Minutes of the General Meeting of The Saundersfoot Community Council held on August 5. This was a hybrid meeting - Councillors met within the Regency Hall with a live link to enable members of the public, and any Councillors who preferred to attend virtually, via Zoom (these arrangements are in line with the current Government imposed Covid 19 Restrictions):
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Clr. Wainwright reported that:
The Wales in Bloom judge had visited the village and that it was a very productive day. It is lovely to see the village full of happy smiling visitors and locals as we get through this pandemic.
I have visited the Sensory Gardens on a few occasions and would like to thank all concerned for their magnificent efforts, and although it is looking very well presented, we have had a few comments about various matters, including people of all genders using it as a toilet. Also, the area running alongside the boundary wall with the harbour seems to be overhanging the pathway, Clr. Williams has agreed that he will have a look at it.
During a recent visit to the beach, I noted quite a few dogs on the beach, a Byelaw is in place and such should be upheld if Saundersfoot is to keep its Blue Flag Award. Consideration to be given to more prominent signposting or possibly a banner.
A meeting of the personnel group has been held. It went very well and quite a few issues where discussed and I think we all agreed that it was a very positive meeting.
A request from a member of the community was received regarding the possibility to cut the hedge alongside the path leading up to the top of the new cemetery, I went and had a look and it was very overgrown with possible health and safety issues. I contacted the Clerk and I am pleased to report that this hedge has now been cut back and access is now very much easier and safer, thank you to the Clerk for moving quickly on this.
I have been through all the names and dates on the Chain of Office and have tabulated them. I have printed off copies if you are interested or I can send them electronically.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
NP/21/0421/OUT: new dwelling at 1, Nash Place, Saundersfoot - (no objections).
NP/21/0373/FUL: Change of use of kiosk building to provide beach side cafe together with alterations and creation of outside seating area to the rear of Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot (deferred for site visit).
NP/21/0411/FUL: Erection of new boundary fence approx 2.35m above adjacent ground level at Bevelin House, Sandy Hill Road, Saundersfoot (deferred for site visit).
NP/21/0456/FUL: Conversion and extension of an existing Guest House into 15 Residential units at Malin House Hotel, St. Brides Hill, Saundersfoot (Following consideration of all the information provided by the planning authority, no objections or concerns were raised, with the community council electing to support this applicaton. Councillors raised the following observations: 4 affordable houses to be included within the proposed plans, all outside amenities had been considered ie car parking, outside space for residents and a waste/recycling area for the storage of suitable receptacles and also that the new buildings are to be set back from the road edge).
LICENSING APPLICATION
Hean Castle Estate - The alcohol will be sold electronically on the website, when letting holiday cottages. The alcohol will be delivered to holiday cottages by employees of Hean Castle Estate either alone or part of a hamper for the arrival of the holiday makers - No concerns or objections were raised by the community council.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
• Requests made by the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club regarding Play Park fencing and by the Cricket Club regarding a third tennis court.
Following consideration of the correspondence, councillors consider that a meeting would be beneficial between all parties with an interest in this area i.e. the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club, Saundersfoot Bowling Club, Regency Hall, and the Council. The Clerk to liaise with the Chair and arrange such meeting.
• The Clerk to advise the Saundersfoot Bowling Club of the water leak which was purportedly caused by the lorries driving over the water pipes when delivering stone.
• Request made by Grace Church regarding reserving parking spaces - Following consideration of this request Councillors considered that, at this point in time, it would not be prudent to permit six car parking spaces to be reserved every Sunday morning as this would set a precedence for spaces having to be reserved for other events in the village.
The task and finish group will hold a meeting to discuss how this area of car parking will be managed moving forward.
• Email received by a Councillor raising concerns over the mud and moss on the MUGA - The Clerk reported that the surface was being pressure washed at that very moment with good results.
• Numerous correspondences have taken place between the Solicitor, the bus shelter supplier and the Clerk regarding the accident resulting in the bus shelter at North Close to be replaced - The Clerk advised the Council that the Solicitors firm handling the Claim had not been very communicative, but at last had confirmed that the price for the replacement shelter had been approved with the funds being transferred to the Council’s bank account.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’s REPORT
Clr. Phil Baker reported:
County Hall matters - Gold Command continues to oversee the response to Covid 19 across the County.
Work continues to have oversight of the visitor infrastructure monitoring car-parks, visitor ambassadors etc, this week had seen the busiest days for car-parking.
The Incident Management Centre and Covid response teams continue to offer advice to individuals, groups and businesses via the local County Councillor.
Officers continue to visit communities offering advice and in extreme cases enforcement.
Ward matters - The short Strand tunnel has had new lights fitted, there have been teething problems. The new lighting installation in the long tunnel is still awaited.
Clr. Baker praised the street cleaning teams, the bin emptying and litter picking seeing teams still visiting 4 or 5 times daily. The work undertaken by volunteers is incredibly important to how the Village presents itself to everyone.
The street sweeper is visiting regularly dealing with litter and sand.
The Café culture barriers checked weekly and it is pleasing to see them used as regularly as possible.
Clr. Baker also advised that a review of mini roundabout and signage would take place during week commencing August 9.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES/WORKING PARTIES
• Sensory Garden Working Party and Grounds Management Working Party: Clr. M Williams BEM reported that - The Sensory Garden requires continuous weeding and deadheading. A few hours tutorial by Mr David Cox regarding plant care is being arranged.
The area along side the Bowling Club which was cleared of all plants and shrubs has opened up this area exposing the Saundersfoot Community Council’s Grounds man’s office which required the door and windows painting - This will be completed ASAP
• Play Park Task and Finish Group: Clr D Ludlow reported - Due to prior contracts with schools, which the Saundersfoot Community Council were unaware of, the fencing company are not able to erect the fencing until early September 2021. This news was accepted with great disappointment.
The soft ground areas should be installed within the next ten days.
An interim invoice had been received from the playground installers – the task and finish group will meet with the Clerk and ensure that the amount requested for payment is acceptable.
• Library 2022/23 Task and Finish Group: Clr. A Upham reported that the survey was ready to be distributed but a date is awaited regarding the release of such.
• Personnel Working Group (The Council considered whether a further Councillor should be added to the group but it was concluded that the membership should stay as is). Clr. James reported that - The first meeting of the Personnel group had been held on July 20 2021, with Clr. James appointed as Chair.
REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Saundersfoot’s Lonely Tree Preservation Society - It was noted that a request for a donation to the Society had been made – this has been diarised for the September 2021 meeting
One Voice Wales - Clr. Cleevely advised the Clerk that he had not received any correspondence from One Voice Wales. The Clerk to advise One Voice Wales of Cllrs Cleevely and Seftons’ contact details.
OTHER MATTERS
• Update regarding the change of Ward Boundaries, and the impact this will have on the Saundersfoot County Council Ward and Saundersfoot Community Council electoral arrangements.
Clr. Baker advised that following discussions with PCC Election Officers, he was eager to update the Council in regard to the 2019 local democracy and boundary for Wales review, it concluded that Saundersfoot County Council Ward will be altered.
Approximately 2/3 of the existing Ward will become Saundersfoot Southand the remaining 1/3 of the Ward will be linked to Amroth and known as Amroth with Saundersfoot North. The boundary between the two Wards will run from the main beach slipway along the centre of The Ridgeway.
The Saundersfoot Community Council boundary will remain as it currently exists but divided into two Wards with four Community Councillors representing Saundersfoot North and eight Community Councillors representing Saundersfoot South.
Following the 2022 elections, Saundersfoot Community Council meetings could potentially see two County Councillors in attendance.
Currently, elections are due to take place on May 5, 2022 and if any persons would like further information on how to represent Saundersfoot as a County or Community Councillor they should contact the Clerk at: [email protected]s
• Consideration of how Beddows Lake can be cleared - and made more ascetically pleasing thereafter - The Clerk advised the Council that she had met Ranger Lewis and discussed this area with him. Ranger Lewis advised that, in his professional opinion, the current environment is ideal for encouraging wildlife.
Clr. Pearson suggested that murals could be painted on the nearby properties to enhance the area. Clr. Pearson will make enquiries with the adjacent home owners and report back to Council at the September meeting.
• The Paddock – Clr. Hayes MBE advised the Council that she had received a number of complaints regarding the area opposite the arcade in Saundersfoot and its unkempt state. Following discussions it was concluded that the Clerk should seek further information from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority as to any planning conditions placed upon this land and ascertain where the responsibility lies regarding the upkeep on this land.
• In Bloom - Prior to the meeting closing Clr. Hayes MBE requested that the Council consider whether she would be able to represent Saundersfoot Community Council in Anglesey at the Wales in Bloom Award Ceremony on September 9.
Clr. Wainwright proposed that Clr. Hayes attends the award ceremony on behalf of the Community Council; Clr. Ludlow seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
Next Meeting – It was agreed that the September meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council be a hybrid meeting affording members of the public to join via a live link.