Minutes from the recent meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council are as follows:
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Clr Wainwright reported that:
Last month, I was invited, by ex-Chairperson Mrs. Mandy Allsop, to draw the winning ticket for the Wally Walrus toy. With every purchase of Mandy’s book ‘When Tiny met Wally’, a donation was made to the Macmillan ward in the Balfour Hospital in the Orkney Islands and each purchaser was given a ticket to enter the draw. The lady who won the toy is going to give it to a friend’s daughter who is aged 3 and having to undergo chemotherapy herself.
Myself and Clr. Hayes MBE travelled to Beaumaris in Anglesey for the Wales in Bloom award ceremony. The hospitality offered was second to none with visits to places of interest and a lovely lunch. After a long, unnerving wait it was announced that Saundersfoot was awarded the curveted Gold Award for best large village. Well done to everyone who as assisted in this great achievement.
A meeting was held with representatives from the Regency Hall, Bowling Club, Cricket Club and Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club. All persons’ present were given the opportunity to put forward ideas for the use of land in the ownership of the Council. A further meeting will be held in the near future.
MATTERS ARISING
• Clr. Boughton-Thomas confirmed that Tenby and District Lions have agreed to share the cost of the Christmas Lunch. The date for the lunch is December 22.
• Clr. Baker confirmed that the data collected from the recent road survey carried out on the Ridgeway by Pembrokeshire County Council, has been analysed. This demonstrated that the mean average speed was slightly below the speed limit for this stretch of road.
The central 85 per cent of results demonstrated that the speeds were slightly higher that the speed limit. The results taken on Sandy Hill Road showed that motorists do exceed the speed limit on this stretch of road, the information gathered has been forwarded to Dyfed Powys Police for their consideration.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
• NP/21/0343/FUL: Penlan, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot (The removal of an existing front facing wall and dig out the front garden. To build a retaining wall and create a new drive in the area. Separate drop kerb application made to PCC) - Following consideration of the information provided by the Planning Authority it was agreed that Saundersfoot Community Council support this planning application considering that the extra parking spaces will enable cars to park off the road and that it is a good design with consideration to road and site safety.
• NP/21/0315/OUT: Land in the Garden of Myrtle Grove, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot (Outline permission for a new dwelling) - the Community Council agreed to support this planning application. Considering that there is limited access to the site which may cause road safety problems during the building stage the Council request that the Planning Authority seek a Construction Traffic Management Plan.
• NP/21/0583/FUL: Strand Cottage, 6 The Strand, Saundersfoot (Addition of roof terrace, alterations to rear openings with erection of rear balcony) - it was agreed that the Community Council support this planning application with the consideration that similar alterations have been carried out by neighbouring property owners.
• NP/21/0582/FUL: The Cottage, The Glen, Saundersfoot (Extension and alterations) - the Community Council agreed to support this planning application with the consideration that similar alterations have been carried out by neighbouring property owners.
• NP/21/0547/FUL: Fresh Winds, St. Brides Hill, Saundersfoot (Construction of a residential annexe) - the Community Council do not support this planning application considering that there is no parking available and parking in this area is already a problem. The site is situate on a hazardous bend, and that there is no guarantee that the proposed building will remain an ancillary to the main dwelling , with the possibility of it being used as a holiday home or similar.
• NP/21/0612/TPO: Tower Field Lodge, Valley Road, Saundersfoot (Removal of and works to trees in woodland) - the Community Council agreed to support this planning application.
LICENSING
A licensing application was received for the Emporium, on High Street - Saundersfoot Community Council support this application.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
• Remembrance Service and arrangements for such – The Clerk to liaise with Rev. Steve and Councillors. At this point in time the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph will take place, with social distancing being adhered to.
• Email received from Pembrokeshire County Council requesting permission for the residents of Brooklands Close to park in the Community Council owned car park during resurfacing works being carried out by Evan Pritchard Contractors.
Clr. Baker to contact Evan Pritchard advising that the residents are welcome to park there but from the beginning of November the large Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park will also be free to all users.
• Email received from Mr McDermott – Harbour Commissioner congratulating the Community Council for being awarded a Gold award for the best large village - Wales in Bloom 2021 and advised that the Harbour will offer their full support in 2022 in any way the Council see best fit.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Clr. Phil Baker reported on the following:
County Hall matters - The new CEO Mr Will Bramble took up his position in September
The Gold, IMC and Covid Teams remain in place monitoring the County response to the pandemic. Clr. Baker attended a 20 mph meeting with Lee Waters MS to discuss the progress of the move toward new speed limits in urban areas during 2023.
The County Council hosted two informative seminars recently – Town and Community Councils and one with Clerks to understand the Welsh Government consultation on qualifications.
Ward Matters - Clr. Baker said that the new lighting system to the long tunnel had been installed and commissioned.
Surveys and plans are in production to reconfigure both Milford Street and Cambrian Terrace. These proposals will allow the creation of permanent café culture space, blue badge bays, pop and shop bays and bus shelter provision.
Clr. Baker was delighted to have been invited to meet the Lotus Owners gathering at Coppet Hall Beach Centre and set them on their tour of Pembrokeshire.
The Environment Team are still working hard to keep the Village streets clean and litter free, the work of the local volunteers is also key.
REPORTS FROM WORKING PARTIES
On behalf of the Library Task and Finish Group - Clr. Upham advised that there had not been a meeting of the group as the consultation period will end on October 31 when the data will be considered.
It was noted that not many surveys had been completed and consideration to be given to a Notice being published in the papers to encourage responses.
The Clerk advised that an invoice for the 2020/2021 Library costs was still awaited from Pembrokeshire County Council who are experiencing issues with a new invoicing system they are using.
On behalf of The Grounds and Sensory Garden Working Parties - Clr. Williams BEM said that Michael Davies was liaising with the Sensory Garden working party regarding what will replace the hoardings when they are removed. A 3D drawing will be drafted to enable the construction of the ‘train’, with this drawing to be presented to the Council.
Following a discussion regarding the ordering of Two further Nordic Stars and one smaller star, Clr. Cleevely proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council support the purchase of such; Clr. Ludlow seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
The question was raised as to what organisations will be involved with the Christmas Lights around the Village. Council were advised that a meeting would be taking place on Monday, following such information will be available.
• On behalf of the Play Park Task and Finish Group - Clr. Ludlow said that a site visit took place prior to the meeting, during which it was noted that there are still matters that require addressing namely: Some soft areas still remain under the artificial grass; Where some of the soft areas have been redressed the artificial grass has been cut out and replaced as patches; The cutting board has not been installed; Powder coating scratched leaving bare metal exposed; The play equipment requires safety checking; The areas by the gates requires to be landscaped to afford inclusive access; Weeds growing up through the newly laid tarmacadam pathway.
It was also noted that the edges of the soft play had been dressed with grass turf eliminating the trip hazard. Also that the swings have been installed.
Clr. Ludlow proposed that once a positive solution to the problem regarding the missed boards is agreed the Council to pay 75 per cent of the invoice received, maintaining 25 per cent to be paid once all outstanding matters are resolved to the Council’s satisfaction; Clr. Williams BEM seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
• Clr. Hayes MBE, On behalf of Wales in Bloom - All Councillors thanked Clr. Hayes for all her hard work regarding the Wales in Bloom competition.
18 organisations were named within the report from the Judge. Clr. Hayes MBE to copy the report and deliver one to each organisation named within it.
Next year the award ceremony will be held near Brecon. If Saundersfoot Community Council would like to enter again, entries to be received March 2022, with judging in July 2022. Consideration to also be given to the Sensory Garden being entered into the ‘This is Your Neighbourhood’ class (there is no entry fee to this class).
There is a new Judge next year as the present one is retiring.
Clr. Hayes advised the Council that if the Saundersfoot Community Council enters the 2022 Wales in Bloom competition consideration should be given to the information presented to the Judge regarding the three sections that are judged, namely: Community Engagement, Environment and Flowers.
A suggestion was made that one person (Councillor or member of the public) collects the information for one section each. The Clerk can then arrange such in the portfolio.
This agenda item to be diarised for November 2021 meeting once further information has been circulated regarding the three sections.
• On behalf of the Harbour Advisory Group - Clr .Boughton-Thomas attended two meetings of the Harbour Advisory Group. During these meetings, the possibility of installing additional toilets in the Harbour area was discussed, and it was agreed that the CEO of the harbour would contact other major organisations in the village to discuss it further regards support and financing. Harbour/sluice problems were discussed and the members of the committee were given a tour of the Schooner and Coal Office, alongside up to date information relating to completion dates
OTHER MATTERS
• To consider the request made for a donation towards the cost of winter plants to be planted around the village by Mrs Debbie Ludlow.
Clr. Boughton-Thomas proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council afford a budget of £300 for winter plants to be planted in the various pots around the village; Clr. James seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.
• To consider the request made for assistance with the purchase of a defibrillator to be positioned on the side of the Old School House, St Issells Church Yard
Consideration was given to the request with information being provided of various organisations/charities offering free defibrillators for use within the community. The Clerk to advise accordingly.
• To consider the upkeep of the public seats in Sardis and outside the Booths Arcade.
The Clerk advised the Council that the maintenance of the benches opposite the Boots arcade has been scheduled to be completed in the new year.
Ownership of the bench in Sardis was questioned. Clr. Baker will make enquiries as to who owns such. Once this has been established arrangements can be made into restoring such.
• To consider concerns raised regarding the new roundabout at Fountainhead.
The Council were advised that several persons had raised concerns regarding the lack of visibility when approaching and leaving the new roundabout at Fountainhead.
The Council was reassured that the layout has been assessed by an independent Road Safety Audit team which includes Dyfed Powys Police, PCC will continue to monitor use of the two new roundabouts.
• To consider the future plans of the Paddock - There is no further information regarding this area of land, but the information that was received a number of years ago, from the Planning Authority, will be recirculated to Councillors for their further consideration.
• To consider the possibility of a bus shelter along side the Booths Arcade - Clr. Baker advised the Council that consideration is being given to a reconfiguration of the road layout in this area which will allow the appropriate location of a new bus shelter.