MINUTES OF A MEETING OF GOUDHURST PARISH COUNCIL

at The Quarry Centre, Kilndown on Monday 09 August 2010 at 7.30 pm

PRESENT: Councillors Mrs Stafford (Chairman), Boniface, Crookall, Mrs Edmonston, Mrs Glendinning, Kirkby, Nichol, Noakes (from 7.55 pm following a TWBC meeting), Roberts and Ward.
No members of the public were present.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
172/10 Apologies for absence were accepted from Cllrs Bates (holiday) and Rolington (holiday). Also County Cllr AJ King and Borough Cllr JR Bullock.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
173/10 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.
174/10 Cllr Mrs Stafford declared a personal interest in Agenda item 6d relating to PROW WC26A part of which is situated close to her residence.
175/10 Cllr Mrs Stafford declared a personal interest in planning application TW/10/01805 as a near neighbour.
176/10 Cllr Kirkby declared a personal interest in planning application TW/10/02186 as he has a contract for work for the applicant but not specifically related to the application.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
177/10 There were no questions from the public.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
178/10 Resolved: that the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2010, copies of which had been previously distributed to Members, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS
179/10 No reports were presented.

AMENITIES COMMITTEE
In the absence of the Chairman of the Amenities Committee, The Chairman presented the Minutes of a Committee Meeting held on 27 July 2010:
180/10 Heritage Plaques. Minute 092/10. Noted that the initial list of potential plaques has been completed with the help of Goudhurst & Kilndown History Society. Resolved: that a sub-committee be formed by Cllr Bates to draw up for Council’s approval a final list of sites at which heritage plaques should be established. Resolved: that the descriptive leaflet of the scheme will be dedicated to Alfred Tiffin.
181/10 Amenity Lorry. Noted that TWBC has published a proposed revised timetable for the Amenity Refuse Scheme. All parishes are affected by the reduced service. Members expressed concern with the proposal but believe it is this or no service at all. The consultation period is for 8 weeks to end on 24 September 2010. Resolved: that Council will respond to the consultation making the following points: Saturday early afternoon at Balcombes Hill, Goudhurst is not a good time as the car park is well used at that time by local shoppers and particularly visiting walking groups; on arrival there may not be anywhere for the Amenity lorry to park; A full car park will result in those queuing for the Amenity vehicle causing traffic congestion; parked vehicles may not be able to exit if the lorry is blocking the way; there is the possibility of a clash with the No 26/27 bus from Maidstone which terminates at Balcombes Hill car park; that the proposed 50 minute stop at Goudhurst once a month (reduced from 6 hours every 4 weeks) will create a peak of activity; that a 10 minute transit from the vehicle’s previous stop at Horsmonden is not realistic; that TWBC reconfirms that the vehicle will not leave if there is a queue of people wishing to use the service; that at Kilndown a proposed reduction from 1¾ hours a month to ¾ of an hour is too drastic; that Council is concerned that Curtisden Green has been dropped from the proposed schedule and that TWBC looks again at retaining that service. It was noted that Mrs Julie Mellor, Client Services Manager has now left TWBC and her duties have passed to Mr Gary Stevenson, Head of Environmental Services.
182/10 Cardboard Collection Banks. It was noted that the cardboard and paper collection facilities at Finchcocks and Bethany School, Goudhurst are being withdrawn as TWBC now provides a kerbside collection for such items.
183/10 Kent Village of the Year. Noted that in this year’s competition Kilndown has reached the final 6 out of a total entry of 29. The Kilndown entry is being led by Mrs Annie Fellows.
184/10 Goudhurst in Bloom. Noted that this year’s competition has been judged. Cllr Mrs Edmonston will announce the winners at a presentation ceremony in September.
185/10 La Zia Maria – position of Council’s curtilage on land at the south west corner of Goudhurst Pond. Minute 129/10. Noted that the Clerk has written to KCC to seek assistance and a response is awaited.
186/10 Kilndown Pond. Minute 127/10. Noted that the specification and quote for recommended works by Mid Kent Fisheries is awaited.
187/10 Quarry Centre Kilndown. Minute 130/10. Noted that the Clerk has written to KCC to seek legal assistance and a response is awaited.
188/10 Kilndown Bus Shelter Step and Telephone Kiosk. Minute 464/09. Noted that remedial work by Mr Richard Crumpling is outstanding.
189/10 The Glebe Field, Goudhurst (that part which is adjacent to Church Road). Minute 131/10.
Noted: that Council has received a letter dated 27 July 2010 from the Director & Diocesan Surveyor acknowledging the significance and importance to the community of the Glebe Field. The Diocese is seeking advice as required by the provisions of the Charities Act and indicate that they are aware that they will be responsible for the maintenance of that ground when the lease by KCC expires.
190/10 Dog Fouling Signs Inventory. Minute 012/10. Noted that the inventory drawn up by Cllr Boniface and Mrs Boniface was forwarded to TWBC by the Clerk on 29 July 2010.
191/10 Village Green Status for Tattlebury Triangle. Minute 097/10. Noted that the Clerk wrote to the Director of Kent Highway Services on 21 July 2010, and a response is awaited.
192/10 Curtisden Green Notice Board. Resolved: to accept a quote of £118.00 from Mr Andy Coleman for some necessary maintenance work. The Clerk will arrange for the work to be carried out.

BURIAL BOARD
The Chairman of the Burial Board presented the Minutes of a Meeting held on 20 July 2010:
193/10 Bathurst Enclosure by the west door at St Mary’s. Resolved: to accept the quotation of £750.00 from Mr John Ripley, Blacksmith of Robertsbridge to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance to the railings of the Bathurst Enclosure by the West Door to St Mary’s Goudhurst, and to allow up to £100.00 for expenditure on minor repair to the associated stone kerbs. Resolved: although the Dorothy Bathurst Charity could be held responsible for this cost, Council would take the expenditure as heritage project.
194/10 Graves and Memorials in poor condition. Resolved: to propose in the 2010/11 Budget a sum of £500.00 for specific projects on safety grounds for repairs to old graves the owners of which can no longer be traced. Noted: that this amount may need to be budgeted in subsequent years.
195/10 Burial Board Regulations. Resolved: that the Burial Board Regulations for 2010/11 should remain unchanged save for the addition of one item: Memorials at graves in the lawned area may not be installed flat on the ground.
196/10 Fees and Charges. Resolved: from 01 September 2010 for a period of 1 year they will be:
Graves: Exclusive right of burial in an earthen grave £330.00
Interment £100.00
Approval of Monuments £90.00
Additional inscriptions £90.00
Ashes: Exclusive Right of Burial in the Ashes section £220.00
Interment £100.00
Approval of Monuments £90.00
Additional inscriptions £90.00
Registration of Change of Ownership £30.00
197/10 Clean Up Day 2010. Members were reminded that this will be held on 23 October 2010 at both St Mary’s Goudhurst and Christ Church Kilndown. The Clerk will draw up a ‘plan’ of tasks in conjunction with Chairman, Burial Board. Again it was noted that Mr Brian Henley, who has supported the Clean-Up Day activities with his tractor and trailer for many, many years, will be retiring and no longer available after October 2010. Council needs a volunteer to replace him.

GOUDHURST FOOTBALL FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Football Field Sub-Committee reported:
198/10 Legal Agreements. Minute 139/10. Noted that the various legal matters between TWBC and KCC have been agreed. Noted that Council awaits news on the draft agreements between Council and GUFC (post meeting note: received on 10 August) and between Council and KCC (Goudhurst & Kilndown CE Primary School).
199/10 Services to the Pavilion. Noted that work to connect the services underground from Beaman Close to the pavilion is underway.
200/10 TWBC Contracts. Resolved: to ascertain from TWBC details of their contracts with Agrifactors and Hurstway; it is necessary for Council to be aware of any post contract guarantees.
201/10 Maintenance Contracts. Resolved: to appoint Landscape Services to carry out 16 visits in the summer months and a further 5 visits during the winter months for mowing. Also to appoint Landscape Services to carry out pitch marking. Other items will be considered when the facility has come into use.
202/10 Insurance. Resolved: to add the facility to Council’s insurance policy once the declared value of the Pavilion is known. The Clerk will complete the necessary proposal forms in consultation with Members. Noted that items such as goalposts, nets provided by TWBC initially are to be gifted to GUFC and therefore insured by them.
203/10 Further Sub-Committee Meeting. Resolved: to hold a further sub-committee meeting on 11 August 2010 as there are a number of outstanding detailed matters to be finalised with TWBC, Goudhurst & Kilndown CE Primary School and GUFC.
204/10 Formal Opening Date. Chairman of the Sub-Committee will arrange this with the Headteacher of Goudhurst and Kilndown CE Primary School and GUFC.

HIGHWAYS & FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE
The Member leading on Footpaths matters presented a report dated 01 August 2010:
205/10 PROW WC26A – the proposed upgrade by KCC. WC26A runs from North Road Goudhurst in a north westerly direction to Crowbourne Lane. Noted that KCC have put forward a proposal to rebuild 3 bridges adding handrails and replace several stiles with galvanised kissing gates. Resolved: The Clerk will arrange a site meeting with the responsible officer at KCC. Council would like the proposed kissing gate nearest North Road to be a wooden one, and the other kissing gates in matt black as in other parts of Kent.

YOUTH COMMITTEE and FORUM
206/10 Goudhurst Youth Week. Noted this was successfully held during the week of 05 July 2010. Resolved: to approve payment of Cllr Mrs Edmonston’s out of pocket expenses of £30.64 relating to this event.
207/10 Play Area by Church Room, Goudhurst. Noted that the Play Area Committee plan to raise £16k to resurface the facility as a long term improvement.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
It was resolved to note the following Decisions from TWBC and agree the Representations:
208/10 DECISIONS
TW/10/01409 Tattlebury Gallery Cranbrook Road Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent – Repairs to corner sash window, brick work around window and replace two floor boards. Repairs to staircase and removal of cupboard underneath. Insulation of walls around the window and stairs and other works Granted permission
TW/10/01741 Yeomans Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Alterations and extension to provide utility room and breakfast area with enlarged bedrooms and bathroom under new catslide to side of existing dwelling
Granted permission
TW/10/01758 Mulberry Cottage Rogers Rough Road Kilndown
Alteration to remove a recessed bedroom window with cupboard below and add a dormer window. Alteration to raise a bay window flat roof.
Refused permission
TW/10/01798 Crimond Farm Gore Lane Goudhurst
Replacement implement store/workshop
Granted permission
TW/10/01802 Sherenden Curtisden Green Lane Goudhurst
Refurbishment to outbuilding including addition of 4 rooflights and cladding in weatherboarding
Granted permission
TW/10/01805 2 Grand View North Road Goudhurst
Proposed two storey rear and single storey side extension, loft conversion with rooflights and rear dormer and associated parking, including demolition of exsting outbuilding
Granted permission
TW/10/01821 Pattenden Farm Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Demolition of existing garage and construction of new garage with home office over
Granted permission

209/10 APPLICATIONS
TW/10/01913 The Mobile Home at Crowbourne Orchard Crowbourne Lane Goudhurst
Variation of condition 1 of appeal decision TW/06/00470/FUL – Remove limited period (3 years) condition
Recommend refusal
There are two unequivocal appeal decisions, which state clearly that this is an unsuitable location for this use. There have been no changes in policy since these decisions were reached. Officers should establish what steps the occupier has taken to find a site which is appropriate to his needs. If he has been unable to find a site, then TWBC must take steps to identify a suitable site.
There is strong local feeling that the occupier is only occasionally present at the site, and therefore does not, in fact, need to live at this location. Furthermore that disposal of unsuitable waste materials by burning takes place from time to time.
Goudhurst Parish Council seeks confirmation from officers that compliance with all the conditions imposed by the more recent appeal inspector has been effected, i.e.:
No change to the existing dark stained timber external finish;
Additional hedgerow planting at the site entrance;
Provision of amenity block and arrangements for foul water drainage.
In connection with the final point, GPC would point out that no connection to mains water has taken place, and would ask if Building Control has been asked to approve such provision.
GPC urges TWBC to identify a suitable a site, as a matter of urgency, and to arrange for the relocation of the applicant to the site without delay.
TW/10/02051 Little Combourne Farmhouse Jarvis Lane Goudhurst
Change of use, alterations and part conversion of existing garage and workshop
building to holiday let and ancillary accommodation to the main house
Subject to this use being conditioned to be ancillary to the host dwelling, GPC recommends approval, but would wish it to be confirmed that there is adequate existing parking space to accommodate this additional use.
Following a site visit by Cllrs Mrs Stafford, Nichol and Rolington It wasagreed that the following Conditions be added to our Representation:
Goudhurst Parish Council suggests the following two Conditions: In view of the shared driveway all vehicles to be parked inside the electronic gates. To protect the amenity of neighbouring properties, there should be no use of the swimming pool after dark and no lighting of the swimming pool.
TW/10/02054 Little Combourne Farmhouse Jarvis Lane Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent - Change of use, alterations and part conversion of existing garage and workshop building to holiday let and ancillary accommodation to the main house
Recommend approval
Subject to this use being conditioned to be ancillary to the host dwelling, GPC recommends approval, but would wish it to be confirmed that there is adequate existing parking space to accommodate this additional use.
Following a site visit by Cllrs Mrs Stafford, Nichol and Rolington it was agreed that the following Conditions be added to our Representation:
Goudhurst Parish Council suggests the following two Conditions: In view of the shared driveway all vehicles to be parked inside the electronic gates. To protect the amenity of neighbouring properties, there should be no use of the swimming pool after dark and no lighting of the swimming pool.
TW/10/02090 Ladysden Farm Winchet Hill Goudhurst
Change of use and conversion of existing farm building to B1, together with realignment of access road
Recommend approval
Subject to Highways being content that the new access proposals are satisfactory and officers conditioning certain windows to be obscure glazed, if deemed necessary to protect the amenity of immediate neighbours, Goudhurst Parish Council recommends approval.
TW/10/02152 Summerhill Barn Summerhill Goudhurst
First floor extension
Recommend approval
The Conservation Officer must be satisfied that his concerns have been adequately addressed.
TW/10/02186 Three Chimneys Farm Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Use of land for sand school
Recommend approval
Virtually no impact on the AONB or the locality at this elevated ‘plateau’ location. Goudhurst Parish Council suggests conditioning to prevent the installation of lighting.
TW/10/02196 Stable Cottage Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Replacement windows and new porch to front door
Recommend Refusal
Goudhurst Parish Council is sympathetic to the need to replace failing windows and to improve insulation at the front door. GPC feels however that with a Listed Building the replacement windows should be in keeping with the original aspect of the mid-19th century house and that the plain glazing lacks character and sympathy. Windows 3 and 9 are of particular concern where the single middle sections would be inappropriately replaced by double windows of standard size. We are also not sure that the cast stone columns accord with the style of the front door. We suggest that the plans do not conform to Policy EN3.
TW/10/02197 Stable Cottage Bedgebury Road Goudhurst
Listed Building Consent - Replacement windows and new porch to front door
Recommend Refusal
Goudhurst Parish Council is sympathetic to the need to replace failing windows and to improve insulation at the front door. GPC feels however that with a Listed Building the replacement windows should be in keeping with the original aspect of the mid-19th century house and that the plain glazing lacks character and sympathy. Windows 3 and 9 are of particular concern where the single middle sections would be inappropriately replaced by double windows of standard size. We are also not sure that the cast stone columns accord with the style of the front door. We suggest that the plans do not conform to Policy EN3.
TW/10/02266 Little Combourne Cottage Jarvis Lane Goudhurst
Proposed lean-to side extension to form garden room with en-suite and store
within the roof space; two storey side extension
Recommend Approval, subject to policy.
It has been difficult to calculate the volume increase as the floor space has been given in square metres but other measurements in cubic metres. We calculate that the volume increase compared with the replaced original building would be 59%. If this increase accords to policy GPC would be content that this sympathetic extension be approved.
TW/10/02284 Gatehouse Farm Riseden Lane Goudhurst
Proposed two-storey extension and porch to front entrance
Recommend Approval
GPC considers the plans to be well-designed, producing a better-balanced façade and masking a discordant decking.

210/10 TW/10/01805 relating to 2 Grand View North Road Goudhurst
It was noted that this application was considered by Council on 15 June 2010. A representation was sent to TWBC on 23 June with the comment that Council would like the application referred to Eastern Area Planning Committee if Officers are minded to approve. On 26 July the Planning Officer concerned informed Council that the application would be dealt with at Delegate level. The Chairman of the Parish Council met with the Planning Officer at the Town Hall on 27 July to outline GPC’s concerns that the plans would be detrimental to this unique pair of houses in the Conservation Area. Without further reference to Council the application was Granted Permission on 29 July. Thus Council did not have an opportunity to ask a Borough Councillor to call it in. The Chairman of the Parish Council is of the opinion that TWBC acted with undue haste and ignored the concerns of this Council. It was noted that the Chairman has written to the Head of Planning Services TWBC to express extreme surprise and disappointment.

ACCOUNTS
211/10 Resolved unanimously that the following payments be made:
2793 AVB Farnfield July 10 pay and expenses £1068.86
2794 HM Revenue & Customs July 10 PAYE and NI £362.42
2795 Pearson’s Landscapes The Plain maintenance July 10 £76.37
2796 Grounds Care & General Maint St Mary’s & Christ Church mowing contract £2720.12
2797 Kent County Council (KCS) Lurkins Rise mowing 1st half 2010/11 £115.37
2798 Cllr Mrs Tracy Edmonston Out of pocket expenses Goudhurst Youth Week £30.64
2799 Mrs B Harrison-Stafford Reimbursement casual labour War Mem’l & plants £14.50
2800 Peter Watkins Footpaths maint Jul 10 plus strimmer cord £218.00
2801 Kilndown Newsletter Fund Grant for 2010/11 £50.00
DDR BT Council’s Telephone account 01 August 2010 £114.25
DDR Veolia Environmental Burial Grounds bin July 2010 £88.97

212/10 Receipts in July 2010:
Burial Board £270.00
213/10 Bank reconciliation to end July 10. Noted that Council’s cash book balances total £31,128.77
214/10 Approval of Grants. Resolved: to pay a grant of £300.00 to CAB for 2010/11 in September 2010.
215/10 Internal Audit. Noted that the Chairman has agreed with Cllr Rolington that he will carry out the next Internal Audit in accordance with Standing Orders, Appendix 3. The date is to be arranged.

TRAINING
216/10 Training in Preventing Violent Extremism. Noted that there will be a session at Goudhurst Parish Hall on 14 October 2010, although there are other sessions at other venues on 06 and 14 October.
217/10 KALC Finance Conference at Lenham 25 September 2010. Please inform Clerk if you would like to attend.

CURTISDEN GREEN SEWER COMPLAINTS
218/10 Curtisden Green Sewer. Minute 166/10. It was noted that Council had received a telephone call from Southern Water in response to a request on 21 July 2010 for an update on what plans Southern Water has to solve the problem of the foul odours from the sewer. There is no significant news although Southern Water has not yet adopted the system.

POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
219/09 CCTV at Goudhurst High Street. It was noted that the owners of The Vine Inn have informed the Chairman of the Parish Council that they wish to waive the annual payment from Council for the use of their premises for the siting of the camera and the power it uses.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
220/10 Monday 13 September 2010. 7.30 pm at the Jessel Room.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
221/10 The following items were noted:
KALC e-mail of 22 July 2010 to inform Council that the current rules regarding payments by local councils are likely to be repealed through a legislative reform order.

The Meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
Anthony Farnfield, Clerk

These Minutes are subject to approval at the next meeting of Council
Freedom of Information policy: download policy document (Microsoft Word®)
Clerk to the Parish Council
Anthony Farnfield MBE
clerk@goudhurst.co.uk
www.goudhurst.co.uk
copyright © 2010 Goudhurst Parish Council