1 – Apologies for Absence |
For Information |
To receive apologies for absence.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests |
For Information |
To receive disclosure of any pecuniary interests relating to meeting agenda items.
Having declared an interest, a member must not participate in discussion on the matter and must not take part in any vote unless an appropriate dispensation has been granted.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation |
For Discussion |
The council meets and makes its decisions in public. A council meeting is not a public meeting. It is a meeting held in public and there is no requirement in law which allows members of the public to speak at such meetings.
However, the council is is keen to encourage public attendance at meetings and will therefore provide an opportunity to local registered electors to show it is committed to community engagement.
A maximum of 3 minutes is allowed per person to speak and the total length of time afforded for public participation at each meeting shall be no more than 15 minutes, subject to an extension of this time, in exceptional circumstances, being agreed by the Chairman.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
4 – Approval of Minutes |
For Decision |
To approve the minutes of the meeting of the council held on Wednesday 16 July 2025
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch. 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from outside organisations and agencies |
For Information |
1. Kent County Council
2. Dartford Borough Council
6 – Motion to Rescind Resolution on Parish Name Change (Item 9.0 – 23 April 2025) |
For Decision |
To resolve to rescind Item 9.0 from the Council meeting of 23 April 2025 and to consider the proposed name change of the Parish.
At its meeting on 23 April 2025, the Council resolved to request a change to the name of the Parish and submitted this request to Dartford Borough Council, thereby triggering the legal requirement to undertake a formal public consultation.
A subsequent report presented to the Council in July 2025 summarised feedback from the Strategic Plan consultation, which included questions relating to the proposed name change. The report also outlined the estimated cost of £3,000 to conduct the required public consultation. However, the report mistakenly included an alternative option for the Council to take no further action and retain the existing name, Stone Town Council – despite the fact that the April resolution remained in force and could not lawfully be reversed without an appropriate mechanism under Standing Order 7(a).
The Council subsequently voted 7 to 4 in favour of the alternative option. However, this vote carries no legal standing, as it contravenes Standing Order 7(a), which states:
“A resolution shall not be reversed within six months except either by a special motion, the written notice whereof bears the names of at least one-third of the members of the Council…”
The inclusion of the alternative option in the July report was a procedural error, and responsibility for this oversight is acknowledged. Standing Order 7(a) exists specifically to prevent frequent reversals of Council policy, ensuring consistency, credibility, and operational stability in decision-making.
A valid special motion to rescind the April resolution has since been received and is included at Appendix A. This motion has been signed by five members of the Council, meeting the requirement under Standing Order 7(a).
The purpose of the motion is to allow the Council to reconsider the merits and implications of the name change in light of public feedback and associated costs, and to determine whether this remains the most appropriate strategic direction.
Members are therefore asked to:
- Resolve whether to rescind the resolution passed under Item 9.0 of the meeting held on 23 April 2025; and
- Consider afresh whether to proceed with the proposed change to the name of the Parish and, by extension, the name of the Council, to enable officers to act accordingly in progressing the Council’s rebranding programme.
Decision: Reconsider proposed change of parish name
Consider afresh whether to proceed with the proposed change to the name of the Parish and, by extension, the name of the Council, to enable officers to act accordingly in progressing the Council’s rebranding programme.
Decision: Resolution to rescind previous decision regarding parish name
Resolve whether to rescind the resolution passed under Item 9.0 of the meeting held on 23 April 2025;
>View Appendix A – Signed Motion to rescind resolution
7 – KALC AGM Motion Submission |
For Decision |
Members have been presented with a recommendation for submission of an item to be included on the Kent Association of Local Council’s AGM. The Council has previously resolved to submit this item before, but was rejected.
Decision: Resolution of motion to the KALC AGM
Resolution of submission of motion for inclusion on the agenda of the Kent Association of Local Council’s AGM.
>View Report for the proposed submission item to the KALC AGM
8 – Council Logo and Branding |
For Decision |
Decision: Resolution and adoption of council logo following change of council style
To resolve adoption of new Council logo following the Council’s change of style to a Town Council.
9 – Finance |
9.1 – CIL Expenditure Request |
For Decision |
Decision: Resolution of CIL expenditure in respect of Pavilion improvement works outside of contract sum
To resolve CIL expenditure for Pavilion improvement works under Phase 3 of the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan.
10 – Correspondence |
For Decision |
Members are presented with a draft letter to the landowner of Stone Pits 9 and 9A for consideration and and resolution to raise awareness of welfare issues of horses on the site South of London Road and request cooperation to elicit an appropriate solution.
Decision: Resolution of correspondence to the landowner of Stone Pits 9 and 9A regarding horse welfare at the site.
To resolve correspondence to the landowner of the area South of London Road regarding the welfare issues of the horses there.
>View proposed correspondence to landowner
11 – Highway Improvement Plan |
11.1 – London Road Green Corridor |
For Information |
To note an update on the London Road Green Corridor Scheme.
11.2 – St James Lane |
For Discussion |
To discuss the potential of installation of a safe crossing on St James Lane for inclusion as part of the Highway Improvement Plan.
A recent petition has been requested by local residents for the installation of a safe crossing on St James Lane to make the roads safer for children walking to and from Stone St Mary’s School. Members are requested to discuss this for potential inclusion in a Highway Improvement Plan.
12 – Staffing Update |
For Information |
To note the appointment of Richard Cavanagh as the council’s new Community Strategy & Engagement Officer. Richard will commence his post on Monday 22nd September.