Minutes Nov 2006

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November 2006

DRAFT MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MAWNAN PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 16th NOVEMBER 2006 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

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

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

200/05 TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Mrs Loomes (Tree Warden).

201/05 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
a) In Items on the Agenda
Cllr Gilmore declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application PA06/01774/F (Trevean) – see Minute 207/05 (d) (iv). Cllr Odell declared a personal, but not prejudicial, interest in Planning Application PA06/01844/F (Helford Point), as a neighbour – see Minute 207/05 (d) (vii).

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

202/05 TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
a) Meeting of Parish Council, 19th October 2006
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Briars, Seconded by Cllr South and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19th October 2006 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

203/05 TO REPORT MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
a) Best Kept Village Planting
The Chairman reported that there were some daffodil bulbs left over from the bulk purchase, and that he would be interested in hearing from members of the public, about where they might be planted. This could happen during the next month, when the grass verges were scheduled to be cut.

Standing Orders were suspended at this point, to invite views. It was recognised that it would be better if large clumps were planted, in locations where they would not be strimmed off, the following being suggested :-

• In front of the hedge, alongside the seats on the grass opposite the Post Office.
• On Shute Hill, opposite the school.
• At the top of the hill to Bosloe & Helford Passage.

Standing Orders were reinstated.

b) Pre-Christmas Local Produce Market
A letter had been received from a member of the public, concerning the above. This urged the Parish Council to give serious, and early, consideration to holding one prior to Christmas 2007.

c) Highways Issues
The Clerk reported that the blocked drain on Old Church Road had been reported to County Highways.

204/05 AGENDA ITEMS
a) Kerrier DC / Parish & Town Councils Meeting - Report back by the Clerk
The Clerk reported that he had attended this meeting, as a representative of the Parish Council, and that he had gained a better understanding of Kerrier DC’s budget process, and also an early insight into Kerrier DC’s views on the future structure of local government.

b) Discussion of the Local Government White Paper on “Strong & Prosperous Communities” (Published 26th Oct 2006)
The Clerk summarised the issues raised in the White Paper, and its subsequent analysis by NALC. Standing Orders were suspended to allow the Chief Executive of CALC, who was present at the meeting, to expand upon this, after which Standing Orders were reinstated.

There followed a wide ranging discussion, including the potential to reduce local government expenditure by replacing the existing three tiers (County / District / Parish) by just two. However, councillors were concerned that this might result in an additional burden on parish councillors, who are unpaid volunteers.

The Clerk pointed out an item of correspondence, concerning a meeting on this subject, arranged by the District Councils of Cornwall, at Tremough Campus on Wednesday, 13th December 2006, at 10.00am, to which all parish councillors are invited.

c) South Kerrier Alliance – To agree representation from Mawnan Parish Council
The Clerk reported that he had attempted to map Parish Councillor portfolios onto the “themes” of the South Kerrier Alliance, and that he had contacted them, asking that he be notified of the dates of all future meetings.

The South Kerrier Alliance “themes” sit in between Parish Councils’ Parish Plans, and the District Council’s Local Strategic Partnership and Local Area Agreements. The Clerk was asked to ensure that a copy of the Mawnan Parish Plan was sent to them.

d) To consider making a formal request that Kerrier DC exercise their power of Compulsory Purchase to acquire land to extend the Graveyard at Mawnan Church
The Chairman explained that he had been contacted by the members of the Parochial Council, as there was very little space left in the existing graveyard. Three quarters of an acre of adjoining land belonging to the National Trust could be obtained, but only as a Compulsory Purchase, as it was inalienably owned by them. This was likely to create sufficient capacity in the graveyard for the next 50 years.

Kerrier DC had powers to carry out a CPO on behalf of Mawnan Parish Council. If this was requested, it would probably take around 12 months to complete, and might cost up to £10,000, including legal fees.

While the Parochial Council had some funds available, financial assistance would be required from the Parish Council, which would need to precept for this over the next 2 years. Given this, councillors stated that it was vitally important that the Parish Council retained ownership of the proposed graveyard extension, that it was made available to all denominations, and that any future revenue stream accruing from its acquisition belonged to the Parish Council.

While concern was expressed that this could represent an open-ended commitment on behalf of the Parish Council, it was considered to be the only option available.

It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, Seconded by Cllr Mrs Briars and

RESOLVED WITH ONE ABSTENTION that a formal request be made to Kerrier DC to exercise their power of Compulsory Purchase on this matter.

e) Youth Activities / Youth Panel – Progress Report
The Chairman stated that the Youth Club had already secured a £300 grant, and that it had a further bid in for an £8,000 grant for work on the Car park at the Carwinion Playing Fields.

Both the Youth Club and the Guides were willing to assist with a Youth Panel.

f) Village Signs – Report from Cllr Stimson
Cllr Stimson reported that he had carried out further research on both Welcome and Information Signs for Mawnan Smith.

For Welcome Signs, it was proposed that design options (logo / design / dual language ?) be put to members of the public, via the Website, the notice board or the parish office, with cost estimates of between £250 and £1,000 each. Councillors considered that, unless 100% grant funding was available, the project was unlikely to be completed in 2007/08. County Cllr Hatton asked that County Highways be consulted at the appropriate time.

It was proposed by Cllr South, Seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that possible designs, funding options and permissions be investigated.

It was possible that an Information Sign could well be self-funding, with tourism and/or local business contributions. County Cllr Hatton stated that assistance for this might be available from the AONB Unit, and that he would make contact on behalf of the Parish Council.

g) To consider a further response to the Police, in respect of attendance at any future Raves held in the Parish
A number of members of the public were reported to have been incensed by what was felt to have been a complacent reaction from the Police, and it was considered that there might be a danger of people taking the law into their own hands should the problem reoccur. It was understood that two Raves at Constantine had been prevented.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk and Cllr South get together and word a follow-up letter to the Police on this matter.

205/05 CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on correspondence received, a schedule of which is attached to the minutes as a record.

206/05 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

a) County Council
C Cllr Hatton reported that, following publication of the Local Government White Paper, Cornwall CC would be submitting a proposal for unitary status.

b) District Council
Cllr Hatton reported that discussion of the Planning Application on behalf of the Mawnan Self-Build Group had been removed from the agenda of Kerrier DC’s November Planning Committee Meeting on the advice of the Legal Department, as it had already been passed to Planning Officers under delegated powers.

It was agreed to discuss this matter further under Agenda Item 207/05 (c), below.

Cllr Sadler reported that Kerrier DC’s Council tax for 2007/08 would be increased by only 2.5% from this year, excluding County Council, Parish Council and Police precepts. He also reported that, in Helston, the new Customer Information Office was almost complete, as was the Liveability-funded Cattle Market / Coronation Lake project.

207/05 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a) To Note Planning Decisions received from the Planning Authority
The Clerk reported on decisions received, a schedule of which is attached to the minutes as a record.

b) To Note Planning Enforcement Complaints received by the Planning Authority
No enforcement complaints have been received in Mawnan, since the last meeting.

c) To consider a status report from the Planning Authority on Application PA03/01606/F – Mawnan Self-Build Group, Adjacent to Castle View Park – Erection of six Local Needs Dwellings
The Clerk read a status report from Kerrier DC’s Acting Head of Planning. It appeared that Kerrier were likely to recommend that conditional permission be granted, subject to a meeting with the County Surveyor on the outstanding issue. However, the application was not in line with the Local Plan, and as such the “Departure Procedure” would need to be invoked.

The Clerk was asked to write to the County Surveyor about the matter, after which C Cllr Hatton agreed to follow the matter up

d) To Consider Planning Applications Received From the District Authority

i) PA06/01697/F – Mr & Mrs T Cocks, 5 Castle View Park, Mawnan Smith – Erection of two dormer extensions to dwelling
OBSERVATION : No objections.

ii) PA06/01707/F – Mr & Mrs M Ballard, Bow Green, Trelawney Close, Maenporth – Erection of detached domestic garage
OBSERVATION : No objections.

iii) PA06/01727/F – Mr J Thornton, Mincarlo, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith – Alterations to existing garage roof to create a pitched roof with dormers
OBSERVATION : No objections.

iv) PA06/01774/F –Mrs N Rangecroft, Trevean, Carwinion Road, Mawnan Smith – Erection of dormer bungalow
Cllr Gilmore withdrew for discussion of this item, having previously declared an interest in it.

OBSERVATION :
While having no objections to the erection of a dwelling on the plot alongside Trevean, Parish Council observations were as follows :-

• The rear of the proposed dwelling would appear to be less than 2 metres from the existing boundary hedge with the property behind it. This hedge is currently well over 6 feet high, and includes bamboo and a mature tree. Removal of this would make the development unneighbourly, as windows in the proposed dwelling would directly overlook the neighbouring property.

• It would be preferable that the rear of the proposed property be brought forward, so that it would then be in line with the rear of Trevean.

• It would be preferable if a condition be imposed to preserve the existing rear hedge and tree.

• Additionally, the existing vehicle entrance to the plot for the proposed dwelling can only be entered / exited from the Carwinion direction. Attempting to turn into / out of this entrance from the Mawnan Smith direction would be difficult / unsafe. This situation could be improved by moving the entrance from the corner, to further down the unadopted lane alongside the plot.

v) PA06/01800/LU – Mrs R Topps, Field adjacent to Bodergy, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith – Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of land for camping and retention of single storey building incidental to recreational use of land for camping
Cllr Gilmore returned to the meeting. He explained the meaning of a Certificate of Lawfulness, and that the Parish Council was not being asked about the planning merits of the application (as stated in the letter of objection), but rather if it had any evidence in support or against the application.

OBSERVATION : No objections, as the Parish Council had no evidence either way on this application.

vi) PA06/01812/F – Mr P Clarke, Masefield, Bar Road, Helford Passage – Alterations to dwelling to include loft conversion, reinstate chimneys, replacement of windows, extension to existing conservatory, construction of balconies and erection of dormer extension to dwelling
Given the degree of alteration proposed, it was agreed that a site visit was required. The Clerk agreed to organise this as quickly as possible.

vii) PA06/01844/F – Mr & Mrs C Richardson, Helford Point, Trehunsey Close, Mawnan Smith – Erection of extension to dwelling
OBSERVATION : No objections.

208/05 FINANCE AND PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
a) Payment of Accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that accounts totalling £1,518.37 be approved for payment and duly signed. A schedule of these is attached to the minutes as a record.

209/05 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES

a) Footpaths
Cllr Mrs Briars reported that Cornwall CC had received the revised Cormac quotation, and that they anticipated the work being completed before the end of the year.

b) Best Kept Village
Cllr Stimson reported that he had received Mawnan Smith’s Certificate of Commendation, which would be displayed in the Memorial Hall.

c) Mawnan Anvil Trust
Cllr Sadler reported that work had commenced on this exciting project.

d) Carwinion Trust
Cllr Dearnley reported that the Budock Vean Golf Club had donated £500 to the trust, which was likely to be used for the wooden slats required to refurbish the benches, and that a further £300 donation had been made by the Mawnan Fun Run.

210/05 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 21st December 2006, at 7.30pm.

The Finance Committee Meeting will be held 2 weeks prior to this, in the Rendlesham Room at the Memorial Hall, at 7-30pm, on Thursday, 7th December 2006.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
a) It was suggested that a sign be placed at Carwinion Playing Fields, reminding people that children could be playing there. Cllr Dearnley agreed that the trust should consider placing one there.

b) An area of subsidence was reported in Carlidnack Road. The Clerk agreed to report this to County Highways.