1 – Election of Mayor
The Mayor asked for nominations for the election of the Mayor of the Council for 2025-26. Councillor Thredgle nominated Councillor McQueen. There were no further nominations.
Members unanimously resolved to elect Councillor Jessica McQueen as Mayor for 2025-26.
2 – Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mote, Councillor Suter and Councillor Lees.
3 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interests.
4 – Election of Deputy Mayor
The Mayor asked for nominations for the election of Deputy Mayor for 2025-26.
Councillor McQueen nominated Councillor Thredgle. There were no further nominations.
Members unanimously resolved to elect Councillor Stephanie Thredgle as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26.
5 – Public Participation
No members of the public wished to speak at the meeting.
6 – Approval of Minutes
Members were presented with the draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 23 April 2025.
Members resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 23 April 2025.
7 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies
- Kent County Council
The newly elected KCC Member for Dartford East was invited to attend the meeting and provide a report, but was not present at this time.
- Dartford Borough Council
Councillor Paul Cutler informed members about the VE Day celebrations held by Dartford Borough Council this month and that the planned refurbishment of several play areas including Bell Close and Lowe Close were planned to take place this year.
Members thanked Councillor Cutler and resolved to note his report.
8 – Scheme of Delegation to Committees and Officers
To resolve approval of Scheme of Delegation to Committees and Officers
Members were presented with a proposed Scheme of Delegation for 2025-26. The draft Scheme of Delegation proposed adjustments to the Committee structure with an aim to improve efficiency, ensure meaningful use of resources and address current gaps in strategic focus.
It was recommended that the Community Engagement & Events Committee was stepped down, due to lack of business and meaningful decision-making and a Strategic Planning and Environment Committee be formed to put in place structured monitoring, planning and innovation, in line with the Council’s ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
It was also recommended that the People & Performance Committee be amended to the Performance & People Committee, broadening its scope to cover both human resources and service delivery. The proposed changes were designed to deliver a more streamlined, purposeful and strategically aligned committee structure, making the best use of public resources and member contributions.
Members resolved to approve the draft Scheme of Delegation for 2025-26 as proposed.
9 – Committee Membership
To Appoint Proposed Membership of Committees
Members were requested to appoint membership of the Committees for 2025-26 in line with the Terms of Reference in the Scheme of Delegation. The membership of the Committees was resolved as follows:
Performance & People Committee
Councillor David Mote
Councillor Jessica McQueen
Councillor Stephanie Thredgle
Councillor Paul Cutler
Councillor Lesley Howes
Councillor John Burrell
Strategic Planning & Environment Committee
Councillor Jessica McQueen
Councillor Stephanie Thredgle
Councillor Richard Lees
Councillor Lucy Canham
Councillor Jeanne Hoadley
Councillor John Burrell
Members were reminded that members of the Performance & People Committee would be required to attend training as necessary to ensure appropriate awareness of employment processes and procedures.
Members resolved to appoint membership of the Committees for 2025-26.
10 – Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies
10.1 – Outside Bodies
Members were requested to appoint individuals to represent the council on the following outside bodies:
- Bluewater Community Forum
Members resolved to appoint Councillor Stephanie Thredgle and Councillor Lesley Howes as representatives for the Council at the Bluewater Community Forum.
- Kent Association of Local Councils Dartford Area Committee
Members resolved to appoint Councillor Jessica McQueen and Councillor Lesley Howes as representatives for the Council on the Kent Association of Local Council’s Dartford Area Committee.
10.2 – Borough & Parish/Town Council Forum
Members were requested to note the council’s representatives on the Borough and Parish/Town Council Forum.
The Council’s two representatives are the Mayor (substituted by the Deputy Mayor if necessary) and the Parish Clerk (substituted by another Council Officer if necessary).
Members resolved to note the Council’s representatives on the Borough and Parish/Town Council Forum.
11 – Standing Orders & Financial Regulations
Members were presented with proposed Standing Orders and Financial Regulations for 2025-26.
Members resolved to approve and adopt the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations for 2025-26 as presented.
12 – Calendar of Meetings
Members were presented with a Calendar of Council and Committee Meetings for 2025-26 and advised that it had been scheduled in close alignment with internal activity, processes, and reporting cycles to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness in transacting anticipated council business.
Members resolved to approve the Calendar of Meetings for 2025-26 as presented.
13 – Finance
13.1 – Financial Report 2024-25
Members were presented with a Financial Report for Year End 2023-24. Members thanked the Responsible Finance Officer for the thorough and accessible report provided.
Members resolved to note the Financial Report for Year End 2024-25.
13.2 – Internal Audit Report
Members were presented with the Internal Audit Report by Heelis & Lodge.
Members praised the Responsible Finance Officer for the very positive report.
Members resolved to note the findings of the Internal Audit Report by Heelis & Lodge.
13.3 – Statement of Internal Control
Members were presented with a statement of internal control for approval.
Members resolved to approve the Statement of Internal Control as presented.
13.4 – Annual Return (AGAR)
To resolve approval of the Annual Return (AGAR) 2024-25.
Members resolved to approve the Annual Return (AGAR) 2024-25.
14 – Policies and Procedures
14.1 – Dog Control Policy Consultation Response and Policy Adoption
Members were presented with the results of the recent Dog Control Policy Consultation and asked to resolve whether to adopt the proposed policy as outlined.
Significant discussion took place around the difficulties in enforcing a policy with the proposed restrictions of requiring dogs to be kept on leads at all times or within certain time periods across the site. They also noted that the majority of dog owners using the site maintained control over their dogs and were not the cause of the reported disruptions, which were felt to be perpetrated by a small minority.
The Clerk confirmed that the works on the recreation ground had increased the numbers of dog bins, to help alleviate issues with dog waste and that the newly installed CCTV system was robust and would allow the Council to work with Dartford Borough Council and the dog wardens to monitor use of the site.
Members felt that at this time, a policy requiring dogs to be kept on leads across the site, would not be warranted, but that signage asking that dogs be kept under control around the café, plaza area and pump track, would help to avoid any unacceptable disruptions to other park users.
Members resolved to reject adoption of the proposed Dog Control Policy due to the difficulties around enforcement and potential penalisation of most dog owners who ensure their animals are under control.
14.2 – Draft Strategic Plan 2025-28
Members were requested to consider the outline draft Strategic Plan 2025-28 and resolve the undertaking of community and stakeholder consultation for feedback to inform development of the final plan.
The Draft Plan presented to members focused on the key priorities for the Council for the period 2025-2028, looking to build upon the foundation established in the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. The Proposed plan lays out the Council’s approach, key focus areas and projects with an aim to promote sustainability, inclusivity and community benefit.
The consultation, which would commence on 12 June, will include discussion around proposals to update the parish name to provide a basis for formal consideration by Dartford Borough Council.
Members resolved to approve consultation on the Draft Strategic Plan 2025-2028 to commence from 12 June 2025.
15 – Planning Applications
To resolve the Council’s response to Major Planning Applications affecting the Parish.
15.1 – Stone Pavilion Extension
To note the validation of planning application 25/00384/FUL and the determination deadline of 23 June 2025.
25/00384/FUL
Stone Pavilion Hayes Road Horns Cross Greenhithe Kent DA9 9DS
Erection of single storey extension including roof windows to provide additional incidental kitchen, plant room, offices and meeting rooms. Installation of roof mounted solar panels. Additional hard-surfaced area.
Members resolved to note the validation of the Stone Pavilion extension planning application.
15.2 – Welsh Tavern
25/00390/FUL
161-163 London Road Stone Kent DA2 6BJ
Refurbishment of existing public house and provision of five additional self-contained residential units to create a total of seven flats (comprising 2 x one-bedroom and 5 x two bedroom units all with balconies to the rear), together with associated cycle and refuse storage, and private amenity space to the rear.
Members discussed the proposed application including the refurbishment of the Welsh Tavern public house.
Members resolved not to object to the proposed application. It was requested that the Clerk produce a response in line with the Stone Parish Neighbourhood Plan.
16 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan
To note an update on the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan.
The Clerk provided members with an update on the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan, including the planned soft open for the new Lizzies Café, which was set for 14th/15th June following the closing of the current café on 8th June.
Members thanked the Clerk for her report and resolved to note the update on the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan.
17 – Exclusion of Press & Public
Members of the Public were asked to leave the meeting at this time.
18 – Referral of Code of Conduct Complaint
Members were required to formally note that following consultation with the Mayor of the Council, a potential breach of the council’s Code of Conduct had been referred to the Monitoring Officer at Dartford Borough Council for review. The referral was made under the provisions of the Councillor Code of Conduct and in accordance with the council’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
Members resolved to note the referral of a code of conduct complaint.
19 – Staffing Resource Review Update
Members were presented with an update regarding recent changes to the staffing resource and workforce structure.
Members resolved to note the update regarding staffing resource and workforce structure.
There being no further business, the Mayor closed the meeting at 9pm.