Cllr Tyrone Ripley (Chairman), Cllr John Arnold (Vice Chairman), Cllr John Bodycomb, Cllr Pam Denny, Cllr Alan Horton, Cllr Gerry Lewin, Cllr Gary Rosewell and Cllr Neil Sheppard. Clerk Mrs Wendy Licence.
Councillors
Cllr Tyrone Ripley has been elected Chairman of the Parish Council for another year and Cllr John Arnold has been appointed Vice Chairman.
There is currently a vacancy on the Parish Council, anyone interested in being co-opted onto the Council should contact the Clerk.
Streetlights
Most of the streetlights have been connected and UKPN are due to return to complete the remaining lights.
The Great British Spring Clean
The Great British Spring Clean is from 28th May - 13th June. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, the Council is unable to organise an event. The Council is grateful to those residents who are currently litter picking their local area, if you would like to help during the national event please contact the Clerk.
Environment
A letter of thanks for the provision of a litter bin in Oak Lane has been received.
The planters are due to be installed at the beginning of June, the cold weather has affected the supply.
Burial Ground
The wheelie bins have now been moved to enable easy access, visitors are requested to separate any rubbish into the correct bin.
A request for resident fees for the interment of ashes was considered. It was decided that as the parties involved had entered into an arrangement with the Council and had understood the fee schedule at that time; the fee for a non-resident stood.
Planning
Ref: 21/501424/TCA Address: 8 The Street Upchurch ME9 7AJ.
T1 - Yew Tree in neighbouring property overhanging nursery play area - crown reduce lateral growth overhanging play area removing up to 1.5m of growth. Tree is at a height of approximately 6m. Crown radius is approximately 4.5m we are reducing one side by up to 1.5m leaving overall crown radius at approximately 3m. Overall height will not be affected by these works. Reason - yew tree dropping seeds and berries into nursery play area - safeguarding issue for the children as berries and seeds are poisonous.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the MidKent portal. It was agreed unanimously that there were no objections and the matter should be left to the Tree Warden for opinion.
ii. Ref: 21/501751/FULL Address: 29 Woolbrook Close Upchurch ME8 8ST.
Proposal: Demolition of the conservatory. Erection of a single storey rear extension and part garage conversion to a habitable space (Part Retrospective).
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the MidKent portal. It was agreed unanimously to support the proposal subject to neighbours’ comments being taken into account.
Ref: 21/501839/OUT Address: Land Off Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch Kent.
Proposal: Outline application for up to 74no. dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and vehicular access point. (All matters reserved except for means of access).
Councillors considered the application and agreed unanimously to object to the proposal; this site is not within the current adopted Local Plan; this area is regarded as countryside being outside of any built up environment of Upchurch; this is a loss of Agricultural land that has recently had a replanted Orchard; the development is remote from both the village of Upchurch and Rainham which will encourage use of private cars and increase pollution; with 40% affordable housing the public transport for this area is limited and will not support the residents; this and the other developments currently either underway or due to start shortly will only add to the already overloaded and over stretched highway and infrastructure in this area and again raises concerns over air quality; Swale Borough Council has in the past refused permissions in the area such as Tranquillity Otterham Quay Lane with the exception of the reuse of "brown field sites"; developer contributions cannot begin to resolve the issues of demonstrable harm caused by this development; this development pays no regards to the settlement gaps between Medway and Swale.
Ref: 21/501973/FULL Address: 9 Woolbrook Close Upchurch Gillingham Kent ME8 8ST.
Proposal: Single storey side/rear extension and partial conversion of existing attached garage.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the portal. Councillors had no objections to the proposal.
Ref: 21/501979/FULL Address: Ebenezer Chapel Halstow Lane Upchurch ME9 7AA.
Proposal: Change of use and conversion of existing workshop (Use Class B1c) to 3no. residential units, together with creation of parking area, associated external alterations including insertion of rooflights, replacement windows and reinstatement of windows to front elevation.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there was one objection on the portal. It was acknowledged that the proposal was sympathetic and an improvement to the Victorian building. It was agreed unanimously to support the proposal.
Ref: 20/505046/FULL Location: High Hopes Poot Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent.
Proposal: Erection of 2no. holiday homes (Revised Plans).
Councillors considered the revised plans and the applicant’s view of the Heritage Statement. The proposal supports the local economy and local services. Councillors agreed unanimously to support the application.
Ref: 21/502113/FULL Address: 5 Littlefield Road Upchurch ME8 8SE.
Proposal: Proposed single storey rear extension and partial garage conversion.
Councillors considered the application and noted that there were no objections on the portal. Councillors had no objections to the proposal.
This is a precis of Council business; full minutes of all meetings can be found on the website when ratified.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 24th June at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 14th July at 7:30pm in the Small Hall 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
