Council Meeting 13th September 2023

AGENDA

Members of Lympne Parish Council are summoned to a meeting of the
Lympne Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 13^th September 2023 at 7 pm at the
Committee Room, Lympne Village Hall Aldington Road Lympne.

 

A G E N D A

1. Members are reminded of the need to tender apologies with the reason for absence direct to the Clerk if they are unable to attend.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

1. To declare any personal interests in items on the agenda and their
2. To declare any prejudicial interests in items on the agenda – any councillors with prejudicial interests must leave the room for the relevant

 

3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING- Held on 12^th July 2023

 

4. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS TO OTHER COMMITTEES/RESPONSIBLE BODIES
   1. Shepway Area Committee
   2. Planning user group Representative
   3. Village Hall Committee
   4. Lympne Playing Fields Committee
   5. Youth Club Committee

 

            Other Committee will be discussed at time of meeting.

 

5. CONFIRMATION OF MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUPS AND ADVISORY GROUPS
   1. Shop Advisory Group
   2. Policy Advisory Group
   3. Lympne Airfield Memorial Park Advisory Group

 

 

6. CHAIRS REPORT-

Update from the Chair on any relevant information affecting the Parish.

 

7. MEMBERS REPORT-

Members who have attended meetings on behalf of the Parish Council will supply an update.

 

8. Update on previous actions and additional items from the Clerk

 

9.         QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC- PUBLIC SESSION

 

10. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

11.      REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE SPEAKERS

1. KCC Councillor- Jenni Hawkins
2. District Councillors Wing/Speakman
3. KCC Warden Giles Barnard

12.      PLANNING-

Application reference	Address	Details
23/1164/FH	West End, Aldington Road, Court-At-Street, Hythe, CT21 4PH	Extensions and alterations to main dwelling, together with replacement outbuilding.
23/1073/FH	Berwick House, Stone Street, Lympne, CT21 4JW	Installation of in-set solar panels into the South facing roof of the existing garage.

 

13. FINANCE
    1. Breakdown of expenditure/income since last meeting
    2. Authorisation of Payments- Members will review the list of invoices for payment and find two Councillors to authorise the payments
    3. Lympne Village Hall and Village Stores Insurance Renewal
    4. To consider Website Package from Hugo Fox

14.   BUS SERVICE LYMPNE- UPDATE IF AVAILABLE

15.   OTTERPOOL GARDEN TOWN- UPDATE

 

16.   LITTER OTTERPOOL LANE-UPDATE

 

17. ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION AT FUTURE MEETINGS
18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wednesday 11^th October 2023, 7pm at the Lympne Village Hall Committee Room unless otherwise advised.
19. CLOSED SESSION-

To consider financial assistance requested from the Village Shop.

 

Jeff Lawrence    Parish Clerk                                                         6^th September 2023

 

MINUTES (DRAFT)

MINUTES

 

Minutes of a meeting of the Lympne Parish Council held on Wednesday 13^th September 2023 at the Committee Room Lympne Village Hall Aldington Road Lympne.

 

Present:

Councillors: M. Boor (Chair), K. Boyland-Wood, C. Yates, and J. East

 

Also in attendance:

Mr. J. Lawrence (Parish Clerk), KCC Cllr J. Hawkins, and District Cllr J. Speakman

 

1. APOLOGIES.

Members are reminded of the need to tender apologies with the reason for absence directly to the Clerk if they are unable to attend.

Apologies from Cllr M. Potter, Cllr D. Burden, and Cllr A. Beales were noted.

 

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

1. To declare any personal interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
2. To declare any prejudicial interests in items on the agenda – any councillors with prejudicial interests must leave the room for the relevant items.

 

No matters raised.

 

3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Held on 12th July 2023.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted by those present and signed by the Chair.

 

The Chair then addressed ITEM 9:

 

Members heard from Sir Christopher Edwards and Derek Burles:

Concerns were raised about a proposed solar farm near Harringe Lane. A summary of a report provided to the Council is shown in Appendix 2.

 

It was agreed by members present that this matter would be added to the agenda for discussion at the October meeting, noting that the District Council may have made progress in their decision to proceed or not with this idea. No planning application has been made at this time.

 

The Meeting then heard item 14 to allow members of the audience to join the debate;

 

ITEM 14:

 

The meeting addressed the pressing issue of the loss of the bus service in the Lympne area. The discussion revolved around the challenges and concerns faced by both residents and local authorities due to this transportation issue.

 

The meeting began with council members outlining the actions they had already taken in response to the loss of the bus service. They acknowledged that the cessation of bus routes through Lympne had created a huge problem, rendering many residents effectively stranded in their own community. This situation had serious implications, as residents reported instances where children were left abandoned at bus stops, and elderly individuals were forced to walk great distances, often carrying heavy bags and trolleys, just to reach the nearest bus stop in Newingreen.

 

Council members and attendees agreed unanimously that this situation was untenable and could not be allowed to continue. It was recognized that immediate action was necessary to address this pressing issue. Moreover, there was a shared understanding that both the council and the public needed to actively lobby the bus company, the district council, and the county council to reinstate some form of bus service to Lympne. The sentiment in the room was that Lympne, as a community, had become isolated without a reliable means of transportation, and this isolation needed to be rectified urgently.

 

The safety aspects of not having a bus service through Lympne were also discussed. Concerns were raised about pedestrians having to walk along the busy Otterpool Lane, posing risks to their safety. Furthermore, as the weather was beginning to change towards winter, the prospect of residents, including elderly individuals, walking long distances just to visit shops or attend medical appointments was deemed unacceptable.

 

The members of the council assured the concerned residents in attendance that this issue would not be brushed aside. They were committed to working diligently and persistently to resolve the transportation problem in the village. It was understood that concerted efforts were required from both the council and the public to persuade relevant authorities to reinstate a viable bus service to Lympne.

 

KCC Councillor Hawkins highlighted that there were grants on offer from October for setting up community buses. This will be investigated but it was voiced that this could have an effect on the yearly precept.

 

In conclusion, the discussion regarding the loss of the bus service highlighted the urgency and gravity of the situation. The council and the residents were united in their determination to address this issue and ensure that Lympne would once again have access to essential public transportation. This shared commitment was a central theme in the meeting, and it was evident that everyone involved was dedicated to finding a solution to this pressing concern.

 

ACTION: It was agreed that the Clerk would continue to contact and press the appropriate authorities, including the press, to highlight Lympne’s plight. It was also agreed that he would contact the Stagecoach Area manager after his comments at the latest Joint Transportation Board meeting at the District Council, where he stated that Lympne was heard loud and clear and the potential for building up perhaps a less frequent service.

 

4. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS TO OTHER COMMITTEES/RESPONSIBLE BODIES

 

The following Councillors were appointed.

1. Shepway Area Committee – Cllr A. Beales
2. Planning User Group Representative – Not Applicable
3. Village Hall Committee – Cllr M. Boor
4. Lympne Playing Fields Committee – Cllr M. Boor and Cllr J. East
5. Youth Club Committee – Cllr K. Boyland-Wood and Cllr C. Yates

 

In addition, Cllr Boor is the representative on the Kent Association of Local Councils Joint Committee and the Otterpool Sub-Committee of this group.

 

5. CONFIRMATION OF MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUPS AND ADVISORY GROUPS

 

The following were appointed:

1. Shop Advisory Group – Cllr Yates and Cllr East
2. Policy Advisory Group – All members
3. Lympne Airfield Memorial Park Advisory Group – Suspended at this time due to a lack of consistency and movement by Homes England and Otterpool LLP. Should any further information come to light, then this will be reinstated.

 

6. CHAIR’S REPORT

 

Update from the Chair on any relevant information affecting the Parish.

 

• The Chair emphasized the need for members to fully read information provided before meetings to save time.
• Meetings with HFT at Lympne Place to ensure their inclusion in village life. The meeting resulted in a resident now volunteering to collect litter.
• Upcoming meeting with District Councillor Kelly, Chair of the District Council, who is keen to explore all areas of the district, including Lympne.
• Meetings with the Leader of the District Council, Jim Martin, regarding Otterpool and other issues affecting Lympne.
• Discussion of Section 106 money available from Otterpool LLP for Lympne for projects. It had already been suggested that the play area, allotments, and a safe path from Castle Street and Lympne Hill should be put forward.
• He also attended the Consultation of Phase 1b of Otterpool with Tony Bosley who will assist the Council in the future. The findings of the consultation will be heard on the 20th September at Westernhanger Castle between 6:30 and 8 pm.

 

7. MEMBERS’ REPORT

 

Members who have attended meetings on behalf of the Parish Council will supply an update.

 

No updates this month.

 

8. Update on previous actions and additional items from the Clerk

 

The Clerk is currently engaged in several tasks related to community planning and local issues. They are finalizing a litter plan for Otter Pool Lane for presentation at an upcoming meeting. Additionally, the Clerk is working on a report concerning a community footpath proposal, addressing traffic-related matters such as double lines at the Harman Avenue Junction and a pedestrian barrier at the Belcaire Close Junction. The Clerk is also researching the installation of height barriers at a car park and considering the purchase of no overnight parking signs. Furthermore, they are dealing with inquiries related to the recent loss of the bus service and plan to address this issue during an agenda item. The Clerk has provided support for residents in registering footpath HE318. He is exploring cost-effective collaboration tools like Microsoft SharePoint and Google Documents. They have received news that a local pub will reopen in October. Further updates on outstanding actions next month.

 

9. QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – PUBLIC SESSION

 

See above.

 

10. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

No matters raised in correspondence in circulation.

 

11. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE SPEAKERS

 

1. KCC Councillor – Jenni Hawkins

• Reports on the loss of bus routes in the district.
• Refunds available for parents who purchased a travel saver ticket for school terms.
• Salus Youth Club and Shepway Autism Club to close due to a lack of County Funding.
• Mentioned the availability of Ward grants and KCC grants.
• Attended a highways improvement plan briefing and can provide details to the council upon request.

 

1. District Councillor Speakman

• Cabinet member for waste assets, parks, and leisure facilities.
• Hoardings at Prince’s Parade development to be removed in October, returning the area to open space. Reinstating topsoil removed during previous development.
• Highlighted Green and Blue Strategy, a biodiversity initiative.
• Met with cycle groups and a bike rental company Click to Cycle.
• Council focused on improving access, health, and well-being.
• Positive performance in waste removal, but street cleansing needs improvement.

 

1. KCC Warden Giles Barnard

No report this month

 

12. PLANNING

Application Reference	Address	Details	Comments
23/1164/FH	West End, Aldington Road, Court-At-Street, Hythe, CT21 4PH	Extensions and alterations to the main dwelling, together with a replacement outbuilding.	No Objections Carried Unanimously
23/1073/FH	Berwick House, Stone Street, Lympne, CT21 4JW	Installation of in-set solar panels into the South facing roof of the existing garage.	No Objections Carried Unanimously

 

13. FINANCE

 

1. Breakdown of expenditure/income since the last meeting

No Matters Raised

 

1. Authorization of Payments

Members will review the list of invoices for payment and find two Councillors to authorize the payments online.

Payments listed in Appendix 1 were agreed by members present and will be authorized online.

 

1. Lympne Village Hall and Village Stores Insurance Renewal

The insurance renewals had not been received in time for the meeting. It was agreed that the Clerk would be authorized to renew the insurance on behalf of the Parish Council after the renewal quotes have been received.

 

1. To consider Website Package from Hugo Fox

It was agreed that the Hugo Fox offer would be rejected in favor of Parish online website. This package includes additional support, email packages, and also a change of domain name to a .gov site. This will provide a more secure site and separate emails for members for use exclusively with Council business. The Clerk was instructed to engage with Parish on Line for the new site.

 

14. BUS SERVICE LYMPNE – UPDATE IF AVAILABLE

 

See above

 

15. OTTERPOOL GARDEN TOWN – UPDATE

See above Chair’s Update

 

16. LITTER OTTERPOOL LANE – UPDATE

No update this month

 

17. ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION AT FUTURE MEETINGS

Solar Farm Harringe Lane

 

18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, 11th October 2023, 7 pm

Lympne Village Hall Committee Room unless otherwise advised.

Noted

 

19. CLOSED SESSION –

To consider financial assistance requested from the Village Shop.

It was agreed unanimously to reject the request made on this occasion.

 

APPENDIX 1

List of Payments

 

Appendix 2 Summary of comments from resident regarding idea for a solar Farm Harringe Lane- The full report can be obtained from the Parish Clerk:

 

Address to Lympne Parish Council: 13th September 2023

Introduction

• Christopher Edwards, Chairman of a Geothermal Energy Company and Vice-Chairman of a company called The Heat Vault, resident of Coldharbour House, Court-at-Street, expresses gratitude for addressing the council.

Concerns Regarding Proposed Solar Farm

• Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s idea of building a solar farm adjacent to Christopher’s home.
• The land in question covers 49 acres, currently used for crop production.
• The solar farm aims to provide energy for the Otterpool Park development.

Issues with the Solar Farm Proposal

1. Grid Connection
   • Concerns about the feasibility of connecting the solar farm to the National Grid.
2. Quality of Crop Land
   • Opposition to using high-quality Grade 2 crop-growing land for solar panels.
   • Emphasis on the importance of food production in the country.
3. Public Right of Way
   • Potential disruption to an existing public right of way crossing the proposed area.
4. Proximity to Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
   • The solar farm’s location relative to the North Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty, which is nearby.

Alternative Renewable Energy Solutions

• Suggests incorporating solar panels on rooftops of buildings in Otterpool Park, including houses, schools, and commercial structures.
• Recommends the inclusion of wind generation within Otterpool Park.
• Highlights the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England’s initiative to identify suitable roof space for solar panels.

Support for Renewable Energy

• Christopher and his wife support renewable energy and have solar panels, heat pumps, and are involved in geothermal energy and energy storage initiatives.
• Mention of curbing charges associated with wind and solar farms, highlighting the need for responsible placement.

Request for Support

• Seeks the council’s support for their alternative approach to the solar farm proposal.
• Plans to present their response to the appropriate Borough Councillor and the Otterpool Development Company’s planning department.

 

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