PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 09 NOVEMBER 2015

Present: Parish Cllr Steve Bailey (Chairman) Parish Cllr Chris Brealy (Vice Chairman) Parish Cllr Neal Fowler Parish Cllr Tricia Chapman Parish Cllr Adrian Young Parish Councillor Andrew Rabey (annual leave). 1 x vacancy Ms Amanda Sparkes, Clerk to the Council 4 x residents PCSO Jade Hoyle, Police (for part of the meeting) KCC Cllr Mike Harrison (for part of the meeting)

118. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Cllr Bailey welcomed everyone to the meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - Apologies for absence were received from Parish Cllr Chris Ellis (unwell) and Parish Cllr Eileen Watkins (annual leave).

119. MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – Cllr Chapman advised she lived in close proximity to Grasmere Pasture. Cllr Fowler declared an interest in the planning application for 5 Shepherd’s Walk due to the proximity of his home.

120. VACANCY ON THE COUNCIL The Clerk has put notices on the village noticeboards on 12 October 2015. No-one has yet formally come forward although there have been a couple of enquiries. The Clerk will run an advertisement in the December magazine.

121. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 2015 Cllr Fowler proposed and Cllr Brealy seconded and the Minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting and the Chairman duly signed them.

122. ACTION LIST APPENDIX 1a - The list was presented to Cllrs prior to the meeting. 123. POLICING Cllr Rabey advised that he is waiting on a meeting with the District Commander, Mark Arnold. He is also to attend the meeting with Ann Barnes: Policing and Austerity – Invite to Ann Barnes’ conference Ann Barnes, Kent and Medway Police Commissioner has sent an invitation to a “Policing and Austerity” conference on 9 December 2015 at the College, Maidstone, ME15 9DW. Ann Barnes’ current published Police and Crime Plan and associated medium-term financial planning period runs to 2018-2019. Similar to last year’s plan refresh, Ann does not expect to make any significant changes to her key medium term priorities. The fundamental issue is the effect of national deficit reduction on policing in Kent. The gross current year budget is £306.5m and some 66% of funding comes in the form of government grants and around 28% comes from the police element of the Council Tax; with each 1% increase raising £800,000. (The remainder is income from local fees and charges). On the spend side some 80% is pay related. Ann’s current core planning assumptions are: successive cuts in grant of around 7% in real terms in each year from 2015/16 to 2018/19; a 2% increase each year in the police element of the council tax (subject to the effective capping limit set out by Government) and 1% for pay awards. Set out in Ann’s published Police and Crime Plan in April, those assumptions require a saving of £61.7m to 2018/19, with the £14.5m required for the current year already delivered and plans being developed for future years.

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124. PCSO report PCSO Jade Hoyle explained that they have had a few calls from residents about nuisance callers, asking for account details – never divulge this. There have also been some incidents at Sainsbury and McDonalds. And on 22 October 2015 a prowler was seen at the back of a house in Chestfield Road – Kent Police have given out burglary packs for this. Cllr Fowler commented that this report had not been shared with the neighbourhood watch system, but should have been.

125. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Cllr Fowler gave his Neighbourhood Watch update: 1. Monthly Newsletter - The local monthly NHW newsletter (kindly compiled by Maralyn Whamond) has been distributed to our village coordinators. 2. Theft from builders van - This took place at Broomfield Gate, Chestfield, between 12.00 and 16.00 on 26 October. The owner of a white van parked on a residential driveway while working at the property had his bag stolen from the cabin of his van. The bag contained his wallet with personal details of bank cards, drivers licence etc. This is the fourth theft from tradesmen’s vehicles in the village since the summer. The PCSO has been asked to keep a special eye open, as have all NHW coordinators. 3. Scams Reported a. Council Tax Bracket Scam - Fraudsters have been phoning victims telling them that they have been placed in the wrong council tax bracket for a number of years and are entitled to a rebate. They normally say that this rebate should be worth about £7,000. Once the victim is convinced, the fraudster tells them that in order to receive the rebate they will need to pay an administration fee in advance. The payment they ask for varies between £60–£350. b. Pension Scam - Non regulated ‘pension companies’ continue to target 50 to 60 year olds to get them to release and transfer their pension in to alternative commodities such as hotel developments or property in Cape Verde. They offer exceptionally high return rates for investors. Some victims have signed documents that authorises a limited company to be set up using their personal details, utilising a Small Self–Administered Scheme (SSAS), the fact that victims are unaware that this will happen suggests that the scheme may not have been fully explained to them, increasing the likelihood that there may be an element of fraud involved. c. Trading Standards Officer Scam - Rogue Traders claim to be Trading Standards Officers to obtain money. A resident in opened their door to a man wearing a uniform and speaking with an Irish accent. The man claimed to be investigating work done to their driveway and asked for a phone number. Later that same day a man telephoned the resident and told them they had to pay £3500 to the court to receive compensation. The rogue claimed it was a top secret case and told the resident to not mention the call to anyone. d. Lancashire Constabulary Invoice Scam - A third party supplier to the Constabulary had their data breached, as a result a legitimate Lancashire Constabulary email address has been spoofed and used to generate spam, appearing to come from ‘Lyn Whitehead’, which asks the recipient to pay an invoice that is attached to the email.

4. The phone and broadband provider TalkTalk, was targeted by hackers who used a method known as ‘Distributed Denial of Service’ to attack the website and steal personal data. Although the amount of the data stolen seems to be less than first feared it has been confirmed that:  156,959 personal customer details were accessed;  15,656 bank account numbers and sort codes were accessed;  28,000 obscured credit and debit card numbers were accessed but these cannot alone be used for financial transactions, because they were ‘orphaned’, meaning that customers cannot be identified from the stolen data.

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126. ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING – A resident mentioned a tree trunk from tree works on the pathway alongside Sainsbury’s store. Cllr Bailey advised that he had already spoken to the landowner about the clearance of this. Philip Lennard explained as vice-chairman of the Grasmere Village Residents Association he would like to record thanks to the PCSO Jade Hoyle for all her recent help in sorting out the idiosyncrasies of Grasmere Road. The meeting continued.

127. KCC COUNCILLOR REPORT Kent County Councillor Mike Harrison advised he had had a fascinating 5-6 months now working as Chairman of the Kent County Council. He has met lots of lovely people at lots of different places. As KCC Chairman, he attended a Rotary sunrise dinner on 6 November 2015 in the Cathedral – this had been a good fund raiser and raised over £3k.He also attended the Cathedral again on 8 November 2015 for the Remembrance Service. There has been a complete change to the Civic Team at County Hall, with a new lady in post called Paula Warrington, ably assisted by Lisa Carman – he commented that they are exceptional officers. He advised that the Air Ambulance now have a team of professional speakers. Chestfield Parish Council could ask a speaker to attend the Annual Electors’ meeting in 2016. The Clerk will email Cllr Harrison to get the contact details for them. Cllr Harrison advised he attend Compass House, at Ann Barnes invitation – this was the old police station in Ashford, which is now a first class support facility with private rooms etc for victims of crime. Cllr Harrison offered to send the Clerk some leaflets about it. KCC are waiting on news of further percentage cuts from central government.

128. PLANNING Councillors considered planning applications in Appendix 2 previously circulated. Decisions reached and latest information now attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

Cllr Fowler advised there has been some confusion about whether CCC still post site notices to advertise planning applications and whether they write to affected residents. Cllr Bailey agreed to speak to City Councillor Jenny Samper and ask if there has been a change of policy. And if there has when this change was discussed and agreed by Members. The Clerk will bring the details to the next meeting and if there are changes advise of these in the magazine. Cllr Bailey commented that all new applications are published by CCC in the Whitstable Gazette. If there has been a change to procedures, Chestfield Parish Council may have to rethink their planning procedures and perhaps put a card through affected neighbours doors to draw their attention to a new application.

Bodkin Farm Appeal – CA/14/01319/OUT - Inspectorate Reference A/14/2227624 The Appeal has been dismissed and the development refused by the Inspector. The main reason was the green gap designation and policies. Full details are available on Chestfield Parish Council’s website at http://www.chestfieldpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/

The Chairman advised there have been a number of thank you cards and letters received, thanking the clerk and parish council for their help to fight the application. These will be printed in the magazine. The Chairman asked to record thanks to everyone involved too.

Canterbury District Local Plan and Grasmere Pasture The Canterbury District Local Plan Stage 2 Examination has been postponed until CCC are able to present a robust 5 year housing land supply to the Inspector. There is a report going to the Policy and Resources committee on 11 November and then to full council on 19 November 2015. This recommends some sites for removal, some for amended numbers and some new sites for inclusion now. If all recommendations are agreed this will give CCC a 5.64 years supply (a surplus of 592 dwellings). The full report may be viewed here: 42 http://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=615&Year=0

The key points for Chestfield : The Inspector suggested that CCC revisit the land south of Ridgeway, Grasmere Pasture (SHLAA reference 130) as a site for housing supply. The site is now being presented with a recommendation to include it in the Plan for 300 dwellings and 40,000 square feet of commercial (office) use. (The site promoters have increased the site housing capacity from 200 to 300 dwellings, which is supported by CCC officers.) The report states that it is considered a site that is capable of being commenced and resulting in housing completions within 5 years . The report further states that this site is consistent with the Local Plan’s urban hierarchy strategy as a proposed mixed use development also supports local employment opportunities, highways and education provision. It is anticipated that this site will be required to provide a Primary School, employment space, highway improvements to roundabout, local facilities, improved public open space, including play area and multi-use games area, providing play facilities for toddlers through to teenagers.

Subject to CCC approval at Full Council on 19 November 2015, public consultation on the proposed changes is anticipated to commence on 27 November for an 8 week period closing on 22 January 2016. The statutory period for consultation is 6 weeks, but because of Christmas and New Year this has been extended.

The Clerk advised that unlike the Bodkin Farm development, Grasmere Pasture is not designated as green gap which will make any objection much harder to uphold. The parish council will keep a watching brief on this.

The Clerk will look out the previous two village green applications for Grasmere Pasture, and bring a report to the next meeting.

Affordable housing for local people The recent planning application at Bodkin Farm (CA/14/01319/OUT) raised an issue around affordable housing allocations in the Canterbury district. If allowed, the development would have given 87 units (30%) of affordable homes. Chestfield Parish Council welcomes affordable homes as there is an identified local need but would want a ‘local connection criteria’ for tenants of the affordable housing – to ensure that the local need is met – and that the homes remain for local people in perpetuity. There are examples of such schemes already in the district being allocated in this way - but Canterbury City Council’s legal advisor has advised that these examples are for rural exception sites – and such a criteria cannot be applied to a normal development site. So this means that where the affordable level kicks in, the allocations would not be under any local control. Canterbury City Council does not currently have a housing allocations policy that would allow a local connection to be built in. At the September 2015 parish council meeting Chestfield parish council RESOLVED to lobby Canterbury City Council to introduce a local connection criteria in new developments with a sizeable element of affordable housing where there is a local desire for this to be introduced in any consent of that development. (The councillors felt this is especially important in light of the Inspector in the Examination in Public comments that CCC revisit Grasmere Pasture as a possible site for housing development) The office response letter, dated 6 October 2015, was reported to Chestfield parish councillors at their parish council meeting held on 12 October 2015. The letter essentially states that rural exception sites are the only sites where a local connection to a specific rural area can be applied, and CCC are unable to enforce a stricter local connection criteria for several reasons. Chestfield Parish Council’s comments (made at their parish council meeting on 12 October) to these reasons were then incorporated in to a further letter dated 28 October 2015to CCC. This asked that rather than this be an officer item and response, that this now be a Member decision with proper debate, and that a report be produced and discussed by Members at a relevant committee. Their second response is awaited.

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Chestfield Parish Council had also brought this concern to the attention of the other parish councils in the Canterbury district, and asked that if they share the concern that they should also contact CCC. The Clerk advised that Chestfield Parish Council has been supported so far by 14 parish councils, namely, Barham, with , , , Bridge, , , , , Kingston, , , and . So with Chestfield, this makes 15 of the district’s 26 parish councils now asking for a reconsideration of the housing allocation policy. ( and have responded that they have no interest in supporting the call, at this time. Three other parish councils who have not yet responded either way are to consider the item at their November parish council meeting, so their resolution outcome is awaited.)

129. FINANCIAL MATTERS RECEIVED the bank statement for October 2015, and RESOLVED the signature of a councillor other than the Chairman thereon; NOTED a payment of £16.33, for the Plusnet Internet account was taken by direct debit on 18/10/2015. NOTED that the Clerk added the three concrete planters at Fairlawn green to the parish council’s Fixed Asset Register. NOTED that the Clerk advised the parish council’s insurance company to add the new Fairlawn planters and contents to the parish council’s schedule for cover on 14 October 2015. There will be no additional premium levied until renewal and then just under £20 extra will be charged.

Internal Audit RECEIVED the Internal Auditor’s report of the internal audit undertaken on 12 October 2015. There are no areas for concern.

Advertisers Renewals NOTED that the Clerk has undertaken the annual renewal exercise. NOTED that : - 5 advertisers did not wish to renew for the next year - 41 advertisers have renewed bringing in a total income of £2,660 - There are two new advertisers from December and their payments are due. - Two advertisers have been deleted for non-payment and no contact - 3 current advertisers are an undetermined status, with a potential further income of £220 (and will be resolved by the Clerk before the print deadline)

130. AUTHORISATION OF ACCOUNTS The Clerk presented finance sheets for cheque payments requiring authorisation totalling £712.77, together with an additional sheet totalling £3,137.10. It was RESOLVED that the financial matters and accounts be authorised for payment.

131. CLERK’S REPORT KCC Budget Consultation Kent County Council launched a consultation on its draft Budget for 2016/2017. KCC estimate that they will need to find £80m of savings for the 2016/2017 budget, which comes on top of savings of £433m already made over the last 5 years. KCC’s deadline for responses is 24 November. KCC has published the following:  Press release - https://kccmediahub.net/kcc-budget-consultation-managing-kents- money-responsibly745  Budget Consultation - http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/have-your-say/budget- consultation

KCC is proposing a small increase in Council Tax (up to the amount permitted without having to arrange a formal referendum - e.g. 1.99%) to contribute towards the additional demands being placed on council services and to provide some protection for local services. The Consultation question asks “How much Council Tax would you be willing to pay towards the financial challenge the authority faces next year?” and provides 3 options:

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- I’d accept the small proposed increase without the need for a referendum e.g. 1.99% (The KCC element of the Council Tax charge on a band C property would increase by £19.36 per year or 37p per week). - I’d accept a larger increase requiring a referendum e.g. 5% (The KCC element of the Council Tax charge on a band C property would increase by £48.40 per year or 93p per week). - No increase (leave the KCC element of the Council Tax charge on a band C property at £966.88 per year or £18.59 per week) and make equivalent cuts to services (of around £11m per year) on top of the estimated £80m already needed to balance the budget).

A housing needs survey Whilst the issue of finding any land to build any affordable homes identified as being needed, is likely problematic in the village, a housing needs survey and write up report could actually help the parish council to inform (with evidence) the large planning development(s) that may come in to the village – and could steer what is actually needed locally. The survey would be worked up with the Housing Enabler at Action with Communities in Rural Kent – councillors would be able to have full input on what questions they want asked – and the housing enabler then posts out the survey to all the households in the village – and also receives them back direct – so the parish council remains impartial and one step removed. The housing enabler then analyses and collates the information obtained and completes a write up report for the parish council. At the October 2015 parish council meeting, the parish council resolved to undertake a Housing Needs Survey. After the meeting the Clerk contacted the Rural Housing Enabler about this. Her workload would not allow the survey until the New Year. She will need to discuss the content of the survey to ensure it will collect the information that the Parish Council requires and ask CCC if they will provide her with the addresses of all residences in the parish.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES CHRISTMAS TREE The Christmas tree and Christmas lights will be set up at St Joseph’s Catholic Church as in previous years on Saturday 28 November 2015. Cllrs Bailey, Ellis, Brealy and the Clerk have offered to help with the installation so far.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS JUDGING COMPETITION NOTED that the Clerk has purchased a hamper as a prize for the winner. Cllrs Ellis and Watkins will draw up the shortlist (Cllr Fowler will be the reserve) on either 9, 10 or 11 December 2015, and Cllrs Bailey and Chapman will do the final judging on Sunday 13 December 2015.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS EVENT NOTED this is confirmed as Wednesday 16 December at 8pm on the green outside St Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Clerk has advised Chestfield Rotary of the date and they have kindly agreed to provide volunteers to help in the kitchen as in previous years. The Clerk has written to Reverend Vannerley at St John’s Church and Father St Aubyn at St Joseph’s to ask them for programme amendments; and she written to the organist to confirm details.

CENSUS 2011 RESEARCH The Clerk was asked to do some research around the Census 2011 statistics. Some general key interesting points are:  On census night the population in and Wales was 56.1 million, 53.0 million in England and 3.1 million in Wales. This was the largest the population had ever been.  The population of England and Wales grew by 3.7 million in the 10 years since the last census, rising from 52.4 million in 2001, an increase of 7.1 per cent. This was the largest growth in the population in England and Wales in any 10-year period since census taking began, in 1801.

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 The median age of the population in England and Wales was 39. For men, the median age was 38 and for women it was 40. In 1911, the median age was 25.  The percentage of the population aged 65 and over was the highest seen in any census at 16.4 per cent, that is one in six people in the population was 65 and over.  There were 430,000 residents aged 90 and over in 2011 compared with 340,000 in 2001 and 13,000 in 1911.  In 2011, there were 3.5 million children under five in England and Wales, 406,000 more than in 2001.

More locally, Kent County Council’s geographical statistics may be found here: https://shareweb.kent.gov.uk/Documents/facts-and-figures/Population-and- Census/2011%20Census/2011-census-ward-level-population.pdf

Here is a link to the Area Profiles page which holds ward profiles. The latest population is in the population page. http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/information-and-data/Facts-and-figures-about- Kent/area-profiles The Clerk researched population statistics for Chestfield which was printed and distributed separately to all councillors at the meeting.

132. NALC SURVEY NOTED that Cllrs Rabey and Fowler and the Clerk completed the NALC survey for a National Improvement Strategy for Parish Town Councils. The aim of the strategy is to ensure local councils have the support and tools to make the most of current and future opportunities and that local communities are supported by strong, resilient and effective councils at all tiers of local government.

133. VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU EVENT The Chairman advised that he had contacted the cricket club and they have said they would be happy to host the Volunteers thank you buffet event free of charge. The Chairman and Clerk will visit the cricket club, and finalise things and set a date in December or January. The Clerk will arrange menus for external caterer.

134. NETWORKING EVENT The agenda item to CONSIDER hosting an event for all the village residents associations representatives to meet to network, and discuss common items such as unadopted road upkeep etc, was deferred until the next meeting, when hopefully Cllr Ellis will be present to lead the discussion.

135. MAGAZINE AND COMMUNICATIONS The Clerk confirmed that the December edition of the magazine is booked with the printers for 13 November 2015. Business cards, or photo cards or lanyards may be considered at a later date. 136. SPEEDWATCH Since the last meeting 4 checks have recorded 48 vehicles travelling between 36 – 55mph. The Clerk explained that there is the Annual All Day Out at the end of November and she is trying to rota volunteers to cover this. Once slots are confirmed Kent Police may be informed so that hopefully they will come and support the village. Cllr Rabey offered to push for police support. A resident asked if a new site along Grasmere Road could be used. The Clerk agreed to explore this, but explained that the Kent Police speedwatch unit would need to approve any new site from a health and safety point of view.

137. TRAIN SERVICES Cllr Bailey advised that train services are subject to occasional delay. He commented that it is 46

not clear what is happening on a cleared part of land alongside the Old Thanet Way alongside the station and opposite the petrol filling station.

138. HIGHWAYS The annual Kent Highways Survey is now out for consultation. The Clerk and Cllrs Rabey and Fowler worked up a response for Chestfield. This covered contact/service/reporting, the annual seminar, roads, pavements, street lighting, drains and gullies, congestion and safety cameras.

The gas networks have proposed gas mains replacement works commencing on Chestfield Road on 23 November 2015 until 18 December 2015. Work will begin under 2-way traffic lights which will be manually controlled Monday – Friday 07.30-19.00 and Saturdays 08.00-17.00. Contractors anticipate the traffic lights to be in use for one week and will remove them once finished with and continue works. The contractors WCB Utilities will be completing these works.

Kent Highways seminar RECEIVED the Clerk report of the Kent Highways Service highways seminar at the cricket ground, Canterbury, on 5 November 2015. The Clerk and Cllr Rabey attended this. Cllr Rabey felt that the street lighting item was important to note: KCC officers Robert Clark and Sue Kinsella presented. They explained that KCC has:  120,000 street lights  27,250 illuminated signs/bollards  An annual energy bill of £6m and an annual maintenance bill of £5.7m plus an additional carbon tax Completed so far: Phase 1 – a trial switch off of 1200 surplus lights. There is currently consultation and a review of this to determine whether to remove them or switch them back on, and Phase 2 - conversion of 60,000 residential lights to part-night lighting – this has saved £1m per year. To do: - A conversion programme for all lanterns to become LED lanterns to save money: - Phase 1 – Residential areas (70,000 lights) – to take 14 months - Phase 2 – Main routes (40,000 lights) – to take a further 15 months - Phase 3 – Town Centres (10,000 lights) – to take a further 9 months This programme will cost £40m. KCC negotiated a 0% loan with Salix for this (a central government organisation). LEDS are becoming the energy standard. Older lanterns will gradually be phased out and get harder to source. If parishes who own and maintain their own lanterns want to join the KCC LED replacement contract they can make enquiries to be added (at a cost).

- A recent tender for a 15 year street lights maintenance service - To install a central management system (CMS) to deal with all the lanterns individually or in clusters, for example could change individual lanterns times of operation remotely rather than need a crew to go out. There is a current consultation asking for views of residents to inform a Member decision on night lighting – the question asks do you want part-night lighting (the current level of service) or all-night lighting. More information at http://kent.gov.uk/streetlights

Right hand sign for Radfall Hill to alert drivers to the junction at Dukeswood The Clerk did a speedwatch check with one of the volunteers at the junction of Radfall Hill with Dukeswood. Drivers drive fast down Radfall Hill from Broomfield Gate towards Dukeswood. There are real hazards for drivers wanting to turn right in to Dukeswood if there are vehicles coming up the hill and therefore causing them to have to stop and wait to turn. There are real risks of rear end collisions. Infact one driver was going so fast that he actually had to go on the wrong side of the road and go round the waiting car! 47

The parish council discussed paying for a new highways sign drawing attention to the existence of a right hand junction when coming down Radfall Hill to the Dukeswood entrance There is already a ‘slow’ legend painted on the road. The Clerk has asked the highways liaison steward to obtain a quotation for a sign to be made up and installed. The parish council agreed at their October 2015 parish council meeting that there should be in principle support subject to Kent Highways agreement. The safety critical engineer visited and agreed to formally consider the parish council’s request – KHS Reference 42200896. The Clerk will bring an update to the December meeting.

Petition requesting highways improvements at the bottom of Radfall Road The Chairman explained that he had received a petition from 70 plus residents/households of Broomfield Gate, Radfall Hill and Radfall Ride and Dukeswood, listing the problems that the recent flooding has caused them, and to petition for better drainage. They have formally asked that the parish council pass this to the highways authority to seek a solution rather than a piecemeal approach. Cllr Rabey confirmed that the problems in this area have been noted on the Kent Highways annual survey (mentioned above).

Update on the Graffiti on the underpass The graffiti is unsightly but not offensive. The Chairman advised that the Local Press had picked up on this item from the parish council minutes of the last meeting, and a press officer had rung him. There is nothing for the parish council to do here, to pay a contractor to do cleaning would be a burden on the tax payer. Cllr Bailey confirmed that city councillor Jenny Samper has forwarded the issue. Cllr Rabey agreed that the burden should not fall to the parish council. He explained that the Community Safety Unit officers’ job description has tackling graffiti for this year. Cllr Rabey offered to contact the local police and Community Safety Unit and ask them what they could do. 139. ENVIRONMENT

FLYTIPPING - Cllr Brealy explained that to tackle the recent numerous fly tipping incidents along Molehill Road, he has been trying to find out the ownership of a parcel of land. He has kindly installed two posts at the entrance to one bit himself to try and stop repeat drops. The Chairman thanked Cllr Brealy for his actions.

New circular walks within the parish Three further possible routes within the parish had been circulated: 1. A route aimed at families This walk has been kindly designed by a resident and member of the Chestfield History Society. A walk of 1.5 miles using the constraints of starting in the recreation ground and not crossing Chestfield Road, to be family friendly. Because there are no joined up pavements along Chestfield Road this makes any walking to the South (towards Canterbury) impossible. The route is suitable for all ages, for pushchairs/scooters/trikes (children to be supervised at all times).

2. Start and Finish at the Play Park; Up The Drove; Along The Drive, along Molehill Road, and also Chestfield Road With a possible optional extension along Grasmere Road and across Grasmere Pasture back to the play park via The Ridgeway (part of the existing original circular walk)

3. Start and Finish at the Play Park; Along Chestfield Road to The Leas, around Green Leas green (optional), along Fairlawn green; along The Leas to The Drive; To The Drove; Molehill Road and back to the Play Park; With optional extension(s) – Around Cherry Orchard, Shepherds Walk to Grasmere Road and /or Grasmere Road and across Grasmere Pasture back to the play park via The Ridgeway

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These were draft routes and untested. There was a comment that Molehill Road has no pavements so might not be family friendly and perhaps should be avoided. There is however a public right of way footpath running parallel that may be a better alternative. The Clerk and the resident agreed to meet and look again at options between meetings, and report back to the next meeting. (Subsequent promoting of these local walks is an opportunity to prepare a leaflet showing points of historical interest. The History Society has representatives who would be happy to draw together the points of interest.)

Access to the ball court at Whitstable Rugby Football Club The Chairman explained the history. CCC offered a grant from developers’ contributions in the area that could be used for outdoor space improvements. A ball and net post was opposed by residents opposite the play park in Chestfield Road. Subsequently, this grant and a considerable contribution from the parish council was given to the Whitstable Rugby Football Club to repair the safety surfacing and fencing of their ball court. A hoop and back board was also funded by the parish council. This funding was given on the understanding that there would be informal public access to use the ball court. However since then the Rugby Club have put down grass mat surfacing (at considerable cost) and locked the gates with a padlock and chain. Cllr Bailey explained that the result is that children are cutting and damaging the fence in order to gain access. Cllr Bailey has spoken to a representative of the Club who was of the view that it was not just the parish council that has given funds. Cllr Bailey explained that the Police officers at the Fun Day in August were of the opinion that the fence is getting damaged because it is locked. Cllr Bailey advised that the Rugby Club are prepared to offer access on a booking system.

Chestfield Parish Councillors discussed this. Cllrs felt that the parish council paid a considerable sum towards the ball court refurbishment. There is some signage although personal injury claims could arise, and the Rugby Club are responsible for insurance, public liability insurance and health and safety. Chestfield Parish Council could offer to pay for an indemnity insurance to cover children’s use of the ball court/ users occupying it.

The Clerk was asked to formally write to Whitstable Rugby Football Club with the parish council concerns about the lack of access to the ball court, and ask that the matter goes to the Rugby Club’s next committee meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.40p.m.

Signed: ……………………………………………… Date: ………………………………………… Chairman

Please note these Minutes remain as draft Minutes until they are approved by the parish council at their next parish council meeting

CHESTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING REPORT, 09 NOVEMBER 2015 APPENDIX 2 Planning controls on houses in multiple occupation in Canterbury NOTED a letter received that Canterbury City Council has confirmed its Direction under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order to bring planning controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in Canterbury. The Direction will remove existing permitted development rights for the change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to small HMO (Use Class C4), with effect from 25 February 2016. After that date a planning application for a change of use will be required for a change from a dwelling house to a small HMO. 49

New Applications

22 CA/15/01916/FUL – Queens Delegated authority was required to compose comments Acre, Broomfield Gate on this application (and in association with No 26 below Conversion of first floor over CA/15/01917/FUL for a Log cabin sectional building garage into holiday let holiday let.)

Although Chestfield Parish Council was consulted about both applications, as a statutory consultee, nearby neighbours of Queen’s Acre contacted the parish council with concerns that due process for consultation was not followed by the planning authority for these two applications, claiming that most residents in the nearby vicinity had not received notification letters inviting comments, and in addition it would appear that either no site notices had been erected at Queen’s Acre or they were removed preventing proper notification of the proposed development. If this is the case, Canterbury City Council may need to extend the consultation period? Chestfield Parish Council would like to see a condition, if this application is granted, that this garage must be enjoyed as incidental to the main property and not be allowed to be sold separately, in order to protect correct development in the area. Some residents have concern about an increase in traffic movements along this unmade road. Chestfield Parish Council is of the opinion that whether this accommodation is used as a holiday let or as an annexe that the number of traffic movements would be broadly comparable for either use. 26 CA/15/01917/FUL – Queens Delegated authority for this application was required, in Acre, Broomfield Gate order to meet the deadline for comments. The comments Log cabin sectional building also need to be in conjunction with the response for holiday let – with two bedrooms, CA/15/01916/FUL for the same site to convert the first a bathroom and open plan living, floor over garage into holiday let dining, kitchen area, and a front decked terrace. Heating provided This is a large plot and the proposed siting of the cabin by a log burner and services at the rear of the garden it appears would not involve any (water and electric) to be shared overlooking on or by neighbours. with the main house. It is noted that the tree report advises that the proposal would have no harm on the trees. Chestfield Parish Council would like to see a condition, if this application is granted, that this sectional building must be enjoyed as incidental to the main property and not be allowed to be sold separately, in order to protect correct development in the area.

29 CA//15/02150 Delegated authority for this application was required, in 3 Laxton Way, Chestfield, CT5 order to meet the deadline for comments. 3JL This is another garden grab which is immediately Erection of detached bungalow adjacent to, but just outside of the conservation area. with associated parking The proposal would basically bisect the plot, front to back, and insert a detached bungalow between the two existing detached two houses. To the rear, the new property would be very close to the boundary of the first bungalow in Tydeman’s Ave. The applicants design and access statement says they have sought ‘positive’ pre- application feedback from CCC (even if the response

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from CCC stated that ‘The application site falls within the urban area of Whitstable on the residential road of Grimthorpe Avenue’ – let’s hope they paid more attention to the content of the proposal than they did the location). It is evident from the CCC response that there has been previous communication about provision of a house on this site, which CCC indicated would not be acceptable. Chestfield Parish Council has objected to other recent applications of ‘garden grabs’ in the village, which are inappropriate development, and the parish council would like to object to this application also.

30 CA//15/02044 Delegated authority for this application was required, in The Bell House, 86 Chestfield order to meet the deadline for comments. Road, Chestfield, CT5 3LT The proposal is for a large building (25m x 10m) to be Demolition of existing temporary erected on the boundary within a very large rear garden. outbuildings and new build Although there would be loss of some trees (an Ash, swimming pool, games room and Lilac, Hawthorn and 3 apple trees) none appear to be workshop for domestic use. protected. The proposed building will stand about 5.5m in height to the roof apex, although the neighbours have a large garden and the proposed build will be some 20 metres from the nearest building on their site. No residents contacted the parish council about this application. The Parish Council has no comment to make.

31 CA/15/02202/FUL The parish council has no comment on this application 7 Chestfield Road Proposed removal of a chimney 32 CA/15/02206/FUL – Molehill This one has potential to be controversial with Cottage, Molehill Road neighbours, especially as the principal property to which Removal of existing garage and it is to be associated lies well to the rear of plot, leaving construction of replacement the new building much nearer to the road and sited level garage/workshop/studio with and between two existing residences. The character of Molehill Road is one of detached houses set back from the road with no garages in front of houses. The existing garage is in the front garden however, and is of single storey, low level construction, probably no more than 2.5m high and overgrown / surrounded with bushes which largely shield it from view on most elevations. The existing structure is not sympathetic to the listed building nor the conservation area. However it does not block views of the listed buildings of Molehill Cottage and neighbouring Sparrow Court. The proposed replacement is a 7m x 7m two storey structure with a roof apex of 7m which would be in full view from every side. The proposed structure is tall and bulky and would appear as a new house in the front garden, and may set an unwanted precedent for this road. Any replacement structure should be subservient to these and not block the views and not compete with their proportions. A single storey structure may be preferable. If CCC are minded to grant the application, although its stated purpose does not include habitable use, perhaps the structure would lend itself to that at some future point – possibly even as a stand-alone residential premise with some adaptation. Therefore Chestfield Parish Council would like to see a condition, if this application is granted, that this garage studio must be enjoyed as 51

incidental to the main property and not be allowed to be sold separately or used for habitable use, in order to protect correct development in the area.

33 CA//15/02238 Cllr Fowler declared an interest in this application due to 5 Shepherds Walk, Chestfield, the proximity of his home. CT5 3ND This bungalow is on the junction of Woodvale Ave and Single-storey side extension and Shepherds Walk. The proposed single storey extension associated alterations. is in keeping and in scale. The parish council has no comment on the application.

34 CA/15/02242/FUL – Oaklees, The parish council has no comment on the application Radfall Ride Erection of a detached double garage

CA/15/01721/FUL – 20 Grasmere Road Construction of a two-storey dwelling (code for sustainable homes level 6) A letter was received advising that an amended flood risk assessment has been received with additional information on pages 31-34 for consideration. The parish council had previously uploaded an objection to this application. Cllr Fowler studied the original and revised flood risk assessment and the Clerk and Cllr Rabey endorsed is subsequent report. A delegated authority was required to meet the deadline, and the response has been uploaded – the parish council still object and either Cllr Rabey or Cllr Fowler will attend the development management meeting when it is considered.

Notifications CA/15/01285/VAR – Solar Array, Molehill Road Granted by CCC Variation of condition 02 of planning permission CA/13/02004/FUL in respect of addition of combiner boxes CA/15/01395/FUL Granted by CCC KFC Unit 4 Highgate Park, Thanet Way Alterations to car parking CA/15/01772/LUP – Tall Trees, Radfall Road CCC decision = would be lawful Certificate of lawful development for re- positioning of barn CA/15/01800/FUL Granted by CCC 60 Grasmere Road Single-storey side extension, loft conversion and new external cladding

Enforcement

Mobile home sited in field off Radfall Road There is a field on Radfall Road hill, between Radfall Ride and Broomfield Gate. If travelling from Canterbury towards Chestfield Road, pass Broomfield Gate corner and travel downwards – the field is on the right hand side and quite large. The Clerk was advised that there is a mobile home sited on it, and contacted CCC’s Enforcement team on 10 July 2015. They replied on 16 July: Case Ref: ENF /15 /00214: The site has been visited and an initial assessment has been made of the problem. CCC feel it is appropriate to invite a planning application to assist in determining the planning merits of the development. The history of the land here has been checked, and although there is a record of an application being granted by Canterbury City Council in 2008 (CA//080/0128/CHE refers), the application would appear to have been invalidated has the payment cheque for the application was returned as 'unpaid' by the bank. Furthermore, the granted application did state; 'The development to which this

52 permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three (3) years beginning with the date which this permission is granted'. This was in 2008, essentially the 'granted' permission is void. The development is therefore unlawful. Without prejudice to a formal determination being made by this Council, it is possible that the scheme may be acceptable and planning permission may be granted for the development. The owner of the land is therefore invited to apply for planning permission, however, any application must be submitted along with the necessary documentation and fee within twenty eight days of the date of the letter sent to the owner on 16 July 2015. If an application is not received it will be necessary to consider whether it is expedient to pursue formal enforcement action in respect of this matter. The Clerk chased on 26 August 2015 to progress the case to the next stage in the absence of an application and on 3 September asked for an update. The case officer advised that a further letter requesting an application was sent. The Clerk will chase again for an update at the next meeting.

Application for tree works:

CA/15/02191/TPO – Woodside, Molehill Road To fell two Malus Domestica Trees subject to TPO 16, 1975 These two trees have a tree preservation order (TPO) on them.

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