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CROCKENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
The Chairman reminded everyone attending and who will be participating that subject to our Standing Orders they may be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise reported about. If anyone objects could they please sit at the back of the room and anybody filming, recording, photographing or otherwise reporting on the proceedings should avoid those who are sitting at the back, except if they take part in a public participation session.
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12th December 2019 at 7.30pm in Crockenhill Village Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT Cllr Kite (Chair), Cllr Waterton, Cllr Riches, Cllr Cook, 3 members of the public.
19/613 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllr Gough, Cllr Jenkins, Cllr Holmes.
19/614 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
19/615 3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING dated 14th November were unanimously agreed to be a correct record, as proposed by Cllr Waterton and seconded by Cllr Riches.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
19/616 a. Flooding on Stones Cross Road
Following the last meeting, the resident in Stones Cross Road who raised the issue of flooding has written in to Cllr Gough, copying the Parish Clerk Council. Clerk to check whether Cllr Gough has responded.
19/617 b. Crossing patrol and results of traffic/pedestrian survey
Following the recent survey, we have now received confirmation that we now meet the criteria and qualify for a crossing patrol. The vacancy has been advertised and the ad closes on 16th December. We were warned that there are currently 20 vacancies across Kent and it is difficult to fill the role.
19/618 c. Pothole repairs
We reported the poor quality of recent pothole repairs in Stones Cross Road. The Officer called to say that these were to be re-done.
It was also reported at this point that there were potholes on the footway outside 11 Green Court Road. Cllr Waterton said she would report these. RW
19/619 d. 477 service
The Parish Council wrote to Arriva after a resident contacted the Parish 2
Council re rumors that significant changes were being made to the service. They responded as follows:
‘We have no plans currently to change the 477. However, there is some uncertainty around the route beyond October 2020, as from this date, it will need to operate with newer vehicles which meet the stricter emissions requirements in the London LEZ boundary. The current vehicles will not meet the tighter emission requirements.
We’re currently in the process of evaluating whether the route can financially support the new vehicles, and whether there is any external funding available to subsidise the upgrade.’
It was suggested that we ask Cllr Gough to take this up with Arriva as it will Clerk impact so many of our residents. Cllr Waterton said she would speak to Bromley Councillors.
5. CORRESPONDENCE/QUERIES
19/620 a. Condition of footpath alongside Dibsdall Meadow
A resident fell over and suffered a break after walking along this footpath. It Clerk was reported to KCC and Cllr Gough. The resident said that KCC had said there was not the budget for repair work this financial year. It was suggested that if KCC go ahead with the bridlepath then we push for the footpath to be repaired at the same time.
19/621 b. Complaints of bonfires
This was first raised on the community facebook page during the summer. The Clerk spoke to Environmental Health officers back then but without any details of where it might be coming from there was little they could do. The Clerk asked that if anyone had any further information, that it be reported to the Parish Council. Further ‘toxic smelling’ bonfires have been reported again recently, this time with a suspected location. This information has been passed on to Officers and is being investigated. In the meantime, they have asked for times and dates to be recorded and any photographic evidence passed on.
19/622 c. Request to support the Local Electricity Bill
The Parish Council received a letter requesting that we join 27 other Town PR and Parish Councils that have already resolved to support the Local Electricity Bill. Cllr Riches said he would look in to it.
19/623 d. Response to Consortium Letter
The Clerk circulated the response received to the letter sent on behalf of the Consortium regarding waste disposal. Clerk to ask whether the Consortium Clerk is planning on responding.
6. KENT COUNTY COUNCILLOR ROGER GOUGH’S REPORT 19/624 a. Eynsford Road, cantilever sign
Gang went out to change the bracket last week however the pole they took wasn’t correct (there seems to be a very unhappy history with this). A new job has been raised to change this and works should be completed shortly.
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19/625
b. Old Chapel Road, fingerpost
Sign designs have been sent off to the supplier, KHS are just waiting on
them to be made and sent back to them so they can get the gangs out to
get this replaced. 19/626
c. Anchor & Hope
I understand Simon Hawkins has spoken to you about this. The railings/ barrier has now been repaired; as previously discussed a couple of PC meetings ago, KHS had to take two barriers off the side (opposite Old Chapel Road) to replace the ones in the middle as they were an old design and not made anymore. The two at the end were replaced with new barriers 19/627 and a job will be raised to paint them to match the others.
d. Flooding issues around the school
I have continued to be involved with this. Work is under way on the fence that will replace the collapsed wall, and in consultation with neighbours. Thames Water were due to come back to try to sort the flooding issues within the school, but at the end of last week KCC asked their contractor to step in to accelerate the works
7. DISTRICT COUNTY COUNCILLOR RACHEL WATERTON’S 19/628 REPORT
a. Local Plan
Nothing new to report. 19/629 b. Marwood House
Enforcement Officer has been away so scheduled meeting was cancelled 19/630 and awaiting revised date.
c. Signage, dropped kerbs and wheelchair access
The Officer dealing with this has also been away. To update at next 19/631 meeting.
d. Crockenhill & Well Hill 2020 Tree Project
Cllr Waterton said that when she was working on the response to the Local Plan, she became aware of the poor air quality in Swanley. Cllr Waterton would like to launch the 2020 tree planting project in Crockenhill, which has received a lot of support so far. She has been liaising with a local nursery and Dr Pittman to identify the most suitable trees. Optimal planting time is 19/632 between March and September. More details to follow.
e. White Oak
Cllr Waterton said there was a recent meeting held in Swanley and many Clerk people were unhappy with the proposed plans. It is also understood that Sport England have also raised significant concerns. Clerk to circulate their response.
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8. PLANNING
19/633 a. New applications
i. 19/02951/HYB White Oak Leisure Centre RESOLVED (prior to the meeting): Object Response submitted:
Crockenhill Parish Council objects to this planning application in its current form. We have considered this application fully cognisant of the wider SDC Local Plan proposals and further development in Swanley and surrounding villages.
With regards to culture and leisure, aside from occasional village events and
two Football Clubs, Crockenhill continues to rely on Swanley for the majority
of leisure facilities. White Oak Leisure Centre’s plans comprise a smaller,
more compact leisure centre. It will provide more individual fitness stations,
but if the current plan is approved, fewer areas for communal and group
activities, so that several large established clubs requiring more than ‘two-
courts’ will have to relocate or close if a suitable alternative is not available
to them. The swimming pool will be shorter, with no diving pool, offering a
reduced area for all swimmers. The replacement centre will be inadequate
to meet the needs of current users, let alone be able to serve the influx of
new residents wishing to subscribe to its facilities.
In our view it is counter-intuitive to be building more housing provision on the site, thus increasing the number of residents, whilst simultaneously reducing the size and capacity of the centre itself. We feel very strongly that existing infrastructure in the Swanley area is already insufficient for the current population and will not cope with the huge increase in households proposed – not just on this site but in all the other proposed developments in Swanley, Crockenhill, Hextable and Farningham.
As the centre is relied on by so many surrounding villages too, most users drive to the centre and the car park is already at full capacity at most times of day. Furthermore, White Oaks provides vital low-cost (relative to private gyms) leisure facilities to local residents who might otherwise be unable to afford to access these amenities. At a time when mental health and well- being is at the forefront of all our minds, we do not feel that this proposal is 19/634 progressive.
ii. 19/03076/FUL Clive House, 7-8 Cray Road
19/635 Application Withdrawn
iii. SE/19/03093 4 Chapel Cottages Eynsford Road
RESOLVED: Support Response submitted:
No objection providing that:
Style and materials are in keeping with neighbouring properties
· It does not exceed the 50% rule.
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19/636 iv. Pre-application, Harvest Way
We have not seen the official application yet but we are expecting something soon. 19/637 b. Decisions i. Our application for works to trees with TPOs
Partially approved. Clerk to send details to the person carrying out the tree 19/638 work.
ii. Land Adjoining Willow Cottage Daltons Road Chelsfield Orpington Kent BR6 7QE Installation of a new agricultural entrance and track to serve an existing barn. 19/639 Granted
iii. Land South Of 20 Old Chapel Road Crockenhill KENT BR8 8JL Description Erection of a new two-storey three bedroom detached house with two parking spaces. 19/640 Granted
19/641 c. Enforcements (see Cllr Waterton’s section)
d. Appeals . No new appeals. 19/642
9. PUBLIC QUESTIONS Clerk
The Parish Council were asked about the Wild Wood Appeal. It was explained that there were some conditions that had to be met. Clerk to circulate these to Parish Councillors.
19/643 10. FINANCE
a. Statement of current financial position – provided to 19/644 members
b. Payments received and Accounts to be paid – list provided to members
The following payments were unanimously agreed, as proposed by Cllr Waterton, seconded by Cllr Riches.
Payments received £
CIL payment from SDC 358.62
Accounts to be paid
£ TOTAL VAT£ 961 High 2x Padlocks for 142.82 23.80 Security allotments Locking Ltd 6
962 Cheque VOID 963 Clerk Salary mth 9 1310.52 964 Clerk Expenses 325.58 39.55 965 Commercial Final Grass 82.56 13.76 Services cutting invoice Trading Ltd for Cricket Meadow 966 Darenth Newsletter 495.00 Print & Priting Design 967 Richard Final Grass 420.00 70.00 Abel cutting invoice Landscapes for Harvestfield 968 Tree Craft Tree Safety 1392.00 232.00 Ltd Survey 969 Streetlights Repairs and 504.00 84.00 conversions 970 Streetlights Repair £126 21.00
971 Clerk Additional £24.00 4.00
expenses – 1&1
website
972 HMRC Mth 9 PAYE 344.93
and NI
973 Amenities Mth 9 Salary 99.92
Asst 1
974 Amenities Mth 9 Salary 111.89 Asst 2`
Cllr Waterton explained that the food bank has ample stock of dried foods and that the Parish Council would be making a donation like last year. Cllr Kite then explained the history to the Anthony Roper and Henry Cox charities and how food parcels are delivered to those in the village in need. 19/645 It was agreed that next year the Parish Council would organise a toy appeal.
c. Repairs to matting at Harvestfield to consider Clerk The Clerk ran through the quotes for the playground matting.
19/646 RESOLVED: To accept the Barge quote of £760+VAT. Work to be scheduled. Clerk d. Woodmount bollards to consider
19/647 The Clerk is now seeking quotes for 38 new wooden bollards. It was requested that they are fitted with some kind of reflective marker.
e. Alarm for the office to consider Clerk 19/648 Cllr Holmes had been looking in to this and is happy with the recommendation. The Clerk to order.
f. Tree survey and works to consider
The tree survey and works were discussed at the budget meeting. It was agreed that the first phase of works could go ahead this financial year as there is ample money left in the budget. This will cover the trees alongside Dibsdall Meadow with TPOs, plus those by Harvestfield entrance. Three Clerk quotes were received and discussed. 7
RESOLVED: To accept the quote from Tree Craft for first phase of work at a 19/649 cost of £2340.
Clerk 11. RECREATION & AMENITIES a. Cricket Meadow 19/650 Grant application
The Clerk said she would be working on this asap.
b. Village green Clerk i. Playground fencing 19/651 Three quotes have been received. The Clerk will bring photos and quotes to the January meeting.
c. Harvestfield
New height barrier combination lock has been fitted, with combination number supplied to the Emergency Services and Notices put up at the 19/652 allotments. Two new padlocks were also ordered, received and fitted to replace the one that was vandalized recently. The wooden gate post is due to be replaced next week.
d. Footpaths & Rights of Way i. KCC’s proposal for a bridle way alongside Dibsdall Meadow
The Clerk has emailed the KCC Officer to say that we are open to 19/653 discussing the proposal further and has requested a meeting in the new year. Date to be advised.
12. LOCAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PR a. SID update
The SID is currently in Green Court Road. Those present said they had noticed a reduction in traffic speeds, particularly at the current location. It is 19/654 due to be moved next week. Cllr Riches said he would look at the data analysis.
13. PROJECTS a. VE Day Commemorations
It was agreed that the next meeting would be arranged for January – prior to RW the Village Hall Committee meeting. The Clerk said timings need to be 19/655 agreed so we can confirm the band. Clerk to send Cllr Waterton contact details for British Legion as it was suggested that they might be able to run the service.
b. Youth Club Clerk
19/656 Feedback from the community survey was largely in favour of a Youth Club, it being one of the most popular suggestions. To look into again in the new year. Clerk c. Youth Council 19/657 We will start advertising this in the new year too, and ask people to submit statements. 8
d. Green initiatives
This has been added to the monthly agenda so we as a Council can start Clerk looking at what we can be doing in terms of green initiatives. We will be putting the bat boxes up in the Spring and it was suggested that we see whether the Woodland Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust or Lullingstone organize any Bat talks. 19/658 14. ADMINISTRATION
a. Queries on any matters included in the Clerk’s 19/659 ‘Updates’ sheet
None. b. Budget meeting Clerk
The budget meeting was held last week and we will sign-off the budget and 19/660 precept at the January meeting. Clerk to circulate the final budget figures before then.
c. Results of Residents’ survey 19/661 Will circulate an analysis. Closing today. Posted on both FB sites too.
d. Areas of responsibility
As decided at the May meeting: Emergency Planning Senior Responders: Cllr Waterton & Cllr Kite Planning – Cllr Holmes (oversite of the Planning section – KL to send a breakdown before the meeting) Footpaths & Rights of Way – Cllr Riches Local Traffic Management – Cllr Cook It was agreed that Cllr Riches also be added to this. Clerk to add as an agenda item too. Open Spaces & Recreation – Cllr Jenkins inc Allotments and playground, Cricket Meadow. This is a very large area and Cllr Waterton and Cllr Kite also requested to be on this group.
Those responsible for each area will report back each month.
Projects – these have been added as agenda items. The person with overall responsibility and each person responsible reports back eg:
VE commemorations Cllr Waterton. Cllr Jenkins to also attend 19/662 Youth Club – K Lane Youth Council – Cllr Jenkins, K Lane Clerk e. Parish Councillor Vacancy
19/663 Someone has expressed an interest in joining the Parish Council. Clerk to arrange a meeting with Councillors early in the new year.
f. Plan for Village Hall Open Day – Saturday 25th January
The Clerk has been helping Ruth Fluin-Hardy with the advertising and prep 19/664 for the Open day. The posters will go up asap and an invitation has been PR sent to our new MP.
19/665 Cllr Riches to update the Parish Council presentation so we can use this on the day. We can put the information boards together in the new year. 9
g. Parish Council Surgery report and next date
Cllr Kite reported that she and Cllr Jenkins had held the first Parish Surgery a few weeks ago when the Friday market was on. It was agreed that the 19/666 next one would be held and advertised for the Village Hall Open Day on 25th January.
h. Planning training at SDC – Wednesday 15th January
19/667 Cllr Holmes attended the last session. The January session will be attended by the Clerk, Cllr Waterton and Cllr Cook.
i. Next Village Hall committee meeting – Wednesday 18th December 7.30pm . 19/668 15. HIGHWAYS & LIGHTING
a. Flooding along Cray Road RW
This was reported to Bromley Council again. The road was cleared but it 19/669 needs a long-term solution. Cllr Wateron said she would contact the Councillors in the Cray Valley East ward. Clerk b. HIP
Geoff Bineham advised that we should include dropped kerbs in our 19/670 Highways Improvement Plan for next year. Parish Council to consider budgeting for some next year too.
c. Lorry Watch update
Nothing much to report. Container lorries are still going up Stones Cross Road towards Marwood House.
16. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS
19/671 As there was no other business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.30pm.
The following updates were provided to Parish Councillors prior to the meeting. These were items that did not necessarily require discussion, although Councillors were invited to raise any questions during the meeting under item 4e on the agenda.
Autumn Newsletter Delivered to all houses in the village. We have received some really positive feedback and it really is valued – particularly amongst our older residents who don’t have access to the internet and our website/facebook updates. It was suggested at the Budget meeting that next year we break it down in to areas eg Recreation/Traffic management etc The Clerk has also posted the file on our website. Harvestfield We have a new combination padlock on the height barrier to the allotments. This has been registered with the Emergency services, along with the 10 what3words for the Daltons road driveway entrance. If you need the combination code, please ask the Clerk. Emergency contact number sheets are now up at the allotments so people know who to ring etc. John Mullen is using the existing noticeboard for now but we will look at getting a new one/this one refurbished in the new financial year. There has been another incident of vandalism at the allotments and this was reported. Dibsdall Meadow bridlepath The Clerk has responded to KCC’s email re a potential bridlepath to say that we would be open to discussing and investigating this proposal further. Maintenance
Some remaining maintenance matters will be decided at this December budget meeting, including this year’s tree works, playground matting and Woodmount bollards. In the new year we can decide on playground fencing. Clerk to start getting quotes for the raised bed and wall repairs.
Award We entered one of our residents for SDC’s Voluntary & Community ‘Making it Happen’ Awards 2019. We did not hear anything back but have recently been told that she was sent a certificate directly from SDC. The Clerk has contacted SDC as we would like to formally acknowledge this achievement and contribution to village life. Bulk waste collection
The next bulk waste collection morning is on Saturday 18th January. It would be good if we could get together and tackle some more of that rubbish near the entrance to Harvestfield.
Budget We held our budget meeting last week. We agreed preliminary figures but the Clerk will finalise it and send round before the January meeting when the budget will be formally approved. If anyone has any further questions in the meantime, please raise them as soon as possible as we have the Christmas break coming up.