Westwell Parish Council

Westwell Parish Council Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council Held on Monday, 5th January 2015 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall

1. Open Forum Two members of the public were present. The Chairman welcomed PCSOs Johnson and Manning and invited them to present a report. PCSO Manning stated that there had been little crime in the parish during December, but that there had been two burglaries in Challock from isolated rural properties and a few incidents of low level antisocial behaviour in Hothfield. There have been no recent reported burglaries in Watery Lane, possibly due to incarceration of known offenders. PCSO Manning stated that he checks the log of all calls made to Kent Police from Downs West ward. Incidents involving air rifles had been reported but were not thought to be a threat. Security measures are to be installed at the Hothfield solar park, following a number of thefts. Following fuel thefts from HGVs at Tarmac installation of CCTV has been recommended. The Chairman noted that this showed the need for a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Watery Lane. PCSO Manning was asked for information on a Community Warden for Hothfield, given Mr Beckley’s redeployment as a training officer. Activity of a non-agricultural nature was reported on land between Bridgewood Farm and the M20. The Chairman advised that according to the planning application documents this area is now owned by the occupants of Bridgewood Farm and had been used for grazing horses, which is an agricultural use. Cllr Lawrence noted that buildings are on the site; the Parish Council was advised that these are containers in which the horses are stabled. The perceived bias in the planning system in favour of gypsies and travellers was raised. Cllr Robey was asked why there had been no enforcement when the conditions attached to the Planning Inspectorate’s permission had been breached. The Chairman stated that this had been superseded by the planning application (14/01508/AS). The Vice-chairman asked Cllr Robey why enforcement had not been carried out during the interval between the withdrawal of planning application 14/01425/AS and the submission of application 14/01508/AS. The Chairman stated that there are two issues with regard to the site: the retrospective planning application, and ongoing non-compliance issues on the site immediately adjacent to the M20 – she asked for enforcement on this site to restore it to agricultural use. Members of the public attending stated that neighbouring properties are blighted by the activities on the Bridgewood Farm site.

2. Present and Apologies Cllr Mrs Drury (Chairman), Cllr Miss Davidson (Vice-chairman), Cllr Mrs Wyatt, Cllrs Bainbridge, Butcher, Faulkner, Hooper and Lawrence, and Mrs S Wood (clerk). Cllr Robey (ward member) and PCSOs Karen Johnson and Stuart Manning attended. Apologies were received from Cllr Baldwin (illness).

3. Declaration of Interests There were no Declarations of Interest.

4. Minutes and Matters Arising 4.1 Minutes Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of Westwell Parish Council held on 31 st October, 3rd November 2014 and 1st December be approved and confirmed as true records.

4.2 Matters arising from the meeting of 31st October There were no Matters Arising.

4.3 Matters arising from the meeting of 3rd November 4.3.1 The salt bin at Tutt Hill had been installed by a private individual and has been removed. A salt bag has been ordered and is due for delivery week beginning 12th January. Cllr Mrs Wyatt is to verify that the clothing recycling bank has been removed. 4.3.2 The ruts on Downs View Green are in hand with Cllr Lawrence, who is to use planings obtained from KCC Highways as infill material. 4.3.3 The Chairman is to look at the repairs carried out on Pilgrims Way, and write to KCC as agree with Mr Horne. 4.3.4 Mr Dwyer was thanked for providing the Christmas tree for the Church green. Cllr Bainbridge reported that a light on the path to the Church had been struck and broken by the oil-delivery lorry. He had repaired the light but the connection to the Christmas tree lights then failed. It was proposed that an electrician be brought in to effect further repairs. Resolved: That Cllr Bainbridge engages an electrician to carry out repairs to the Christmas tree lights connection on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Lawrence reported that not all of the lights had been working when the tree was decorated, and suggested that a new set be provided for Christmas 2015. Mr Hotchkiss and Mr Cackett were thanked for their help decorating the tree. The Vice Chairman said she might be able to provide a set of lights. 4.3.5 Cllr Mrs Wyatt circulated Terms of Reference of the ‘Good Citizen Award’ as used in another parish, and proposed that these be revised for use by Westwell. Cllr Mrs Wyatt proposed that only those who live in the parish should be eligible for the award and that nominations should be accepted only from residents of the parish. Cllr Faulkner disagreed, stating that there are a number of people who make a significant contribution to the parish but who do not reside within it. It was agreed that those eligible and those submitting nominations must have a close connection with the parish. It was proposed that nominations be submitted to the Parish Council, which would recommend a recipient to the Horne family who present the award at the Annual Parish Meeting. Information on the award and an invitation for nominations will be carried in an insert in the February Eye, circulated by Westwell events email, and uploaded on to the Westwell Facebook page.

4.4 Matters arising from the meeting of 1st December 4.4.1 Planning applications 14/01395/AS and 14/01396/AS Court Lodge, Eastwell Lane. It was noted that the flat roof will be visible from the churchyard but due to the materials used and screening it will likely be less visible than that which it replaces. 4.4.2 Mr Batch had advised that the rabbit netting could not be dug in because of the large number of tree roots on site. This will be monitored and, if necessary, the netting pegged down. 4.4.3 A meeting was held at which Mrs Thorneloe (editor of the Westwell Eye), the Chairman, Vice-chairman, Cllr Faulkner and Mr Wyatt were present. Mrs Thorneloe stated that the Eye is on a good financial footing, and is willing to continue as editor. This was welcomed. Mr Wyatt was thanked for his input to the magazine. Cllr Faulkner stated that Mrs Thorneloe’s considerable workload included some of the writing, as well as editing and publishing the magazine. It was noted that the magazine is evolving gradually, and that the editor is receptive to new ideas re format and the possibility of additional advertising. The Vice-chairman is to ask Mrs Thorneloe for an Income and Expenditure forecast for the Eye as the Parish Council has contributed £1000 this year and is planning a smaller but significant contribution in the next budget. The Parish Council recorded its thanks to Mrs Thorneloe for her work on the magazine.

5. Borough Councillor’s report In answer to a question from the Chairman Cllr Robey reported that publication of the shortlist of sites submitted during the Local Plan review is imminent; the Parish Council will be invited to comment. Cllr Mrs Wyatt stated that properties remain blighted by the current list of submissions. Cllr Robey noted that the Plan will be produced by the end of 2015 but the process will be delayed by the 6-week ‘purdah’ period prior to the elections on May 7th. Cllr Robey stated that the sites would be assessed further before the final list is drawn up. The Parish Council was informed that the government requirement is 800 homes/year – a significant reduction from an earlier target – and that 10,000 homes are already in the planning pipeline, leaving a shortfall of 3,000. Cllr Robey felt that the imposition of a target is centralism and therefore contrary to localism. He noted that land for this number of homes could be found and a large block is unlikely; however Ashford could be impacted by London’s unmet housing needs under the Duty to Cooperate as Ashford is now only 38 minutes from London. The Chairman suggested that a public meeting be held on 21 st February in the hall, by which time some further information on the shortlist should be known. The Chairman asked for confirmation that the Parish Council elections are to be held on 7 th May, given a previous intimation that they would not. Cllr Robey was unaware of this suggestion and will discuss this with Mr Bunnett (Chief Executive, ABC).

6. Adoption of new model Standing Orders 6.1 Adoption of new model Standing Orders The Chairman reported that all councillors had been issued with the draft new model Standing Orders (SOs), as revised by the working party. Resolved: That the Parish Council adopts the new model Standing Orders, as amended. 6.2 Adoption of the Appendix for the Procedure for Proper Practice at site meetings Cllr Butcher had modified the existing Appendix with the addition of clause 3, limiting the number of councillors who should be present to no more than 4. Cllr Lawrence disagreed, noting this limit should not apply were the application contentious. The Chairman suggested that the clause be amended to state that ‘preferably’ no more than 4 councillors be present. Cllr Mrs Wyatt queried the clause excluding the public. It was agreed that the Appendix would be applied as written (subject to the amendment to clause 3) or with a variation striking out clause 4 ( limiting the number attending) for a given application if agreed at the Parish Council meeting at which a site visit was proposed. It was proposed that the Appendix be adopted, subject to the amendment to clause 3, and noting that the application of clause 4 may be varied by a special motion. Resolved: That the Appendix for the Procedure for Proper Practice at site meetings be adopted as amended, taking note of Parish Council Minutes as to how the Appendix is used.

7. Clerk’s report and correspondence received 7.1 Correspondence received. The list of correspondence received had been circulated. 7.1.1 Parish Council Guide on Affordable Housing. To be circulated. 7.1.2 Trees in the Village competition. It was agreed that Westwell would not take part. 7.1.3 Wealden Wheels newsletter. The Parish Council remains a subscriber but uptake is unknown. 7.1.4 Purchase of defibrillators. Discussions with the tenant of The Wheel Inn will take place to discuss siting a unit on an external wall in the Wheel car park.. It was noted that provision of ramps for disabled access is a more immediate need. Further discussions will take place, which will include a contact at Shepherd Neame. Cllr Mrs Wyatt was asked to discuss provision with Charing Surgery and bring this information to the next meeting.

7.2 Clerk’s training report Nothing to report.

8. Financial report 8.1 Progress against Budget. Expenditure for the financial year was circulated. Office expenses may exceed the Budget, but include £100 for copies of the Definitive Map and £20 for photocopying of SOs (both non- budgeted items). Assets maintenance: Cemetery fencing has been installed at a net cost to the Parish Council of £490, the youth shelter repairs were carried out at a net cost to the Parish Council of £250; £740 has therefore been drawn down from the sinking fund.

8.2 Payments in accordance with the Budget. Resolved: That the following payments be agreed in accordance with the Budget.

Payments £ S Wood (photocopying) 24.00 Stephen Batch (cemetery fencing) 2376.00 Countrywide Grounds Maintenance (November invoice) 399.50 KCC (footpaths’ map) 20.00 S Wood (salary Nov) 469.67 S Wood (salary Dec) 469.67 S Wood (expenses [home allowance £11.31 + stationery 27.47 £16.16]) SLCC (subscription renewal) 51.94 Countrywide Grounds Maintenance (December invoice) 399.50

Receipts £ Lloyds Bank interest 1.77 VAT refund 360.35 Horne & Sons (cemetery fencing) 490.00

Balance including reserves: (cheque and deposit accounts): £ 28853.59 as at 5th January 2015 Balance (No 2 account): £ 2472.44 8.3 Report on works to which the Parish Council is committed Felling of the white poplar: Approval has been given by the Tree Officer; Mr Cook has not yet given a date for the work, the Clerk will pursue. Ruts on Downs View Green: Cllr Lawrence advised that there would be no cost to the Parish Council for the planings.

8.4 Purchase of three village signs The Clerk reported that quotes had been sought from the 3 KCC- approved suppliers but only 1 received: The Sign Shop quoted £1073.79 (+VAT) for supply and installation of 3 signs. Planning permission is not needed because the supplier is KCC-approved, but the locations must be agreed with KCC Highways. Cllr Butcher queried the 3600mm height; The Sign Shop is to be asked to requote for two signs of the same height as the Downs View street signs. A discount is to be sought if three signs were to be ordered. It was noted that the necessity to use an approved supplier meant that the SO regarding the number of quotes obtained could not be met. The revised quote will be brought to the next meeting.

8.5 Contribution to St Mary Westwell The Clerk reported a request from the PCC for a contribution from the Parish Council to offset the costs of repairs to the water supply to the Church. The repairs were to the supply pipe running under Church Green and therefore outside the curtilage. Payment has been made but is being disputed by the PCC; Cllr Faulkner and the Chairman noted that responsibility for repairs had recently changed. It was noted that although the Parish Council maintains the Church Green it is not in the Council’s ownership and any contribution may set an unwelcome precedent. The occupiers of Court Lodge had offered to meet half of the costs because it is a shared supply. Cllr Mrs Wyatt asked that any request from the PCC be made in writing, and the request will be further discussed when the outcome of discussions with the Diocese and Ombudsman are known.

13. Resolution to exclude the public and press Brought forward with the Chairman’s permission. It was proposed that under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 that, because of the confidential nature of the business to be dealt with, the press and public leave the meeting during item 14, namely, to debate the recommendations of the Staffing Committee. Resolved: That under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 that, because of the confidential nature of the business to be dealt with, the press and public leave the meeting during item 14, namely, to debate the recommendations of the Staffing Committee.

14. Staffing Matters The Staffing Committee had met to consider the implications with regard to our Clerk and the budget of recommended new pay scales, issued at the end of November by NALC and SLCC for local government employees. This was after the Parish Council previously had agreed a salary for our Clerk from 1st April 2015. Councillors regretted the late advice. However, Councillors were unanimous in wanting the Clerk to avoid slipping backwards on the pay scale. It was noted that the national recommendation included a one off “bonus” payment. The recommendations of the staffing committee were as follows: i) That the previously agreed award of an hourly rate increase from £10.839 to £10.947 be set aside. ii) That an increase to an hourly rate of £11.00 be awarded to take effect from 1st January 2015. iii) That a non-consolidated payment of £50 be made to the Clerk, with the January salary. A vote was taken, with one abstention: Resolved : i) That the previously agreed award of an hourly rate increase from £10.839 to £10.947 be set aside. ii) That an increase to an hourly rate of £11.00 be awarded to take effect from 1st January 2015. iii) That a non consolidated payment of £50 be made to the Clerk , with the January salary.

8.4 Draft Budget for 2015-2016 The draft Budget was presented by the Vice-chairman. The Clerk advised that the Council Tax Support Grant had been reduced by £50 to £380 from the provisional figure circulated by ABC in 2014. It was proposed that the Budget be accepted and that the Precept be increased by 1.5% to £15150, and the Concurrent Functions Grant and Council Tax Support be claimed in addition. Resolved: That the Precept set by Westwell Parish Council be increased to £15150, exclusive of the Concurrent Functions Grant and Council Tax Support Grant. The Vice-chairman and the Clerk were thanked by the Chairman for their work on the draft Budget.

9. Planning matters 9.1 Planning applications 9.1.1 14/01508/AS Bridgewood Farm, Watery Lane The Chairman reported that a Working Party had met, and discussed the Combined Planning and Design & Access Statement accompanying the application at length. Notes of the discussion were circulated. It was proposed that the Parish Council objects to the application, and that the comments arising from the Working Party be submitted. It was further proposed that if the Planning Officer is minded to Permit, Cllr Robey will be asked to send the application to the Planning Committee for determination. Resolved: That the Parish Council objects to the application and that objection comments to the Combined Planning and Design & Access be submitted. Resolved: That if the Planning Officer is minded to Permit, that the ward member be asked to refer the application to the Planning Committee for determination.

9.1.2 14/01588/AS 65 Sandyhurst Lane There were no objections or comments on the application. Resolved: That the Parish Council has no comments on the application.

10. Reports from Parish Council representatives 10.1 KALC Minutes of the meeting of 19th November had been circulated. The next meeting is 21st January and will be attended by the Vice-chairman. 10.2 ACRK Cllr Butcher’s report is attached. 10.3 Highways Cllr Butcher’s report is attached. 10.4 Tree Warden See items 7.1.2and 8.3. A quote for the cemetery planting will be sought from Palmstead Nurseries, Wye. 10.5 Playing Field Association (PFA) Cllr Butcher’s report is attached.

11. Preparations for 2015 11.1 Annual Parish Meeting This is on Monday March 23rd and the guest speaker will be announced shortly. 11.2 Parish Council elections Cllr Mrs Wyatt suggested that the Eye carries biographies of candidates.

12. Any other business 12.1 Cllr Lawrence suggested that the start time for Parish Council meetings be brought forward to 7.00pm.

15. Date of next meeting Monday, 2nd March 2015, 7.00pm in the parish hall.

The meeting closed at 10.15pm.

Reports for Parish Council Meeting 5th January 2015

Agenda Item 10: Reports on KALC AGM, AWCRK AGM, Highways & Playing Field & Young People’s Association.

10.1 KALC AGM The 2014 AGM was held at Ditton Community Centre on Saturday 22nd November. The morning session consisted of presentations by the 2 guest speakers. The first, Andrew Pearce, Area Manager for Kent & South London , Environment Agency focused on Community Resilience & the need to develop Resilient Communities. The second guest speaker was Ann Carruthers, Head of Strategic Planning and Policy at KCC on transport issues. She spoke on 3 topics: The new Thames Crossing, need for this and time frame – hoped to be in place by 2025.; Aviation – KCC supported development of either Heathrow or Gatwick as the concept of a “Kent Hub” airport was thought to be non-viable; The road system, problems over funding and sums needed to play “catch-up” on the problem of potholes – very pessimistic over this due to KCC savings needed from its Budget over next 5 years. It was expected to complete a short length of the dualling of A21 by 2016 and with Govt. funding expected KCC hoped Junction 10A of M20 would be delivered by 2018. Finally she spoke briefly about our problems in the County of Lorry parking - KCC was hoping tq establish a number of small lorry parks. Recordings of both presentations, together with that of the afternoon AGM are on the KALC website. The AGM was held in the usual form, John Rivers (Wittersham pc & Chairman, Ashford Area Committee) was elected President for a 5 year term. Ray Evison (Canterbury Area Committee) was elected Chairman of KALC Executive for a further 3 years. All other positions were confirmed en bloc, including my own. Finally, 3 Motions were debated, all being carried unanimously. These will now be forwarded to NALC for submission to DCLG for action – details are available from me or on the KALC website. The next meeting of the Executive committee is on January 24th 2015.

10.2 AWCRK The 2014 AGM was held at Lenham Community Centre on Thursday 20th November. This was combined with the 2014 Rural Retailer of the Year Awards presentation, which followed a short time after the conclusion of the AGM. The AGM followed the usual format, a synopsis of the work of the organisation over the year was presented by the CEO, Keith Harrison. This was followed by my presentation of the audited accounts, questions from the floor on these, and my request for their adoption by the Members. The members of the Management Committee were re-elected en bloc. However, Chairman Alan Rogers stated that he was standing down from the Committee, having served the prescribed period of time. He proposed that Richard King be elected as the new Chairman of Rural Kent – this was duly seconded, so Richard is now Chairman. The Finalists for the Rural Retailer of the Year were introduced to the meeting and the Results were announced

Overall winner was Heath Stores. Runner-up was Appledore Village Store. Finalists, each of whom received an award, were: Chilham Shop & Post Office; Speldhurst Store; TN17Food & Wine. The next meeting of the new Management Committee will be on Tuesday 13th January 2015.

10.3 Highways I attended the 2014 Highways Seminar at the Holiday Inn, Ashford on 18th November 2014. Little new was learnt, however, presentations were somewhat rushed and there was little time for questions- as in previous years, almost all were very parochial in nature, with much dissatisfaction being expressed. However, we have achieved good results in two areas locally. The footway outside Hothfield Motors has now been re- established and the cars moved back from the footway. That outside Mercury Windows in on “hold” until the Appeal has been held. The flooding in Kingsland Lane has now been followed up and the cause established. Jetting to clear the existing drains & storage tank has been carried out, with work to follow clearing the overflow ditch. An order has been raised to clear the entire length of Kingsland Lane from the junction with Lenacre Street to Westwell Lane, this will remove the build-up of mud at the lower end that contributes to the flooding.

10.7 Playing Field Association We will be applying for a Grant from Cllr. Simkins to enable repair as reported at the last parish council meeting, together with a new waste bin & replacement flooring under the Youth Shelter.

Ron Butcher January 5th 2015