Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council – Summary of the 5 November 2026 Meeting
Ash Parish Council Meeting Summary – November 2026
Public Contributions
St Nicholas Churchyard Burial Space
Reverend Turvey attended the meeting to raise concerns about the diminishing burial space available at St Nicholas Churchyard. With only six or seven plots remaining, the churchyard risks closure once capacity is reached.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has been exploring options for several years to avoid this outcome, but the issue is complex and increasingly urgent. The Parish Council will support efforts to raise awareness within the community, including consideration of potential land acquisition, bequests or other solutions.
If you are aware of any land that may be suitable for future burial provision, please contact Reverend Turvey.
Neighbourhood Watch
Ash’s Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator has advised that they will be stepping down from the role. Unless a new co-ordinator and volunteers come forward, the village Neighbourhood Watch scheme may cease operating. Neighbourhood Watch plays an important role in supporting community safety. Anyone interested in helping should contact:
The Parish Council recorded its sincere thanks to the current co-ordinator for their dedication and commitment to making Ash a safer place to live.
Anti-social Behaviour concerns – Resident meeting
Residents are reminded and encouraged to attend the meeting with Kent Police and Dover District Council to address anti-social behaviour
Meeting takes place on Thursday 12 November, 7.30pm Ash Village Hall. Refreshments available
Highways
Councillors reviewed responses to the recent resident survey on priorities for the 2026/27 Highway Improvement Plan (HIP).
The three most frequently raised concerns remained:
- The A257 Ash Bypass
- A village-wide 20mph speed limit
- Traffic issues at Pound Corner
As work is already underway with Kent County Council and Dover District Council on these matters, they will not form part of the next HIP submission.
Outside these priorities, New Street generated the greatest number of comments, with residents highlighting concerns about the narrow carriageway, increased parking in this area, vehicles obstructing pavements and poor visibility.
Councillors agreed that two new requests would be added to the existing Highway Improvement Plan:
1) Double Yellow Lines on New Street from Cherry Garden Lane towards the junction with The Street (left hand side as you travel towards the village centre)
2) Mark out the existing bus stop on The Street outside Ash Pizza King
Thank you to all residents who took the time to complete our survey.
Additionally, the Parish Council will write to Stagecoach to explore whether a small timetable adjustment could improve the flow of buses through the village centre.
Recreation Ground Toilets
The recreation ground toilets have now closed for the winter and will reopen on 1 April 2027.
Dover District Council Updates
Planning Changes
Residents should note that, under changes to the planning system, applications of fewer than nine homes will now generally be determined by planning officers rather than being considered by Planning Committee. Applications declined cannot be appealed under the new planning rules.
Recycling Rebels Campaign
Dover District Council has launched its “Recycling Rebels” campaign to help residents understand what can and cannot be recycled. The campaign highlights common recycling mistakes and aims to reduce contamination in household recycling collections.
Kearsney Parks
Winter opening hours are now in place at Kearsney Abbey, with the main car park open from 7am to 7pm and locked overnight.
Visitors are also invited to enter the annual wildlife photography competition, with winning entries featuring in the Kearsney Parks Calendar.
Planning and Housing
The latest Dover District Council Planning and Development Newsletter is available on the DDC website, together with updated information on the district’s five-year housing land supply.
Deal Leisure Centre
Construction of the new Deal Leisure Centre has reached a significant milestone with a recent “Topping Out” ceremony. Work now moves into the next phase of the project.
Ash Scout Hut
Discussions continue between Dover District Council officers, Scout leaders and local supporters regarding the future of the Scout Hut at Molland.
Kent Police
PC Bowler’s October report has been published on the Parish Council Facebook page.
Key points included:
- 84 calls for service across the ward during October.
- One burglary reported in Nash Lane.
- One report of anti-social behaviour at Pound Corner.
- Speed enforcement activity undertaken on the A257, with further checks planned.
PC Bowler will attend the residents’ Community Safety Meeting on 12 November and hold a drop-in session at St Nicholas Church on 19 November.
Kent County Council Updates
Roadworks and Diversions
Kent County Council acknowledged ongoing frustrations regarding roadworks and traffic diversions across East Kent.
Many of the works are being undertaken by utility companies and are authorised through national legislation. In many cases, Kent County Council has limited powers to prevent or stop such works from taking place.
Local Government Reorganisation
Kent County Council provided an update on the Government’s proposals to replace the current county and district council system with new unitary authorities.
The previous proposal affecting Kent has now been withdrawn while the Government reviews its approach. This does not mean the process has been cancelled, and ministers remain committed to local government reorganisation and devolution.
Key points include:
- Dover and Thanet District Council elections will go ahead in May 2027.
- The Government will review options for future council structures across Kent.
- New “minded-to” decisions are expected to be announced in stages over the coming months.
- Any new unitary authority arrangements are currently expected to take effect from April 2029.
This revised timetable provides councils with additional time to prepare for any future changes.
November is a busy month for the Parish Council. The next meetings are:
- Finance Committee Wednesday 11 November
- Planning Committee Monday 19 November
Residents are always welcome to attend and observe proceedings, and public participation opportunities are available at the beginning of meetings.
For full agendas, minutes and Parish Council information, visit the Ash Parish Council website or follow the Parish Council Facebook page.
