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DRAFT MINUTES - All council Minutes on this page are considered to be in DRAFT format unless stated otherwise

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL.

DRAFT

LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 04 FEBUARY 2004 IN THE LENHAM HEATH & CHARING HEATH MEMORIAL HALL AT 7-30 P.M.

PRESENT.

Cllr. A. Barr Chairman presiding.

Cllr. M. Osborne Vice-Chairman

Cllrs. N.Godfrey, I Younger, D. Haselup, H. Appleton, N. Watson, J. Smith, K. Gillett & R. Greenwood

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Mr. Kennett of Lenham Heath thanked Cllrs. for help in connection with the appeal into a car business being run at Bolton Farm and made a further request for support. He was awaiting written confirmation from an ex-resident that there had been no hardstanding or double door on the garage. Cllr. Haselup said that the Parish Council's draft letter to the Appeal Inspector would be considered later in the meeting and that although LPC supported the enforcement action by MBC they felt that this action was insufficient. The PC would be asking the Appeal Inspector to take a more rigorous approach. He stressed that the support of the community at large in Lenham Heath was necessary.

Mr. Larkin reported that lights opposite 38 Maidstone Road were out and drew attention to accidents that had occurred in Maidstone Road during the recent bad weather. He felt very strongly that in future all roads leading into Lenham should be gritted. The Chairman assured him that Cllr. Appleton would contact MBC regarding the need to have roads gritted.

Mr. Colbran reported on the action he had taken over a lengthy period with various people to get the lights in the car park repaired. This had now finally been done. He was concerned that the broken railing posts by the almshouses, reported at the same time as he had drawn the lights to the attention of the PC, had still not been repaired. The Chairman thanked Mr. Colbran for his work and agreed to look at the broken posts.

Mr. Davidson from Warren Street Residents Assn. informed Cllrs. of a forthcoming planning application for change of use at Leytonstone, Warren Street from a gypsy camp to a holiday recreation facility and said that the Gypsy Guild would not object to the loss of the three gypsy pitches. Cllr. Haselup proposed and Cllr. Godfrey seconded that the Parish Council would support in principle the application for change of use of this site.

The Chairman said that Cllrs. were planning to hold a meeting at Warren Street to discuss with residents the Parish Plan and it was agreed that Mr. Davidson would liaise with Cllr. Haselup on a suitable date.

The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Miller asking that a street light be placed outside Grovelands as more people would be walking along this road when the community centre and surgery were in use. She also reported that the 'Elderly People' sign in the area required cleaning.

SPC Nick Still gave apologies for PC Knight and reported that there had been 12 reported crimes. These were detailed and he agreed to let Cllr. Watson have details of crime locations in Lenham Heath for the next Neighbourhood Watch meeting. He reminded Cllrs. that the next Police Forom would be held on the 12 th February at Palace Ave.

Mr. Kennett referred to the new Chief Constable's policy to get more community wardens into Parishes and suggested that the PC bear this in mind.

Mrs. Younger on behalf of Lenham W.I. thanked Cllr. Osborne and the Community Centre Team for the wonderful job done on the new Hall.

The Chairman declared the meeting open at 8.15 p.m.

APOLOGIES.

Apologies for absence had been received from Cllrs. Johnson and Cain, B. Cllr. Tom Sams, Lisa Judd the Environmental Warden and the Parish Council Clerk.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST.

Cllrs. Osborne, Watson & Appleton declared an interest in the Community Centre.

O2/01. Minutes.

The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 7 th January 2004 , were confirmed as a true record and it was RESOLVED that they be approved and adopted.

02/02. Matters arising.

•  Parking Wardens Cllr. Appleton reported that he had discussed with Steve Goulette who had confirmed that 12 full time wardens had been employed. These would work in rural areas on a random basis commencing in March and would visit Lenham three times per week.

02/03 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:-

•  Finance & General Purposes Committee

The Report of the meeting held on the 21 st January 04, was received and the Chairman referred to:-

Cemetery Rates Having compared rates with other Cemeteries in the area the Committee recommend the following increases:-

Interment fee - £35 Purchased Grave - £75 Purchased plot for cremated ashes - £75. It was proposed by Cllr. Haselup, seconded by Cllr. Godfrey and agreed.

Budget The draft budget was circulated to all Cllrs. The Chairman pointed out that the grass cutting estimates considered by the Committee were erroneous and would be taken back to the Committee. However, these should not affect the budget. The contractor could not yet be informed but in was hoped to do so after the next Committee meeting. Proposed Cllr. Watson, seconded Cllr. Godrey and agreed.

Street Trading Consent: Mr. Brown The applicant had now applied to increase his trading to include Saturdays and it was agreed that LPC would reiterate their previous comments.

KAPC Meeting Cllr. Haselup reminded Cllrs. that they had asked for a special agenda item to be included at the next Area Committee meeting and he queried who would be representing LPC. The Chairman and Cllr. Greenwood would be attending other meetings and it was agreed that the PC would nominate other Cllrs. to attend.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained therein be approved and adopted and the minutes signed. Cllr. Watson noted that the meeting had not been held in the Parish Hall.

•  Planning Applications .

The Chairman reported that the meeting had been held on the 3 rd February 2004 .

A planning consent had been received to move sportswall.

The following planning applications had been considered:-

MA/04/0053: 15m mast at Lenham Storage.

The PC recommend that the application be refused as they feel that

this is too close to another mast on the railway next to the bridge

and also too close to the cottages in Old Ham Lane .

TA/0008/04: Curtiledge of R.B. Plant adjacent to car park - Cut tops of Acers.

LPC no objection.

MA/04/0099: Bull P. H. Lenham Heath Road - Extension

No comment.

MA/04/0076: Maidstone Road - Construction of driveway with dropped kerb.

Recommend approval.

Development Control Meeting 5 th February Cllr. Osborne would attend to speak on the bungalow at Heathfield, Lenham Heath.

Bolton Farmhouse The Committee recommends sending a letter of objection to the Appeal Inspector by the 17 th February and include letters of objection from residents.

Parish Plan A meeting had been arranged for 10 th March in the Community Centre to consider a parish plan for Lenham. Notice would be included in Focus and a leaflet drop would be undertaken. The Council was waiting to hear a date from Warren Street Residents Assn.

Cllr. Mrs. Sams reported that Harrietsham PC's plan would be launched in February.

•  Law & Order Committee

Cllr.Godfrey noted a decrease in reported crimes. He reported that Lenham Neighbourhood Watch Assn. had held its AGM and a new Committee had been formed together with a new Constitution.

The Chairman reported that Lisa Judd wished to use the Lock-Up as a base from Monday - Friday to enable her to meet people. The Parish Council agreed this and would inform Neighbourhood Watch.

D. Transport & Highways.

Cllr. Appleton reported that he had met with Steve Goulette and discussed the resurfacing and relining of The Square. It was hoped this would be undertaken in March.

The Chairman and Cllr. Appleton had inspected hedges in the Parish and sent a list to MBC's Legal Dept. for them to check the owners.

Groom Way Old Ashford Road would have 30 mph signing placed and a new light. In Ham Lane lorry-parking signing would be placed in three languages within the next few weeks.

Cllr. Watson suggested that the grey metal posts along Lenham Heath Road and A20 need to be removed, as they have no signs. Cllr. Appleton to speak to Highways Dept.

Cllr. Haselup reported that some years ago brown tourism signs had been placed around the Parish. He now noted that on the A20 a sign had been erected for the White Horse Inn and he felt that this was wrong for this to have been given permission (if permission had been given) as Chilston Park Hotel had previously been refused permission to erect a similar sign and he considered that the Parish Council should raise objection. It was proposed by Cllr. Haselup, seconded by Cllr. Godfrey and agreed that LPC would pursue.

Cllr. Godrey queried what was happening regarding the CCTV signing. Cllr. Osborne replied that sites to place signs were being considered.

B.Cllr. Mrs. Sams reported that residents of Liverton Hill had suggested signs stating 'Liverton Hill Drive Slowly' be placed at each end. The signs would cost £250 each and she had been trying to contact Boughton Malherbe PC to ascertain if they would be willing to purchase a sign. She suggested that if Boughton Malherbe were agreeable then Lenham should consider purchasing the other. Cllr. Godfrey felt that Lenham PC should look at this again before any decision was taken and it was agreed that the Highways Committee would consider.

•  Community Project .

Cllr.Osborne reported that the Chairman had accepted responsibility for the Community Centre last month from the contractors and on the 12 th February it would be handed over to the Parish Hall Committee to run in Trust. As soon as it was handed over it would be necessary to write a new Trust Deed to satisfy the Funders. He then detailed the arrangements for the Opening Ceremony on the 12 th February 2004 .

•  Environment

Cllr. Greenwood reported the following:-

Mr. Waring had today completed the work to trees in the Cemetery. Cllr. Greenwood was meeting with Mr. Ault to discuss other tree work.

No comments had been received from residents following the cutting of the hedge to the children's playground. He felt that the work had been adequately done for £300.

The light in the churchyard was flashing and he would speak to Bill Peter about this.

He would be meeting MBC to discuss street sweeping in March. He had previously discussed sweeping in Platts Heath and other areas and had a schedule for litter picking in Lenham. He would instruct Mr. Clark to do a litter pick of the footpath along Ashford Road to the Community Centre.

The seesaw in the Children's playground had been written off and he would be giving a presentation to the F & GP Committee on playground equipment.

•  Disability Issues .

Cllr. Younger reported the following:-

A few months ago he had presented a report to Mr. Goulette detailing difficulties for wheelchair users on the path from The Square to the Hall.

He referred to the application under planning for a dropped kerb and said that these caused difficulties for wheelchair users and said that a flat flagged kerb was easier for wheelchair users.

Large puddles had appeared over the winter, in particular at Cherry Close and outside Lenham Storage. Cllr. Godfrey reported that B.Cllr. Sams had taken photographs and sent these to MBC and requested that action be taken.

He had taken up with the Footpath Officer the replacement of the stile at the rear of the Community Centre site. The Officer had now informed him that the stile would be replaced with a gate, which would comply with regulations.

•  REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE MEETINGS.

Harrietsham PC .

Cllr. Johnson had been due to attend but no report had been received.

North Downs Steering Group

Cllr. Haselup apologised that he had been unable to attend due to bad weather.

02/04 Parish Plan

Software Package Cllr. Haselup reported that he had ascertained that the cost would be approx. £200. Following discussion it was proposed by Cllr. Greenwood, seconded by Cllr. Godfrey and RESOLVED that Cllr. Haselup be given authority to spend up to £200 to purchase the package.

02/05. KAPC & KRCC & SLCC .

The agenda and minutes for the forthcoming Area Committee Meeting were passed to Cllrs. Greenwood and Godfrey.

02/06: ACCOUNTS

Cheques for consideration & Payment.

Paul Waring Grass Cuttings for the year £7140.65

Lenham Village Appraisal Final payment CCTV £1000.00

Neat Ideas Ink Cartridge & Stationery £75.16

Lenham Ironmongers MBC Sacks (Env) £8.40

Salaries and expenses detailed as Appendix A and filed with the signed copy of these Minutes.

Cheques paid into Acct.

Swadelands School Rd Sweepers Services £7 20.00

A.W. Court. Purchased plot & Interment £34.50

Natwest Bank Corporate Dia. Interest £75.82

Balance, Diamond Reserve Acct. £42.077.31

Balance, Business Reserve Acct. £19,653.81

Balance, Current Acct. £149.66

Community Centre

Cheques for consideration & payment

Tylden Reed Presentation Clocks £197.60

Direct Stationery Notice Boards £95.60

Medash Signs Ltd 1 Brass & 3 Stainless S. Plates £339.58

Curtaincraft Curtains for New Hall £5848.69

Cheques paid into Acct.

Natwest Bank Capital Reserve Interest £43.09

Balance, Capital Reserve Acct. £9,804.06

Balance, Current Acct. £74.49

It was RESOLVED that the accounts be approved and the cheques signed.

02/07: CORRESPONDENCE

•  Lenham Wanderers Football Club The Club had looked at plans for the skateboard park and the Chairman read the comments expressing concerns about drainage, car parking and the siting of the skateboarding equipment. The Chairman said the Parish Council would take any comments received into account.

•  KCC-Maidstone Rural Package Programme Bids Details received. It was noted that the Lenham Square traffic calming scheme was included and this was passed to Cllr. Appleton.

•  Audit Commission - Questionnaire of Town & Country Parish Councils Further questionnaire about District Councils. This to be referred to the F & GP Committee.

•  Marketing Maidstone Town & Country - Minutes The next meeting had been arranged for 9 th February and the Chairman and Cllr. Greenwood would liaise.

•  MBC - Parish Sweeping Arrangements Letter from MBC detailing sweeping arrangements for Platts Heath and Liverton Hill.

•  KCC Kent & Medway Funding Fair . This would be held on the 5 th February and Cllr. Godfrey would attend.

•  MBC - Parish Council Seminars - Letter from B.Cllr. Fitzgerald inviting PCs to send representatives. LPC to inform that the Chairman and other Cllrs. would attend.

•  Letter from Mrs. Hedges Mrs. Hedges had written thanking Cllrs. for their donation towards the senior citizens Christmas parties.

•  Letter from Revd. Irvine Letter informing LPC of the events planned to celebrate 1200 years anniversary of Christianity in Lenham. The PC to reply that they had no objection to an Open Air Service being held in The Square at Whitsun and would like to be involved with the Civic Service.

•  Mid Kent Water Receipt reported of a business plan.

•  Loder Close The Chairman reported that a house was for sale and the Clerk had placed a notice in the Post Office. In due course LPC would be informed of any applicants.

•  The Len Valley Action Group Notes of a meeting held on 10 th November and an agenda for a proposed meeting on 17 th February at Downswood Community Centre received.

•  Pilgrims Way , Lenham Area B.Cllr. Mrs. Sams reported that she was trying to arrange a meeting with various parties to consider various problems on the Pilgrims Way and ways of working with the Police. This would be held on the 4 th March in the Community Centre.

02/08. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

Cllr. Watson referred to the 'wish list' received from Charing PC. The Chairman had left a message on Charing Clerk's answer phone stating that Charing's list was similar to that wanted by Lenham.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45 p.m.

Signed this day 3 rd March 2004 .

---------------------------------

Chairman

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 07 JANUARY 2004 IN THE LENHAM HEATH & CHARING HEATH MEMORIAL HALL AT 7-30 P.M.

PRESENT.

Cllr. A. Barr Chairman presiding.
Vice Chairman Cllr. N. Osborne.
Cllrs. N.Godfrey, I Younger, D. Haselup, H. Appleton, N. Watson, J. Smith, K. Gillett, D. Johnson R. Greenwood and M. Cain.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

(1) Mr. Larkin expressed his concern on the rising amount of crime in the Parish, and the lack of response by the Maidstone & Malling police HQ, when parishioners are requesting police assistance. He would also like to see far more policing from the regular police force. The Chairman advised Mr. Larkin of the date of the next Annual General Lenham Neighbourhood Watch meeting in the Dog & Bear function room which would take place on Thursday 29th. January 04, starting at 19-30 hrs. Mr. Larkin also raised concern of a large tree in the Maidstone Road, that in his opinion was in danger of blowing over, and also the need for a footpath for the safety of Swadelands School children. Cllr. Greenwood said he would inform the tree warden about the tree, and ask for an inspection. He also advised Mr. Larkin that LPC had requested the footpath be installed at the location he mentioned but the KCC whose responsibility it is advised us that it be on their priority list. That was about five years ago.

(2) Mr. C. Wheel spoke on behalf of Mrs. Marriot, who runs the Lenham paper shop, on the age-old problem of parking in the Village. C/W bought up concerns of double yellow line parking out-side the Post office, positioning of the disabled parking bays and the lack of parking space for delivery vehicles. A/B advised C/W that he would be phoning the MBC car-parking officer, to ask when the promised parking wardens would be visiting the Village.

(3) Mr. D. Ratley enquired if there was any news on the proposed traffic-calming project for the Village. Cllr. Appleton explained that several MBC Highways officers, who had dealings with the scheme had since left MBC, and the project would be bought up at the next meeting with Mr. S. Goullett, at the next highways meeting to be held on Wednesday 28th. January 04.

(4) Mr. Kennet of Lenham Heath asked why the enforcement terms on the Bolton Farm garages had not been enforced by the MBC Planning Officers. Cllr. Haselup answered that in general the MBC Planning Officers as well as many other departments had an abysmal service provider record. The business at Bolton Farm was on the increase, with new web-sites being set up to enlarge the business, in a premises that is for owners own use only, and not commercial use. The Chairman stated that although LPC do have some success with the Planning Officers, he would be asking Mr. D. Petford, MBC Chief Executive to arrange a meeting, that had been requested some three months ago over similar and other problems encountered by LPC.

(5) PC. Knight made a report on the crime figures in the Parish over the past five weeks. There were a total of 21 reported crimes, not in a concentrated area, but throughout the parish. He also reported that Operation Tree, a police operation to combat hare coursing in our Parish, would be commencing soon, which will provide extra patrols in the area.

The Meeting opened at 20-10hrs.

APOLOGIES.

Apologies for absence had been received from Boro. Cllrs. T. & J. Sams and the Lenham Parish Council Clerk Mrs. P Hann.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST.

Cllr’s. N. Osborne, N. Watson and H. Appleton. (Village Hall).

O1/01. Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 6th. August 2003, were confirmed as a true record and it was RESOLVED that they be approved and adopted.

01/02. Matters arising.

A. RED LION PUBLIC HOUSE.

The Chairman had a long discussion with the new landlord of the Red Lion public house on the problem of under age drinking. The landlord is still sifting through his new clientele. PC. Knight and Community Warden Mrs. L. Judd are to meet with the new landlord shortly over the problem.

B. HATCH ROAD AND BEACON ROAD STREET LIGHTING.

The Chairman had contacted the seeboard over the lighting problem. They replied that all the street lighting is up to KCC standards. The Chairman to write to the lady concerned with his findings.

C. PLANNED GREEN WASTE SITE BETWEEN HOLLINGBOURNE HARRIETSHAM.

The Chairman reported on the proposed planned green waste site between Hollingbourne & Harrietsham. There has been a planning meeting over the proposed site and MBC Planners are recommending the scheme should go ahead. The Chairman said he personally had no problem with green field sites used for composting, but the scheme would create another 60 LGV vehicle movements per day delivering to the site. Cllr. Haselup thought that the North Downs needed protection against such ventures, as this would include very heavy machinery, and a vast site that might apply for change of use at a later date. Cllr. Osborne said he was worried about the traffic movements from the Weald coming through Grafty Green to gain access to the A 20. The Chairman would like to see the proposed plans and the planning committee to look in to the plan. Cllr. Haselup stated that he would like to see a visit to a similar site at Seven Mile Lane by the LPC, to find out more about the operation.

D. The Borough Councils Comprehensive Performance Assessment document.

It was agreed by all those Councillors attending the meting that the document be filled in a by the P/C, as last on the agenda before the end of the meeting.

01/03 Reports of Committees:-

A. Finance & General Purposes Committee.Meetings (December 03).

The reports of the meeting held on the 17th. December 03, was received and it was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained therein be approved and adopted.

The Chairman informed the full Council that to complete and set the Precept for next financial year 04-05, the F&GP committee were awaiting quotes on sweeping and grant borrowing approval. N/O proposal that £ 150,000 borrowing approval be sought to be repaid over 20 years to complete payment of the New Community center. £100,000 to be put on the Parish Precept and that the remaining £50,000 from Parish funds. N/O said that the Council would actively look for opportunities on the Community site to reduce this debt. The proposal was put forward by D/H and seconded by I/Y. it was agreed by all Councillors attending the meeting that N/O would complete the borrowing application and that the Chairman would sign it.

B. Planning Applications.

MA/03/2345. Honywood Road Lenham.
Erection of a two story side extension.
LPC wish to see the application REFUSED.

MA/032264. AMENDMENT. White Horse PH Lenham.
LPC wish to see the application APPROVED.

MA/03/2322. Sanctuary Headcorn Road Lenham.
Erection of two story side extension with dormer windows,
LPC wish to see the application APPROVED.

D/H commented on the appalling record of MBC Planning Officer’s unsatisfactory response to requests from LPC, 6-8 letters had been sent to the Planning offices from LPC with no replies. D/H also reminded the council that the installation of an ATM machine in the Natwest Bank, which the LPC APPROVED, is still with MBC Planners after four months, some form of representation should be made on the issue. A/B responded by saying that he did not agree totally with D/H comments. N/O suggested that the KAPC Area committee involvement should be sought. D/J reminded the councillors that documentation would be necessary as proof. D/H proposed that a special meeting of the KAPC Area committee be asked to convene over the issue. D/H proposed the motion and N/W seconded the motion. A/B said he would contact the KAPC’s Chairman to request how LPC should go about organising a special meeting, he said he would also write to Mr. D. Petford over the matter. D/H requested that the LPC purchase an OCR software package to aid the computer work that the Parish Plan requires. D/J thought that the software package should be looked in to before a purchase was made. The LPC will consider the request.

C. Law & Order – Report by Cllr Godfrey.

N/G reported that he attended a Community Safety Meeting at the Maidstone & Malling Police Headquarters on the 04/12/03. Care- taker M/M police Super Intendant S. Corbishly informed all at the meeting that the M/M police force were focusing on Anti Social behavior problems in their area. Hotspots would be identified, firstly letters sent first to the parents of identified culprits and then contracts given plus ASB Orders. Please inform the police, at the Maidstone HQ, of any identified problems in your area’s

D.Transport & Highways. - Reported by Cllr. Appleton.

H/A said he had nothing to report, but all outstanding relevant issues would be bought up at the next meeting on the 28th January 04.

E. Community Project. – Reported by Cllr. Osborne.

N/O stated that no meeting of the recreational committee was called last month. N/O gave a full report on the new Community Center. N/O reported that the official opening day is 2-45 p.m. on the 12th. February 04, and he hoped that all those invited would attend. N/O gave the date 26th. January 04 for the handing over of the Community Center keys from the LPC to Mr. R. Gill the Chairman of the Hall committee. Also 21st. February when all the Parishes Clubs and Associations will be invited to display there events at the Community center. N/O said that fundraising for the Community Hall will continue, as there is still much to complete.

F. Environment = Reported by R/ Greenwood.

R/G advised the meeting that another committee meeting will be held next month. R/G reported that MBC Highways department had purchased a new sweeping machine that will clean both roads and footpaths. He also stated that higher rates for burial plots at the Cemetery would be sought, as at the moment, he had been advised that we are the lowest in the area. R/G said that the relatives of Mr. Russell had asked that a memorial Almond tree be planted in the Churchyard. The Church had agreed.

G. Disability Issues = Reported by Cllr. Younger.
I/Y reported that there would be no improvement of controlling disability illegal parking until the new parking wardens were out on patrol. The resurfacing and the relining of the parking areas in the Square are long awaited. Improved access to the Faversham Road to the ironmongers is needed, as there is limited access at the moment.

H. Reports from Outside Meetings.
No meetings held.

01/04 Recycling site on the Ashford Road, Lenham.

LPC sent an e-mail to Mr. D. Watkins asking him to visit the site to repair the fence and organize regular emptying of the skips, and general tidying up of the area. He said that CCTV cameras would be installed on the site, and that any persons witnessing illegal tipping of private company waste at the site please phone the cleansing hot line 01622 602162. Witness statements may be needed to gain prosecution of the company. . Mr. J. Jackson will be sent a copy of the letter, and a telephone hot line number be posted on a plaque at the site.

01/05 Parish Plan.

The Chairman advised those members attending the meeting that there were two meetings scheduled on the subject next week. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th. January 04 the venue Platts Heath school, the second meeting will be on the Wednesday 14th. January 04, the venue the Charing & Lenham Heath Memorial Hall. Both the meetings commence at 19-30 hrs. Cllr. Haselup had copied the 1974 KCC plan for Lenham, but unfortunately only the Chairman had successfully received an e- mail of the document. The Chairman said the document was a good example to follow, and thanked Cllr. Haselup for all his hard work he had done on the document.

01/06. KAPC & KRCC & SLCC.
No Meetings held.

01/07: Accounts.

Cheques for consideration & Payment.

Churchill Hui - Professional Services £ 7225.00
Cheques paid into Acct.
Lenham Working Mens Club. Donation to New C. Centre £260.00
Lenham Wanderers F.C. Donation to New C. Centre £25.00

01/08: Correspondence.

A. MBC Draft Community Development Plan 2004-07. Chairman receipt of report.
B. KCC-Vision of Kent. A/B reciept of report.
C. MBC-Development Control- Enforcement Services Standards Public Consultation. A/B reciept of report.
D. MBC-Highways & Environmental Services & Land Drainage. A/B reciept of report.
E. SERPA. N/O is to look at this document.
F. A.W. Gore & Co. Transfer of licensing for the Red Lion Public House to Mr. T. Baker, Mr. John Frost and Mr. James Frost.
G. Mid Kent Downs Steering Group. The next meeting is to be held on the 28/01 04. Cllr. K. Gillett is going to attend.
H. Lenham Parish Hall Committee- New Hire Rates from April 2004. Received for consideration.
I. S. E. Mkt. Town Health Check Survey. N/O to look at the document.

01/09.AOB.
A. K/G reminded D/J that he was the next on the rota to visit the next Harrietsham P/C meeting and also a report to the Lenham Magazine Outlook on the meeting just held.
B. N/O said he thought that the Lenham Parish logo should be licensed. He will look into the costing to see if it is viable or not.

01/02/D- The Borough Councils Comprehensive Performance Assessment document.
The document was completed by the full P/C. Two comment boxes were left an it was agreed by all attending the meeting that these would be filled in by the Chairman.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 21-50hrs.

Signed this day 4th. February 2004.

---------------------------------
Chairman

Matters raised – Lenham Parish Council – November 2003

There has been a crime wave in the Parish. Thirty crimes were recorded in the five weeks since the previous meeting. There were six burglaries. One suspect is in custody for one of the burglaries. Investigations are proceeding on the other five offences. During the same period there were 11 cases of criminal damage..

• Lisa Judd, the Village Warden, drew attention to overhanging trees in the Maidstone Road, which are obscuring the lighting where elderly residents cross the road.
• With regard to parking problems outside the school when children are being delivered/collected, causing obstruction to the bus and other traffic, drivers are now ‘parking more prettily’ and the problem has been resolved.
• The Warden is to get the use of a police car during the day to help her commute between villages.
  Draft minutes of PC meetings are to appear at www.lenham.net
• Double yellow lines and multilingual signs are to be placed in Ham Lane, if residents are agreeable. This is to prevent large lorries parking overnight.
• No conclusion was reached concerning the future usage of the nine acres behind Highbourne that once belonged to the Sanatorium. There had been no interest in building a nursing home, or a headquarters for a nature organisation, or a youth hostel and it could not be used for housing as no further residential development is allowed on the Down. A picnic site had been suggested but this would entail paying someone to lock and unlock the entrance each day to prevent travellers taking up residence. The only point of agreement was that the land should not be sold. Anyone with ideas for the site should contact the Parish Clerk on 850321.
• Several months ago we were told that Maidstone Borough Council would be relining the parking bays and renewing the road signs in The Square. Sadly, we now understand that the “facelift” will not take place until next Spring.
• In the “Public Participation” section of the PC meeting, held in the first half hour, many residents from the Warren Street area attended to voice their concerns about two acres of ground which lies between the Harrow Inn and Charing Hill.

Originally (1992) this land had in fact been allocated by Maidstone Borough Council for a ‘travellers’ site. The owner of the ground had in fact wished to build a bungalow there and had submitted somewhere in the region of twenty building applications, all of which had been rejected by MBC. He has now submitted another application to build a bungalow on the site. This further application is being supported by many of the residents in the Warren Street area, supported by Charing, Otterden and Lenham Parish Councils.

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