M I N U T E S

Parish Council Meeting

St Ewe Village Hall

Monday 8 September 2014

7.00pm – 9.55pm

The meeting began at 7.05 pm.

• Apologies for absence. JD because of travel out of county; TH; TJ; DC because of harvesting. Cllr Harris advised he would have to leave at 8.30 pm.
• Declaration of interests. None.
• Public Session. The members of the public said they were attending this meeting in order to answer questions about their applications. The Chair explained that she would allow the Councillors to ask the applicants questions when their application was being discussed.
• Meetings and notices.
  1. The minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2014 were approved (proposed SR; 2^nd WR).
  2. Email Request Forms. All councillors have filled in the form about receiving Agendas and Minutes by email. 2 councillors have requested correspondence by post.
  3. Notices for posting on the notice boards:
     1. CC consultation about changes to Local Plan – Strategic Policies
     2. Stephen Gilbert MP – surgery hours

• 3 different flyers about Apprenticeships; more information at CornwallApprenticeships.com.

1. The New Openness and Transparency regulations were briefly explained and discussed. As of August 2014 members of the public are allowed to record, film or photograph meetings as long as they do not disrupt proceedings.

• Ward Member Malcolm Harris’ report
• For some reason, a lot of planning issues have arisen in the wider St Mewan Parish lately, and I have found myself assisting a number of local residents, including the calling in of at least 2 planning applications to committee.
• I have met with Cllr Bert Biscoe in St Austell regarding a couple of highways issues that need resolving, an enforcement problem with a gypsy site in Sticker, and further discussions regarding the flood prevention strategy in Polmassick. He has given me the name of another senior officer to copy in, with his permission to put his name to any following correspondence, including to Teresa Frost and I will be speaking with her again on Friday.
• Wind Turbines
• There was frustration at our last planning meeting as a turbine that was recently refused was overturned at appeal by the inspector on our reasons of 3A agricultural land, which a number of us on the committee had made a conscious decision to protect. Our officers believe the inspector got it wrong, it will be challenged and not necessarily set a precedent. We feel our hands are becoming more and more tied within the planning process. I, like a number of others will continue to fight strongly against that ruling and I will not let it determine how I vote in future on similar applications. Whether something fits with policy or not – does not make it right!
• Still on turbines, I have met with a number of residents in our parish to discuss and share notes on all developments, and I have asked a number of questions on their behalf, but still awaiting some of the answers. I’m still unsure exactly when the ones in our parish are going to come to planning. I know the process has been delayed due to the amount of questions and strong opposition to the turbines.
• On a bigger issue –
• The presentation on the budget last week makes for some sobering reading. A further £196m in cuts is needed, the draft identifies a possible £190m with a further £6m still to find if everything suggested so far was implemented. No services will be left untouched and on average, 30{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} savings across the board need to be found. As some services will be more protected than others, this means that some will suffer less than 30{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} whilst many will suffer much more. The buzz is that the economy is recovering well, but this proves that the reality on the ground is the complete opposite. What we all have to remember here is the council is not to blame. These ongoing savage cuts come from central government. Add to that the fact that rural communities like Cornwall receive approx. 50{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} less funding than urban areas makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow, especially as our cost of living, council tax & house prices are amongst the most expensive in the country.
• There are a lot of strong voices continuing to fight this cause & they are doing a commendable job, however, now that Cornwall has been identified as a Minority, surely we have a legitimate case for discrimination at the European court of human rights! Something has to be done because this unfairness has to stop.
• The draft budget is a public document that’s available online & I suggest everyone should read it so that we are all fully aware of what we are facing. Together we have some very tough times ahead.
• To finish on something lighter….   The St Ewe Show
• I attended the show with my family again, as did my parents – in the honey tent with their woodturning for charity. Once again what a great day, extremely well attended and it was so exciting to see the tug-o-war trophy remains in St Ewe. I was never in any doubt, especially as one of the toughest is on the Parish Council! Maybe we should extend the events next year and hold a St Ewe-lympics! Well done to all involved.
• Morrisons supermarket is still going ahead, says the landowner.
• Report on Community Network AGM, 5 Sept. It was mainly about the St Austell Town Framework and reporting on the two surveys about the framework which had different methodology. SOUL (Save Our Unspoilt Land) did a door to door survey of about 1200 houses. Cllr Harris said there was a lot of opposition to 2 key issues: the northern expansion and Coyte Farm are still in the framework. They had to remain in the Framework as options, but it is possible they could now be discarded.

Cllr Harris emphasized the Ward members’ frustrations with public consultations. According to the Localism Act, the opinions of members of the public have no weight unless the comments are specific to material planning considerations; i.e., they meet planning criteria. A simple opposition or support has no weight.

• Planning
  1. Reports on Planning Decisions (see Clerk’s Notes 8-9-14 attached). It was noted:
     1. PA14/06008 Planning Permission required. Pleasant Streams Lower Sticker St Austell Cornwall PL26 7JL Prior approval for change of use from 2 agricultural buildings to 2 dwelling houses. [If the applicant does submit a planning application St Ewe would then be formally consulted.]
  2. Planning correspondence.
     1. Planning training workshops. It was agreed that St Ewe will fund 25{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} of the Clerk’s training at the Planning Workshop on 8 October; £10 fee, plus mileage (proposed JL; 2^nd WR).
     2. CC consultation about changes to Local Plan – Strategic Policies.  Consultation for these changes is from 4 September — 16 October 2014.  Info can be found on their website:  Schedule of Focused Changes.
  3. Wind turbines
     1. P Osmond from Mace Group sent ST CUBY the following extract from a communication to Gorran Parish: “The Council is currently taking the opportunity to pause and reflect on the programme for wind turbines over the summer, including that at Trevascus. This means that we want to reflect on local feedback, recent and relevant planning decisions that have been made, and the effect of further ecological mitigation work. We will continue with the forthcoming public consultations in relation to the proposed turbines at Barwick Farm (Tregony) and Pennans Farm (Grampound) for completeness and consistency. It is likely to be September before the Council will confirm how it proposes to move forward and at that stage will of course keep the relevant parishes updated”

Cornwall Council 8 Wind Turbine Applications:.

• Barwick Farm Cuby. 1 x 2MW wind turbine. Parish: Cuby. Case Officer: J Salmon. Agent Name: CSA Architects. PA14/02710 | EIA Scoping Opinion decision. PA14/00672 | Screening opinion – EIA Required.
• Lanuah Farm St Ewe St Austell Cornwall PL26 6ER. 1 x 900kw wind turbine, Parish:   St. Ewe. Case Officer: J Salmon. Applicant Name: C/o Agent. Agent Name: CSA Architects. PA14/01812/PREAPP | PPA. PA14/00645| Screening Opinion – EIA Not Required
• Levalsa Farm, on land at Levalsa farm. | Land At NGR 198830 48660 St Austell Cornwall.   1x 800kW wind turbine 80m. Parish: St. Ewe. Case Officer: J Salmon. Agent Name: CSA Architects. PA14/01811/PREAPP | PPA. PA14/00662 | Screening opinion – EIA Not Required
• Penans Farm, Land At OS Grid Ref 194270 48406 Land At Pennans Grampound With Creed. 1x 2MW wind turbine   Parish: Grampound with Creed. Case Officer: J Salmon. Agent Name: CSA Architects. PA14/02712 | EIA Scoping Opinion decision. PA14/00665 Screening opinion – EIA Required. PA14/01810/PREAPP | PPA
• Trevascus Farm (x2) Gorran St Austell Cornwall PL26 6ND. 2 x 900 Kw wind turbine, transformer, grid connection and access road. Parish: St. Goran. Case Officer: J Salmon. Applicant Name: Mr Russell Dodge PA14/01808/PREAPP | PPA. PA14/04726 | Scoping Opinion decision. PA14/03116 | Screening Opinion – EIA Required
• Ventonteague (x2) Land At OS Grid Ref 183241 53094 Trispen Cornwall St Allen Cornwall (between Zelah and Mitchell on the A30). 2 x 2mw wind turbines. Parish: St. Erme. Case Officer: J Salmon. Agent Name: CSA Architects. PA14/02394 | Request for EIA Scoping Opinion decision. PA14/00674 | Screening opinion PA14/01809/PREAPP | PPA
  1. St Goran PC’s request for St Ewe’s support to oppose the CC Green Wind Energy Programme. Taking into consideration the overwhelming opposition to this proposal at our last meeting and the tenor of the Public Consultations held concerning these proposals, St Ewe PC will support St Goran and the Clerk will reply.

• Letter from G Harvey to S Gilbert, MP was noted. She was dissatisfied with his reply re her comment on the CC wind turbines and the “public money being spent and it would appear there is no redress open to the residents of Cornwall“.

1. St Ewe PC received a partial reply from Cornwall Council to our questions about their wind turbine application process; however, we still await confirmation whether we may – or may not – attend the meeting when CC decides whether to proceed with their Green Wind Energy Programme.
2. The Clerk distributes wind turbine related correspondence by email to the interested public that signed up at the July meeting. If anyone else would like to be on the mailing list, please contact the Clerk.

1. 7180. PA14/07180. Rose Cottage St. Ewe St. Austell PL26 6EY. Proposed rear extension and removal of internal wall – Mr & Mrs J Olerearnshaw – (Case Officer – Lorraine Lehan). The Council agreed that it has NO OBJECTION to this application (proposed JL, 2^nd RC).

*** St Ewe Parish Council has no objection to this application.

7198. PA14/07198. Blow The Winds St. Ewe St. Austell PL26 6ER. Construction of a new extension to the cottage and new garage (Demolition of two earlier extensions to the existing cottage and an existing garage) – Mr Ben Fuggles – (Case Officer – Miss M Trust). The Council agreed that it has NO OBJECTION to this application (proposed SR; 2^nd WR).

*** St Ewe Parish Council has no objection to this application and believes it will improve the aspect of the property.

2 members of the public left the room after all sections of 14/41.

• Highways.
  1. Potholes are a terrible problem on the hill from Polmassick to Tucoyse; the tarmac is eroding away. The Clerk will write to Highways.
  2. We also have a bin that is always overflowing in St Ewe across from the Pub. The Clerk will enquire with CC to see what our options are.
• Footpaths
  1. The footpath 418/14/1 can not be accessed through one stile because of maize in a field; however, WR advised that the landowner has been contacted and he has promised to cut the maize that is blocking access.
  2. There has been a message about bridleway 418/13/1 (near Lefesant) which needs cutting. The Clerk will contact the contractor.
• Finance
  362. Clerk’s finance report, which included this month’s payments, was distributed to the councillors. The second half of the precept and CTS grant have arrived. After reserves, the PC has £2,362.70 in the bank.
  363. St Ewe PC received with thanks Cllr Harris’ COMMUNITY CHEST GRANT of £300.00 for the renovation of the St Ewe War Memorial.
  364. Payments totalling $431.87 were authorised (Proposed JL; 2^nd SR). Clerk’s salary and expenses, £411.71; Luxulyan Parish Council (25{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} of office supplies) £20.16.
  365. The Clerk advised that St Ewe PC is now signed up to HMRC’s PAYE in Real Time. This was required because the Clerk has more than one job; however, the Clerk’s salary is under the threshold for taxable income.
• Correspondence and Invitations. (A complete list in Clerk’s Notes 8-9-14)
  1. Polling Districts and Polling Places Review was considered. The recommendations of Cornwall Council remain unchanged from the last election and were accepted. Proposed WR, 2^nd The Clerk will reply.

Cllr Harris apologised for leaving early because of family obligations and left the room.

1. JL will attend the Flood Forum at the Eden Project, 1^st The Flood Forum is looking for more councillors from PCs on the management committee. JL has put herself forward for the committee and she will let us know the outcome.
2. Invitation to Community Network Budget Consultation. Thursday 9 October, 7pm, St Austell One Stop Shop. JL and SR will attend.
3. The reply from Cllr J Pollard, Leader of Cornwall Council, to Chacewater Parish Council was noted.
4. The Chairman of the Camelford History & Archive Trust contacted the Clerk about photos of haymaking at “Trevorrick, St Ewe” in 1957 which they would like to return to the owners of the farm. The Clerk will contact DC who, we think, will know more about it.

• Website. A meeting with the website working party was held 1^st September with JL, SR, D Hawken and the Clerk. TH and WR were unable to attend. Another meeting re the website will be organised before our next council meeting, with a local website designer and photographer invited. Proposals from this meeting will be brought before the PC in November.
• The interest in a parish website is high. The Church, the Village Hall, the St Ewe Fair and the Gardening Club will probably all have pages. Other organisations are welcome to have pages.
• The website must reflect all areas of the parish, not just St Ewe village, with photos, content and perhaps a good map.
• It is important that the website does not increase the Clerk’s hours very much. The Clerk will be in charge of posting the Agendas, Minutes and Planning application details, perhaps public notices. However, it will be possible to grant editing/updating privileges to a particular person for a particular page (e.g. the Gardening Club, etc.) and that page would be the responsibility of the organisation, not the Clerk or parish councillors.
• Other possibilities are an Events page, a Directory of Parish businesses, places of interest, eating places, places to stay, a visitor’s book, public notices.
• We are looking at an annual fee of less than £100 for the website, plus an upfront design cost. The PC has a reserve fund earmarked for a website.
• A modest fee of perhaps £1 per month for a page and for businesses listed in the directory would probably cover the costs of the website.
• Leisure Strategy survey. Cornwall Council would like the PC to comment on the Options document that will inform production of the Council’s Leisure Resources Strategy later this year. [Email forwarded with the Agenda]. The PC chose not to reply.
• Business for the next meeting. None specified.
• Date of the next meeting. A meeting for the Website Working Party will be called before the November meeting, TBA. Ordinary meeting on Monday, 10 November 2014, 7.00 pm St Ewe Village Hall. An interim meeting to discuss planning may be arranged if required.

The meeting closed at 8.55 pm.

Mrs C Wilson ~ Parish Clerk ~ 25 September 2014