Minutes of the General Meeting of the Penally Community Council held on Wednesday, November 11, via the medium of Zoom are as follows:
Co-option
The Clerk advised the Council that Mr. Duckett is eligible to be considered for Co-option onto Penally Community Council.
Prior to the presentation Mr. Duckett confirmed that he had received a copy of the Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct.
Mr Duckett gave his presentation to the Council. Mr Duckett and Cllrs were given the opportunity of asking any questions relative to becoming a Councillor. Mr Duckett advised the Council that his work usually involves him undertaking a certain amount of travel but considers he will be able to commit the time required to Penally Community Council.
Clr. P Bradbury invited Mr. Duckett to make his Declaration of Office to Penally Community Council, after which all Cllrs welcomed Clr. Duckett to Penally Community Council.
Penally Camp
Sergeant Lewis Simpson of Dyfed Powys Police, Sinead Henehan of Pembrokeshire County Council and Ms Anna Bird of Hywel Dda University Health Board gave an update to the Council on matters appertaining to Penally Camp.
Sergeant Lewis Simpson reiterated that the safety of all residents of Penally is priority with increased police presence continuing in Penally.
Sergeant Simpson explained that due to Covid-19 regulations police officers have to travel ‘single crew’ (one officer in a vehicle only) and during a reported incident over ten cars arrived at the Camp – although there were a large number of cars less than 14 officers attended and made 5 arrests. The incident was confined to inside the Camp.
Sergeant Simpson also advised that there had been an incident in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority owned Penally Train Station Car park which led to a resident of Penally, using their own car, blocking the entrance for several hours. This caused major problems with persons wishing to use the car park turning their vehicles to enter the car park only to find it blocked and then having to swerve onto a 50mph freeway. The owner of the car, blocking the gateway, moved the vehicle after several hours.
The Council advised that it was understood that further demonstrations were due to take place on November 14 and once again expressed their serious concerns regarding nuisance, disruption and noise to Penally residents living adjacent or close to the camp.
The Council were assured that this concern would be reported to the appropriate senior management of the Police and County Council so the appropriate measures could be taken to minimise the effects of demonstrations.
Sinead Henehan confirmed that Pembrokeshire County Council have co-ordinated a ‘help hub’ where any organisation offering assistance or a service to the residents in the camp is being directed. [email protected]
Also, if any residents have any questions, or if any resident fees unsafe at any time they should follow the link is https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/penally-community- information where they will find further information and an email address.
Sinead Henehan also confirmed that the two-page leaflet that has been produced by Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police, has been printed, the Clerk confirmed that it has been emailed to over 130 email addresses of Penally residents and that the hard copies are ready to be distributed with the Penally Crow News, offering up to date information from trusted sources.
Ms Anna Bird reassured all Councillors that the current health guidelines are being strictly followed, by all persons concerned to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of Camp residents and the community. She also stated that an isolation area is reserved in the camp to segregate any residents who present themselves with Covid 19 symptoms.
It was confirmed that local health care professionals are attending the Penally Camp but these visits are on a flex up basis – this is when off duty professionals offer their time to provide the service required. The Council were assured that these visits by local health care personnel would not affect the provision of health services to local residents and that the costs associated with these visits would not fall upon local health service budgets.
Concerns regarding the public toilets being locked during times when protesters may require to use them was raised. Sinead advised that she would make further enquiries regarding the possibility of the toilets to be left open.
Councillors thanked Sergeant Lewis Simpson, Sinead Henehan and Ms Anna Bird for their attendance and contribution to the meeting and confirmed that they would be invited to participate in future meetings.
Chairman’s Report
(Clr. P Bradbury)
The annual Act of Remembrance for Penally was held on November 8 at which Social distancing protocols were observed. Although a reduced order of service was followed I understand that it was received favourably.
This was the first time for many years that the Ceremony was organised by the Community Council and so on behalf of the Council I wish to express my thanks to those residents who attended and to all those who were active participants. A special thanks to our stand in clergyman Reverend Nigel Griffin and to the bugler Mark Davies.
On October 29 the Clerk and the Chair were invited to a Zoom meeting by the Mayor of Tenby Town Council. Also, at the meeting were the Clerk to the Town Council, Inspector Reuben Palin (Dyfed Powys Police) and Sinead Henehan (Pembrokeshire County Council). The meeting was for the two Councils to exchange information regarding the Penally Army Camp and its use to temporarily house Asylum Seekers. This meeting was seen as useful and it was agreed that regular meetings should be planned for the future.
Planning Applications
20/0613/PA West Holloway Farm, Penally, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7NR - 2 Storey Extension: Following consideration of all the information presented to the Council it was agreed that the Council do not have any objections or concerns regarding this planning application – Cllrs requested it to be Minuted that it has been noted that exterior to this site had been left in an untidy state following the last building works and hopefully the area will now be tidied.
Reports from
Council Representatives
County Councillor Jon Preston sent his apologies as he was unable to attend the meeting, due to a long standing commitment, but forwarded his report via email.
Remembrance Sunday - I wish to thank the Chairman and the community council for arranging last Sunday’s remembrance service under difficult circumstances. Also, a special thank you to the Rev Nigel Griffin for stepping in to conduct the ceremony. The service was respectful, moving and well attended whilst complying with the Covid-19 guidelines. We will remember them.
Penally Camp - As Wales comes out of lockdown it is expected that demonstrations at the camp will resume. Again, I would ask that any groups who visit the camp do so in a respectful and peaceful way. I have continued to work with the local police and colleagues at Pembrokeshire county council and the Hywel Dda Health Board in managing the local impact of the Home Office’s repurposing of the camp.
I am also working with a small team of lawyers who will be making an application for a Judicial Review of the decision by the Home Office. The lawyers will also be scrutinising the emergency powers quoted in correspondence to Pembrokeshire county council to commandeer the camp under permitted development legislation.
Caravans on the camp - Three caravans have been moved onto the camp which have created some interest locally. I raised this with PCC who have advised me that in the course of ongoing dialogue in regard to the camp, the Corporate Planning Manager has advised the Home Office of the process for submitting a planning application in Wales including the requirement to undertake a pre-application consultation exercise if the application meets the ‘major development’ threshold.
As I am a member of PCC Planning and Rights of Way committee and given the public stance, I have taken regarding camp I will need to declare a pre-judicial interest when the planning application comes before the committee. It is therefore important that representation is made at the meeting by a community councillor or a member of the community who has been seen to remain impartial to the outcome of the planning application when it is submitted.
Station car park - As a consequence of the change of use at Penally camp it has become evident that persons unknown have been using the station car park as a toilet. The public toilets are currently closed for the winter, but I have asked PCNPA to consider re-opening them while the camp is in the hands of the Home Office. With large numbers arriving in the village most weekends it stands to reason that they will need these facilities to be available. This is another cost that the Home Office has failed to consider but one which I will seek to have reimbursed.
Link to PCC Penally camp webpage - Pembrokeshire county council has set up a webpage for information regarding Penally camp. The site has a section for frequently asked questions and an email address to contact PCC officers who can advise on any matters appertaining to the operation at the camp. Please use the link https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/penally-community-information.
St. Teilos church information boards translation - As I have not received any information regarding amendments to the first draft, I have forwarded the complete translation to the history group. This was a translation from English into Welsh of the original document which has been professionally translated and proofread. If further translation is required, this can be arranged. Planning advice will also need to be sought when the group are ready to move forward with the project.
Station Cottage track gate - I have been contacted regarding a concern about the gate being open on to the track at Crossing Cottage. I have inspected both gates and have sent photographs to Transport Wales who have confirmed they will have the gate checked. They have also informed me that anyone who may spot a hazard on the railway can report it directly to the signalman by using the telephone point at the railway station.
Reports from
Council Committees
Clr. C Bradbury (On Behalf of the Grounds Committee) - Smart Gardens have completed the work at the entrance to the Village. Weeds have been removed, the plot has been dug over and some pruning of plants has taken place.
A leaf collection has taken place along the Village Road from School Lane to the bus stop by the Church. This does need further work following the recent leaf fall.
Following the grass cut of the Village Green last week leaves were removed prior to the Remembrance Service.
We will need to confirm the date for delivery and erection of the Christmas tree and placement of the lights.
The Committee is aware that the grass cutting contract is shortly up for renewal and will confer with the Clerk as to the required tender process.
Councillor Sarah Snow and I have compiled a list of ideas for discussion at the December Meeting regarding the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant funding.
Councillor Sarah Snow has agreed to join me on the Grounds Committee.
(Post meeting note – Christmas tree arranged for delivery on Saturday, November 28 )
Agenda Items
• To receive any updates regarding Penally Army Camp - Clr. P Bradbury advised the Council that, following discussions with Pembrokeshire County Council, it is understood that the Home Office will be making a Pre-Planning Application to the Planning Authority regarding the change of use of Penally Army Camp, following which a formal retrospective application will be made.
Clr. P Bradbury reminded Cllrs that any deliberations regarding any planning applications should be based on planning considerations only and if any Councillor wishes to attend an online training session appertaining to planning application matters to contact the Clerk for further information. He also reminded Councillors that should they receive any representations regarding the Camp they should refer them to the Clerk so that the appropriate response of the Council is made. If a Councillor has a personal point of view then it must be made quite clear at the time that this is a personal comment and not the view of the Council.
• To consider the response received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the 50 MPH on Penally Bye Pass - To enable Cllrs time to read and digest the report this item was carried over from the October meeting.
The following points were discussed: The possibility of a set of pedestrian controlled traffic lights being installed where persons cross the 50mph road to access the public pathway to the beach/railway station/village; The positioning of a ‘speed van’ along this stretch of roadway to deter persons from speeding; A survey be carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council to obtain UpToDate information regarding any speeding vehicles along this stretch of roadway and also to what extent this stretch of road is used.
Clr. Neal proposed that Penally Community Council request that Pembrokeshire County Council carry out a further ‘Traffic Survey’ on this stretch of roadway during the summer months to gather information of the use of this road at the busiest time; Clr. Duckett seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• Penally Crow News - Clr. Neal advised the Council that the Pembrokeshire County Council/Dyfed Powys Police Question and Answer sheets have been received and once PLANED have printed the Penally Crow news both will be distributed to all homes in Penally village, this is hoped to be next week.
Discussion took place regarding the possibility of some residents of Penally not receiving the information either via email or hand delivered. This heading will be added to the December Agenda.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 9, at 6 pm via Zoom.