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CHARTHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 7.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2017 AT THE VILLAGE HALL, STATION ROAD, CHARTHAM, NR CANTERBURY, KENT, CT4 7JA.
Present:
Cllr. C. Manning – Chairman Cllr. S. Dungay Cllr. G. Wells Cllr. P. Coles Cllr. A. Frost Cllr. G. Hoare Cllr. R. Thomas CCC Cllr. S. Hatcher, Vice-Chairman
Five members of the Public.
(1) Chairman’s Opening Remarks and Apologises for Absence:
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologises for absence.
Mr. P. Hornibrook – Clerk (Illness), Cllr. T. Clark (Other Commitments), Cllr. R. Mallett (Other Commitments), Cllr. R. Doyle CCC (Other Meeting), KCC Cllr. J. Simmonds (Sickness).
It was agreed that there would be no Parish Council meeting in December.
Everyone sent their good wishes to the Clerk and hoped he was covering well.
(2) Confirmation of previous Minutes of the last meeting held 10th October 2017:
Resolution: To confirm minutes of meeting held on 10th October 2017 (previously circulated).
Proposed by: Cllr. Coles and Seconded by: Cllr. Hoare.
All councillors voted in favour.
(3) Council: a) Declaration of any councillor’s interest in agenda items.
Cllr. Coles declared an interest in a planning application CA/17/02499.
b) Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests and Voluntary Announcements of Other Interests, and a reminder to think of any changes to the DPI Register held at CCC, such as a change of job or home.
No change to any councillors DPI Register details.
(4) Matters Arising from the Minutes:
Cl. Hatcher reported that CCC have now issued a report on proposed boundary changes, following consultation with parishes back in October. Details have been forwarded to all councillors and it was good news for Chartham as there are no boundary changes or amalgamations with other parishes and it will stay as it is. The next stage is to agree which proposals should go forward to the next round of consultation starting in January 2018.
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(5) To Receive and Consider ‘CORRESPONDENCE’:
(A folder of correspondence was available for all Councillors to view the correspondence and to make comment on).
1. Swale Borough Council – Consultation on Swale Borough Council’s draft Statement of Community Involvement – 20th October 2017 to 4th December 2017. Details noted to all councillors.
2. CPRE Kent – Annual General Meeting – Friday 17th November 2017 at 10.30 at Lenham Community Hall. Details noted to all councillors.
3. CPRE Kent – Kent Voice Magazine – Autumn/Winter 2017. A copy was available for all councillors to read and Cllr. Dungay took the document for perusal.
(6) Financial Matters, including ‘Authorisation of Accounts’:
A resolution that orders for payment as shown in attached schedules was agreed unanimously. The cheques were signed by Cllr. Manning and Cllr. Dungay.
All councillors agreed the Bank Reconciliation for the month of November 2017.
Cllr. Hatcher noted that CCC had informed the Parish Council that the CCC Capital Grant application that we submitted for new metal galvanised green fencing at the Shalmsford Street recreation ground, has been granted and that we have been awarded £5,112.07 towards the total cost of £10, 432.80. There is an Executive meeting to decide whether to proceed with Option 1 which is to fund the 6 applications t 100%. We await their confirmation.
It was reported that our 2016/2017 year Parish Council accounts have now been returned from PKF Littlejohn LLP external auditors, formally agreed and ‘sign-off’.
It was noted that the Clerk has now received our VAT reclaim for the period April to August 2017 from HM Revenue and Customs.
The Sports Club have been written too reminding them that they owe £1,000 for the hire of the sports club pitches for the 2016/2017 year. They have also repaid £1,000 of the loan they owe the Parish Council.
It was noted that our Precept for the 2018/2019 year will be and the Clerk will notify CCC of the amount by the end of December 2017.
It was noted that all councillors had been notified that from 25th May 2017 new General Data Protection Regulations come into force. The Regulations apply to all organisations and every organisation will need to comply with the new principles when processing data. Council’s will need to appoint a Data Protection Officer. The Clerk will review and take forward the new issues over the new few weeks.
(7) Planning Applications and tree works:
The Clerk reported that there were ‘4’ new Planning Applications to be dealt with at the meeting.
CA/17/02399/FUL – Proposal: Variation of condition 04 (painting of caravans) of planning permission CA/05/00630/FUL & condition 02 (painting of caravans) of planning permission CA/10/00660/FUL for the use of land for the storage of seasonal workers caravans during the
CPC.Parish Council Minutes – November 2017 2 Page 072 2017/2018 winter months, to allow all caravans to be painted matt green: Location: Mansfield Farms, Nickle Farm, Nickle Lane, Chartham, CT4 7PF: P.C. Comments: Comments were deferred until a decision has been made about the caravans.
CA/17/02521/FUL – Proposal: Proposed replacement timber windows, insertion of window following relocation of entrance and addition of porch, installation of balcony and additional solar panels to south-east elevation, recladding of dormer, 7 no. roof lights, enlargement of 3 no, roof lights and insertion of gate to rear wall: Location: The Garth, Mystole Lane, Mystole, Chartham, CT4 7DB: P.C. Comments: No Objections.
CA/17/02499/FUL - Proposal: Proposed replacement of 7 no windows, 3 no secondary glazing and a replacement door to the rear: Location: 3 The Square, Rattington Street, Chartham, CT4 7JG: P.C. Comments: No Objections.
CA/17/02483/FUL - Proposal: Application for lawful development certificate for existing single- storey rear extension and replacement first-floor window with French doors and Juliet balcony : Location: 9 Old Garden Court, Chartham, CT4 7GA : P.C. Comments: No Objections.
The Clerk noted that the following planning application was dealt with at a planning sub- committee meeting.
CA/17/02125/FUL - Proposal: Proposed erection of Polytunnels: Location: Nickle Farm, Nickle Lane, Chartham, CT4 7PF: P.C. Comments: See CCC planning portal for Parish Council comments.
The Clerk noted the following ‘Granted’ Planning Applications.
CA/17/01920/FUL – Proposal: Proposed loft conversion with 2 no roof lights to front and 4 no roof lights to rear: Location: 49 Shalmsford Street, Chartham, CT4 7RL.
CA/17/01925/FUL - Proposal: Proposed single-storey rear and side garage extension together with roof extension, dormer window and Juliet balustrades to rear following demolition of existing conservatory: Location: 13 River Court, Chartham, CT4 7JN.
CA/17/01432/FUL - Proposal: Proposed single-storey rear and side together with roof extension with dormer and roof lights: Location: 13 River Court, Chartham, CT4 7JN.
CA/17/01180/FUL - Proposal: Propose replacement fencing to boundary: Location: Stour Farm Cottage, Riverside, Chartham, CT4 7NX.
The Clerk noted the following ‘Withdrawn’ Planning Application.
CA/17/02134/LB - Proposal: Application for listed building consent for alterations to chimney: Location: Rose Cottage, Chartham Hatch, CT4 7LS.
It was reported that there was no further information regarding the proposed development of the Arjo Wiggins, Mill site and no further details were known regarding Tong Wood enforcement.
(8) Cemetery Matters:
It was noted that we will be arranging a Cemetery meeting for January 2018 as there is not much happening at the cemetery grounds etc.
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It was noted that there does not appear to be a date anywhere inside or outside the Chapel denoting the date it was built. The Clerk will check the property and if there is not a date we may consider having a stone plaque made up with the date on.
We are still monitoring signs of damp on the Chapel wall behind the alter.
The Clerk noted a vote of thanks to Cllr. Hoare for his hard work on the cleaning the coffin turntable in the Chapel.
The Clerk is to liaise with Richard Marsh our gravedigger and Cllr. Hoare in the next few weeks to undertake the annual inspection of ‘dangerous Memorials’ in the cemetery grounds.
The issue of the ‘Chapel Bell’ will be taken forward next year, when the weather improves and we have funds to erect scaffolding..
It was noted that one of our large 700 litre litter bins at the cemetery has gone missing from the cemetery grounds. It now appears that the bin was broken by the SERCO team who took it away and have subsequently ordered a replacement.
Glew fencing are to repair the broken fence struts at the front of the cemetery grounds.
(9) Countryside Issues:
It was reported that the Clerk had forwarded the invoice from Kingston Tree Surgeons to Rebecca Booth at CCC for work at Bakers Wood, so that she can arrange payment from the S106 Development Contributions fund. We await payment by BACS in due course.
It was noted that future maintenance of Bakers Wood would be with money which we will be put on our 2018/2019 Precept application. This will enable the woodland to be kept in good order.
Cllr. Coles asked at the last meeting if the lease for Bakers Wood included any provision for CCC to fund any maintenance of the woodland, The only notes included were those suggesting that the Parish Council should apply to a number of groups for grants to help with the maintenance. Unfortunately, many of these funds are no longer in existence. The KSCP should help with the maintenance but we now have to pay them £250 per day for ‘Volunteer’ work.
An e-mail from Kent Wildlife Trust was noted that recently updated a citation for a local wildlife site (SW17 – Blean Woods South). Details have been passed to all councillors.
We have received another comment on a social media site about a person using a chain saw in Bakers Wood. It turns out it was one of te Kingston Tree workers who was finishing up some work in the woodland.
A question was asked about noting all the footpaths in the parish so we don’t loose them. Cllr. Butcher has a file with all the maps and here is a ‘Footpaths’ file in the office.
(10) Amenities:
It was noted that we are still awaiting the removal of the BT payphone on the A28 Ashford Road, junction with Shalmsford Street. BT has stated that it will be removed anytime up to the end of December 2017.
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Cllr. Manning again thanked all the volunteers who undertake litter picking around the parish, St. Augustine’s and Larkey Valley.
It was noted that we are still waiting delivery of two new litterbins from Broxap to be installed on the Memorial playing field to replace two that have broken and rusty doors.
We have still not had a response from CCC regarding if they are going to replace the missing litterbin at the bus shelter on the A28 Ashford Road, junction with Hatch Lane, with a new one. We will continue to chase CCC for an answer.
A letter of complaint from the Chairman of the St.Augustine’s Residents Association , noting that the children using the playing fields leave a load of rubbish, cans, bottles, etc along the verges and roadways. Similarly children leave rubbish at the bus stops opposite the playing field. It was stated that bus stops are not the responsibility of the Parish Council. Their residents complain about how unsightly it all is and that they have to ask their ‘Caretaker’ to pick up the litter. They also asked if the Parish Council can write a letter to the Sports Club coaches asking them to remove their rubbish or place it in the bins. The footballers have been asked to do this on numerous occasions and they state if it rubbish left on the fields during the day then it is not them.
It was reported that the Post Office has now sent out a consultation paper regarding the proposed move of the Post Office from Shalmsford Street to the shop at St. Augustine’s. Cllr. Manning updated councillors on the current situation.
An e-mail from a gentleman who wants to reopen the discussion about potentially installing a ‘Dog Park’ in the village. This issue was discussed last year and it was noted that the parish has no available ground for a dog-park, which would have to be fenced , have dog-bins and litter bins installed, as well as a water supply and benches. \this would cost several thousand pounds. Chartham has numerous footpaths around the parish as well as the Chartham to Canterbury cycle path where dogs can be walked.
(11) Adjournment of the meeting for parishioners’ questions and comments.
A gentleman spoke for 3 minutes on his plans as the new owner of the Chapter Arms and his plans to develop the site. He was told that the Parish Council does not comment on any plans until a formal planning application has been lodged with CCC.
(12) To receive City and/or County Councillors’ Reports (if applicable):
Cllr. R. Thomas gave the following report.
CCC budget consultation - https://www2.canterbury.gov.uk/your-council/have-your- say/consultations/budget-consultation-201819/
Electric car charging points consultation - https://news.canterbury.gov.uk/locations-sought-for- electric-charge-points/. CCC can apply for government funding to part fund 4 new charging points. Where should they go? This would be in addition to the charging points that are in the park and ride car parks. It is planned that charging points would be part of a new station road west car park.
Station road west car park- http://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=615&MId=11199&Ver=4 expend iture approved and planning application to be submitted. Increased cost due to contractor mistakes, unforeseen issues such as Victorian drainage, trees in Station Road West to be kept and a green wall to be built on the station side of the car park to improve air quality and improve visual impact. CPC.Parish Council Minutes – November 2017 5 Page 075 2017/2018
Public realm improvements - St George’s Street deferred until a wider Heritage Lottery Fund application pursued but improvements to Orange Street, Best Lane and the Friars to be considered on 30.11.17. These improvements were part of a wider package of improvements including the Station Road West car park and to be funded by increased parking charges.
Litter pick - organised a litter pick at Larkey Valley Woods in recent weeks. More litter picks to be arranged including the Great British Spring Clean in 2018.
The City Council’s Rural Area Member Panel, which covers Chartham Parish Council, has an Environmental Improvement fund. I have requested a dozen litter picking sets specifically for Chartham to help with availability of equipment at peak times.
Furthermore surveillance cameras could also be funded from this fund and I will follow up further information for the parish council to be able to apply for funding/a camera.
Best wishes Robert Thomas Councillor Chartham and Stone Street Ward Canterbury City Council
(13) No Man's Orchard Management Committee:
A meeting date in the New Year is to be confirmed. An event may be held in the orchard if funding can be obtained.
(14) Sports Pavilions – (Village & St. Augustine’s):
It was noted that there were no major issues at either of the pavilions at St. Augustine’s or on the Memorial playing field.
(15) Play Areas (Village, St. Augustine’s & Chartham Hatch):
It was reported that we have now sourced two non-slip safety mat covers for the disabled concrete ramps that have been installed at the play area at Chartham Hatch.
Glew Fencing have been asked to quote for the cost of fencing repairs along Thruxted Lane that is in poor condition in places.
He will also be asked to consider installing new metal stantions to replace the old wooden struts in part of the fencing at the front of the cemetery grounds.
New signs have been collected from Casement Signs for the Shalmsford Street recreation ground noting ‘Keep your Dogs on a lead’. This is after a recent request from a parishioner who states that one person lets her large intimidating dogs off a lead and able to run around and scare people and other smaller dogs.
The Clerk will be meeting with Anthony Glew to undertake the minor repairs to some pieces of play equipment around the seven play areas in the parish, that have been identified in the recent ROSPA reports. There are a number of minor ‘Low Risk’ issues that have been highlighted and which we can attend too quickly. However, there are issues with ‘rotten wood’ in some areas of the play equipment at the junior and senior play areas at St. Augustine’s, which we inherited from CCC. This is going to be an ongoing problem as the wood will deteriorate over the next few years and will require replacement. CPC.Parish Council Minutes – November 2017 6 Page 075 2017/2018
A new ‘Zip Wire’ seat is required for the Senior Play area at St. Augustine’s.
It was noted that the litter bins at Chartham Hatch recreation ground and play areas have not been emptied recently. The Clerk has contacted Chris Paine at CCC and he has stated that there was a lock on the bin in the play area. This has now been removed and CCC will again collect the rubbish.
(16) Village Hall:
New signage has been collected from Casement Signs and they will be erected around the village hall car park, denoting ‘No cycling, skateboarding, ball games, roller blading, or scooters’ to be used in the car park’. This is to deter a group of youths who continue to ride recklessly around the car park.
It was noted that the car park and outside lights have now been adjusted for the darker evening nights.
The toilet lights on the Memorial playing field have also been changed.
Large hall hire charges have been increased from £15 to £20 per hour. The website needs updating to reflect this change.
Leaves need to be removed from the hall car park and there is a sleeper in the garden that needs repair.
Alan Groombridge will be asked to lop a willow tree.
(17) Highway Matters:
It was noted that Kent Highways. will be undertaking traffic surveys at various sites at Downs Road and Shalmsford Street. We await feedback from Highways in due course.
CCC are working with schools regarding parking issues.
Responses are required by KCC regarding the cutting of public transport.
(18) Reports from KCC Community Warden & Police Community Support Officer (PCSO):
The Clerk reported that we do not have a report from our KCC Community Warden (Gary Moore), but he read out the following report from our PCSO Gavin Dodwell.
Dear Parish Councillors, NHW.
Enclosed is a report for Chartham, Petham, Waltham, Bossingham and Upper/Lower Hardres areas from 01/11/2017 to 30/11/2017
CRIME REPORT INCIDENTS. Theft in Howfield Lane Criminal damage in Chartham x2 Theft of vehicle in Howfield Lane Criminal damage in Petham Burglary in Chartham Theft in Chartham x5
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POLICE RELATED INCIDENTS Suspect event in Chartham and Petham Suspect event in Mystole Suspect event in Nackington Fire on Howfield Lane Suspect event in Lower Hardes Noise nuisance in Chartham Poaching in Petham Bossingham and Chartham Abandoned vehicle in Chartham Obstruction in Chartham RTC on Howfield Lane Canterbury Police is appealing to all residents, to ensure that they keep their homes safe. Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or in the garden. Ensure that all windows and external doors are not only closed but locked at night or when you are out of the house. Even a small window could provide a burglar with an opportunity to reach through and open a larger window to gain access. Kind regards and wishing you all and your families a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Gavin/Nathan (19) The next meeting of the Parish Council was confirmed to be Tuesday 9th January 2018 at 7.30 pm at the Village Hall, Station Road, Chartham, and Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 7JA.
Agenda’s for the next meeting will be issued nearer the meeting, as they will include any new Planning Applications that are due for review.
(20) Closure:
There being no further business the meeting closed at 09.10 pm.
Chairman…………………………………………………Date…………………….
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