Report of the Parish Council April 2019
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.
Upchurch Annual Spring Clean
The annual spring clean was a huge success with a sterling effort from the pupils of Holywell School and the uniformed organisations. The Parish Council is grateful to all who volunteered and helped make the village a better place.
Paddock and Recreation Ground
The Parish Council is obtaining quotations to repair or replace the picket fencing at the Recreation Ground by Oak Lane.
A new litter bin will be installed in the Paddock.
Following increasing concern about dog fouling near the children’s play area, the Parish Council will consider asking for all dogs to be kept on leads in the Paddock. Dog fouling can lead to an increased risk in and toxocara canis can pass from dog poo to humans as Toxocariasis through contaminated sand or soil, and children are at particular risk. The Parish Council asks all dog owners to be responsible and clean up after their dogs.
Upchurch Fete
The Parish Council has awarded a grant of £300 to the Parents & Friends of Holywell School to help with the costs of running the Annual Village Fete.
Planning
i. Ref: 19/500999/FULL
Address: Starborne Oak Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7BB
Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and outbuildings, and erection of a new four bedroom detached dwelling, including new boundary wall, entrance gates and driveway.
Councillors considered the application and agreed that the officer's recommendations should be accepted and that neighbours' comments should be taken into account.
ii. PINS reference: APP/V2255/W/18/3218833
Ref: 18/502708/FULL
Proposal: Erection of two detached chalet bungalows with associated parking and extension of residential garden (serving Lord Stanley Bungalow) with revised access arrangements following demolition of existing building.
Location: The Old Woodyard Land Rear Of Lord Stanley Bungalow Otterham Quay Lane
Councillors agreed to reassert their objections to the proposal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Allotments
There are still a few plots available in Upchurch and anyone interested in having an allotment garden should contact the Clerk. There is a preferential rate for residents.
Environment
The Parish Council has secured a grant towards hiring a fully planted planter which will be sited near the sign, delivery is expected to be end of May/ early June.
The Council has agreed to hold the annual Best Kept Garden Competition and Councillors will judge the gardens along with the residents from the village who assist the competition judging process.
Parking issues at Holywell School
Following concerns about inconsiderate parking, the Swale Parking Enforcement Team are monitoring the area. Drivers are requested to park in a safe and considerate manner, failure to do so may result in a fine.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 16th May 2019 at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 22nd May 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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