130 Present:
Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Foat, Mr Darvell, Mr Potts, Mrs
Chandler,
Miss Bennetts, Mr C Pratt and Mr Gregory
131 Apologies
for absence Mr King and Mrs Ovenden
(Mr Swingland was absent)
132 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Foat agreed to
write a report for the Parish Magazine.
133 Minutes
of the meeting held on 7 June 2004
The minutes of the meeting were agreed and signed as a true record.
134 Matters
arising from the minutes of the last meeting
Consultation Documents:
i) East Kent Mental Health Review and Redesign of Inpatient Services
in East Kent – consultation document – Cllr Darvell reported
that the information in the document was quite insufficient to make
a judgement and he is making enquiries about certain aspects, prior
to formulating a response.
ii) Kent and Medway Structure Plan – consultation document for
response by 19 July (See also item v under Correspondence). Cllr Whitburn
reported that overall the proposals seem to be logical and reasonable
but concerns that the Regional Transport Strategy (The Rural Dimension)
is not wholly considered in the Structure Plan are to be submitted.
135 Declarations
of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have
a prejudicial personal interest,
but none were declared.
136 Planning Report
Considered by Parish Council:
i) Little Nash Farmhouse, Nash – retrospective application for
the siting of mobile home (DOV/04/00676) – there were no objections
to the proposals on condition that permission is rescinded when the
stated need no longer exists.
ii) 56 Queen’s Road, Ash – erection of two storey side extension,
dormer windows and double garage (DOV/04/00665) – there were
no objections to the proposals.
iii) Land to north-west of Gasco House, Lay Lane – erection of
detached dwelling and double garage (DOV/04/00704) – there
were no objections to the proposals.
iv) Plots 33,58 and 81 (Wimpey site) Sandwich Road - changes of Sandford
House type from 4 to 6 beds (DOV/04/00728) – there were no
objections to the proposals, but the clerk is to clarify the difference
and reason for the change.
v) Ship House, 59 The Street – Remove existing staircase and replace,
build new staircase into existing basement, increasing window size to
basement (LISTED DOV/04/00791) – there were no objections
to the proposals.
Granted by Dover
DC:
i) Toyland, Paramour Street – erection of rear extensions and
balcony (DOV/04/00550)
ii) The Manor House, Weddington – erection of two storey rear
extensions and dormer windows and provision of internal dormer windows,
rebuilding existing dormer windows on side roofs, new entrance porch
and canopy over rear kitchen door (DOV/04/00471) and alterations to
living areas and rear extension and attic conversions to provide additional
bedroom accommodation (LISTED DOV/04/00472)
Refused by Dover
DC:
i) Farm House, Overland Farm, Hoaden – erection of two storey
front extension (DOV/04/00541)
ii) South Barn, Brooke Street Farm, Brooke Street – erection of
single storey side extension and detached garage/store (DOV/04/00511)
iii) 3 Langdon Avenue – erection of a single storey rear extension
(DOV/04/00596)
Withdrawn by
applicant:
i) Barn at Saunders House, Saunders Lane - conversion of barn for holiday
accommodation (DOV/04/00468)
Housing Needs
Survey:
The Draft document is being circulated and the council agreed that there
was no objection to a copy being passed to Mr Floydd of Cost Plan Housing.
Statement of
Community Involvement:
Invitation to a Workshop being held on 27 July 6-8pm at The Guildhall,
Sandwich –
Cllrs Whitburn, Darvell and Chandler are to attend.
The Place (part
buy, part rent housing on Puma site):
A copy of the brochure has been emailed to the council. Hard copies
are being sent for circulation.
Caravans on field
adjacent to Recreation Ground:
The Enforcement Officer reports that formal action will begin this week
with the preparation of a Planning Contravention Notice, which will
be served late this week or early next.
Westmarsh Caravan
site:
It was reported that an inspection has taken place and the necessary
documentation is now in place.
137 Recreation
Ground Report
i) Pavilion Extension
Cllrs were updated on the current position regarding the loan and grant
from the Jack Foat Trust and were given details of a risk assessment
carried out by the Contractor, which will close off part of the pavilion
till the work is completed. The insurance cover for the building has
been increased to take the extension into account. It has been established
that the work is not eligible for the VAT to be reclaimed, although
aspects of this decision by Customs and Excise are currently being challenged.
ii) Kick Wall and Teen Shelter - It is hoped that the base and lighting
will be installed in July, but a date for the installation of the equipment
is still awaited from KCC Youth Services.
iii) Mole treatment
– Quotes were considered, but it was agreed to purchase two sonic
devices as a first measure.
iv) It was reported
that the dog bin, which was not being emptied by DDC because of a broken
lock, has now been repaired.
v) The Queens
Road hedge has been cut on the outside and the top. The Environment
Assistant will cut the inner edge in due course.
vi) Toilet block
– In view of recent acts of vandalism, it was agreed that no consumable
items (including toilet paper) are to be supplied for the time being,
apart from when the Wind in the Willows production is taking place.
vii) The new
tree below the pavilion and one in the play area have been damaged.
The Sycamore tree next to the basketball court is looking poor and the
Ash tree next to the grass-crete parking area has a large dead area
in the centre. It was agreed to seek the advice of the tree surgeon
regarding these two.
viii) Graffiti
and other vandalism was reported. The Environment Assistant is to effect
repairs wherever possible. It was agreed that all incidents should be
reported to the police.
ix) Cllr Whitburn
reported that, contrary to what was previously thought, the water supply
to the cricket square is not fully functional.
138 To
consider insuring the seats in the playing field
A quote from the Insurers was considered, but as there is an excess
payable and certain acts of vandalism would not be covered, it was agreed
not to insure the seats.
139 Police
and anti-social behaviour strategy Report
It is thought that Dover DC is now looking into a public drinking byelaw
for the whole district, but this has not been confirmed.
140 Parish Council Property and Environment Report
i) The post of the village sign at Street Field is to be replaced by
the Environment Assistant. Cllr Bennetts is to give consideration to
repainting the sign.
ii) It was reported
that the DDC toilets were again being locked too early. The contractors
responsible have instructed by DDC that this must not happen again.
iii) Garden refuse
collections – following a parishioners complaint that garden refuse
was left behind by the refuse collectors it was established special
bags for garden waste are available from all DDC offices at £3.20
for ten and these will be collected along with house waste. It was thought
that it may be useful for the parish council to obtain a supply of these
bags for resale, but no firm decision was taken.
iv) Builders
rubbish in New Street was reported to DDC who were asked to clear it
up as it was obstructing the path.
v) A ‘property
walkabout’ was scheduled for 19th July. An assessment of the need
for dropped kerbs is to be included.
141 Highways Report
i) Babtie have notified that they will be carrying out works to the
highest part of the Church wall during the school summer holiday period.
This will mean traffic lights in The Street for 4-5 days.
ii) Barbara Moody
at DDC has responded by email to the complaint about the highway verge
mowing. It was agreed to ask for only the verges by the Chequer Lane
junction with the bypass to be cut in the early part of the year, as
this is needed for safe exiting from Chequer Lane, and for all verges
to be cut in the autumn. Kent Wildlife Trust is to be asked to assess
the significance of the flora next Spring.
iii) Cherry Garden Lane is to close temporarily for work being undertaken
at the junction with Sandwich Road, involving a carriageway joint box
and laying some new ducting for BT.
142 KAPC
Report
Dover Area Meeting 29th July
143 Footpaths
Report
i) The Footpaths Officer is very concerned that the Wimpey contractors
may be encroaching onto Footpath EE108A. His immediate concern was for
safety, so he made an emergency closure and is also applying for a temporary
closure - which would last up to six months.
He asked for information to help establish the original width of the
footpath and some details have been passed to him.
ii) The following
footpaths have been reported as very overgrown:-
Coombe Lane to Langdon Avenue and Queen’s Road to Chequer Lane
(EE112A), also the path up the steps from New Street adjacent to the
Millfield junction. The Footpaths Officer has confirmed that they will
be cut back as soon as possible.
A section of Burford’s Alley is to be reported.
iii) The new
Parish Paths Partnership Officer, Ben Collins, has provided information
about a new scheme, which will provide equipment and training for volunteers.
The council is to give further consideration to the scheme and possible
areas for which the council could take some responsibility at the next
meeting.
iv) In response
to the complaint about the cutting back when birds were nesting along
the old Hills Court Road, the Footpaths Officer reports that the majority
of paths are mown twice a year, generally during April and late August,
as it has been found that this cutting regime provides the most effective
means of controlling vegetation growth throughout the year.
144 Website
Report
Cllr Whitburn explained a forthcoming new system for parish council
email addresses, which will use the ‘.gov.uk’ suffix.
145 Finance
Report
The following payments were approved on a motion proposed by Cllr Potts,
seconded by
Cllr Gregory:
Employment costs
1,508.92
Administration 134.68
Maintenance 867.67 EDF Energy Networks Ltd – repairs to damaged
cable 417.30
Insurance 146.68
VAT 97.11
Receipts:
Ash Tennis Club 38.09
Balances
Current account 6,622.88
Capital Reserve account 25,106.39
146 Consider
draft revised Contract of Employment for Clerk
A draft revised Contract of Employment (based on the NALC model contract)
was considered and agreed on a motion proposed by Cllr Chandler, seconded
by Cllr Pratt. The chairman signed it on behalf of the council.
147 Consider
Adopting the KCC Policy Decisions for the Local Government Pension Scheme
The KCC document was taken by Cllr Chandler who will report back to
the next council meeting.
148 Development
Plan and STARR Initiative
Cllr Whitburn gave a short report on progress to date.
149 Correspondence
i) DDC District Youth Strategy – consultation draft – taken
by Cllr Chandler.
ii) DDC Cabinet Minister for Citizenship, Julie Rook – letter
of introduction.
iii) DDC Notice of Towns and Parishes mid-year meeting being held on
Thurs 23 Sept
iv) DDC Christine Waterman – District Play Areas Strategy –
informing that DDC members will consider a draft report in July and
then parishes will be contacted with further information.
v) KCC – Kent and Medway Structure Plan – draft list of
matters for discussion and participation for the examination in public
vi) Playscheme Booklet – copies being sent to the School
vii) DDC Performance Plan 2004-05 – notification that this document
is available to view online at www.dover.gov.uk or a hard copy can be
obtained by calling 01304 872311.
viii) KCC – Invitation to Meeting of the Kent Local Board –
Tuesday 13 July at the Main Hall, Aylesham Conference Centre –
Cllr Chandler is to attend.
ix) Kent Police – Parish Special Constable Recruitment Campaign
– which asks for details of any parish events that would provide
a suitable opportunity to promote the role of Special Constable.
Circulated
i) DDC Standards Board minutes and agenda
ii) National Playing Fields – Fields Focus and The Playing Field
iii) White Cliffs Country – events leaflets
iv) Charing Parish Council – Save Our Palace campaign (in conjunction
with BBC Restoration TV programme)
v) KRCC Oast to Coast and Community Halls Newsletter etc.
vi) Local Council Review – copy to each cllr
vii) Adopt-a-Beach info
viii) Survey of Kent Libraries Oct 2003 – Results
ix) Policing Kent – The Next Three Years – Summary
x) Kent Police – Special Constable leaflet
150 Press
release
None
151 Any
Other Business
i) A broken stopcock cover opposite the post office is to be reported
to Southern Water.
ii) DDC are to be notified that parking for the Indian Restaurant is
being allowed at the rear of the property.
iii) The Beating of the Bounds is to be put on October’s agenda.
iv) The council was informed of a petition calling for the land at Millfields
to be cleared.
v) It was noted that nothing much seems to be happening with forming
a new youth club. It was thought that the steering group might meet
again in September.
vi) The council agreed to allow a Probationary Service student to give
a 20minute talk at the August meeting.
The next meeting will be on Monday 2 August 2004.
