Challock Parish Council Minutes
Memorial Hall, Audrey Allen room
Thursday, 12th March 2020, 7.30 pm
Members of public present: 1
Apologies
Councillor Jaques (Vice-Chair)
Present
Michael Fisher (Chairman), Tracy Brown, Anthony Aitken, Max Thomas, Duncan Hardie & Di Sandy (Clerk).
Welcome
Michael Fisher thanked everyone for attending.
Declarations of Interest
Councilors no new changes to the declarations of interest.
Minutes of Last Meeting
Minutes of 13th February 2020 meeting were signed by the Chairman Michael Fisher as an accurate record.
All agreed.
PCSO Aaron Newell
PSCO Aaron Newell introduced PSCO Catherine Stevens informing the parish council together they cover a large area consisting of 21 villages. Challock has one of the lowest reported crime rates.
Circulating a monthly report; a general overview of what has been happening in the area, some advice on not becoming a victim of crime, and what work PSCO Aaron Newell has been involved in and commenting what sort of crimes and anti-social behaviour may have happened in the area but will not cover all crime and will not go into depth. Continue to show a presence in all areas, both on foot and in a police vehicle, engaging with members of the community, and visiting hotspot areas.
During questions Chairman Fisher raised concerns of continuous speeding through the village in particular motor cycles. PSCO Aaron Newell offered to visit the village to carry out speed monitoring subject to manpower cover. Police numbers are decreasing and with a large area to cover would only be able to visit on occasions. Ideally if the village is able to set up a community speed watch in order to assist to gather regular recordings. Clerk informed PSCO that the Parish Council is able to borrow speed monitoring equipment from Sheldwich PC and have recently received offers of help from parishioners.
It was agreed for Clerk to liaise with PSCO Aaron Newell and provide a list of places along Buck Street for speed monitoring to take place and list of volunteers to arrange training.
PSCO Aaron Newell informed the Parish Council it is important for parishioners to report any incident/crime to the police
PSCO Aaron Newell would like to arrange 3 monthly public meeting in rotation with Molash inviting parishioners to a drop-in/surgery to discuss and raise any concerns. Suggest organising a coffee morning event in the village hall.
The Chairman Michael Fisher thanked PCSO’s Aaron Newell and Catherine Stevens for attending the parish meeting.
Clerk’s Report
Highways
Clerk has reported overhanging tree branch at Buck Street and a missing metal plate from telegraph pole also along Buck Street.
Clerk has reported pot hole/broken up tarmac adjacent to drain on the A251 adjacent to entrance to foot path to the cricket field.
Reported worn street signs at High Snoad Wood entrance to ABC.
The Lees
Clerk has received 15 mixed tree saplings ready to be planted during March. Clerk has contacted the school to inquire if the school children would like to help plant them.
Grounds man has cut up loose branches, removed and disposed, tidied grass verge due to vehicle damage. Supplied grass seed and sow.
Play Park
The grounds man has replaced broken fence panel in the play park and removed fallen branch.
Village Website
Clerk has made enquiries with new website due to accessibility regulations coming into force this September 2020. Clerk has contacted Thomas Broad for a quotation. Thomas currently hosts our current website.
Councillor Hardie is taking up enquiries on the new website and to report back with his findings and recommendations.
Councillor Training
Councillor Brown, Aitken & Hardie have attended councilor training on Saturday, 7th March.
Councillor Jaques to attend councilor training at Kennington Community Hall on 24th March.
Consultations
Clerk has completed on-line consultations regarding KCC Highways, Gypsy Encampment – new police powers, KALC survey.
Correspondence
- Received an email from Calor Gas notification of funding available to communities for projects in the village. Clerk has made an enquiry to see if the parish council can apply for help with play park refurbishment. Clerk to pass on information local clubs for their information.
- Received letter from Fisher German regarding a wayleave agreement to cover the existing equipment/proposed alterations to the electricity network at the Lees, Challock.
- Received email from Parishioner confirming driveway works have now been completed at Yelland Cottage.
Matters arising from correspondence
The wayleave agreement is to place; an underground cable running from the high voltage cable/pole on the Lees, adjacent to Greenlands/Valentine House connecting up to the entrance to High Snoad Wood and Deerwood, Canterbury Road. This will involve digging up a section length (280 metres) of the Lees, one of the Lees track and width of Canterbury Road, adjacent to High Snoad Wood entrance. Councillor Ramsden has looked at the plans to confirm no concerns providing the contractors re-instate the area to its original state. Councillors approved for Clerk to sign the agreement and plan.
Finances
The current account balance on 29th February 2020 £5423.20
The NS&I account balance is £11,919.45
Internal Audit
Internal audit to take place on 14th April 2020 with Lionel Robbins. The internal audit involves checking the completion of the Annual Return. The Auditor checks the bank reconciliation, payments and receipts and the minutes.
Lees Maintenance
Councillors approved the 3-year grounds maintenance contract with Landscape Services
Year One – 2020/2021 £1418.20
Year Two – 2021/2022 (3% Uplift) £1460.74
Year Three – 2022/2023 (3% Uplift) £1504.56
The following cheques were signed:
Chq no 022052 J Sandy Grounds works £103.59
Chq no. 022053 ABC Printing Forester Feb & Mar issues £328.46
Chq no. 022054 D Sandy Stationery £37.67
Planning Applications
Following planning applications were discussed.
20/00184/AS High Tree Lodge, Buck Street, Challock, Ashford, TN25 4AT
Demolition of Existing Dwelling and Outbuildings and Erection of 26 No. Dwellings with Associated Access, Parking and Landscaping
Councillors discussed planning application and proposed comments to send to ABC and considered applying Rule 6 Party to represent the Council if the application goes to appeal. It was agreed for proposed objection comments to be added to ABC planning portal.
It was agreed for the Clerk to make enquiries for a planning consultant to assist and advise the Parish Council on the High Tree Lodge application.
20/00273/AS The Warren, Green Lane, Challock, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BL
Demolition of existing building and construction of new dwelling
Councillors agreed for application to be investigated further and for Clerk to make enquiries on historical application before submitting their comments.
20/00238/AS Applewood Farm, Pested Lane, Challock, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BD
Demolition of redundant agricultural building and erection of single dwelling, including ecological and landscape enhancements
Councillors agreed for application to be investigated further and for Clerk to make enquiries on previous application regarding change of use of agricultural building before submitting their comments.
20/00193/AS Green Lane Farmhouse, Green Lane, Challock, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BL
Replacement of windows and joinery in annexe building
Challock Parish Council supports this application.
Ratification of Planning Applications
There were no planning applications to be ratified.
Complaint land behind Mill House, Canterbury Road, Challock
Clerk has sent a letter to ABC Planning regarding development land behind Mill House concerning priority level applied to planning conditions being breached.
A251 Faversham Road
The A251 meeting with Sheldwich, Badlesmere, Leaveland & Boughton Aluph PC took place on 19th February. Sheldwich PC arranged the meeting to raise their concerns on the A251 and their aim to try and get the speed limits through the villages reduced to 30.
Boughton Aluph PC explained about the process for trying to achieve this by applying to KCC for Highways Improvement Plan.
General discussion took place on hot spots along the A251 e.g. North Street & Sheldwich junction. Ours is Buck Street and Pested Lane junction. The varying speed limits 40, 50 and national speed limit fluctuates was also discussed.
Badlesmere/Sheldwich PC have speed monitoring equipment which they haven't been able to use; have kindly offered Challock PC use of it on loan.
Clerk to make contact with Community Police Officer Aaron Newell to see if we can arrange for speed monitoring to take place along Buck Street and Canterbury Road. A couple of Parishioners have come forward offering to gather some volunteers to carry out the speed monitoring.
A further meeting took place yesterday, 11th March with Badlesmere, Sheldwich & Leaveland, Boughton Aluph and Challock PC (Councillor Brown & Clerk attended) to discuss running a campaign to lower the speed limit through the villages. In attendance were Sarah Ellcock Project Manager from KCC Swale Highways, Demi Richards Engineer from KCC Swale Highways and KCC Ward Councillor Andrew Bowls. Discussion took place concerning the safety concerns and pinch points along the A251. It was agreed for each parish to raise a HIP (Highways Improvement Plan), however PC’s will work collectively where possible and savings can be made on some of the works/surveys. Clerk to prepare HIP for Councillors consideration at the next parish meeting.
Items for Information
Tree Saplings
The Parish Council has received 15 mixed tree saplings to be planted on the Lees. Clerk has contacted the school to inquire if the school children would like to help plant them. Councillors Aitken & Hardie agreed to assist with the planting of the trees subject to dates available. We received one request from a parishioner to plant some at the top end of the Lees where there are no bollards marking the edge of the Lees.
75th VE Day Commemorative Celebrations May 2020
Meeting took place on 20th February to discuss preparations for the VE Day Commemorative Celebrations on bank holiday Friday, 8th May 2020. The Five Church Walk will be taking place at the bank holiday 8th May 2020. Challock VE Day commemorative celebrations will take place on the cricket ground commencing at 12.30. The event will be a traditional afternoon tea party with barbecue and refreshments theme. Entertainment will be a DJ, a special performance from Kings Wood Players and a soloist singer. There will be an exhibition of events of parishioners who served, survived and loss during the Second World War. It is hoped to have on display memorabilia associated to Challock village of the Second World War. At 3 pm the village will raise a glass to undertake the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II and to salute and give thanks to our parishioners present that served and helped on the home front. Challock Parish Council would like to present 75th VE Day commemorative medal to parishioners who lived during the Second World War. To request a medal for a parishioner; forms will be available at the post office to complete and return.
The Chairman suggested advertising in the forester if parishioners would be willing to loan to the VE Day exhibition artefacts/memorabilia from World War 2 era.
A251 Faversham Road Footpath
ABC Ward Councillor Larry Krause has confirmed ABC’s funding is now available for the implementation of the footpath. KCC Ward Councillor Charlie Simkins has been notified for works to commence.
Spring Clean Litter Pick
The village litter pick will be on Sunday, 5th April 2020. To meet at the village hall car park at 10 am. All welcome please come along if you can.
AOB
Chairman requested latest updates on the coronavirus is placed on the notice boards and on village website, Facebook and Challock Chatter.
Parish Forum
None
Meeting closed at 8.45 pm
Parish Council Meeting Dates for 2020
Next Parish Meeting to be held on Thursday, 16th April 2020.
Future Parish Meeting Dates:
Thursday 21st May 2020
Tuesday 16th June 2020 Annual Parish Meeting Main Hall
Thursday 9th July 2020
Thursday 17th September 2020
Thursday 15th October 2020
Thursday 19th November 2020
