MINUTES OF THE MEETING
26th SEPTEMBER 2018
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MIKE CONNOLLY
Clerk Christine Plummer Richard Himsworth Marie Himsworth
APOLOGIES
PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION TIME
The Chairman welcomed Richard and Marie Himsworth to the meeting
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 25th JULY 2018
Minutes agreed and signed by the Chairman
MATTERS ARISING NOT COVERED ELSEWHERE ON THE AGENDA
Councillor Aldington reported on the new BT Cabinet now up and running from Bonnington site. He explained that residents can now access VFast Broadband from their chosen supplier. It was agreed this will make a significant difference to broadband speeds for many residents.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Aldington and asked for a parish email to be circulated.
ACTION: COUNCILLOR ALDINGTON
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS INVITED TO REPORT ON DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL
Councillor Mike Connolly provided an update on activities in the District
District Councillors Report
Dover Town Centre: Although the St James Centre is doing very well, there are continuing problems in the Old Town, the traditional shopping centre. Dover is no different from many other towns where High Streets have been affected by the explosive growth in on line shopping. We are undertaking three initiatives to support the Old Town: firstly an upgrade to the pedestrian footway, which is uneven in places; secondly a grant scheme offering up to £10,000 to traders wanting to improve the presentation and range in their stores (this also applies to Deal and Sandwich); thirdly, using the old Co-op store, which we bought earlier this year, as a ‘Meanwhile’ place where traders can try out new ideas, new products in a low cost, low risk environment with the hope that some of these may transfer into a permanent position in the Old Town; this scheme is expected to last for 12/18 months while we develop plans for the long term use of the Co-op site.
2. Gridlock and Brexit: Dover Town Centre was gridlocked on the last Saturday of July. This is always the busiest weekend for tourist ferry traffic, and the situation was exacerbated by problems at the Channel Tunnel as drivers tried to find alternate routes across the water. Residents of the Aycliffe Estate were effectively cut off for several hours and trade in the town suffered badly. This is before we see the Brexit impact and there are grave concerns about the passage of goods through the port, the implications for health clearance and the effect on the M2 and M20. For this reason we have established a Brexit Task Force, chaired by Keith Morris and with representatives from Kent County Council, the Harbour Board, Kent Police, the Highways Agency and the Dover MP. This is a useful first step but it is difficult to make any meaningful plans until we know the nature of Brexit and of course those decisions are outside the control of any of those agencies.
3. Deal Pier: There have been a number of problems with the resurfacing of the pier, and work was held up while the gas supply to the café was upgraded. The pier is now open and we have announced new tenants for the café.
4. Leisure Centre: This was topped out at the end of July and we are on track for the planed opening in late Winter/early Spring next year. We are also on budget!
5. Homelessness: We continue to wrestle with this intractable problem. New legislation has created a spike in the number of applications but we have bought a number of properties in the area and have significantly reduced the average number of days people are spending in B&B or overnight accommodation. We continue to develop plans for modular-type housing at two sites in the district which should deliver over 50 units by early 2020.
6. Boundary Commission: We expect the final decisions from the Local Government Boundary Commission at any time. Little Stour & Ashstone Ward is unlikely to be affected in terms of ward boundaries but we know that the number of councillors will be reduced from three to two
7. Budget: The first quarter figures show us on track to meet budget in 2018/19 and the following year looks reasonably secure. However there are major uncertainties relating to Government policy beyond 2020, especially regarding business rates, and longer term planning is difficult.
Chairman thanked Councillor Connolly for report and attendance
COMMUNITY POLICING
Clerk reported that there were no incidents during the period May to July
The issue of quad bike nuisance raised at last meeting was discussed and it was noted that the area has been much quieter recently.
Councillors discussed the identity of Local Community Police Officer and the Clerk agreed to locate and liaise with the Officer.
ACTION: CLERK
GOODNESTONE CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Councillor Hawksworth reported on the latest activity at the Village School
GOODNESTONE C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT FOR PC meeting 26.9.18
Following on from a successful start providing excellent support over the last academic year, we are delighted that Head Teacher, John Dexter is continuing to bring stability and leadership to both schools in the Federation, going forwards.
The Board is extremely confident with the leadership John and his team bring to the school and we are very pleased that it is now in a strong position for growth. The school population has stabilised and, as a Board, we are very excited for the future of Goodnestone Primary.
The school welcomed new class teachers this term and continues to offer three classes from reception to year 6, spanning the KS1 and KS2 curriculum. The staff to student ratio is excellent and enables each child to achieve their full potential.
The Federation of Goodnestone and Nonington CE Primary schools and the leadership team led by Head Teacher John Dexter continue to enjoy the full support of Kent County Council.
As the Parish Council member for Goodnestone CE Primary School and as a Governor serving the Federation, I would like to encourage all members of the Parish and wider community to highlight to all prospective parents that Goodnestone CE Primary is in the enviable position to accept pupils of all ages from reception to Year 6 currently. Please do celebrate and support this hidden gem of a school and ensure its future by spreading the word. All enquiries to be made to John Dexter, contact details on the school’s website http://www.goodnestone.kent.sch.uk/.
Sarah Hawksworth
Parish Councillor for Goodnestone Parish Council and Governor, Federation of Goodnestone & Nonington C of E Primary Schools
Chairman thanked Councillor Hawksworth
FOOTPATHS
Councillor Plumptre had no information to report.
The Clerk reported on the letter of response from Kent County Council on the Footpath EE487 Goodnestone. The response clarifies the legal position of such a public footpath where there is clear historical evidence of public rights. Public Rights cannot disappear through obstruction or disuse for example and must remain in perpetuity unless a legal order is made.
It was agreed that the objection by the Parish Council will remain and not be withdrawn.
HIGHWAY MATTERS
No items for discussion
BONNINGTON AND GOODNESTONE SPEED LIMITS
Councillor Aldington gave a comprehensive report on the findings of research into speed controls in Goodnestone and Bonnington.
Goodnestone has a good case for 20mph signs due to various factors including narrow road, school location, no pavements, church location, and vehicular access to Goodnestone Park. Councillor Aldington explained the process of obtaining such speed signs and the cost implications to the Parish. The whole process will cost in the region of £3500 to £4000. The first step of arranging a survey of vehicular activity in The Street will cost £500.
Councillors discussed the financial implications and it was agreed the item will be placed on the next agenda for further discussion and input from residents.
Councillor Aldington agreed to obtain 3 quotes from relevant organisations to carry out survey work.
Councillor Aldington added that Bonnington did not meet any of the Department of Transport rules.
Chairman thanked Councillor Aldington for the comprehensive report and research.
ACTION: PARISH CLERK
COUNCILLOR ALDINGTON
VILLAGE POND
Councillor Hayward reported on his findings of his visit and subsequent report on the Village Pond. The Councillors discussed the various options available to protect the pond and ensure it is a safe and an eco friendly place for wildlife and visitors. There is clearly a cost implication to managing and maintaining the pond. Mr and Mrs Himsworth have worked hard to maintain the site and it was agreed in order to continue their work a professional organisation would be needed to carry out initial clearance. Quotes to be requested.
Councillors discussed the original lease requirements as agreed by the Parish. Clerk asked to investigate.
ACTION: PARISH CLERK
COUNCILLOR HAYWARD
MILLENNIUM FIELD
Councillors discussed the various possible uses for the Millennium Field. Options discussed were dismissed as not viable due to health and safety or cost implications.
It was agreed that discussions to continue and Clerk requested to research the original lease.
ACTION: PARISH CLERK
CLAYPITS SALT BIN
Councillor Phillips and Councillor Hayward agreed to relocate the salt bin.
ACTION: COUNCILLOR HAYWARD COUNCILLOR PHILLIPS
COMMUNITY FUND
Clerk reported no requests for further funding.
FINANCES
- Payments for approval
The following items were approved for payments
Mowing Roger Austin £297.60 cheque no 375
Proposer Councillor Phillips seconded Councillor Plumptre
Village Hall Hire £95.00 Cheque no 373
Proposer Councillor Phillips Seconder Councillor Plumptre
Smith and Derby Church clock £286.80 Cheque no 371
Proposer Councillor Phillips seconder Councillor Plumptre
Imperative Training de fib £104.40 cheque no 372
Proposer Councillor Phillips Seconder Councillor Plumptre
A Mellowship Chillenden notice board £445.00 cheque no 374
Proposer Councillor Phillips Seconder Councillor Plumptre
- The Councillors agreed to adopt the Financial Regulations as submitted
- Councillors discussed the gift given to Tim Chilton and agreed each Councillor will contribute their share towards the cost of the painting.
PLANNING
Clerk reported on the notification of Planning Permission granted for works at West House The Street Goodnestone.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on the request for a convex mirror by Dr Jacobs. Following the standard response from Kent County Council with the ruling that ‘changes to highways are not investigated unless records show fatal accidents in last 3 years’ this request will not be pursued. The Clerk confirmed Dr Jacobs had been informed.
COUNCILLORS REPORT ON PARISH MATTERS
Councillors discussed training for defibrillator equipment.
Councillor Hayward agreed to arrange.
ACTION: COUNCILLOR HAYWARD
There being no further items to discuss the meeting closed at 9 p.m.