1 – Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Approval of Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held Wednesday 2 October 2024 were approved.
4 – Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
5 – Reports from other authorities and agencies
To receive reports from representatives of other authorities and agencies
- Kent County Council
Kent County Councillor Penny Cole was unable to attend the meeting, but provided members with a short update on the Community Warden scheme, confirming that a decision had been made that the areas in Dartford that would be having a warden would be: Darenth, Wilmington, Sutton at Hone & Hawley and Swanscombe.
Councillor Cole confirmed that she would be asking for further clarification on this decision.
Members resolved to note the report from Councillor Penny Cole.
- Dartford Borough Council
There was no report from Dartford Borough Council.
6 – Casual Vacancy in Castle Ward
6.1 – To note the outcome of the Notice of Vacancy
Members were informed that no written request for an election had been received by the Proper Officer at Dartford Borough Council within the notice period.
Members resolved to note that no request for an election had been received within the notice period.
6.2 – To resolve the Council’s intention to promote the opportunity for co-option
Members were informed that, 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 was recommended that the co-option be at the next Full Council meeting on 27 November 2024.
Members resolved to approve the promotion of opportunity for co-option for the seat of Parish Councillor in Castle Ward with a view to co-opt the new member at the Council meeting on 27 November 2024.
7 – Consultations
7.1 – To note the results of the Stone Castle Park Consultation
Members were provided with a report on the results of the Stone Castle Park Consultation. The report showed that the number of responses was in line with previous consultations. The Community Engagement Manager informed members that officers would be looking at ways to increase engagement on future consultations.
Members were pleased to see that the responses received contained predominantly sensible suggestions in line with the Council’s strategic objectives, most focusing on the improvement of the play areas and maintaining the good use of open space. Members were also pleased to hear many positive comments had been received on the maintenance of the park and open spaces.
The report recommended that members resolve for the following actions to be taken:
- Research and explore various options to achieve the proposed improvements, including enhanced play areas, additional seating and picnic spaces, and expanded recreational facilities.
- Obtain detailed quotes for the identified options to understand the associated costs.
- Present the options, along with their respective costs, at a future council meeting for review and consideration.
Members were in agreement with the conclusions put forward in the report.
Members resolved to note the results of the Stone Castle Park Consultation.
8 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan
8.1 – To note the revised drawings for the Pavilion extension
Members were 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 had been 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 would be able to be utilised as activity space and the cost of the works would fall back in line with the provisional sum allocated.
Members were requested to consider and note the necessary design change ahead of the proposed submission to the Planning Authority by the end of October.
The Clerk clarified to members that the internal plans for seating etc were not necessarily indicative as the drawings presented were planning drawings, rather than construction drawings.
Further clarification was given to members on the outside area, which would include hedges to avoid disruption between hirers and the office.
Members resolved to note the revised drawings for the Pavilion extension.
9 – Finance
9.1 – Budget Monitoring Report
To note the budget monitoring report for the period ending 30th September 2024.
Members were presented with a budget monitoring report for the period ending 30th September 2024.
Members praised the Responsible Finance Officer for the clear and detailed report.
Members thanked the RFO and resolved to note the budget monitoring report for the period ending 30 September 2024.
There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 19:32.