The Parish Council met on Thursday 3rd October
2013 in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 7 Councillors were present
and 6 members of the public including Cllr Mike Baldock.
Public
Time
– Kent County Councillor Swale West – Cllr Mike Baldock reported that
KCC had refused his proposal for a 20mph speed limit outside schools. Vegetation growing along the corner
of Chaffes Lane/Oak Lane – a resident reported that vegetation on the
orchards opposite the Golf Course required cutting back. Holywell Lane – He
also reported that this lane was full of litter. The Clerk will ask Swale BC to
carry out a litter pick. Application pending for Brick earth extraction – The
resident queried whether members were aware of this and raised concerns should
this application be granted permission. Allotments – An allotment holder
asked why there was a delay in allocating him an additional plot. Planning
Application SW/13/1039 – A resident apologised to the Council and explained
that his complaints regarding the handling of this application were directed at
Swale BC. He had challenged a Councillor’s involvement in this.
Correspondence – Swale BC Draft Economic Development Strategy 2013-2016 “Open
for Business” – this strategy aims to set
out a course for Swale BC and partners to help stimulate economic growth &
that the benefits are felt by local people, local businesses & local
communities. The full document could be found at: www.swale.gov.uk/open-for-business
Planning
- The
following applications were considered:
SW/13/1039 Upchurch Garage, 2
Horsham Lane & Rear of 4 & 6 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and
workshop and the residential development of 2 four bedroom two storey houses
and 3 three bedroom two storey houses together with all associated garages,
parking spaces and access driveway – The Planning Review Team commented that it
had no objections in principle to the change of use
from garage to residential.
However, it had the following observations to make:
- • It does not conform to conditions in policies
E14 and E15 of Swale B.C. local plan - planning
- • It is too intensively developed for the size
of the plot
- • The site of plot No. 5 should be the subject
of a separate planning application as it does not form part of the garage
site
- • The development as shown requires building on
a substantial part of property No. 4 Horsham Lane which would require
change of use from garden to access road
- • The access road has no turning circle and,
although no measurements are given in the plans, seems too narrow to
accommodate two vehicles passing.
This could result in one having to reverse onto Horsham Lane, as
would any delivery Lorries.
- • It is unsympathetic to the street scene
- • It will impinge on the well-loved view of the
church when approaching from Horsham Lane
- • It will impact on the adjacent conservation
area, particularly the Grade 1 listed building of St. Mary the Virgin
church
- • Plans for plots 2 – 4 do not appear to conform
with the layout plans in that plots 3 and 4 seem to have the same garage
- • There is some concern that the boundary at the
rear of plots 1 – 4 would be shared with the churchyard wall which at
present has no retaining wall on its western boundary other than the short
section back to the existing garage showroom. The churchyard here is
in the conservation area and so must be protected.
- • The Council would like to see measurements on
the plans
The Planning Review Team had noted all correspondence received from
residents commenting on this application. The Chair explained that a letter had
been received from the applicant, Mr Davies.
ii) SW/13/1098 Hursell Farm,
Chaffes Lane – Change of use of land to gypsy site and for siting for two
static caravans and extension of one static caravan, and stationing of one
touring caravan and use of barn as general amenities and extension of barn, and
erection of stable building for the keeping of horses, and use of part of site
for keeping horses (part retrospective) –The
Planning Review Team made the following
objections:
- • One of the
conditions for permission for the site to be used as a pig farm was that,
should the business be discontinued, the site be restored to its original
state.
- • It is not
believed that the applicant is of gypsy stock as she has lived in a house
in the village for some years.
- • The plans still
show some permanent structures
- • There is a
proliferation of gypsy/traveller sites in the village and there is no wish
to grant more
Permissions
and Refusals – Notification of grant
of permission to develop land
SW/13/0913 5 Woodruff Close – Conversion of one of two garages to study
Finance
– KCC Members Grants Scheme 2013/14 – It was reported
that the two grant applications for the Paddock and Recreation Ground had been
verbally approved. Budget/Precept Planning 2014-15 – It was suggested
that any future grant applications be accounted for when calculating the
budget. Cllr New advised members that the Council was allowed to include an
amount for “maintenance/improvement costs” in the precept. She commented that
the “Trustees” of the Village Hall carry out a service in the village which
would fall on the Parish Council if they were not prepared to do this. Cllr New
concluded that she would like to see the Council include this in the precept so
that the Village Hall had regular income. Audit Commission - Annual return
for the year ended 31 March 2013 – The Clerk reported that this had been
completed and certified. The Commission had highlighted that the Responsible
Financial Officer had not dated the return in Section 1. Clerk’s salary – It was agreed that the Clerk’s salary be
paid by standing order.
Administration – Annual
Parish Meeting 2014 – This will be
held on the evening of Thursday 24th April at
the Village Hall.
Allotments and Recreation
Ground - Lease Renewal – The Clerk reported that she had confirmed the Council’s
agreement to the renewal of the lease under the existing terms and conditions
and that the new rent to commence from 11th October 2013. The new
rent would be in the region of £1,065 per annum.
Paddock
– Paddock project – It was reported that the planning
application for the tree work had been submitted to Swale BC. The Clerk had
contacted St Marys PCC to investigate their interest in supporting a “joint
summer fete”. This event could be held to celebrate the project work undertaken
and also to mark one hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Rules
and regulations – A copy had been circulated and amendments agreed. The
Council no longer accepts reservations for plots and only the burial of
deceased parishioners will be allowed. Overgrown graves – It was
suggested to explore further the idea of “adopt a grave”. Please do let the
Clerk know if you are interested in taking part in this. Further details to
follow.
Highways – Salt
bag – Kent Highways will be delivering a one tonne bag of salt shortly. The
Council is considering where to locate the bag, possibly the Paddock or Recreation Ground.
Next
meetings – 7th November and 5th
December. 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, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
