Correspondence – Gordon Henderson MP – An email indicating his interest in attending the Parish Council Meeting to be held on 1st September. This meeting will be held in Challenger Block of Holywell Primary School starting at 7.30pm. The first hour of this meeting will be open for the public to speak if they wish.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/11/0653 Field to r/o 32/62 Hartlip Hill – Change of use for the keeping and grazing of 4 horses and a 1.2m high fence. There were no objections. However they did ask that the fences were enhanced by hedges in the near future so that the rural aspects of the area may be retained.
SW/11/0655 The Barnyard, Gore Farm, Oak Lane – Extension to marquee and erection of toilet block. There were no objections. However, they noted with some force, that the site would meld into the rural background much better if a more appropriate colour was used for the marquee.
SW/11/0672 Spade Lane Depot, Spade Lane, Hartlip – Application to extend time limit for the implementation of the planning permission granted under SW/06/1345 – removal of condition 6 (VI) of SW/89/1248 (restriction use) and change of use to allow the Spade Lane Depot (including existing and unbuilt phase) to be used for general class B1C (light industrial), B2 (general industrial) or B8 (storage and distribution uses). The Planning Review Team welcomed the proposed tree screening and noted that local residents remained concerned about noise from the site and possible increases in HGV traffic on the A2, with associated noise increases.
Permissions and refusals: Permissions granted:
SW/11/0496 Jack Russell Place, Halstow Lane – removal of condition (1) of permission SW/08/0917 to permit permanent occupancy of the site for gypsy family.
Permissions refused:
SW/11/0545 Sandyridge. 61 Horsham Lane – extension to side of house to provide 1 reception room and bedroom.
Other Planning matters – Rural Needs Housing – An email from Alison Thompson, English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) explained that she had met with the landowners of the site in Forge Lane, opposite Holywell Primary School, and they were currently considering her proposal. Also, during this meeting, the landowners suggested that there were two possible sites, either fronting Forge Lane or The Street. Members commented that they would consider the site fronting The Street if it contributed to car parking facilities for residents.
SW/10/0350 Land r/o Wallbridge Lane - A letter from a resident regarding the planning application granted at small profits, a livery stable located at the far end of Crosier Court. Concerns were expressed with the increase in traffic as it had been expected that access to this work would be via Wallbridge Lane. However, trucks had been seen passing through Crosier Court, a heavy duty crane on a low loader and also smaller trucks passing this way travelling at high speed. PSCO McCall had been informed. The resident was arranging a meeting with Swale BC Highways Department. Members will look into arranging a meeting with the landowners to discuss this further.
Finance – Swale BC Members Regeneration Fund and Local Engagement Forums Community Project Funding – Information on the two grants available were discussed. The Parish Council could apply for the member’s regeneration fund, where each Borough Councillor had been allocated £1,000 to support local regeneration projects. Suitable projects to be discussed at the next meeting.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Goal Posts in Recreation Ground – a quote and specification for installing one set of goal posts was circulated. Members felt that further research was required. Please let the Clerk know if you think this would be a useful facility to have in the Recreation Ground.
Paddock – Entrance to Paddock by 22 Chaffes Lane – Members agreed that this entrance should remain open and quotes for installing a safety barrier will be obtained. Lease – It was agreed to accept a 14 year lease with the right to renew for another 14 years.
KCC Local Engagement Forum Grant 2011-12 Members are considering ideas for new play equipment using the £2,100 grant that has been approved. Please let the Clerk know if you have any suggestions.
Burial Ground and Churchyard –Photo memorials – It was agreed to allow photos on memorials subject to a standard size.
Environment – Broadband speeds available in the village- An email from a resident raising this issue had been circulated. He claimed that it appeared to be unreasonably slow and was getting reduced month on month. Members considered ways of dealing with this and would like to know if any other residents experience the same problem. Please let the Clerk know.
Queens Diamond Jubilee June 2012 – Residents considering holding a street party are invited to set up a table in the Paddock to celebrate this event. There will be no charge and the date is yet to be decided. Please let the Clerk know if your street would be interested in taking part. Also, members considered having a permanent feature such as another Oak tree, or other tree, with a plaque near it, similar to the Oak tree on Granny’s Green which had been planted for the Silver Jubilee. Please do let the Clerk know if you have any ideas.
Highways – Lay by outside doctors surgery – Information from Kent Highways indicated this would be very difficult and expensive to install. It was suggested that a crossing would be of more benefit. Kent Highways will be consulted. Parking issues in village centre – Members met with Brett O’Connell from Swale BC to highlight the areas of concern. The Council await his proposal which will be used to consult with residents before taking any further.
Bus Shelter in Horsham Lane – PCSO McCall had advised the Council that the police authority must remain neutral on this issue. She suggested that the Council looked into installing a temporary shelter.
Residents are reminded that the ASB hotline number is 01795 417575 should you need to report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour.
Next meetings – 1st September, 6th October.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Upchurch Parish Council
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