Minutes of the Meeting of Chiddingstone Parish Council Held On

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CHIDDINGSTONE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2014 AT 7.30PM IN CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY VILLAGE HALL

Present: Cllr R. Streatfeild (Chairman), Cllr A. Baker, Cllr I. Durrant, Cllr J. Menges, Cllr Mrs M. Quirk and Cllr P. Vicary Apologies: Cllr/D.Cllr P. Cooke, Cllr Mrs D. James, Cllr H. Williams, County Cllr C. Pearman and District Cllr A. Cook In attendance: Mrs L. Kleinschmidt (Clerk), Stuart Wilkie and Bill Martindale from CHCIC and member of the public (Open Session only)

Open Session

To hear update on the provision of wireless broadband services from Crockham Hill Community Interest Company Cllr Streatfeild welcomed Stuart and Bill to the meeting, and also Carolyn Hiscocks who was present to hear the update regarding the aerial at Lupin Cottage. Cllr Mrs Quirk reported that she met a BT Openreach engineer in the area who said that they are working on the Penshurst exchange and in possibly six months the exchange could be upgraded so that residents close to the green junction boxes could receive faster broadband. It was agreed that the distance from the green box will have an effect on the speeds that can be achieved.

Stuart said that wireless broadband is in the process of being rolled out in the parish. 13 households are already connected, 38 have signed up online and 4 have enquired but not signed up. Of the 38 households who have signed up, 18 can easily be connected and 20 can be connected with the use of a node. When the first node is erected, it will be easier to see how many properties will benefit. The same small antennae is used on listed and unlisted properties, and in weak areas for geographical reasons a small nano-beam dish is used. Stuart said that Westerham Town Council’s Chairman of Planning has advised that planning rules state that Grade II properties can have a receiving aerial, but Grade II* properties will require listed building consent. It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure that the appropriate permissions are sought. Cllr Menges questioned this advice compared to the email received from the Enforcement Officer at SDC. Cllr Streatfeild added that guidance from SDC states that permission is not required on any property (apart from Grade II* listed properties) providing that the aerial does not materially affect the listed status of the building. Therefore, if the aerial is discreetly placed, no permission is required. Cllr Durrant agreed.

Cllr Streatfeild said that the antennae at Lupin Cottage is not acceptable but it has been seen as a temporary solution. Bill agreed that it is temporary as the resident works from home and he did not achieve sufficient broadband speeds from BT. The resident was advised that the antennae may be seen as unsuitable but he placed an order and wished to go ahead. Bill added that the positioning of the antennae at Lupin Cottage is very unusual and it was the only position that could be used in order to receive a good wireless signal. Carolyn Hiscocks advised that she has spoken to the Enforcement Officer who said that she will now issue an enforcement notice on the property owner. Stuart advised that one solution for the Lupin Cottage resident is that it would be possible to link into a local node that is currently being discussed with residents at Vexour. This will also benefit other residents in Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone Causeway. There is a heavy costing involved but this can be shared between as many households as possible. Unfortunately, the likely timescale would mean that the Lupin Cottage aerial will need to be removed in the meantime under enforcement.

Regarding the total capacity at Crockham Park, Stuart advised that CHCIC are currently using 200mbps of bandwidth from fibre feed. This can be increased to 1gb if required, so there is no limit on the number of properties that can be connected up. Hever parish have 13 households connected to the wireless broadband, and there are 22 households who have enquired and 5 are ready to be installed. Stuart said that the local node is on a timber pole and, for that size of pole, planning permission is not required. Cllr Menges asked Stuart and Bill to try and ensure that all aerials fitted in the Chiddingstone parish are placed below the chimney line. He also asked whether black dishes could be used. Bill advised that black dishes cannot be used as they get too hot and create all sorts of problems.

When it is clearer where the black spots are in the parish, consideration will be given to perhaps having a node on the Chiddingstone church tower, subject to permissions being sought, and the Clerk advised that she has already made enquiries with Edenbridge Primary School, who controls the dish for Chiddingstone School. Richard thanked Stuart, Bill and Carolyn for coming along. (Stuart, Bill and Carolyn left the meeting at 8.15pm.) 29 Report by District Cllr Cooke In the absence of District Cllr Cooke, the Clerk read his report:- i. Not only has Sevenoaks District Council successfully implemented the three key welfare reforms (change to council tax support, removal of spare room subsidy and overall benefit cap) they have delivered far in excess of their own projections. Collection levels of council tax across the District for those receiving support have been 87% compared with their target of 50% and 43 households have been helped to downsize with another 52 wishing to downsize. This year alone 4 over-crowded families have been re-housed and 28 properties have been freed up for reuse. Most importantly, not a single household in the District has been rendered homeless as a direct result of the welfare reforms. In other words, the residents have willingly made a contribution towards local services and some have chosen work over welfare for the first time. The housing and benefits teams have helped and successfully supported those less self-reliant to realign their expectations and manage their money to avoid debt and adjust to less subsidy. Please note that figures are as at 01.09.14. ii. Sevenoaks District Council has invested £75,000 in a new roof for Edenbridge Leisure Centre, which is attended by a number of people in the parish. Cllr Roddy Hogarth, the Council's Cabinet member for leisure says: "This significant investment will benefit our customers and over time save us money as it will put to an end the need for urgent, expensive repairs. It also demonstrates our commitment to Edenbridge Leisure Centre." iii. Cllr Cooke had been requested by Radio Kent to pass on the following:- on 23rd October, BBC Radio Kent will broadcast a series of programmes on the future of train travel in the county. It wants to know what travellers think of SouthEastern services. Email your views to [email protected]. iv. The Kent Employment Programme (KEP) managed by KCC has supported over 750 young people into apprenticeships across the county since its inception. The Team engages with businesses employing less than 1,000 people in a variety of sectors and roles. Employers who take part in the programme would be eligible for a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of employing an apprentice, this can also be coupled with the National Apprenticeship Service grant of £1,500. The programme is available to all trades and especially agriculturally based businesses. To find out more information call 0800 101 8224. Cllr Cooke further added that the period for the Apprenticeship was 12 months with no more than 30 hours a week to include courses and training. This was closely monitored by KEP inspectors. Employers were informed that the minimum hourly rate to be paid was £2.73 per hour but were encouraged to pay the apprentices in excess of that rate. v. Cllr Cooke reported: “To clear up false statements circulated regarding how Cllr Cooke voted on 13 th May 2014 at the Full SDC Meeting, in respect of the motion ‘that no funding be passed to Town and Parish Councils for Council Tax Support in 2014/15’: Cllr Cooke would like to make clear that, despite outside pressure to vote with the motion, he abstained from voting, taking into account how all the Parish Councils that he represents had reacted to the SDC's explanation of their decision. The motion was carried by an overwhelming majority. The rationale behind this action was carefully thought through by Cllr Cooke, before finally deciding on this approach; he would be pleased to explain to anybody affected by this decision on how and why it was reached.”

Report by District Cllr Mrs Cook In the absence of District Cllr Mrs Cook, the Clerk read her report:- District Cllr Mrs Cook reported that there is a new “home of your own scheme” which supports people in the middle income group, giving 12 first-time buyers who live or work in the district the opportunity of buying their own home, allowing people to stay in the area. Priority will be given to three people who are currently housing association tenants, and the other nine people will be first-time buyers. This is being done predominately in partnership with Moat Housing, and is based on a shared ownership. The buyer purchases a share of a home, purchased on the open market, while paying rent to Moat Housing for the remainder. Shares are available from 50% to 75% of the property with a maximum grant of £100,000. SDC has also been working hard to reduce the number of people living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation in the district. Hopefully this successful scheme will continue to receive funding. The future of the Disabled Facilities Grant is under question as there has been a reduction in funding – this comes at a time when the need is greater than ever. D.Cllr Mrs Cook has been looking at the impact that health has on everything that SDC does, and SDC is working to improve partnership working with GPs. D.Cllr Mrs Cook reported that any organisation applying to SDC for funding now needs to have a safeguarding policy in place. A training session has been arranged to help organisations with this requirement. A letter has been received from Sir John Stanley regarding the Leigh Barrier and, in particular, a debate held in the House of Commons on Flood Protection in West Kent. Sir John said that the capacity of the Leigh flood storage area is insufficient. The Environment Agency has costed the increase in capacity by one third to be £11 million. The scheme only awaits the Government’s approval and Sir John hopes that this approval is included in the 2014 autumn statement which will be made on 3rd December. 30 Closed Session

76. Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr Cooke, Cllr Mrs James and Cllr Williams and their reasons for absence were accepted by members. Apologies for absence were also received from County Cllr Pearman and District Cllr Mrs Cook.

77. Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non-Pecuniary Interest in respect of matters to be discussed Cllr Streatfeild declared a DPI in item 92(ii) as he is the landowner of the allotment site.

78. The Minutes of the Chiddingstone Parish Council Meeting held on 15th September 2014 Cllr Cooke asked that members consider whether the following changes could be made to the minutes: i. Open Session: Cllr Cooke said that he had, previously to the meeting, spoken to Cllr Quirk who had stated that sixteen car parking was ambitious but fourteen would be more 'do-able'. Members did not recall Cllr Cooke making this statement. ii. Item 65 vi): Cllr Cooke asked whether reference could be made to the HWCAAC meeting minutes 16.09.14 Item 7. The Clerk said that the HWCAAG meeting was held subsequent to the Parish Council meeting and therefore the reference cannot be made in the Parish Council minutes. iii. Item 66: Cllr Cooke expressed his concern that Bough Beech residents might, in some instances, be entering into a contract where planning permission may not be achieved. Members would not allow residents to enter an agreement until planning permission has been achieved. iv. Items for Reporting: Cllr Cooke put to the Parish Council that it would a nice gesture to buy Sir John Stanley a retirement present from the Parish Council. Unanimous agreement. Parish Council to organise. Members agreed and Clerk to add to the minutes. v. Either in Planning or Items for Reporting:- Cllr Cooke stated that both Cllr Quirk and he had visited Mr and Mrs Sinclair in Wellers Town and that Mr Sinclair had undertaken to provide a brick sample by 'The Brick Doctor' and to treat the roof with a mixture of cow manure and water. These samples would have to be approved by the Parish Council and SDC. The Clerk reported that this is already recorded in the minutes under Planning. With the addition of (iv) above, the minutes were approved and duly signed. Proposed by Cllr Menges, seconded by Cllr Baker and all were in favour.

79. Planning i. To consider planning applications received i. SE/14/02959/HOUSE: Brownings Oast, Hale Oak Road, Chiddingstone TN8 7AX - demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement garage, including the creation of two storage areas and shower room in the roof space together with external timber stairs. Members wished to object to this application as it is too large for its proposed use as a garage and is, therefore, inappropriate development in the Green Belt. ii. SE/14/02907/HOUSE: The Horseshoes, Tonbridge Road, Bough Beech TN8 7AT - conversion of existing garage/utility room into granny annex and to include a new timber frame to front and rear elevations and the provision of a replacement parking space. Members had no objection to this application. iii. SE/14/03169/MMA: Westering, Hever Road, Bough Beech TN8 7NT - Minor Material Amendment to application SE/14/01098/HOUSE (erection of single storey rear extension and loft conversion with two rooflights) to show the rear extension to have the glass roof substituted for an insulated timber low pitch plain tiled roof similar to main house. Members supported this application. iv. SE/14/03110/HOUSE and SE/14/03109/LBCALT: Tithe Barn North, Clouts Farm, Ide Hill Road, Bough Beech TN8 7PH - erection of double height front porch, internal alterations to ground and first floor and conversion of loft space into habitable space with the addition of one new window (north elevation) and two rear roof lights. Members were concerned that the front porch might give an imbalance to the front of the property unless the neighbours did the same, and agreed to refer this part of the application to the Conservation Officer. Members had no objection to the proposed internal works.

31 (Clerk’s Note: following the meeting, it was found that the neighbours do already have planning approval for a new front porch and, therefore, members subsequently agreed to support the application.) v. SE/14/03196/LBCALT: Truggers, Truggers Lane, Chiddingstone TN8 7BP - single storey side extension and conversion of detached garage to annexe with three dormers and velux window to north elevation. Cllr Streatfeild, Cllr Mrs Quirk and Cllr Durrant wished to make a site visit to the property. The Clerk reported that since the last meeting, the Planning Committee has considered planning applications and submitted comments as follows: vi. SE/14/02896/HOUSE: The Horseshoes, Tonbridge Road, Bough Beech TN8 7AT - conversion of existing garage/utility room into play and wet room with alterations to include a new timber frame to front elevation and the provision of a replacement parking space. Members supported this application. vii. SE/14/02946/FUL: St. Mary's Church, Chiddingstone TN8 7AH - brick path to replace former gravel path. Members supported this application. ii. To report notifications of planning decisions  SE/14/02455/CONVAR: Larkins Farmhouse, Hampkins Hill Road, Chiddingstone TN8 7BB – removal of condition no. 4 (track construction) of SE/13/02653/FUL (erection of a stable block, laying a grasscrete access track and the ancillary use of existing grazing land for the keeping of two pones.) Application approved.  SE/14/02555/LBCALT: The Hurdle, Tonbridge Road, Bough Beech TN8 7AJ – removal of non-load bearing partition stud wall and two accompanying doors. Application approved.  SE/14/02561/FUL: Chested Farm, Hampkins Hill Road, Chiddingstone TN8 7BA – proposed agricultural storage building. Application approved.  SE/14/02687/HOUSE: 3 Bourne Row, Wellers Town Road, Chiddingstone TN8 7BQ – erection of a single storey conservatory at rear of the house. Application refused as the proposal results in a disproportionate addition to the original building which would harm the openness and permanence of the Green Belt.  SE/14/02414/FUL: Barn adjacent to The Old Coach House, Wellers Town Road, Chiddingstone TN8 7BH – conversion of existing agricultural barn to single dwelling with velux windows. Application approved. iii. The Clerk reported that she has written to Mr and Mrs Sinclair at Park Villa to ask whether they have now submitted a sample of materials to SDC for their approval. iv. To report on Planning Training Event held in Edenbridge Town Council Offices on 6th October Cllr Mrs Quirk reported that she, Cllr Baker and Cllr Vicary attended this event and all found it interesting and well-developed, although a fairly long evening.

80. To report on correspondence received The Clerk reported that lists of correspondence received have been circulated and drew members’ attention to the following: i. Item 2: Email from the North West Kent Countryside Partnership re: Trees to treasure. The project is now in its third and final year and has 4,000 trees left to give away in 2014 (including accessory packs - spiral guards, canes and mulch mats). Applications must be sent to the Countryside Partnerships by the 31st October 2014. Varieties include native species and there are five different packs to choose from as well as individual trees available. For more details or to apply, go to www.nwkcp.org, or call 01322 294727. ii. Item 3: GACC: Gatwick Airport has published a press release announcing a new ‘Noise Action Plan’, thus raising hopes among the thousands of people adversely affected by new flight paths that some relief may be at hand. However, the Government, after a long delay (waiting for noise action plans from elsewhere) has approved the Noise Action Plan which was published in November 2013. iii. Item 4: Email from Paul Garber at the Gatwick Coordination Group asking for confirmation that the Parish Council will oppose the second runway at Gatwick Airport. Members agreed that the Clerk would write to confirm opposition of the second runway at Gatwick Airport. iv. Item 7: Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service: “Thank you for your letter of 17th September and the Council's cheque for £200. This continuing support is greatly appreciated by the Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service.” 32 v. Item 8: Email from Sharon Gray, Sussex Community Rail Partnership re: a new DfT fund to support cycle- rail integration. vi. Item 13: KCC - Jennie Edwards, Community Engagement Officer re: Community Warden Service Consultation which runs from 29th September to 9th November. vii. Item 14: Email from Sally Pearson: “Walk to School club started up again today. One of our pupils tripped over a piece of broken metal post that has been left in the ground just inside the stile on the public footpath at Watstock. He landed heavily on his arm and hand which resulted in him being taken to Edenbridge Hospital where they confirmed he had fractured his wrist and now has the arm in plaster. We have over 50 children, ranging from age 4 to 11 walking each week and, although it has probably been there for some time, would it be possible to get it removed so that this doesn't happen again?” viii. Item 33: Response from Kent Rights of Way to Sally Pearson regarding the sawn off ROW post in the field at Watstock. KCC has confirmed that they have ‘cleared up the problem’. ix. Item 16: DCLG has issued a consultation on proposed changes to national planning policy and planning policy for traveller sites to ensure that the planning system applies fairly and equally to both the settled community and travellers; strengthen protection of sensitive areas and the green belt; and deal with the negative effects of unauthorised occupation of land. The consultation document can be accessed via the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-and-travellers-proposed-changes-to- planning-policy-and-guidance. The deadline for comments to DCLG is 23rd Nov. at 11.45pm. x. Item 17: Kent Public Rights of Way: “Further to your fault report on a Public Right of Way, we have inspected the problem and scheduled the work. Details: A waymarking post was placed recently at the top of the small flight of steps at Chapel Lane in Chiddingstone Hoath. These steps are dangerous and are not used by the public. At the end of the Chapel Lane there is an old concrete public footpath marker - this is where the footpath runs and the fingerpost should be moved to replace this concrete marker. The resident is concerned that the steps are dangerous and pedestrians should not be encouraged to use them.” A wooden pedestrian handrail will be erected beside the steps. xi. Item 19: Complaint from Mike Cottrell to Clive Pearman about fly tipping in Bore Place Road. xii. Item 32: Clive Pearman: draft KCC fly tipping and enforcement briefing paper, which says that the District Council is the Principle Litter Authority and therefore all reports of fly tipping, and the overall responsibility for removing all fly tipping, lies with them although they may refer certain incidences to KCC if it's on the highway for traffic management purposes. This is subject to consultation. xiii. Item 20: Email from Clive Pearman to ‘Get my Vote’ confirming an offer of a grant. ‘Get My Vote’ is a project to support people with learning disabilities to be included in the democratic process. xiv. Item 21: Email from Simon Davies, SDC: Compaid is proposing that, from April 2015, the existing Sevenoaks Kent Karrier scheme could be extended to include a second wheelchair accessible vehicle alongside the current minibus. xv. Item 22: Email from Lindsey Eaton at Edenbridge Town Council: Earlier this year the new Eden Valley Footpaths Group was launched. The Chairman of the group is Annette Hards – please contact her for more information on 01732 860458 or 07932 686 011 or [email protected]. The next meeting for the group is Tuesday 4th November at 7.45pm in Rickards Hall. xvi. Item 23: Kent Police: Between 12:00pm on Friday 3rd October and 8:45am on Monday 6th October, a leaf blower and a chainsaw have been stolen from a barn. A suspicious male in a Black Mitsubishi L200 was seen around that time - enquiries are ongoing. xvii. Item 24: Julian Cook - KCC are again offering parishes the chance to have a 1 ton salt/sand bag to be delivered. There is no charge for this service, and these bags are being offered to assist Parish Councils in the event of wintery conditions. Members asked the Clerk to order a bag to be delivered to the school. xviii. Item 27: Email from Sevenoaks Area Mind: (i) Many Minds is a free service offered by Sevenoaks Area Mind with the support of SDC for people with mild to moderate mental health problems who live in the Sevenoaks District. Volunteer befrienders and people who can benefit from befriending are recruited to the scheme. The befriending coordinator will match people based on the goals, interests and hobbies. The aim of Many Minds is to increase social contact, confidence and improve wellbeing. Full training will be given. (ii) Sevenoaks Area Mind will be delivering a series of Mental Health First Aid courses across Kent over the next 18 months, starting in October 2014. The training programme is fully funded by KCC’s Public Health department, and courses are therefore free to participants who live or work in Kent. 33 For more information and to book a place go to www.sevenoaksareamind.org.uk/mhfa. xix. Item 31: Bough Beech Residents Account Trust – agenda and supporting papers for AGM on 29th October at 8pm in Hever Village Hall. xx. Item 34: KCC Highways – invitation to Highways Seminar on Monday 17th November at the Thistle Hotel Brands Hatch from 9am to 1pm. xxi. Item 35: Katie Lewis, Drainage and Flooding Manager at KCC – confirming the following works at Wellers Town Road: the five gullies between the Old Coach Road and the Rock Inn will be cleared, and KCC will install some kerb stones around the gulley at Chantlers to help water flow, help prevent future blockages and define the gully for future regular maintenance. xxii. Item 36: Janie Ramsay - Agenda for meeting of the Chiddingstone Village Hall Management Committee on Monday 20th October at 8.00pm in the hall. xxiii. Item 39: KALC Sevenoaks Branch: agenda for the Sevenoaks KALC AGM and regular meeting at 7:30pm on Friday 14th November 2014. Also minutes from the July 2014 meeting and minutes from the last AGM in September 2013.

81. Aviation i. To hear report of the High Weald Councils Aviation Action Group Cllr Streatfeild reported that the last HWCAAG meeting was held on 9 th October and minutes have been circulated. There are now 15 Town and Parish Councils with various levels of membership of the group: nine full member councils (Chiddingstone, Leigh, Penshurst, Hever, Bidborough, Dormansland, Speldhurst, Sevenoaks Weald, Southborough), two associate member councils (Edenbridge, Rusthall), and four ‘cc’ member councils (Hartfield, Hildenborough, Forest Row and Rotherfield). The group now covers a wide geographical area. Cllr Streatfeild reported that he has made a request under the Freedom of Information Act for heat maps from 2010 to 2014 showing the amount of aviation activity in the area. The maps show that there is a five-fold increase in direct overflight in the last four years. Gatwick Airport has received 11,600 complaints so far this year, compared to 2,650 last year. There is a GACC protest meeting on Saturday 22nd November at the Apple Tree Centre, Crawley RH11 0AF from 2.00pm to 3.30pm followed by the GACC AGM until 4.15pm. It has been suggested that each village hires a coach to take residents to Crawley, and GACC has offered a contribution of £100 per coach. Gatwick Airport and NATS have deferred submitting any proposals to change local airspace until more detailed work is done to better understand the available options and next steps. The additional time will allow Gatwick to do as much as possible to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on local residents. Gatwick Airport proposes using the longer timeframe to:  Reflect further on the feedback received during local consultations  Undertake detailed analysis work on final route options  Undertake further work on the possibility to introduce more respite for residents most affected by noise (including between 4000 and 7000 feet)  Consider how Gatwick can engage better on any new flight change options, including by developing a more detailed programme of engagement through GATCOM. In addition, NATS also agreed to delay implementing any changes to airspace above 4000 feet. ii. To consider Chiddingstone Parish Council’s responsibilities under the HWCAAG Stakeholder Map i. Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL): A letter has been sent to Stewart Wingate from HWCAAG. ii. Gatwick Coordination Group (GCG): next meeting is on 23rd October, and Cllr Streatfeild will attend as a member of the public. iii. Media: the group has excellent links and has coverage with the Courier, BBC South-East Today, BBC Radio, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. iv. Members of Parliament: the group has been in regular contract with the local MPs in the area: Sir John Stanley, Greg Clark, Michael Fallon, Sam Gyimah and Charles Hendry. A meeting was also held with the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling, Tom Tugendhat, on 16th October which was very useful. The group will pursue the political route, whereas the old Planes-over-Penshurst group, now called Gatwick Obviously Not, is an active campaigning group, and there is room for both groups as although they have the same aims they are active in different capacities. The HWCAAG is not anti-Gatwick, but asks that the impact on our local communities is better managed. Cllr Menges said that the group has made huge progress but was concerned that perhaps the group is trying to focus on too many targets. 34 Cllr Streatfeild said that the group is endeavouring to obtain a broad understanding in a wide variety of issues, but will agree to move forward on a fewer number of issues where there is a good chance of success. HWCAAG’s website is currently called www.gatwickobviouslynot.com but this is causing some confusion as the GON group has a very similar domain name. At the next HWCAAG meeting on 4th November, there will be a recommendation to change the name of the HWCAAG website. iii. To approve contribution towards HWCAAG costs i. The Parish Council’s contribution towards the Clerk’s time in connection with HWCAAG is £121.43 for hours between 13th August and 7th October. Members agreed. ii. Cheque for £150 towards funds. Cllr Durrant proposed that this expense be approved. This was seconded by Cllr Menges and all were in favour. The Clerk reported that invoices for both amounts have been sent to all member Parish Councils.

82. Rural broadband provision – to consider any action required Members agreed that the Clerk should contact to the owner of Lupin Cottage to discuss the possible enforcement action to be taken by SDC.

83. To discuss the proposal for a parking area by Chequers Cottages in Bough Beech The Clerk reported that she has contacted West Kent Housing Association to formally request funding for the project to cover the properties owned by WKHA, but has not yet received a reply. Cllr Vicary reported that Bough Beech Residents Account Trust will consider their level of funding contribution towards this scheme at their next meeting. Item to be carried forward to the November Parish Council meeting.

84. To discuss the Hire Agreement for Chiddingstone Village Hall Members agreed that the Clerk should ask the Chairman of the Chiddingtone Village Hall Management Committee to come along to the next Parish Council meeting to discuss the matter further during the Open Session.

85. To discuss Affordable Housing provision in the parish Cllr Streatfeild reported that, at the last Parish Council meeting, it was agreed that Cllr Cooke would investigate and commence a housing needs survey, and members need to consider possible areas of land in the parish that may be suitable for a small development of affordable housing units.

86. To consider repair/refurbishment of the Holiday Fellowship sign on the Village Green Cllr Vicary reported that he has had a look at the sign and undertook to discuss it with the PCC. To be considered further next month.

87. To consider purchasing a Public Access Defibrillator for Chiddingstone Causeway The Clerk reported that these can be purchased through KALC at a special price of £640 + VAT. It is necessary to also purchase an externally mounted, alarmed and heated case, which costs £400 + VAT. Cllr Baker reported that he has approached The Little Brown Jug, who said ‘We have supported another local Parish Council in Shipbourne for the exactly the same thing so I will outline what it is we did. We agreed to the defibrillator to be housed outside our pub so that it is available at all times and for anyone to use. We paid for the electrical work to be carried out for its installation and for the installation itself. The cost of the box and machine would have to be met by yourselves.’ Members were grateful for this kind offer. Cllr Durrant proposed that the Parish Council purchase a defibrillator through KALC and for it to be installed at The Little Brown Jug at their expense. This was seconded by Cllr Mrs Quirk and all were in favour.

88. To hear update on the permissive path between Knotley Hall and Chiddingstone Causeway The Clerk reported that David Munn at KCC wrote to Peter Hodges, as land agent for The Redleaf Estate, to request permission to alter the access onto the road. The Redleaf Trust has now agreed to the work and David has sent out a work order.

89. To hear update and consider action required on the closed churchyard, Chiddingstone Cllr Vicary undertook to inspect the closed churchyard after the agreed works to trees has been carried out.

35 90. To consider starting an annual local award scheme The Clerk reported that KALC has announced details of their Community Awards Scheme 2015: Aim of the Scheme: To acknowledge and give recognition to those that have made a significant contribution to their local community. Implementation: This Awards Scheme has a deadline of 30 January 2015 so that the presentation of the awards can take place at Parish Council Annual Meetings between March and May 2015. Who can be nominated for an Award? Anyone that the Parish Council/public think merits an Award. The person must live or work within the Parish Council boundary. What is the nomination process? The Parish Council would make their own decision as to how they want to identify those that have made a significant contribution to the local community. What is the criteria for making an Award? There will be no pre-determined criteria on what a “significant contribution to the local community” might be. What does the winner receive? This will be a Certificate signed by the KALC Chairman and High Sheriff of Kent. Who presents the Award? The Award should be presented by the Parish Council Chairman at their Annual Meeting. The KALC Chairman, High Sheriff of Kent and Chairman of Kent County Council could also participate in the presentation of the Awards if they are available and are invited by the Parish Council. The Awards would provide an opportunity to promote the Parish Council and the Award winner in the local media. Is there any funding available to support the Award? The Award Scheme has been designed to avoid creating undue time or financial burdens on the Parish Council. The cost of the Certificates will be met by KCC. Members agreed unanimously to make a nomination to this KALC scheme, and Clerk to invite nominations in the next Parish Magazine.

91. To consider whether to commence a Neighbourhood Plan The Clerk reported that this was discussed at the Parish Council meeting in March 2013 and, at that meeting, members considered the benefits of undertaking a Neighbourhood Plan and weighed this up against the likely cost and time involved in preparing the plan. At vote, members unanimously voted against the proposal and decided not to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan. However, a letter has now been received from Peter Hodges at Lambert & Foster, agents for Redleaf Trust asking whether the Parish Council would wish to cooperate in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for Chiddingstone Causeway and the immediate surrounding areas. Peter Hodges says ‘over the years a limited amount of development has taken place on land formerly owned by the Trustees including homes for both local needs and open market housing. The local needs demand is reflected in the demand from people with local connections for cottages on the Estate when they become available for renting. These developments have a knock on beneficial effect in providing support to the local services and business, the local community and the life of the village in general. Whilst the future development of the village can be based upon an ad-hoc basis for considering applications as and when they arise, this would not have the same beneficial result that would be provided by having a more planned approach over an extended period of perhaps twenty to thirty years. The Trustees would welcome the opportunity of discussing the possibility of the production of such a plan with the Parish Council which on the part of the Trust could involve both practical and financial input.’ The Clerk gave members the following information: If a community has a Neighbourhood Plan, it can be in more control and choose where new development is built, with the chance to specify what the design of the new buildings should be, and what infrastructure should be provided. However, all policies contained within the community’s Neighbourhood Plan must be in line with local SDC and national planning policies, and also be in line with other laws. A Neighbourhood Plan cannot stop development in the area, but it can influence the type, design, location and mix of new development, and it must contribute towards sustainable development. The Parish Council should be involved, but not exclusively, and the local group involved in working on the Neighbourhood Plan must include members of the public. Firstly, the community must define the Neighbourhood Area, in conjunction with SDC, and if the group meet the right standards, they become a Neighbourhood Forum. The forum will then draw up a plan and consult with the public. Then an independent examiner will check that the plan meets the right basic standards and the plan must then go to referendum. If more than 50% of people voting in the referendum support the plan, then the local planning authority must bring it into force. Parish/Town Councils that have a Neighbourhood Plan will receive 25% of the revenues from the Community Infrastructure Levy arising from new development in the parish. Those Parish/Town Councils without a Neighbourhood Plan will receive 15%, capped at £100 per existing council tax dwelling. It will take an average of two years to prepare and take through referendum.

36 There will be a lot of time and money required, costs could be in the region of £15,000+ if a planning and legal consultant are employed. Only the Parish Council can formally take forward the plan but could, for example, establish a working group that develops the plan with members and non-members of the Parish Council. The Parish Council could then formally decide whether to consult on what the working group has produced and, later in the process, whether to submit it to SDC for consultation and examination. Members agreed that their view has not changed since this was discussed previously in March 2013 and agreed, therefore, that they would thank Lambert & Foster for their offer but decline their suggestion of help as they do not wish to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan.

92. To consider how the following Parish Projects are progressing: i. Chiddingstone Car Park Discussions continued regarding possible sites for a carpark in the village. ii. Allotments: To consider whether to return the allotment site to grazing land due to lack of demand Members considered the lack of interest in the allotment plots as although some are let, they are not being cultivated. Cllr Vicary proposed that, reluctantly, the Parish Council should close the allotment site and put the land back to grazing. This was seconded by Cllr Durrant and all were in favour. Cllr Streatfeild abstained and took no part in the discussion or vote. Clerk to write to allotment tenants and transfer the water account back to the landowner. iii. Community Garden None. iv. Village Signs The Clerk reported that an update has been received from Marcus Slegg: ‘We are in the middle of completing the signs having had to make some last minute alterations to the patterns that the foundry requested. The plan is to complete all of the painting of the sign castings as fast as we possibly can and then get them over to you with the prepared and painted wooden mounting posts. As soon as all of the detailed painting is finished I will contact you again to give you a delivery date. We will have all three of the Invicta shields painted by the end of next week.’ v. Swathe & Visibility contract The Clerk reported that the second swathe cut was done in September and no problems or complaints were reported. vi. Play Area i. To hear update regarding the proposed scheme on land belonging to The Redleaf Trust It was agreed at the last Parish Council meeting that Cllr Cooke would follow this up. To be carried forward to the next Parish Council meeting. ii. To give consideration to smaller schemes elsewhere in the parish Members agreed that if the proposed play scheme in Chiddingstone Causeway is not favourable, then small sympathetic schemes in the Community Garden, in the area between the pond and houses in Richards Close, and in Bough Beech should be considered, subject to the necessary approvals.

93. Finance: i. To approve payment of cheques Cllr Durrant proposed that the list of cheques be approved. This was seconded by Cllr Baker and all were in favour. ii. Annual Audit year ending 31 st March, 2014 The Clerk reported that a letter has been received from PKF Littlejohn advising that they have completed the Parish Council’s Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2014. The return says “On the basis of our review, in our opinion, the information in the annual return is in accordance with proper practices and no matters have come to our attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met.” They did make the following comments which did not affect their opinion: 1. The completed annual return was not submitted by the date requested. 2. The Council did not provide an explanation of the high levels of reserves held. It should ensure that it has regard to the level of reserves held when considering future precept requests. We note the amendment to the balance brought forward for 2012/13 on page 1 being described as due to a previous error now corrected. No explanation of the nature of the error was provided to us. 37 94. Items for reporting or inclusion in future agenda i. The Clerk reported that she reported the damaged drain cover on the green in Chiddingstone Hoath to Southern Water and they promised to repair it as a matter of urgency. ii. Cllr Baker reported that a drain on the Tonbridge Road, near Jessups, needs clearing. Clerk to contact KCC. iii. Cllr Streatfeild suggested that a follow-up letter is sent to Katie Lewis at SDC regarding the drainage issue in Mill Lane which has been outstanding for two years now.

The meeting closed at 10.05 pm.

The date of the next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 17th November at 7.30pm in Chiddingstone Village Hall.

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