156 Present: Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Potts, Mr Darvell Mr Pratt, Miss Bennetts,
Mr Foat, Mr King, Mrs Chandler, Mrs Ovenden and Mr Gregory,

Dist Cllr Trevor Bartlett was also in attendance.

157 Apologies for absence None, but Prof Swingland was absent.

158 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Pratt agreed to write a report for the Parish Magazine

159 Minutes of the meeting held 4 July 2005
The minutes were approved and were signed as a true record.

160 Declarations of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have a prejudicial personal interest. Mr Darvell declared an interest in item 171, as one of the Village Hall Trustees, however it was agreed that this was not a prejudicial interest.

At this point the meeting was adjourned to allow Dist Cllr Bartlett to address the meeting.

161 Matters Arising from the minutes of the last meeting
i) ARCK - Filling in the Forms (a briefing about the new Licencing Act) – Mr Potts and Mr King attended and a written report was circulated to cllrs.
ii) DDC – Draft Housing Strategy 2005-2009 – DDC response to the Parish Council’s query about whether flats over shops are to be brought into use as a matter of policy was noted.
iii) Five Castles Credit Union – Mr King reported on his meeting with reps.
iv) KMOTT – Trees in Your Village Comp 2004 – the Judges Report was read out.
v) Local Development Framework Workshop held on 18th July – Miss Bennetts and
Mr Whitburn attended and gave a report.

162 Planning Report
Considered by the Parish Council:
i) 2 New Cottages, Hoaden – erection of a front porch extension (DOV/05/00802) – there were no objections to the proposals.
ii) A linear location primarily in the District of Thanet between Richborough Power Station, Minster Roundabout and Lord of the Manor Junction – the provision of a new strategic dual carriageway, to include new roads, earthworks, drainage, lighting, structures at two railway crossings, utility diversions and improvements to cycle ways and footways (East Kent Access Phase 2) (PAG/TH/05/TEMP/0044) – the proposals were supported.
iii) Meadowview, 112-114 The Street – change of use of single dwelling to two dwellings (including external alterations) (DOV/05/00876) – the proposals were supported on the grounds that smaller and subsequently less expensive properties are in short supply.
iv) 2 Barton View Cottages, Westmarsh – erection of a two storey side extension and single storey rear extension (existing conservatory to be demolished) (DOV/05/00841) – objections are to be forwarded on the grounds that there was insufficient detail to make an informed judgement and the size of the extension was queried as possibly being too high a percentage of the original dwelling to be permitted.

Granted by DDC:
i) Uphousden Farm, Westmarsh – erection of swimming pool enclosure (DOV/05/00609)
ii) Springtime, 71 New Street – erection of a rear dormer window extension (DOV/05/00637)
iii) The Grange, Weddington – renewal of planning permission (DOV/00/0319) for change of use of ‘winery’ into holiday accommodation (DOV/05/00680)

Refused by DDC:
None notified

Withdrawn:
i) Gosshall farm – removal of high voltage line and erection of new transformer pole, also removal of short section of low voltage overhead line (DOV/05/00764)
ii) Paramour Farmhouse, Paramour Street – alterations and conversion to barn, to provide ancillary accommodation to main dwellinghouse, alterations to garage and formation of stable (DOV/05/00710)

Details submitted to the Scrutiny Committee (as requested by Dist Cllr Paul Southgate):
i) DOV/02/00624 – former Puma Power Plant site – re houses on New Street
ii) DOV/04/01001 – Great Knell Farm Buildings – re proposed workshop etc.
iv) DOV/02/00220 – Wimpey site at Sandwich Road – re phasing

Sandwich Road development – phasing
Information from DDC as to reasons for the continuation of building works, contrary to the phasing condition, were discussed. A meeting is to be arranged with a representative of Wimpeys.

Proposed Installation of H3G Base Station at land within the verge adjacent to the Sandwich Road at the corner of Chequer lane – pre application consultation:
A response to the Council’s query re siting was read out.

Planning Application Publicity
In response to consultation about future advertising of planning applications, the council agreed that the current two newspapers were the best option, but that if only one is to be used it should be the East Kent Mercury.

163 Parish Plan
It was agreed that having a Parish Plan would be an advantage as information could feed into the Local Development Plan. Several cllrs volunteered to be part of the Steering Committee. No date for a meeting has been set as yet, but the need for volunteers is to be advertised in the forthcoming Newsletter.

164 Recreation Ground Report, including the Environment Assistant’s Report:
Mr Foat gave a report from the Recreation Ground Committee meeting:

i) Risk Assessment of play equipment – an assessment was carried out prior to the committee meeting and it was agreed that quotes should be obtained for:
• Two new nets for the multi-play unit
• Lowering of the roundabout
• An information sign
The Environment Assistant to carry out minor adjustments to the handrails of the slide and to the gate.

ii) One written and one verbal quote for the new gate and path into play area, for disabled access, have been received. A further quote and written confirmation of the verbal one are awaited.

iii) Tennis court resurfacing – The Tennis Club provided copies of a quotation which included fencing. It was noted that the council had budgeted only for resurfacing and that should more than the amounted allocated for this now be required, it would have to be considered in the budget for 2006-2007. The Club was advised with regard to grant applications and the September agenda of the council meeting is to include consideration of releasing the budgeted funds. The question of whether Vat can be reclaimed is to be investigated.

iv) The Tennis Club have been asked to ensure that their members lock up the toilets after use on their evening sessions.

v) The Environment Assistant’s report included details of vandalism, a request for a ‘no dogs’ sign for the play area and for a ‘concealed entrance’ sign at the entrance on Queen’s Road. Moles have been humanely trapped.

vi) The Rugby Club has suggested paying directly for the pavilion insurance, included with their public liability. This is to be looked into prior to a decision being made.

vii) The first loan instalment from the PMC is overdue, but the matter is in hand.

165 Parish Council Property and Environment
The Environment Assistant’s report included details of vandalism and footpaths needing attention. It was agreed that he should clear the path behind the doctor’s surgery. A rota for cleaning and watering during his annual leave was organised.

166 Highway Report
i) County Lengthsman Scheme – the first planned visit to Ash will be in December and work requests should be emailed at least three weeks before that. It was noted therefore that the list must be agreed by the November meeting.
iii) Bollards at Chequer Lane – DDC have agreed to add reflective strips around the posts.
iv) Tree obscuring the pedestrian crossing sign at Chequer Lane – DDC have written to the landowners asking them to cut it back.
v) White lining at Goldstone has now been carried out.
vi) The banks at New Street have been cut back, but not very well.

167 Police Report and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy Report
i) A meeting is being arranged with Supt Brandon and the Chairmen of Ash, Wingham and Preston Parish Councils.
ii) A meeting is also being arranged with Marilyn Howells of KCC regarding the application for a Community Warden.
iii) Speedwatch is being relaunched at a meeting on 17 August at Maidstone and
Mr Whitburn will be attending.

168 KAPC Report
Mr Whitburn gave a short report of the Dover Area Committee Meeting – held on 28th July.

169 Footpaths Report
i) The Footpaths Committee Meeting will be held on 7pm 5th September.
ii) Footpath EE79a (part) Ware, Ash – the proposed diversion has now been confirmed.
iii) Although not in this parish, it is to be reported that EE114 needs re-marking.

170 Website Report
Nothing to report.

171 To consider a request from Ash Village Hall Committee for an increase in the annual grant to the village hall
A decision was deferred to the Finance Committee Meeting in November for consideration for the 2006/07 budget. Is was agreed however to pay this year’s grant in November

172 Finance Report and Payments to be approved
The external audit has now been completed, with no comments from the Auditor.

The following payments were approved;
Employment expenses 1,167.01
Administration 30.56
Maintenance 139.62
DDC – Dog Warden 28.92
VAT 29.49

Receipts:
Interest on Capital Reserve 236.33

Balances
Current account 3,816.21
Capital Reserve account 47,878.17

173 STARR Initiative
It was reported that the final document has now been launched.

174 Vista Leisure Summer Playscheme
It was not known if leaflets had been delivered to the school by Vista Leisure.

175 Correspondence
i) Chairman of Stourmouth PC – asking for information about the noise of motorbikes coming from Westmarsh.
ii) Southern Water – info about sprinkler and hosepipe restrictions
iii) Request from DDC asking for letters of support for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link domestic services to run to Dover to be sent to Dept of Transport – already sent.
iv) DDC Regeneration Officer – copy of a draft description of the Ward for comment.
v) Technology Enterprise – request for a grant ‘Awards for Excellence’ – refused.
Circulated
i) Clerks and Councils Direct mag
ii) Kent Fire and Rescue Service
iii) ARCK – Rural News 67
iv) Green Gang leaflets
v) KCC Annual Plan
vi) Kent Trails Mag

176 Parish Council Newsletter
A draft of the new Newsletter was discussed and approved.

177 Press Release - None

178 Any other business
i) It was noted that the Tree Warden is attempting to map out the churchyard trees.
ii) The Clerk notified the council about her annual leave arrangements.
iii) Mrs Chandler reported on progress with the school building and informed the council that there are plans to included child care provision.
iv) Children acting dangerously on bikes from Queen’s Road onto The Street were discussed.