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Highlights from the meeting on 7th February, 2006.
1. Traffic control. It was hoped that the ‘interactive’ speed indicator sign on the London –bound side of London Road near Cellar Hill would be erected ‘by the second week in February’ (KCC Highways).
2. Local Plan Review. We have already objected to the omission of Area of High Landscape Value status for the Lyn Valley from the Local Plan Re-Deposit Draft (see January’s News Letter). We have now submitted a Further Written Representation, providing maps, pictures and further argument for the need to protect this distinctive feature. A copy of this has been passed to Teynham Parish Council for its information, because part of the Valley is in their parish. We have received notification that Swale Council intend to make no changes to the Draft Local Plan in response to our objections, except for proposing some increased protection for rural lanes. The final decision, however, is in the hands of an independent Inspector at the Public Inquiry due to start in April. Time will tell if he agrees with us, and alters the Plan in our favour.
3. Parish Design Statements. Swale B C has informed us that, for reasons beyond its control, it proposes to remove the Supplementary Planning Guidance status from Village- and Parish Design statements. We feel that this would be a very unfortunate move: our PDS has proved valuable to planning applicants, consultees and planning authority officers alike. Its downgrading would remove much of its value in ‘managing change’ in our parish. Furthermore, it took much voluntary community effort to prepare and promote the document. We have written a letter protesting the intended change, and requesting a chance to discuss what can be rescued from this unfortunate situation.
4. Parish Plan. This document, which contains the future aspirations of the community collected via its Survey, will be launched at a special event on Saturday 25th March (see separate notice).
5. Joint meeting with Teynham Parish Council. This was held on 31st January. Matters of mutual interest were discussed, including: traffic and parking problems, affordable housing provision, environmental improvement, recycling, the Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Plan, the joint Playing Field, the post office, Jubilee Pump and street furniture. It was considered a success, and it was resolved to make the joint meeting an annual event.
6. Affordable Housing. It was clear that both Lynsted with Kingsdown, and Teynham, parishes required rented units. Sites in both parishes were being identified and reviewed , in association with Swale Borough Council officers.
7. Planning. There had been no meetings of the Planning Committee since the last Parish Council meeting. There had been an application from KCC concerning the proposed bus layby at Lynsted and Norton School. As support of parish councillors was known to be unanimous, and the idea had originated with the parish council, no meeting was held and no objection was lodged.
Swale B C had allowed SW/05/1343: Tennis court surround fence at Jeffries, Claxfield Lane.
8. Joint Playing Fields. The Management Committee was looking into the possibility of having the area designated as an ‘open space’, in the light of the increasing pressure for development in the locality. Arrangements have been made for the required felling of the poplars.
9. Unauthorised tree felling at Cellar Hill. It was understood that Swale B C would be sending an official letter to the owner involved. A replacement tree will need to be planted at the site, as a minimum penalty.
10. Community Orchard. The Orchard Project at Park Farm was beginning to receive favourable publicity on a wider front ( articles in ‘Family Circle’, ‘Heritage Counts’).
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 21st March at the Belle Friday Centre, London Road. 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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