Notes of a Regular Council Meeting jointly held on Monday 24^th July 2023 at The Old Pharmacy, Scurlage, following the Annual General Meeting.

Present                    Councillors: Martin Cox, Gareth Evans, Robert Fisher, Sheila Fisher, and Gareth Jones

Apologies:               None

In Attendance         Mr. Barry Stubbings – Clerk;

                                Mr. Bryn Davies and Ms. Charlotte Evans residents of Scurlage village.

1. Declarations of Interest  – None

•  Minutes          It was proposed by Councillor Martin Cox, and seconded by Councillor Sheila Fisher that the notes of the meeting held on Monday 19^th June 2023 be accepted as a true record and this proposal was agreed by all.

• .Ongoing Matters in Consideration

• Traffic Speed at Scurlage – No response from City Council. Clerk tabled a speed display board priced at approximately £5,000 for consideration. Noted that this would require agreement of City Council to implement which was unlikely to be forthcoming.
• Traffic Speed on Port Eynon Hill – No response from City Council.
• Llanddewi Village Hall – A joint meeting with the Trustees was held on 23^rd March. Actions arising from that meeting are to be addressed by the Clerk.
• Defibrillators –New unit at Knelston Garage was awaiting installation.
• Highfield Caravan Park – Site inspection required to evaluate potential planning breaches.
• Notice Board at Port Eynon – It was agreed that Council should proceed with purchase of a board and posts to replace the board on the corner of St. Cattwg’ Churchyard, ALSO to purchase an additional board for fixing on the wall of the bus shelter. Clerk to place orders.
• MotoCross activities at Margam Corner. Clerk had received response to the submitted Planning complaint advising that submitted complaint indicated that the activities were too infrequent to warrant investigation and control measures. Additional monitoring is required.

• Finance

Clerk had circulated the following list of items/actions requested by Councillors in past few meetings with request that this be reviewed.

Notice Board replacement near St Cattwg’s Church                                                                   

As present board from Greenbarnes and including new posts                                                                   £1250

Cost of erection, etc. allow                                                                                                                                £200

New Notice board affixed to bus shelter in Port Eynon

From Greenbarnes, 4xA4 size aluminium frame                                                                                           £420

Cost of fixings and installation, allow                                                                                                               £100

Replacement defibrillator for Scurlage medical centre                                                                              

Zoll AED Plus fully automatic with free case from British Heart Fdn                                                         £1250

Defibrillator External heated cabinet

From British Heart Foundation                                                                                                                         £575

Man made timber seat at Overton Green                                                                                                      £720

From Fairway

Ground anchors and fitting                                                                                                                                £100                                      

Man made timber seat at Overton Green                                                                                                      £720

From Fairway

Ground anchors and fitting                                                                                                                                £100

                                                                                                                TOTAL                                                    5,435

It was agreed to defer replacement of the Notice Board near St Cattwg’s Church pending receipt of further precept payments and to proceed with all other items.

• Planning           

Clerk confirmed that he had circulated notice of recent applications and decisions.

APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

3^rd July

9 Milestone Court Scurlage Swansea SA3 1AX

Ref. No: 2023/1051/FUL | Received: Wed 10 May 2023 | Validated: Tue 16 May 2023

• Change of use of ancillary bedroom to a short stay holiday let (Class C6)

REFUSED for the following reasons;

 1             The access driveway serving the site is of a sub-standard width that does not allow two cars to pass one another and is devoid of segregated footways.

2.             The proposed holiday let would result in increased levels of vehicular movements to and from the site, which given the substandard nature of the access driveway, which be to the detrimental of highway and pedestrian safety, contrary to Policies T5 and T6 of the Swansea Local Development Plan (2019).

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

1 Milestone Court Reynoldston Swansea SA3 1AX

Ref. No: 2023/1508/FUL | Received: Wed 12 Jul 2023 | Validated: Mon 17 Jul 2023 | 

Attached garage 

Council considered the application and were of the view that it would have no detrimental effect to neighbouring properties or the environment and that it could be recommended for approval.

Llandewi Castle Farm Reynoldston Swansea SA3 1AU

Ref. No: 2023/1352/DOC | Received: Wed 21 Jun 2023 | Validated: Mon 17 Jul 2023 Discharge of conditions 3,5 and 7 of Planning Permission 2022/2167/FUL granted 16th March 2023 

Council considered the application and unanimously found it to be acceptable.

• Highways, Footpaths and Environment

Council discussed the forthcoming imposition of 20 moh zones.

Noted that City Council had responded to the complaint notice regarding blocked surface water drainage at Overton Lane.

Councillors Fisher reported that there were problems with surface water drainage in the vicinity of 15 Salisbury Close.

• Correspondence

Clerk had nothing to report.

• Communications, Notice Boards, Etc

Web site – It was agreed that the photo’s and contact details for Councillors should be updated. Noted that a link to Rhossilli Hub should be incorporated.

Clerk to provide keys to enable each Councillor to access and maintain boards in their vicinity.

Noted that there were plans for the Pay Phone at Port Eynon car park to be reinstated.

• Defibrillators

Brought forward was a  new cabinet for the unit at Port Eynon Amenities Block and installation of a new unit plus cabinet for garage.

New cabinet was required for the unit at Scurlage Medical Centre. After discussion it was agreed to move this unit to The Old Pharmacy as this would be more central to the population of the village. Clerk to write to Medical Centre to appraise them of this decision.

• Village Halls

Port Eynon Hall –  Cllr. R. Fisher confirmed his attendance at the monthly meetings of the Management Committee.

It was noted that no action had been taken to repair erosion at the start of the paved drive and that the Management Committee should be pressed to address this problem.

Llandewi Hall – Clerk to review outcomes of joint meeting with Hall Trustees.

• Knelston Burial Ground.

There was nothing to report.

• Port Eynon Sea-Front Improvements

It was noted that no further communications had been received. Freedom of Information request had not been responded to. Clerk confirmed that he had lodged a further FOI request.

1. Any Other Business

Noted that several posts along the edge of Scurlage Green, fronting the shop needed replacement. Clerk to investigate costing.

Next meeting –  Monday 18^th September 2023, 7 pm, at The Old Pharmacy.

There being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked all in attendance and the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

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Barry Stubbings (Clerk)                                                                                                           Robert Fisher (Chair)

Notes of a Regular Council Meeting jointly held on Monday 24^th July 2023 at The Old Pharmacy, Scurlage, following the Annual General Meeting.

Present                    Councillors: Martin Cox, Gareth Evans, Robert Fisher, Sheila Fisher, and Gareth Jones

Apologies:               None

In Attendance         Mr. Barry Stubbings – Clerk;

                                Mr. Bryn Davies and Ms. Charlotte Evans residents of Scurlage village.

1. Declarations of Interest  – None

•  Minutes          It was proposed by Councillor Martin Cox, and seconded by Councillor Sheila Fisher that the notes of the meeting held on Monday 19^th June 2023 be accepted as a true record and this proposal was agreed by all.

• .Ongoing Matters in Consideration

• Traffic Speed at Scurlage – No response from City Council. Clerk tabled a speed display board priced at approximately £5,000 for consideration. Noted that this would require agreement of City Council to implement which was unlikely to be forthcoming.
• Traffic Speed on Port Eynon Hill – No response from City Council.
• Llanddewi Village Hall – A joint meeting with the Trustees was held on 23^rd March. Actions arising from that meeting are to be addressed by the Clerk.
• Defibrillators –New unit at Knelston Garage was awaiting installation.
• Highfield Caravan Park – Site inspection required to evaluate potential planning breaches.
• Notice Board at Port Eynon – It was agreed that Council should proceed with purchase of a board and posts to replace the board on the corner of St. Cattwg’ Churchyard, ALSO to purchase an additional board for fixing on the wall of the bus shelter. Clerk to place orders.
• MotoCross activities at Margam Corner. Clerk had received response to the submitted Planning complaint advising that submitted complaint indicated that the activities were too infrequent to warrant investigation and control measures. Additional monitoring is required.

• Finance

Clerk had circulated the following list of items/actions requested by Councillors in past few meetings with request that this be reviewed.

Notice Board replacement near St Cattwg’s Church                                                                   

As present board from Greenbarnes and including new posts                                                                   £1250

Cost of erection, etc. allow                                                                                                                                £200

New Notice board affixed to bus shelter in Port Eynon

From Greenbarnes, 4xA4 size aluminium frame                                                                                           £420

Cost of fixings and installation, allow                                                                                                               £100

Replacement defibrillator for Scurlage medical centre                                                                              

Zoll AED Plus fully automatic with free case from British Heart Fdn                                                         £1250

Defibrillator External heated cabinet

From British Heart Foundation                                                                                                                         £575

Man made timber seat at Overton Green                                                                                                      £720

From Fairway

Ground anchors and fitting                                                                                                                                £100                                      

Man made timber seat at Overton Green                                                                                                      £720

From Fairway

Ground anchors and fitting                                                                                                                                £100

                                                                                                                TOTAL                                                    5,435

It was agreed to defer replacement of the Notice Board near St Cattwg’s Church pending receipt of further precept payments and to proceed with all other items.

• Planning           

Clerk confirmed that he had circulated notice of recent applications and decisions.

APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

3^rd July

9 Milestone Court Scurlage Swansea SA3 1AX

Ref. No: 2023/1051/FUL | Received: Wed 10 May 2023 | Validated: Tue 16 May 2023

• Change of use of ancillary bedroom to a short stay holiday let (Class C6)

REFUSED for the following reasons;

 1             The access driveway serving the site is of a sub-standard width that does not allow two cars to pass one another and is devoid of segregated footways.

2.             The proposed holiday let would result in increased levels of vehicular movements to and from the site, which given the substandard nature of the access driveway, which be to the detrimental of highway and pedestrian safety, contrary to Policies T5 and T6 of the Swansea Local Development Plan (2019).

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

1 Milestone Court Reynoldston Swansea SA3 1AX

Ref. No: 2023/1508/FUL | Received: Wed 12 Jul 2023 | Validated: Mon 17 Jul 2023 | 

Attached garage 

Council considered the application and were of the view that it would have no detrimental effect to neighbouring properties or the environment and that it could be recommended for approval.

Llandewi Castle Farm Reynoldston Swansea SA3 1AU

Ref. No: 2023/1352/DOC | Received: Wed 21 Jun 2023 | Validated: Mon 17 Jul 2023 Discharge of conditions 3,5 and 7 of Planning Permission 2022/2167/FUL granted 16th March 2023 

Council considered the application and unanimously found it to be acceptable.

• Highways, Footpaths and Environment

Council discussed the forthcoming imposition of 20 moh zones.

Noted that City Council had responded to the complaint notice regarding blocked surface water drainage at Overton Lane.

Councillors Fisher reported that there were problems with surface water drainage in the vicinity of 15 Salisbury Close.

• Correspondence

Clerk had nothing to report.

• Communications, Notice Boards, Etc

Web site – It was agreed that the photo’s and contact details for Councillors should be updated. Noted that a link to Rhossilli Hub should be incorporated.

Clerk to provide keys to enable each Councillor to access and maintain boards in their vicinity.

Noted that there were plans for the Pay Phone at Port Eynon car park to be reinstated.

• Defibrillators

Brought forward was a  new cabinet for the unit at Port Eynon Amenities Block and installation of a new unit plus cabinet for garage.

New cabinet was required for the unit at Scurlage Medical Centre. After discussion it was agreed to move this unit to The Old Pharmacy as this would be more central to the population of the village. Clerk to write to Medical Centre to appraise them of this decision.

• Village Halls

Port Eynon Hall –  Cllr. R. Fisher confirmed his attendance at the monthly meetings of the Management Committee.

It was noted that no action had been taken to repair erosion at the start of the paved drive and that the Management Committee should be pressed to address this problem.

Llandewi Hall – Clerk to review outcomes of joint meeting with Hall Trustees.

• Knelston Burial Ground.

There was nothing to report.

• Port Eynon Sea-Front Improvements

It was noted that no further communications had been received. Freedom of Information request had not been responded to. Clerk confirmed that he had lodged a further FOI request.

1. Any Other Business

Noted that several posts along the edge of Scurlage Green, fronting the shop needed replacement. Clerk to investigate costing.

Next meeting –  Monday 18^th September 2023, 7 pm, at The Old Pharmacy.

There being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked all in attendance and the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

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Barry Stubbings (Clerk)                                                                                                           Robert Fisher (Chair)

Minutes of monthly Council meeting held on Thursday 14^th April 2022 in a ZOOM format.

Present                  Councillors: Martin Cox, Gareth Evans, Robert Fisher, Sheila Fisher

Apologies:             Cllr. David Lewis and Cllr. Gareth Jones

In Attendance       Mr. Barry Stubbings – Clerk;

1. Declarations of Interest      Cllr. Robert Fisher in respect of planning applications 2022/0699 and 2022/0779.

•  Minutes                 Proposed by Councillor Martin Cox, and seconded by Councillor Sheila Fisher that the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th February 2022 be accepted and this proposal was agreed by all.

• .Ongoing Matters in Consideration

• Traffic Speed at Scurlage – Clerk confirmed that he had written to City Cllr Lewis expressing the views of PECC on the survey findings and to request an urgent meeting with Officers of City Council to review measures that could be taken to reduce vehicle speed. No response..
• Scurlage Green – Noted that several of the timber posts need replacing. Cllr. Robert Fisher to check on number of posts required.
• Traffic Speed on Port Eynon Hill – Clerk had written to City Cllr. Richard Lewis, requesting assistance. No response.
• Flood lights at Port Eynon – to be raised with Community Police Officer.
• Plastic Free Village – Agreed that approaches should be made to create a plastics free village in Port Eynon. City Cllr. Richard Lewis was making enquiries to identify appropriate City Council Officer. No response.
• Village Green, Port Eynon –Draft submission prepared and approved by Council. Clerk has made the submission..
• Llanddewi Village Hall – Advice has been received that there is a Management Committee. Cllr. Fisher had visited the Hall in company of Mr. Robert James and assessed the present condition which he found to be poor but structurally sound. Agreed that Clerk should write to present Trustees seeking to appoint Council embers as new Trustees following which Council would be in apposition to take positive action. Clerk advised that he had received a request to hold a regular produce market at the hall.
• Police Community Officer – to attend once meetings resume at Knelston School.
• First Response Unit –Clerk advised that he had received no response from either the Senydd Member or, Member of Parliament. Noted that the Council’s contribution to the funding appeal was in the form of a grant conditional on the service being established. No response to date.
• Defibrillators – Three of the original five units have now been serviced and re-established. Fourth unit was yet to be serviced and the fifth unit sited at Knelston garage had apparently been stolen.  Receipt of external cabinets for the newly purchased units was still awaited.

• Finance

Nothing to report.

• Planning  

Clerk confirmed that he had circulated notice of recent applications and decisions.

• APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED. (None)

2022/0012 FUL. The Green, Overton Lane – Proposed two storey side extension.

Overall, Council was of the opinion that this application should be refused, and a side extension should only be permitted if it is of substantially smaller proportions.

Application was approved with conditions.

2022/0309 PRE. Milan House, Overton Lane – Single storey side extension and dormer roof additions.

Overall, Council was of the opinion that this application for a side extension as indicated could be approved but the proposal for extensive modification of the roof to the main house incorporating dormers and balconies should not be permitted.

Application was refused.

• NEW APPLICATIONS

2022/0799/PRE – Briarwood Caravan Park, Knelston

Creation of an additional site for a static caravan & provision of a new office static craavn to serve as an office building.

Council considered the application and noted that both parts were part of the existing layout for this caravan park and as such there were no adverse opinions.

2022/0699/PRE – The Old Pharmacy, Monksland Road Scurlage.

First floor extension and conversion to residential accommodation.

Council considered the application and were of the opinion that conversion of the existing commercial premises to residential use was appropriate to the neighbourhood and an improvement to the present usage. Overall there were no adverse opinions.

• Highways, Footpaths and Environment

No considerations.

• Correspondence

No considerations

• Communications, Notice Boards, Etc

Purchase of new board for Port Eynon deferred pending receipt of next Precept payment.

• Village Halls

No new issues were raised for Port Eynon Hall.

Llandewi Hall – see Matters Arising above.

1. Knelston Burial Ground.

Clerk advised that following notice from Mr. Rhodri Lloyd that he would not be continuing his services there was a need to find a new gardener. He had the name of a jobbing gardener and would contact him.

1. Port Eynon Sea-Front Improvements

No further communications had been received.

1. Any Other Business

Stouthall, Knelston it was noted that a new gate had been placed in the fence along the A4118. Clerk noted that this was beyond the parish boundary and should be considered by Reynoldston ComCo.

Clerk advised that he had received a complaint via the web site link as to the condition of the lane to the youth hostel. Clerk to once again write to C & CS

Similar complaint had been received concerning the state of the car parking area at the rear of Morfa House and the use of it by persons calling at the Ship Inn, which resulted in the lane to Horton becoming inaccessible.

Next meeting –  Monday 30^th May 2022, 7 pm, at Knelston School, Clerk to confirm arrangements.

There being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked all in attendance and the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

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Barry Stubbings (Clerk)                                                                                                       Robert Fisher (Chair)

Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on

 Monday 24^th May 2021 in a Virtual Format.

The meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

Present:                                 Cllr. M. Cox; Cllr. G. Evans; Cllr. R. Fisher, Cllr. S. Fisher; Cllr. D. Lewis

In attendance:                     Mr. B. Stubbings (Clerk)

Apologies for Absence:,  Cllr. G. Jones

Chair person:                      Cllr. R. Fisher took the Chair.

 1.            Minutes of Last Annual General Meeting:

It was noted that there was no Annual General Meeting held in 2020 due to restrictions arising from the Covid pandemic. The minutes of the AGM held on 21^st May 2019 had been circulated prior to the meeting and no comments had been received. Cllr. M. Cox proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true record, the proposal was seconded by Cllr. S. Fisher and agreed by all. The minutes were signed by the chairman.

2.             Election of Chairperson.

Cllr. M. Cox proposed that Cllr. Robert Fisher be re-elected as Chairperson for the forthcoming year. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. D. Lewis. There being no other proposals and the meeting duly elected Cllr. R. Fisher by unanimity.

3.             Election of Vice Chairperson.

Cllr. D. Lewis proposed that Cllr. G. Evans be re-elected as Vice-Chairperson for the forthcoming year. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. S. Fisher. There being no other proposals the meeting duly elected Cllr. Evans by unanimity.

5.             Chairman’s Report

Cllr. R. Fisher presented a report of activities during the past year:

Following what has been an extremely different year than normal I am able to report that although most of the country was on furlough, we as a community council we were all able to continue on with our responsibilities as community councillors. As with most other community councils we had our meetings via zoom, although some struggled to get to grips with the technology we did manage to continue to function as a community council.

Unfortunately, during the year, the Council lost the services of Mr. Steve Young and we continue to look for persons to join the Council particularly from the communities of Knelston and Port Eynon.

Acting on behalf of the community we managed to organise some new benches for Scurlage Green, which we are now waiting for the contractor to arrange for them to fixed into place.

Each year we organise in conjunction with Swansea City Council, to have some flower beds seeded with natural wild-flowers, and the City Council have recently treated the areas and seeded the ground.

The Knelston Church Burial ground continues to be assisted with donations from the community council and is always well maintained.

We arranged for the rough grass and brambled covered area in front of the chip shop on Port Eynon frontage to get a yearly tidy up to make it more presentable, and safe.

The community council has previously assisted Knelston School each year with donations to help in purchasing items that will assist the children’s development, unfortunately the school was closed for most of last year, so we were unable to help, but this coming year we intend to help the school financially once again with support towards equipment for the outdoor learning environment.

We continue to ask the City council to look into many matters on a regular basis and the following are some examples:

Vehicle speeding through Scurlage. The City Council have responded and carried out a traffic speed survey and agreed that vehicles were on occasions exceeding the prescribed speed limit. It is intended to have further dialogue with the City Council to see what they can implement to help reduce the traffic speed through Scurlage.

Unauthorised and random road-side signage.

Drainage issues in Scurlage.

The state of the roads and the number of pot holes.

Ash tree die back which is going to affect many areas in our community council.

The dire state of port Eynon Beach, and the sea frontage.

As a community council we have a seat on the Port Eynon Village Hall Management Committee. And for the past years it is I who has been representing the Community Council at the committee. However, the hall has been little used due to the covid pandemic but will start to reopen soon and re-commence indoor activities. The Port Eynon Village Hall is self -funded and run by the committee for the benefit of the residents of Port Eynon and Scurlage, The community Council has regularly supported the Village Hall on various matters, and will continue to do so in the future where we can.

As a Community Council we have the opportunity to comment on planning matters however, we sometimes wonder if our views are taken into account when planning decisions are reached.

We have had the usual ongoing planning matters covering both domestic and commercial developments and will raise any comments that the public have on planning applications if brought to our attention.

However the biggest issue at present that the community council are dealing with under  planning, is the proposed redevelopment of Port Eynon Car park and associated public areas.

There has been much discussion and many letters protesting against the proposed development in any of its forms, however it must be said that there have been a few in support of some form development.

The proposed development, if taken in its entirety, will fundamentally change the small sea side village of Port Eynon forever.

We as a Community Council feel that there is much to do with regard to making good what we have in Port Eynon before venturing off to carry out some new re-development that many feel is out of character and will over dominate the village.

We have yet to receive a response from the Architects working on behalf of the City Council to the recent meeting and to the letters of opposition that have sent to the architects and to others on the steering group.

We hope however, that in the end the City Council will listen to the wishes of the local residents, and if they have to have a scheme, then it is something that is sympathetic in nature and style to the village.

As we all start to venture into the ‘new normal’ we all hope that as a Community Council we can help the community in as many ways as we are able.

Thank you.

                Cllr. G. Evans proposed that the Chairman’s report be accepted with thanks to Cllr. R. Fisher for all the time and hard work he has devoted to the Community Council in the past year. This proposition was seconded by Cllr. S. Fisher and accepted by all.

6.             Financial Report:              

Clerk advised that the year-end bank balances were as follows:

Current Account                                 £7,553.15                             

Savings Account                                 £5,268.61

                                Knelston Burial Ground Account     £435.00

The Clerk provided a brief review of expenditure throughout the year and presented a budget for the forthcoming year. After discussion it was agreed that donations towards maintenance of the three churchyards should be set at £300 each for the coming year, and that the Clerk’s remuneration should be £2,000 per annum.

Cllr. Evans proposed that the budget of £6,990 for 2021-2022 be accepted and that the precept application be £6,000. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. S. Fisher and approved unanimously.

Council agreed that Mr Stephen Heard should again be requested to act as Internal Auditor.

6.             Code of Conduct

The Clerk advised that there were no changes to the Council Code of Conduct and all members re-affirmed their acceptance thereof.

7              Standing Orders

• The clerk advised that there were no proposed changes to the current Standing Orders, and they were adopted accordingly.
• It was confirmed that the regular monthly meetings of the Council continue to be held on the third Monday of each month at Knelston Primary school, commencing at 7:00 p.m..

8              Register of Members Interests

All Councillors confirmed that they had no real or material interests in the business of the Community Council.

9              Committees

• It was unanimously agreed, in the absence of any counter proposals, that Cllr. R. Fisher should continue to represent the Council at the Port Eynon Village Hall Management Committee.
• It was unanimously agreed, in the absence of any counter proposals, that Cllr. S. Fisher should continue to liaise with Knelston School.
• It was unanimously agreed that Cllr. R. Fisher should represent the Council on the Management Trust for Knelston Chapel Burial Ground, noting that the Clerk also was in attendance to this Trust.

10           Date of Next Meeting – was provisionally set as Monday 16^th May 2022 at Knelston Primary School.

The meeting closed at 7:30 pm.

B. J. Stubbings, (Clerk)                                                                                       R. Fisher Chairperson

Minutes of monthly Council meeting held on Monday 19^th April 2021 via a virtual platform

Present                  Councillors: Martin Cox, Robert Fisher, Sheila Fisher, Gareth Evans, Dave Lewis

Apologies:             Councillors Gareth Jones

In Attendance       Mr.Barry Stubbings – Clerk;

1. Minutes                 Clerk confirmed that the draft minutes of the last meeting held on 22^nd March 2021 had been circulated to all Councillors. Correction was requested to Item 6 to delete the word ‘recently’ for the lights at Sky Sea Park. Also to delete ‘SF’ from action regarding Llandewi Hall. It was proposed by Councillor Martin Cox, and seconded by Councillor Gareth Evans that the minutes be accepted and this proposal was agreed by all.

• Declarations of Interest      None were declared.

• Matters Arising

Chair advised that as a result of the massive programme in Gower to fell Ash trees, he had, so far, been unable to obtain the services of an arborist.

SF advised that despite door to door canvassing of opinion concerning the siting of a bench at the terminus of Monksland Road there appeared to be little interest. SF suggested that the bench presently available be located near to the bus stop. Also reminded all that purchase of a further bench had been agreed, it was agreed that Clerk should proceed with this.

• Finance 

Clerk advised that £500 allowance was still held for installation of notice board and seats at Scurlage. Chair confirmed that he expected a quotation in the coming week.

GE advised that he had passed the invoice for wild flower planting to the Clerk. RF commented that extent of planting at Scurlage seemed to have been reduced. Clerk advised that it was best for RF/GE to take up direct with Parks Department.

Clerk confirmed that reserves were adequate to meet all envisaged commitments.                           

• Planning  

Clerk confirmed that he had circulated notice recent applications and decisions.

• APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

2021/0434 – Four  Polytunnels to be erected at Llandewi Castle Farm.

Approved on 12^th April 2021 as reasonable agricultural development but not to exist for more than ten years.

2021/0427/FUL – Attached single storey garage at 2Milestone Court, Scurlage

Approved on 9^th April 2021

• NEW APPLICATIONS

Week beginning 8^th March – none

Week Beginning 15^th March –

2021/0710/FUL 2, Salt Cottage, Port Eynon – Reduction on ground levels around the main dwelling and building of a natural stone retaining wall to create a level patio area. Detached garden room which will be used solely by the owner/occupier of the main building as ancillary & garden accommodation for the occupiers of the main application dwelling.

Council considered the application and made the following comments:

• The location of the proposed building is in an area of historical prominence being positioned between the ruins of the historic Salt House and the Salt House Cottages. The modern elevational treatments while understood to be in architectural contrast to the historical buildings are considered to be inappropriate and if a structure at this location is to be permitted it should be visually consistent with the neighbouring buildings and cognizant of the AONB vernacular.
• The presented photomontages are considered to be misleading. When the height of the building is compared to the garden seat nearby, the building will be at a higher elevation and will be far more obtrusive when viewed from all angles.
• Whilst the intended usage of the rooms has been changed from that which was indicated in the Pre-Application submission, these changes are viewed as likely cosmetic. Should the application be granted then it must be with the proviso that the building can not be used for domestic habitation.

Overall the Council, by majority, does not support this application.

Week Beginning 29^th March –

2021/0842/FUL Ivy Cottage, Port Eynon – Retention of sub-division of property to two independent units of accommodation.

2021/0794/ELD Ivy Cottage, Port eynon – Use of property as two separate residential units of accommodation (class C3) (Application for a certificate of existing lawfulness).

Council considered the two applications, during which concern was expressed at the accuracy of the presented drawings with regard to the location and width of the access and the area available for parking.

Council noted that in a previous application 2010/0861 permission to extend the property was granted on the express condition ‘The proposed development shall remain at all times an integral part of the existing dwelling and shall not be sold, let or otherwise occupied as a separate unit of accommodation.’ The present application acknowledges that the property has been let as two separate units for the past ten years in contravention of the consent granted in 2010. There appears to have been no physical change to the property since 2010, and the condition of consent applicable then is still relevant.

For these reasons Council, by majority, could not support the application.

Week beginning 5^th April –

2021/0268/FUL Ship Inn, Port Eynon – Retention and completion of first floor side extension, two single storey rear extensions, external staircase, increase in heights of chimney and side falt roof, front canopies, external alterations and three detached storage sheds.

Council noted that this applications is in several parts and addressed it in the same manner.

• Completion of side first floor side extension.

Council considered that the addition of a first floor to the present side extension, as previously approved, would improve the overall massing of the building and eliminate the present unsightly large flat roof. The windows indicated on the North elevation at first floor were not found to overlook neighbouring properties. Council had no objection to this worl proceeding.

• Retention of two single storey rear extensions.

Council considered the single storey rear extensions to have no significant detrimental effect to the neighbourhood and to have been largely accepted by the community. Council had no objection to these extensions being retained.

• Retention of external staircase.

Council noted that two rear staircases have been constructed to provide access to both the rear lawn area and the rear storage yard. Council were of the opinion that the staircase from the function room should not be approved and access to the lawn area should be solely via the staircase leading from ‘back of house’.

• Increase in height of chimney.

Council noted the increase in height of the chimney and had no objection to this alteration.

• Increase in height of side extension flat roof.

Council noted that the flat roof of the side extension appeared to have been raised from that shown on previous plans. They had no objection to this apparent change.

• Retention of front canopies and changes to external elevations.

Council noted the changes, particularly to the South elevation and were of the genral opinion that the changes provided an improvement to the South elevation. Council however noted a change to the North elevation where one of the proposed fixed windows has been changed to a combined widow and door thus providing access from the function room to the rear lawn. Council were strongly of the opinion that this rear lawn area should not be used as an extension of the function room and should be restricted to use solely by the occupants of the first floor living accommodation. Use of the lawn as a public area should be prohibited due to its proximity to the neighbouring properties.

• Addition of three storage sheds.

Council had no comment on the proposed addition of storage sheds where limited to the indicated storage yard.

• Highways, Footpaths and Environment

Clerk advised that there had been no response or updates on the issues previously discussed.

DL commented that he had yet again been placed in serious jeopardy whilst passing parked cars outside the Highwinds residence.

Chair requested Clerk to arrange for the Gower police person to attend the first available ‘in person’ meeting of the Council.

• Correspondence

Clerk had nothing further to report.

• Communications, Notice Boards, Etc

Board at Port Eynon has been re-established and the Chair thanked Cllr Evans and the Clerk for their efforts..

• Village Halls

Port Eynon –  Chair advised that he continued to attend VHMC meetings. At the last meeting there had been heated discussion over the legitimacy of decisions made by the VHMC and presented to the public and other representative bodies.

Llanddewi – Chair advised that he would continue to endeavour to contact Mr. Walters. Clerk reminded all that Council had previously agreed to fund any legal consultations necessary to review ownership of Llandewi Hall.

1. Knelston Burial Ground.

Clerk advised, on behalf of the Trustees, that there was nothing to report.

1. Port Eynon Sea-Front Improvements

Clerk confirmed that a written paper had been sent to all households in the Community Council area setting out the Council’s position on the proposals for the waterfront development and inviting responses thereon.

Copy had been made to all Gower Community Councils, The Gower Society, Gower AONB and all members of the Steering Group. Copy was also posted on the Community Council website and Notice Boards.

1. Any Other Business            

Discussion took place on:

• The obtrusive floodlights and cameras installed at 9 Boarlands to monitor the Sky Sea Holiday Park. Numerous complaints had been received from residents as to the intrusion on privacy. Clerk was requested to make complaint to C&CS Environmental Officer, AONB Dark Sky Initiative, Local Police, etc.

• Matters of beach safety, including signage to deter use of BBQ fires, the prevalence of adders during this period of fine weather, and servicing of litter bins.

• The lane to the Youth Hostel and Salt Cottages. Clerk was requested to make a FOI request of C&CS with respect to recent sale of strip of land along the lane.

Next meeting – Annual General meeting on Monday 17^th May 2021, 7 pm, using zoom meeting facility. Clerk to arrange.

There being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked all in attendance and the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

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Barry Stubbings (Clerk)                                                                                                       Robert Fisher (Chair)

12^th April 2021