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Highlights from the meeting on 20th December, 2005.
Allotments. The current tenants had been notified of the Parish Council’s decision to close the allotments. The landowner was being contacted, to close the lease.
Parish Plan. A full draft had been seen and commented on by members of the Parish Council. The final version was aimed for the end of January. It would be published for general consumption. Working groups, including members of the Steering Group and Parish Council, would be formed to act on the recommended actions from the Plan. Cllr Disney will coordinate.
Ponds and woodland. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers had been in touch, mentioning funding for certain pond improvement and community tree planting projects. In view of residents’ concern at the dried-out state of the ponds in the parish, and the relatively poor extent of tree planting and woodland coverage in the Parish, a BTCV officer was invited to join cllrs. for an informal ‘tour’ of the parish. Various features were viewed from the public right of way, and possible action noted for consideration.
Affordable Housing. Swale Borough Council was arranging for English Rural Housing Association to operate the three affordable units at St Pauls Court (Stedlyn Retreat). The Parish Plan survey returns indicated a need, in addition, for four rentable units. Such a number would require only a small (possibly impracticably small) site. Swale Council is seeking to identify sites for affordable housing in both Teynham and Lynsted with Kingsdown parishes. A possible joint site, serving the needs of both parishes, is a possibility. The Parish Council is keeping in close touch with both Swale and Teynham Councils on this important matter.
Standing Orders. These had been revised and updated to meet current requirements. They were adopted by the Parish Council.
Village of the Year competition. An appeal for help for a more substantial entry by Lynsted, published in the December edition of this News Letter, produced no response whatever. The idea would be considered again in a year’s time.
Precept. After careful consideration, the Precept for 2006/7 was confirmed at £ 7,334. The Precept is the amount the parish residents are charged for the services provided by the Parish Council. It works out at £19.45 for the year.
Planning. The following applications were discussed at the Planning Committee meting on 14th November.
- SW/05/ 1343. Tennis court fence. Jeffries, Claxfield Lane. No objection.
- SW/05/1354. Rear extension. Bogle. Lynsted lane. No objection.
- SW/05/1353. Two replacement dwellings. Bishops Cottages, Nouds Lane. No objection.
Swale Borough Council determinations:
- SW/05/0926. Dropped kerb at batteries Terrace, Lynsted Lane. Allowed.
- SW/05/ 1137. New vehicle access. Tew Tree Villa. Lynsted Lane. Allowed.
- SW/05/1206. Rear extension, Yew Tree Villa. Allowed.
- SW/05/1142 Resiting of garage etc. Yew Tree Villa. Allowed.
Joint Playing Field. Cllr F Champion had agreed to chair the Management Committee. Cllr R Thorpe (Teynham Parish Council) had joined the Committee.
Tree Warden. Cllr Baxter had put a note in the News Letter concerning the inadvisability of felling trees in Conservation Areas without permission form the local authority.
Orchard Group. A ‘mid-term’ meeting of the three-year Community Orchard Project had been held with a consultant appointed by the funding body (Local Heritage Initiative - LHI). Mrs Morris was very enthusiastic about the progress with the Community Orchard. Ours was apparently something of a model for other LHI projects across the country. She gave valuable advice on how to go about further activities.
Insurance for events. The insurance situation has been clarified. For events in the Orchard organised by the Parish Council, there is a public liability coverage of £5m. Groups wishing to use the Orchard for their own events would need to arrange their own coverage. Such groups would be asked to sign a disclaimer form prior to the event.
Meetings with Cllr Bowles. It was agreed to cooperate with Cllr Bowles’ suggestion for regular a meeting between him and parish chairmen to discuss current issues. Cllr Bowles is Kent County Councillor for our division, and our ward councillor, as well as Leader of Swale Borough Council.
‘Omissions’ sites. These are sites that owners/developers have objected to being omitted from the draft Local Plan (now under review). They are not planning applications, and Swale Council will not be adopting them. Teynham Parish Council had invited Lynsted with Kingsdown P C to send a representative to a public meeting on the subject.
NOTE. Full minutes, once signed and adopted, are available for inspection at Teynham Library, or, by appointment, via the Clerk (phone 522 653).
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 7th February at the Community Room, Lynsted Church. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.
Parish Council meetings are open to the public, who are warmly welcome to attend. Parishioners may make a brief oral statement at the beginning of the meeting.
R Baxter.
Publicity Representative.
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