News

Minutes of the meeting of HAWKINGE PARISH COUNCIL held on 12th October 2005 at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall

Present: Cllr. Callahan (Chairman)

Cllrs. Avery, Ms Brisley, Heasman, Hodgson, Hogben, Punnett, Smith and Trice


In attendance: Mrs Hardy (Clerk)

OPEN MEETING


The Chairman of Hawkinge Civic Society had a number of questions to ask the Council about planning application Y05/1226/SH Land opposite 45 The Street [erection of a two-storey doctors surgery and retail pharmacy together with ancillary access and parking] on behalf of members of the society. They were mainly concerned about the lack of consultation - only immediate neighbours were notified by SDC, traffic problems and the loss of woodland. The Council had discussed the plan on 14th September and sent in its comments on the plan, namely: the proposed site fails all the criteria contained in the Shepway Local Plan – Policy SC2. 

The Council agreed to send a councillor to speak to the Development Control Committee, SDC, when the plan comes before it. The list of questions (copies of which were given to councillors) was referred to the Plans section of the meeting.

Cllr. Callahan made a statement regarding a private letter sent to the NHS Primary Care Trust that he had written in July before the proposed site was named. He had received so much correspondence from residents he would not be permitted to speak at the Development Control Committee meeting although as a district councillor he serves on it.



A resident had applied to the Hawkinge Partnership for a grant to fund a youth project in May. Although a grant was conditionally approved, he had since been informed that the HNP Youth Theme Group had raised an objection. Cllr. Callahan, who serves on the Board, said he would raise the matter with the Manager, HNP.

A resident expressed concern that the pharmacy in Canterbury Road may be moved to the proposed site in The Street. A resident spoke about the woodland that contains wild life and fauna including bats that are a protected species.

One resident was concerned about asbestos on development land in the village. The Chairman said there is a statutory requirement for all developers to carry out a survey.

Approx. 70 parishioners attended the meeting.



END OF OPEN MEETING



180 The Chairman welcomed Cllr. Keven Avery to the Council.



181 Declarations of Interest

Cllrs. Callahan and Smith declared an interest in planning matters (members of Development Control Committee SDC) they reserved the right to make a decision at District level when they are in possession of all the facts relating to an application. Cllrs. Heasman and Hodgson declared an interest in Hawkinge Community Centre (Trustees).

182 Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 14th September 2005 were confirmed and signed. (prop. Cllr. Hogben, sec. Cllr. Punnett)



183 Matters arising out of the Minutes

(a) Youth Shelters [min. 168(c)]

The Research & Monitoring Officer, Hawkinge Partnership, stated that the idea of youth shelters was discussed at a Social Landlords Forum. Coast & Countryside Housing Services had carried out their own research in Hawkinge and found that young people in their specific housing area did not want a youth shelter. This is the only piece of research carried out so far in Hawkinge (letter dated 5th October) 

Cllr. Trice said that at a national level youth shelters are doing well. 



184 Reports – Working Groups

(a) Community Liaison

Cllr. Brisley reported that ragwort weed is growing in The Street. The rubbish collection lorries that sort recycling material had been temporarily withdrawn due to a problem with the lifting gear. 

The Chairman thanked the management and staff of Tesco’s that provided shelter and refreshment to a bomb disposal team called out to deal with a recent incident when a mortar bomb was found in Hawkinge. 

(b) Planning and Development

The Council received copies of letters written to SDC by residents objecting to planning application Y05/1226/SH. 

The Council discussed the questions raised by the Chairman of Hawkinge Civic Society (open meeting). Cllr. Heasman was nominated to speak to the Development Control Committee on behalf of the Parish Council. 

Cllr. Trice said SDC Planning Department are not obliged to consult the whole village. Neighbours are notified once an application is made and members of the public may view the plan at the District Council office.

The Council will ask Shepway Primary Care Trust why it has turned down the site on the industrial estate designated for a health centre, and when it first heard about the proposed site opposite 45 The Street.



(c) Public Rights of Way 

Cllr. Punnett said the footpath outside the shops is still being kept clear of parked vehicles. 

(d) Finance Group

Cllr. Callahan said the Group had met on 10th October and its recommendations would be presented to the Council in the confidential section.



185 Other Bodies

(a) Neighbourhood Management Partnership

Councillors received an invitation to attend a presentation of HNP baseline data on 1st November at the HNP office at 4 pm. 

Cllr. Hodgson reported that there is a proposal to provide an after school home work group for Hawkinge secondary school children. 

(b) Community Centre

Cllr. Hodgson said the Trustees are meeting the HNP on 20th October to discuss ways to overcome their present financial difficulties. Cllr. Heasman was pleased with the number of bookings received.

The Chairman said the Council had still not received a reply to the letter sent to the Trustees after the extraordinary meeting held on 22nd August.

(c) Village Hall

Cllr. Brisley reported that the Management Committee had accepted a quotation for the completion of the refurbishments to the building. 

186 Football Ground Project

Cllr. Trice suggested that Cllr. Avery, in view of his particular interests, be asked to join the Project Group.

It was Resolved that Cllr. Avery be invited to join the Project Group.

(prop. Cllr. Callahan, sec. Cllr. Punnett) Votes: all in favour

Cllr. Avery accepted the appointment.

Cllr. Trice reported that the agent for Turf Solutions had visited the ground on Tuesday, 11th October. Turf Solutions will send its recommendations about the condition of the ground within the next 3 weeks.

Cllr. Trice had met Mr Dave Corner, KCC, on 6th October to discuss the access into Incinerator Road via Fernfield Lane and the barrier across the road beyond the car park entrance. He showed councillors the new signs produced by KCC. The Chairman proposed that when the work has been completed, the Council write a letter of thanks to Mr Corner.

Cllr. Trice said he would make an appointment to meet the County Development Officer, Kent Football Association, in Chatham for early November. He still needed some technical data and costs to complete the application.



187 Finance

(a) The Clerk reported that she had the half-year figures and would ask the Finance

Group to meet to consider the revised estimate for 2005/06 and a budget for 2006/07. The figures will be brought to the November meeting – the precept must be decided at the December meeting.

(b) Community Centre [min. 173(a)]

The Chairman proposed that the Council give a donation towards the cost of new lights in the main hall to enable it to be used for ball games. The Council agreed to consider the proposal when the Community Centre has produced a set of their last accounts as requested. 

Cllr. Hodgson withdrew from the meeting while the above item was discussed.

(c) Xmas Concert - Sunday, 4th December 2005

Cllr. Heasman agreed to make the arrangements and purchase mince pies and refreshments as usual.

It was Resolved that Cllr. Heasman be responsible for the arrangements and provision of refreshments, the expenses not to exceed £300.00

(prop. Cllr. Callahan, sec. Cllr. Brisley) Votes: all in favour

(e) Payments

It was Resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment. (prop. Cllr. Heasman, sec. Cllr. Hodgson) Votes: all in favour


£

SDC rates (football ground)
DD
16.00



SDC rates (SL)
DD
80.00



NatWest EBS
DD
10.00



Mrs B.M.Hardy (salary)

12.10.05

726.57



Mrs B.M.Hardy (expenses)
"
26.75



District Valuer (village hall valuation)
"
1,104.50



Bryant & Reina
"
1,000.00



BTCV (Tree Warden Scheme)
"
100.00



Audit Commission
"
293.75



Folkestone & Dover Water Services

"
140.90



188 Rubbish Bins for the Village

Cllr. Punnett said there were not enough rubbish bins in the village provided by SDC. It was decided that the problem of getting extra bins emptied must be resolved before the Council considers purchasing bins.



189 Correspondence

The following letters and documents were received and contents noted: 

(a) Director of Democratic Services, SDC Revising the Community Strategy – Parish

Council consultation – day workshop 15th November Community Centre

(b) Local Plans Manager, SDC, advised that SDC has resolved to adopt the

Local Plan Review subject to the schedule of proposed modifications.

(c) Action with Communities in Rural Kent AGM 19th October.

(d) Shepway Primary Care Trust Annual Report 2004/05

(e) English Rural Housing Association 2005 Report and Review

(f) KAPC Finance Information Day Sat.15th Oct. at Teynham Village Hall



190 Plans

The Chairman proposed that Cllr. Avery should fill the vacancy on the Plans Group if he was willing to do so.

It was Resolved that Cllr. Avery be appointed to serve on the Plans Group.

(prop. Cllr. Callahan, sec. Cllr. Hogben) Votes: all in favour



Applications received and comments sent by the Planning Group:

Y05/1184/SH Westaways, Crete Road West: change of use of part of dwelling to bed and breakfast accommodation. No objections

Y05/1248/SH 42 Stansfeld Avenue: installation of front and rear dormer windows in connection with a loft conversion to provide accommodation in roof.

No objection as long as obscure glass is fitted to rear dormer window.

The comments sent to SDC by the Planning Group were approved.



The following application was considered at the meeting:

Y05/1261/SH 14 – 24 Gray Close: erection of a terrace of four 3-storey 3 bed houses and two 2-storey 2 bed houses together with garages (part alternative scheme to that approved under reference 93/0750/SH)

Objection: on the grounds that the development will have an overbearing affect on the surrounding houses. Votes: For 6 Against 0 Abstention 1

(Cllrs. Callahan and Smith did not vote on the plans having declared an interest)



At this point Cllr. Hodgson left the meeting (work commitment)



191 CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

It was Resolved that because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by

Reason of the confidential nature of business to be transacted the public (including the Press) be excluded from the meeting pursuant to the provision of sub section 100 & 102 of the Local Government Act, 1972.



192 Memorial Area

It was Resolved that an estimate from Harmer Landscapes to mow the newly fenced in memorial area for the revised cost of £10 per cut be accepted.

(prop. Cllr. Hogben, sec. Cllr. Heasman) Votes: all in favour

193 SL outstanding accounts

It was Resolved that Bryant & Reina be sent £1,000 in part payment of their account submitted in April 2005, the balance that is in dispute to be paid later.

(prop. Cllr. Callahan, sec. Cllr. Hogben) Votes: all in favour

194 Disposal of land

The Finance Group had met on 7th October. The Chairman gave councillors the background information that had led to the following recommendations that were accepted.

It was Resolved that Andrew Beggs & Associates be appointed to act for the Council to dispose of the Leisuredrome land.

(prop. Cllr. Heasman, sec. Cllr. Hogben) Votes: For 6 Against 2 Abstention 0

It was Resolved that the Parish Council apply for outline planning application and that John McMillan & Associates be asked to make the application on behalf of the Council.

(prop. Cllr. Hogben, sec. Cllr. Trice) Votes: For 6 Against 2 Abstention 0

It was Resolved that as the building is no longer used SEEBOARD and British Gas be asked to cut off the supply.

(prop. Cllr. Heasman, sec. Cllr. Punnett) Votes: For 6 Against 2 Abstention 0



195 Hawkinge Youth & Community Sports Council

The Chairman reported receipt of a recorded delivery letter. The Secretary of HY&CSC will be asked to send a list of the complaints and tell the Council how it has come to each decision.

The meeting closed at 10 p.m.