Minutes of monthly Council meeting held on 20th November 2017 held at Knelston Primary School.
Present Councillors Robert Fisher, Sheila Fisher, Gareth Evans, Gareth Jones and Steven Young
Apologies Mr. Martin Cox
In attendance Mr.Barry Stubbings – Clerk
Chair Councillor Robert Fisher took the Chair
Minutes Clerk confirmed that the minutes of the last meeting held on 18th September 2017 had been circulated, posted on the notice boards and on the web site.
Under Matters Arising – Casual Signs. It was Cllr S. Fisher who contacted Mr. Latham and not Cllr. S. Young. Minute was corrected to suit.
It was proposed by Councillor Stephen Young, and seconded by Councillor Sheila Fisher that the minutes be accepted and agreed by all.
Matters Arising
PORT EYNON VILLAGE GREEN: Clerk advised that there was still no action by Eaton Fencing Ltd. Council agreed that the Order should be rescinded and the proposed work incorporated with similar works to be carried out at Scurlage Green.
WAR MEMORIAL: Chair described possible arrangements for the memorial, which were discussed at council agreed that the most suitable arrangement would be a stone monolith with brass plaque set on a raised plinth with a paved surrouns and possibly one or two bench seats. Chair would obtain quotation on that basis.
Finance Clerk advised that there had been no income or expenditure in past four weeks and unallocated reserves currently stood at £7,990.
Committed expenditure was presently:
Port Eynon Village Green – £2,000
Scurlage Village Green – £1,000
War Memorial at Scurlage – £7,000.
Discussion took place to include in the planned works for Scurlage Green to include a string of timber posts along Monksland Road at its junction with Salisbury Close sufficient to discourage motorists taking a short cut across the Green. Estimated cost based on similar work at Port Eynon would be £1,500. Also to construct a paved path across the Green from the vicinity of Nos 9/10 Monksland Road to link with the path to the Sports Ground. This would eventually replace the existing path which was considered to create a conflict between pedestrians and vehicle movements outside the village stores. Estimated cost £1,000. Provision should also be made for new trees to replace the present mature trees which were affected by ‘ash die back’ disease.
Planning Clerk provided a resume of previous applications.
Application 2016/3587 Foxwood Overton. Conversion of barn to semi-detached holiday cottages. Council considered the application to be sympathetic to its surroundings and generally acceptable. Application refused Feb 2017 – and appeal lodged. Appeal allowed 17 Aug 2017.
Application 2017/0350 Orchard Green, Knelston Replacement dwelling. Council considered the existing bungalow to be of sub-standard construction and inadequate for present usage. Acceptance was recommended. Decision pending.
Application 2017/0725 Gower Holiday Village. Permit for temporary use of field for the siting of 64 touring caravan pitches from the 1st of June to the 5th of September. Application refused on 31 May 2017. Appeal lodged on 25th September 2017 – 2017/0066 and under consideration.
Application 2017 1787 Frog Moor Farm, Proposed part single part two storey side and rear extensions. Council considered the application and whilst of the opinion that the extensions were substantial and would alter the nature and appearance of the original building, they were unanimously agreed that they were in general acceptable. Decision pending.
NEW APPLICATIONS
Application 2017/2288 Murmur Y Llanw, Overton Lane Addition of second floor to existing bungalow and associated works to access, driveways and parking.
Council considered the application and were of the opinion that they did not object in principle to the enlargement of the property by addition of a second storey, but concerns were raised as to the subsequent overall appearance of the property. More consideration should be given to the roof level, the windows, doors etc. Concern was also expressed over the extent of external paving and alterations to the garden walls and gates.
Application 2017/2139 The Granary Frogmoor lane Single storey side extension and link building with conversion of garage. Council considered the application and were of the opinion that it was largely acceptable. Cllr young questioned whether the property was in the parish of Reynoldston and on conclusion it was considered that it did in fact fall within the parish of Reynoldston.
Application 2017/0725 Gower holiday Village
Councillor Steven Young enquired as to the status of the application by Gower Holiday Village for use of the field adjoining the village as a camping and caravan site. Clerk advised that he was not yet in receipt of the findings of the Planning Appeal Board.
Highways and Footpaths
Cllrs noted that the footpath from Scurlage green to the Sports and Social Club continued to give cause concern over litter and lack of maintenance. It was agreed that the matter would be raised verbally with both the Sports Club and Purnell Construction to improve maintenance.
Communications
Clerk had nothing to report.
Village Halls
Cllr. Robert Fisher advised that he had attended the November meeting of the Port Eynon Village hall Committee and that there were no items of note discussed at that meeting.
Clerk confirmed that he had written to Highfield Caravan Park with regard to the boundary encroachment.
Clerk reported that he was in communication with Llanddewi Village Hall Trustees and attempting to establish a convenient time for a meeting.
Any Other Business
Cllr. Steve Young raised the possibility of Council funding rubbish skips. After discussion it was noted that previous experiences had indicated that this was difficult to police and very expensive if not controlled. Agreed not to proceed.
Cllr. Evans noted that storm water was again a problem on Port Eynon Hill and he was pressing SCC highways to clear the gullies.
Cllr. S. Fisher noted that the verge areas in vicinity of the bus aby at Scurlage continued to be degraded by busses. Also, that there had been recent incidences of near accidents at the Berry Lane junction with Port Eynon Road.
Next meeting – it was agreed that Council would not meet in December due to proximity of meeting date with Christmas holiday period. Any planning applications or urgent matters would be dealt with by circulation. Council would next meet on 15th January 2018. Chair wished all Councillors a pleasant Christmas.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 9 30 pm.
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Barry Stubbings (Clerk) Robert Fisher (Chair)