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 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 29 January 2025
>View the Draft Minutes for the 29 January 2025 Council Meeting
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
5.1 – Kent County Council |
To receive a report from Kent County Council
5.2 – Dartford Borough Council |
To receive a report from Dartford Borough Council
6 – Project Updates |
6.1 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan |
To receive an update on the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan.
6.2 – Lantern Community Centre |
To receive an update on the Lantern Community Centre.
7 – Finance & Audit |
7.1 – Review of Internal Controls |
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.
>View the Stone Parish Council Risk Register 2025
7.2 – Hall Hire Review |
To note note the proposed fees and charges for stone pavilion from 1st April.
>View the Proposed fees and charges for Stone Pavilion from 1st April
8 – Local Council Award Scheme |
The re-accreditation for the Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) has a deadline of 5th September 2025. Members are presented with policies and procedures which require Council approval as part of the evidence base for LCAS.
8.1 – Biodiversity Policy |
To resolve Stone Parish Council’s Biodiversity Policy 2025
Members are presented with a draft Biodiversity Policy for adoption.
>View the Draft Biodiversity Policy 2025
8.2 – Risk Management Policy |
To review and resolve Stone Parish Council’s Risk Management Policy 2025
Members are presented with the draft Risk Management Policy 2025 for review and adoption.
>View the Draft Risk Management Policy 2025
8.3 – Co-Option Policy |
To review and resolve approval of Stone Parish Council’s Co-Option Policy 2025
Members are presented with the draft Co-Option Policy 2025 for review and adoption.
>View the Draft Co-Option Policy 2025
8.4 – Equality and Diversity Policy |
To review and resolve approval of Stone Parish Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy 2025
Members are presented with the draft Equality and Diversity Policy 2025 for review and adoption.
>View the Draft Equality and Diversity Policy 2025
9 – Planning |
9.1 – Major Planning applications |
To note the decisions for major planning applications affecting Stone.
Planning Application KCC/DA/0108/2024
TAKE NOTICE that the KENT COUNTY COUNCIL, the County Planning Authority under the Town
and Country Planning Act, HAS GRANTED PERMISSION for development of land situated at
Land through the chalk spine under the B255 Bean Road, Bluewater Shopping Centre and
Eastern Quarry, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST and being 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.