Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council Ordinary Meeting 6 October 2025
Here is a summary from the Ash Parish Council meeting held on Monday 6 October:
Join the Parish Council!
We’re looking to co-opt one new Councillor. No experience needed — just a passion for shaping Ash’s future and a few hours each month to spare. Interested? Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Community Updates from Dover District Council (DDC)
- Cost of Living Community Impact Fund
Grants from £100 to £5,000 are available for local projects helping residents this winter. Apply by 15 October at dover.gov.uk/CommunityGrants - Be a Halloween Detective
Kearsney Abbey, Wednesday 22 October, 10am–3pm. A self-led trail for curious minds of all ages. Tickets: £5.50. Book at kearsneyparks.co.uk - 105 Years of Girlguiding in Ash!
Celebrate at Ash Village Hall, Saturday 11 October, 10am–1pm. Discover local Guiding history and today’s activities. Refreshments served. - Western Heights Grand Shaft Open Day
Sunday 19 October, 10.30am–4pm. Explore a rare Napoleonic triple helix staircase. Free, self-guided visits via Snargate Street or Drop Redoubt Road. - Dover District Lotto Super Draw
Sign up by Saturday 25 October for a chance to win an iPhone 17 or £1,000 cash — and support a good cause!
No updates this month from Kent County Council or Kent Police.
Ash Carnival and Summer Fete — Could It Return?
Two residents shared early plans to revive the Ash Carnival and/or fete in 2026 on the recreation ground, along with plans to host fundraising events to support delivery of an event. The Parish Council supports the initiative in principle and looks forward to a detailed proposal.
Highway Improvements
One of the priorities on our 2024/25 Highway Improvement Plan was to improve pedestrian warning signage on the A257 Ash Bypass. We’re pleased to share that this has now been approved by Kent County Council. Signage will be installed at three key locations along the A257 — we’ll update residents once installation dates are confirmed.
Don’t forget to have your say on the 2026/27 Highway Improvement Plan!
Survey closes Sunday 12 October [CLICK HERE]
Recreation Ground & Allotments
- Tree health inspections were completed in late September and we’re awaiting the contractor’s report.
- Repairs to the Stand-on Spinner have been approved, with funding requested via S106 monies held by DDC.
- Toilets will close for winter from 1 November, reopening 1 April 2026 after internal redecoration.
- New welcome and information signage will be installed to enhance visitor experience and display bylaws in due course.
- Play Area 2: Final designs will be shared at the Community Coffee Morning on 6 December. Public consultation will be held then.
- Allotments: Fees will remain unchanged for 2027. There are currently 21 residents on the waiting list.
- Replacement of the crumbling boundary fencing has been approved. Materials are expected in 10 weeks, with work likely to begin in early 2026.
Planning Enforcement & S106 Developer Contributions
- Cllr Venny and the Clerk attended a DDC meeting on 30 September to discuss Planning Enforcement with other councils, coordinated by Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC).
- DDC operates within legal limits, and while Planning Enforcement isn’t a statutory service, they prioritise cases based on their published plan. Planning Enforcement Plan
- Residents with outstanding enforcement concerns should contact DDC Ward Councillors: Cllr Trevor Bartlett or Cllr Martin Porter.
- KALC is working with DDC to improve communication and may form a Planning Focus Group.
S106 Funding
The Parish Council is aligning future S106 requests with Ash’s long-term vision. These will be submitted to DDC’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan and included in consultee comments on relevant planning applications.
What is S106?
S106 agreements are legal commitments from developers to support local infrastructure — either through funding or direct delivery. Funds can only be used for the specific purpose outlined in the agreement (e.g. education, recreation).
