downsmail.co.uk Bredhurst
Blind LaneAplanning application for the demolition of a stable in Blind Lane and the erection of a three-bedroom home had been approved by Maidstone Council. Bredhurst Parish Council would seek clarification from the planning department regarding the village envelope to assist with future plans. Fir Tree GroveAproposed extension at 12 Fir Tree Grovewas recommended for approval. The Bell The parish council recommended approval for a single-storey rear extension as itwas felt important that the village retain The Bell as a going concern. However, councillors objected to an application for longer licensing hours after residents spoke about the potential increase in noise and disturbance. Greene King would be asked to keep the grounds of The Bell clean and tidy because itwas deteriorating quickly. Village maintenance The parish council thanked those who cleared lier during the village tidy-up day. About 20 bags of rubbishwere collected. Lighting trial reviewAnumber of comments had been received on the lighting trial which had been logged. Several external advisors had been asked for feedback. The only outstanding responsewas from Maidstone Council. Boroughward Cllr Derek Butler would follow this up. Snowdrops Contractors had cut the grass while the snowdropswere in bloom. After a complaint to Kent Highway Services and KCC Cllr Paul Carter, the contractors had agreed to give a 25kg sack of snowdrop bulbs to the parish council which will be delivered closer to
autumn.Aleer of thanks would be sent to Cllr Carter. Advertising vehicle Purple Properties had moved its lorry from the Forge Lane bridge after a request from Cllr Vanessa Jones. Village events Cllr Jones suggested that a central diary be kept by the parish council so that village events organised by various bodies and groups could be recorded to avoid events clashing.
Broomfield and Kingswood
Leeds bypassAmeeting of local parish councillors had been arranged to discuss bypass proposals for Leeds and Langley. Annual parish meeting Various groups said they would aend and the latest information on the neighbourhood plan would be on display at the event at the village hall, Kingswood on Saturday, May 16. Permissive footpath Three quotes had been received for clearing and laying the footpath to the sports field. The neighbouring landowner had asked that the parish council considers moving the path to protect their fence line. The clerk approached the woodland owner whowas willing to allow the path to move 0.6m from the fenceline and make it 1.6m wide, rather than the original 2m. However, the landowner, while grateful, said this would not resolve the problems. Councillorswere concerned that changes would incur increased costs but wouldwait until the landowners had discussed the maer before deciding. Portable building Cllr Terry Baker had received an offer of £500 for the portable building. Itwas unanimously agreed to sell it, but the buyer should deal with disconnecting the electricity as part of the arrangement if possible. Caravan sales After complaints about the
50 Maidstone East May 2015
selling of caravans in Broomfield Road, Maidstone Council said the owner of the property had proved that the site had long been regarded as a business premise, sowas in no position to ask the owner to remove anything that pertains to his business.
Detling
The LarchesAleer had been sent to Mike Phillips and a copy of the management plan for The Larches had been received. This would be circulated to all parish councillors and the concerned residents. Hockers Lane The chairman said he had answered correspondence from a resident in Hockers Lane about speeding traffic. White linesAresident raised concerns about white lining at the junction of Hockers Lane and Church Lane. The chairman would bring this to the aention of KCC Cllr Jenny While. Concernswere also raised about white lines at the junction of Scragged Oak Road. The clerkwas asked to liaise with the highways inspector regarding a site meeting. Rats Residents from PrincesWay aended the meeting to ask if the parish council could help with the problem of rats along their road. They said pest control officers had been to treat individual properties but this was not solving the problem as the ratswere just moving from garden to garden. They raised concerns about the hedgerow at the rear of the properties in PrincesWay and said itwas overgrown. However, itwas protected by tree preservation orders which prevented it from being cut back. The chairman said the parish clerk would look at how environmental health officers supported residents with such problems. The maer would also be brought to the aention of boroughward Cllr Nick de Wiggondene. Dumped Itwas reported that a bathroom suite had been dumped in Church Lane. Community shop Cllr Bowie reported on her visit to a thriving community shop in Barham whichwas run by an independent community commiee. She said that if the parish councilwas to consider such a project, it would need to establish the need by a consultation process. The questionnaire was ready to go out and itwas agreed it should be sent to all residents. Biomass boilers Cllr Denny said that after the presentation in the last meeting on woodchip and biomass boilers, he had investigated grants and the eligibility criteria. He questioned whether such a project would be financially viable and if it would be worth seeking grants. Members agreed this would not be progressed. Website The clerk had agreed a quote of £200 to have the parish council’swebsite transferred to a system that would enable her to update it with information. Horish Wood Students would be visiting Horish Wood to undertake a field study. Cherries John Monk informed the parish council that the cherry trees needed to be cut back at the Old School playing field. Fencing John Monk reported that workwas needed on the fencing on the north side of Monks Meadow. Itwas agreed that this should be progressed and he would be reimbursed for the materials and work.
Downswood
Deringwood Drive KCC Cllr Gary Cooke offered to investigate the chairman’s report
that a section of Deringwood Drive between the Mill and Bournewood Closewas dropping down. He also agreed to look at potholes that have appeared between the speed bumps on MallardsWay. Planning Itwas noted that the Lile Squerryes applications in Church Road for two detached dwellings had been refused. Olympicnic The event allocation had been agreed by Maidstone Council and a quote had been requested from the Red Cross.A quote for toilet and fire extinguisher hire would be requested. The chairman would check availability of the tug ofwar rope with David Nuall. Christmas event Dates for the Christmas carols and lights eventwere discussed. The social commiee would consider how to add a festive touch to the indoor lighting. Richard Young’s kind offer of a donation towards additional motifs would be investigated
further.Ameetingwas planned withAylesford Electrical to discuss 2015 requirements. Clerk’s report Further flytipping at the rear of the shopswas reported and subsequently removed by Caxtons. The majority of the wastewas found to belong to one flat tenant. Caxtons had contacted shop and flat tenants to remind them of their responsibilities.
Hollingbourne
Streetlights Borough Cllr Jenny Whilewas arranging a meeting with StreetlightsUK and the parish clerk as KCC funds had been earmarked for streetlight maintenance. The new streetlight opposite Godfrey Housewas a different colour to the other lights in the village and the contractor would be contacted to find out why. Council vacancy There had been no applications to join the parish council since the resignation of Mr Vallins. Notice board CllrAdamWardwas arranging for this to be put up. PAT testing The clerkwas looking into having the electrical items at the Cardwell Pavilion tested. New homes Leers had been sent to KCC, SouthernWater and the Environment Agency regarding the approval of a plan for homes on land next to 103 Eyhorne Street. Village fete The clerkwas trying to arrange for ShaunWilliamson to open the 2015 fete. Good wishes The councilwas concerned to hear that the priest in charge, Nigel Fry and his wife Janwere both very ill in hospital. Thoughts and prayerswere with them for their speedy recovery. Crime report PCSO Thomas Maybankwas the new PCSO for the North Downs. Five crimes had been reported: two cases of burglary other than dwelling in Manor Lane and three cases of burglary other than dwelling in PilgrimsWay. There had been three cases of anti-social behaviour. HGVs KCC Cllr Jenny While said the cabinet member for highwayswas working with freight companies to launch a new sat nav system to deter lorries from using inappropriate routes. Offroad motorbikes Residents continued to note large events but itwas considered unfair that they should have to cope with the noise and disturbance. Scaffolding poles had allegedly been erected around the land to stop people accessing it. The clerkwas to write to the enforcement officer at Maidstone Council to remind them about the ongoing unauthorised use of the land.
Parish Councils
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