Renting
Date: Tuesday 4, February 2025
Name: Mr H
Why do you wish and also rush single parents on benefits to get into renting their own properties to then make them have to pay £500 you know they haven’t got upfront? Why are you making it impossible for single mums so they have no choice but to turn them down knowing after the second turn down they get kicked out of their temporary rental and made homeless
Show/hideThank you for your question.
Our Housing team offer advice to people who are experiencing housing problems and work extremely hard to offer advice and assistance to those with housing problems in the Borough. Many households contact us with the expectation that they will be provided with social housing, but the demand for these properties far exceeds the supply, and it can take many years for a home to be allocated. We encourage people to look for a home in the private rented sector, as this can often be a much quicker solution. We may be able to suggest options and/or help with deposits, depending on individual circumstances.
Smoke and steam from chimneys around Sittingbourne
Date: Thursday 19, December 2024
Name: Mr B
I recently asked questions of the plumes of smoke , steam from various chimneys around Sittingbourne .and as no one really knew what is in them , i tried to research and look up what they all are emitting .it is very complicated and hard to find any real answers , but my research did find that a lot of these plants are intertwined and seem to be writing off each other’s co2 outputs , but i still see plumes of emissions daily and levels above Sittingbourne for pollution are alot higher than any surrounding areas .is there a way i can clearly be told what these chimneys are emitting and why sheerness very close almost always has significant lower levels of air pollution , yet considerably close ?
Show/hideUnder regulation the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended) certain recognised factory and industrial processes require a permit. The Environment Agency (EA) and the Council regulate these activities. The permit will control emissions that are discharged. As the regulator the EA or the Council will monitor against the criteria set in the permit. There are various registers available to the public, but the specifics within the permit may not be. The premises are known as "installations. The Environment Agency regulate ‘Part A1’ installations and the Local Council regulate Part A2’ or ‘Part B’ processes/ installations. Information on Part A1 activities can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/a1-installations-environmental-permits and
https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/local-authority-environmental-permit for Part A2’ or ‘Part B’ processes.
The permitting scheme enforces industry to reduce any air pollution they may cause and to help improve air quality. Installations are required to ensure Best Available Techniques (BAT) measures are used to reduce emissions. Regular inspections take place to ensure emissions to air do not exceed conditions and limits outlined within each permit
Parking and general use of seafront free parking areas by campervans and caravans
Date: Thursday 19, December 2024
Name: Mr B
A questionnaire has been put out on Facebook about , the parking and basically use of seafront free parking areas by campervans , caravans etc .in two areas on Sheppey .the questionaire was quite vague really , but i was surprised to be asked my view on overnight parking fees , of which the min amount was £10 increasing to £20 no option for free or smaller amounts .to me this just seems like the decision has been made and the amount to be charged will be set from this , is this the case ? Or should a lower amount or free be a choice we can make, as this is supposed to be a consultation, not a set of pre-determined terms.?
Show/hideThank you for your comment on the current public consultation for Seafront parking. The early questions in the consultation ask whether you would support charging or look to keep free access at each of the locations. That is why we have not included a free option in the charges question. We haven’t given a free text or lower level option in the charging question, as if we are to start charging then the fee would need to be set at a level that recovers the costs of running the scheme. It is important it does not cost taxpayers money to subsidise, so £10 is the minimum we think would need to be charged to cover costs. Of course these are only based on estimates and future reviews would be done prior to the final decision. The consultation aims to get a steer on a set of principles from the public, Cllrs will then weigh up all of the information from this consultation and operational information.
Date: Wednesday 26, July 2023
Name: Mr W
My complaint/request is for a deep clean of the Faversham underpass by the railway station. It is a busy underpass and is utterly disgusting, filthy with a strong smell of urine. It is a disgrace to the town. I complained to South Eastern Railways who informed me it was a council matter. So I am asking that you give it your immediate attention as it’s not a good image to present to the town
Show/hideThank you for contacting us.
The Faversham underpass is contracted to be litter picked and cleansed
daily by the Biffa operative who cleanses Faversham High Street. To ensure that the operative is carrying out
their contracted duties, I have raised the concerns regarding the cleanliness
and the operative has been spoken to.
To remove the smell of urine, Biffa has been instructed to carry out a
deep cleanse of the underpass which has been scheduled for Tuesday 4th
July. They have also been instructed to
schedule a monthly deep cleanse, to disinfect the areas to prevent this problem
from reoccurring. A contract monitoring officer will check to ensure that this
is carried out as requested. You can
report any further concerns via our website or by calling our call centre on
01795 417850.
Cllr Tim Gibson
Leader of Swale Borough Council
Waste at Wises Lane
Date: Monday 17, July 2023
Name: Mr W
In recent weeks several open top containers have appeared in the yard of Wises Oast, in Wises Lane. Lorries are delivering and removing mattresses and other refuse items, giving the impression that the site is being used as a Waste Transfer Station. Does this comply with the Operating License granted to them ?
Show/hide
Thank you for
your enquiry sent via Ask the Leader. The
permits issued for waste operations such as this are granted by the Environment
Agency.
Having looked
up the postcode of this area via the public register I have been advised that
there is nothing showing around this area and it has been suggested that if you
would like to investigate this further please contact the EA directly as they
will be able to take the details of the business address and/or vehicle
registrations etc.
Contact details
for the Environment Agency are below.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency#org-contacts
Cllr Tim Gibson,
Leader of Swale Borough Council.
Building track and field facilities in Sittingbourne
Date: Monday 19, June 2023
Name: Mr T
Good morning Sir, I would like to ask you if you could consider building a track in Sittingbourne please. The athletes of Swale have to travel for half an hour drive to the nearest track and field facilities which is Medway park, Deangate Ridge and Julie rose stadium in Ashford. A throwing net at the corner of Milton Regis park, or 2-4 track lanes of 60-100m long would be more than enough to support the local athletes. It would be ideal if it was enclosed so that we can train all year around, but if it’s too much out of budget, an open track would be good too, as long as it could be supervised to not allow pets or bicycles on it but strictly runners. I believe that if you make it in a form of a leisure centre with a gym in the premises, it would be a massive success and a fantastic source of income which will pay the investment back by itself. I have a master’s degree in sports science and I’m an active track and field athlete, therefore, I could give some suggestion if you would like at any point regarding promoting better leisure and sports options in the county. I will be grateful to hear back from you! Thank you very much for your time!
Show/hide
Thank you for
your enquiry regarding an athletics provision in Swale. We are currently
reviewing our Built facilities strategy and Playing Pitch Strategy and this
will identify where opportunities can be identified for enhanced or new
facilities or sporting provision.
Once we have
received the reports (September) we will be able to review the wider Swale
provisions of both facilities and playing pitch provisions. Consideration of
athletics will be undertaken at this time
Thank you for
your comments
Cllr Tim Gibson,
Leader of Swale Borough Council.
Litter picking Minster and Sheppey
Date: Monday 19, June 2023
Name: Mrs J
We often spend an afternoon at Minster, Sheppey and yesterday we sat on the beach for a while. There was litter left by others and jetsam aplenty all over spoiling our enjoyment. Never seen it so bad and litter picking, if being paid for, is clearly not being done. I was surprised and amused to see a poster that claimed the beach was awarded good marks 2023 for various things including cleanliness! Kindly confirm that the Council (or a volunteer litter-pick) will get things back to the way they have been in previous years
Show/hideThank you for contacting us. Due to financial pressures on the
council, hours were reduced from the council beach cleaning team. But they
still clean the area on a daily basis – litter picking, clearing up dogs waste
& emptying all bins. We have had an unprecedented period of sustained north
easterly winds which have resulted in all sorts of items being washed in from
the cliffs.
There are a number of
individual and group volunteers who have assisted in trying to remove this
extra waste and we have engaged a waste contractor to do a specified clean-up
of the area. Usually, the NE winds cease after April, but we have experienced
them throughout June this year, resulting in the extra load. We will get back
on top of it, but it will take time. Thank you for your understanding. Cllr Tim Gibson,
Leader of Swale Borough Council
Lorries on Warden Road
Date: Wednesday 26, April 2023
Name: Mr C
Can I please ask , and request a reply to explain what is being done to stop and prohibit the large 20ton plus lorries (tippers) from hounding warden Road and fourth avenue. The damage is massive to the roads , and the safety of children , oap’s , and general public is very worrying , and quite frankly it’s a disaster waiting to happen. The tipper lorries start around 4/5am and continue regularly throughout the day. They are often driven very fast and with no regard to other road users. Surely this must be a priority of yours to stop this activity once and for all. I await your earliest reply.
Show/hideThe dumping of illegal waste at Eastchurch cliffs is a complicated matter, involving the input of a range of agencies. I can confirm that SBC remains an active part of the multi-agency operation to put this to a stop. The agencies met with residents at a public meeting last year and explained as much as possible without breaching details of what is a live investigation. I agree it has to stop and we are doing all we can to ensure this happens. We are providing regular intelligence to the Environment Agency who are the lead organisation. The prohibition of large vehicles in that area was looked at by KCC (as the highway agency) but deemed not possible and therefore I would suggest they are best placed to explain the reasoning. Kent Police are also a part of the operation and they, along with the Environment Agency, have also seized vehicles recently. I can totally understand resident frustration at the time it is taking, and we are encouraging all the agencies involved to make full use of the powers available to them to try and bring a conclusion to the matter, and to ensure it is done in a way that brings about a permanent stop.Cllr Mike Baldock,
Council Leader
Swale Borough Council
Holiday camp seasonal closing times
Date: Friday 3, February 2023
Name: Mr C
I would like to know why the holiday camps around where I live are not shut as they only have a 10 month licence i reported this to the council and was told it was discretionary and have now been told that the council is monitoring the sites mean while the sites are getting richer. we cannot get doctors appointments and we pay our council tax. caravan owners does not pay council tax if the said council officers are monitoring they would realise the amount of revenue you are losing but the main point is they should not be there a 10 month licence is what they have and should be enforced. The council have already stated in the local newspaper that they cannot issue 12 month licence to the camps because the island does not have the infrastructure to support all these extra people. they are just staying in all the camps regardless to the licence they have been issued with. Which means they are using all our amenities and putting a strain on our facilities and are not liable to pay council tax.
Show/hideThank you for your question. The Holiday Parks are
responsible for ensuring their licence conditions are complied with. This is
between the parks and those that have caravans on the sites. It is also for the
parks to decide if they wish to have a 10 month or 12 month licence. The parks
can apply for a 12 month licence should they wish to stay open all year round.
The council will consider these applications.
For those parks with 10 month licences, the council’s
planning enforcement team sent letters in December reminding them of their
licence conditions and that they should close. The council will be monitoring
this within the resource they have and also working in the open season to
ensure that Parks are aware of the options available to them and being clear
what legally is permissible.
Cllr Mike Baldock,
Council Leader
Swale Borough Council.
Microchipping Dogs
Date: Tuesday 22, November 2022
Name: Mr C
Can you explain why SBC offers free micro chipping for dogs? Why can't owners pay for the service?
Show/hideDear Mr C,
With regard to the above questions that have been asked, we
at SBC have endeavoured to educate the public in the last few years in terms of
taking more responsibility when it comes to ownership of their pets. In this
particular case dogs and cats (it also becomes law next year to have cats
chipped).
It had become very apparent and particularly during the
last couple of years throughout the pandemic that more people had committed to
getting dogs however, what was also evident was that we have subsequently seen
a steady increase in the number of dogs being abandoned when people were
unwilling to undertake the responsibility that comes with ownership. This was
extremely worrying.
Many of the dogs dealt with by our Stray Dog Service are
not micro chipped hence, this presented us with a problem in terms of trying to
locate an owner or indeed re home the dog within a reasonable time.
With a view to educating the public towards taking more
responsibility we as a council sanctioned the initial purchase of a number of
microchips back in 2021 with the intention of holding Public Relations events,
thereby encouraging owners to have their pets chipped whilst also explaining
the benefits.
The chipping procedure ultimately assists us greatly as
potentially having to take an owner to court and prosecute for failing/refusing
to chip their dog is both a timely and costly process which we clearly try to avoid.
The actual cost of individual micro chipping is in fact
minimal however, in the long term it represents a cost benefit to us as it is
the only efficient and effective method of quickly tracing an owner and re
uniting them with their pet.
In an ideal world of course it would be nice to see the
re-introduction of the original Dog Licence so that all pet owners would then
ultimately be contributing towards being responsible or indeed the micro
chipping of their pet however, we are sadly not in this position.
I can confirm that once this initial batch of micro chips
have been used we are not planning to purchase any more and certainly not in
the current economic climate.
I hope this has answered the above and gone some way
towards providing an explanation as to our actions.
Kind regards,
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Avenue of Remembrance
Date: Sunday 13, November 2022
Name: Mr P
A couple of years ago there was working Party to loom at rejuvenating the Avenue of Remembrance but was disbanded with the council reorganisation earlier this year. Next year is the centenary of the Avenue of Remembrance being named as it is. Do the council have any plans to ensure that every tree in the Avenue and Central Avenue will have a memorial plaque for each tree to commemorate those who gave their lives. It was sad to see memorial trees with poppies on Remembrance Sunday but no plaque to recognise who they were for.
Show/hideDear Mr P,
A task and
finish working group was set up by Swale Borough Council and met for the first time
in March 2020. The group was chaired by
Swale Borough Council with support from Kent County Council and representation
from local history groups and individuals who have long had an association with
The Avenue of Remembrance. Working to
Terms of Reference with Purpose, Aims, Roles and Responsibilities and
Accountability, the working group looked at the opportunities and challenges the
living memorial presents to Sittingbourne both now and in the future. It also oversaw an extensive and
overwhelmingly positive public consultation on The Avenue of Remembrance. The working group also had a role ‘to sense
check key decisions that may be taken by public bodies with regard to The
Avenue of Remembrance’.
In spite of
the pandemic the working group was able to meet virtually through to September
2021 followed by a final site meeting in November 2021 of the public bodies
(KCC and SBC). This site meeting looked specifically at the technical,
contractual and cost elements of routine maintenance as well as an approach to
phased works for future maintenance; notes were shared with the working group. This final meeting concluded the business of
the working group that the council had set up in March 2020.
In March
2022 the Informal Cabinet received a detailed report on The Avenue of
Remembrance including the contributions of the working group which was
agreed. The recommendations are set out
below:
Members
are asked to endorse the proposal to bring forward the community facing
elements of the project to include web portal, interpretation panels and
raising two memorial plaques to plinths using the funding in place as
identified in the report
Members
are asked to support a possible review around adopting a phased programme of
renewal as outlined in the report in conjunction with KCC.
The council
continues to work with Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne (HRGS) to
establish a phased and costed approach to key works agreed; council Members and
Officers continue to identify funding to enable the delivery of these works
through the HRGS. It is the intention of
both the council and HRGS to deliver a number of the works within the centenary
anniversary period of The Avenue of Remembrance. Given the costs associated with the project
and the financial pressures faced by public bodies, a phased approach to
maintenance and enhancement has always been envisaged. This will include both replacement and
additional plaques which will necessitate the close working with HRGS.
The council
is grateful to community partners such as HRGS who have the skills, knowledge
and expertise to support the work and the council will continue to work closely
with them to ensure that The Avenue of Remembrance remains an integral part of
the town’s identity and remains relevant to its existing and new communities in
the future with a particular emphasis placed on our younger generations.
Kind regards,
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Road Improvements
Date: Friday 14, October 2022
Name: Mr U
Potential road improvements to reduce congestion to improve quality of life for residents as well as for surrounding areas. 1st Improvement: St Michaels Road gets congested at the traffic lights (outside grid house) and stops the whole of sittingbourne moving, there is an underpass under the railway at 208 quay lane that goes to a roundabout (outside SMC Ford). I'd propose for the same underpass to be built where the west lane pedestrian/bike crossing is into a two lane for vehicles as well as with pedestrian crosswalks if not enough space, then purchase one of the warehouses since road improvements are needed due to all the housing developments that are being built increasing pressure on the roads and I'm sure they have generated enough money to make this happen. This would give direct access to the EuroLink as well as reduce congestion outside grid house, you could make the traffic lights shorter for SMC ford and other areas of Sittingbourne would move a lot quicker, this would be a big improvement for quality of life for the residents. 2/3rd improvements: There is 2 roundabouts going to Sheerness with the lanes being too small you can only fit 1 lane of cars in instead of 2 and that is causing congestion, if the middle of the roundabout was made smaller you could make 2 lanes easily and reduce congestion. The roundabouts are both right next to the A249, 1st one Connects b205 and swale way, the other one on the other side connects Grovehurst road.
Show/hideDear U,
Thank you for your comments regarding
the proposed highway improvements to alleviate traffic congestion at the two
locations you reference. As you may be
aware, Kent County Council is the Highway Authority but Swale Borough Council
does seek to promote necessary improvements to the local road network, working
through them.
In respect of the Grovehurst Junction at
the A249, this is already subject to a major improvement scheme by Kent County
Council as the Highway Authority. To
find out more about this scheme, information can be found on the Kent County
Council website via this link A249
Grovehurst Road and Key Street - Kent County Council It is also possible to give feedback on this
scheme by emailing a249swalejunctionimprovements@kent.gov.uk
The historic pinch-points at Crown Quay
Lane and at Milton Road, caused by the dissection of Sittingbourne by the
railway line, are a longstanding challenge to improving the flow of traffic
around central Sittingbourne, with limited opportunities to provide improvements. Discussion with Network Rail has considered
the potential for widening of the carriageway at Crown Quay Lane but initial
work to look at this shows it would be incredibly expensive. Your suggestion around making the current
pedestrian and cycleway link under the railway into vehicular access would also
be extremely challenging, both in terms of technical delivery and cost.
Kind regards
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Paying for Brown Bins
Date: Friday 2, September 2022
Name: Mr H
Hi Why do we have to pay £45 for a brown bin when Medway do them free. I live alone and pay £150 a month bit like having a mortgage. All the new houses being built on the island, the council must have millions coming in. Do we need someone from the Medway towns to run our council.
Show/hideDear Mr H,
Thank you for your question.
The collection of garden waste is not
currently a statutory service, Swale Borough Council, along with most other
Kent Councils, have opted to charge for this service at a subsidised rate to
keep costs as low as possible for Swale residents. This is an opt in service and residents that
do not wish to subscribe to the service have the option of disposing of their
garden waste at one of the 3 local Household Waste and Recycling sites free of
charge. These sites are managed by Kent
County Council and residents can book a slot online by visiting Visiting
a Household Waste Recycling Centre - Kent County Council or by calling 03000 417373.
There are many properties in the borough
that do not have gardens so it would be unfair to charge for this service
through Council Tax payments as those without gardens would not benefit from
the service. Swale Borough Council
endeavour to keep the cost as low as possible and remain one of the lowest in
Kent for garden waste charges.
If you have any further queries
regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact our Environmental Contract
Manager, Kelly Upson at kellyupson@swale.gov.uk
Kind regards,
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Sittingbourne Litter Picking
Date: Sunday 21, August 2022
Name: Ms H
Are there any plans for a community litter clear up. The town is looking really tatty with rubbish everywhere.
Show/hideDear Ms H,
Thank you for contacting us regarding Community litter picks.
We have a number of residents in the borough who arrange community litter picks within their local areas. We appreciate and encourage this with the provision of litter picking equipment and collection of the waste following the event.
If you would like to be part of a community litter pick or arrange one yourself, please contact cleansing@swale.gov.uk and our officers will be happy to assist you with this.
Additionally, the Chair of the Sittingbourne Area Committee, Councillor Steve Davey, is in the process of setting up a Town Centre Volunteer Group. I have passed your suggestion onto him and he agrees it is a good idea and will look at what can be done. Cllr Davey can be contacted via areacommittees@swale.gov.uk
Our street cleansing contractors are responsible for cleansing the borough and we have a small but effective team of Contract Monitoring Officers who are tasked with monitoring the contract. If there are particular areas that you do not feel are being serviced, this can be reported on our website Littering - Ask us to clean a street (swale.gov.uk) or by calling our Customer Services team on 01795 417850. Once a report has been received, this will be raised with our contractors and a street cleansing team will be sent to cleanse the area, timescales for this are dependant on the area that is being reported.
If you have any further queries regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact details above.
Kind regards
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Bulky Collections in Sheerness
Date: Tuesday 12, July 2022
Name: Mr E
Swales policy of charging for collection/removal of large items appears to be backfiring in Sheerness, there is a large number of large items accumulating in the alleyways of Sheerness, which ultimately Swale council will have to remove and clear up any way. There are items such as wardrobes, mattresses and white goods being dumped in the alleyways. The non metallic items also pose a fire risk - tempting target - for the local miscreants. Historically i've already had to tackle a fire with a garden hose until the fire brigade arrived when someone elected to set fire to some rubbish. Large numbers of people in sheerness are unemployed and can not afford the fee.
Show/hideDear Mr E
Thank you for your query.
The bulky item collection service is a service that is charged by Local Authorities and Swale Borough Council’s fees remain low in comparison to most other authorities and is among the lowest prices within Kent Authorities. The fee is necessary to cover the contractors costs for this service.
Residents are able to take items to one of the 3 Household Waste and Recycling Centres in Swale, free of charge, by booking a slot on the KCC website Household waste recycling centres - Kent County Council
We deploy a dedicated cleansing operative in Sheerness which is not offered in other parts of the borough, the operative is instructed to alert the contract supervisors of any items that have been deposited in the alleys and a fly tip crew attends twice per week to clear as much as possible each week. In addition to this we have Environment Wardens that regularly patrol the area and will take preventative Enforcement Action on anyone found to be fly tipping in the area.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact our Environmental Contract Manager – kellyupson@swale.gov.uk
Kind regards
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Mr T
Date: Friday 10, June 2022
Name: Mr T
Dear Mike, I have been asked this question by Faversham Strike Force Football club: I understand that Swale have been awarded £1,169,496 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Will any of this funding be considered for Local Football Facility Plans, as Investment priority E10 specifically calls out permitted use for \\"local sports facilities\\" and also E11 states \\"investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for community groups\\"? thank you, E
Show/hideDear Mr T,
Thank you for your question on behalf of
Faversham Strike Force Football Club.
The funding allocation for Swale Borough
Council, at £1.169m over three years is somewhat smaller than we might have
originally hoped for. It certainly is
not enough to support projects across the very wide ranging set of
interventions that Government has published with the guidance.
Given this, it is going to be challenge
to make sure that the use of the money has impact locally. A Local investment
Plan is required to be submitted by the 1st August and an officer report will
be presented at the first meeting of the Regeneration and Property Committee at
which the framework for the Plan will be discussed. Whilst not seeking to pre-judge the outcome
of this meeting, the timescales are such that officers have already commenced
work on the Local Investment Plan prior to the Committee meeting. Given the limited funding, that it is heavily
backloaded towards 2024/25, this is currently focused on existing Council
priorities, rather than looking for new projects.
Over the coming weeks, there will be
further discussions through a local partnership and with Members as the Plan
develops.
Kind regards
Mike
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
Hanging Baskets in Sittingbourne High Street
Date: Tuesday 7, June 2022
Name: S
Will there be hanging baskets in Sittingbourne High Street this summer? The high Street looks so pretty when there are lots of flowers and especially the hanging baskets. If not then that’s a shame as it’s a cheery sight and makes the High Street a happy place to be.
Show/hideDear S,
Thank you for your question.
I am pleased to advise there are 18 lampposts with wrap around baskets and 6 flower towers in the High Street. Additionally, there are 13 trough planters on the toilet blocks and 17 barrier baskets on the roadside fencing.
The tea-cup will be installed on Bell Road this week as an extra summer addition to the new wooden sustainable planters.
We work closely with the Sittingbourne in Bloom Volunteer Group each year to enter the town into the regional RHS competition and have maintained a gold award for the past 5 years. We also assist them in the schools’ design competition and create the design in flowers on the central reservation at the end of St Michaels Road. This year South Avenue School have provided crown artwork for the Queens jubilee, the bed’s design is called ‘The Queens Crown’.
I hope that answers your question.
Kind regards,
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
House Building in Swale
Date: Friday 20, May 2022
Name: Mr S
Dear Sir Yet again we learn that planning permission has been given for 320 houses to be built on FARMLAND off Salters Lane, Faversham. The building on farmland is relentless in the borough and, I suggest, is not ‘much needed’ as most will be bought by Londoners’ and downsizer’s. Our need for growing our own food will steadily increase and we will not always be able to import as easily as now. First time buyers already struggle even with so called assisted purchase schemes. There are very few 2 bedroom houses built as developers optimum profit is realised on 3 and 4 bedroom properties. I would suggest that the council should assess true local need and your officers advised accordingly to recommend suitable schemes. I note that a planning application reference number 22/502086/OUT has been lodged for 650 units at Minster-on-Sea of which 10% are proposed as affordable, which, given what I said above, laughable if it were not so serious.
Show/hideDear Mr S,
The government requires local
authorities to allocate land for their future development needs in their local
plan. This includes allocating land for housing. The Council is expected to
facilitate the delivery of 1,078 dwellings each year to 2038, through the local
plan process. This is a government
requirement.
About 60% of the borough is subject to
high level constraints. Constraints
defined in national policy such as international and national designated sites
of biodiversity and/or geological value; the Kent Downs AONB; and land at risk of flooding and coastal
change. The remainder of the borough is
covered by other designations or is important for local reasons. This includes
farmland. The planning application
referred to for 650 dwellings is not an allocation in the existing local plan. The site at Salters Lane has been allocated
since 2017.
As part of the local plan review
process, the Council is committed to following a strategy of focussing
development on brownfield sites in sustainable locations, such as Sittingbourne
town centre and increasing densities where great design quality can be achieved.
Certainly, the government imposed housing figures are extremely challenging not
least because of our cherished environment but also because of the impacts we
know development can have on infrastructure.
My officers are working hard to progress with a sound local plan that
can deliver the development we need to provide homes for local people in the
least constrained and most sustainable locations. This includes making sure we
have the evidence we need to set out what housing size, type and tenure is needed.
To keep up to date with the local plan
review you can sign up for alerts on the council website.
Kind regards
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader
School buses in Bell Road
Date: Wednesday 4, May 2022
Name: Mr W
Firstly I believe Cllr Mike Baldock is now the leader so you need to update your Ask the Leader web page ( tut tut Comms). My question is, is there anything that the council can do about the chaos that the school buses cause on Bell road? My concerns are specifically- *The buses are mostly parked on double yellow lines and park over the junction with Highsted Rd. My understanding is that double yellow lines mean that parking and waiting isn't allowed at any time. * The buses parked over the junction means any car turning across the junction onto Highsted Rd can hold up the flow of traffic for considerable time leading to cars idling unnecessarily adding to poor local air quality. *At this same junction the buses greatly reduce visibility right at one of the main crossing points the school children use. *The buses at times are badly parked, jutting into the road, reducing further the very little room available to pass them. * School children can appear from between the buses to cross the road ( I nearly run a Highsted Girl over yesterday which is my motivation for writing this) again increasing risk for both school children and drivers. Will it take an injured or dead child before something is done?
Show/hideDear Mr W,
Thank you for your recent question.
I have followed up with officers on your comment about the Ask the Leader web page not yet being updated with my details, due to officer absence there was a delay with this, but I have been assured the web page is now showing the correct details.
With reference to your concerns about buses parking Bell Road, the installation of waiting restrictions to address highway safety and obstruction issues comes under Kent County Council (KCC) as the highway authority. We understand that KCC’s Traffic Schemes Team have previously investigated this issue on site, and I also believe that some local Members have raised concerns with the schools. The issue appears to be the volume of buses that are waiting on site to collect pupils from several schools, and an alternative solution needs to be found with the schools and KCC to alleviate the current problems in and around Bell Road.
Kind regards
Cllr Mike Baldock
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning
E-scooters
Date: Tuesday 29, March 2022
Name: H
Hello Roger I have had 2 incidents recently which have been worrying. Firstly a person riding an E scooter on the pavement expected me to move out of his way and when I did not he passed very close to me. When I challenged him about riding on the pavement he said \\" I am not allowed on the road\\". As I understand it he is not allowed to ride the scooter anywhere. The second incident happened near Minster Lees on a track used heavily by pedestrians. Two cyclists on E bikes again expected me to move out of the way and claimed they were riding legally. I am very concerned about the lack of legislation regarding E scooters and bikes and the danger this poses to pedestrians. There was also a total disregard of the new highway code which says that motorised vehicles should give way to pedestrians. If this issue is beyond the remit of the council please could you pass it on the the relevant department.
Show/hideDear H,
Swale Borough Council has flagged your
concerns regarding e-scooters and e-bikes to Kent Police, as the Council does
not have any enforcement powers against these. Kent Police have undertaken
operations in relation to e-scooters during the last 12 months, when a
particular location of concern has been highlighted to them, however this has
to be weighed up against their other priority concerns. I would encourage you
to report any ongoing concerns regarding the use of either vehicle type to Kent
Police either on their non-emergency number 101 or through their website - https://www.kent.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/
Kind regards
Cllr Roger
Truelove
Council
Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Traffic disruption Dunkirk and Boughton
Date: Tuesday 8, March 2022
Name: Mr B
I live in the village of Dunkirk and Boughton, I would like to know why the council is wilfully neglecting its obligation to prevent large hgv’s from causing havoc driving through the small village roads when a 7.5 ton weight limit is enforce. This is causing serious damage to roads and the infastructure not mention the the sleepless night with lorries passing all hours of the night and day crashing into trees and damaging property. This is a blatant breach of the road traffic act 1984, we have had police attend blocked roads several time without prosecuting the offending drivers. On the other hand I get a warning notice from the council if my flora and fauna get to large. It appears that the exorbitantly overcharged council tax payer is a soft target whilst law breaking lorry drivers are untouchable. Please could you convince me this is not true by taking strict enforcement of the legal restrictions.
Show/hideDear Mr B,
Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing.
The responsibility for HGVs and roads comes under Kent County Council (KCC) as does the issuing of notices against property owners when trees etc overhang the highway.
You may wish to contact KCC Councillor Rich Lehmann, Divisional Member for Swale East rich.lehmann@kent.gov.uk
You can also report a problem on a road via this link https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem
Kind regards
Councillor Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Recycling bin on the promenade at Sheerness
Date: Monday 7, March 2022
Name: Mr T
Prior to the pandemic the council erected a recycling bin on the promenade at Sheerness sponsored by GreenSeas Trust. The occasion was attended by the Mayor and Bobby Khan the founder of the Trust amongst others. The event was featured quite recently in the 'Inside Swale' circular. The bin was vandalised being set on fire. Has the Council any plans for replacement - Sheppey's reputation certainly took a knock and it would be a welcome gesture as we look towards a better future. It would also encourage the Trust to press on with its message towards a more sustainable future.
Show/hideOur Contracts and Resources team worked with the GreenSeas Trust to arrange for the bins to be installed in 3 locations along Swales beaches. As you have mentioned below, one of the locations had been severely vandalised and the bin had to be disposed of due to the extent of the damage caused. The bins are a good way of encouraging visitors to the area to do the right thing with their waste and avoid plastic bottles ending up in the sea, however the bins are costly and consideration must be taken over whether it is likely that the bin will be damaged again should we replace it.
We have taken the decision to replace the bin on this occasion and will monitor the situation in the hope that such vandalism does not reoccur. The team are liaising with the GreenSeas Trust and we are hopeful that the bin will be reinstated before the summer period.
If you have any further queries regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact kellyupson@swale.gov.uk.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Levelling Up Funding for the Isle of Sheppey
Date: Saturday 12, February 2022
Name: S
Hello! I have a question regarding the 20 million that is planed to be spent on revamping the island. Roughly seven years ago I was apart of a project that was run by Dave Harcourt, Chief Executive Officer at Swale Community Leisure. This project was called “ Beachfeilds project.” The aim of this was to get students of the local community to come up with many inspiring ideas that could be used for upgrading the seafront, leisure centre, high street and sandpit areas and making dreams a reality. With these current discussions and plans I wanted to ask is this project being revisited and do the members who are involved intend to expand this project further? By speaking to the voices youths of today and the community I believe it’s in the public’s interest to have all ages participate in coming up with ideas that can be voted or discussed in open panels to the local community and possible investors. I await a response from yourself or a member of staff who is involved in the revamping the island tourism.
Show/hideDear S,
Thank you very much for your question.
Swale Community Leisure, including the Chief Executive Officer and trustees, have been directly consulted as part of the development of the Leveling-Up Fund bid, and have in addition submitted written proposals for the leisure centre and wider Beachfields area. Swale Borough Council are keen to hear a wide range of views from people of all ages on the emerging Levelling-Up Fund proposals, and our on-line consultation survey – available at SurveyMonkey.com until 25 February - has to date been completed by over 200 people. Please be aware that the receipt of funding relies on our Levelling-Up Fund bid being successful, and we expect to hear of our success, or otherwise, later this year.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove,
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance.
Roadside littering
Date: Tuesday 1, February 2022
Name: Ms F
I would like to know if there are any groups or if there is any team looking after general roadside littering in Swale. I am horrified by the amount of rubbish and litter in the hedgerows lanes and along the A249 which is just scattered around and has obviously been left this way for some time. I have just returned to the UK from living in New Zealand for some years and am so saddened to see the state of the surrounding countryside. Cycle trails such as the Saxon Shore way links from the Eurolink Way and outskirts of town are particularly bad. I see no information on the council website identifying this and suspect cleanups of this sort are not considered a priority if at all. It concerns me greatly that our countryside is so neglected and I have communicated with the Keep Britain Tiday group but would appreciate if the council could support myself and other individuals with a litter picking kit and advice on disposal or collection of the clean up I am intending to embark upon or perhaps acknowledge the problem and engage community service participants or involve school programmes and education.
Show/hideDear Ms F,
Thank you for your question. The street cleansing in Swale is undertaken by our contractor, this is an output-based contract and requires the contractor to visit and inspect the roads in Swale and cleanse as and when necessary. There are ongoing issues with some of the more rural roads as most can only be cleansed under Traffic Management due to the absence of a clear 1.2m gap between the operative and live traffic, permits must be obtained for any traffic management through Kent Highways before the cleansing can be undertaken which can delay the process further.
The contractor carries out one week of cleansing under traffic management per month, roads to be cleansed each month are decided following the inspections undertaken by the contractor as well as inspections that are undertaken by the Contract Monitoring team at Swale Borough Council and will be prioritised accordingly. If there are any roads that you feel are in particular need, please do contact cleansing@swale.gov.uk and the team will ensure they are on the next round of cleansing. The team will look into the cycle routes you have mentioned and arrange for cleansing as quickly as possible.
With regards to the A249, this road is the responsibility of Sheppey Route Ltd, we work closely with Sheppey Route Ltd to tackle the litter issues on the road and our contractors cleanse the laybys and empty the litter bins on the route daily in the hope that this will prevent any litter from the laybys blowing onto the verges further along the road. Again, this road cannot be cleansed without a full lane closure which can be extremely costly and difficult to plan in due to the effects any Traffic Management can have on traffic further along the route. Sheppey Route Ltd have committed to cleansing the verges on the A249 in Swale 4 x per year, unfortunately very often the road can become littered immediately after cleansing and enforcement options are being looked into to help tackle this issue.
We do have a number of volunteer litter picking groups that we support by loaning equipment and arranging for waste to be collected following the clean up, if this is something you would like to get involved with, please contact cleansing@swale.gov.uk and one of the team will be happy to assist with this.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cleansing team on the above email address.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
EV Charging Points
Date: Tuesday 25, January 2022
Name: Mr B
Currently, there are not enough public EV charging points in our area. As I don't have a driveway, this is critical for me. As it stands, it's not practical to own an EV as the public charging infrastructure is not mature enough. UK government have a scheme for on-street public EV charging. https/www.gov.uk/government/publications/grants-for-local-authorities-to-provide-residential-on-street-chargepoints/grants-to-provide-residential-on-street-chargepoints-for-plug-in-electric-vehicles-guidance-for-local-authorities This feels like a perfect solution to the problem as simply having public EV charging points only in town-centre car parks will not be enough. There are a few councils across the UK, who have already started installing such (on-street) chargers. What is your view of on-street chargers in our area? Many thanks and regards, O
Show/hideDear Mr B,
Thank you for your question on an important topic. We are very aware that electric vehicles are going to be essential in the reaching our target of net-zero across the borough by 2030, and therefore public charging infrastructure will be necessary.
We will shortly be publishing our Electric Vehicle Strategy for consultation, which addresses many of the areas you have identified. We recognise that public charging will be the only option for some residents and have undertaken extensive analysis, with support from the Energy Saving Trust, of the areas with the highest level of on-street charging demand. Due to this, we have shortlisted the council-owned car parks in which we will prioritise installing additional public charging infrastructure – our EV strategy identifies the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme as the main mechanism for undertaking this work.
Our Electric Vehicle Strategy also sets out our position regarding on-street charging. The debate between on and off-street charging provision is a complex one and continues as technology develops. On-street charging also poses difficulties such as balancing existing non-EV demand, disabled and other permitted parking. At present, on-street charging on the highway falls predominantly to Kent County Council as the Highways Authority, with their position set out in their ‘Electric Vehicle Charging on the Highway’ guidance document.
As more innovative on-street charging develops, our Electric Vehicle Strategy sets out the intention to consider these on-street solutions alongside KCC, where required in future years. However, at present, the current pathway endeavours to use council owned car parks to meet charging demand in areas with low levels of off-street parking in the short-term, with charging hubs as the central feature. This will lower costs, ensure easy access to charge points and reduce risks associated with roadside charging, whilst understanding the existing demand for non-EVs, particularly in resident parking scheme areas and lower income areas.
We hope to be able to publish our plans for the next phase of EV charge points within the next few months, in which there may be a suitable charge point near your place of residence.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Housing development opportunities
Date: Tuesday 18, January 2022
Name: Mr B
Roger good evening Hearing that there’s a suggested 2400 homes development at faversham by the Duchy of Cornwall I appreciate the site isn’t that big BUT a great development for this quality developer could possibly be the Waterfront site possibilities at Rushenden / Queenborough in substitution This specific site would uplift the “ quality “ of the area immensely with the Duchy foresight and known quality prior UK developments I have no idea if this thought has even been considered by the Duchy or Swale Council. Perhaps it could be now ? Please let me know your views and maybe aspirations for Queenborough and Rushenden This potential Waterfront site deserves great development potential, nothing less Looking forward to your thoughtful reply. Thank you, M.
Show/hideDear Mr B,
Thank you for your question and suggestions about using land on the Isle of Sheppey as an alternative to the Duchy site in Faversham. The waterfront sites at Rushenden and Queenborough are already being considered for development. The land to the west of Rushenden Road in Queenborough is already allocated in the adopted local plan, Bearing Fruits (2017). Land to the south of Rushenden is currently under consideration for mixed use development including 850 dwellings and was included in an earlier version of the draft plan. The quantum of development required for Swale means that we would need to include both of these sites to meet the numbers required of us by the government.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Funding for Pier at Queenborough
Date: Tuesday 4, January 2022
Name: Mr C
Dear Mr Truelove, As you have probably seen, I am working on a proposal for a new pier to be built on the site of the old Wildfire and Flushing Pier at Queenborough. The pier, being both a promenading and working leisure and commercial pier would benefit Queenborough, Bluetown and Sheerness and act as a major attraction for the island with excellent road links . It would provide facilities for the RNLI, coastguard,fishing vessels and offshore wind service vessels amongst others . I believe it would be an excellent use of the funds allocated to Sheppey by the government , being beneficial on a commercial, leisure , health and mental well being benefit. How can I get Swale council to back it ? Regards C.
Show/hideDear Mr C
Thank you for your email regarding the plans for a new pier at Queenborough. You query the best way to obtain Council support for the project. We would be interested to see any plans or documents you currently hold in relation to the feasibility of the project and these can be passed onto the relevant officers within the Council.
You also refer to the Government financial support. I should clarify that, as a result of being made a Priority 1 area within the Levelling Up scheme, the Council has received a small amount of funding to help us generate detailed plans for any future bid. However, no allocation of the major funding that any sizable scheme would require has yet been made. The Levelling up programme allows each individual area to bid for up to £20m as a maximum but this will be required to go through a competitive evaluation process against other area’s bids. Each Council also needs to fund 10% of the total project cost from its own budget.
Given the short deadlines for submission of bids, Cabinet members looked at a range of potential options and have chosen to focus on regeneration of the Beachfields area of Sheerness. We believe this will bring a range of benefits for residents and visitors alike.
I hope that clarifies our position but reiterate that we would be interested in seeing any plans to see how we might support you in different ways.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Laws Against Archery in a Public Space
Date: Wednesday 8, December 2021
Name: Mr J
I am a hobbyist and currently I have taken an interest in archery. What I would like the know is if there are any laws about practicing in an open public place? i.e. the park. I have read that it is legal in most places, but that I should check with my local council. Also are there any written rules about practicing in my own garden? Thank you.
Show/hideDear J,
Thank you for your recent question.
Thank you for your recent enquiry
regarding Archery in public spaces and your garden. This activity is covered
and unfortunately prohibited by our Open Space Byelaws in relation to our land.
For your reference this is covered in
Part 2 Byelaw 10 Missiles – No person may throw or use any device to propel or
discharge in the ground any object which is liable to cause injury to any other
person.
In relation to a private garden, we do
not have any rules with regard activities within private gardens but would
suggest you may wish to check with the Police.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Parking Survey
Date: Monday 1, November 2021
Name: Ms O
I would respectfully ask why Swale Borough Council has denied the results of a democratic parking survey. The Council conducted a survey regarding parking in Edith Road. 19 responses out of 32 received. 10 objections - 9 supporters. The council has ignored the 10 objections and recommends action regardless. Swale Borough Council has made a decision in direct contravention of democracy. Please explain to me why our democratic rights are being ignored in favour of a minority
Show/hideDear O,
Thank you for your recent question.
I would like to refer you to the minutes of the Joint Transportation Board (JTB) meeting where this was discussed (Link here: Agenda for Swale Joint Transportation Board on Monday, 6 September 2021, 5.30 pm). The JTB is not a Swale Borough Council Board but an advisory Board to Kent County Council. Every County Councillor in Swale is on the Board as well as Parish representatives. The report highlights all of the objections and support. Members of the Panel take this into consideration prior to voting. Without questioning the detail of each individual panel member, it is hard to understand motives for why the scheme was passed but they did have the relevant information to hand.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
Restoration of a Well
Date: Friday 8, October 2021
Name: K
Hello I've recently found out about the Minster Abbey Wells, aka Holy Sacred Healing Well. I wished to take my elderly father to benefit from the healing waters. However, upon a bit of research, I found out the Well is closed off to the public due to danger as people were falling inside it! This was a gift from nature which is now wasted & surely the council could find a way of making it secure, & perhaps some simple pipe work to extract the water. This is a much needed resource especially at the time we're living in, with many people being sick & suffering with covid & many cancer patients. I wish to emphasise that this gift of mother nature is being wasted due to overlook & lack of enthusiasm & appreciation from Swale council. Please can you look into this matter as I feel it'd benefit a lot of people. Thank you kindly for your consideration.
Show/hideDear K,
Thank you for your email concerning a healing well at Minster Abbey, and please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in replying. Based on the information you have provided, I am unclear as to the well to which you refer to. There are two wells referenced in the list description for the scheduled remains of the former Nunnery at Minster Abbey (see: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012674) The well referenced on the Megalithic Portal website (see: https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=10604) would seem likely to be the second well referred to in the list description for the scheduled monument.
Swale Borough Council is proud of its built and natural heritage and keen to promote and make the most of it as far as our limited resources allow. If the well to which you refer is the one referenced on the Megalithic Portal website, then I hope you will appreciate that the issue of access to and promotion of the well is outside the Council’s control, although the Council may be willing to provide some promotion and/or related interpretation subject to the agreement of the guest house. If the well in question is the first one referenced in the list description, then that would be on land within the Council’s control, and the Council would be willing to give consideration to your request as a possible discrete future heritage project/cultural project subject to no in-principle objections to this from relevant authorities/parties including Historic England, the Environment Agency, the Diocese of Canterbury and the Sheppey Local History Society which the Council leases the Minster Abbey Gatehouse to.
Please note, however, that the Council would be unable to take your request forward as a project at the present time due to the existing heavy workloads and project commitments which the Council’s officers are already dealing with. It is possible that the Gatehouse Museum volunteers might be interested in taking on such a project, but this would still need officer support. I hope you can also appreciate that the whole question of using water in the manner suggested is likely to be complicated by the need for water safety testing for public health reasons.
Please send your reply and clarification to the Council’s Conservation & Design Manager who will be able to look into this further for you.
Kind regards
Cllr Roger Truelove
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
