The Parish Council met on
Thursday 7th November in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6
Councillors were present and 5 members of the public including Cllr Mike
Baldock.
Public
Time –Bus Shelter – A
resident expressed a need for a bus shelter in the centre of the village. Tree
outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident explained that he had given the Council
correspondence regarding the issues with this tree and had not heard any
update. It was explained that Highways had been consulted who declared that it
was safe. The tree at the rear of the property was a Swale BC planning issue.
Cllr Lewin reported that he was taking up this issue as Borough Councillor. Fly
tipping in Oak Lane – A resident reported that although rubbish continued
to be dumped by the recycling bins, the amount was reducing. He commented that
Swale BC was good in responding but unfortunately the problem had not been
resolved.CXK – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that CXK were running a session
each Tuesday 15:30 – 18:00 for children in Upchurch and was held in Chaffes
Lane. CXK have been commissioned by KCC
to run youth services in rural areas. They provide positive activities &
intervention work for young people. It is hoped that the Council will be able
to meet with them to find out more about the services they offer. Oak
Lane – A resident reported that a section of this road had sunk again.
Highways were aware and continue to repair this but during heavy rainfall, it
sinks again.
Correspondence – Christmas art in the village – A request to display a maximum of seven plaques showing
the Christmas story on lamp posts around the village. All agreed this would be
acceptable for lampposts maintained by the Parish Council. Bus Shelter –
A request from a resident to raise the need for a bus shelter again. Cllr
Tucker reported that after consulting Cllr Baldock, it was felt that this would
not be possible by the bus stop due to lack of space. However, it could be
considered by the Village Sign. It was noted that objections had been raised
previously and it was felt that now a decision was required, taking into
account all views. Cllr New explained that residents objecting were concerned
it would attract vandalism therefore she would like to see a teen shelter. It
was suggested that further investigations be made into types of shelters and
possible grant funding. The Clerk will look into this. Cllr Baldock commented
that he would support a grant for a shelter by the telephone box. Also, he
would like to support the idea for a teen shelter too. Free micro chipping
for dogs in the community – An email from Dogs Trust looking to book in
events. The Clerk will notify local Dog Trainers and also Gabriel and Upchurch
Matters. UPC
expenditure – A resident questioning some of the small but seemingly
regular expenses. Items of expense identified included Burial Ground refuse
collection, Burial Ground gardening, repairs to Burial Ground gate and
churchyard fence, stopcocks at allotments and Speed watch equipment. Members
noted this. It was explained that the Speed watch equipment was 100% grant
funded. The Clerk will request reimbursement from the Village Hall for half the
cost of the repair to the Burial Ground Gate.
Planning - The following applications were
considered:
SW/13/1119
Tranquility, Otterham Quay Lane –
Change of use to dwelling; alterations to window and door configuration and
internal alterations. No objections.
SW/13/1039
Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and
workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses
and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages,
parking spaces and access driveway – This
application has now been withdrawn.
Permissions and refusals – permission granted:
SW/13/0964
Field rear of 32-62 Hartlip Hill –
Proposed four loose boxes, tack room, manège, muck heap and one horse trailer
Other planning matters - Gypsy & Traveller Consultation – Swale BC are
undertaking a consultation on Part 2 of the Local Plan. Part 2 will relate to
Gypsy and Traveller site allocations only. Comments need to be submitted by 5th
December 2013.
Finance
–
Donation to Wisdom Hospice – It
was agreed to forward a donation to the sum of £50 in memory of the late Brian
Kennard. Budget/Precept 2014/15 –
This is being discussed. The
grounds maintenance costs are yet to be finalised.
Administration - General
Purposes Committee –Mr Sheppard of First
Highways had offered to assist the Council with sourcing additional salt bins
at no extra charge to the Council. Resignation of Councillor – Cllr Steward has resigned. There are
now two vacancies on the Council. Please do contact the Clerk or any member of
the Council if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor. Request
for copies of Correspondence to be directed to the Clerk – Residents can contact the Clerk for
copies of the Councils correspondence. Any items for the agenda should be
forwarded to the Clerk at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Allotment Rent review – It
was agreed to increase the rent due 1st April 2014 by £2.00 per full
plot. Poplar trees – It was agreed to discuss a quote to pollard/reduce
canopy on 12 poplar trees in the Recreation Ground during confidential session.
Paddock
– Village fete – St
Mary’s PCC have indicated an interest in participating in this. Members are
keen to find out if Holywell Primary School would like to take part too.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard –Review
of fees– It was agreed to increase the
fees charged.
Environment – Grounds Maintenance Contract 2014-17 – Grass verges have been removed from the grass cutting
schedule. Quotes received were
discussed during confidential session. KALC
Community Awards Scheme – Information on this scheme had been circulated. Nominations
had been made but it was explained that a justification would need to be
submitted. It is hoped that a decision will be made at the meeting in January
2014. If any resident would like to nominate someone for this award, please
contact the Clerk. The aim of the scheme
is to acknowledge & give recognition to those that have made a significant
contribution to their local community. Japanese Knotweed in Co-op garden
– The residents at 1 Horsham Lane had asked the Council for their support on
dealing with this issue. Following a letter to the Co-Op Manager, a
representative from Co-Op Headquarters contacted the Council. The Co-Op agreed
to follow up with the contractor the Councils concern regarding the maintenance
of the garden.
Highways -Traffic calming – The Council has been trying to
arrange a meeting with Highways to discuss traffic calming ideas suggested at
the Drop-In. However, Highways are not able to do this as they only visit
locations where funds have been allocated to carry out improvements. Proposal
for zigzag lines outside school – A consultation had been carried out with
properties close to the school located in either Church Farm Road or Forge
Lane. The response was overwhelmingly “for” an extension of the zigzag lines
outside the school. Highways will be informed.
Next
meetings – 3rd December 2013 and 9th
January 2014. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell
School and start at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
