Minutes of the September meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council. 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. Mike Wainwright reported:
• On August 17 Saundersfoot Community Council were invited to join a photo shoot for an article on the Monterey Pine. I was pleased to note that the event was well attended with everyone present showing their support to preserve the tree in a safe manner.
• I was honoured to accept the invitation from Clr. Hayes MBE to attend the Saundersfoot in Bloom prize giving ceremony held on August 27. This was a very well attended event with many prizes being given out, some to previous winners and some to new winners. A very enjoyable evening for all.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
• NP/21/0373/FUL: Change of use of kiosk building to provide beach side cafe together with alterations and creation of outside seating area at Beach Kiosk to Rear of Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot - Following a site visit, Councillors consider that the proposed plans will not have a negative impact on the neighbouring properties and could possibly reduce the need for ice cream vans patrolling the beach with their diesel engines idling, and supported this application.
• NP/21/0411/FUL: Erection of new boundary fence approx 2.35m above adjacent ground level at Bevelin House, Sandy Hill Road, Saundersfoot, SA69 9HR - Following a site visit it was noted that a fence has already been erected to a height that Councillors consider is higher than the 2.35m applied for. Due to the confusion regarding the height of the fence applied for and the fence already on site, Councillors are unable to make an informed decision.
Clr. Ludlow proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council request clarity from the Planning Authority regarding the height of the proposed fence, where these measurements are taken from and what will happen to the existing fence whether the application is approved or not; Clr. James seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• NP/21/0469/FUL: Raising ridge, extensions and alterations at Culverton, Wisemans Bridge,Saundersfoot - Following consideration of all the information provided by the Planning Authority, no objections or concerns were raised, with the Community Council supporting this application.
• NP/21/0475/TPO: Monterey Cypress Tree (T12/033) - Clean crown of storm damage and thin canopy by 20 per cent at Beach Court, The Strand, Saundersfoot - The Community Council support this application
• NP/21/0457/FUL: Construction of new three-bedroom house in garden of existing property at Glenpines, Rushylake, Saundersfoot - Following consideration of all the information provided by the Planning Authority, no objections were raised regarding this planning application, and the community council offered support to this application, although Councillors noted that the proposed works completely fill the plot.
• NP/21/0476/FUL: Proposed alterations to dwelling at Nutwood, Westfield Road,
Saundersfoot - Following consideration of all the information provided by the Planning Authority. No objections or concerns were raised regarding this planning application. Saundersfoot Community Council support this application noting that the proposed works are well within the footprint of the existing dwelling.
• NP/21/0527/TCA: Removal of four White Beams and reduction of two Home Oaks at The Sensory Garden, Cambrian Place, Saundersfoot - This application has been made by the Saundersfoot Community Council on trees in its ownership – therefore the Council will not comment on such.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
• Confirmation received that the damaged bus shelter at North Close has now been replaced and the contractors paid in full by the insurance company. The Clerk requested that the invoice setting out all the extra hours and travel costs incurred by herself regarding this matter be forwarded to the Insurance Company. Clr. Wainwright proposed that he account be forwarded; Clr. Ludlow seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
REPORTS FROM WORKING PARTIES
Library 2022/23 Task and Finish Group - Clr. A Upham reported that the survey was ready to be distributed and would coordinate with the Clerk regarding the distribution of such.
During the discussion, regarding how the questionnaire will be distributed, the Council’s Facebook page was considered. The Clerk to make enquiries as to how to access the page or to set up a new page in a differing format.
Play Park Task and Finish Group - Clr. D Ludlow reported that the task and finish group had just had a meeting on site and would like a meeting with the contractors to go through several points.
The Task and Finish Group will consider arrangements for the official opening of the park and signage for the park with a proposal for such being brought to the October 2021 meeting for full Council to consider.
Personnel Working Group - Clr. James reported that due to a conflict of interests the Council were not able to accept any report prepared regarding the Clerks Job evaluation. The Council will seek an independent Job Evaluator.
Sensory Garden Working Party and Grounds Management Working Party - Clr. M Williams BEM reported: Tennis net - Despite having assistance, Mr. Lewis failed to thread the wire in the tennis net. The old net has been put in place as a temporary measure.
Watering - The current dry spell means, once again, that has taken main priority. The following is a list of tasks that need to be completed:
The newly planted Hookerianum is now dead and Clr. Williams suspected that it’s been a victim of being urinated upon! It will be removed this week.
The Whitebeam trees need to be removed, following permission from Mike Higgins. Prices for the Sensory Garden tree works are being sought. The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant form requires to be completed by September 6. The Clerk confirmed that the Chair has approved extra hours and the completed form and all the relevant paperwork will be submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.
It was agreed that the application would be in the region of £10,000 with Saundersfoot Community Council contributing 20 per cent from the Sensory Garden Budget for 2021/2022. It was further agreed that the raised beds should be replaced with reclaimed wood laid in a vertical style.
The Clerk also confirmed that the application for tree works to be carried out in the Sensory Garden (Conservation area) has been submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, prices are being sought and once approved works will be carried out.
OTHER MATTERS
• Confirmation of the Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner in December - Clr. Boughton-Thomas advised the Council that the caterers who were going to carry out the catering for the 2020 Christmas Dinner, which unfortunately had to be cancelled, have agreed to cater for the 2021 dinner at the same cost.
It was requested that consideration be given to the event being held at lunchtime rather than in the evening. Clr. Boughton-Thomas proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council pay up to £800 (precepted amount) towards the cost of the catering; Cllr Ludlow seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement. Clr. Boughton- Thomas would liaise with the Tenby Lions to finalise the arrangements.
• To Consider the donation request made by the Lonely Tree Preservation Society - All Councillors confirmed that they had received a copy of the letter.
Following a discussion Clr. Baker proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council make a donation of £500 to the Society towards the maintenance of the Monterey Cypress Tree and consideration be given at the budgeting meeting in December to such becoming a regular donation; Clr. Saunders seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• To consider the donation request made by the Saundersfoot Sailing Club - All Councillors confirmed that they had received a copy of the letter and financial report from the Sailing Club. Clr. Wainwright remarked that the financial report was nearly 12 months old, as the Treasurer of the Sailing Club was attending the meeting clarity was afforded that the financial position is less than what it shows in this report.
Clr. Boughton-Thomas proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council donate £1,000; Clr. Upham seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• To consider a donation to the Saundersfoot Participating Budget - Clr. Boughton-Thomas advised the Council that the Saundersfoot Participating Budgeting project’s aim is to financially assist the Community of Saundersfoot with local projects. Decisions will be made by a panel on a Dragons Den based presentation. The agreed local name for this project is – Saundersfoot Community Chest Fund.
Clr. Boughton-Thomas proposed that the Community Council donate £1,000 towards the Saundersfoot Community Treasure Chest; Clr. Williams BEM seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• To consider any updates regarding the ongoing problem of motorists speeding along the Ridgeway, Saundersfoot - Clr. Hayes MBE advised the Council that she had received complaints of motorists speeding along the Ridgeway. Clr. Baker advised the Council that the results from the survey being carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council will not be available for several weeks.
Consideration was given to the possibility of an electronic sign being placed on the Ridgeway to request motorists to slow down. This will be considered after the results of the survey have been received.
Next Meeting – It was agreed that the arrangements for the October 2021 meeting will be a hybrid meeting.