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14 January, 11 Feburary,
12 March, 16 April, 14 May,
17 May (Annual Parish Meeting), 10 June, 9
July, 9 September, 14 October, 12
November, 10 December
Planning Applications
1. Present
Cllrs Mrs Oxtoby (chairman),
Abraham, Burchell, Mrs Burns, Coates, Mrs Cole, Glander, Graeme, Ramsay (arr
7.39pm), Sewell. Also Cllr Brazier (KCC), Mrs Gilder (clerk), 4 members of the public.
Apologies - Cllrs Alford, Horwood
2. Interests
Cllr Abraham - payments
3. Minutes
Minutes of meeting of
10 December 2013 were agreed.
4. Public Questions
County Councillor
Report - Cllr Brazier mentioned the following items:
(a) Personal Care - KCC support the Dilnot report
recommendation that £35,000 should be the maximum people pay.
(b) Roads
- they've received £6.2 million from the government for road maintenance
to avoid repairs later on. This means they now have £18 million
available. Locally Billet Hill and Rogers Wood Road will be repaired.
(c)
Youth work - Cllr Burns asked why the contract in Sevenoaks was given to a firm
with no track record and against the wishes of the Locality Board? Cllr
Brazier thought it was a bad decision too, and has an appointment with the cabinet
member to discuss this.
5. Amenities and Open Spaces
1. Present
Cllrs Mrs Oxtoby (chairman),
Abraham, Burchell, Mrs Burns, Coates, Glander, Graeme, Horwood (arr 7.33pm), Ramsay.
Also Mrs Hoad (clerk), 7 members of the public.
Apologies - Cllrs Alford, Mrs Cole, Mrs Fernley,
Sewell
2. Interests
None
3. Minutes
Minutes of meeting of
14 January 2013 were agreed.
4. Public Questions
Billings Hill
Shaw - Cllr Abraham said a piece of land there had added to the green belt.
5. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications.
They also agreed not to produce a neighbourhood plan for Hartley.
6. Woodland Avenue Play Equipment
They
now have the following funding: Kent County Council (£12,500); Sevenoaks
District Council (£3,000); Hartley Parish Council (£10,000) and
therefore agreed to go ahead with scheme. Phase 1 (£25,000) is to
replace roundabout, slide and part of the climbing frame. Phase 2 (£21,000)
is to replace remainder of climbing frame and swings. Add spinner, loud
speakers, log walk, stilts, inclined twine, clatter bridge, striding stilts
and seat. Contractor will be Playdale Playgrounds Limited.
7. Planning
Payments
of £8,500 for February were agreed.
8. General Purposes
The meeting of 6
February 2013 discussed the following.
(a) Stack Lane - a number of residents spoke to
raise concerns about the danger to pedestrians from the potholes. Parish
Council were sympathetic but unwilling to do anything other than write to Kent
County Council. At the full council meeting the residents thanked Councillor
David Brazier of Kent County Council, who had won funding to repair the road.
They also asked whether they would be able to put up a barrier to prevent
the large amount of unauthorised traffic.
(b) HAWK Youth Committee - there is £33,000
remaining in the bank account. Full council agreed to spend this on Playplace
to provide youth work at the New Ash Green and West Kingsdown Youth Centres
and football at Woodland Avenue until the money is all spent. They still
have no idea how the new organisation commissioned by KCC will provide youth
services in the rural areas of Sevenoaks District. Cllr Ramsay was critical
of the current position and said the officer at Sevenoaks was appalled.
(c) Summer Scheme - two 3 hour sessions to be provided
at Woodland Avenue (29 July and 12 August). Both sessions involve provision
of an inflatable, with also African Drums for the 2nd day.
(d) General Power of Competence - they said they
meet the criteria and so adopted the general power of competence. (the
enclosed briefing
paper explains what the General Power of Competence means. As a result
councils will have wider powers. At present with the exception of the
small amount councils are allowed to spend under section 137 Local Government
Act 1972, they must show they have a specific power to do something. Now
if an individual has the power to do a proposed act, then so will the parish
council. Potentially they will be able to spend a lot more than at present)
(e) Police - Daniel Garfield will be the new PCSO
for Hartley and Hodsoll Street. The PACT group has received £280
from Waitrose.
(f) Website - as the new website is not completed
yet, they agreed to continue to pay the hosting charge for the old one.
(g) Ash Road - the county councillor offered to
contribute towards the £50,000 cost of a pedestrian crossing, which has
been requested by Parkfield and asked if the parish council would help. All
councilors agreed they would not.
(h) Winter weather - the council requested KCC
to salt Woodland Avenue, Wellfield and St John's Lane as they were bus routes,
but were told it would not be possible but could be reviewed in the next financial
year. A number of complaints had been received about the non-salting of
St Johns Lane in the recent bad weather.
(i) Library - the council agreed they still want
to take over the library. One councillor doubted whether it would work.
(the current annual costs of running Hartley Library are £33,000
- source
KCC)
1. Amenities
and Open Spaces
The meeting of 25 February
discussed the following:
(a) Manor Field - Football club complains about
poor state of pitch, council allows them to roll it, and will look at how to
repair goalmouths. Cricket club say they can field a Saturday team, but
the Sunday team might be in doubt due to numbers. Roadstone to be put
on corner of carpark next to path to pavilion.
(b) Woodland Avenue - Council
have received a grant from Awards for All of £9,204 for new playground.
Order for phase 1 placed with Playdale Playgrounds Limited. Repairs
to artificial surface under ball wall postponed until better weather. Gates
here and at Chantry Avenue to be looked at to avoid finger entrapment problems,
highlighted in recent safety report.
(c) Gorsewood - owner of Whistling Pines
wants to pay to fell 3 trees on council's land that overhang their property,
saying it was a security risk. Fence at rear of Porchester Close carpark
to be repaired at cost of £95.
(d) Rectory Meadow - quotation of £280
for 3 cuts per year by G Hawkins accepted by council.
(e) Allotments - vegetation
to be cut back (£120). Allotment holders to be told to take out
personal liability cover as it appears they are not covered by the council's
insurance.
2. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications
3.
Northfield
The meeting of 11 February discussed the following:
(a)
Finance - invoices of £940 were agreed (Visual Inspections £140;
pruning without mulching £800)
(b) Maintenance - quotations to be sought
for replacement kissing gate and field gate at Milestone School. Committee
to erect a no parking at any time sign there.
4. HAWK Youth Committee
The
meeting of 13 February discussed the following:
(a) Future KCC provision
- committee concerned about lack of information about the new youth provision.
(b)
Play Place - they recommended councils agree to Play Place providing 32 weeks
of youth work post March in this area. Hartley Council approved this recommendation
5.
Payments
Payments for March of £8,214 were agreed.
Meeting
closed at 7.55pm
1. Present
All councillors
except Cllrs Mrs Fernley and Horwood (apologies), Cllr Brazier (KCC),
Mrs Hoad and 3 members of the public.
2. Interests
Cllr Coates
- Payments
3. Minutes of meeting of 11
March 2013
Approved.
4. Adjournment
(a) Streetlighting - Cllr Brazier said he
had been informed about the possible loss of lights on Hoselands Hill but it
turned out that Billet Hill was meant.
(b) Stack Lane Resurfacing - Cllr Brazier
said he was pleased the county had got as much done as possible with only a
small area not done, it was the sort of surface he wouldn't mind outside his
own house. He had received complimentary letters, but also one who thought
they had not done a proper job, whom he thinks had misunderstood what the council
was trying to do. At the meeting Mr Mayer thanked him for the work he
had done. Mr Senneck said part of the problem is satnavs send people down
Stack Lane.
(c) Bus stops - Cllr Abraham thanked him
for getting the bus stop in Church Road moved from Mintmakers to the shops.
He raised the issue of the St Johns Lane bus stop which is on a corner.
Cllr Alford thought it would be alright when they get double yellow lines
there.
(d) Sevenoaks Council - Cllr Ramsay said
they had received a record 20,000 housing benefit claims last month due to changes
in the welfare system. It is hard for them to cope.
5. Burial Grounds
The committee
met on 13 March and discussed the following:
(a) New Burial Ground: they have received options
from Cemetery Design Services. They decided they wanted an east-west orientation
of the graves but were concerned there was insufficient space between them.
They plan to put the shed over the water main to create more space for
burials. They felt that the burial of ashes in the garden of remembrance
causes problems and would only want them scattered or buried in marked plots
only.
(b) All Saints' Churchyard - they reported to Kent
highways the road sign leaning into the churchyard.
6. Finance
The committee met on
20 March and mainly reviewed existing controls of Internal Audit, Internal Control,
Financial Risk Assessment, Financial Regulations, and Assets Register. They
also discussed:
(a) Insurance - the cost of insurance for Northfield
will be £318.
(b) Subscriptions - subscriptions totalling £2,275
were renewed, including Kent Association of Local Councils (£1,040), Scribe
Accounting Software (£245), CCL Website Hosting (£235), Society
of Local Council Clerks (£227), RBS Software Solutions for accounts (£187)
(c) Investments - full council decided (11-0) to
invest in a Barclays Business Fixed Rate bond paying 1.2% interest
(d) Donations - full council decided 11-0 to donate
£250 to Rural Age Concern Darent Valley.
7. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications.
8. Northfield
The management
committee met on 27 March and discussed:
(a) Payments: of £3,181 were agreed,
of which £2,500 was to Independent Woodland Management for Formative Pruning
and Mulch Arisings, and £484 for 6 signs to warn motorists not to drive
on Northfield.
(b) Financial reviews - they conducted similar
reviews to the Finance Committee above.
(c) Land Maintenance - a tree has fallen
on the fence from neighbouring land, landowner to be asked to remove it. They
agreed to employ Complete Weed Control to remove ragwort.
(d) Motorbikes - signs to be placed at Milestone
School, Farm Holt, Caling Croft and Church Road entrances.
9. Payments
Payments
of £7,822 for April were agreed.
Meeting closed at 7.52pm
Present
All councillors
except Cllrs Horwood (apologies), and Ramsay. Cllr Brazier (KCC),
Mrs Hoad and 2 members of the public.
1. Resignation of Cllr Mrs
Fernley
Due to ill health. All councillors wished her a speedy
recovery.
2. Minutes of Meeting of 8 April 2013 (approved)
3.
Adjournment
(a) Kent County Council - Cllr Brazier said the election
count was stressful. They only have a majority of 6 so no days off! It
will be interesting with UKIP as the opposition as only one member has experience
of local government. He thought many didn't expect to win and may struggle
to make meetings. He is now cabinet member for transport and environment
and has never worked so hard.
(b) Sevenoaks Council - Cllr Abraham said a
reorganisation means fewer cabinet members (6) with deputy members and a new
committee structure.
(c) Benefits Surgery - Cllr Oxtoby asked whether it
would start again? There were 3 disappointed people turned away last week.
4.
Committees
Council agreed to keep the current structure. The
only change in membership was Cllr Burns left the Planning Committee due to
work commitments. Various policy documents were also approved.
5.
Amenities and Open Spaces
The meeting of 22 April discussed the
following:
(a) Manor Field - field has been rolled by footballers. Council
annoyed they had trained on one of pitches after being asked not to due to recent
bad weather. Cricket Club membership is up.
(b) Longfield Hill - Meopham
CC will run U11, U13, U15 and U17 teams there this season. Spring cover
to gate repaired (£88). Following complaints by cricket club they
will get rid of weeds from hedge but don't agree it has encroached the outfield.
(c)
Woodland Avenue - new play equipment vandalised on 20/21 April. Artificial
surface by ball wall completed but still needs pressure wash. Repairs
to gate to avoid finger entrapment completed.
(d) Trees - council agree to
quote from Duramen Consulting of £2,700 to undertake a tree risk assessment
over land council controls. They decided not to put it out to tender because
of past experience of contractor since 2010.
6. Finance
The
meeting of 8 May discussed the following:
(a) Annual accounts - they signed
off the 2012/13 accounts.
(b) Insurance - Council agreed 9-0 to accept quote
of Aviva for 1 year's insurance for £1,319.
7. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications.
8.
Northfield
The meeting of 3 May 2013 discussed the following:
(a)
Insurance - they agreed to quote from Aviva of £424 for 1 year.
9.
Payments
Payments of £9,674 for May were agreed.
Meeting
closed at 8.05pm.
Present
Mrs Oxtoby (chairman), all councillors
except Cllrs Horwood and Coates; Cllrs Ramsay, Abraham and Gaywood (Sevenoaks
DC); Cllr Brazier (Kent CC); Gareth Johnson (MP for Dartford), 17 members of
the public.
1. Kent Waste Management
Cllr Brazier gave a presentation on the history
and future developments of waste management. Although the weight of waste
per household has changed little since 1930, the composition has greatly. In
1930 Ash comprised 58% of waste, now it is 6%, to be replaced in importance
by Food Waste (32%), Plastic (14%) and Paper (12%). The amount sent to
landfill has fallen dramatically, it was 72% in 2005, and 22% now. They
hope to reduce this to 6% by 2020. Much of Hartley's waste which cannot
be recycled goes to a waste burning facillity at Allington.
The split between the districts who collect the
waste and the county who processes the waste does cause problems in lack of
standardisation, but they have managed to standardise things in East Kent, which
will be rolled out to west Kent by 2018. It wouldm mean five householder
bins, this was not welcome news to a number in the audience, who thought the
current system was quicker and simpler. Cllr Abraham called bins "an
eyesore". Mr Tucker, former KCC councillor, said the waste burning
plant at Allington generates enough energy to power Maidstone.
2. MP's Report
Mr Johnson summarised the past year for himself.
He said he hadn't supported the government on everything, he had voted
against them on House of Lords Reform, Gay Marriage and the EU Referendum. The
national debt means they can't do all that they would like. He claimed
successes on preventing timetable cuts to Longfield, removal of toll booths
at the Dartford Crossing, and on a local place to collect mail when the Longfield
Delivery Office closes. On the latter he hopes for an announcement in
2 weeks. He has also introduced a 10 minute bill to allow the prosecution
to appeal against more sentences if they think they are too low. He claims
to be close to getting government backing. Locally he highlighted "exciting"
developments - expansion of Bluewater, housing at the Eastern Quarry and Swanscombe
Theme Park. There is every sign of Swanscombe actually happening and it
will create 27,500 jobs including some skilled ones on funfair design.
In questions he was asked to lobby the Home Secretary
to get the police to stop the traffic on Remembrance Sunday. He said he
had spoken to the police and technically they don't have the power to stop traffic
except in emergencies. However the Chief Constable had said police should
stop the traffic for this, and this did happen in most areas of Kent. He
was also asked about doing something to help people who lose out on pensions
because they are carers. He gave a general answer on how councils couldn't
cope without carers, but didn't promise anything.
3. Community Warden
Jackie West outlined what she had been doing in
the previous year. This included visiting vulnerable people, speaking
to many local groups, and a monthly surgery. Mrs Oxtoby said it was good
to have a community warden again.
4. Red Cross
A representative spoke of their role ("we
refuse to ignore people in crisis") and that they hoped to get a presence
in every village. They specialise in emergency response - for example
emergency rest centres, or helping people burned out of their homes until other
services kick in, contacting vulnerable members of the community in winter.
They work with the Women's Institute Emergency Scheme. The teams
they hope to set up can choose to specialise in certain aspects of their work
but they would like them to meet regularly,in order to make them a team.
Break for refreshments.
5. Chairman's Report
Mrs Oxtoby referred to her statement in the printed
annual report. She was particularly pleased with the Jubilee Celebrations.
She thanked her fellow councillors and staff, without whom she said, nothing
would happen.
6. Finance Report
Cllr Ramsay referred to the finance statement in
the annual report. He said the reserves had risen from £100,000
to £120,000 because of grant moneys for the Woodland Avenue park which
had not been spent in the financial year. Changes foistered on them by
the government's welfare reforms meant a minimum 6.3% increase, but added to
that are increased costs of Northfield to deal with ragwort, pension costs,
playgrounds, inflation and the burial ground. (Note the total increase
was 18%).
To a question about the reduced income for Manor
Field, he said that was due to vandalism in the year, but some users went to
the Village Hall, which is not accounted for here, so not a total loss to the
council. Mr Mayer asked why, even allowing for the grant money referred
to, the council's general reserve had increased in 3 years from £67,000?
Cllr Ramsay said it was needed for the new burial ground, which he estimated
would cost £50,000.
7. Kent County Council
Cllr Brazier spoke about the problems of the winter
snow. Grit is ineffective for snow over a certain depth and then it has
to be ploughed, but ploughing is not possible when the road is clogged with
traffic. They keep A and B roads, as well key other roads, such as Ash
Road and South Ash Road. They do their best for vulnerable people then.
The snow has meant a lot of road repairs are needed, they have 60 people
out on repairs at present.
Money is desperately short. Council tax will
have to go up and some libraries will close. He hoped that Hartley, New
Ash Green and West Kingsdown libraries may be run by volunteers in future.
Cllr Abraham said when Ash Road is closed, Castle
Hill must not be used for diversions. Cllr Brazier agreed and said he
has told KCC Highways that this is not a suitable diversion for traffic.
Two residents of Stack Lane thanked Mr Brazier
for sorting out the problems with Stack Lane.
8. Sevenoaks Council
Cllr Gaywood thought Hartley council would need
their surplus in future years as they won't get grants. He outlined changes
in the way the council is run and said he is now chairman of the Standards Committee
so parish councillors will have to be careful! Although he did go on to
say that there are virtually no sanctions even if someone is found guilty. On
planning he said he disagreed with the government's plan to allow householders
to extend houses by 8 metres without planning permission, and is pleased the
neighbours can object now. He said the costs of the planning department
are not met by the fees.
9. Questions
(a) Cherry Trees - several people complained about
the state of the shops, and parking there, it was described as an "eyesore".
Mrs Oxtoby said Sevenoaks have carried out a visual audit and got the
owners to rectify some things, but like any other homeowner they are not obliged
to redecorate their property.
On parking it was thought that the carpark at the
back was in a poor state, which put people off parking there. Several
called for the traffic island to be removed to increase the parking spaces.
Cllr Ramsay said KCC won't remove it because it is their land and it is
the only way they can ensure pedestrian access to the shops.
Another resident raised the lack of bus timetables
there. Mrs Hoad promised to chase up the bus company.
(b) Turnout at meeting - Cllr Alford noted the
poor turnout at the meeting. Several members of the audience felt this
was down to poor advertising of the event by the council, one person said it
was because there was nothing controversial. Mr Johnson said it was the
2nd highest turnout for any annual meeting in the constituency he had attended
though. Mrs Mayer suggested they put something in the Hart.
Meeting closed at 9.58 pm
1. Present
All councillors
except Cllr Alford (apologies), Cllr Brazier (KCC), Mrs Hoad (clerk), 4 members
of the public.
2. Interests
None declared
3. Minutes of meeting of 13
May 2013
Were agreed without amendment
4. Public Questions
(a) Brands Hatch - Cllr Glander reported that they
are sending some traffic along the Fawkham Valley Road to the M25. Cllr
Brazier said he was not aware of that.
(b) Sevenoaks - Cllr Ramsay said land sales, including
site at Sevenoaks to Marks and Spencer have raised £3.4 million. They
may spend some of the money on White Oak at Swanley, a refurbisment or redevelopment.
Personally he favours the latter.
(c) Longfield Station - Mr Mayer said that at the
recent "Kent Rail Summit" a spokesman for South Eastern had said they
expected to end the fast trains stopping at Longfield from 2014. Cllr
Brazier said it was unlikely because they would object very strongly to that.
5. Casual Vacancy
Following Mrs Fernley's resignation, no election
has been called so the council discussed how to coopt a councillor. They
decided to model the procedure on Ash and Stone. They plan to advertise
and ask candidates what they would like to see for Hartley and then vote on
who they want.
6. Routine Maintenance
Contract
This contract runs for a year from 1 July to undertake
visual inspections, carry out minor maintenance tasks and litter picking at
the open spaces and playgrounds. They only received one quote from the
current contractor, T D Munday, for £7,925 (up 2.1% from 2012), which
they agreed 11-0 to accept.
7. Burial Grounds
The committee met of 3 June and discussed the new
burial ground. They had received the draft tender documents prepared by
Cemetery Design Services, which they agreed with a few amendments to the specifications.
Rather than advertise the contract which will exceed the threshold for
advertising at £14,000, they decided to write to the list of suppliers
given by the consultant.
8. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications.
The meeting of 15 May 2013 also appointed Cllr
Abraham as chairman, and Cllr Ramsay and vice chairman of the committee.
9. Northfield
The Management Committee met on 13 May 2013 and
discussed the following.
(a) Finance - they approved bills of £867
including Bike Signs (£403), new field gate and kissing gate (£226),
weekly visual inspections (March 13) £100, empty dog bins (£73),
Internal audit (£40).
(b) Vandalism - the padlock on the gate to the
play area had been broken during a theft of a car from a neighbouring property,
which had been driven around Northfield. Also 3 trees in New House Shaw
and 24 trees in Barnetts Wood had been cut down, and a tent and sofa installed
with evidence of a fire. The sofa and a considerable amount of litter
were removed.
(c) Ragwort - a lazy
dog weeding tool will be purchased (£82.60) to assist removal.
10. Payments
Payments of £38,059 were agreed for June,
including £26,700 for the new playground equipment, and £1,300 for
insurance.
Meeting closed at 7.59pm
Meeting started at 7.35 due to them awaiting
the arrival of one of the councillors.
1. Present
All councillors
except Cllrs Burchell, Mrs Cole, Sewell, Alford (apologies), Cllr Brazier (KCC), Mrs Gilder
(clerk), 5 members
of the public.
2. Interests
Cllr Oxtoby
(Payments, Chantry Avenue Playground (knows one of the bidders for work)
Cllr
Graeme (Payments)
3. Cooption of New Councillor
The
councillors first voted 9-0 to amend their standing orders to allow them to
hold a secret ballot, with the ballot papers thrown away immediately afterwards.
There were 2 applicants, Carol Beaman and Dorothy
Vesey, who were invited to give a short presentation without the other being
present. Mrs Vesey highlighted her experience in local government for
Lewisham Council before she took early retirement, and as chair of the local
PACT panel. She said the Jubilee event went well and involved many, the
unification of the village then was inspiring. But she is disappointed
to see the falling numbers at the Annual Parish Meeting. It is clear many
feel disengaged, and it is the PC's responsibility to engage and be inclusive.
She wishes to see people more involved in decision making, especially
young people, and community cohesion and there should be broader representation.
Mrs Beaman said she had moved to Hartley 6 years ago and works part time
so should have time for the council. She is passionate at keeping the
village as it is and stopping development. Her other priorities are stopping
dog fouling of streets and helping youngsters have something to do.
After the ballot Mrs Vesey was declared elected
and welcomed to the council. She was elected to serve on the Planning
and Amenities committees.
4. Adjournment
Cllr
Brazier said his member's grant budget has been cut so now he only has £25,000
to give for all purposes. He mentioned the council has 3 planning applications
for test drilling. He said they are difficult to refuse and he has published
a position statement for the council. He stressed this doesn't necessarily
mean that fracking will be carried out on these sites, but it is "not unlikely"
if unconventional gases are found there.
5. Amenities and Open Spaces
The
meeting of 29 July discussed the following.
(a) Cricket - PC agreed 10-0 with the recommendation
to increase the hire fee for New Ash Green and Hartley CC at Manor Field from
£945 to £1,000 for 2013.
(b) Football - they agreed to let the club
drill holes for corner flags, and that they would mow the grass before 1 April
if the club gave notice that it was necessary. Hartley de Sales will be
using all 3 pitches in 2013/14 but will now only have 5 teams instead of last
season's six. Full council agreed 10-0 to reduce hirer fees from £1,800
to £1,500. In mitigation they said that the club will be rolling
the ground in future, previously the council rolled only once a year and had
not done it in recent years because of the weather. The club will be doing
it 2-3 times a year. The cost was said to be about £100 a time.
Cllr Abraham and Mrs Gilder said since the committee made the recommendation
there have been big increases in the cost of line marking kit which will add
about £150 to annual costs to the council (they use about 7 per year and
the cost has doubled to £44).
(c) Woodland Avenue - the new playground opened
on 28 June. They purchased a new sign for the playground for £161
plus cost of installation. The Scouts have painted the outise of the fence
while councillors will paint the inside. They have made enquiries for
grant funding for phase 2.
(d) Chantry Avenue - play equipment to be painted
at a cost of £750.
(e) Gorse Wood - fly tipping to be removed, chain
link fence to Caxton Close to be repaired.
(f) Rectory Meadow - NW Kent Countryside Project
to be undertaking scrub clearance on 13 November. Newly planted trees
near Banckside are dying, and 2 new ones to be planted there.
(g) Manor Field - a hirer of the pavilion has cancelled
their booking owing £287. Council to offer payment plan of £50
per month.
(h) Allotments - the committee wanted to serve
notice to quit on one allotment holder due to condition of their plot, but council
decided to suspend this and monitor the situation, after Mrs Gilder reported
the plot was now back in cultivation and the holder has said they want to continue.
(i) Village Sign - repairs to be undertaken, and
the possbility of making it 2 sided investigated.
6. General Purposes
The meeting
of 9 July discussed the following.
(a) Library - discussions have begun in each district
about the future of the library service.
(b) Remembrance Sunday - he police have replied
to say they have limited powers to regulate traffic. Apparently the MP
will take up the matter with the Chief Constable.
(c) Family Fun Days - to be held at the Woodland
Avenue Park on 30th July, 13th August and 19th August.
(d) Website - they hope it will go live soon, but
will need a lot of staff time to load all the documents.
(e) Cherry Trees - complaints received about condition
of retail units there. Council say it is nothing to do with them, but
Sevenoaks council is trying to meet with the landlords.
(f) PACT - donation from Waitrose used to buy new
litter bin for Woodland Avenue playground.
(g) Winter road salting - they have requested St
John's Lane, Wellfield and Woodland Avenue be added to the salting list.
7. Planning
See Planning Page for planning applications.
In addition Sevenoaks Council have put a tree preservation order at Yew
Cottage, Hartley Green.
8. Northfield
The management
committee met on 6 August and discussed the following:
(a) Payments - of £1,464 were agreed including
Insurance £424, Installation of motorbike signs £155, Ragwort control
£480, Weekly visual inspections £260
(b) Constitution - they made some amendments, including
reducing the minimum number of meetings from 6 to 4.
(c) New Ash Green Allotments - they reiterated
their opposition to vehicular access to the allotments behind the Black Lion.
(d) Horse Riding - membership was 11 as of July
2013.
(e) Fires - recently reported in New House Shaw
and on the boundary with Thames View Farm.
9. Payments
Payments
for Septemeber of £17,263 were agreed.
1. Present
All councillors
except Cllrs Alford, Horwood and Ramsay (apologies received from Cllrs Alford
and Ramsay), Cllr Brazier (KCC), Mrs Hoad (clerk), 3 members
of the public.
2. Adjournment
The
following KCC matters were raised by Cllr Brazier:
(a) Ash Road - the owner of one of the properties
near the Black Lion had raised concerns about speeding there and is strongly
in favour of traffic calming. He said enforcement action will be taken
soon, but as for calming it is expensive (Longfield Hill "build outs"
cost £60,000) and his experience is that pretty soon after installation,
people want them removed because they cause problems. The parish council
would be consulted if they decided to do anything. He said accidents on
Ash Road had been analysed and none were due to excessive speed. Cllr
Sewell asked whether it was the case that you can't put in traffic calming without
streetlights, Cllr Brazier said that was his understanding too.
(b) Rail Service at Longfield - Cllr Mrs Burns
said she was disappointed KCC are still pushing for the off peak service to
Longfield to be reduced from 3 to 2 per hour. Cllr Brazier said the logic
is complex and he has had it explained in detail. He thought 3 stopping
trains at Longfield per hour was "absurd", he believed it didn't need
3 stopping trains through the day. He said peak trains will not be affected,
and the reduction at other times is not certain and he doesn't think it will
happen at present until the new franchise in 2018. It has been claimed
to him that they need to speed up trains from the east of the county to ensure
Southeastern wins the franchise bid in 2018. Cllr Burns asked why they
should be so keen that Southeastern wins the franchise in 2018, he said it was
because they had "performed pretty well" (not all councillors agreed
with this) and that they were likely to be the only bidders, the alternative
would be a direct train operator like East Coast. He did think Southeastern
prioritises high speed services to the detriment of the other services, people
round here don't want to drive to Ebbsfleet to catch trains to St Pancras.
(c) Cllr Abraham raised a new scheme called "West
Kent Wheels to Work" where people can get mopeds for £121 per month.
Cllr Brazier the scheme is run by KCC and the fee is to demonstrate and
degree of commitment and to prevent people who only wanted to get a free bike.
2. Amenities and Open Spaces
The
committee meeting of 23 September discussed the following:
(a) Manor Field - problems operating the bollard
had been reported, repairs cost £179. The hawthorn hedge on the
northern boundary to be cut at a cost of £280.
Bookings of the pavilion are still down, so they
plan a programme of decoration works. The electricity keeps tripping out;
rather than installing new lights or renewing the light circuit, the committee
decided to halve the number of light tubes in the hall. Bayly Environmental
Services appointed to carry out annual water hygiene services (£460).
(b) Allotments - council approved 10 votes to 0
proposal to increase rents by 5% from 1 October 2014.
(c) Woodland Avenue - the PC have set aside £7,000,
they have made an application for a grant of £10,000 from UK Power Networks,
and the county councillor has promised £2,500 from his fund for Phase
2 of the playground project. If they don't get any grants the project
will need to be scaled back. The contractor for the new playground has
repaired cracks in the new concrete. Eight acts of vandalism in the area
have been reported between 22 August and 18 September including damage to swings,
removal of wooden rails, perspex cover of Wellfield noticeboard broken, litter
and salt bins burnt out. Sevenoaks say they will not replace litter bins.
Repairs to the vandalised swings and the noticeboard could cost up to
£344.
(d) Hartley Wood - resident wishes to plant Ash
tree, committee suggests that due the die back disease, it would be better to
plant another species.
3. Burial Grounds
The
meeting of 7th October discussed:
(a) Fees - they refused a request to reduce fees
to the local residents' rate for the burial of a long term resident of Hartley
who moved away in 2001.
(b) New Burial Ground - they have decided to scale
back plans. Only half of the site will be used, with a beech hedge being
planted along the middle in 2014 (as only 25% of people are buried now). A
shorter tarmac path and fence will be built and water laid on in 2014/15. Plans
for a shed were also questioned. They think the current burial ground
has space for burials for another 5 years, which is longer than previously estimated.
4. General Purposes
The
meeting of 18 September discussed:
(a) Hartley Library - they decided to defer any
moves to taking over the running of the library until KCC's plans become clear.
They acknowledged any decision could not be undertaken until full consultation
with the community.
(b) Parish Office Lease - still ongoing after several
years. Council agreed 10-0 with the proposal to pay £250 towards
KCC's legal costs in amending the lease to include the cycle store.
(c) Rememberance Parade - Council agreed 10-0 to
write to the MP again to complain about "lack of support being provided
by Kent Police". They want a national policy. Cllr Mrs Oxtoby
doubted that anything would change. Previously the police had explained
to the council that they have no powers to stop traffic for pre-planned events,
but rather the council have to get a road closure order.
(d) Streetlighting - KCC plan to turn off or reduce
operating hours of 60% of their lights, but this does not affect the streetlights
in Hartley.
(e) Waste Water Charges - they had no comment to
make on increased waste water charges by Thames Water to fund the proposed Thames
Tideway Tunnel.
(f) Family Fun Days - only 6 attended on 30 July
due to rain, but 77 attended on 13th August.
(g) Cherry Trees - complaint from local resident
about parking outside the shops, but the council said they could do very little.
The landlord of the shops is undertaking render repairs.
(h) Winter salting - KCC have agreed to add St
John's Lane to the list of salted roads. The parish council have requested
a tonne of salt for roads to be stored at Cherry Trees.
(i) World War 1 - they deferred discussion of commemoration.
Cllr Mrs Oxtoby said she would be uncomfortable with anything which might
be construed as a celebration.
(j) Community Award Scheme - they decided that
Hartley should join the Kent Association of Local Councils scheme to acknowledge
those who have contributed to local communities.
5. Planning
See Planning Section
for planning applications.
6 Payments
Payments
of £13,505 for October were agreed.
1. Present
All councillors.
Mrs Hoad (clerk), about 10 members of the public.
2. Adjournment
Sevenoaks
Council - Cllr Ramsay said they still intend to increase the council tax by
1.99% next year. He said staff numbers had been reduced by 240 to 363,
they had expected this to be 350 but the government's failure to bring in universal
benefit has meant this will not be possible. He thought it would have
been brought in quicker had they adopted the suggestion to use the expertise
of local authorities, rather than devising a new national computer system.
3. Burial Grounds
The
meeting of 18 November 2013 discussed the following:
(a) Grass cutting and general maintenance - they
had 4 tenders between £3,474 and £5,400. They chose to go
with the second cheapest quote from T D Munday at £3,504 because they
already pay him £18 per month to undertake visual inspections and they
said this is unlikely to continue otherwise.
(b) Charges - they agreed increases of £5
for all charges except use of the car park for funerals, a percentage increase
of 4-7%.
(c) All Saints' Churchyard - they thanked the Church
PCC for the £150 contribution to the reinstatement of the ground around
the reburied remains from the extension. The Church had also suggested
the water bill be split 50/50, the council agreed 13-0 that they would only
agree to a 70/30 church/council split because they said the sewerage costs was
nothing to do with them.
4. Finance
The meeting
of 27 November 2013 discussed the following:
(a) Internal audit - the committee agreed with
the recommendations to upload draft minutes onto the website, and to have links
to Sevenoaks Council and Kent County Council.
(b) 2014/15 budget and precept - following last
year's increase, council agreed 13-0 to a budget where net expenditure will
rise by 7.3% from £120,600 to £129,400. This will entail an
increase in the precept from £128,000 to £130,500, meaning a 2%
increase in parish council tax. Cllr Burns said the £1.02 band D
increase was less than the cost of a newspaper.
(c) Donations - council agreed 12-0 (Cllr Burns
appeared to abstain) not to give any grants to MIND (Sevenoaks), SANDS (Still
birth charity) and Victim Support.
5. Planning
See Planning Section
for planning applications.
6 Payments
Payments
of £17,710 for November were agreed.
2013/47
Woodland Avenue (Tamarinda)
Single storey side extension, loft conversion, 3
dormers
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/116
Gorsewood Road (Chipstead)
Single storey extensions to rear, side and front
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/171
Gresham Avenue (Arosa)
Extend time limit under 2010/3069
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/181
Gresham Avenue (Arosa (adjoining))
Details (landscaping, access) v 10/3069
SDC - Granted
HPC -
2013/264
Chantry Avenue (15)
Demolition of rear conservatory to facilitate
the erection of single storey rear extension and two storey side extension with
two roof-lights to the rear extension; extension of flat roof over front
entrance to form canopy.
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/271
Round Ash Way (Primary School)
Retain mobile classroom
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/336
Ash Road (Elim)
The erection of dormer windows within side and
rear roof slopes and a rooflight on the front roof slope.
SDC - Granted
HPC -
2013/342
Manor Lane (Orchard House)
Details (means of enclosure) v 10/2047
SDC - Granted
HPC - n/a
2013/343
Gresham Avenue (Arosa (adjoining))
Details (materials) v 10/3069
SDC - Granted
HPC -
2013/425
Ash Road (Milestone School)
Erection of a single span greenhouse (vertical)
SDC - Refused
HPC - No objection
2013/442
Church Road (St Margarets)
Erection of a double garage in the front garden,
and the conversion of the existing integral garage into living accommodation.
SDC - Refused
HPC - Object Too small for building line, damage
street scene, similar application 12/606 refused
2013/533
Gorsewood Road (Kilndown)
Details (biodiversity) v 10/80
SDC - Granted
HPC -
2013/534
Hartley Bottom Road (Hartley Bottom Farm)
Details (materials) v 12/3103
SDC -
HPC -
2013/572
Church Road (Point Hill)
Details (materials) v 12/469
SDC -
HPC -
2013/573
Church Road (Point Hill)
Details (landscaping) v 12/469
SDC -
HPC -
2013/590
Ash Road (Orchard House)
Outline application for a proposed detached
bungalow with some matters reserved.
SDC - Refused
HPC - Object Green belt
2013/666
Merton Avenue (6)
Erection of a ground floor front bay window
together with alterations to existing porch roof.
SDC -
HPC -
2013/675
Church Road (Culvey Keys)
Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of
replacement two storey house and refuse/recycling enclosure
SDC - Withdrawn
HPC - n/a
2013/682
Merton Avenue (6)
The erection of a single storey rear garden room
extension.
SDC -
HPC -
2013/691
Manor Lane (Orchard House)
Details (materials) v 11/2291
SDC - Granted
HPC - n/a
2013/696
Gresham Avenue (19)
Two dormers to front elevation, roof extension
and front porch.
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/728
Downs Valley (14)
Raise roof height to create habitable room with
dormer window
SDC - Withdrawn
HPC - No objection
2013/729
Downs Valley (12)
Raise roof height to create habitable room with
dormer window
SDC - Withdrawn
HPC - No objection
2013/758
Merton Avenue (3)
The erection of a conservatory to the rear of
the property.
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/764
Church Road (Parsonage Nursery)
Erection of a new stable block.
SDC - Refused
HPC - No objection If OK by Green belt, only one
skip to be allowed, minimum external lighting, think location is bad for
neighbour amenity
2013/777
Parkfield (8)
Part two storey/part single storey side
extension and internal alterations
SDC -
HPC -
2013/850
Culcroft (28)
Single storey rear extension
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/974
Dickens Close (7)
Alteration of flat roofs to pitched roofs
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1007
Larksfield (Highlands)
Single storey rear, side and front extensions,
dormers
SDC - Refused
HPC - No objection
2013/1008
Larksfield (South Riding)
Demolish conservatory, erect single storey rear
and front extension, dormer window and rooflights.
SDC - Refused
HPC - No objection
2013/1063
Gorsewood Road (Gorsewood Farm)
Demolish, replace with 2 x 5 bed houses
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection Concerns no access to
retained land at rear
2013/1462
Church Road (The Ridge)
Retention and use of outbuildings as domestic
store and garage
SDC - Granted
HPC - Object Original planning consent said they
should be removed
2013/1464
Dickens Close (35)
Demolish garage, erect side extension with
shower room, family room, utility room and garage
SDC - Granted
HPC - Object Neighbour amenity
2013/1465
Sloane Square (1)
Extension of garage, new porch
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1476
Gorsewood Road (Kilndown)
Reconfigure conservatory v 09/638
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1497
St Johns Lane (1)
Replace car port with 3 bay garage with games
room above
SDC - Refused
HPC - Object Too high, intrusive within street
scene
2013/1579
Beechlands Close (7)
Demolish garage, erect side and rear extensions,
roof dormer, solar panel
SDC - Withdrawn
HPC -
2013/1583
Church Road (Culvey Keys)
Demolish, replace with 4 bed bungalow
SDC - Refused
HPC - No objection If OK by Green Belt
2013/1600
Parkfield (8)
Part two storey/part single storey side
extension and internal alterations
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1672
Pitfield (1)
Single storey rear conservatory
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1677
Manor Drive (Forge House)
Alteration of playroom wall v 12/2951
SDC -
HPC -
2013/1683
Gorsewood Road (Reprise)
Demolish conservatory and extension, erect new
extension
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/1734
Gorsewood Road (Kilndown)
Details (materials) v 09/638
SDC -
HPC -
2013/1774
Woodland Avenue (Childshall)
Single storey rear extension, dormer extension,
porch extension
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/2009
Fairby Lane (13)
Single storey rear extension with velux windows
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/2019
Ash Road (Monksilver)
2 x 2 storey side extensions, raise roof height,
dormers
SDC - Granted
HPC - Object Out of keeping, overdevelopment,
neighbour amenity
2013/2032
Bramblefield Close (All)
41 unit apartment building over car park, 30
other new flats, reconfigure station car park
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2054
Ash Road (Joh San)
Erect 4 bed bungalow with access to Ash Road
SDC -
HPC - Object Previous appeal decision, neighbour
amenity, out of keeping
2013/2136
Ash Road (Windy Ridge)
Extend time limit of 10/2319
SDC - Withdrawn
HPC - No objection
2013/2174
Church Road (Birchfield)
Single Storey rear extension
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2206
Bramblefield Close (Bramblings)
Erect single storey extension to kitchen
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2305
Manor Drive (Highfields)
Amend condition 2, 6, 8 of 12/1488
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2384
Merton Avenue (Nil Desperandum)
2 storey side extension, single storey rear extension,
3 roof lights in front elevation
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2388
Merton Avenue (Nil Desperandum)
Erect 4 bed dwelling on land adjoining
SDC -
HPC - Object Overdevelopment, plot too small,
too close to adjoining properties
2013/2516
Church Road (Keston)
Front porch
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2527
Church Road (Culvey Keys)
Demolish, replace with 4 bed bungalow
SDC -
HPC - No objection If OK by Green Belt
2013/2541
Beechlands Close (7)
Demolish garage, replace with 2 storey side extension
with dormer and 3 rooflights and other alterations
SDC -
HPC - Object Out of keeping, encroaches on shared
driveway, restrict access to garage of no 9
2013/2562
Fawkham Road (Salts Farm)
Demolish depot, replace with 50 bed dementia
care home with walkway to adjacent nursing home, 25 parking spaces
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2706
Ash Road (Knoll Cottage)
Single storey rear extension
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/2707
Ash Road (Knoll Cottage)
Front boundary wall and gates (retrospective)
SDC -
HPC - Object Restricts sight lines for members
of public exiting library car park
2013/2758
Manor Drive (Forge House)
1st floor extension over existing extension
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/2860
Larksfield (South Riding)
Demolish conservatory, erect single storey rear
and front extension, dormer windows and rooflights
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/2861
Larksfield (Highlands)
Erect single storey rear and front extension,
dormer windows and rooflights
SDC - Granted
HPC - No objection
2013/2900
Ash Road (Woodcroft)
Demolish outbuilding, convert loft to bedroom,
erect single storey rear extension
SDC -
HPC - No objection If OK by Green Belt
2013/2978
Manor Road (Manor Farm)
Storage for Scaffolding
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/3040
Downs Valley (14)
Raise roof height to create habitable room with
dormer window
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/3074
Downs Valley (12)
Raise roof height to create habitable room with
dormer window
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/3217
Castle Hill (Woodview)
Erect double hipped rear conservatory
SDC -
HPC - No objection
2013/3310
Stack Lane (Stack Cottage)
Demolish erect 2 x 4 bed houses
SDC -
HPC - No objection
