ALKHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES - PRECEPT, PLANNING AND OTHER MATTERS
MONDAY 6th DECEMBER 2010
1. Venue Alkham Village Hall, 7:30pm
2. Present Parish Councillors: Neil Burrows, Julian Mead, Anthony Barrier, Edith Neve and
Geoff Lymer. Clerk: Angela Miller. Parishioners: David Tapsell Derek Coppins,
Mr & Mrs Hillier, Mr K Beaney, Mr E Beaney and Mr D Clubb.
3. Apologies Parish Councillors: Susan Lees and Paul Tapsell
4. Business
Precept requirements for 2011 – 2012. Angela gave the Councillors a worksheet showing a comparison of last year’s figures against this year. After discussion it was agreed that the precept would remain at £8,000 because there are possible election costs during 2011. If the costs are greater than expected we will use money from our reserves to cover the shortfall. Cllr Lymer proposed the precept remain at £8,000 and Cllr Mead seconded this. All Councillors present at the meeting were in favour.
5. Planning
Plans to discuss:
5.1 1 The Land, Newcastle Lane, Ewell Minnis – certificate of lawfulness (existing) for the stationing of caravans for residential use. The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
5.2 Engine Shed Land, East Langdon, Dover – Erection of a 60m temporary met-mast for a period of 18 months. The Parish Council had no objections to this application although there was one dissention.
5.3 Rose Cottage, Slip Lane, Alkham – Erection of a detached garage. The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
Outcome of previous applications / queries
5.4 The Firs, Ewell Minnis, Alkham – Permission granted for the refurbishment of existing outbuilding involving re-cladding and resultant changes to the external appearance of the building.
5.5 Caravans at Short Lane – Cllr Burrows read out the outcome of the site investigation by Paul Francis and requested that the Parish Council challenge his findings. The appearance of caravans on the land has only been a recent matter brought to the Parish Council’s attention, and have not been there for some time as per Paul Francis’ opinion. Angela will write back to Paul on this matter.
6. Delegates Reports
Cllr Lymer reported that he had attended the KALC AGM and went on to briefly outline the topics from the main speakers.
7. Interval David Tapsell raised a question on behalf of most of the parishioners attending the meeting, regarding the Call For Sites document that shows that land in Alkham has been put forward for possible housing developments. Cllr Burrows assured everyone that at this stage there are no planning applications and that so far landowners have only been invited to submit land for development. He reiterate the fact that the Parish Council are in strong opposition to development of this size in Alkham and confirmed that a response will be sent to DDC outlining our objection.
Derek Coppins confirmed that the dumped builders rubble has been removed from ER129 although no one knows who has taken it.
8. Finances The Parish Council resolved to pay:
8.1 Harmer Landscapes Ltd £99.88 (mowing and hedge cutting Oct 2010).
8.2 KALC for 2 lunches at AGM of £17.00
8.3 Larry Lambourne outstanding expenses of £55.71
8.4 Honorarium payment for Larry Lambourne for year 2010 of £250 (which is an increase of £50 to reflect the extra work he had done in the village).
8.5 Clerks salary and expenses of £256.09 for November 2010
The Parish Council agreed the following:
8.6 An annual increase in the Clerks salary from SCP18 to SCP 19 with effect from April 2010. Angela will work out a backdated amount due to date and adopt the new hourly rate with immediate effect.
9. Any Other Business
9.1 A letter from The Woodland Trust re: Neck Wood, Alkham requested the Parish Council considered taking over the management of this woodland for the future. It was agreed that the Parish Council did not want to take this over, so Angela will respond to The Woodland Trust accordingly.
9.2 In Cllr Tapsell’s absence, the response to the Call for Sites could not be formulated so Angela will contact Paul for the details to make sure we can register our opposition to the proposals before the deadline date.
9.3 Cllr Burrows read out the letter from Tim Flisher regarding Electronic Planning proposals at DDC. It basically stated that the procedure was not open for consultation and that steps will be taken to move towards electronic planning in the New Year. The Parish Council remain in opposition to this proposal and Angela will contact KALC to find out further information and whether a group of parishes that are resisting the idea could be formed to add weight to the matter.
9.4 The situation of salt bins not being properly re-filled during the recent snowy weather was discussed and our disappointment in Highways was echoed once again. Angela will contact Highways to request that all bins are again checked and re-filled.
9.5 A letter from Mrs C Beaney at Ewell Minnis expressed concern at the safety of Wolverton Hill during icy weather after her son skidded in his 4x4 vehicle. Angela will raise the concerns with Highways and also request that the salt bin at the bottom of the hill could be moved further up to make it easier for residents to spread salt on the hill themselves. Angela will also request a new salt bin for the top half of the hill.
9.6 Cllr Lymer introduced Pauline Beresford who intends to stand for the Conservative in next year’s elections when Cllr Andrew Richardson stands down. She was very interested in our concerns and plans to attend each meeting so that she can get a feel for the matters that interest Alkham the most.
9.7 Cllr Lymer reported that he had investigated the possibility of replacement rubber tubing for the top of the baby swing seat on Vicarage Meadow and it costs £8 per mtr. It was decided that although this was a good cost saving idea, it would not solve the problem of the dirty perished rubber that causes staining to clothes and hands from underneath the seat. Cllr Mead therefore proposed that we purchase a new seat and Cllr Barrier seconded this. All Councillors present at the meeting were in favour, so Angela will go ahead and buy a replacement unit that can be installed in Spring 2011.
9.8 Angela reported that she had received a call from Mr Oakley in Green Lane, Ewell Minnis stating that the track was again flooded and impassable. Edward Denne at PROW subsequently advised that it is Mr Oakley’s responsibility to maintain the track if he wishes to use it for his personal vehicles. The Parish Council is in disagreement, as this restricted byway is not fit for purpose. Walkers or horse riders are not able to use the route and therefore it is PROW responsibility to keep the track fit for purpose. Angela will request a site visit as soon as possible.
9.9 Cllr Mead reported that he had not heard back from anyone at Highways regarding the give way lines at Red Barn Lane and the outstanding hedgerow maintenance issues. Angela will contact Stephanie Wadhams at KCC requesting a site visit. Angela has also not heard back about these matters so will chase them again.
10. The date of next regular meeting is Monday 10th January 2011 at 7:30pm
The meeting closed at 8:45pm
ALKHAM PARISH COUNCIL
AGENDA – MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2010
1. Venue Alkham Village Hall, 7:30pm
2. Present Parish Councillors: Neil Burrows, Anthony Barrier, Susan Lees, Geoff Lymer,
Julian Mead and Paul Tapsell. Clerk: Angela Miller.
County Councillor: Bryan Cope. District Councillor: Sue Nicholas.
PCSO: Gretel Stevens. Parishioners: Brian Wimsett, Derek Coppins.
3.Apologies Parish Councillor: Edith Neve
4.Regular Business
4.1 The minutes from meetings held 6th September and 13th October 2010 were received, approved and signed as correct records.
5.Matters Arising
5.1 Repairs to Slide and safety surface mats – Paul reported that Colin Downer is checking his insurance policy to ensure it allows him to work on public areas, although to date he has not provided a quote for the work. No other responses were received after the advertisement in the newsletter. Geoff reported on a site meeting he had with Jane Luck at Light Engineering regarding the repairs for the slide and the Parish Council agreed to accept the quotation of £372 +VAT. Geoff will also look into the possibility of repairing the baby swing with some rubber piping although Angela provided the council with costs for a new seat. The matter will be discussed further at the next meeting.
5.2 Salt Bins – Highways confirm that the salt bins have been visited and filled. Neil however seems to think that the salt bin on Meggett Lane has mostly sand in it. He questioned Bryan Cope whether the diluted mixture of sand and salt has been adopted by Highways and pointed out that the mixture will not do the job on the steep hills in Alkham. Angela will seek further information from Highways. Sadly, Highways also confirmed that Newlyns Meadow has not been successful in the request for a new salt bin.
5.3 ER129 at Newcastle Lane – the e-mail response from Edward Denne, PROW was discussed and Anthony confirmed that he had replied to Edward expressing disappointment with the lack of action taken by the PROW team in recent years. Edward has cited lack of resources as a major factor but has promised to get the builders rubble removed from the byway and clear out the potholes and fill them with a more suitable material as soon as possible.
5.4 Banks/Verge clearing on pavement has been requested (Sunningdale / Chart House) but not yet done.
5.5 Play Equipment – Sovereign Play visited the timber trail and agreed that a new stepping-stone should be put in place (as the existing one has already got a large splinter of wood missing). They felt however that the log traverse was not in need of repair and said that the fixings in the log were firm and not subject to the wood splitting. They have said they will keep an eye on it, but this is something the Parish Council needs to check now and again and report if necessary.
6.Correspondence
6.1 Kent Downs AONB Unit – Consultation on guidance to support equine related land use in Kent Downs AONB. Views welcome by 19th Nov.
6.2 DDC Planning Dept – Electronic Notification of Planning Applications due in April 2011. This matter was discussed and the Parish Council totally object to the proposals. It would be virtually impossible to discuss plans without A3 drawings and is not an acceptable method for the way forward. Angela will formulate a strong letter of objection and will cc.copy Paul Tapsell in his position of Chairman of KALC.
6.3 KCC - Minerals and Waste Core Strategy DVD. Views welcome by19th Nov.
6.4 KALC – 63rd AGM at Ditton on 13th Nov. Paul is already attending, so Geoff has said he would like to attend. Angela will confirm with KALC as required.
6.5 KHS – improvements to the highway at Buckland Bridge for a new cycle lane.
6.6 KCC – Consultation draft of Medium Term Plan to 2014/15. Views welcome by 12th Nov.
6.7 DDC – Whitfield Urban Expansion Draft Master plan. Views welcome by 29th Nov.
6.8 DDC Site Allocations Consultation – The Parish Council briefly discussed the documents, which showed sites in Alkham that would provide for 318 new homes. Paul has taken the documents to read through thoroughly and the councillors will resume the discussions at the next meeting so that our response can be submitted before the deadline.
6.9 Water Mains Improvements by Veolia mean that there will be some disruption to traffic for the next few weeks whilst they upgrade the network with new valves.
7.Planning
Plans to discuss
7.1 The Firs, Ewell Minnis – Refurbishment of existing outbuilding involving re- cladding and resultant changes to the external appearance of the building.
The Parish Council had no objections to the application providing that the use of the outbuilding is ancillary to the main dwelling. Dover District Council have also been asked to monitor the site to ensure that it doesn’t become a holiday let in the future.
7.2 Deepdene, Belsey Lane, Ewell Minnis – Change of use and conversion to two holiday lets, erection of a single storey extension and alterations to existing roof.
The Parish Council object to the application for the following reasons:-
· The site is in an inappropriate location
· There are highways concerns arising from the increase in traffic
· The existing building is of unsuitable materials and size
· No justification for increasing the existing footprint of the building
· Concerns over separate residential use in the future
· There was no design and access statement provided
Outcome of previous applications/enquiries
7.3 Hill View House, Short Lane, Alkham – Permission granted for the renewal of planning permission DOV 05/817 for the erection of a two storey side extension (existing conservatory to be demolished)
7.4 Stansfield, Slip Lane, Alkham – Permission granted for the erection of 2 side dormer roof extensions and a single storey rear extension.
7.5 Chalksole Cottage, Chalksole Green, Alkham – Permission refused for the erection of a wind turbine.
7.6 Brook House, Meggett Lane, South Alkham – Permission granted for internal alterations.
7.7 Field at bottom of Short Lane – Paul Francis at DDC has been made aware of the arrival of caravans and the provision of a water supply to this site, and has been requested to investigate the site.
7.8 Caravan Site, Alkham Valley Road, Alkham – Paul Francis at DDC has been made aware of the new brick built entrance and also the recent arrival of a large pre-fabricated home, and has been asked to investigate the site.
8.Delegates Reports and PACT
Geoff reported briefly to the Council on attending a KALC meeting recently and
Julian said he had enjoyed the Finance Conference during September also.
Bryan Cope reminded the Councillors that KCC continues to tackle the spending review but that they don’t have all of the details available as yet. He suspects they may have to be stricter on roads but is hopeful that frontline services will remain unaffected. Geoff asked Bryan if a road sweeper could visit the lanes in and around Alkham more frequently as this is surely a more cost effective way of maintaining the tarmac on the roads. Bryan promised to ask the question at KCC.
Sue Nicholas reported that in addition to the services already planned for merger, the Revenue, Benefits, ICT and Customer Services departments are also due to become a shared service for the future. She also agreed that electronic planning applications would not work and will be expressing her concern back at the DDC offices.
PCSO Gretel Stevens reported that the main concerns for the Alkham area lately were with 4x4’s and off road bikes using land opposite Meggett Lane. The Police Bike Team have been asked to visit Alkham the next time they are in the area, but this only usually happens every 6 weeks or so. A colleague of Gretel’s attended an organised event at the same site last weekend and checked all the bikes over. She said that although the landowner had given permission for the event to take place, he has noticed that his land is being used at other times also. Gretel will ask the case officers to indicate to the landowner his liability if he allows his land to be used for public events.
9.Interval Derek (and the others attending the meeting) complained about the lack of heating in the hall for the meeting. Angela said that Val Fowler has confirmed that the heating should always be on prior to a meeting and that it is not something that is down to us to do. Angela will discuss the arrangements with her to prevent further meetings in the freezing cold!
10.Finances
The Parish Council resolved to pay the following invoices:-
10.1 Invoice for £243.23 received from Harmer Landscapes for mowing Sept 2010 and banks of dyke.
10.2 Invoice for £70.50 received from KALC for Cllr Mead to attend the Finance Conference.
10.3 Clerks salary and expenses of £303.59 for Sept and Oct 2010.
10.4 A letter has been received from St Anthony’s PCC agreeing to the revised procedure for seeking and settling quotes for grass cutting in churchyard.
10.5 DDC have sent a letter advising us of estimated costs for next year’s elections. An uncontested election could be £98.73 and a contested election could be £1,007.09.
11. Any Other Business
Julian reported that over the years someone has painted white give way lines across the junction at Red Barn Lane with Newcastle Lane. They are not official markings painted by Highways, but are a home-made effort. They are very faded now, but are there nonetheless. He questioned whether this was an officially recognised give way junction because currently it causes much confusion between motorists using either Red Barn Lane or Newcastle Lane and it is impossible to see what traffic is approaching from Newcastle Lane when you leave Red Barn Lane anyway. Angela will contact Highways to make them aware that there are unofficial road markings painted on the road and ask them about the give way situation.
Julian also said he had requested a site visit with Highways to discuss the responsibilities regarding the verges and hedgerows in Red Barn Lane, however, it seemed that a Highways rep made an unannounced visit and decided that the south side of lane would be maintained by Highways but not the north side. Julian plans to get back in contact with them to discuss the matter further as the situation is very unclear as to who maintains what.
Neil asked whether any response had been received from Highways resulting from the site meeting he had with them at Meggett Lane during the summer. Angela confirmed that no reply had been received so will chase it. Highways were checking their responsibilities about keeping the drains clear and were supposed to get back to us.
Susan Lees reported that the question raised about where the boundary lies with Highways and the Village Hall car park is still unresolved. She also said Harmers have cut the hedge opposite Martinvale and it looks very good.
Julian said the hedgerow at ER129 is encroaching the byway and asked whether there is a standard width of road the highways have to maintain. Angela will try to find out some information, although Julian is intending to take these matters up with Highways himself also.
12. The next meeting will be the Precept Meeting on Monday 6th December 2010 at 7:30pm
The meeting closed at 9:10pm
ALKHAM PARISH COUNCIL
PLANNING MEETING – MINUTES
WEDNESDAY 13th OCTOBER 2010
1. Venue: Alkham Village Hall at 8pm
2. Present: Parish Councillors: Neil Burrows, Geoff Lymer, Julian Mead, Paul Tapsell, Anthony Barrier, Susan Lees and Edith Neve. Clerk: Angela Miller.
3. Apologies: None
4. Planning to discuss:
4.1 The Marquis, Alkham – Erection of single storey and three storey extensions to replace Halton Forstal, erection of replacement refuse store and extension of existing car park and creation of hardstanding/turning area (demolition of existing Halton Forstal, greenhouse and detached garage).
The Parish Council had no objections to the above planning application, however, have raised concerns to DDC that all parking should be kept on site and that parking is not allowed in the Forstal.
5. Outcome of previous planning applications/enquiries:
None
6. Other matters:
6.1.The councillors briefly discussed the recycling collections at Ewell Minnis and the confusion that surrounds whether all properties are included in the rounds or not. Angela will confirm with Mandy Pile at DDC that neither councillor living in Ewell Minnis gets the current service and also to clarify that the contractor is aware of the correct road names.
7. The next meeting is Monday 1st November at 7:30pm
The meeting closed at 8:35pm
ALKHAM PARISH COUNCIL
AGENDA – MONDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2010
1. Venue Alkham Village Hall, 7:30pm
2. Present Parish Councillors: Neil Burrows, Paul Tapsell, Julian Mead, Anthony Barrier, Geoff Lymer and Sue Lees. Clerk: Angela Miller.
Parishioners: Gordon and Janet Adamson, Derek Coppins. PCSO: Gretel Stevens.
County Councillor: Bryan Cope. District Councillor: Sue Nicholas.
3.Apologies Parish Councillor: Edith Neve
4.Regular Business
4.1 The minutes from meetings held 28th June, 5th July and 2nd August 2010 were received, approved and signed as correct records.
5.Matters Arising
5.6 Neil read aloud an e-mail from Highways regarding our request for a speed limit reduction to 50mph at Standen. Although it was felt there would be some merit to this reduction, there have not been any accidents at this site and therefore the cost of £3,500 is not felt to be justifiable. Highways therefore suggested we could ask Bryan Cope if funding could be available and he confirmed that there are no funds for this year, however he will put this request at the top of his list for next year.
5.7 Play Equipment – The councillors discussed Light Engineering’s report and agreed that if repair work could be done to the slide by a local handyperson then this would be preferable. Colin Downer has indicated that he would be prepared to quote for the re-laying of the surface matting around the climbing frame and has asked that he could discuss the finer details with a councillor. Paul offered to liase with him on the matter.
No decision was made regarding replacement of any swing seats, however Angela will obtain a price for this and present it at the next meeting. With regards to the repairs to the slide, it was felt that perhaps Jane at Light Engineering could arrange for the edges of the stainless sheet to be braised, rather than running a strip of mastic down them, as it would probably last a lot longer. Once the repairs to the slide are underway we can approach Jane as necessary. Angela will also write to BrightArc Welding to advise them that we no longer require them to keep us in mind for the repair work. It was also suggested that we advertise in the newsletter for any handypersons to quote for the repairs to the slide incase there are other parishioners interested in helping.
5.8 Highways have informed us that an Inspector will arrange the cut back of tree branches where necessary for the Low bridge signs, although this does not appear to have been done to date.
5.9 Highways have again passed our comments about the location of the HGV sign at Standen to Jacobs.
5.10 A discussion about the leaning fence posts along the track behind the football pitch was held at the previous meeting and was omitted from the minutes in error. Angela however, had written a letter to Stephen Comfort (who owns the paddock with the fencing) requesting that the posts were reinstated. He has since discussed the matter with Paul Tapsell and they have agreed to work together to put the posts back firmly into the ground. To prevent the fence being pulled down again there will be some sort of stile built to allow the youths to retrieve their footballs when they are inadvertently kicked into the paddock.
6.Correspondence
6.10 Kent Police Authority – invitation to the ‘Police Reform’ event on 9th September. No one wishes to attend.
6.11 Kent Highway Services – Parish & Town Seminar on 29th October. No one wishes to attend.
6.12 Kent Downs AONB Unit – Countryside Day on 24th September. Neil is already attending this event.
6.13 Sholden Parish Council – re: Proposed housing sites in Sholden. No response is required.
6.14 KALC – Finance Conference on 25th September. Julian will attend and return the booking form as necessary.
7.Planning
Plans to discuss
7.1. Hill View House, Short Lane, Alkham – Renewal of planning permission DOV05/817 for the erection of a two-storey side extension (existing conservatory to be demolished). The Parish Council had no objections, subject to our original comments on the original application.
7.2. Stansfield, Slip Lane, Alkham – Erection of 2 side dormer roof extensions and a single storey rear extension. The Parish Council had no objections to the amended plans.
Outcome of previous applications/enquiries
None
8.Delegates Reports and PACT
PCSO Gretel Stevens reported that there have been some motorbikes stolen in the village recently and also that there have been reports of vans with no number plates which are collecting scrap metal, whether scrap or not! There have been reports of cars being broken into in nearby villages but as yet, not in Alkham. She also mentioned that she has had many complaints regarding sky lanterns landing in field still alight and also frightening horses. She has spoken with the manager at The Marquis who has taken note of the people to apologise to. They reassure us that this is not a frequent event.
Parish Councillor Julian Mead reported that there has been an incident of egg throwing at parked cars in Ewell Minnis within the last couple of weeks or so. Gretel made a note of this and also said that, after investigating previous reports of this happening in Short Lane, none of the residents there seemed to know anything about it.
County Councillor Bryan Cope said that over the last four years KCC have had to make savings of £360m. He said they are down to the last £60m so it is going well and he assured us that the reductions shouldn’t affect frontline services.
District Councillor Sue Nicholas announced that she is now the Vice Chairman at Dover District Council and she is also on the Joint Transportation Committee alongside Bryan Cope. She is also taking over from Andrew Richardson on the Local Development Framework and continues to cover local parishes whilst a colleague is unwell. She is therefore very busy with community matters at the moment.
9.Interval The Parish Council confirmed to Derek Coppins that the latest incidents of fly-tipping have been reported to Edward Denne at KCC PROW. Edward has said he will be visiting the site this week to ascertain the current situation. Derek said that some of the rubbish has been moved, albeit thrown into his hedgerow! He said that the dumping of builders rubbish is a daily event and is restricting the width of the byway. Someone is also using some rubble to fill the potholes, which is not a very sensible way to deal with the problem. Derek is worried that if the holes fill with water after rainfall, then horse riders will not be aware of the uneven surface below and this could lead to serious injury. Angela will contact Edward Denne again and make sure he is aware of these ad-hoc repairs and ask him to try and do something about it.
10.Finances
10.6 The Parish Council resolved to pay Harmer Landscapes £280.83 for mowing & the banks of the dyke for July 2010.
10.7 The Parish Council resolved to pay the Clerks salary and expenses of £342.71 for July and August 2010.
10.8 Estimate for Alkham Churchyard from Harmer Landscapes for £400 +VAT. The Parish Council discussed the current arrangement with the church for the payment of the work (and also retrieval of VAT) and agreed that this needed to be altered and clarified. Angela will send a letter to the church outlining the following procedure with immediate effect: -
· The Church is responsible for seeking quotes for the annual mowing of the churchyard.
· The Church is responsible for agreeing work and terms with the successful contractor.
· The Church will settle the bill to the contractor in full.
· The Church will approach the Parish Council to consider a donation towards the cost of the work as a goodwill gesture, and include a copy of the original invoice for information.
10.9 The HSBC High Interest Deposit Bond matures on 8th Sept 2010 after making
less than £100 interest throughout the year. Due to the poor return (and no doubt the poor interest rates available) Angela will look into alternative deals that could give a better return. The decision was made not to reinvest this money into an HSBC High Interest Deposit Bond at this time, until alternatives have been considered.
11. Any Other Business
Paul Tapsell reported the verge and bank alongside the pavement by Sunningdale and Chart House. The bank has slipped down and has encroached onto the pavement. Angela will request that Highways dig the bank back to reinstate the pavement as currently pedestrians are forced to step out into the main road.
Julian Mead queried the situation regarding recycling in Ewell Minnis. He said that to date it has only been properties on wide lanes that receive the service, as the large lorry is unable to manoeuvre down the smaller lanes. He has noticed recently though, that DDC have begun using a much smaller truck which in theory would now be able to access the smaller lanes. Sue Nicholas reminded the Parish Council that there will be an integration of services between Shepway and Dover very soon and that we should wait and see the outcome of that. However, in the meantime she offered to enquire about the smaller lorry being able to visit more houses and will get back to Angela with her findings.
Geoff Lymer reported that the salt bins on Hogbrook Hill Lane require re-filling and asked whether the salt bin halfway up could be moved to the south side of the track to allow vehicles to use the passing place without damaging the salt bin. Neil also added that the salt bin at Greenhill Farm was empty. Angela will ask Highways to make sure all the salt bins in the Parish are checked and filled in good time for the winter weather. Angela will also chase the request for a salt bin in Newlyns Meadow.
12. The next meeting will be on Monday 1st November 2010 at 7:30pm
The meeting closed at 8:45pm