The Parish Council has a number of responsibilities, some of them advisory within the local government structure and some direct.
Planning
The parish council is a consultee for all planning applications in Ightham. Planning applications are assessed by the parish council and its views are taken into account when Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, as the responsible planning authority, makes its decision.
Ightham Recreation Ground and Play Area
The parish owns Ightham recreation ground and the play area and is responsible for the play equipment. The council must ensure that the equipment is regularly inspected and we have an annual inspection by ROSPA. Any repairs are brought to the attention of the full council at its monthly meeting and the cost of any repairs and maintenance comes from the parish council’s budget.
The recreation ground is mowed regularly and we have regular tree inspections. The car park is owned by the parish council and has space for around 60 cars. All maintenance costs come from the parish council’s budget.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are responsible for emptying the litter and dog waste bins. The salt bins are provided by and maintained by the parish council.
Footpaths and Footways
The council makes regular inspections of the footpaths in the parish, and any problems are reported to County Council Public Rights of Way Department (PROW).
Grants and Donations
The council has powers to give small grants and donations to such bodies as Citizens Advice, the annual Poppy Appeal or community groups. There are strict rules limiting the donations that can be made in each financial year.
Litter Bins & Salt Bins
The Council has to fund public litter bins within the parish, although the cost of emptying these is met by the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. The Salt bins are provided by and filled by Kent County Council.
Bus Shelters and Benches and War Memorial
The bus shelters and benches within the parish are owned and maintained by the council. The War Memorial and grassed area is owned and maintained by the parish council.
Consultations
The parish council is often asked for its views on a wide range of issues that are decided by other bodies. This could include, for example, public transport, regional planning or community safety.
Ightham Village Hall & Recycling Centre
The hall is run by the Ightham Village Hall Trustees. The building also accommodates the parish archives, a hall, kitchen, small meeting room, storeroom and toilets. The hall is available to hire. There is a free car park for approximately 20 cars. The recycling bins are owned and emptied by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
