If you would like to contact us, please use the following email: saveourpublictoilets@btinternet.com

Meopham Parish Council is acting against the wishes of the majority of its parishioners following numerous polls and actions by residents to keep the Pitfield Green public toilets open. The official parish poll was not well publicised. The poll was only publicised on the Parish Council website, public noticeboards and social medial. No notification letters nor polling cards were issued to individual households. Consequently, many, especially older, villagers were unaware of their right to vote.

HOWEVER, 94% OF THOSE WHO VOTED WANTED THE TOILETS TO BE REOPENED.

The Parish Council is proposing to spend a vast amount of money, unnecessarily, to replace the toilets with a single, unisex facility. It is already in the process of seeking tenders for demolition before the application for the required grant funding has been approved. As the toilets are in a conservation area, there is also a prerequisite to gain planning approval from Gravesham Borough Council to replace them. 

We want to keep our existing public toilets. In our opinion, they were fit for purpose before being closed. The grant funding being applied for could, in our view, be better used to carry out any necessary works to bring them more up to date and compliant.

UPDATE FOLLOWING MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL

At the Full Council meeting on 18th February 2025, the Parish Council was asked to confirm that the existing toilet would not be demolished until funding and full planning permission is approved for the new toilet, or we could be left with no toilets at all.

Many of the Councillors appeared to agree that this would be common sense, and no Councillors stated that they disagreed. 

Following the meeting, the Clerk has stated, ‘A formal agreement to your statement was not agreed, it is simply a representation made during public session that the Councillors received.  Councillors cannot make decisions on anything which is not included on the agenda’.

THE PROPOSED SINGLE-UNIT, ACCESSIBLE TOILET MAY NOT GET APPROVED PLANNING PERMISSION AS IT COULD BE DEEMED TO BE OUT OF KEEPING WITH THE MEOPHAM GREEN CONSERVATION AREA, CRICKET FIELD, WINDMILL, WAR MEMORIAL, PICTURESQUE PUBS AND COTTAGES.

WE WOULD THEN BE LEFT WITH NO TOILETS AT ALL!!

Following the meeting, the Clerk advised of the following:-  

• Following the comments relating to the survey of the toilets, the RICS registered Chartered Surveyor and Barrister has offered to revisit the toilet block now that the shutters have been removed and provide an addendum to the report.  There will be no fee for this revisit.

THE FACT THAT THE CHARTERERD SURVEYOR IS OFFERING TO PROVIDE ‘AN ADDENDUM’ TO THE REPORT, FOR FREE,  FOLLOWING ‘COMMENTS RELATING TO THE SURVEY OF THE TOILETS’ (in our view, those ‘comments’ would have been ‘complaints’) IS, IN OUR OPINION, AN ADMISSION THAT THE FIRST SURVEY WAS, AT THE VERY LEAST, FLAWED. 

WE ARE EXTREMELY UNHAPPY AND HAVE LITTLE FAITH IN THIS SURVEYOR AND WOULD ASK THAT THE PARISH COUNCIL USES AN ALTERNATIVE ONE. A copy of the Surveyor’s report can be seen using the following link:- https://www.meopham-pc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Item%205%20-%20Pitfield%20Green%20Toilets_1.pdf

The Clerk also advised:-

• Two more companies have been approached for quotes for the demolition of the toilet block and the Section 80 Demolition Notice has been submitted. 
• We have also applied for the lottery matched fund grant towards the single-unit accessible toilet and the planning application is in the process of being completed and submitted.
• The Section 80 Demolition Notice was submitted on Friday 14th February 2025.  However, I have received subsequent correspondence dated 19th February 2025 that requires me to submit a site location plan with the building to be demolished highlighted in red, once they have received the outstanding item, the application will be allocated to one of our Building Control Surveyors.
• The Lottery matched fund grant application was Tuesday 4th February 2025.
• The Pitfield Green Toilets were not an agenda item as the majority of Councillors made a decision on the toilets on Tuesday 17th December 2024.  This resolution shall not be reversed within six months except by a special motion, which requires written notice by at least six councillors to be given to the Proper Officer.

 The minute to which the Clerk refers is as below:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR THE DECISION TO DEMOLISH THE TOILETS TO BE ‘REVERSED’, WE ARE SIMPLY ASKING THAT THE TOILETS ARE NOT DEMOLISHED UNTIL FULL GRANT FUNDING AND  FULL PLANNING PERMISSION HAS BEEN APPROVED. 

WHY IS THIS NOT A REASONABLE REQUEST?

The minute also states, ‘…even the supporters of reopening the toilets agreed that most users are identified as non-parishioners’. 

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES ARE JUST THAT, CONVENIENCES FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THE PEOPLE OF MEOPHAM ARE A CARING COMMUNITY AND PROUD TO OFFER TOILET FACILITIES TO ALL WHO NEED THEM, INCLUDING THOSE WHO PROVIDE US WITH THEIR SERVICES. 

From 1st October 2024 there is a new requirement in Part T1 to Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2010 which states:

Toilet accommodation in buildings other than residential must consist of:

• Male and female single-sex toilets
• Or – where space precludes, the provision of single-sex universal toilets
• And – if space allows, universal toilets in addition to single-sex toilets.

To see the Regulations, use this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67167c02d100972c0f4c9b38/ADT_2024.pdf

There is, obviously, enough room for male and female single-sex toilets, we already have them, plus a disabled toilet. 

In addition, there is no stipulation that a replacement toilet has to be of the same size as the existing toilets. There is more than enough space on Pitfield Green to build a larger toilet facility.

WE BELIEVE THAT THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD BE IN BREACH OF THE ABOVE PART T1 TO SCHEDULE 1 OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2010 IF IT WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THE EXISTING TOILETS WITH A SINGLE-UNIT, UNISEX TOILET.

These toilets belong to the people of Meopham. We, the residents, pay for them. The Parish Council are merely custodians whose mandate is to represent the wishes and views of its parishioners. 

If you are a Meopham Parish Councillor reading this, please take a step back and think about why you are so keen to demolish our toilets. 

• Is the building unsafe? 
• Is it about to fall down?
• Did people complain about them??
• Why can’t the grant funding be used to refurbish the toilets?
• The Parish Council have put a sign on the toilets redirecting people to use the toilets in Camer Park, approximately 2 miles away. THOSE TOILETS ARE IN NO BETTER CONDITION THAN THE PITFIELD GREEN TOILETS. Why are those toilets still open?
• The majority of Meopham residents pay between £2,250 and £3,250 in Council Tax and Meopham Parish Council have a proposed budget of £231,000 for 2025/26. The £15,000 per year running costs for the current amenity amounts to LESS THAN £5 PER HOUSEHOLD PER YEAR, OR LESS THAN 1.3 PENCE PER DAY.

WE CAN, AND ARE WILLING TO, PAY THE PRICE FOR A PUBLIC CONVIENENCE, FOR ALL!

Why are you not listening to us?!

......................................................................................................................................................

The public toilets on Pitfield Green in Meopham consists of one men’s toilet cubicle, with washing facilities, one ladies’ toilet cubicle, with washing facilities, and one separate disabled toilet, with washing facilities.

On 1st April 2024, without any prior consultation with residents, Meopham Parish Council closed the toilets.

In response to a news article in Kent Online on 28th January 2025, featuring local residents campaigning against the closure, the Parish Council issued a media statement. The Parish Council stated, 'Meopham Parish Council took the decision to close the public toilets with effect from 1st April 2024, at its budget-setting meeting on 5th December 2023. The decision to close them was taken with eight votes in favour and three against’.

Despite this statement, the minutes of the Full Council meeting on 5th December 2023 do not record anything at all about the toilets nor any mention of them being closed, and there certainly is no such vote recorded.

In June 2024, due to pressure from Meopham residents, a Parish Poll was called, costing approximately £3,000. This poll was not well publicised and most villagers were unaware of their right to vote.

However, 569 residents voted for the toilets to re-open with only 35 residents voting for them to remain closed. This translates to 94% of respondents to the poll wanting to see the toilets re-opened.

On the17th December 2024, at the Full Parish Council Meeting, the surveyor's report was received and his recommendations were:-

Option A:  
The cost is estimated to be: £28,400. 
Scope for: the refurbishment of the existing structure, fabric and modernise installations. 

Option A would only be feasible if the alternative option, to fully rebuild, is considered too costly and only if there would be a management plan to comply with DDAct legislation as the structure and fabric as exists does not comply with current legislation.

Option B: 
The cost is estimated to be: £64,000. 
Scope for: demolition and fully rebuild the toilet provision fully compliant – subject to designs and planning and conservation guidance and approvals. 

Option C: 
Discontinue the provision of toilet provision in this location and repurpose the existing building – unable to set a budget as the alternative use needs to be known and if let to a leaseholder the obligation to fit-out might be put to the incoming leaseholder – with the estimate for a strip-out works package to provide a shell in reasonable structural condition of £12,500.

IT SHOULD BE POINTED OUT THAT THE TOILETS WERE BOTH SEALED AND LOCKED WHEN THE SURVEYOR, Adam Mazalla-Tomlinson, 
Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) from Templar Consultants, ARRIVED ON SITE AND HE WAS, THEREFORE, UNABLE TO GO INSIDE AND CONDUCT AN OFFICIAL SURVEY OF THE INTERIOR. 

The surveyor’s report states, ‘No internal areas were accessible during my survey; however, I am fully aware of the approximate age, condition and standard of fit-out as I have lived in Meopham 30 years and recollect the toilets interior and lack of accessibility’.

The surveyor claimed there were ‘Male and female toilets accessible only to able-bodied persons’ despite the fact that there is obviously a separate disabled toilet, with a large disabled sign clearly visible. 

Has the surveyor ever been inside the ladies' toilets?

ONLY SIX OF THE 12 PARISH COUNCILLORS WERE PRESENT at the Full Parish Council meeting on 17th December 2024,  which, whilst constituting a quorum, was disappointing. They then ALL agreed, with little or no discussion, on an alternative option put forward by the Chair, to demolish the toilets and install a compliant Unisex Accessible Toilet. (Subject to grant funding and Gravesham Borough Council approval due to the site being in a Conservation Area). To be clear, the Parish Council can transact business if a minimum of four councillors present.

The budgeted cost is currently £15,000 for demolition. PLUS £20,000 to £30,000 for the new facility depending on the specification. 

MEOPHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEEDS TO PUBLICLY PROVIDE A FULL SPECIFICATION, FULL COSTINGS, ASSOCIATED SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT FIGURES AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW, SINGLE-UNIT UNISEX FACILITY. BEFORE SUCH INFORMATION IS PROVIDED, WE DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE SUBSTANTIATED COMPARSIONS BETWEEN THE NEW INSTALLATION AND A PARTIAL REFURBISHMENT PLUS ANNUAL RUNNING COSTS.

WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT, IF THE TOILETS WERE TO BE DEMOLISHED, THE PROPOSED MODERN, SINGLE-UNIT TOILET MAY NOT BE IN KEEPING WITH CONSERVATION AREA REQUIREMENTS AND COULD BE REFUSED PLANNING PERMISSION BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. WE MAY THEN BE LEFT WITH NO TOILETS AT ALL. THIS MAY ALSO BE THE CASE IF THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDING IS NOT SUCCESSFUL.

WE WOULD, THEREFORE, URGE MEOPHAM PARISH COUNCIL TO SECURE PLANNING PERMISSION AND GRANT FUNDING BEFORE ANY PROPOSED DEMOLITION TAKES PLACE.

Better still, it would be common sense for the Parish Council to seek and obtain grant funding for the CHEAPER refurbishment option, before demolishing the existing toilets. 

The Parish Council forecast a 50% saving in the running cost of the new facility, equivalent to £7,500 per year.  This is a fraction of the Parish Council’s Proposed 2025 Budget of between £230,000 and £285,000.

(For Budget details go to the Meopham Parish Council website and access Documents and Minutes for 21st Jan 2025, to see where the money is spent). NOTE: COUNCILLORS ARE NOT PAID AND TOTAL EXPENSES ARE ONLY £500.

The previous facility was built around 1957 and has lasted over 65 years. How long do we expect a new automated system to last???  

The often used “KISS”  engineering principle is “KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID"

In April 2024, a UK Government report stated ‘public toilets should have separate facilities for both men and women’ as findings showed over 80% of people DID NOT WANT, single unisex, gender neutral facilities. (To view this report please use this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-lay-new-law-to-halt-the-march-of-gender-neutral-toilets-in-buildings

The 2024-5 Council Tax for the majority of the approximate 3,064 homes in Meopham was between £2,226 for a BAND D home to £3,215 for a BAND F home. 

The current DIRECT RUNNING COST to Meopham households to RETAIN THE TOILETS, open, close, clean them etc. was under £5 PER YEAR. For clarity in 2023 to 2024 the council received £63 per household annually as part of its precept

IN CONCLUSION:-

WE BELIEVE THE BEST AND MOST COST EFFECTIVE OPTION IS TO RETAIN AND REFURBISH THE EXISTING FACILITY, WHICH WILL ALSO BE MORE VISUALLY IN KEEPING WITH ITS POSITION IN A CONSERVATION AREA.

The costs to retain and refurbish may be reduced through the grant funding that the Parish Council are proposing to try to obtain for their more expensive option, in addition to the possible use of local help with the refurbishment – offers to do so have already been forthcoming.

The Pitfield Green Toilets are provided not only for the use of Meopham residents, but also, for all the public and commercial service people who support Meopham residents, including postal workers, refuse collectors, building contractors, internet, gas, electricity and water service providers, bus drivers, and the ever increasing number of online delivery drivers. Not to mention ramblers, people walking children to school, those using the green for leisure and sport, litter pickers, Duke of Edinburgh Award walkers, picnickers, etc., etc…

Where are people supposed to go?? 

WE BELIEVE THIS IS A VERY SMALL COST TO PAY FOR PROVIDING WHAT SHOULD BE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE FOR ANY MODERN DAY, CARING COMMUNITY. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION, AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS TO PREVENT OUR PUBLIC TOILETS FROM BEING DEMOLISHED, WHETHER YOU ARE A RESIDENT OR A PUBLIC/COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVIDER, OR A VISITOR TO OUR VILLAGE. 

We need to demonstrate to Meopham Parish Council how strongly people feel about this issue by getting as much support as possible for our petition.

THE PARISH COUNCIL IS ALREADY, AS OF 7TH FEBRUARY 2025, SEEKING TENDERS FOR DEMOLITION AND WE NEED TO ACT FAST!

PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOU SIGN THE PETITION, YOU WILL BE SENT AN EMAIL WHICH YOU NEED TO OPEN THAT WILL DIRECT YOU BACK TO THE PETITION FOR CONFIRMATION. IF YOU DO NOT DO SO, YOUR NAME WILL NOT BE ADDED.