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 18 February 2026.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies |
For Information |
- Kent County Council2. Dartford Borough Council
3. Kent Police
4. Stone St Mary’s Church
6 – Resolution of Town Council logo |
For Decision |
Following earlier Council consideration of proposed branding concepts, three refined logo designs have been developed and are presented as the final options for adoption. The new logo is intended to support the Council’s transition to town council status, the establishment of the office of Town Mayor, and the development of a clear and recognisable civic identity. Each option incorporates visual references to the River Thames and a guiding light motif reflecting the area’s riverside heritage and community leadership. The Council is asked to review the three final options and select one as the official logo.
7 – Review of Internal Controls |
For Decision |
The Council is responsible for ensuring that its business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for, used economically, efficiently and effectively. The Council is also responsible for ensuring that there is a sound system of internal control which facilitates the effective exercise of the Council’s functions and which includes arrangements for the management of risk and that this is reviewed at least annually.
The Accounts & Audit (England) Regulations 2015 aim to strengthen governance and accountability through requirements related to internal control and internal audit.
Regulation 3 states: “A relevant authority must ensure that it has a sound system of internal control which—
(a) facilitates the effective exercise of its functions and the achievement of its aims and objectives;
(b) ensures that the financial and operational management of the authority is effective; and
(c) includes effective arrangements for the management of risk.
Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 requires the Council to conduct each financial year a review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control.
The system of internal controls has been inspected by the Responsible Finance Officer and is now presented for council review. The council is requested to review the scope of internal controls contained on the Risk Register and resolve approval of the system.
8 – Policies and Procedures |
8.1 – Dignity at Work Policy |
For Decision |
LCAS requirements now require the Council to have a stand alone Dignity at Work Policy alongside the current Diversity and Equality Policy and the Council’s Civility & Respect Pledge.
Members are presented with a draft Dignity at Work Policy for consideration and adoption.
>View the draft Dignity at Work Policy 2026
8.2 – Grant Award Policy |
For Decision |
The Grant Award Policy has been reviewed to ensure it more clearly reflects the priorities set out in the Stone Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and the Council’s intention that grant funding should deliver direct and measurable benefit to the residents of Stone. The proposed amendments strengthen the requirement for applicants to demonstrate clear alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities, provide greater clarity on the expectation of local benefit where organisations operate beyond Stone, and adjust the assessment criteria to place greater emphasis on community impact.
These changes are intended to improve transparency, support more consistent decision-making, and ensure that limited grant funding is directed towards projects that contribute most effectively to the Council’s strategic objectives and the wellbeing of the local community.
The changes in the document have been highlighted for members’ clarification.
Members are presented with a draft Grant Award Policy for consideration and adoption.
>View the draft Grant Award Policy 2026
9 – Planning Applications |
For Discussion |
To resolve representations to Major Planning Applications affecting the parish.
1. 26/00136/FUL 18 Chichester Road Stone Kent DA9 9JT
Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of a 2-storey new dwelling house with associated landscaping, refuse and parking provisions
2. 26/00146/COU 101 Hedge Place Road Greenhithe Kent DA9 9JY
Proposed change of use from C3 dwellinghouse to 5-bed 5 person C4 HMO
3. 26/00203/FUL 15 Steele Avenue Greenhithe Kent DA9 9PQ
Change of use from an existing residential dwelling (C3 use class) to a children’s care home (C2 use class), with alterations to the fenestration and internal alterations