Minutes Sep 2007

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September 2007

DRAFT MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MAWNAN PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 20th SEPTEMBER 2007 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

PRESENT : Cllr Gartside (Chairman), Cllrs Barlow, Dearnley, Gilmore, Mrs Harris, Mrs Loomes, Odell and Sadler.

There were no comments from the public. The Chairman congratulated members of the Anvil Trust for creating a first class local attraction, and the organisers of the Mawnan Country Fayre for their successful event. He looked forward to a successful Mawnan Fun Run on Sunday, 23rd September.

309/05 TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Mrs Lawry and C Cllr Hatton.

310/05 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
a) In Items on the Agenda
Councillors made the following declarations of interest in Planning Applications, Minute 316/05 (c) :-

• Cllr Gartside – Personal interest in item (vii) – PA07/01548/f (Wesley Cottage)
• Cllr Barlow – Prejudicial interest in items (iv) – PA07/01448/F (Skerries Bank) & (vi) – PA07/01499/F (Bodergy)
• Cllr Gilmore – Prejudicial interest in items (i) – PA07/01429/TPO & (ii) – PA07/01430/TPO (both Penwarne Manor)

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

311/05 TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Meeting of Parish Council, 19th July 2007
It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Barlow and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 19th July 2007 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

b) Meeting of Planning Committee, 27th July 2007
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Harris, seconded by Cllr Odell and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 27th July 2007 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

c) Meeting of Planning Committee, 30th August 2007
It was proposed by Cllr Gilmore, seconded by Cllr Odell and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 30th August 2007 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

312/05 TO REPORT MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
a) Planning Application for Affordable Housing at Castle View Park
In the absence of C Cllr Hatton, the Chairman stated that he was pleased to report that Cornwall CC’s surveyor had now responded positively to the one outstanding issue regarding gradients, and that progress was now expected to be swift.

b) Village of the Year Competition
In the absence of Cllr Mrs Lawry, the Clerk stated that the Cornwall winner was Grampound, and that Mawnan Smith had once again been highly commended. As in the previous year, the competition had brought people together, at a financial cost this year of less than £100.

c) Police Reports
The Clerk stated that PC Cormack and PCSO Huddlestone had apologised for their absence and submitted a report which he would cover later. He reported that he had now had responses to his letters to the police in Helston, and that PCSO Huddlestone had called in to see him.

Both officers were eager to work closely with the local community, but this had to be within the confines of their working practices. It had been agreed that the police would include a page within the parish website, containing contact information, and that future police reports would include all use of the speed gun within local parishes.

d) Bus at Anna Maria Creek
The Clerk stated that this had now moved on.

313/05 AGENDA ITEMS
a) To consider and appoint a replacement grass cutting contractor
The Chairman stated that Di-Mar, the successful tenderer, had contacted the council and asked for their contract to be terminated from the end of July. When tenders were evaluated, it had been agreed that, should Di-Mar not perform satisfactorily, then Malcolm Rashleigh, the previous contractor, should instead be awarded the contract.

The Clerk had advised that, as there was no council meeting in August, that a temporary contract be awarded for August and September, with the matter being tabled as an agenda item in September. The Di-Mar contract had been for 2 years from April 2007, with the possibility of a further 2 year extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

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

RESOLVED that a contract be awarded to Malcolm Rashleigh for the remainder of the 2 year contract period (to March 2009), with a possible extension for a further 2 years (to March 2011), subject to satisfactory performance.

b) To consider formal adoption of the new Code of Conduct for Council Members
The Clerk stated that the revised Code of Conduct had been distributed at the July meeting. The revised code was clearer, and contained amended rules concerning personal and prejudicial interests.

In particular, clause 12.2 allowed members with a personal or prejudicial interest to address the council in the same way as other members of the public. This would require a change to Mawnan’s Standing Orders.

In addition, councils were allowed to choose whether they wished to adopt all aspects of the Code of Conduct.

The new Code of Conduct must be adopted, in its entirety or in part, by resolution of the council, a fact which must be advertised in the local press. The District Council had offered to organise a joint advertisement, to minimise the cost to Town and Parish Councils.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Odell, and

RESOLVED that the council adopt the new Code of Conduct in its entirety, and that the Code of Conduct be modified in respect of clause 12.2.

It was further proposed by Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Dearnley, and

RESOLVED that the Clerk should inform Kerrier DC that the council wished to be included in its joint advertisement.

c) Speed Visor for Grove Hill – Update Report
The Clerk stated that this was progressing, and that a temporary visor was in place, to record the speed of traffic, so that County Highways could advise on the optimum position for the permanent visor.

d) Report back from meeting with the MCA Committee
Representatives of the Parish Council had met with the Mawnan Community Association (MCA) Committee, who had expressed a wish to hand over the MCA to another organisation. The council had been asked if it could assist in preserving a valuable community asset.

It was suggested that this should probably be handled through the Carwinion Trust, the AGM of which was scheduled to be held in October, and prior to which a written report would be circulated.

e) Cornwall CC – Unitary Status – Implementation Update
The Clerk had circulated a list of possible devolved services prior to the meeting, and stated that the council had been invited to send two representatives to a meeting to be held at Falmouth Town Council Offices, at 6.30pm on 10th October 2007. The Chairman and the Clerk were asked to attend, to represent the council.

f) Proposed CPO for Graveyard Extension at Mawnan Church – Update Report
The Chairman stated that he and the Clerk had attended a meeting at the site of the proposed extension, to determine the exact boundaries of the land it was proposed to purchase. This information had been passed to Kerrier DC, to allow it to formally commence the CPO.

g) To consider approaching the Parochial Council, with a view to car parking being provided at St Michael’s on suitable days of the week
The Chairman stated that the Smithy looked great, but that a lack of parking might constrain its future success. The Parochial Council had recently been considering allowing cars to be parked on the driveway to St Michael’s Church, and it might be appropriate for the Parish Council to actively encourage this.

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

RESOLVED that the Clerk should write to Revd. Bennett, to offer some financial assistance from the council.

h) Consultation from CALC regarding the requirement for Travellers’ Pitches
A consultation document had been received from the SW Regional Assembly, asking Town and Parish Councils if they believed that additional pitches were required in their area.

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

RESOLVED that the Clerk should respond that no additional pitches were required in Mawnan.

i) To consider whether the Parish Council wishes to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary
This is on 20th November 2007. Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Sadler, seconded by Cllr Mrs Harris, and

RESOLVED that the council would be minded to offer some financial support to any local organisations that wished to commemorate the Royal Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

314/05 CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on correspondence received, a schedule of which is attached to the minutes as a record.

315/05 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
a) District Council
On a planning matter, Cllr Sadler reported that there had been a site visit by Kerrier DC’s inspection panel to Eveleth, on Sampys Hill, where there was an application to build an additional bungalow in part of the garden, which was considered a brown field site. At the visit, the problems associated with access had been stressed.

b) County Council
In the absence of C Cllr Hatton, Cllr Sadler reported that the transition to a Unitary Authority was progressing, and that some officers from the District Councils were to be seconded.

316/05 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. He also reported that the application in respect of 24 Castle View Park had been withdrawn.

b) To Note Planning Enforcement Complaints received by the Planning Authority
No reports of new complaints had been received. The Clerk stated that he had not yet received the requested update on all existing enforcement issues in the Parish.

c) To Consider Planning Applications Received From the District Authority

i) PA07/01429/TPO – Mr S Sawyer, Penwarne Manor, Mawnan Smith – Felling of one Beech and one Sycamore tree
The Clerk stated that he had visited Penwarne Manor with Cllr Moyle, who was satisfied that the trees were in an unstable condition, and also that it was proposed to plant replacement trees.
OBSERVATION : No objections.

ii) PA07/01430/TPO – Mr S Sawyer, Penwarne Manor, Mawnan Smith – Lopping of one Beech and one Hornbeam tree
The Clerk stated that he and Cllr Moyle had also inspected these trees, and satisfied themselves that this work was required.
OBSERVATION : No objections.

iii) PA07/01408/F – Mr & Mrs K Terry, Sunrise, Trelawney Close, Maenporth – Erection of a replacement dwelling
Standing Orders stated that a site visit was required, which the Clerk was asked to arrange.

iv) PA07/01448/F – Mr & Mrs Harris, Skerries Bank, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith – Demolition of car port and conservatory, and erection of extensions to dwelling
Having expressed a prejudicial interest in this matter, Cllr Barlow left the room for its discussion.
OBSERVATION : No objections.

v) PA07/01389/FD – Mr M Pleeth, 1 Coomb Pines, Helford Passage – Use of existing house as holiday flat, without compliance with Conditions 9 & 10 of Decision Notice 2/06/81/1095/F (Holiday accommodation and time of occupation)
This was a resubmitted proposal, to which the council had only recently expressed no objections.
OBSERVATION : No objections.

vi) PA07/01499/F – Mr & Mrs Parsons, Bodergy, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith – Erection of extensions to dwelling and erection of a replacement shed
Having expressed a prejudicial interest in this matter, Cllr Barlow left the room for its discussion.
OBSERVATION : No objections.

vii) PA07/01548/F – Mr & Mrs C Boulton, Wesley Cottage, Carwinion Road, Mawnan Smith – Erection of a single storey extension to dwelling
As this was the reputed site where the Wesleys first preached locally, the Clerk was asked to arrange a site visit, prior to passing observations to the Planning Authority.

317/05 FINANCE AND PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
a) Payment of Accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Dearnley, seconded by Cllr Mrs Harris and

RESOLVED that the payment of accounts totalling £1,505.73, made during August, be ratified. A schedule of these is attached to the minutes as a record.

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Harris, seconded by Cllr Barlow and

RESOLVED that accounts totalling £2,217.08 be approved for payment and duly signed. A schedule of these is attached to the minutes as a record.

b) Office Telephone Service
The Clerk reported that BT had recently introduced a surcharge for customers paying by cheque, and that, on investigation, he had found another company, XLN Telecom, with which the council could save £100/annum on its phone bills. However, payment could only be by direct debit, and a 12 month commitment would be required.

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Harris, seconded by Cllr Dearnley and

RESOLVED that the council approve the use of Direct Debit payments, for utility services only, and that the Clerk should switch the telephone supply to XLN Telecom.

318/05 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES
a) Police Report
This was given by the Clerk, in the absence of PC Cormack and PCSO Huddlestone. During the month there had been 9 recorded crimes from 7 individual incidents over the two month period of August / September 2007. These consisted of 7 x Thefts, 1 x Criminal Damage and 1 x Assault ABH. There were also 9 recorded crimes in the same period in 2006.

The speed gun had been used in Mawnan Smith by PC Cormack, and 1 x Verbal Warning issued.

Positive contacts were reported as being made in the village, especially with children. PCSO Huddlestone had qualified as a Cyclewise instructor, and would be running courses at the school in the near future.

b) Footpaths / Trees
Cllr Mrs Loomes gave a status report on Cornwall CC’s Public Paths Improvement Program (PPIP) in Mawnan Parish. A large number of footpath improvements had been made, with further work planned, which was very encouraging. Mrs Loomes also stated that she was attending the Tree Wardens’ conference later in the month, and would report back at the next meeting.

c) Anvil Trust
Cllr Sadler thanked local residents for their support with the project, and stated that the refurbished Smithy was likely to be a great asset to the village.

d) Mawnan Fun Run
Cllr Gilmore stated that this was scheduled for Sunday, 23rd September, and that there were a record number of entries. The council wished the best of luck to all competitors.

e) Junior Playing Field
The Chairman stated that the grant application to the Big Lottery’s “Awards For All” for replacement swings had been resubmitted, this time on behalf of the Parish Council, and that he was pleased to say that it had now been successful.

319/05 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Mawnan Parish Council will be held on Thursday, 18th October 2007, commencing at 7.30pm, in the Memorial Hall. Prior to this, the AGM’s of the Carwinion and Junior Playing Field Trusts would be held, commencing at 6.30pm.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

a) Minibus at Anna Maria Creek
Copies of a correspondence exchange had been detailed in the attachments., and the Clerk was asked to ensure that this matter was an agenda item for the October meeting.

b) Dog Bin problems
No progress was reported, and the Clerk was asked to chase Kerrier DC for a resolution, as a matter of urgency.