Minutes of the Meeting of St Just in Roseland Parish Council held in Millennium Rooms, St Mawes on Monday 4th March 2013. The meeting commenced at 7pm.
Councillors Present:
The Chairman Cllr. K. Warren, Cllrs. R. G. Baylis, J. Benney, A.M. Ch art, B. Chenoweth, G. Chenoweth, R.E. Giles, P. Farmiloe, P.J. Salter, P Teague and C. Williams
Also Present:
S. Penhaligon (Clerk), T van der Wolde (Assistant Clerk), Cornwall Councillor J German, and one member of the public
1. To accept apologies for absence – None received
2. Declaration of Interest:
a) Disclosable Pecuniary Interest– Cllr. Chart on Item 14b.
b) Non-Registerable Interest – none declared
c) Of gifts to the value of more than £25 – none declared
d) To consider requests for dispensation on items on the agenda – none declared
3. Open Period – Public Participation
No comments were made.
4. Confirmation of the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th February 2013
The Council RESOLVED, by a show of hands, that the previously circulated minutes be approved and they were duly signed by the Chairman.
5. Matters arising from the Minutes not on the Agenda – No matters were reported.
6. Report from the Clerk
The Clerk informed that the swing at Summers Beach was inspected by the Council’s maintenance engineer who reported that the actual swing does not need any works, however, the protection rails require straightening and a contractor has been appointed to undertake the works He has also inspected Bohella Bank and will make good the damaged areas.
Cormac Structure Engineers inspected Tredenham Road (Summers Beach), Kings Road, Marine Parade and Lower Castle Road (Tavern Beach). The steps opposite the St Mawes Hotel, No 2 Marine Parade are damaged and require urgent repairs. The corner of the sea wall is damaged opposite South Cottage, 30 Marine Parade and requires rebuilding. Summers Beach concrete stepped area will require attention to fill in the gaps opening up between concrete and the granite edge stones. General maintenance is required to all the sea walls listed above to repoint missing areas of mortar and replace missing stones. Cormac will be raising an order for the repairs to the steps opposite the St Mawes Hotel to be carried out as soon as possible (subject to the tides) and the other works will be ordered early in the new financial year.
St Just Self Build Group asked the Parish Council’s opinion on road names for its development. The Parish Council unanimously agreed that, out of the names selected, it would prefer the name Trevennel Close.
7. Report from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
Two crimes were reported. One of which was detailed and that involved theft of 500 litres of heating oil from an address in St Mawes.
8. Report from Cornwall Cllr. German
Cornwall Cllr. German informed that speed readings had been conducted by St Mawes School. The mean speed reading was 18 mph. He would like to arrange a meeting regarding speeding in the vicinity of the school for all interested parties within the next month.
9. Report from Councillors as representatives of other Committees
No reports were given.
10/1. Accounts and Finance
a) To approve the payments of accounts (Appendix 1)
The Council were asked to approve the following payments:
Total cheques numbered 5956 to 5972 (less void cheque number 5961) were approved
and signed at the meeting £5,661.56
Total cheques numbered 5950 to 5955 paid since last meeting were ratified £2,909.05
Direct Debits/ Standing Orders shown as paid in February £ 255.80
Income shown as received during February £3,622.35
Approval of the payments of accounts proposed by Cllr. Giles seconded by Cllr. G Chenoweth. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
b) To further consider the options for the finance software package
It was agreed that a qualified Scribe technician visits the Clerks Office and examine the current package to see if it can meet the needs of the Parish Council.
c) To consider the use of a Parish Council debit card so that Councillors and Employees do not need to use their own cards for purchases.
CALC advised that it is not ideal for the Council to have a card as it cannot meet the audit/legal requirements of two signatures per payment. It is legal however for the Council to give an advance to the person purchasing items and the Council can claim back the VAT as long as there is an invoice in the name of the Council. It is anticipated that once the minister has signed off the variation order, Parish Councils will be able to use electronic and internet banking and this will include use of a debit card. The Council agreed to wait for a variation order.
The Clerk noted with thanks that £200 has been received from Cornwall Cllr. German’s Community Grant Scheme in support of the St Mawes Information Boards Project.
d) To consider the request from Roseland Festival Committee for sponsorship of two free of charge sessions in the Millennium Rooms.
The Parish Council are to consider sponsoring the St Just and St Mawes Heritage Group Exhibition during the Roseland Festival, therefore Cllr. Salter proposed to decline the request for additional free sessions, seconded by Cllr. Giles. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
10b. Finance Committee
To consider the recommendations from the Finance Committee meeting held on 28th February 2013.
Cllr. Baylis proposed that the Parish Council approve the following recommendations from the Finance Committee as per Appendix 2:
(6) The Finance Committee Constitution.
(7) The Grant Application Procedure and form.
(8) The Internal Audit Policy and Procedures and its Internal Audit Plan.
(10a) That the Parish Council continues to offer St Just in Roseland Institute an interest free loan not exceeding £5,000 if expenditure is required at a rate faster than current resources will allow.
(10b) That the Parish Council to make a one off payment of £300 to Roseland On-Line towards the initial start up costs of its new project in recognition of the business support it gives the Parish Council and the Roseland Visitor Centre under s111 of the Local Government Act 1972.
(12b1) St Just Toilets expenditure – It was agreed that £3,000 should be included in the forecast in respect of the estimated fixed costs.
(12b1) Cleansing grant from Cornwall Council. – it was agreed that the grant should be increased from £12,000 to £13,360 as per information received from Cornwall Council.
(12c) To reinstate the £5,000 support to the Roseland Visitor Centre.
Seconded by Cllr. Salter. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
11a. Planning
a) To consider the meetings of the Planning Committee
No committee meeting was held between 5th February and 3rd March 2013.
b) The Council considered the following planning applications:
52. PA13/00823 14 Pedn Moran, St Mawes. Removal of 1 Monterey Cypress, replant with a new specimen. Reviewed by Cllrs. Farmiloe, Salter and Chart. No objection.
53. PA13/00823 Hirkemmyns, Upper Castle Road, St Mawes. Conversion of existing garage. Reviewed by Cllrs. Salter, Farmiloe and Giles. This application was discussed during the Parish Meeting, Cllr. Giles proposed that the Parish Council recommend refusal as it was deemed an overdevelopment and affected the visual amenity of the area as it caused an imbalance between two identical properties, and would result in loss of amenity (garage). Seconded by Cllr. Salter. Four voted for, four voted against, one abstention. Chairman’s casting vote meant Motion defeated – therefore, no objection.
54. PA13/01056 Treventon, St Just in Roseland. Single storey extension. Reviewed by Cllrs. Teague, G. Chenoweth and Benney. No objection.
55. PA13/01388 Willow Cottage, Place View Road, St Mawes. Proposed extension, with first floor terrace, and alterations. Reviewed by Cllrs. Farmiloe, Salter and Giles. No objection.
56. PA13/01287 The Emporium, 17 Bohella Rd, St Mawes. Display of 1 no timber non illuminated fascia and 1 no timber non illuminated projecting sign. Reviewed by Cllrs. Williams, Farmiloe and Baylis.
No objection.
57. PA13/01327 The Pavilion, 4a Grove Hill, St Mawes. Coppice overgrown mixed hedgerow, remove line of mixed Cypress, Ash and other trees. Removal of Apple tree and groups of Leyland Cypresses. Under review by Cllrs. Chart, Farmiloe, and Baylis.
c) To note the decisions of the Planning Authority –
PA12/11505 Bar Point, St Just in Roseland. Extensions (including dormer extensions) and alterations to dwelling. Approved.
PA13/00406 Apple Orchard, 19 Chapel Terrace, St Mawes. Erection of a single storey and replacement roof. Approved.
d) Enforcements
Ongoing – none
Closed – EN13/00247 Alleged breach of condition (2) of FE31/0557/10/R – Stationing of caravan after 18th June 2012. The breach has been resolved by an agreement with the owner to remove the caravan by a set date.
e) To consider planning correspondence
8/2 Email from Planning Officer regarding PA13/00376 Bohella House. The Planning Officer wanted to recommend for approval, as the Parish Council objected to the application she asked that the Parish Council agree to disagree with her recommendation.
15/2 Email from Planning Officer regarding PA13/00264 Lloyds Bank. The Planning Officer negotiated with the applicant, and the proposal was amended so that the illumination has been removed, and the original bracket for hanging sign retained. The officer is minded to approve and sought the views of the Parish Council on the amended proposal.
Cllr. German commented on the Bohella House application, it was acknowledged that there was no grounds for objection as roof lights come under permitted development rights, however, he asked the Planning Officer to go back to the applicant expressing that the Parish Council and Ward Councillor would not like this feature to be included in the works.
f) To consider the removal of the damaged Beech Tree and the Mimosa bush on Bohella Bank.
The Clerk informed that the Protected Commemorative Jubilee Beech Tree which was criminally damaged in 2010 has been found it to be dead and dying. At the time all the diseased, dead and dying parts of the tree were removed and 1.5 metres cut off the top as permitted by the Tree Protection Officer.
Specialist Tree Surgeon, Conrad Birnie inspected the Beech Tree and discovered that the copper nails and herbicide inserted into the trunk and the roots has caused wood rot and bracket fungus has formed on the bark. He recommends that the tree be removed due to its vulnerable position. If the tree is removed, the Council would need to have the contaminated earth removed before another tree/shrub is planted there. The Clerk asked whether the Parish Council would like a second opinion. Cllr. Giles proposed that the Parish Council accept Conrad’s recommendation for works to remove the Beech Tree and seek advice about a suitable replacement to honour the Jubilee. Seconded by Cllr. G Chenoweth. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
A resident of Manor Court has written to the Parish Council concerning the height of Mimosa bush as it has grown way above the wall and is completely hiding his flat behind. He asks that it is cut down to wall height. Luke Dunstone advised that he could trim off 3 ft but if he cut it to height of the wall it could die. Cllr. Giles proposed that 3ft is trimmed off the bush. Seconded by Cllr. Salter. Two against. Motion carried by majority vote. RESOLVED by the Council.
11b. Proposed Neighbourhood Development Plan
To further consider the Proposed Neighbourhood Development Plan
The Parish Council fed back their thoughts on the Terms of Reference for the NDP Steering Group. Namely that there needs to be an identified treasurer, and guidelines on how is VAT dealt with as there could be a large or small budget depending on what the community would like to see in the plan. St Just and St Mawes Society have kindly agreed to hold the funds.
David Hubbard has formally asked to be considered as a member of the Steering Group with the specific qualification as a Town and Country Planner.
Cllr. Warren stated that the Parish Council need to generate interest in this project by promoting community engagement.
12a. Proposed Housing Development at St Just in Roseland
The Clerks Office has received a number of copies of residents feedback sent to CSA Architects.
The Chairman consulted with Councillors to allow standing orders to be suspended in order to let a member of the public speak. Steve Pearce said that he contacted the Environment Agency regarding the pre-application, the EA said they had not been consulted yet. As the site is in Flood Zone 1, and the development is over 1 hectare, the EA are a statutory consultee once a planning application has been submitted. They confirmed a Flood Risk Assessment would therefore be required to demonstrate that an appropriate surface water drainage scheme can be achieved on the site in order to ensure that the development does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Standing orders were resumed.
12b. Affordable Housing Local Needs Register
To further consider the housing needs of the parish of St Just in Roseland
Nick Marsden from the Affordable Housing team met with members of the Parish Council on 14th February. He confirmed at present there is 63 households on the Homechoice register with a local connection to St Just in Roseland. Cornwall Council intends to meet the need by delivering 30 affordable homes split between St Mawes and St Just in Roseland. As open market homes are needed by most developers to make housing developments viable, this could potentially mean 60 new dwellings built in this Parish over the next couple of years. According to the draft local plan, expected housing growth in this Parish over the next 10 years is 20 new dwellings, however more homes may be necessary based on need.
It could be possible to meet an element of local housing need by asking Cornwall Council to change the percentage of allocations of vacant homes. At present the policy on vacant social homes are allocated to 50{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} local and 50{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} to those on the County register. Also new legislation called the Community Right to Build, and also Community Land Trusts, as well as a Cornish enterprise the Village Housing Guild can provide 100{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} affordable homes without the need of open market homes.
The Assistant Clerk felt that the previous Housing Needs Working Group could reform so that housing issues and options are explored. The Chairman commented that this might fit in to the Roseland Neighbourhood Plan. No decision on this matter was made at this time.
Cllr. Giles commented that Larkfield Rise is a good example of affordable homes. It was agreed that before a project begins on the possibility of delivering 100{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} affordable housing, that a willing landowner is needed.
The Chairman asked all Councillors to use their local connections to speak with any landowner who might be willing to bring forward such a development.
13. Millennium Rooms Management Committee
Cllr. Williams informed that the Launch of the new visitor map and Roseland Guides will be held in the Millennium Rooms on 8th March. 10,000 copies of the Roseland Guide has been printed advertising businesses as well as accommodation. Cllr. Williams commented that Dawn Andrews has done an excellent job on putting the Guide together.
14. Car Park
a) To consider monthly income
Pay & Pay & Display Permits Permits Total
Display
Monthly Cumulative Monthly Cumulative Cumulative
Feb 12 3,830.16 148,178.91 0.00 12,943.70 161,122.61
Feb 13 2,679.50 143,579.05 0.00 13,334.10 156,913.15
February 2012 comparable with February 2013
Up 390.40
Down -1150.66 -4599.86 -4209.46
b) To consider the additional information requested from the St Mawes Triathlon organiser regarding the schedule of the day and safety measures to be held on 22nd September 2013
The Clerks Office has not heard back from the organisers. This will be discussed at the next Car Park Committee meeting.
c) To consider the additional information requested from the Mermaid Midnight Walk organiser
The transition area is now going to be taking place at the St Mawes Football Ground.
d) To consider the request from Idle Rocks for parking permits for guests
It was agreed that the Clerk write to Idle Rocks Hotel on the current car park policy for permits. This item
will be discussed further by the Car Park Committee.
e) To consider the amendments to the car park signage
The quotation for the cost of changing the signage is £346. It was agreed that the amendments to the signage
are made. The Chairman of the Car Park Committee Cllr. Giles thanked Cllr. Baylis for all his hard work in
liaising with Cornwall Council and Cale Briparc.
f) To consider the quotation from DA Giles Ltd for the relining of the St Mawes Car Park
The net quotation £526.80 for relining will be considered by the Car Park Committee.
g) To consider the quotation from DA Giles Ltd to form a French Style soak away in St Just Car Park
A quotation has been received from DA Giles Ltd. Two further estimates have been requested from Phil Green Plant Hire and Cormac Highways.
It was noted that the new annual contract price from Cale Briparc for maintenance of the Pay and Display machines from the 1st April 2013, gross £1,381.42 (net £1,151.18), a 5.23{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} increase on last year.
Cllr. Baylis stated that during the Christmas Market, the request made by the Roseland Christmas Market Committee for free car parking was granted, however, the Parish Council asked to see their accounts as a matter of procedure and these have still not been received.
15. Public Toilets
To further consider the future financing of St Just Church Public Conveniences
At the moment the Parish Council is awaiting clarification on some aspects of the present lease. It has asked if Cornwall Council would be prepared to carry on funding St Just public conveniences until the Parish Council’s discussion with the Old Rectory has come to a conclusion of a formal transfer.
Cllr. Baylis proposed that the Parish Council pursue the option of the installation of an ‘Onion’ system in the vicinity of the toilet block, acknowledging a ball park figure of £4,000. If that is not viable, then pursue the next option of seeking a greater contribution to the running costs from the owners of the Old Rectory and the Church. Seconded by Cllr. Chenoweth. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
b) To consider the future funding of the St Mawes Public Conveniences
The Clerk confirmed her response to correspondence from Bert Biscoe, Cabinet Holder, Transportation, Highways and Environment (Delivery) regarding the devolution of the public conveniences by 31st March 2013, in which she pointed out that no negotiations have taken place regarding the devolution of the St Mawes public conveniences. The Parish Council is willing to take over the lease on these public conveniences with the proviso that it only pays 50{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} of the cleaning costs and that Cornwall Council pays all the remaining costs.
16. Public Footpath around the Football Field
To further consider making a safe public footpath around the Football Field in Upper Castle Road
Cllr. Giles asked that this item be taken off the agenda for the time being until he has something to report on.
17. Lighting to front of Harbour View, St Just in Roseland
To consider the need for additional lighting in area to the front of the Harbour View
The Clerk has referred this matter to Ben Dickenson, Cormac Highways Manager.
18. Zebra crossing St Just Square
To further consider the installation of a Zebra crossing outside St Just Lane Car Park
The Clerk has referred this matter to Ben Dickenson, Cormac Highways Manager.
19. Parish Council Elections in May 2013
To consider preparations for the Parish Council Elections on 2nd May 2013
Cornwall Council has advised that the nomination packs have to be collected from its Truro office. Cllr. German agreed to collect them from Truro on behalf of the Parish Council. The deadline for anyone wishing to stand for election is 12 noon on Friday 5th April 2013. Nominations must be either taken to Truro or Camborne offices (if posted Cornwall Council cannot be responsible if they are lost) The Chairman asked Councillors to encourage local residents to take this opportunity to get involved in the community by standing as a Parish Councillor in the local elections to be held on 2nd May.
20. Correspondence (information only)
21. Staffing Matters
To consider recommendations from the Personnel Committee Meeting held on 11th February 2013
Cllr. Farmiloe reported that there were no recommendations, and that the committee were working on policies and procedures.
22. Agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting
- Dogs on Beaches – consideration of extending hours and months allowed.
- Land for development at St Just
23. Date of next meeting – The next Parish Council meeting will be held in the Parish Millennium Rooms on Monday 8th April 2013 commencing at 7pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.20 pm
Signed as a true record………………………………………..Chairman
Date……………………………………………………………