The Parish Council met on Thursday 7th February
in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 6
members of the public, including PCSO Cork.
Public
Time – SW/12/1019 - A resident referred to this planning
application at New Kaine Farm and commented that the solar panels were not
right for the area. New Caravan Pitches - A resident commented that it
was time to call a halt to this. Hursell Farm - The resident also
queried whether the Enforcement Officer was aware of the structures being built
there. It was reported that Swale BC was aware of the situation. Trees along
boundary of Golf Course -The resident also raised concerns about these
trees that front Oak Lane. He explained that around May each year there is a
problem with a continuous snowfall which lasts up to 6 or 7 weeks. He asked if
the Council could remind the Golf Course of their intentions to cut down these
trees. Allotments – A resident asked if the issues with water had been
resolved. It was reported that no issues were known at present. Local Needs
Housing – A resident referred to the minutes of the previous meeting and the
agreement by the council that, in accordance with the letter sent with the
form, the site votes were not formally counted or verified at the public count
and therefore this information would not be published. It was suggested that the resident put his request formally
in writing to the Clerk. Pedestrian Safety in Horsham Lane – A resident
asked members to consider this after he was nearly hit by a vehicle trying to
pass a horse rider. He had left the Post Office, walked into Horsham Lane, came
to the end of the pavement, checked to see if any traffic was coming and then
prepared to put his foot in the road. He explained that had he stepped out, he
would have been hit by the vehicle. It was suggested that PCSO Cork could
consider this and the Council would consult Highways.
Correspondence – Upchurch Horticultural Society – Members agreed to a request to use the Paddock for a
Plant Sale on Saturday 27th April.
Planning
- The
following application was considered: SW/12/1019 New Kaine Farm, Holywell Lane – Construction of
Solar Farm comprising up to 7000 solar panels plus associated equipment, cabling
and works, including a steel container to house invertors - Members had commented that they were concerned about the visual impact it could have on the
countryside and had no major objections provided that it is erected
sympathetically ensuring there is sufficient screening from the road and
footpaths. Referring to Policies E7,
E8 and E9 in the Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 they were we concerned that this
could result in the merging of settlements and erosion of the rural
countryside. They added that they
understood that a condition to plant trees was placed on a previous planning
application, yet this has not been compiled with. Therefore it was felt that
should this application be approved, it could set a precedent for others to
follow.
Permissions
and Refusals – the following decision had been received:
Permission granted: SW/12/1511 Units Adj The
Cottage, Otterham Quay Lane – Application for a new
planning permission to replace extant planning permission SW/09/0642 for the
erection of replacement building to provide two B1 (light industrial) units
Finance
–
Parish Precept 2013/14 – The Precept form had been submitted to Swale BC and it was
expected that there would be a 2% increase in the Precept.
Allotments
and Recreation Ground – Request
to use Recreation Ground for Community Fitness Class –Members agreed in principle to a request to use either the
Paddock or Recreation Ground to hold a group exercise class for the community. Pot
hole at entrance to Recreation Ground Car Park –Kent Highways had repaired this at no cost to the Council.
Paddock
– Play Equipment –The
Council had received a KCC grant of £4,000 towards toddler play equipment in
the Paddock. Members agreed to install a Climbing frame from Wicksteed at a
cost of £4,608 plus VAT for supply and installation.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Tree
work in St Mary’s Churchyard – Cllr Kennard had met with the Conservation
Officer, Paul Hegley. Cllr Kennard reported that he had agreed that the Council
could cut down the clump of Sycamore suckers to ground level and reduce the
overall canopy of the Horse Chestnut due to its current poor structural
condition. However, the cutting back of the canopy of the London Plane would
require the submission of an application. The Clerk will submit this application
and obtain a revised quote for the work agreed by Paul Hegley. The Clerk will
also refer back to a report produced by Councillors from a site visit to the
old churchyard on 16th November 2012. Request
to remove 1 Leylandi and 1 Sycamore from Burial Ground –Councillors had
arranged a site visit to review this request. It was agreed that on safety
grounds that these trees should be removed as soon as possible. Members agreed to accept a quote from
Lindsay & Co. Re-pointing of Churchyard wall – A KCC grant of £2,120 had been
received. The Clerk reported that a quote from Mr Troke was still valid and was
awaiting two more quotes. Members would agree to accept a quote at the next
meeting.
Environment – Footpath from Poot Lane to The Poles –Members noted the concerns of a resident when walking
across a field where there were 3 horses. Residents can report any issues with
Footpaths to KCC Countryside Access Service via the online reporting tool
at: www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent Trees
– Cllr Kennard raised his concerns regarding the reporting of tree issues in
areas maintained by the Council. He reported that any issues should be directed
to him. It was agreed that members should be mindful of each other’s
responsibilities.
Next
meetings – 7th March and 4th April.
Please note that the meetings are held in the Hall of Holywell School and start
at 7.30pm. The Public are welcome to attend this meeting and may put questions
and/or make comments to members. It is helpful if you let the Clerk know in
writing prior to the meeting. Please contact the Clerk if you require further
advice.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk,
33 Church Farm Road.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs
9.00am-midday)
Upchurch Parish Council
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