report

Cllr Mrs Dymond reported that KCC had confirmed the repositioning of footpath NS 185.

It was reported that the gate at the churchyard end of the footpath is falling over.

Clerk will contact the footpaths officer.

Transport Committee Report

Cllr Glenister reported that the shopping bus was cancelled on Thursday 7^th January owing to the adverse weather conditions.

Planning Committee Report

Cllr Bernard Glenister, Chairman of the Planning Committee reported the following decisions of the Gravesham Borough Council

20090664 1 Jeskyns Cottages, Jeskyns Road Cobham DA12 3AL – formation of a vehicular crossover on to a classified road and construction of new drive way in front garden.  Permitted

20090721- 63 The Street Cobham DA12 3BX – Laying out of new hardstanding with 1.8 metre high close board fencing on three sides. Permitted

20090752 3 Rookery Cottages, Jeskyns Road , Cobham DA12 2AL – Erection of single storey side extension to form a lounge. Permitted

20090890 – 6 Manor Road DAQ13 9BN  - Construction of first floor extension incorporating ground floor rear extension to form enlarged lounge and enlarged kitcen at ground floor level with five bedrooms, five ensuite shower room/WCs, and media room at first floor level and erection of front porch.  Refused

20090889 – Green Glade, Round Street DA13 9BA – Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of detached two storey, four bedroom dwelling with an integral double garage.   Permitted

20090879 – Parsonage Farm Barn. The Street, Cobham, DA12 3DG – Application for renewal of planning permission reference number 20040421 for conversion of barn into one residential unit. Permitted

Cllr Glenister reported CPC’s comments on the following applications:-

20090698 Shoulder of Mutton Shaw Warren Road Cobham Kent – Siting of a second container in connection with the maintenance of the woodland and formation of a hard standing. Before the receipt of this application Cobham Parish Council was already concerned about the inappropriate development of this woodland. Cobham Parish Council has strong objections to the apparent industrial operations on this site in the MGB. There would seem to be no justification for the siting of a second container twice the capacity of the existing one and the extension of the hard standing except to increase the industrial use of the site.

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.

If this proposal were to be permitted a precedent would be created and it is possible that other owners would wish to do likewise.

20090845 – Copper Beeches, White Post Lane Cobham Gravesend DA13 9AX - Erection of a detached building at the side to form double garage, sun room and store and conversion of existing integral garage into kitchen, study and cloakroom. – No objection.

20090834 – 18 Manor Road DA13 9BN – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a detached four bedroom, two storey dwelling with double integral garage. No objection

20090930 – Conifers Sole Street DA12 3AY –Erection of an extension at the front and on both sides to form enlarged music room, enlarged dining room, enlarged kitchen, study, utility room and double garage at ground floor level with two enlarged bedrooms, enlarged ensuite bathroom/wc in the roof space/first floor level and erection of an open porch at the front. “Conifers” Sole Street . CPC does not object but draws attention to the damage to the verge opposite to the entrance to the private driveway which occurred when “Orchard House” was re-built recently. CPC will discuss with Kent Highways whether the verge could be protected against large vehicles and earth moving equipment being driven over the verge.

20090934 – 4 Jeskyns Cottages Jeskyns Road DA12 3AL – Erection of single storey rear/side extension to form a family room and study. This large flat-roofed single storey extension will be visible from the road and will be out of character with adjacent cottages. A two storey extension would be more appropriate.

20090335 – 4 Rookery Cottages – Jeskyns Road DA13 3AL – Retention of the detached aviary in the rear garden. This development has been the subject of a succession of applications for temporary retention. If long term retention is desired it should perhaps be the subject of application for permanent permission.

20090966 - "Leighton" , Sole Street, DA13 0XZ - Retention of detached triple garage block with barbecue kitchen and garden store at the rear and a playroom in the roof space access via external staircase. Cobham Parish Council objects to the further extension of the garage on this site in the Metropolitan Green Belt outside the Sole Street village envelope.

20091010 – Mullins Patch 19 The Street Cobham DA12 3BW – Erection of two storey rear and single strorey extensions to form garage, utility room at ground floor level with two bedrooms at first floor level and conversion of the detached garage into a study. An improvement on the previous proposal but may still reduce the daylight of the neighbouring property.

Meadow Room Report

Nothing to report.       

Affordable Housing

Cllr Alan Rowe reported that the five dwellings at the Scratton Fields development were now occupied four of them by people from Cobham and Sole Street . CPC had asked Moat to change the paint colour to the rear of the development as it had offended residents living in Manor Road .

Sole Street Parking

Parking discussed under GBC matters. Cllr Steve Dyer suggested that the manager of the village shop could display a notice reminding residents that the parking bays have a time limit and are for the use of shoppers.

Clerk action.

Traffic Calming in Sole Street

The footpath over the bridge appeared on the agenda of the Transportation Board.  Ray Dines said that it would be given priority.

Sweep’s Hole Pond

It was reported that the construction work was complete, grants received and bills paid. The next stage was the planting which would take place in the spring under the direction of North West Kent Countryside Partnership (NWKCP). A fund of £500 had been promised for this work and there were other suitable sources of funds specialising in this kind of work. Cllr Mrs Dymond suggested that an opening ceremony should be arranged.

Mobile Phone Reception

It was suggested that this matter be deferred until Cllr Spree is in attendance. Cllr Dr Haig held the opinion that this was not a CPC matter.

6 GBC MATTERS &  KCC MATTERS Covered earlier.

8 KALC MATTERS  Nothing to report.

9 CORRESPONDENCE  None

10 ANY OTHER BUSINESS Dr Haig spoke about his meeting with David Smith who was dealing with the bridle path. Dr Haig had made it clear that the gate was poorly positioned and would lead horses on to the daffodil patch. In addition the position was dangerous from the point of view of horses and riders. Clerk will write to David Smith expressing CPC concerns

 11 MATTERS RAISED BY PARISH COUNCILLORS

Cllr Mrs Sally Keep reported fly tipping by new gateway at the orchard in Halfpence Lane . Cllr Mrs Keep also asked whether planning permission had been sought for the erection of an added gateway on to land at the corner opposite Jeskyns Court .

Clerk will write to Clive Gilbert about this matter.

Cllr Dr Nigel Haig reported that the BT hole in Lodge Lane had not yet been attended to.

Clerk action.

Cllr Mrs Lynn Ellis reported that faulty lights outside the Meadow Room and the School had been reported to Kent Highways.

12 FINANCE

On the proposition of Councillor Bernard Glenister and seconded by Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond the following payments were ratified:

 

9.11.09                        EDF Energy    Electricity                              707.50

09.11.09          C Penfold        Play area maintenance                       325.00

26.11.09          P Lohlein         Maintenance (Nov 5w)                       120.00

26.11.09          J Beety            Salary (Nov)                                       208.00

21.12.09          Little Higham Services (fencing SHP)                    2,509.30*

21.12.09          P Lohlein         Maintenance (Dec 4w)                          96.00

21.12.09          J Beety            Salary (Dec)                                         208.00

21.12.09          J Beety            Broadband (12 mths)                          200.00

30.12.09          Provian           Pond restoration                              40,042.44*

11.01.10          KCC                BACS sent in error                             115.00

 

Total                                                                                           £    44,531.24

 

*We have been reimbursed from IMD fund & KCC

                                   

Dates of future meetings.

2010

February 8th, March 22nd, April 12th (APA), April 26th, May 10th (APM), June 7, July 19, Aug None, Sept 6, Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 6 (budget),

2011

Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 21, Apr 4 (APA), Apr 18, May 16 APM.

 

As there was no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.54 pm

  

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Minutes of the Meeting of Cobham Parish Council held at the Meadow Rooms Cobham on Monday 2 November 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chairman Mrs Lynn Ellis welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Councillor C Spree

2 MINUTES Minutes of the meeting held on October 12^th 2009 were corrected and approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.

3 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS  none.

4 PARISHIONER’S COMMENTS none

Police matters The Chairman invited Pc Steve Cole to give the police report at this stage.

PC Cole said that off road bikers were being monitored. They had cautioned 2 of 6 bikers and in general numbers of offenders were down. A couple of people had been banned from Ashenbank Woods for antisocial activities. Cobham crime figures were low. The Chairman commented on the police newsletter and made special reference to the opportunity to send text messages to report fly tipping and litter.. The contact number  is 07781 480 521. Parishioners reported that vandals had been moving road signs etc  around from one place to another causing confusion on a recent Saturday night.

5 MATTERS ARISING

Safety on Henhurst Road .

The Clerk reported that there had been correspondence with Nick Chard, Cabinet member for Highways, Waste and the Environment who intended to help move things forward to improve the safety issue.

Playing Fields/Parks

Cllr Steve Dyer reported that he had received confirmation from Denise Bird which contained provision for a “fire plan”. However there was to be a review of the measures provided. Cllr Dyer suggested that contact numbers would also be useful in the event of fire.

Cllr Dr Giles referred to the recycling investigation. Cllr Moore acknowledged Cobham Parish Council’s decision not to support the idea of having a recycling site anywhere in Cobham. 

Cllr Dr Haig asked about the dog bin near the exit from the sports ground which needed to be re-erected and repositioned away from the entrance/exit.

Clerk will write again to GBC.

Footpaths Committee There was nothing to report.   

Transport Committee Cllr Moore said that he would email Tony Chadwick’s report to every CPC member.

 Planning

20090752 3 Rookery Cottages, Jeskyns Road , Cobham DA12 2AL – Erection of single storey side extension to form a lounge. CPC has no objection. It is assumed that the garage included in the previous application, 20090428, will not be constructed.

 Leighton There had been an email from John McCann in which he said that he had informed the owners that they needed to send a retrospective planning application for the work on the garage which had not been part of the original application. In answer to the query from Cllr Mrs Keep, Cllr Snelling said that the CPC Planning Committee would make their comments as usual.

Affordable Housing Cllr Glenister said that he received a number of emails from residents of Manor Road in which they complained that they had overbearing views of the housing. There was a large blank wall painted blue and important screening trees had been cut down. In addition Moat Housing had refused to plant the hedging which was in the original plans. Photographs were passed around  of the housing as it appears from Manor Road .  Most affected was Mr Fawcett of 12 Manor Road .

Clerk will write to Clive Gilbert and copy to Sharon Donald and John Miller. The request will be for a more subdued colour to be used instead of the blue.

As far as the tree felling and refusal to plant hedging was concerned Cllr Glenister said that Mr McCann was in agreement with residents’ views and would take the issue to Moat Housing.

Stonehigh Their planning application had been dismissed on appeal.

Cllr Moore said that there would be another planning application.

The felling of trees in the woodland behind Sallows Shaw was discussed. The clerk had received an email from Regeneration and Regulation to say that the owner had been told that felled trees had to be replaced. This had not yet happened.

The Clerk will write again to point out that these instructions had not been carried out and that the tree felling had contravened the existing Article 4 Direction.

Cobham College appeal had been refused.

Meadow Room Management Committee nothing to report

The affordable housing in Scratton Fields. There had been no applicants despite widespread advertising.

Cllr Snelling said that the policy had changed and applicants from surrounding villages would be sought before people from urban areas were invited to apply.

Cllr Dr Giles commented that the lack of applicants for the affordable housing would serve as ammunition should there be future problems with developers. Cllr Glenister asked how the advertising was carried out and queried the Moat Housing decision to declare the housing unsuitable for children under 8.

Cllr Moore said that this rule would be removed when housing was advertised again.

Cllr Rowe asked if he would be able to give this information to the resident who had ‘phoned him about applying for a place at Scratton Fields affordable housing. Cllrs Snelling and Moore both agree with Cobham Parish Council’s views that children should be allowed to live there.

Sole Street Parking

Cllr Moore said that he had done his best to push forward the request for a car park and that he would be able to give a detailed update at the next CPC meeting.

As a result of Cllr Moore’s request for increased traffic warden attention there, parking at the double yellow lines in Manor Road had decreased. The Chairman expressed the hope that there would be continued attention to the situation.

Traffic calming

Cllr Glenister reported that the centre line at the bridge had been moved back but he did not consider the present hatching to be logical and would confuse pedestrians. However, the changes were better than nothing.

The Chairman said that she had met Ray Dines at the recent Parish Chairmen’s meeting. He had apologised for the unwanted Sole Street Bridge changes and said that he could understand the necessity to make a proper footway. He was working on plans and would press for it to happen as a priority.

Cllr Rowe was very critical of the way money had been wasted on something not wanted. Cllr Moore said that he would try to ensure that the matter would be put on the agenda of the Joint Transportation Board.

Cllr Glenister said that if the rubble outside Bower Cottage were cleared away that it would allow more space for pedestrians to walk.

Clerk will write to Maria at Kent Highways.

Sweeps Hole Pond

Work has started and seems to be on schedule. The Chairman said that digging out the pond and the fencing at the pond would commence on Tuesday November 3^rd.

Cllr Rowe expressed his pleasure that the pond was actually being restored after the many years it had been on CPC’s agenda.

The Chairman said that once the construction was complete the CPC would be able to discuss the design of the surrounding area. 

Mobile Phone reception Following a short discussion about this matter it was decided to put it on the agenda for the next meeting by which time Cllr Spree (who had raised the matter) could give his views on the suggestions made by KALC. Cllr Glenister said that his investigations on the internet suggested that there was no guarantee that reception within a house would be satisfactory.

Cllr Snelling, when asked, said that there had been no complaints from other areas.

6 GBC MATTERS  Cllr Moore said that he had made all his points under other headings and would take questions. He asked that everyone should feel free to send emails to and telephone him.

7 KCC MATTERS

Cllr Snelling reported that Paul Carter had again been elected as Leader of the Council.

The problem of Grammar School places being unequal to the number of children who had passed the entrance examination was the big issue. It was not an easy problem to solve because the majority of successful pupils did not live in the area which had the most places.

The Lower Thames Crossing will become the next big issue. Kent will probably favour the Gravesham option. As always the shortage of available funds will hold up progress. The continued use of toll booths at the Dartford Crossing caused major delays.

Cllr Dyer asked for an update on the A2 Linear Park. Cllr Snelling said that it would cost about £10.5 million. And that KCC was putting out franchises.

Cllr Mrs Dymond asked about the development of West Pier in Gravesend . Cllr Snelling said that planning permission had been given but the developers were making slow progress.

Cllr Snelling reported that the Town Pier and restaurant were under new management although the chef had not changed.

8 KALC MATTERS

Cllr Rowe said that there had not been a local meeting for about a year, that the local secretary had had an operation and would call a meeting when she was recovered.

9 CORRESPONDENCE None

10 ANY OTHER BUSINESS The Chairman reminded those present of the Remembrance Sunday service at 10am at the War Memorial on Sunday November 8^th.

Cllrs were reminded to submit their own responses to the police survey on line.

11 MATTERS RAISED BY PARISH COUNCILLORS

Cllr Glenister asked that the edges of the steps opposite Greenland should be painted.

Cllr Mrs Dymond thanked the clerk for dealing with the footpath query.

She also pointed out that the weeds in the drains along the street were getting worse.

Clerk will write again to GBC.

She said that it was good to see the gulley outside “Pilgrims” working properly.

Cllr Dr Haig noted that the War Memorial had recently been spray washed.

He reported a concern about the positioning of a gate at the end of the created bridleway along West Park .  According to the plan there would be a gate leading people and horses across the daffodil patch. He had suggested that the Clerk contact David Smith who was in charge to ask that the bridleway continue as far as the gates that are already in situ. This had been done and the outcome awaited.

Cllr Dyer asked if the route was only for the use of riders and horses, remarking that when he had walked along it the path was overgrown.

As CPC representative Governor he asked whether CPC could help find a temporary replacement for the lollipop lady who was soon to take maternity leave. It was agreed that the clerk should speak to Mrs Lohlein to ask if she would be interested.

 12 FINANCE

On the proposition of Councillor Bernard Glenister and seconded by Councillor Alan Rowe the following payments were ratified:

Cheques to be ratified

 

29.10.09          Royal British Legion                                                   50.00

29.10.09          P Lohlein Maintenance (Oct 4 w)                              96.00

29.10.09          J Beety (October Salary)                                          208.00

 

TOTAL                                                                                         £   354.00            

 

Mr David Stapleton asked to make a couple of points as he had been too late for “Parishioners Comments”

He expressed concern about the felling of trees and the unsuitable blue wall on the new development. Cllr Glenister said that there was no TPO on the trees. Mr Stapleton also expressed the view that the parking bay opposite the shop in Sole Street created a hazard to traffic.

 Date of next meeting December 7^th 2009 Budget

 

As there was no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.25pm.

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