Ilston Community Council At a meeting of the Ilston Community Council held at Penmaen and Nicholaston Parish Hall on Wednesday, 27 June 2007 Present:    Councillors Mrs. F. Owen-John, H. John, V. M. Jones, W. J Anderson, R. Hanson,      P. Burgess, W. J. Harris. In the Chair:    Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John. 1.    Apologies for Absence.     An apology for absence was received from Councillors Mrs. J. A. Griffiths, Mrs. J. Llewellyn,   N. Hollett, T. Beynon and Councillor Richard Lewis (County Member). 2.    Minutes.     The minutes of the meeting held on 30 May 2007 were read, confirmed and signed as a true record.     3.    Matters Arising. On 3a    Barham Centre, Mount Pisgah Chapel, Parkmill.  Noted  no request for donation had been received as yet and that the URC were obtaining their own valuation on the property. On 3.3.7(a) Fly Tipping.  Noted matter ongoing with Councillor R. Hanson. On 8(b)    Drainage off Cefn Bryn.  Noted matters ongoing. On 6(a)    Signage on Cefn Bryn.   Noted Councillor P. Burgess had forwarded a plan to Mr. John English, Transport & Engineering Department and hopefully now the necessary signs will be put up. On7(b)2    Main road from Nicholaston Cross to the Towers.  Noted letter dated 19 April 2007 from Chris Gibbon, Transport Engineering Department, stating this section of the A4118 is on programme for the year but unlikely to be done because of lack of finance.  The reason for this is that other schemes have taken priority on the basis of need.  This particular road is holding better than some other roads.  He is confident that resurfacing of this section will be carried out next year and also confirmed that the minor road from Brynawel Farm to Ilston is on the list for repair, again when funding becomes available. On 7(c)    Cutting back of trees and hedgerows.  Noted that Councillor R. Lewis had contacted the Clerk just before this meeting, stating matters are in hand. 4.    Reports from Members. (a)    The Chairman reported on her attendance at the Commons Commissioners Hearings at County Hall, Swansea, on 4th and 5th June 2007 in respect of Penmaen Village Green.  The Chairman felt that the Hearing left a lot to be desired.  Council agreed to await the Commissioners’ findings before taking any matters up with the Commissioner (papers shown as Appendix A to this minute). (b)    Councillor R. Hanson reported that the owner of land adjacent to the road from Ilston to the Common has contractors clearing the overhanging branches.     The Chairman and Councillor Hanson were thanked for their reports. 5.    Planning Applications.     The weekly lists were received (a)    Planning Application No. 2007/1266 Location:    Field 5077, Three Cliffs Bay Caravan Park, Penmaen, Gower. Proposal:    Use of land for a Christian Youth Camp from 21 July 2008 to 16 August 2008 inclusive. Applicant:    Wec Camps Agreed that further information regarding numbers, etc. be asked for. (b)    Planning Application No. 2007/1144 Location:    Gower Court, Sandy Lane, Southgate, Gower. Proposal:    Detached garage. Applicant:    L. Shinner.     After discussion agreed to raise no objection. (c)    Planning Application No. 2007/1208 Location:    Nicholaston Grange, Nicholaston, Gower. Proposal:    Single-storey side extension. Applicants:    Mr. & Mrs. D. Llewellyn. After discussion agreed to raise no objection. (d)    Application No. 2007/0426 Amended Plans (letter dated 14 June 2007)     Location:    Myrtle Cottage, Nicholaston, Penmaen.     Proposal:    Two-storey side extension, single-storey side extension and single-storey rear extension and single-storey side and front extension to existing detached garage. After discussion agreed to respond as follows: “No objection to house alterations provided white render is used throughout.  With regard to the extension to the garage, the Council feel that the existing structure is perfectly adequate for a building of this size.”     The Area 2 Development Control Committee Agenda and papers for 5/6/07 to Councillor H. John by hand and on 11/6/07, for 26/6/07 on 23/6/07 and for 12/6/07 at this meeting. 6.    Audit Return for year ended 31 March 2007     Resolved that approval of the accounts for year ended 31 March 2007 be reaffirmed (the accounts having been approved at the meeting on 25 April 2007 and at the AGM on 30 May 2007).       Resolved that (1) the Annual Return for the year ended 31.3.07 be approved and (2) that the Annual Governance Statement be approved.     The Council reaffirmed the appointment of Mr. J. G. Bennett of Southgate, Gower, as the Council’s Internal Auditor with its grateful thanks to Mr. Bennett. 7.    Clerk’s Fees and Clerical Allowances for Council Year ended 31 March 2008     Noted Clerk’s fee is £700 and Clerical Allowance is £400 for the Council year ended 31 May 2007.  The Clerk stated he was prepared to continue on the same fee and allowance for the current year.     Council resolved that the Clerk’s fee be £700 with £400 Clerical Allowance for the Council year to 31 May 2008.     The Council’s grateful thanks were expressed to the Clerk. 8.    Correspondence.     Received and noted:- a)    C & C of Swansea Notice of Meeting Community/Town Councils Forum, County Hall, Swansea, 3 July 2007, 5.00 p.m. – Councillor W. Anderson to attend. b)    Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, Draft Risk Reduction Action Plan 2008-2009 Consultation Questionnaire (papers with Councillor Mrs. J. A. Giffiths). c)    City and County of Swansea letter dated 25/6/07, Swansea Stakeholder Forum, 9 – 12 p.m. 12 July 2007, Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea – Councillor W. Anderson to attend, Clerk to reply accordingly. d)    City and County of Swansea letter, 7 June 07, re Gower Community Facilities Survey – Clerk to reply accordingly. e)    Age Concern Swansea – Best Foot Forward nail-trimming service at home. f)    City and County of Swansea letter dated 7 June 2007 “Free at Last?” event to commemorate the International Day for the remembrance of the Slave Trade and its abolition. g)    The Voice, Issue 5, January 2007 and membership application. h)    Image Makers Newsletter, Issue 22, June 2007. i)    Swansea in Bloom Management Committee Meeting held 20 June 2007, Guildhall, Swansea. j)    Bay Trans Swansea & South Gower Travel News June 2007. k)    Peter Black AM Surgeries poster for Summer 2007. l)    Shelter Cymru – June 2007 Financial Appeal. m)    Glasdon Local Councils News-sheet, Summer 2007 Election. 9.    Any Other Business (a)    Parish BBQ 22 June 2007     Councillor H. John remarked on the success of the BBQ with thanks expressed to Councillors P. Burgess, John Harris and the Chairman for their involvement.     Noted the proceeds were in aid of Church funds. (b)    Village Seat, Penmaen Green: Councillor J. Harris reported that the seat had been refurbished and put back.  The Council’s thanks were extended to Mr. David Beynon of North Hills for the work carried out by him. (c)    Date of Next Meeting.            Noted date as Wednesday, 25 July 2007.   As there was no further business, the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m. Chairman