31 December 2021
Outline planning application - Eureka Park
Ashford Borough Council has published an outline planning application by Quadrant Eureka LLP for their proposed development on land at Eureka Park. The application contains 70 documents and is entitled:
“Outline planning application to consider access for the development of up to 375 dwellings, up to 34,869m2 commercial floorspace (comprising 31,269m2 of class E(g)(i) and E(g)(ii) and 3,600m2 of flexible Class E floorspace), open space, and associated infrastructure with all matters reserved for future consideration aside from access”.
The closing date for comments is 23 January 2022. Full details may be viewed here (If necessary search for application number 21/02146/AS).
24 December 2021
Tip booking system to remain?
Paul Bartlett, who is both the Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council and a Kent County Councillor, has posted the following message:
KCC will continue to operate a booking system for customers to access all of Kent County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.
After a period of temporary closure to adhere to the government’s Covid-19 restrictions, Kent County Council (KCC) re-opened the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) on 15 May 2020 and used a booking system to safely manage access.
Whilst the booking system was introduced to help manage demand at the HWRCs in response to social distancing and revised workplace rules, it has provided operational benefit and received positive customer feedback.
A public consultation was undertaken to gain views from the public and stakeholders on its future use. This exercise did not highlight any new information that would support a withdrawal of the booking system.
The Covid-19 pandemic remains a risk to both operational staff and the public. The system allows demand to be safely managed irrespective of any Covid restrictions which also providing on-going operational benefit to the service.
Following its inception, the system has evolved and adapted to customer and operator/contractor feedback. The consultation has highlighted ‘on the day’ booking and further integration with other operational systems further modifications for the system to address. These both seek to further enhance the customer experience and to make the service more efficient and effective.
22 December 2021
Christmas & New Year Bus Times
Stagecoach has published the following information relevant to the Ashford area:
Wrap up your travel plans with Stagecoach this Christmas. There's great value travel for all! Kids travel for just £1 with any adult or concession pass and for travel after 6PM there's our unlimited EveningRider ticket for just £3 on the Stagecoach Bus App.
With the exception of Canterbury City Council Park & Ride, there will be no services operating on Boxing Day. Some buses will finish early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve – see below.
Christmas Eve:
Normal school holiday service but some early finishes - see below for more information
Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
No service
Bank Holiday Mon 27 & Tues 28 December:
Normal Sunday service
Wed 29 & Thurs 30 December:
Normal school holiday timetables
Fri 31 December:
Normal school holiday service but some early finishes - see below for more information
Sat 1 January 2022:
No service
Sun 2 and Mon 3 January 2022:
Normal Sunday service
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve:
Route AD
Last bus from Bank Street at 2055
Route B
Last bus from Kennington (The Rose) at 2043, Bank Street 2103
Last bus from Bridgefield at 2042, Bank Street 2101
Route C
Last bus from Ashford Rail Station 2106
Last bus from William Harvey at 2131
Route G
2320 from Rail Station to Godinton Park & Repton Park will not operate.
15 December 2021
Poppy appeal
In November, SLRA member Don Knight made his annual round of our area collecting for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. This year he collected a record amount of £392, as shown in the certificate here. Congratulations to Don and thank you to all those who generously contributed.
10 December 2021
Plastic Free Ashford
The SLRA Committee recently received a presentation from Plastic Free Ashford, a group which is taking forward the "Plastic Free Communities" initiative run by Surfers against Sewage. Their mission is to tackle and reduce single-use plastic consumption in Ashford and to help people make better choices around the use of plastic. The SLRA Committee agreed to help promote their activities, both through the SLRA and individually as members of other organisations.
More details of Plastic Free Ashford and how individuals can get involved are on their Facebook website page at https://www.facebook.com/Plasticfreeashford. An opportunity to find out more is at tomorrow's Festive Makers Market between 10 am and 4 pm in Park Mall. Plastic Free Ashford are offering free Reusable Cups "for all of your coffee/tea/hot chocolate/mulled wine needs". These will also qualify for a free hot drink when you buy a meal in store at Stag Coffee, Cafe Madeleine, Church View Tea Rooms or The Beehive.
This is all part of Ashford's "Carnival of the Baubles" event which takes place tomorrow. For details see our news item of 7 November below - for further information, see the LoveAshford website here, the Emergency Exit Arts website here and Ashford Borough Council’s website here.
10 December 2021
Reminder - Closure of Sandyhurst Lane
This is a reminder that part of Sandyhurst Lane will be closed between 07:30 and 17:30 each day for up to three days from Monday 13 December 2021.
The closure is to allow KCC “to repair potholes, areas of excessive crazing and similar potential defects in order to maintain the integrity of the surface, to stop ingress into the road and to alleviate further deterioration of the carriageway surface”.
The official notice may be viewed here. It appears that the closure will be between the junction of Sandyhurst Lane with Lenacre Street and the junction of Sandyhurst Lane with Westwell Lane (the Westwell Lane opposite the Golf Club, not the Westwell Lane near Potters Corner).
26 November 2021
Update: Sandyhurst Lane to be closed for repairs in December
The works planned for 6 – 8 December (details in our news item for 12 November below) have now been postponed until 13 – 15 December 2021.
23 November 2021
Christmas free parking
Ashford Borough Council has announced that free parking will be available in Council-run car parks in Ashford and Tenterden (apart from Recreation Ground car park, Tenterden) on the following days and times:
Friday 3, 10 and 17 December from 3pm
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December all day
NB This does not apply to privately run car parks such as the NCP County Square car park.
There are 10 Council-run car parks in Ashford:
Henwood Car Park TN24 8YF
Flour Mills Car Park (East Hill) TN24 8PA
Civic Centre and Stour Centre Car Park (short stay) TN23 1PL
Dover Place Car Park TN23 1HU
Station Road Car Park TN23 1PP
Vicarage Lane Car Park (short stay) TN23 1NJ
Edinburgh Road Multi-Storey Car Park TN24 8LG
Elwick Road Car Park TN23 1LH
Elwick Place Car Park (including Travelodge) TN23 1DY
Victoria Road Car Park TN23 7HQ
Christmas free parking is in addition to normal free parking which applies to:
Flour Mills Car Park: free on Sundays and Bank Holidays
Station Road Car Park: free after 3pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays
Edinburgh Road Multi-Storey Car Park: free after 3pm Monday-Saturday, free on Sundays
Elwick Place Car Park (cinema car park): free after 3pm every day
There is also normal free parking in the Ashford town centre pedestrian zone as follows:
- in the marked parking bays in High Street, North Street and Bank Street after 6pm from Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays.
- in the marked parking bays in New Street after 4.30pm, on any day
Full details of all Ashford's Council-run car parks, including charges and opening hours, may be found here.
22 November 2021
Christmas and New Year bin collections
12 November 2021
Sandyhurst Lane to be closed for repairs in December
Kent County Council has advised that they will be carrying out repairs to the carriageway of Sandyhurst Lane under road closure. The works are planned for 6, 7 & 8 December between 8.00am and 5.30pm. The KCC notice may be viewed here.
9 November 2021
Lenacre Hall Farm planning application withdrawn
Further to our news item of 2 November (below), the hybrid application for planning permission for up to 79 new residential dwellings on land at Lenacre Hall Farm, Sandyhurst Lane, which was due to be decided by the Council’s Planning Committee on 10 November, has been withdrawn by the applicant. No further action will be taken.
9 November 2021
South East Water works
This is a reminder that South East Water will be carrying out upgrade work on an underground storage tank at Potters Corner between 10pm or 11pm tonight* and 6am tomorrow morning. According to the map on their website here, the work will affect the water supply throughout our area (and in Orchard Heights).
A copy of the information sent to residents by letter may be viewed here. It includes:
Once water supplies return to normal, you may experience a slight discolouration or air in your water supply. This is normal following an interruption to supply and to clear this you simply need to run your cold water tap in your kitchen until the water runs clear.
(*10pm according to the letter, 11pm according to the website).
8 November 2021
Buses 123/124 temporary diversion
From today until 6 December, bus routes 123 and 124, which normally stop at Potters Corner, are subject to major diversions which means they will not be serving Potters Corner, Hothfield or Little Chart. This is due to road closures to enable works by South East Water.
The Stagecoach website here gives the following information and also gives the temporary timetables for the 123 and 124 bus routes:
123/124 Smarden Road/Swan Lane junction closure 06 Nov 2021 to 06 Dec 2021
Due to South East Water closing Smarden Road and Swan Lane we have to divert our 123 and 124 services via A262 and A28.
This is from 8th November to 6th December 2021
As this is such a major diversion we have had to make temporary timetables and we are unable to serve Little Chart and Hothfield.
The morning and afternoon school services for the 123 and 124 have been merged and will be run by R & J coaches serving Egerton, Pluckley, Smarden and Biddenden.
Stagecoach will still run a service between the schools and Charing to save overloading on the 10X service.
7 November 2021
Ashford Carnival of the Baubles Event
The spectacular Carnival of the Baubles will be returning to light up Ashford town centre on Saturday 11 December.
Everyone is being urged to come along and watch a procession of giant illuminated lanterns and baubles decorated by children from local primary schools as it make its way from Elwick Place, up Bank Street and through the Lower High Street where it will end with a festive finale.
Themed around disco and dancing, this year’s parade will be led by a giant mechanical Turtle puppet in a procession full of glitter and light accompanied by disco tunes. The fun will continue into the evening with a family-friendly disco party on the bandstand hosted by Ashford College students.
The day will also include live music on the bandstand and in Elwick Place. The fabulous young dancers from Liv2dance will be showcasing some festive dances to get us all in the Christmas spirit. Shoppers can warm up with delicious hot street food and drink at Kent Food Hubs’ evening market in the lower high street.
You can also get involved by bringing your own Christmas lanterns or making them to use in the procession at the workshop in the Craftship (opposite Made in Ashford)
When: Saturday 11 December
Where:
10am - 6pm: Park Mall Makers Market – Christmas version!
11am – 2pm: Live Music on the Bandstand from Revelation Ashford
11.15am – 3pm: Live Music in Elwick Place
10am - 2pm: Public lantern-making
4pm – 8pm: Evening Food Market by Kent Food Hubs (Lower High Street)
5pm: Procession starts from Elwick Place
6pm: Procession ends at lower High Street
6-8pm: Family disco and rave on the Bandstand
For more information, see the LoveAshford website here, the Emergency Exit Arts website here and Ashford Borough Council’s website here.
2 November 2021
Lenacre Hall Farm planning application to be decided by Planning Committee
In March 2018, a full planning application was submitted for 21 dwellings on land at Lenacre Hall Farm, Sandyhurst Lane. The application was refused and a subsequent appeal was dismissed in December 2019. Full details are available here (search for application number 18/00413/AS).
However, an earlier application had been submitted in October 2017. This was a hybrid application (part full, part outline) for up to 79 new residential dwellings consisting of a full planning application for 21 dwellings and an outline application for up to a further 58 dwellings. Full details are available here (search for application number 17/01613/AS). The part of this hybrid application for 21 dwellings is identical to the full application for those dwellings refused in 2019.
This hybrid application has remained “live” and, at the request of the applicant, is now to be decided by the Ashford Borough Council Planning Committee, at its meeting at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 10th November 2021. The Committee agenda includes a 91 page report from the Head of Planning and Development which is available here. The report’s recommendation is to refuse the application.
25 October 2021
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Neighbourhood Plan adopted
At their meeting on 21 October, Ashford Borough Council formally “made” (ie adopted) the Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Neighbourhood Plan. This follows the referendum in which secured a “Yes” vote of over 92% of those who voted.
The Plan
The announcement on the Council’s website may be viewed here and the formal decision document here.
13 October 2021
Planning application for extensions at 172 Sandyhurst Lane withdrawn
The application for planning permission for two storey side/front/rear extensions and alterations to elevations including porch canopy to front elevation at 172 Sandyhurst Lane has been withdrawn by the applicant. Full details are available here (search for application no 21/01054/AS).
8 October 2021
Eureka Park development - SLRA responds to consultation
Further to our news items of 27 August, the SLRA has now responded to the "Trinity Lakes" consultation being held by the developers, Quadrant Estates, on their outline proposals for Eureka Park. The SLRA submission may be viewed here.
Further to our news item of 27 September, the Kentish Express has published an article on the consultation, quoting parts of the statement provided by the SLRA. This may be viewed here.
We shall remain vigilant and will continue to press for the best outcome for our members and local community as the planning process proceeds.
7 October 2021
Planning permission granted for extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 6 October 2021 for a garage conversion and single storey rear extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01515/AS).
5 October 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at Little Croft, 56 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a single storey front infill extension at Little Croft, 56 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 28 October 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01713/AS).
5 October 2021
Road closures for Ashford 10 & 5 mile run
Further to our news item of 17 August, we have now received official confirmation from KCC of the road closures which will be put in place on Sunday 31 October for the Ashford 10 & 5 mile run. The Notice reads as follows:
To allow the Ashford & District 10 & 5 Mile Run to take place on and near the highway, Kent County Council has made an Order to temporarily prohibit through traffic on Sandyhurst Lane and Lenacre Street near Ashford.
Closures are planned for Sunday 31 October 2021 starting from 10:00 hours onwards, with roads re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so, and by no later 12:30 hours.
Roads will be closed as shown below, to the extent indicated at any time by signs and barriers on site.
SANDYHURST LANE – closed between A251 Faversham Road and Sandyacres Sports Club LENACRE STREET – closed for its entire length
The alternative route for through traffic is via A251 Faversham Road, Trinity Road, Junction 9 Interchange, Fougeres Way, Drovers Roundabout and A20 Maidstone Road.
Nothing in the Order will apply to:
- Any Vehicle being used for Ambulance purposes, Coastguard/RNLI, Fire Brigade or Police services.
- Anything done by a Statutory Undertaker vehicle in connection with an emergency repair.
- Anything done with the permission or at the direction of Event Organisers or a Police Constable in Uniform
30 September 2021
Police and Crime Plan survey
Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has launched an online survey to which members may wish to respond - it only takes a few minutes. He has issued the following statement:
If you can spare a few minutes, we would appreciate you helping us out by sharing your views.
Every four years the Police and Crime Commissioner must decide the priorities for the Kent Police Force. To do that, Matthew Scott has launched a survey and is seeking your opinion on whether the Force is per-forming as it should and where you think resources should be focussed in the future.
It asks what type of crimes matter most to you: it asks about victim support and violent crime, as well as road safety and antisocial behaviour. It also asks whether you’ve been a victim of crime and whether you have installed your own security devices, like alarms and doorbell cameras.
The results of this survey will influence the Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the strategy for the police for the next four years.
The link to the survey is https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PCC2021/
27 September 2021
Kentish Express coverage of Eureka Park development proposals
The news editor of the Kentish Express (Dan Wright) has recently been in touch with the SLRA following the launch of the “Trinity Lakes” consultation by the developers of Eureka Park. Dan last covered the proposed development after the publication of the highly controversial “Scoping Document” in June 2020. His report published on 27 June 2021 is available here.
The SLRA has responded to Dan Wright with the following statement:
As a Residents Association we have worked hard to ensure that the emerging Local Plan for Eureka Park (S20) set a limit of 375 homes, required no vehicular access from Sandyhurst Lane and guaranteed a generous landscaped buffer to residential properties along Sandyhurst Lane.
Following publication of the developer’s Scoping Document in June 2020, (to which your piece of 27 June 2020 refers), the SLRA lobbied extensively against their proposals for up to 600 homes, a retirement village and vehicular access from Sandyhurst Lane to exclusively feed part of the development. We committed to fight this in our letter to you which you published on 9 July 2020.
We are now pleased to see that Quadrant Estates has torn up the Scoping Document in their Consultation documentation and appears to be again respecting the Local Plan conditions.
Sadly the SLRA was not directly invited to respond to the current consultation but we are aware of it and have encouraged our members to respond. Many of them have done so. We will be discussing our own response at our forthcoming Committee meeting.
We recognise, and applaud, the actions ABC are intending to take to acquire land for mitigating the impact the Borough's development plans will have on the Stodmarsh Lakes.
We also acknowledge that the Trinity Lakes consultation confirms the development's compliance with the conditions in the Local Plan regarding vehicular access to Sandyhurst Lane and the provision of a substantial landscape buffer behind the existing properties, and we also welcome their intentions to constrain the number and density of residential development and, by the inclusion of wetlands, make the whole development contaminant nutrient load neutral.
Most creditable aspirations. But we will need to see what mechanisms are to be put in place jointly by Ashford Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Quadrant Estates, or its successors, to measure and ensure continuing compliance to these commitments in the face of ABC housing delivery targets or commercial pressures on the developers.
The SLRA will continue to press for the best outcome for its members and local community.
Only time will tell but we remain ever vigilant.
Best regards
A C Bartlett
Chair SLRA
25 September2021
Planning permission granted for extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 24 September 2021 for a rear extension to the existing garage/study to include additional habitable space; alterations to the existing rear single storey extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01437/AS).
23 September 2021
Planning permission granted for granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 22 September 2021 for the conversion of garage and rear extension to facilitate the creation of a granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane, despite objections from neighbours. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01390/AS).
16 September 2021
Changes in Royal Mail collection times
From Monday 20 September 2021, three of the Royal Mail Post Boxes in our area will have earlier last collection times than at present. These are:
Warren View, Orchard Heights: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 10.30 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.15 pm, Sat 12.30 pm).
Hare and Hounds: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.00 pm, Sat 10.30 am).
Opposite Sandyacres: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 9.00 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.15 pm, Sat 9.00 am).
7 September 2021
Planning appeal for Elvey Cottage, Kingsland Lane dismissed
Further to our news item of 26 June 2021 on the appeal against the decision to refuse retrospective planning permission for amendment to the design and the size of the garage/home office at Elvey Cottage, Kingsland Lane, the Planning Inspector visited the site on 14 July 2021 and has now published his Decision.
The decision is to dismiss the appeal. The “Main Issues” are cited as “the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area including the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the setting of a Grade II listed building.” The full Appeal Decision document may be viewed here.
6 September 2021
Defibrillator awareness courses
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Parish Council (BA&E PC) are holding two free defibrillator awareness courses. These are on 22nd September (online by Zoom) and 21 October (at Sandyacres). Both sessions begin at 6.30pm. For full details and booking, which is essential, see the BA&E PC website here.
The website also gives location details of the four defibrillators provided by BA&E PC, the SLRA defibrillator and another at Trinity House.
These are: Boughton Lees Cricket Pavilion (outside), Goat Lees Community Hall Defibrillator (outside), Hare and Hounds (outside), Iron Room (when open), Sandyacres Sports & Social Centre (inside pavilion only accessible when open), Trinity House, Upper Harbledown (outside).
Further local defibrillators include Westwell Village Hall (outside) and Ashford Golf Club (when open).
2 September 2021
Overgrown footpath cleared
Further to our news item of 25 August 2021, we are pleased to report that Cllr Winston Michael has advised that the footpath between Sandyhurst Lane and Dunnock Road has today been cleared.
27 August 2021
KCC consultation on "tip" booking system
Last May, Kent County Council (KCC) introduced a booking system for visiting their Household Waste and Recycling Centres (also known as the "tip"). This was in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to help manage the demand on Centres in response to social distancing and revised workplace rules.
KCC is now considering
27 August 2021
Eureka Park: Developers launch public consultation
Proposals for development of Eureka Park, included as Site S20 in the Local Plan, have been delayed whilst solutions are sought to the Stodmarsh issue (see news item 6 August 2021). Now, the developers, Quadrant Estates, have launched a public consultation under the title "Trinity Lakes". By incorporating wetlands and reed beds throughout the scheme, the developers claim that sufficient levels of nutrients will be removed to offset the additional nutrient load from the proposed development. There are also statements confirming that there will be no vehicle access from Sandyhurst Lane.
Leaflets inviting residents to participate in the consultation are currently being distributed (see copy here). The consultation is at a website www.trinitylakes.co.uk with a link to a questionnaire here. Comments may also be submitted by email to consultations@dhaplanning.co.uk.
25 August 2021
Overgrown footpath
Many members will be aware that the footpath which runs from Sandyhurst Lane (opposite Sandyacres) to Dunnock Road (Goat Lees) has become badly overgrown and difficult to negotiate. The SLRA first reported this to Ashford Borough Council (whose contractors, Aspire, carry out this work) on 26 July, over 4 weeks ago.
“I have arranged for the shrubbery to be cut back, with the work to take place shortly.”
“Aspire intended cutting the hedging along the footpath this week, but unfortunately the Team Leader had to self-isolate, affecting staff availability and work schedules. Aspire is juggling staff around and reassures me that they will do it as soon as possible, and I have every confidence in them. I know this inconvenient to users of the footpath and I apologise for the delay.”
25 August 2021
Planning permission granted for conversion of existing integral garage at
Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane
24 August 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a garage conversion and single storey rear extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 16 September 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01515/AS).
19 August 2021
Planning permission granted for extensions at 73 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 18 August 2021 for single storey extensions at 73 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details are available here (search for application number 21/01117/AS).
17 August 2021
Advance notice: Ashford 10 and 5 mile run
The Ashford 10 & 5 mile run, which was not held in 2020, because of the pandemic, has been reinstated for 2021.
The event will take place on Sunday 31 October 2021 and the races start from 10.00 am. It will be based at The Towers School, not Sandyacres, for the registration, parking, toilets etc.
Road closures will affect Sandyhurst Lane from 9:30 am until 10.00 am, and Lenacre Street from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm (or sooner depending on the last finisher). The Lenacre Street/Sandyhurst Lane junction will be very busy as this will be the finish of the race. Warning notices will be placed in the area nearer the time.
The route of the run involves a short stretch of Sandyhurst Lane from Faversham Road to Lenacre Street, the whole of Lenacre Street and then Tumbledown Hill/Westwell Lane to/from Westwell Village and St Mary’s Church, Eastwell. The route may be viewed here and full details on the Sporting Events UK website here.
11 August 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a rear extension to the existing garage/study to include additional habitable space; alterations to the existing rear single storey extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane. This follows a recent refusal of permission for the previous application. The closing date for comments is 3 September 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01437/AS).
6 August 2021
Wetland schemes and Eureka Park
Since July 2020, housing developments in Ashford have been "on hold" whilst a solution is sought for the problem of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient discharges in the Stour catchment area, because of the adverse effect these have on the Stodmarsh Lakes near Canterbury. Now, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has announced the first steps to mitigating this issue will start with land acquisition options for new wetland areas within the borough being explored and pursued as a matter of urgency. The announcement may be viewed here.
Amongst the delayed developments are the Eureka Park proposals in the Local Plan for 375 dwellings and 20 hectares of commercial development. Recently, Councillor Winston Michael advised that the developers had given a presentation to ABC on revised proposals, which they had also shared with Winston. The revised plan is for 373 homes with areas of wetlands and a lower density of housing with some areas being as low as 20 – 25 homes per hectare; there is also social housing. There will be no vehicular access to Sandyhurst Lane, though Public Rights of Way will be retained for walkers and cyclists. The full version of Winston's post may be viewed here.
31 July 2021
Planning permission sought for granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for the conversion of garage and rear extension to facilitate the creation of a granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 23 August 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01390/AS).
30 July 2021
BA&E Neighbourhood Plan referendum result
Yesterday’s Neighbourhood Plan referendum for parishioners in Boughton Aluph & Eastwell parishes resulted in an overwhelming “Yes” vote to the question “Do you want Ashford Borough Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parishes to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
There were 341 “Yes” votes (92.67%) and 27 “No” votes (7.33%). The turnout was 18.77%.
The official result notice may be viewed here.
30 July 2021
Operation Brock ends
Operation Brock on the M20 will be removed this weekend. The motorway will be closed coastbound from junctions 7 to 9, and London bound from junctions 9 to 8 from 8pm on Saturday 31 July until 8am on Sunday 1 August.
28 July 2021
KCC budget consultation
Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a public consultation on its budget for 2022-23. KCC says:
We may have to make some difficult decisions in the near future, but before we do this, we would like to hear your views on:
- The future of services – how comfortable would you be to see spending reductions on a range of services?
- Council tax – is a modest rise acceptable if it helps to sustain the services you most value?
- Doing things differently – what are the most important things we should consider when deciding how to do things differently?
This consultation closes on Monday 19 September 2021. Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/budget to find out more and participate in this consultation.
This is a good opportunity to express your views on the future of Council services, spending and Council Tax.
15 July 2021
Operation Brock returns
Highways England confirmed today that Operation Brock on the M20 between Ashford and Maidstone will be back in place from this Sunday, 18 July.
To allow deployment of the moveable concrete barrier, the M20 will close at 8pm on Saturday night between junctions 7 and 9, with both carriageways scheduled to reopen by 8am on Sunday with the contraflow active.
Nicola Bell, Highways England regional director, said:
“The lifting of the lockdown restrictions will inevitably mean more travel across to France from July 19 and we, along with our Kent Resilience Forum partners, have taken the decision to reinstall the moveable barrier on the M20 to prepare for this. We know that some people won’t welcome its return, but we need to be prepared for an increase in not only HGVs but also in passenger traffic. We feel it is the right decision to redeploy the barrier in case it is needed to keep Kent moving should levels of HGVs and cars heading to the border be high. The deployment of the barrier on the M20 will of course be kept under constant review and we will remove it as soon as we can.”
15 July 2021
Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan
As part of the Government’s National Bus Strategy, Kent County Council (KCC) is required to publish a Bus Service Improvement Plan by the end of October. KCC has recently launched an online survey questionnaire to ensure that their Improvement Plan “reflects the views of Kent residents”. The questionnaire seeks views on what would make bus services more attractive and how they might be improved.
If you wish to contribute to the survey questionnaire, it is available here.
15 July 2021
Planning permission granted for extensions at Kingsland Grove, Kingsland Lane
Planning permission was granted on 14 July 2021 for the erection of first floor rear extension and single storey side/rear extension (revision to planning permission 20/00163/AS) at Kingsland Grove, Kingsland Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for case number 21/00924/AS).
14 July 2021
Consultation on review of parliamentary constituencies
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) recently launched a public consultation on its Initial Proposals for the Review of Parliamentary Constituencies, which is being undertaken principally to ensure that all constituencies contain a number of electors which is within statutory limits. The review will be finalised in 2023.
These Initial Proposals would have significant consequences for Ashford and its neighbouring area, including the creation of a new constituency.
The SLRA committee considered these proposals at their recent committee meeting and decided to provide members with a background note on the proposals and some thoughts on possible changes to them. It was thought likely that members would have a wide range of opinions and that a collective response was unlikely to be possible, but that members should be encouraged to make individual responses to the consultation.
Please find this background note here. The BCE are required to consider all responses, so this is an opportunity to help shape the future constituencies for our area. The closing date for responses is Monday 2nd August. Please feel free to share your thoughts with the SLRA (info@sandyhurst.co.uk) if you feel able to do so.
8 July 2021
Planning permission sought for conversion of existing integral garage at
Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane
5 July 2021
Clarification on lorry parking bans
Further to our news item of 30 June, we should make it clear that, whilst the “Experimental Lorry Parking Ban Pilot Project” has ended, the “Permanent Overnight Lorry Parking Ban” remains in place.
The experimental pilot project was introduced on 1 January as part of the wider post EU exit transition period plans, prohibiting any HGV over 5 tonnes from parking anywhere within seven Kent districts and boroughs, including Ashford. This ended on 30 June and will not be renewed.
The permanent ban, which has been in place since 16 September 2019, prohibits overnight lorry and HGV parking, between 8 pm and 7 am, in various locations on or near the A20 between Charing and the Drovers roundabout, including the A20 side road at Potters Corner and the entrance to Sandyhurst Lane. It also includes four Ashford industrial estates. This remains in force.
Both schemes involve(d) the clamping of vehicles and, because Kent County Council were responsible for this across the county, the cessation of the pilot scheme may mean that enforcement of the permanent scheme is reduced for a short while. However, we are aware that Ashford Borough Council are currently working on getting their team of clampers back in place so that they can resume enforcement of the permanent ban as soon as possible.
Outline planning application - Eureka Park
Ashford Borough Council has published an outline planning application by Quadrant Eureka LLP for their proposed development on land at Eureka Park. The application contains 70 documents and is entitled:
“Outline planning application to consider access for the development of up to 375 dwellings, up to 34,869m2 commercial floorspace (comprising 31,269m2 of class E(g)(i) and E(g)(ii) and 3,600m2 of flexible Class E floorspace), open space, and associated infrastructure with all matters reserved for future consideration aside from access”.
The closing date for comments is 23 January 2022. Full details may be viewed here (If necessary search for application number 21/02146/AS).
24 December 2021
Tip booking system to remain?
Paul Bartlett, who is both the Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council and a Kent County Councillor, has posted the following message:
KCC will continue to operate a booking system for customers to access all of Kent County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.After a period of temporary closure to adhere to the government’s Covid-19 restrictions, Kent County Council (KCC) re-opened the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) on 15 May 2020 and used a booking system to safely manage access.
Whilst the booking system was introduced to help manage demand at the HWRCs in response to social distancing and revised workplace rules, it has provided operational benefit and received positive customer feedback.
A public consultation was undertaken to gain views from the public and stakeholders on its future use. This exercise did not highlight any new information that would support a withdrawal of the booking system.
The Covid-19 pandemic remains a risk to both operational staff and the public. The system allows demand to be safely managed irrespective of any Covid restrictions which also providing on-going operational benefit to the service.
Following its inception, the system has evolved and adapted to customer and operator/contractor feedback. The consultation has highlighted ‘on the day’ booking and further integration with other operational systems further modifications for the system to address. These both seek to further enhance the customer experience and to make the service more efficient and effective.
No official decision appears to have yet been announced by Kent County Council, whose consultation website indicates that the final decision will be made by the Environment & Transport Committee at their meeting on 19 January (18 January on the committee page).
22 December 2021
Christmas & New Year Bus Times
Stagecoach has published the following information relevant to the Ashford area:
Wrap up your travel plans with Stagecoach this Christmas. There's great value travel for all! Kids travel for just £1 with any adult or concession pass and for travel after 6PM there's our unlimited EveningRider ticket for just £3 on the Stagecoach Bus App.
With the exception of Canterbury City Council Park & Ride, there will be no services operating on Boxing Day. Some buses will finish early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve – see below.
Christmas Eve:
Normal school holiday service but some early finishes - see below for more information
Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
No service
Bank Holiday Mon 27 & Tues 28 December:
Normal Sunday service
Wed 29 & Thurs 30 December:
Normal school holiday timetables
Fri 31 December:
Normal school holiday service but some early finishes - see below for more information
Sat 1 January 2022:
No service
Sun 2 and Mon 3 January 2022:
Normal Sunday service
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve:
Route AD
Last bus from Bank Street at 2055
Route B
Last bus from Kennington (The Rose) at 2043, Bank Street 2103
Last bus from Bridgefield at 2042, Bank Street 2101
Route C
Last bus from Ashford Rail Station 2106
Last bus from William Harvey at 2131
Route G
2320 from Rail Station to Godinton Park & Repton Park will not operate.
15 December 2021
Poppy appeal
In November, SLRA member Don Knight made his annual round of our area collecting for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. This year he collected a record amount of £392, as shown in the certificate here. Congratulations to Don and thank you to all those who generously contributed.
10 December 2021
Plastic Free Ashford
The SLRA Committee recently received a presentation from Plastic Free Ashford, a group which is taking forward the "Plastic Free Communities" initiative run by Surfers against Sewage. Their mission is to tackle and reduce single-use plastic consumption in Ashford and to help people make better choices around the use of plastic. The SLRA Committee agreed to help promote their activities, both through the SLRA and individually as members of other organisations.
More details of Plastic Free Ashford and how individuals can get involved are on their Facebook website page at https://www.facebook.com/Plasticfreeashford. An opportunity to find out more is at tomorrow's Festive Makers Market between 10 am and 4 pm in Park Mall. Plastic Free Ashford are offering free Reusable Cups "for all of your coffee/tea/hot chocolate/mulled wine needs". These will also qualify for a free hot drink when you buy a meal in store at Stag Coffee, Cafe Madeleine, Church View Tea Rooms or The Beehive.
This is all part of Ashford's "Carnival of the Baubles" event which takes place tomorrow. For details see our news item of 7 November below - for further information, see the LoveAshford website here, the Emergency Exit Arts website here and Ashford Borough Council’s website here.
10 December 2021
Reminder - Closure of Sandyhurst Lane
This is a reminder that part of Sandyhurst Lane will be closed between 07:30 and 17:30 each day for up to three days from Monday 13 December 2021.
The closure is to allow KCC “to repair potholes, areas of excessive crazing and similar potential defects in order to maintain the integrity of the surface, to stop ingress into the road and to alleviate further deterioration of the carriageway surface”.
The official notice may be viewed here. It appears that the closure will be between the junction of Sandyhurst Lane with Lenacre Street and the junction of Sandyhurst Lane with Westwell Lane (the Westwell Lane opposite the Golf Club, not the Westwell Lane near Potters Corner).
26 November 2021
Update: Sandyhurst Lane to be closed for repairs in December
The works planned for 6 – 8 December (details in our news item for 12 November below) have now been postponed until 13 – 15 December 2021.
23 November 2021
Christmas free parking
Ashford Borough Council has announced that free parking will be available in Council-run car parks in Ashford and Tenterden (apart from Recreation Ground car park, Tenterden) on the following days and times:
Friday 3, 10 and 17 December from 3pm
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December all day
NB This does not apply to privately run car parks such as the NCP County Square car park.
There are 10 Council-run car parks in Ashford:
Henwood Car Park TN24 8YF
Flour Mills Car Park (East Hill) TN24 8PA
Civic Centre and Stour Centre Car Park (short stay) TN23 1PL
Dover Place Car Park TN23 1HU
Station Road Car Park TN23 1PP
Vicarage Lane Car Park (short stay) TN23 1NJ
Edinburgh Road Multi-Storey Car Park TN24 8LG
Elwick Road Car Park TN23 1LH
Elwick Place Car Park (including Travelodge) TN23 1DY
Victoria Road Car Park TN23 7HQ
Christmas free parking is in addition to normal free parking which applies to:
Flour Mills Car Park: free on Sundays and Bank Holidays
Station Road Car Park: free after 3pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays
Edinburgh Road Multi-Storey Car Park: free after 3pm Monday-Saturday, free on Sundays
Elwick Place Car Park (cinema car park): free after 3pm every day
There is also normal free parking in the Ashford town centre pedestrian zone as follows:
- in the marked parking bays in High Street, North Street and Bank Street after 6pm from Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays.
- in the marked parking bays in New Street after 4.30pm, on any day
Full details of all Ashford's Council-run car parks, including charges and opening hours, may be found here.
22 November 2021
Christmas and New Year bin collections
There will be no change to recycling and refuse collections over the festive period, due to the fact that Christmas falls on a weekend. Garden waste collections will be suspended so that, in the SLRA area, there will be a collection on 16 December, then on 13 January (no collection on 30 December). Details of the Council's announcement may be viewed here.
12 November 2021
Sandyhurst Lane to be closed for repairs in December
Kent County Council has advised that they will be carrying out repairs to the carriageway of Sandyhurst Lane under road closure. The works are planned for 6, 7 & 8 December between 8.00am and 5.30pm. The KCC notice may be viewed here.
9 November 2021
Lenacre Hall Farm planning application withdrawn
Further to our news item of 2 November (below), the hybrid application for planning permission for up to 79 new residential dwellings on land at Lenacre Hall Farm, Sandyhurst Lane, which was due to be decided by the Council’s Planning Committee on 10 November, has been withdrawn by the applicant. No further action will be taken.
9 November 2021
South East Water works
This is a reminder that South East Water will be carrying out upgrade work on an underground storage tank at Potters Corner between 10pm or 11pm tonight* and 6am tomorrow morning. According to the map on their website here, the work will affect the water supply throughout our area (and in Orchard Heights).
A copy of the information sent to residents by letter may be viewed here. It includes:
Once water supplies return to normal, you may experience a slight discolouration or air in your water supply. This is normal following an interruption to supply and to clear this you simply need to run your cold water tap in your kitchen until the water runs clear.
(*10pm according to the letter, 11pm according to the website).
8 November 2021
Buses 123/124 temporary diversion
From today until 6 December, bus routes 123 and 124, which normally stop at Potters Corner, are subject to major diversions which means they will not be serving Potters Corner, Hothfield or Little Chart. This is due to road closures to enable works by South East Water.
The Stagecoach website here gives the following information and also gives the temporary timetables for the 123 and 124 bus routes:
123/124 Smarden Road/Swan Lane junction closure 06 Nov 2021 to 06 Dec 2021
Due to South East Water closing Smarden Road and Swan Lane we have to divert our 123 and 124 services via A262 and A28.
This is from 8th November to 6th December 2021
As this is such a major diversion we have had to make temporary timetables and we are unable to serve Little Chart and Hothfield.
The morning and afternoon school services for the 123 and 124 have been merged and will be run by R & J coaches serving Egerton, Pluckley, Smarden and Biddenden.
Stagecoach will still run a service between the schools and Charing to save overloading on the 10X service.
7 November 2021
Ashford Carnival of the Baubles Event
The spectacular Carnival of the Baubles will be returning to light up Ashford town centre on Saturday 11 December.
Everyone is being urged to come along and watch a procession of giant illuminated lanterns and baubles decorated by children from local primary schools as it make its way from Elwick Place, up Bank Street and through the Lower High Street where it will end with a festive finale.
Themed around disco and dancing, this year’s parade will be led by a giant mechanical Turtle puppet in a procession full of glitter and light accompanied by disco tunes. The fun will continue into the evening with a family-friendly disco party on the bandstand hosted by Ashford College students.
The day will also include live music on the bandstand and in Elwick Place. The fabulous young dancers from Liv2dance will be showcasing some festive dances to get us all in the Christmas spirit. Shoppers can warm up with delicious hot street food and drink at Kent Food Hubs’ evening market in the lower high street.
You can also get involved by bringing your own Christmas lanterns or making them to use in the procession at the workshop in the Craftship (opposite Made in Ashford)
When: Saturday 11 December
Where:
10am - 6pm: Park Mall Makers Market – Christmas version!
11am – 2pm: Live Music on the Bandstand from Revelation Ashford
11.15am – 3pm: Live Music in Elwick Place
10am - 2pm: Public lantern-making
4pm – 8pm: Evening Food Market by Kent Food Hubs (Lower High Street)
5pm: Procession starts from Elwick Place
6pm: Procession ends at lower High Street
6-8pm: Family disco and rave on the Bandstand
For more information, see the LoveAshford website here, the Emergency Exit Arts website here and Ashford Borough Council’s website here.
2 November 2021
Lenacre Hall Farm planning application to be decided by Planning Committee
In March 2018, a full planning application was submitted for 21 dwellings on land at Lenacre Hall Farm, Sandyhurst Lane. The application was refused and a subsequent appeal was dismissed in December 2019. Full details are available here (search for application number 18/00413/AS).
However, an earlier application had been submitted in October 2017. This was a hybrid application (part full, part outline) for up to 79 new residential dwellings consisting of a full planning application for 21 dwellings and an outline application for up to a further 58 dwellings. Full details are available here (search for application number 17/01613/AS). The part of this hybrid application for 21 dwellings is identical to the full application for those dwellings refused in 2019.
This hybrid application has remained “live” and, at the request of the applicant, is now to be decided by the Ashford Borough Council Planning Committee, at its meeting at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 10th November 2021. The Committee agenda includes a 91 page report from the Head of Planning and Development which is available here. The report’s recommendation is to refuse the application.
25 October 2021
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Neighbourhood Plan adopted
At their meeting on 21 October, Ashford Borough Council formally “made” (ie adopted) the Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Neighbourhood Plan. This follows the referendum in which secured a “Yes” vote of over 92% of those who voted.
The Plan
, to which the SLRA and many residents contributed, is now formally
part of the Development Plan for the Borough of Ashford and must be taken into account when assessing relevant planning decisions.The announcement on the Council’s website may be viewed here and the formal decision document here.
13 October 2021
Planning application for extensions at 172 Sandyhurst Lane withdrawn
The application for planning permission for two storey side/front/rear extensions and alterations to elevations including porch canopy to front elevation at 172 Sandyhurst Lane has been withdrawn by the applicant. Full details are available here (search for application no 21/01054/AS).
8 October 2021
Eureka Park development - SLRA responds to consultation
Further to our news items of 27 August, the SLRA has now responded to the "Trinity Lakes" consultation being held by the developers, Quadrant Estates, on their outline proposals for Eureka Park. The SLRA submission may be viewed here.
Further to our news item of 27 September, the Kentish Express has published an article on the consultation, quoting parts of the statement provided by the SLRA. This may be viewed here.
We shall remain vigilant and will continue to press for the best outcome for our members and local community as the planning process proceeds.
7 October 2021
Planning permission granted for extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 6 October 2021 for a garage conversion and single storey rear extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01515/AS).
5 October 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at Little Croft, 56 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a single storey front infill extension at Little Croft, 56 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 28 October 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01713/AS).
5 October 2021
Road closures for Ashford 10 & 5 mile run
Further to our news item of 17 August, we have now received official confirmation from KCC of the road closures which will be put in place on Sunday 31 October for the Ashford 10 & 5 mile run. The Notice reads as follows:
To allow the Ashford & District 10 & 5 Mile Run to take place on and near the highway, Kent County Council has made an Order to temporarily prohibit through traffic on Sandyhurst Lane and Lenacre Street near Ashford.
Closures are planned for Sunday 31 October 2021 starting from 10:00 hours onwards, with roads re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so, and by no later 12:30 hours.
Roads will be closed as shown below, to the extent indicated at any time by signs and barriers on site.
SANDYHURST LANE – closed between A251 Faversham Road and Sandyacres Sports Club LENACRE STREET – closed for its entire length
The alternative route for through traffic is via A251 Faversham Road, Trinity Road, Junction 9 Interchange, Fougeres Way, Drovers Roundabout and A20 Maidstone Road.
Nothing in the Order will apply to:
- Any Vehicle being used for Ambulance purposes, Coastguard/RNLI, Fire Brigade or Police services.
- Anything done by a Statutory Undertaker vehicle in connection with an emergency repair.
- Anything done with the permission or at the direction of Event Organisers or a Police Constable in Uniform
30 September 2021
Police and Crime Plan survey
Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has launched an online survey to which members may wish to respond - it only takes a few minutes. He has issued the following statement:
If you can spare a few minutes, we would appreciate you helping us out by sharing your views.
Every four years the Police and Crime Commissioner must decide the priorities for the Kent Police Force. To do that, Matthew Scott has launched a survey and is seeking your opinion on whether the Force is per-forming as it should and where you think resources should be focussed in the future.
It asks what type of crimes matter most to you: it asks about victim support and violent crime, as well as road safety and antisocial behaviour. It also asks whether you’ve been a victim of crime and whether you have installed your own security devices, like alarms and doorbell cameras.
The results of this survey will influence the Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the strategy for the police for the next four years.
The link to the survey is https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PCC2021/
27 September 2021
Kentish Express coverage of Eureka Park development proposals
The news editor of the Kentish Express (Dan Wright) has recently been in touch with the SLRA following the launch of the “Trinity Lakes” consultation by the developers of Eureka Park. Dan last covered the proposed development after the publication of the highly controversial “Scoping Document” in June 2020. His report published on 27 June 2021 is available here.
The SLRA has responded to Dan Wright with the following statement:
As a Residents Association we have worked hard to ensure that the emerging Local Plan for Eureka Park (S20) set a limit of 375 homes, required no vehicular access from Sandyhurst Lane and guaranteed a generous landscaped buffer to residential properties along Sandyhurst Lane.
Following publication of the developer’s Scoping Document in June 2020, (to which your piece of 27 June 2020 refers), the SLRA lobbied extensively against their proposals for up to 600 homes, a retirement village and vehicular access from Sandyhurst Lane to exclusively feed part of the development. We committed to fight this in our letter to you which you published on 9 July 2020.
We are now pleased to see that Quadrant Estates has torn up the Scoping Document in their Consultation documentation and appears to be again respecting the Local Plan conditions.
Sadly the SLRA was not directly invited to respond to the current consultation but we are aware of it and have encouraged our members to respond. Many of them have done so. We will be discussing our own response at our forthcoming Committee meeting.
We recognise, and applaud, the actions ABC are intending to take to acquire land for mitigating the impact the Borough's development plans will have on the Stodmarsh Lakes.
We also acknowledge that the Trinity Lakes consultation confirms the development's compliance with the conditions in the Local Plan regarding vehicular access to Sandyhurst Lane and the provision of a substantial landscape buffer behind the existing properties, and we also welcome their intentions to constrain the number and density of residential development and, by the inclusion of wetlands, make the whole development contaminant nutrient load neutral.
Most creditable aspirations. But we will need to see what mechanisms are to be put in place jointly by Ashford Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Quadrant Estates, or its successors, to measure and ensure continuing compliance to these commitments in the face of ABC housing delivery targets or commercial pressures on the developers.
The SLRA will continue to press for the best outcome for its members and local community.
Only time will tell but we remain ever vigilant.
Best regards
A C Bartlett
Chair SLRA
25 September2021
Planning permission granted for extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 24 September 2021 for a rear extension to the existing garage/study to include additional habitable space; alterations to the existing rear single storey extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01437/AS).
23 September 2021
Planning permission granted for granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 22 September 2021 for the conversion of garage and rear extension to facilitate the creation of a granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane, despite objections from neighbours. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01390/AS).
16 September 2021
Changes in Royal Mail collection times
From Monday 20 September 2021, three of the Royal Mail Post Boxes in our area will have earlier last collection times than at present. These are:
Warren View, Orchard Heights: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 10.30 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.15 pm, Sat 12.30 pm).
Hare and Hounds: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.00 pm, Sat 10.30 am).
Opposite Sandyacres: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 9.00 am (currently Mon - Fri 5.15 pm, Sat 9.00 am).
The new full list of local last post collection times is below:
Warren View, Orchard Heights: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 10.30 am
Hare and Hounds: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am
Opposite 136 Sandyhurst Lane: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am
Opposite Sandyacres: Mon - Fri 4.00 pm, Sat 9.00 am
Faversham Road/Sandyhurst Lane: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am
Faversham Road/Ulley Road: Mon - Fri 9.00 am, Sat 7.00 am
Kennington Post Office: Mon – Fri 5.15 pm, Sat 12.15 pm
The latest collection time in Ashford is from the Tannery Road Delivery Office: Mon - Fri 6.15 pm, Sat 12.45 pm.
Latest collection times from post boxes and Post Office opening times are available here.
7 September 2021
Planning appeal for Elvey Cottage, Kingsland Lane dismissed
Further to our news item of 26 June 2021 on the appeal against the decision to refuse retrospective planning permission for amendment to the design and the size of the garage/home office at Elvey Cottage, Kingsland Lane, the Planning Inspector visited the site on 14 July 2021 and has now published his Decision.
The decision is to dismiss the appeal. The “Main Issues” are cited as “the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area including the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the setting of a Grade II listed building.” The full Appeal Decision document may be viewed here.
6 September 2021
Defibrillator awareness courses
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Parish Council (BA&E PC) are holding two free defibrillator awareness courses. These are on 22nd September (online by Zoom) and 21 October (at Sandyacres). Both sessions begin at 6.30pm. For full details and booking, which is essential, see the BA&E PC website here.
The website also gives location details of the four defibrillators provided by BA&E PC, the SLRA defibrillator and another at Trinity House.
These are: Boughton Lees Cricket Pavilion (outside), Goat Lees Community Hall Defibrillator (outside), Hare and Hounds (outside), Iron Room (when open), Sandyacres Sports & Social Centre (inside pavilion only accessible when open), Trinity House, Upper Harbledown (outside).
Further local defibrillators include Westwell Village Hall (outside) and Ashford Golf Club (when open).
2 September 2021
Overgrown footpath cleared
Further to our news item of 25 August 2021, we are pleased to report that Cllr Winston Michael has advised that the footpath between Sandyhurst Lane and Dunnock Road has today been cleared.
27 August 2021
KCC consultation on "tip" booking system
Last May, Kent County Council (KCC) introduced a booking system for visiting their Household Waste and Recycling Centres (also known as the "tip"). This was in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to help manage the demand on Centres in response to social distancing and revised workplace rules.
KCC is now considering
retaining the booking system as a permanent feature and is seeking views on this proposal. A public consultation has been launched and runs until 30 September 2021. Full details of the consultation are available on the KCC website here and the consultation document may be viewed here. The document includes a copy of the consultation questionnaire, the online version of which may be viewed here.
27 August 2021
Eureka Park: Developers launch public consultation
Proposals for development of Eureka Park, included as Site S20 in the Local Plan, have been delayed whilst solutions are sought to the Stodmarsh issue (see news item 6 August 2021). Now, the developers, Quadrant Estates, have launched a public consultation under the title "Trinity Lakes". By incorporating wetlands and reed beds throughout the scheme, the developers claim that sufficient levels of nutrients will be removed to offset the additional nutrient load from the proposed development. There are also statements confirming that there will be no vehicle access from Sandyhurst Lane.
Leaflets inviting residents to participate in the consultation are currently being distributed (see copy here). The consultation is at a website www.trinitylakes.co.uk with a link to a questionnaire here. Comments may also be submitted by email to consultations@dhaplanning.co.uk.
25 August 2021
Overgrown footpath
Many members will be aware that the footpath which runs from Sandyhurst Lane (opposite Sandyacres) to Dunnock Road (Goat Lees) has become badly overgrown and difficult to negotiate. The SLRA first reported this to Ashford Borough Council (whose contractors, Aspire, carry out this work) on 26 July, over 4 weeks ago.
The issue was also taken up by the Goat Lees Councillor, Winston Michael, who stated on 10 August:
“I have arranged for the shrubbery to be cut back, with the work to take place shortly.”
Sadly, the footpath still remains badly overgrown and Cllr Michael has now advised as follows:
“Aspire intended cutting the hedging along the footpath this week, but unfortunately the Team Leader had to self-isolate, affecting staff availability and work schedules. Aspire is juggling staff around and reassures me that they will do it as soon as possible, and I have every confidence in them. I know this inconvenient to users of the footpath and I apologise for the delay.”
We shall continue to monitor the situation and press for completion of this work as soon as possible. The last time the SLRA complained about this footpath, in July 2019, it was cleared within two days!!
25 August 2021
Planning permission granted for conversion of existing integral garage at
Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 24 August 2021 for the conversion of the existing integral garage at Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01230/AS).
24 August 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a garage conversion and single storey rear extension at 104 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 16 September 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01515/AS).
19 August 2021
Planning permission granted for extensions at 73 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 18 August 2021 for single storey extensions at 73 Sandyhurst Lane. Full details are available here (search for application number 21/01117/AS).
17 August 2021
Advance notice: Ashford 10 and 5 mile run
The Ashford 10 & 5 mile run, which was not held in 2020, because of the pandemic, has been reinstated for 2021.
The event will take place on Sunday 31 October 2021 and the races start from 10.00 am. It will be based at The Towers School, not Sandyacres, for the registration, parking, toilets etc.
Road closures will affect Sandyhurst Lane from 9:30 am until 10.00 am, and Lenacre Street from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm (or sooner depending on the last finisher). The Lenacre Street/Sandyhurst Lane junction will be very busy as this will be the finish of the race. Warning notices will be placed in the area nearer the time.
The route of the run involves a short stretch of Sandyhurst Lane from Faversham Road to Lenacre Street, the whole of Lenacre Street and then Tumbledown Hill/Westwell Lane to/from Westwell Village and St Mary’s Church, Eastwell. The route may be viewed here and full details on the Sporting Events UK website here.
11 August 2021
Planning permission sought for extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for a rear extension to the existing garage/study to include additional habitable space; alterations to the existing rear single storey extension at Hillyfield, 352 Sandyhurst Lane. This follows a recent refusal of permission for the previous application. The closing date for comments is 3 September 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01437/AS).
6 August 2021
Wetland schemes and Eureka Park
Since July 2020, housing developments in Ashford have been "on hold" whilst a solution is sought for the problem of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient discharges in the Stour catchment area, because of the adverse effect these have on the Stodmarsh Lakes near Canterbury. Now, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has announced the first steps to mitigating this issue will start with land acquisition options for new wetland areas within the borough being explored and pursued as a matter of urgency. The announcement may be viewed here.
Amongst the delayed developments are the Eureka Park proposals in the Local Plan for 375 dwellings and 20 hectares of commercial development. Recently, Councillor Winston Michael advised that the developers had given a presentation to ABC on revised proposals, which they had also shared with Winston. The revised plan is for 373 homes with areas of wetlands and a lower density of housing with some areas being as low as 20 – 25 homes per hectare; there is also social housing. There will be no vehicular access to Sandyhurst Lane, though Public Rights of Way will be retained for walkers and cyclists. The full version of Winston's post may be viewed here.
31 July 2021
Planning permission sought for granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for the conversion of garage and rear extension to facilitate the creation of a granny annexe at 376 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 23 August 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01390/AS).
30 July 2021
BA&E Neighbourhood Plan referendum result
Yesterday’s Neighbourhood Plan referendum for parishioners in Boughton Aluph & Eastwell parishes resulted in an overwhelming “Yes” vote to the question “Do you want Ashford Borough Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parishes to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
There were 341 “Yes” votes (92.67%) and 27 “No” votes (7.33%). The turnout was 18.77%.
The official result notice may be viewed here.
30 July 2021
Operation Brock ends
Operation Brock on the M20 will be removed this weekend. The motorway will be closed coastbound from junctions 7 to 9, and London bound from junctions 9 to 8 from 8pm on Saturday 31 July until 8am on Sunday 1 August.
28 July 2021
KCC budget consultation
Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a public consultation on its budget for 2022-23. KCC says:
We may have to make some difficult decisions in the near future, but before we do this, we would like to hear your views on:
- The future of services – how comfortable would you be to see spending reductions on a range of services?
- Council tax – is a modest rise acceptable if it helps to sustain the services you most value?
- Doing things differently – what are the most important things we should consider when deciding how to do things differently?
This consultation closes on Monday 19 September 2021. Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/budget to find out more and participate in this consultation.
This is a good opportunity to express your views on the future of Council services, spending and Council Tax.
15 July 2021
Operation Brock returns
Highways England confirmed today that Operation Brock on the M20 between Ashford and Maidstone will be back in place from this Sunday, 18 July.
To allow deployment of the moveable concrete barrier, the M20 will close at 8pm on Saturday night between junctions 7 and 9, with both carriageways scheduled to reopen by 8am on Sunday with the contraflow active.
Nicola Bell, Highways England regional director, said:
“The lifting of the lockdown restrictions will inevitably mean more travel across to France from July 19 and we, along with our Kent Resilience Forum partners, have taken the decision to reinstall the moveable barrier on the M20 to prepare for this. We know that some people won’t welcome its return, but we need to be prepared for an increase in not only HGVs but also in passenger traffic. We feel it is the right decision to redeploy the barrier in case it is needed to keep Kent moving should levels of HGVs and cars heading to the border be high. The deployment of the barrier on the M20 will of course be kept under constant review and we will remove it as soon as we can.”
15 July 2021
Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan
As part of the Government’s National Bus Strategy, Kent County Council (KCC) is required to publish a Bus Service Improvement Plan by the end of October. KCC has recently launched an online survey questionnaire to ensure that their Improvement Plan “reflects the views of Kent residents”. The questionnaire seeks views on what would make bus services more attractive and how they might be improved.
If you wish to contribute to the survey questionnaire, it is available here.
15 July 2021
Planning permission granted for extensions at Kingsland Grove, Kingsland Lane
Planning permission was granted on 14 July 2021 for the erection of first floor rear extension and single storey side/rear extension (revision to planning permission 20/00163/AS) at Kingsland Grove, Kingsland Lane. Full details may be viewed here (search for case number 21/00924/AS).
14 July 2021
Consultation on review of parliamentary constituencies
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) recently launched a public consultation on its Initial Proposals for the Review of Parliamentary Constituencies, which is being undertaken principally to ensure that all constituencies contain a number of electors which is within statutory limits. The review will be finalised in 2023.
These Initial Proposals would have significant consequences for Ashford and its neighbouring area, including the creation of a new constituency.
The SLRA committee considered these proposals at their recent committee meeting and decided to provide members with a background note on the proposals and some thoughts on possible changes to them. It was thought likely that members would have a wide range of opinions and that a collective response was unlikely to be possible, but that members should be encouraged to make individual responses to the consultation.
Please find this background note here. The BCE are required to consider all responses, so this is an opportunity to help shape the future constituencies for our area. The closing date for responses is Monday 2nd August. Please feel free to share your thoughts with the SLRA (info@sandyhurst.co.uk) if you feel able to do so.
8 July 2021
Planning permission sought for conversion of existing integral garage at
Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane
A planning application has been made for the conversion of the existing integral garage at Sumach, 6 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 31 July 2021. Full details may be viewed here (search for application number 21/01230/AS).
5 July 2021
Clarification on lorry parking bans
Further to our news item of 30 June, we should make it clear that, whilst the “Experimental Lorry Parking Ban Pilot Project” has ended, the “Permanent Overnight Lorry Parking Ban” remains in place.
The experimental pilot project was introduced on 1 January as part of the wider post EU exit transition period plans, prohibiting any HGV over 5 tonnes from parking anywhere within seven Kent districts and boroughs, including Ashford. This ended on 30 June and will not be renewed.
The permanent ban, which has been in place since 16 September 2019, prohibits overnight lorry and HGV parking, between 8 pm and 7 am, in various locations on or near the A20 between Charing and the Drovers roundabout, including the A20 side road at Potters Corner and the entrance to Sandyhurst Lane. It also includes four Ashford industrial estates. This remains in force.
Both schemes involve(d) the clamping of vehicles and, because Kent County Council were responsible for this across the county, the cessation of the pilot scheme may mean that enforcement of the permanent scheme is reduced for a short while. However, we are aware that Ashford Borough Council are currently working on getting their team of clampers back in place so that they can resume enforcement of the permanent ban as soon as possible.
Sandyhurst Lane
Residents Association
Residents Association
Protecting the rural character of Sandyhurst Lane and the adjoining area
News Archive for July-Dec 2021