MEVAGISSEY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at the Mevagissey Activity Centre
On Thursday 20 November 2014 at 7pm.
Present Cllrs. M Roberts (Chair), J Daniel, J Morgan, N Florence, G Shephard, J Whatty.
In Attendance Cllr. J Mustoe (CC), PJ Howson (Clerk), 12 members of the public.
UNRATIFIED UNLESS SIGNED
- Apologies received: Cllrs. Feeley, Robins, Facey, Williams, Hrydziuszka, Chesterfield, PCSO Hemming.
There was a unanimous expression of regret for the continued absence of Cllr. Chesterfield through ill health. Cllr. Chesterfield has proved over many years to be a very strong Councillor, always the first to defend and promote local interests. Her absence is sorely missed and her anticipated return would be welcomed by all. Her absence was formally approved by the Council.
2a. Declarations of interest. Cllr. Shephard – Agenda Item 8e; Cllr. Florence – Agenda Item 8f.
2b. Gift Declarations. None.
- The Chairman’s opening remarks:
- A warm welcome to Cllr. James Mustoe, attending for the first time in his new role as County Councillor;
- Thank you letters received from the Feast Week Committee and Little Nippers for grants received;
- In the face of likely reductions in the library service, a suitable local venue is being sought. Offers and suggestions to the Council are welcomed. Cornwall Council (CC) provides a grant and a computer, and suitable insurance is required to cover the books and computer;
- The Chairman represented the Council at the Memorial Service, which was very well attended.
- Police Report. None received.
- Points from the Public.
Mr Nigel Florence and Ms Heather Dellerue, both of Leatfield, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 8f (PA14/08061), on the grounds that the proposed development would be out of keeping with surrounding properties, over-dominant, and invasive of the privacy of properties it would overlook. Mr Martin Penk, as the applicant, spoke in support of PA14/08061, stating that the revised plans attempted to address the issues raised previously. He was willing to consider changes to the materials used and reduce the capacity of the carport to further address those issues, and would be happy to host a site meeting to discuss them.
Ms Kathleen Firman of Ava spoke on Agenda Item 8i (PA14/10092), stating that she and her fellow neighbours had no problem with this proposal, the applicant having clearly listened to their previous concerns; but that they remained concerned with wider plans for the site.
Ms Sue Grigg spoke on Agenda Item 24 (Bank at Prospect Place). CC always used to maintain this steep bank, but no longer. She expressed appreciation for Councillors’ previous efforts over this issue and asked that they resolve this impasse with CC.
Mr David Sycamore of School Hill spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 8e (PA14/03818/PREAPP), stating that the proposal would violate saved Policies 6, 35 and 71 of the Restormel Local Plan; and that the proposed access, being so close to the road junction, would create a hazard to safety.
- Minutes. Proposed by Cllr. Florence, Seconded by Cllr. Shephard, that the Minutes of 16 October be Accepted. Carried.
- Actions from previous meeting:
- 09/25: The investigations by CC Planning Enforcement of the five untidy sites identified during the 2nd October walkabout have been completed. Decisions awaited.
- The Clerk has written to CC asking for the standard of cleaning of the public toilets on the quay to be improved, and CC has now taken it up with the cleaning contractor.
- 08/12: The Clerk has chased Ocean Housing for a site meeting at Wesley Court and Meadow Court to discuss the general neglect in evidence there, and is waiting to hear from their Neighbourhood Services Officer.
- 10/12: The Clerk is chasing CC for a completion date for the agreed seat renovations in Hitler’s Walk.
- The Clerk is still still trying to get CC to cut the overgrown bank along School Hill. The Highways Manager has said that it is not CC owned, but has accepted that they have enforcement powers. Unfortunately we are unable to identify a landowner on which action can be enforced. See Minute 24 below.
- 09/14: Cllrs. Shephard and Whatty had joined St Goran Parish Councillors for the meeting with the National Trust at Hemmick Beach to discuss the seasonal parking restrictions there, which resulted in the Trust agreeing to remove the restrictions a month sooner than originally planned.
- 10/14: Cllr. Roberts reported that the quote for the War Memorial gate was still awaited.
- 09/24: The Clerk noted that he is still awaiting written details of the prioritised list of agreed works in the recreation grounds.
- Planning.
8a. PA14/09609 : Felling of 1 Monterey Pine. 14 Portmellon Park Mevagissey St. Austell PL26 6XD.
Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council supports the Application. Carried.
8b. PA14/09387 : Division of attached cottage from the main property to create separate dwelling, general repair of the property in accordance with the survey and general updating of property. 62 Church Street Mevagissey PL26 6SR
Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Morgan that the Council has no objection to this Application or the associated listed building consent subject to the views of the Conservation Officer. Carried.
8c. PA14/09388 : Listed building application for division of attached cottage from the main property to create separate dwelling, general repair of the property in accordance with the survey and general updating of property. 62 Church Street Mevagissey. (See 8b above)
8d. PA14/10049 : Proposed single storey extension and alterations to existing dwelling. The Cottage 41 Tregoney Hill Mevagissey St. Austell Cornwall PL26 6RE.
Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that Council has no objection to this Application. Carried.
8e. PA14/03818/PREAPP : Pre application advice for the erection of a dwelling. Polstreath School Hill Mevagissey St Austell Cornwall PL26 6TH.
Proposed by Cllr. Florence, Seconded by Cllr. Daniel that the Council objects to any proposal to create a further new dwelling within the grounds of Polstreath House, which would be in contravention of Saved Policies 6, 35 and 71 of the Restormel Local Plan and would create additional hazards at an already dangerous road junction.
8f. PA14/08061 : New three bedroom dwelling to replace existing disused squash court with onsite parking space for three vehicles in adjacent car port. Tregoney Hill Mevagissey PL26 6RF. REVISED PLANS.
It was felt that the revised plans did not give an adequate impression of what the proposed building would look like, although it would clearly still be out of keeping. Cllr. Mustoe will ask the Planning Case Officer for a site meeting. Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Daniel that powers be delegated to the Site Committee to make a decision following the site meeting. Carried.
8g. PA14/09890 : Dropped kerb to provide vehicular access. 1A Penmeva View Mevagissey St. Austell PL26 6RB.
Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council supports the Application. Carried.
8h. PA14/10659 : Proposed raised terrace. Mermaid Cottage And Corner Cottage Mevagissey St. Austell PL26 6PJ.
Proposed by Cllr. Florence, Seconded by Cllr. Shephard that Council has no objection to the Application, subject to the views of Historic Environment Planning with respect to the properties being listed buildings in the AONB.
Carried.
8i. PA14/10092 : To demolish the existing garages and erect a new dwelling. Land Adjoining Ava House Ava Mevagissey St Austell Cornwall PL26 6RY (additional agenda item).
Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Shephard that Council supports the Application on condition that the windows are redesigned to match those of Ava House itself; and that powers be delegated to the Clerk to submit this response to CC after a period of 3 working days following publication of the Minutes to ensure adequate notice.
Carried.
For information only:
8j: PA14/09626 : Proposed agricultural machinery store. The Stables Tregoney Hill Mevagissey. Comment submitted 23/10/14 following consultation with Site Committee members: No objection, conditional on future usage being restricted to stated intention. Noted.
8k. PA14/04298 : Proposed two semi-detached dwellings on land between 33 and 36 Pentillie Way. Open Space Pentillie Mevagissey Cornwall. REFUSED
8l. PA14/09447 : Retrospective listed building consent for knocking through of two rooms into one in modern extension.
Buckingham House, 17 Tregoney Hill, Mevagissey. APPROVED
8m. It was noted that an EIA Screening Opinion Request for proposed residential development on land off School Hill had been submitted by Mevagissey Bay View LLP (PA14/10856).
- Finances
| Bills to Pay | Salaries | £ | 646.30 | ||
| HMRC | £ | 210.54 | |||
| M.A.C – meeting room hire | £ | 195.00 | |||
| St Andrew’s Church – police room | £ | 600.00 | |||
| Royal British Legion – poppy appeal | £ | 75.00 | |||
| Printing costs – Neighbourhood Plan fliers | £ | 309.00 | |||
| TOTAL | £ | 2,035.84 | |||
| Accounts | Amount available to spend as of last meeting | £ | 27,358.76 | ||
| Expenditure last month | £ | 1,382.98 | |||
| plus Neighbourhood Plan consultancy | £ | 1,320.00 | |||
| Balance (money in bank) | £ | 25,105.78 | |||
| Unpresented cheques (101129) | £ | 450.00 | |||
| Available to spend | £ | 24,655.78 | |||
| Bank Statements (01/11/2014): | |||||
| Current Account | £ | 536.89 | |||
| Deposit Account | £ | 24,568.89 | |||
| TOTAL | £ | 25,105.78 |
It was noted that the expected Cormac invoice, indicated on the agenda, had not been received; and that the invoice for printing costs was now included to avoid late payment charges.
Proposed by Cllr.Shephard, Seconded by Cllr.Morgan that the accounts be accepted and the bills paid. Carried.
- Devolution – update. Cormac’s response to the submitted cutting plan is still awaited.
- Agree budget for next financial year. There was general acceptance that the Precept for 2015/16 should be increased by more than two percent. Given the low number of Councillors present it was agreed to defer this to December.
- Approval and adoption of revised Model Financial Regulations.
Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Regulations be adopted. Carried
- Proposed closure of BT phone box at Portmellon Flats. Agreed that Council has no objection to its closure.
- Request for support from the Cornwall Air Ambulance. Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Morgan that a cheque for £250 be presented at the next meeting. Carried.
- Feedback in advance of Cornwall Council Parking Order 2015. It was agreed that, given the large number of shops opening into the evening during much of the year, the scaled charging currently applying during 9am-6pm should be extended to 10pm (whilst retaining the fixed price charging currently applying during 6pm-00.30am).
- Maintenance of grassed area adjacent to 32 & 33 Pentillie. Cllr. Mustoe is progressing this issue with CC on behalf of residents and the Council. Clerk to write to CC to complain about the lack of local consultation, or even notification, over the sale of land within the Parish.
- Neighbourhood Plan (NP) – update, agree funding, approve Terms of Reference. Cllr. Shephard (Chairman of the NP Steering Group), reported that consultation had started with various community groups, and public consultations would continue into February. The NP would then be consolidated into a draft document to be submitted for formal inspection prior to a referendum, which was expected towards the end of next year. The next public meeting is on 10 December. After that there will be a survey of all households in the Parish. This is being developed ‘in house’, but the costs of printing and distribution will be significant. An application to ‘Locality’ has been made for a grant of £7,000 to cover costs, but Council was asked to allocate a further £7,000 in next year’s budget. Proposed by Cllr. Florence, Seconded by Cllr. Whatty that £7,000 be allocated to the NP in the 2015/16 budget. Carried.
The key point of the Terms of Reference (TOR) is that the NP Steering Group (SG) is answerable to the full Council in all matters. Proposed by Cllr. Florence, Seconded by Cllr. Whatty that the NPSG TOR be approved. Carried.
- Coastal Footpath at Chapel Point Lane, dangerous section. Cllr. Daniel reported a dangerous section of the South West Coast Path off Chapel Point Lane requiring installation of a safety rail. Clerk to progress.
- Broken Railings Portmellon slipway. Cllr. Daniel reported that the railings on the slipway were still broken despite previous complaints. Also, the seaweed deposited on the road and pavements during easterlies was not being cleared as quickly or thoroughly as in the past and remained a hazard to road safety. Cllr. Mustoe to progress.
- Signage at Hitler’s Walk – Cllr. Daniel. Clerk to obtain a quote for the manufacture and installation of appropriate signage and put details on the next agenda.
- Steep House Boundary Reply from CC as to the precise boundary detail. The Clerk’s letter of 6 August to CC Legal Services requesting a legal opinion on a) the boundary between Steep House and the Paddock and b) the application to the Steep House site of saved Policy 35 of the Restormel Local Plan 2011 had, after a lengthy delay, been passed as a complaint to CC Planning Department, who in turn, over 3 months later, had replied that there were no grounds for complaint against themselves. It was agreed that the Clerk’s draft response, addressing the way that the original request had been treated and the findings of CC Planning Department, should have a paragraph added to cover the Policy 35 issue and should then be sent to CC.
- Vicarage Hill warning signs. Cllr. Facey had requested that signage or road markings should be introduced on Vicarage Hill to warn drivers of children crossing the road between Shipbuilder’s Close and the rear entrance to the school. Cllr. Mustoe to progress.
- Potential funding opportunity from ‘Locality’. See Minute 17 above.
- Bank surrounding Prospect Place. CC have neglected to cut back the undergrowth on the bank, claiming that they do not own the land. Ownership of the land has always been disputed, but CC have cut it previously. It has now become a hazard, both to the stability of the bank and to road safety. Cllr. Mustoe to progress.
- The meeting ended at 9.40pm. Date of next meeting : 18 December 2014
Signed …………………………………………………………………………….. Dated ………………………………