The Parish Council met on Thursday 4th July in the main hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present and 3 members of the public.
Public Time – Tree outside 21 Oak Lane – A resident asked if there was any update on this. A member of the Council will visit the resident living at this property. Paddock Project – A resident asked if the suggestion to install a lay-by on the corner of The Paddock would be followed up. It was explained that the Council do not own the land; it is leased from the Diocese. Many years ago the Council consulted the Diocese with this suggestion and it was met with a lot of resistance, delaying the renewal of the lease. Fly tipping – A resident thanked the Council for their assistance in putting pressure on Swale BC to clear dumped rubbish by the bottle banks in Oak Lane. However, he reported that more rubbish had accumulated that day. He suggested that the Council request that the bins are removed. Youths riding a motorcycle around village – A resident reported that youths were riding around the village, with motorcycles that had no number plate, and with a mask covering their faces. He had reported this to the Police and was surprised to discover that no other residents had reported it. Members noted his concerns and would follow this up with PCSO Cork. Borough Councillor Member Grant – Cllr Lewin reported that he had an allocation of between £2,000 and £2,500 to distribute to worthy causes. He requested that residents/village groups or organisations write to him with their request and he would give this due consideration.
Correspondence – School Parking for Sports Day – It was reported that following this event, a number of emails were received, complaining about parking during the day whilst it was being held. A letter was sent to the School Governors and Head Teacher raising two issues. Firstly, parking issues with the day to day running of the school and secondly, when other events are being held i.e. how long will the event take? The Head of School Governors replied to explain that they discussed opening up the school playground for parking but had been advised that the surface was not suitable for this use. It was felt that the school should have a plan in place before the event rather than once it had arrived. It was commented that the school fete was being advertised in the local newspaper where “Mister Maker” would be opening the fete. It was agreed that the Clerk raise this issue with Kent Police and Highways. Community Governance Review – This consultation will be taking place during July and August and will be an opportunity for residents to comment on whether they wish to keep a Parish Council in Upchurch. Please look out for further details.
Planning - The following applications were considered:
SW/13/0517 The Oast, Chaffes Lane – Lawful Development Certificate for the occupation of dwelling house without compliance with agricultural occupancy condition (existing) – No objections.
SW/13/0440 51 Chaffes Lane – Demolition of existing garage and re-construction of new extended brick built garage with pitched roof. Plus extension to existing kitchen at rear – No objections.
SW/13/0706 Orchard View, Otterham Quay Lane – Variation of condition (i) of planning permission SW/96/0329 to allow any gypsy family to live at the site – Members requested additional information.
Other planning matters –Four Gun Field – Cllr Lewin reported that outline planning permission had been granted on this site and were waiting on a detailed planning application. In the meantime, Swale BC Environmental Officer is monitoring the site whilst work is taking place to level the land for housing. They have asked them to screen the site to avoid dust blowing everywhere. We have been advised that Swale BC is well aware of and monitoring initial ground levelling work that is happening now.
Finance – Kent County Council’s Members Grants Scheme 2013/14 – Cllr Tucker reported that she had attended a meeting with Cllr Mike Baldock and other parishes to discuss Highways grants. A grant for resurfacing the Recreation Ground and installing bollards was considered. It was hoped that the Council would receive 50% grant funding for the total cost of these projects. Also, details of the leak on Windmill Hill had been forwarded. Another meeting has been scheduled for September where community grants would be discussed.
Allotments and Recreation Ground – Polytunnel – It was reported that a request from an allotment holder to put up a 4 hooped only poly tunnel had been accepted. Bollards – It was agreed to install nine bollards on the far boundary of the Recreation Ground Car Park, subject to the following conditions: Firstly, grant approval from KCC Member Grants Scheme 2013/14. Secondly, if there were no significant objections from the Scout & Guide groups. Allotment Representative – It was reported that Cllr Apps had asked to stand down as Allotment Representative. Cllr Tucker had offered to take on this responsibility for the remaining year only.
Paddock – Public Drop In held on the evening of 27th June in Village Hall – Paddock Project – A copy of the comments/suggestions made by residents had been circulated. Members were pleased to see many residents attend where they found out about the plans to open up the Paddock as a “Village Green”. Most people agreed that it would be nice to have a new play area and some ideas seemed more feasible than others. Members of the sub-group were planning to meet with Helen Blanche of Swale BC, to discuss ideas for designing new play areas. An estimate for the tree work required under the plans had also been obtained from Lindsay & Co Tree Surgeon. It was commented that the Council should be looking at submitting a planning application for the tree work as soon as possible.
Burial Ground and Churchyard – Meeting with St Marys PCC Churchwardens – Notes from a meeting held on 19th June had been circulated. Cllr Rossiter pointed out the list of proposals/questions and hoped to obtain some answers at a follow up meeting. Future capacity of Burial Ground – It was agreed to hold this follow up meeting on 18th July at 2pm. The Clerk will contact the PCC Churchwardens to see if this is convenient to them and also if the meeting could be held in St Marys Church.
Environment – Co-Op garden – Cllr Steward reported that he had spoken to the Co-Op manager about the poor state of the garden. Shortly after, the grass was cut but the garden was still in a poor condition. The Clerk will contact Head Office and include details of local contractors. Dog bin – It was reported that Swale BC would empty additional dog bins at a cost of £112 per bin per year. The Clerk had asked if any discount would be offered to the Council if they had more than one bin installed. It was agreed to install at least three bins should Swale BC offer a discount.
Highways - Public Drop In – Speeding and Parking – A copy on the ideas/suggestions for traffic calming had been circulated. Cllr Steward reported that he was waiting to hear from the Police to arrange the safety awareness training session for Speed watch. It was also hoped to arrange a meeting with Highways to follow up resident’s ideas for traffic calming.
Next meetings – 5th September and 3rd October. Please note that no meeting is held in August.
Please be advised that monthly meetings are held in the hall of Holywell School, starting at 7:30pm where the public may speak during the first half an hour only.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
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