SOUTHFLEET PARISH COUNCIL

Due to the Covid 19 global crisis the MEETING OF SOUTHFLEET PARISH COUNCIL to be held on Monday 2nd November was held remotely by telephone. Parish Council Members whilst working from home considered and resolved the subjects and matters set out in the Agenda.

Members considering the Agenda: Cllr M N Salway, Cllr I Brown, Cllr S Carter, Cllr L Tomkins, Cllr P Tester and Cllr C Willis

95/20 PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS AND THE LAW: Noted: The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) ( and Wales) Regulations 2020 allows for Members to discuss items on the agenda remotely. Minutes of matters discussed/noted during the month will be published on the Parish Council website. This is subject to change if circumstances warrant.

96/20 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Cllr Brown declared a pecuniary/prejudicial interest in matters relating to Gravesham Borough Council Planning: and Enforcement matters in and ; and Member of St Nicholas PCC.

97/20 MINUTES: The Minutes of the remote October 2020 meeting were considered, agreed to be a true record, and will be signed by the Chairman.

98/20 HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORT MATTERS:

a. Highways: Highways issues reported to the contact centre during the month noted.

b. To note road closures October/November. • Westwood Road 9th October for 6 days for utilities investigation • Highcross Road 12th October for 1 days for KCC drainage repair. • Hook Green Road 18th October for 1 days for Thames Water repair.

c. Bus Meeting: The Agenda and Minutes of Zoom meeting on 27th October were noted. The PC sent apologies as Members were unable to take part in the zoom meeting. Items discussed included Winter 2020/2021, Sevenoaks Taxis and any issues relating to the 489/475 service that would affect the parish.

d. Station Road: Unused railway Bridge: Communication has been received by Highways England on a proposal to infill the bridge (built in 1886) sides due to health and safety reasons. As the road will require a closure, the Clerk has forwarded details of KCC Highways and Prep World contacts in order to liaise and schedule the closure with the least impact to residents and businesses.

99/20 FOOTPATHS:

a. DR139: Noted: KCC confirmed the allotment path is cut twice a year, last cut 28th August.

100/20 PLANNING:

a. To note observations given by the Planning Sub Committee on planning applications: -

1 • The Exchange DA/20/00893/FUL Erection of a part single/ part two storey rear/side extension - The Parish Council remains opposed to the application.

We bear in mind the Conservation Area status of the site, and while the revision does reduce the size of the proposal, our concerns re: impact remain. Furthermore, the amended design does not appear to improve the street scene. The Parish Council suggests that a completely fresh look is taken at what is possible within the reduced footprint and so present a scheme more in keeping with the Conservation Area status. Regarding highways matters and the PC's previous comments a few years ago, we asked KCC to check the legal boundaries in this section of Red Street between curtilages and highway ownership, as pavement widths appear to differ considerably from house to house. The Parish Council has commented previously on congestion and vehicle parking and the impact on the Conservation Area.

• Old West Barn Westwood Farm 20/00698/FUL Partial redevelopment of site consisting of the demolition of buildings and erection of a building for use by a builders' merchant (sui generis industrial use), with ancillary trade counter and mezzanine office, retention of 12 No. storage containers and associated parking, landscaping and engineering works comprising of levelling ground and hardstanding 1. The increased adverse impact on the openness of the Green Belt is unacceptable 2. Traffic: The ever-increasing volume of traffic through Highcross Road is already a subject of frequent residential complaint with which the Parish Council sympathises. The proposed activity will do nothing but raise the level of frustration. A "builders' merchants" centre of the indicated size will attract more larger vehicles, that already are a problem in the narrow road. 3. Are the indicated storage containers to remain? We query if they already have permitted status. 4. Sewage: The Parrish Council queries if the present system is adequate if the application is allowed. 5. Drainage and Flooding in Highcross Road has a high level of drainage problems because of springs and topography causing ponding at Westwood crossroads. Increased hard standing will only exacerbate the situation. 6. It is likely the access will be widened: has a traffic survey been carried out? 7. Green Travel Plan: The only public transport is "Go-Coach" which has a limited service and is partially funded by KCC, which may not be sustainable in the future. Walking to work is not an option due to the dangerous road and lack of PROW’s in the area. We question the travel plan and the practicality of a 60-car parking facility and 5 van parking bays. The Parish Council considers the proposals unsuited to the Green Belt location and asks DBC to refuse the application.

• Court Lodge Farm DA/ 19/00279/FUL Extension of farmyard, realignment of access road to farmyard, construction of a bund and realignment of public footpath. Provision of a temporary car park whilst the works are undertaken in respect of the permanent development (part retrospective) - While the Parish Council welcomes the reduction in the amount of proposed hardstanding: our concerns as expressed in our previous observations dated 19th March 2019 remain.

b. To note Consents granted.

• The Limes Hook Green Road DA/20/01024/TPO - Application to carry out various works to various trees subject to Tree Preservation Order No.1 1984 within Hook Green Conservation Area

To note Consents refused. None

2 c. Enforcement Issues: Outstanding/follow up reports to DBC including:

d. London Resort: Press Cuttings noted re: Effects of the pandemic on Theme Parks and details of the proposal including a Water Park.

e. Ebbsfleet Garden City: Paul Boughen, Community Building has offered to talk to the PC with an update on the project. Due to the current situation, he will be invited to speak to the PC in 2021 when meetings in public resume

f. Planning Matters: DBC has confirmed they are moving forward with the Local Plan; the next consultation will be in early 2021. The Chairman has queried with DBC the outstanding developments in Road and if there is a time frame for completion and tidy up of the hoardings, removal of building waste etc. DBC has stated they have no control on the timeframe for completion of development.

g. Planning Consultations: Members were reminded that planning applications are considered on an individual basis, comments should be consistent with standard PC planning policies and not influenced by individuals or other parties, and with declarations of interests recorded

101/20 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS/POLICE MATTERS/LICENSING ETC: a. Police, Kent Fire and Rescue: Correspondence, and incidents of crime including criminal damage and unsocial behaviour. Noting to report

b. Fly Tipping: Incidents in Foxhounds Road, Dale Road, Warren Road and Hook Green Road were reported. DBC has confirmed that intelligence is crucial in apprehending the offenders and any information on vehicle registrations should be reported via the DBC website.

c. Ingress Terrace: Overgrown vegetation and lack of maintenance has been reported to DBC housing.

d. Trees, Hedges and Bulbs: Nothing to report

102/20 CODE OF CONDUCT/STANDARDS FOR ENGLAND, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STANDING ORDERS  Nothing to report.

103/20 CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATION: COVID 19 CRISIS. • The Government has announced a National Lockdown on Thursday 5th November until 2nd December. Public Houses will have to close; however, it is noted the Ship PH will be offering a takeaway service and food boxes.

• Allotment Society: To note correspondence re: donation of the water tanks to the Society and removal from the Parish Council assets.

104/20 DONATIONS/GRANTS.

• The Vale Management Committee re: Children’s playground. The PC has asked the Management Committee for details of suggestions of maintenance or new equipment that is required, and the cost, in order to consider a donation. • Allotment Society. The PC has asked the Society for details of maintenance or items that are required, and the cost, in order to consider a donation.

3 105/20 PRECEPT: A decision on the precept to be set for the financial year 2021/2021 will be made at the December meeting. Suggestions included: A bus shelter in New Barn Road at the junction with Red Street, Tree Planting, Donations considered to help the Church, School, and Village Hall, footpath signage; and future projects to improve amenities, subject to detailed examination.

106/20 FINANCE:

• a Bank Transfers agreed: -

• Sedley’s Parent Association (allotment rent donation) £10 • Southfleet Village Hall. Noted 2020 invoice is on hold pending further advice from the SVH Secretary

b. Bank Transfers for October to agree: None

c. DBC Capacity Building Fund Grant: A bid for continuation of the bollards in Station Road to protect the low-level footpath and a heritage sign has been submitted.

e. Payroll Reporting: The rise in cost from £67 to £100 per annum for Diane Malley was agreed.

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