Upchurch Parish Council Report - December 2016

Report of the Parish Council meeting held on 1^st December 2016.

PLANNING

Spade Lane - Cllr Lewin informed Members that the Spade Lane appeal was refused on 15th November and the enforcement notice which had been issued became effective on the date of the appeal decision. The planning decision notice was delegated to officers, on reading the planning officer’s report Ward Members agreed that this did not need to be called into committee.

Jack Russell Place - Cllr Lewin said the extension of the site for family members was permitted.

Mill House - Cllr Lewin said a full planning application will be submitted.

Forge Lane - Cllr Lewin said the application for access has been refused by Swale Borough Council under the delegated power to officers as the points raised were so relevant that the matter did not need to go to committee.

Jubilee Field - Cllr Lewin said that this had been refused under delegated power to officers.

Oak Lane/ Wallbridge Lane - Cllr Denny said that since the hedge has been removed traffic is travelling faster as the road looks wider. Highways need to look again at this as it is incredibly dangerous.

The Clerk will contact Kent Highways and ask how they propose to address the issue.

Holywell Lane - Cllr Lewin said there continues to be a lot of activity on the site. Two mobile homes have been put on the site without planning permission and this has been reported. An enforcement notice has been issued.

CHURCH

The Church has requested a meeting with Councillors to discuss village needs to see how the church can reach the community. Cllr Ripley, Cllr Denny and Cllr Newbery will arrange a meeting with the vicar.

GRANT POLICY

The Parish Council has adopted a Grant Policy for village organisations in need of financial assistance. Details of the Grant policy can be found on the website or by contacting the Clerk.

THE PADDOCK

The fence has been repaired free of charge by Mr Jarvis and the Parish Council is grateful for his generosity. 

BURIAL GROUND

A bench in memory of Mrs Fiddyment has been installed in the burial ground. 

The loose paving slabs have been made good and the rotten posts have been replaced.

ALLOTMENTS

The allotment fees have been increased by £5 per plot per annum from April 2017. The fees are still low compared to Medway and Swale, the increase will help cover the costs of the allotments.

CHRISTMAS TREE

The village Christmas Tree has been donated by Mr Bob Friend and Councillors are extremely grateful to Mr Friend for his generosity. The site has been prepared for the tree.

KALC COMMUNITY AWARD

Nominations have been received and the closing date is 31st December 2016. The award is to acknowledge someone who has made a significant difference to the village. Residents should submit their nominations to the Clerk.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Thursday 5^th January 2017 in the Village Hall.

THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO WISH RESIDENTS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Wendy Licence

Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel: 01634 363906
Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk