Parish Council Archive

Neeting 1st June 2006

Rural Housing Trust

Mrs Chris Ellis of the Rural Housing Trust addressed the Council. The Trust has been asked to conduct a survey into housing needs and in particular affordable accommodation. This is defined as housing which can be rented or purchased at well below the market price and is intended only for those people who have a claim to live in the Parish such as those who were born and bred here.

Survey forms will be delivered to all households and residents are asked to complete and return them.

Highways

KCC will not provide the funding this year for a footpath in Branch Road between the Avenue and the Sports Field. The cost of speed reducers is £10,000 and beyond the Parish Council's means. The speed limit therefore will remain at 30mph instead of 20mph as originally requested.

Recycling

The Council has agreed to an application by Kent Bio-Fuels for a unit to take used cooking oil for recycling. It will be put near the bottle banks in Taylors Hill car park.

Village Fairs

Unfortunately the May Fayre had to be cancelled this year as has the annual fair at Old Wives Lees.

Mobile Police Station

The mobile police station has been paying a number of visits to the Parish and residents are cordailly invited to call in. The final one this year wil be on the 10th August from 1300-1400 in Chilham Square and 1430-1530 at Old Wives Lees Village Hall car park.

Old Wives Lees Playground

Paul Aylward is looking for volunteers to help service the playground equipment following the RoSPA inspection. A further inspection is due in July and Paul would like to get the work completed. He can be contacted on 730166.

Next Meeting

Thursday 6th July 2006

7.30pm Chilham Village Hall.

Meeting 4th May2006

Chairman

Robert Berry was re-elected Chairman of the Parish Council for a further year with Paul Aylward as vice-Chairman.

Land behind Taylors Hill

The Council is negotiating with the owner for a lease on the land so that it can remain as an amenity for parishioners. Discussions have taken place with the Forestry Commission about felling some of the surplus trees.

May Fayre

The Fayre this year will take place in the Recreation Ground Field due to the high cost of closing the roads leading to the Square.

Annual Parish Meeting

Some 30 residents and Parish Councillors attended the Annual Meeting on the 27th April. Damian Green MP was guest speaker and views were expressed about the possible reduced train service and the effect of the proposed expansion of Imperial College at Wye.

Old Wives Lees Playground

Paul Aylward is looking for volunteers to help service the playground equipment following the RoSPA inspection. Paul can be contacted on 730166.

Recycling Grant

The Council has received £2,500 (last year £1,615) as a result of the facilities in Taylors Hill car park. This will be donated to worthwhile causes within the Parish and applications for grants are invited.

Tree Warden

Mrs Emma Brett of Dane Street has kindly agreed to act as the new Tree Warden for the Parish.

Next Meeting

Thursday 1st June 2006

O.W.L. Village Hall.

The meeting will start at 7pm with a talk by Chris Ellis of the Rural Housing Trust. All welcome.

Meeting 6th April 2006

Highways

The detached sign at Felborough Close has been reported together with several missing speed limit signs.

Village Centre Signs

Planning applications have been made to Ashford Borough Council for the erection of a village sign in both Shottenden and Old Wives Lees.

Annual Parish Meeting

The meeting to which all parishioners are entitled to attend will be held at Chilham Village Hall on Thursday 27th April at 7.30pm. Damian Green MP has accepted an invitation to speak.

Spring Clean

Gloves and bags will be provided for the annual clean on Saturday 8th April.

Footpaths

The Parish Council is resisting an application to reclassify paths AE18 and AE429 as byways to allow motorised traffic. AE18 runs from East Stour Farm to Juliberrie Downs and AE429 is the short path from the A28 across the railway bridge to the AE18. The Council considers that the change will be detrimental to the environment.

Old Wives Lees Playground

Paul Aylward is looking for volunteers to help service the playground equipment following the RoSPA inspection. Paul can be contacted on 730166.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden later in the year and the Council urgently needs a replacement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councillor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 4th May 2006

Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Meeting 2nd March 2006

Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Meeting open to all parishioners of Chilham will be held on Thursday 27th April at Chilham Village Hall. Damian Green MP has been invited to talk about the rail service, the future of Ashford and the proposed expansion of Imperial College at Wye.

Village Signs

Application has been made to Ashford Borough for permission to erect signs at Shottenden and Old Wives Lees. The providers of utilities have been contacted to ensure there is no damage to pipes etc.

Chilham Square

A DEFRA grant has been received to conduct a feasibility study on improvements to the Square.

Tourism Marketing Leaflets

The leaflets are now available from the Post Office. They have been distributed widely in the Village and other local parishes.

Incident at O.W.L.

The Police have apologised for their failure to attend the incident last October when children were throwing stones at a contractor's lorry. They claim that all their resources were engaged on other incidents.

Spring Clean

The Council has chosen Saturday, 8th April as Parish Spring Clean Day. Volunteers are asked to give up an hour or two of their time in the morning collecting rubbish around the Parish. Gloves and bags will be provided.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden later in the year and the Council urgently needs a replacement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councillor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 6th April 2006
Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Meeting 2nd February 2006

Highways

The state of the lower end of Church Lane has been reported to KCC Highways.

Village Signs

Unfortunately a delay has been caused by the failure of the KCC Highways Inspector to meet with councillors and agree the sites.

Chilham Square

The ridges that have appeared on the new surface have neen reported to KCC Highways.

Tourism Marketing Leaflets

The first proofs of the brochure have been received and the order given for the final print run. They should be available in March.

Incident at O.W.L.

The report from the Chief Inspector at Maidstone about the failure to respond to the 999 call is still awaited.

Parish Web Site

The domain name chilhamparishcouncil.gov.uk has been registered. The site will be entirely under the control of the Parish Council and there wil be a link to the Clerk's e-mail address.

Spring Clean

The Council has chosen Saturday, 8th April as Parish Spring Clean Day. Volunteers are asked to give up an hour or two of their time collecting rubbish around the Parish. Gloves and bags will be provided.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden later in the year and the Council urgently needs a replcement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councillor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 2nd March 2006

O.W.L. Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Meeting 5th January 2006

Highways

Two more salt bins have been ordered - one at Shrimpton Close and the other near The Woolpack Inn. However KCC has the final say as to whether or not they are supplied.

Village Signs

The order has been placed for two signs, one at O.W.L and the other at Shottenden. Their exact location will have to be agreed with Highways.

Chilham Square

Unfortunately the request for a Christmas Tree in the Square was too late. An earlier application will be made this year.

Strret Lamp in Hambrook Lane

There was a majority of residents against a street light being erected and the matter will not be considered again by the current Council.

Tourism Marketing Leaflets

Final details have been submitted to the printers and it is hoped that the finished copies will be available in early March. The leaflets will be financed by a grant from Kent AONB and advertising.

Incident at O.W.L.

The Police have apologised for not responding to the 999 call last November and a formal report is awaited from the Communications Centre at Maidstone.

Parish Web Site

A Parish Council web site is being set up on which minutes of meeting and other Council matters will appear. Details will be given later.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden later in the year and the Council urgently needs a replcement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councillor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 2nd February 2006

Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Meeting 1st December 2005

Highways

The Council is pursuing the introduction of a 20mph limit at the village end of Branch Road. The Police however are insisting that it must be self enforcing by, for example, the provision of speed ramps.

Village Signs

The Council has decided on a Horse and Plough design with gold lettering. The location of the signs in Shottenden and Old Wives Lees will be decided in conjunction with Kent Highways.

Chilham Square

An application for a grant has been deferred following a request by DEFRA for more information.

The Council hopes to erect a Christmas tree in the centre of the Square, but it is unlikely to be lit up due to technical problems in providing the electrical supply.

Old Wives Lees

It is hoped that the broken notice board can be repaired rather than having the expense of purchasing a new one.

Tourism Marketing Leaflets

It is hoped that local businesses will take up the offer of advertising in the leaflets in order to offset costs.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden next year and the Council urgently needs a replacement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councillor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 5th January 2006

Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Meeting 3rd November 2005

Highways

A visit from the County Lengthsmen, who will undertake minor repairs, is due shortly.

A portable speed monitor has been demonstrated and the Council is considering whether it will be of benefit.

Two new salt bins have been ordered for Old Wives Lees together with a replacement for the broken one in Cobbs Hill.

Old Wives Lees Green

Kent Police has been asked to give a report on the incident last week when a contractor's lorry was damaged by youths throwing stones.

Parish Visit to Vollezelle

The Chairman and his wife joined the visiting party of parishioners at Vollezelle in Belgium where a Chilham resident, Henry Lloyd was shot down during the Second World War. The Chairman and local Mayor exchanged gifts to commemorate the occasion.

Trafalgar Night Dance

The dance at the Village Hall on Saturday 22nd October was a big success and enjoyed by all present. Thanks are due to Margaret Barbrook and her Committee for their efforts.

Village Signs

Possible designs for village signs in Shotenden and Old Wives Lees will be considered at the next council meeting.

Tree Warden

Pete Vogel is standing down as warden next year and the Council urgently needs a replacement. The job is not arduous and details can be obtained either from Pete (730880), a councilor or the Clerk.

Next Meeting

Thursday 1st December 2005

O.W.L. Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Notes of 6^th October 2005 meeting

Planning

The Council has noticed that many planning applications from residents of Old Wives Lees and Shottenden have been refused due to KCC and Ashford Borough planning policies. Residents of these villages are therefore advised to consult the Officers at the Civic Centre before submitting any planning application.

Highways

An inspection of Chilham Square has been requested due to cracks appearing in the surface. This has nothing to do with its recent use by Granada TV.

Finance

The Council has received £500 from Granada TV, and also a contribution from residents towards the cost of the new street lamp.

There is still £90 available from the recycling money for grants to local organisations.

Tourism Marketing Initiative

An order has been given for 15,000 information leaflets for distribution throughout the County. These will give services available in the Parish and encourage tourists. The cost of the leaflets will be offset by a grant from KAONB and local advertising.

Village Centre Signs

After two abortive attempts to find a suitable supplier, contact has been made with the company which supplied the sign for Rolvenden.

Speeding

Concern has been expressed about the amount of speeding in the Parish, particularly up The Street, Chilham. The Council is investigating the provision of physical restrictions in Branch Road to enable a 20mph limit to be enforced.

Next Meeting

Thursday 3rd November 2005

Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Notes of August & September 2005 meeting

Community Warden

Mr Vince McMahan, the Community Warden attended the August meeting and spoke to councillors. His role is to act in partnership with the police, the trading standards authority and social services to prevent crime. He can be contacted on 07813 695817.

Highways

Chilham Square and surrounding roads have been resurfaced with minimum inconvenience. Any road works done in these areas should be reported to a parish councillor or to the Clerk to ensure that the surface is replaced properly.

Finance

There is still £150 available from the recycling money for grants to local organisations.

Trafalgar Day Celebrations

Nelson’s famous victory will be celebrated in Chilham Village Hall on Saturday 22^nd October with a pig roast and dance. Tickets at £10 each will be available shortly and numbers are limited to 200.

Parish Design Statement

Copies of the Statement have been distributed throughout the Parish. Further copies are on sale at the Post Office.

Greater Ashford Development Framework

The Council has now had an opportunity of studying the Framework in detail. New residential development allocations involving an additional 800 homes by the year 2021will be focused firstly on Tenterden and subsequently on suitable opportunities within Chilham and five other parishes.

Litter Picker

Mr Gary Davies has been appointed litter picker in the Parish. He will spend three hours a week in Chilham and one each in Shottenden and Old Wives Lees.

Next Meeting

Thursday 6^th October 2005

Chilham Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm

Minutes of the Meeting held at

Chilham Village Hall on

Thursday, 7^th July 2005

Present: Cllrs. R. Berry (Chairman), P. Aylward, A. Baker, D. Kennett, A. Ralph, E. Taylor & Ashford Borough Cllr Jane Marriott.

Apologies: Cllrs. M. Barbrook & J. Smith.

In attendance: C. List (Clerk) and one member of the public.

7/1            Minutes of meeting held on the 2^nd June 2005

The minutes of the previous meeting were signed as a true and correct record.

7/2            Matters arising from the minutes

Council will consider whether or not to claim on the Insurance when the bill for the repair to the playground equipment has been received.

7/3            Declarations of Interest

Cllr Berry: Governor of School, Member of the Chilham Village Hall & Trafalgar Day Celebration Committees.

Cllr Ralph: Member of the Chilham Village Hall Committee.

Cllrs Aylward & Taylor Members of Trafalgar Day Celebration Committee.

7/4            Planning

Decisions received from Ashford:

04/2176            Rebuild front chimney (retrospective). West Bailey, The Square,

Chilham. LBC GRANTED

05/082             Hipped roof conservatory. 2, Northdowns Close, Chilham

GRANTED

05/0750            Extension for first floor bathroom. Spindleberry, Canterbury Road, Chilham.

GRANTED

Applications considered :

04/2176            Rebuild Front Chimney (Retrospective). West Bailey, The Square

Chilham (LBC)                      NO COMMENTS

05/0670            Erection of sun room. Hillcrest, Pilgrims Lane, Chilham.

SUPPORTED

05/0999            Two storey extension to side and detached double garage. 2, Rochester Villas, Chilham.          SUPPORTED

05/1022            First floor extension over existing building. Sylvilla, Canterbury Road

SUPPORTED

TC/0062            Fell one Robina acacia. Knowlers, The Square.             SUPPORTED

TC/0063            Crown reduce by 2m, trim and reshape one Yew Tree. Hambrook Cottage, Hambrook Lane.                                        SUPPORTED

TC/0067            Fell one Sycamore tree. Burgoyne, The Street, Chilham        SUPPORTED

Land off Taylors Hill

Mr Hayes has completed the purchase of the land adjoining Taylors Hill and is not seeking any financial assistance towards its purchase. He is prepared to offer CPC a lease, at a peppercorn rent, on condition that the Council fences and clears the land in accordance with existing covenants.

7/5            Finance

Council approved the replies to Part 2 of the Annual Return. It will now be sent to the Internal Auditor.

Councillors were not prepared to complete the elaborate arrangements necessary to become a signature to the Cater Allen Private Bank Account. Other investments for surplus funds will therefore be sought.

Disbursements

Council agreed to the following payments from the recycling money:

Trafalgar Day / School Tea Party       £475

School outdoor picnic tables               £150

Plaque at Recreation Ground              £50

Street light                                           £200 (together with £500 from the C.F. Grant)

Feasibility Study                           £250

These sums together with the £135 for the O.W.L. Fair Insurance premium amount to £1,260 which leaves £355 in the Fund

7/6            Highways

The Clerk was asked to write to the Police and ask why they objected to the 20mph limit in Branch Road. Cllr Marriott would monitor the situation.

Temporary Traffic Orders have been received covering The Square and approach roads as from the 18^th July. Orders for an event on Sunday 17^th are awaited.

Cllr Kennett has made arrangements for road planings to be put on the small car park in Church Hill. The Clerk will seek the approval of the land owner. A working party will be required.

The new Community Warden, Vincent McMahon requires a small office within the Parish. CPC agreed to consider contributing towards the cost.

Speed Watch will be introduced on the 17^th August.

7/7            Meetings

Cllr Baker had attended the Parish Forum at the Civic Centre when the new licensing laws and Wish Lists were discussed.

He also attended the DEFRA Rural Strategy meeting where he was informed that there was a substantial amount of money available for grants to Parish Councils.

The walking bus for school children could not be pursued and a motorised bus covering several local schools has been suggested.

Peter Wead attended the Police /Parish Forum and the minutes are available. The next meeting is on the 28^th September.

Cllr Ralph reported that the finances of Chilham Village Hall were now back in the black.

The Chairman has met with Alison Barney and discussed a variety of issues.

7/8       Train & Bus Services

Cllr Baker was informed that his letter about the proposed lack of an adequate rail service for Chilham should be referred to the Department of Transport.

7/9            Greater Ashford Development Framework

A copy of the proposed Framework which will replace the Local Plan is available from the Clerk.

7/10     Parish Design Group

The Clerk reported that a photograph has been taken at the Castle of some members of the Parish Design Group.

The balance of the printer’s costs will now be paid and delivery is expected shortly. Council felt that a copy should be given to all households and that further copies should be charged at £2.

Members of the Group have personally contributed to a well deserved gift for the Editor.

7/11            O.W.L. Village Green

Mr Gray has cut back the shrubs and Alan Groombridge will be asked to ensure that the Green is mowed before the Fair on the 16^th July.

The Clerk will attend to the broken door on the notice board.

7/12            Affordable Rural Housing

A survey for affordable housing in the Parish will be requested of ABC.

7/13     Village Signs

Cllr Kennett has met with another iron worker, Simon Green, and will discuss appropriate designs with the Chairman.

Following a question from Cllr Baker, the Chairman pointed out that parish boundary signs require at least 1.25m of verge.

7/14     Village of the Year Competition

The result will be declared on Thursday 8^th September at Harrietsham Village Hall. The Chairman and Cllr Aylward will attend.

7/15            Trafalgar Day Celebrations

The celebrations are fixed for Saturday 22^nd October. A quotation of £6.95/head for a pig roast has been declined; other suppliers will be sought.

7/16            Chilham Square Feasibility Study

Helen Kirwan and the Chairman have met with the consultant and discussed the DEFRA grant application. Letters of support are sought from local organisations.

7/17            Payments

682      C. Thomas-Gray              Maintenance contract                           60.00

683      K. Jeffery                         Salary to 29 July (5 weeks)             137.50

684      A. Goombridge                Mowing                                              289.05

685      C. List                                     Salary (June)                                      304.25

686      C. List                                     Expenses                                             101.00

687            Multiplex Medway Ltd            Printing                                              748.00

7/18            Correspondence

The following have been received:

1.     Allianz Cornhill re Fidelity guarantee

2.     C.P.R.E. Booklet

3.     Ashford’s Future leaflets

4.     Police liaison minutes

5.     Affordable Rural Housing

6.     D.E.F.R.A. Clean neighbourhoods

7.     Temporary T.R.O.

8.     K.A.P.C. Area minutes

9.     Oast to Coast (Magazine)