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Bearsted Parish Council www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk


Plan to reduce


traffic issues RESIDENTSwill be only toowell aware that the amount of traffic using local roads is increasing every year. This situation will only get


worse as Maidstone Borough Council agrees to more planning applications, inevitably leading to more congestion, speeding and parking issues if adequate infra- structure is not put in place. It is the parish council’s respon-


sibility to identify specific issues, and highlight them to both the borough and county councils. Bearsted Parish Council has,


therefore, produced a Highways Improvement Plan, suggesting potential solutions to specific is- sues that have been reported by residents. This plan is due to be discussed


with KCC in the coming weeks, with the aimof getting some pos- itive action to improve the worst problems as quickly as possible. This will include Ware Street, which is causing many residents concern.


Welcome back


THE parish council is pleased to welcome Graeme Hannington back. Graeme was due to leave Bearsted, but has now changed his plans and is staying on in the village. The council is still hoping to co-


opt at least three more members to assist with its crucial parish work. If you are interested in join- ing Bearsted Parish Council, please write to the clerk at the postal or email addresses at the top of this page.


Weeding help Plans to revive pond


VOLUNTEERS are needed to help councillors dig over and weed the bank opposite the sta- tion, in preparation for replant- ing. If you can help, please contact


the parish office by phone or email, so the council can compile a list of volunteers and set a date.


28 Maidstone East July 2019


THE parish council’s environment committee has held several dis- cussions with consultants on what action needs to be taken to revive the village pond. Councillors have now been told


itwill need a newliner to allowthe parish to replant the pond with


reeds and lilies. The work will need to be ap-


proved but, if given the go-ahead, councillors hope they can save many of the existing plants while the works are underway. If agreed, it is hoped that works would commence this summer.


A DEDICATED Bearsted Parish Council planning committee will be reintroduced, as pressure frombuilding development con- tinues to grow. The committee had officially


disbanded in May, primarily be- cause of a shortage of councillors. Its role in responding to major


planning applications was subse- quently intended to be taken up by the full council. But, at lastmonth’s full council


meeting, chairman Michael Bol- lom said residents had asked for a dedicated forum where they could present planning concerns. There was also a perception, in


light of rulings such as the schools proposal on Popes Field, that


planning feedback from parish- ioners was not being given ade- quate consideration byMaidstone Borough Council. In light of this, and with Cllr


Graeme Hannington’s co-option increasing member numbers, Bearsted Parish Council has agreed unanimously to reinstate the planning committee, albeit re- duced in size. Cllr Hannington has offered to


stand as chair,whichwill need to be ratified at the committee’s first meeting, and councillors Richard Ash and Jo Tribley have agreed to bemembers. Cllr Bollom will be substitute,


standing in for any planning member who is on leave or ill, to


Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 630165


Emails: clerk@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk deputy@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk admin@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk


Chair: Michael Bollom Clerk: Sarah Lewis


Planning commi�ee returns, by request


ensure there is always a quorum. He said after themeeting: “It is


crucial that, in the first instance, residentsmake their observations or objections directly to the plan- ning authority, Maidstone Bor- ough Council, which will advise residents on any objections that are raised. “Wewill then be able to pick up


those concerns through the appli- cation process at the parishmeet- ings, which will


allow


representation by the residents. “Dates of future planning com-


mitteemeetingswill be posted on our website in due course. In the meantime, applications will be dealt with at full council if re- quired.”


Car parkwork


BEARSTED Parish Council has awarded the church car park resurfacing contract toCWSurfac- ing. Workwill commence onAugust


12, with the car park being closed for seven days initially, plus two days afterwards. During this time, the sitewill be


levelled off, covered with Tarmac and then given a layer of golden shingle. The church, clubs and al- lotment holders were consulted prior to the dates being confirmed, to ensureminimal disruption dur- ing the works.Access by the foot- wayswill not be affected.


Playscheme


BEARSTED Summer Playscheme runs at Roseacre School onweek- days, fromJuly 29 untilAugust 9, 9amto 1pm. School-aged children aged up


to 11 can enjoy games, sports and many other activities. Prices are £11 per session, and places can be reserved


at www.eventbrite.co.uk.


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