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Hartley Parish Council - Report and Independent Minutes 2006

Meetings
9 January
6 February
13 March
8 May
19 May
12 June
10 July
11 September
9 October
13 November
11 December

Subject Index
Accounts May
Annual Report May

Ash Road Jan, Feb, May, Jul, Oct, Nov
Barnett, Cllr May
Beechlands Close Mar
Benefits Surgery May2
Book "One Hundred Years" Mar
Burial Ground Mar, May, Jul, Oct
Buses May2
Castle Hill Mar, May2, Jul, Sep, Nov
Chantry Avenue Nov
Chantry Avenue Park Nov
Cherry Trees Mar, May, Sep, Nov, Dec

Church Road Jan, Feb, Nov
Churches
 - All Saints Dec
 - RC Mar
Committee Membership May
Community Warden Nov
Conifer Avenue Nov
Council Meetings Jul
Council Tax May2
Councillors
 - Interests Feb
Cricket Feb, Mar, Sep
Crime May2
Development Sites May2
Donations May, Dec
Fairby Lane Feb, May, Nov
Finance May2
Football Feb, Mar, Sep, Nov
Gaywood, Cllr May, Sep
Global Warming May2
Gorsewood Feb, Mar
Green Way Jul, Nov
Hartley Court Green Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Hartley Wood May, Sep, Dec
Health May2
Hearing Aids May2
Hextable Feb
Horse Riding Jul, Nov
Horticultural Society May
Hoselands Green Jul, Sep, Dec
Hoselands Wood May, Nov
Kenward Trust May
Longfield Hill Nov
Manor Field Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Nov, Dec
Manor Lane Mar
Meeting Calendar May
Minutes (Historical) Jan
New Burial Ground Feb, Mar
Northfield Jan, Mar, May2, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov
Oast Way Nov

Oxtoby, Cllr Jan, May
Parish Office Jan, Jul
Parkfield Nov
Parking Feb, Jul, Sep
Playgrounds Feb, Nov
Policing May2, Oct
Pond Sep
Post Office Nov
Power Cables May2
Precept Dec
Primary School Nov
Protection of Gardens Bill Jul
Road Verges Jul
Round Ash Way Nov
Quakers Close May, Nov
Rectory Meadow Mar, Dec
Round Ash Way Mar
Salting of Roads May, Nov
Sevenoaks Council May2
Skateboarding Mar
Smoking May2
Snowboarding Mar
Speeding Mar, May, Jul
Springcroft Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov
Stack Lane Feb, Mar
Standards Board Sep
Taxi Vouchers Feb
United Reformed Church Feb, Mar, May, Sep
Woodland Avenue Nov
Woodland Avenue Park Mar, Nov
Youth Jan, May2, Jul, Sep, Oct

 

11 December 2006 - Parish Council Meeting 8pm

Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Barnett, Mrs Burns, Mrs Coutts, Mrs Oxtoby, Ramsay, Sewell, Mrs Solman, Tremain.  Cllr Brazier (KCC), Mrs Hoad (clerk), 7 members of the public.

Apologies - Cllrs Alford, Harris, Ward (reasons approved)

1. Interests
Cllr Solman - The Briars, 1 Springcroft (prejudicial); Maryfield (personal).
Cllr Oxtoby - Planning Gorsewood Road (personal), Hartley Woods, Payments.
Cllr Barnett - payments
Cllr Abraham - Cherry Trees shops

2. Minutes of meeting of 13 November 2006
Agreed.

3. Adjournment
Cllr Brazier reported financial problems at Kent County Council with cuts in government funding.  Education grant cut by 5.3%, Highways "demonstrably" underfunded.  He can't promise any improvement in the situation - "Merry Christmas!".

Cllr Ramsay said the concessionary bus scheme costs Sevenoaks £584,000 but they only get a grant of £400,000.  He said it was "unfortunately" very popular with OAPs, and claimed bus companies find many ways to increase fares.  He said that since 2003 the increases in council tax had been reduced from 14% to 5% annually.  Mr Mayer asked him whether there had been spending from reserves, Cllr Ramsay said that was only for asset maintenance.

Mrs Sharp thanked the council for acting so quickly over the tree planting at Hartley Court Green.

Mr Glover said while he welcomed the numbers going to All Saints' Church on Sunday mornings, cars parked in Church Road sometimes cause him difficulties in getting past with a trailer, and he is concerned a fire engine might find the same.  He felt part of the problem was the overhanging hedge.  Cllr Barnett said it was in hand to have it cut back.  At Cllr Oxtoby's suggestion they agreed to put it on the next Highways committee agenda.

4. Amenities and Open Spaces
The minutes of the meeting of 30 November 2006 were agreed 9-0.  It discussed:

  • Manor Field - (a) they accepted quote of £465 from Ian Paternoster to put up chain barrier to stop cars driving onto the field; (b) Entrance Gate had been damaged on 19 October by vehicle hitting it, repairs cost £219; (c) Big wedding hire on 24 August 2007, council to inform neighbours, organisers will need to apply for premises licence; (d) Pavilion - Fire Risk Assessment to be done by Neil Townsend Associates for £225.
  • Rectory Meadow - following advertisement of the proposed byelaws, some concerns were expressed by the North West Kent Countryside Project and the Police (who questioned whether the parish council would have sufficient resources to enforce them).  Full council agreed the draft bye-laws 9-0.  The distribution of the nature reserve leaflets was agreed.

5. Finance
The minutes of the meeting of 15 November were agreed.  It discussed the precept - they recommended a budget of £113,310 and precept to rise from £92,000 to £96,000.  

At full council, Cllr Burns said she was "devastated" at the cut of £1,900 to the Youth expenditure, in particular the £700 for miscellaneous expenses.  They had hoped to spend that money on organising trips to amenities outside Hartley.  She proposed and Vince Sewell seconded that the budget for Youth be increased by £750.  Cllr Ramsay said they were underspent this year, Cllrs Burns and Sewell thought they were being punished then for spending wisely and pointed out that some of the money unspent was in expectation of being able to build a skatepark.  Cllr Oxtoby agreed with Cllr Ramsay, as did Cllr Abraham, who said they should come back to the finance committee later.  Put to the vote the amendment was lost 3 - 5 (for Cllrs Burns, Sewell, Tremain, against all others except Cllr Coutts and Gaywood who abstained).  The main precept was supported 6 - 3 (voters as above, except Cllr Coutts voted in favour).

Council also supported recommendations to give donations to the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Kent BTCV, Darent Valley Age Concern and Kent Wildlife Trust.  They had recommended not giving any money to Kent Victim Support.  However at the meeting, Cllr Burns had circulated councillors with details of their work.  She said she was disappointed the council could consider supporting wildlife and trees, but not people.  She said their counselling service for victims of crime was superior to that of the NHS.  Cllr Coutts spoke in favour, as did Cllr Barnett, who said he would change his mind based on the new evidence.  The amendment to give £100 was agreed 7 - 2 (against - Cllrs Ramsay and Abraham).

The committee had also recommended publicising the post office in their newsletter.  Council agreed unanimously, however Cllr Burns did ask whether other shops in Hartley might criticise the promotion of the post office, Cllr Gaywood thought not.  Cllr Ramsay said he had changed his bank account to one he could use at the Post Office.  

6. Planning
Minutes of meetings of 12 and 26 September were approved.  For details of planning applications see
Planning webpage.

7. HAWK
Cllr Sewell gave a verbal report of the last meeting.  He said the Hartley 8-12s may be able to attend the New Ash Green scheme.

8. Payments
Payments of £12,409 were agreed.

9. Special Projects
(a) Hoselands Green - the committee had recommended taking over the land from Sevenoaks Council subject to SDC paying legal costs.  Cllr Gaywood said he'd changed his mind about the legal costs after the meeting, if Sevenoaks refused to pay then the resolution would fall.  Mrs Hoad said Jim Latheron of SDC had said the council can handle the transfer, but Hartley may wish to run it past their solicitors.  Cllr Ramsay said he had got the same advice.  Cllr Burns asked how much extra will it cost the residents of Hartley, Mrs Hoad said it would be £40 - 50 per cut every 2 weeks.  Cllr Sewell pointed out that this was almost exactly the same as they were cutting from youth.  Cllr Gaywood proposed and Cllr Ramsay seconded the motion to delete the provision as to legal costs, agreed 7 - 2 (against Cllrs Burns, Sewell)

(b) Hartley Wood - they agreed to resume the village green application from 31.1.07 unless they hear from Southwark council, and to remove part of the land from their claim, which is not woodland.  Agreed 9-0.

(c) Cherry Trees - the committee had discussed ways of dealing with litter and parking.  They recommended referring the matter to the Highways Committee.  Cllr Burns asked what more could they do, as they had discussed it already.  She and Cllr Sewell thought traffic wardens work well in Longfield, "like Moses in the water" when they appear!  Agreed 9-0.

(d) New Burial Ground - Cllr Gaywood ordered the public out for this item regarding the covenants on the field.  Mr Mayer asked aren't they going to vote to hold the meeting in secret first?  After some discussion councillors voted 9-0 to hold this item in secret.

Meeting closed to public 9.20pm

13 November 2006 - Parish Council Meeting 8pm

Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Alford, Harris, Barnett, Mrs Solman, Tremain, Mrs Oxtoby, Mrs Burns, Sewell, Ramsay, Ward; Mrs Hoad (clerk); 6 members of the public

Apologies - Cllr Mrs Coutts, reason approved.

1. Interests (all personal, except * prejudicial)
Cllr Solman - Forge House, Manor Drive*; Horse Riding on Northfield
Cllr Harris - Scout Hut
Cllr Barnett - payment to him
Cllr Alford made another statement criticising the fact that Cllr Gaywood was found guilty in a local standards hearing of not declaring a personal interest in a planning application.

2. Minutes of meeting of 9 October 2006
Agreed.

3. Adjournment
Springcroft - Cllr Ramsay said it has dropped off the priority list from 3rd.  Local MP couldn't get anywhere either.

Northfield - Mrs Brudenell asked whether any other council member is going to declare an interest.  Later in the meeting Cllr Alford denied he had an interest because he walks his dog elsewhere too.

Hartley Court Green - Mrs Sharp said people want it dedicated to Shirley Abraham.

Community Warden - to a question from Dr Roberts, Cllr Gaywood said he wants them to be visible.

4. Amenities and Open Spaces
The minutes of the meeting of  were approved.  It discussed:

  • Football - They allowed Hartley de Sales FC to mark out a third pitch at their own expense for football training.
  • Playgrounds - they accepted Mr Munday's quote of £195 to undertake work requested by RoSPA inspection.
  • Manor Field Pavilion - (a) quotations to be obtained for a fire risk assessment; (b) water tests confirm no legionella bacteria.
  • Longfield Hill - damage to fence on western boundary to be repaired by Mr Munday at a cost of £280
  • Woodland Avenue Park - damage to fence next to Porchester Close car park to be repaired by Mr Munday at a cost of £85.
  • Chantry Avenue - neighbour said horse chestnut trees blocking their light, but council would not cut them back because of loss of amenity value of trees if they did so.
  • Hartley Court Green - Austin Treework to be paid £200 to remove old tree stump, and council to replace it with crab apple tree. Public Question

5. Finance and General Purposes
The minutes of the meeting of 13 June 2006 were agreed.  It discussed:

  • Old Rectory - the owner has offered to donate part of the woodland by Rectory Meadow to the council, but has asked whether the council is prepared to pay for the cost of a new dividing fence.  Clerk to investigate.

6. Highways
The mintues of the meeting of 25 September were approved.  It discussed:

  • Parking restrictions - they proposed (a) new double yellow lines for the access road from Round Ash Way to Primary School; (b) retention of double yellow lines where they are in Fairby Lane near school; (c) single yellow line (no parking 7-10) for Quaker's Close from Ash Road to the first layby; (d) double yellow lines for corners of Cherry Trees at Church Road junction; (e) double yellow lines for corners of Stack Lane and Woodland Avenue junctions with Church Road.  Other proposals for parking restrictions in Round Ash Way, Chantry Avenue, Oast Way, Conifer Avenue, Fairby Lane, RC Church, and Quakers Close were dropped after consultation.  Cllr Harris said about 60 residents turned up at the meeting, Cllr Burns said it was refreshing that so many did so.
  • Castle Hill - KCC had done a traffic survey and considered options.  Council asked for width restriction signs at the top of the hill.  Cllr Harris said another problem was that Satnavs send you up Castle Hill if travelling from Dartford to Hartley.
  • Ash Road - bollard outside Fairby Grange shows site of sign.  Request for warning sign for Green Way junction.
  • Parkfield - council wants salt bin because of slope there.
  • Woodland Avenue - playground warning sign to be reinstated.

7. Planning
Minutes of meetings of 12 and 26 September were approved.  For details of planning applications see
Planning webpage.  

8. Northfield
The Northfield Management Committee had recommended the creation of a riding route on Northfield.  Cllr Solman said they have been trying to do this for 3½ years, and horse riding was one of the originally suggested uses.  This is a semi-rural area with no bridleways, there are many open spaces for other members of the community to use.  She appreciates that others do use the field, but they have other places too.  It would be sad if horse riding, which is enjoyed by young and old, lost out again.  She proposed and Cllr Oxtoby seconded a 6 month trial.

An advisory group had reported to the NMC.  The route largely goes round the edge of the field except for the New Ash Green play area. Set up costs would be about £900, and they propose an annual membership fee of £15 (they estimate 30 members).  They had also prepared a list of Riding Regulations and a proforma riding licence.  A risk assessment found all ratings were low.

Cllr Sewell said only 2 of the original 9 principles had been achieved for Northfield, they "should hang their heads in shame".  He thought horse riding was too expansive.  Cllr Abraham said football had been discussed until they were sick of it, he said horses had ruined his golf club.  Cllr Alford said there was no need for football pitches.  Cllr Gaywood said riding was better than nothing and thought they had achieved more than half of the list.

Cllr Ramsay questioned some of the scores of the risk assessment.  He said potential for loose dogs meant Lullingstone was fenced.  Cllr Oxtoby said the horse riders would be insured, and that not all of Lullingstone route was fenced.  She said other uses cost just as much if not more per head.

Cllr Harris spoke in favour, while Cllr Barnett supported a trial.

Put to the vote it was supported 10 votes to 1 (Cllr Ramsay), Cllr Sewell abstained.

Public Question

NMC meetings of 6 October and 3 November also discussed:

  • Milestone School - the terms of allowing Barwick construction to access their works via Northfield were agreed.  However subsequently Barwick refused 3 of them.
  • Stile opposite Appledore, Ash Road - quotation for repairs of £350 from Green Acre Landscapes accepted.  Allotment owners told of NMC's displeasure.

9. Post Office
The Parish Council voted to support the Countryside Alliance's campaign to preserve rural post offices.

10. Community Warden
The council received a report that Mr Honeysett has been seconded as area supervisor, and that Hartley would be covered by one of the response team.  Cllr Gaywood thought it was time to "start shouting" about this issue.  Cllr Burns was "so disappointed about the community warden", her high expectations had been "completely dashed".  Council agreed to complain to KCC, and for the matter to be referred to the Special Projects committee.

Public Question

11. Payments
Payments of £8,340 were agreed.

Meeting closed 9.28pm

9 October 2006 - Parish Council Meeting 8pm

Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Harris, Barnett, Mrs Solman, Tremain, Mrs Oxtoby, Mrs Burns, Sewell, Ramsay; Mrs Hoad (clerk); Cllr Brazier (Kent CC); 7 members of the public

Apologies - Cllrs Alford, and Ward.  Council approved their absence.

1. Interests
None declared.

2. Minutes of Meeting of 11 September 2006
Agreed 10-0.

3. Adjournment
Cllr Brazier gave his report: (a) Springcroft - he saw flooding himself the other day.  He was told by KCC it wouldn't be done until 2009 at the earliest.  He therefore suggested people write to Cllr Ferrin at KCC; (b) Community Warden - Cllr Burns asked whether he was aware that they spend most of their time in Longfield, Borough Green and Darenth - how can he serve Hartley too (Mrs Roberts added he also works in Fawkham)?  Cllr Brazier said he hadn't made himself known to him.  Comments from audience "Well done Mrs Burns".

Cllr Ramsay (Sevenoaks) claimed the government had "reneged" on paying for the cost of a new electoral system, meaning a £20,000 bill for the council.  He said they have brought out a supplementary planning policy to ban 2 for 1 conversions on housing; and there is to be a consultation day on the Local Development Framework at New Ash Green on 23 October.

Mr Mayer asked who had cut Hoselands Green recently?  Mrs Hoad said it was Sevenoaks not Hartley.

Mrs Roberts said the donated trees on Northfield had died, shouldn't the council have watered them?  Cllr Gaywood said they didn't have the facilities to.

Mrs Sharp outlined the offers she has received to replace the tree on Hartley Court Green.  Mrs Roberts said if the council supplies the tree they will plant it.

Mrs Brudenell was concerned the parish council had lost a grant for the interactive road sign on Ash Road, due to delays beyond their control.  Cllr Harris said that money was lost to Hartley, but fortunately Cllr Brazier has paid a similar sum from this year's budget.  Cllr Brazier added that KCC Highways never wanted the sign and had stalled the parish council, but "persistence had won through".

4. Burial Ground
The minutes of the meeting of 3 October 2006 were approved.  It discussed:

  • Moss to be removed from paving slabs
  • Plots in new garden of remembrance to be marked in advance
  • Quotations to be obtained for cutting the hedge by the lych gate

5. Planning
Minutes of meetings of 12 and 26 September were approved.  For details of planning applications see
Planning webpage.  The meeting of 26 September also agreed to write to Harlequin Ltd to oppose a proposed mobile phone base station on Hoselands Green.

6. HAWK
The minutes of the meeting of 5 September were noted.  It discussed:

  • An 8-12s project has received funding.  It is expected the be extended to New Ash Green after Christmas, but problems of accommodation in both Hartley and West Kingsdown.
  • Website is up and running
  • Upsurge of grafiti in south Hartley noted
  • SDC's summer event in Hartley attracted 18 over 8 and 11 under 8s, New Ash Green had 63 and West Kingsdown 46.

7. Northfield
The minutes of the meeting of 8 September were noted.  This discussed:

  • They agreed to ask for £2,500 from each council for 2007/8
  • Allotment association asked the committee to write to the manure suppliers to tell them further breaches of the fence would not be tolerated.
  • Barnetts Wood - concerns that leaving cut grass would be a fire risk were dismissed.
  • Litter - dog cut foot on broken glass.  Subsequently whole site litter picked.
  • Substation - ongoing correspondence on the legal side.  This involves a variation of the lease and advertising the loss of the part of the public open space in the local press.

The council also considered at length the request by Barwick Construction for access over the proposed Northfield car park to their improvement works at Milestone school.  Cllr Ramsay was against offering any access, but his proposal was lost 2-7 (for Cllrs Ramsay, Abraham, against all others, Cllr Gaywood appeared to abstain).  After only 2 voted in favour, Cllr Gaywood tried to say at first that there was no need to ask for no votes, but Cllr Tremain pointed out that he couldn't know whether everyone else might abstain!  Cllr Harris said the prime concern should be the safety of the schoolchildren, he was in favour but thought Barwicks should offer more perhaps the new car park they want.  Cllrs Oxtoby, Tremain, Barnett and Sewell all spoke in favour.

Once the amendment was lost they then agreed 11-0 to support the request by Barwicks subject to further negotiations and the imposition of a bond (at the suggestion of Cllr Ramsay, who said this gives them more control).

Public Question

8. Payments
Payments of £6,456 for October were agreed.

Meeting closed 9.10 pm

11 September 2006 - Parish Council Meeting 8pm

Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Alford, Barnett, Mrs Oxtoby, Harris, Mrs Solman, Mrs Burns, Tremain, Sewell, Mrs Coutts, Ward.  Cllr Brazier (Kent CC), Mrs Hoad (clerk) and 7 members of the public.

Apologies
Cllrs Ramsay, Abraham, Tremain.

1. Interests
Cllr Oxtoby - Hartley Woods
Cllr Barnett - allotments

Cllr Alford launched into an attack on the Standards Board.  He revealed that Cllr Gaywood had been the subject of a complaint but did not say what the outcome had been, however he criticised the complainant whom he named and alleged their complaint was "spurious". (see public question)

2. Minutes of meeting of 10 July 2006 and 18 July 2006
Approved without amendment.

3. Public Question Time
Mrs Delf reported that the tap in the churchyard had been fixed.

Mrs Roberts asked had they considered how much the URC Church will cost to run and the likely number of lettings? Cllr Gaywood said they had.

Mrs Sharp asked whether the scouts were still going to remove the duck house from the pond.  Cllr Harris said they were.

Mrs Brudenell referred to a leaflet she had received from the conservatives - how many of the 33 services they say the council provide are actually received in Hartley?  Cllr Gaywood said he would have to look into this.

Mr Mayer referred to Cllr Alford's statement and asked whether he had ever made a complaint to the Standards Board himself?  (There was no reply).  Mr Mayer said they can't complain of people going to the Standards Board, when the council had themselves removed the right of members of the public to complain to the council about individual councillors, formerly under the NALC code of complaints.  The council appeared to be unaware of this point, but eventually Cllr Alford read out the relevant standing order.  Some discussion followed.  Mrs Brudenell said she was concerned that they appeared to be saying people don't have the right to complain about councillors.  Cllr Gaywood said that people have the democratic right to complain; "good to hear it" said Mrs Sharp.

Dr Cramp raised concerns about the proposals to remodel the junction at the bottom of Castle Hill, which he felt would make it more dangerous because of reduced sight lines.  Cllr Gaywood said they would discuss it later.  Dr Cramp also asked how much cleaning will Sevenoaks Council do at Cherry Trees.  As they see fit, was Cllr Gaywood's reply.

4. Amenities and Open Spaces Committee
The meetings discussed:

  • Cricket - repairs to cricket square in September, council agreed to look at problems with water supply to changing rooms.
  • Football - there are 4 teams from Hartley De Sales at Manor Field for 2006/7 (U18 x 2, U14, U13), senior teams charged £300 for the season each, junior ones £260 each.
  • Manor Field - (a) the Arthritis Research Campaign had got a temporary drinks licence for their fete, as a result the council have changed their conditions of hire to make sure the parish council gives permission first in future.  Related to the same matter the covenant owners wrote to confirm they would be giving their permission for this event to serve alcohol. This was confirmed by full council.  Cllr Burns asked whether the council checks the hirers are insured, Mrs Hoad said not, "should we" replied Cllr Burns.  (b) Fencing to be extended to stop people driving onto the field. (c) Brambles on western boundary to be cut at the request of the footballers.
  • Manor Field Pavilion - grafiti at back removed by probation services.
  • Hartley Wood - (a) the council has applied for adverse possession of more plots.  They have had to pay £750 for risk assessments on the land they own. (b) Further to the special projects committee proposal to make a village green application on land owned by Gorsewood Farm, the Amenities committee doubted the council would have a case and were against the idea.
  • Woodland Avenue Park - cost of vandalism of fence to be £170.
  • Hartley Court Green - dead cherry tree to be removed for £100.  They want to replace it with a crab apple.
  • Chantry Avenue - 3 chestnut trees to be cut back as they are shading out a neighbour's garden.
  • Pond - they have engaged a company for £400 to produce a report on the future management of the pond. (see public question)

5. Communications Committee
The minutes of the meetings of 8th and 30th August were approved.  The meetings discussed:

  • Improvements to the website were agreed
  • They have produced a councillors' handbook to be circulated to councillors
  • Next Hartley Herald will be December 2006

6. Highways Committee
The minutes of the meeting of 6th September 2006 were approved.  It disussed:

  • Castle Hill - they agreed to refer to Fawkham Council the proposal to convert the Fawkham road to a T junction (see public question), where there have been 2 accidents.  Cllr Harris said there was a low chance of it being done anyway.  At full council widening of the top end of the road was discussed, Cllr Alford asked whether it could be done by compulsory purchase, but Cllr Harris said residents were against that.
  • Yellow Lines - they recommended consulting residents of Round Ash Way, Oast Way, Conifer Avenue, Fairby Lane, Chantry Avenue and Quakers Close on proposed yellow lines.  Cllr Harris said at one meeting people were in favour, but at the next there were several against, including a district councillor affected.  Cllr Burns said someone was leafleting Fairby Lane, not to push any line but to encourage response to the survey.  They are not proceeding with lines near the RC School, Cllr Harris said wedding cars and hearses are exempt anyway, and the idea was dropped because no-one in Woodland Avenue complained.  Residents at the meeting of the 6th were concerned about yellow lines outside their houses, and in the case of Quakers Close, on street parking for those who cannot park off street.  In addition concerns were voiced that if yellow lines were put around the RC church it would encourage more parking in Stack Lane where there is already a problem
  • Springcroft - it is unlikely that the works to alleviate the flooding problem will be done soon.

7.  Planning
Minutes of meetings of 7 & 18 July, 1, 15 and 29 August were approved.  For details of planning applications see Planning webpage.

8. Special Projects Committee
The minutes of the meeting of 21st August 2006 were approved.  The meeting discussed:

  • Hoselands Green - they want to take over ownership from Sevenoaks Council, and they recommend additional cuts at Hartley's expense.  At full council, Cllr Gaywood claimed he had made himself unpopular at Sevenoaks with strong words about the issue, and now some cabinet members won't talk to him.  Cllr Burns said Sevenoaks cut the green after she and others complained, so they should keep up the pressure, she and Cllrs Oxtoby and Sewell voted against the motion but the others were in favour so it was carried.
  • Cherry Trees - the concerns of the Parish Plan about the state of the shops were noted, and they are seeking a meeting with the landlord's agent.  They recommended getting Sevenoaks's rapid response team to clean up the shops, this was supported at full council, Cllr Sewell voted against because he didn't think public money should be used to tidy up private land (Cllr Alford may have abstained, but this is not clear).
  • Hartley Wood - they were willing to reduce the amount of land claimed by the parish council, so as not to prejudice Southwark's plans for the landfill site.

9. Youth Committee
The minutes of the meeting of 5th September 2006 were approved.  It discussed:

  • Sevenoaks Council are looking at discounted access to their leisure centres, like a scheme already for residents of Swanley.  They also have funding from KCC for an 8-12 project in the district and Hartley Primary School is being investigated as a possible venue.
  • Summer Youth Scheme - the youth worker said it had gone well with 29 attending at Woodland Avenue.

10. Northfield Management Committee
The minutes of the meeting of 21st July 2006 were noted.  It discussed:

  • Grass Cutting - they awarded a two year contract to Westcut Mowing for £1,440.  A lower quote was rejected because they were happy with Westcut's previous work.
  • Ash Road Fence - allotment society to be written to, to remind them not to breach the Ash Road fence but to go to the Church Road entrance for their deliveries of manure.
  • Horse riding - a committee will be formed to take this forward.
  • Woodland - a log barrier is to be built at a cost of £980.
  • Boundary with Courtfield and Cavan - a fence is to be built to prevent trespass at the joint cost of the NMC and landowners.
  • Correspondence - (a) A resident had a branch of a tree fall and break her windscreen, while driving between Northfield and another property, so she asked both landowners to check their trees.  NMC decided to see if the trees were theirs or KCC's; (b) a resident wrote to say they had broken 2 fingers on a kissing gate off Church Road.  Committee was told gate appeared to be in good working order; (c) resident wrote to complain that rolling of the field may have destroyed nesting skylarks.  NMC agreed to review timing of this in future.

11. Hartley Parish Plan Steering Committee
T
he minutes of the meetings of 29th June and 14th August 2006 were noted.

12. HAWK Youth Partnership Project
The minutes of the meeting of 8th June 2006 were noted.  Cllr Sewell reported the youth worker had set up a website at no cost to the committee.  He thought it was a step forward, to meet youth on their own territory as they won't go to things like the open day.

13. Payments
Payments of £11,339 were approved.

Meeting closed at 9.30pm

10 July 2006 - Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm
Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman), Barnett, Mrs Oxtoby, Harris, Mrs Solman, Mrs Burns, Tremain, Sewell, Mrs Coutts.  Cllr Brazier (Kent CC), Mrs Hoad (clerk) and 6 members of the public.

Apologies
Cllrs Ramsay, Alford, Abraham, Ward.

1.  Minutes of Meeting of 12 June 2006
Agreed.

2. Public Question Time
Cllr Gaywood asked Cllr Brazier whether Kent or Sevenoaks were responsible for cutting verges, as he had been asked by one of his neighbours.  Cllr Brazier said that in an urban situation they are privately owned.  Cllr Gaywood said the verge in question on the corner of Green Way had been cut for 33 years by the council until this year.

Mrs Sharp asked if the dead tree on Hartley Court Green could be replaced?  Anything's possible, said Cllr Gaywood.  Mrs Delf said it was donated by the WI.  Mrs Sharp said she could get a new one from a nursery.

Mrs Sharp also asked for news of action on grafiti or the pond.  Cllr Gaywood said they are awaiting a report on the pond.

Mrs Brudenell highlighted the fact that there are plenty of places locally for walkers, but none for riders.  They have to use the road and would they let a child play football in the street?  Cllr Oxtoby strongly supported her.

3.  Time of Meetings
They agreed 7 votes to 1 (Cllr Burns) and one abstention (Cllr Gaywood) to move the time of the meetings to 8pm.  Cllr Gaywood said it was a good idea if you like Emmerdale.

4.  Burial Ground
The minutes of the meeting of 27 June 2006 were adopted 9-0.  It discussed:

  • A planting scheme for the bed located by the gate was agreed, and a quote of £70 accepted to clear existing plants.
  • Some of the paving slabs in garden of rememberance to be repointed with a new products to see how good it is.

5.  Highways
The minutes of the meeting of 13 June 2006 were agreed 9-0.  It discussed:

  • Ash Road - KCC have changed their mind and the council can now put up an interactive sign north of Fairby Lane junction.  They will also conisder writing "slow" on the road before that point.  The trigger speed will be 35mph.
  • Springcroft - fresh flooding after recent storm, but KCC have deferred works to next year to the annoyance of the committee.
  • Castle Hill - a request for resurfacing the narrow part had been received from a resident.
  • Parking - Sevenoaks have made proposals on parking restrictions around schools(?).

6.  Planning
Minutes of meetings of 13 and 27 June approved 9-0.  For details of planning applications see Planning webpage. 

The committee had recommended supporting Mr G Clark MP's private member's bill "Protection of Private Gardens Bill".  This was to stop new planning rules to make it easier to build in back gardens.  There was some confusion in replies to Cllr Coutts's question as to whether you could object to planning applications in gardens.  One councillor said yes, another said it would make it more difficult.  It was agreed 5 votes to 1 (Cllr Harris).  Abstain: Cllrs Burns and Gaywood.  Cllr Harris stressed that the only reason he had voted against was that the bill was politically motivated, and he was independent.

7.  Youth
Minutes of meeting of 22 June 2006 agreed 9-0.  It discussed:

  • Youth worker's report: Charlton Athletic doing training at Woodland Avenue Park on Wednesdays.  Group taken on fishing trip in May; and 10 want to go on Motor Cross training at Dover.
  • SDC Young People's Action Plan - committee concerned plan contained no provision for the two activities the youth told them they most wanted - swimming and BMX.
  • SDC Summer Programme - committee concerned none of SDC's events were in Hartley.
  • West Kent 8-12 project - still looking for venue, after being turned down by Our Lady of Hartley School.

See also HAWK below.

8.  Northfield
Minutes of meeting of 12 May were noted.  It discussed:

  • Play area to be sprayed to kill clover and fertilized.  Cost up to £250.
  • Grafiti on fence by Hartley House - to be removed by SDC grimebusters when they visit.
  • Ragwort spraying to cost £615.
  • Horse Riding Route - Mrs Solman continuing to work on this

They also discussed a proposed lease to EDF to build a substation so they can bury the cable.  EDF had asked for the freehold but according to Cllr Gaywood, the VA won't sell, only lease.  However they are unsure whether they need to advertise the lease in accordance with the local government act.  So they delegated the clerk and chairman to deal with it (8-0, no abstentions - Cllr Coutts was out of the room at the time).

9.  Parish Plan
The minutes of 1 and 15 June and report were noted.

10.  HAWK
The minutes of the 8 June AGM were noted, Cllr Sewell said it was the usual things, they all turned  up and did as they were told.  At the meeting he had suggested an internet radio station for local youth.

11.  Hoselands Green
This provoked the livliest discussion of the evening.  Sevenoaks have reduced the number of cuts from 10 to 3 pa, and HPC were considering whether to pay for additional cuts themselves, take over cutting altogether or have the land transferred to them by Sevenoaks.

Cllr Gaywood admitted he was party to the decision to reduce cuts at Sevenoaks, but he thought he was voting for 7 cuts not 3.  The officer at SDC said Hartley is welcome to the land if they want it.  He said it was an important piece of land, claiming it was the first green space you get to from Longfield.  Cllr Brazier said in Swanley, Sevenoaks pays for 7 cuts, Swanley for 3.

Many councillors protested at what they saw as an attempt to pass costs onto the parish council.  Cllr Burns said we pay for this in our taxes and they should stand on their principles and insist that SDC come out and cut it.  Cllr Oxtoby asked if they were going to pay Hartley for the cutting, and said they should pressurise SDC to cut the land.  Cllr Harris said he didn't doubt they could do the job better, but it was the start of a slippery slope, they shouldn't subsidise SDC (audience - "hear, hear").  Cllr Coutts said SDC is not interested in Hartley, only our council tax said Cllr Burns.  Cllr Tremain asked if they could write to Dartford to join them.

After much debate they agreed to cut the grass once if SDC don't do it immediately - for 5 (Cllrs Solman, Tremain, Coutts, Barnett, Harris), against 3 (Cllrs Oxoby, Burns, Sewell).  Cllr Gaywood did not appear to vote, but criticised those who voted against, saying he was amazed they should quibble over a small cost.  He said they didn't need a vote to continue considering whether to take on the land, and they would report by next meeting.

12. Gardening for Wildlife
They agreed to donate £30 for a prize.

13. Office Equipment
They agreed to pay up to £500 for an air conditioner for the parish office.

14.  Payments
Payments of £6,456 for July and £5,004 for August were agreed.

19 May 2006 - Annual Parish Meeting
Present

Dr Stoate (MP); Cllrs Coutts, Alford, Gaywood (chairman), Harris, Oxtoby, Ramsay, Solman, Sewell, Tremain, Barnett, Garwood (SDC) and about 50-60 members of the public.

1.  Former Councillor Freddie Eames
A brief silence was held for Freddie Eames who died today.

2.  Apologies
Were received from KCC councillor Brazier and the Rector.

3.  Dr Howard Stoate MP
He highlighted many of the things he'd been involved with in the past year, most due to letters received from constituents:

  • Smoking ban in Pubs, the majority of constituents are in favour
  • Childhood lukemia, which may be linked to high voltage cables
  • Hearing Aid provision in Dartford - he held a half hour adjournment debate on this to highlight shortage of audiologists and waiting list for the superior digital hearing aids.
  • Hospital targets - the target is now 18 weeks between seeing a GP and the operation, which Darent Valley is on course for.
  • Bus passes - he campaigned for a national scheme which will come in 2008.
  • Mobile phone tracking - he has called for regulation to stop inappropriate tracking of children.

In the questions that followed Mr Mayer thanked him for his support for the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill, which he had written to him about.  Dr Stoate said he was glad to support a measure for the benefit of future generations, adding he often signed early day motions because the more signatures the more likely ministers are to take notice.  Mrs Brudenell mentioned a case she knew where it took over a year for an operation, Dr Stoate said he realised the system is not perfect but hoped the new targets will help.  He urged people facing long waits to write to him, so he can put pressure to get things moving.  Mr Gibbons asked whether the hospital will be big enough in the future.  Dr Stoate replied in the 1980s there were 1,000 beds locally and all used to capacity, he recalled that his patients could be scattered around different wards, wherever they could be fitted in.  Darent Valley is only 400 beds but is not used to capacity, the chief executive told him 70% + of operations are now done in the Woodlands Day Centre.  There are plans for a 200 bed extension, and he will press for this if it becomes necessary.

4.  Police
Chief Inspector Gill Ellis gave a talk about the structural changes in Kent Police.  9 divisions are being reduced to 6, which means Hartley, Swanley and the Mallings will be added to West Kent which stretches down to Tunbridge Wells.  In West Kent, Sevenoaks will have a chief inspector (based at Swanley), inspector, 3 sergeants (Swanley, Edenbridge, Sevenoaks), 15 neighbourhood PCs and 10 Police Community Support Officers.  From July Hartley will have 2 PCSOs covering the area, but the PC post is currently vacant.  Manpower will increase because Kent plans to recruit 474 PCSOs by March 2008 (53 for West Kent), and because they plan to move 80 PCs from south to north and west Kent where they are more needed.  Other drivers for the reorganisation was the aim of neighbourhood policing by 2008, increase in crime by 7.7% and money.  She listed a number of people they mentioned the changes to, and admitted the Hartley area change was the most controversial in the whole county.

Questions followed.  Mr Gibbons said Meopham and Gravesend are more convenient to get to than the suggested Borough Green and Swanley.  Ch Insp Ellis said it made no difference if people phoned and the station was merely where PCs hung their coats.  Another PC there thought Borough Green was no further away than Meopham.  Cllr Garwood said he had opposed the change at Sevenoaks, and asked how long it would take for a car to get here from Tonbridge.  Ch Insp Ellis said 2 cars would be based at Swanley but couldn't rule out cars having to come all the way from Tonbridge.  She did add that the cars could be anywhere when they get the call so might be nearer, and cross border arrangements would be in place with North Kent area.  Mrs Brudenell was concerned about policing priorities, a neighbour of hers had a quad bike stolen and they were threatened by the theives but the response from the police was "appalling".  Ch Insp Ellis said they have a list of priorities for each area.

5.  Parish Plan
Dr Gerald Cramp gave an update on the Parish Plan.  There were no questions.

6.  Minutes of meeting of 18 March 2005
These were approved by those present.

7.  Report of Chairman to the Parish Council
Cllr Gaywood referred people to the annual report.  He highlighted issues of Quality Parish Status, Planning, Parish Office, Community Warden, New Burial Ground, URC Church (they hope to put plans to local synod), Hartley Wood.  He said the work of the council was "to make Hartley a better place".

8.  Report of Finance Committee chairman
Cllr Alford mentioned the "planned" overspend last year on the parish office, and said that many of the other increases in expenditure were covered by grants.  They have increased council tax this year by £1.92 for a band F house, but increase is less than KCC.

9.  Report of Sevenoaks District Councillors
Cllr Garwood said he was "fighting for the local community to the best of his ability".  He is now member for planning.  He highlighted current issues of Planning (apparently an aerial survey has identified 200 potential development plots in Hartley); Traffic; Phone Masts at Billings Hill Shaw; Unitary Authorities (personally he is against them, but can see police reorganisation is possibly linked to this).

Cllr Ramsay reminded people that there were elections next year where "you'll have the chance to vote for a lot of new people or not".  He said Sevenoaks has had to cut £3 million from the budget, and it was "upsetting" to reduce staff from 602 in 2003 to 423 now, but he claimed essential services hadn't been affected.  He was pleased the council's new benefits outreach service in Hartley had been well used, and they had stopped a "nasty" backland development in Gorsewood Road at a planning enquiry.

10.  Public Questions
Mrs Sharp congratulated Cllr Solman for trying to get horseriding on Northfield and asked why neither this nor youth facilities such as netball or skateboarding there yet?  Cllr Gaywood said it was an "interesting topic" and a good idea but they are not sure they can manage it properly.

Ms Fairman asked about the camera signs on Ash Road, were cameras ever there, if not were the signs a waste of money.  Cllr Gaywood said they had been there once, and the signs had been paid for by KCC not the parish council.  He said they had achieved more in last 2 years than before, but had been "frustrated by KCC".  Mr Cass said he had seen two PCs monitoring speed at Chantry Avenue.

Mr Gronow asked what had happened to the excellent proposal by Cllr Sewell for a trim trail at Northfield.  Cllr Gaywood said they were still awaiting detailed proposals, but was sure they'd follow it up.

Mr Crowe asked whether the council needed as much as £100,000 in reserves.  Cllr Alford admitted the District Auditor agrees and has said they should only have reserves of about £30,000, and that they chose not to spend capital reserves on the parish office.  Mr Williams asked why assets are not shown on the Parish Council's balance sheet?  Cllr Alford said they didn't have to.  Mr Williams asked isn't that unusual?  Yes, replied Mrs Hoad.

Mrs Mayer asked about the traffic on Castle Hill and whether the road could be widened where possible.  She doesn't mind backing the car, but many drivers refuse to do so.  Cllr Gaywood said it was entirely up to Kent County Council, if people don't like Castle Hill they shouldn't use it.  People have to live with it, he uses it as little as possible.

Mr Senneck asked whether the youth shelter was a good investment?  The Youth workers said yes.

Meeting closed at 10.20pm

8 May 2006
Present
Cllr Gaywood (chairman), Abraham, Barnett, Mrs Oxtoby, Mrs Burns, Sewell, Alford, Harris, Ramsay, Mrs Solman, Mrs Coutts, Tremain, Ward; Mrs Hoad (clerk) and 7 members of the public.

Apologies
None (all present!)

1. Committee Elections
(both Cllrs Gaywood and Harris abstained for their own election)
Chairman
Cllr Gaywood (nominated by Cllr Alford, seconded by Cllr Oxtoby) 12-0.
Vice Chairman
Cllr Harris (nominated by Cllr Abraham, seconded by Cllr Sewell) 12-0. Cllr Barnett having previously indicated he wished to stand down.  All councillors thanked him.
Committees
Cllr Abraham (Finance, Planning, Communication)
Cllr Alford (Finance, Planning, Communication, Community Facilities, Special Projects, Standing Orders)
Cllr Barnett (Amenities, Burial Grounds, Finance, Special Projects, Standing Orders, Tree Warden, Action with communities in rural Kent)
Cllr Burns (Burial Grounds, Youth, HAWK, Communications, Community Facilities, Crime Prevention Panel)
Cllr Coutts (Burial Grounds, Planning)
Cllr Gaywood (all - ex officio)
Cllr Harris (all - ex officio, except Northfield)
Cllr Oxtoby (Amenities, Burial Grounds, Communications, Special Projects, Hartley Primary School governor from 1.9.06, KAPC)
Cllr Ramsay (Finance, Planning, Community Facilities, Special Projects, Highways)
Cllr Sewell (Amenities, Youth, Community Facilites, HAWK, he also said he was not planning on standing for the council next year)
Cllr Solman (Amenities, Planning, Northfield, Highways)
Cllr Tremain (Amenities, Youth, Special Projects)
Cllr Ward (Amenities, Highways, Standing Orders)

2.  Interests
Cllr Ramsay (Rural Age Concern); Cllr Barnett (payment to himself); Cllr Oxtoby (Hartley Wood); Cllr Gaywood and Cllr Barnett (Horticultural Society) - all apparently personal and prejudicial.

3. Minutes of meeting of 10 April 2006
Agreed.

4. Meetings 2006-7
They agreed the schedule of meetings of the council on 12/6, 10/7, 11/9, 9/10, 13/11, 11/12, 8/1/2007, 5/2, 12/3, 16/4 and 14/5.  Councillor Tremain proposed and Councillor Sewell seconded that meetings should revert to 8pm, they voted 7-2 in favour but then Mrs Hoad said it couldn't be voted upon until the next meeting.  Cllr Gaywood said he wished he'd known that before the vote!  There was some discussion over the date of the annual parish meeting for 2007 (whether it should be before or after the election), they agreed on 25 May.

5. Public Questions
Mrs Brudenell asked how much the "gifts" of land in Hartley Wood had cost the council.  Mrs Hoad said £1,000 for a survey and £2,500 additional costs for tree work. Mrs Brudenell also reported that Southwark now have a 24 hour guard on site, and someone from them remarked to her that it was an extremely valuable site.  Cllr Mrs Solman said she understood that Southwark had sacked the original contractors.

Regarding the fence Cllr Gaywood said Southwark were within their rights to do that.  Cllr Alford said people had taken action against the fences, he claimed he didn't "condone" vandalism, but he "understood" it.

Mr Mayer urged a constructive attitude in the negotiations with Southwark, as the most important thing was to keep public access however this is achieved.  He praised Cllr Gaywood's conciliatory tone.

See Amenities Committee below for more on Hartley Wood

Mrs Sharp said she had asked for a grafiti removal can from Sevenoaks, but they had never replied.  Cllr Gaywood said it is a service from the council.

6.  Amenities and Open Spaces
The minutes of the meeting of 26 April 2006 were agreed.  It discussed Hartley Wood - Southwark had put up fencing on their land which had been removed and daubed with grafiti.  Notices saying it was private land had also been removed.  Trees on the border had been daubed in red.  The committee criticised the "aggressive" action taken by Southwark to prevent access, but apparently had nothing to say about the vandalism.  Questions were asked about whether they should have sought legal advice beforehand particularly in the light of a court case which encouraged landowners to block access.  They were told the council had decided to do this about ? 8 years ago.  They recommended publicity and sought council approval for the clerk's actions (approved).  They also decided to seek Tree Preservation Orders and advice from Open Spaces Society.

7. Burial Ground
The minutes of the meeting of 2 May 2006 were approved.  It discussed:

  • They agreed to spend £600 to remove and screen the spoil heap.
  • Garden of Rememberance - following an accident the paving slabs had to be jet washed and will now have to be repointed.

8. Finance and General Purposes
The minutes of the meeting of 3 May 2006 were agreed.  It discussed:

  • 2005/6 Budget.  End of year outturn was income £113,047 and expenditure £124,523.  Due mainly to new parish office (£19,000).  The internal auditor passed the accounts.  Agreed by full council 12-0.
  • Hoselands Wood - the council has been offered a donation of a large piece of land bordering Rectory Meadow.  They deferred a decision pending investigations.
  • Donations.  This provoked the livliest debate of the meeting.  The committee had recommended donations of £100 to the Open Spaces Society and Rural Age Concern Darent Valley, £200 to the Hartley Horticultural Society and nothing to the Kenward Trust which treats alcoholics and drug addicts.  Cllrs Gaywood, Ramsay and Barnett had declared interests and left the room.  Cllr Burns said she was disappointed a charity dealing with the homeless and drugs should be refused, she thought it was more important than flowers and proposed a £200 donation, which was seconded by Cllr Tremain.  This was opposed by Cllr Abraham, who was against supporting people with "self inflicted" problems, which Cllr Burns took exception to.  It was at this point that Mrs Roberts pointed out that none of the councillors that had left the room had an interest in this item, they agreed they could be recalled.  The votes were then taken individually (a) Open Spaces Society - Cllr Cllr Oxtoby proposed £200 which was agreed 9 - 1 (Cllr Ramsay); (b) Cllr Burns's amendment was lost 4 (Cllrs Burns, Tremain, Coutts, Sewell) - 5, however Cllr Burns was invited to come back to the next meeting with more details about the charity; (c) Rural Age Concern agreed 12-0; (d) Horticultural Society - Cllr Coutts thought £200 was a lot, Cllr Ramsay said one show costs £300, Cllr Sewell said he thought at first £200 was over the top until he learnt of their help in the burial ground.  Cllr Oxtoby proposed and Cllr Burns seconded a donation of £100, this was lost 3 (Cllr Burns, Oxtoby, Coutts) - 7, so the donation remained at £200. 
  • Fixed penalties for littering - the council decided not to use their powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 to issue fines for litter, grafiti and fly posting, but weren't against the Community Warden being able to do this.
  • Assistant Clerk's salary - previously they had decided she should be on Spinal column point 17 of the local government scale but had forgotten to deal with increments.  They recommended increments until point 21 is reached.  Agreed by full council 13-0.

9. Planning
Minutes of meetings of 11 April and 2 May approved 13-0.  For details of planning applications see Planning webpage.

10. Communications
Minutes of meetings of 18 and 26 April 2006 approved 13-0.  It discussed:

  • Website - history article supplied by Dr Cramp
  • Newsletter - they had a quotation from Orchard Publishing, but decided to continue with Ash Setting and Printing for June issue.
  • Annual Report - to be printed and distributed by Ash Setting and Printing for £541, plus postage costs for the 167 households they don't deliver to.  This required an increase in the committee's budget (approved by full council 13-0).

11. Highways
Minutes of meeting of 2 May 2006 agreed.  It discussed:

  • Fairby Lane - the committee recommended supporting any action by residents to close the Ash Road entrance.  Cllr Alford opposed this, saying it was a public highway and it was wrong for encouraging people to break the law (see above).  Cllr Harris said this had been going on for ages and they needed to put pressure on the county to do something.
  • Ash Road - a traffic survey outside Westacott in Ash Road and Chantry Avenue found very high maximum speeds, in one case over 100 mph.  KCC still not supporting an interactive sign, the committee recommended buying a sign anyway for north of Chantry Avenue, other councillors were worried they might spend the money and find they couldn't install it, so they adopted Cllr Ramsay's suggestion to get a quotation and send it to KCC (13-0).
  • Springcroft - there was some question as to whether KCC funding would be available for phase 3 of the works to prevent flooding.
  • Quakers Close/Ash Road junction - councillors investigating a low retaining wall built from railway sleepers.
  • Winter Salting - will be extended to Wellfield but not Woodland Avenue.

12. Special Projects
The minutes of the meeting of 18 April 2006 were approved 13-0.  It discussed:

  • Cherry Trees - the council has heard from the Managing agents Brickman Yale, who are planning to take up and replace uneven slabs and remove weeds around the shops.
  • United Reformed Church - councillors did not want to buy the site, but thought a legal agreement to use the site might be possible, but it would have to be run by the community not the council.  Their recommendation to see if a legal agreement was possible and to enquire whether their insurance would cover continued use of the car park was approved 13-0.
  • Exclusion of public - following a secret meeting, a member of the public had written to question the legality of the working group's decisions, since councils can only delegate decisions to committees.  The working group almost apologised and agreed to change its name to a committee (approved by full council 13-0).

13. Payments
Payments for May of £8,642 were agreed.

Meeting closed at 10.08pm

13 March 2006
Present
Cllrs Barnett (chairman for meeting), Tremain, Mrs Oxtoby, Mrs Burns, Sewell, Alford, Harris, Mrs Solman, Mrs Coutts; KCC Councillor Brazier, Mrs Hoad (clerk) and 8 members of the public.

Apologies
Cllrs Ward, Gaywood, Abraham, Ramsay.

Members' Interests
Cllr Tremain - Hartley Wood.

1. Minutes of Meeting of 6 February 2006
Agreed

2. Kent County Councillor
Nothing to report.

3. Public Questions
Mrs Brudenell said she was sad to report that the hedge between Northfield and Cavan has been vandalised.  Cllr Barnett agreed and said it needed protecting.

Mrs Sharp thanked Cllr Sewell for making up the £17.50 pizza voucher to £25, she would like to donate it to a young person who is doing good, eg. looking after a parent and asked for the council to publicise this in their next newsletter.  Cllr Sewell thought it should be run by Kent County Council.

Mr Mayer asked why the parish council had no view on the police reorganisation, which will see us transferred to Tonbridge area.  Concerns were expressed about Hartley being "caught in the middle", Cllr Alford thought it couldn't be any worse than North Kent.  He said it's all Kent police "it's not rocket science" - a view not shared by Cllrs Burns and Harris.  The changes take place on 1 April so the council realised they may have to uninvite the North Kent police representative for the annual parish meeting.

4. Amenities and Open Spaces
The minutes of the meeting of 2 March 2006 were agreed.  The meeting discussed:

  • Football - Hartley de Sales will let them know at the end of March what their requirements will be for 2006/7 season.  They wanted to cut back the bramble on the western boundary of Manor Field.
  • Cricket (Manor Field) - council will pay £150 to roll outfield before start of season and another £50 to repair depression.
  • Cricket (Longfield Hill) - council to pay £200 for mole catching, £240 for control of worms and £50 to prevent gate being lifted off its hinges.  They also discussed fence repairs.
  • Playgrounds - insurers pleased to hear that repairs demanded by RoSPA were in hand.  See also Youth Committee
  • Woodland Avenue - they deferred a request to hire the park by Showtime Amusements for a funfair in the summer.
  • Manor Field - they accepted the suggestions by Messrs HF and JH Glover for a chain barrier to stop unathorised access to the field.  See also Special Projects
  • Rectory Meadow - They recommended refusing a request for interment of ashes there (approved by full council 9-0, Cllr Barnett said they owed "a debt of gratitude" to the North West Kent Countryside Project, all three leaders had been enthusiastic.  Cllr Alford said if anyone owed a debt of gratitude it was Cllr Barnett).  They plan to put a bench where the footpaths intersect.  They also recommended an event to celebrate getting Local Nature Reserve Status (approved by full council 9-0).
  • Hartley Wood Village Green application - consultants for Southwark Council have disputed the parish council claim, but say they wanted to discuss matters.  Committee recommended they do this and suspend application while negotiations are taking place.  (full council agreed, but Cllr Alford carried amendment that they shouldn't suspend the application.  He said he didn't believe their claim that the land had been fenced).
  • Burial Ground Layby - quotations sought to repair damaged chestnut poles.
  • Gorsewood - Probation service asked to clear rubbish at approximate cost of £180.
  • Beechlands Close - they rejected a request for a dog bin there but decided to put one at the junction of Manor Lane and Church Road instead.

5. Burial Ground
The minutes of the meeting of 7 February 2006 were approved.  It discussed:

  • Grass cutting - quotation of T D Munday for £3,311 for 2006-8 accepted.
  • New Burial Ground - they agreed on a plan to be submitted to Sevenoaks District Council for permission.  (approved by full council 9-0)

6.  Planning
Minutes of meetings of 14 and 28 February approved 9-0.  For details of planning applications see
Planning webpage.

7.  Youth Committee
Minutes of meeting of 23 February 2006 were agreed.  It discussed:

  • Snow boarding - the youth worker said the course was going well
  • Big lottery fund children's play - Sevenoaks has been allocated £212,082 - the committee recommended bidding for a skateboard park or replacement play equipment at Woodland Avenue. They also plan to write to other local organisations for funding for the skateboard park (agreed by full council 9-0, Cllr Coutts said her son called for a skateboard park years ago!)
  • Youth Music Day - council decided to take no further action, but decided to investigate paintballing in Gorsewood or Harltey Wood.

See also public question.

At full council Cllr Sewell said he and the youth worker want to set up a "Radio Hawk" on the web.

8.  Communications
The minutes of the committee were approved 9-0.  It discussed the newsletter, annual report and website.

9.  Highways
The minutes of the meeting of 28 February were approved.  It discussed:

  • Speed Indicator Device - they will advertise to improve on the four volunteers they have at present, and then maybe hire it in conjunction with Fawkham PC (cost £10 per month, plus £50 for sign).
  • Stack Lane - no further action to be taken, but they were surprised district council in 1973 didn't consider effect on traffic in Stack Lane.
  • Double Yellow Lines - they want these for Hartley Primary School and maybe St Francis de Sales Church. (approved by full council, Cllr Burns asked why no penalty for parking on zig-zag lines outside the school?  Cllr Harris said it is not enforcable)
  • Springcroft - flooded once again on 14/15 February, KCC looking into it.
  • Cherry Trees - Sevenoaks to be asked to replace the missing bollards.  (see also special projects)
  • Castle Hill - traffic survey undertaken.

10. Special Projects
The minutes were approved 9-0.  It discussed:

  • Cherry Trees - they want to talk to the owner to see if some improvements can be made.
  • Manor Field - they have received some advice from their national association on the covenants on the field, which protect local amenity, but this part of the meeting was held in secret, so no further information is available.

11. Northfield Management Committee
The minutes of the meetings of 27 January and 24 February were noted.  They discussed:

  • Possible Encroachment at NW Corner - to be left to Village Association to deal with.
  • Boundaries - £274 to be spent on chestnut fencing and £160 on hedging on boundary with Church Road; £285 on hedging with Courtfield together with a promise to pay £142.50 towards the stock fencing if the landowners pay the other half
  • Trees - 79 donated, mostly for the hedge by the car park at Milestone School.

See also public question.

12. Parish Plan
Further to the minutes of 13 February 2006, council agreed to refer the issue of the URC Church to the Special Projects Working Group.

13. Hundred Years of Local Government in Hartley
Mr Tucker had requested permission to put the book on his website, but he withdrew this after someone else asked to do the same and raised questions about copyright.  It will now be put on the council's website if the copyright issues can be resolved.

14. Payments
Payments of £9,980 for March were agreed.

6 February 2006
(
Meeting started at 7.15 instead of 7.30)

Present
Cllr Gaywood (chairman), Ramsay, Mrs Oxtoby, Harris, Mrs Solman, Ward (arr 7.20), Mrs Coutts (arr 7.30); Mrs Hoad (clerk), Cllr Brazier (KCC), 9 members of the public.

Apologies had been received from Cllrs Tremain, Alford, Abraham and Sewell.  Reasons given were approved by the council.

1. Public Questions
Mrs Senneck raised concerns about the impending closure of the United Reformed Church.  She is WI president and has been told the car park will not be available after June.  She was very sad to lose the site, and asked if the council will buy it?  It is not on the market yet, but she felt they didn't want executive houses there.  Cllr Gaywood said it would be difficult to stop that.  Cllr Harris said it would be a wonderful place for a village hall and youth club ("we don't want to lose it") and they might get a lottery grant for it.  He thought they should talk to the URC now.  Cllr Gaywood said they have got to be practical, to which Cllr Oxtoby replied you have got to be proactive.  Mrs Sharp summed up the feeling of the public present that "we can't afford to lose this opportunity".

Mrs Roberts raised concerns that the signage warning about kite flying near the high voltage cables on Northfield has disappeared and the cables are still overground.  Cllr Gaywood said he would look into it.

Mrs Brudenell was concerned to learn when she attended the Northfield Management Committee meeting that 2 members of Hartley Parish Council are against horse riding there.  Cllr Gaywood denied he had said that, but Mrs Brudenell said he had been heard to say to Cllr Solman that "you know what I'm talking about".  Mrs Brudenell concluded by saying there are many safe off road footpaths in Hartley, but not one such bridle path.

Mr Rolls asked why no councillors had declared an interest in the planning application by their fellow councillor Oxtoby, when Cllr Gaywood had declared an interest in a quote by Quaife Woodlands because the owner was a fellow Sevenoaks Councillor.  He wanted to know what was the difference?  Cllr Gaywood claimed it was because they were employing Mr Quaife.

Mrs Sharp said at the last meeting Cllr Gaywood asked her what was overdevelopment.  She now replies that if the house next door to him renewed their application for more houses, he'd soon know.  Cllr Gaywood replied yes.  She also asked whether a taxi voucher scheme for the elderly still exists.  Cllr Ramsay thought it was only for Maidstone, Mrs Roberts said it was a Kent County Council scheme.

Mr Rolls asked about the ownership of the land (in front of?) the Manor Field gate, surely they should ask the landowner?  Cllr Gaywood said Kent County Council said it was OK to go ahead, and they had "taken possession because no-one owns it".  Cllr Ramsay confirmed the bank would not be dug out to make the new gate.

2. Interests
Mrs Oxtoby - Hartley Wood.

3. Minutes of Meeting of 9 January
These were agreed 7-0.

4. Amenities and Open Spaces
The minutes of the meeting of 19 January 2006 were approved.  This meeting discussed:

  • Football - they refused the request from Dartford Under 13s to use Manor Field, after Hartley de Sales spoke against.  After last month's criticism De Sales are now happy with Manor Field.
  • Cricket - Hextable CC has now disbanded.  There are some issues with Landscape Services as to the best time to repair the square, New Ash Green CC minded to do the repairs themselves if fee structure revisited.
  • Playgrounds - they have been asked to confirm by their insurers that all Medium risk items from last July's inspection are being actioned.  Further to this they agreed to repairs at Woodland Park, flagged up as a medium risk last July.
  • Grass Cutting - contract for Open Spaces cutting went to Westcut Mowing for £3,582.  Westcut also got contract for gang mowing of Manor Field and Longfield Hill for £2,340.
  • Manor Field - (a) Mr Munday paid £200 to cut back brambles.  (b) A chain barrier is planned for the gap between the beech hedge and cobweb corner to bar access to cars.  (c) A light will illumine the entrance to the path from the car park. (see also public questions)
  • Pavilion - K W Abraham won contract to redecorate changing rooms for £1,250
  • Pond - warden to look at flora and fauna.
  • Gorsewood - Probation service has cleared 2 skips worth of rubbish on 14/15 December.

5.  Finance and General Purposes
The minutes of the meeting of 26 January 2006 were agreed.  This meeting discussed:

  • Hartley Wood - £1,800 spent on markers for council land (agreed by full council 6-0, Cllr Oxtoby having left the room for this item)
  • Parish Office - lease to begin on 1 April 2006, with rent at £1,500 less the business rates. (approved by full council 7-0, Cllr Ramsay said they had been "unexpectedly" rated by Sevenoaks because they have a separate front door.)
  • Health - they are opposed to mergers of Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts, but if pushed will support Kent/Sussex/Surrey SHA, and 3 PCTs for Kent (approved by full council 7-0).
  • Pavilion - they won't pay £250 for a new valuation for insurance, currently £180,000.
  • Donations - they recommend giving £30 to the WRVS and £50 to the Open Spaces Society, the latter because they might need to consult them soon (approved by full council 7-0).
  • Village of the Year - they have referred this to the parish plan steering committee.

6.  Planning
See Planning webpage.

7.  Youth
The minutes of the meeting of 27 January 2006 were agreed.  It discussed:

  • NAG Snowboarding project - half didn't turn up so 4 places given to Hartley children
  • Skateboarding - youth leader advises against going to West Kingsdown, suggests Edenbridge instead.
  • Youth Activity Day - after the experience of the last one they decided it wasn't worth repeating.  Youth leader said children prefer out of parish activities such as swimming, bowling or paint balling.
  • Wellfield 8-12s project - they now cannot use the residents' lounge after complaints from neighbours, who also contacted our MP.  Committee recommended offering them the pavilion.  (agreed by full council 7-0, Cllr Harris said it was an opportunity to see what happens, and was purely a trial)

8.  Highways
The minutes of the meeting of 31 January 2006 were approved.  This meeting discussed:

  • There had not been much progress on the ongoing issues of Castle Hill, Fairby Lane and the Ash Road Interactive sign.
  • Traffic management after any accident.  The committee had asked whether a one-way system could be set up in such circumstances but the police said they could not support the idea.
  • Speedwatch - Cllr Brazier told them the way the scheme runs is groups of 4 people stand with equipment that would flash the driver if they do 38 mph in a 30 mph zone.  The volunteers would note down the number, and if the driver is "caught" twice he gets a letter from the police.  The last request for volunteers only got one person, so they decided to advertise it again.
  • Stack Lane - in response to a letter about the condition of the road, which was made worse by school traffic, the council said they couldn't get involved because the road was not adopted.
  • Parking - Sevenoaks said they will ask their traffic wardens to go to Cherry Trees, and HPC requested yellow lines around entrances to Hartley Primary School (full council endorsed recommendation 7-0, although Cllr Coutts was not altogether happy, she said she has found yellow lines can sometimes make things worse.  Cllr Harris said the school has tried to do this for 25 years, and the yellow line outside the school gates is nothing to do with the county - a resident is believed to have painted it!)
  • Church Road - KCC will not resurface nor impose speed limits on the southern part of the road.

9.  Special Projects
The minutes of the meeting of 3 February 2006 were approved, the meeting discussed:

  • They referred their views on the accessway to the new burial ground to the burial committee, who were also expected to apply for the planning permission (approved by full council 7-0).
  • Further to correspondence with the landowner, the council welcomed the letter about access to the new burial ground across their land.

10. Northfield
Cllr Gaywood apologised that the minutes were not available.

11. Hextable
Sevenoaks Council had written to all parishes, asking them what they thought of the proposal for Hextable to secede from Swanley and form its own parish.  Cllr Gaywood said "to be honest it is highly political there" and he didn't think Hartley should get involved, and councillors agreed 7-0.  However Cllr Coutts did say Hextable was a large area and she thought they should have a parish council, and Cllr Harris said it was his personal view that they should have one, but Hartley council couldn't possibly answer the questions posed by Sevenoaks.

12. Payments~
Payments for January of £4,417 were agreed (Cllrs Harris and Ramsay declared interests in this item).

13.  Kent County Councillor
Cllr Brazier had nothing to report.

Meeting closed at 8.05pm

9 January 2006
Present
Cllrs Gaywood (chairman and SDC councillor), Abraham, Alford, Barnett, Mrs Coutts, Harris, Mrs Oxtoby, Mrs Solman, Tremain, Ward

Mrs Hoad (clerk); Cllr Brazier (KCC), 12 members of the public.

Apologies: Cllrs Mrs Burns, Ramsay, Sewell.  Reasons were approved by the council.

Interests
Cllr Oxtoby - her planning application.

1. Minutes of meeting of 12 December 2005
Approved 10-0.

2. Report by Kent County Councillor
Cllr Brazier reported on the ongoing saga of the interactive sign for Ash Road.  He felt "Kent Highways are still as resistant as ever to an interactive sign as they ever were".  However they will now will set up automatic counter sites to record speed.  Cllr Harris was concerned that the letter from Kent Highways kept referring to a repeater sign, which was not what they asked for.

3. Planning
Minutes were adopted.  See Planning page for details.

4. Special Projects
The minutes of the meeting of 15 December 2005 were approved 10-0, together with the recommendation to give the contract for replacing the gate at Manor Field to I J Paternoster, who quoted £3,345 for the job.  Cllr Alford said it would allow access to wheelchairs and pushchairs when the main gate is shut.  Cllr Coutts said it was "long overdue".

5. Northfield
The minutes of the meeting of 2 December 2005 were noted.  Cllr Alford appeared to be unsure about horse riding, citing safety, monitoring and damage to surface.  He wanted reassurance it would come to the parish councils first, which Cllr Gaywood gave.  This meeting discussed:

  • Due to vandalism they will no longer replace the perspex on the noticeboards but laminate notices instead.
  • Current contractor had not cut meadow for silage
  • Boundaries - following a near accident they agreed to make the Church Road boundary more secure.  But there was disagreement over whether they should fence their boundary with Courtfield.
  • Woodland - it was agreed to call the ancient woodland "New House Shaw".

6. HAWK Youth Partnership
The minutes of the meeting of 6 December 2005 were noted.  This meeting discussed:

  • The Hartley members had requested a breakdown of activities in Hartley.  The reply was that in the period October 2004 - October 2005 the Youth Worker had spent 186 hours in Hartley activities, plus 40 hours for the residential holiday in North Wales, attended by youth from Hartley.  Total expenditure was £1,724 including £1,042 for a snowboarding project, £370 for grafiti project at Hartley Primary School and £200 for MC workshops.
  • Young offenders with ASBOs from outside Hartley are "causing problems for some of its residents".

7. Payments
Payments of £5,431 were approved 10-0.

8. Public Questions
(a) Parish Office - Dr Roberts asked whether the lease had been signed yet?  Mrs Hoad said it had not, because of complications with the business rates.

(b) Parish Council Minutes - Mr Tucker said he had produced a new version on DVD, and requested permission to give a copy to the county archives office.

(c) Cllr Mrs Oxtoby - Mrs Sharp said that she didn't have a problem with people trying to top up their pension fund, but she does have when it is a councillor elected to stop overdevelopment.  In view of Cllr Oxtoby's planning application for 7 houses in Gorsewood Road, she said that it would be prudent for her to resign from the council.  The development would be detrimental to wildlife and there is a road to backland development.  Cllr Gaywood said what was overdevelopment was all in the mind and he "never will agree" that Mrs Oxtoby should resign.

(d) Church Road - Mrs Delf raised concerns about the lack of road cleaning in the winter.  She slipped over on wet leaves and broke her wrist, and someone else she knew also fell in the south part of the road.  Dr Roberts said she had not seen a road sweeper for a long time, but the problem is also the poor state of road surface of Church Road.  Cllr Gaywood promised to take it up with Sevenoaks.

Meeting closed 8.12 pm