179 Present: Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Darvell, Prof Swingland, Miss Bennetts,
Mr Foat, Mr King, Mrs Chandler, Mrs Ovenden and Mr Gregory,
Dist Cllr Paul Southgate was also in attendance.

180 Apologies for absence Mr Potts, Mr Pratt and P.C. Wayne Wright

181 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mr Whitburn agreed to write a report for the Parish Magazine

182 Minutes of the meeting held 1 August 2005
The minutes were approved and were signed as a true record.

183 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 Dist Cllr Southgate to address the meeting.

184 Matters Arising from the minutes of the last meeting

None

185 Planning Report
Considered by the Parish Council:

At this point item ii) was brought forward on the agenda and members of the public in attendance were given the opportunity to express their views during a short adjournment.

i) Paramour Farmhouse, Paramour Street – internal and external alterations to facilitate barn conversion to ancillary accommodation to the main dwelling house, and alterations to existing garage (DOV/05/00894 LISTED and DOV/05/00898) - objections are to be forwarded because there is no reason or justification given for creating what is essentially a separate self-contained dwelling.
ii) Corner of Chequer Lane and Sandwich Road – installation of radio base station comprising of a 15m high telecommunications slim line monopole, one antenna, one 300mm diameter dish antenna, radio equipment housing (DOV/05/00930) – objections are to be forwarded on the following grounds:
• Access for maintenance is close to an already awkward junction
• It would be better for the local environment for the mast to be sited at Molland Farm, along with the existing 02 mast there, as the parish does not want a proliferation of masts scattered along the length of the bypass
During the pre-application consultation the applicants stated that to do this would require a taller mast, but this option would be preferred by local people
• The proposed site is too close to homes and would be unsightly
• Should it be impossible, for a genuine reason, to install the mast near the existing one, residents would prefer it moved along the bypass, midway between Molland Farm and the proposed site, as it would at least then be further away from homes.
iii) Brooke House Barn, Brooke Street – conversion of garage to living accommodation, erection of a single storey rear extension, extension to existing balcony and erection of a new balcony and erection of detached garage (DOV/05/00943) – there were no objections.
iv) Redundant building and land to rear of Guilton Farm, Guilton – conversion of redundant agricultural building to two office/light industrial units Class B1, alterations to access and formation of parking and turning area (DOV/05/00946) – no objections are to be forwarded, but Cllr Ovenden wished it to be recorded here that she does object.
v) Bluebell Lodge, Guilton – erection of a rear conservatory extension (DOV/05/00976) – there were no objections.
vi) Kings End Farm, Richborough Rd, Sandwich – internal alterations involving demolition of internal walls on ground and first floor (DOV/05/00978 LISTED) – there were no objections.
vii) The Grange, Weddington – erection of a detached annex (to provide auxiliary accommodation to main dwelling) and garage (existing garages and annex to be demolished) (DOV/05/00996) – objections are to be forwarded on the grounds that insufficient information was provided.

Granted by DDC:
i) Greenhill Place, 9 Sandwich Road – formation of vehicle access and off-road parking space to side of house (DOV/05/00732)
ii) 2 New Cottages, Hoaden – erection of a front porch extension (DOV/05/00802)

Refused by DDC:
i) The Plough House, Hoaden – erection of a three 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 level, erection of porch together with alterations to ground levels (part amendments to approved scheme under DOV/02/258) (DOV/05/00485)

Notice of Appeal:
i) Overland Cottage, Overland – erection of two storey extension (DOV/04/01457)

Sandwich Road development – phasing
Mr Whitburn gave a report from the meeting with the Wimpey and DDC representatives.
District Cllr Willshaw supplied a copy of the Report to the Planning Committee held on 25th August. The recommendations contained therein were accepted (no enforcement action to be taken), but a letter censoring the action of Wimpeys is to be sent from DDC, with a copy to the Parish Council.

Planning Focus Group
The next meeting will be held on 15th September and Miss Bennetts will be attending.

Trinity House, Ware – a new brick structure has replaced a wooden porch and it is thought that planning permission should have been sought. The Enforcement Officer will be notified.

186 Parish Plan
Nothing to report.

187 Recreation Ground Report, including the Environment Assistant’s Report
i) Risk Assessment of play equipment – quotes for replacement nets and the alterations to the roundabout are awaited from Park Leisure. They will also quote for replacing the safety mats to enable the council to consider this in the budget for next year.

ii) Three quotes for the new gate and path into play area for disabled access were considered. and it was agreed to accept the quote from J H Construction.

iii) A quote for the Play Area sign from Ray Signs was considered and accepted.

iv) Pavilion insurance re Rugby Club – The Auditors and Insurers agree that it would be in order for the Rugby Club to insure the pavilion, as long as the council is satisfied that it is properly insured with the correct level of cover. Nothing has been received from the Rugby Club to date though.

v) Allotments – permission was given for the holder of half plot 13 to erect a small tool shed.

vi) To consider releasing the budgeted funds of up to £7,000 for the tennis court re-surfacing:
It was agreed that further information is needed from the Tennis Club regarding their contribution and any grants that have been obtained

Advice from KAPC, regarding whether the Council could reclaim the VAT was discussed and it was agreed that the Council can only reclaim on expenditure made by the Council - if the agreed amount is passed to the club as funds for them to pay towards invoices, VAT cannot be reclaimed. The council would need to be invoiced for up to the level of expenditure that is agreed and pay this direct to the supplier. The Club are to be informed.

vii) The PMC Loan instalment for June was received.

viii) Report from Environment Assistant:
Recent incidents of vandalism were noted and that the Oak tree next to the aerial slide has died. This will be replaced with a self-seeded tree nearby. The aerial slide is showing signs of wear. The basketball court is now higher than surrounding grass, causing a trip hazard, but it was agreed that with wetter weather this should resolve itself.

188 Parish Council Property and Environment
i) Report from Environment Assistant:
Problems with certain footpaths were reported, which will be passed on as appropriate, and it was suggested that a litter bin needs to be installed at the Queen’s Road car park to replace one that has been removed by DDC.
ii) The travelers’ encampment near the bypass is causing some concern, but it was noted that the Police are aware of its existence.
iii) It was reported that loud music emanates from Westmarsh Farm Caravan and Camping Site especially in the evening. It will be suggested that those affected need to contact Environmental Health Officers at DDC.

189 Highway Report
i) County Lengthsman Scheme – the first planned visit to Ash will be in December and works requested should be emailed at least three weeks before that. The Council will therefore need to agree the list by November meeting at latest.
ii) The bollards at Chequer Lane now have reflective strips around them.
iii) Reported and where necessary re-reported:
• Tree obscuring the pedestrian sign at Chequer Lane
• Narrowed pavement at New Street
• Sunrise, Cop Street – encroaching hedge
• Streetlight between Glebelends and School Road – turned round and shining into gardens
• Sign missing at Westmarsh – scheduled to be replaced.
iv) Two lamps on The Street were reported as being ineffective due to overgrown foliage.
v) A deep pothole has appeared in Knell Lane between Chequer Court and Knell Farm and some at Walmerstone Road – they will be reported.
vi) Hedges alongside the lane from Warehorn to Hawthorn Farm, which are the responsibility of Highland Court, continue to make the road very narrow. They will again be reported to Highways.

vii) The sign for the bypass near Warners is damaged and could be a hazard. This is to be reported to Highways.

190 Police Report and Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy Report
i) Meeting with Marilyn Howells of KCC regarding the application for a Community Warden was confirmed for 11am on Tuesday 27th September. It was agreed that Cllrs Whitburn and Potts and the Clerk will attend.

ii) Speedwatch was re-launched on 17 August – Mr Whitburn gave a short report on the proposals, which will allow parishes to monitor the speed of vehicles on local roads (only where there are 30 or 40mph speed limits) by investing in special equipment, which could possibly be shared with another parish. It was agreed that the suitability of village roads will be queried with P.C. Foster and should they prove to be suitable, the council will endeavour to enlist volunteers, who will have to receive special training, to run it.

iii) The Police Parish Forum Meeting is on Thursday 20th October 7pm at Dover Police Station and items for the agenda can be submitted by 10th October. Prof Swingland is to attend.

iv) Regulations relating to the on road use of miniature motor cycles are to be researched.

191 KAPC Report
Parish News 310 circulated to all cllrs

192 Footpaths Report
Report from Footpaths Meeting held prior to this meeting:

i) Mrs Chandler was re-elected as Chairman of the committee.

ii) At the January meeting a form is to be devised to assist volunteers in reporting on footpaths. It was suggested that they cold include a log of wildlife, birds etc. Individualised footpath plans are to be produced for the volunteers, giving the appropriate PROW numbers.

iii) Maintenance of footpaths – already reported or to be reported to Footpath’s Officer
• EE112A between Chequer Lane and Queen's Road. The barrier at the Queen's Road end where it has been repaired - this does not provide a barrier to deter small children from running out onto the road.
• EE112A - the barrier at the other end (Chequer Lane) is also apparently showing signs of deterioration.
• EE90A is still overgrown with nettles and brambles on the left hand side as you enter from Chequer Lane and the section between EE128 and EE113 has narrowed due to continuing collapse of boundary fences.
• EE108A is still very overgrown with nettles - also where this footpath exits onto Sandwich Rd there is no barrier and this is considered quite dangerous as with the new development there is an increase in traffic and the footpath actually exits onto a car parking area.
• EE122 has been ploughed up and taken out of use by the farmer.
• EE42 south bank of the Stour between the junction with EE76 towards Plucks Gutter (westward) is blocked with low brambles.
• EE125 - being inspected (encroaching greenery and fences)
• EE114 (outside the parish) – being inspected

iv) Community Paths Project – grants available for Rights of Way improvements were discussed and it was agreed to consult with the volunteers as to whether there is a need for improvements under this scheme on any of the footpaths that they walk.

v) North Downs Way National Trail – Mrs Chandler agreed to read and comment on the document.

vi) On Sunday 18th September committee members are to walk to Richborough to devise a new route to be added to the Walk Cards.

193 Website Report
Nothing to report.

194 Finance Report and Payments to be approved
The following payments were approved:

Employment expenses 1,162.03
Administration 68.73
Audit Commission 650.00
Maintenance 198.64
VAT 149.38

Receipts:
Royalties on book 35.07
Kent Police – grant to Innovations 300.00
PMC – loan instalment 3,000.00

Balances
Current account (not incl £3,000 above) 1,919.25

Capital Reserve account 47,878.17

195 Vista Leisure Summer Playscheme - no feedback on take-up as yet

196 Correspondence
i) Mr Chapman from Ramsgate, requesting information about a property in Ash – to be referred to the Ash Society
ii) Playdale Playgrounds – promotional info re lease rental of play equipment – offering a free site survey and design – to be taken up
iii) KCC - Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework – invitation to participate in the consultation process - Mr Whitburn volunteered to take part.
iv) ODPM – Proposed Changes to Regional Planning Guidance for the South East – Waste and Minerals – taken by Mr Whitburn
v) The Kent – Dover Local Board – invitation to a meeting on 7th September
vi) Local works campaign for Sustainable Communities Bill – resolution to be added to next months agenda and a copy of the resolution to be distributed to each cllr in advance.
vii) CPRE – invitation to AGM of Dover District Committee on 30th Sept.
viii) Thanet District Council – Invitation to be part of the consultation process for the Thanet Local Development Framework – taken by Prof Swingland who will respond.
ix) South East Plan – Consultation questionnaires were distributed.
x) KCC – dates for public meetings re South East Plan – to be added to next months agenda.
xi) Ash Village Hall – request for an additional grant towards the new heating system - a proposal that the councils gives a grant of £2,000 towards the heating is to be added to next months agenda.
xii) J R Cowan Ltd – copy of a letter sent to DDC Planning Officers asking for their land to be included in the LDF for development purposes.
Circulated
i) DDC – Notes from LDF Workshops
ii) Citizens’ Rights for Older People (CROP) leaflet
iii) Kent Police – Safer Kent Awards
iv) Kent War on Waste leaflet
v) The Countryside Agency – Managing Public Access - A Guide for Land Managers
vi) Rural News 68
vii) Environment Agency – Cleaner Coasts, Healthier Seas
viii) DDC – Standards Committee Agenda and Minutes

197 Parish Council Newsletter
The latest edition has been distributed and is available at the Library, the Post Office and the village hardware shop.

198 Press Release
It was noted that the Mercury will be contacting the Council for its views about planning application ii).

199 Any other business
i) Mrs Chandler reported that the school building is completed, apart from some minor works and landscaping, with the children due to start the new term the next day. An Open Afternoon is planned for 6th October at 2pm and it may be that an evening session will be arranged so that those unable to make it in the afternoon can have a look around the school. The Official Opening with a dedication by the Archbishop of Canterbury will take place at a later date, to be confirmed. It was noted for approximately six weeks, until the landscaping is finished, the school will be accessed via the gate at Glebelands. The contribution from Jack Foat’s Trust was noted to have amounted to under £100,000, which was considerably less than it had been thought would be necessary.

ii) Concern was again expressed about reckless children cyclists along Queen’s Road but a suggestion that speed bumps at The Street end may help did not meet with agreement. P.C. Wright and the school are to be informed.

iii) A request for a dog waste bin at the corner near St Nicholas House was referred to the Finance Committee