63 Present:
Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Foat, Mrs Chandler, Mr Potts, Mrs Ovenden,
Mr Swingland, Mr Pratt, Miss Bennetts, Mr Gregory and Mr King
Mrs Jean Hands
and District Cllr Trevor Bartlett were also in attendance for the first
part of the meeting.
64 Apologies
for absence Mr Darvell
65 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Pratt agreed to
write a report for the Parish Magazine.
66 Minutes
of the meeting held on 1 March 2004
The minutes of the meeting were agreed and signed as a true record.
67 Declarations
of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have
a prejudicial personal interest, and the following were declared:
i) Item 69 ix) – Miss Bennetts declared an interest as a neighbour
of the property in question and left the room whilst it was discussed.
ii) Item 69 viii) - Mr King declared a non-prejudicial interest as a
neighbour of the property in question.
The meeting was
suspended to allow Mrs Hands to address the council with news about
the music sessions that had taken place at the pavilion.
The meeting was
further suspended to allow Mr Bartlett to address the council. Information
was given to the council about district–wide sheltered housing
proposals, road maintenance and play area inspections.
68 Matters
arising from the minutes of the last meetings
i) SEERA – Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance,
South-East – Regional Minerals Strategy – SEERA –
Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance, South-East –
Regional Minerals Strategy – taken by Mrs Ovenden
ii) SEERA – Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance,
South-East – Regional Waste Strategy – taken by Mrs Ovenden
iii) KCC – Request for a Scoping Opinion under the Town and Country
Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations
1999 (Regulation 10(1)) for Margate and Broadstairs Urban Wastewater
Treatment Scheme (PAG/AH/DC29/04/TH/0001)– taken by Mr Swingland
Reports were given regarding the above consultation documents. It was
agreed that all proposals should continue to be monitored but that none
need to be responded to.
iv) ODPM – Standards Board for England – Local Investigation
and Determination of Misconduct Allegations – Consultation by
the ODPM on Regulations Under Section 66 of the Local Government Act
2000 – Consultation by the Standards Board for England on Guidance
to Monitoring Officers on Local Investigations – Mrs Chandler
gave a summary of the proposals and her responses were agreed.
iv) Postal Deliveries Complaint – A letter was received from the
Royal Mail Delivery Sector Manager explaining that some rounds have
been realigned to ensure maximum efficiency, which means that some addresses
that were previously at the start of a round are now much nearer the
end. They are confident however that the changes overall will enable
them to offer Ash the most efficient service now and in the future.
The parish council was thanked for its patience and understanding during
this period of change.
69 Planning
Considered:
i) 2 Ship Yard Cottages, Ship Yard – erection of two storey rear
and single storey side extensions (DOV/04/00256) – there were
no objections to the proposals, but noted that there were no details
of materials to be used
ii) 1 Swallow Brook Cottages, Cooper Street – erection of a single
storey rear extension and conservatory (DOV/04/00310) – there
were no objections to the proposals
iii) The Volunteer Public House, Guilton – erection of a two storey
building to provide 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, garage and storage (DOV/04/00133)
– objections are to be forwarded on the grounds that the proposals
constitute a change of use and that there is no supporting evidence
to justify a need for staff accommodation
iv) 16 Chequer Lane – replace flat roofs with pitched roof and
alterations, excavation to access over front garden (DOV/04/00282) –
there were no objections to the proposals
v) Harden’s Cottage, Pudding Lane – erection of dormer window
to rear roof plane and internal alterations (LISTED AND CONSERV AREAS
DOV/04/00269) – there were no objections to the proposals
vi) 42 Glebelands, Ash – erection of dormer window in rear roof
plane and enlarged dormer window in front roof plane (DOV/04/00320)
– there were no objections to the proposals
vii) 29 Glebelands – erection of a single storey rear conservatory
extension (DOV/04/00312) – there were no objections to the proposals
viii) 1 Nash Cottages, Nash – erection of single storey rear extension
(DOV/04/00401) – objections are to be forwarded on the grounds
that the extension is disproportionate to the size of the existing building
ix) 51 The Street – change of use of ground floor from shop to
domestic use (to form single dwelling associated with first and second
floors above) and alterations to ground floor frontage (DOV/04/00413)
– there were no objections to the proposals
x) 48 Guilton – removal of one Leylandii (TREEWORKS TC/04/00037/TC)
– there were no objections to the proposals
Granted:
i) 92 The Street – removal of one Beech tree (TC/04/00008/TC)
ii) Molland House, Molland Lane – erection of detached garage
and log store (DOV/04/01549)
iii) 3 Holness Road – erection of two storey rear extension (DOV/04/00183)
iv) Great Weddington, Weddington Lane – new timber window in garage
to match existing and new window to replace redundant door in main house
(LISTED DOV/04/00074)
v) Maples, Queens Road – erection of single storey rear extension
(DOV/04/00101)
vi) 89 Sandwich Road – formation of access and dropped kerb (DOV/04/01487)
vii) Mullbrey House, Cooper Street Drove – erection of extensions
to dwelling, rebuilding of garage, conversion of stable block to create
staff and ancillary accommodation to main dwellings (amended details)
(DOV/03/01339)
Refused:
i) Part of Park Farm, Queen’s Road – retention of six mobile
homes to be used as accommodation for seasonal farm workers (DOV/03/01523)
ii) Mullbrey House, Cooper Street Drove – change of use to residential
garden (DOV/04/00002)
Housing
Needs Survey
Questionnaires for distribution were handed out to cllrs for delivery
to households.
70 Recreation
Ground
Pavilion Extension - Mr Dunn gave a progress report on building works
completed to date.
Legal advice regarding the lease confirmed that a form requires to be
sent to the Stamp Office, although there will be no duty payable, and
also Land Registry. These are the responsibility of the lessee, but
it was agreed that it would simplify matters if the council deals with
it and this is currently being organised. Two copies of a contract for
the building work were signed and witnessed. Invoices for the first
staged payment and for the building inspections were received and payment
approved on a motion proposed by Mr Swingland, seconded by Mrs Chandler.
Mowing/trees etc. - A report received from Kent Men of the Trees for
2003 was read out.
Play equipment/seats etc - Some of the play equipment has been repaired
and the council has still to consider a quote for wall and cargo nets
to be replaced. The Environment Assistant reported some signs of wear
on the swings and some safety matting that is lifting. It was agreed
to defer these items till the Recreation Ground Inspection in June.
Teen shelter and a kick-wall – two quotes for the base for the
teen shelter have been obtained. The contractor for the pavilion extension
has agreed to check with his electrician as to the possibility of a
light for the area being installed whilst he is on site.
Goal posts
a) 5-a-side – they have been removed as they kept getting moved
around despite a notice explaining the safety regulations requiring
them to be left in situ. It was agreed that they would stay down this
time.
b) Full size – it is hoped that they will be back up by the week-end,
as repairs are currently being carried out.
Tennis Club –
a letter requesting permission to repair the boundary fencing around
the tennis courts was received and this will be considered by the council.
Toilet block/Allotments
The water to the toilet block has been reinstated, but there is no supply
to the cricket square. It was agreed that the pipe should be installed
as soon as possible and the metered connection made by Southern Water
at a later date.
The Environment
Assistant reports that the toilets have been open for a while and there
has been no vandalism to date. Currently only toilet rolls area supplied
but it was agreed to provide holders as well and to monitor the situation
before adding hand towels etc.
A complaint has
been received about one of the allotments being very overgrown. Mr Foat
will look into this.
A request by
the owner of the chickens to now keep a cockerel on the allotment was
refused on the grounds of possible nuisance to neighbours.
Dog bins - The
new dog bin has now been installed at the play area end.
Misc
EDF were called on 12 March to attend to the power line, which runs
along the access road. The problem was caused by conifer branches, which
had rubbed against the cables and worn the insulation. It is understood
that there will be no charge for the call-out.
The Environment Assistant reported that the Rugby Club members have
now collected their equipment, but the container is still not being
kept tidy. He asked for some shelving/space in the container to be specially
allocated for the council once the new storeroom for the pavilion has
been completed.
A complaint about
the bird scarer in the field next to the recreation ground was received.
The complaint is to be passed to the farmer responsible.
An exploded aerosol
can was found in the field.
71 Police
Report and anti-social behaviour strategy
i) A request from Mrs Hands for a grant of £108 to cover insurance
costs and affiliation to the Kent Youth Association, to enable continuation
of the music sessions, was considered and agreed on a motion proposed
by Mr Potts, seconded by Mrs Ovenden.
ii) Public drinking byelaw – Christine Waterman of DDC notified
that she is still pursuing the
proposals. She has reported that a byelaw is not now possible but that
alcohol control areas can be introduced via different methods. She is
liaising with the police but says that it will still take several months.
It was agreed to ask the district councillors for assistance.
iii) An email
regarding youths and adult anti-social behaviour was read out and it
has been published on the website.
72 Parish
Council Property
i) Rubbish bags continue to be left behind the bus shelter. The orange
bags with ‘Sita’ printed on them are supposedly only used
by Sita workers, but their operative insists he is not leaving them,
so it seems that someone else may be getting these bags from somewhere.
The situation will continue to be monitored.
ii) Planters at Pound Corner – it was agreed to ask Mr Ledbrooke
to prepare the Spring planters as before.
iii) War memorial – it was agreed to contact British Legion regarding
the disposal of the poppy wreaths.
73 Highway Matters
i) Traffic Calming – a letter from DDC confirms that the village
gateway proposals were unsuccessful for the 2004/05 budget but they
will be resubmitted for 2005/06. An offer of red surface treatment and
road lining at a cost to the parish council of approximately £2,000
was made, but it was agreed to turn down the offer as this sum would
be better spent towards the full scheme.
ii) Babtie A2/M2/A249
Route Management Strategy – a consultation document, with questionnaire
for return by 14 June, was taken by Mr Potts who will report back to
the next meeting.
iii) DDC - Highway
Maintenance – As last year, they request a list of roads that
the council would like to receive one of a variety of treatments. A
list of those that were successful for funding 2004-2005 was provided
– none are in Ash. Information was given about the Highways website
and programme of inspections of A and B roads (monthly) and other roads
(June and September). It was agreed to request a ‘retread’
for Walmestone Road and Cop Street (from West View to the no through
road). Mr Swingland reported problems with speeding vehicles in Walmerstone
Road.
iv) Miss Bennetts
reported that the extended double lines have now been painted in The
Street.
74 KAPC
Parish News no. 299 circulated.
Local Council Review Mags distributed
Forthcoming Training and meeting dates were notified
Dover Area AGM Thursday 29 April – copy of agenda passed to reps
AGM of KAPC 13 November.
75 Footpaths
i) Report from Public Rights of Way Liaison Meeting - Mrs Chandler gave
a report and notes of the meeting were circulated. A suggestion to come
from the meeting was for cllrs to be allocated specific footpaths for
monitoring. It was noted that funds are currently available for improvements
to footpaths and a handrail at the bottom of footpath EE90A (Chequer
Lane to the school) will be requested.
ii) Footpath EE114 reported as being impassable – a response from
the Footpath’s Officer confirms that it will be dealt with.
iii) Problems with a drain at Burford’s Alley were reported and
Mr Foat is to check on the current position.
76 Correspondence
i) Williams & Barnes Solicitors – Application for a residential
licence at Great Weddington
and a letter of objection to the application – the council considered
the objection but, taking into account additional information obtained
by the clerk, agreed that the concerns were unsubstantiated.
ii) DDC Legal Services – reminder that membership of Freemasons
or Political Parties must be declared on the Declaration of Interests.
A copy of the correspondence was circulated.
iii) DTI and Defra – Rural Broadband Booklet – taken by
Mr Swingland
iv) Government Office for the South East – Public Consultation
of Proposed changes to the Draft Regional Transport Strategy, including
reasons for the proposed changes for response by 21st May – taken
by Mr Whitburn
v) Kent Police – reminder that the Liaison Meeting is Thursday
22 April at 7.30pm Dover Police Station – Mr Swingland hopes to
attend
vi) Letter enquiring about premises for sale or lease in the village
for a school.
vii) An email from Mr Chandler confirms that the churchyard clearing
is now completed and an invoice will be sent to the parish council.
viii) Kent Men of the Trees – the Tree Report for 2003 was read
out.
Circulated:
i) Clerks and Council Direct Mag
ii) DDC Minutes and agenda of Standards Committee
iii) Water Voice leaflets and Annual Report
iv) KCC Rural Revival Grant leaflet
v) DDC Kent Highways – Integrated Kent Franchise – Train
Service Specification plus and additional consultation document about
community railways (no proposals for this area).
vi) Countryside Agency – Vital Villages update
vii) KRCC – Oast to Coast, Rural News etc.
77 Finance
Audit: The date of the External Audit is 1 June and arrangements have
been made for the internal audit to take place in April, once the bank
statements to the end of the year are received.
Payments approved
on a motion proposed by Mr Swingland, seconded by Mrs Ovenden:
Employment expenses 2,860.08
Administration 1,005.10
Pavilion extension 26,088.25
Maintenance and repairs 734.33
VAT 4,780.24
Receipts:
Allotment rent 5.00
Interest on Capital Reserve 120.30
Precept 44,000.00
It was noted that the
following transactions have taken place:
Received on behalf of DJ Expressions (grant from DDC) 1,788.00
Cheque to Linwood Youth Centre –for DJ Expressions 1,788.00
Balances
Current account 14,613.82
Capital Reserve account 25,106.39
78 Annual Parish Meeting – Tuesday 20 April
Reports for distribution were handed out
Mrs Chandler and Mrs Ovenden are to organise the refreshments
Broadband – A supply of application forms will be available
Confirmed as attending – Leyland Ridings, P.C. Wayne Wright
79 Website
Nothing to report.
80 Development Plan
Nothing to report.
81 Press
release
None.
82 Any Other
Business
i) An application for the councillor vacancy was received on 17 March,
but it was explained that the position had already been filled. The
applicant’s name will be kept on file for future reference.
ii) Mr Swingland updated the council on broadband applicant numbers
and said that it now looks promising for broadband to be available in
Ash around September 2004.
iii) Mr Swingland also explained that the Karate Club may not now be
able to take place, due to other commitments of the instructor, and
that he is currently negotiating to obtain some computers for the school.
iv) A request
from the Village Hall committee for their grant to be paid early this
year was deferred until some pavilion funds have been recouped.
The next meeting (AGM) will be on Monday 10 May 2004.
