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The Role and Objectives of the Parish Council

The role and objective of the Parish Council is the control and administration of parish matters through the elected members of the Council on behalf of the parishioners through close liaison with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

The Parish Council is invited by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to inspect and comment on all planning applications for the Parish of Ightham, and is very mindful of the necessity to preserve the unique and picturesque aspects of the village and its environs.

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.