Ilston Community Council

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At a meeting of the Ilston Community Council held at Penmaen and Nicholaston Parish Hall on Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Present:��������������� Councillors Mrs. J. Llewellyn, H. John, V. M. Jones, R. Hanson, P. J. Burgess,������� T. Beynon, N. Hollett, Mrs. J. A. Griffiths, W. J. Harris, W. Anderson

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In the Chair:����� Councillor Mrs. J. Llewellyn.

As this was the first meeting in 2006, the Chairman wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

1.������� Apologies for Absence.

����������� Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John.

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2.������� Minutes.

The minutes for the meeting held on 30 November 2005 were read, confirmed and signed as a true record.

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3.������� Matters Arising.

On para (b) Matters prior to commencement of meeting.� Noted letter dated 22/12/05 from Highway Authority in relation to traffic problems on Penmaen Hill, particularly following the recent fatality.� The Police are currently investigating the circumstances and this Council�s comments will be taken into account in further discussions with the Police.��� Also a letter dated 13.12/05 from Wyn Edwards, County Fire Commander, C & C of Swansea, merely referring to the fact that the Highway Authority are the responsible body for such matters.

�������������������� Agreed that this matter be referred to Councillor P. Burgess and the Clerk to take up with Gwyn Evans, Group (Traffic) Leader, and Jeff Green who is responsible for road safety and, if necessary, to see if a meeting could be arranged so that problems could be discussed on the spot.

�������������������� Further noted letter from member of the public, Mr. E. Humphreys of Penmaen, regarding the problems on Penmaen Hill.

On 3.3.7(a) Fly Tipping.� Noted matter ongoing with Councillor R. Hanson.

On 3.9(b) Bryncoch Farm, Fairwood.� Noted letter dated 11 January 2006 and that a Planning Contravention Notice has been served.� A response is required by 20 January 2006 after which the Planning Authority will write again.

On 5 Report by Councill V. Jones on 4 Lunnon Close, Lunnon.� Noted letter 3/1/06 Planning Department, C & C of Swansea, stating that at present there is no breach of planning control.� Planning Department will continue to monitor the site and advise the owner if at any stage planning permission would be required.

On 6 Letter from the Leader, C & C of Swansea � Outstanding Matters.� Noted letter dated 5 December 2005 from the Leader, stating that the matters referred to would be taken up and further contact with the Council will be made in due course.

On 8(a) Highway Problems.� Noted letter dated 17/1/06 from the Highway Authority stating matters in hand.� Clerk stated that one matter did not appear to have been addressed and that was signs at Nicholaston Church.� The Cerk agreed to further this and report back.

4.����������� Reports from Members

����������� The Chairman reported on the meeting she attended on 16 January 2006 at Swansea Museum regarding the Gower Exhibition at the Museum on the occasion of the anniversary of 50 years as an AONB.� The meeting was held to discuss the way forward.�� Photographs and articles from the past were required and Members would liaise with the Chairman on this.� The Chairman was thanked for her report.�

The Chairman stated that unfortunately she was unable to attend the Police meeting on 13/1/06 at the New Stadium, Swansea.

5.����������� Planning Applications.

����������� The weekly lists were received.

����������� Applications dealt with by the Planning Sub-Committee.

a)�������� Application No. 2005/2464

Location: Parsonage House, Nicholaston.

Proposal: Side conservatory and detached garage.

Applicants: Mr. & Mrs. A. Wilmott

Agreed to raise no objection.

b)�������� Application No. 2005/2566

Location: Silverstone, Penmaen.

Proposal: Addition of new roof to existing garage.

Applicant: Mr. A. Harrison.

Agreed to raise no objection provided that the intention is to use the structure solely as a garage.

c)�������� Application No. 2004/1953

����������� Amended Plan letter dated 5.12.05, Penmaen Farm House and Jasmine Cottage, Penmaen.

Proposal: Two single-storey rear extensions and detached single garage (amended description).

Noted single garage is to replace original double.� As before, agreed by Members that the granting of extensions would detract from the unique external character of this pre-1840 structure.� Lounge/extension evoked strong criticism and is rejected.

����������� Council confirmed the Sub-Committee�s actions.

d)�������� Application No. 2005/2632

Location: Furzehill Farm, Ilston.

Proposal: Demolition of existing barns and construction of one dwelling with attached garage, workshop and storage area.

Applicants: Mr. & Mrs. A. D. Fletcher.

Agreed to object on the grounds as set out in Area 2 Development Control Committee�s report dated 11 January 2005 (Item 44).

e)�������� Application No. 2005/2671

Location: Foresters House, Penmaen.

Proposal: Two-storey side extension with side dormer and detached garage.

Applicants: Mr. & Mrs. M. Jones.

Agreed to object on the grounds that the design in size and form is completely unsuited to the location.

(f)������� Application No. 2005/2225

����������� Amended Plans letter dated 13.1.06, Kenilworth, Penmaen.

Proposal: Retention of pitched roof to detached garage.��

Agreed to raise no objection provided attic to be used for storage only.� If any change is envisaged, Planning Authority must be informed.

(g)������� Application No. 2004/1953

����������� Amended Plans letter dated 20 January 2006.� Penmaen Farm House and Jasmine Cottage, Penmaen

Proposal: Two single-storey rear extensions and detached single garage.

Agreed matter be referred to Planning Sub-Committee.

Area 2 Development Control Committee Agenda and papers for 6th and 20th December 2005 and 3rd, 17th and 24th January 2006 were handed to Councillor H. John.

6.�������� To consider the Precept for 2006/2007

Noted letter dated 23/4/05 from Finance Department (reported to meeting on 30 November 2005) regarding the precept for 2006/2007, and that the tax base for this Council was 316 Band �D� equivalent properties.

Further noted the precept for this year as �1,754.50 (319 Band �D� x �5.50) and there had been an increase in the precept of 50p to �5.50 from the previous precept of �5 (year ended 31 March 2005).

Expenditure to date is �1,797 and there is an estimated �250 further expenditure to the 31st March 2006 which would total an estimated �2,050 for the year (�200 over the income for the year).

The current account stands at �471.42 and the deposit account at �1,553.

Council had reduced the precept for �6 to �5 for the year ended 31st March 2003, the precept having stood at �6 since 1998 on the basis that the deposit account could be reduced, and since the reduction in the precept expenditure has been above income as follows:

����������� ������� ������� March 2003 �200������� March 2004 �350������� March 2005 �320

�������� Further noted the large increases in insurance premiums, the considerable increase in rent for the Parish Hall, one-off expenditure on a Newsletter (with possible further expenditure in two years� time) and now expenditure on the website.

����������� The clerk stated it would not be wise to reduce the deposit account to a minimal amount, as Councils were expected to have sufficient funds to cover unexpected expenditure from time to time, over and above income from the precept, notwithstanding that every effort should be made to estimate as near as possible the expenditure for the ensuing financial year at the time that the precept was made.

����������� After prolonged debate it was finally resolved that it was reasonable to increase the precept by �2, i.e. 316 Band �D� properties x �7.50 = �2,370.

����������� In conclusion Members felt that in future a small increase in the precept may be necessary each year.

7.������� Correspondence.

����������� Received and noted:-

a)�������� The Planning Inspectorate Cardiff letter dated 19 January 2006 Govt. View Proposed Licence Dredging, Helwick Bank (Llanelli Sand Dredging Ltd) � Inspector to consider issues � representations by 2nd March 2006 � hearing or public inquiry.� Agreed Inspectorate be informed that this Council favours a public inquiry.

b)�������� WA Cardiff letter 3 January 2006 Law of Property Act 1925 Section 194 � Proposed cattle grids, fencing and related works on various Gower Commons � papers to Councillor R. Hanson in first instance.

c)������� Gower Community Council�s Website � this Council�s entitlement.

d)�������� C & C of Swansea Agenda � Community Councils Forum, 10 January 2006.�

e)�������� C & C of Swansea letter, 15 December 2005, Council review of working with Community/Town Councils � forms given to Members for completion.

f)������� Letter dated 18/1/06 � The Local Channel � regarding website.

g)�������� One Voice Wales letter 19/1/05.� Copy of Planning Handbook � to Councillor Tom Beynon in first instance and then Councillor H. John.

h)������� Peninsula NT Newsletter Gower Vol. 7 No.4 Dec.05.

i)��������� WA letter dated 19/1/06.� Borrowing by Community Councils Loan Sanctions for 2006/2007.

j)��������� WA letter 23 January 2006 � Local Govt. Partnership Scheme Annual Report 2004/05.� Copy to Chairman and Councillor J. Harris in first instance.

k)�������� C & C of Swansea letter 18/1/06 re membership of the Better Swansea Alliance.� Agreed to continue membership.

l)��������� WA letter December 05, Risk Reduction Planning (RRP).� Guidance for the Fire & Rescue Authorities � Wales a Safer Country � papers to Councillor V. Jones in first instance.

m)������� WA letter from First Minister and Public Health Strategy Division re Health Challenge Wales � Newsletter, Issue 1.

n)������� Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2006, Issue 43.

o)������� Swansea College Tycoch � Swansea Colleges Winter/Spring Edition of P/T Courses � to Chairman in first instance.

p)�������� CE of C & C of Swansea letter 21.12.05 � Hospital Transport Guides � to Members.

q)�������� The Voice � One Voice Wales � Newsletter, Vol. 1, August 2005.

r)������� SCUS Issue 48, Nov/Dec 2005 and Annual Report 2004/05 � to Councillor Hollett in first instance.

s)������� Kidney Wales Foundation � financial appeal.

t)������� Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod � financial appeal.

u)�������� Play for Wales, Issue 17, Winter 2005.

v)������� Various equipment brochures.

8.�������� Any Other Business

(a) Highway Problems

������� 1. Flooding and potholes, Furzehill Green/Willoxton Cross through Furzehill down to Ilston and from Pengwern to Lunnon (Lunnon Road).

2. Road from Nicholaston Cross past Nicholaston Grange to end of tarmac needs resurfacing and building up of edges.

3. Road to Heritage Centre, Parkmill near �Underwood� and the ford � bad potholes.

4. Loose stones � roadside Kilvrough.�

Agreed above matters be taken up with the Highway Authority..

(b)������� Sewage � Penmaen Pumping Station.� Noted seepage into local watercourse due to lack of maintenance.� Agreed matter be taken up with Welsh Water and the Environment Agency.

(c)������� Date of Next Meeting

����������� Noted date as 22/2/06 at 7.30 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.

Chairman.