Report of the Parish Council meeting 5th July 2018
Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Peter Masson, Cllr Janet Marshall, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence
Planning
i. Ref: 18/502771/FULL
Address: Jack Russell Place Halstow Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AB
Proposal: Installation of a brick wall and gates to front entrance (part retrospective)
Councillors considered the application and agreed unanimously to object to the proposal as it is too intrusive and out of character in a rural area.
ii. Ref: 18/502858/FULL
Address: Brent Orchard Twinney Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7FS
Proposal: Redevelopment of the existing barn into a 4 bedroom family home with associated access and parking.
Councillors considered the application and had no objections to the proposal and would request that neighbours’ comments be taken into account.
Allotments
Concern was raised about the use of hose pipes at the allotments, hose pipes can only be used to transport water to a suitable static container (such as a water butt). Tenants may not leave the hosepipe unattended during the day for lengthy periods or leave it on overnight. This will be monitored by the Council.
A complaint has been received about bonfires in the allotments causing smoke to affect neighbours, tenants are not permitted to take rubbish onto the allotments to burn. There are some tyres in the allotments which have been made into benches; a polytunnel type structure has been erected and there are some roller blinds on the site, tenants have been requested to remove the items.
Recreation Ground and Paddock
The schedule of tree work will continue in the Recreation Ground and Paddock and vegetation will be cut back. The Council is still waiting to hear of the outcome for a grant for new play equipment.
Burial Ground
A tree branch had been hit by a lorry and fell into the road, a paper boy stopped and removed the tree from the road. Councillors commended the actions of the young person.
Councillors thanked the team of volunteers from the Upchurch Horticultural Society who have kindly offered to maintain the rose beds in the Burial Ground.
A second compost bin has been installed at the Burial Ground and the rubbish bin is now in situ, visitors to the Burial Ground are requested to ensure rubbish is put in the correct bin and that no turf is put in the compost bin.
Church Clock
The response from residents to the refurbishment of the church clock has been outstanding and the Crowdfunding page, https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-modernisation-of-the-church-clock-at-saint-mary-the-virgin-upchurch has raised £950 with further donations being made by cheque direct to the Parish Council.
Councillors collected £75.00 at the Fete and several village organisations have pledged to raise funds as well. £400 from the Fete plant tombola has been donated to the restoration fund as an act of remembrance. £500 has been donated to the restoration fund by the Upchurch Handbell Ringers as an act of remembrance. £63 from a craft stall at the Fete has been given to the restoration fund as an act of remembrance.
Battle’s Over Commemorations
The beacon basket has been made by European Active Projects Ltd who has only charged for the materials. A post will be purchased and the beacon will be installed in September. Councillors have agreed to purchase a commemorative bench.
A bugle player will be attending the commemorations.
Date of next meetings:
There will be no Full Council meeting in August.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 15th August at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.
Full Council - Thursday 6th September 2018 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall
All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
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