BISHOPSBOUNRE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of the Council
Wednesday 12th March 2025 at 18:30
Present: Cllr Jamie Cole (Chairman); Cllr Bryony Dutta; Cllr Emma Homewood (Vice Chair); Cllr Debbie Tapley; 4 Member of the Public; Mrs Steph Woods (Clerk); Roger (Flood Warden)
1. Chairman opening remarks, apologies and approval of absences:
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were received from Cllr Thorneycroft.
2. Declarations of interest:
None were received.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting: Confirmation of the Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 15th January 2025 were approved as a true record, proposed by Cllr Dutta, seconded by Cllr Tapley and were signed by the Chairman.
4. Public Forum:
Members of the Public in attendance were afforded the opportunity to ask a question or make a statement.
The flood warden gave an update on the Nailbourne. There has been no flooding or pumping this winter especially after wet autumn. Water level is currently six feet below the well.
Cllr Homewood volunteered to be a footpath observer for the Kent Ramblers and will report any problems she finds direct to them.
5. Report from County/City Councillor:
The monthly reports from Cllr Sole have been previously circulated to all councillors and
posted on Facebook.
6. Matters arising from minutes (not covered under agenda):
Nothing.
7. Finance:
a. Payments and receipts
The balance as of 12th March 2025 is £21,606.20 with £1,246.15 in the current account and £20,360.05 in the savings account.
Receipts:
Canterbury City Council – CFF Funding – £2,144.00
Payments:
Stephanie Woods – Salary (January & February 2025)
HMRC – Clerk PAYE – £98.00
Unity Trust Bank – Service Fee (January & February 2025) – £12.00
D J Cole & Sons – Inv 3 (Replacement bases – Play area) – £316.93
Debbie Tapley – Solar Lights (2 x Amazon Invoice) – £43.17
Cllr Cole – Hedgehog signs – £41.35
The above payments and a £1,000 transfer (from savings to current account) was proposed by Cllr Homewood and seconded by Cllr Dutta. ALL AGREED.
8. Planning:
a. New Application:
CA/25/00334 – Mansfield Farm, Pett Bottom Road, Bridge – Application for the prior approval of installation of roof mounted solar panels. Support with no comments.
9. Highways
a. Pheasants Hill Road – Cllr Tapley informed the group that the potholes have recently been filled. Clerk has contacted KCC Highways regarding the tree stump causing an obstruction on highway. Cllr Sole’s recent Facebook posts about potholes was raised and Councillors wondered if he could do something similar for Bishopsbourne. Clerk to contact Cllr Sole to enquire.
10. Neame Meadow/Maintenance
a. Neame Meadow Play Equipment/Gate/Goal Posts – Cllr Dutta has spoken to local families and a play frame with monkey bars was popular. Member funding of £4,199 has been secured from KCC and the Councillors agreed to allow a budget of up to £10,000 for the new equipment/installation. Clerk to book appointments with equipment companies and attend with Cllr Dutta. Cllr Cole to look at securing the new goal posts.
b. Litchgate Repairs – no update to date.
c. New grounds maintenance contract – after a lengthy discussion, options to put out to tender were agreed. Clerk to send out tender invitations and arrange an extraordinary meeting in beginning of April so the contract arrangements can be discussed/agreed and contract awarded in time for spring.
11. Other Parish Matters
a. BT Telephone Box – Taking ownership is currently CCC planning who need to give BT permission for them to transfer ownership of it to the PC for £1.00.
b. Village Newsletter – All Councillors to submit copy to Clerk by middle of April.
c. Noticeboard – Clerk to obtain three noticeboards quotes for next meeting.
d. Parking – problems with parking along The Street has been raised so the PC discussed potential solutions. It was suggested that maybe the PC move hedges in Neame Meadow to allow more parking, but it was believed there was a parking covenant set when land was transferred to the PC. Colin/Clerk to investigate. It was also suggested we rent a nearby field in summer so Cllr Tapley will investigate this with the landowner.
e. Village Fete – will be held on Naeme Meadow on Saturday 28th June 2025.
f. Dog Waste Bin – Clerk to speak to CCC to ask if they provide stickers to say people can use litter bins for dog waste.
g. Bat and Trap Team – The Mermaid is starting two teams in May. Cllr Homewood to get area rep to look and advise best place to place pitch either Neame Meadow or next to the Village Hall.
12. Matters arising for future discussion
Clerk to circulate current HIP has been asked for any revisions by KCC.
There is a missing road sign at the top of Rose Lane at junction of Bonny Bush Hill. The Clerk will report to CCC.
13. Date of next meeting: 14th May 2025 – AGM
There being no further business, the meeting was closed to the public 19:47.
Please note these Minutes remain as draft Minutes until they are approved by the Parish Council at their next Parish Council meeting on 14th May 2025.