The Parish Council met on Thursday 2nd May 2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 5 members of the public.
Public Time – Broadband – A resident explained that he was a fibre planning manager for Open reach who install the fibre network and would be happy to communicate information he had about super fast broadband for the village. He advised that a new box had been installed in Wallbridge Lane although the village was not expected to be connected for another ten months. Speed watch – A resident was pleased to note that this was being progressed. Lorries delivering to Co-Op – A resident commented that at one time the Co-Op made an application to convert the garden for parking. He was advised that this was discussed at a Parish Council meeting but it was felt at the time that the proposed exit going onto Horsham Lane would not be sufficient. He was advised that members were looking into concerns being raised about Lorries delivering to the Co-Op and any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. Parking in Oak Lane – A resident reported that during the day, more and more vehicles were being parked in the road along Oak Lane. However, in the evenings, there would be far less vehicles. Residents are requested to park their vehicles on their driveway if they have one. Trees in Oak Lane – A resident raised concerns about a Holm Oak and Lime Tree in Oak Lane. He also commented that a Hawthorn bush was sticking out at the end of the Recreation Ground path. He was assured that both of these issues would be investigated.
Correspondence – Swale BC Community Safety Unit – Suggestions for volunteering opportunities to be undertaken by Swale BC staff during employee Community Action Days. It was felt that they could get involved with clearing graves in St Marys Churchyard.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/13/0331 3 Marstan Close – single storey rear extension. No objections.
SW/13/0030 Hursell Farm – Change of use of land to gypsy site for two gypsy families (related) and for the siting of one static caravan and extension and erection of dwelling (stable building) and stationing of one touring caravan and use of existing barn as general amenity (retrospective) – The Planning Review Team had commented as follows:
We would register our objection to the application for change of use from agricultural land to use for a gypsy site. There is an increasing concern throughout the village regarding the erosion of our countryside and such applications are only serving to accelerate that process.
Several questions have been asked regarding the ‘proposed’ site:
- 1) The plans for this application illustrate one towing caravan and we note there are 2 visible already located on the site. We are assuming there will be instruction to remove the second caravan? Also, the illustrated parking area for 2 cars seems insufficient for the number of vehicles regularly parked there.
- 2) The static yet movable stable building has raised questions as it is a substantial building and we would request more information as to how it is deemed movable?
- 3) We would also like more information relating to the ‘general amenity’ barn and what that actually means. It has been observed that there appears to be patio style doors in side of the barn currently so clarification of this usage would be appreciated.
With regard to all the retrospective, gypsy applications, we continue to express our concerns and strong objections to the number we are receiving for sites that have defied the standard planning regulations, ignored responses to previous applications and then used the traveller/gypsy clauses to obtain permission. They are rarely temporary sites as suggested by what literature we have seen regarding traveller & gypsy sites and therefore only add to the already high number we have in the village.
We understand that in cases such as these it is most unlikely that permission will be refused, despite any objections raised, and would like to raise our frustration that this legislation seems to leave us powerless to stop these sites continuing to appear.
SW/13/0362 2 Amelia Cottages, Otterham Quay Lane – Two storey side extension – No objections.
SW/13/0320 Bayford House, Poot Lane – Erection of three-bay timber-framed garage with room in roof and two dormer windows – No objections.
Permissions and refusals: Permission granted:SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane – Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom Consent granted:TP/12/0155 The Paddock, rear of 2-6 Bradshaw Close – Fell 5 Robinia trees and 2 Holm Oak Saplings TC/13/0028 St Marys Churchyard – reduction of 1 x London Plane by 5-10% to the branches closest to The Crown Public House
Points raised at Annual Parish Meeting - Junction of Holywell Lane/Forge Lane – The Clerk will write to the residents near to this junction to request that they keep the hedgerow as low as possible. Cricket Club – The Clerk will contact the Cricket Club to politely request that visitor’s park considerately.Bus Stop sign – It was felt that no action was necessary. Holywell Lane – Members were advised that this area had been cleared up. Repairs to the road were still necessary. Bus Service – The Clerk will contact Chalkwell and request that the Council is kept informed of changes to the bus timetable. St Marys Churchyard – It was explained that a faculty was required before investigating further the possibility of laying a footpath.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Water at the Allotments – Cllr Apps confirmed that he had turned the water back on and would take a meter reading a week later. Allotment Representative – It was reported that some concerns had been raised by allotment holders regarding the administration of the Allotments. Trees planted to celebrate Jubilee/London Olympics – It was reported that a branch from the London Plane had been snapped off.
Paddock – Lease –Members had been advised that the Lease was dated 1st August 2012, for a term of 14 years and commencing rent was £700 per annum. All agreed to sign the lease. Paddock Project –The Village Hall has been booked for the evening of 27th June to hold a meeting with the public to discuss this project. Please do check the Notice Board and www.upchurchmatters.co.uk for updates.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Request to purchase corner of Burial Ground – a request to purchase a small section of land which was currently being used to store spoil from the graves. This request was declined. Report from Representative – Cllr Rossiter reported that the Diocese had confirmed that St. Mary's Churchyard could not be reopened. It was agreed to decline reservations for grave spaces in the Burial Ground for a temporary period.
Highways – Speed Watch – It is hoped to start up this scheme as soon as possible and any volunteers are asked to contact Cllr Steward on: 07771 865 680 or by email djsteward@btinternet.com
Next meetings – 6th June 2013 and 4th July 2013. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.
The Public are welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions and/or make comments to members. It is helpful if you let the Clerk know in writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further advice.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12)
