St. Fagans Community Council
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday9thApril2018
at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
Present:CouncillorsJ. Hughes (Chairman)
A. Gaughan, J. Griffiths, F. Lewis, L. Manley,
T. Pallier, C. Price & R. Williams.
In Attendance:County CouncillorG. Thomas
ClerkD. Barnard
Apologies:Councillor:C. Edwards.
The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present.
18.04.01 – Declaration of Interests
None were declared.
18.04.02 – Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12thMarch2018
Members approved the Minutes and the Chairman signed them accordingly.
18.04.03 – Matters arising from the Minutes (not included elsewhere on the Agenda)
There were none.
18.04.04 – Police Matters & Neighbourhood Watch
The Clerk confirmed that the usual invitations had been sent, but he had received no communication from Ely or Fairwater stations on this occasion. He had also sent several requests for information about the burglary at Old Mill Cottage but without any success.
The Chairman reported that he and Cllr. Pallier had walked around the Westfield Park area. Off-road bikes are a continuing nuisance on Plymouth Estate land and appear to be using Westfield Park as apoint of access. A worse scenario is that the public have seen three males arrive in a black BMW and walk around the area with rifles, shooting at birds of prey. He described it as an accident waiting to happen, adding that some individuals are quite aggressive. He opined that this cannot be allowed to continue. It is a lovely park, but residents are frightened to use it. Furthermore, the amount of litter, much of it on Council land, is disgraceful. After a brief discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Police Inspector at Ely, with copies to Chris Hyde and Cardiff Council, requesting a site meeting.
Cllr. Lewis reported that the leaflets for the ‘Red Mana’ operation and ‘Beat the Burglar’, had been received and distributed.
18.04.05 – Community projects
The Clerk had circulated a schedule of the ongoing projects with comments from Matt Wakelam (MW).
The Chairman summarised the current position on the various projects as follows:
a) Parc Rhydlafar.
Some action is happening at theroundabout. Slating and planting to be done.
Cardiff Council won’t place more bins inside the Park. Cllr. Lewis proposed that the Community Council buy and install one by the picnic benches and arrange to empty it ourselves. Cllr. Price seconded the proposal and it was agreed accordingly. The Clerk was asked to obtain prices.
The dog fouling signs are in hand.
Information plaque – The Clerk reported that he was having difficulty getting quotes. Cllr. Williams offered to help.
Basketball hoop – MW advised that funding is to be considered.
b) Westfield Park:
Welcome sign – the Clerk reported that 4 copies of an Ordnance Survey map were required and the full fee of £380 applied. It was agreed that this be progressed, the sign to be sited on the right-hand side grassed area on Celandine Road.
Dog fouling & waste bins – Chairman to progress this.
Kissing gates at the entrances to the recreation area.MW advised that motorcycle gates are at these locations but will review. The Chairman said that something better is needed.
c) the Village:
Speed awareness signs – installation to be completed in May.
Four new street signs – details sent to MW. Clerk to follow up.
Proposed ‘Welcome’ signs – agreed to put on hold.
Old signal box at the railway crossing - Clerk has contacted Network Rail. Awaiting response.
St Mary’s Church footpath. Pending details from Peggy.
Footpath outside the Church wall – Chairman still waiting for quote. Cllr. Manley suggested some stone dust be used to fill the worst parts as an interim measure. Chairman to progress.
Footpath behind St Fagans Drive where trees are overgrown. Cllr. Lewis to respond to email from Cardiff Council to clarify location.
Road works signs – Cllr. Griffiths to arrange removal.
The road surface in the Plymouth Arms car park. Landlord has this in hand.
Defibrillator – Clerk to request dates for training.
Openreach box bits & pieces. Clerk has reported this to Openreach. Awaiting response.
Lay-by opposite Quarry Cottages. Cllr. Williams advised that the drainage issue needs to be resolved before any white line painting.
Lay-by on Cardiff Road.Gullies have been cleansed but the drain is blocked. Work to continue.
Junction of Crofft-Y-Genau and Cardiff Roads – safety concerns. Clerk to send details to MW.
d) Other areas.
Michaelston Road – rubbish, etc. MW says Cardiff Council can clear. Members discussed the land at the back of the new houses, where it is suggested a pathway to the Village may be created. Cllr. Price suggested that Network Rail be asked for details of its next planned closure of the railway crossing so that a clean-up can be arranged simultaneously. Clerk to write and send a copy to County Cllr. Thomas.
Michaelston Road – condition of walls. Responsibility of owners. Clerk to contact Cooke & Arkwright.
The Chairman reported that he had attended a meeting of the Village Hall Association on 13th March. The next meeting is on 1st May that will be the last he attends, followed by the AGM on 22nd May. The deadline for copy in the next St Fagans News is 22nd April. He reported that Redrow Homes will be placing an advertisement in it. A brief discussion about that ensued.
A complaint had been received regarding the collection and delivery of the Spring issue of St Fagans News. Cllr. Lewis explained what had happened and questioned whether the Council should continue to assist with delivery, etc., asking ‘do we get anything out of it?’. She expressed the view that the Council needs its own newsletter now. Members discussed the time-lag between preparing articles for the magazine and it actually reaching its readers. The question of whether or not to continue to support the magazine with the inclusion of Council information and news was put to a vote. Four Members were in favour, one was against and three abstained. Continued support was agreed accordingly. It was proposed and agreed that the Council’s content in the magazine should just be of a general nature and a separate Council newsletter would be issued, with specific emphasis on the LDP issue and the concerns Members have on the impact on services. The Clerk agreed to prepare and circulate an initial draft for comments.
18.04.06 – Planning
a) Cardiff LDP / North West Cardiff Group
The Chairman advised that a meeting of the NWCG will take place on Wednesday.
The Clerk had circulated a seven-page reply from Paul Carter, Head of Transport at Cardiff Council, in response to Members’ concerns about traffic congestion. Cllr. Griffiths said that some points made in the letter were common sense, but some of the facts quoted were hard to believe. The Chairman suggested that all Members submit their comments on the letter to the Clerk so that a further response can be considered.
Reference was made to comments from Andrew Davies, AM about the traffic issues in Cardiff, expressing the same concerns as those of the Council. Members agreed that he should be invited to the next Council meeting and, if he is available to attend, to invite Mark Drakeford, AM as well.
Cllr. Lewis drew attention to a letter from the Partners of Fairwater Health Centre expressing concern at what they see as a threat to their services as a direct result of the increase in population from the new housing developments. No additional funding is available to expand the practice, but they have a contractual obligation to take on new residents.
b) Redrow / Plasdwr planning application
The Chairman and Cllr. Lewis had attended the latest drop-in session at which Katie Powis had talked about the importance of community engagement. Various applications continue to come in.
c) Other Planning Applications
The Clerk gave details of the following planning applications:
New:
18/00514/MJR – Land to the north of M4 J33: D of C 33 (Trees) of 14/00852/DCO.
18/00515/MJR – Land to the north of M4 J33: D of C 16 (Biodiversity) of 14/00852/DCO.
18/00518/MNR – Land, part of Trewen Farm, Rhydlafar: Construct a new access track to existing farmyard, demolish dilapidated farm buildings, etc.
18/00587/MJR – Land N/S of Llantrisant Road: Amendments to D of C 19 (Environmental management).
18/00617/DCH – 1, St Fagans Drive: Erection of Larch-clad garden room. Cllr. Lewis advised that some residents were likely to object to this application, but she didn’t think there were any grounds to do so.
18/00013/MNR – 30 Minute workout, Rhydlafar Drive: Signage.
18/00634/MJR – Plasdwr: D of C 39 (Radyr Golf Course interface strategy) of 14/02733/MJR.
18/00696/MJR – M4 Junction 33: Approval of various conditions re 14/00852/DCO.
Decided:
17/02375/MJR – Land to the north of M4 J33: D of C 35 (Construction Environmental Management Plan: Biodiversity) of 14/00852/DCO. Withdrawn by applicant.
18/00293/DCH – 3, Butterbur Place: Two-storey side extension. Permission granted.
17/02548/MNR – The Court Nursing Home: Internal alterations. Permission granted.
17/02844/MJR – Goitre Fach Farm, Llantrisant Road: Reserved matters for outline planning permission 16/00106/MJR for 18 residential units. Permission granted.
18.04.07 – Environmental Matters
a) Highways / Lighting / Traffic Concerns
The Chairman reported on the condition of Michaelston Road that is getting worse.
Cllr. Williams reported that the area around the road narrowing at the cricket ground had been cleaned.
The Clerk had circulated a letter from Graeme Morgan opposing any proposal for road humps through the Village. Members discussed the question of whether a 20mph limit should be implemented through the Village and also the problem of parking along Crofft-y-Genau Road and whether double yellow lines should be considered. No decision was taken.
b) StreetCleansing / Litter
Cllr. Lewis reported on the successful litter-pick on the weekend of 24th / 25thMarch.
c) Council’s land at the railway line
Cllr. Lewis commented that there was no weed growth at present. No other issues were raised.
d) Other environmental issues
Cllr. Pallier questioned whether the definitive map of all Public Rights of Way in St Fagans had been received. The Clerk advised that although a copy of the map is still awaited, he had sent details of the one leading from Westfield Park to Cllr. Pallier by email.He agreed to send it again.
18.04.08 – Members’ allowances – Report of the Independent Review Panel
The Clerk had circulated a report detailing the allowances for 2018/19. The Council must make a specific resolution as to whether or not to adopt the allowances. The Chairman proposed that the allowances approved in 2017/18 be continued. This was seconded by Cllr. Price and resolved accordingly.
18.04.09 – Wales National History Museum / St Fagans Castle
The Clerk reported that Bethan-Aur Lewis had informed him that a Thanksgiving service for the Earl of Plymouth would be held on 21st May and that the Museum would be flying its flags at half-mast as a mark of respect. Members agreed that the Council’s flag should also be flown at half-mast on that day. Cllr. Griffiths to arrange.
18.04.10 – One Voice Wales
The Chairman reported that he and Cllr. Lewis had attended a meeting of the Panel that is reviewing Town & Community Councils in Wales. The Council’s response to the Panel’s four specific questions had been completed and sent.
The Chairman advised there were a number of other issues that he wanted to bring to Members’ attention, including the question ‘Do we represent the community properly?’ but he decided, in view of the time, to defer that until the next meeting.
18.04.11– Correspondence and other communications
The Clerk reported on the following:
14/03/18 – SLCC: Joint Wales Conference 16th May. (JH & LM to attend)
20/03/18 – OVW / WG: Creating a Parliament for Wales.
21/03/18 – WG: Green Paper – Strengthening local government: Delivering for People. c/d 12th June.
21/03/18 – Wales Audit Office: Survey of how well councils work together. c/d 6th April.
22/03/18 – Cardiff Council: Alleyway Naming Scheme.
22/03/18 – Pentyrch CC: Cardiff’s Transport and Clean Air Green Paper. Consultation c/d 1st July.
27/03/18 – OVW / Fields in Trust: Active Spaces Grants Programme.
27/03/18 – Peggy Jackson: St Mary’s Church April newsletter.
03/04/18 – Wales Farm Garden: Vision 21 project – Fairwater 18th April.
03/04/18 – Bethan Aur (Museum): Earl of Plymouth Thanksgiving Service, 21st May at Bromfield.
03/04/18 – OVW / Cardiff & Vale UHB: Outcome of consultation re Major Trauma Network.
04/04/18 – OVW / Auditor General: The importance of external audit.
Cllr. Griffiths referred to the Alleyway Naming Scheme and said he thought it was a good idea as there are a number of such paths, etc. around the community. It was agreed that all Members should bring any ideas on this to the next meeting.
The Chairman referred to the proposed redevelopment of the tennis club and said that it is currently on hold. Details of a lease for the premises are currently being discussed with Cooke & Arkwright.
The Chairman advised that a consultation is taking place on a Draft Transport Strategy drawn up by Rhondda Cynon Taff. Cardiff Council had not informed the community councils of this consultation and he had only become aware of it from colleagues in the Vale of Glamorgan. He thanked Cllr. Lewis for drafting a response to the consultation that has now been sent in.
The Chairman also commented on the message from the Auditor General on the importance of external audit that he considered was a useful paper. He also referred to the survey by the Wales Audit Office seeking information on how well councils work together and confirmed that this had been completed and submitted in consultation with the Clerk.
18.04.12 – Finance
a) Requests for Financial Assistance.
The Clerk advised that no new requests had been received.
b) Clerk’s salary from 1st April 2018, gratuity, etc.
The Clerk had circulated a report setting out details of his salary, taxation arrangements, mileage allowance, gratuity and working hours. Members approved the continuation of his salary of £6,332 from 1st April2018, together with the other terms and conditions.
c) Monthly Report / Payment Approvals
The Clerk had circulated the monthly finance report (as annexed hereto), which was approved by the Council.The Clerkadvised thatthe following items, including the annual membership fee for OVW and a donation to the National Eisteddfods that had been approved last month, were nowdue for payment:
One Voice WalesAnnual membership fee 290.00
National EisteddfodDonation 100.00
D. BarnardSalary & expenses1,461.57
J. HughesExpenses March 121.05
XLNLandline / Broadband(Apr.) 40.68 (DD)
Members approved these payments and signed the cheques, etc. accordingly.
d) Budget monitoring 4th quarter
The Clerk had circulated a schedule showing the receipts and payments for the 4th ¼ together with the expected totals for the year showing a small excess of payments over receipts. The final accounts would be brought to the June meeting with the Annual Return, following the internal audit. The schedule also included the bank reconciliation as at 31st March that was verified to the bank statement by the Chairman.
e) Statistics
The schedule of attendance and web site statistics was noted.
18.04.13 – Date & Time of Next Meeting
As agreed at the March meeting, the next meeting together with the AGM will be held on Thursday 3rd May. After a brief discussion it was agreed to hold the AGM at 6.30pm with the monthly Council meeting to follow. Cllr. Manley gave her apologies as she is unable to attend on that day. Cllr. Williams advised that he might also be unable to attend.
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The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting closed at 9.15pm.
Confirmed as a correct record…...……………………..Chairman…...………….Date
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