1 – Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Canham and Councillor Hoadley.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interests.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation
No member of the public wished to speak at this time.
4 – Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 were approved.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Presentation by Land Logical
Representatives from Land Logical, Lidl and Aquila provided a presentation on the latest proposal for the Horns Cross Neighbourhood Centre. Following the relocation of the medical centre to the Steele Avenue site, Land Logical had sought out other potential schemes to replace it. The latest section 73 planning application sought to extend the Neighbourhood Centre boundary to support a future application for a Lidl supermarket. It was emphasized that the wider permitted masterplan principles and phasing would remain unchanged. It was also confirmed that the Phase one open space would be made publicly accessible.
Members were presented with an indicative proposal for a 1,528 sq m store with pedestrian access via London Road and vehicular access via Stone Place Road. The plans included 117 car parking spaces including accessible and parent and child spaces, two rapid EV chargers and solar panels on the store roof.
The Clerk questioned the number of EV chargers being provided for such a large store with 117 spaces. Lidl representatives confirmed that the number of EV chargers is based on the perceived demand and confirmed that the rapid chargers meant that users would not take up the EV points for as long a period of time.
Members also questioned the frontage proposed for the side of the store facing Stone Place Road as drawings had not been included in the presentation for that side and there were concerns over the views from the residents of Dulcie Close as the flats are positioned in close proximity to Stone Place Road. The presenters confirmed that they would look into the landscaping and greening of that side ahead of detailed drawings being submitted.
An indicative timeline was presented with a public consultation expected to commence in June 2026 and a planning application expected in July 2026. It was suggested that work could start on the Lidl site by early 2027.
Members thanked the representatives of Land Logical, Lidl and Aquila and resolved to note the details of the presentation.
6 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies
- Kent Police
PC Calum Andrews provided a verbal update to members on the activity by Kent Police in Stone. He advised all members and residents to sign up to the My Community Voice app, where regular updates and warnings would be posted by local PC’s. PC Andrews also advised that he would be running ‘Coffee with a cop’ sessions at Lizzies Café where residents would have the opportunity to ask questions and report things directly to him. Details of this would be shared with Council officers to put out on social media.
Members thanked PC Andrews and resolved to note his report.
2. Kent County Council
Councillor Ryan Waters and Councillor Ben Fryer provided a verbal update to members from Kent County Council. The update outlined the recent consultation on the Blue Star Roundabout which had received around 67% support, issues with parking and traffic around Darent Valley hospital and enquiries regarding the adoption of St Mary’s Road, which were waiting a response from Highways.
3. Dartford Borough Council
Councillor David Mote provided a verbal update to members on Dartford Borough Council. He informed members that Dartford was seeing a large increase in the number of HMO planning applications and was seeking advice in how to approach these. He also provided an update on the local government reorganization, confirming that the government would inform them of the outcome and proposed direction of the new unitary council(s) in July.
Members thanked Councillor Mote and resolved to note his update.
4. St Mary’s Church – Stone
Councillor Hoadley informed members that on Saturday 9th May at 1pm -6pm, the Church would be having a Fun Afternoon to raise funds for The Lantern Community Centre. It was confirmed that it would be held in the garden at Stone Rectory, Church Road and would include Jamaican food and a raffle.
Members thanked Councillor Hoadley and resolved to note her report.
7 – Councillor Vacancies
Members were informed that the monitoring officer had confirmed that no bye-election had been requested, therefore officers would proceed with the advertisement of vacancies for co-option, in line with the council’s Co-option Policy. The deadline for submitting an application for co-option would be Friday 15th May 2026 and the Council would have the opportunity to co-opt the two new Councillor positions at the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 27th May 2026.
Members resolved to note the outcome of the vacancies in St John’s and Milestone Wards and the co-option procedure as outlined.
8 – Town Council Transition
Members were presented with an update on the Council’s transition to Town Council Status. The report outlined the progress to date and the remaining actions required for full implementation. The key actions still to be completed were the launch of the new Town Council website, the review of all Council licenses, permits and registrations and the establishment of the office of the Mayor. Members were informed that the remaining actions were set to be completed by the end of April 2026.
Members resolved to note the progress made to date and the outlined actions required for full implementation.
9 – Finance
9.1 – Kent Association and National Association of Local Councils Subscription 2026-27
Members were required to approve renewal from 1st April 2025 and confirm subscription fees of £2,000 to the Kent Association for Local Councils and National Associations.
Members resolved to approve the renewal of the subscription to the Kent Association for Local Councils and National Associations.
10 – Consultations
10.1 – Highways Consultation – Waiting Restrictions Order on Various Roads, Stone
Members were presented with the Highways Consultation for Amendment 6 a Waiting Restrictions Order on Various Roads, Stone in the Borough of Dartford.
Members discussed the proposed amendments and agreed that the proposals were in line with the Council’s Highways Improvement Plan and represented sensible changes.
Members resolved to provide no objection to the Highways Consultation for Amendment 6 a Waiting Restrictions Order on Various Roads, Stone in the Borough of Dartford.
10.2 – Upgrade of existing telecommunications station
Members were presented with a consultation letter from WHP Telecoms Ltd regarding a proposed upgrade to the existing telecommunications station at Bluewater View, Fieldfare Lane, Greenhithe, DA9 9UN. These upgrades were planned under permitted development and would not be subject to a planning application.
Members were requested to note the details of the proposal and resolve whether to submit comments.
Members resolved not to comment on the proposed upgrade of the existing telecommunications station.
11 – Planning Applications
Members were presented with major planning applications affecting the Parish and requested to resolve whether to support, object or provide no comment to each application.
1. 26/00238/FUL – Double Tree By Hilton Dartford Bridge Masthead Close Dartford Kent DA2 6QF
Extension to existing hotel, including new plant and all associated works
Members resolved to make no observations for this application.
2. 26/00178/FUL – Tilehurst Woodward Terrace Horns Cross Greenhithe Kent DA9 9DD
Demolition of 18 no. garages within 2 blocks and the erection of 2 no. detached three bedroom dwellings with associated parking and car ports
Members resolved to make no observations for this application.
-
26/00278/FUL – St Johns Road Garage 125 – 127 London Road Stone Kent
Erection of a jet car wash (Retrospective)
Members resolved to make no observations for this application. -
26/00267/VCON – Stone Pit 1 Atlas Park London Road Stone
Erection of one and two storey buildings to provide a Neighbourhood Centre comprising of a mix of A1 (retail), A2 (financial and professional), A3 (restaurant/cafe), B1a (office) and D1 (medical centre/non-residential institution) uses with associated car parking, security fence and delivery space, provision of a Sports Club to comprise of football/sports pitches with clubhouse (use class D2) and associated car park, floodlights, enabling land level changes with retaining walls and security fencing, a new internal access road from London Road and the provision of recreational open space with accesses from London Road and Stone Place Road (variation of condition 2 to substitute drawings to allow a larger neighbourhood centre extent with minor changes to parking layout and landscaping and variations to 1, 3, 4, 11-25 to ensure that they refer to the most up to date drawings and details).
Members resolved to make no observations for this application.
There being no further business, the Mayor closed the meeting at 19:43.