Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held at 6pm on 10 April 2019 at Denton Village Hall

Present: Parish Cllr Penelope James (Chairman) Parish Cllr Derek Theobald – Vice Chairman Parish Cllr Robert Akehurst Parish Cllr Tom Gibson Parish Cllr Thomas Campbell County Councillor, Cllr Geoff Lymer District Councillor, Mog Ovenden Locum Clerk, Amanda Sparkes.

15 members of the public

1. Chairman’s opening remarks: Cllr James welcomed everyone to the meeting. She explained that Item No 17 on the Agenda, the discussion of a possible grant to the Wootton Environment Protection Group could not be discussed due to Purdah restrictions. As there is a contested election the existing parish councillors who are standing could be construed as garnering for votes on this item. It would instead be discussed at the next meeting to be held on 15 May 2019.

2. Apologies for absence – there were no apologies for absence. 3. Declarations of interest – None.

4. Confirmation of previous Minutes of the last meeting held on 18 February 2018. A resident present at the meeting and who had been present at the last meeting drew attention to the final paragraph in Minute No. 17 which read: Cllr Campbell felt that he supported the WEPG with the information given by residents at the meeting, and would like to persuade DDC to enforce the noise abatement notice. Cllr Akehurst felt that the decision should be postponed until the parish council finances were better known. Cllr Theobald acknowledged that several residents had made the effort to attend the meeting but commented that the community is wider. The decision was deferred.

The resident was unhappy that the wording reads “several residents” and wanted it changed to “17 residents, equivalent to a quarter of Wootton village”. The Locum Clerk advised she recorded the words ‘several residents’ as a direct quote from Cllr Theobald and that at the top of Page 1 under the attendance record she had recorded that there had been 17 residents present. She explained that the Minutes were uploaded and released and the only way to make an amendment is through this next set of meeting Minutes. The parish council were happy that this comment now be recorded here. With that additional comment now noted, the Chairman duly signed them.

5. Recruitment of a new permanent Clerk – Cllr James explained she was delighted to advise that a new permanent Clerk had now been appointed. Stephanie Miller is to be effective from 1 May 2019. The new Clerk and Locum Clerk have arranged a meeting for Sunday 21 April for the new Clerk to receive a verbal briefing, collect the files, etc and the new Charles Arnold Baker book now ordered and received. It was agreed that the new Clerk claim a flat rate overtime for the time spent for this handover and training meeting as it takes place before her official start date. It was further resolved that there should be a period of handover with the Locum Clerk being on hand to assist Stephanie going forward with the end date for the Locum Clerk to be reviewed at a future meeting.

6. Items arising from last meeting: Funding for replacement Finger Post - An old finger post was ‘discovered’ when a hedge was cut back at the Lodge Lees turning off Agester Lane. KCC Cllr Geoff Lymer has given a Local Board grant of £350 for two residents to refurbish it themselves and purchase the roundel at the top with this. NOTED the latest update: The volunteer residents are too busy at present to complete the project, but the Locum Clerk has agreed with Cllr Lymer an extension to this project to the end of July 2019 (or the grant may have to be returned).

Battle of Britain Commemoration 2019 at Denton in September 2019 At the Denton with Wootton PC meeting in October 2018 Mr. Graham Bevan and Ms. Shirley Harris had outlined plans to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2019 and plant a flower display/roundel on the Village Green at Denton. At the parish council meeting on 10 December 2018 it was resolved that the Parish Council contribute £250 towards the cost of the plants – an invoice was received and paid at the meeting. Cllr James explained that a Denton resident had contacted Cllr Akehurst concerned that if the village green is registered then it cannot be dug up. A flower bed could be considered temporary however and enhancing rather than causing permanent damage. Cllr James wondered whether it is infact officially registered as a village green. Cllr Gibson felt that it was not registered. Cllr James explained that she had looked through the archives cabinet and not found anything and also contacted KALC, who suggested the parish council visit KCC at to check the register of village greens. Cllr Ovenden suggested that KCC Cllr Geoff Lymer may be able to do this on the parish council’s behalf as he works out of the Maidstone KCC offices. Resident Graham Bevan, present at the meeting, advised councillors that Denton has been entered into the Villages in Bloom competition.

Denton Speed Watch and TRAFFIC SURVEY for £500 Cllr James attended a meeting with Graham Bevan on 18 September 2018 with a KCC Highways officer to look at all the alternatives and options for possible highways improvements and traffic calming for the A260 through The Street, Denton. In order to consider any further traffic calming measures it is necessary for KCC to conduct a speed survey to gather data for one week – at a cost of £500. The Denton Speed Watch Group has now contacted Kent Highways and commissioned this survey which is to be undertaken in the next month. It will record all vehicles, including speed, class of vehicles and time of day.

The possibility and costs of white gateways at each end of Denton village Cllr Theobald explained that as this is a strategic road gateways, white gateways probably won’t be allowed. Cllr Campbell suggested that there could be a possible location at Snode Hill. Cllr Theobald felt that Kent Highways would consider the amount of signage to be an issue. Resident Graham Bevan felt that the green slow down signs by the bus shelter and elsewhere on the A260 were superfluous and difficult to keep clean and he suggested that they be removed. He also felt that the 30mph limit could be pushed further out of the village due to a recent accident. Cllr James commented that it would actually be quite difficult to achieve this. A visitor from Parish Council suggested that the parish council contact the Clerk to Alkham Parish Council wo have achieved similar objectives.

Pot holes at the village green at Denton and the parish council’s area of responsibility At the 18 February 2019 parish council meeting there was some discussion about the pot holes on the access track by the village green at Denton and whether the land is the responsibility of the householders fronting it, or whether the responsibility falls with the parish council or Kent Highways. Cllr Ovenden suggested that the Locum Clerk contact Kent Highways officer, Stephanie Wadhams, and ask for help with land ownership. The Locum Clerk sent the KHS officer an email and embedded map on 28 February 2019. The officer replied and sent a map explaining that the area shaded in pink is the extent of the publicly maintainable highway in the area concerned. KCC Highways only look after the main A260 and not the section to the rear of the green. The officer has checked the land registry and the road to the rear of the green is unregistered and therefore nobody has any real maintenance liabilities. Often, in cases such as these, a shared responsibility is established between those properties that require access over it, usually by way of a residents association of some sort. As the area is not Highway, KCC would not be in a position to assist further in this matter.

It was agreed that based on this information that the parish council would write to all the residents along this stretch and advise them of this. The parish council may also provide advice on how to form an association. Cllr Campbell commented that the map shows the green extending in front of the property Long Term which is inaccurate, probably because of erosion by traffic. To reinstate or re-turf that part though will not be undertaken on turning and safety grounds.

Dover District Council’s Green Infrastructure strategy It was NOTED Cllr James and Cllr Theobald completed and returned a survey response on behalf of DWW parish council. Cllr Theobald explained that it was worth noting that the parish council had highlighted the impact of the A260 and how the speed of vehicles travelling on it affected wildlife.

Village Clean Up day – Saturday 6 April 2019 Cllr James advised that there had been 12 volunteers at Wootton taking part and lots of rubbish was cleared from hedgerows. Cllr Gibson advised that in Denton 12 volunteers had also taken part with lots of rubbish cleared. Cllr Ovenden reiterated that when the invoice for the skips is received she will pay for one. Cllr James thanked her for this on behalf of the parish council. Cllr James explained that the parish council had also offered for the first time this year, the opportunity for residents to have computer/electrical items collected for recycling as well as reading glasses – but this facility had not been taken up. Cllr Theobald explained that he will send photographs taken of the event to the wider “Clean Up Kent” campaign.

Questionnaire to all residents Cllr James explained that the proposal to residents about issues and project ideas which would then form a strategy for the parish council is deferred until after the 02 May 2019 parish council elections and the new parish council formed for a 4-year term.

7. Finance The Schedule of payments for April 2019 was noted, Cllr Theobald proposed and Cllr James seconded and the payments were authorised.

National Salary Awards for council clerks to be implemented with effect from 1 April 2019 The National Joint Council for Local Government Services has agreed new pay scales for 2019- 2020 to be implemented from 1 April 2019. A new pay spine from 1 April 2019 has also been implemented and existing spinal column points have been translated to the new scales: Previous spinal point was 25 (FTE £23,111 – hourly rate £12.01) New spinal point is 17 (FTE £23,836 – hourly rate £12.39). NOTED that this new rate is to be advised to the pay roll provider with effect from 1 April 2019. NOTED that the Locum Clerk has contacted the pay roll provider about the appointment of the new Clerk and has the ‘new starter’ form for the new Clerk to complete and return to the payroll provider.

Repainting of the old BT box at Denton Cllr Gibson advised he had sourced someone to paint the box for £100 and had given the go ahead. The box had been pressure washed last weekend. BT box bulbs and Perspex in need of replacement Graham Bevan to replace these after the box has been repainted and seek reimbursement. Cllr Campbell advised of a professional supplier of authentic panels for around £15 each. Cllr James agreed to liaise with Graham.

Handset provision for the old BT Box at Denton Cllr Campbell had researched and circulated two options for the provision of a handset. Because of Purdah restrictions with the contested election on 02 May 2019 this item was deferred for discussion to the 15 May parish council meeting.

Denton Bus Shelter Graham Bevan has said he will kindly paint the bus shelter but will need c. £60 to cover paint costs. Similarly, because of Purdah restrictions with the contested election on 02 May 2019 this item was deferred for discussion to the 15 May parish council meeting.

Website NOTED that on 21 March 2019 the previous website contractor setup a domain redirect for the old website so anyone that visits that domain will be sent to the new Kent Parishes DWW website. The previous website contractor has now cancelled the domain. It will expire on 20 April 2019. Because of Purdah restrictions with the contested election on 02 May 2019 the decision on whether to purchase the domain was deferred for discussion to the 15 May parish council meeting.

Item deferred from the 18 February 2019 parish council meeting: TO CONSIDER the request from the Wootton Environment Protection Group for a donation of £1,000 towards the costs of acoustic tests at Race Circuit in relation to the Noise Abatement condition imposed by Council Because of Purdah restrictions with the contested election on 02 May 2019 this item was deferred for discussion to the 15 May parish council meeting.

Year End 2018-2019 NOTED that the Locum Clerk will undertake the year-end preparation and the paperwork will come to the 15 May parish council meeting. NOTED the Locum Clerk has an appointment with the parish council’s Internal Auditor, Lionel Robbins, on 25 April 2019.

The Jackdaw Inn, Denton, Nr , Kent (Supplier no. 003998) – annual rent for the erection of ‘The Jackdaw Inn’ Public House sign on Denton village green. NOTED that the Locum Clerk made telephone calls and emails on 2 April 2019 regarding the annual rent for the public house sign erected on Denton village green. Ei Group has confirmed that the parish council has been paid up to 31 December 2017. The next payment due will be for period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 and 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 – equally two years for the sum of £208.00. The Locum Clerk has invoiced for this payment on 3 April 2018 by email. The option of setting up an annual standing order from April each year was also discussed and the Locum Clerk has provided the parish council bank details to enable this.

8. Planning There are no new planning applications out to consultation at present. NOTED that since the last meeting the following comments were uploaded to the DDC Portal on 26 February 2019:

DOV/19/00076 - Mallard Farm, Shelvin Farm Road, Wootton, Canterbury Certificate of Lawfulness (existing) for the continued use of camper vans (Winnebagos) and storage containers for storage and distribution (Class B8) And DOV/19/00117 – Mallard Farm Shelvin Farm Road Wootton CT4 6RL Removal of condition 7 (external storage) of planning permission DOV/11/00930 (application under section 73) This consultee comment refers to two current planning applications submitted in respect of Mallard's Farm; DOV/19/00076 which is an application for a certificate of lawfulness for the continued use of camper vans and storage containers for storage and distribution and DOV/19/00117, which is an application for the removal of a planning condition imposed by DOV/11/00930. These two applications are inextricably linked and Denton with Wootton Parish Councils believes the comments are equally applicable to both applications.

The site of this application is used by several small companies for storage and light industrial use and has been so for a number of years, permission being granted for the continued use of the site for this purpose in 2011, though with a number of conditions imposed, not least condition 7 which relates directly to the visual appearance of the site and its location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We do recognise that the site provides important employment within the rural community but are also mindful of the fact that it is essential any development or industrial activity is in keeping with the setting and the environment. It is also important that any granted authority would not set a precedent for similar developments which may create a cumulative adverse impact on the environment. We would not wish to see any increased industrial activity in area which was not in keeping with the environment and location.

We consider that it is important that any building or vehicle used for industrial storage or distribution should be effectively visually screened from public and that it is in keeping with the environment. This protects the visual aspects of the area as a whole and particularly for neighbouring premises which may overlook the site. Any storage that does exist on the site should be for the businesses that currently occupy the premises and not permit additional storage to be undertaken above that necessary for the effective operation of those businesses.

Condition 7 imposed by the granted permission in 2011 states: No external storage shall take place on the site at any time. Reason: In the interests of visual and rural amenity and to safeguard the setting and appearance of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This condition was relevant in 2011 and we do not see that there have been any material changes which would mean that this condition would no longer be relevant. We would therefore consider that this condition should be retained,

We would ask that any separate submissions from affected residents are given full consideration.

9. Planning decisions

DOV/19/00118 Smallden, Wootton Lane, Wootton CT4 6RP Erection of two storey front and side extensions with replacement roof (existing garage and log store to be demolished) – GRANTED

Deacon Landscapes - Application Reference: DOV/16/00032 Deacon Landscape Management , Wootton Lane, Wootton, CT4 6RP Outline planning application for proposed residential development of 8 dwellings with some matters reserved This application was granted outline planning permission on 1 November 2017. Cllr James explained that she had still not yet received a response to her letter dated 31 December 2018 to the DDC case officer whom she had met with and been in contact with, regarding a request from the parish council asking whether the developer contributions, set aside for a playground, could be transferred instead towards the restoration of the grounds and the pavilion at the Wootton and Denton Cricket and Recreation Ground. Cllr James explained that she has emailed the officer three times to chase. Cllr Ovenden has also chased the officer but knows she is very busy. Cllr Ovenden felt the delay could be because of the DDC Green Infrastructure Strategy review which will not be signed off until June at the earliest. Cllr Ovenden offered to email her again, and if there is still no reply, Cllr James agreed to telephone her.

10. Correspondence: NOTED a Letter received by Cllr James from Charlie Elphicke, MP dated 7 March 2019 re traffic congestion incident in Denton in January reported in the last meeting’s Minutes.

Walderchain to Bedlam Woods Local Wildlife Site Kent Wildlife Trust co-ordinates the Local Wildlife Site (LWS) monitoring programme on behalf of the Kent Nature Partnership. They consult landowners asking them to let them know if the description, boundary or reasons for designation are inaccurate. The Clerk had just been sent the citation for Walderchain to Bedlam Wood LWS. Cllr James agreed to take a look at this. Current LWS citations (or Roadside Nature Reserve citations too) can be requested from Lucy Carden ([email protected] ). Boundaries of LWS & RNRs can be viewed on KLIS or our KWT webmap (currently more up to date than KLIS).

11. POLICE/PCSO MATTERS Cllr Akehurst advised that Emma Carmichael is no longer the PCSO for the area as she has transferred to be a police officer at Dover docks. Cllr Ovenden explained that Luke Sanderson is the temporary PCSO and she agreed to send the Locum Clerk his contact details.

12. HIGHWAYS & FOOTPATHS. Cllr Gibson drew attention to a sunken BT manhole in the carriageway in front of the entrance to Broome Park. Cllr Ovenden kindly agreed to report this.

13. VILLAGE HALLS – WOOTTON & DENTON. The halls reports followed in the Parish Assembly meeting after the parish council meeting that same night. 14. Report from Town & Parish Council Meeting on 25 February 2019 Cllr Penelope James attended this meeting. She explained that the focus had been on the Local Plan and Brexit, and plans in place should there be a no deal Brexit. During the meeting, she was able to bring the officers’ and councillors’ attention to the horrendous traffic situation that occurred in Denton in January during the M20 road closure (due to the installation of the new bridge at Ashford.) DDC’s CEO confirmed that potential pinch point was on the Council’s radar.

Cllr James also reported on a presentation on Smart Water. Smart Water is a liquid with a unique forensic code linked to an individual household. Property can be marked by the homeowner and if stolen can be easily relocated to the owner. Cllr James explained there are currently discounted schemes being trialled in two locations in Kent. Should a parish council agree to become a Smart Water village (at approximately £10 per household and with a minimum sign up of 20 residents) then the parish council would be given signs to be affixed at the village entry points (similar to Neighbourhood Watch signs) and also a presentation would be given to the villages by the police about the efficacy of the scheme and how to implement it. Cllr James handed out copies of the literature which she had received about the scheme to all councillors and the Locum Clerk and asked for this suggestion to be added to the next parish council meeting agenda. Cllr Akehurst commented that if using it is useful to take a photograph of the goods and any serial number too. A resident commented that such a scheme can displace burglaries to neighbouring villages so urged looking to the wider area too, and also commented how effective it was.

15. Report from Dover District Visitor & Tourism Strategy workshop held on 7 March 2019 This workshop was also attended by Cllr Penelope James. Its aim was to help the DDC’s new tourism officer in developing a tourism strategy for the Dover area. She commented that it had been an interesting day and well attended by parish councillors. Tourism generates £2.8m in the Dover area and 17% of all jobs. She also reported that she had met Cllr MJ Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and if re-elected, he would be delighted to attend Denton’s Battle of Britain Commemoration 2019 in September.

16. Report from the KALC Annual Planning Conference on 15 March 2019 Cllr Penelope James explained she had attended this very useful planning conference. There had been several presentations including from the KCC Sustainable Drainage team leader, KCC, an arboricultural consultant and a presentation on air quality. A reminder had been given that any tree contractors employed by parish councils should have correct credentials and also hold suitable PLI and Professional Indemnity. Cllr James urged the parish councillors to investigate whether the parish council has responsibility for any trees themselves. Cllr Akehurst commented that maintenance of trees is down to the landowners. Cllr James put forward the possibility of measuring air quality in Denton to councillors. The Clerk commented that the parish council does not have a power to spend on air quality (except Section 137 which is capped per year). Cllr James explained that she had been given a contact at the conference who will carry out air quality monitoring free of charge and she asked the Locum Clerk to add this item to the next agenda.

The Clerk was asked to report the shrubs and trees on the bank opposite Maydeacon and Maydeacon cottages, Denton as these appear to be about to fall into the road.

17. ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING FOR PARISHIONERS’ QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS There were no questions so the meeting continued.

18. DDC CLLR MOG OVENDEN REPORT Cllr Ovenden explained that she was able to speak as Purdah was not applicable as she was not standing as a candidate for this ward. She has been the Councillor for Denton and Wootton for the last 8 years and enjoyed the role and made many friends. She commented that there have been many issues and she has tried her best to resolve them as well as possible. She commented that she hoped the next district representative for Denton and Wootton will act similarly and support the parish council in their endeavours. Cllr Ovenden said she was looking forward to, and will attend, the Wootton Dog Show in July, and that she would also support the Battle of Britain Commemoration event.

Cllr James thanked her for all that she had done and said she would be missed. There was a round of applause and then Cllr Ovenden left the meeting to attend another meeting.

19. KCC CLLR GEOFF LYMER REPORT Kent County Councillor Geoff Lymer stood and read his report, which is recorded in full in the Parish Assembly meeting Minutes held later that evening. He introduced Cllr David Beaney who has been working with Cllr Lymer over the last few months. Cllr Beaney, as a businessman, is concerned about the impact of Brexit on businesses and farmers, and the two of them have been working on this. Cllr Lymer explained that Cllr Beaney is standing as a district councillor in the forthcoming elections for Dover Downs and River.

Cllr James thanked Cllr Lymer, and he then left the meeting to attend another meeting.

20. PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS The elections are to be held on 2 May 2019. Cllr James explained that Denton With Wootton Parish Council has a contested election with seven candidates standing for five seats. She explained that two of the existing parish councillors are retiring – Cllr Tom Gibson who has given 20 years of service, and Cllr Thomas Campbell who has given eight. She explained that Cllr Theobald, Cllr Akehurst and she were standing again. The Locum Clerk advised that she had checked with democratic services and the five elected councillors will be the top five voted for, regardless of which village they live in.

21. Email addresses for councillors Because of Purdah restrictions with the contested election on 02 May 2019 this item was deferred for discussion to the 15 May parish council meeting.

22. THE DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL – confirmed as Wednesday 15 May 2019 at 7pm at Wootton Village Hall

The meeting closed at 7.25pm

Signed...... Chairman, Denton With Wootton Parish Council

Date ......

Please note these Minutes remain as draft Minutes until they are approved by the parish council at their next parish council meeting