Gerrans Parish Council
MINUTES of the Meeting of Gerrans Parish Council
held on Tuesday 4th November 2014
in the Memorial Hall Annexe
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday 2nd December at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall Annexe
Present:
Cllrs Case, Edwards, German, Greenslade, Hatwood, Hetherington, Iddison, Meek, Morse, Symons, Taffinder ( Chairman); S Skull (Clerk)
3 members of the public attended.
111401
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
The Chairman read out a statement in respect of the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 reminding those in attendance and participating in the meeting that they were liable to be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise recorded.
111402
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
CC J German
111403
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Cllr German declared a non registerable interest in the discussion of the proposed relocation of Portscatho Post Office (item 14 on the agenda) in that he owned the suggested relocation site for many years.
Cllr Meek declared a non registerable interest in the pre-application enquiry regarding 7 Clifton Terrace (to be discussed in item 8 on the agenda) because of the close proximity of his own house.
111404
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mrs Rita Day, manager of Portscatho Post Office, reported that members of the public were not pleased at the proposed relocation of the Post Office to Ralph’s Stores. She said that Post Office Ltd should listen to local people’s concerns and recognise the services they required. Many had indicated to her that they would use St Mawes Post Office if this relocation took place, taking trade out of the Parish.
Mr Jon Smith, Chairman of the Roseland Neighbourhood Development Plan (RNDP) Steering Group (SG), presented an update on the progress of the Plan. He said the assessment of the consultation responses had been completed and was at the proof-reading stage. The assessment had resulted in only minor amendments which had not altered the intent of the Plan. It was the SG’s aim to submit the final draft of the Plan to Cornwall Council before Christmas. This would be done, for technical reasons, under the auspices of Philleigh Parish Council because protocol dictates a Plan has to be submitted by a Parish.
111405
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Council accepted the draft minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7th October 2014 as being a true record, subject to the correction of a typographical error. The Chairman signed the minutes.
111406
REVIEW OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – MATTERS ARISING
Cllr German said the adjustments to the main lease on the public conveniences at Portscatho were still not complete as Cornwall Council were still discussing the matter internally.
111407
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
There was no correspondence not covered elsewhere in the agenda.
111408
PLANNING MATTERS
APPLICATIONS
The PC had received 1 new application. This is outlined below and comments are noted in the Planning Register.
| Application | Description | PC decision |
| PA14/09882 | Replacement of rooflights with front Dormer at 2 Admiralty Terrace | Unanimous support |
Mr Steve Hooper, of CAD Architects Ltd, spoke by way of a pre-explanation of an application yet to be registered which would in effect be a resubmission of PA14/06947 relating to a proposed new entrance off the highway for a residential barn at Higher Tregassa. The original application was withdrawn after the PC objected, and Mr Hooper explained that the whole road had now been topographically surveyed and new detailed plans drawn up (which he presented for examination) in which the visibility splay had been extended to allow for 45 mph traffic rather than the original 30 mph. The new plans had been submitted to the Highways Engineer, who had indicated there would be no likely objection on safety grounds.
Mr Hooper had also sent, in advance of the meeting, a pre-application enquiry in respect of a proposed 1st floor extension at 7 Clifton Terrace. Cllr Meek left the room during discussion of this enquiry. In the discussion, Cllr Hetherington said that three members of the Planning Committee had visited the site and were of the opinion that the proposed extension would represent an overdevelopment of the small plot. Mr Hooper spoke in support of the proposal and several Councillors contributed to the debate. There was agreement that there were no “skyline” issues, given the scale of the Gwarak Gwel an Mor development behind the site but the Planning Committee were unanimous that the extension as presented would be overdevelopment and against the principles of the draft Roseland Plan and the existing Carrick Local Plan.
DECISIONS
PA14/06290 (PC: majority object) – Refused
PA14/07779 (PC: majority object) – Refused
PA14/08381 (PC: majority object) – Approved
ENFORCEMENT MATTERS
Nothing to report
111409
COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS
Cllr Hetherington had attended the latest meeting of the Network Community Panel, at which the main subject discussed was Cornwall Council’s (CC’s) budget for the forthcoming year. Cabinet member Alex Folkes had told the meeting effective cuts totalling £196m would be required, comprising approximately £89m actual cuts and a forecast £107m increase in demand. Cllr Hetherington said there was an online consultation on CC’s website for the public to suggest where cuts should be made. Overall the feeling of the meeting had been quite negative.
Cllr Symons observed that he was disappointed not to have seen local CC member Julian German at the last few PC meetings. Cllr R German said this was because of essential CC business meetings.
111410
LOCALISM
No suggestions for assets suitable for adoption as community assets were forthcoming. The clerk said he would scan and circulate a relevant article in the latest issue of “Clerks and Councils Direct” before the next meeting, when the issue could be discussed again. Action clerk.
111411
CHURCH CLOSE OPEN SPACE LAND
Cllr Greenslade proposed (seconded by Cllr Edwards) that the proposed lease on the S106 open space land, which all Councillors had had time to review, should now be signed without delay. This was carried unanimously. Action clerk to request signing copy.
111412
NEW ROAD CAR PARK DRAINAGE
The clerk said he had been advised by Cormac that the bolt-hole system as installed is standard countywide in Cornwall , and, given the surface, gulleys would only themselves block up over time. He reported that the National Trust had done a thorough clear up on the seaward side of the wall, so it is now easy to see if pipes are obstructed. There had not been sustained heavy rainfall during the month, but he would continue to monitor the situation going forward. Action clerk
111413
MICRO LIBRARY
The clerk reported that no further details had been received from Cornwall Council despite a further request, and there had still been no response from the public to the announcements on Roseland Online and in the Roseland magazine. He said CC J German had now followed up the enquiry.
111414
The Council discussed the proposed relocation of Portscatho post Office to Ralph’s Stores. Concerns were raised about practical issues such as personal privacy, security, staff suitability and access. It was decided to call an open public meeting in the Memorial Hall to gauge local opinion before deciding upon an official PC response to the public consultation at the next regular meeting. The clerk said he would enquire as to an available date, and try to get representation from Post Office Ltd at the meeting. He and Cllr Hatwood would liaise on publicity. Action clerk and Cllr Hatwood
111415
PERCUIL PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Cllr Edwards reported he had made some progress in investigating possibilities. Caerhays Estate had no objection to the establishment of a mains power supply, but solar panels could also be an option. He had spoken to the boatyard operators and arranged a meeting with an experienced contractor. He would report again at the next meeting.
111416
BUS SHELTER AT TREWITHIAN
Cllr Meek had made enquiries. Permission from the Divisional Surveyor would be required because any shelter would affect the Highway. Grants of up to £3,000 were available but on a “first come first served” basis. The PC would be responsible for maintenance and insurance. He said he was awaiting information from CC re passenger numbers and viability and would report back at the next meeting.
111417
FINANCIAL MATTERS
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was resolved that the outstanding invoices totalling £3,520.86 (including VAT of £444.79) be paid. A schedule of these payments is available from the clerk.
BANK RECONCILIATION
The reconciled bank balance as at 25th October was £74,091.18
111418
OTHER PARISH MATTERS
The clerk reported that the replacement road sign at Gerrans Hill was now in place.
Cllr Edwards reported there was an online petition on the refusal of planning permission at Trewince Manor. Cllr Hetherington said it would be judicious to review the PC’s procedures in arriving at planning comments once the Roseland Plan was implemented.
Cllr Meek observed that Stephen Williams MP had said on his recent local visit that he was impressed with how town and parish councils were promoting the Cornish language.
Cllr German said the PC should send a representative to the “Friends of Pendower” meeting on 13th November in the Memorial Hall. It was agreed that Cllr German should attend and report back at the next meeting.
Cllr German also commented he had received many compliments from members of the public about the Portscatho toilets refurbishments, and Cllr Iddison added that one person had apologised for earlier derogatory comments made about the new use of the building, and had said the development was plainly a positive move and a success.
Cllr Case said a member of the public had been observed causing damage to the car park surface at Treloan Lane with a vehicle. He said he would monitor the situation.
Cllr Symons was concerned about the number of “house swaps” on the Gwarak Gwel an Mor estate, and asked what were the criteria for allocation of housing there. Cllr Greenslade said that, under the Unitary Authority, the term “local” now meant anywhere in Cornwall. The clerk was asked to research the criteria and make this an agenda item next time. Action clerk
The meeting closed at 9.20 pm