NONINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Report of a meeting held in the Dolphins Hall on Wednesday 4^th March 2009 at 7.30 p.m.

·        Roads. Measurements on the speed and frequency of traffic through the village are currently being taken. Also the Highways Department have agreed to provide speed radar guns which will be manned by volunteers. These have in the past proven to be successful in reminding motorists to adhere to the speed limits in the village.

·        Maintenance and improvements. The decision regarding funding of new proposed gates at the two main entrances to the village was deferred to the April meeting –this may result in funds being made available from The Highways Department 2009-10 annual budget.

·        A site meeting was held and all parties present were happy with the proposed Snowdown footpath. Further discussions have led to a change in specification which significantly reduces the anticipated cost to the stage where the Parish Council would be required to provide only £1000 towards the cost of the project. However the final design/specification is required before the PC can commit any funds. Also the question regarding potential PC liability for future users of the footpath was raised. It was agreed that KAPC and the insurers would be contacted to clarify the matter.

·        Vicarage Lane Footpath. Still on hold awaiting a solution to the land ownership issue. The Footpaths Department will also be contacted to see if this is a potential way forward.

·        Affordable Housing. Since the last meeting the PC has learnt that the Rural Housing Trust is being wound up and will no longer be championing affordable housing in the village. Options for the future were discussed – the Local Development Framework has an expansion plan for the area but only minor provisions for the villages. The option of developing a Village Design Statement was also discussed – it was agreed that the original 1988 Village Appraisal document together with the draft document for Great Mongeham would be circulated so that Councillors could consider if this is a potential way forward. It was agreed that this would be further discussed at the April Village meeting.

·        Allotments. Dover Planning Department have been contacted to see if planning consent is required convert the Church Street plot of land into allotments. Unfortunately the response was not clear and the matter has been referred to the Planning Inspectorate. It was agreed that the schme would be pblicised both on the Village noticeboard and in the Village magazine to see if there is sufficient interest from parishioners to continue.

·        KWP grant for chipper. The deadline for the application has now lapsed – a combination of uncertainty regarding the specification of machine required, training requirements for operation of the machine and potential demand from the village meant it was inappropriate to submit an application. It was agreed that it would be an option to hire a machine later in the year and see if there is sufficient interest to warrant reinvestigating the proposal for next year.

·        Following a request for financial help from the Dolphins Group it was agreed that the PC would donate £100 towards the annual running costs for the group.

·        It has been noted that litter in and around the village is becoming more of an issue. The option of resurrecting the Village “Green Day” was put forward as a potential solution. This will also be discussed further at the April meeting

·        Wet leaves are collecting on the slope at the Holt Street end of the Ash footpath. It was agreed that the “Friday Gang” of volunteers would ensure they are cleared.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be the Annual Parish Meeting to be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 8^th April 2009 at 19.30 hrs

Mr T Miller            -            Clerk to Nonington Parish Council

                   Pilgrim Cottage, 17 Church Street, Nonington, Kent CT15 4LE 

                                            Tel: 01304 840602