1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Brown, Lutener, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid, Tippen and Tipples.  Borough Councillors Rodd Nelson-Gracie and Paddy Germain, County Councillor Eric Hotson, the Clerk, one member of the press, three members of the public and Jennifer Shaw from the Kent Rural Community Council.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Day.

3.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Minute No. 1079, item 5(b) - paragraph 3.  Should read "Cllr Tipples asked whether there would be more police presence…"

Minute No. 1081, item 8.  Should read "Cllr Tippen asked how MBC view the Village Design Statement."

4.

MATTERS ARISING

a)

Model Code of Conduct

A letter had been received from MBC regarding issues relating to the Code of Conduct.

Vote for Signing the Code of Conduct as follows:

Against   3   For   2         Abstention  2

Annual Parish Meeting

Tuesday 6^th April commencing at 7.30pm.  It was decided that as MBC were sending officers to speak on the elections the Parish Councillors would not speak but would be able to answer any questions from the floor.

There would not be a Parish Council meeting on the second Tuesday of April.

Overhanging Tree

The tree in the playing field was covered by a TPO and therefore consent was needed from MBC.  The Clerk had received a form which was to be completed and returned.  Cllr Reid had looked at the tree (Ash) but could see no serious overhanging branches but could do with some branches being trimmed back.  Once form was submitted would arrange to meet MBC at site to discuss what work should be undertaken.

Road Salting Criteria

The criteria had been received from MBC.  Concern was raised over bus routes not being salted.  Cllr Nelson-Gracie had been in correspondence with MBC/KCC.  Bus routes not in KCC's criteria has severe cost implications.  Has asked MBC to contact Marden Parish Council regarding roads within Parish.  Cllr Tipples made mention of what Council Tax was going on if not this.  The clerk trying to arrange a meeting with Highways and this would be put on agenda.

Grass Cutting

Ian Jones had agreed to take over responsibility of mowing grass verges around the parish at a lower quote than KCC.

5.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

Angley School

A meeting had been arranged with Simon Webb of KCC on Friday 19^th March at 4.00pm in the Memorial Hall.

b)

Parish Surgery

The next surgery was due to be held on Saturday 13^th March.  Cllr Newton agreed to attend.  The Chairman asked if a councillor could attend on 10^th April as she was unable to attend herself.

c)

Strategic Rail Authority

SRA had produced a consultation document regarding plans for the railway lines in 2007.  Cllr Adam raised concern as to what implications this had to Marden.  Although we were not to lose train services as badly as Harrietsham, Charing etc we would still have a reduction to 1 train per hour.  This would mean more people standing or using their cars more.  It was agreed that the Parish would write to MBC and KAPC with our objections and that we would wish to see the existing frequency maintained due to Marden being an increasingly busy station.

Other Parish Matters

Cllr Reid had a meeting in February with representatives of the Youth Club and Outreach.  It raised several good points and the Youth Club are now looking to hold the club every week as more volunteers had made themselves available.  However, concern was raised as to funding the Outreach Worker whose contract ended in May.  £2,000 was needed to ensure that this post would continue.

·          

It had been observed that children were using  the tree seat at the cemetery to climb into the oak tree.  The Clerk to speak to Ian Jones.

·          

When was the hedging/trees being cleared away at the playing field?  Graham Carey was due to start work in the near future.  He needs to get a tractor and trailer into the field and due to wet weather felt that it would be best to wait a short while.

·          

A street light was out at Oak Tree Close.  The Clerk to report.

·          

County Cllr Hotson raised the following points:

reiterated what was said regarding SRA and fully supported Marden writing with concerns. 

He also sits on the Local Board and money is available to parishes.  Cllr Germain informed the Council that KCC were to put forward £1,000 for the Outreach Worker perhaps further funding could be found from the Local Board. 

Fully supported the work that Cllr Adam had undertaken on the Traffic Consultation. 

Funding for Rural Policing had been found for a further year following PC Carron's promotion.

Encouraged Marden Parish Council to push for change in the criteria of road salting for the parish.

6.

MEMORIAL HALL

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

Kent Police - Rural Policing.  As Cty Cllr Hotson had informed Council funding was to be made available as from 1^st April.  Recruitment was currently being advertised.

On the subject of police Cllr Tipples was concerned as to the large number of police in Pattenden Lane on Sunday lunchtime.  A member of the public informed the Council that this was for speeding.  The Chairman to take this point up with the Police as to why such a large presence.

Cllr Brown thanked the Chairman for pushing for further funding to replace PC Carron.

The Chairman informed the meeting that police had been driving around the parish, including rural areas, on a regular basis.

b)

KCC - Marden Library: Kent Village of the Year Certificates and Plaque would be displayed at Marden Library.

c)

MBC - Renewal of Street Trading.  An application had been received for renewal of street-trading consent from Petra-Jane Houston.  This was agreed.

d)

MBC - Housing Strategy - Housing Need Report.  Cllr Brown to read.

e)

MBC - Clean Sweep Invitation - Cllr Reid to speak with Youth Club representatives.

f)

The Grey Zebra.  A donation of £25 would be sent.

g)

Copy letters re Marden Cricket and Hockey Club

h)

MBC - Affordable Housing Seminar.  This will be held on 25^th May.  Cllr Lutener to attend.

i)

Standards Board for England - Cllr Adam to read.

j)

SE England - Regional Planning Guidance - proposed alterations.  Cllr Tippen to read Waste Management Document and Cllr Day to read Minerals Document.

8.

PLANNING

a)

Decisions - Approvals

MA/03/2353 - Hammons Court, Plain Road, Marden

Change of use of storage annexe to guest dwelling with storage space.

MA/03/2459 - Leyside, Thorn Road, Marden

Erection of two storey rear extension.

MA/03/1400 - Lords Field, Goudhurst Road, Marden

Outline Planning Permission

Outline application for the erection of an agricultural dwelling with means of access to be considered at this stage with all other matters reserved for future consideration.

MA/03/2380 - Hammons Court, Plain Road, Marden

Erection of single storey building

MA/03/0302/CO1 - Bumpers Hall, Maidstone Road, Marden

A change of use of agricultural land for keeping of horses and the erection of a stable block with feed store and implement shed.

Refusals

MA/03/2450 - Poplar Tree Farmhouse, Milebush Lane, Marden

Two storey front and side extension which includes the removal of the conservatory.

b)

Minutes of Planning meetings previously circulated to Councillors.

Next Planning Meeting - 16^th March 2004.

9.

HIGHWAYS

a)

MBC Letter - Ditch clearance.  Copy letter sent to Network Rail regarding ditches between Battle Lane and Overbridge Farm.

b)

Milebush Corner.  A copy of a petition had been received regarding accidents at Milebush Corner.  This area of the parish was not raised at the Traffic Consultation but would be placed on the agenda for the next Highways meeting.

Other Highways Issues

Several Mid Kent Water drain covers had worked loose.  One had been reported and the clerk would look into the others.

10.

CEMETERY

a)

Dead Tree.  One tree had been felled by Graham Carey.

b)

Site Meeting - This would be held at 9.30 am on 20^th March 2004.

c)

NALC - Paper re tombstones/memorials - Cllr Newton to read.

Ian Jones had asked when Beech trees could be planted.  Cllr Lutener to arrange delivery of these.

11.

PLAYING FIELD

a)

Three quotes had been received to undertake the surfacing of the footpath through The Chestnuts.  It was agreed that the quote from John Jenner at a cost of £810+VAT would be accepted.

b)

Site Meeting- This would be held at 10.30 am on 20^th March 2004.

12.

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 25^th February 2004

Post Office £14,096.89 Current Account £00.00 Reserve Account £24,238.52

Already Paid

            Ian Jones

            Alison Hooker

            Inland Revenue

£616.00

£959.67

£359.39

To be signed

          Marden Memorial Hall    

          BT

          Graham Carey

          Ofsted

          Kent County Supplies

          Small Engine Services

          Scats

          Sweepclean

          Petty Cash

          Kenward Trust

£65.00

£207.14

£270.00

£11.00

£116.25

£98.17

£28.89

£423.00

£50.00

£25.00

Maidstone Borough Council

Weekly Lists of Planning Applications

Agenda for Planning Committees

Agenda for Environment and Transportation

Agenda for Housing Strategy and Regeneration

Local Development Document Advisory Group Minutes

Forward Play of Key Decisions

News Releases - Food Safety Act 1990 Prosecution / Cabinet Coming to You / Going With the      Flow / Only fools and court cases / Food hygiene prosecution / Head 2 Head Cabinets / Captain Clean's sweeping into town

Joint Transportation Board meeting

Others

KCC - Rural Revival Grants Annual Report

Clerks & Councils Direct

Marden Parish Magazine