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Tel: 01634 861237 email: clerk@boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk


Planning guide THE environment committee has agreed the revised format of its planning information leaflet. The leaflet,which is available


from the website or from the parish office, explains the role that the parish council plays in planning and the rules that gov- ern the responses it can make. CllrWendy Hinder, chairman


of the environment committee, explained: “It is important that residents understand the plan- ning legislation and the limited reasons that can be used to ob- ject to applications. . “Of course, now that the Gov- ernment has relaxed some planning legislation the leaflet will be slightly amended.”


Hearing help HEARING aid users will find it easier to follow discussions at parish council meetings. Portable transmitters and re- ceivers have been bought for use at meetings, by councillors and members of the public. Chairman Ivor Davies said:


“Our meetings are held at five different venues and the acoustics can cause problems for anyone who is hard of hear- ing. It is hoped that by making these devices available, our meetings will be easier to fol- low for those with hearing im- pairments.”


Orchard vandalism A SEAT in the Jubilee Orchard has been vandalised. Police have been informed, but any- one with information on this and earlier vandalism can call the parish office or the police. Residents are asked to keep an eye on the orchard and report any anti-social behaviour.


A RECENT change in the per- mitted development legislation has relaxed the planning re- quirements for single-storey rear extensions up to 6m long for attached houses (ie terraced or semi-detached) or 8m long for a detached house. Once made aware of a devel- opment under this relaxation, the local authority has to con- sult with the occupiers of ad- joining premises, with a


Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website


Boxley Parish Mail Hall committee needs you


CHAIRMAN: Ivor Davies CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall,Wildfell Close,Walderslade, ME5 9RU


GROVE Green Hall is looking for new management committee members. All Grove Green and Bearsted Park residents are eli- gible for appointment. The hall is a vital community


asset and is well used by resi- dents. This is a tribute to the work of the current committee members, many of whom have


served 15 to 20 years. However, because some may soon retire, the hall needs to identify suc- cessors for appointment. This is an important role, but


is not an onerous one as the committee usually meets only four times a year (currently at 7.30pm on the first Monday in March, June, September and De-


Church path repaired


THE parish council has completed work on the cobbled path across the green. Weather andweeding over the years had left the path with some large gaps between the cobbles. These have nowbeen filled in. Cllr Vic Davies, chairman of the


estates committee, said: “There isa balancing act between meeting modern needs and retaining the character of the villagegreen which is in the conservation area. It was never going to be possible to get a smooth surfacebut theworkhas re- duced the risk of tripping whilst still hopefully retaining the charmof the historic path.” Lengths of the cobbled path,


which follows the line of a pre- Roman trackway, still lie below the Tarmac surface of The Street and the road outside the church.


Volunteers’ appeal for storage THE parish council is considering a request from the Friends of BoxleyWarren for secure storage for its equipment. This group of volunteers arranges workdays on the SSSI next to PilgrimsWay. The parish council has worked in partnership with theMid Kent Downs Countryside Partnership to attract £55,000 in grants for work on the site and to support the setting up of the group. Chairman Ivor Davies said: “With the cut in public funding it is


vital that the parish council works with other organisations to find alternative sources of funding to support local communities and volunteers. The work of the Friends is also supported by the local farmer,without whose help it would not have been so successful”.


Rules relaxed for extensions to homes


consultation period of 21 days. However parish councils, un-


less they own adjacent land, will not be consulted. Where no objection from adjoining prem- ises is received, the local plan- ning authority cannot require or refuse prior approval. Where any owner or occupier of any adjoining premises objects to the proposed development, then the prior approval of the local planning authority is re-


quired as to the impact of the planned development on the amenity of adjoining premises. Further information will be posted on the MBC website and can be sought from the planning helpline 01622 602736. The change applies only until


May 30, 2016, and does not apply in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Conservation Areas.


cember). The hall has a care- taker and is well organised, but as a charity, it needs to have the requisite number on its man- agement committee. Volunteers are the lifeblood of


a community, so can YOU spare a few hours? If so please contact Monty Knight-Olds on 01622 739657


Wood helpers WITH the growing season in full swing, more maintenance is needed in thewoods, and the next volunteer task day is planned for Sunday, July 14. Details will be advertised on


the parish council’s website and on the noticeboards in the woods. The classification of the woods as a village green has clearly identified that these are the community’s woods. The more volunteers that come for- ward, the more work can be done to enhance enjoyment of the area by local residents, both human and wildlife. Full training and protective clothing will be provided and a job can be found for anyone at- tending. Any children must be accompanied by adults.


Return of the hum THE parish office has been told that the noise that was irritating residents of Walderslade Woods last summer appears to be back. Any resident who is experiencing


disturbance


should notify Maidstone Bor- ough Council.


Trim trail warning KCC has said a recent accident to a child using the trim trail has highlighted the need for re- furbishment or replacement. In view of the cost, KCC has de- cided to remove the trim trail equipment. The parish council was consulted but did not ob- ject as it believes it is little used.


Neighbourhood plan THE consultation on the pro- posed neighbourhood area is due to end on July 23. Details can be found on the Maidstone Borough Council website.


The parish council extends a heartywelcome to all newresidents of the parish andwould like to remind you thatwe are here to serve


YOU. Details of the role of a parish council and specifically what Boxley Parish Council does can be found on the council’swebsite. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office. If you do not have access to a computer, our other contact details are at the top of this page.


32 East You can e-mail the Downs Mail — info@downsmail.co.uk


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