MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck

                                                                  Councillors D. Morgan, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,  Mrs. S. Davis, R. Cooper, A. Godfrey, P. Place.

ADVISOR:                                               Dr. P. Rees.

There were two members of the public present.  They addressed Council in respect of planning application 2007/0703, proposed change of use at C.K’s from 8 flats to 20 room hotel.  They expressed concern at parking provision within the site and cars parked on Station Road; noise nuisance from existing use and perceived use in late night activity possibly from taxis and other motor vehicles.  Councillor J. Guy stated that the original application had been opposed on grounds of traffic, parking and proximity of one block to the road.  It was stated that the development has changed the outlook in Penclawdd and there is heavy traffic associated with it.  Residents stated that delivery vehicles found difficulty in manoeuvring, creating traffic problems and advised that the car park was being used for motor vehicle activities after the close of business.  The residents were advised to contact their local Councillor.  They left the meeting.

1.             APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors R. Sweet, T. Snell, G. Nicholls, R. Griffiths, P. Hood-Williams and P. Tucker.

2.             TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 13^th DECEMBER 2001:

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 7.

The Clerk declared an interest in respect of planning application 2007/0534.

3.             CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman advised that she had visited all three schools and given a £100 gift to each ‘School Council’.  She was accompanied by Mrs. Edwina Hart at Llanmorlais, Councillor Nicholls at Penclawdd and at Crwys the handing over of the cheque was filmed and entered on the school website.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck advised Members that she had been invited to a concert by Cor Penclawdd at Tabernacle Chapel and wished to give a donation of £30-00.  She also advised that she had received a letter from a firm of solicitors in Kent concerning an incident that had occurred at Penclawdd playground.  This to be discussed later.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 15^th March, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised that following improvement and repair works to various Council buildings, he had reviewed the reinstatement cost and amended each accordingly.  This information had been passed to insurers to provide a revised premium quotation.  He also referred to the claim made concerning an incident at Penclawdd playground and had referred the matter to Council’s insurers.  He had asked Council’s grounds maintenance contractor to advise the condition of the playground at his inspection immediately prior to the alleged incident which occurred 20^th July, 2006.

Wicksteed Leisure had undertaken annual inspection and risk assessments in respect of the playgrounds, the report was awaited.

The accounts as detailed and agreed by the Clerk were passed for payment.

Councillor J. Guy stated that Council should submit planning applications for the extensions at Crwys Hall and Sports Facility at Llanmorlais.  It was agreed that the schemes be as ambitious as possible since the work could be carried out piecemeal if necessary.  The Clerk was asked to proceed as soon as possible.

Councillor Guy asked if a response had been received from Mr. Havard, solicitor City and County of Swansea in respect of searches to be made concerning Hendy Road football pitch.  A response had not been received and the local members were to be urged to move this forward.

Councillor Mrs. Davis advised that fencing at Llanmorlais tennis courts had been damaged and that youths had been seen roller skating on the new court.  The fence to be repaired.

The Chairman said the provision of a bin at Crofty playground was now urgent.  Reference was made to replacement seats at Wernffrwd,

Councillor Sweet had undertaken a survey of the position of hanging baskets in all wards and had arranged with Mr. Seabright of the Parks Department to visit and agree locations.  Councillor Sweet would look after Penclawdd, Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck, Llanmorlais and Councillor Morgan, Three Crosses.

The Clerk referred to correspondence received from Blue Anchor Bowls Club concerning damaged windows at the pavilion and the condition of the gent’s w.c.  He had instructed a contractor to replace the double glazed panels and it was agreed to replace the w.c. suite and investigate the reported odour.  A request for a disabled w.c. in the bowls pavilion was considered but as Council are in the process of providing such facility in the new changing room, this was felt to satisfy the request.

A request was received from 7^th Cwm Newydd Scout Group for an extension of the current lease for a further 30 years from 2007.  The Clerk advised that this would be a new lease and it was agreed to proceed.

Councillor Cooper had prepared the Community Council page for the forthcoming edition of The People’s Estuary.

Applications received from the Local Planning Authority were read out.  The applications considered were:

2007/0534; 2007/0586; 2007/0587; 2007/0589; 2007/0703; 2007/0712; 2007/0721; 2007/0750; 2007/0768; 2007/0781

Councillor J. Guy moved that an objection be made to application 2007/0703, development at C.K’s supermarket on the grounds previously outlined.  Serious issues had been created by this development and it was felt that the owner could help matters particularly in respect of after hours activities which resulted in anti-social behaviour.  The quality of life of nearby residents was being affected.

Notification was received that an appeal had been submitted against the refusal of application 2006/2082, new dwelling rear of 25, Joiners Road, Three Crosses.

(i)                      Welsh Assembly – Consultation on proposals to provide additional protection for recreational open space.  Noted.

(ii)                     Welsh Assembly – Local Government Policy Statement 2007 – ‘A Shared Responsibility’.  Noted.

(iii)                    One Voice Wales 

-     brief summary of ‘A Shared Responsibility’ publication by the Welsh Assembly on future of local government in Wales.

-         guidance on establishing a complaints procedure.

-         agenda for Swansea Area Committee meeting 23/4/2007, 7.00 p.m., The Guildhall and minutes of last meeting 8/2/2007.

-         requirement to nominate a Councillor to attend quarterly Area Committee meetings.

(iv)                   Environment Department, City and County of Swansea -  Gower gateway sign, S.194 notice, boundary markers denoting Gower AONB.  Noted.

(v)                    City and County of Swansea – Community & Town Councils Forum, 24^th April and minutes of last meeting 6/3/2007.  Noted.

(vi)                   Commons Commissioners – Wern Olau Common – notification that Hearings will take place week commencing 4^th June, 2007 to resolve various conflicts and objections regarding the registered Common Land.  Noted.

(vii)                 Swansea in Bloom – next meeting 25^th April, The Guildhall.  Noted.

(viii)                National Trust Newsletter – Peninsula.  Noted.

(ix)                   Gower Society Newsletter and Summer Programme.  Noted.

(x)                    Wales Air Ambulance – application for financial support.  Noted.

Council was advise that Pencaerfenni Lane had been resurfaced but that ‘slow’ signs have not been reinstated.  Councillor Tucker to be asked when this signage would be provided.

There were no reports.

The AGM and next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 17^th May, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

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