At a meeting of the Ilston Community Council held at Penmaen and Nicholaston Parish Hall on Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Present:            Councillors Mrs. J. A. Griffiths, R. Church, W. J. Anderson, Mrs. J. Llewellyn,   Mrs. F. Owen-John and N. Hollett.

1.       Apologies for Absence.

          Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rodney Hanson, Vivian Jones,       Peter Burgess, T. A. Beynon (North Hills) and T. Beynon (Nicholaston).

2.       Minutes.

          The minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2009 were read, confirmed and signed as a true record.       

3.       Matters Arising.

On 3.4      Shed at The Forge, Cartersford.  Noted that the Clerk had spoken to Rhodri Williams who confirmed that the matter was still ongoing, but should be concluded in a few weeks’ time.

On 3(7)    Waste & dog-litter bins, Ilston Community Area.   Noted this matter was now in hand with the Environmental Health Department.

On 3(6)    Community Council Website Fees.   Noted Chairman (who was absent) had not as yet been able to produce the invoice to the Clerk in order that payment could be made.   Clerk to further this matter with Chairman.

On 7(a)    Bryn House, Penmaen, Planning Application No. 2007/1510.   Noted that the Clerk had furthered this matter with Ian Davies, Enforcement Section, who confirmed that the house was not being built in accordance with the plans (higher in parts and lower in others) and that amended or new plans were to be submitted, on which the Community Council would be consulted.

                 With regard to written protocol concerning complaints, the Clerk reported that he and the Chairman felt that the Good Councillors’ Guide for Town and Community Councils covered the points raised by Councillor Church.

                 Councillor Church then asked if the Planning Officer could be written to, asking if the Authority had a planning code of good practice for the guidance of Community Councils and if a check could be made with the Welsh Assembly as to whether the Good Councillors’ Guide 2004 was up to date.   Council agreed that both matters be taken up by the Clerk.

On 7(b)    Planning Applications – Delegated Powers.   Noted report back would now be to the next meeting.

On 4(a)    Meeting with Alan Cairns AM and Community Councils on Sand Dredging Bristol Channel 12/1/09.    Noted letter dated 12 March 2009 from Paul Moyles, Welsh Assembly, and shown as “APPENDIX A” to this minute. 

On 9(b)    School Transport Route 735, Pennard Primary School.   Noted letter dated 13/3/09 from Transportation Unit and that the request for a site visit was declined.

                 It was further noted, however, that the Unit had agreed an alternative afternoon setting-down point from 23 February 2009 with Mrs. Huffer, the complainant, which was satisfactory.

On 5(a)    Amended Plan, Application No. 2008/1922, Seven Lights, Penmaen.   Noted referred to Planning Sub-Committee who raised no objection to the proposal, provided that the roof materials match the existing roof, i.e. concrete tiles.

                 Council confirmed the Sub-Committee’s action.

On 6         Road-calming measures and pavement and lay-by project, Pisgah Chapel.   Noted letter dated 4 March 2009 from Barham Centre to Highways Department was not an application for speed-indicator signs which would be funded by the Centre, but another letter pursuing request for road-calming measures (which the Council supports and a further letter had been sent in support).

                 Councillor Church stated that the Authority have now stated that they have funds but there is a shortfall which the Barham Centre will pursue.  

                 Further noted from Councillor Church that Councillor Richard Lewis agreed to ask that funds be allocated for this project.   Council agreed to write to Councillor Lewis and ask that he will ensure that the funds continue to remain available.

On 8(a)    Potholes – Penmaen and Parkmill.   Noted  letter dated 10 March 2009 from Highways Maintenance regarding Heritage Centre, Parkmill, stating necessary work on potholes will be carried out within the next four weeks.

                 Further noted Northills have as yet not been repaired.  Clerk to further with Highways Maintenance.

On 8(b)    Loop Road, Penmaen – badly damaged road.   Noted that Stewart Goulden, Highways, had spoken to the Clerk this day, stating problem is being looked at, but there could be problems in pursuing the matter as the Authority have to prove that the vehicles in question actually did the damage.  (The question of legal costs was mentioned.)

4.       Reports from Members.

          (a)          Councillor R. Church reported on Swansea Rural Development Plan briefing event which he had attended at Penclawdd on 5 March 2009 and he produced a directory of schemes and funding which may be available.   Agreed the directory be circulated amongst Members.

                        Further agreed that Councillor R. Church find out if the newly-appointed Rural Development Partnership Officer could attend the next meeting of the Council to be held on 29/4/09 to briefly explain strategy to Members.    If so, Councillor Church to draft a letter, for approval by Chairman, to be delivered to all members of the Community and then liaise with Councillors Nigel Hollett, Mrs. J. Llewellyn, Mrs. F. Owen-John and Mrs. J. A. Griffiths regarding delivery to the residents of Ilston Community Area.

                        The Clerk needed to be kept informed of progress so that he could make any changes needed to the Agenda for the next meeting.

          (b)          Councillor W. Anderson reported on the Community Councils Forum held on          17 March 2009 which he attended and whereat a presentation on the C & C of Swansea’s Draft Equality and Diversity Scheme 2009 – 2012 was given.

          Both Members were thanked for their Reports.

5.       Planning Applications.

          The weekly lists were received.

(a)     Application No. 2009/0321

          Location:        Perimead, Nicholaston, Gower.

          Proposal:         Increase in ridge height to provide first-floor living accommodation

                                 with provision of one front and one rear dormer.

          Applicant:       Mrs. M. Bowen.

          After deliberation, agreed that the Planning Officer be asked if there were any existing conditions regarding the height of this property when planning permission was first granted that are still in force.   If not, then there is no objection.

          Received and noted:-   

a)       Letter dated 5/3/09, Finance Department, C & C of Swansea – Payment of 2009/2010 Precept will be made as follows:-

          On or before                                 30/04/09          28/08/09          31/12/09

          Proportion of annual precept       £930.33           £930.33           £930.33          

b)      C & C of Swansea letter, 10/2/09, enclosing draft Equality & Diversity Scheme 2009 – 2012. Papers to Councillor Mrs. J. A. Griffiths in first instant.  

c)       Letter from One Voice Wales regarding membership for 2009/10.

d)      Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales magazine “A Line in the Sand” Vol. I, Issue I, March 2009 – circulated to Members.

          Welsh Assembly letter March 2009 – Invitation to visit the National Assembly Senedd building.

e)       Digital UK – digital TV switchover – help scheme.

f)       Swansea Community Health Council letter, 4 March 2009 – proposal on the Future of Community Health Councils in Wales – meeting 3 April, Dolphin Hotel, Swansea 9.00 – 12.00 noon.

g)      Welsh Assembly letter 19/2/09 enclosing “Have Your Say” posters.

h)      Clerks & Councils Direct – March 2009.  Issue 62.

i)       Gower Society Programme – April – September 2009, and Newsletter Spring 2009 – to Councillor N. Hollett in first instant.

j)       Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Ltd. – Glamorgan Feature 2009 – financial appeal.

k)      Dogs Trust, Bridgend, letter 24 February 2009, posters and WAG magazine for support of Dogs Trust, Spring 2009.

l)       Glasdon – equipment brochure.

(a)     Noted that Councillor T. A. Beynon had asked the Clerk to bring to the Council’s attention that the bench on Penmaen Green needs rubbing down and repainting.  Councillor Beynon has done this job in past years and is prepared to rub down and paint the bench again this year for a small charge for materials of up to £30.

          Agreed that Councillor Beynon be asked to carry out the work and submit his bill for payment.        

(b)     Date of next meeting.  Noted date of next meeting as Wednesday, 29/4/09 at 7.30 p.m.

Chairman