UPPER  KILLAY  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL   MINUTES  of a meeting held at The Recreational Hall on the 4th day of December 2006 PRESENT. Mr. R.Oliver, ( Chairman ) Messrs. J. Baiss, C.Mowbray and Cllr. P. Hood-Williams , Mrs. L. Holmes, B.Talbot and S. Phillips and Mr. R.K.Evans ( Clerk ). APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE  Mrs. J. Williams and Mr. W. Morris  THE  MINUTES   of the previous monthly meeting were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.   WASTE  DISPOSAL The meeting was addressed by Ms.Lindsey Hill of the Environment Centre in Swansea, which she explained was an independant charity and not part of the Swansea Council. Ms Hill outlined the history of waste disposal, which she pointed out was an increasing problem, due to modern lifestyles. Landfill sites in the UK were likely to be full in ten years, and Swansea already has to transport its waste to Merthyr, following the closure of the Tir John site. The emphasis, she explained, is to be on a reduction of waste, the reusing of products, and upon recycling, and Swansea is currently meeting targets for recycling. She then outlined practical steps that could be taken by all in order to individually achieve these goals, in respect of which initiatives were being trialled in the Swansea area.  It was, she said, essential for future generations that this problem was now tackled. Cllr. Hood-Williams said that Swansea Council was trying to deal with the waste disposal issue, and was considering constructing a new recycling and incineration plant. The address by Ms Hill was warmly received by the Council, and by members of the public who were present. She was thanked by the Chairman for taking her time to address the meeting, and for informative nature of her presentation. She left guidance materials on recycling.   MEMBERSHIP   The Clerk advised that Ms. Jan Birch had written to resign from the Council, because of a need to cut down her commitments. The Chairman led tributes to the work that she had carried out, particularly in representing the Council in external meetings. The Clerk was instructed to write to her formally recording the gratitude of the Council.   PLANNING – REAR OF 728 GOWER ROAD   At this point Cllr. Hood-Williams left the meeting. Members of the public had attended to make clear opposition to an application for consent for construction of a pair of semi detached two storey dwellings to replace an existing garage to the rear of the former ‘Top Shop’ on Gower Road. Following a discussion by the Council, it was resolved to oppose this application. It was considered that the nature of this part of the Village, with its long rear gardens should be preserved. If this application were granted, there could arise a precedent for adjoining land, which would threaten these rear gardens. Further it was felt that the access road would be unsuitable for increased usage, that there would be an invasion of privacy of neighbours and that this was in garden development, contrary to policy.   SWANSEA COUNCIL MATTERS   At this point, Cllr. Hood-Williams returned. He advised that the Summerland Park roundabout had now been successfully planted, but the Chairman said that he had learned that future schemes would be limited, because of cost. It was noted that the Fairwood Lane road sign would be replaced shortly, and there would be work on the pavements in the Village and the leaking hydrant on Gower Road . Difficulties with the speed indicators on the main road were also noted. The Clerk reported that he had attended a seminar promoted by One Voice Wales upon the future of community councils in Wales, and that various views had been expressed upon their possible roles, nature and funding. It was not yet known if changes were to be proposed. Cllr. Hood -Williams next advised that the decision as to the future of Fairwood Hospital was now with the Welsh Assembly, and that the Community Health Council had opposed closure. There followed a discussion upon the draft guidance upon implementation of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act of 2005. This proposed powers of enforcement for officers of councils, primarily major authorities, but with some powers delegated to community level, for example fixed penalties for dog fouling. However, it was felt that that cost of providing adequate officer time would be prohibitive to raise at community level, despite the importance to local areas of environmental issues. The Clerk was instructed to respond to the Welsh Assembly consultation accordingly.   HALL  MANAGEMENT   Mrs Talbot reported that a new kettle had been purchased, and the vacuum cleaner had been serviced. Although there has been some vandalism and disruption by youngsters near the Hall, the situation had been more quiet recently. Some trees have fallen into the car park, but roofing repairs have been carried out. Cllr Hood-Williams advised that there is a monthly programme of PACT ( Partnership and Community Together ) meetings, involving locally Dunvant, Upper Killay and Killay. Local policing issues, including disruptive behaviour, are considered. Sgt. Livingstone is the Police point of contact on 562744. It was agreed that Mr Alan Purnell attend in January, to advise upon promoting the Hall. It was noted that Wickstead have repaired the large swing, and there are to be repairs to the playground and also the cattle grid, for which quotes are awaited. It was noted that the planning authority may refuse further consent for the Gardening Club shed, and if so the Club would approach the Council for consent for an attachment to the Hall. The Chairman had received a quote to replace the existing burglar alarm, in view of the continuing dissatisfaction with the present system and the frequent need for resetting following false alarms. Security Centres, the existing suppliers, have also quoted for an upgrade. It was agreed to obtain a further quotation for a new system before resolving how to proceed.   NEW  DRAIN  ADJACENT  TO  FAIRWOOD  LANE   The Chairman, having presented detail of this proposal, declared a pecuniary interest and retired from the meeting. The intention was to clear out and change the level of an existing land drain over Council land, serving the Chairman’s property , Trem Y Wawr, and next door Leuchars belonging to Mr Eastmond. The discussion was chaired by Mr. Baiss. It was noted that there was no new property to benefit, and that  there was no additional Council land that would be crossed by the drain. The intention was to facilitate efficient use of this drain once again. It was resolved to give consent to this work on Council land, and that provided the area was made good, payment was not appropriate.         PLANNING  - GENERAL   At this point Cllr Hood-Williams left the meeting. It was resolved to support an application for an extension to 574 Gower Road as being an improvement that did not affect neighbours. It was resolved to oppose an application for erection of a detached property to the rear of 555 Gower Road . This did not appear to be development that would affect the privacy of others, nor have a visible impact on the amenity of the locality. However it was felt that this would be an undesirable precedent for in garden development, and for over intensification generally. Also there could be an increase in traffic accessing Gower Road near a potentially dangerous bend. Mr. Baiss and the Chairman declared a non pecuniary interest, as a neighbours, in an application for a loft conversion and dormer window at Burscott, Fairwood. It was agreed to support, as an improvement, provided frosted glass was used in the velux windows that would overlook adjoining properties.   FINANCES Cllr Hood-Williams returned It was resolved to pay the following:-                         £         p          Caretaker   `                                                                            378      00 D.R.Electrics Ltd.                                                                     68      00 B.T.                                                                                           90      29 Wickstead Leisure Ltd.                                                           559      88 D.Morgan Farm Supplies                                                          77      72 The following payments direct from the Bank in November were ratified :- SWALEC                                                                                  63      00 Swansea Council ( Rates )                                            68      00 Welsh Water                                                                 32      50 Powergen                                                                                  77      43 Security Centres                                                                        49      20                 ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS   It was hoped that social events in the Hall would take place early in the New Year The Clerk reported that Pennard Community Council had arranged a demonstration of a mobile skateboard ramp in January, and Upper Killay had been invited to attend Cllr Hood-Williams would look into whether there could be lighting on the footbridge by the Railway Inn   There being no further business, the meeting was closed. The date of the next meeting would be January 8th 200