News

Ashford split by new boundary plans

9 June 2021 0 Comments

The Ashford Parliamentary Constituency will be separated from the majority of the Borough under Initial Proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission for England.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is currently conducting a review of parliamentary constituency boundaries on the basis of rules most recently updated by Parliament in 2020. These latest rules retain 650 constituencies for the UK Parliament as a whole, and require constituencies that are proposed or recommended to comply with strict parameters, in particular as far as the number of electors in each constituency is concerned.

The BCE has published its ‘Initial Proposals’, which will see South Ashford in the same Constituency as Hawkinge and Elham but different to that of Great Chart and Kingsnorth.

The existing Ashford Parliamentary Constituency boundary, shown as a narrow blue line, follows the Borough boundary, thicker green line, other than an area to the east, which includes Ruckinge, Aldington and Brabourne, and is part of the Folkestone and Hythe Constituency.

The Initial Proposals published by BCE will see the Borough split across three constituencies, with boundaries shown red against the green Borough boundaries.

  • Ashford urban area, including the Town Centre, Stanhope and Singleton will be in a constituency which extends eastward to Hawkinge and Wingmore.
  • The south and west of the Borough, including Aldington, Ham Street, Wittersham, Tenterden, Kingsnorth and Great Chart will be in a new Weald of Kent Constituency, which stretches as far as the outskirts of Maidstone and includes Boughton Monchelsea, Loose and Nettlestead.
  • The northern part of the Borough including Chilham, Bilting, Boughton Lees, Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell and Charing will become part of the Faversham and Mid-Kent Constituency with with villages as far west and north as Bredgar, Radfield and Conyer.

The primary criteria for the new boundaries is that apart from five specified exceptions – every constituency recommended must have an electorate (as at 2 March 2020) that is no less than 95% and no more than 105% of the ‘UK electoral quota’. The UK electoral quota for the 2023 Review is, to the nearest whole number, 73,393.
Accordingly, every recommended constituency (except the five ‘protected’ constituencies) must have an electorate as at 2 March 2020 that is no smaller than 69,724 and no larger than 77,062.

The BCE may take into account in establishing a new map of constituencies for the 2023 Review:

  • special geographical considerations, including in particular the size, shape and accessibility of a constituency;
  • local government boundaries as they existed (or were in prospect) on 1 December 2020 (see paragraph 16 above);
  • boundaries of existing constituencies;
  • any local ties that would be broken by changes in constituencies; and
  • the inconveniences attendant on such changes.

BCE have published a guide to the Review:
boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/2023-review/guide-to-the-2023-review-of-parliamentary-constituencies/

You can comment on the proposals on the BCE consultation website www.bcereviews.org.uk/.

Comments must be made by Tuesday 2nd August 2021.

Consultation, Democracy, Government, News

Share your ideas for change

20 May 2021 0 Comments

Do you live, study or work in Beaver?
Are you 18 to 25 years old?
How can Beaver be made a place where young people can live more healthily and feel safe?

Ashford Community Safety Partnership are looking for young people aged 18 – 25 to take part in a guided community walk around Beaver on 26 June, and share ideas for change.

Join them on Saturday 26 June, 10.15am to 1.15pm
South Ashford Baptist Church, 24 Brookfield Road, Ashford,TN23 4EY

You’ll use C3’s CHESS™ App to review local shops, food outlets, amenities and public spaces. The App is easy to use and C3 will show you how. You will collect information about the neighbourhood and the things that make it easier, or harder, for you to live healthily, spend time with friends, and feel safe.

On Saturday 10 July you are invited to a follow up session. They’ll share the CHESS walk results, and help you work together to generate ideas for change and turn these into a community action plan. You’ll also receive a £15 voucher.

To find out more or take part please contact:
Alison Oates, Community Safety and Wellbeing Manager, Ashford Borough Council
01233 330 225
csu@ashford.gov.uk

This project is run by Ashford Community Safety Partnership and C3 Collaborating for Health.

Community, Health, News, Security, Young people

Step 3

18 May 2021 0 Comments

COVID-19:
Restrictions in England
From 17 May

Government guidance remains that you should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.

Meeting OthersOvernight staysEducationWork and business
You can meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 people. You can meet indoors in groups of up to six people or two households.

You don’t have to stay 2m apart from friends and family, but consider the risks to you and those you are with.
Domestic overnight stays are allowed, in groups of up to six people or 2 households.Schools, colleges and universities fully open.

Regular testing provided
You should continue to work from home if you can.
Retail and personal careBars, Pubs and RestaurantsAccommodationLeisure and sporting facilities
Open.Open.

Groups of up to six people or two households allowed indoors.

Groups of up to 30 allowed outdoors		All holiday accommodation open, including hotels, hostels and B&BsOpen indoors and outdoors, including gyms, indoor sports
facilities, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms.

Organised sport and group exercises allowed.
EntertainmentLarge EventsResidential CareShielding
Open indoors and outdoors, including cinemas, bowling alleys, zoos and theme parks.Events, including live performances, business events and sporting events can proceed with capacity
limits, indoors and outdoors.		People who live in a care home can have ‘low risk’ visits out of the home without the need to isolate
when they get back.

Residents can also name up to five visitors.		If you are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) you do not need to shield, but should continue to take extra precautions such
as shopping at quieter times of the day. You can follow the same advice on meeting friends and
family as everyone else
Domestic travelOverseas travelPlaces of WorshipWeddings and Funerals
Travel safely. Plan ahead and avoid the busiest times and routes if you canCheck whether your destination is on the red, amber or green list. You should not travel to red and amber countries. If you are travelling to a green country, check the rules in your destination
as testing or quarantine requirements may be in place.		Open. You can attend in groups of 6 people or 2 householdsWeddings, receptions, life events and wakes can take place with up to 30 attendees, indoors in a COVID-Secure venue, or outdoors.

No limit on funeral attendees, subject to how many the venue can safely
accommodate with social distancing.

For more information and detailed guidance visit: gov.uk/coronavirus

Health, News

Census scam

13 May 2021 0 Comments

Kent residents targeted by UK Census text scam

Kent residents are being targeted by a text scam, pretending to be from the UK Government Census 2021. The text will say that information is missing from your application.

What happens:

You receive a text message pretending to be from UK Government Census.
The text will say that information is missing from your application.
You will be directed to a website to update your details to avoid a £1,000 penalty.

What to do:

This is a SCAM

Do not click on any links. The website is designed to steal your personal and financial details.

Report scams to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Please warn vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

Report it

Read about how and why you might be contacted by officials working for the ONS on the census website:

The Census does not ask for your telephone number, email address or bank details.

Remember Do not click links in emails, social media posts or messages (text, What’s App, Messenger etc.),unless you are sure they are legitimate. Type web addresses into your browser for official websites of banks, government departments etc..

Kent County Council Public Protection
https://mailchi.mp/kent/residents-targeted-by-census-scam?e=5d620a3416

Crime, News, Security

Powergen Plots 1 & 2 begin

12 May 2021 0 Comments

  • CGI Aerial View from above Victoria Park
  • CGI View from Leacon Road
  • CGI View from Victoria Park
  • Plots 1 & 2 Site Plan
  • Works on Plot 1
  • Works on Plot 2
Plot 1
Studio Flats17
1-Bed Units 130
2-Bed Units110
Total Plot 1257
Plot 2
Studio flat 16
1-bed Units 41
2-Bed Units 84
3-Bed Units 2
Total Plot 2 143
Total Plots 1 and 2400
Plots 1 and 2
Accommodation Schedule

Construction of the proposals for Powergen Plots 1 and 2 has commenced in the last few weeks.

Ashford Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted to permit the proposals in June 2016 for 400 apartments, with final approval being granted in November 2016, as part of hybrid application 15/01671/AS. The application included full details for Plots 1 and 2 while Plots 3,4 and 5 were in outline.

The accommodation proposed is tabulated to the right:

The completion of this development will be a valuable contribution to Ashford Borough Council’s Five Year Housing Land Supply which was 295 dwellings short in July 2020.

Land ownership

A subsidiary of the UK arm of Scandinavian letting company ‘Neighbour’ had purchased the land for plots 1 and 2 and it was intended that they would be built before Plots 3, 4 and 5. In the event the land for Plots 3,4 and 5 was purchased by GRE Assets, who commenced the construction, have completed a number of blocks, with work on those remaining ongoing.

In December 2018 the name of the company owning Plots 1 and 2 was changed from Neighbour Ashford Ltd. to Victoria Road Developments Limited.

In August 2019 the company that financed the purchase of the land, Lendinvest Security Trustees, obtained an order to appoint a receiver for Victoria Road Develepments.

In October 2019 the an application was made to Ashford Borough Council for a certificate  confirming that access works were undertaken lawfully to implement a start of the approved development of the site. The application was been submitted to confirm that the planning approval has not expired hence allowing the site to be sold with planning permission.

However, on 21 April 2021 Victoria Road Developments remained the registered owners of the site and Lendinvest the Lenders.

Previous proposal

The previous proposal for the site, the Zedhome scheme, was permitted on appeal. It included 519 dwellings on Plots 1 and 2 sites plus 8000m2 of commercial and other non-residential uses. in blocks up to the equivalent of 16 storeys. The whole development (including the Plots 3, 4 and 5 sites comprised 1000 dwellings plus commercial and other uses.

  • Zedhomes Site Plan
  • Zedhomes Elevation on Plot 1
  • Zedhomes view from Park

News, Planning and Development

PCC Election result

11 May 2021 0 Comments

The result of the election for Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent Police Area is:

Name of Candidate

Description

Number of Votes

SCOTT, Matthew RichardThe Conservative Party Candidate237,278
OYEWUSI, Omolola Joanna
Known as Lola Oyewusi		Labour and Co-operative Party103,807
COLLEY, Graham DavidLiberal Democrats69,464

Democracy, News, Security

South Ashford Election Results

7 May 2021 0 Comments

The results of the elections for posts representing South Ashford held on 6th May 2021

Name of Candidate

Description

(if any)

Number of Votes

Kent County Council

Ashford South Division

ROSS, DirkThe Conservative Party Candidate1407 Elected
FARRELL, DaraLabour Party1319
PIZZEY, Thomas PaulThe Green Party263
BEHRENS, Wilhelm HeinrichLiberal Democrats232

Kent County Council

Ashford East Division

CAMPKIN, Steven RobertThe Green Party1854 Elected
GALPIN, Graham HaroldThe Conservative Party Candidate1428
JOSEPH, SojanLabour Party596
HARRISON, Garry GeorgeIndependent149
STROLZ, Samuel JohnLiberal Democrats136

Ashford Borough Council

Beaver Ward

BROOKS, TrevorThe Conservative Party Candidate468 Elected
JONES, Dylan AlexanderLabour Party402
HARRISON, Garry GeorgeIndependent105
PIZZEY, Thomas PaulThe Green Party70
STAMP, Jacqueline MaryLiberal Democrats64

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Kent County Council, News

How to vote if you are self isolating

5 May 2021 0 Comments

Ways to vote

If you can’t get to a polling station because

and you were not aware of the circumstances on 20th April, you can apply for am Emergency Proxy Vote.

You should ask somebody you trust to vote in accordance with your wishes to vote on your behalf.

Download the appropriate Emergency Proxy Voting Application (use links above) complete it and arrange for it to be delivered to the Civic Centre. You should apply as soon as possible but this can be any time up to 5pm on polling day.

Ask your Proxy to go to the polling station named on your polling card (see our post regarding polling stations in South Ashford), and tell the staff that they are voting on your behalf by Emergency Proxy. Tell them who you want to vote for in each election in which you are voting: Police and Crime Commissioner, Kent County Council and, if you live in the ward, Ashford Borough Council Beaver Ward (see our list of candidates).

Your vote is yours alone

Remember: Your Vote is Yours Alone

You must not allow somebody else to use your polling card or vote on your behalf unless they have been nominated on a Proxy Voting Application.

Only nominate somebody you trust to vote in accordance with your wishes.

If you need information about voting:

Democracy, News

South Ashford Polling Stations

3 May 2021 0 Comments

The following is a list of polling stations in South Ashford.

Your polling card will give your Electoral Register Number but if you don’t have it use the map above.

You do not need your polling card to vote but must be on the electoral register.

If you applied to vote by post and have received your postal voting form you must post it or deliver it to the Civic Centre by 10pm on Thursday 6th May or hand it in at any polling station on polling day (6th May). You must not vote at a polling station if you have voted by post.

You will not be able to vote if you did not register to vote by 19th April 2021. If you have not done so, Register to Vote now for future elections.

Do not allow anybody else to use your polling card or your postal voting form if you have not applied to vote by proxy.

Situation of Polling Station StationNumberRanges of electoral register numbers of
persons entitled to vote thereat
Beaver Green Primary School, Cuckoo Lane4BE1-1 to BE1-1451
South Ashford Baptist Church, Brookfield Road5BE2-1 to BE2-2032
St Francis Church Hall, Cryol Road6BE3-1 to BE3-1248
Gateway Church, The Riverside Centre, Clockhouse71VI2-1 to VI2-742
Ashford Community Church, Francis Road73VI4-1 to VI4-1939
St Francis Church Hall, Cryol Road7BE3X-1 to BE3X-6
United Reformed Methodist Church, Cade Road45NO1-1 to NO1-1195/1
Christchurch Community Hall, Christchurch Road46NO2-1 to NO2-893/1
Polling stations in South Ashford

Democracy, News

Local election candidates

21 April 2021 0 Comments

Ballot box

Below we list the candidates standing to serve South Ashford in elections to be held on 6th May for:

  • Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent Police Area
  • Kent County Council member for Ashford South Division
  • Ashford Borough Council member for Beaver Ward

We have requested election statements from all parties / candidates. Those that we have received can be viewed by clicking the candidate’s name.

Police and Crime CommissionerKent Police Area
Colley, Graham DavidLiberal Democrats
Oyewusi, LolaLabour and Co-operative Party
Scott, Matthew RichardThe Conservative Party Candidate
Kent County Council
Ashford South Division
(includes area served by ABC Beaver and Victoria Wards)
Behrens, HeinLiberal Democrats
Farrell, DaraLabour Party
Pizzey, ThomThe Green Party
Ross, DirkThe Conservative Party Candidate
Kent County Council
Ashford East Division
(includes area served by ABC Norman Ward)
Campkin, SteveThe Green Party
Galpin, GrahamThe Conservative Party Candidate
Harrison, Garry GeorgeIndependent
Joseph, SojanLabour Party
Strolz, Samuel JohnLiberal Democrats
Ashford Borough CouncilBeaver Ward
Brooks, TrevorThe Conservative Party Candidate
Harrison, Garry GeorgeIndependent
Jones, Dylan AlexanderLabour Party
Pizzey, ThomThe Green Party
Stamp, Jacqueline MaryLiberal Democrats

Ashford Borough Council, Crime, Democracy, Kent County Council, News