Minutes July 2019

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2019/14

Minutes from a meeting of Cropthorne Parish Council held on Monday July 1st 2019 in the Village Hall at 7pm

  1. PRESENT:

Chairman B Annis Vice Chairman S Smythe

Cllr W Clive Cllr M Anderson

Cllr R Segar County Cllr L Eyre

District Cllr T Rowley Clerk L Yapp

6 members of the public

  1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs S Smythe and J King
  2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None declared
  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Minutes from previous meeting were approved and signed – proposed Cllr Clive, seconded Cllr Segar – all in favour
  2. PARISHIONERS QUESTION TIME:
  • Bollards, Lower Croft – still not done as promised by Rooftop Housing – the clerk advised that there had been a change of staff and the bollards issue was being reviewed by the new staff member
  • Sheppey Corner, parking of vehicles – 2 parishioners raised concerns with regard 3 vehicles which are permanently parked on the pavement at the road junction. It is unclear who the vehicles belong to. In the first instance the clerk would place a notice under the wipers of each, reminding the owners that it is against the law to park within 10 metres of a junction and that pavements should be left clear, before any further action is carried out
  • Field – it was reported that a field in Cropthorne is being used to dump soil and hard core. A question was raised as to whether the landowner had a carriers licence. The clerk would speak to WDC Enforcements
  1. PLANNING/ENFORCEMENTS:
  • 19/00875 – Meadow View, Smokey Lane – change of use of land to residential garden and stationing of log cabin as annex accommodation – approved by WDC
  • 19/00839 – Lanesfield, Smokey Lane – 2 x timber stables, muck store, tack room and adjacent barn – approved by WDC
  • 19/00991 – Field Barn Lane Caravan Park – erection of single dwelling – the parish council objected to this application on the basis that the dwelling would not be connected to the park, as in the case of staff accommodation
  • Merrybrook, Field Barn Lane – with enforcements
  • Kimberleys Field – the clerk had notified WDC Enforcements with regard the occupation of the land by travellers. This is being investigated
  • Grass Verge, Sheppey Corner – The poorly maintained highway verge was part of a landscaping planning condition and had been passed to WDC Enforcements who had given the developers a timescale to clear. The clerk would chase up if necessary.
  1. VILLAGE HALL – Nothing to report
  2. HIGHWAY MATTERS :
  • Reflectors – Brook Lane / Field Barn Lane junctions – a parishioner presented to the parish council a photograph of the corner junction of Brook lane/ B4084 which, some years ago, showed the hedge some way back from its current line now. The clerk would speak to the LM to see if this could be trimmed back slightly, or it may need a discussion with the landowner.
  • Field Barn Lane Footway – this had been costed and the whole length (where possible) would cost £60,000 – but is too narrow in places. One option put forward would cost £3,500 and would be a

2019/15

short length of footway at Orchard Row. Questions would need to be asked as to who owns the land. It was agreed that a meeting would be held with the clerk, Cllr Clive, Cllr Eyre and Eric Walker (WCC)

  • The Chairman had provided photographic evidence of engineering works which could be effective as a traffic calming solution in Brook Lane and Main Street. These had been forwarded to Cllr Eyre. It was suggested that a Speeding working group be set up to investigate all options. The clerk would look into this
  1. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT – County Cllr Eyre reported that:
  • Within WCC, a number of cost cutting reviews are being carried out
  • An ‘outside’ company are looking at Children’s Services although the responsibility would still lie with CC
  1. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR – District Cllr Rowley reported:
  • SWDP – sites that had been put forward at the initial consultation stage are being reviewed
  • Minerals Local Plan – responses from the last consultation are being considered, with particular focus on Cropthorne, Charlton and Fladbury
  • Enforcement/Planning – he has asked for a report on the traveller sites on the B4084, with emphasis on the number of access points and division of sites
  • Pollinators in Parks – WDC are creating wildflower areas in local parks and open spaces
  1. BENCH, VILLAGE GREEN – a request had been made to replace 2 benches, one on the green, and one at the Sheppey, both were originally bought by the parish council with financial help form Randolph Meakins Pattys Farm and Widow Lyes Charity. It was suggested that the Charity may again be in a position to offer some financial assistance. Cllr Annis reported that he had seen possible suitable replacements using recycled materials, which looked like a timber bench. The clerk would in the first instance ask the Charity if they would be happy for this type of bench as an option and if so, source options.
  2. MATTERS ARISING:
  3. Lengthsman – The LM would be asked to ensure that all road signs are clear of overgrowth, as well as the previously discussed corner junction at Field Barn Lane
  4. New Home Bonus/s106 – Cllr Rowley had met with Mr Harris (Church) and WDC with regard the proposal to use NHB monies for the toilets/servery provision at the church. It was agreed that until we know full details with regard the Field Barn Lane footway/kerbings option (which would be the 2 options for use of the monies) any decision should be deferred. The final decision as to how the funds would be spent lies with the parish council
  5. Community Infrastructure Levy Fund – It has been confirmed that this fund could be used for speed roundels. However, discussion had previously taken place (earlier in the meeting) with regard possible engineering works. To be reviewed at the September meeting, by which time WCC, Cllr Eyre, the clerk and Cllr would have met
  6. Bus Service – The clerk had been notified of the forthcoming traffic consultation. Details would be sent to parishioners urging them to respond as well as a response from the parish council
  7. Speeding – A request had been made for Cropthorne to be considered for the Community Speed Watch scheme. The clerk would also be attending a WDC workshop on speeding
  8. Bollards Lower Croft – This has been chased up with Rooftop
  9. War Memorial – Nothing further to report

2019/16

  1. FINANCE
  2. Payments made since the last meeting/for authorisation

Current account balance:

(incl. unpresented cheques) £10,008.71

Deposit account: £5,019.15

  1. AOB/ ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT FUTURE MEETINGS: Nothing reported
  2. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: Monday 2nd September 2019 @ 7pm