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 2 October 2024
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from other authorities and agencies |
To receive reports from representatives of other authorities and agencies
- Kent County Council
- Dartford Borough Council
6 – Casual Vacancy in Castle Ward |
6.1 – To note the outcome of the Notice of Vacancy |
For Information |
Members are required to note the outcome of the Notice of Vacancy for the position of Parish Councillor for Castle Ward. No written request for an election was received by the Proper Officer at Dartford Borough Council within the notice period.
6.2 – To resolve the Council’s intention to promote the opportunity for co-option |
For Decision |
In line with the Council’s LCAS (Local Council Award Scheme) Quality Gold accreditation to promote the value of the democratic process and promoting the value of being a councillor, the Council is requested to resolve to promote the opportunity for co-option for the vacant seat of Parish Councillor in Castle Ward. It is recommended that the co-option be at the next Full Council meeting on 27 November 2024.
7 – Consultations |
7.1 – To note the results of the Stone Castle Park Consultations |
Report to Follow
8 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan |
8.1 – To note the revised drawings for the Pavilion extension |
For Information |
Members are presented with revised designs for the proposed extension to Stone Pavilion. The original designs submitted for members previously indicated a second-storey extension above Castle Hall. The objectives for this extension included additional office space for Council staff including a degree of future-proofing, upgrades to Castle Hall kitchen, bar and storage and the creation of additional hireable office and meeting room spaces.
However, following surveys of the roof and review of materials costs, the indicative sum for the proposed extension was proving extremely high and outside of the budget provision for this element of works. Upon further review of the proposed design, it was acknowledged that a large part of the extended space was being swallowed up by staircase and lift provision due to building regulations requirements for roof space extensions. A feasibility study was undertaken to identify alternative options. This exercise determined that that all the required masterplan outcomes for the extension could be achieved by addition of a single storey extension to the East side of the building, also having minimal impact on the surrounding area as it makes use of the largely-unused area behind the Pavilion. With the need for stairs and lift eliminated, more of the space can be utilised as activity space and the cost of the works falls back in line with the provisional sum allocated.
Members are requested to consider and note the necessary design change ahead of the proposed submission to the Planning Authority by the end of October.
9 – Finance |
9.1 – Budget Monitoring Report |
For Information |
To note the budget monitoring report for the period ending 30th September 2024.