Upchurch Parish Council Report - May 2023

Report of the Parish Council May 2023 

Planning

I. 23/501726/FULL 130 Horsham Lane single storey rear extension.

UPC has no objections.

II. 23/501751/FULL Court Lodge, Breach Lane detached garage.

UPC has no objections.

III. 23/501110/FULL 19 Woods Edge garage door.

UPC has no objections.

IV. 23/501613/FULL land to East of Orchard House defer to next meeting.

Clerk to get an extension.

Upchurch Parish Council reporting

I. General Purpose & Planning Committee - No updates

II. Paddock and Recreational Ground

Bat boxes - Cllr Ripley to arrange with Les Oxley to start the work when Cllr Denny returns.

III. Burial Ground & Churchyard

(a) Consider request from resident for ashes interment in burial plot.

It was resolved to allow ashes interment as long as all rules regarding interments are met.

IV. Highways & Street Lighting

(a) EDF - it was proposed by Cllr Bernsten and seconded by Cllr Horton and resolved to speak to EDF and hold all payments until issue on estimated annual consumption are resolved with EDF.

Clerk to report next meeting.

(b) Highways - Cllr Horton reported that residents have commented about Upchurch Village following other local areas and introducing 20 miles an hour zone.

UPC has already had a consultation with the public regarding this and UPC has no plans to consider this at the present time.

(c) Clerk to chase KCC regarding the warning signs for horse riders in the village.

(d) Loose kerbs reported on Oak Lane.

(e) Clerk to chase planning officer for any updates on the traffic calming in Oak Lane.

V. Footpaths - No updates

VI. Environment

Clerk to chase date for planters. Cllr Bernsten to chase Co-op for sponsorship.

VII. Village Hall

Cllr Lewin reported new planting outside UVH.

Cllr Horton reported the use of the village litter pickers for village litter picks.

VIII. KALC

Cllr Lewin reported the lack of local plan causing issues. Cllr Ripley reported any councillor can attend the KALC meetings if needed.

Clerk to speak to KALC about adding comments to agenda for meetings.

IX. Allotments - To receive update

(a) Clerk has visited site and confirmed plots available.

Clerk to investigate a new numbering display.

(b) Repairs to fence, one quote received.

clerk to ask for 2 more quotes.

X. Village Defibrillators

(a) Cllr Sheppard to report to next meeting with options to consider updating the units.

It was proposed by Cllr Rosewell seconded by Cllr Ripley and resolved to arrange a schedule for the upgrades.

(b) Clerk to investigate grant options for the upgrades.

Insurance

It was proposed by Cllr Horton, seconded by Cllr Ripley and resolved to renew the insurance.

Grant Application

Clerk reported this was still ongoing with no updates.

Noted.

Adoption of policies and documents for the ensuing year

It was proposed by Cllr Horton, seconded by Cllr Ripley and resolved to approve and re-adopt all policies.

Annual Return

I. To approve the Annual Governance Statement for 2022/23 Section 1 of the Agar for the year ending 31st March 2023.

The council considered and approved section 1 of the AGAR the Chair and Clerk signed and dated on behalf of the Council.

II. To approve the Accounting Statements for 2022/23 Section 2 of the AGAR for the year ending 2022/23 with the supporting Bank reconciliation to 31st March 2023 and the explanation of variances.

The council considered and approved section 2 of the AGAR.

The Chair and the Clerk signed and dated on behalf of the council.

Clerk Updates

I. Clerk noted UPC is no longer eligible for General Power of Competence.

Items to be considered for inclusion on the next Full Council agenda

Planning 113 Chaffes Lane 23/501613/FULL.

Quotes for the Scout Road resurfacing.

Access issues to the Scout Hut / Gates.

Upchurch Parish Council Meeting Schedule 2023/24

Full Council

Thursday 6th July 2023

Thursday 7th Sept 2023

Thursday 5th Oct 2023

Thursday 2nd Nov 2023

Thursday 7th Dec 2023

Thursday 4th Jan 2024

Thursday 1st Feb 2024

Thursday 7th March 2024

Thursday 4th April 2024

GPC & Planning Committee

Wednesday 19th July 2023

Wednesday 20th Sept 2023

Wednesday 18th Oct 2023

Wednesday 15th Nov 2023

Wednesday 20th Dec 2023

Wednesday 17th Jan 2024

Wednesday 14th Feb 2024

Wednesday 20th March 2024

Wednesday 17th April 2024

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council Report - April 2023

Report of the Parish Council April 2023

Planning

I. 22/500103/REF | Outline application for up to 74no. dwellings with public open space.

Cllr Rosewell reported no further information other that appeal had been granted.

II. 23/501061/FULL Pear Tree farm House. Removal of existing single storey side extension. Erection of a pitched roof two storey side extension, erection of a flat roof single storey rear extension including rooflight and alterations to front porch and fenestration. Erection of a detached double garage including re-arrangement of access.

UPC has no objections.

III. 23/501174/FULL | Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of new building for use as a flower school in association with the existing flower business, together with associated access, parking and landscaping (resubmission of 22/502282/FULL). | Land North of Horsham Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AP.

Deferred to GPC & Planning committee.

Cllr Rosewell reported he will attend planning meeting 13th April for 20/505846 High Hopes Poot Lane.

Noted.

3 more planning applications received - deferred to GPC & Planning committee.

Noted.

Upchurch Parish Council Reporting

I. General Purpose & Planning Committee

Next meeting confirmed 19th April 2023.

II. Paddock and recreation ground

(a) New Play Ground equipment - quotes received from contractors with guarantee certificates. Clerk has reported additional information required on grant application - deferred to next meeting.

(b) Woodland Trail - Bat Boxes Clerk to arrange fitting quote received for £50. Proposed by Cllr Horton Seconded by Cllr Denny. Unanimous. 

III. Burial Ground & Churchyard

Clerk reported that reply from Swale received regarding transfer of responsibility for the Churchyard maintenance to Swale saying no decisions will be made until after the election.

Noted.

New contract received for the landscape maintenance - it was resolved to sign and approve contract with Landscape Services. Proposed Cllr Ripley Seconded Cllr Denny. Unanimous.

Memorials approved.

Notice board has been installed at the Burial Ground. Clerk to arrange Rules & Regulation to be displayed.

Noted.

IV. Highways and street lighting

(a) EDF Clerk reported no updates reported from EDF.

Noted.

V. Footpaths

(a) Cllr Horton reported KCC has done some remedial work in Oak Lane.

(b) Street Farm path redirected. Clerk reported redirection is temporary.

Noted.

(c) UPC has noted concerns about hedgerow by Cricket Club. Clerk to contact them to ask if they have reported to KCC.

VI. Environment

(a) Village Clock reported working. Clerk to investigate with PCC regarding insurance and asset status of clock.

VII. Village Hall

(a) Village Hall committee AGM 13th April at 7:00pm.

VIII. KALC

(a) Reported that KALC representative from Swale to the Kings Garden Party was the Upchurch nominee.

Noted.

IX. Allotments

(a) Clerk reported that all allotment holders have been sent the new tenancy agreements and invoices.

(b) Water meter has been refitted.

Noted.

(c) Repairs to fence - Clerk reported still waiting for quotes to be received. Deferred to GPC & Planning committee.

X. Village Defibrillators

Cllr Palmer reported that the AED at Snaffles the hinges on the cover are damaged. Clerk to obtain quote for new cover.

Grant Application

Members resolved to approve the application from Holywell School for Coronation mugs. Proposed Cllr Lewin Seconded Cllr Rosewell.

Clerk Updates

I. Upchurch policies and documentation updates. Clerk reported all documents updated ready for adoption at the Annual Meeting in May.

II. End of financial year update, including internal audit on 3rd April 2023. Report from Internal Auditor.

Noted.

III. Society of Local Council Clerks - Clerk reported new legislation coming into effect in October 23. Report will be made at later meeting with details.

IV. Asset Register - UPC approved Asset Register.

Noted.

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

Commemorative Coronation Mugs for Holywell School

Holywell Primary School held our Coronation Picnic on Friday the 12th of May, in both the School Hall and Upchurch Village Hall as the weather conspired against us.

The children took part in a design a crown competition, and there was one prize for each class.

Commemorative Coronation Mugs were presented to every pupil and member of staff, which were kindly paid for by a grant from Upchurch Parish Council.

Thank you

Tracey Snellings
School Business Manager
Holywell Primary School
Website: www.holywell.kent.sch.uk

Thank you to Upchurch Parish Council for Our Grand Day Out

Click the photo montage to enlarge.

Garden Parties 2023

To celebrate the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen, two Garden Parties took place in the Buckingham Palace Garden in 2023, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

The first of the annual Garden Parties took place on Wednesday the 3rd of May when The King and The Queen were accompanied by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent.

On the day of the Garden Party, the Palace gates are open at 3:00pm, and the Party officially begins when members of the Royal Family enter the Garden at 4:00pm when the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands present.

While the bands continue to play, members of the Royal Family circulate among the guests through 'lanes'. Each takes a different route, and random presentations are made so that everyone has an equal chance of speaking to a member of the Royal Family. Members of the Royal family then arrive at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet further guests. Guests are free to eat, drink and stroll around the beautiful Palace Gardens.

Established during the reign of Queen Victoria, Garden Parties are an important way for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.

Throughout the country, an established network of sponsors is used to invite guests that include Lord-Lieutenants, societies and associations, government departments, local government, the services, the church and other faiths. They nominate guests for invitation as a way to achieve a representative cross section of the community.

A Grand Day Out

Upchurch Parish Council choose Sue Rossiter to attend and represent the parish as somebody who, over the years, has made an outstanding contribution to our village community. 

Sue was accompanied on her grand day out by her husband Keith and has kindly sent us this thank you and account of their lovely afternoon spent together at the Palace Garden Party:

My husband Keith and I were privileged to visit Buckingham Palace on Wednesday the 3rd of May, to attend the first of two Garden Parties hosted by Their Majesties The King and The Queen.

Upchurch Parish Council kindly put my name forward, and lo and behold, an impressive invitation from the Office of the Lord Chamberlain arrived a month beforehand. We were very excited and invested in a new outfit each, so we looked the part.

The day was sunny, and we drove up to London and found the disabled parking allocated to us at Wellington Barracks, across the road from the Palace. Everyone looked after us, whether they were soldiers, police, or Palace members of staff. The afternoon tea was delicious and very well organised. The Gardens were immaculate, and there were two brass bands! Eight Thousand guests were there, in all their finery and array of summer dresses, hats and fascinators, lounge suits, morning dress and uniforms.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family duly appeared on the terrace and walked down to their tea tent, stopping at times to shake hands with the guests. As there were so many of us, we couldn’t really get close, although we did see them at that stage.

Later, as Keith was in a wheelchair, he joined a row of others, and we could see members of the Royal Family as they made their way out of the garden. We spoke to Queen Camilla and Prince Edward, now Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also spoke to us, and Keith was pleased to shake their hands. They were all so nice and wanted us all to have a good experience.

We certainly had a wonderful time, and we are grateful to the Parish Council for thinking of me as someone worthy enough to be chosen. I know there are many people in Upchurch who do much more than me or Keith. I like to think we proudly represented our lovely village on that day.

Sue Rossiter

Upchurch Matters

Kent Association of Local Councils Community Awards Scheme 2023

Click photographs to enlarge.

Congratulations to Gerry Lewin, this year's worthy winner of the Kent Association of Local Councils Community Awards Scheme 2023 in the community of Upchurch.

Councillor Alan Horton presented Gerry with his award at this year's Annual Parish Meeting, held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday the 27th of April 2023.

The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award acknowledges and recognises a resident or group that has made a significant contribution to their local community over a period of years.

Gerry's certificate reads:

Hon. Alderman Gerald Lewin

In the community of: Upchurch

Awarded for: To acknowledge and give recognition to the significant contribution and dedication to the community, Upchurch Parish Council and Swale Borough Council as well as the many other local community organisations.

Thank you, Gerry, for everything you have done for our village 👏🏼

Upchurch Matters

Annual Parish Meeting - Agenda

Upchurch Parish Council invites you to attend the Annual Parish Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday the 27th of April 2023, in Upchurch Village Hall.

If any local Upchurch organisations would like to attend and give a verbal report, then please let the Clerk know in advance.

If you are unable to attend and would like to send a report to be read out during the meeting, please send it to the Clerk as soon as possible - Thank you.

We hope to see many of you at this year's meeting.

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

Upchurch Parish Council Report - March 2023

Report of the Parish Council March 2023

Planning

Cllr Rosewell written report - no updates on Gladman Homes development.

I. Cllr Rosewell written report on 116 Oak Lane external lighting and traffic calming - still being progressed. Cllr Lewin suggests we contact the planning office for comments.

II. 19 Woods Edge - deferred to GPC 15th March meeting.

Upchurch Parish Council Reporting

I. General Purpose & Planning Committee

Next meeting confirmed 15th March 2023

II. Paddock and Recreation Ground

(a) New Play Ground equipment - new designs Cllr Denny to review. Look at guarantees 10 years plus.

(b) Woodland Trail - bird boxes fitted.

Bat Boxes ready for fitting - Cllrs to arrange a working party to fit to the desired height.

III. Burial Ground & Churchyard

Clerk reported that initial approach has been made to Swale to ask for transfer of responsibility for the Churchyard maintenance to Swale.

New contract received for the landscape maintenance - Clerk to investigate discount if sign 2 year contract.

IV. Highways and street lighting

(a) EDF Clerk reported no updates from chasing EDF.

V. Footpaths

(a) Report block drains at The Street. Cllr Denny reported that KCC have advised they are sending representative to advise.

(b) Street Farm path redirected. Clerk to investigate if the redirection is temporary or permanent. Clerk to investigate with KCC.

VI. Environment

(a) New biodiversity funding options. No updates.

(b) Village clock reported working.

VII. Village Hall

(a) Village Hall committee request UPC to nominate Cllr for the Village Hall Committee. UPC thank Cllr Lewin for his previous commitment to the UVH committee. Currently no Cllrs available.

VIII. KALC

(a) Community Awards scheme sent to KALC by the deadline 28th February.

IX. Allotments

(a) Clerk reported that most of the allotment’s holders have responded to the emails and letters sent out and that tenancy agreements ready to be issued for next year. Clerk has updated waiting list.

(b) Tenancy agreement approved for issue.

(c) Replacement fence to go to tender. Stock fencing / chestnut posts. Cllr Ripley to meet contractor to discuss options.

X. Village Defibrillators

Cllr Sheppard reported that all defibs are working.

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk

Kent Association of Local Councils - Community Awards Scheme 2023

Calling all Upchurch Parish Residents.

Upchurch Parish Council will once again be presenting an award to a resident who has made a difference to the village.

The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award acknowledges and recognises a resident or group that has made a significant contribution to their local community over a period of years.

If you know of someone who has given this kind of service and merits an award, please nominate them.

The person must live or work within the Upchurch Parish Council boundary. Parish residents can make just one nomination, but all adult members of a family may submit a nomination form.

The Chairman will present the winner (chosen by Upchurch Parish Councillors) with their signed certificate at this year's Annual Parish Meeting held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday the 27th of April 2023.

The nomination form can be downloaded and printed from: https://bit.ly/3XigJ2K and also requested from the Clerk at: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk or by telephone: 07798 600696.

Please send your completed nomination forms in a sealed envelope to:

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer

2 Alfriston Grove

Kings Hill

West Malling

ME19 4SR

The closing date for receiving nomination forms is Monday the 13th of February 2023.

The previous winners of the KALC Award in Upchurch are:

Pat New in 2017

Tracey Snellings in 2018

Ray Kemsley in 2019

No award given in 2020

Cia Merrall in 2021

John Arnold in 2022

Upchurch Matters