Report of the Parish Council September 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 Applications
i. Ref: 18/503348/FULL
Address: Mill Farm Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME8 7XA
Proposal: Erection of a detached outbuilding to provide garages with storage facilities. (Part retrospective)
Councillors considered the application and were concerned the construction materials were not in keeping with the surrounding houses, especially that it would overshadow Mill House which is an 18thcentury building with Kent peg tiles; the building is obtrusive as is it will be on the highest point of the land; it is excessive for a garage to have so much storage space and to be so tall; the upstairs has a doorway but there is no internal staircase leading to the door; the plans do not show the other buildings; concern was raised about the visual impact of the proposal; there is not enough detail in the documents. Councillors agreed unanimouslyto object to the application.
ii. Ref: 18/503381/FULL
Address: Kaynes Farm Breach Lane Lower Halstow Kent ME9 7PA
Proposal: Retrospective application for stationing of a mobile home
Councillors considered the application and were concerned that the conditions on the land were not being adhered to as the existing usage does not correspond with the planning statement. Clarification will be sought from the Planning Officer.
Battle’s Over Commemorations
The beacon will be installed at the Recreation Ground on a four metre high oak post with a steel basket on the top. There will be an arm on one side of the post which will have a shield on it, one side depicting the trenches and the other with soldiers at ease in respect of their fallen comrades. A memorial bench has been purchased to complement the beacon. It has been suggested that Oak Lane be closed to traffic, from Bishop Lane to the surgery, to prevent drivers being distracted during the Beacons of Light event on Remembrance Day, this will also mean there will be hard standing for residents should the Recreation Ground be too wet. On 11th November at 6:55pm Cllr Lewin will read out the names of the fallen; the Last Post will be played by a bugler; the beacon will be lit at 7:00pm; and the church bells will be Ringing for Peace at 7:05pm.
Church Clock
Further donations have been received towards the upgrading of the Church Clock. £322.00 has been received from the annual strawberry tea by 1st Upchurch Brownies as an act of remembrance; £125.00 has been received from Oak and Cambria classes at Holywell School, following their fundraising in the school playground, as an act of remembrance; and £80.00 has been donated by a resident celebrating his special birthday, as an act of remembrance. The JustGiving page stands at £1133 and will remain open until after Remembrance Day. The community has responded superbly to the call for donations of remembrance.
Donations from groups and individuals can be made by cheque payable to “Upchurch Parish Council” and sent to the Clerk at 14 Trapfield Close, Bearsted ME14 4HT or via the Crowdfunding page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-modernisation-of-the-church-clock-at-saint-mary-the-virgin-upchurch
The clock will be serviced to ensure it is running well for Remembrance Day, there has been four months of continual running.
The Paddock
The Parish Council has been successful in its bid for lottery funding and has been awarded £9805.00. Councillors are liaising with the company regarding the installation.
A new litter bin has been ordered for The Paddock.
Street Lighting
The Council is considering upgrading the lights to LEDs which will be more efficient and more economical to run. The Council is applying to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for permission to take an interest free loan to upgrade the lights.
Highways
The 20’s Plenty campaign in Swale supports 20mph to become the default speed limit on residential and urban streets. The Parish Council is keen to hear the views of residents as to whether this is something they would like for Upchurch.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 4th October 2018 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 17th October at 7:30pm in the Committee Room of the 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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