The Parish Council met on Thursday 7th March in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 8 Councillors were present and 10 members of the public.
Public Time – SW/13/0152 – A resident explained that he had come along to answer any questions the Council may have regarding this planning application at Horsham Plantation Yard. Swale BC Sports Development Service – Cllr Wright summarised the proposed changes to this service. Swale BC was looking at alternative ways to delivering this service due to financial pressures. Footpath leading to The Poles – A resident raised concerns about a continuing issue with human excrement along this path. It was thought that this issue was caused by people taking part in all night fishing. Members offered to look into this issue. Water at the Allotments – A resident asked if the water could be turned back on at the Allotments and the Council agreed. Lorries delivering to the Co-Op –A resident reported that a situation had occurred recently where 3 Lorries were all trying to deliver to the Co-Op causing chaos. Cars were trying to reverse in all directions and also the Bus was trying to get through. The Council offered to look into this and the resident gave members photographs she had taken. Broadband – Cllr Lewin reported that there was no update. BT had acknowledged his email and suggested that there may be a variety of possibilities to take this forward by involving communities. He encouraged residents to contact BT to let them know that they would sign up. He hoped that we could urge more residents to locally campaign BT and asked anyone who was interested in this to contact him.
Correspondence – Citizens Advice Bureau in Swale – It was agreed to forward a donation of £65 towards their operating costs in the coming year.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/13/0046 49 Chaffes Lane – To construct a single storey one bedroom annexe for disabled accommodation – No objections.
SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane - Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom- No objections however the following comments were raised: Provision for visitor parking – ample parking should be provided, Volume of traffic generated – projected figures for vehicles accessing the site should be monitored, Lighting – this should be monitored and Other consultees’ comments should be given serious consideration.
SW/13/0190 11 Forge Lane – Single storey rear extension - Members were asked to review this planning application on line.
Permissions and refusals – the following decisions have been received:
Permission granted (Temporary – whilst the applicant is resident on the site):
SW/12/1472 Hedgerows, Holywell Lane – Retrospective application for the change of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes for use by a gypsy family with associated utility room, 4 vehicle parking spaces and hardstanding.
Allotments and Recreation Ground –Planting of Trees for Jubilee Celebrations – Members thanked Cllr Kennard for planting the two trees in the Recreation Ground. The General Purposes Committee would discuss the arrangements for a plaque. Request to use Recreation Ground for fitness classes – The Clerk reported that these classes had started and there had been a good response. Vacant Plots at Allotments – It was agreed that allotment holders would be allowed no more than two full plots.
Paddock –Fly-Tipping – It was reported that a sofa had been dumped in The Paddock behind the trees. Also, the Village Cleaner had cleared empty aerosol cans from this area. The sofa had been reported to Swale BC and also PCSO Cork had been informed of the situation. Funding opportunities – Cllr Steward reported that there were various grant funding opportunities available to the Council, in particular with BIFFA and Viola. However, in order to make a grant application, you needed to submit a plan. Sovereign Play Manufacturers had sent him a Play Equipment Funding Pack and would be prepared to draft a plan at no cost to the Council. It was suggested that the Council take up this offer and consult Phil Newbery.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – re-pointing of churchyard wall – Members would discuss quotes received for this during confidential session at the end of the meeting. Laurel Bush in Lower Burial Ground - Members were asked if this should be removed or given a rigorous cut. It was suggested that the General Purposes Committee investigate this further, however it was noted that any trimming back would have to wait until July when the birds nesting time was over. Future capacity of the Burial Ground – Cllr Rossiter commented that the Council should be making positive moves to looking into an extension for the Burial Ground. It was suggested that this was a Policy decision for the whole Council and required further discussion. Cllr Rossiter, Cllr Denny and the Clerk would meet to discuss this further.
Environment – Village Cleaner – Members noted the appointment of Marina Fenton.
Highways - Narrowing roads in Upchurch – Cllr Arnold reported that he had consulted Kent Highways regarding this. Highways will be contacting landowners to remind them of their obligations to keep hedges trimmed back. Pedestrian safety in Horsham Lane – Members was reminded of a request by a resident to improve pedestrian safety where the footpath ends in Horsham Lane opposite the garage. The resident had met with PCSO Cork. Cllr Arnold will request Highways use a white line in the road to define the footpath. Members discussed other suggestions e.g. installing a sign “Pedestrians in road”, laying cobbles in the road. Cllr Arnold will discuss this further with Highways and the Clerk will follow this up, copying in Cllr Keith Ferrin. Highway Issues – Cllr Arnold explained that members could report highway issues via the website: www.kent.gov.uk by clicking on the link “Report a fault on the road or pavement”.
Next meeting – Confirmed as being 4th April in the hall of Holywell Primary School starting at 7.30pm. Annual Parish Meeting 2013 –will be held on 25th April at the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. Please note the Annual Meeting of the Council will be held on 2nd May starting at 7.00pm followed by the monthly meeting at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway, Parish Clerk, 33 Church Farm Road.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon- Thurs 9am – midday)
Upchurch Parish Council
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