MINUTES OF THE MEETING
21ST JULY 2021
Clerk Christine Plummer
APOLOGIES
Councillor Andy Beeching
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 23rd June 2021
Minutes for this meeting were approved
DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT
Councillor Mike Connolly submitted a report July 14th2021District Councillor’s Report
1. I am sorry to report the resignation, for personal reasons, of M J Holloway as a District Councillor, Cabinet Member, Deputy Leader and member of Sandwich Town Council. He has put a huge amount of energy into his role as Portfolio Holder for Inward Investment and Tourism and has created the framework for the regeneration of Dover Town. This role will now come under the direct remit of Trevor Bartlett as Leader of the Council. In workload compensation Trevor has passed responsibility for DDC’s response to the climate change emergency to Cllr Chris Vinson, who has a particularly strong interest in this issue. Cllr Oliver Richardson becomes Deputy Leader and Cllr Martin Bates joins the Cabinet with responsibility for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services.
2. Although not as acute as a few weeks ago the problems with the waste collection services have continued. Under intense pressure from DDC Veolia have responded by throwing resource at the problem with extra manpower (currently using some 80 agency staff as it is very difficult to recruit and motivate permanent staff.) This has had some effect. However we believe this is not a sustainable long term solution and we have insisted that Veolia carry out a fundamental review of what has gone wrong and how we may move forward to a reliable service. We expect the result of this review in September so until then they will have to continue fire fighting. Regular meetings continue.
3. Following the consultation on the draft Local Plan we have now completed the processing of all the comments received. These comments are available to view on the consultation portal online (www.doverdistrictlocalplan.co.uk/get-involved) We had an excellent level of response to the consultation, receiving over 3400 comments from 1280 individuals and organisations. The next stage is a revised Plan, incorporating DDC’s response to the comments received (Reg 19) which will go out to further consultation in early 2022.
4. Inland Border Facility: The Government has decided to split the facilities into two sites. HMRC will go to the site at Guston originally proposed for all the facilities, while DEFRAwill take an alternative site in the District. Location of this is known but cannot yet be declaredas commercial discussions are continuing.
5. Memorial to Dame Vera Lynn: An underpass in Dover Town and part of the White Cliffs footpath have been renamed in Dame Vera’s honour. An appeal has been launched, facilitated by DDC, for funds to create a Dame Vera Lynn Bowl, a performing centre on the Western Heights which would also incorporate a statue.
GOODNESTONE C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT
Report to be submitted to next meeting
FOOTPATHS
Councillor Beeching had submitted a report on local footpaths to include the following
- EE275 overgrown from Rowling area to pigs. grid ref TR227541 54086
- EE271B broken stile with rabbit fencing erected by farmer causing difficulties for walkers and dog walkers. grid ref TR26862 54001
- EE271B station Road ploughed over and planted impossible to navigate without destroying crops. Grid ref TR 26605 5437
- EE228 diverted to west of Chillenden windmill impossible to pass due to lack of maintenance
Councillors agreed that KCC PROW to be informed of access problems.
Clerk reported donation of a petrol strimmer.
Bruderhoff Community at Beech Grove confirmed donation of wooden bench to be placed in Chillenden Village. Councillors discussed location and ownership of proposed land opposite Short Street. Councillor Hawksworth agreed to research land ownership.
Councillors also agreed to include a plaque on the bench in thanks for kind donation
ACTION: CLERK TO REPORT TO HEATHER WALLER KCC PROW OFFICERACTION: Councillor HAWKSWORTH TO CONFIRM LAND OWNERSHIP
- PARISH INFORMATION BOARDS
Councillor Aldington confirmed the costings of the proposed Parish Notice boards. Total costs for each board £845. With installation and posts to be completed by local workforce.
Clerk requested to investigate funding opportunities from DDC Welcome Back Fund.
Councillor Aldington agreed to confirm land ownership In Goodnestone adjacent to Church with members of the Parochial Church Council.
ACTION : CLERK TO CONTACT DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL ABOUT FUNDING FROM WELCOME BACK FUND
HIGHWAY MATTERS
Clerk confirmed that following discussion with Louise Winch KCC Highways a report had been submitted to KCC concerning the road markings at Copmans Hall junction and resulting recent accidents.
Advice included a suggestion that the area could be added to The Parish Councils Highway Improvement Plan at a later date.
Clerk to report back at next meeting.
SPEED CONTROLS GOODNESTONE AND CHILLENDEN
Following the recent zoom meeting with Louise Winch KCC Highways attended by Councillor Phillips and Councillor Hawksworth it was agreed the project should continue with the original plans to introduce 20mph in Goodnestone The Street and Chillenden High Street with a view to proceed with further surveys in other surrounding roads including Short Street in 2022.
Councillors agreed to the next stage funding of the project on receipt of invoices from KCC.
Councillor Hawksworth to circulate the minutes from the zoom meeting.
STREET LIGHTING
No further reportsDEFIBRILLATOR SERVICING
Clerk reported that a quiz will be held in The Fitz with all proceeds to support the maintenance contract for the machine in Goodnestone.
Councillor Turner Brown agreed to fund the service for the machine in Chillenden.
ACTION : CLERK TO PROGRESS
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING
Councillor Aldington reported further information from KCC about the location of Car Charging points in rural areas. It was agreed by Councillors that the information should be shared with Lord FitzWalter as there is no appropriate community land in the Parish.
FINANCES
PAYMENTS FOR APPROVAL
- Roger Austin Mowing £133.20
- Roger Austin Mowing £145.20 Proposed Councillor Aldington Seconded Councillor Phillips
- Cheque no 430 £278.40
PLANNING
21/01078 Hop Cottage Councillor Aldington expressed some concerns. Councillor Phillips requested Clerk to ask for extension to response
21/00235 no objection
ACTION CLERK TO RESPOND
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
PARISH MATTERS
Councillor Phillips raised the recent Southern Water tree pruning at Pumping Station Chillenden. Clerk confirmed an email had been sent to DDC Tree Preservation Officer.
Councillor Aldington reported on the funding dispute between Central Government and Open Reach which has delayed the Broad Band service provision. It is not expected to be resolved until August 2021.
Councillors discussed maintenance of the Millennium Field and options of creation of a wild flower meadow. Chairman asked for item to be placed on next agenda.
PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION TIME
No comments
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AT 20.55PM
NEXT MEETING 25TH AUGUST 2021 GOODNESTONE VILLAGE HALL
29TH SEPTEMBER 2021 GOODNESTONE VILLAGE HALL