PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the MEETING OF SOUTHFLEET PARISH COUNCIL held on Monday 7th June. Members considered and resolved the subjects and matters set out in the agenda. Covid 19 Restrictions applied to the meeting.

PRESENT: Cllr M N Salway, Cllr I Brown, Cllr P Tester, Cllr L Tomkins, and Cllr C Willis

Apologies: Cllr S Carter (medical)

ELECTIONS: - a. Chairman: Cllr Noreen Salway - Nominated by Cllr Tester, seconded by Cllr Brown b. Vice-Chairman: Cllr Ian Brown – Nominated by Cllr Salway, seconded by Cllr Tomkins. c. Members of Committees and Representatives on other organisations: - Donations, Trees, Footpaths, Environment. It was agreed all Members will be responsible. • Charities – Southfleet Memorial Fund: Agreed: Cllr Salway and Cllr Tester Trustees of the Fund

Code of Conduct declarations were given by the Chairman and Cllr Brown on behalf of all Councillors. There were no changes to DPI forms.

51/21 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Cllr Brown declared a pecuniary/prejudicial interest in matters relating to Gravesham Borough Council Planning, Enforcement matters in and , Member of St Nicholas PCC.

52/21 MINUTES: The Minutes of the remote May 2021 meeting were considered. agreed to be a true record and signed by the Chairman.

53/21 HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORT MATTERS:

a. Highways: Highways issues reporting website not working and no report for June. This will be checked with the Highways Inspector.

b. Road closures May/June and general maintenance matters.

• Hook Green Road – 21st June closure for 1 day due to drainage work near Banbury Villas. • Dale Road – 25th June for 6nights for resurfacing. Prep World have been notified by KCC.

c. Road: Broadditch Pond: Correspondence re: flooding, potholes, state of pond was noted. The complainant represents LNPC, the Chairman has written to the LNPC Chairman advising that SPC liaise with KCC Drainage Officers on matters relating to Southfleet Parish. KCC has advised the area does not have a high flooding records, and investigation will not take place for 8 weeks. Landowners, SPC and KCC act together to achieve what is possible. Due to geological factors beyond pour control, Southfleet has numerous sub terranean watercourses which cause road flooding across the Parish

d. A2 Widening: The Scheme continues to be affected by closures and disruption and traffic builds up result in vehicles diverting through the parish. A complaint was noted from an employee in of traffic chaos when a large car transporter accessed the width restricted Betsham Road. Advice has been given to report to KCC and the police such incidents, as signage for width restrictions and traffic calming are being ignored by vehicles. 1

e. Speed Watch: Members agreed that speeding traffic is an issue in various areas of the parish. In the past a request for volunteers for a speed watch project did not result in any volunteers. A request for volunteers will be sent again then covid restriction are lifted.

54/21 FOOTPATHS:

PROWs in the parish: • DR137: The construction of a surfaced roadway from Hook Green Road to Court Hill Cottages and gate has previously been reported to the KCC Footpaths Office. Cllrs agreed that the surfacacing should be referred to DBC Planning Enforcement for advice if planning permission is required.

55/21 PLANNING:

a. To note observations given by the Planning Sub Committee on planning applications: - • Fidelis Westwood Road DA/21/00668/FUL - Provision of a dormer window with Juliette balcony to rear elevation and roof lights to front and side elevation, in connection with providing additional rooms in the roof space. The Parish Council is opposed to the application on the grounds that: - 1. The proposal is too large for its setting and would appear to exceed Green Belt restrictions further.

2. The rear balcony would overlook the rear gardens of the immediate neighbours and "Appleacre". While it appears, LPA do not favour balconies on front elevations, there is a local precedent in "Red Street" and the view from "Fidelis" to the east is probably superior to that proposed. We suggest the design could be improved and also care should be given to fenestration.

3. The plans show four double bedrooms, which could equate to more people and possibly more cars: the lane is very narrow, and this could be a potential problem.

• Westwood View 15 Highcross Road DA/21/00619/FUL- Conversion of existing garage to provide a study and provision of replacement parking spaces, addition of first floor extension to existing bedroom above the current garage and ancillary works including alterations to the existing front elevation of the garage, removal of 2 existing sheds and 1 greenhouse and movement of existing oil storage tank to new location. The Parish Council voiced concern in 1999 for a previous extension due to over development on a Green Belt Location, the consent was granted by DBC. The Parish Council remains opposed to the application on the grounds that the proposal would result in overcrowding of the site, in excess of the Green Belt restrictions, and potential parking problems.

• 97 Highcross Road DA/21/00597/FULErection of a detached one-bedroom annexe. The Parish Council is opposed to the retrospective application on the grounds that: -

1. There is a record of extensions relating to the end of terrace former "jockeys" cottage dating from January 2001 and in our response of 2014 the PC pointed out that consent to DA/14/01093/FUL would absorb what remained of percentage allowance for extensions in the Green Belt.

2. In the opinion of the PC, this is a separate dwelling and not part of no 97.

3. It is queried with concern that what is now built development on the site is excessive in

2 relation to what is permissible in Green Belt restrictions.

4. In regard to "accommodation" for an elderly relative, we query if planning law can insist an elderly relative is the occupant of the dwelling. LPAs to not have resources to check if the condition is being adhered to.

In the opinion of the Parish Council this is a serious incursion into the Green Belt.

• Southfleet Cricket Club DA/21/00541/FUL Erection of a single storey side extension. The Parish Council notes the security difficulties of using the current container site some distance from the main building. Therefore, does not object to the proposal. However, the site is Green Belt, therefore we ask that when the extension is complete, and the equipment stored therein, at a time limit to be set by DBC, the container is removed from the cricket ground.

b. To consider planning application Consultations: -

• 2 Gladstone Cottages DA/21/00745/FUL- Provision of a dormer window with Juliette balcony to rear, alteration of pitched to flat roof over bathroom to outrigger also to rear, addition of 2 No. rooflights to front roof slope in connection with providing additional rooms in the roof space. The Parish Council expresses concern with the application and possible adverse impacts on neighbouring properties in what is an area of high level development and traffic congestion. After some discussion which included improvement on design, overlooking and reference to the extension to No1 Gladstone Cottages which the PC opposed, but was permitted: the Parish Council took the view that disappointing as it is, the LPA would have difficulty in refusing the application if a precedent has been set.

• Friary Court Hook Green Road DA/21/00767/TRCON Notification for crown reduction as per annotated picture and the removal of damaged/diseased limbs of 1 No. Cherry tree within Hook Green Conservation Area. The Parish Council has no objection to the application.

c. To note Consents granted. • 8 Sedley DA/21/00525/FUL Demolition of existing rear conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension. • Danetre Warren Road DA/ 21/00479/FUL Erection of a timber garden shed and gate on the northern boundary and erection of timber garden fence on eastern boundary of the rear garden (retrospective)

To note Consents refused. None

c. Enforcement Issues: Correspondence noted: • Court Lodge Farm: Scaffolding businesses – given notice to leave by 31st March 2021. Steven Evans, DBC Consultant has now left DBC, who have advised his caseloads have not been allocated. The Clerk will continue to request an update. • Fiveways. Noted. Residents’ complaint to DBC noted of noncompliance to Planning permission granted. • Dale Villa – Wall and Piers: Appeal refused. DBC has confirmed an extension to the compliance period of the enforcement notice. The revised date for compliance was extended to 17th May 2021. The Clerk will ask for an update.

d. Planning Inspectorate hearings: Appeals noted: -

3 • Northend 19/00162/ENF | Unauthorised storage of materials, change of use of land, engineering operations within the Green Belt. Appeal Dismissed. • Drudgeon Farm 19/00191/ENF | Multiple Caravans onsite and Hard Surface laid: No decision to date

e. Ebbsfleet Garden City: It was noted that the PC had not been consulted on a Planning application for the previous Esso Service Station within the Southfleet boundary. A request has been made to the EGC planners to include SPC in matters relating to Southfleet parish.

f. London Resort: Video consultations are continuing; however, the PC has agreed not to participate until the scheme has progressed. Now designated as an area of Special Scientific Interest, the Planning Application has been delayed by 4 months for amendments to be made.

56/21 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS/POLICE MATTERS/LICENSING ETC: a. Police, Kent Fire and Rescue: Crime report from PCSO not available. b. Environment • Fly Tipping: Loads in various locations including Foxhounds Lane and Park Corner Road have been reported to DBC. DBC had assured the PC that they received approx. 300 reports per month, and they prosecute if enough evidence. The Chairman has written to Gareth Johnson, MP who referred to a debate in the House of Commons in October 2020 and a Bill due for Royal Assent in 2021 which will assist Councils in combatting the problem. Cllr Tomkins reported on behalf of residents in Park Corner Road, a load of Fly tipping at the entrance of land owned by Mr Gedney in Sandy Lane. As this is private land and DBC will not remove the fly tipping, the Chairman will write to Mr Gedney.

• Pepperhill Waste Unit: Press article re: Continuation of a booking system was noted. It was agreed the system was working well to precent high queues at the unit. • Britain’s Spring Clean: Campaign from 28th May to 13th June noted. The PC is supporting the event and has asked residents to advise if they litter pick to inform the PC and hours will be added to the Southfleet total. • Governments Electric Charging Point initiative: It was noted that the Southfleet Village Hall Committee are interested in the Scheme and will be investigating. Cllrs raised concerns with if planning permission was required, noise and parking.

c. Trees, Hedges and Bulbs: • The Woodland Trust free trees application starts on 11th June 2021 to commemorate the Queens Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The PC will apply and nurture the trees until ready for planting. The Rainbows Group has also show interest and consideration will be given on locations. • Tree at 22 Brakefield Road: It was noted that KCC Highways had written to the owners for removal of an Ash Tree for safety reasons. The PC advised the owner to contact DBC Planning, as the tree is a Walnut tree and under TPO st by DBC. • Hook Green Road – KCC tree at the rear of Rectory Meadow. A Swarm of bees has taken over a large hole in the trunk. Reported to DBC and KCC who advised leaving it to naturally disperse.

57/21 CODE OF CONDUCT/STANDARDS FOR , LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STANDING ORDERS No maters to report.

58/21 CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATION: COVID 19 CRISIS. • The PM has announced the Vaccination roll out is on target and death rates are reducing, however due to the Delta variant the 4th phase of the road map due on 21st June may be delayed. • Parish Council Newsletter: This will be formulated and distributed to residents in September 2021, when Covid restrictions are lifted, and distribution is available.

4 59/21 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 20th May 2021: Matters relating to fly tipping and trees discussed.

60/21 DONATIONS/GRANTS. No requests for donations received.

61/21 SOUTHFLEET MEMORIAL FUND: Co-option of Mr Neale Buttery as Trustee with special duties to keep accounts and make returns to Charity Commission was noted. Thanks were given to Mr Buttery who was present.

62/21 CIL EXPENDITURE: Consideration will be given and discussed at the July meeting.

63/21 FINANCE:

• a Bank Transfers already agreed: - • Mr David Johnson (internal audit) £30.00

Bank Transfers agreed: Southfleet Village Hall (hire from June 21 to March 22) £252.00

b LOCAL COUNCILS IN ENGLAND AND WALES – ANNUAL RETURN FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2021: Completion of paperwork, internal auditors review and notice of Public Rights on website noted.

c. Bank Statements as of 7th June 2021 • Current Account £5,347.32 • Reserve Account £19,955.43

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