Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held in Ash Village Hall on
Monday 6 November 2006 at 7.30pm

204 Present: Mr Foat (Chairman), Mr Potts (Vice-Chairman), Miss Bennetts, Mrs Chandler (Parish and District Councillor), Mr Darvell, Mr Gregory, Mr King, Mrs Ovenden, Mr Pratt, Prof Swingland, Mr Whitburn.
A parishioner, Mr Bartlett (District Councillor) and Community Wardens, Mr Priestly and Mr Covus were in attendance for part of the meeting.

205 Apologies for absence: Mr Ridings (County Cllr)

206 Nominate a Publicity Officer: Mr Pratt agreed to write the report for the Parish Magazine.

207 Minutes of the meeting held 2 October 2006
The minutes were amended, Item 203 vi) to read: ‘Following a letter to the Village Hall Committee, it was suggested that …..’ The minutes were then proposed by Mr Whitburn and seconded by Mr Darvell and agreed as approved and signed as a true record.

208 Declarations of Interest
Councillors were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have a personal or prejudicial interest; no such interests were declared.

209 Public Question Time
The meeting was adjourned. A parishioner speaking on behalf of himself and others explained that the parking situation on New Street had improved although there were still problems. Mrs Chandler will follow up with the DDC Highways and the parishioner was asked to send the names and addresses of all those who were experiencing difficulties to the Clerk.

210 Matters Arising – the meeting was reconvened
i) Item 193 Local Boards. The first meeting is due to take place in January and Mr Whitburn will be the representative from the Parish Council.
ii) Item 200 i) Ash Motorbike Youth Club had been referred to the local trusts.
iii) Mr Whitburn reported that he had attended the KAPC AGM on Saturday 4 November.
iv) Miss Bennetts reported on the Planning Focus Group Meeting of 13 October. It was agreed to ask the Annual Parish and Town Councils meeting to clarify the purpose of this group.

211 District Councillor’s Report
The meeting was adjourned for the report from the District Councillor, Mr Trevor Bartlett.
An update was given including: - the consultation on the proposed closure of primary schools was ongoing; the 101 reporting number had been found to be unworkable; the Quality Bus Partnership was assessing the new routes and there was support for a Public Transport Forum; photographs were now required for the new free bus passes; there had been a local Democracy Week involving
students; there was a new Partnership for Affordable Homes between Dover District Council and four Housing Groups; two local Bed & Breakfasts had received Awards.

212 Police Report
The meeting was updated by Community Warden, Mr Priestly, accompanied by Mr Covus. There had been six reported crimes in the last month of which three were vehicle related. The school bus initiative was continuing. There had been noise complaints against the Chequers. Alcohol had been confiscated from under-age drinkers and their parents visited. CUBIT had removed three vehicles. There had been two incidents with premises being targeted. New regulations mean that fixed penalties of £80 can be issued. Mr Priestly had attended a Dover District Council & Housing Associations’ Conference where Mr Pitt, from Manchester City Council, had spoken about the powers that Councils and Housing Associations currently have which enable them to act quickly to deal with nuisance tenants. There is much that can be done by social housing providers.

The meeting was reconvened.

213 Planning
To consider:
i) 385 – Site of 99 Sandwich Road, Ash. (DOV/06/01186) Erection of three detached dwellings & associated car parking & erection of single storey side extension to existing dwelling. Two letters of objection were noted and were to be acknowledged
It was agreed to object to the application on the grounds of: density, layout and design of plot 3 and that the development was outside the village confines.
ii) 386 – Fleet Farm Cottages, Guston, Ash (DOV/06/01166). Erection of single storey rear extension (existing conservatory to be demolished). There were no objections to the proposal.
iii) 387 – Knell Cottage, Knell Lane, Ash. (DOV/06/01187). Erection of rear conservatory extension (existing conservatory to be demolished). There were no objections to the proposal.
iv) 388 – Guestling Cottage, Ash Road, Sandwich. (TC/06/00070) Fell one Holly tree and Elder saplings. To be referred back to the Planning Section as not in the parish.
v) 389 – 1 Lion Walk, The Street, Ash. (TC/06/00071/TC) Removal of one plum tree. On a vote of five in favour, four against and one abstention, it was agreed that the Parish Council did not object to the proposal.
vi) 390 – 42 Sandwich Road, Ash. (DOV/06/01240) Erection of side dormer roof extension. There were no objections to the proposal.
Appeals
380 – 12 Chequer Lane, Ash, Canterbury (APP/X2220/A/06/2028452. Outline application for the erection of a detached bungalow and construction of vehicular access.
The Parish Council agreed to object on the same grounds as when the application was first considered:
- The proposed access is not clearly shown on the plans
- DDC should be aware that the houses rise steeply from the road at this location
- Consideration will need to be given to providing a cut away section
- However, this could interfere with the landing area from the footway and could undermine the stability of it.

PreApplication Consultation on behalf of T-Mobile for a Telecommunications Installation at Sandwich Road Junction with Cop Street, Ash. One 11.7 meter street works installation to accommodate 3 antenna and associated development.
The Parish Council agreed to respond as follows:
- to express concern that the work had already started before the formal submission had been considered.
- to report that highway site lines had been impaired during work and that this would appear to be a continuing safety issue even when work was completed
- to note that the impact on the landscape was unacceptable due to the proliferation of the installations.

Granted by DDC:
383 – Little Hoaden Farm, Hoaden, Ash. (DOV/06/01035). Erection of pitched roof, detached double garage.

Refused by DDC: none

Granted by KCC: none

Unauthorised Use:
Overland Farm ENF/ASH/06/00155 – car repair business referred to Mr D Gale, DDC Planning Department and it was being investigated.

Kent Waste Development Framework
Submission made.

Delivering Affordable Housing through the Planning System, Supplementary Planning Document
Representations to the DDC before adoption of the document by 30 November 2006 would be made as appropriate by Mr Whitburn.

KCC Guide to Development Contributions and the Provision of Community Infrastructure – Consultation Document. Response by Friday 1 December 2006 would be made as appropriate by Mrs Chandler.

214 Parish Plan
No matters to report.

215 Recreation Ground
i) The roundabout had been removed by Park Leisure. Quotes have been received from suppliers at around £5,000. It was agreed that it will be taken at the Finance meeting.
ii) Assault Ladder – Wicksteed no longer do this type of product. It was agreed to look for a replacement from a different supplier
iii) Mole Control – JID Services has carried out the gassing successfully. The training was not successful. The invoice will be adjusted. Training will be in the range of £100 - 200 plus accommodation. It was agreed to consider this at the Finance meeting.
iv) Report from Environmental Assistant
- aerial swing has been taken out of operation
- Sports Club property still in storage unit
- metal panels for the Youth Shelter now £450. It was agreed to consider this at the Finance Committee Meeting
- the Recreation Ground was now locked for vehicle access until the Spring
- all the repairs identified in the Annual Playground Inspection Report had now been completed.
- areas of the Ground would need spring maintenance. Saunders Landscapes had also raised that areas of the recreation ground would need re-seeding etc. It was agreed to refer this matter to the item on the Sports Clubs to be taken at the Finance meeting. The success of the sports clubs and their supporters was welcomed.
- cardboard debris from fireworks had been cleared up and it was noted that the area should be checked for small pieces of metal eg from sparklers.

216 Parish Council Property & Environment
i) Bus Shelters
- No response had yet been received from the letter sent to KCC re ownership and installation of shelter at New Street
- Mr Whitburn had spoken to Mr Cooper at Stagecoach about the proposed removal of stops
- David Eaton has confirmed that KCC will pay half the cost of the bus shelters on invoice. The maximum contribution needed to be checked.
ii) DDC Waste Services Officer – Chris Brown is available to meet the Council. There is no DDC money for dog waste bins but they will empty them for an annual charge of £54.57 per bin. Ordinary waste bins are emptied free of charge. Mrs Chandler will check if this applies to all bins or just new ones.
iii) The waiting list for the allotments had been updated, as two plots had been returned and offered to the next names on the list.
iv) Report from Environmental Assistant was noted.
v) The Chairman reported on the meeting with the representative of the Kent Men of Trees. One of the trees in the car park needed the staking loosened and the silver birch at the Village Car Park needed to be looked at by the tree surgeon.

217 Highways
i) The tree on Mollard Lane had been referred to KCC and a visit had taken place with a referral for advice to the KCC Tree Specialist. It was agreed that the bank should be trimmed back at the roadside for visibility. The other issues that had been reported to KCC Highways Section ie street light at 12 New St (Ref 93306) - awaiting parts before it can be repaired; white lines at Paramour and Knell Lane are on the list and will be done when the contractor is in the area.
ii) Traffic Calming – School Road – there had been no feed back on a Home Zone. Mr Whitburn reported that at a meeting discussing the school’s travel plans, this matter was raised along with the congestion caused on Wednesday mornings with the rubbish lorries route going by the school at around 8.30am. Mrs Chandler has raised this with DDC / SITA and asked for a change to the schedule.
iii) Report from the 30 October meeting:
a) New lights:
- Queens Rd between Village Hall and The Street
- Request that when the new bus shelter is built between Saunders Lane and Collarmaker Green, it should incorporate a light
- Opposite Estate Agent in The Street
b) Lights Out of Order:
- near Ware Court, Westmarsh
- UES 015
- NAP001 – 12 New Street – parts on order (Ref 93306)
- MEX 1 flickering
- MEX3 flickering
- Corner of The Street and Pudding Lane (no number)
- Gardners Close – no number
- SGW2
- TDE7 in the centre of the village out since before Feb 06 when a new light was promised
- one lamp outside Saunders House
- 56 The Street – remove foliage
- various lights on Collarmakers Green were not working but they are not numbered – refer to the developer.
iv) It was agreed to contact the KCC Highways about the blocking of site lines on the site of the new mobile masts.

218 Footpaths
i) Most of the work previously reported had been completed on the footpaths.
ii) Mr Wheeler and Mr Whitburn’s photos of Beating the Bounds were distributed. The Clerk was asked to put the photos on the web-site. It was noted for future events that a first-aider should be available again, that any disclaimers should be recorded and there should be a contingency plan in place in case of an emergency. Insurance cover needed to be checked.
iii) Details of a new Footpath Volunteer had been given by Miss Bennetts and passed to Mrs Chandler.

219 Website
There were no matters to report.

220 Finance
i) Finance Report
Mr King proposed, Prof Swingland seconded, and it was agreed that the Financial Report be accepted and the following payments approved:
Employment Expenses including IR payment 1,506.10
Administration 115.16
Chairman’s Allowance 162.26
Maintenance 2075.85
VAT 322.35

ii) Balances (after £4,000 transferred from Capital Reserves to Current acc)
Current account £2,562.02
Capital Reserve account £49,852.26

iii) After consideration of quotes from KCC Supplies and Viking Direct, it was proposed by Miss Bennetts and seconded by Mr Potts and agreed that a new photocopier be purchased from Viking Direct for £192 plus VAT.

iv) Item received for the Finance meeting: request from Ash Village Hall Management Ctte.

221 Correspondence
i) KAPC AGM Saturday 4 November AGM – papers distributed
ii) Green Waste Collections – the contractors have reported that there is the high amount of soil contaminating the collection. It was agreed to raise this in the Onlooker article and on the website.
iii) Action with Communities in Rural Kent Nov 06 – specialist briefings on Fire Safety Nov 14 and Trustee Responsibilities Nov 21.
iv) Invitation to KCC Local Government Pension Scheme Forum – 14 Dec 2006 not accepted.
v) DDC Play Strategy – information from the Finance meeting would be sent for any planned play projects over the next three years by 15 December 2006.
vi) Towards 2010 – KCC Cabinet offered to present this action plan. The 26 minute DVD accompanying the presentation would be requested.
vii) Community Action South East Trustees Conference Tues 21 Nov 9-12.30pm.
viii) DDC Annual Town and Parish Councils Liaison Meeting – Thurs 23 Nov at 6.30pm. The Chairman and the Clerk would attend and a written question on the purpose of the Planning Focus Group would be submitted.
ix) Promoting Kentcarshare in the parish – this information would go on the Parish Notice boards and website.
x) Rural Housing Trust Open House at Miller Close, Wingham Wed 15 Nov from 10.30 to 4.30pm would be visited by Mrs Chandler.
xi) Countryside Alliance campaign to support Rural Post Offices. It was agreed to write to the local MP expressing strong support for the rural and urban sub post offices. Mr Whitburn reported that Action with Communities in Rural Kent was supporting rural sub-post offices through the Rural Shops Alliance and would also be writing to MPs.
xii) Letter requesting support from Victim Support Kent was referred to the Finance meeting.

Circulated:
i) Thank you card from Mrs Potts
ii) Oast to Coast Autumn 2006
iii) Close to Home October 2006
iv) The Relay – Kent Police October 2006
v) KAPC Parish News Issue 320 October 2006
vi) Clerks & Councils Direct Issue 48 October 2006
vii) Local Council Review Vol 59 Nos 4 October 2006
viii) ERA Annual Report 2006. Rural Housing – The next generation of affordable homes
ix) White Cliffs Countryside Project – Events in the Countryside Leaflets
x) KCC Highway Services – leaflet pack after distribution to leave in the library
xi) Village Diary for November 2006

222 Parish Council Newsletter
Mr Whitburn was in the process of drafting the next issue with information on KAPC summary on Water Supplies in the area, implications of the Clean Neighbourhood Act with PCSO’s being able to impose on the spot fines; Beating the Bounds, Bus Stops, the Green Waste collection, Mole Control and the Public Question Time.

223 Press Releases
Mr Whitburn had sent out the press release on the Monday 9 October.

224 Any Other Business

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10pm.