1 – Apologies for Absence
To receive apologies for absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Tom Oliver
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
To receive disclosure of any pecuniary interests relating to meeting agenda items.
Having declared an interest, a member must not participate in discussion on the matter and must not take part in any vote unless an appropriate dispensation has been granted.
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation
In line with its Community Engagement Policy, the council provided an opportunity to local registered electors to speak regarding any agenda item or other local issue.
Several members of the public spoke in respect of agenda item 7.3 which required the council to resolve its support for submission of a Expression of Interest to bid for The Lads of the Village Public House. One member of the public spoke in favour of the bid, advising members that there was a great deal of support for re-establishing the Lads of the Village as a community pub. The member of the public asked for an update on what has progressed on the item.
At this juncture, the Chairman moved to amend the order of the agenda to enable discussion of Agenda item 7.3 to follow Public Participation.
Members resolved to agree this agenda amendment.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
4 – Approval of Minutes
To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 26th June 2024.
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 26th June 2024 were approved.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies
- Kent County Council
Kent County Councillor Penny Cole provided members with a verbal update regarding the recent pothole blitz which was ongoing and has seen 140,000 metres of road patched so far. Cllr Cole spoke about the combination of unpredictable weather and the huge number of vehicles combining to make potholes a major problem in the UK, particularly in Kent.
Members brought the pathway on Cotton Lane to Cllr Cole’s attention as it had just been put in and was overgrown with brambles. Cllr Cole confirmed she would chase up and ensure this is reported, but urged members and residents to report these things on the KCC website.
Members thanked Cllr Cole and resolved to note her report.
- Dartford Borough Council
Dartford Borough Councillors David Mote, Paul Cutler and John Burrell updated members on the recent Dartford summer events, Dartford’s Big Day Out and Big Chill. Both had been very successful and well attended. The Cinema in the Park event would be coming up over the summer break.
Members also received an update on the Orchard Theatre. The theatre will not be up and running until next year as the roof and internal works are being done as well as work to make the building more accessible. The Temporary structure will remain in its place for the duration.
Cllr Lesley Howes asked the Dartford Borough Councillors about Fairfield Leisure Centre as a large number of car parking spaces are currently unavailable and there is already very limited parking. The Dartford Borough Councillors confirmed that they were unaware of this but would look into it and find out what the plans are for parking.
Members resolved to note the Dartford Borough Councillors updates.
- National Association of Local Councils
Members are presented with the Quarterly Activity Report for NALC (National Association of Local Councils)
Members resolved to note the Quarterly Activity Report from NALC.
6 – Finance
6.1 – Community Infrastructure Levy Expenditure
To resolve use of Community Infrastructure Levy funds of £9,500 for purchase of a new mower for the public realm.
Members discussed the age of the mower and repairs that have been necessary. The Clerk confirmed that it meets CIL requirements as the equipment is necessary for the maintenance and upkeep of the public realm which is being upgraded to mitigate the effects of local development and that, as it is an unexpected cost that was not budgeted for, CIL is the most appropriate way to fund the equipment to avoid a further demand on council reserves.
Members resolved unanimously to approve the expenditure of £9,500 from the Community Infrastructure Levy Funds for purchase of a new mower for the public realm.
6.2 – Budget Monitoring Report
To note the budget monitoring report for the period ending 30th June 2024.
Members are presented with a finance report for the first quarter ending 30th June 2024 and an income and expenditure report.
Clarification was given to members on how the funding agreement with Dartford works in terms of expectations of future CIL money. The RFO confirmed that a certain proportion of parish council CIL receipts is being recouped under the funding agreement for the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan, which ultimately will result in DBC providing approximately £2.65m from its CIL fund while SPC will contribute approximately £1.65m. Beyond this, the parish council is expected to receive additional CIL receipts for use towards alternative schemes.
The RFO also clarified that as per the council’s financial regulations, a member who is not a signatory should periodically review the accounts as an additional level of transparency and invited members to volunteer to assist with this. It was agreed that Councillors Canham, Howes and Burrell would be invited to do this on a rotational basis.
Members resolved to note the budget monitoring report for the period ending 30th June 2024.
7 – Projects
7.1 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan – Stone Pavilion Extension
Members were requested to note the planning application drawings for Phase 2 Recreation Ground Masterplan Pavilion extension in line with the Masterplan funding agreement to increase the level of community use at Stone Pavilion, as well as in support of the council’s strategic objective to achieve carbon net zero by 2030.
Drawings provided comprised existing and proposed floor plans and elevations. The Clerk explained that as these drawings were for planning purposes, they were only at a stage two level and would be refined further for the construct phase.
Members discussed the proposed drawings as presented,the layout and basis of the proposals,
Concerns were raised over the level of expansion. which confirmed the approach aims to address current operational issues and space constraints, as well as futureproof workforce provision for the next few decades to avoid the need for further adaptations. The proposed plans enable the ground floor to be repurposed for community use to cater for increasing demand through the further growth of the parish population.
Members resolved to note the planning application drawings for Phase 2 Recreation Ground Masterplan Pavilion extension.
7.2 – London Road Lorry Parking
Members were requested to discuss and resolve use of CIL funding of £1,124.00 for designs for potential build outs and parking restrictions for London Road to help remediate the ongoing problems experienced due to lorries parking.
The council has been expecting a presentation of proposed highway improvements as part of the London Road Green Corridor Scheme contained in the Stone Neighbourhood Plan, but this has been delayed and even once published, may take some time to implement fully. With persistent complaints from residents regarding lorry parking, members were keen to look at all options that could alleviate the issue.
Kent Highways had confirmed that it would cost £1,124.00 to have plans and costings established for potential double yellow lines and buildouts along certain areas of London Road, which could preclude lorry parking in certain areas to alleviate issues.
Members unanimously resolved to approve expenditure of £1,124.00 for designs for build outs and parking restrictions for London Road.
7.3 – Lads of the Village
- To note the intention of sale for the Lads of the Village Public House.Members were advised that he Lads of the Village Public House has been listed for sale by the freeholder.
In line with the legislative requirements of nominated Community Assets, the freeholder is required to formally notify Dartford Borough Council of their intention to sell. DBC is then required to formally notify the Parish Council, along with providing us with a six-week window in which the council must decide whether it wishes to be considered as a potential purchaser.
Upon such notification, the freeholder is unable to dispose of the property during the six-month moratorium (although can still market and negotiate on a sale). This window of time aims to provide the council with sufficient time in which to develop a proposal and secure the necessary funds.
Once the six-months is up, the seller is free to sell the land to whoever they choose, even if the parish council were to have formulated a bid and made an offer, there is no right of first refusal over the property. However, the only exception to selling the property within the six-month period is if it is to the body that nominated the asset and therefore the council has a potential advantage in this aspect.
Correspondence from many Parish residents and community members has shown that there is support for seeing the Lads of the Village re-established as a valuable community resource to continue providing opportunities for social interaction, club and group meets, and recreation and leisure activities. The office has gone out on social media to identify the level of support among the Parish for this restoration.
Members resolved to note the intention of sale for the Lads of the Village Public House.
- To discuss and resolve to submit an expression of interest form for a potential bid for the Lads of the Village Public HouseSince asking the Community for their input, the Council have received 14 emails and several Facebook comments all in support of re-establishing the pub as a local asset. This included some residents offering to contribute to a community fund for the purchase of the pub, should the bid go ahead. Members were presented with a summary of these responses and the expression of interest form.
The Chairperson summarized the Council’s current position and advised that a decision to put in the expression of interest form would stop the clock on any sale for six months which would give the Council the opportunity to explore funding options and develop a business proposal to form a bid.
Cllr Canham asked for confirmation on any potential sale process for the pub. The Clerk confirmed that it would be the same as any property sale with the agents able to show prospective tenants/developers the site but confirmed that they would not be able to complete a purchase during the six-month moratorium period.
Members discussed the possibility of private investment and other funding streams such as offering community shares and the various structures that might enable it to be run as a Community Interest Company, but recognized that the timeframe for any bid is extremely tight so would need to be realistic to be effective.
Members voted unanimously to resolve to submit an expression of interest form for the Lads of the Village Public House.
8 – Exclusion of Press & Public
To resolve, pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and the press leave the meeting during consideration of the following items.
9 – Stone St Mary’s Preschool
Members were requested to note an update on Stone St Mary’s Preschool.
Community Engagement Manager S Muzio gave a verbal update confirming the pre-school would be reopening as usual in September and would be receiving renewed input and oversight by current and new committee members to ensure it can continue to provide a valuable service to the local community.
Members thanked Mr Muzio for his update and resolved to note his report.
There being no further business the Chairperson closed the meeting at 20:23.