Upchurch Parish Council Report - May 2014

The Parish Council met on Thursday 3^rd April in the Hall of Holywell Primary School where 6 Councillors were present and 3 members of the public including Cllr John Wright.

Public Time – Cllr Wright – Swale BC’s changes to the refuse collections started shortly and he commented that he would like to receive any feedback on this. He also referred to the consultation document titled “Swale BC Gypsy & Traveller Site Allocations: Issues & Options Feb 14” and encouraged members and residents to respond. Approval of Gypsy and Traveller Site in Oak Lane – A resident asked if the Council could arrange a meeting with the Planning Officer at Swale BC to find out why they continually have objections overturned and explain their policies. This meeting could be held in the Village Hall and a question and answer session could follow. Cllr Tucker assured the resident that members understood his concerns and would follow this request up

Correspondence – Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee – Members noted that the AGM will be held on Wednesday 9^th April. Cllr Tucker will continue as the Village Hall Representative. Victim Support – A request for support in the forthcoming financial year. Members decided not to support this request. Co-Op Lorries in the centre of the village – An email from a resident asking if the Parish Council propose to take action had been circulated. His concern was with regards to the Co-Op Lorries visiting the village and their maneuvers and parking within the centre of the village. Members asked the Clerk to contact the Co-Op to find out if they are taking steps to address this issue. Holywell Primary School – A letter explaining that additional costs will be charged for letting of the school Hall. Members agreed to change the venue of the meetings to the Village Hall. Due to a prior booking, the Clerk will confirm the date of the first meeting to be held at the Village Hall. (Please note: the meeting on 1^st May will be held in the school hall. From 5^th June, the meetings will be at the Village Hall)

Planning - SW/14/0162 Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane – Partial change of use of stable block to use as a day room and the siting of an additional mobile home. The Planning Review Team objected and commented as follows “The use of the existing stable block for use as a day room, is in contravention of Swale Planners conditions in the previous permission for the use of this site (SW/13/1098) Condition 5 states that the stable is for the stabling of horses only, for private use only, not for any commercial or residential purpose. Enforcement of this condition should have been taken by Swale. The so-called day room appears to be larger and better appointed than for its stated use and could easily be used for habitation.”

SW/14/0267 Upchurch Garage, 2 Horsham Lane & rear of 2 & 4 Horsham Lane – Demolition of existing car sales showroom and MOT bay and workshop, and the residential development of 4 no.3 bedroom two storey houses and 1 no. 2 bedroom flat over garage unit together with all associated garages, parking spaces and access driveway. The Planning Review Team commented:

• It is concerned about the lack of parking spaces. As most households now possess at least two vehicles that will occupy the spaces shown, there is no space for visitors to park. Also there is no turning circle which would require vehicles e.g. delivery Lorries to reverse onto Horsham Lane.

• The north and eastern boundaries adjacent to the Churchyard require retaining walls to prevent slippage of land. This should be supplied if the proposed fencing is used along these boundaries (an extension to 10.5.4 of the recommendations in the Archaeological Desk-based Assessment)

• There should be no planting of trees or shrubs in the front garden of plot No.1 which would obscure the view of the Church when approaching Horsham Lane (an extension to 10.5.1 of the recommendations in the Archaeological Desk-based Assessment)

• The Churchyard is located in a Conservation Area and we ask that a condition be placed on the trees that they are not allowed to be removed should they shade resident’s gardens at any time in the future.

SW/13/1198 134 Horsham Lane – Erection of timber framed garden shed- no objections.

SW/13/1209 The Paddock, Holywell Lane – Change of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes (in connection with adjacent site).The Planning Review Team made the following comments:

• It reiterates its previous comments about the ribbon development of Holywell Lane and the track to Gore Farm. This additional site extends it further and there is already another planning application for the adjacent site alongside this current one.

• There is already an application for an additional mobile home on the existing site (SW/14/1206). We have not received a decision on this and, if approved, together with the current application will bring the number of vans to seven. This is in contravention of Policy H4, assuming it can be still applied to this site?

• With both these application still current, is the water & waste removal sufficient for almost doubling the size of the site?

Permission granted:

SW/13/1373 Orchard Park, Oak Lane – application to vary conditions (2), (3) and (4) of SW/10/0765) private gypsy and traveler site consisting of eight plots); condition (2) to be varied to allow up to 32 caravans of which no more than 16 can be static caravans or mobile homes; condition (3) such that occupancy is restricted to gypsies and travelers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites; and condition (4) such that the use is to cease and the site to be restored to its previous condition if it ceases to be occupied by gypsies and travelers as defined in Annex 1, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.

Application withdrawn:

SW/14/0096 Twinney Wharf, Susans Lane – Erection of barn for storage of animal feed, bedding and associated plant and machinery and demolition of existing storage buildings.

Other planning matters a) Spade Lane, Sittingbourne – Members noted the proposed sale of this site with pending planning permission. SW/13/0152 Horsham Plantation Yard, Horsham Lane – Change of use from B1 to car sales & showroom. It was questioned whether the applicant had obtained permission for the large bright pink signs that had been placed over their fences.

Allotments and Recreation Ground – Allotment rent due 1^st April 2014 – It was reported that six allotment holders had not paid their rent. It was suggested that the Council could advertise the allotments should any plots remain unoccupied.

Paddock – Tree at rear of 2 & 3 Bradshaw Close – A request to remove a tree causing concern for a resident had been referred to the Tree Officer of Swale BC. It had been advised that if the offending tree was a shrub then it would not fall within the regulations therefore the Council could proceed with any necessary works without submitting a formal notice. Maintenance Plan – It was suggested that a review be carried out for the general maintenance of the Paddock to include a review of the litter bins/dog bins.           

Burial Ground and Churchyard – Risk Assessment – In the middle churchyard, two headstones needed reinstating. Also, a section of fencing was down on the east side. It was explained that Mr. Osborne was able to repair this at cost but would require assistance. Cllr Rossiter raised concerns about the increased marking of boundaries by little hedges, little fencing, stones etc. She commented that more stones/gravel coverings were appearing and shrubs being planted in the grave spaces and also outside ashes tablet areas. The Rules and Regulations specifically say no shrubs allowed at all. It was therefore suggested to arrange a tightening up of the Rules to make it easier and safer for the grass cutters. It was agreed to refer this to the GPC. 

Environment – BT High Speed Broadband – It was reported that that the proposed roll out for fibre optic was currently scheduled to be completed by BT between April and June this year. Residents could contact BT directly by telephoning the BT Sales Team on 0800 800 150 or via the website: www.bt.com/inifinity

Next meetings – Thursday 1^st May at 7.15pm in the Hall of Holywell School. Thursday 5^th June at 7.30pm at the Village Hall.

Upchurch Village Fete – Please note this is being held on Saturday 28^th June 2014 from 11am onwards.

Claire Attaway

Parish Clerk

Tel: 01634 363906

Email: clerk@upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Website: www.upchurchpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Annual Parish Meeting

This years Annual Parish Meeting will be held on the 24^th of April 2014  at Upchurch Village Hall, starting at 7:30pm. Refreshments available.

Upchurch Matters
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Promise Auction on behalf of St. Mary the Virgin Upchurch

We have had some great promises with full details on our website shortly available. Thank you to everyone who has offered their services, there are many amazing promises for all to bid for!

Bidding commences on the 1st June until midnight 27th June, closing with the final offers at the Grand Fete in the Paddock on Saturday 28th June 2014.

Watch out for the website address and final details on how to bid.

Brenda Kemsley on: 01634 231585

Email: brenda_ann@btinternet.com

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Upchurch 50 Years Ago in April 1964 by David Wood

At a time when Upchurch had expanded substantially after the construction of several new housing estates, the parish council had more issues to deal with which characterised village affairs in April 1964.

The month began with Upchurch parish council having a busy time dealing with several local issues of concern. The first regarded the establishment of a new burial ground as the old one had become full. To achieve this the council needed a loan so they requested £600 from the Public Works Loan Committee. Chairman Tom Colven also applied to the Minister of Housing and Local Government to get approval for a children’s play area and the parish council asked the County Surveyor to improve road safety in the village centre. This necessitated a ‘Slow’ sign being placed near the bus stop in Horsham Lane and opposite ‘The Crown.’ The road surface in Forge Lane, Oak Lane and near Lower Halstow cricket ground had to be repaired. Reflector posts were recommended for Oak Lane and ‘No cycling’ signs were suggested for the old footpath between Oak Lane and Wallbridge Lane.

At the same meeting parish clerk Aubrey Smith announced that the maintenance of the allotments in Oak Lane and fencing for the recreation ground had become the biggest council expenditure for the year but it continued.

Although the recreation ground surface resembled that of today the surroundings were less attractive. The fencing which had existed for decades at each end of the ground had become dilapidated and the side where the Bishop Lane housing estate now stands remained an open and unsightly wasteland. A wooden shack existed on the Bishop Lane side of the ground for the football club to use as changing rooms. Large groups of village boys played football on the area during the evenings while the football club used it on weekends. The judging of the carnival floats and a fair took place there during the summer months.

At the end of the monthly parish council meeting chairman Tom Colven received thanks for his service to the parish council before he departed from the village to begin a new life in Cranbrook with his wife Edith who had played a big part in the organisation of the village Darby & Joan Club.

The Women’s Institute members had an evening of entertainment at their monthly meeting when they listened to an hour of classical music arranged by Mr. Featherstone after which he explained the meaning and construction of each musical piece. Arrangements were also made for a whist drive in aid of funds and a visit to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The meeting eventually ended with a knitting race won by Mrs. Adams from Oak Lane.

David Wood.

On the first weekend of the new cricket season Upchurch Cricket Club had a disappointing start when they suffered a narrow three run defeat against the Kent Farm Institute after being bowled out for 105 chasing a total of 108. The following day they bowled out Murston for only 48 with Len Harris from Drakes Close taking 8 wickets for only 21 runs but the Sittingbourne outfit also bowled well and dismissed Upchurch for only 34 leaving the village team without a win.

Socially, the village had a busy month with the horticultural society Easter Bonnet Competition taking place on April 4th with a high attendance, the Darby & Joan Club film show on April 5th followed by a dance in the village hall on April 10th and a cricket club dance on April 25th.

Only one burial took place in April with the funeral of Dora Everest from Otterham Cottages aged 75 while baptisms included Melissa Stevens from Gore Farm, Paul Barden from Wallbridge Lane, Beverley Warwick from Chaffes Lane, Glyn Humphries from Horsham Lane, Katherine Catford from Crosier Court and Andrew Waghorne from the caravan site. April birthdays were celebrated by Hilary Gilbert aged 11 from Drakes Close, Richard Murr aged 14 from Oak Lane and Linda Boakes aged 13 from Chaffes Lane.

Finally, Bryan Veale had to give up his position as choirmaster due to too many other commitments in a busy month where parish council affairs dominated.

About David:

David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  or from us here at Upchurch Matters.

price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood.
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Computer Stolen - Burglary Otterham Quay Lane

Hartlip Newington & Upchurch Ward

Reference: DY9920 from Neighbourhood Watch

DA36. Otterham Quay Lane. A burglary occurred between 12:00pm and 12:10pm on Thursday 10/04. Entry was gained, damage was caused and a computer was stolen. It is believed that 2 people are responsible:

Male 1- 30-37 years old, 5ft7, black short hair, stocky build and was wearing a blue and grey stripes top and grey jogging bottoms.

Male 2- 30-37 years old, 5ft7, black hair, slim build, pointed chin and was wearing a black jacket zipped upto the neck.

Did you hear or see anything? If so, please contact The Police on 101 and quote Crime Number: XY/12701/14.

For more information on crime prevention visit: www.kent.police.uk

Kent Police Neighbourhood Watch

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Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee - AGM

The Upchurch Village Hall Management Committee AGM is being held on Wednesday the 9th of April at 7:30pm in the Back Hall.

Upchurch Matters

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