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

Dist Cllr Anne Willshaw, Yvonne Holder from DDC and three members of the public were present for part of the meeting.

2 Apologies for absence None

3 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mrs Chandler agreed to write a report for the Parish Magazine.

4 Minutes of the meeting held 5 December 2005
The minutes were approved and were signed as a true record.

5 Declarations of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have a personal or prejudicial interest. Mr Darvell declared a prejudicial interest in planning application iii) as a neighbour and Mrs Chandler declared a personal interest in item 7 ‘for information’ as the Chair of Governors at the School.

6 Matters Arising from the minutes of the last meeting
DDC Play Areas strategy – it was noted that the final report, which was agreed by DDC on 14th Dec, recommended the progressive withdrawal from the provision of equipped play areas, with the exception of strategic sites.

At this point the meeting was adjourned to allow Yvonne Holder and Anne Willshaw to address the council.

7 Planning Report
The meeting was adjourned to allow the objectors to application i) to explain their position.
Considered by the Parish Council:
i) Old Rectory Residential Home, 45 Sandwich Road – erection of a two storey rear extension to provide four self-contained dwelling houses (AMENDED DETAILS) (DOV/05/00712)
– it was agreed that the objections of the neighbours should be supported on the grounds that the proposed extension
• would constitute overdevelopment of the site
• would impact on neighbours in terms of overshadowing
• because of its height, which has increased in the amended plans, would be overbearing
• would impact on the character of the neighbourhood and be out of character with the existing building.
It was noted that when the original application was considered by the Parish Council the neighbouring properties were under construction or newly inhabited and as such the Council was unfamiliar with the layout and did not appreciate the problems that would be caused by the proposed extension.
In addition, the Council considered that the amended application was not as complete as it should have been as the plans do not show the new houses.
ii) Guilton Farm, Guilton – erection of a two storey rear extension (existing extension to be demolished) (DOV/05/01363 and 01364 LISTED) – there were no objections to the proposals.
iii) Land adjoining 41 New Street – outline application for the erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings, the erection of a detached double garage and construction of a vehicular access (DOV/05/01424) - there were no objections to the proposals.
iv) 1 Chapel Cottages, Cooper Street – erection of a single storey side extension (DOV/05/01346) - there were no objections to the proposals.
v) 74 New Street – erection of a two storey side and single storey front extensions and rear dormer in roof (DOV/05/01449) – the council is to object on the grounds that the proposed extension, which is in addition to an existing large conservatory, would result in an unduly large and uncharacteristic dwelling.

Granted by DDC:
i) Redundant farm building and land to rear at Guilton Farm, Guilton – internal and external alterations in connection with conversion of redundant agricultural building to two office/light industrial units including demolition of existing canopy and loading bay at the rear (DOV/05/01212 LISTED)
ii) Sparrow Castle, Guston – erection of double garage with room over (DOV/05/01135)
iii) 52 Chequer Lane – erection of a two storey rear extension and reposition of existing garage to rear garden (DOV/05/01192)
iv) 54 Chequer Lane – erection of a two storey rear extension (DOV/05/01193)

Refused by DDC:
i) Hills Court, Hills Court Road – erection of a two storey extension (DOV/05/01169)

For information – a copy of a letter from Mr D McEwen to DDC Planning Dept regarding the installation of a slide at C & K School was read out.

Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework – resubmission of the Statement of Community Involvement to the Secretary of State. Cllrs were given details of the website and invited to comment individually should they wish.

Dover District Local Development Framework (LDF) – Rural Settlements
The Parish Council’s views are sought on whether the current village confines should be upheld or moved and the hierarchy of the towns and villages in the district. Due to the importance of this matter it was agreed to defer it to an extraordinary meeting to be held on 30th January.

Kent & Medway Structure Plan – Consultation on further proposed modifications
This document will also be considered at the meeting on 30th January. Copies are to be distributed to cllrs prior to that.

Caravans at Ware and Westmarsh
Following a report by Mr Pratt, the council is to notify the Enforcement Officer of concerns.

8 Parish Plan
It was reported that a second volunteer has put their name forward. Mr Whitburn is to contact him.

9 Recreation Ground Report
i) A site meeting is still to be held about the cricket nets, but it was reported that the water pipe to the cricket square is to be laid next week.
ii) The loose football posts have been secured, but the second set are still to be erected.
iii) An invoice for repairs to the see-saw has been received, but payment will not be sent until the repairs are confirmed as satisfactory.
iv) Quotations for play equipment obtained from Playdale will be retained on file.
v) A quad bike was reported to have churned up the grass over the holiday period, which is contrary to the Byelaws

10 Parish Council Property and Environment
i) Manual Handling and H & S Training for the Environment Assistant are to be booked.
ii) The Horticultural Officer at DDC emailed to confirm that a tree will be planted at the car park before the end of January.
iii) Report from Environment Assistant:
• Various incidents of vandalism, including arson to litter bins;
• Recycling bins overturned and large amounts of clothing left in bags;
• Increase in dog fouling both in the Recreation Ground and generally noted.
iv) It was agreed that the additional paid services of the Dog Warden should be cancelled with effect from April 2006.

11 Highway Report
i) A request was sent to DDC regarding double yellow lines for Queen’s Road. An acknowledgement has been received.
ii) It was reported that Parking Wardens have been visiting the village and that a number of tickets have been issued.
Iii A petition in support of reducing speeds through the village, which was handed in by Mr Cooper, was taken by Mr Whitburn for him to report on at the next meeting.

12 Police Report and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy Report
i) Community Warden –a joint application with Wingham has been submitted.
ii) Speedwatch – the assessment of local roads is still awaited.
iii) Youth Consultation – a meeting has been organised by Yvonne Holder at C & K School on 18th January at 6pm.
iv) A report on the recent incidents of stone throwing at the buses was given. It is understood that services are now back to normal.
v) Mobile Police Station – written confirmation of the dates was received, but it was uncertain which car park the unit would use.

13 KAPC Report
i) Parish News 313 was distributed with agendas.
ii) Minutes of the last Dover Area Meeting and Agendas for the Meeting to be held on 26th January distributed to reps.

14 To consider a proposal that Ash apply for a Police Community Support Officer, either jointly with Wingham or alone if Wingham not prepared to go ahead
It was confirmed that Wingham is prepared to make a joint application, therefore it was resolved that Ash will apply for a Police Community Support Officer jointly with Wingham. Mr Whitburn is to liaise with Mr Curtis to establish the next move.

15 To Appoint a Representative on the Cartwright, Godfrey and Kelsey Charity
It was agreed that Mrs Ovenden would represent the Council on the committee.

16 Footpaths Report
Mrs Chandler gave a report from the Footpaths Committee Meeting held immediately prior to this meeting:
• The walk to Richborough is still to take place.
• North Downs Way National Trail – Mrs Chandler reported that she had responded but that it was not really relevant to Ash.
• A total of eight volunteers have come forward.
• A form to assist volunteers in reporting on footpaths was drawn up. Individualised footpath plans are still to be produced for the volunteers, giving the appropriate PROW numbers.
• Maintenance of footpaths – already reported or to be reported to the Footpath’s Officer
EE112A (Queen’s Rd end) – repairs to the vandalised barrier are scheduled
The Council’s request for a barrier at the exit of EE130 onto New Street is being looked at by the Footpaths Officer.
Damaged stile at Ringleton Manor on EE195
Damaged stile on EE121A (Mr King to repair as on his land).
• The Beating of the Bounds is due to take place in 2006 – to be added to Council meeting agenda for February.
• Next meeting – 8th May 2006.

17 Website Report
Nothing to report.

18 Finance Report and Payments to be approved
To consider awarding an additional point on pay spine for the Clerk in recognition of qualification achieved - approved and to be back-dated to pass date.

Mr Darvell explained that the Village Hall’s previous request for an increase in its annual grant was still applicable, although it had been understood by the Council at the time that the extra grant for the heating had been instead of that. As no provision has been included for an increase in the budget the request was refused.

The following payments were approved:
Employment expenses 1,946.72 Administration 137.34
Maintenance 18.27 VAT 8.26

Receipts:
EDF Energy – wayleave payment 3.40
Allotment rent 5.00
Interest on Capital Reserve 162.05
Ash Post Office – walk cards 12.00

Outstanding Invoices:
PMC – ¼ly payment of loan 2,000.00

Balances
Current account 2,659.51
Capital Reserve account 31,271.54

19 Correspondence
i) Westmarsh Village Hall – letter of thanks for the annual grant.
ii) DDC Flat Conversion Guidelines – consultation document – taken by Mr Whitburn.
iii) Mrs Fogarty – Letter regarding mud at Rec entrances and asking for a bus shelter opposite Havelock Place – the writer will be informed that work to the entrances is already being considered and the question of a new bus shelter will be looked into.
iv) Mr Miller of Gasco House – asking for permission to erect a fence – approved.
v) ACRK – Kent Village of the Year notification of this year’s competition.
vi) Sanctuary Housing – application for waiting list – a local connection was confirmed.
vii) Kent Police Authority – Council Tax and Policing Plan Consultation for budget purposes – a short form was completed.
viii) Kent and Medway NHS – invitation to a consultation event on ‘Primary Care Trust and Strategic Health Authority Reconfiguration in Kent and Medway’ – Mr Darvell hopes to attend.
ix) Ms Wenham re: dog fouling and lighting at The Street.
Circulated
i) Oast to Coast mag
ii) The Playing Field mag
iii) Pfizer Community News mag
iv) Kent Fire and Rescue Service – Making Kent Safer
v) Neighbourhood Watch News
vi) Stagecoach – bus timetable
vii) Local Council Review mag distributed to all cllrs
viii) Clerks and Councils Mag
ix) ODPM – Standards of Conduct in English Local Government – The Future

20 Parish Council Newsletter – copies have been distributed around the village.

21 Press release - none

22 Any other business
i) The garden waste recycling truck will be visiting the Queen’s Road car park on 16th Jan for collection of Christmas trees.