109 Present:
Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Foat, Mr Darvell, Mr Potts, Mrs
Chandler,
Miss Bennetts, Mr Gregory, Mr King and Mr Swingland
District Cllr
Paul Southgate was also in attendance for the first part of the meeting.
110 Apologies
for absence Mr Pratt and Mrs Ovenden
111 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Swingland agreed
to write a report for the Parish Magazine.
The meeting was
suspended to allow District Cllr Southgate to address the council.
112 Minutes
of the meeting held on 10 May 2004
The minutes of the meeting were agreed and signed as a true record.
113 Matters
arising from the minutes of the last meeting
i) Babtie A2/M2/A249 Route Management Strategy – consultation
document with questionnaire. Cllr Potts gave a report of his response
to the document.
ii) Consultation Document re Proposed Changes to Regional Planning Guidance
for the South East, Ashford Growth Area. Cllr Whitburn reported that
there was not a need for Ash to respond.
iii) Veteren Car Rally – further information about the route to
be taken was reported.
114 Declarations
of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have
a prejudicial personal interest,
but none were declared.
115 Planning
Considered by the Parish Council:
i) Toyland, Paramour Street – erection of rear extensions and
balcony and detached garage/motorshop with studio over (DOV/04/00550)
– there were no objections to the proposals.
ii) 3 Langdon Avenue – erection of a single storey rear extension
(DOV/04/00596) – there were no objections to the proposals.
iii) East street Farm, East Street – removal of agricultural occupancy
condition (3) of DOV/96/0170 (DOV/04/00590) – there were no objections
to the proposals.
iv) Plough House, Hoaden – erection of extensions and alterations
to ground levels to facilitate the work (DOV/04/00636) – there
were no objections to the proposals.
Granted
by DDC:
i) 51 The Street, Ash – 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)
ii) Bay Tree Cottage, East Street – erection of single storey
conservatory extension DOV/04/00496)
iii) 1 Nash Cottages – erection of single storey rear extension
(DOV/04/00401)
iv) Hardens Cottage, Pudding Lane – erection of dormer window
in rear roof plane (DOV/04/00268)
v) TREEWORKS 93 The Street – prune holly tree branches, including
those which are touching telephone wires, and lift crown to allow hedge
to grow (DOV/04/00503 CONSERV)
Refused
by DDC:
None notified
Misc:
i) Housing Needs Survey – questionnaires are currently being collated
and analysed by KRCC.
ii) The Place, Shared Ownership properties – The 8 x one bed apartments
and 2 x two bed apartments are to be handed over to Hyde in phases from
the end of July through to May 2005. They are about to be valued and
affordability figures will be provided within the next few weeks.
iii) DDC have responded to complaints about vehicles connected with
the Wimpey site to say
“ Wimpeys were already aware of these problems and other concerns
and I understand that some of the vehicles have no connection with them.
Nevertheless, they are considering what they can do to help and I have
given them your contact details.” It was noted that subsequent
to this there has been no contact by Wimpeys.
iv) Indian Restaurant – it was noted that the Environmental Health
Officer at DDC is dealing with complaints about noise and odour from
the vent at the rear.
116 Recreation
Ground
i) Pavilion Extension – The chairman reported on recent developments
regarding the funding for the extension and the clerk presented an interim
budget update. The various options were discussed at length. A working
group consisting of the Chairman, Cllr Swingland and the Clerk are to
progress matters with the Solicitor and the Charity Commission prior
to the next council meeting.
It was noted
that the possibility of reclaiming the VAT is currently being assessed
by the Inland Revenue and agreed that the building works insurance cover
would be extended to the end of September, when the situation will be
reassessed.
ii) Mr Foat gave
a report of the Annual Inspection and the Recreation Ground Committee
Meeting. It was agreed that those items that can be repaired by the
Environment Assistant would go ahead. It was further agreed that a quote
for the services of a mole catcher is to be sought, but that no new
purchases should be made until the pavilion funding is in place.
iii) Teen shelter and a kick-wall – the SRB grant application
for £2,000 was successful and Bill Butler has confirmed that Ash
has been awarded a kick wall and a teen shelter. Orders have been placed
for the lighting and base to be installed. Confirmation of dates is
awaited.
iv) Allotments
– A request from an allotment holder, for permission to erect
a shed on his allotment was granted.
117 Police
Report and anti-social behaviour strategy
Some vandalism on school grounds has been reported to the police.
118 Parish
Council Property
i) The planters and borders at Pound Corner are completed.
ii) A dog bin has been obtained for the end of Molland Lane, which will
be installed by the Environment Assistant.
iii) The post of the Ash village sign at Street Field was reporting
as needing replacement.
119 Highway Matters
i) Assessment of the need for dropped kerbs around the village was deferred.
ii) Two ‘bend’ signs at Cop Street that require cutting
back are to be reported to KCC Highways.
120 KAPC
i) Minutes of the AGM and the Ordinary meeting both held on 29 April
were passed to the reps.
ii) Parish News 301 circulated to all cllrs.
iii) Councillors Information Day Saturday17 July at Lenham – cllrs
were invited to attend, but none were able to.
121 Footpaths
A query about the old Hills Court Road being used as a bridle path has
been passed to the Footpaths Officer, who is investigating. In addition,
following a complaint that hedgerows were cut back in this location
while birds were nesting, a response from the Footpaths Officer asked
when it should be carried out in future. It was agreed that February
would be better.
122 To
consider the offer of the mobile classroom from the Cartwright, Godfrey
and Kelsey Charity - A letter from the Cartwright, Godfrey
and Kelsey Charity was read out. Following lengthy discussion it was
agreed that it is not feasible for the council to accept the offer.
123 To
consider the inclusion of Ash in the Sandwich Market Town Healthcheck
(STARR Initiative) - Cllr Whitburn gave a report from the meeting
that he attended at Sandwich. There was a mixed reaction from the different
parishes. Several work groups were set up, with
Cllr Whitburn volunteering to Chair the Transport and Accessibility
group. It was agreed to see how things develop.
124 Correspondence
i) DDC Sport and Recreation Officer – asking whether the council
would consider linking in with Sandwich Leisure Centre to provide a
Summer Playscheme. It was agreed that the council was not in a position
to be able to help at such short notice.
ii) BT – consultation re reduction in pay phones – they
propose removing the pay phone at near Hoaden Farm, Hoaden. It was agreed
that this kiosk is underused and therefore no objections will be made.
iii) East Kent Mental Health Review and Redesign of Inpatient Services
in East Kent – consultation document – taken by Cllr Darvell.
iv) Email complaining about the bird-scarer again - forwarded to Mr
Laslett.
v) Ash Village Hall – note re locking of the car park bollards.
vi) DDC – Notice of Intention for the renewal of the Public Entertainment
Licence for Ash Village Hall.
vii) Kent and Medway Structure Plan – consultation document for
response by 19 July – taken by Cllr Whitburn.
viii) A complaint about the old orchard at the end of Millfield is to
be acknowledged and passed to the Jack Foat Trust.
Circulated:
i) Pfizer Community News
ii) Early Years Newsletter
iii) Kent HMU – info re Kent Highways – Service Delivery
iv) KMOTT Newsletter
v) KCC Local Transport Plan for Kent 2006/11
vi) Environment Agency – Flood protection info
vii) Boundary Commission for England – revised recommendations
for Parliamentary constituency boundaries in Kent and Medway
viii) Press Release from ODPM re ‘High Hedge Misery’.
125 Finance
Payments approved on a motion proposed by Cllr King, seconded by Cllr
Swingland:
Employment costs 1,042.44
Administration 326.49
Maintenance and repairs 555.71
Dog bin 230.99
Building Works 13,131.00
Churchyard clearing 1,332.50
VAT 2,675.58
Receipts:
Ash Pavilion Committee 13,131.00
Outstanding
Invoices:
Ash Tennis Club – fencing repairs 38.09
Balances
Current account 9,760.40
Capital Reserve account 25,106.39
126 Website
Reciprocal links with the KAPC website are about to be set up.
127 Development Plan
Nothing to report.
128 Press
release
None
129 Any
Other Business
i) The overgrown hedge at Glebelands is to be reported to the school.
ii) The overgrown triangle of land at Glebelands is to be cut by the
Environment Assistant.
iii) The hole in the footpath at Millfield is reported to be the responsibility
of Sanctuary Housing and they have been notified of the problem by DDC.
iv) Rear of 9 Molland Close – dumped chain link fencing and overgrown
condition is to be reported to DDC.
The next meeting will be on Monday 5 July 2004.
