Mevagissey Parish Council Minutes – September 2018

MEVAGISSEY PARISH COUNCIL

www.mevagisseypcc.co.uk

 

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at the Mevagissey Activity Centre

On Thursday 20 September 2018 at 7pm.

 

Present              Cllrs. M Roberts (Chairman), J Blackmore, J Daniel, M Facey, N Florence, J Gann, H Nathan, G Shephard, J Whatty.

 

In Attendance      Cllr. J Mustoe, (Ward Member), P Howson (Clerk), 17 members of the public.

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UNRATIFIED UNLESS SIGNED

 

  1. Apologies were received from Cllrs. J Morgan, K Robinson, T Barron and Julian Barron.

The Chairman announced that Jade Barron had resigned from the Council earlier today.

 

  1. Cllr. Daniel declared an interest in agenda item 9g (planning application for Curlews).

Cllr. Facey declared an interest in agenda item 9a (planning application for Portmellon car park).

 

  1. Dr Dave Watkins (Cornwall Council (CC) Strategic Coast and Flood Risk Lead), who had agreed to address the Council on planning policies in flood risk areas, had been unable to attend and had sent his apologies.

 

  1. Public participation.

Ms Sarah Vercoe and Messrs Rob Purlan and Roger Overell spoke on agenda item 9a, objecting to the development             of the Portmellon car park and lambasting the applicant for proceeding without planning permission. Dr Peter           Hingley said that allowing boat storage there would result in noise and other nuisance to residents. Mr Philip             Simpson expressed concern that this and other recent and proposed developments were combining to change the      nature of Portmellon, and that the Neighbourhood Plan appeared to offer little protection.

Ms Penny Gange and Mr David Gange spoke on agenda item 19, highlighting the need to keep the exit gully clear and the increased risk of flooding from dumping building spoil on the flood plain.

Mrs Alva Monk said that a bypass was needed.

Mr Dan Mitchell (Planning Agent) spoke on agenda item 9e (Sunny Croft), presenting the plans and asking for the   Council’s support.

 

  1. Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Blackmore that the minutes of the meeting held on 16 August be accepted.                                                             Carried.

 

  1. The Clerk reported that:
  • The police website shows 11 crimes reported in July as follows: 4 x violence and sexual offences (Valley Road recreation area and West Wharf, both under investigation; River Street car park, caution issued; Jetty Street, unable to prosecute suspect), 6 x criminal damage and arson (Church Lane and three in Pentillie Way, all under investigation; West Wharf, unable to prosecute suspect; Higher Well Park, investigation complete and no suspect identified), 1 x anti-social behaviour (Valley Road car park);
  • He had written to the Diocesan Glebe Committee re. glebe land for CLT use as requested and awaited a reply;
  • He had attended the Merchant Navy Day (3rd September) flag hoisting ceremony on the harbour;
  • The Highways Manager had confirmed that the three waiting restrictions schemes (School Hill, Bodrugan Hill and Portmellon Park) are included in the first round of schemes to be taken forward this year through the Community Network Scheme process at a total cost of £5,500 (see Ward Member’s report below).

 

  1. The Ward Member presented his report, including that:
  • New space markings in Kiers car park, central lines and new cats eyes on Valley Road, junction markings and signage at Tregiskey cross roads have been completed;
  • The proposed double yellow lines will be done later this financial year;
  • The Community Action Group will be working on the Valley Road green space this Saturday at 2pm;
  • The meetings at Portmellon arranged with CC’s planning officer and waterways officer took place earlier this month;
  • Another harbour clean will take place at 12 noon on 24 October as part of the Surfers Against Sewage Beach Clean Autumn series;
  • He arranged for the verge on School Hill to be cut;
  • He spoke in Full Council about the boundary changes, commenting that they should not be defending their existing plans against proposed amendments on the grounds that they are trying to preserve Community Network boundaries, not split parishes and maintain rural urban splits, when with the Mevagissey Division, they have not done so in all three cases.

 

  1. To receive correspondence.
  • Letter from H&A Recycling advising that they have sold part of their business to Biffa, who will collect the waste from West Wharf PC from 1st September;
  • 5-day protocol letter from CC wrt PA18/06753 (29 The Cliff) (additional agenda item 9k);
  • Letter from CC advising that an appeal against refusal has been made wrt PA17/05503 – The Harbour House;
  • 5-day protocol letter from CC wrt PA18/04895 (Mevagissey Bay Hotel) (agenda item 9i);
  • Letter from CC advising that PA18/04406 (Trevalsa Court) will be decided at Committee on 1st October at St Austell (additional agenda item 9l);
  • An email from the North Coast Cluster Group (NCCG) regarding CC housing policy and asking for support from local councils for a request to CC for a County wide conference on housing supply;
  • Two objections to planning application PA18/07632 (agenda item 9f).

 

Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council writes to the NCCG supporting their call for         a CC conference on housing supply, to be held in open forum.                                                                    Carried.

 

  1. To consider Planning Applications.

Cllr. Shephard intervened to say that the Council should take a holistic view of planning developments in Portmellon.

Recent planning applications and the lack of enforcement of permitted development (works not requiring planning    permission) were having an undesirable impact on the stability of the river and its environs. He argued that the        Council should consider how the cumulative effect of such developments could be controlled.

 

9a.        PA18/06592 : Change of use from Car Park to mixed use to provide car parking, onsite food and takeaway outlet, a kayak/paddle board store – hire and retail sales, a public disabled unisex wc with shower and changing facilities, boat storage during winter months and motor home parking and associated facilities during summer months. Car Park Adj To The Rising Sun Inn Portmellon Mevagissey Cornwall PL26 6PL   (Deferred from last meeting).

Cllr. Facey withdrew for this item having declared an interest. Proposed by Cllr. Gann, Seconded by Cllr.Florence that a decision be deferred pending sight of a management plan detailing the operation of the proposed toilet block, boat storage and associated facilities; a report on the ability of the wooden structures to withstand the extreme weather conditions which occur every winter; and confirmation of whether the size of the site is dependent on any associated planning application for an additional dwelling or dwellings.                                                            Carried.

 

9b.        PA18/07234 : Replace existing garage with self contained annexe (amendment to PA17/01137). Pondokie School Hill Mevagissey PL26 6TH

Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council has no objection.                    Carried.

 

9c.        PA18/07670 : Single storey rear extension and decked area. 9 Higher Lavorrick Mevagissey PL26 6TB

Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Shephard that the Council supports the application.              Carried.

 

9d.        PA18/07929 : Proposed replacement living room extension, ground floor garden room extension, replacement of flat roof to pitched roof to new kitchen area. Proposed new balcony to first floor. East Paddock School Hill Mevagissey PL26 6TH.          Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council has no objection to the proposals subject to the satisfaction of the Cornwall AONB Unit.                                                    Carried.

 

9e.        PA18/07894 : Removal of self contained annexe and erection of a new dwellinghouse with associated parking. Sunny Croft Ava Mevagissey PL26 6RY

Proposed by Cllr. Daniel, Seconded by Cllr. Gann that the Council objects to the proposals because the site is not appropriate for a separate development and the design is alien to the character of the area.                         Carried..

 

9f.         PA18/07632 : The proposal is to convert the original loft space into a 2 bedroom open plan kitchen/dining lounge apartment with external access including change from pitch roof to flat roof. Trevarne School Hill Mevagissey PL26 6TG.            Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council objects to the proposals because the resulting building would be out of keeping with its surroundings, would overlook neighbouring properties, and would constitute overdevelopment of the site.                                                                         Carried.

 

9g.        PA18/05405 : Extension at first floor level to front and rear and a change of roof. Curlews Penwarne Lane Mevagissey PL26 6PF       Revised plans.    Cllr. Daniel withdrew for this item having declared an interest.

Proposed by Cllr. Facey, Seconded by Cllr. Whatty that the Council would have no objection to the amended plans if the planning officer was confident that the roof height would be no higher than what is currently approved.  Carried.

 

9h.        PA17/05503 : Alterations and extension to form living space and utility room The Harbour House The Cliff Mevagissey Cornwall. Appeal against Refusal.                                                                             Noted.

9i.        PA18/04895 : Proposed rear decked balcony, guarding, external staircase and associated works to owner’s accommodation. Mevagissey Bay Hotel Polkirt Hill. To consider a response to 5-day protocol letter received.

Proposed by Cllr. Facey, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the Council ‘agrees to disagree’.                      Carried.

 

9j.        The following planning decisions have been received (included for information only):

 

PA18/05962 : Proposed residential development comprising 5 dwellings. Change of use from agricultural to           residential. Land East Of Mevagissey CP School.            Refused.

PA18/06230 : Proposed conservatory to the side of the dwelling. 3 Portmellon Park     Approved.

PA17/04737 : Two storey extension to rear to form 3 flats. Pentillie House School Hill Mevagissey PL26 6TQ.   Appeal against refusal. Appeal Dismissed.

 

9k.        PA18/06753 : Demolition and Proposed replacement dwelling, 29 The Cliff. A 5-day protocol letter from CC was received on 5th September. Of the 10 responses received from members, 7 voted to maintain the Council’s objection    and the Ward Member agreed to call the application in to committee, at which the Council will be represented by    Cllr. Facey.                                                                                                                           Noted.

 

9l.        PA18/04406 : Change of use of managers accommodation to unfettered dwelling. Trevalsa Court Hotel School Hill             Mevagissey PL26 6TH. This application will be reported to the Planning Committee for it to decide. The       Committee meeting will begin at 10.00 am on 1 October 2018 in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, 39             Penwinnick Road, St Austell.   The Council will be represented by Cllr. Gann.                                     Noted.

 

 

  1. To approve the monthly finances.

 

Bills to Pay Salaries £ 666.53
Telephony £ 10.00
HMRC (PAYE & NIC) £ 184.92
Operate Valley Road PC Septmber 2018 £ 978.54
Operate West Wharf PC September 2018 £ 1,039.58
Valley Road PC water 31/07/18 – 03/09/18 £ 403.00
West Wharf PC water 31/07/18 – 03/09/18 £ 902.33
West Wharf PC electricity 02/06/18 – 01/09/18 £ 83.44
Coast path 4th cut £ 301.50
LMP 2nd cut £ 194.00
West Wharf PC waste collection £ 67.20
Replacement cisterns, locks and valves at West Wharf PC £ 1,286.00
TOTAL £ 6,117.04
Accounts Amount available to spend as of last meeting £ 58,391.28
Expenditure last month £ 8,325.73
   plus notice board renovation £ 117.50
Adjustment from St Peter’s PCC (for memorial bench) £ 200.00 Received
Balance (money in bank) £ 50,148.05
Available to spend £ 50,148.05
Bank Statements (01/09/2018)
Current Account £ 1,281.94
Deposit Account £ 48,866.11
TOTAL £ 50,148.05

 

Proposed by Cllr. Facey, Seconded by Cllr. Florence that the accounts be accepted and the bills paid.        Carried.

 

  1. Cllr. Gann reported on his investigation into the use of a Community Land Trust (CLT) to provide affordable housing. He had formed a Steering Group with Cllrs. Facey and Whatty and they had met with Andrew George (Cornwall CLT) and Andrew Prendergast (CC Rural Housing Enabler). Messrs Bob Thornton and Peter Bowker have confirmed they are happy to be involved. Cllr. Gann presented a written report including proposed next steps.

 

  1. Cllr. Facey provided his report on the operation of the public conveniences, including a dramatic account of the various items left by the public which had caused blockages during the summer.   Replacement cisterns, door locks, valves, header tank ballcock and an overflow have all been installed at West Wharf.

 

  1. Consideration of a proposal to donate to Seafarers UK for Merchant Navy Day was deferred to the next meeting.

 

  1. Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Whatty that the Council should respond to the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) Consultation and that the task be delegated to the Chairman. Carried.

 

  1. Proposed by Cllr. Facey, Seconded by Cllr. Shephard that the memorial bench donated by the Cornwall Volkswagen Owners Club should be placed in the war memorial garden for a trial period, that a plaque be bought and attached to the bench, and that a formal letter of thanks be sent to the Club. Carried.

 

  1. Cllr. Mustoe proposed putting at least one ‘#2minutelitterpick’ board in parts of the village not covered by the street cleaners, to be jointly funded by his Community Chest fund and the Council. Each board costs £350, or £375 with branding. Deferred to the next meeting to receive firm suggestions for locations and commitment to funding.

 

  1. Cllr. Mustoe related how the recent death of a visitor may have been avoided if a defibrillator had been accessible, and that there should be one in an outside location, directly available to the public at any time. The Chairman said that there was already a move to address this issue and suggested deferring to the next meeting for an update.

 

  1. The Chairman suggested that the Council and St Peter’s PCC might consider jointly funding a small memorial in the churchyard to mark the mass graves of the 1849 cholera victims. Cllr. Blackmore will raise this at the next PCC meeting and report back.

 

  1. There was discussion of the changes to the Portmellon flood plain caused by building and the dumping of earth and spoil. A level area has recently been created which is likely to interfere with river and tidal flooding with unpredictable results. The CC Water Officer has said he can do nothing because it’s not been designated as a flood plain by the EA; and the LPA can only consider individual planning applications in isolation as they arise.

Proposed by Cllr. Shephard, Seconded by Cllr. Facey that the Council should press the Environment Agency to reclassify the flood plain at Portmellon as ‘designated’.                                                              Carried.

 

The Portmellon Valley is of great interest to the Three Bays Wildlife Trust, and Cllr. Blackmore will invite the Trust to make a presentation to the Council at a future meeting.

 

  1. The meeting ended at 9.55pm. Date of next meeting: 18 October 2018.

 

 

 

Signed ……………………………………………………………………………..         Dated ………………………………

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