at the Jessel Room, Goudhurst Village Hall on Monday 14 April 2008 at 7.30 pm

PRESENT: Councillors Crookall (Chairman), Boniface, Mrs Chudley (after 7.50 pm), Mrs Edmonston, Kirkby, Nichol, Noakes, Roberts, Mrs Stafford, Tutt and Ward. Also County Cllr AJ King and Borough Cllr
JR Bullock (both for part of the meeting). No members of the public.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
001/08 None reported. All members were present.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
002/08 The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2008 were confirmed, and signed by the Chairman.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
003/08 The Chairman reminded Members to ensure that their Register Of Members' Personal Interests (Section 81(1) Local Government Act 2000) - General Notice Of Registerable Interests (Part 2 - Paragraphs 8(1)(a) and 13(1) and (2) The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007) are up to date.
004/08 No declarations of interest were made on matters relating to this meeting.
005/08 Cllr Noakes was present during the discussions on the planning applications considered at this meeting, but reserved his position and did not vote on the applications.  Cllr Noakes declared that he will reconsider these matters at Borough Council taking into account all relevant evidence at that time.

REPORT FROM BOROUGH CLLR J R BULLOCK MBE
006/08 Free National Bus Travel Scheme. From April 2008, all residents of England who are aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people will get free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England. The scheme only applies to bus journeys starting after 9.30 am. The cost to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is estimated to be £1m a year, of which only £700,000 is funded by central government. Some members of the public feel that the scheme should apply to travel after 9.00 am. However, TWBC proposes to keep to the 9.30 am so as to strengthen their case for central government to fund the scheme fully when it is reviewed after the first year.
007/08 Traffic congestion on North Farm trading Estate. The problems are being addressed by better white lining and traffic light timings.

REPORT FROM COUNTY CLLR A J KING MBE
008/08 Bedgebury Forest. Following a general discussion about local traffic problems relating to the increase in visitor numbers to Bedgebury Forest, it was agreed that Cllr Crookall will arrange a meeting between the Bedgebury Forest Director and representatives of KCC, TWBC and the Parish Council.
009/08 Kent Highways Services. Noted that County Cllr Alex King wishes to know of ongoing highways maintenance problems so that he can bring pressure to bear on KHS management to reach solutions.

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Amenities Committee reported following a meeting held on 19 March 2008:
010/09 Ownership of land adjacent to Goudhurst Pond. There is a question over the ownership of parcels of land adjacent to the Pond which are not fenced. One parcel is shown clearly on deeds as being Parish Council property although this does not seem to be acknowledged by the adjacent landowner. The second parcel is the subject of a query which has been raised with the Land Registry for clarification. When we have a decision on that ownership, The Clerk will meet with the adjacent landowner.
011/08 Goudhurst Village sign at The Plain. The supporting post is loose in the ground. Wilmshurst has been asked to investigate and report on possible solutions with costs. Mr David Whitewood has agreed to repaint the sign when the weather improves. He has insisted that he will not seek payment for the paint or his time; he offers this as his contribution to the community.
012/08 Conservation Area Appraisal – Goudhurst Parish Hall car park. The total cost of resurfacing is approximately £6,000 + VAT. 50% of the cost will be covered by Conservation Area Appraisal funds and 25% by Goudhurst Parish Hall. Council resolved unanimously to contribute £1,500.00 towards the cost of this project.
013/08 Licensing Hearing procedures. It was noted that a Licensing Hearing is a judicial process and is therefore governed by legislation. As such it is conducted differently to Area Planning Committee meetings for example.
014/08 Pond Guardian. It was noted that Mrs Marian Sargeant will no longer be able to help with the maintenance of the Pond due to a family illness. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to her to express thanks for her long years of dedicated service. Council needs a replacement and the Chairman will discuss this initially with Mr Wallis-Hosken.
015/08 The Pond pump. The current pump, 3 years old, has failed it annual maintenance check with an electrical fault. Council resolved unanimously to purchase a replacement from N P Seymour at a cost of £117.92 + VAT, and £60.00 + VAT for installation and a maintenance instruction session.
016/08 Barley straw for the Pond. Mr Alan Rumens has agreed to supply a barley straw bale, and Cllr Crookall agreed to install it in the Pond.
017/08 Bedgebury Forest Forum Meeting 23 April. Cllr Crookall agreed to attend as neither Cllr Mrs Stafford or Cllr Mrs Chudley are available. (Post meeting note: Forum date changed to 08 May).

POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The Member responsible for Police and Neighbourhood Watch matters reported:
018/08 Anti-Social Behaviour in Goudhurst. The Chairman asked Members to be discreet in public discussions relating to the behaviour of one particular local family.
019/08 CCTV in Central Goudhurst. Minute 187/07. Noted that BT Broadband has been installed at Goudhurst Parish Hall, and electricity work completed at The Vine. The cameras are due to be installed by the end of April 2008 by Stryker Communications. Mr Andy Coleman is making the box to hold the monitor etc.

188/07 REPORT OF THE HIGHWAYS AND FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Highways and Footpaths Committee reported:
020/08 Tattlebury Triangle tree maintenance. Council agreed expenditure of £400 to lift the crowns of two oak trees, one chestnut and one silver birch, and to trim back a hazel. Council agreed expenditure of a further £300 to remove deep leaf mould and saplings from the area and to broadcast grass seed after the tree work is complete. Noted that this is Kent Highways Services land and whilst they have agreed verbally for Council to carry out this work, they have declined to do the work themselves. Council sees this as important as it is a key site on the approach to Goudhurst. The Clerk will obtain the tree work permissions from TWBC.
021/08 Replacement Directional Finger Post at The Plain. Noted that Cllr Tutt had met Mark Simmons and Graham White of KHS on site on 20 March, but it was largely inconclusive. It was agreed that The Clerk will follow up with Brian Hayward, Senior Design and Heritage Officer TWBC with regard to design and to clarify budget provision.
022/08 Gateway Signs. Cllr Tutt reported that the project is progressing. It was agreed that the gateway signs will be painted white for high visibility.

BURIAL BOARD
The Chairman of the Burial Board reported on the last Burial Board meeting held on 17 March 2008:
023/08 Memorial Gates at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. Noted that the damaged gates are at British Gates and the Clerk awaits a quote for the repairs.
024/08 Maintenance Contract for Christ Church Kilndown. Minute 189/07. Noted that Steve Bryant has been awarded the maintenance contract for the upper area at Christ Church churchyard for 2008/09.
025/08 Bathurst Enclosure by the west door at St Mary’s. Noted that following the quotation from a local blacksmith for the repair of the railings, the Clerk had written to St Mary’s PCC to obtain their opinion as to whether or not the railings are considered part of the Church structure. This would indicate who is responsible for the repair costs. The PCC has passed the matter to the Diocesan Advisory Council for advice.
026/08 Path by the west door at St Mary’s. This has become very uneven. Noted that the Clerk is awaiting a quote from a contractor for repairs; this might be expanded as part of St Mary’s re-ordering.
027/08 Hedge by the top ashes plots at Goudhurst Burial Grounds. This is to be replanted with heathers in April 2008.

YOUTH COMMITTEE
The Chairman reported:
028/08 Youth Forum. A Youth Forum had been held at the Quarry Centre, Kilndown on 10 April 08.
029/08 Goudhurst Youth Groups. Noted that the Goudhurst senior youth group now meet on Tuesdays in the Church Room, whilst the juniors still meet at Goudhurst Ex-Servicemens’ Club on Mondays.
030/08 Grant Funding. Noted that Council had granted £2,850 during 2007/08 to support the activities of our various youth groups in the Parish. In addition £1,000 had been granted to the Church Room Play Area committee for maintenance to their equipment. KCC had subsequently granted £5,000 to the same group for repairs to the fencing around the area.
031/08 Ocean Blue Twirlers. Noted that they had won several prizes at the National championships at Camber Sands recently.
032/08 1st Goudhurst Scouts Group. Noted that they continue to be extremely well supported and have good strong leadership.

HOUSING COMMITTEE
The Chairman briefed Council:
033/08 Affordable Housing and the Local Needs Scheme – Kilndown. Noted that at the public meeting at Kilndown on 18 March 2008, the voting was 26 in favour and 20 against the proposed development for 5 dwellings to the south of West Road on National Trust land. Some local residents, who have indicated they are against the proposal, got up a petition and collected a significant number of signatures. The Chairman of the Housing Committee is in touch with the National Trust, TWBC and Hyde Housing to consider how the project might be progressed.
034/08 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Housing Forum 15 May. No Members are available on that day to attend; the Clerk is to send apologies.

GOUDHURST FOOTBALL FIELD
035/08 An e-mail from Leisure Client Officer TWBC dated 08 April was noted. TWBC has engaged a surveyor for an up to date valuation of the land, and to negotiate further with land owners’ valuers.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
The following items were noted and agreed:
036/08 DECISIONS
TW/07/03703 Barn Little Bewlbridge Farm Hastings Road Goudhurst
Barn and stable conversion into two new dwellings including garage and carport
Granted permission
TW/07/03704 Barn Little Bewlbridge Farm Hastings Road Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent - Barn and stable conversion into two new dwellings including garage and carport
Granted consent
TW/07/04371 Beechurst Cranbrook Road Goudhurst
Change of use of field to incorporate into residential curtilage and creation of new drive and relocation of residential crossover
Granted permission
TW/07/04495 Orchard House Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Demolition of outbuildings erection of two-storey extension and detached garage
Refused permission
TW/08/00046 Bethany School Jarvis Lane Goudhurst
Construction of two-storey science building
Granted permission
TW/08/00206 Carolyn Balcombes Hill Goudhurst
Erection of single storey side extension
Granted permission
TW/08/00255 Nursery Farm London Road Flimwell
Creation of new vehicular access and change of use of land to residential curtilage
Granted permission
TW/08/00318 Well House Cranbrook Road Goudhurst
Construction of new garage and associated gate, garden wall and fencing
Granted permission
TW/08/00320 Well House Cranbrook Road Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent – Construction of new garage and associated gate, garden wall and fencing
Application withdrawn
TW/08/00332 Arntully Blue Coats Land Goudhurst
Alterations including a new dormer window in the west elevation roof
Granted permission
TW/08/00338 Brandfold Cottage North Road Goudhurst
Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of two storey rear extension
Granted permission
TW/08/00343 Arntully Blue Coats Lane Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent: Provision of two doors to existing stairwell, repairs/additions to staircase, provision of dormer window to second floor gallery
Grants consent
TW/08/00528 Lower Crowbourne Farmhouse Station Road Goudhurst
Two-storey side extension
Granted permission
TW/08/00530 Telecommunications Mast (Vodafone) Jarvis Lane Goudhurst
Installation of 3 of O2 antenna at 18m to base, 1 of new 600mm dish at 18.5m and 2 of new 600mm dishes at 18m all on existing tower, and installation of new cabinet in existing compound
Granted permission

037/08 APPLICATIONS
08/00556 Bethany School, Jarvis Lane, Goudhurst
Lighting on new car park
Recommend refusal
The installed lights are wholly inappropriate for the situation. The light columns are taller than is necessary and their shape and the non-directional shades lead to excessive light pollution over a wide area. Furthermore the pure white is much more obtrusive than the older sodium lights. Goudhurst Parish Council believes that a new application should be sought for a less polluting light which should be tightly time controlled and if necessary with movement censors to cause switch-on. Goudhurst Parish Council believes that an audit of all the school lighting should be carried out, in particular at the new Astroturf pitch to confirm that the lights are functioning correctly and being managed in accordance with conditions
08/00686 Combwell Priory, London Road, Flimwell
Erection of new house and garaging, relocation of sand school, provision of biodigester and ground source heat pump
Recommend approval
This is a highly innovative proposal both in design and energy use terms, which will have no impact on the immediate area or the wider landscape. Combwell Priory itself cannot be supported by the equine activity at this location. Approval must be conditioned to ensure that the occupiers are employed on the equine/agricultural holding.
08/00709 5-6 Popes Row, Chicks Lane, Kilndown
Revert one dwelling back to two dwellings
Recommend approval
This scheme will provide a much needed small dwelling. Highways should assess the issue of traffic generation and parking.
08/00758 The Pharmacy, High Street, Goudhurst
Replacement of existing bay window and external alterations to front elevation
Recommend Approval.
This appears to be a well researched effort to restore the previous appearance.
08/00762 LBC - The Pharmacy, High Street, Goudhurst
Replacement of existing bay window and external alterations to front elevation.
Recommend Approval
This appears to be a well researched effort to restore the previous appearance.
00/00848 Etchinghill House, Gore Lane, Goudhurst
Change of use of barn/annexe to holiday let
Recommend Approval
It is reasonable to permit this use of the building.
08/00859 Old Forstal, Ladham Lane, Goudhurst
Demolish existing single storey rear extension and construct new single storey rear addition plus internal alterations.
Recommend Approval subject to the Conservation Architect’s approval of details.
We believe the proposed rear extension to be a significant improvement on the existing structure. We are unsure about some of the detail but the new structure seems to detract less from the main building. The additional window is entirely acceptable.
08/00869 LBC - Old Forstal, Ladham Lane, Goudhurst
Demolish existing single storey rear extension and construct new single storey rear addition plus internal alterations.
Recommend Approval subject to the Conservation Architect’s approval of details.
We believe the proposed rear extension to be a significant improvement on the existing structure. We are unsure about some of the detail but the new structure seems to detract less from the main building. The additional window is acceptable.
08/00973 Bluecoats, Bluecoats Lane, Goudhurst
Demolition of existing extension and erection of two storey side extension
Neutral
The proposals appear to be an acceptable way to make a major increase to the volume of this residence. The appearance of the proposed extension is attractive and it will have no impact on neighbours. Our only concern is that it looks to be a significantly greater increase in volume that is generally permitted. If Officers are minded to approve we believe that this application should be referred to Committee as it sets a precedent for the proportion of increase.

038/08 AMENDED APPLICATIONS
08/00318 Well House, Cranbrook Road, Goudhurst
New garage, and associated gate, garage and fencing
Recommend Approval
Goudhurst Parish Council has no objection to the proposed moving of the detached garage 2.3m south and the alteration to the roof form.
08/00491 Little Barden, North Road, Goudhurst
Demolition of existing garage and construction of new garage and access drive.
Recommend approval
It is noted that the present lay-by outside this property was a road safety requirement for safe exit from the garage when the property was built in 1969. We are concerned about the small size of the turning area and the proposed incline – particularly in icy conditions. We feel there may be a tendency for users to reverse onto the highway without benefit of the lay-by. Subject to the views of Highways regarding the adequacy of turning space for a large vehicle (the former owners used a Rolls Royce) and the acceptability of the gradient, the proposal is acceptable. GPC also believes that the Tree/Landscape officer should be consulted on the proposed planting as this site immediately borders the Conservation Area.

KCC APPLICATION
TW/08/TEMP/0008 Kilndown Wastewater Treatment Works, Summerhill, Kilndown
Construction of Motor Control Centre Kiosk and Blower Kiosk
Recommend approval
Necessary improvements to update water quality provision in the locality. Should be conditioned to ensure removal of temporary access and structures when completed.

039/08 Beanfield Farm and Meadow Farm, Kilndown. At the request of the Kilndown Parish Ward Members, it was agreed that the Clerk would check the current status of this land and its use with TWBC Planning Enforcement.

ACCOUNTS
040/08 Resolved: that the following payments be made:
2408 AVB Farnfield March 08 pay, allowances and expenses £855.62
2409 HM Revenue & Customs March 08 PAYE and NI £288.51
2410 KALC Annual membership 2008/09 £889.87
2411 Action with Communities Rural Kent Annual membership 2008/09 £35.00
2412 TWBC Rates – Burial Grounds £217.55
2413 EDF Energy Contracting Street light maintenance 2008/09 £33.43
2414 EDF Energy 1 Ltd Street light energy 2008/09 £25.33
2415 Kent County Playing Fields Assoc Annual membership 2208/09 £15.00
2416 Michael Bennett Website services 2008/09 £211.50
2417 KALC Honorarium Area Secretary £28.00
2418 Steve Bryant St Mary’s mowing March 08 £904.75
2419 Kilndown Village Hall Hire for Housing meeting £25.00
2420 Mrs B Harrison-Stafford Land Registry searches £12.00
2421 Viking Direct Stationery and printer cartridge £71.39
2422 Emmanuelle Gold Website French translation £150.00
DDR Veolia Environmental Burial Grounds rubbish bin Inv 01603 £63.11
DDR BT Broadband services invoice 14 Apr 08 £95.13

041/08 Receipts in March 08:
Burial Board £170.00
Community Info Resource Centre £154.46
NatWest Interest 4th Qtr 2008/09 £175.11
042/08 Reconciliation of Accounts to the end of March 08. Noted the Cash Book credit balance of £16,469.96
043/08 Statement of actual expenditure against budget Apr 2007 to Mar 2008. Noted.

ELECTORAL VACANCIES
044/08 Resignation of Cllr Ken Tutt. Following Minute 195/07. The vacancy was advertised for the required 14 working days from 26 February to 14 March 2008. No petition for an election had been received. It was agreed unanimously that Mr Peter Rolington, who was eligible and willing, be co-opted to Council. The Clerk will ensure he signs the necessary declarations.
045/08 Resignation of Cllr Peter Stockbridge. Cllr Stockbridge, representing the Curtisden Green Parish Ward, had submitted his resignation for personal reasons to the Chairman on 04 March 2008. The vacancy is being advertised from 07 to 25 April.

FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS
046/08 It was agreed that speakers at future meetings of Council, to be arranged by the Clerk should be:
The Head Teacher of Goudhurst & Kilndown C of E Primary School on ‘walking buses’
Rev Bill Hornsby.
Mr Nicholas Dorey, Headmaster of Bethany School.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
047/04 Monday 12 May 2008
Parish Council Annual Meeting at the Jessel Room in Goudhurst Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
048/08 The following items were noted:
Parish News No 331 of 07 April 2008
South East England Regional Assembly letter of 04 April: The Region’s Housing Needs
Kenward Trust letter of 04 April appealing for funds. Council will not consider this request.
No Use Empty – a paper of empty housing in Kent
TWBC Environmental Protection Service consultation; Council has no comment
KCC letter of 27 March: Proposed changes to the (KCC) Planning Application process
TWBC Parish Briefing of 13 March
Goudhurst & Kilndown ReadyCall ‘Freshers Fair’ on 26 April at Goudhurst Parish Hall
Centre for Independent Living in Kent; CILK van is visiting Goudhurst on 17 April from 10 am to 3 pm

The Meeting closed at 9.50 pm.
Anthony Farnfield, Clerk

Draft Minutes for Confirmation

Clerk to the Parish Council
Anthony Farnfield MBE
clerk@goudhurst.co.uk

www.goudhurst.co.uk
copyright © 2008 Goudhurst Parish Council