St Fagans Community Council

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday 29th September 2014

at 7.00pm in the St. Fagans Village Hall

Present: Councillors T. Pallier (Chairman)

J. Griffiths, J. Hughes, F. Lewis & C. Price.

In Attendance: Police PC H. Thomas

Clerk D. Barnard

Apologies: Councillors S. Chedzoy, B. Critcher & M. Parry

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

278.10.01 – Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 1st September 2014

Members approved the Minutes and the Chairman signed them accordingly.

278.10.02 – Matters arising from the Minutes

No matters were raised.

278.10.03 – Police Reports & Neighbourhood Watch

The Chairman welcomed PC Thomas and invited him to speak to the Council. PC Thomas distributed copies of his report on matters arising since the last meeting. Only one crime had been reported – a domestic related theft. Cllr. Price mentioned a recent crime at The Old Post House and agreed to give details to PC Thomas.

PC Thomas referred to parking problems in the Village when events are held at the Museum, the most recent concerns relating to the Food Festival on 6/7th September. Cllr. Lewis showed some photographs of the problems in Greenwood Lane and the Plymouth Arms car park. Quite a long discussion ensued about the fact that Greenwood Lane is a private road, whether signs should be put up to inform people, and whether signs should be put up at the entrances to the car park to advise people that it is only for users of the Plymouth Arms, the Old Post House, the Church and the Village Hall. No specific action was agreed.

PC Thomas referred to the concerns about speeding traffic and advised that mobile speed cameras are available but the only place where they can be safely used is near the cricket club. Cllr. Hughes reminded PC Thomas that he and other Councillors had volunteered to attend a training course on using the mobile cameras. PC Thomas advised that there had not been enough interest from elsewhere to run the course. The option of installing solar powered signs that display drivers’ speed was discussed but it was pointed out that they need planning permission and are quite expensive.

Cllr. Griffiths reported that he had recently phoned 101 to report off-road bikes in Plymouth Woods. His phone call had been returned the following day but he was asked questions about the bikes and riders that he couldn’t answer. The Chairman referred to an off-road bike incident on a main road. PC Thomas advised that only trained traffic officers are allowed to pursue; other police officers have to ‘phone in such incidents and the inspector makes a decision about what action, if any, is taken.

No other matters were raised. PC Thomas confirmed that police officers would continue with the police surgery on the last Wednesday of the month. The Chairman thanked PC Thomas for his attendance, at which point he left the meeting.

278.10.04 – Village Association

Cllr. Lewis referred to the loan from the Council and apologised that, although a proposed schedule of repayments had been discussed by the Association, she didn’t have it with her. It was agreed to defer this matter and a decision in relation to the insurance arrangements until the next Council meeting.

278.10.05 – Planning

a) Cardiff LDP

Cllr. Hughes referred to a recent meeting with representatives of Redrow and said that the main topic of discussion was infrastructure. He added that two planning applications have now been submitted by the company – one for 630 dwellings on either side of Llantrisant Road near Radyr , and the other for 290 dwellings off Pentrebane Road. There is provision for cycle routes and transport within the developments but nothing new outside. There seemed to be an acceptance that the Community Council will not agree with the plans. One of the suggestions is that part of Crofft-y-Genau Road will be closed. There is great emphasis on public transport and a priority bus route for Llantrisant Road. Overall it is a 20 year project with provision for 30% social housing, together with playing facilities, etc. Cllr. Hughes expressed the view that the planning applications will probably be approved. Copies of the relevant documents have been requested and a further meeting is planned. He added that he thought that Radyr Council may have given up the fight.

The Clerk had circulated details of the Inspector appointed for the Examination and the Pre-Hearing meeting to be held in December. Members agreed that the Council should attend the meeting and the Clerk was asked to reserve places accordingly.

Members raised the suggestion from Cllr. Parry that posters should be erected around the area. After some discussion it was agreed to produce some leaflets to distribute to drivers setting out the proposals for development in the area and the likely implications. The Clerk was asked to draw up a draft for consideration, to include contact details of the relevant Cabinet Member and local Assembly Member.

The Chairman referred to the meeting with the Chairmen of Radyr and Pentyrch Councils to discuss the sharing of the costs of the North West Group. Pentyrch Council was under the impression that Radyr had agreed that they would contribute 33%. St Fagans had now paid £407.11, being 25% of the costs incurred to date, but the Chairman had made it clear that it is only willing to contribute 15% (based on the tax base) of costs going forward. The Clerk advised that he considered the tax base to be the most equitable basis of apportionment and if accepted, Radyr would pay 45.4% and Pentyrch 39.6%.

Cllr. Hughes advised that at the last meeting of the Group, Radyr had confirmed that it had made budgetary provision of £5,000 towards LDP costs, but Pentyrch had made no provision at all. He expressed some concern that the costs to date are essentially those of the Clerk of the Group who works closely with Kay Powell, but there is no control over what they do. In his opinion there should not be a great deal of work going forward and individual Councils will be doing their own work relevant to their respective areas. He agreed that St Fagans should not pay 33%.

b) Museum Development Plans

The Clerk reported that Bethan Lewis had informed him that the contracts have not yet been signed and a date for the proposed meeting is still awaited.

c) Planning Application at Clos-Y-Cwarra

The Clerk advised that this development is still awaiting the S106 agreement.

d) Other Planning Applications

The Clerk gave details of the following planning applications notified in the four weeks ending 26th September:

New:

14/02155/DCH – 14, Nant Y Gwladys: Two-storey side extension and garage. No comments.

Decided:

14/01322/DCH – 8, Windsor Clive Drive: Hip to gable loft conversion with dormers to rear; garage moved forward with accommodation to first floor to fit. Permission granted.

Withdrawn:

None.

Other Planning issues:

Re: Clive House, Crofft-Y-Genau Road. The Clerk had received a further messages from D. Braund, Planning Officer, advising that it would be years rather than months before any action would be considered regarding compliance with the planning permission. Cllr. Griffiths reported that he thought there had been some progress but questioned whether the owner had left the premises.

Cllr. Hughes reported that he had asked the Clerk to make enquiries about the new housing development off Cwrt Y Cadno. The Clerk confirmed that he had done so and was waiting for a response from the planning officer.

278.10.06 – Community Review

The Clerk confirmed that proposals were planned to be considered at the October Council meeting. Members asked the Clerk to contact Christine Salter to ask whether the Community Council could be informed of the proposals to be put to the Cabinet.

278.10.07 – Environmental Matters

a) Highways / Lighting / Traffic Concerns

The Clerk confirmed that he had contacted Cardiff Council regarding the reported traffic survey on Michaelston Road and was awaiting a response. He had also raised with the Council the question of imposing a width restriction on Michaelston Road. The Council has agreed to investigate this as part of its investigation into road safety issues.

Cllr. Hughes reported that he had spoken to the occupier of Maes Y Llech Farm. He was told that a survey team had been to the Farm, presumably from Redrow. One Voice Wales are looking at the legal aspects in relation to bats and dormice, etc., and to investigate whether there are any relevant EU laws.

Cllr. Griffiths referred to the hedge between Nos. 3 & 4 St Fagans Drive and confirmed that it had been cut back. Members discussed the concerns about the overgrown shrubs at No. 1, St Fagans Drive that impair visibility when turning out onto Crofft-Y-Genau Road. It was agreed that the Clerk should refer the matter to the Highways Division.

The Clerk had circulated information from Cllr. Chedzoy regarding a petition for a speed limit on Llantrisant Road following a recent accident.

The Clerk had also circulated information from Cardiff Council regarding planned resurfacing works on parts of Crofft-Y-Genau Road and Michaelston Road. Noted.

b) Street Cleansing / Litter

Cllr. Lewis reported that the recent litter pick around the Village had been very successful. It had been necessary to hire a skip for which payment would be due. Noted and approved.

c) Village Walkabout

The Clerk reported that Cardiff Council had acknowledged his request for various matters (clearing gullies, repairing bollards, etc.) to be attended to and would respond in due course. No other action was proposed at this time.

d) Other environmental issues

The Clerk had circulated a reply from Chris Hyde on various matters including a plan showing the extent of the Plymouth Estates’ ownership of Greenwood Lane. The matter relating to the land next to Radcliffe Lodge was discussed and Cllr. Lewis agreed to speak again to the owners. With regards to the old garages near Penhefyd Farmhouse, Mr Hyde said he understood they were to be upgraded at some point in the future. Mr Hyde had also arranged for a dead tree on Cardiff Road to be felled.

Cllr. Griffiths referred to the land next to the flats on Castle Hill that the Council is seeking to take into its ownership. He commented on the proposal to erect a low level fence and said he would try to progress that.

Cllr. Chedzoy had reported concerns about dog fouling and broken glass on the children’s play area at Parc Rhydlafar. The Clerk confirmed that he had reported this to Cardiff Council. Cllr. Lewis said there had also been reports of youngsters using the park for parties, etc. at night and causing a disturbance. The Clerk was asked to request PC Thomas to arrange an occasional patrol of that area.

278.10.08 – Wales National History Museum / St Fagans Castle

Members commented again on the parking problems during the food festival. The Clerk was asked to contact Bethan Davies with a view to an early meeting to discuss this and other issues. Members referred to the drinking trough on Castle Hill, the condition of the Castle wall where a tree is growing and two patches of Japanese knotweed.

278.10.09 – One Voice Wales

Cllr. Hughes reported that he had attended a meeting of OVW in Builth Wells. The question of membership fees had been discussed and a formula is to be looked at using either council precepts or tax base. The overall question of funding was discussed and the problems caused by a reduction in funding from the Welsh Government.

Cllr. Hughes confirmed that the Annual Conference and AGM would be held on Saturday 4th October, at which a new Chairman would be elected.

278.10.10 – Correspondence and other communications

The Clerk reported on the following:

a) Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations. The Clerk had circulated details of this review on which comments are invited. The only issue of concern is that electors living south of the railway are required at present to vote at the Village Hall, necessitating a journey via Michaelston Road and the railway crossing. The Chairman made the point that it does encourage people to come to the Village, but it was agreed that a request should be made for a polling station south of the railway. In the absence of any suitable buildings, the only option would seem to be a portacabin sited at either the entrance to Westfield Park, or somewhere on Falconwood Drive. Members stressed that they want the polling station to be situated within the St Fagans community area and not elsewhere. The Clerk was asked to submit these comments to Cardiff Council.

b) Cricket Club. The Clerk had circulated an email from David Harris informing the Council that St Fagans had won the 1st XI League and are promoted back to the South Wales Premier League. He thanked the Council for supporting the Club. Members expressed their pleasure at the Club’s success and asked the Clerk to send the Council’s congratulations to the Club.

c) Other:

Cardiff Northwest Neighbourhood Partnership – Weekly updates

08/09/14 – Came & Company autumn newsletter – circulated for information.

09/09/14 – Welsh Government: Support for business in the community – September campaign.

19/09/14 – Ocean Community Services: Advising the Council that New House on St Bride’s Road is set to reopen as a care home in late October for six young people, over eighteen, with autistic spectrum condition. Noted.