1 – Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.
3 – Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
4 – Approval of Minutes
Members resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 17 September 2025 and the Special Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies
- Kent County Council (KCC)
Kent County Councillor Ryan Waters provided members with a verbal update. Councillor Waters confirmed that since the previous meeting, he had discussed the recent petition for a safe crossing on St James’ Lane with the Active Travel officers at KCC. The officers had confirmed that it would not be possible to install a crossing on this section of road due to the layout of the road, residential proximity and road width. The Active Travel officers have been asked to get in touch with Stone St Mary’s primary school to discuss what other steps can be taken to improve the safety of the children walking to school. Councillor Waters confirmed that the solar powered speed light on that section has been repaired and the foliage cut back from it. Members were also informed that a business case, followed by a consultation document was being produced in December to run for six weeks regarding the cameras at the box junction at the Blue Star roundabout.
Kent County Councillor Ben Fryer provided members with an update on the upcoming submission for the preferred options of KCC for the Local Government Reorganisation. It was confirmed that KCC would be voting on the proposals on Thursday 6 November, with the official response being submitted on 28 November.
Members were informed by the KCC Councillors that the Community Member Grant funding for the Seniors of Stone Christmas Lunch had been approved and that further grant funding had been offered for the Christmas Lights Switch On event.
Members thanked the Kent County Councillors and resolved to note their updates.
- Dartford Borough Council
Councillor Mote provided a verbal update to members regarding the recent leasing of properties within the new Knights Reach development in Stone by Dartford Borough Council to house residents requiring Temporary Accommodation. Members noted that this was in response to Basildon Council who have also purchased properties on the development for their own Temporary Accommodation.
Members were also informed of a number of Christmas events which would be taking place in Dartford, including the Santa tour, which would be visiting Stone on Sunday 7th December at 1.30pm.
Members discussed that parents of children at Stone St Mary’s primary school had been in touch recently regarding problems with parking along Hayes Road. Members requested that a meeting be set up between Councillors and the headteacher to discuss these issues.
Members resolved to note the update from Dartford Borough Council.
6 – Recognition of Service Award
Members were presented with a nomination for an award of recognition to the Coxedge Family for services to the community.
After 59 years, J Coxedge Fish and Chips had stopped frying and passed on the shop to new owners. The business was an enduring part of the Stone community for nearly six decades, operated continuously by the Coxedge family. Throughout this time, the business provided excellent service, quality food, and a welcoming presence to generations of residents and visitors alike.
Since 2015, the council has had a Recognition Policy to recognise exceptional or longstanding service to the community. Since 2015, awards have been made to former councillors and employees, community volunteers, and employees of local businesses. The policy dictates that a monetary figure of £50 is applied for the purchase of an appropriate award gift.
Members resolved unanimously to approve an award for recognition of long-standing service to the community of Stone.
7 – Finance
7.1 – Budget Monitoring Report
Members were presented with a Budget Monitoring Report for the period ending 30 September 2025. The Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) clarified that the delay in opening the community café, the increase in costs across the board and the closure of the Pavilion had impacted on the overall budget, but that other revenue streams were being explored and savings found to balance the budget on a regular basis.
Members resolved to note the Budget Monitoring Report for the period ending 30 September 2025.
7.2 – Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)
Members were requested to note the Audited Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for 2024 – 2025 and the completion of the External Audit.
Members congratulated the RFO on the completion of the audit and noted that the comment recieved from the external auditor only pointed to a minor advisory, suggesting that the Council formally set out the scope of the work for the Internal Auditor to focus on.
Members resolved to note the Audited Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2024-2025 and completion of the External Audit.
7.3 – Internal Audit 2025-2026
Members were presented with a report outlining the proposed scope of works for the Internal Audit 2025-2026. The report outlined the Internal Audit procedure and the Main audit areas to be reviewed; Finance & Administration, Asset Management, Policies & Procedures, Risk Management, Health & Safety and Performance & Value.
Members resolved to approve the proposed scope for the internal Audit 2025-2026 as presented.
7.4 – Community Infrastructure Levy Funding Request
Members were requested to consider a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding request from Stone St Mary’s preschool for refurbishment of the Children’s outdoor garden area.
Members were presented with an application form for CIL funding from Stone St Mary’s Preschool, including a quotation for the works and a risk assessment.Members were also provided with the Council’s CIL Policy and Value Calculator for CIL applications, as well as the CIL Strategy which had been approved by the Council in November 2024.
Officers provided a report assessing the application in line with the Value Calculator for member’s consideration.
Members discussed the application, with some raisingconcerns over the application meeting the ‘Value for Money’ criteria, since only one quote had been obtained. There were also concerns over evidence of community support for the application.
Members unanimously resolved not to support the application, requesting that two more quotes were obtained for the work, before the application would be considered again.
7.5 – Statues for War Memorial
Members were requested to approve expenditure for two Unknown Tommy Statues to be installed at the Memorial Garden on Stone Recreation Ground ahead of the Remembrance Service on 9th November 2025. The statues were £175.00 each.
Members resolved to approve expenditure of up to £350.00 for two Unknown Tommy Statues.
8 – Pride in Place Strategy
Members were requested to note the details for the Pride in Place Strategy which had been recently posted by the Secretary of State. A summary and projected timeline for the programme was provided.
Members noted that it was a complex Strategy, with a lot of different initiatives. The Clerk clarified that officers would be aiming to digest the content of the Pride in Place Strategy for inclusion in the Strategic Plan, which was due for forthcoming adoption.
Members resolved to note the details of the Pride in Place Strategy.
9 – Stone Castle
Members were presented with an update on the current condition and ownership of Stone Castle. It had recently been brought to the attention of officers that Stone Castle was in a state of disrepair and appeared to no longer be in use. It had since been confirmed by officers that the company who owned the building had gone into administration. Officers had made contact with the appointed administrators who confirmed that they had security and insurance in place and were looking to sell the building back to one of the directors from the previous company. No deal had yet been made.
Members noted that the Stone Parish Neighbourhood Plan contains a policy on Stone Castle:
LI2 – Stone Castle – Planning applications for development at Stone
Castle should strengthen its community role and ensure that the
significance of this designated heritage asset is conserved and,
where possible, enhanced.
Supporting Local Plan policy CS4(h), DP12, DP13
Members resolved to note the update on Stone Castle and await further information.
10 – Planning Applications
To resolve representations to Major Planning Applications affecting the parish.
25/01044/LDC – 8 Rosedale Close Dartford Kent DA2 6AL
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed change of use from a Use Class C3 dwellinghouse to a C2 residential institution children’s home.
Members discussed the potential negative effect on parking as a result of the application noting the potential for up to six vehicles to be needed for staff and visitors at any one time.
Members resolved to object to the planning application on the grounds of insufficient parking provision affecting local amenities.
25/01062/FUL – Littlestone Continuing Care Unit Bow Arrow Lane Stone Kent DA2 6PQ
Conversion of existing NHS Continuing Care Unit (Use Class C2) to an NHS Female Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (Use Class C2A) including installation of external air conditioning plant and enclosure, alterations to elevations to include infilling existing windows/doors, insertion of new windows, new rooflight and erection of fencing around the seclusion garden
Members resolved not to comment on the planning application.
There being no further business the Mayor closed the meeting at 20:48.