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CHARTHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 7.30 P.M.
ON TUESDAY 12th MARCH 2019 AT THE VILLAGE HALL, STATION ROAD,
CHARTHAM, NR CANTERBURY, KENT, CT4 7JA.
Present:
Cllr. C. Manning – Chairman Cllr. S. Dungay Cllr. D. Butcher Cllr. P. Coles Cllr. T. Clark
Cllr. S. Hatcher – Vice Chairman Cllr. A. Frost Cllr. G. Hoare (left at 9.30pm) Cllr. L. Root
Cllr. R. Thomas CCC/KCC Miss C. Sparkes (Clerk)
Cllr. R. Doyle CCC (left at 9.43pm)
3 Members of the Public
(1) Chairman’s Opening Remarks and Apologises for Absence:
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologies for absence. These were recorded as Cllr. A. Hopkins (Illness) and Cllr. R. Mallet (Work Commitments).
(2) Confirmation of previous Minutes of the last meeting held 12th February 2019:
Cllr Hatcher proposed and Cllr Butcher seconded, and all councillors voted in favour, that the Minutes of the parish council meeting held on 12th February 2019 (previously circulated) be accepted as a true record of the meeting and the Chairman duly signed them.
(3) Council: a) Declaration of any councillor’s interest in agenda items.
None
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:
Cllr Manning reported that Robin Baker, who has been instructed to paint the changing rooms, has not provided a copy of his insurance and the dates previously set to undertake the works were cancelled as other jobs Mr Baker had been instructed on took priority. No other dates have been forthcoming since then. It was agreed that if Mr Baker has not provided alternative dates by the next meeting and a copy of his insurance that a new contractor be appointed.
(5) To Receive and Consider ‘CORRESPONDENCE’:
Cllr Manning reported that nomination papers for the upcoming Parish Council election have been received from Canterbury City Council. Cllr Frost and Cllr Butcher both indicated that they would be standing down at the election and Cllr Manning thanked them for their service on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Doyle is also stepping down at the election as City Councillor and Cllr Manning thanked her for her assistance and advice on behalf of the Parish Council.
Any resident wishing to stand needs to complete the nomination and consent forms, which can be obtained from the Clerk, and hand deliver them to the Returning Officer at Canterbury City Council by Wednesday 03 April 2019.
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(6) Financial Matters, including ‘Authorisation of Accounts’:
Schedule of Payments - A resolution that orders for payment as shown in attached schedule was agreed unanimously. The cheques were signed by Cllr Manning, Cllr Clark and Cllr Hoare.
- (7)
- Planning Applications and Tree Works:
The Clerk reported that there were ‘4’ new Planning Applications since the previous meeting: CA//19/00203/LUE - Location: Wyevale Garden Centre, Stour Valley Business Park, Ashford Road, Chartham, CT4 7HF - Proposal: Application for lawful development certificate for existing use as "open A1 (retail) including for the sale of food". P.C. Comments: No Objections.
CA//19/00332/RUS - Location: Rose Garden, Ashford Road, Chartham, CT4 7HH - Proposal:
Application for the approval of appearance of buildings and landscaping for two-storey building for car sales, car servicing, repairs and MOT testing including access, layout and scale pursuant to outline planning permission CA/18/01293/OUT. P.C. Comments: The Clerk reported that the design of the buildings and landscape has previously been presented to the Parish Council and Canterbury City Council as part of the outline application. The Parish Council has No Objections.
The Clerk reported that the Applicant has provided an update for the Parish Council with regards to discharging the ecology conditions of the outline approval and confirmed that the hedgerow and trees have recently been removed along with part of the derelict building. The boundaries were also plotted last week and the ‘Exclusion Fencing’ for the reptile mitigation has commenced,
which should be complete by the end of April 2019. The Applicant confirmed that they would provide the Parish Council with a development timetable once in place.
CA//19/00322/FUL - Location: Upper Horton Farm, New House Lane, Chartham, CT4 7BN - Proposal: Proposed installation of a 35m high lattice mast on a concrete base accommodating 2 x 1.2m transmission dish and an equipment cabinet within a 8m x 10m compound surrounded by a 2m high mesh fence. P.C. Comments: The Parish Council requested that the Clerk contact the Case Officer to enquire whether it is possible for the proposed connection to be made part of the recently approved mast nearby at Iffin Meadows Farm under application CA/18/00770/FUL.
CA//19/00243/FUL - Location: Orchard End, Bolts Hill, Chartham CT4 7JY - Proposal:
Proposed dormers to front and rear elevations, window to side elevation to provide accommodation in roofspace. P.C. Comments: The Parish Council agreed to defer comments until a site visit has been made.
Planning Decisions
The following ‘Granted’ Planning Applications were noted:
CA//18/02108/FUL – Location: 3 Hillside Place, Cockering Road, Chartham, CT4 7LH –
Proposal: Proposed single-storey block of 3 no. garages.
CA//18/02452/FUL – Location: 1 New Town Street, Chartham, CT4 7LT – Proposal: Proposed
dormer to rear elevation and hip to gable roof extension to side elevation to allow additional living accommodation in the roof space.
CA//19/00118/FUL – Location: The Old Rectory Studio, Ashford Road, Chartham, CT4 7HS –
Proposal: Proposed two-storey extension to existing office building.
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The following ‘Refused’ Planning Applications were noted:
CA//18/02492/FUL – Location Howfield Lodge, Howfield Lane, Chartham, CT4 7NA –
Proposal: Proposed first floor side extension, single-storey side extension, roof extensions to side and rear, dormer to side and balcony to rear to create additional living accommodation in the roof space.
(8) Neighbourhood Plan and Potential Financial Support:
A member of the public wished to address the Parish Council on the benefits of producing a Neighbourhood Plan and to offer a sum of money, up to a limit of £15,000, to assist with starting the process. Cllr Thomas confirmed that Canterbury City Council would be able to assist the Parish Council with producing a Neighbourhood Plan, as any plan would have to be in accordance with the Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Cllr Thomas agreed to enquire whether a representative would meet with the Parish Council to discuss the pros and cons of producing a Neighbourhood Plan.
Councillor opinions were mixed on whether to proceed with producing a Neighbourhood Plan, with some believing it would be a good opportunity to establish the village boundaries and maintaining a green gap between the parish and Canterbury, and others concerned that developers will use the Plan against the Parish Council to push through inappropriate developments on land outlined in the Plan as suitable.
Cllr Root suggested that a decision on whether to proceed with the Neighbourhood Plan be deferred until after the Parish Council election and this was unanimously agreed. The Clerk also agreed to look into the legalities of accepting a donation of this kind and amount before the Parish Council decide whether to accept the offer. Cllr Coles suggested looking into whether Awards For All lottery funding would be able to provide funding to consult with residents to ascertain views on whether they wish the Parish Council to produce a Neighbourhood Plan.
(9) CCC Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Consultation:
CIL is a mechanism introduced through the Planning Act (2008) and the CIL Regulations (2010) to enable local authorities to raise funds to deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area. Once adopted, the CIL Charging Schedule will set out a standard rate (£ per sq. m), based on Gross Internal Area and existing buildings, that will be payable by landowners or developers for specific types of developments within agreed geographical locations.
The Parish of Chartham has been identified as being in Charging Zone A, which will equate to a levy of £187 per square meter, and will become payable in full within 60 days of a development commencing. Canterbury City Council is not proposing to apply CIL to any developments outlined in the CDLP or any planning applications already granted prior to the CIL policy being formally adopted. Cllr Coles suggested that the Parish Council request a Neighbourhood Plan implementation period so councils which have commenced a Neighbourhood Plan before the CIL Charging Schedule comes into force can gain the 25% contributions as opposed to 15% contributions for councils without a Neighbourhood Plan.
(10) Fencing along Shalmsford Street Playing Field:
The Clerk reported that she has met with three contractors to obtain quotations for replacing the fencing boarding Shalmsford Street play area by the fishing lakes, in a similar style to the previou fencing which could not be reused, and two contractors have responded as follows:
Contractor A - £1,168.80 including VAT
Contractor B - £914.16 including VAT
A further quotation was received from both contractors for repairs to the fencing bordering Thruxted Lane as follows:
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Contractor A - £1,646.40 including VAT Contractor B - £194.94 including VAT
The Clerk reported that both companies were professional and knowledgeable. The Clerk recommended that Contractor A be instructed for both elements as the level of repair to the fence bordering Thruxted Lane will be more effective and they have previously undertaken work in the parish which has been of a high quality. The Parish Council unanimously agreed with the Clerk’s
recommendation and the Clerk was asked to instruct Glew Fencing to proceed with both elements of the work.
(11) Metro Bank:
Cllr Manning reported that she and Clerk visited the Metro Bank to investigate the possibility of two signatory online banking. The Clerk reported that for the same services that Lloyds provide currently there are no charges, however the Clerk would be able to be put on the mandate as a non-signatory allowing her to discuss financial matters with the Bank which Lloyds cannot accommodate. For online banking, there will be a monthly charge of £20.00. Lloyds cannot provide online banking as they do not have a two signatory service which is required under the Financial Regulations.
It was unanimously agreed to defer a decision to whether to change banks until after the Parish Council election. In the interim, Cllr Coles suggested that the Clerk enquire whether a special dispensation on charges for online banking could be made due to the nature of parish councils, similar to accounts opened with clubs, societies and charities. Cllr Root also suggested that the Clerk enquire whether it is recommended that parish council accounts are spread over more than one banking provider allowing protection by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
(12) Cemetery Matters:
Cllr Manning reported that a Cemeteries Sub-Committee meeting was held on Thursday 07 March 2019 where a number of items were discussed.
Cllr Hoare proposed the erection of a curved remembrance wall by the Memorial Garden in memory of Paul Hornibrook, the previous Clerk, to allow families to place plaques commemorating their loved ones, similar to those located at Barham Crematorium and other cemeteries. The Parish Council unanimously agreed to the erection of a curved remembrance wall and it was further agreed that the plaques should be of one size only and purchased from one supplier to be handed out upon request to families to get engraved and installed. Cllr Manning agreed to look into the legalities of scattering issues in the Memorial Garden further.
Cllr Manning reported that the red runner in the Chapel is fading, possibly due to the amount of light entering the Chapel. The Clerk agreed to approach carpet companies to arrange a site visit to get some advice on the type of carpet to use and whether another colour would be more suitable in this location. The Clerk also agreed to contact companies to inspect the bell in the Chapel with a view to getting it ringing correctly again.
Cllr Manning also reported that the toilet metal storage container is peeling and requires painting inside and out. The Clerk agreed to get quotations for consideration.
Cllr Manning reported that the Cemeteries Sub-Committee reviewed the Rules and Regulations booklet, which requires updating to amend contact details in the front cover. Cllr Manning proposed that a clause be put into the booklet to provide advice on the suitability of photos chosen to be incorporated into memorial stones. The art of “shadow punching” or dot punched
ornamentation has become increasingly popular and a recent memorial application submitted to the Parish Council for approval highlighted the need for guidance.
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The application in question was for a photo of the deceased with another loved one on a memorial stone but the deceased was semi-naked from the waist up. This was not considered appropriate for the cemetery and the application was declined. This was later re-submitted and approved with the agreement that a t-shirt would be super-imposed on the photo. The Parish Council unanimously agreed to add a clause in the Rules and Regulations prohibiting photos of a semi-nude nature.
Cllr Hoare reported that chains were passed to Allan Groombridge to secure the bins at the cemetery in an attempt to deter flytipping and Mr Groombridge will be purchasing padlocks.
(13) Countryside Issues:
Cllr Dungay reported that a number of trees are overhanging gardens from Retain Court Farm. Cllr Dungay agreed to contact the owner to request that maintenance be carried out.
Cllr Coles reported that there are a number of overhanging trees by Bretts, opposite Milton Manor Church. Cllr Manning agreed to investigate who owns the land the trees are located on and contact the owner as appropriate.
(14) Amenities:
Cllr Manning reported that the bin on the Memorial Field is being emptied but the lock has not yet been repaired. Cllr Dungay reported that bin located on the opposite side of the Memorial Field is not shutting properly and Cllr Manning agreed to contact Allan Groombridge to inspect. The Clerk also reported that she has reported the missing bin on the A28 by the bus stop by the turning for Chartham Hatch to Serco.
Cllr Dungay reported that the Early Years Project has approached her to enquire whether the Parish Council would consider paying for the hire of the small hall once a month for the nurses to use, or allow the nurses to use free of charge. Previously the nurses used the IT room free of charge but now feel the room is too small for their requirements. Currently the nurses have set up a corner of the large hall but would prefer to have a segregated area away from the rest of the Early Years Project to offer more privacy.
It was unanimously agreed to defer the suggestion to the Village Hall Committee for consideration before the Parish Council make any comment. Cllr Coles suggested finding out where the funding for the district nurses comes from before making a decision and Cllr Dungay agreed to investigate this further.
Cllr Hoare reported that St Mary’s Church has a funeral arranged for Tuesday 19 March 2019 which is expected to be a large turnout and requested permission to open the Memorial Field should it be dry enough to allow for overspill parking. The Parish Council unanimously agreed and Cllr Manning reported that the Shop on the Green has a spare key. Cllr Hoare enquired why a key is located in the shop and Cllr Manning clarified for Health and Safety reasons to allow ambulances or emergency personnel onto the field should there be any injuries.
(15) Adjournment of the meeting for parishioners’ questions and comments.
A member of the public wished to thank the Parish Council for requesting that the double yellow lines along Station Road not be extended under Canterbury City Council’s Annual Parking
Review. The recommendation to the Joint Transport Board is to make no changes.
The member of the public also reported that the offer of a meeting with the developer for the nearby Thanington development to look into the feasibility of funding a community amenity is still open and enquired whether the Parish Council wish to arrange a meeting. Cllr Manning reported that there has been some difficulties with regards to arranging date but confirmed that the Parish Council definitely wants to proceed with the meeting.
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(16) City and/or County Councillors’ Reports:
Cllr Doyle reported that a planning application was put forward to the Planning Committee for Hoath Village Hall which proposed 9no two storey dwellings to the rear of the village hall to finance a single storey extension to the village hall itself, formation of a village green and car park and access road. The Planning Officer recommended refusal of the application as it is located on agricultural land but a number of councillors on the Committee felt that the community benefit outweighed the loss of agricultural land. Should the Parish Council decide to develop a Neighbourhood Plan, Cllr Doyle suggested considering areas which could be developed to enhance existing community assets.
Cllr Doyle also reported that the Policy and Resources Committee meets tomorrow (Wednesday 13 March 2019) to discuss the future of waste collection and street cleaning services after the current contract with Serco ends in January 2021. The recommendation put forward to the Committee is to develop a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) to manage both services, which would be entirely controlled by the City Council. This option, as opposed to contracting out at present, would offer greater flexibility, allowing changes to be more easily implemented than under a private sector operator where negotiations would be required.
Financially, there is little difference setting up a LATCo and retendering for a new contract so both options are financially viable. Should the Committee decide against a LATCo, two options for seeking a new private contractor have been put forward – either tender alone or go in with a
joint tender with Dover District Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
Cllr Thomas reported that the City Council’s RISE community funding has opened for applications and the deadline for Innovation Grants is 19 April 2019. RISE is designed to support not-for-profit organisations making positive improvements in local communities and details on eligibility and other criteria can be read on the City Council’s website.
Cllr Thomas also reported that the City Council and Swale Borough Council have been in discussions to explore the potential of jointly providing a lorry park at Brenley Corner. Lorry parking in inappropriate locations, including laybys, causes problems such a noise pollution, antisocial behaviour and littering, road safety issues and damage to verges and kerbs. It is currently very difficult to enforce lorries move from laybys as there is no designated area for them to stop. Once a designated lorry park has been built, both Council’s will be looking to obtain enforcement
powers to direct badly parked lorries to move on or face being clamped.
Should Canterbury City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee agree to undertake more investigation tomorrow, the next stage will be looking at developing a business case, addressing planning concerns, understanding legal implications and land issues and ensuring appropriate enforcement arrangements are developed. The enforcement work would look at the experience of Ashford Borough Council, which is currently experimenting with an overnight lorry parking ban in a designated exclusion area. Swale Borough Council will consider the issue at its next Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 20 March 2019.
Cllr Thomas reported that the rollout of automatic number plate recognition barriers at car parks is continuing. Blue badge holders can park free of charge for up to three hours in most car park spaces except permit bays, Castle Street, Pound Lane, William Street and Middle Wall car parks and the three Park and Ride sites.
Blue badge holders will need to register their badge online to receive the discount and can register up to two vehicles against the badge. Badges must still be clearly visible on the dashboard of the vehicle. Car parks will also have motorcycle access accordingly and free parking. Cllr Thomas also reported that construction works on the multi-storey car park at Station Road West began last week.
CPC Parish Council Minutes – March 2019