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NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR
PARISH OF HIGH HALDEN
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that due to the resignation of Philip Drury, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
If by 20 February, 2026 (14 days* after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at [email protected] or International House, Dover Place, Ashford, Kent TN23 1HU, by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
Please note when making an election request you must provide your full name and address as we are required to check that you are on the electoral register for the required area.
If an election is called, it will take place not later than 28 April, 2026.
Dated 2 February, 2026
Clerk to the Parish Council
Ms Louise Goldsmith
5 Artisan Road
Headcorn
TN27 9AZ
KCC Councillor Wayne Chapman
Town / Parish Council Report – February 2026
(Covering Appledore, Biddenden, Rolvenden, Rolvenden Layne, St Michaels, Tenterden, Wittersham, Kenardington, Newenden, High Halden, and Stone‑cum‑Ebony)
1. Highways Update
Tenterden High Street: Overnight roadworks are scheduled for Tuesday 3 February, 8pm–5am, affecting bus stops / bus stands outside The Vine pub and opposite the Town Hall.
Tenterden – Appledore Road: UK Power Networks’ planned works along Appledore Road, including the connection of new streetlights near the Oakridge Grange / Bovis Homes development, have now been condensed into a single major road closure, rather than multiple road closures as originally proposed.
My thanks to Cllr Sue Ferguson, Tenterden Town Council Community Engagement Councillor, for championing residents’ concerns and keeping the community well informed. I raised these issues within KCC with Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways, and officers were also working behind the scenes. However, I could clearly see progress being driven through Cllr Ferguson’s engagement, resulting in an outcome that I am sure residents will much prefer.
Appledore Road closure: 14–22 February (school holidays)
Public notice:
https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1065/kent-ttro-public-notice_147471275_4050080_ab7912ba13.pdf
These works are expected to conclude by the end of February, enabling the much-needed resurfacing works along Appledore Road to be diarised.
Tenterden, Woodchurch Road: 23rd Feb – 20th March, (Section 278 Oakridge Grange / Bovis Homes development) works being carried out with temporary traffic lights, new and upgraded footpaths and verges as well as some resurfacing works for the bus stops
Biddenden: Further patching is planned on Sissinghurst Road and around the village centre following winter weather impacts.
High Halden: Drainage checks are underway following resident reports of pooling near the A28.
Rolvenden & Rolvenden Layne: Minor surface dressing is planned for spring, with no significant deterioration following December’s events.
Wittersham: Rye Road verges are scheduled for conservation‑tier cutting in February.
Kenardington & Stone‑cum‑Ebony: Rural lane inspections are scheduled from mid‑January and through February as part of the winter maintenance programme.
Newenden: Damage to the A28 bridge has been reported to KCC Highways. Planned maintenance remains scheduled for 2026/27.
St Michaels & Tenterden: Rescheduled works continue to align with the winter maintenance programme.
2. Winter Driving & Gritting
As we move through January and the winter, please take extra care on wet, icy, and untreated rural roads across the division. Conditions can change quickly, especially on shaded lanes and exposed stretches.
• KCC will continue routine gritting of the main highway network throughout the winter period.
• Local grit bins are available for public use on untreated roads and pavements.
• If you notice a grit bin that is empty, damaged, or missing, please report it so it can be replenished or replaced.
For live updates on roadworks, closures, and repairs:
Kent County Council Highways: https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel
One.Network interactive map: https://one.network
To report highways, street lighting, or footpath issues:
Report a problem on the road or pavement:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
3. KCC Supplier Event
27th January Kent County Council Leader Linden Kemkaran KCC opened a Supplier Day event at Detling Showground, Maidstone, with a welcoming keynote speech.
As part of KCC’s new commercial approach to public service, the council is opening its doors so that Kent’s small and medium-sized enterprises can bid for KCC business.
Attendance numbers demonstrated that this business-minded “Kent First” approach is working well. Business leaders from across the county heard from experts on how KCC ensures best value from every pound spent on services, from social care for vulnerable residents to contracts that keep our roads moving. KCC's new Commercial Strategy covers it all.
You can find out more here: https://loom.ly/6C3YukM
4. Chart Hills Golf Course, Biddenden, Planning Application.
Please see this as below my comment on the application.
I submit this objection after careful consideration and in my capacity as the Kent County Councillor for the Tenterden Division, within which this site is located. I confirm that I have no conflicts of interest. I also have long‑standing technical knowledge of Chart Hills Golf Course, having worked on its construction through to its opening in August 1993, particularly in relation to land drainage, irrigation systems, and grounds maintenance, the existing driving range has been the same for all this time, does it really need the driving range overhauled.
Based on the evidence presented, I must object to this application on the following material planning grounds.
Harm to Landscape Character (Policies ENV3a & ENV5)
The proposal involves large‑scale importation and deposition of sub‑soils from a distant location, changing the material make-up of the historic land / soils, resulting in significant artificial re‑profiling of the land.
This area forms part of the historic Andredsweald landscape.
The engineered changes conflict with ENV3a, which requires conservation and enhancement of rural landscape character.
The proposal also conflicts with ENV5, as it risks harming the setting of heritage landscapes.
The Wealden topography is distinctive and should not be altered through extensive engineered landform changes.
Unacceptable Highway and Traffic Impacts (Policy TRA7)
The Construction Traffic Management Plan indicates up to 50 HGV loads per day (100 movements), potentially one every six minutes, for up to 30 months.
This level of HGV traffic is wholly unsuitable for the narrow rural lanes serving the site.
The alternative routing through Biddenden and High Halden would bring heavy vehicles past Grade II‑listed buildings, many already vulnerable to vibration.
The cumulative impact on road safety, heritage assets, and residential amenity is severe.
The proposal fails to comply with TRA7, which requires development not to result in severe residual impacts on the highway network.
Environmental and Drainage Risks (Policies ENV1 & ENV9)
Based on my direct experience of the site’s drainage systems, I have significant concerns:
Importing non‑local sub‑soil risks altering natural water pathways.
The site already experiences surface‑water challenges; re‑profiling may worsen run‑off and affect neighbouring land.
There is insufficient clarity on soil composition, contamination risk, and long‑term environmental impact.
The application does not meet the requirements of ENV1 or ENV9, which demand robust environmental safeguards.
Lack of Proportionate Justification (Policy SP1)
The scale of earthworks proposed is disproportionate to the stated aim of improving the driving range.
No clear evidence is provided to justify why such extensive landform alteration is necessary.
Less intrusive alternatives have not been explored.
This conflicts with SP1, which requires development to be proportionate, sustainable, and justified.
Harm to Residential Amenity (Policy ENV11)
The prolonged construction period, noise, vibration, dust, and traffic movements will significantly harm the amenity of residents in Biddenden, High Halden, and surrounding rural lanes.
The disruption over 2.5 years is unreasonable.
The proposal does not adequately mitigate these impacts.
This is contrary to ENV11, which protects residential amenity.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined—landscape harm, unacceptable traffic impacts, environmental and drainage risks, heritage sensitivity, and lack of proportional justification—I respectfully request that Ashford Borough Council refuses this application.
Here is the link if you wish to view or comment upon this application
https://abcportal.ashford.gov.uk/pr/s/detail/a0hTw000003zkvRIAQ?c__r=Arcus_BE_Public_Register
5. The Rose and Crown, Stone, Planning Application
Please see this as below my comment on the application.
I have sat upon the local parish council meetings as the Kent County Councillor for Stone - Cum - Ebony, I have listened to the discussions for and against the proposal, I have also looked into the history of the property as a business as well as the previous applications, I am not seeing much or any differences between prior applications and this more recent application and unsure why it has even been allowed to be put forward by comparison, if the property is not being marketed with a proactive approach from the vendors as well as the market value of the property it higher than market value which may also allude to trying to play the system to force the change of use and sale, I believe this has the potential to become once again a much loved fantastic asset to the local and broader community as a pub / restaurant which can also offer other local services also. this cannot be changed for its use and purpose for what is really needed for this fantastic local community.
Here is the link if you wish to view or comment upon this application
https://abcportal.ashford.gov.uk/pr/s/detail/a0hTw000003wxsPIAQ?c__r=Arcus_BE_Public_Register
6. Local Government Reorganisation & Devolution (LGR&D)
The Government is now reviewing the Strategic Business Case submitted by Kent County Council and Medway Council in late 2025.
Key points for January:
• KCC continues to advocate for Option 1A – a single unitary “Kent Council.”
• Engagement with parish councils will increase in spring 2026.
• Work is underway to map how Community Assemblies could operate locally.
• Financial modelling continues to show Option 1A as the most sustainable long‑term structure.
Further updates will be provided as Government feedback is received.
7. Community Engagement
February Community Highlights
• New Year wellbeing walks in Rolvenden, Wittersham, and Biddenden.
• Warm Spaces continuing at Tenterden Social Hub, St Michaels Village Hall, and Appledore Church.
• Tenterden Museum preparing new spring displays.
• Village hall committees holding AGMs and planning 2026 events.
• Community choirs resuming rehearsals for spring concerts.
• Meetings with local farmers regarding drainage, access, and rural transport.
Looking Ahead Spring / Summer 2026
Communities are already planning:
• Spring fairs and Easter events
• Spirit of Tenterden Festival 2026
• Village hall refurbishments and grant applications
• Youth engagement opportunities
• Heritage and tourism initiatives for the summer season
8. Parish / Town Council Meetings – February 2026
I am unable to attend any Parish / Town Council meetings in February due to other Kent County Council commitments, but as always available via email [email protected] if needed.
9. Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
For highways, street lighting, or footpath issues, please report online via:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-or-track-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
