At a meeting of the Ilston Community Council held at Penmaen and Nicholaston Parish Hall on Wednesday, 29 October 2008

The Chairman thanked Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John for taking the Chair in his absence from the last meeting.

1.       Apologies for Absence.

          Apologies for absence were received from Councillors N. Hollett and W. Anderson.

2.       Minutes.

          The minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2008 were read, confirmed and signed as a true record. 

3.       Matters Arising.

On 3.4      Shed at The Forge, Cartersford.  Noted matter still ongoing with Rhodri Williams of Planning Enforcement.

On 6(c)    Alleged Right of Way from Penmaen to Nicholaston.   Noted matter ongoing between Mr. O’Carroll, City and County of Swansea, and Councillors P. Burgess and Tom Beynon.

On 7(2)    Penmaen Village Sign.   Estimated costs of sign if Council were prepared to pay still awaited.  Department concerned to be reminded.

On 5(a)    Planning Services letter dated 30 June 2008 – Amended Plan, Byways, Lunnon, Application No. 2007/1826.   Noted letter dated 6.10.08 from T. J. Jones & Associates, the applicant’s solicitors, and the Council’s response, both shown as APPENDIX ‘A’ to this minute.

On 6.        Road-calming measures – Ilston Community Area.   Noted letter dated 14 October 2008 (matter ongoing since July 2008) still ongoing.   Council will leave matter until November 2008 meeting to await further response.

On 3(7)    Waste & dog litter bins, Ilston Community Area.   Noted matter still ongoing with Councillor T. A. Beynon.

On 3(8)    Retention of Parkmill Post Office.  Noted report by Councillor Roy Church that Post Office equipment had now been removed but it was hoped that a subsidiary service could be provided.

On 3(10) (b) Road repairs and signpost, Lunnon, and other signs.  Clerk reported that the Area Surveyor had reported back to him that matters were in hand but that landowners would need to be contacted regarding certain hedgerows which needed cutting back.

On 6.        Community Council’s Term of Office for a representative as Pennard School Governor.   Noted letter dated 13/10/08 from C & C of Swansea’s School Governor’s Unit asking for name of representative from the Council.  Agreed the Vice Chairman would speak to a member of the Community who might be willing to represent the Council for two years from 24 November 2008 and she would report back.  If this person were not willing, Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John might be able to find an alternative.

On 7.        Water pressure, Parkmill.   Noted  Clerk’s report and that he had had no problem in making contact with the Engineer responsible for the area and, in fact, the Water Board representatives had visited the area, particularly the Heritage Centre and Park House, Parkmill, to check on problems.

                 The Clerk stated the freephone number in the Directory for problems should be rung by any resident in the Area.   All calls are recorded and will be dealt with in order of priority, i.e. discolouration takes precedence over pressure.

                 After discussion agreed the Clerk further the matter of increased pressure which is apparently needed in the whole of the Ilston Area.   (There have been widespread complaints made personally to Members of the Council.)

On 8(a)    City and County of Swansea – Training Members on Code of Conduct.   Noted letter from Democratic Services Manager dated 21/10/08 regarding further training sessions if sufficient Councils wished to take up the offer.  

                 Agreed to accept two places on a training session if date were acceptable to members.

4.       Reports from Members.

There were no reports on this occasion.

5.       Planning Applications.

          The weekly lists were received.

(a)     Application No. 2008/1922

          Location:        Seven Lights, Penmaen.

          Proposal:         Front and rear roof extensions.

          Agreed to object.  Objections shown as APPENDIX ‘B’ to this minute.

Location:        Long Oaks Farm, Penmaen.

Proposal:         Construction of agricultural building.

Applicant:       Mr. P. E. Jones.

          Agreed to object.   Objections shown as APPENDIX ‘C’ to this minute to this minute.

Council confirmed Sub-Committee’s action.

6.       Community Council Website fees.

          The Chairman, who sits on the Website Committee, stated fees needed to be raised for day-to-day administration from £30 p.a. to £150 - £180 p.a.

          After discussion, its worth to the Council was questioned and the point was raised as to whether the Council could have a link.

          Council agreed that if it remained as a subscriber, £50 to £60 fees p.a. would be the maximum it was prepared to pay for the service.

          Agreed the Chairman pursue the matter and report back.

          Received and noted:-   

a)       Letter A. W. Davies, Clerk to Llwchwr Town Council, re Code of Conduct advert.   Noted  that the Council had an obligation to publish a notice stating that it has adopted the Model Code of Conduct contained in the Statutory Instrument 2008 No. 788 (W82) The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) (Wales) Order 2008.

b)      C & C of Swansea Corporate Marketing Officer – Community Councils Buffet evening, Thursday, 13 November 2008 at the Mansion House with the Lord Mayor.  Noted Chairman able to attend.  Clerk to reply accordingly.

c)       Fire & Rescue National Framework for Wales 2008/2011 to Vice Chairman in first inst.

d)      Guidance for Community and Town Councils in Wales.  Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act – Vice Chairman in first inst.

e)       Letter dated 30/9/08 from P. Gillen, Parkmill, in support of Post Office being retained at Pisgah Chapel, Parkmill.

f)       Lord Mayor’s Charity Night, Liberty Stadium, Swansea, 29 October 2008.

g)      EMU Ltd. Southampton letter dated 30/9/-8 – application for Government Permission, Area 486 (Western Bristol Channel) Aggregate Extraction Licence – update.  Consultees were given extension – last comments received November 2007.  The Environmental Statement now to be updated in view of comments received and then to be forward to the Welsh Assembly Government.

h)      Publication of the New Design Guide for Householder Development (2008) – papers to Chairman and Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John in first instance.

i)       Letter dated 24/10/08, LG Boundary commission for Wales – Review of Community Council Election Results 2008. 

j)       Local Government Act 1972 – Section 56(1) - Review of the Community boundaries in the City and County of Swansea (2 copies of Draft Proposals – views on proposals required by 5.12.08) – papers to Chairman and Councillor Mrs. F. Owen-John in first inst.

k)      Swansea Building Society  Premier Savings Account rates of interest.

l)       Barclays – Business Banking Code leaflet.

m)     Shaws – books for the Local Council Sector.

n)      Play for Wales – Issue 26, October 2008.

o)      Swansea Bay Information, October 2008.

p)      Imagemakers Newsletter, Issue 25, October 2008.

q)      Peter Black AM – Surgeries October 08 – February 09.

r)       Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales – financial appeal and Annual Report 06/07.

s)       Eisteddfod, 1 – 8 August 2009, financial appeal.

t)       Urdd National Eisteddfod 2009, 2009 Cardiff, financial appeal.

u)      Wales Fencing Specialists, Loughor – available for quotes on fencing work.

          Councillor T. A. Beynon stated that this bus stop (westbound) is in a dangerous position as people can fall down the bank.  It should be moved nearer to Rose Cottage.  Agreed  matter be taken up with Highways Authority.

(b)     Date of next meeting. 

          Noted date of next meeting as Wednesday, 26 November 2008, at 7.30 p.m.

Chairman