The beacon will be lit on Thursday 2nd June and residents are invited to take part in a free draw to light the beacon on this historic occasion. The draw will take place at 9:00pm on the evening of the beacon lighting and you must be present at the draw. If you would like to be entered into the draw please Email the Clerk: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk with your name and address. Only one entry per household. Closing date 12 noon Wednesday 18th May.
There will be food and drinks stalls at the Recreation Ground during the evening and this will be a memorable event for the village. A piper will play at 9:35pm, a bugler will play a unique Bugle Call at 9:40pm and the beacon will be lit at 9:45pm.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2022
On Sunday 5th June street parties are being encouraged across the country. In Upchurch, where residents are unable to have a party in their road, they will be permitted to use the Recreation Ground, please contact the Clerk for full details: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Burial Ground and Churchyard
The fallen branch has been removed and work was carried out on a conifer damaged by the storm. The fence by the hall car park has been repaired. The Parochial Church Council has raised concern regarding the lime tree in the churchyard, the contractor will look into the situation.
It has been rumoured that there are no burial plots in the Burial Ground, residents can be reassured that there is space available in the Burial Ground following the consecration of the former rose beds. New plots cannot be pre-purchased and are for residents of the parish only.
Great British Spring Clean
The annual litter pick was successful and the Council is grateful to the School, the uniformed organisations, and all who helped make the village a better place to live in.
The Council has a supply of litter pickers and hi-vis jackets which residents can borrow to litter pick their local area, please contact the Clerk if you wish to borrow the equipment. Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Upchurch Village Sign
The refurbishment of the village sign has been completed. An image of the sign has been created and Upchurch Parish Council owns the copyright on the image of the re-painted village sign on behalf of the residents of the parish. The image is freely available to any resident who wishes to use it for the promotion of anything associated with the parish, whether for private or commercial purposes. Anyone wishing to use the image can obtain an electronic version, free of charge from the Parish Clerk, at: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Planning
Ref: 21/506508/FULL Address: Upchurch Cricket Club Holywell Lane Upchurch ME9 7HP
Proposal: Installation of a new fully carpeted 3 lane 33m enclosed non-turf cricket practice facility with security fencing.
Councillors considered the application and agreed unanimously to support the proposal.
Ref: 22/500974/FULL Address: 116 Oak Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AY
Proposal: Erection of a new front boundary wall and gates to plots 1 and 2 approved under 20/505179/FULL.
Councillors considered the application and objected to the proposal.
Ref: 22/500703/FULL Address: Pear Tree House Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch ME8 8QW
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension, two storey side extension, and alterations to external elevations, including erection of flat roof over existing porch and garage, replacement doors and windows and new roof light.
Councillors considered the application and had no objection to the proposal.
Ref: 22/500812/FULL Address: Ransom Motors Breach Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7PE
Proposal: Retrospective application for a change of use and construction of a car park and additional rear access space as well as for the erection of security fencing on land adjacent to Auto-Evolution.
Councillors considered the application and agreed unanimously to support the proposal as it makes the provision of public transport in Breach Lane easier.
Ref: 22/500969/ELEC Address: Golf Course Oak Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne Kent ME9 7AY
Proposal: Alterations to the high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) overhead lines.
Application noted.
Ref: 22/500973/SUB Address: 116 Oak Lane Upchurch Kent ME9 7AY
Proposal: Submission of details pursuant to condition 5 (details of the external finishing materials) in relation to planning permission 20/505179/FULL.
Councillors considered the application and agreed that the proposal would make the buildings stick out; a colour closer to the palette of the village at that point would be preferred.
Ref: 22/500993/SUB Address: Crescent House Gills Terrace Otterham Quay Lane Upchurch
Proposal: Submission of details pursuant to condition 1 (closure report - remediation) of application 19/500420/PNOCLA.
Application noted.
Ref: 22/500994/SUB Address: Land At Gills Terrace Upchurch Kent ME8 7UY
Proposal: Submission of details pursuant to condition 13 (closure report - remediation) of application 19/502283/FULL.
Application noted.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 5th May at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 18th May at 7:30pm in the Small Hall of the Village Hall.
All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and there is a time for members of the public to comment, raise concerns or ask questions.
To help keep loved ones safe, please DO NOT attend the meeting if you have COVID-19 or have experienced symptoms. Questions and comments can be sent to the Clerk to be raised at the meeting.
