The Parish Council met on Thursday the 6th of October in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 5 Councillors were present and 3 members of the public.
Public Time - SW/10/350 Land rear of Wallbridge Lane- A resident expressed concerns about the Lorries that were coming down the footpath as they left no room for pedestrians. It was advised that in the future, this should only involve cars. A further concern was expressed regarding the amount of deliveries, which included large vehicles delivering hay. The Council will investigate. Traveller’s site – A resident referred to a traveller’s site that was located at the site previously known as Hursell Farm. The Enforcement Officer had been notified and the Clerk will contact him. SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – A resident expressed concerns about this application. He was advised to contact Cllr Lewin who had also expressed concerns about this planning application as it was not supported by any information about need or what accredited organisation would be running it.
Correspondence – The Local Government Boundary Commission – Electoral Review of Swale – A letter informing the Council of the review and to seek their views on the most appropriate number of councillors for the Borough.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
i) SW/11/1027 Ridgedale Stables, Halstow Lane – Removal of condition (7) of planning permission SW/08/0710 to allow permanent occupation of 3 mobile homes for gypsy family - The Planning Review Team had objected strongly to yet another site within its boundaries commenting that there were now three sites alongside each other in Halstow Lane and were an eyesore. They were clearly visible from the road with no attempts to provide screening or landscaping.
ii) SW/11/0949 79 Chaffes Lane – Retrospective application for amendments to scheme approved under SW/10/0762 comprising additional bedroom and en-suite in loft space together with roof lights and light tube in roof slopes, barn hip to rear gable and porthole window to garden room – Members commented that this was a totally inappropriate dwelling. It had not raised any objections to the original application which was for an additional storey on to a bungalow. However, what had been built was a three-storey building which was inappropriate in this location, dominating a bungalow on one side and a two-storey one on the other. It overshadowed both of these residences. Complaints have been received from neighbours about the external lighting which, again, was inappropriate in a rural area.
iii) SW/11/1020 18 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing conservatory and existing rear extension and erection of new single storey pitched roof extension. The Planning Review had no objections. However, they commented that any external lights should be designed to have minimal impact on the neighbours.
iv) APP/V2255/A/11/2157895 Oastfields, Stud & Livery, Track off Holywell Lane - Change of use from private stables to stud farm and livery yard including the erection of foaling boxes and the stationing of one mobile home for residential accommodation in association with the stud farm and livery business – The Council supported Swale BC in its reasons for refusing permission for these proposals, i.e. that it fails to justify the size and nature of the mobile home for the purpose given.
v) SW/11/1150 6 Wallbridge Lane – Change of use to a residential unit caring for young mothers – babies – Members referred to a letter from residents of Wallbridge Lane expressing concerns about this proposal. The Planning Review Team would forward a comment based on these concerns.
vi) SW/11/1161 Redbrick Cottage, Poot Lane – Rear extension. To be used as plant room (To house oil storage & boiler) – There were no objections.
vii) SW/11/1160 Field to rear of 32/62 Hartlip Hill - Variation of condition 4 of SW/11/0653 to allow 3 mobile field shelters and two horse trailers – There were no objections.
Permissions and refusals
Permission granted:
SW/11/0885 61 Horsham Lane – extension to side of house to provide 1 reception room and bedroom
SW/11/0749 32 Wallbridge Lane – Single storey pitched roof extension to rear of house
Permission refused:
SW/11/0925 The Oast, Holywell Lane – Single storey rear extension with room in loft area
Rural Needs Housing – It was commented that the Council often heard the views of residents who were against this scheme. Please do let the Council know if you feel you may have a need for this type of housing in the future.
Finance – Budget/precept planning 2012/13 – Members discussed possible ways for reducing costs, including reducing the number of meetings to one every two months. Village Hall Asbestos Problem – Members considered a request from the Village Hall Management Committee to contribute towards the cost of removing asbestos. It was agreed to support this request in principle but further information was required on the work involved before releasing any funds. Annual Audit 2010/11 – This has now been certified and completed. No issues have arisen from the audit.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Resurfacing of Recreation Ground Car Park – It is hoped that J Strevens will be carrying out this work shortly.
Paddock – Entrance by 22 Chaffes Lane – The Council is looking to install a barrier by this opening after consultation with the resident of 22 Chaffes Lane. New Play Area – It was agreed to install a climbing frame for ages up to 4 years old. This would be ordered from Wicksteed Playscapes once the grant funding from Kent County Council had been received. Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane/Goal Posts – A letter had been received from Upchurch Beavers supporting the installation of Goal Posts in the Recreation Ground. It was agreed to contact the Parks and Recreation Ground Officer at Swale BC for further advice.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Rules and Regulations - It was agreed to include the permission of photo mounts on memorials, no greater than 9cm x 7cm. Parish Clock in Tower – Members agreed to arrange the renovation of the clock faces at St Marys Church. It is hoped to complete this work whilst the scaffolding is still in place.
Environment – Queens Diamond Jubilee 2012 – Please do let the Council know if you have any ideas or suggestions on how the Village could celebrate this occasion. Provision of extra waste bins in the Village – The Clerk will contact Swale BC to see if a waste bin could be installed outside the Fish & Chip Shop in Forge Lane. Footpaths – If you would like to report any issues with footpaths, please contact Cllr Brian Kennard by email: starborne@bushinternet.com Highways – SW/10/350 Land r/o Wallbridge Lane – The Clerk will contact Anna Bloomfield, the agent of the owners of Small Profits, to raise the concern regarding the amount of Lorries delivering hay to the stables. Bus Shelter – The Conservation Officer will be consulted regarding a design for any such shelter before considering further.
Next meetings – Thursday 3rd November and Thursday 1st December 2011. Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch. Tel: 01634 363906
Office Opening Hours – Monday - Thursday 9.00am -11.30am.
Upchurch Parish Council
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