Sandgate Parish Council is delighted to announce that it is now the leaseholder for the Granville Parade toilets in Sandgate. As a matter of urgency, the first thing we did was to remove the locks so that the toilets are now free!

Should you find any problems with the facilities, please inform us at the parish council office / Sandgate Library: in person, by phone or by email.

In addition to the toilets, the building has an area that has planning permission to turn it into a commercial kiosk. We are inviting expressions of interest from anyone who may like to take this on and we are open to suggestions as to what facilities and services could be provided from the kiosk. For further information, please contact the parish clerk, Amanda Oates. 

Proposed creation of a small Car Park at Sandgate Recreation Ground and Re-shaping of the Dog Run

Sandgate Parish Council wishes to create a car park for up to 10 / 12 cars so as to create a safer environment for users of the Military Road Recreation Ground.

Whilst it is hoped that the majority of users of the park will walk to it, there are occasions when people will drive there and, by creating a car park, it is hoped to lessen the cars being parked on Military Road.

The car park proposals include the re-shaping of the dog run but there will be no significant reduction in its overall size. The dog run will also be fully re-fenced.

A planning application will shortly be submitted to Shepway District Council and Sandgate Parish Council would like to hear what local people think of the plans.

The drawings are available to view at Sandgate Library and any views can be given to Sandgate Parish Clerk by email or in person at Sandgate Library.

Dear Resident

Every year throughout the spring and summer KCC Highways & Transportation receive numerous complaints regarding trees, hedges and other vegetation, which overhang the highway from private property. This matter can pose a number of problems for people trying to use the footways, especially if they are trying to pass with buggies, wheel chairs and scooters.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could ensure that any trees and hedges that are bordering the Highway are maintained and cut back to your boundary which would greatly benefit all Highway users. This will help us all keep the highway safe and prevent the need for KCC Highways & Transportation writing to you requesting that you cut back your vegetation.

So that you are aware of our requirements, please refer to the text below.

If the boundary of your property borders the footway, then please be aware that:

• The full width of the footway/pavement must be available for use by pedestrians.
• As well, there must be a minimum height clearance over the footway/pavement of 2.1 metres / 7 feet for any vegetation.

If the boundary of your property borders the carriageway, then please be aware that:

• If you have vegetation that overhangs into the road, there must be a minimum height clearance of 5 metres / 16 feet, to accommodate buses and HGV’s that may use the road.
•  If your property is rural, then vegetation should be 0.45 metres / 1’6” feet behind the edge of the road and all signs need to be kept clear of foliage for at least 20 metres.

Also, I would ask that you pay special attention to your trees, hedges and vegetation if your property is on or near a junction, and/or inside bend of the road, to maintain maximum visibility for road users.

Finally, I would like to thank you for the time taken to read this article and wish you a pleasant summer. I am looking forward to working with yourselves and your parish to keep the roads as safe and clear as possible.

Highway Steward

Kent County Council Highways & Transportation