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CHARTHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 7.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2018 AT THE VILLAGE HALL, STATION ROAD, CHARTHAM, NR CANTERBURY, KENT, CT4 7JA.

Present:

Cllr. C. Manning – Chairman Cllr. S. Hatcher – Vice Chairman Cllr. S. Dungay Cllr. A. Frost Cllr. P. Coles Cllr. T. Clark Cllr. D. Butcher Cllr. G. Hoare Cllr. R. Mallet (from 8pm) Cllr. R. Thomas CCC Cllr. R. Doyle CCC Miss C. Sparkes (Clerk)

5 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. Cllr Mallet apologised in advance for attending the meeting late due to work commitments.

(2) Confirmation of previous Minutes of the last meeting held 10th July 2018: Cllr Coles proposed and Cllr Clark seconded, and all councillors voted in favour, that the Minutes of the parish council meeting held on 10th July 2018 (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) Parish Councillor Vacancy: A secret ballot was held to determine the successful candidate for the role of Parish Councillor. Alan Hopkins was voted the successful candidate with four votes compared to three and two votes respectively for the other two candidates.

Cllr Manning reported that Cllr Wells has resigned from the Parish Council due to personal commitments as she will be moving out of the area shortly. Cllr Wells currently represents Chartham Hatch and Cllr Manning suggested that another representative from the main village of Chartham be appointed to fill the vacancy as the village is expanding. This would ensure proportional representation in terms of population in the key areas of the parish. Cllr Hatcher agreed to seek Chartham Hatch residents’ views on whether they wish to continue to have two representatives. The Clerk agreed to speak with Canterbury City Council to check whether further advertisement of the role of Parish Councillor is necessary following the recent advertisement of another post.

(5) Matters Arising from the Minutes: Cllr Manning reported that the tree in Bakers Wood overhanging neighbouring properties has now been cut back. CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 1 Page 027 2018/2019 Cllr Manning reported that she is in the process of identifying lamppost numbers to seek permission from Kent County Council to install four signs directing road users to the relocated post office.

Cllr Manning reported that the bin on the Memorial Field is still taped up, despite correspondence with Serco. Cllr Thomas reported that the review of bins in rural areas is due to be undertaken shortly and he will raise this matter with the review coordinator.

(6) To Receive and Consider ‘CORRESPONDENCE’: The Clerk reported that Kent County Council (KCC) are holding a Kent Household Waste Recycling Centre Consultation on their proposals to charge for soil, rubble, hardcore and plasterboard. KCC has never been obligated to accept these items free of charge, as there is no statutory requirement to accept non-household waste, but it is appreciated that from time to time Kent residents may need to dispose of these items so KCC would like to continue to offer this service.

As the number of residents in Kent is increasing and neighbouring Councils are imposing charges or restricting services, it is likely that the cost to Kent will increase. KCC believes this option will reduce the cost to Kent taxpayers of disposing of waste from ‘cross border’ users and help protect the service. The Clerk agreed to distribute details after the meeting for councillors to consider.

(7) 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 Dungay and Cllr Coles.

The Clerk reported that she met with Burgess Hodgson for the end of quarter reconciliation but it was discovered that the previous back up (up to the end of year) was missing from the laptop, presumed lost following preparation for the annual return. A copy of the back-up is on file and Burgess Hodgson are seeing whether this can be uploaded and the recent data for the first end of quarter kept. If not, this information will need to be entered again. The Clerk is chasing for an update.

The Clerk agreed to write a letter to the Early Years Project to confirm that the Parish Council would be happy to send a donation, in addition to the two summer sessions, on the condition that the donation be solely spent on the sessions at Chartham.

(8) Planning Applications and Tree Works: The Clerk reported that there were ‘9’ new Planning Applications since the previous meeting:

CA//18/01460/FUL - Location: Land East of Cockering Road, Chartham, CT4 7PT - Proposal: Proposed two semi-detached and one detached two-storey dwelling houses, car port building, creation of a parking area, formation of vehicular access and hard and soft landscaping. P.C. Comments: The Parish Council object to the application due to removal of the copse wood and the impact this will have on Cockering Road.

CA/18/01477/VAR - Location: Larkey Woods Farm, Cockering Road, Chartham, CT4 7PQ - Proposal: Variation of condition 02 (drawings) of planning permission CA/16/02177/VAR for the restoration of agricultural land across two adjoining sites; demolition of 5 no. existing derelict barns; the processing of on-site materials and associated landscaping; the construction of an enabling development of 10 no. residential units with a new integral access; to allow reduced house sizes and external alterations. P.C. Comments: No Objections.

CA/18/01609/FUL - Location: 16 Beech Avenue, Chartham, CT4 7TA - Proposal: Proposed two-storey side extension following demolition of garage. P.C. Comments: No Objections.

CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 2 Page 028 2018/2019 Cllr Mallet received an email from a local resident attaching their comments on the application for 16 Beech Avenue for the Parish Council’s information, which was circulated prior to the meeting.

CA/18/01689/FUL - Location: Bobbin Lodge Farm, Bobbin Lodge Hill, Chartham, CT4 7RB - Proposal: Proposed two-storey semi-detached dwelling, single-storey semi-detached dwelling and single-storey detached dwelling with associated parking following demolition of existing building. P.C. Comments: No Objections. Cllr Dungay raised some concerns over the suitability of Bobbin Lodge Hill to accommodate the additional dwellings.

CA/18/01777/FUL and CA/18/01778/LB - Location 6 Denstead Oast, Denstead Lane, Chartham Hatch, Chartham, CT4 7SH - Proposal: Proposed single-storey side extension together with associated alterations. P.C. Comments: No Objections.

CA/17/00519/OUT - Location: Land at and adjacent to Cockering Farm, Thanington Without - Proposal: Outline application for a mixed use development comprising up to 400 dwellings in a mix of sizes, types and tenures including affordable housing, up to 3,716 sqm of commercial space (use class B1), a community building or leisure centre (Use classes D1-D2) of up to 200 sqm, new highway infrastructure including spine road with accesses onto Milton Manor Road and Cockering Road and a network of internal roads, footpaths and cycle route, provision of no less than 18 hectares of open space, associated landscaping, utilities infrastructure, sustainable drainage system and earthworks. All matters reserved. P.C. Comments: The Parish Council object to the application on the grounds of traffic and visual impact on the parish.

CA/18/01799/FUL - Location: Land at the Level Crossing and South of the crossing along Thruxted Lane/ Bobbin Lodge Hill, Chartham - Proposal: Proposed installation of new drainage system from Shalmsford Street along land adjacent Thruxted Lane and under the railway level crossing, to provide new drainage and flood protection. P.C. Comments: No Objections.

CA/18/00915/VAR - Location: Land at Hill House, Baker’s Lane, Chartham, CT4 7QE - Proposal: Variation of Condition 02 (drawings) of planning permission CA/16/00046/FUL for the erection of 18no dwellings together with associated access and highway infrastructure; to allow alterations to site layout, floor plans and elevations. P.C. Comments: No Objections.

Planning Decisions The following ‘Granted’ Planning Applications were noted:

CA/18/00992 - Location: 30 The Crescent, Chartham, CT4 7PX - Proposal: Proposed two-storey and single-storey rear extension and single-storey side/rear extension.

CA/18/01125/LUP - Location: 37 Magnolia Drive, Chartham, CT4 7TG - Proposal: Application for lawful development certificate for proposed single storey rear extension following demolition of conservatory.

CA/18/01088 - Location: 18 River Court, Chartham, CT4 7JN - Proposal: Proposed single storey rear extension following demolition of existing extensions.

CA/18/01229 - Location: 217 Shalmsford Street, Chartham, CT4 7PY - Proposal: Proposed two storey and single storey rear extension.

CA/18/00916 - Location: 197 Shalmsford Street, Chartham, CT4 7LP - Proposal: Proposed two storey rear extension.

CA/18/01338/FUL - Location: Homelake, Rattington Street, Chartham, CT4 7JG - Proposal: Proposed rear dormer, roof lights to front and window to side elevation

CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 3 Page 029 2018/2019 CA/16/01895/FUL - Location: Mansfield Farms, Nickle Farm, Nickle Lane, Chartham, CT4 7PF - Proposal: Change of use of an extended area to be used for the stationing of caravans, with an increase in number of carvans from 73 to 85, re-positioning of existing caravans, landscaping works, 10 month occupancy of all caravans, with 50% kept vacant between 16 March and 16 May, and 50% kept vacant between 16 January to 16 March.

The following ‘Refused’ Planning Applications were noted:

CA/18/01042 - Location: Church Meadow, Station Road, Chartham, CT4 7HX - Proposal: Proposed 6no detached two storey dwellings with associated access and parking following demolition of existing dwelling, 1no detached single storey annex and 1no single storey retail unit following demolition of garage service and repair centre.

CA/18/01309- Location: Greengate Wood, Denstead Lane, Chartham, CT4 7NL - Proposal: Application for lawful development certificate for existing use of property as dwelling

The following ‘Withdrawn’ Planning Applications were noted:

CA/18/01069/FUL - Location: Augustine House, Beech Avenue, Chartham, CT4 7TU - Proposal: Proposed two storey side extension, raised decking with associated alterations.

(9) Website Provider: The Clerk reported that she attended a “hand over” meeting on 27 June 2018 with the current website provider who assured the Clerk he would be providing the log in details the following week. To date, no further communication has been received.

The Clerk proposed that the Parish Council change their website provider to EiS, who provide a free website for all parish councils. The Clerk is competent on the management of this website as she already has experience so no training will be required. Chartham Village Hall and Chartham Hatch Village Hall can have a dedicated page on this website, managed by the Clerk, but they would not be able to have their own website free of charge.

The Parish Council unanimously agreed to change website provider and the Clerk was asked to contact EiS to get the website created.

(10) Cemetery Matters: Cllr Hoare reported that following a request from somebody wishing to move their relative’s ashes from the cemetery to be closer to where they live in Ashford, the Ministry of Justice has granted a license to enable ashes to be exhumed. A copy of the license will be posted to the Clerk in due course.

Cllr Hoare also reported that he has actioned a change of plot for a resident in the parish who wished to be moved closer to family and friends. The original Purchase of Grave has been sent back so this plot can be re-sold in the future. The Clerk reported she has also received an enquiry regarding possibly moving plots and has suggested a meeting at the cemetery with the person in question to discuss this further.

The Clerk reported that she has received an enquiry to install a stone surround. The Parish Council provisionally agreed to the stone surround, subject to details being received in due course with regards to dimensions and design.

Cllr Hoare reported that he has sold two plots since the last meeting and there have been 13 funerals this year to date. Cllr Manning wished to thank Cllr Hoare and his wife for all their assistance with cemetery matters.

CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 4 Page 030 2018/2019 (11) Countryside Issues: Cllr Clark reported that the entrance in Chartham to footpath CB543, adjacent to Thruxted Lane and near the fishing lakes, has been narrowed, possibly as an anti-motorcycle deterrent. Unfortunately this has resulted in the gate being too narrow to enable disabled access and those using prams/buggies. A number of residents approached Cllr Clark with concerns and he reported this to Kent County Council for them to investigate and take the appropriate action. Cllr Clark agreed to monitor.

Cllr Frost reported that a tree was set alight in Bakers Wood which fell on power lines, cutting the power to a number of areas in the parish for a short period. As the water to St Augustine’s is dependent on an electric pump, it also meant residents in St Augustine’s were without water as well as electricity. Cllr Manning reported that she informed the PCSO and Kent County Council Community Warden of the incident. Cllr Thomas recommended that vulnerable residents contact UK Power Networks to be put onto their Priority Services Register to receive extra support in the event of a power cut.

(12) Amenities: Cllr Butcher enquired about the removal of the post box at the location of the old post office in Shalmsford Street. Cllr Manning reported that the owner of the shop (not those that run it) requested its removal and herself and Cllr Thomas have attempted to stop its removal without success.

Royal Mail are legally obligated to ensure there is a post box within 0.5 miles of residential dwellings and a new location in the general vicinity of the previous one has been agreed. However, it could take up to 12 weeks for the new post box to arrive.

Cllr Dungay reported that there has been an increase in the amount of graffiti in the village. Cllr Manning reported that she has informed the Kent County Council Community Warden. Cllr Dungay also reported that the grass cuttings on the Memorial Field have not been removed. The Clerk agreed to speak with the local contractor.

(13) Adjournment of the meeting for parishioners’ questions and comments. A resident expressed her concerns regarding the junction of Church Lane and Station Road and enquired whether it would be possible to get yellow lines changed to the opposite side of the road. Cllr Thomas informed the resident that she can submit an application to Canterbury City Council for review, which will then be sent out to consultation as part of its annual parking review.

The resident enquired whether it would be possible to install traffic calming measures along Rattington Street. Cllr Coles reported that traffic calming measures would not be suitable along this road due to the number of large vehicles who use it, for example delivery lorries, which due to the narrow nature of the road would cause traffic to come to a standstill. “Road Narrow” signs may be appropriate in this location and Cllr Thomas agreed to contact the Transport Officer at Canterbury City Council to discuss possible options.

The resident also enquired whether it would be possible to cut in some steps into the highway bank for pedestrians to access the footpath at the bottom of Beech Avenue. The bank is currently used as an unofficial link in the footpath but the addition of proper steps will make it much safer for users. Cllr Manning confirmed that the bank in question is not owned by the Parish Council and Cllr Thomas agreed to discuss this with the Transport Officer at Canterbury City Council.

A resident, who recently returned from Australia, addressed the Parish Council wishing to volunteer in the community. The resident wishes to pursue a career in local government and Cllr Thomas suggested she approach the Parish Council. Cllr Coles suggested a meeting with himself, the Clerk and Kent County Council Community Warden to see what volunteering roles she could undertake.

CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 5 Page 031 2018/2019 (14) City and/or County Councillors’ Reports: Cllr Manning reported that County Cllr John Simmonds unfortunately passed away in August 2018. Cllr Doyle reported that she and Cllr Thomas attended his memorial service and a by- election will be called in due course. In the meantime, County Cllr Michael Northey would be the best person to contact for Kent County Council matters.

Cllr Thomas reported that Canterbury City Council will be putting forward a response to the Kent Household Waste Recycling Centre Consultation due to concerns over possible flytipping, other unintended consequences and clear up cost.

Cllr Thomas reported that Canterbury City Council are currently consulting on their draft Gambing Policy. The City Council are proposing to continue to maintain its no casino policy. Canterbury City Council has also put out 10,000 free dog poo bags in key locations across Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable, including Chartham Village Stores, to try and reduce dog fouling,. The ‘glove poopets’ provide a back-up option for people should they run out of their own bags while out and about.

Canterbury City Council is also consulting on its draft Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2018-2023. It is structured around three key strategy housing priorities which have been developed according to local, regional and national polices as follows: 1. Increase the supply and choice of good quality homes that local people can afford 2. Improve quality and make efficient use of existing housing within the district to ensure it meets current and future housing needs 3. Support vulnerable people to access and maintain housing, including preventing and ending homelessness

The government has also awarded an additional £330,000 to help rough sleepers off the streets and into accommodation, which applies to the 2019-2020 financial year, following £220,000 awarded for this financial year (2018-2019). This money will continue to fund a frontline rough sleeper coordinator to work on the streets with homeless charities Catching Lives and Porchlight to create individual support plans for each rough sleeper they come into contact with.

These plans are designed to tackle each rough sleeper’s personal needs, encouraging them into housing and helping them into education or employment, as well as providing support on other problems such as drug or alcohol addiction. The money will be used to extend the winter shelter run by Catching Lives to provide bed spaces between the start of October and the end of March, and an expansion of the Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol which kicks during the extreme cold.

Cllr Coles reported that the Stagecoach school bus in the village has been too full to pick up all the children, which has been making a number of pupils late to school for no fault of their own. Cllr Doyle also reported that she has received reports that the Stagecoach Wye to Canterbury service has not been turning up in time to pick up school children. Cllr Manning reported that she understands Stagecoach are not informed of the required numbers of school children until October each year. Cllr Thomas reported that he has contacted Stagecoach regarding the problems and he has been advised that it is best to contact the generic customer services email address – [email protected] – where the Customer Services Manager keeps track of any issues and liaises with schools on a daily basis.

(15) No Man's Orchard Management Committee: Cllr Manning wished to thank Cllr Clark for hanging the commemorative crosses on trees along the North Downs Way footpath in advance of the WWI exhibition in Chartham Hatch Village Hall on 22nd July 2018. Poetry written by children of Chartham Primary School were laminated and also been hung from trees, with others displayed in Chartham Hatch Village Hall. Cllr Clark wished to thank Chartham Archives for providing refreshments and the information boards and artefacts. CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 6 Page 032 2018/2019 The event was very well attended and lots of positive feedback has been received, especially with regards to the standard of the poetry written by the school children. The Clerk wrote a letter of thanks to the children at the school which was sent prior to the summer half term. A representative from Chartham Archives circulated photos and information gathered for the event during the meeting to all councillors.

Cllr Manning reported that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for next week (week commencing 17 September 2018) where preparations for organising a walk in November 2018 to celebrate 40 years of the North Downs Way will be discussed. Cllr Clark will be organising a number of hikes for the walk.

Cllr Manning also proposed that a celebration for the children be arranged for 2019 in the summer to commemorate the street parties held in the summer following the end of WWI. As the signing of the treaties took some time to complete after 11 November 1918, as did the exchange of prisoners of war, it was not until the summer of 1919 that a number of celebratory street parties were arranged where children attended dressed-up for the occasion. Cllr Manning proposed a similar celebration on the Memorial Field next year.

(16) Sports Pavilions – (Village & St. Augustine’s): Nothing to report.

(17) Play Areas (Village, St. Augustine’s & Chartham Hatch): Cllr Manning reported that the Parish Council is aware of a number of issues in the St Augustine’s play areas, and has being liaising with a company recommended by Canterbury City Council to obtain a quotation for rectifying the faults. One of the swing sets in particular has been taped off twice as the wooden beam is rotten but users have been removing the tape.

The land the play areas are on located are leased from Canterbury City Council who have confirmed the Parish Council are responsible for the maintenance of the play equipment and replacement of whole pieces should this become necessary. Cllr Manning reported that the Parish Council do not consider it fair to have to pay for replacement play equipment on land it does not current own and it was therefore agreed to look into transfer of assets of the land the play equipment is on. Cllr Manning confirmed there is no Section 106 money available for St Augustine’s to cover the cost of replacement play equipment.

Cllr Coles raised that the Community Infrastructure Levy, implemented by Canterbury City Council, could identify areas in the parish that developer contributions could be used for. Cllr Thomas reported that Canterbury City Council is expected to adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy in the next 3-6 months and will bring in planning training for councillors where this could be raised. Cllr Coles suggested a meeting with Planning Officers to discuss this further and Cllr Thomas agreed to pursue this. Cllr Thomas also suggested that the Parish Council could implement a Neighbourhood Plan.

(18) Village Hall: Nothing to report.

(19) Highway Matters: Cllr Clark reported that HGV lorries have been using Shalmsford Street as a cut through and he will be reporting lorries with any identifiable markings on e.g. a company logo. Cllr Manning reported that Cllr Simmonds was supportive of putting flashing speed signs at the junction with The Downs and Shalmsford Street, but is not aware if this proposal has been pursued further before his unfortunate passing. The Clerk agreed to contact Cllr Michael Northey.

Cllr Frost reported that Kent County Council has published a list of bridges with structural concerns, two of which are identified in the parish – Chartham North and Shalmsford Farm. No action is required from the Parish Council. CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 7 Page 033 2018/2019 (20) Reports from KCC Community Warden & Police Community Support Officer (PCSO): Cllr Manning reported that there has been a rise in petty crimes in the parish, including scratching of vehicles, vehicle break-ins and a tree set alight. All these incidents have been reported.

(21) The next meeting of the Parish Council was confirmed as Tuesday 09th October 2018 at 7.30 pm at the Village Hall, Station Road, Chartham, Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 7JA. Agendas for the next meeting will be issued nearer the meeting, as they will include any new Planning Applications that are due for review.

(22) Closure:

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.45pm.

Chairman…………………………………………………Date…………………….

CPC Parish Council Minutes – September 2018 8