Minutes April 2006

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April 2006

DRAFT MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MAWNAN PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20TH, 2006 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

PRESENT : Cllr D Gartside (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs M Briars, M Dearnley, N Gilmore, C Hibbert, D Odell, R Sadler, R South, C Stimson

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no public comments made on items on the agenda.

127/05 TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr P Moyle.

116/05 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
In Items on the Agenda
Cllr Dearnley declared an interest in Planning Application PA06/00451/F.
Cllrs Gartside and South declared an interest in Planning Application PA06/00404/F.
Cllr Gilmore declared an interest in Planning Applications PA06/00423/F and PA06/0598/F.

Of gifts of a value of more than £25
There were no declarations of gifts of a value of more than £25.

117/05 TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
a) Council Meeting March 16th, 2006
It was proposed by Cllr South, Seconded by Cllr Mrs Briars and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on March 16th, 2006 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

Planning Committee Meeting March 29th, 2006
It was proposed by Cllr South, Seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on March 29th, 2006 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

Planning Committee Meeting April 7th, 2006
It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, Seconded by Cllr Mrs Briars and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on April 7th, 2006 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

118/05 TO REPORT MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA (for information only)

Transfer of ownership of Public Toilets & Bus Shelter
The Clerk reported that he had received an update from Kerrier DC, and that they were ready to proceed. He was confirming that Kerrier DC was going to pay the conveyancing costs, and would approach the Cornwall Association of Local Councils, regarding legal representation for the Parish Council on this transaction.

Maintenance of areas of SW Coastal Path under Local Maintenance Partnership
The Clerk reported that he had received the quotation from the Parish Council’s contractor, that this was an acceptable amount to Cornwall CC, and that these areas would be added to the LMP, 100% funded by Cornwall CC..

119/05 AGENDA ITEMS
To seek approval to oblige Portfolio Holders to place on the agenda for Parish Council Meetings any items for which they wish to gain council resolutions of support

The Chairman explained that the purpose of this proposal was to ensure that all commitments, financial or otherwise, proposed by Portfolio Holders, on behalf of the Parish Council, would be approved at a meeting of the Parish Council. Such agenda items should be submitted to the Clerk at least 7 days before a meeting.

Cllr Sadler added that this would also ensure that such discussions would be recorded for future years, in the minutes of Parish Council meetings. As a Portfolio Holder, Cllr South expressed the view that the Parish Council should ensure that the proposed arrangement did not introduce any significant hold-ups or delays.

It was proposed by Cllr Stimson, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that Portfolio Holders be obliged to place on the agenda for Parish Council Meetings any items for which they wish to gain council resolutions of support, such submissions to be made at least 7 days prior to a meeting.

To seek approval of a request from Mr Andrew Perkins, to use the village name in a new board game, “The Owl man of Mawnan”

The Clerk explained that he had received a request to make use of the village name in this context. Councillors felt that the Parish Council had no authority to agree or deny the request. The Clerk agreed to send this response to Mr Perkins.

To seek approval of a request from Mr Reece Ingram, a sculptor, to use some of the wood from the Macrocarpus tree

The Clerk stated that he had been contacted by Mr Ingram, who would be working on the construction of a new playground for Mawnan School over the summer, and would like to acquire some part of the tree to use on this project, having already sought the opinion of the County Forrester.

Councillors agreed that this would be a constructive use of timber from the tree, for the benefit of local children, who could see part of the tree being used in a productive way. It was suggested that, if possible, a commemorative plaque would be appropriate, with the inscription “Constructed from timber from the Mawnan Smith Macrocarpus Tree”.

It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that the Clerk should contact Mr Ingram, and agree to his request.

To consider renewal of the membership of the Cornwall Association of Local Councils (CALC)

The Clerk stated that the membership renewal had been received, and that he recommended continuing membership.

It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr South and

RESOLVED that the membership of CALC should be renewed for 2006/07.

To approve budgeted contribution of £22.50 from the Best Kept Village budget, to pay the remaining balance, after sponsorship, for planters

Cllr Stimson explained that this was the balance owed to the Bowling Club, for materials used for the construction of planters. The Clerk confirmed that there was a budget available for the Best Kept Village.

It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Odell and

RESOLVED that a contribution of £22.50 should be made by the Parish Council, towards the cost of materials for planters.

To approve budgeted contribution of £600 to the Carwinion Trust, towards the new Footpaths & Visitor Guide

Cllr Dearnley, on behalf of the Carwinion Trust, explained that the total cost was in excess of £2,000, the balance of which had been raised from sponsorship. He added that, subject to approval of this expenditure by the Parish Council, it was hoped that the new guide would be printed towards the end of April.

The Clerk confirmed that this expenditure had been budgeted for. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that a contribution of £600 should be made to the Carwinion Trust, by the Parish Council, towards the cost of production of the new guide.

To consider a request from the National Trust, that the Parish Council make representations to the Caravan Club concerning their proposed site at Bosveal Farm, North Helford (plus additional letter from Jane & Laurence Sutherland, Bosveal Farmhouse)

Cllr Sadler declared an interest as a landowner, and Cllr South declared an interest as a member of the Caravan Club. Neither took any part in discussion of this item.

Councillors felt that the Parish Council could not comment on the matter, as the site was not subject to a Planning Application. County Cllr Hatton recommended that the Clerk direct the National Trust to Kerrier DC, to whom they should express their concerns.

To consider moving the granite wall and flower bed from around the Millennium Cross, to the green on the opposite side of Carlidnack Road

The Chairman stated that the Parish Council’s decision to retain the bed around the Cross had caused concern in the village. The council recognises that whilst it had been discussed in council, there was a lack of consultation about the plan, but timescales were short, in that grant money needed to be applied for and spent before the end of March 2006. County Cllr Hatton confirmed that there were 67 Liveability applications considered by Kerrier DC in a very short period of time.

The Chairman asked that the Parish Council consider relocating the wall and flower bed to the opposite side of the road, which it appeared would be preferable to residents.

The Clerk confirmed that he had spoken to the Liveability Co-ordinator, and that the grant would not need to be repaid, should the wall and planting be moved elsewhere in the village. Councillors were concerned about the potential cost of moving the wall and bed, and also whether the opposition to the planting around the cross was representative of the whole community.

The merits of a wider consultation exercise were debated, to establish what proportion of the community considered that the wall and planter should be moved. A ballot was considered. However, it was felt that the cost of this might be prohibitive, and also that the council should not be seen to be setting a precedent, rather an acknowledgement that further consultation should have taken place.

After much discussion about the merits of retaining the wall and bed for 12 months, it was proposed by Cllr Hibbert, and seconded by Cllr Gilmore, and

RESOLVED BY A MAJORITY that a ballot should be held, to decide on whether to relocate the wall and planting, the voting slips to be incorporated within the 2005/06 Annual Report, which would be distributed to all households in early May, action to be taken based upon majority response.

120/05 CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on correspondence received and a schedule is attached to the minutes as a record.

121/05 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

County Council

C Cllr Hatton started by welcoming Cllr Sadler back, which was echoed by all present. He reported that plans were underway to upgrade household waste sites throughout the county, and that waste processing would in future be “recycling led”. Cllr Sadler added that teething problems were anticipated in contract negotiations with SITA UK, the company chosen as the preferred bidder for the county’s 30 year Integrated Waste Management Contract, which is currently drawing up its proposals in the context of the existing plans.

Cllr Hatton also expressed a concern that there was no-one there to present the police report, a pattern that appeared to be being repeated in other parishes. The Clerk confirmed that PC Jordan had sent in a written apology for his absence, and that he had sent in a written report.

District Council

Cllr Sadler stated that he had little more to add to Cllr Hatton’s report, apart from the fact that the planning application for a proposed new dwelling to the rear of Sea Leaves, on Castle View Park, had been referred to Kerrier DC’s Planning Committee.

122/05 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

To consider Planning Applications received from the District Authority

PA06/00354/O Mrs A Matthews, Grove Hill, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of a dwelling
A previous, similar, application had been made for the erection of a dwelling on this plot, which councillors felt was not significantly different to the current one. The Parish Council had visited the site then, and still had objections of over-development (the proposal is for a 2-storey dwelling) and difficulties with access.
Observation : APPLICATION OPPOSED – OVERDEVELOPMENT / ACCESS PROBLEMS.

PA06/00404/F Mr & Mrs P J Coldwell, Highgrove, Grove Hill, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of a double domestic garage
Cllrs Gartside and South, having declared an interest in this item, took no part in the discussion.
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00423/F Rowe Property Developments, West Bay Hotel, Maenporth, Falmouth – Erection of 9 holiday apartments without compliance to conditions of Decision Notice PA05/00303/F
Cllr Gilmore, having declared an interest in this item, left the room for the duration of this discussion. Councillors were concerned that the applicant wanted to overturn previously agreed conditions, which they felt should be retained.
Observation : APPLICATION OPPOSED – REQUIRE RETENTION OF PREVIOUSLY AGREED CONDITIONS REGARDING WINDOWS, PARKING AND ACCESS.

PA06/00451/F Mr & Mrs Barnicoat, Spaven Mor, Penwarne Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of extension to dwelling and erection of a domestic garage
Cllr Dearnley, having declared an interest in this item, left the room for the duration of this discussion.
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00544/F Mr I Proctor, Trewennack, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of a conservatory to dwelling
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00554/F Mr & Mrs T Stevenson, Carwinion Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of a dormer extension to form bedroom & shower room
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00589/F Mr & Mrs R Innes, Rosewarne, Old Church Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of an extension and alterations to dwelling

Cllr Gilmore, having declared an interest in this item, left the room for the duration of this discussion. Councillors requested a site visit.
Observation : DEFERRED UNTIL AFTER SITE VISIT.

To Note Planning Decisions of the Planning Authority
None received since the last Parish Council meeting.

123/05 FINANCE AND PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
a) Payment of Accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that accounts totalling £6,110.86 be approved for payment and duly signed. (A schedule is attached to the minutes as a record).

Section 137 Donation Request from Mawnan Methodist Sunday School
The Sunday School had not been asked if they would require S137 assistance, and requested a donation of £50. The Clerk confirmed that there was a small contingency in the 2006/07 budget. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Briars, seconded by Cllr Dearnley and

RESOLVED that a Section 137 donation of £50 should be offered..

124/05 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES

Police
PC Jordan had apologised for his absence, and the Clerk read his written report. During March, there had been 10 calls to the police (1 crime, 2 suspicious incidents, 3 nuisance incidents and 2 miscellaneous), and 2 crimes recorded. These were criminal damage to a vehicle at Maenporth and damage to windows at St Michael’s Church. Neither had been detected at the time.

No progress had yet been made regarding the damage to the CCTV camera at the Post Office. Additionally, a life skills course had taken place at Mawnan School.

Footpaths – Report by Cllr Mrs Briars
Cllr Mrs Briars reported that she had heard nothing further from Dan Thomas regarding Footpath 16. The Clerk stated that he would write to Cornwall CC, copying County Cllr Hatton.

A quote had been received from the Parish Council’s contractor in respect of maintenance of the SW Coastal Path, and this was within the County’s budget, and it was agreed that the Clerk confirm to Cornwall CC that this be added to the Local Maintenance Partnership agreement.

Tree Report – Report by Mrs Loomes, Tree Warden
Nothing to report.

Junior Playing Field – Report by Cllr Gartside
Cllr Gartside reported that all of the new equipment was now installed. There was very little space now available, apart from for maybe some additional benches by the hedge.

Carwinion Trust – Report by Cllr Dearnley
Cllr Dearnley reported that the roadside hedges had been trimmed, and that members of the Playgroup had painted the low wall. Planters were now in place, and there was a possibility of a new sign. Efforts would be made to obtain grant assistance for the resurfacing of the car park in the near future. Unfortunately, Cllr Dearnley also reported some problems with dog fouling.

Best Kept Village Competition – Progress Report by Cllr Stimson
Cllr Stimson reported the latest situation :-

· Planters – Fully sponsored and delivered, to be planted and maintained by the school and playgroup.

· Bus Shelter – The guttering is still in need of repair work.

· Weed Control – County Highways had still not confirmed in writing that they would offer authority and their budget to the Parish Council, so weeds could be brought under control before the visit by the judges. The Clerk agreed to write to County Cllr Hatton about this.

· Welcome Signs – Sponsorship of two of these had been offered by the Red Lion and the Budock Vean Hotel. Cllr Stimson reported that he was in the process of obtaining a second quotation for the production of signs.

125/05 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 18th May 2006, at 7.30pm. This will follow the Annual Parish Meeting, which will commence at 7-00pm.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Further comment was made about the planting around the Millennium Cross.

The state of the roads in the Parish was mentioned, with a request that County Highways allocate some of their budget to resolve these problems. Cllr South stated that he was actively pursuing this issue with County Highways. It was requested that they be invited to a future meeting, and the Clerk agreed to ask if they could send a representative in May.

The dog bin in Carwinion Lane is still a problem. The Clerk stated that Kerrier had had no budget available until April, but that he would request urgent attention.

In response to a question about the production of the DVD’s for the Home Front Recall project, Cllr Gartside stated that these were almost complete