1 – Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence.

Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.

 

2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests

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

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 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

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

>View the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 21 January 2026

Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).

 

5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies

For Information
  1. Kent County Council2. Dartford Borough Council3. Kent Police

    4. Stone St Mary’s Church

 

6 – Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

For Information

To receive an update from the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.

 

7 – Escaping Horses – Land South of London Road

For Information

The attached report provides an update on ongoing concerns relating to horses accessing London Road from land to the south, which has recently resulted in a significant highway safety risk. Kent Police have attended the site, and engagement has now been established with the landowner. Officers are seeking clarification on the actions being taken to secure the site and resolve the matter under the appropriate legislative framework. The situation remains under active monitoring, with public safety and animal welfare as the Council’s primary considerations.

>View the Agenda report for item 7 – Escaping Horses – Land South of London Road

Recommended Action:
That Council notes the update and supports continued engagement with the landowner and relevant statutory agencies to prioritise public safety and animal welfare.

 

 

8 – London Road Green Corridor Update

For Information

To receive an update on the London Road Green Corridor scheme, including the current design review stage, funding position, forthcoming public and Traffic Regulation Order consultations, and anticipated next steps in progressing the project.

>View the agenda report for Item 8 – London Road Green Corridor Update

 

9 – Lads of the Village Public House – Notification of Intended Disposal

For Decision

A second notification of intended disposal has been received in respect of the Lads of the Village Public House, which is listed as an Asset of Community Value. As set out in the attached agenda report, the Council has the option to submit an expression of interest under the Localism Act 2011 to trigger a six-month moratorium period, enabling time to prepare and submit a new bid. Members previously exercised this right in 2024; however, the offer submitted was not accepted and the legislation does not currently oblige the owner to sell. Members are therefore asked to consider whether to trigger a further moratorium period or allow the disposal to proceed.

View the Agenda Report for Item 9 – Lads of the Village Public House – Notification of Intended Disposal

View the Notice of Disposal Acknowledgement letter

 

Decision: Lads of the Village Public House – Notification of Intended Disposal [Proposed]
To resolve whether to trigger a six-month moratorium period following receipt of formal Notice of Intention to dispose of the Lads of the Village Public House.

 

10 – Ratification of Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) Priority List

For Decision

The Council is asked to ratify the Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) priority list as recommended by the Strategic Planning & Environment Committee. The list is based on highways issues identified through resident and stakeholder feedback and the Stone Parish Neighbourhood Plan, with each item assessed and prioritised by the Committee. Subject to ratification, the next stage will involve working with Kent County Council Highways to develop the proposals further, gather supporting evidence where required, and undertake public consultation prior to final submission.

View the Agenda Report for item 10 –  Ratification of Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) Priority List

View the Highways Improvement Plan Priority List – Working Document

 

Decision: Ratification of Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) Priority List [Proposed]
That Council ratifies the Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) priority list as recommended by the Strategic Planning & Environment Committee.

 

11 – Development of Town Council Logo

For Discussion

The attached report presents the structured design progression undertaken in developing a new civic identity to support the Council’s transition to Stone Town Council by April 2026. The report seeks Council’s confirmation of the strategic direction prior to progressing to a final iteration within the existing design scope.

View the Agenda report for item 11 – Development of Town Council Logo

Recommendation:
That Council notes the design progression and agrees the principles for final refinement as set out in the report.

 

 

12 – Policies & Procedures

 

12.1 – Strategic Plan 2025-28

For Decision

 

This report presents the revised Strategic Plan 2025–2028 following committee consideration. This final version has sought to remove jargon, acronyms and technical language and to ensure it is written in clear, accessible plain English. The substance of the Plan remains unchanged, including all strategic objectives, key projects, financial commitments and governance standards. The amendments relate solely to clarity, readability and public accessibility. Council is asked to note the revisions contained in the cover note and approve the revised version for formal adoption and publication.

View the Draft Strategic Plan 2025-28

View the Cover Note for the Draft Strategic Plan 2025-28

Decision: Strategic Plan 2025-28 [Proposed]
Resolution of Ratification and Adoption of the Council’s Strategic Plan 2025-28

 

12.2 – Training & Development Policy

For Decision

To resolve adoption of a Training and Continuing Professional Development Policy and accompanying

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework

View the proposed Training & Development Policy 2026

Decision: Training & Development Policy [Proposed]
Resolution of Adoption of Training & Development Policy and accompanying Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework

 

13 – Planning Applications

For Discussion

To resolve representations to Major Planning Applications affecting the parish.

1. 26/00061/COU – 72 Hedge Place Road Greenhithe Kent DA9 9LH                                                                 Change of use from a 6 occupant HMO (use class C4) to a house of multiple occupancy for 7 occupants (HMO – Sui Generis)