Notice Board

Monday, 17 July 2023

48 Homes Planned for Land on the Northern Side of Canterbury Lane, Upchurch

Click map to enlarge.

SJM Planning Ltd has submitted outline planning application 23/503028/OUT to Swale Borough Council with some matters reserved (access, layout, and scale sought) for the erection of up to 48 new dwellings, including new access onto Canterbury Lane and associated road widening, provision of open space, and hard and soft landscaping on land on the northern side of Canterbury Lane, Upchurch, Kent, ME8 8QW.

You can find out more about the application and make representations by visiting: https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RWYXZ3TYMTO00

Comments can also be made in writing to:

Mid Kent Planning Support

Maidstone House

King Street

Maidstone

ME15 6JQ

Email: planningcomments@midkent.gov.uk

Quoting reference number: 23/503028/OUT

Upchurch Parish Council has been granted an extension to the deadline for submitting comments so they can consider the application at their full council meeting on Thursday the 7th of September 2023.

Upchurch Matters

Saturday, 15 July 2023

Swale Borough Council Community Infrastructure Grant Scheme Launched

Swale Borough Council has launched the Community Infrastructure Grant (CIG) scheme to support projects to improve the viability and encourage the use of important community assets.

Grants of between £1,000 and £7,000 are available to cover up to 75% of the capital cost of projects that improve community infrastructure across the borough.

The CIG scheme will provide funding to projects supporting specific themes, and the type of projects that could be eligible for a grant include:

• Warm and sustainable - insulation, green power, LED lighting.
• Fit for purpose - alterations, improvements, and new facilities.
• Digitally connected - fast broadband and Wi-Fi.
• Welcome and work - café development, creating or improving meeting and workspace.
• Mobility - EV charging points, bike storage.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the council’s regeneration and property committee, said:

“The Community Infrastructure Grant scheme has been set up to support a range of projects that benefit the community.

“This could be things like increasing the use of community buildings, through things like enabling improved or expanded activities or services.

“We’ll also support projects that can help improve the environmental and financial sustainability of community facilities through carbon reduction measures, or encourage walking, cycling or use of electric vehicles.”

Successful projects should be able to be completed by the 31st March 2024 and applicants will need to set out what outcomes are expected from the investment. This could be increased visitor numbers to a facility, a new service being delivered because of the investment, or a reduction in carbon footprint.

For any organisation considering investing in reducing their Carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency, a bespoke advisory service is also available, free of charge.

Contact prosperityfund@swale.gov.uk for more information.

The CIG is funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The greater part of the funding available will be used in rural areas, but some funding remains available to the whole borough.

Applications for the CIG scheme are open now with a closing date of 21st August 2023. However, given the total fund is limited, if the fund becomes over-subscribed, applications may have to close early.

To find out more about the criteria for the CIG, and to apply for a grant, visit www.swale.gov.uk/cig

Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council Member Grants to Support Community Projects

Projects could get help with funding from their local councillor to help make a difference in their community.

Each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £1,000 available to support small-scale, local community projects through the council’s member grants scheme.

Community groups can bid for funding for projects that provide benefits in areas such as culture, sport, recreation, health, environment, and community safety.

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee at the council, said:

“The people who really know what their area needs are those who live there, and member grants are part of our work to help local people work to improve their community.

“To neighbourhood projects, even a small amount of money can make a huge difference, so we want to make sure we’re doing what we can to support them.

“It’s a simple process - you just need to discuss the project with your local councillor to get their support and fill in the application form.”

Previous schemes that received funding from the member grants scheme include:

• Contribution towards redecorating Leysdown Village Hall.
• Funding for technology for projects at Old Forge Wartime House.
• Replacement lockers at Faversham Pools.

To find out more about member grants visit www.swale.gov.uk/member-grants or contact your local ward councillor

Swale Borough Council

Upchurch Parish Council Report - June 2023

Report of the Parish Council June 2023

Planning

I. 23/502292/FULL Yentik Poot Lane. Demolition of existing garage and erection of annexe.

UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.

II. 23/502249/FULL 1 Webb Cottages, Poot Lane Garage conversion to habitable room.

UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.

III. 23/501613/FULL Land to east of Orchard House London Road Erection of 1 3 bed dwelling.

UPC has no objections but ask for neighbour’s comments to be taken into consideration.

IV. 23/502056/OUT land next to 113 Chaffes Lane outline application for 4 detached and 4 semi-detached dwellings.

It was noted that on the planning portal, there were 11 resident’s comments 4 in support and 7 against. Following comments on social media Cllr Rosewell urged residents to put their comments on the SBC planning portal https://swale.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/find-a-planning-application

Cllr Lewin prepared a proposed response to the application.

Upchurch Parish Council Reporting

I. General Purpose and Planning Committee

Next meeting 14th June 2023 will be cancelled due to the Chair and Clerk being unavailable.

II. Paddock and Recreation Ground

(a) Email from Park Regis FC requesting use of the Recreation Ground.

Concerns regarding the timetable as UPC has agreed to Upchurch Colts use of the ground. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Ripley to refuse this application.

Unanimous.

(b) Woodland Trail - Bat Boxes.

It was reported approved contractor for fitting Bat Boxes was on holiday date for fitting to be confirmed.

(c) Repairs to the car park/scout hut access road.

Clerk reported that she contacted landowner and UPC can go ahead with repairs. One quote has been received Clerk to obtain 2 more.

III. Burial Ground and Churchyard

(a) Cllr Denny reported the Burial Ground not been cut and looked untidy.

Clerk has reported this to contractor has confirmed this is due to be actioned next week. Clerk reported a timetable of works had been requested so residents are aware of when work will be completed.

Noted.

IV. Highways and Street Lighting

(a) Cllr Horton reported meeting with KCC 5th June 2023 to discuss Highways Plan.

(b) EDF it was reported that the situation regarding the billing had been resolved and that now the electricity usage had been rebilled. UPC has a large credit on the account. The project is now completed for the residents.

Noted.

V. Footpaths

(a) Cllr Denny reported path ZR12 overgrown.

Clerk reported to PRoW.

(b) Cllr Rosewell reported that he had been contacted regarding the footpath between Otterham Quay Lane to Tranquillity overgrown vegetation.

Clerk to report.

(c) Cllr Sheppard reported the bus stop at Wallbridge Lane overgrown.

Clerk to report.

VI. Environment

(a) Planters / Barrier Baskets.

Clerk reported the flowers will be planted in the next two weeks.

VII. Village Hall - No Updates

VIII. KALC

(a) Request to complete membership survey.

Clerk reported this was completed.

(b) Request for representatives to Swale Area Committee.

No UPC members available.

IX. Allotments

(a) Clerk reported that two plots had been allocated to new plot holders.

Clerk to go to waiting list for possible 2 further new plots.

(b) Repairs to fence.

Clerk reported waiting for 2 more quotes, one received.

Update at next meeting.

X. Village Defibrillators

Cllr Sheppard will present report on options for Defib upgrades at next meeting.

Finance Reporting

I. Financial review - bank statement and reconciliation were received signed by Cllr Lewin.

Noted.

II. Cheques received - £325.00 burial.

Noted.

III. Cheques for approval litter picker: £32.70.

Noted.

IV. Schedule of payments for approval:

All Payments agreed.

Proposed by Cllr Horton seconded by Cllr Lewin.

Members resolved to approve the schedule of payments.

Annual Return

It was resolved to approve the dates for the exercise of public rights.

Monday 12th June - Friday 21st July 2023.

Proposed by Cllr Horton Seconded Cllr Lewin.

Unanimous.

Clerk Updates

I. Upchurch policies and documentation.

Clerk reported all documents approved at Annual Meeting updated on website.

Noted.

II. Update on grant application.

Clerk reported decision date 14th June 2023.

Items to be considered for inclusion on the next Full Council agenda

Cllr Boakes Defib Fundraising.

Quarterly Budget Figures.

Update on Highways Improvement Plan.

Cllr Sheppard Defib Report.

Annual Clock Maintenance.

Members resolved to approve the dates of the next meetings.

Nina Henley

Clerk and Proper Officer to Upchurch Parish Council
Tel: 07798 600696
Email: clerk@upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.upchurchparishcouncil.gov.uk