The Annual Parish Meeting was held in person for the first time since the pandemic began and was well attended by residents. Groups reported to the meeting on their activities over the past year. The KALC Community Award was presented to Mr John Arnold for his sterling work on the upgrading the streetlights in the village.
Annual Parish Council Meeting
Tyrone Ripley has been elected Chairman for the forthcoming year and Pam Denny has been elected Vice Chair.
Beacon Lighting to Celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The beacon will be lit on Thursday 2nd June and 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
Recreation Ground and Paddock
The Council has held a successful meeting with ambassadors from Holywell School to discuss the Woodland Trail for The Paddock. The children have given advice as to what could be incorporated on the signs and have also suggested fundraising. The Council is grateful to the team for their help.
A plaque for the Jubilee oak tree has been commissioned.
Finance
The Council has made a donation of £50 to Swale Citizens Advice in recognition of the valuable help the charity gives residents.
Planning
i. Ref: 21/506474/FULL Address: Burntwick The Street Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7EU
Proposal: Erection of 2no. four bedroom semi-detached dwellings and 1no. detached garage, with associated fencing, gates, access and parking.
Amended drawings - changes of description of proposal.
Councillors noted the concerns of residents and that the amended design has not mitigated the concerns. The Council supported the concerns of residents. A site visit was requested.
ii. 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.
Revised details.
Councillors welcomed the changes but expressed concerns about the hedge along Wallbridge Lane and Oak Lane which should be limited to maintain the sight line. The beech tree would also be a sight line issue.
iii. Ref: MC/21/2225 Proposal: Land To The East Of Seymour Road And North Of London Road Rainham Gillingham ME8 6YX
Proposal: Outline Application with all matters reserved (except access) for a residential development of up to 48 dwellings, including associated access, parking, landscaping and open space.
Amended parameter plan.
Councillors considered the amended parameter plan and agreed that their objections remain.
iv. Ref: 22/501595/FULL Address: 1 Gore Farm Cottages Chaffes Lane Upchurch ME9 7BE
Proposal: Erection of a detached family annex in rear garden.
Councillors noted the application.
v. Ref: 22/501571/FULL Address: Sedgemoor House Stables Holywell Lane Upchurch
Proposal: Remodelling of existing dwelling, works to include part single/ part 2 storey front extension, single storey side/rear extension, part single/part 2 storey rear extension together with conversion of double garage and attached store. Roof alterations to create additional first and second floor accommodation with associated balconies and roof lights and changes to fenestration.
Councillors considered the application and had no objection to the proposal. Historically the area has been screened by trees and it is requested this be considered going forward.
Date of next meetings:
Full Council - Thursday 9th June at 7:30pm in Upchurch Village Hall - Please note the change of date due to the beacon lighting.
The Planning Committee and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 15th June 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.
Wendy Licence - Clerk to the Parish Council
