Notice Board

The monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 4^th February at the Village Hall where 7 Councillors were present and 7 members of the public including PCSO John Cork and Ward Cllr John Wright.

Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th January 2016 – It was proposed by Cllr Masson and seconded by Cllr Arnold that they be accepted as a true record. All agreed.

Public Time– Street Lighting - A resident reported that a street light in Oak Lane is faulty. The Clerk advised that the contractors would be attending the village in the week commencing 8^th February to fix three faulty lights including that one. St Mary’s Church Path- A resident raised concerns regarding the uneven church path. Cllr Tucker reported that the Church path is not the responsibility of the Parish Council. It is the property of the Diocese and she therefore suggested that the resident contact the Church directly. The Church had previously looked into replacing the path, but following a consultation with the conservation officer, the plans were not found to be appropriate for the area. The Clerk will also contact the Church to ascertain whether there are plans for a new pathway. Police Report – PCSO John Cork reported that crime is low in the village at the moment. During his surgery in the Post Office residents had raised concerns regarding speeding through the village. Cllr Denny reported that the Council have endeavoured to get residents involved in the speed watch scheme but have had little interest. PCSO John Cork asked whether Upchurch are looking to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme. Cllr Lewin reported that this scheme had been attempted several times in the past and there had been little interest from residents. Horsham Lane car sales – PCSO John Cork reported that a resident had raised concerns that the signage has still not been removed from this site. It was reported that Swale Enforcement Team are in the process of dealing with this. Lorries – Ward Cllr John Wright reported that having received several complaints regarding the rubbish left behind from the lorries parked overnight in the village and on the A2 near Spade Lane, he will be speaking with the Environmental Warden and the Spade Lane depot. England Coast Path – Ward Cllr John Wright passed the Clerk an update on the Iwade to Grain Coast path and this will be forwarded on to members.

Declarations of Interest – None.

Correspondence – Mobile Library Service– The Clerk reported that she had received notification that KCC are carrying out a consultation of the mobile library service, with a view to withdrawing stops, that have only had, on average, 2 or less visitors over the period of October 2014 to September 2015. The documentation was passed to the secretary of the Beckenham Park Residence Association as theirs is one of the stops that will be affected. The Clerk will forward the details to Upchurch Matters and place information on the noticeboards to keep residents informed. Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan – The Clerk had passed the members notification of modifications to the plan. It was agreed that Cllr Masson would discuss this with Ward Cllr John Wright and advise the Clerk of any comments to be made. Queen’s 90^th Birthday Beacons – The Clerk had received correspondence regarding the lighting of a beacon to celebrate the Queen’s 90^th birthday. It was agreed that the Clerk should forward the paperwork to the Scout leaders and the Upchurch firework team to ascertain whether this would be a project of interest to them. Mill Farm – The Clerk had reported to members prior to the meeting that correspondence had been received from the proprietor of Mill Farm raising concerns that the Parish Council’s reporting of the Mill Farm application was inaccurate. Following a discussion it was agreed that the previous minutes accurately reflected the discussions that took place. The December minutes reported that several residents had raised concerns and following this the Clerk contacted the Enforcement Team, whose initial response was to state that the building work was in keeping with the application. Cllr Horton commented that the works were not actually true to the application and the Clerk therefore followed this up again with the Enforcement team. The January minutes stated that the Parish Council were inforrmed by the Enforcement Officer that the building work is acceptable and in line with the application. In light of the correspondence a final update had been requested and the Parish Council were informed by the Enforcement Officer that the windows were in fact different to the application. The proprietor had also stated in their correspondence that they had omitted one of the garages. Cllr Horton stated that as there are differences between the application and the building works, the comment he made at the Parish meeting on 3^rd December 2015 was a factual comment.

Other Planning – Local Plan/Bearing Fruits – Cllr Lewin reported that interim findings had been received from the Inspector of the Local Plan and it had been recommended that the housing amount be increased from 540 to 766. The consultation is ongoing. Housing and Planning Bill – Cllr Lewin reported that there are several matters of concern on this bill, including the reference to setting up a competitive planning system, thus taking decisions away from local authorities. Polytunnels in Ham Green – Cllr Lewin reported that the proprietor has submitted a retrospective planning application. Jack Russell Place – Cllr Lewin requested that the Clerk submit additional comments objecting to this application based on the Traveller Site Policy implemented in August 2015. Land off London Road Newington – Following the submission of a new application reducing the dwellings for this development to 200 it was agreed that the Clerk would contact Newington Parish Council to discuss the effect this will have on Newington before comments are submitted to Swale Planning. Cllr Lewin reported that the appeal for the original application has not yet been heard. Land off Moor Street Rainham – Cllr Tucker reported that the Public enquiry into the appeal will take place at Medway Council offices from 23^rd February to 26^th February and at Bridgewood Manor Hotel on 1^st and 2^nd March 2016. 15/506513/FULL – Tranquility amendment to application– The applicant for this application was present at the meeting and advised that the application includes two garages and four parking spaces and therefore there would be no requirement for parking on the highway. Cllr Tucker reported that the Council’s existing comments with regards to the danger of traffic on the highway bordering this development would still stand. The Council have no objections to this application. Land at Otterham Quay Lane Rainham – Appeal – It was reported that any comments regarding this appeal must be submitted before 23^rd February 2016. Mierscourt Road – Cllr Lewin reported that there is a proposed application for a large development on Mierscourt Road. Due to the close proximity to the parish boundary, the Clerk will contact Medway Council to request that she is kept updated.

Finance – Precept for 2016/17– The Clerk will provide the members with a copy of the final precept for 2016/17 as agreed at the January meeting.

APM Preparation – Cllr Tucker reported that following investigation, it was found that, the Annual Parish Meeting should be a general parish meeting rather than a Council meeting. It was agreed that the format of the meeting should change from previous years. Following a discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should contact local organisations to invite them to the meeting in order that they can publicise any upcoming projects to the residents. Cllr Lewin reported that the change in format would require a transition period of several years and that the Parish Council should continue to fund expenses for this meeting.

General Purposes Committee – A copy of the notes from the meeting held on 20^th January 2016 had been circulated. All agreed that these were a true record of the meeting.

Paddock – The Clerk reported that the gate had been ordered and she had received confirmation that installation would take place in the week commencing 8^th February 2016.

Recreation Ground gate – It was agreed that the Clerk will purchase a new combination padlock for the Recreation Ground gate.

Allotments– Cllr Masson reported that he had met with Southern Water on 8^th January 2016 in order for them to carry out an inspection. Following the inspection the Council have been advised that the taps must be changed to hose union non return taps and the polyethylene pipe must be covered. Southern Water raised several issues including the risk of water sitting in hosepipes leading to legionnaire’s disease. In order to comply the work must be carried out before the 12^th February 2016. The Clerk will send letters with the allotment rent letters to tenants asking that they do not leave hosepipes connected after use and explaining the reasons for this.

Burial Ground and Churchyard – The Clerk reported that the laurels in the Burial Ground had been cut back and that further tree work will be taking place.

Church Clock – Cllr Horton reported that he and Cllr Masson will be meeting with Gillett & Johnston on 9^th February 2016 in order for repairs to be carried out.

Clean for the Queen – In the run up to the Queen’s 90^th birthday on 21^st April 2016 a countrywide clean-up is taking place on 4^th and 5^th March. It was agreed that the Clerk would purchase the equipment for this. It was proposed that the litter pickers work in teams over the weekend. The Clerk will contact the Scout’s to ascertain whether they would like to be involved. Further details will be published closer to the date.

Please note the full Minutes from the Meeting can be seen on the Upchurch Parish Council website.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on 3^rd March 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council
Tel: 01634 363906
Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
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