175 Present:
Mr Whitburn (Chairman), Mr Darvell, Mr Potts, Mr King, Miss Bennetts
Mrs Chandler, Mr Gregory
and Mrs Ovenden
Also present District
Cllr Anne Willshaw and three members of the public
176 Apologies
for absence Mr Foat, Mr Pratt and Mr Swingland
177 Nominate a Publicity Officer Mrs Chandler agreed
to write a report for the Parish Magazine.
178 Minutes
of the meeting held on 2 August 2004
The minutes of the meeting were agreed and signed as a true record.
179 Declarations
of Interest
Cllrs were invited to declare items on the agenda in which they have
a prejudicial personal interest,
but none were declared.
180 Matters
arising from the minutes of the last meeting
i) Gov Office for the South East – Proposed Changes to Regional
Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9) – Energy Efficiency
and Renewal Energy and Tourism Related Sports and Recreation. Mr Whitburn
advised that no response was necessary.
ii) Report from KCC Local Boards Meeting – Mrs Chandler gave a
short report of the meeting.
iii) Adopting the KCC Policy Decisions for the Local Government Pension
Scheme – Mrs Chandler confirmed that it was in order for the policy
to be adopted by the Parish Council.
181 Planning Report
Considered by the Parish Council:
i) 21 Guilton – erection of 2 storey rear, side and first floor
front extensions (existing garage to be demolished) (DOV/04/00885) –
there were no objections to the proposals.
ii) 99 Sandwich Road – outline permission for demolition of existing
bungalow and erection of 5 detached dwellings (DOV/04/00973) - The Council
does not object to the demolition of the bungalow for development of
the land, but would prefer the front building line to following that
of the existing properties in Sandwich Road, rather that jut out as
the garage of one shown on the plan does. The Council would also wish
to emphasise that access must be as shown, i.e. from the new access
road and not from Sandwich Road.
iii) 20 Sandwich Road - erection of a single storey front extension
(DOV/04/00995) – there were no objections to the proposals.
iv) 57A The Street – internal alterations and external alterations,
including installation of and replacement roof light, replacement brickwork
to chimney stack, enlarged basement window and erection of wall (DOV/04/00970
LISTED) – there were no objections to the proposals.
v) Mount Ephraim Cottage, Coombe Lane – erection of a single storey
rear extension (DOV/04/00996) – there were no objections to the
proposals.
The meeting adjourned to allow the owners of Great Knell Farm to address
the council.
vi) Great Knell Farm Buildings, Molland Lane – conversion and
refurbishment of existing buildings to provide workshop units, holiday
accommodation and single dwelling (DOV/04/01001)- the council strongly
supports this application, particularly if covenants mentioned are included.
Mrs Willshaw agreed to ensure that it goes to committee.
vii) 57A The Street – removal of tree (TC/04/00069/TC) –
there were no objections to the proposals on condition the tree is replaced
with a smaller variety.
viii) 56 The Street – change of use to single family dwelling
house and alterations to replace shop front with two windows and block
up existing doorway (DOV/04/00616) – there were no objections
to the proposals.
Granted by Dover
DC:
i) 56 Queens Road – erection of 2 storey side extension, dormer
windows and double garage (DOV/04/00665)
ii) land to north-west of Gasco House, Lay Lane – erection of
detached dwelling and detached double garage (DOV/04/00704)
iii) 90 The Street – alterations to provide French doors in rear
elevation (DOV/04/00809 LISTED)
iv) Ship House, 59 The Street – remove existing staircase and
replace, build new staircase into existing basement, increasing window
size to basement (DOV/04/00791 LISTED)
v) Rose Hill, 8 The Street – cut out top of sycamore tree (DOV/04/00918)
Refused by Dover
DC:
None notified
Notice of Appeal:
i) East Street Farm, East Street – removal of agricultural occupancy
condition (3) of DOV/96/0170 (DOV/04/00590)
ii) Farm House, Overland Farm, Hoaden – erection of two storey
front extension (DOV/04/00541)
Housing Needs
Survey:
The final Report is now in hand.
Wimpey site:
i) It was reported that District Cllr Willshaw had been in contact with
Highways,
regarding the water run off on Sandwich Road, and it was noted that
the drainage presently being laid on site is to ensure that the correct
discharge is obtained into the existing water system. Once the surface
water runs into the existing drainage on the A257 it will flow to the
current outlet. Highways will continue to monitor this issue on site
and inform relevant parties if necessary.
ii) Mr Whitburn
and Mrs Willshaw met with Wimpeys, who informed them that they want
to continue with their building of phase 2 and not wait till April 2006.
It was noted that DDC Planners have indicated that, although Wimpeys
are free to put a case forward for earlier development, they would have
to demonstrate an exceptional case based upon materially changed circumstances
since the original decision – not simply that it is inconvenient
for them. There was no support from councillors for earlier development.
iii) A number
of questions were asked of Wimpeys, not all of which could be answered
but for which emailed answers have been promised.
iv) Mr Whitburn
also raised again the issue of workers parking along New Street and
they
promised to deal with it.
The meeting was
adjourned to allow District Cllr Willshaw to address the meeting
182 Recreation
Ground Report
i) Pavilion Extension - It was reported that tiling etc. has been carried
out recently, but that interior work cannot continue until the pipe
work for the gas and water is laid.
A financial report was presented to the council and a letter for further
assistance from the Pavilion Management Committee was considered. A
decision on this was held in abeyance until further information is available.
ii) To consider
Dover District Play Areas Risk Assessment - An inspection was carried
out by Cllrs Whitburn, Foat, Pratt, Darvell, Swingland, Ovenden and
Bennetts on 16.8.04 and a subsequent report drawn up. The Environment
Assistant has been instructed to ensure that items 01/01, 02/01, 02/03
and 04/08 are dealt with as soon as possible.
iii) Kick Wall
and Teen Shelter - positions for the light and concrete base have been
agreed with the contractor and work is due to begin. Delivery of the
equipment is confirmed for mid-September.
iv) Mole treatment
– it was reported that the repellers are working on the cricket
square, but this has exacerbated the problem elsewhere.
v) Toilet block
– several incidents of vandalism were reported to the police throughout
the month.
vi) Trees –
an order for tree works has been placed for completion by end October.
The two newly planted trees are not looking healthy and another scheduled
for dead branches to be cut out appears to have fungal disease. The
tree surgeon will address these problems during his work on site.
vii) The Environment
Assistant’s report was read out, which included:
a) Items 02/01, 02/03 and 04/08 from the Play Areas risk assessment
have been remedied. The council is to confirm that item 01/01 should
be effected using topsoil only, as turf is unlikely to survive.
b) The lockable bollards require repairs.
c) The anti-climb paint needs renewing.
d) More foam has been removed from the safety surfacing.
e) The rocking motorcycle has been removed for safety reasons.
f) Numerous acts of vandalism.
g) Tree guard fitted to damaged tree.
h) Repairs have been made to stepping posts.
183 Parish Council Property and Environment Report
i) Village sign at The Street – awaiting painting.
ii) Black sacks
Chequer Lane to the school – removed by DDC but two more have
appeared.
iii) Bus shelter
– graffiti reported to police 26.8.04
iv) The Environment
Assistant’s report was read out, which included:
a) Concern about the number of lighter fuel cans being found around
(and other evidence of solvent abuse) – are these being bought
from local shops?
b) Lower branches on Silver Birches in Glebelands have been pruned.
v) A request
for additional street lighting outside the old people’s bungalows
at New Street will be considered during the lighting ‘walkabout’
later in the autumn.
vi) It was reported
that the contractors who close the toilets are being closely monitored
by DDC following reports of them closing early.
vii) Mrs Willshaw
is attempting to get DDC to remove fly posting along the bypass.
184 Highways Report
i) KCC Highways informed the council that currently the new solar powered
speed limit reminder signs are not permitted items. A formal ‘type’
approval has to be given before they can be used. This is being looked
into.
ii) Bypass verge
mowing – Gill Tysoe of KWT Trust met with Mr Swingland on 18.8.04
and a report of the meeting had been forwarded from him.
iii) Layby at
New Street – Mr Darvell and Mrs Ovenden met with a DDC representative
on site. The clerk is to follow this up with a letter to Alan Blackburn.
185 Police
and anti-social behaviour strategy Report
P.C. Wright reported that there were 9 reported crimes in August –
1 burglary other than a dwelling, 3 criminal damage, 4 assaults and
1 threat to cause criminal damage.
It is understood that little progress has been made with creating an
alcohol exclusion zone, as a plan for the whole district is now being
considered.
186 KAPC
Report
Minutes of Dover Area Meeting 29.7.04 passed to Reps.
Parish News 303 circulated to all cllrs.
Finance Information Day – Sat 16th October at Lenham.
Dover Area Meeting – 27th October.
187 Footpaths
Report
i) EE112A The Quicks – vandalised barriers were reported again,
as previous temporary repairing straps had been cut. The Footpaths Officer
suggested that the metal plate is removed totally, just leaving the
tubular barrier, as on other footpaths, as vandalism is such a problem
with them. It was agreed and the Environment Assistant will be instructed
to carry this out.
ii) The Footpaths Officer confirmed that he would check the cross-field
paths at Guilton.
188 Website
Report
The Ash PC website is now linked to the BBC Kent website.
189 Finance
Report
A review of staff salaries was carried out. The NALC recommended annual
increases for the Clerk for 2004, backdated to April, and from April
2005 were approved. A 2.75% increase was approved for the Environment
Assistant, backdated to July.
Employment costs
1,119.87 Administration 122.90
Maintenance 770.00
VAT 146.29
Receipts:
Pavilion Management Committee 50,000.00
Balances :
Transfer of £20,000 to Current account from Capital Reserve on
11.8.04 was cancelled due to receipt of cheque from PMC. £15,000
was transferred from Current to Capital Reserve on 26.8.04
Current account 17,447.45 Capital Reserve account 40,214.93
190 Development Plan and STARR Initiative
Nothing to report.
191 Correspondence
i) KCC Local Boards – next Public Meeting is on 16 September at
6.30 at the Lecture Theatre, Dover Discovery Centre – Mrs Chandler
and Mr Whitburn are to attend.
ii) Environment Agency – Kent Flood Fair 19th September
iii) Deal and District Citizens Advice – notice that they are
merging with the Dover CAB, to be known as Dover, Deal and District
CAB
iv) Mackenzie Dillon Solicitors – Notice of Application for Transfer
of Licence for The Way Out Inn, Westmarsh.
v) Sanctuary Housing – looking for suitable tenants for a 2 bed
bungalow at Mill Field (all Cllrs notified prior to meeting). The council
agreed that it should be allocated to elderly tenants ideally. Only
following full advertising should it go to younger people if no-one
else came forward.
vi) KRCC – Wheels to Work questionnaire was completed
vii) DDC – Licensing Act 2003 – Draft Licencing Policy –
consultation document – a response was not considered necessary.
Individuals can respond on-line should they so wish.
viii) Office of DPM –
A Model Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees and
Review of the Regulatory Framework Governing the Political Activities
of Local Government Employees – both consultation documents –
a response was not considered necessary.
ix) DDC – Re Members Allowance in relation to co-opted members.
circulated
i) Standards Board for England - July 04 Newsletter
ii) BTCV – info about Tree and Pond Warden Scheme
iii) DDC – Notes from Play Areas Strategy seminars held on 30.7.04
iv) DDC – Update on Performance Indicators and Targets (Best Value
Performance Plan)
v) Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service info – nominations
by 30th September
vi) KRCC – Rural News no. 59 etc.
vii) DDC Standards Committee agenda and minutes.
viii) Roadworks and traffic info Summer 2004
ix) SEERA – Update on South East Plan
x) Kent Playing Fields Association Newsletter
xi) White Cliffs News
192 Press
release
None
193 Any
Other Business
i) Broadband update – Brian Taylor from KCC has notified Mr Swingland
that from 6th September BT are removing distance limits from ADSL etc.
ii) Reminder – the next Police Parish Forum meeting will he held
in Folkestone on Thursday 14th Oct at 7.30pm.
iii) A response to the letter regarding the East Kent Mental Health
Review and Redesign of Inpatient Services in East Kent, formulated by
Mr Darvell and forwarded to the PCT, was read out.
iv) Rubbish and other debris, which is collecting at the garages near
the doctors’ surgery, is to be reported to DDC.
The next meeting
will be on Monday 4 October 2004.
