The Parish Council met on Thursday 5th July at
the Village Hall where 5 Councillors were present and 8 members of the public.
Public
Time
– Upchurch Active Retirement
Association (UpARA) – The
secretary asked the Council if they had any land available in the Parish that
they could use to build a Petanque Court. The Council will consider this. Beckenham
Park Residents Association –The
resident commented that Otterham Quay Lane was becoming unsightly and
dangerous. The Clerk will log a request with Swale BC to litter pick this area
and also inform Highways that cuttings from conifers had been left on the
pavement. Village Fete – A
resident commented that this was a fantastic day and would like to thank those
who organised it. Cllr Tucker explained that a small committee had organised
the event, some of which were members of the Parish Council. It was agreed that
the day was very enjoyable and as good as the fetes that were held years ago.
Correspondence – Air ambulance – A request for a
grant of £250 to support their lifesaving work in the community was considered
by members. It was decided not to support this. St Johns College Cambridge – The Clerk reported that a new
Property Managing Agent had been appointed to act on the Diocese behalf. The
new agent is Savills based in Bishops Stortford replacing George Webb Finn.
Planning - Public Access/e-consultation portal – It was noted
that planning applications could be accessed via: http://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications
Permissions and
refusals
– SW/14/0267 Horsham Lane Garage– Cllr Tucker reported that this
planning application had been approved with many pre-development conditions. An
update received from Cllr Lewin explained that he had substituted, sat, spoke
and voted in favour at the Committee meeting at Swale which approved this
application. Officers reported, prior to the decision being made, that KCC
Highways had commented that the development satisfied the KCC parking standards
in-site and that the path along part of the frontage of the development should
be widened.
Other planning
matters
– Horsham Car Sales – Cllr Lewin had advised that Officers at Swale BC
were currently pursuing three matters, the signage, the storage of cars at the
front of the site and the use of articulated car transporters to take and bring
cars to the site. Gypsy & Travellers Allocations consultation – Cllr
Lewin had explained that the responses to this consultation earlier in the year
were being considered at a Local Development Framework Panel Committee. He
thanked the Council for responding to the consultation and much of the
responses had been taken into account in policy recommendations.
Finance – Budget report –
The Clerk reported that meeting
expenses would be higher than amount budgeted for as the cost to hire the
Village Hall was £7 more for each meeting. The Photocopier had been returned to
Konica Minolta.
Administration - Centenary Birthday Card – It was reported that a resident
would be 100 years old on 16th July 2014. It was agreed that the
Parish Council would send her a birthday card. Village Cleaner - It was explained that The Paddock
was being litter picked and bins emptied on a regular basis by Cllr Rose, Cllr
Tucker and Cllr Lewin. The Recreation Ground was being looked after by Cllr
Denny and Cllr Tucker. Cllr Arnold had consulted Highways about the possibility
of a Village Caretaking scheme but it would be several months before this scheme
was up and running. Therefore, it was agreed to advertise for a short term
temporary Village Caretaker. This would be a self-employed role to cover the
summer months. A maximum of 3 hours per week, would be offered, at a cost of
around £15-£20 per week. A closing date of 16th July 2014 would
allow the GPC to consider any applications received.
Allotments and Recreation
Ground – Vacant
plots at Allotments – The Clerk reported that one full plot remained vacant but
there were several names on the waiting list. Therefore it was hoped to
reallocate this plot shortly. Recreation Ground gate – It was reported that Cllr Masson had readjusted the gate and
members thanked him for his efforts.
Paddock – Draft plans submitted by residents
– A copy of this report had been
circulated. It was commented that the plans for The Paddock Project had been
presented very well and a working group was now needed to follow this up. Village
Fete – Cllr Tucker commented
that it was an excellent day and thanked all those who were involved in making
it a success. All agreed. She explained that the committee who organised the
fete would evaluate the day and have arranged for a survey to be carried out
via Upchurch Matters. It was hoped to find out what went well, what things
people enjoyed or what they would like to see at the next fete etc. It was
reported that the stall holders raised a lot of money for their village
organisation or group and it was hoped to repeat this event again.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Review the fee renewal of memorial
plaque – The Clerk reported that the renewal fee at present was £10
for a period of ten years. This was considerably lower than other cemeteries,
for example, Maidstone Borough Council charged £44.50 for one year’s dedication.
It was therefore agreed to increase the renewal fee to £75 for a period of ten
years. Adopt a grave – It was
explained that several residents had chosen a grave to adopt and overgrown
vegetation had already been cleared from some graves in the Churchyard and
middle Burial Ground. However, an issue had arisen with the disposal of the
vegetation that had been cleared from the graves. It was hoped that a solution
to this issue could be found.
Environment – Best Kept Garden Competition 2014
– Members were reminded that judging
would take place on or around 21st July. Flats located in Forge
Lane – Cllr New raised concerns
regarding the state of the car park and grass verges. The Clerk will contact
the owner of the flats to request this area is tidied up.
Highways
- Speed
watch – It
was reported that this would be taking place during the month of July at
various locations in the village. PCSO Cork is planning to attend a session. Street
light in Marstan Close – It was
reported that Highways were planning to charge the Council £220 for costs
incurred from making this light safe. Cllr Baldock indicated that he would
follow this up with Highways on the Council’s behalf. Parking problems at
village centre – Members were
advised that the Council had forwarded contact details for Maidstone Borough
Council to the Co-Op Risk Manager in order for them to apply for a loading bay.
Canterbury Lane – It was
explained that Cllr Lewin had reported that fly tipping had taken place on the
evening of Monday 30th June in the stretch from Seymour Road to
Otterham Quay Lane. Swale BC Enforcement Officers viewed the fly tipping for
evidence to see if a prosecution could be made, but they found none and there
were no witnesses. The material required the road to be closed to traffic and
it was now for KCC to clear the highway. The report reference was 17336204.
Matters
arising - Barbara
Webb Memorial – A ceremony will be held on Friday 8th August
2014 at 10.30am in the Village Hall grounds to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the death of Barbara Webb, Upchurch Carnival Queen 1964 who died
8th August while carrying out her duties. During the ceremony, a
Rowan Tree will be planted and it is hoped as many of Barbara’s family and
friends can attend.
Next
meetings – 4th September and 2nd
October. Please note that the meetings are held at Upchurch Village Hall and start
at 7:30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon - Thurs 9am to midday)
