WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 5th April 2022 7.30pm
Wateringbury Village Hall
Present
Cllr P Gregson (Chairman)
Cllr M Wells (Vice Chairman)
Cllr D Marks
Cllr F Fielding
Cllr G Owen
In attendance
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Cllr S Hudson – Tonbridge & Malling Borough & Kent County Councillor
Mrs C Byron – Rostrum Correspondent
3 Members of the Public
The Chairman opened the meeting by reminding everyone in attendance the meeting may be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise reported and asked if anyone present intends to make a video or audio recording of the proceeding – None
21/106 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr R Tripp Cllr L Simons
21/107 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
21/108 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
21/109 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
21/110 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR & BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Cllr Hudson’s report attached. Cllr Hudson said objections could have been made to the mobile phone mast as it was in a conservation area.
Cllr Marks asked this be clarified as it was understood only valid objections could be considered if it was an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty
21/111 CRIME REPORT
No report
2 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1st MARCH 2022 TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
The Minutes were approved by Cllr Owen and seconded by Cllr Fielding. The Minutes were signed as a correct record
/113 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1st MARCH 2022
21/102 – The Chairman reported a KCC Officer had made a site visit to the village The Wateringbury village sign would be changed to read Wateringbury Village. KCC had returned the Highway Improvement Plan with some queries which the Chairman had addressed. A survey was imminent.
21/103 – Fete Toilets – the cheapest quote from Elegance Services 4 bay solar toilets £475 plus VAT. These had been booked.
21/114 CEMETERY CAR PARK LEASE
Councillors discussed emails received from the council’s Solicitor Richard Long regarding a draft transfer. Councillors agreed to accept the implications and obligations with the exception of the right of the transferor to use the access from the car park for the use of its retained land for any purpose other than the existing agricultural use.
The restrictions on clauses 12.15 & 12.17 should be amended to reflect any use of the retained land other than for agricultural use to allow the Parish Council to decide whether to charge or refuse access. The Council had reservations concerning the possible development of the retained land.
Councillor Wells proposed the amendment which was seconded by Cllr Owen. All Councilors voted in favour
21/115 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
Finance & General Purposes – Internet Banking. KALC had been asked for comments and Councilors considered replies. It was agreed to look into this further.
Wateringbury Football Club had requested improvements to the car park. This would need further investigation. It was stated there was to be a change of Trustees at the Wateringbury Sports & Recreational Association.
Fete toilets – a deposit of £120 pad been paid the balance of £450 due two weeks before the event
Questions had been raised on how to communicate the precept to residents. It was suggested a report or a possible colour centrefold could go into the Rostrum magazine. This would be looked at again later in the year.
Highways – Speedwatch report attached. Thanks were given to the Speedwatch team for their continued support. PCSO Josh Vincent had reported on a speed check on the A26 40mph on the 27th March. Over 100 vehicles were observed, and few were seen speeding over the limit the highest being 43mph. Vehicles were seen exceeding 30mph in the 30mph zone
Cemetery – Memorial Garden. Cllr Marks reported on a site visit with Cllr Tripp and the Clerk. There was no legal reason why a memorial garden could not go ahead provided no graves were reopened. Two sites had been identified, one to the southern boundary and the other which would straddle the path. Size approximately 10 x 7 metres. Council would need to look at costs of maybe fencing and signage. The church would be involved in any decision.
The damage by rabbits was getting bad again. Cllr Wells proposed instructing Evergreen Rabbit Control to visit and this was seconded by Cllr Owen. All Councillors voted in favour
Allotments – Cathie Wallis, the Councils’ representative for over 20 years, would be handing over the Anne Hipps Cathie was thanked for her work and support.
All invoices had been sent out in early March. Most would pay by BACS
An inspection by Councillors to be arranged for some time in June/July. There are 7 people on the waiting list
It was confirmed that authority had been given to James Southwell to discuss going issues with Castle Water on behalf of the Council.
Village Warden Vacancy & Report– the closing date for applications was 31st March. Interviews would be arranged. Cllr Gregson, Cllr Wells & Cllr Owen agreed to hold interviews.
Warden report attached
Church Jubilee Flower Festival – The Council had been asked if they would like a flower display arranged on their behalf. This was agreed and the Council would cover the cost of £30. This was proposed by Cllr Marks and seconded by Cllr Fielding. All Councillors voted in favour
Cllr Fielding reported on the change to the play area. The cost to return the lower play area to all grass if the equipment was removed would cost around £7600. Safeplay had indicated the cost of new play equipment could be around £57,000.
21/116 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
The Financial Statement was approved by Cllr Fielding and seconded by Cllr Wells and all cheques were signed.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.45pm