21 June 2013
Update on optional garden recycling service
The new optional 'brown bin' garden recycling service has hitherto been available only by payment over the telephone - a difficult and time-consuming process by time you have managed to find the right person to speak to. At long last, Ashford Borough Council have now introduced registration and payment for the service by credit card on their website.
The cost is normally £30 per annum (1 June to 31 May), rising to £35 by 2015/16, but is £25 for the period from August 2013 to 31 May 2014. The website for this service may be accessed here.
19 June 2013
Planning permission granted for single storey side extension
at 26 Hoads Wood Gardens
Planning permission was granted on 18 June 2013 for a single storey side extension incorporating integral garage and addition of a front porch at 26 Hoads Wood Gardens. Full details may be viewed here (search for case number 13/00483/AS).
12 June 2013
Household waste and recycling centre reopens next month
After an extended delay, it has now been announced that the new Household Waste and Recycling Centre will reopen on at 8:00 am on Saturday 6th July 2013. (It was closed on 1 October 2012 and was supposed to re-open in early March 2013.)
The announcement goes on to say:
“The Kent County Council site in Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate has been closed since October while improvements to increase the capacity of the site for the future, help to cut queues and improve the overall customer experience.
The temporary facility was provided on the industrial estate during the redevelopment, and this will close on Sunday 30th June at 4pm.
Residents are warned that between 30th June and 6th July NEITHER facility will be open. The five day closure is required to move the waste containers between sites.”
8 June 2013
Planning permission sought for garage conversion at 4 Watsons Close
An application has been made for a garage conversion at 4 Watsons Close. This entails creation of a utility room in part of the existing garage. The closing date for comments is 1 July 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00597/AS).
5 June 2013
Planning permission granted for garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 4 June 2013 for a garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane (see news
item dated 14 February 2013). Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00124/AS).
16 May 2013
CRIME ALERT
One of our members in Lenacre Street has sent the following information this morning:
“This morning's garden duties were met with two garden storage boxes with their doors wide open.
Nothing appears to have been stolen- but this might be the starting of more petty crime in the area.”
Another member in Potters Close reports a similar incident earlier this week.
Please be vigilant – secure your property and keep an eye out for unusual activity in your neighbourhood.
Advice on personal and property security is available from the Kent Police on this website.
10 May 2013
Local Councillors in new 'Cabinet' to lead Ashford Borough Council
Two of the borough councillors whose constituencies include parts of Sandyhurst Lane and the adjacent area have been selected as part of a new Cabinet of ten councillors, whose task is to lead Ashford Borough Council. Cllr Michael Claughton (Con, Bockhanger) is the Deputy Leader of the Council and has Cabinet responsibility for Community and Well Being. Cllr David Robey (Con, Downs West) takes on Cabinet responsibility for Planning and Development. He will focus on the wider planning issues and relinquishes his current chairmanship of the Planning Committee; this passes to Cllr Mike Bennett.
The new Council Leader is Cllr Gerry Clarkson, who succeeds Cllr Peter Wood, who sadly died on 1 March 2013. Full details of the Cabinet may be found here.
10 May 2013
Recycling Roadshows
Ashford Borough Council have announced a series of 'Recycling Roadshows'. These will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the new recycling and waste collection service.
The dates and venues of the roadshows are as follows:
Friday 24 May to Saturday 25 May
9am to 5pm
Tesco Crooksfoot
Tuesday 28 May
10am to 3pm
Rylands Road Community Centre, Kennington
Thursday 30 May
10am to 2pm
Stanhope Estate, Otterden Close
Friday 14 June
9am to 5pm
Sainsbury’s Bybrook
Thursday 20 June to Friday 21 June
9am to 4pm
Ashford Bandstand, High Street
Friday 28 June
9am to 5pm
Asda Superstore, Kimberley Way
8 May 2013
Planning permission sought for single storey side extension
at 26 Hoads Wood Gardens
An application has been made for planning permission for a single storey side extension incorporating integral garage and addition of a front porch at 26 Hoads Wood Gardens. The closing date for comments is 31 May 2013. Full details may be viewed here (search for case number 13/00483/AS).
An application for a two storey side extension at this property was permitted in 2007, but was not implemented (see case number 07/01643/AS).
7 May 2013
New recycling and refuse collection guide
Ashford Borough Council have published a detailed guide to the new recycling and refuse collection service which starts in July (May for certain garden waste collections). All residents will eventually receive a copy of the guide. It may also be viewed here.
4 May 2013
Further update on A20 Road Safety Lobby Progress
Since August 2011 we have been lobbying KCC Traffic Schemes for improvements to road safety at the junction of the A20 (Maidstone Road) with Sandyhurst Lane and Godinton Lane (Potters Corner). As we reported on 14 March (see below), we secured a conditional promise that safety measures would be implemented during the 2012/13 financial year. We then learned from Councillor Elizabeth Tweed that the scheme will definitely go ahead, but it is now scheduled for the early part of 2013/14.
Following further correspondence with KCC Traffic Schemes, we have now received written confirmation that the funding for the scheme has been brought forward to the current financial year. KCC have also informed us that the original scheme is being revised to highlight the junction better from each direction on the A20, with additional static and interactive 'flashing' signage. Consultation with residents and parish councils will take place prior to installation "as early as practicable in the new financial year" (i.e. 2013/14). To see the latest letter from KCC on this issue, click here.
3 May 2013
KCC Election results
See our special page with the results of the elections for Kent County Council held on 2 May 2013.
2 May 2013
Planning permission granted for two storey extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 1 May 2013 for a two storey rear extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 15 March 2013). There were no objections to the application. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00271/AS).
5 April 2013
Update on new refuse and recycling scheme
Recycling, food and refuse collections will always take place on the same day each week.
See the picture for details of the containers to be supplied prior to the start of the new scheme. See also Key Dates below.
Optional garden waste recycling scheme
Residents who want garden recycling collections are being offered an early start for the new service if they sign up by Friday 27 April. Anyone who signs up for the garden recycling service by that date will receive their brown bin in May, with collections starting two weeks later.
Those who sign up after 27th April will receive their bin in July, with collections starting two weeks later.
The new service is entirely optional, and costs £30 a year per container. This fee will rise to £35 by 2015/16.
Subscribers will receive a 240 litre brown bin which will be collected every fortnight (except at Christmas and New Year).
Black sacks of garden waste will no longer be collected as part of normal refuse collections.
It is not possible to pay for the service online; payment is by credit or debit card over the phone on 01233 331111.
The Council's leaflet on the new services may be viewed here.
KEY DATES:
End of May: Residents receive a letter and leaflet detailing what containers they will receive, and how to use them
June: Containers are delivered to all households
July: New collections begin
26 March 2013
Planning permission granted for single storey side extension at
Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 25 March 2013 for a single storey side extension at Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 21 February 2013). There were no objections to the application. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00161/AS).
20 March 2013
Retrospective planning permission granted for single storey rear extension at
'The Nook', 388 Sandyhurst Lane
Further to previous reports on this application (see news items dated 21 December 2012, 6, 14 and 18 February 2013), retrospective planning permission for the single storey rear extension at 'The Nook', 388 Sandyhurst Lane was granted on 19 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
15 March 2013
Planning permission sought for two storey extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a two storey rear extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 7 April 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00271/AS). Planning permission was granted for a two storey extension at this property in 2007, but never implemented.
14 March 2013
Update on A20 Road Safety Lobby Progress
Following our lobbying of the KCC Traffic Schemes, we secured a conditional promise that safety measures would be implemented during the 2012/13 financial year (see news item, 3 September 2012). As the end of the financial year is fast approaching, we have been making urgent enquiries about this project, without receiving a reply.
However, we now have news thanks to KCC Councillor Elizabeth Tweed, who spoke at our AGM yesterday evening. Elizabeth brought news that the scheme will definitely go ahead, but it is now scheduled for the early part of the next financial year, 2013/14. If you wish to see exactly what measures are included, please follow this link.
If you wish to see a record of what took place at the AGM, please see the draft minutes here.
27 February 2013
New right to pay Council Tax over 12 months
At present, Council Tax is normally paid over 10 months rather than 12 (paid monthly for 10 months from April to January with no payments in February or March). Some may find this inconvenient in terms of monthly budgeting.
Now the Government has announced that from April 2013, all councils must allow you to pay your council tax over 12 months if you request it. Local authorities are required to reissue new bills for those switching to payments over 12 months by 15 April 2013.
At present there is no information on this facility on Ashford Borough Council's website, but it is likely that local authorities will be reluctant to publicise it. However, if you wish to take advantage of this new right, contact Ashford Borough Council (revenues@ashford.gov.uk or 01233 331111) and ask for your future Council Tax bills to be spread over 12 payments.
To see the Government's official statement on this issue, click here.
26 February 2013
Update on vehicle-activated speed indicator signs due to be installed
in Sandyhurst Lane
On 23 July 2012 we reported that Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council (BA&EPC) had agreed to fund two vehicle-activated speed indicator signs, one to be installed in each direction in Sandyhurst Lane. At that time the timescale for installation was not clear.
BA&E PC discussed the issue at their meeting on 18 February 2013 and the following extract from the minutes of that meeting gives the latest position:
Speed Indicator signs (Sandyhurst Lane). The Chairman tabled 2 quotes from Unipart Dorman, it was noted that the cost of solar-powered signs is significantly higher than those run on mains electricity.
Resolved: That the quote from Unipart Dorman for £5085.56 (ex VAT) for signs powered by mains electricity be accepted.
The signs will be installed by Jacobs; the lead time is 6 weeks.
22 February 2013
Update on briefing sessions on parking restriction proposals
We now understand that, contrary to the impression we gave in our news item dated 16 February 2013, the proposed parking restrictions DO include Sandyhurst Lane. The proposals include both double and single yellow line restrictions in the vicinity of Sandyacres.
The remaining briefing sessions will be held at the Goat Lees Community Hall in Hurst Road at the following times:
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Friday 22 February 2013
12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Saturday 23 February 2013
21 February 2013
Planning permission sought for single storey side extension at
Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a single storey side extension at Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 16 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00161/AS). Last year planning permission was granted at this property for a single storey rear extension (see news items 23 March 2012 and 12 May 2012).
21 February 2013
Planning permission granted for proposed new conservatory/kitchen extension
at Springbank, Westwell Lane
On 20 February, planning permission was granted for a new conservatory/kitchen extension at Springbank, Westwell Lane. (see news item 1 January 2013). Full details are available here (search for case number 12/01433/AS).
20 February 2013
KCC Consultation on parking restrictions in Goat Lees
Further to our item about briefing sessions for the proposals to introduce parking restrictions in Goat Lees (see news item 16 February 2013), KCC have now issued consultation documents inviting residents to express their opinions on two possible schemes. The deadline for responses is 15 March 2013.
The consultation document, with reply slip, is available here and the associated map, showing the location of proposed parking restrictions, is here.
18 February 2013
Further update on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
Amended drawings have today been submitted for the planning application for 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news items 6 & 14 February 2013). The closing date for comments is 14 March 2013. Full details, including the new drawings are available here (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
16 February 2013
Briefing sessions on parking restriction proposals
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell (BA&E) Parish Council, together with the BA&E Borough Councillor will be holding a series of briefing sessions on proposals to introduce parking restrictions on weekdays for one hour in the morning and afternoon. The proposals are being made because of the high level of parking in residential roads in the vicinity of the Eureka Business Park. It is forecast that the park will eventually attract 3000 cars per day, leading to a parking problem which could affect a much larger area than at present.
Although it is not thought that the present proposals include Sandyhurst Lane, it will still be relevant to express our views, especially in the light of KCC’s recent refusal to the SLRA request to introduce parking restrictions at the Faversham Road end of Sandyhurst Lane, to reduce problems caused by school run parking associated with the Towers School.
The briefing sessions will be held at the Goat Lees Community Hall in Hurst Road at the following times:
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Thursday 21 February 2013
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Friday 22 February 2013
12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Saturday 23 February 2013
Full details of the announcement are available here.
15 February 2013
BURGLARY ALERT
One of our members has reported that an attempted burglary took place last night at a house on the corner of Lenacre Street. The occupants were away. An alarm was set off and the culprits ran away after breaking a side window. The police were called and attended the scene.
Please be vigilant – secure your property and keep an eye out for unusual activity in your neighbourhood.
Advice on personal and property security is available from the Kent Police on this website.
14 February 2013
Delays to refurbishment of KCC waste and recycling centre
When the local 'dump', otherwise known as the KCC Ashford household Waste Recycling Centre, which is located in Brunswick Road, Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, was closed on 1st October 2012 for re-development, the completion date was given as early March 2013. KCC now say that the project has been delayed and cannot give a revised opening date. Meanwhile, a temporary site continues to operate on the same Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate as the closed site, at the opposite end of Brunswick Road.
14 February 2013
Update on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
We understand that the planning decision on 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 6 February 2013) is now awaiting submission of new drawings within the next 3 weeks.
14 February 2013
Planning permission sought for garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane. This mainly entails converting the existing double garage into two bedrooms. The closing date for comments is 9 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00124/AS).
11 February 2013
New chargeable garden waste recycling service
Ashford Borough Council is introducing a new garden waste recycling service from June 2013.
Unlike previous collections, the new service will be charged at a cost of £30 per year, rising to £35 per year in 2015.
Residents who opt in to this service will receive a special container, which will be emptied once a fortnight.
Residents are currently allowed to include up to two black bags of garden waste with their household waste collections, but this option will cease when the new green waste collection service is introduced in June – only the special container will be emptied. The container has a capacity of 240 litres. More than one container may be used, but at an additional cost of £30 per container per year. Private container-sharing arrangements between neighbours are also possible.
If you wish to opt in to the new service, please follow this link to the relevant page of Ashford BC’s website.
From June, the only way to dispose of garden waste free of charge will be to take it to the KCC waste and recycling centre in Brunswick Road.
10 February 2013
Ashford Borough Council 2013-14 Budget Consultation
Ashford Borough Council will set its budget for 2013-14 on 21 February 2013 and there is currently an opportunity for residents to comment on the proposals.
The full draft budget runs to 35 pages and is available to view here. However, a summary document has also been produced so those residents, businesses and organisations with an interest in the proposals can make an informed comment if they wish. This document is available here.
Ashford Borough Council’s cabinet members agreed a provisional budget in December. Residents are now being consulted on the proposals while the council’s scrutiny committee looks at the budget in detail.
A final budget will be considered by cabinet on 14 February, when recommendations will be made for full council to approve a week later.
7 February 2013
Decision withdrawn on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
The somewhat mysterious decision by Ashford Borough Council, recorded as 'Raise Objection' (see news item 6 February 2013 below), has now been withdrawn. We await the posting of a new decision.
6 February 2013
Decision on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
The current planning application for a single storey rear extension at ‘The Nook’, 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 21 December 2012) has received a number of objections from neighbours and from the SLRA. The works have already been completed (with Building Regulations approval), but the application for planning permission was made retrospectively in December 2012.
Ashford Borough Council decided this planning application on 5 February 2012. The decision is recorded as ‘Raise Objection’. To see the details of this application, follow this link (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
1 February 2013
SLRA on Twitter
The SLRA is now on Twitter. This will be used to keep residents informed of our activities, local issues of interest, etc. It will not replace the current email bulletin service which will continue to keep members informed of latest developments. Follow us on Twitter.
4 January 2013
SLRA AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Sandyhurst Lane Residents' Association will be held at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 13 March 2013 at the Sandyacres Sports and Social Club in Sandyhurst Lane. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about the Association's activities on behalf of residents, to hear from speakers on local issues and to have your say. Please come along and join the SLRA if you are not already a member.
1 January 2013
Planning permission sought for proposed new conservatory/kitchen extension
at Springbank, Westwell Lane
An application has been made for a new conservatory/kitchen extension at Springbank, Westwell Lane. The closing date for comments is 24 January 2013. Full details are available here. (search for case number 12/01433/AS).
Update on new refuse and recycling scheme
Recycling, food and refuse collections will always take place on the same day each week.
See the picture for details of the containers to be supplied prior to the start of the new scheme. See also Key Dates below.
Optional garden waste recycling scheme
Residents who want garden recycling collections are being offered an early start for the new service if they sign up by Friday 27 April. Anyone who signs up for the garden recycling service by that date will receive their brown bin in May, with collections starting two weeks later.
Those who sign up after 27th April will receive their bin in July, with collections starting two weeks later.
The new service is entirely optional, and costs £30 a year per container. This fee will rise to £35 by 2015/16.
Subscribers will receive a 240 litre brown bin which will be collected every fortnight (except at Christmas and New Year).
Black sacks of garden waste will no longer be collected as part of normal refuse collections.
It is not possible to pay for the service online; payment is by credit or debit card over the phone on 01233 331111.
The Council's leaflet on the new services may be viewed here.
KEY DATES:
End of May: Residents receive a letter and leaflet detailing what containers they will receive, and how to use them
June: Containers are delivered to all households
July: New collections begin
26 March 2013
Planning permission granted for single storey side extension at
Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane
Planning permission was granted on 25 March 2013 for a single storey side extension at Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 21 February 2013). There were no objections to the application. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00161/AS).
20 March 2013
Retrospective planning permission granted for single storey rear extension at
'The Nook', 388 Sandyhurst Lane
Further to previous reports on this application (see news items dated 21 December 2012, 6, 14 and 18 February 2013), retrospective planning permission for the single storey rear extension at 'The Nook', 388 Sandyhurst Lane was granted on 19 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
15 March 2013
Planning permission sought for two storey extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a two storey rear extension at 72 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 7 April 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00271/AS). Planning permission was granted for a two storey extension at this property in 2007, but never implemented.
14 March 2013
Update on A20 Road Safety Lobby Progress
Following our lobbying of the KCC Traffic Schemes, we secured a conditional promise that safety measures would be implemented during the 2012/13 financial year (see news item, 3 September 2012). As the end of the financial year is fast approaching, we have been making urgent enquiries about this project, without receiving a reply.
However, we now have news thanks to KCC Councillor Elizabeth Tweed, who spoke at our AGM yesterday evening. Elizabeth brought news that the scheme will definitely go ahead, but it is now scheduled for the early part of the next financial year, 2013/14. If you wish to see exactly what measures are included, please follow this link.
If you wish to see a record of what took place at the AGM, please see the draft minutes here.
27 February 2013
New right to pay Council Tax over 12 months
At present, Council Tax is normally paid over 10 months rather than 12 (paid monthly for 10 months from April to January with no payments in February or March). Some may find this inconvenient in terms of monthly budgeting.
Now the Government has announced that from April 2013, all councils must allow you to pay your council tax over 12 months if you request it. Local authorities are required to reissue new bills for those switching to payments over 12 months by 15 April 2013.
At present there is no information on this facility on Ashford Borough Council's website, but it is likely that local authorities will be reluctant to publicise it. However, if you wish to take advantage of this new right, contact Ashford Borough Council (revenues@ashford.gov.uk or 01233 331111) and ask for your future Council Tax bills to be spread over 12 payments.
To see the Government's official statement on this issue, click here.
26 February 2013
Update on vehicle-activated speed indicator signs due to be installed
in Sandyhurst Lane
On 23 July 2012 we reported that Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council (BA&EPC) had agreed to fund two vehicle-activated speed indicator signs, one to be installed in each direction in Sandyhurst Lane. At that time the timescale for installation was not clear.
BA&E PC discussed the issue at their meeting on 18 February 2013 and the following extract from the minutes of that meeting gives the latest position:
Speed Indicator signs (Sandyhurst Lane). The Chairman tabled 2 quotes from Unipart Dorman, it was noted that the cost of solar-powered signs is significantly higher than those run on mains electricity.
Resolved: That the quote from Unipart Dorman for £5085.56 (ex VAT) for signs powered by mains electricity be accepted.
The signs will be installed by Jacobs; the lead time is 6 weeks.
22 February 2013
Update on briefing sessions on parking restriction proposals
We now understand that, contrary to the impression we gave in our news item dated 16 February 2013, the proposed parking restrictions DO include Sandyhurst Lane. The proposals include both double and single yellow line restrictions in the vicinity of Sandyacres.
The remaining briefing sessions will be held at the Goat Lees Community Hall in Hurst Road at the following times:
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Friday 22 February 2013
12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Saturday 23 February 2013
21 February 2013
Planning permission sought for single storey side extension at
Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a single storey side extension at Downs View, 350 Sandyhurst Lane. The closing date for comments is 16 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00161/AS). Last year planning permission was granted at this property for a single storey rear extension (see news items 23 March 2012 and 12 May 2012).
21 February 2013
Planning permission granted for proposed new conservatory/kitchen extension
at Springbank, Westwell Lane
On 20 February, planning permission was granted for a new conservatory/kitchen extension at Springbank, Westwell Lane. (see news item 1 January 2013). Full details are available here (search for case number 12/01433/AS).
20 February 2013
KCC Consultation on parking restrictions in Goat Lees
Further to our item about briefing sessions for the proposals to introduce parking restrictions in Goat Lees (see news item 16 February 2013), KCC have now issued consultation documents inviting residents to express their opinions on two possible schemes. The deadline for responses is 15 March 2013.
The consultation document, with reply slip, is available here and the associated map, showing the location of proposed parking restrictions, is here.
18 February 2013
Further update on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
Amended drawings have today been submitted for the planning application for 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news items 6 & 14 February 2013). The closing date for comments is 14 March 2013. Full details, including the new drawings are available here (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
16 February 2013
Briefing sessions on parking restriction proposals
Boughton Aluph & Eastwell (BA&E) Parish Council, together with the BA&E Borough Councillor will be holding a series of briefing sessions on proposals to introduce parking restrictions on weekdays for one hour in the morning and afternoon. The proposals are being made because of the high level of parking in residential roads in the vicinity of the Eureka Business Park. It is forecast that the park will eventually attract 3000 cars per day, leading to a parking problem which could affect a much larger area than at present.
Although it is not thought that the present proposals include Sandyhurst Lane, it will still be relevant to express our views, especially in the light of KCC’s recent refusal to the SLRA request to introduce parking restrictions at the Faversham Road end of Sandyhurst Lane, to reduce problems caused by school run parking associated with the Towers School.
The briefing sessions will be held at the Goat Lees Community Hall in Hurst Road at the following times:
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Thursday 21 February 2013
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Friday 22 February 2013
12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Saturday 23 February 2013
Full details of the announcement are available here.
15 February 2013
BURGLARY ALERT
One of our members has reported that an attempted burglary took place last night at a house on the corner of Lenacre Street. The occupants were away. An alarm was set off and the culprits ran away after breaking a side window. The police were called and attended the scene.
Please be vigilant – secure your property and keep an eye out for unusual activity in your neighbourhood.
Advice on personal and property security is available from the Kent Police on this website.
14 February 2013
Delays to refurbishment of KCC waste and recycling centre
When the local 'dump', otherwise known as the KCC Ashford household Waste Recycling Centre, which is located in Brunswick Road, Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, was closed on 1st October 2012 for re-development, the completion date was given as early March 2013. KCC now say that the project has been delayed and cannot give a revised opening date. Meanwhile, a temporary site continues to operate on the same Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate as the closed site, at the opposite end of Brunswick Road.
14 February 2013
Update on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
We understand that the planning decision on 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 6 February 2013) is now awaiting submission of new drawings within the next 3 weeks.
14 February 2013
Planning permission sought for garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane
An application has been made for a garage conversion at 47 Sandyhurst Lane. This mainly entails converting the existing double garage into two bedrooms. The closing date for comments is 9 March 2013. Full details are available here (search for case number 13/00124/AS).
11 February 2013
New chargeable garden waste recycling service
Ashford Borough Council is introducing a new garden waste recycling service from June 2013.
Unlike previous collections, the new service will be charged at a cost of £30 per year, rising to £35 per year in 2015.
Residents who opt in to this service will receive a special container, which will be emptied once a fortnight.
Residents are currently allowed to include up to two black bags of garden waste with their household waste collections, but this option will cease when the new green waste collection service is introduced in June – only the special container will be emptied. The container has a capacity of 240 litres. More than one container may be used, but at an additional cost of £30 per container per year. Private container-sharing arrangements between neighbours are also possible.
If you wish to opt in to the new service, please follow this link to the relevant page of Ashford BC’s website.
From June, the only way to dispose of garden waste free of charge will be to take it to the KCC waste and recycling centre in Brunswick Road.
10 February 2013
Ashford Borough Council 2013-14 Budget Consultation
Ashford Borough Council will set its budget for 2013-14 on 21 February 2013 and there is currently an opportunity for residents to comment on the proposals.
The full draft budget runs to 35 pages and is available to view here. However, a summary document has also been produced so those residents, businesses and organisations with an interest in the proposals can make an informed comment if they wish. This document is available here.
Ashford Borough Council’s cabinet members agreed a provisional budget in December. Residents are now being consulted on the proposals while the council’s scrutiny committee looks at the budget in detail.
A final budget will be considered by cabinet on 14 February, when recommendations will be made for full council to approve a week later.
7 February 2013
Decision withdrawn on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
The somewhat mysterious decision by Ashford Borough Council, recorded as 'Raise Objection' (see news item 6 February 2013 below), has now been withdrawn. We await the posting of a new decision.
6 February 2013
Decision on planning permission application for proposed single storey rear extension at The Nook, 388 Sandyhurst Lane
The current planning application for a single storey rear extension at ‘The Nook’, 388 Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 21 December 2012) has received a number of objections from neighbours and from the SLRA. The works have already been completed (with Building Regulations approval), but the application for planning permission was made retrospectively in December 2012.
Ashford Borough Council decided this planning application on 5 February 2012. The decision is recorded as ‘Raise Objection’. To see the details of this application, follow this link (search for application number 12/01416/AS).
1 February 2013
SLRA on Twitter
The SLRA is now on Twitter. This will be used to keep residents informed of our activities, local issues of interest, etc. It will not replace the current email bulletin service which will continue to keep members informed of latest developments. Follow us on Twitter.
4 January 2013
SLRA AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Sandyhurst Lane Residents' Association will be held at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 13 March 2013 at the Sandyacres Sports and Social Club in Sandyhurst Lane. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about the Association's activities on behalf of residents, to hear from speakers on local issues and to have your say. Please come along and join the SLRA if you are not already a member.
1 January 2013
Planning permission sought for proposed new conservatory/kitchen extension
at Springbank, Westwell Lane
An application has been made for a new conservatory/kitchen extension at Springbank, Westwell Lane. The closing date for comments is 24 January 2013. Full details are available here. (search for case number 12/01433/AS).
The new Ashford refuse and recycling scheme, originally scheduled to start this month, will now be introduced in July (except the optional garden waste scheme, if you sign up early – see below).
Recycling and refuse collections will change from July 2013. They will comprise:
- a weekly food waste collection
- a fortnightly recycling collection, which will include plastics, cardboard and Tetra Pak cartons, as well as tins, cans, glass, paper, aerosols, and foil.
- a fortnightly non-recyclable household waste collection
- textiles and small unwanted/broken electrical items will also be collected separately
- an optional paid-for fortnightly garden recycling collection
News Archive for Jan-Jun 2013
26 June 2013
SLRA Millennium seat refurbished
In 2000, the Sandyhurst Lane Residents' Association provided a commemorative seat to mark the new millennium. The seat is located just off Sandyhurst Lane, in the grassy area at the top of Hoads Wood Gardens. After 13 years, it was in need of a 'facelift', so the SLRA has now fully refurbished it.
SLRA Millennium seat refurbished
In 2000, the Sandyhurst Lane Residents' Association provided a commemorative seat to mark the new millennium. The seat is located just off Sandyhurst Lane, in the grassy area at the top of Hoads Wood Gardens. After 13 years, it was in need of a 'facelift', so the SLRA has now fully refurbished it.
27 June 2013
Vehicle activated traffic signs in Sandyhurst Lane
The two vehicle-activated traffic signs have now been installed in Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 26 February 2013). They were installed by KCC for Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Parish Council earlier this week.
Travelling towards the Faversham Road end of the Lane, the sign is just before the entrance to Sandyacres (upper picture). Travelling the other way, the sign is just past Watsons Close. As the lower picture shows, it is almost completely obscured by foliage!
The SLRA Committee has discussed this with the Chairman of Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council, who is taking steps to ensure that the signs are kept clear of foliage.
Vehicle activated traffic signs in Sandyhurst Lane
The two vehicle-activated traffic signs have now been installed in Sandyhurst Lane (see news item 26 February 2013). They were installed by KCC for Boughton Aluph & Eastwell Parish Council earlier this week.
Travelling towards the Faversham Road end of the Lane, the sign is just before the entrance to Sandyacres (upper picture). Travelling the other way, the sign is just past Watsons Close. As the lower picture shows, it is almost completely obscured by foliage!
The SLRA Committee has discussed this with the Chairman of Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council, who is taking steps to ensure that the signs are kept clear of foliage.
27 June 2013
SLRA plans new Neighbourhood Watch initiative
The SLRA is planning a major new initiative to launch Neighbourhood Watch throughout its catchment area (Sandyhurst Lane and the adjoining roads). Details will be made available to all residents; those who are already SLRA members will benefit from the scheme at no extra cost. The launch is planned for the Autumn, with a residents' meeting to be held in September. The scheme is not just about crime prevention - it is also designed to encourage residents to develop a community spirit, in particular making sure that elderly, infirm or disadvantaged neighbours are well supported by the community.
For example, do you have a neighbour who is struggling to cope with the new wheelie bins? They may need to be put in touch with Ashford Borough Council who operate an assisted collection service. Further information from the Council on 01233 330646 or by emailing refusecollection@ashford.gov.uk.
SLRA plans new Neighbourhood Watch initiative
The SLRA is planning a major new initiative to launch Neighbourhood Watch throughout its catchment area (Sandyhurst Lane and the adjoining roads). Details will be made available to all residents; those who are already SLRA members will benefit from the scheme at no extra cost. The launch is planned for the Autumn, with a residents' meeting to be held in September. The scheme is not just about crime prevention - it is also designed to encourage residents to develop a community spirit, in particular making sure that elderly, infirm or disadvantaged neighbours are well supported by the community.
For example, do you have a neighbour who is struggling to cope with the new wheelie bins? They may need to be put in touch with Ashford Borough Council who operate an assisted collection service. Further information from the Council on 01233 330646 or by emailing refusecollection@ashford.gov.uk.
