Emergency Plan

/in /by

The Plan is now complete and ready to be implemented in the event of a parish-wide emergency (which we all hope won’t happen).  All that is now needed is a coordinator to check the plan on a regular basis and update it if there are any changes in names, phone numbers, vulnerable individuals, individuals with special training etc.

If this is something you think  you would be prepared to take on or would like further information, please contact the Parish Clerk:

Sue Wood  01233 623902   susanwood@uwclub.net  

 

Smeeth War Memorial

/in /by

More discussion have been taking place over the past few weeks with regard to the refurbishment of the Smeeth War Memorial and estimates have been received for the work on the monument itself and a further estimate for the clearing and redesigning of the present site is expected soon.   Once all the cost implication are available, it is suggested that a public meeting in the Village to which all interested in the project be invited to discuss the matter and look at the various possibilities available to us.

Whilst the resiting of the Memorial is still to be considered, a very firm indication from the War Memorials Trust, the National body responsible for War Memorials  indicates that this should not be undertaken lightly and they strongly recommend leaving the Memorial in its original place

Village Protection Policy

/in /by

The Policy was drafted by planning consultants using data collected by residents and – as noted at the Parish Council meetings – core elements of the Policy will be incorporated into the borough Local Plan to 2030; it will therefore be taken into account when planning decisions are made.

Click here to download the Village Protection Policy.

Applying for local needs housing

/in /by
Anyone wishing to apply for Local Needs or Social Housing in the parish must first ensure that they are registered with Ashford Borough Council; the process is managed by Kent Homechoice, the choice-based lettings scheme for all council and housing association homes in Kent.

The Borough Council publishes details of available properties that enable applicants on its housing register to register their choices for the properties they would like to be considered for. This list along with further information is available on the Kent Homechoice website:  http://www.kenthomechoice.org.uk/choice/

To apply for housing within the borough you will need to complete the online application form  which can be found on the Kent Homechoice website.

Further information about the bidding cycle can be viewed on Expressing an interest in properties page along with details of how to register your expressions of interest:  http://www.ashford.gov.uk/expressing-an-interest-in-properties

Local Plan update

/in /by

Local Plan update

4 sites have been submitted for inclusion in the next draft of the Local Plan. Of these, 2 are new (Smeeth playing field and Caldecott), 1 is known (Hospital field) and 1 is a resubmission (Old Builders Yard)

1. Caldecott Foundation (ALP/1842)
2. Smeeth Playing Field (ALP/2497)
3. Hospital field (ALP/2704 )
4. Old Builders Yard (ALP/1862)

To view the submissions, go to the ABC website

Click on the double down arrow to the right of ‘Search for Comments’
Enter the comment ID (ALP/…..) and unclick Support / Object / Omission
Then click search and the site comes up

Draft Local Plan to 2030

/in /by

Don’t forget the drop-in session at the village hall on Friday 22nd July from 3.30-7pm. Planners will be there to answer questions on the proposals, and there will be a petition in support of the Village Protection Policy.

Having looked at the Plan some of the content from the VPP has been included, but we want ABC to adopt the VPP as a stand-alone document to help us manage development in the community.
If you can’t get to the hall, there’s an information meeting in Aldington village hall on Saturday 16th from 10am-1pm. Councillor Jane Martin will be there to get feedback and comments on both the Plan and VPP. She will also have information on the suggested development of 12000 homes on the Romney Marsh.

Don’t forget, the Plan and VPP are two of the tools we have to fight the Gladman application.

You can download or read the Plan here

Draft Local Plan to 2030

/in /by

The draft Local plan, which will shape the borough between now and 2030, is out for consultation.  Everyone is encouraged to look at the plan and send their comments to the Borough Council.

Information can be found on the Borough Council website (there is a direct link from the Home page of both the Borough Council website or here) or you can go along to an event at which ABC staff will be present with displays and available to answer questions:

A number of sites in the parish were put forward by various parties for possible inclusion in the Plan, only 1 of which has been included in the draft Plan – residential development of up to 30 houses on land south of Church Road.  It can be found on page 149 of the draft Plan.

The consultation closes on 10th August.

Village protection policy

/in /by

At its meeting on 6th January, Smeeth Parish Council resolved to produce a Village Protection Strategy, this will be used to develop a Village Protection Policy which would support the Local Plan.

Click here to download the Policy