1 – Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Paul Cutler and Cllr Tom Oliver
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.
3 – Public Participation
No members of the public wished to speak at the meeting.
4 – Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of the Council held Wednesday 24 July 2024 and the Special Meeting of the Council held Wednesday 28 August 2024 were approved.
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies
- Kent County Council – Councillor Penny Cole provided members with a written report, detailing updates regarding the Community Warden review, an update on the Galley Hill road closure and planned changes for the enforcement of moving traffic violations. Councillor Cole also provided photos of the new electric buses to members that have been commissioned by KCC to be rolled out following the implementation of the charging infrastructure.
Members were updated regarding the proposed health centre at Steele Avenue following the approval of the planning permission. Discussions were ongoing between the Integrated Care Board, Kent County Council and the developers. Councillor Cole confirmed that members and the public would be updated regarding the centre when further decisions are made and that the submission of details for the planning would come through in due course.
The Clerk questioned the reasoning for Stone no longer being covered by a community warden following the review. Councillor Cole confirmed that she was not privy to these discussions but that it is usually decided by where the need is the greatest and due to the restrictive budget, only 3 wardens would be available to cover 2 districts each.
Members thanked Councillor Cole and resolved to note her report.
- Dartford Borough Councillors had no further updates to report as the main update revolved around the cabinet decision for the London Road – Walking and Cycling improvements concept design.
6 – London Road Green Corridor Presentation
Mark Aplin from Dartford Borough Council gave a virtual presentation to the members on the London Road – Walking and cycling improvements concept design, which had been presented to the Dartford Borough Council Cabinet on Thursday 26th September 2024. The Cabinet had resolved to note the draft concept designs, to delegate authority to the Head of Planning Services to proceed with public engagement and to report back to the Cabinet on the outcomes.
Mr Aplin confirmed that following this decision, the next step was to begin a public consultation in Stone to try and confirm the level of support for the scheme.
The London Road Green Corridor scheme was first identified in the Stone Parish Neighbourhood Plan after the stretch was designated as an Air Quality Management Area due to the high pollution levels. There have also been safety concerns among residents and users of the road. The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Dartford identified the road as a high-ranking route which provided opportunities for improvement for walking and cycling that would have far-reaching impact.
It was confirmed to members that the proposed designs would mean that the full stretch of road would be reduced to a 30-mph speed limit to ensure the safety of road users as well as cyclists and pedestrians. The use of high-quality provision for cyclists that does not mix with traffic or pedestrians will further help with the safety of the road and increase the likelihood of walking and cycling in the area.
Mr Aplin confirmed that the upcoming consultations were hoped to confirm the level of general support in the community for the scheme, which would lend weight to any later case for funding. They were keen for the consultations to be as widely attended as possible to allow in-depth discussions with members of the public and other stakeholders.
Members commented that it was extremely positive to see the scheme being taken forward after the hard work that went into developing the Neighbourhood Plan and that residents were already showing a great deal of interest.
It was confirmed that the consultation would be a collaborative effort between Dartford Planning officers and Stone Parish Council officers to ensure its effectiveness.
Members thanked Mr Aplin for his presentation and resolved to note his report.
7 – Planning Applications
Members were presented with details from Dartford’s Planning Portal on Planning Application 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.
Members noted that they had previously supported an application for this tunnel and were keen to see it had been resubmitted.
Members resolved to support the application presented.
8 – Consultations
8.1 – Police and Crime Plan Survey 2024
Members were presented with the Police and Crime Plan Survey 2024. Members discussed the level of detail in the survey and felt that it would be more beneficial for each member to respond individually rather than as a Council.
Members resolved to respond to the survey individually rather than as a body.
8.2 – Kent County Council – Local Transport Plan 5
Members were presented with the Local Transport Plan 5 by Kent County Council as well as a report from the Clerk summarizing the content of the consultation for members.
Members discussed the Fastrack Network enhancements, the potential of extending the Elizabeth Line services, the A282 junction and Dartford Crossing and the Kent Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
Members brought up the current bus services that travel along Watling Street, but do not currently stop there. Members were keen for improved bus services that serve Stone and the surrounding areas is mentioned in the consultation response.
Members resolved for the Clerk to formulate a response on behalf of the Council, based on the summary provided.
9 – Notice of Casual Vacancy in Castle Ward
Members resolved to note the Casual Vacancy notice for the position of Parish Councillor in Castle Ward. Confirmed that October’s meeting may be too close for co-option if there is no by-election.
10 – Finance
10.1 – AGAR 2023 – 2024
Members were presented with the Audited Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) 2023/24. The external auditors found everything to be in accordance with Proper Practices with no cause for concern.
Members congratulated the RFO on the successful audit and resolved to note the report on the Audited AGAR 2023-24.
10.2 – InsurancE
Members were presented with the insurance policy renewal quote for the ensuing year.
Members resolved to note the insurance premium for the ensuing year.
11 – Clerk’s Report
The Parish Clerk provided a verbal update to members on recent Council activity. Members were informed that an external CIL grant request had been received and supplemental information had been requested and since received in support of this application. The Clerk confirmed to members that as this was the first request for CIL funding by an external organization, it needed to ensure the council’s approach to resolving this would be consistent going forward. As the council is currently funding a significant capital scheme at Stone Recreation Ground, along with a number of other key spending priorities identified in the Stone Neighbourhood Plan, it is necessary for the Council to resolve a formal strategy regarding CIL expenditure to ensure it has sufficient capacity to award funding to other projects. Officers were awaiting details of forecast CIL receipts from Dartford Borough Council that would inform the council’s position and enable consideration of any requests.
It was suggested that a CIL/Budget workshop be scheduled to support in-depth discussion of forthcoming budget challenges and infrastructure priorities to help formulate the CIL strategy.
Members were informed that the Council’s initial bid for the freehold purchase of The Lads of the Village Public House has been rejected and a further counteroffer has been proposed.
The Clerk reported that the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan works were still ongoing and some of the key features were starting to take shape, including the pump track and over the next few weeks, the Multi-Use Games Area and walls of the café would start to be erected.
Temporary toilets have been installed on the recreation ground as the public toilet block was currently out of commission due to the works.
Members thanked the Clerk and resolved to note her report.
12 – Exemption of Press & Public
Members resolved to exclude the press and public during the discussion of the following item.
13 – Hospitality Weekend Supervisor Rates
Members were presented with a recommendation from the People & Performance Committee for ratification by the Full Council to increase the hourly rate for staff members acting as the weekend supervisor.
Members resolved to ratify the recommendation from the People & Performance Committee.
There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 20:33.