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 |
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 24 July 2024 and the Special Council Meeting held Wednesday 28 August 2024.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies |
For Information |
1. Kent County Council
2. Dartford Borough Council
6 – London Road Green Corridor Presentation |
For Information |
To receive a presentation regarding the proposed concept of the London Road Green Corridor Scheme.
7 – Planning Applications |
For Discussion |
To resolve representations to Major Planning Applications affecting the parish.
24/00985/CPO – Consultation from KCC on new tunnel and associated road works for bus, cycling and pedestrian access to the east of Bluewater Shopping Centre, to link the Eastern Quarry, being developed as part of Ebbsfleet Garden City, and Bluewater shopping centre through a chalk spine which separates the two former quarries
8 – Consultations |
8.1 – Police and Crime Plan Survey 2024 |
For Decision |
To resolve the Council’s response to the Police and Crime Plan Survey 2024
Kent’s PCC is writing his new Police and Crime Plan, which sets the Chief Constable’s priorities. His plan is to cut crime, support victims and build trust.
8.2 – Kent County Council – Local Transport Plan 5 |
For Decision |
To resolve the Council’s response to the Local Transport Plan 5 by Kent County Council
The draft plan sets out proposals for improving roads and public transport in Kent.
View the Local Transport Plan 5
9 – Notice of Casual Vacancy in Castle Ward |
For Information |
To note that the notice of Casual Vacancy for the office of Parish Councillor for Castle Ward has been published as of Tuesday 24th September.
Due to the death of Councillor Peter Harman, an election to fill the vacancy will be held if within fourteen (working) days after the date of this notice, a written request for such an election has been given to the Proper Officer, Dartford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1DR by at least TEN electors for the Castle Ward.
If an election is not requested, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option as soon as is practicable after the expiry of the fourteen days.
10 – Finance |
10.1 – AGAR 2023 – 2024 |
For Decision |
To note audited AGAR for 2023 – 2024 and completion of the external audit.
10.2 – Insurance |
For Information |
To note the insurance premium for the ensuing year.
11 – Clerk’s Report |
For Information |
To note a verbal update from the Parish Clerk on current Council activities.
12 – Exemption of Press & Public |
For Decision |
To resolve, pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and the press leave the meeting during consideration of the following items.
13 – Hospitality Weekend Supervisor Rates |
For Decision |
To ratify the recommendation from the People & Performance Committee for the introduction of additional supplementary remuneration for the Hospitality Weekend Supervisor role.
In recent months, our hospitality services have seen a significant increase in demand, particularly on weekends. This surge is primarily due to the rise in weekend event bookings at Stone Pavilion and an increase in private hire events at the Claire Tiltman Centre. Currently, only two members of staff are able to serve as weekend supervisors, leading to their frequent scheduling at weekends and making it difficult for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, the sickness absence of one of these staff members is currently placing further strain on our weekly operations. Introducing additional Shift Hospitality Supervisors will help distribute the workload more evenly, supporting team well-being and reducing operational risks.
Training for this role will be provided by the Hospitality Manager, and staff will only assume supervisory responsibilities once they have demonstrated the required competencies. These competencies include the ability to provide leadership, maintain service standards, manage staff, and address issues effectively.
The proposed remuneration for a Hospitality Weekend Supervisor is an additional £1.50 per hour, on top of their usual rate of pay.
The People & Performance Committee resolved to recommend the proposed pay enhancement on 11 September 2024, but this requires ratification by the Full Council.