The Parish Council met on Thursday 7th June in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 22 members of the public including PCSO John Cork.
Public Time – Hedge on boundary of Paddock – A resident explained that this needed cutting back. The Clerk will arrange this.Police Community Support Officer – PCSO John Cork explained that he had taken over from PCSO McCall. He could be contacted on: 07772 226217 or john.cork@kent.pnn.police.uk
Local Needs Housing – It was explained that the sub group had met to discuss the concern raised by opposition groups that they would not be able to have a stand at the ‘drop-in’. They were advised that members would be discussing this shortly and it would be proposed to allow this request. Several residents commented that this was far too late as they would not have enough time to prepare display material/leaflets.
Other comments made by the public were as follows:
- • The voting system was flawed as there was no sealed ballot box.
- • The housing needs survey undertaken in May 2009 was out of date.
- • 6 houses below the average house price were being advertised by Right Move. If this search was extended to Rainham, over 50 homes could be found. Therefore if we live in a mobile world, why does the scheme not consider sites at least 2 miles away
- • The assessments of 10 sites suggested for this scheme were being selected on the basis of the availability of the land, i.e. they would be selected if the landowner was willing to sell.
- • The letter that accompanied the voting form indicated that ERHA would be taking details at the ‘drop-in’ from those wishing to register an interest in one of the properties, but this would be an unofficial survey.
- • The ‘drop-in’ was a promotional event for ERHA paid for by the Parish Council.
Suggestions were made by the public to postpone the ‘drop-in event’ planned for 11th June 2012. They were advised that this would be discussed later in the meeting.
Administration – Co-option of one member – Mrs Pamela Denny has been co-opted to fill this vacancy.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/12/0330 Tanzor Riding School, Poot Lane – Retention of existing timber building in support of livery use of land – No objections.
SW/12/0510 35 Forge Lane – Two storey side extension and single storey garage – No objections.
KCC/SW/0104/2012 Holywell Primary School, Forge Lane – erect a new palisade fence 1.8 metre high powdered green (58 metres long) to east side of schools main entrance – No objections.
SW/12/0450 Bobbing & Lower Halstow Cricket Club, Halstow Lane – demolish existing cricket net and replace with new two bay cricket net practice facility – No objections.
APP/V2255/A/12/2175047/NWF & APP/V2255/E/2175043 The Cart Lodge, Chaffes Lane – appeal against refusal to permit provision of oak timber doors to enclose parking area and 3 no. conservation style roof lights – No objections.
SW/12/0675 97 Chaffes Lane – rear conservatory – No objections.
SW/12/0418 Land at Breach Lane – Change of use for the mixed use of agriculture and keeping of horses with the provision of three new stables, tack rooms, haystore and sand school – No objections.
SW/12/0393 Land r/o 24 Wallbridge Lane – demolition and replacement of existing, agricultural building only for use as a tractor and implement store – No objections.
SW/12/0511 Dingles Field, Chaffes Lane – Side extension to existing workshop – No objections.
Permissions and refusals – The following decisions by Swale BC were reported:
Proposal Acceptable:
TC/12/0040 St Marys Church, Horsham Lane – Remove 2 x Leyland Cypress, 1 x Sycamore and 2 x Ash trees
Permission Refused:
SW/12/0334 Oastfield Stud and Livery, Track off Holywell Lane – Change of use from private stables to stud and livery farm including erection of 3 foaling boxes, static mobile unit and provision of parking and turning
Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development
Court Lodge, Breach Lane – Lawful Development Certificate for occupation property without complying with the terms of condition VI (agricultural occupancy) appended to planning permission SW/78/1283 (existing)
Other Planning matters – Local Needs Housing - It was proposed that opposition groups be allowed to represent their views at the ‘drop- in’, provided that they wear name tags and did not disrupt proceedings. Each member was given an opportunity to comment. Members were then asked if they wished to postpone the ‘drop-in’. With 8 Councillors for and 1 against, it was agreed to postpone the ‘drop-in’. The Clerk would advertise this and it was hoped it could be rearranged for 2 months time.
Paddock – Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – A resident had raised concerned that the goal posts in the Recreation Ground had not solved this problem. It was suggested that more time be given and the Clerk will reply to this effect. The Clerk was asked to put up a notice in the Paddock encouraging footballers to use the goal posts in the Recreation Ground.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Tree Related subsidence at 2 Horsham Lane – It was reported that the trees behind the garage had now been removed. Also, permission had been given by Swale BC for the removal of the remaining trees alongside the property that were situated within the Conservation Area. The Clerk will obtain quotes for this work. Grass Cuttings and clearance – Members discussed the concerns raised about the state of the Burial Ground when the grass is cut. Cllr Rossiter and the Clerk will discuss the issues raised with the grass cutting contractor.
Environment – Cllr Tucker reported that the celebrations went very well. The Committee had set aside some funds for the planting of the commemorative tree and it was hoped to arrange this later in the year. Also, a small supply of mugs was still available. Please contact Cllr Rossiter if you wish to purchase one.
Highways -Parking Problems – A copy of the proposed waiting restrictions had been circulated at the Annual Parish Meeting and residents were given the opportunity to comment on this. The Clerk was advised to inform Brett O’Connell from Swale BC that there was no support for this proposal, with 8 to 9 objections. Speed Watch – Potential locations for monitoring vehicle speed were identified as Crosier Court, Horsham Lane, Oak Lane by Grannys Green and Wallbridge Lane. Visit by Highways Representative – Cllr Arnold reported on a visit by Ian Young, the Highways Steward for Upchurch, on 24th May 2012.
Next meetings – These will be held on 5th July and 6th September in the Hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road Tel: 01634 363906
(Mon-Thurs 9.00am-midday)
