Minutes of the Meeting of St Just in Roseland Parish Council held in the Millennium Rooms, St Mawes on Monday 3rd March 2014. The meeting commenced at 6.45pm.
Councillors Present:
The Chairman Cllr. K. Warren, Cllrs. J Benney, S. Black, R. Giles, R. Hall, B. Sadler, P. Salter, P. Teague and C. Williams
Also Present:
S. Penhaligon (Clerk), T van der Wolde (Assistant Clerk), Jon Smith (RNP) and three members of the public
1. To accept apologies for absence
Cornwall Cllr. German, Cllr. B Chenoweth, Cllr. P Farmiloe
2. Declaration of Interest:
a) Disclosable Pecuniary Interest– Cllr. B Sadler – item13b – proposed development at Little Newton, St Mawes
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
A mother with strong local connection addressed the Parish Council outlining the difficulties she has experienced bidding for a property with Cornwall Homechoice. There has been no clarity given as to the homes she is able to bid for and, due to the new Welfare Reform Act, landlords are no longer allowing families to move into homes if there would be an under occupancy or an over occupancy. This means that despite being a family of four they were unable to bid on a two bedroom, or the three bedroom property recently published on Cornwall Homechoice site in St Mawes due to the size of the rooms. One two bedroom property that recently became available, which they were allowed to bid for, they were not allocated. The mother added that they are a young local family that have high housing need and are in Band B and are eligible for an affordable house but the current system is making it almost impossible for them to get a property. She thanked the Clerk for her assistance in finding out information.
The Chairman asked to suspend Standing Orders to bring forward item 12. All in favour.
12. Roseland Neighbourhood Development Plan
Jon Smith Chairman of the RNDP Steering Group gave a presentation on the recent results of the questionnaire that was delivered to all homes in the Roseland. Jon reported that the Landscape has been the top issue on every part of the questionnaire process which demonstrates there is a consistency across the Roseland with opinion. Jon Smith is meeting with Planners from Cornwall Council on 14th March to ascertain whether what the community want is achievable and how Cornwall Council are going to help deliver the objectives, for example the addition of open market homes should only be considered if 100{c8c3b3d140ed11cb7662417ff7b2dc686ffa9c2daf0848ac14f76e68f36d0c20} affordable housing is not an option. He reiterated that for the Roseland Neighbourhood Plan to be effective they need to work together with Cornwall Council. They are hoping that the Draft Plan containing policies for the Roseland will be ready for June/ July time.
Cllr. Warren asked that Standing Orders resume. All in favour.
4. Confirmation of the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd February 2014
The Council RESOLVED, by a show of hands, that the previously circulated minutes of the 3rd February 2014 meeting be approved and they were duly signed by the Chairman.
5. Matters arising from the Minutes not on the Agenda
a) Barrier for sea defence in The Square, St Mawes
The Clerk is currently awaiting advice from Cornwall Council contacts
.
b) General Cleansing in the parish – cleansing schedules from Churchill Contract Services; recycling collection data from Cory; options for reducing the amount of litter in the streets
The Clerk has not had an opprtunity to meet with Cllrs. Farmiloe and Salter to look at these matters. She is currently accessing the costs of replacement waste bins damaged/lost in the recent floods.
c) Waterloo House proposed closure
The Clerks office has received correspondence from Mrs Devaney, Agency Schemes Manager for Westcountry Housing, the landlord of Waterloo House explaining that Mencap is the Registered Care Provider and the clarifying the setup and agreeing to inform the clerk of any further decisions by Westcountry Housing. Other correspondence received included emails regarding concerns that the correct procedure may not have been carried by authorities when dealing with residents with who may not have the mental capacity to understand. The Parish Council has not received any official notice that Waterloo House is to close on 31st March 2014.
Archive outstanding matters
a) Lighting to front of Harbour View, St Just in Roseland
This has now been installed
b) The swing & barriers on Summers Beach
Two more quotations are required
c) Standing Orders
These need to be updated by the Annual Parish Council Meeting in May.
6. Report from the Clerk
There will be a closure of footpath 25 from Freshwater Boatyard to the other side of The Priory under a temporary prohibition order until the 20th August due to public safety on the eroded path.
St Mawes Pier and Harbour Co have advised that South West Water have confirmed that it is their responsibility to repair the free steps opposite the Co-operative store damaged by the recent storm.
The surface under Sams Bank appears to be slipping causing the concrete slabs under the public seating to crack. The Cormac surveyor has agreed to access the damage.
S Kennett has confirmed the price of the defibrillator cabinet as £350 net. The Clerk has yet to hear from Steve Miles regarding the best sites in St Mawes and St Just for the defibrillators.
7. Report from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
A report for January stated that the police were called out seven times but no crimes have been reported.
It was noted that The Police Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Tony Hogg is due to hold a public surgery on Friday 14th March at New County Hall 9.30am till 2pm.
8. Report from Cornwall Cllr. German
Cllr. German gave his apologies and forwarded a report.
Larkfield Rise: through Cllr Geoff Brown we have been pursuing D&CH, they have said that they will shortly be contacting Mr Rogers to propose a way forward based on the surveyor’s recommendations.
Land opposite 31 Lower Castle Road, St Mawes:
The conservation area consent application has been withdrawn but not the main application. This will still go to committee but no date has been given as yet.
At the last meeting he asked CSA Architects to update on the proposals for the development at the Bowling Green St Just, However, he has not heard from them.
The Mobile library Service consultation is underway. He has been contacted by around 50 residents individually on this item. This is more than any other matter since he became a councillor.
The Council has been busy dealing with the storms and Cormac and the fire and rescue service have been particularly active, as well as many residents and the Parish Council. He gave thanks to all involved. A
number of coastal footpaths across the Roseland have been temporarily closed. Although he has not yet seen structural reports he know that these are been worked on.
9. Report from Councillors as representatives of other Committees
Cllr. Giles reported that he and Cllr Teague attended a meeting of St Mawes Co Partnership Housing Association on 26th February to decide on the allocation of the vacant property. He also reported that they have started on small repair works but will need to raise money before major repairs can happen. He thanked Cllr. Sadler and the Clerk for looking into funding requests for low interest rate loans. The Clerk is seeking confirmation of the number of shares owned by the Parish Council.
Cllr. Teague reported that St Just and St Mawes Heritage Group held an event of 26th February. Unfortunately Tim Light was double booked and was unable to give a talk the on ‘History, Life and Times of King Harry Ferry Ltd’. The Revd. Ken Boullier stepped in and gave a presentation on the history of the connections of Brittany with St Mawes to which 14 people attended.
Cllr. Warren reported that at the Truro and Roseland Community Network Meeting Rural Road Maintenance was discussed. Because of Cornwall Council’s reduced budget the Council may have to consider no longer carrying out planned maintenance to non adopted rural roads. There will be no Members direct budget for road maintenance. Instead members will work with Cormac and Highways to put together a safety case for maintenance, those approved will be put into maintenance.
Cllr. Warren met Sarah Newton MP when she visited St Mawes to survey the damage caused by the storms. He reported her willingness to hear from the PC on items of concern, be it housing planning or other matters, and would be keen to assist where possible.
The Chairman asked to suspend Standing Orders to bring forward item 13. All in favour.
13. Affordable Housing Local Needs
a) To consider updates on Affordable Housing
No updates.
b) To consider the Cornwall Homechoice and Landlord’s criteria the occupancy and size of properties
The Clerk’s office has been contacting Jon Warner, Cornwall Homechoice Manager and 3 different landlords to ascertain the criteria they use for the ratio of people to property size and have found very conflicting information. There appears to be no consistency or transparency within the Cornwall Homechoice when allocating houses. Currently landlords are asking people to move/downsize if they live in houses which is under-occupied, yet they do not have enough small properties to meet the demand. The case reported at this evenings meeting demonstrates how at present the 50/50 split on vacant properties is detrimental for this rural community. DEFRA have put forward a Rural proofing policy, this should be looked at to see if it can be used to ensure that a higher percentage of homes goes towards local people. This will contribute to the social and economic needs of the community, so that young families remain, and also it will limit the number of affordable homes needed to be built as there is a good supply of social housing. Welfare reform should be considered in future development – as one and two bedrooms homes are more necessary as many households can not afford the costs of under occupancy. Cllr Warren proposed that the Parish Council facilitate a meeting with Cllr. German and Jon Warner the Home Choice Manager to discuss i) The specific case that had been brought to the councils attention this evening, ii) Clarification of bidding policy, iii) Clarification of the 50:50, local vs county (country) allocation policy and how this could be changed. iv) Clarification of the Homechoice figures. Seconded by Cllr. Black. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
13b. Proposed Housing Developments in St Mawes and St Just in Roseland
a) To consider the updates on the proposed development in St Mawes
One update: a screening opinion application is being determined by Cornwall Council as to
whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is needed for the proposed site at Little Newton.
b) To consider updates on the proposed development at St Just
Cornwall Council have received a pre-application enquiry by CSA Architects for the Development at the
Bowling Green, St Just they will send the Parish Council a copy of their response to the applicants.
Standing Orders were reinstated.
10. Accounts and Finance
a) To approve the payments of accounts (Appendix 1)
The Council was asked to approve the following payments:
Total cheques numbered 6327 to 6338 approved and signed at meeting £7,559.70 Total cheques numbered 6320 to 6326 paid since last meeting were ratified £3,472.11
Direct Debits/ Standing Orders shown as paid in February £2,313.72
Income shown as received during February £3,271.78
Approval of the payments of accounts proposed by Cllr. Salter. Seconded by Cllr. Hall. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
10b. Finance Committee (Appendix 2)
a) To consider the recommendations from the Finance Committee meeting held on 24th February 2014
Cllr. Salter proposed that the Parish Council use the Scribe System as the primary audit system from 1st April 2014. Seconded by Cllr. Giles. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr Salter proposed changes to annual tasks. Seconded by Cllr. Warren. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr. Salter proposed amendments to the Forecast for 2014/2015 (Appendix 3) be approved, this showed a forecasted income of £229,937 and expenditure of £236,120, a deficit of £6,183. Seconded by Cllr. Giles. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr. Salter proposed that the Parish Council accepts the unchanged terms with the exception that the hourly charge has been reduced from the Service Level Agreement in respect of the CEO Service as presented by Cornwall Council. Seconded by Cllr. Benney. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
11. Planning
a) To consider matters arising from the Planning Committee meeting
No meeting was held in February.
b) To consider planning applications received from Cornwall Council
57. PA14/00822 1 Church Hill, St Mawes. Damp proofing, Fire Compartmentation & Thermal Upgrade. Reviewed by Cllrs. Salter, Giles & Benney. No objections.
58. PA14/00523 Pasco’s Boatyard, St Just in Roseland. Replacement sea-wall, hardstanding & Slipway. Reviewed by Cllrs. Warren, Teague & Sadler. No objections.
59. PA14/01363 Green Waters, Freshwater Lane, St Mawes. Proposed replacement windows,
rebuilding of porch, enlargement of first floor hall window & new rainwater goods.
Reviewed by Cllrs. Salter, Farmiloe, and Giles. No objections.
c) To note the decisions of the Planning Authority
PA13/11209 – Trecarrell, St Just in Roseland. Erection of replacement dwelling. Withdrawn.
PA31/02792 (Conservation Area consent) 31 Lower Castle Road, St Mawes – Demolition of existing garden room and residential annexe and construction of a new garden room and residential annexe opposite 31 Lower Castle Road. Withdrawn.
d) Enforcements
Ongoing – EN13/01784 Alleged change of use of helipad from casual to frequent. Land at Lowen Meadow, Newton Road, St Mawes.
Closed – EN14/00068 Alleged erection of new sign with illuminated letters on Idle Rocks, Tredenham Road, St Mawes – not expedient
e) To consider planning correspondence
A list of the planning correspondence was circulated
Appeal Decision
APP/D0840/A/13/2200695 – Ola’s Cottage, Trelawney Road, St Mawes. The Planning Inspectorate decision is that the appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for minor modifications to planning consent reference 09/1626/09/R.
14. Millennium Rooms – Roseland Visitor Centre Committee (RVCC) Appendix 5)
RVCC are committed to joining the other Tourist Information Centres on the joint project of DMS. This software will promote tourist accommodation. Jenna (Assistant RVC Manager) is organising an open day to promote Arts and Crafts businesses on the Roseland. The location for the Visitor Information Board has been agreed verbally with the owners of the Arcade. The RVCC are awaiting the written permission and anticipate an installation date of late March.
15. Car Park
To consider the monthly income
|
|
Pay & Display | Pay & Display | Permits | Permits | Total |
|
|
Monthly | Cumulative | Monthly | Cumulative | Cumulative |
|
Feb-13 |
2679.50 |
143,579.05 |
0.00 |
13,334.10 |
156,913.15 |
|
Feb-14 |
2360.80 |
159,976.45 |
0.00 |
16,084.80 |
176,061.25 |
| February 2014 comparable with February 2013 |
|
|
|
||
|
Up |
-318.70 |
16,397.40 |
0 |
2,750.70 |
19,148.10 |
b) To consider the recommendations of the Car Park Committee meeting held on 24th February 2014 Appendix 4)
Cllr. Warren proposed that the Parish Council inform St Mawes Art Group that, whist it understood the sentiment of their request, it cannot support free parking for the Art Group members. Seconded by Cllr. Williams. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr. Giles proposed that the Parish Council charge for parking in the football field during the Tall
Ships event on 31st August is £5 per vehicle and that there should be a £1 per head return on the bus
for adults and for children over 11 years of age. Seconded by Cllr. Williams. All in favour.
RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr. Salter proposed that the Parish Council approves the unchanged agreement except for a reduction in hourly rates of £15.17 compared to £15.65 for last year Service Level Agreement as presented by Cornwall Council. Seconded by Cllr. Benney. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
Cllr. Salter proposed that The Parish Council accepts the quotation of £531 + vat from Barrie Hearn Builders Ltd to install a ramp to the new portable garage, Seconded by Cllr. Giles. All in favour. RESOLVED by the Council.
16. To further consider the future financing of St Just Church Public Conveniences
The Clerk advised that she has spoken with Claire Ottery, Cornwall Council’s legal officer who advised that she is waiting to hear back from the Diocese. However Cormac has undertaken percolation tests (drainage field tests) on behalf of Cornwall Council and that the Properties Department are awaiting the results of these tests before starting any capital works. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Humphreys to move the matter forward.
17. Bohella Bank
a) To further consider the clearance and cleansing of Bohella Store
D Chenoweth has declined the work. The Clerk spoke with D Cannan and he has agreed to undertake the clearance, the Clerk will write to him.
b) To further consider a replacement for the commemorative Beech Tree on Bohella Bank
The Clerk has asked for suggestions for a replacement commemorative tree from members of the public in her report in the Roseland Magazine. Councillors also agreed to consider suggestions.
18. Monterey Pine Tree Survey
To consider the tree inspection report by TreTec on two Monterey Pine Trees overlooking Summers Beach
Members of the Council considered at length the comprehensive report on the tree inspection.
Cllr. Hall proposed to have the dieback removed on the Monterey Pine Tree in Commander Martins Corner in due course and to retain the tree. Seconded by Cllr. Black. 7 in favour, 2 against. RESOLVED by the Council.
19. Correspondence (information only)
20. Staffing Matters (Appendix 6)
a) To consider the recommendations from the Personnel Committee meeting held on 5th February 2014 – no matters reported.
b) To consider any staffing matter – no matters were reported.
21. Agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting
Land at the top of Windmill Hill
22. Date of next meeting – The next general meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 7th April 2014 in the Parish Millennium Rooms, St Mawes commencing at 7pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.50pm
Signed as a true record………………………………………..Chairman
Date……………………………………………………………