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

Dist Cllr Paul Southgate and Victoria Lawson, from Action with Communities in Rural Kent, were also in attendance.

135 Apologies for absence Prof Swingland

136 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Darvell agreed to write a report for the Parish Magazine

137 Minutes of the meeting held 6 June 2005
The minutes were approved and were signed as a true record.

138 Declarations of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have a prejudicial personal interest. No such interests were declared.

At this point the meeting was adjourned to allow Victoria Lawson to address the meeting with information about Parish Plans.
The meeting was further adjourned to allow Dist Cllr Paul Southgate to address the meeting.

139 Matters Arising from the minutes of the last meeting
i) KCC – Overview and Scrutiny of the NHS Induction Day – Mr Darvell attended and reported that it was unhelpful.

ii) DDC – Draft Housing Strategy 2005-2009 – the response period was extended to 14th July. It is to be queried whether a policy of increasing the housing stock by bringing flats over shops into use has been considered.

iii) Letter to Supt Brandon – A letter, drafted by the Chairman is to be sent and in addition an appointment with Supt Brandon will be attended by the Chairman and the Chairmen of Preston and Wingham Parish Councils.

iv) Municipal Waste Strategy Meeting – Mr Whitburn attended and a written account was given at the meeting.

140 Planning Report
Considered by the Parish Council:
i) Old rectory, Sandwich Road – erection of a two storey rear extension to provide four self-contained dwelling houses (DOV/05/00712) – the Council positively supports this application.
ii) Paramour Farmhouse, Paramour Street – internal and external alterations to facilitate barn conversion to ancillary accommodation to main dwelling house, and alterations to existing car port/garage and formation of stable (DOV/05/00710 and 00711 LISTED) – the Council objects to this application on the grounds that no justification for the conversion has been given.
iii) The Grange, Weddington – renewal of planning permission for change of use of ‘winery’ into holiday accommodation – existing application DOV/000319 (DOV/05/00680) – there were no objections to the proposals.
iv) The Plough House, Hoaden – erection of a two storey rear extension with provision of side windows and balcony, raising height of rear section of roof and erection of extensions to roof including the provision of roof lights, double doors at ground floor level, erection of porch together with alterations to ground levels part amendments to approved scheme under DOV/02/258. (DOV/05/00485) – there were no objections to the proposals.
v) Greenhill Place, 9 Sandwich Road – formation of vehicle access and off-road parking space to side of house (DOV/05/00732) – the Council positively supports this application.
vi) Land at former Richbourough site I Windrow composting of green waste, wood waste and fruit and vegetable waste. Sorting of wood for re-use off site, chipping of wood for use off-site (PAG/TH/05/TEMP/0038 – KCC) – the Council positively supports this application, on condition that archaeological and natural habit surveys are carried out prior to any works. In addition, the Council would hope that should permission be granted to the application, this will assist in obtaining funding for the remainder of carriageway dualling to be carried out, as the additional large vehicles will add to problems already experienced in the vicinity.
vii) OHED Gosshall Farm, Gosshall Lane – removal of high voltage line and erection of new transformer pole, also removal of short section of low voltage overhead line (DOV/05/00764 – ELECTRICTY ACT 1989) – there were no objections to the proposals

Granted by DDC:
i) Overland Cottage, Overland Lane, Hoaden – erection of a two storey side extension (DOV/05/00588)
ii) 60 Chequer Lane – erection of a single storey side extension (DOV/05/00521)
iii) United Reform Church – erection of a single storey side extension to provide disabled WC facilities, following demolition of existing (DOV/0500517)
iv) Site at Park Farm, Queen’s Road – retrospective application for change of use of land to a caravan site for six caravans (mobile homes) for occupation by seasonal agricultural workers (DOV/04/01448)
The Enforcement Officer at DDC indicated that councils are under huge pressure from government to approve this type of application, as there is a shortage of workers. The Planning Committee is querying ‘camping’ at the site. Permission is granted on a temporary basis till 1 January 07 and a continuation after that date will depend on compliance with conditions placed on it.

Granted by KCC:
i) Former Brown and Mason Yard, Ramsgate Road, Richborough – reserved details; integrated waste management centre – details of landscape proposals and proposed conservation scheme (PAG/MC/DO/03/477/R20)

Refused by DDC:
None notified

Cllr Southgate reported that he is no longer on the Planning Committee at DDC but is now involved with Management Scrutiny. He has called the Planning Dept into scrutiny and asked for details of planning decisions that the Parish Council would like looked at.

141 Recreation Ground Report, including the Environment Assistant’s Report:
i) Dog Warden – a schedule of visits/ since January been received. There have been no prosecutions or fines in the period. It was agreed that when the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 comes fully into force, it may be more efficient for the Council to take over responsibility for dealing with dog fouling issues.
ii) Of the three allotments that were overgrown, two have new holders that have recently taken over, but all have said that they will be getting them cleared soon.
iii) To consider the new gate and path into play area for disabled access. Quotations for providing a grass-crete path and a gate are to be obtained.
iv) The ‘No Golf’ sign is to be attached to the pavilion near the Byelaws poster.
v) Report from Environment Assistant:
• The concrete fence posts near the toilet block were vandalised so have been temporarily replaced with wooden ones.
• The problem of rubbish sacks being left by the pavilion appears to have been resolved.
• No vandalism to the toilets for some weeks.
It was agreed that paper towels and toilet paper holders could be re-introduced.
• The hedge along Queen’s Road needs trimming
Warners are to be asked to do it.
• A number of branches have been pulled off trees and there have been several incidents of human faeces next to the toilet block.
• Large numbers of beer cans collected – the Police have been informed.
• Dog waste is increasing and some signs were provided for approval by the Council
It was agreed not to post any signs until it is decided whether the Council will take over responsibility in accordance with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
• The ladies toilet was found to have been left unlocked over one night.
The Tennis Club have been reminded to ensure it is locked after use by them.

142 Parish Council Property and Environment, including the Environment Assistant’s Report:
i) Mr Foat reported that he had checked the Tulip tree in 10 Acres and believes that it is suffering from drought.
ii) The summer flower baskets are in place and an invoice received.
iii) Cllr Willshaw informed the council that a Rowan tree is scheduled to be planted in the car park at the Village Hall in November.
iv) Traveller’s caravans near the bypass were discussed. It is understood that the Police and District Council are aware.
v) A complaint from two parishioners about the cleanliness of the village was discussed and noted.
vi) DDC have been notified about the following vandalism:
a) Inspection cover on light no. GAE101 o/s C & K School off
b) Guttering to toilet block partly off
vii) Report from Environment Assistant:
• Large numbers of beer cans have been collected at Pound Corner
• Waste bins are being used for dog waste – request dog bins at Guilton bus stop, Chilton Place, o/s Orange Basket, Pound Corner
To be referred to the Finance Committee Meeting in November
• Various acts of vandalism reported
• The post protecting the milestone at the end of Molland Lane needs to be re-installed.
• The seat at the junction of Mill Field and New Street requires attention.
• Holiday dates were notified, along with a list of items to be covered.
A rota is to be drawn up at the next meeting.
143 Highway Report
i) Management of Bypass verges – Further surveys need to be carried out to establish the sites of species that were not out during the last survey.

ii) KCC – County Lengthsmen – further information received about the scheme was read out and it was agreed that the Clerk should be the nominated person.

iii) Bollards at Chequer Lane – DDC responded to the Council’s complaint about not having been consulted, with an apology and reasons for the installation. The lack of reflectors on the bollards is to be commented on.

iv) A tree is still obscuring the pedestrian crossing sign in Chequer Lane – a second report is to be sent to Highways.

v) Since resurfacing, the white lines at the junction of Cop Street with Lower Goldstone Road have not been repainted. This is to be reported to Highways as dangerous.

144 Police Report and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy Report
i) Rural Wardens – Dist Cllr Anne Willshaw was provided with information about the two applications that the council has made for a Rural Warden. She has written to Leyland Ridings asking for his support.
ii) Newsbeat – a new newsletter being produced by PC Wright has been circulated to all cllrs and sent to the Parish Magazine editor.
iii) A copy of a letter from the Chairman of Ash Scouts to the Police, in which he expresses concerns about recent incidents of anti-social behaviour, was read out.

145 KAPC Report
i) Parish News 309 circulated to all cllrs
ii) Councillors’ Information Day – Sat 16th July at Lenham
iii) Dover Area Committee Meeting – Thursday 28th July at Sandwich
iv) AGM – November 5th at Ditton.

146 Footpaths Report
i) Mrs Chandler is contacting all volunteers for monitoring footpaths.

ii) Diversion of public footpath EE79a part), Ware – Mr Foat met with the PROW Officer on 8th June. A subsequent letter from her was read out and it was agreed that no further objections be raised.

iii) EE112A – The Footpaths Officer provided a sketch of a proposed replacement barrier for the Council’s approval. This was approved on condition that provision is made for prams, wheelchairs etc.

iv) The hedge on footpath EE90A from Chequer Lane is overgrown and stinging nettles have returned to footpath EE108A making it impassable. Both are to be reported.

v) The bank at the edge of the footpath in New Street, opposite the layby, is overgrown and to be reported.

147 Website Report
i) A survey/map etc of the flora on the bypass verges and a copy of ‘Newsbeat’ are on the website.
ii) Details of the County Lengthsman scheme to be added.
iv) A request for more Footpaths volunteers to be added.

148 Finance Report and Payments to be approved
External Audit – the Auditor notified that as the income was over £100,000 during the year 04/05 an Intermediate Audit is necessary. In order for this to be carried out further documentation has had to be sent to the Auditor. The Clerk warned that that it will therefore cost more than previous audits.

The following payments were approved:
Employment expenses 1,744.95
Administration 162.73
Maintenance 230.56
Landscape maintenance 428.40
Summer planters 180.00
VAT 125.19
Payments for approval:
Receipts:
Sale of one book 10.00

Balances
Current account 5,240.06
Capital Reserve account 47,641.84

149 STARR Initiative
The document is being formally launched this week.

150 Parish Plan
Full discussion is to take place at the next meeting, where the item will be higher on the Agenda.

151 To consider funding transport to Vista Leisure Summer Playscheme
Details of the scheme were read out and following full discussion it was proposed that a maximum of £500 be set aside for the purpose and that full details of how and when this is used, which must be solely for children of Ash, is accounted for by Vista Leisure. The proposal was agreed unanimously. It was suggested that Pfizers will sometimes allow their mini-buses to be used for the community, which may be useful in this instance, and this information will be passed on to Vista Leisure.

152 Correspondence
i) Dover District Council Taxi Study
ii) DDC Draft Housing Strategy –
iii) Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 – read out.
iv) Five Castles Credit Union – they would like to attend a meeting of the council to report on achievements to date – taken by Mr King who will investigate and report back to the next meeting.
v) DDC Local Development Framework Workshops – The Guildhall Sandwich – 18 July 6.30-9.30pm – Mr Whitburn is to attend and possibly Miss Bennetts.
vi) KMOTT – Trees in Your Village Comp 2004 – Judges Report received – to be read out at the next meeting, due to shortage of time.
vii) KCC Bus Services – letter from David Eaton, Transport Planner at KCC – a response was required by 24th June, so one was drafted by Mr Whitburn and sent off. Mr Eaton has responded with thanks and informing the council that there are some grants available for rural bus shelters.
viii) Letter from Mr and Mrs Raines of 5 New Street – worried about Walnut trees planted in the field at the bottom of their garden. To be passed on to the Jack Foat Trustees.
ix) DDC – Performance Plan 2005/2006 – available to view on www.dover.gov.uk/bv or a hard copy can be obtained from Mandy Weir on 872318.
Circulated
i) Oast to Coast Mag
ii) Adopt a Beach info
iii) Update on the S E Plan
iv) Traffic Info
v) Pointers to Good Practice booklet
vi) Arbor mag
vii) Stour View
viii) Basking Shark Watch info
ix) DDC Close to Home tenants mag
x) National Lottery – Big Lottery Fund
xi) Friends of Kings Wood guide
xii) Local Councils Update – copy for each cllr
xiii) DDC Youth Strategy

153 Parish Council Newsletter
Items for inclusion were discussed and Mr Whitburn is to bring a draft to the next meeting.

154 Press Release
None

155 Any other business
i) There is a service of Thanksgiving for the old school and a Topping Out ceremony for the new one on Friday 15th July 11.15am in the playground. All are invited.

ii) A warning was given that some hanging baskets have recently been stolen from outside people’s houses.