MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD AT PENCLAWDD COMMUNITY CENTRE
ON THURSDAY 19th JANUARY, 2006 AT 7.00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Councillor R. Cooper
Councillors Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, A. Godfrey, J. Guy, Mrs. S. Davis, G. Nicholls, Mrs. P. Guy, D. Morgan, Ms. J. Birch, R. Griffiths.
135. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Councillors P. Hood-Williams, P. Tucker and T. Snell.
136. TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 13th DECEMBER, 2001:
Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 7.
Councillor Cooper declared an interest in respect of planning applications 2005/2546 and 2005/2554.
137. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT /REMARKS:
The Chairman wished all present a Happy New Year.
138. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th DECEMBER, 2005:
The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 8th December, 2005 were confirmed as a true record.
139. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
140. CLERK’S REPORT:
The Clerk confirmed that the Vice Chair of the Swansea Eisteddfod Committee would address Council at the next meeting.
141. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT /FINANCIAL REPORT:
The accounts as detailed and agreed by the Clerk were passed for payment.
142. COUNCIL PROPERTY, LOTTERY FUNDING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS:
Councillor J. Guy referred to proposed fencing at the football field and moved that this be undertaken extending to half the distance of the width of the pitch in addition to the roadside frontage. He also proposed that the existing fence to the road side be erected along the rear boundary. It was agreed to defer this item to the finance committee.
The Clerk referred to an estimate received for land drainage works at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd. Rainwater running off the spectator’s bank is causing water collection about 5 metres from the touchline. The estimate for undertaking remedial works in 180 metre length was quoted at £1,935 plus VAT. It was agreed unanimously that this work be undertaken. The Clerk also referred to an estimate received for the erection of a fence between the tennis courts and Greenacres. It had been agreed to install this fence as a condition of access from Greenacres to facilitate resurfacing of the courts. The cost was £659.75 plus VAT. This was agreed unanimously. An estimate was received for the provision of a handrail to the centre of the steps of the main entrance to the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd at a cost of £210 plus VAT. This was agreed unanimously.
Details of the City and County of Swansea hanging basket scheme were received. It was agreed that Council proceed with an order for 60 baskets at a cost of £55 each, total £3,300 plus VAT.
Legal advice had been obtained from SLCC concerning access over common land. A right of way may have been acquired by uninterrupted use. The Clerk would seek specific information in support of the claim.
Councillor Mrs. Davis referred to a problem with broken bottles at the Recreation Ground, following discussion it was agreed to monitor the situation for 1 month.
The Clerk advised that Council’s grounds maintenance contractor had offered a ‘drop in’ cricket wicket to be installed at no cost. After discussion, it was agreed that the wicket be installed at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd. Council’s contractor had reported damage to glazing to doors at the rugby pavilion. The Clerk advised that he had instructed the Forge, Penclawdd to undertake security works as far back as last April, but the work had not been undertaken. He would look elsewhere for a contractor.
143. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Applications received from the Local Planning Authority were read out. The applications considered were:
2005/2505; 2005/2526; 2005/2546; 2005/2554; 2005/2570; 2005/2576; 2006/0014; 2006/0047.
Amended plans were received in respect of applications:
2005/1243 – development rear of Old Manse, Gowerton Road, Three Crosses.
2005/2336 – relocation of access, Royal Oak P.H., Penclawdd.
2005/1934 – development at Nurses Corner, Penclawdd.
2005/1854 – re-development, 20, Chapel Road, Crofty.
2005/2432 – extension at Haulwen Villa, 68, Joiners Road, Three Crosses.
Three Crosses Members referred to application 2005/1243 in that the ridge height was excessive and would domineer neighbouring properties.
144. CORRESPONDENCE:
(i) Welsh Assembly – Risk Reduction Planning Guidance for the Fire and Rescue Authorities – Wales a Safer Country – Consultation Document, responses by 31st January. Noted.
(ii) Welsh Assembly – LPA1925 s.194 – proposed cattle grids on various commons, Gower – approved. Noted.
(iii) Martin Caton M.P. – details of surgeries, 2006. Noted.
(iv) West Glamorgan Association of Local Councils – meeting 25th January for member councils to determine the means in which the assets are to be disposed of. The Clerk advised that monies held could be distributed to the 31 member councils or transferred to One Voice Wales.
(v) Community Leadership & Democracy, City and County of Swansea – Council Review of Working with Town and Community Councils – questionnaire to be returned by 30th January. Noted.
(vi) Chief Executive’s Department, City and County of Swansea – hospital transport guides. Noted.
(vii) SCVS Bulletin. Noted.
(viii) National Trust newsletter. Noted.
145. FOOTPATHS:
Councillor Morgan referred to footpath number 59 advising that it was overgrown, very wet and impassable in part.
Councillor Nicholls advised that footpath number 36 had been churned up by off-road bikers and was impassable in part. He advised that control over access was needed, especially Victoria Road end.
146. RECOGNITION OF 50th ANNIVERSARY OF GOWER A.O.N.B.;
Councillor Ms. Birch advised that City and County of Swansea proposed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Gower being created the first A.O.N.B. in Britain. She was a member of the working party looking at schemes to celebrate the event. A conference for representatives of all A.O.N.B.s had been arranged in July at Swansea University. It was agreed to place the matter on the Agenda for the next meeting in order that Members could consider some proposals.
147. DELEGATES REPORTS:
There were no reports.
148. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Mrs. Davis referred to the perennial problem of litter within the villages and the poor appearance of the bank adjacent to Graig Y Coed, which was being damaged by vehicles. Councillor Morgan also referred to litter problems and that statutory bodies were failing to collect road signs on completion of highway projects. Councillor J. Guy said that our City and County Members do not report to meetings on the action that they have taken.
Councillor Cooper advised that a resident of Waun Y Felin had raised safety issues concerning the roundabout at the junction with Gowerton Road. Additional signage and traffic calming measures were needed. There was general discussion, suggesting the roundabouts were dangerous and a hazard to local residents negotiating driveways. It was agreed to ask the City and County of Swansea to reconsider the road layout, the existing was not considered effective.
It was suggested that City and County Members report monthly to this Council on relevant matters. The Members were to be asked for their opinion.
149. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 16th February, 2006 commencing at 7.00.p.m.
…………………….
Chairman