Approved Minutes of Council meeting November 2019
Port Eynon Community Council
Minutes of monthly Council meeting held on Monday 18th November 2019 at Knelston Primary School
Present Councillors: Martin Cox, Gareth Evans, Robert Fisher, David Lewis
Apologies: Sheila Fisher, Gareth Jones
In attendance Mr.Barry Stubbings – Clerk;
- Minutes Clerk confirmed that the draft minutes of the last meeting held on 14th October 2019 had been circulated to all Councillors; also that the confirmed minutes of the September council meeting had been displayed on the Council notice boards and posted on the web site.. 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
SCURLAGE GREEN –
TRAFFIC SPEED – Clerk tabled a draft of letter to C&CS Chief Executive calling for action and all agreed on the letter being sent.
FOOTPATHS – call for action was also included in the above letter.
SALTHOUSE LANE, PORT EYNON Clerk to make contact with Peter Beynon and AONB taskforce to have undergrowth cleared and to make marker posts visible, also to regrade the lane surface. All matters previously promised and now long overdue.
DEFIBRILLATORS – No further consideration .
- Finance
Budgetted expenditure was presently:
Port Eynon Village Green works- £2,000
Scurlage Village Green works – £2,000
Scurlage traffic speed management – £3,000
Clerk confirmed that there were adequate resources to meet these commitments.
- Planning
Clerk provided a resume of applications recently considered and now approved or refused
2019/1556 Llais y Don, Overton lane, SA3 1NR – Extensions, Porches, canopy and front patio area.
Council noted that the proposal amounted to considerable reconfiguration and extension of the existing building. Reference was made to a detailed objection from owners of the neighbouring property. Council expressed concern over the extent of the additions to the present property and in particular, to the proximity of the side extension to the property boundary. Council further noted the incorporation of flat roof areas which would not be consistent with the Gower AONB Design Guides. Overall Council concluded by majority that the application could be recommended for approval provided the above concerns could be addressed.
Application approved on 5th November 2019.
2019/2027TCA Box Boat Cottage, Port Eynon – To lop and crown lift one cedar tree. Council had no recommendations.
2019/ 2080 PRE-App Manzell Kuchak, Port Eynon – Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension.
Council considered the application which was for extension and improvement of an existing holiday cottage. Council noted that there was no provision for parking at the existing property and there would be none after the improvements are carried out. Car parking in the immediate area is already problematic. Council further noted that the proposed fenestration would appear to not be compatible with the AONB design guide and expressed reservations over the proposed balcony.
Overall Council recommended that the application be refused.
Decided on 8th October and given a ‘MIXED’ response.
NEW APPLICATIONS
2019/2543 FUL Well Cottage, Port Eynon – Increase of roof height at rear, rooflights and patio doors.
Council considered the application and found it generally acceptable with no adverse effect on neighbours or the neighbourhood.
2019/2313 FUL Land adjoining Dinglebank, Trumpet Lane, Knelston – New detached house and garage.
Council considered this further application for this site.Council were of the opinion that the proposals represented an over development of the site leading to a detached house which was not in accordance with the guidelines expressed in the AONB Design Guide for both overall size and for height. The resulting house would not be compatible with existing properties in Trumpet Lane. Council noted that the proposed first floor terrace would give rise to intrusive overlooking of a neighbouring property. Council noted that the plot size had been maximised by the removal of established hedgerows and replacement with close boarded fencing which is further contrary to AONB Guidelines.
Council reiterated previously expressed concerns with regard to further development being served by Trumpet Lane which is an unmade road served from a sub-standard junction with the A4118 Port Eynon Road. This junction lacks visibility for exiting traffic and is sited close to a rise in the main road such that southbound traffic is unaware of exiting vehicles.
Overall Council were of the unanimous opinion that the application should be refused.
- Highways and Footpaths
Councillors raised concern over the area at the rear of Borfa House, Port Eynon where the unmade surface had deteriorated to such an extent that it presented a severe hazard for pedestrians, particularly as there was no lighting in the area. Numerous deep potholes were present which could easily lead to severe injuries to the public. It was noted that this area was a main pedestrian route serving the eastern part of Port Eynon and had become a parking area well used by tourists in the day time and by patrons of the Ship Inn in the evenings. Council noted that the popularity of this area for parking had risen in the recent past due to uncertainties around the cost and use of the main public car park. Clerk to again raise with C&CS Peter Beynon.
Concern was raised with regard to the disabled car park area at the roundabout which was again suffering from frequent build up of sand and from the boundary wall which presented a dangerous unprotected drop for pedestrians.
Concern was raised with regard to the surface drain on the side of the A4118 just before St Cattwg’s church. Repairs had been ongoing for some time but there was concern that on completion there would remain a deep open drain which would be hazardous to pedestrians.
- Correspondence
Clerk advised that he had received further correspondence from Mrs Walker concerning the green at Overton. In particular that the marker stones were no longer proving a deterrent to vehicles to park on the green. Councillor Evans advised that he would re-visit the area to see if improvements could be made.
Clerk advised that he had received letters from three residents in Knelston concerning the planning application for land adjacent to Dinglebank. These were considered with the application as above.
- Communications, Notice Boards, Etc
Again, no matters for consideration.
- Village Halls
Port Eynon – Cllr. Robert Fisher advised that he had written to the VHMC regarding the boundary encroachment from a caravan pitch and had emphasised that this was a matter that should be considered under the regulations for a party wall. A copy of letter was tabled for information of Councillors.
Llanddewi – Chair advised that he had been unable to contact Mr Walters.
- Knelston Burial Ground.
Clerk advised, on behalf of the Trustees, that there was nothing to report.
- Any Other Business
Councillor Evans advised of his recent experience in the main car park at Port Eynon. He was recently in the car park at approximately 8:30 pm and observed the gates being closed and possibly locked. He had to hastily exit the car park. He advised that it was his understanding that the car park was to remain open until 11 pm. But noted that the sign on the gate indicated hours of 8 am to 8:30 pm. The notice board on the toilet block advised hours of 8 am to 9 pm. He questioned what course of action was to be taken by a resident if they found their car locked in the car park, noting that there were no contact details given on the gates or the notice boards. Clerk was requested to raise with C&CS Peter Beynon.
Councillor Evans drew attention to previous discussions concerning the village green area in Port Eynon and wondered if this matter could be further addressed with a view leasing the area to preserve it for community use.
Next meeting – Unless there were urgent issues Council agreed not to meet in December and that next scheduled meeting would be Monday 18th January, 7 pm. At Knelston School.
There being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked all in attendance and the meeting adjourned at 9: 00 pm.
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Barry Stubbings (Clerk) Robert Fisher (Chair)
18th January 2020