Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council – Summary of the 1 October 2026 Meeting

/in News/by Clerk

Key Points from the 1 October Parish Council Meeting:

Public Contributions

Residents raised two points:

  • A resident shared their views on the Parish Council’s ownership of the Pavilion building.
  • A suggestion to add signage to the Recreation Ground toilets showing opening times and reminding users to help keep them in good condition.

Your Parish Needs You

There are four vacancies on the Parish Council. If you can spare a couple of hours a month and would like to learn more, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required

Anti‑Social Behaviour

A resident meeting is being arranged for November with Dover District Community Support Unit and Kent Police. This will give residents the opportunity to hear directly from the authorities and share their experiences. The confirmed date will be advertised once available.

Highway Improvement Plan 2026–27

Would you like to see highway improvements in Ash? Please complete our survey by midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026 – CLICK HERE. Alternatively, speak to Parish Councillors at the monthly coffee morning at Ash Village Hall on Saturday 3 October, 10am–12pm. See our website and Facebook page for more details.

Dover District Consultation – On and Off‑Street Parking

DDC has reported that feedback from the recent consultation showed a negative impact on residents, alongside challenges for the public house regarding deliveries. DDC will now review their original approach to seek a better balance while still addressing risks and dangerous parking. A further update will be shared when available.

Recreation Ground

A Beech tree near the pavilion has died from Meripilus Giganteus and is in decline. It will be reduced to a safe monolith of approximately 3–4 metres. This is the second diseased tree this summer, and options for replacement planting are being explored.

Beating the Bounds – Postponed

The Council has been unable to secure a boat operator for the Pluck’s Gutter to Richborough section. Without a boat transfer, the route would require an additional 3–4 hours of walking, finishing in darkness and creating avoidable safety risks. Postponing to Spring will allow time to secure a suitable operator and ensure the walk can be delivered safely and in keeping with tradition. Further updates will follow.

Events at Pound Corner

The Parish Council will introduce an Events Policy for community events using Pound Corner, which is a parish asset. This is in addition to the Event Notification required for events at the Recreation Ground. If you are planning an event using parish assets, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required for further information.

Dover District Council Update

  • Central Government has paused Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Parish and District Elections will therefore take place on 6 May 2027.
  • DDC is inviting prospective councillors to an information event on 3 November.
  • Local groups can apply to DDC’s Community Grants Scheme until 26 October.
  • Rural car parks will remain free to users.
  • From 31 October 2026, new national regulations will change how planning applications are decided. Committees will focus on significant applications, with many smaller applications determined by officers. The Parish Council will continue to comment, but residents are encouraged to stay informed and respond to applications directly.

Kent County Council

Apologies sent – no report received.

Kent Police

Apologies sent – no report received.