1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Brown, Day, Lutener, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid, Tippen and Tipples.  Borough Councillors Rodd Nelson-Gracie and Paddy Germain, the Clerk, two members of the public and one member of the press.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

3.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting of 9^th March 2004 were agreed and signed as a true record.

4.

MATTERS ARISING

a)

Model Code of Conduct

A letter had been received from the Standards Board for England regarding the process for a referral decision is undertaken.

Vote on Code of Conduct

For     2                 Against        4                 Abstained    2

5.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

Parish Sweeping Arrangements

Details had been sent from MBC regarding the new sweeping arrangements being undertaken by them as from 5^th April 2004.  The clerk has a breakdown of when visits are made to the village and surrounding area.

b)

Ponds

Cllr Adam was concerned that a report in a recent edition of the Downs Mail indicated that the ponds at the playing field would be filled in.  The Chairman would contact the landowner to ascertain whether this was true. 

A young resident had recently approached the Chairman to ask about cleaning out these ponds for a project for school.  Again, the Chairman would speak to the landowner.

c)

Cherry Orchard Estate

Concern was expressed over the grass verges not being cut.  The Clerk had tried to contact the representative of George Wimpey but without success.  Was in contact with the Hildenborough branch and is awaiting a reply.  Other issues included the footpath through from Napoleon Drive to the playing field and adoption.

(d)

Library Barrier

Over recent weeks the barrier had been left open and has been damaged for some time.  MBC are arranging their maintenance team to either repair or replace and contractors emptying recycling bins have been asked to close barrier behind them.  Concern over safety issues was raised and the Clerk would contact MBC to chase repairs.

(e)

Central Railway

A news release had been received from KCC indicating that Central Railway's proposals were not taking place.  However, Cllr Adam had a copy of a publication indicating that Central Railways were not giving up.  The Clerk to send a copy to KCC/MBC.

(f)

Parish Councillor's Attendance List

The Clerk had been approached to ask whether the attendance list of Parish Councillors could be advertised more widely.  Although the clerk had this information in the office it was decided that it would be placed on the noticeboards within the parish.

·          

Cllr Germain asked whether further funding had been found for the Outreach Youth Worker.  Cllr Reid meeting representatives this week to discuss.

·          

Kerbstones and path at library were causing problems.  The Clerk would chase MBC/KCC regarding these.

·          

Footpath between Howland Road and Stanley Road was in a bad state of repair.  The Clerk had previously contacted MBC but would speak to PROW Officer at High Halden.

·          

Flooding at Stilebridge junction was causing problems.  The Clerk to contact Highways.

·          

A resident asked whether electors would be informed regarding postal votes.  As far the clerk is aware information will be provided when election cards are sent out.

6.

MEMORIAL HALL

Meeting was held Monday 10^th May with proposals for provision of comfortable chairs, redecorating of main hall and lining of car park were discussed.

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

Kent Men of Trees - Marden had won third prize in the 2003 competition.  Cllr Tipples had suggested a standard Green Beech and would inform councillors when this would be delivered and planted.

b)

Campaign to Protect Rural England - asking for subscription.  It was decided that Marden Parish Council would not subscribe.  Cllr Adam informed the councillors that Marden Society subscribe and a regular magazine is produced by CPRE and is available  from the library to anyone interested.

c)

Government Office for the South East - Regional Transport Strategy - Cllr Adam to read.

d)

Kenward Trust - A letter had been received thanking Marden Parish Council for its donation.

e)

Maidstone Village Pump Scheme - giving information of grants/funding that may be available to organisations.  Cllr Reid to read regarding possible funding for youth club.

f)

The Boundary Committee - gave information regarding final recommendations of the periodic electoral review of Kent County Council.  Cllr Adam had visited the website and printed a map which gave details of boundaries.  It seems that Marden will be within Maidstone Rural West along with Collier Street, Yalding, Nettlestead.  It will no longer be with Staplehurst.   This is most likely to come into effect following County/General election.

g)

Government Office for the South East - Proposed Alterations to RPG9.  Cllr Adam to read.

8.

PLANNING

a)

Decisions - Approvals

MA/03/0858 - 1 Ashtree Cottage, Winchett Hill - erection of two storey side and rear extension.

MA/03/2185 - Widehurst Farm, Thorn Road - creation of access into field and all weather paddock/lunge ring.

MA/03/2404 - Little Hertsfield, Staplehurst Road - Demolition of existing rear extension and erection of part single, part two storey rear extension with dormer window.

MA/04/0063 - Merzie Meadow, Hunton Road - Erection of a flood bund.

MA/04/0241 - Squirrel Oak, Maidstone Road - single storey side extension.

MA/04/0243 - 1 Reed Court Cottages, Hunton Road - erection of two storey rear extension.

MA/04/0253 - Platt House, Dairy Lane - construction of a riding arena.

MA/04/0261/2 - Stone Pit Farmhouse, Howland Road - renewal of listed building consent and variation of condition (1) to allow further 5 years to begin erection of double garage.

MA/04/0329 - Edge Field, Wades Close - single storey extension.

MA/04/0391 - Little Hickmotts Nursery, Summerhill Road - erection of a conservatory.

MA/04/0427 - Colton, Battle Lane - erection of two storey side extension and installation of two new windows in rear elevation.

Certificate of Lawful Use or Development

MA/04/0124 - 2 Ashgrove Villas, Howland Road - proposed loft conversion including installation of rear dormer window and 2no. front facing velux windows.

Refusals

MA/03/2023/2052 - Manor Farm, Battle Lane - listed building consent and application for part single storey and part two storey side extension and erection of rear porch.

MA/04/0094 - Land Off Barrel Ash Close - conservation area consent to demolish existing outbuilding.

MA/04/0218 - Windens Barn, Park Road - rear extension to existing dwelling and addition of pitched roofs to existing dormer windows and bay window.

MA/04/0264 - Blue House Farm, Battle Lane - conversion of American style hop packing building into 3no. live/work (B1(a)) units, partial demolition and conversion of the cold stores building (including small scale toilet extension) and conversion of large storage unit with a total of 7no. B1 units with associated parking and access.

Withdrawals

MA/04/0114 - Springfield Oast, Goudhurst Road - demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement garage with storage and gym above.

b)

Minutes of Planning meetings previously circulated to Councillors.

Next Planning Meeting - 18^th May 2004.

9.

HIGHWAYS

a)

MBC Letter received giving information of work programme and the new guidance from the Department of Transport regarding 30mph limits in villages.  This to be placed at the end of the agenda for the planning meeting on 18^th May.

b)

Mid Kent Water - closure of Curtisden Green from 19^th April for approximately three weeks.

(c)

MBC Letter receiving regarding capital grant to be used on land drainage works.  The Clerk to contact MBC with details about Stilebridge junction and under Pattenden Lane arch.

(d)

Replies received regarding Traffic Consultation document including one from MBC.  This would be placed at the end of the planning agenda for discussion on 18^th May.  Copies of letters to be sent to Cllr Adam and Borough Councillors.

(e)

Highways Minutes circulated.

Other Highways Issues

Road conditions around the parish were of not a decent standard and contractors should be asked by MBC to revisit sites to make good if necessary.

Pot holes and loose kerbstone along Stanley Road to be reported.

The clerk to look further regarding Marden Tandoori footpath.

Cllr Day asked whether anything was to be done regarding the three cast iron signs posts around the village.  The Clerk to look into.

10.

CEMETERY

a)

Cemetery minutes circulated.

Due to heavy rain Ian Jones informed the clerk that he has been unable to attend to the grass as much as he would wish over the last few weeks.  This would obviously be rectified once the ground had dried out.  Cllr Tippen asked it to be minuted how well Ian kept the cemetery and must be one of the best in the county.

Although Cllr Tipples would not be standing at the next election he informed the Council that he would still look after and maintain the Oak Tree at the cemetery.

11.

PLAYING FIELD

a)

Playing Field minutes circulated.

b)

MBC safety reports - issues raised regarding slide, seesaw and horse.  Hop Engineering would be contacted regarding the slide.  Staplehurst PC were improving their play facilities and were advertising their rocking horse.  The clerk would speak to Staplehurst regarding this.

The Football Club had approached the council regarding the changing rooms as they were to be promoted to the next division.  A meeting took place to discuss options available and it has been suggested that a petition wall would be placed to make one changing room into two.  Costs would be looked into and the Football Club be asked to contribute either financially and/or by helping tidy surrounding area.

Cllr Adam asked that signs be placed at all entrances to the playing field to read "no motorcycles" or "no power vehicles".  Also could it be looked into to provide a notice board and MBC be contacted regarding Bye-laws for the playing field.  The Clerk to action.

12.

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 28^th April 2004.

Post Office £14,461.01 Current Account £00.00 Reserve Account £54,050.93

b)

Payments for Approval

Invoices were agreed for payment and cheques signed.

KAPC invoice would  be discussed following elections.

c)

Accounts for the financial year 2003/04 had been circulated and agreed by the Finance Committee.

d)

End of Year Audit - this was agreed and signed by the Chairman.

e)

Finance Minutes circulated

f)

Quarterly internal audits had been carried out and the clerk wished to thank Mr Kem Dore for his assistance.

The Chairman advised the council that the clerk was looking into the costings of a computer programme for the accounts.

Maidstone Borough Council

Weekly Lists of Planning Applications

Agenda for Planning Committees

Agenda for Environment and Transportation

Agenda for Housing Strategy and Regeneration

Amended Agenda for Maidstone Joint Transportation Board

Planning Committee Minutes

Forward Play of Key Decisions

News Releases - Cabinet coming to you / Food Safety Act 1990 Prosecution / Maidstone commuters urged to get back on track / Head 2 Head Cabinets / Going with the flow / Only fools and court cases / Food hygiene prosecution /Captain Clean's sweeping into town / Going with the flow / Trust in us / A force to be reckoned with in the garden / Putting colour in people's lives / Egging you on / Youth Euro Conference hits the right note / Record Year for             Maidstone museum / Crackdown on illegal fly tipper

Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation - Financial Support for Socially necessary bus services

Borough Update

Others

KCC - Try Angle Awards

Kent Youth and Community Area Newsletter

KCC - Kent Trails

KCC - Around Kent

Highways Agency - South East Roadworks and Traffic information

DTI - Partnership in rolling out broadband to rural communities

NALC Annual Conference

Home Office - Forthcoming Changes to the law on preventing illegal working

Parish Magazines - April and May

Parish News - Issues 299 and 300

SERPA Newsletter - Issue 46

Local Council Review - Issues 55 and 56

Countryside Agency - Vital Villages Update

Downs Mail - Issues 83 and 84