Among matters considered and discussed at the recent monthly meeting of Penally Community Council were the following:

Major (Retired) Ewan Smith attended the meeting to discuss Penally Firing Range and scheduled firing thereon.

He advised the council that there were no plans for the Penally - Army Training Base to close in the foreseeable future with the Army investing money in any needed repairs. Also, that the main months for the camp (and firing range) to be used were June through to August.

The question of the possibility of asbestos being disturbed during any maintenance works was raised. Major (retired) Ewan Smith advised the council that professional contractors would be used if so required (the presence of asbestos had not been confirmed).

Discussion then turned to the issue of Clay Pigeon Shooting taking place on the Penally Range. Major (Retired) Ewan Smith advised the council that:

The range is inspected monthly by range officials with an annual inspection undertaken by the Army. The Penally Range is maintained to a high Government standard.

Any clay pigeon shooting that takes place on the range is conducted by military personal overseen by trained military instructors, using military equipment.

An Exception Certificate is granted if the above criterial is met enabling clay pigeon shooting to take place up to the hour of 20.30 without notice having to be given.

Clay Pigeon shooting sessions usually last around two hours.

Sound levels are monitored to ensure all guidelines are adhered to.

All clay pigeon shooting takes place within the curtilage of the range.

BUS?PASSES

Clr Neal advised the council that if any persons in Penally required any assistance applying online for their updated Bus Pass they should contact him or Clr D’Arcy who would help.

RBL DONATION

Clr Preston handed a personal cheque to the clerk as a donation to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. As Clr Preston was unable to attend the Penally Remembrance Service, due to illness, his wreath was laid, on his behalf, by Clr Neal.

Half Yearly Budget Review

The council scrutinised and discussed the 2019/20 budget and spending to date. It was considered that no changes should be made to the budget.

Planning and licensing

No planning applications had been received.

An update appertaining to the Lily Pond Farm planning application made under the One Planet Wales Scheme - this application was still being considered by the planning authority. Recent building works on this site had been reported to the council, with all concerns being reported to the planning authority.

An update was also given appertaining to the Queen of Clubs licence application - it had been confirmed that an appeal had been lodged regarding this application.

Report from

County Clr. Jon Preston

Planning (Air B&B): Following last month’s meeting I contacted the head of planning at the request of council with a view to arranging a meeting with and Penally community councillors. Following that request, I have since been in touch with the PCC’s director of planning who has advised that due to the issue of Air B&B’s being a county wide issue, it may be better to approach the matter via One Voice Wales. This option is still being developed, however in the meantime I have been advised of a recent case study in Warwickshire where the planning inspector addressed an appellant’s claim that no material change of use had occurred. The court found that “whether the use of a dwelling house for commercial letting as holiday accommodation amounts to a material change of use will be a question of fact and degree in each case, and the answer will depend upon the particular characteristics of the use as holiday accommodation.” The inspector remarked that the question to be answered was whether the character of the use of the dwelling house as a private residence had been changed so substantially as to amount to a material change of use. The evidence in this case indicated that there was a regular pattern of bookings for the property. Based on the evidence, the inspector concluded that there was a definable change in the character of the use made of the appeal site which was significantly different in character compared to the lawful use as a dwelling house. Therefore, a change of use planning application for a change of use was the appropriate course of action in this case.

Penally Grange update: The footpaths have now been constructed at the main entrance including footways within the application site. There was also a legal agreement which secured a financial contribution (£15,000) to go towards footpath provision to the north and south of the site (outside of the application site boundary) to ensure connection to existing footpath infrastructure. I can confirm that PCC is in receipt of this money and that the provision of the footpaths outside of the site to the north and south is likely to be provided next financial year as part of the highways team’s capital works programme.

Parking at Village Hall and bus stop: Road markings and signage have now been completed at the Village Hall and the Green bus stop. To date I am not aware of any issues with the 349-bus service being delayed due to bad parking, however there have been at least two occasions in the past month where the 349 bus service has not travelled through the village and has left passengers stranded. This seems to occur during periods of severe weather or when there is a technical issue. There is a need for a robust process to ensure people are informed of delays and diversions. I will be speaking with First Cymru and PCC to explore possible options.

Boules/Petanque update: At the time of this report no expression of interest has been submitted for an Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant by the Petanque club. I have contacted the club chairman to advise that there are only two more grants panels sitting before the grant’s availability will be reviewed. I am advised that the Petanque club do still intend to make an application.

Kerbside waste collections rollout: I have received notice of some issues with the new waste collection service. This has mainly been with assisted collections, which are held on an on-board digital assistant on each lorry. I have travelled around the village over the last two collections and have noted that several residents have put out bags that are not due for collection on that day, one property had even put out the old black and orange bags. Each household should have received a calendar which shows what should be put out on what day. Any issues with collections or incidences of fly-tipping can be reported to me directly.

GROUNDS?SUB?

COMMITEE?REPORT

Clr C Bradbury, on behalf of the grounds sub committee, reported as follows:

• Fly-tipping is becoming an issue - Clr Preston advised that if any fly-tipping is noted that he is contacted and will advise Pembrokeshire County Council.

• The reconditioning of the village seats is still in process.

• The Village Green paths leading to the church are in need of their annual clean to ensure safe use of such. It was agreed that Clr C Bradbury make arrangements with the church representatives and Smart Gardens for such cleaning and payment thereof.

• Christmas Tree arrangements: Extension lead to be ordered to ensure that the lights start on the tree and not between the tree and lamppost; tree arriving November 29; councillors meet 10.30 am on November 30 to erect tree and lights

Next meeting: Date of next meeting – Wednesday, December 11 (at the Village Hall).