The Parish Council met on Thursday 6th March in
the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 9 Councillors were present and 12 members
of the public.
Public
Time
–Oak Lane – A resident raised concerns about the section of road that
appeared to be sinking and commented that no repair work had taken place. C.A.Ts
(Community Action Team)– A resident reported that he attended a youth
session held in the Village Hall on Tuesdays between 3.30pm and 6.00pm. He explained
that there was no charge and really enjoyed the session. SW/13/1373 Orchard
Park – A resident asked if there was any update on holding a joint meeting
with other Parish Councils to discuss issues with gypsy and traveller sites.
Cllr Tucker reported that she hoped to arrange this shortly. The resident
reported that there was around 6 or more caravans at the gypsy/traveller site
near to The Three Sisters Public House. Bus Shelter – A resident
reported that he had completed his unofficial survey on the number of people
using the bus in the village. The maximum number of people waiting for the bus
in one day was 9 and the minimum was 2. This excluded the children waiting for
the school bus as this was variable. The majority of people waited for the bus travelling
to Chatham. He commented that you would need a pavilion to fit in the amount of
people waiting for this bus. He reported that vandalism at St Marys Church had
occurred again when the door to the gas meter was kicked in. SW/14/0074 Oast
Field Stud – A resident explained that she had submitted this application
and would be willing to answer any questions that the Council may have. Bus
Shelter – A resident commented on the minutes of the last meeting. He
referred to a comment made during public time that implied that the people
asking for a bus shelter did not use it. He commented that they were using the
bus and will continue to do so. He also referred to the suggestion to carry out
a survey for this proposal. He commented that the Council does not suggest
doing so when discussing installing dog bins for example or for installing
facilities in the Recreation Ground. Therefore, the Council may find they are
asked to carry out a survey for any improvements or facilities they propose in
the village. He also raised concerns about involving Chalkwell as he did not
want to send the wrong signals and pointed out that the 327 Sunday Bus Service
will be withdrawn from 31st March 2014.
Administration
– Co-option of two members – It was reported that
Maria Rose and Peter Masson had been selected by the Council.
Correspondence – Holywell Primary School –Members
queried the overheads charged to the Council at the last meeting when the
school building was already being used. Also they requested that adequate notice
was given should the hall be unavailable on the date of the Council meeting. Holywell
Lane – A resident had raised concerns about the environment in this lane.
Swale BC Environment Officer had investigated and residents were instructed to
clear all the litter. Also, this lane is scheduled to be closed in order for BT
Openreach to carry out repair work to the telephone lines.
Planning
- SW/14/0096 Twinney Wharf,
Susans Lane – Erection of barn for storage
of animal feed, bedding and associated plant and machinery. The Planning Review
Team had no objections on planning grounds, but felt that the barn was
overlarge for the purpose for which it was proposed and that it was close to
the Saxon Shore Way and may not fit in with the nature of the area. SW/14/0074
Oast Field Stud, Gore Farm Track, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land to a 1 no. pitch gypsy site (1 no.
mobile home, 2 no. touring caravans) with associated foaling boxes and parking
bays. The Planning Review Team commented that this was a retrospective
application. As the Parish Council has already commented, Upchurch already has
9 gypsy/traveller sites and the location of this one is contributing to a vast
expansion of such sites in the area. It joins Holywell Lane which has had a
ribbon development of gypsy sites along it which are contributing to an
unsightly and haphazard development. They front on to a narrow lane with no
pedestrian footways and where it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each
other. SW/14/0148 Land adjacent “Orchard House” Fronting Oak Lane – Change of use of an orchard into a facility for the
keeping of horses, including the construction of a livery/stable yard with
stables, a schooling area, associated paddocks, fencing and an access road,
together with the blocking up of the existing site access and the provision of
an improved access in an alternative location with associated walls and gate.
The Planning Review Team commented that the new location for the access was dangerous as it was nearer the railway
bridge and vehicles usually speed up at this point. They asked if the gate to
the access was set back sufficiently for a horsebox or car with a horseback
trailer to wait whilst the gate is being opened or closed. Should permission be
granted for this application, conditions should be imposed limiting the times
that the floodlights are in use. TC/14/0028
21 Oak Lane – reduce Holm Oak canopy by 33%. The Planning Review Team welcomed
the decision to reduce the size of this tree and so make the quality of life
for residents of no. 21 considerably enhanced, although it was felt that it
could be decreased by more than a third. Because of the hardiness and rapid
growth associated with this species of tree, they requested a condition that
the tree be scheduled for similar treatment every two years without the need
for further planning applications. SW/14/0190 2 Church Farm Road – First
Floor extension over existing garage. The Planning Review Team commented that
the plans were ambiguous and the amendment to the style of the extension in their
opinion was out of character with the property, and more detrimental to the
area than the previous one.
Permission granted: SW/13/1518 14 Horsham Lane – Single storey first
floor extension and provision of balcony
SW/12/1243
Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane –
Outline application for residential development (about 50 dwellings) and public
open space with wildlife area.
Permission refused: SW/13/1563 Bell Grove Stud Farm, Halstow Lane – Variation of condition 4 of SW/10/0485 to allow unrestricted
overnight use of the caravan/mobile home by employees and customers of the stud
farm.
Other planning matters – Swale BC Local Plan: Part 2: Issues & Options
Consultation for Gypsy & Traveller Site Allocations – It was reported
that the purpose of this session was to discuss the allocation of sites until
2031. The document could be viewed online Here Please
note that this consultation is open to all - Residents are encouraged to
respond.
SW/13/1373
Orchard Park – Members discussed
whether to register to speak at the Planning Committee meeting being held on 13th
March. It was agreed to do this and Cllr Tucker will report on this application
on behalf of the Parish Council.
Paddock
–
Footballs being kicked into Oak Lane – A resident had suggested installing a metal fence high
enough to stop the balls going over into Oak Lane. The Conservation Officer
commented that from an arboricultural view, provided the position and
installation of any new fence did not compromise the boundary trees or hedges
then in essence he would have no objections. However, it was likely to require
planning permission. Members are considering various options but with limited
funds they are mindful of finding the best way to actually achieve the desired
result.
Burial
Ground and Churchyard – Burial
Rules & Regulations – Members discussed a
request to use Corian as a material for a tablet. The rules and regulations
stated that only a natural stone may be used for memorials. It was agreed to
make no amendment to the rules and regulations at this time. Damage to
Churchyard wall – It was reported that a Co-Op delivery lorry had reversed
into the side of the wall that adjoins The Crown Public House. St Marys PCC was
dealing with this and the Co-Op was assisting.
Environment – Village
Fete – Cllr Tucker reported that plans for the fete were going well. A
small committee had been formed and there were lots of ideas and suggestions.
Next
meetings – 3rd April and 1st May
in the Hall of Holywell School at 7.30pm. The Annual Parish Meeting will be
held on 24th April in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Claire Attaway
Parish Clerk
33 Church Farm Road, Upchurch.
Tel: 01634 363906 (Mon-Thurs 9am – 12pm)
Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk
