The Parish Council met on Thursday 1st May in the
Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 9 members
of the public.
Public
Time
– Gypsy/Traveller site –
A resident reported that he had put
up notices regarding the planning application at Orchard Park. He commented
that it felt like the village was accepting travellers and that he can see
caravans coming into the horizon. It was explained that the Council was trying
to voice the concerns of the settled community. Highway issues – A
resident raised concerns about the amount of damage the delivery Lorries were
causing in the village, in particular the Lorries delivering to the Co-Op. He
also reported that two road accidents had happened in one day. One in Forge
Lane outside the Fish & Chip shop and one outside the Car Sales Showroom in
Horsham Lane. It was explained that cars were being parked to close to the
boundary with Horsham Lane and that they were using a full size transporter. It
was reported that the Council had contacted the Co-Op to raise resident’s
concerns about the delivery Lorries and it was hoped that the Store Manager
would attend the next GPC meeting. Orchard
Park – A resident reported that
a fence dividing the small orchard/farmers field had been taken down. Overhanging vegetation – A resident commented that a large
amount of vegetation would need cutting back. There were many sites in the
village where the sightlines were poor. Swale BC Councillor – Cllr Lewin reported that the situation
with a planning application for a gypsy & traveller site in Holywell Lane
had changed. The site had been sold to a different family. He reported that
there were now 4 touring caravans on site, with at least 2 of the families on
site having 2 and 3 small children respectively. The Enforcement Officer had
decided it was not appropriate at this time to serve an enforcement notice and
had advised the occupiers to submit a planning application within the next 28
days, failing which they would move to serve an enforcement notice. Cllr Lewin
explained that he had replied to this as follows:
I am amazed that we are not taking a
firm stand on this. Holywell Lane has been transformed
from a quiet rural lane to a lane urbanised by Gypsy & Travellers. This
latest situation will undoubtedly create further issues of access to sites
etc., which as happened recently will damage the environment.
We must put ourselves in control of
these situation not put it in the hands of others. I do not accept that the
land now newly occupied has deemed consent for use by Gypsies. This will be a
retrospective application yet again.
Planning – SW/14/0423 R/o 124
Chaffes Lane – New
dwelling within rear garden- The Planning Review Team commented as follows:
· It
believes it is an over-developed back-fill
· It
will impact on the owners of Nos. 134 and 132 Chaffes Lane
· The
owner of No.2 Marstan Close is a relative of the applicants and, although she
may not object to the use of the right way of fronting her property, any future
owner could find it intrusive.
· The
views of the owners of No. 3 and all neighbours in Marstan Close and the
surrounding properties on Chaffes Lane and Oak Lane should be given serious
consideration.
· Marstan
Close is a small, cul-de-sac with congested parking and the proposed
development would exacerbate this problem with increased on-road parking for
visitors or commercial deliveries.
Taking
these views as a whole, the Planning Review Team objects to the proposals.
Permission granted: TC/14/0028 21 Oak Lane – reduce Holm Oak tree by 33%, annual
pruning to maintain reduced size. SW/14/0161
Gibbens Farm Bungalow, The Street, Bredgar – The transfer of agricultural
occupancy condition attached to the bungalow, Gibbens Farm, Bredgar to the
cottage, Gore Farm. SW/14/0190 2
Church Farm Road – First floor extension over existing garage.
Other planning matters – Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track,
Holywell Lane – Change
of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site (1 no. mobile home, 2 no. touring
caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking bays. It was advised that
this planning application would be reported to the Planning Committee of Swale
BC on 8th May 2014. Cllr Tucker will register to speak at this
meeting.
Finance – Final Accounts for approval
– a copy of the accounts for the year
2013-14 had been circulated and approved at the Annual Parish Meeting held on
24th April 2014. It was agreed that they be approved and it was
noted that the Councils expenditure was greater than its income therefore it
was necessary to move towards three year budgeting.
Administration – Resignation of
Village Cleaner – It was explained that the current
role was unmeasurable. Therefore the Council could consider other options. Cllr
Tucker thanked Cllr Denny, Cllr Rose and Cllr Lewin for offering to help litter
pick in The Paddock whilst the Council considers this role. Members expressed a
preference to the possibility of employing a sub-contractor. It was suggested
renaming the role to “Village Caretaker” which could include additional tasks,
for example, cutting back vegetation overhanging sightlines.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Salt
in Recreation Ground Car Park – It was reported that the salt bags
would be removed by the end of May. Anyone wishing to collect some of this salt
were encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Noticeboard for Allotments – It was explained that Mr Osborne had
asked for a specification for this. A resident had offered to install the
noticeboard. The design and specification would be confirmed at the next GPC
meeting. It was also suggested to install a noticeboard in the Burial Ground.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – St Mary’s Church Clock – It was agreed to accept a quote to
the sum of £368 + VAT from Gillett & Johnston for replacing the winding
switch. Members requested that the engineer investigate why the clock is not
working properly when they attend to carry out this repair work.
Environment – Proposal for a Bus Shelter in the
Village Centre– A paper prepared by those “for” and those “against” had been
circulated. Members discussed this and then Cllr Tucker asked members to vote
on the following proposal:
Those
in favour of progressing the administration side of progressing the proposal
for a Bus Shelter in Horsham Lane.
With 4 members for and 3 members
against, it was agreed that the Council would contact the Conservation Officer
to discuss further. It was explained that funding was an issue and that the
Council would take time in making decisions on how and when this would move
forward.
Barbara Webb Memorial – Cllr Apps reported that it was fifty years since the loss of Barbara Webb and commented that the Council should not let this anniversary go unmarked. Cllr Lewin reported that Mrs Madden had indicated her intention to replace the bowl used in the presentation for the Best Kept Garden Competition. Cllr New explained that the Village Hall Management Committee may like to be involved, perhaps by planting a tree or plant.
Barbara Webb Memorial – Cllr Apps reported that it was fifty years since the loss of Barbara Webb and commented that the Council should not let this anniversary go unmarked. Cllr Lewin reported that Mrs Madden had indicated her intention to replace the bowl used in the presentation for the Best Kept Garden Competition. Cllr New explained that the Village Hall Management Committee may like to be involved, perhaps by planting a tree or plant.
Highways – Identification of Street Lights – It was agreed to accept a quote to
the sum of £235.50 for producing fifty labels. Replacement Street Light in
Breach Lane – It was reported
that the new light in Breach Lane had been installed. UK Power Networks
grant – Cllr Arnold reported
that he had submitted a grant application for installing energy saving street
lighting at a cost of around £10,000.
Next
meetings – 5th June and 3rd July.
Please note that the meetings will now be held at the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon - Thurs 9am to midday)
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
