The Parish Council - a Brief Description of its Responsibilities
A Parish Council consists of elected parishioners who abide by the National Code of Local
Government Conduct and have the overall responsibility of safeguarding the well-being of the
community they represent. A Parish Council operates within a framework of guidelines and
regulations laid down at national, county or district level. Special considerations may apply,
such as whether the parish lies within a Conservation Area or an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty. "A prime function of a Parish Council is to 'focus public opinion', to represent such
opinion to the outside world, as well as to carry out on a small scale those local tasks which
would be uninteresting or uneconornic for the larger authonties" (ref).
A Parish Council interacts closely with agencies such as City and County Councils, the local and
county Police Authorities, the National Association of Parish Councils, the Council for the
Protection of Rural England, etc. and with neighbouring Parish Councils. It works in harmony
with the various village organisations and societies, Neighbourhood Watch, etc., and becomes
involved with national events such as the recent Millennium celebrations. It has responsibility
for maintaining the Public Rights of Way in the parish and for public areas such as recreation
grounds and play areas; in Kingston, the latter are the responsibility of the Kingston Village
Hall Trust. In particular, a Parish Council deals with concerns of the village, such as speeding
traffic or potential loss of its amenities, and with serious events that threaten the community,
such as, in the case of Kingston, the Barham Downs, the recent flooding crisis, etc. The Parish
Council applies for funding and grants from a number of sources to discharge its duties on
behalf of the parish.
Meetings of the Parish Council are held on a regular basis, in the Barn Kingston Canterbury, Kent at 7.45pm on the first Monday of
each month and are open to the public.
Ref "Local Council Adrninistration", Charles Arnold-Baker.
Click below to view summary notes of recent Parish Council meetings.
July 2008 |
June 2008 |
May 2008 |
April 2008 |
March 2008 |
February 2008 |
January 2008 |
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 7th July 2008 in The Barn, Kingston
Planning
Councillors did not object in principle to the proposed installation of eight solar water heating collectors on the front
roof slope at 18, The Street. However, since these were to be used solely to heat water in a swimming pool it was felt more
appropriate to locate them out of view and closer to the pool at the rear of the property.
There were no objections to a proposed extension to rear of dwelling incorporating accommodation in roof at Nailbourne
Cottage, Bonny Bush Hill, to a single-storey extension to side of dwelling at Broadfield, Covet Lane or to the
refurbishment of overhead electricity lines at Little Duskin Farm, Covet Lane.
Permission had been granted for the erection of a summer house at Littlecourt, Church Lane, and for a single storey
extension and replacement conservatory to rear of dwelling at 52, The Street.
Trees
Three ash trees on the railway embankment which were overhanging the Glebe Meadow had been felled and most of the wood
left on the embankment to encourage beetles and other insect life in the nature reserve.
Highways and Footpaths
Cllr Baker reported that Marley Lane had recently been swept and debris cleared but feared that this would soon return.
A reply was awaited to the reported poor condition of the footpath and hedges adjacent to Reed Farmhouse, Westwood Road,
and to the badly damaged kerb at the entrance to Whitelocks Close.
Second bus shelter
Cllr Macdonald reported on progress towards installing a new bus shelter adjacent to the Black Robin public house. The
manufacturers were liaising with KCC over the method of installation on the Nailbourne culvert. The project was proving
to be more expensive than originally expected, but he would investigate possible sources of assistance with the funding.
Passing Place sign
It was reported that the passing place before the bridge at the village entrance was occasionally being used to park
vehicles. A sign would be placed there stating “Passing Place – No Parking”
New Councillor
Davina Martin was to be co-opted to fill the vacant seat arising from the recent sudden death of Cllr Jill Butterfield.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 4th June 2008 in The Barn, Kingston
Planning
Councillors had no objections to a proposed single-storey extension and replacement conservatory to rear of dwelling at 52
The Street, to a two-storey extension to side of dwelling at Moorebank, Black Robin Lane, or to a two-storey extension to
rear of dwelling at Westwood Farm Cottage, Westwood Road.
An amended scheme for the internal layout of workshop buildings at Little Duskin Farm, Covet Lane, to incorporate one guest
room on the ground floor level and two service flats and two guest rooms and meeting room on the first floor, had been
withdrawn.
Planning permission had been granted for the erection of a greenhouse in front garden (revised scheme) at Old Boundary
Cottage, Covet Lane, and for a loft conversion incorporating dormer window to side of dwelling at Grantley, Church Lane.
No objections were raised to the proposed reduction by 50% of a hawthorn interfering with telephone cables at Pilgrims
Cottage, Church Lane, or to the removal of side branches of an alder at The Peak, Covet Lane, which are blocking a
terrestrial TV aerial.
Cllr Baker expressed her concern at the poor state of Marley Lane with regard to pot holes, mud and flints on the road and
grass growing on the centre of the road at Turks Hill. These problems had been reported to Kent Highways who would be
further reminded of them, along with the damaged kerb at Whitelocks Close.
Kent Karrier Dial-a-bus Service
A new dial-a-bus service has been introduced to replace the discontinued Royal Mail Post Bus service. All areas in the
Canterbury district are covered on at least two days a week and the bus will pick up and return members of the service as
close to their front door as possible. The service is available to anyone living in a rural area more than 500 metres from
an existing bus route. Concessionary bus passes cannot be used but the fares are subsidised and are £1.50 or £2.70 return
depending on the length of journey. Villages south of Canterbury will be served on Wednesdays and Fridays and the buses are
fully accessible for wheelchairs.To join the scheme, phone Jan Uden on 01227 862436 or
visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/transportation.
BT Phone box in Church Lane
Due to low usage, BT is proposing to remove the payphone box in Church Lane. Due its potential importance in case of
emergency, and architectural status as an iconic part of the traditional English village scene, the Parish Council
strongly opposes this proposal and urges anyone who supports this view to write to Amanda Sparkes, Canterbury City Council,
Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1YW. Whether or not this phone box is removed may well depend on the strength of local
opposition expressed.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 12th May 2008 in The Barn, Kingston
Jill Butterfield
Councillors stood for one minute's silence in memory of Cllr Jill Butterfield who had served on the Parish Council for
more than twenty years.
Election of Officers
Cllr Macdonald was returned as Chairman for the coming year and Cllr Simpson as Vice-Chairman. June Baker continues as the
Council’s representative on the Kingston Village Hall Trust and other councillors retain their previous responsibilities.
Precept and Concurrent Funding
The Parish Council’s Annual Precept of £4200 had been received from the City Council and a Concurrent Funding grant of
£4275 was paid over to the Barn Trustees for the maintenance of the Barn and Playing Field during the coming year.
Planning
The Parish Council had been advised that an application for an amended scheme for the internal layout of workshop buildings
at Little Duskin Farm, to incorporate one guest room at ground floor level and two two-bedroom service flats and two guest
rooms and a meeting room at first floor level would be refused by the City Council since the provision of staff
accommodation would be contrary to planning policy. The Parish Council had no objections to the guest accommodation
provided that it was used strictly in connection with the saddle-making business, but did have concerns about the
additional potential traffic movements on Covet Lane.
There were no objections to a revised scheme for the erection of a greenhouse in the front garden at Old Boundary Cottage,
Covet Lane, to a loft conversion incorporating a dormer window to side of dwelling at Grantley, Church Lane, or to the
erection of a summerhouse at Littlecourt, Church Lane.
Permission had been granted for a single-storey extension to front of dwelling at 31 The Street, and for a revised scheme
for a replacement conservatory to rear of dwelling at 47 The Street.
Trees
The Parish Council was seeking permission to remove three ash trees growing out from the base of the railway embankment
and overhanging the Glebe meadow.
BT Telephone Box
BT had given 42 days’ notice of their intention to remove the red phone box from Church Lane due to its infrequent use.
The Parish Council strongly objects to this since it may be vital in some emergency situations and has architectural merit.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 7th April 2008 in The Barn, Kingston
Annual Village Meeting
It was agreed to invite Kent Police to give a presentation on Neighbourhood Policing at the Annual Village meeting on
15th May.
Planning
Councillors had no objections to the revised plans for a conservatory to rear of dwelling at 47, The Street.
Notice had been received that the alleged breach of planning control in respect of an unauthorised fence at 1 Whitelocks
Close had been resolved.
Trees
Permission had been granted to fell one storm damaged conifer close to house, one dead tree in front garden and an ivy
covered sycamore on roadside fronting Church Lane at 5, The Street. When this work is complete, the overgrown hedge on the
boundary with Church Lane would be cut back to reduce the risk of future damage to the low wall at the property opposite,
Rectory Cottage.
Arrangements were in hand to remove dangerous overhanging branches from three Ash trees in Glebe Meadow.
Footbridge over A2
InterRoute had confirmed that it was intended to erect a footbridge over the A2 close to the present dangerous crossing
point, but this was not expected to be done until the end of 2009.
Second Bus Shelter
Councillors were enthusiastic about the proposal to erect a small bus shelter on the culvert adjacent to the Black Robin
and suitable designs were reviewed. It would be necessary to secure funding and permission from KCC before making a
planning application.
Barham with Kingston WI commemorative rose
To celebrate their 90th birthday next year, Barham with Kingston WI proposed planting a rose bush in each parish. It was
agreed that a suitable site would be at the foot of the village sign at the entrance to the village on The Street.
Changes to Planning Application Procedure
From 6th April 2008 all planning applications must be made using a nationally standardised form (1APP) which can be submitted in either electronic or paper versions.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 3rd March 2008 in The Barn, Kingston.
Kingston Kleenup
The recent litter-picking operation had been very successful and may be repeated again next year. Bishopsbourne Parish
Council would be asked to arrange for litter bins to be installed at the two unofficial but popular lay-bys on the section
of road cleared, between Bonnybush Hill and the A2 slip roads.
Planning
The following planning applications had been refused:
· Erection of detached dwelling at land adjoining Cornerways, Black Robin Lane;
· Erection of greenhouse in front garden, Old Boundary Cottage, Covet Lane;
· Replacement conservatory to rear of dwelling, 47, The Street.
Permission had been granted for a single-storey extension to side of dwelling at 5 Nailbourne Close.
Councillors had no objections to a proposed single-storey front extension to dwelling at 31 The Street.
Since permission had been refused for the resiting of a fence in excess of one metre in height adjacent to highway used by
vehicular traffic at 1 Whitelocks Close, the fence has been moved back as previously required and shrubs planted in front.
Highways and Footpaths
A new gate had been installed at the entrance to the bridle path towards the top end of Marley Lane.
The Clerk would write to InterRoute requesting the installation of Crossing Point signs on both sides of the A2 adjacent to
the break in the central barrier near the Black Robin Lane junction. This highly dangerous crossing point is necessarily
used by pedestrians to access the bus stop on the Dover bound carriageway and clear signage of its position would help to
reduce the serious hazard. The Clerk would also repeat the request to move the Kingston 1¼ sign, which is confusingly sited
before the Black Robin Lane turning off the A2, to a new position following this junction. As it is presently sited, drivers
are incorrectly directed with negligible warning down Black Robin Lane rather than continuing to the next turning at
Bonnybush as intended.
Damage to wall at Rectory Cottage
The frequently occurring damage to the low wall outside Rectory Cottage on Church Lane was due to careless driving of
unsuitably large vehicles, but exacerbated by the overgrown hedge opposite. The owner would be contacted to request that
this hedge be cut back urgently before any further new growth begins.
Second Bus Shelter
Cllr Butterfield proposed that a second bus shelter be installed at the bus stop adjacent to the Black Robin, since this
stop was proving to be increasingly popular. The Clerk would research suitable designs and prices.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 4th February 2008 in The Barn, Kingston.
Planning
In response to local objections, councillors had revisited the planning application for a detached dwelling at Cornerways,
Black Robin Lane. After a lengthy discussion, they maintained their earlier position that the proposed chalet bungalow was
acceptable in terms of its size, location and appearance but were aware that Black Robin Lane was formally designated as
open countryside where planning policies permitted new development only in exceptional circumstances, which was a matter
between the applicant and the planning authority.
There were no objections to a proposed greenhouse in the front garden at Old Boundary Cottage, Covet Lane, or to a
proposed single-storey extension to side of dwelling at 5, Nailbourne Close.
Permission for the installation of a telescopic tower for amateur radio use (12 metres raised and 2.4 metres lowered) at
Pilgrims Cottage, Church Lane, had been granted on appeal.
The proposed relocation of a fence at 1 Whitelocks Close had been refused.
Highways and Footpaths
A broken drain on Bonny Bush Hill had been repaired but width restriction signs on Poor Start Lane agreed by Highways
Services almost four years ago had not yet been installed and the lane was increasingly being used inappropriately by
heavy vehicles.
Slow Down signs
Two Slow Down signs had been delivered which would be used from time to time at random points on The Street as a reminder
to drivers of the danger of speeding in this narrow main thoroughfare which was without a pavement for most of its length.
Bus Shelter
Cllr Simpson was thanked for repairing the damaged roof of the bus shelter and tidying up around it.
Kingston Directory
The Parish Council’s Kingston Directory had been widely distributed throughout the village with the February magazine.
It would be necessary occasionally to bring it up to date.
Kingston Kleenup
Following the meeting, a party of Kingston Councillors and their spouses had cleared the litter from Bonny Bush Hill to the
A2, greatly improving the appearance of this main entrance to the Elham Valley.
A meeting of Kingston Parish Council was held on 7th January 2008 in The Barn, Kingston.
Planning
Planning consent had been granted for a single storey extension to side of dwelling at 6 Nailbourne Close and for a
conservatory to rear of dwelling at Stirling House, Black Robin Lane. Modifications to plans for a previously approved
garage at The Hermitage, Marley Lane, had also been agreed.
Councillors had no objections to the proposed erection of a detached dwelling with associated parking on land adjoining
Cornerways, Black Robin Lane.
The Parish Council agreed to give its full support to local residents in objecting to the proposed relocation of a 2
metre high fence at 1, Whitelocks Close since even with the proposed realignment it would remain a traffic hazard and
continue to blight the Close which had been designed with an open plan aspect.
Trees
Following the granting of permission to fell two conifers flanking a weeping willow tree in the front garden of The Retreat,
Church Lane, the owners had decided to retain the willow for the time being.
Councillors had no objections to a proposed extensive programme of tree management at 4, The Street.
Highways and Footpaths
There was concern over problems in both Covet Lane and Marley Lane and it was agreed to request a site meeting with
Highway Services to discuss their resolution. Although the gully on Covet Lane near Little Duskin Farm had recently been
cleared, extensive flooding remained after heavy rainfall making passage by pedestrians and cyclists difficult. On Marley
Lane, washout from the banks was covering the road with mud and flints and there was evidence that the haunches were
eroding in places.
Post Bus replacement
There had been a good response to the recent questionnaire delivered to all households in the village, with 63 returns.
The results had been combined by the City Council with those from other villages to assess the likely level of use of a
replacement for the Post Bus service which had recently been withdrawn.
Welcome Pack
The Welcome Pack given to all newcomers to the village had been updated and a fresh supply produced for distribution by
Cllr Butterfield.
Quality Status
Councillors agreed to study information promoting Quality Parish Councils so that the pros and cons of applying for this
status could be discussed at the next meeting.