WICKHAMBREAUX PARISH COUNCIL 18 JUNE 2019 AT VILLAGE HALL, THE STREET, WICKHAMBREAUX, CT3 1RJ

Present: Parish Cllr Robin Treacher Parish Cllr Martin Twyman Parish Cllr Faith Wright Parish Cllr Catherine Holland Parish Cllr Peter Collinson Parish Cllr Darren Howe

Miss Chenice Howard-Sparkes, Clerk to the Council

2 Members of the Public 1. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Treacher welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Parish Cllr Caroline Rees (Holiday), City Cllr Louise Jones-Roberts and County Cllr Michael Northey (Work Commitments).

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 MAY 2019 The Minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting with some minor amendments.

4. INFORMATION FROM MATTERS ARISING 3 – Cllr Treacher reported that he received an email from Christine Le Jeune, Sloyden Charity Trustee, who has informed him that trustees need to be appointed from within the Wickhambreaux ecclesiastical parish. This means that unfortunately Cllr Howe cannot be a trustee as he resides in the ecclesiastical parish and Ms Le Jeune wished to apologise for not making this clear previously. Cllr Collinson suggested a representative from St Andrew’s Church as the second trustee and this was unanimously supported. Cllr Collinson agreed to make enquiries to see who would be willing to take on the role. 10 – Cllr Wright reported that the proposals for application CA/19/00391/FUL at Chimney Pot Cottage, reported at the last meeting to have been granted by City Council, was amended prior to a decision being issued to reroute the external flue through the building to limit the impact on the streetscene. 11 – The Clerk reported that she contacted the lady who wished to scatter her husband’s ashes to arrange a meeting. The lady informed the Clerk that due to the delay in responding following the initial enquiry, she had already scattered her husband’s ashes outside of Wickhambreaux on a footpath leading towards Seaton. The Clerk informed the lady that permission should have been sought of the landowner before scattering the ashes but no further action is now required. 16(Playing Field) Cllr Treacher reported that the Playing Field Committee AGM (Annual General Meeting) will be held on Wednesday 17 July 2019. 18(ii) Cllr Collinson reported that there has been some controversy at the government’s decision to move the May bank holiday back four days next year to Friday 08 May 2020 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, as many towns and villages have annual events planned on this day. 18(iii) Cllr Collinson reported that he has contacted the Project Manager at UK Power Networks who is currently on holiday and will investigate the removal of the pole further on their return. It appears that there is some confusion over ownership with regards to whether BT or UK Power Networks own the pole in question. 18(iv) The Clerk reported that she invited the resident who raised two suggestions at the APM (Annual Parish Meeting) to present the suggestions to the Parish Council at its July meeting. The resident has declined the invitation and is happy for the Parish Council to come to a decision without him being present. It was agreed not to put the suggestions to a future meeting without a “sponsor” in attendance. ~ 1 ~

5. REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND CITY COUNCILLORS City Cllr Louise Jones-Roberts Cllr Treacher provided a summary of Canterbury City Council’s activities on behalf of Cllr Jones-Roberts which included the City Council finalising proposals for the installation of security bollards throughout the city centre for pedestrian safety, the provision of an ice rink in the Dane John Gardens planned for five weeks at Christmas and undertaking a review of shopping habits in areas such as to assist with the upcoming Local Plan Review.

Cllr Jones-Roberts also wished to report that the district has won some awards for its beaches included the Blue Flag award for and the Seaside Award for and . The City Council has also voted in favour of a second term of the Business Improvement District (BID) for the city centre. If the majority of businesses approve the proposed five year plan, there will be more resources for graffiti cleaning, cleaning streets and support for rolling out free WiFi.

In the Ward, Cllr Jones-Roberts has been in contact with the DVLA, City Council and the Police regarding an abandoned vehicle in Ickham, pushed Southern Housing to take responsibility for overgrown trees in , working with Parish Council and local residents on the proposed development in Pitt Woods (which resulted in the application being withdrawn), and requested a clean of an East Housing building in Wickhambreaux.

Cllr Jones-Roberts also wished to report the recent sad passing of Cllr Jenny Samper, who was the longest serving councilor having dedicated over thirty years to public service.

County Cllr Michael Northey The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Northey that Kent County Council continues to repair and patch the road system and, since the start of 2019, has patched over half a million square meters of carriageway.

Cllr Northey also wished to report that Kent County Councillors have received a briefing on preparations for Brexit, whatever the eventually outcome. Previous to the end of March, officers and others were being told to expect a deal but prepare for a no-deal just in case. The working assumption now is that there will not be a deal so detailing planning has been put into place for the protection of medicines and food, especially for the hard to reach places of Kent. Operation Stack has been abolished and instead replaced with Operation Brock, in case of need, which will keep the traffic flowing. Manston Airport is being prepared for parking if necessary for over five thousand vehicles with a new surface, food washing and toilet facilities. The French authorities are being very helpful resulting in efficient planning and goodwill on both sides of the Channel.

6. HIGHWAYS (i) Drainage issues in The Street – Cllr Collinson reported that a resident in The Street contacted him to report that heavy rainfall week commencing 10 June 2019 highlighted that drains along The Street appeared to be blocked, resulting in water flowing down from Wickham Court and running down The Street causing flooding concerns. The resident has reported the issue to Kent Highways but has asked that the Parish Council follow up to ensure the entire stretch of drainage is checked and cleared as necessary. The Clerk agreed to report this to Kent Highways. (ii) Cllr Twyman reported that he has been in contact with Michelle Weston, Highways Steward, with regards to a number of pot holes in the parish. (iii) Cllr Howe reported that some of the wooden bars on the white bridge by the Watermill are rotten and need replacing. Cllr Treacher confirmed that the bridge is owned by Kent County Council and the Clerk was asked to report this. Cllr Twyman reported that the new High Sheriff was also going to raise the matter at a meeting scheduled with a Kent County Council representative regarding an unrelated matter. ~ 2 ~

7. PLANNING CA//19/01046/K3F (KCC/CA/0108/2019) – Grove Ferry Picnic Site, Grove Ferry Road The Parish Council has no objections to the proposed installation of a new public canoe/kayak floating platform, installation of six timber changing cubicles and the upgrading of the existing footpath from the car park to the riverbank.

CA//19/01114/FUL – Pear Tree Cottage. Seaton Road The Parish Council has no objections to the proposed single storey rear extension together with alterations to the roof and porch to front elevation.

CA//19/00632/FUL – Newnham House, Grove Road Canterbury City Council has refused the proposed part change of use from agricultural to non- residential and creation of new detached specialist clinic complete with associated parking and landscaping due to highway safety, loss of agricultural land, unacceptable urbanisation of the countryside, and the applicant failed to demonstrate there are no other suitable sites closer to the town centre.

Pear Orchard – Cllr Wright reported that the developers (Rogate) are not in a position to submit an application for development of the Pear Orchard at this current time.

Cllr Treacher reported that he received an email from a resident with two concerns regarding the proposed development, firstly regarding Rogate’s decision to have the entrance to the site off The List rather than Grove Road due to insufficient sight lines next to ‘Altona’, and secondly Rogate’s offer to fund a reduction in speed limits through the village which could be seen as accepting a “gift” in exchange for planning permission.

Cllr Treacher reported that he responded to the resident that the Parish Council cannot comment in detail on the entrance choice and the adequacy of sight lines until the planning application is submitted. However, Cllr Treacher commented that it was his understanding that The List was chosen as Rogate has the ability to improve the existing sight lines there and had not been able to secure land to make any improvements by ‘Altona’. Cllr Treacher also encouraged the resident to make representation ahead of the planning application to the City Council and Kent County Council.

With regards to funding for the reduction of speed limits, Cllr Treacher confirmed that there may be the possibility of funding available through Section 106 agreements should the application be granted. However, the Parish Council and Kent County Council have identified funds to pay for the reduction in speed limits already and is not reliant on the planning application being granted to achieve this.

8. QUOTATIONS FOR NEW PLANTERS The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Rees that the verbal quotation received from Jackson Fencing for the new planters amounting to £17.57 each including VAT was not reflective of the actual cost of all the materials. An accurate written quotation has now been obtained which amounts to £296.93 including VAT for all six planters, which includes a top cap to the planters which is treated to withstand being in the ground. Cllr Wright’s alternative quotation from a garden centre amounted to £23.00 each (£138.00 in total).

Cllr Howe enquired what the original reason for the installation of the planters was and whether permission has been granted by Kent County Council. Cllr Wright confirmed that the planters have the relevant permissions and were originally installed to deter vehicles from parking on the bridge. Cllr Howe suggested there may be alternative ways to prevent parking on the bridge which would not result in soil on the road during poor weather but these options are unlikely to be as aesthetically pleasing. Cllr Twyman proposed accepting the quotation from Jackson Fencing, Cllr Treacher seconded the proposal and this was unanimously agreed. ~ 3 ~

9. CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL’S POLLING STATION REVIEW Cllr Treacher reported that Canterbury City Council is undertaking a compulsory review of its polling districts and venues and is asking for comments whether current facilities are adequate and whether any new facilities can be identified.

Ideally a polling station should be easily accessible, have parking facilities, be in a central position within the polling district and have outside lighting. Access for disabled people is always a primary consideration. In addition, every effort is made to avoid the use of schools because of the disruption this causes, although in some areas it has not been possible to find an alternative venue.

As part of the review, Canterbury City Council is not proposing to change the current sole location of Wickhambreaux Village Hall and no other alternative locations have been suggested. The Parish Council unanimously agreed with the recommendation.

10. HIGHWAYS IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE Cllr Treacher reported that he, Cllr Holland and the Clerk attended a meeting on 20 May 2019 with Gary Peak and Michelle Matthews, Kent County Council Schemes Project Managers, to discuss reducing speed limits in Wickhambreaux and Stodmarsh to 30mph.

At the meeting, Cllr Holland expressed that a number of Stodmarsh residents were not keen on sign clutter and Gary Peak confirmed that signs at the entry/exit points to the village would be sufficient without the need for further repeater signs. Although the Stodmarsh village sign is located further up the hill along Stodmarsh Road, the 30mph zone will need to be implemented further down in line with residential houses to comply with regulations.

Entry points were also identified in Wickhambreaux (back of the residential garages on Wickham Court Lane close to its junction with Grove Road, along Grove Road near Kelsey Farms, next to the junction of Wickham Road and Wickham Lane, and Seaton Road near the entrance to the playing field). It was also agreed to include a Children Playing sign and possibly a SLOW road marking along Seaton Road.

The results of the recent traffic survey undertaken by Rogate along Grove Road was provided to Michelle Matthews and it was agreed to commission a seven day traffic survey in Stodmarsh. Cllr Treacher reported that the Parish Council is waiting on a date for the traffic survey to be undertaken, a detailed map to be provided showing the exact location of the signage and finalised costings for the project. Cllr Treacher agreed to contact Gary Peak and Michelle Matthews for an update.

11. CLLRS’ REPORTS School Report Mr Patrick Duffy reported that the School Health and Safety Audit Officer visited last week and the verbal report is excellent, with a commendation for the organisation of all paper work. The written evaluation will be submitted when available.

Mr Duffy also reported that the School understands that Cllr Collinson will be undertaking the task of assessing the village hall contract between the Parish Council and Kent County Council. The School has agreed to meet with Cllr Collinson to discuss this matter and any other matters arising in the future.

Mr Duffy reported that the School had a very successful, if somewhat “frigid”, Dinner Dance in Barn celebrating 150 years of teaching children within the locality. A 150 year “High Tea Celebration” will also be held in the school playground on 19 July 2019 and all councillors are welcome to attend.

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Mr Duffy wished to thank Cllr Treacher for a recent email stating that Mr Duffy had improved communications between the Parish Council and the School. However, as an independent liaison person, he felt communication could be further improved by asking for any local or parish activity the Parish Council may wish to convey back to the School, and hopes to carry this forward for future meetings.

Cllr Wright took the opportunity to ask Mr Duffy to remind school staff that they cannot park in the village hall driveway as this should be kept clear at all times for insurance and fire safety purposes. Mr Duffy agreed to relay this back to staff.

Cllr Treacher also enquired if the School is aware of who requested the “No Parking” sign which has recently been installed opposite the school. A resident has approached Cllr Treacher believing the Parish Council put in a request but this is not the case. Mr Duffy agreed to check with the School.

School Liaison Cllr Collinson reported that he has a meeting scheduled with the School tomorrow (Wednesday 19 June 2019) to discuss the village hall contract. As part of his liaison role, Cllr Collinson confirmed that he sees his role as improving relations between the School, the Parish Council and wider community, and suggested that it might be beneficial to draw up a “common agreement” whereby both the School and the Parish Council outline the current situation with regards to the village hall and wider community to avoid any misunderstanding.

Tree Representative The Parish Council has no objections to the following proposed tree works:  TRE/19/00214 – Pilgrims Way, Stodmarsh Road – In the front garden crown reduce Beech tree by 3m and crown reduce 2no Silver Birch trees by 3m, and in the rear garden crown reduce Ash tree, Silver Birch and Horse Chestnut by 2m.  TRE/19/00233 – Old Ballroom House, The Green – Crown reduce by 25%, crown thin by 10% and crown raise by 2.5m Yew tree in rear garden.

Cllr Wright reported that a date for undertaking various tree works in the parish highlighted in a recent survey by Mark Jones Tree Surgery has not yet been agreed.

A member of the public reported that another application is likely to be submitted for a neighbour who has arranged for a tree surgeon to inspect a suspected dying Silver Birch tree. Cllr Wright advised that if the tree is dead or dangerous, the application will not be subject to the usual six week consultation period but Canterbury City Council still needs to be notified. Cllr Wright advised that photographs are taken by the tree surgeon for submission as part of any forthcoming application/notification.

A member of the public enquired whether any action will be taken to remove a tree that has fallen over the river in Littlebourne. Cllr Twyman reported that the tree is on private land and it is the responsibility of the landowner to arrange for the tree to be removed but agreed to raise this with the Environment Agency.

Neighbourhood Watch Cllr Holland reported that she attended a meeting with Linda Lodge to have a handover on Neighbourhood Watch matters and has tried to speak with PCSO Gavin Dodwell to introduce herself but has not been successful. The Clerk agreed to forward emails for both PCSOs to Cllr Holland. Cllr Holland also reported that she has been added to the Littlebourne Neighbourhood Watch mailing list and will keep the Parish Council updated of any local incidents. Generally car crime in and around Canterbury continues to be a growing problem.

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The Clerk previously circulated the Little Stour and Barham Downs PCSO report and locally there has been two vehicle crimes and two burglaries reported in Littlebourne in May 2019 and an abandoned vehicle reported in Nargate Street. A road traffic collision was also reported on Grove Road, Grove on 27 May 2019.

KALC Cllr Treacher reported that the AGM (Annual General Meeting) will be held on 23 July 2019 in Littlebourne Village Hall. The current Chairman will be standing down at the meeting.

Cllr Collinson reported that he found the Dynamic Councillor Training Course he attended a useful introduction to his role as councillor.

RAMP Cllr Treacher reported that he and the Clerk attended the Rural Forum meeting held on Monday 17 June 2019 where Cllr Barbara Flack has been confirmed as Chairman. As an ex-parish councillor, her understanding and knowledge of how rural parishes operate is likely to be good for the forum.

Topics discussed at the meeting included litter and flytipping, including improved reporting procedures and enforcement. Cllr Treacher suggested at the meeting that a list of successful prosecutions be sent round to the relevant parishes which could be published in noticeboards, which seemed to be generally supported by other parishes in attendance. Pavement Parking Bans were also discussed, in particular a rise in the number of parishes pushing for double yellow lines.

Future topics outlined for discussion at subsequent meetings include the Parish Charter Review (September 2019), annual on-street parking review (March 2020), Concurrent Functions funding (to be arranged), buses and community transport with an invitation to Stagecoach to attend (to be arranged), formal response from Kent Highways to KALC regarding speed limits in rural areas (to be arranged), invitation to ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural ) to be arranged, and enhanced enforcement in rural areas (to be arranged). Cllr Treacher encouraged any councillors who have any suggestions to let him know so they can be raised at the next meeting.

Village Hall Committee Cllr Treacher reported that at the AGM on Monday 20 May 2019, three new residents were co- opted – Debbie Francis, Keith Walsh and Brenda Walsh. Janis Volckman was confirmed as Chairman, Tracy Harris as Vice-Chairman, Cathy Hayward as Treasurer and the Clerk as secretary.

At the meeting it was established that the Village Hall Committee would be responsible for NI contributions and tax for a new cleaner and advice from ACRK (Action with Communities in Rural Kent) was that the Parish Council register the new cleaner via PAYE. This was unanimously agreed and the Clerk is currently liaising with the payroll provider to ascertain what the monthly net salary would be. Cllr Treacher also reported that W.L. Glazing was instructed to replace the broken glass in the hall and that the Fire Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy is currently being reviewed. With regards to fundraising, an application for £600.00 will be submitted to the Four Villages Post Office and Shop Fund for re-decoration/re-plastering works in the hall.

Financially, a breakdown of the accounts for the financial year 2018-2019 with 2017-2018 as a comparison were circulated. It was noted that the gas, electricity and water bills seem significantly higher than last year. With the installation of a new boiler and the HIVE energy system, savings are expected over the coming financial year and it was agreed to get comparable quotes with other energy companies for consideration. ~ 6 ~

Cllr Treacher also reported that four historic photos of Wickhambreaux have been kindly donated by Bob Holmes to be hung in the village hall. It was unanimously agreed by the Committee to hang them on the wall to the right of the front doors.

Cllr Twyman reported that when the Church went to borrow a number of tables for the Open Gardens event on Sunday 16 June 2019, the tables could not be located. The tables have since returned but it is unclear where they were on that date. Cllr Treacher agreed to raise this at the next meeting on 25 June 2019 at 7pm.

The Village Hall Committee bank balance is currently £5,093.73.

Playing Field Committee Cllr Rees sent in a report in her absence and wished to thank Julian Maynard for delivering some wood chippings to the nature area and to Cllr Collinson, Linda Lodge, Denise Brazington and Steve Rees for their help in raking these over the inside of the floor area of the willow dome and more chippings will be added in the future. The willow dome has taken nicely helped by the recent rain.

Unfortunately an incident has occurred where youths have used the log pile to stand on after losing their ball over a resident’s fence and as a result it was decided to disperse of the log pile, placing the larger logs throughout the nature area and disposing of the smaller twigs at Cllr Twyman's farm. Cllr Rees wished to thank Cllr Twyman on behalf of the Committee. This is a temporary measure and the Committee will re-think the log /bug hotel.

Cllr Rees reported that there are trees on neighbouring land that are overhanging the playing field including the birds nest swing. In particular a large branch is overhanging the playing field on the village side of the Diamond Jubilee bench, which would be dangerous should it break. Cllr Rees has emailed the landowner to ask them to look into this as a matter of urgency and suggested that Cllr Wright look at these and liaise with Linda Lodge in her absence.

Cllr Treacher reported that a neighbouring resident of the playing field contacted Cllr Rees to report children climbing a tree in the nature area with concerns over their safety. The resident reported that Linda Lodge has since responded to his email and said she will install some temporary signage and remind children at the School.

Cllr Rees reported that the post that holds the main vehicle gate to the playing field requires replacing, either due to the wood becoming rotten or damaged. For safety reasons the gate code has been changed and a temporary notice put on the gate explaining this. Matt MacKay has been instructed to replace the post as soon as possible as he has replaced all the fencing on the playing field in the last four years. A quote will be obtained prior to the work being carried out.

Cllr Rees also reported that the Committee has applied to the Four Villages Post Office and Shop for £500.00 of funding towards signage to remind visitors that the nature area is for quiet play and for additional plants, shrubs and screening.

The Playing Field Bank balance is £1635.75.

Village Greens Cllr Rees reported that she and Steve Rees completed painting the posts and chains in time for the village open gardens and the mini Church fete on the village green. The weekend was a great success, raising more than double previous events in excess of £1600.00.The weather was good and some wonderful gardens were available to view with over £850.00 raised through tickets sales alone, averaging 170 visitors to the village.

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One complaint was received regarding the method used in the painting (the use of plastic sacks to protect the posts while painting the chains). Cllr Rees has taken on board the comments made and circulated a leaflet from Wingham Parish Council for community group WASUP (Wingham Against Single Use Plastic) and suggested the resident might wish to support a similar campaign within Wickhambreaux.

Cllr Rees also reported that she and Cllr Howe met for a handover on village green matters on Saturday 15 June 2019. Cllr Rees confirmed she would be available to assist with any questions or projects and Cllr Howe wished to thank Cllr Rees for the handover meeting. Cllr Howe reported that he hopes to raise some suggestions for consideration for the greens in Stodmarsh in the future. Cllr Howe also reported he is having difficulty contacting the contractor who cuts the grass in these areas.

Flood Protection Cllr Twyman reported that the Environment Agency is undertaking work on a bypass channel at Littlebourne which should lead to improvements in Drill Lane, including clearance of the dike and new stop board. Cllr Twyman also reported that small dikes in the East Kent area currently managed by the Environment Agency are being taken over by an IDB (Internal Drainage Board) which should hopefully see them run more efficiently.

Cllr Twyman reported that he is attending the Southern Water and South East Water’s workshop in Maidstone on 28 June 2019. Cllr Twyman also reported that the Emergency Committee will likely meet in November or early next year to review the emergency plan unless any issues arise.

Footpaths Cllr Wright reported that Hayward Design and Print, on behalf of Mickle Print Creative Solutions, has now produced a proof for the replacement footpath map which is currently being checked to ensure footpath numbers and routes are clearly identifiable.

12. FINANCE The expenditure totalling £838.88 was authorised, made up of:  ICO (Information Commissioners Office) – Annual data protection fee - £35.00  Majestic Garden Care – Playing field maintenance May 2019 - £198.00  Caroline Rees – Reimbursement for village green expenses - £227.03  Caroline Rees – Reimbursement for new playing field gate post - £83.34  Chenice Sparkes – Clerk salary June 2019 - £240.11  HMRC – Employee and PAYE June 2019 - £55.40

A cheque for £4,784.29 was signed in the interim period to Regency Flooring for the final 50% payment for replacement flooring in the village hall. The Parish Council unanimously agreed to pay the ICO annually by direct debit, saving £5.00 a year as the fee is reduced from £40.00 to £35.00, as the registration fee is compulsory under the new GDPR Regulations.

13. CLERK REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE (i) The Clerk reported that following the announcement that charges for the disposal of soil, rubble, hardcore and plasterboard at Household Waste Recycling Centres across Kent will be implemented on 03 June 2019, Kent County Council has announced it will provide an additional £250,000 to crack down on flytipping, which was the main concern highlighted in the consultation responses. A campaign will be launched for additional enforcement with the money being made available to the Kent Environmental Crime Waste Practitioners Group.

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(ii) The Clerk reported that she received an email from Maggie Twyman thanking the Parish Council for her nomination for the KALC Community Award, which was a “total shock” when announced at the Annual Parish Meeting.

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (i) Cllr Twyman reported a resident contacted him to ask where the bus timetable is published for the village. Cllr Treacher confirmed a copy is displayed in the parish noticeboard on the village green, close to where the bus stops. (ii) Cllr Collinson reported that concerns have been raised in neighbouring parish of at hedge clearance along Island Road during bird nesting season in front of the new development currently in construction, in particular its potential impact on the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. If the hedges have just been cleared out of season, the City Council will refer the matter to the Kent Wildlife Trust. The Clerk reported that this matter was taken up locally in Hersden.

The meeting closed at 9.27pm

Signed………………………...... (Chairman)

Date…………………………......

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