ST. GORAN PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES DECEMBER 2011

 

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MINUTES OF A MEETING of the St Goran Parish Council held on 1st December 2011 in the St Goran Church Schoolrooms at 7.30pm. with Mr P Grose in the Chair.

 

Present were Messrs Ayres, Bullen, Church, Lobb, Trevarton, Mrs Crouch, Mrs Dean, Mrs Stokes, and 3 members of the public.

1.  APOLOGIES

County Councillor Mutton and Mr Husband

2(a).  DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

2(b).  GIFT DECLARATIONS

None.

3. PUBLIC SESSION

A member of the public asked the PC whether the replacement “Gorran” sign could be smaller as they felt the previous sign had been unattractive and too big.

They then asked the PC about any action on the minute uncovered from the 1920's stating that the then Trustees had handed over the memorial to the PC. Mr Grose replied that the PC had been advised at the time by a recommended solicitor not to register the land to the PC, as this could prove to been extremely expensive if challenged. He recommended to register an interest in the land at a much reduced cost of about £50, which was previously agreed by full Council. The land is currently not registered with the Land Registry and once the PC have registered their interest the PC would be informed of any attempt to claim the land. The Clerk has not yet received confirmation of the registration from the solicitor.

The PC's nominated trustee, informed the PC that a majority of Schoolroom Trustees do not want to register this piece of land under the Schoolrooms as this could prove to become a liability. Mr Church advised her that as she is now a Trustee of the Schoolrooms it would be appropriate for her to inform the Trustees of the PC's intentions.

 

The Parish council then went into formal session.

 

4.  MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 3rd NOVEMBER 2011

Mrs Crouch pointed out that she was not present at the meeting and under parish problems, building and garden waste has been dumped along Sheep's Lane not Chute Lane. The minutes were corrected and then agreed.

 

5.  MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

5.1 Millennium Woods stile

The Woodland Trust have replaced the broken stile with a new 3 foot gate.

Noted

5.2 Public Convenience Review

CC require a provisional acceptance or rejection of their offer by 10th December.

CC proposed to withdraw funding and no grant would be available to run Gorran Haven Public Convenience.

The Clerk to inform CC that the PC cannot respond, as they believe through a recent press release, that CC have changed their stance.

Agreed

Gorran Haven Harbour and Fishermen's Society had asked what actions the PC are taking to fight against the closure, to enable them to maximise a collective effort. The Clerk informed them of all the actions that were agreed during the November meeting.

A local resident, has written to CC and Stephen Gilbert, explaining his concerns about the proposal. He has also read that the CC decision has been put on hold for a year and suggested sending an email to those involved in local tourism, as this could have a devastating effect on this industry.

Noted

Letters were sent from the PC to CC Chief Exec, County Councillor Mutton, Stephen Gilbert MP and The Prime Minister.

County Councillor Mutton thanked the PC for her advising her of the PC's views and concerns.

Noted

CC Environment, Planning & Economy thanked the PC for their letter addressed to the chief Exec and informs the PC that the matter is being investigated and a full reply will be sent in due course.

Noted

CC Principal Strategic Partnership & Policy Officer thanked the PC for their letter and advised that the recommendations have to be agreed by Cabinet on 14th December and the PC's comments have been noted and will be discussed by Cabinet including the potential increase in precept for the PC to manage the public convenience.

In another letter he also stated that in advance of the cabinet meeting a separate recommendation was put forward at the cabinet meeting on 16th November. The proposal is to establish a one off fund for 2012/13 to allow more time for further consultation with Town and Parish Councils to consider the grant offer and the implications of managing public conveniences.

Noted

Mr Stephen Gilbert MP thanked the PC for his letter and has written to CC and to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and will write again once replies have been received.

Noted

10 Downing Street have passed their letter onto The Department for Communities and Local Government.

Noted

Copy of Alec Robertson's Cornwall Council Leader Message to Members reads – Although CC do not have a statutory responsibility to provide public toilets they are aware of the importance to local communities. The main aim of the proposal is to ensure there are an adequate number of high quality, well promoted, financially sustainable and preferably locally managed public toilets in Cornwall. At the Extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet on 16th November, it was recommended that some of the budget savings to date be used to allow more time for the proposals to be developed. No public toilet funding will be withdrawn without consultation with Town and Parish Councils. The Council will continue with the necessary enhancements that have already been agreed to be run locally and in addition where they are unable to be supported by Town or Parish Councils alternative means of funding will be explored.

Noted

5.3 Highways – Flooding

CC Area Highways Manager has suggested that a meeting with a member of the PC would be helpful to enable her to be shown the sites of concern.

The Clerk to arrange a meeting with the AHM and to make a request for Mrs Tonkin, whose land is used for drainage from the road to be present.

Agreed

5.4 Highways – Cliff Road and Portheast Way

The gang will attend to the potholes along Cliff Road and assess the road surface and road name plate along Portheast Way.

Noted

5.5 Wansford Meadows - Roadsweeper

Wansford Meadows should be swept 4 times a year and will be put on the list.

Noted

5.6 Further details prior to meeting

 

Redistribution of business rates

The Department for Communities and Local Government's response to the PC's recent letter. The purpose of the Local Government Resource Review, is to develop a business rates retention system which enables the redistribution of resources to those authorities already funded directly by business rates through Formula Grant, in order to create an environment where such authorities are less dependant on central Government. As the PC is funded by a precept on council tax bills and the terms of the review focused on business rates the consideration of the funding of town and Parish councils were not included.

Noted

 

6 COMMITTEE REPORTS.

 

6.1 Footpaths.

A stile along the coastal footpath beginning at Cliff road has very worn treads.

The footpath sign at Boswinger leading to Hemmick is missing.

The Clerk to report to The Countryside Ranger.

Agreed

Mr Lobb asked what had happened about the repainting of the footpath signs. The Clerk responded that no information had been received from Groundworks.

Noted

6.2 Beach. 

The new sign has been delivered and Mr Grose will place it at the entrance to the beach.

Noted

6.3 General Purposes

Due to the time of year the Cemetery requires clearing of fallen leaves. Once a new minor maintenance contractor is agreed in January, this work could be carried out.

Noted

7 CORRESPONDENCE

 

7.1 Devon & Cornwall Police Authority – Engagement with Police Authority

Devon & Cornwall Police Authority will no longer host the old style Police Authority Liaison meetings, but will come to the community on request.

Noted

7.2 Gorran Cricket Club – Thank  you letter

Gorran Cricket Club express appreciation for their recent grant donated by the PC.

Noted

7.3 CALC – Local Authority Cemetery and Crematoria Memorials VAT

The supply of memorials by local authorities in their cemeteries is to be taxable at the standard rate from 1st April 2012.

Noted

7.4 Cornwall Council – Planning for Multi-Use Trail to Gorran School

Copy of a plan showing the proposed trail and supporting information from a planning application that has just been submitted for the scheme.

Noted

7.5 CALC – Future of the Code of Conduct

The Localism Bill is anticipated to be passed before Christmas, which will confirm the new regulations for a code of standards in public life. CC will retain responsibility for investigating complaints. CALC would appreciate the PC views on the following points - Should there be a single Code of Conduct for Cornwall ?

Should there be a separate Code of Conduct for parish and town Councils in Cornwall ? Any additions/changes desired by the PC ?

Noted

7.6 Cornwall Council – Bereavement Service Course Information

CC are proposing to host a professional practice forum on Cemeteries and crematoria. PC to respond if interested.

Noted

7.7 Cornwall Council – Off Street Parking Places Order 2012

Consultation is taking place on a new parking order as CC is proposing new car park charges across the County. The proposed charge rates vary but have been designed to provide a 3% increase on the total income and Blue badge holders will be entitled to an additional hour of free parking. Responses by 16th December.

Noted

7.8 Defra – Bathing Water results 2011

Bathing water results for 2011 have been issued and a copy received.

Noted

7.9 Renewable Energy Network – Wadebridge solar allotment

Wadebridge renewable energy network are competing to receive a share of £500,000 awarded by Energyshare for best community initiative. They ask for the PC to vote for their  solar allotment project which will allow residents to own solar panels remotely instead of on their roof.

Noted

Newsletters The Week

Noted

7.11 Any further correspondence

 

Rural Foundation – Luxulyan development

Rural Foundations are near to completing their development of 10 affordable discount houses in Luxulyan and invite Councillor's to view the properties to see an example of their work before they are handed over to the purchasers.

Noted

Larcombes – Memorial headstone request

Larcombes ask the PC's permission to erect a new headstone and vase base lawn style memorial in the Parish Cemetery.

Granted and request more detail in future.

Agreed

 

8 PLANNING MATTERS

 PA11/08964: E-tricity, Treveor Farm. Installation and operation of a solar photovoltaic array and associated equipment with a minimum array height of 2.6m and a maximum capacity of 50kW. Full Planning.

1 letter of objection received.

Objection oppose until suitable environmental planting scheme on the northside of panels is proposed.

 

PA11/09218: Mr Allen Boothroyd, Byways, Bell Hill. Demolition of garage and outbuildings. Extension of house to provide additional bathrooms and first floor accommodation. Replace roof. Full Planning.

Objection dominant position on entrance to village, not a complimentary design due to an overtly dominant roof not in harmony with the building.

 

PA11/09050: Cornwall Council, Fields at Gorran. Construction of a new multi-use (walking, cycling and horse riding) trail linking Gorran Haven to Gorran County Primary School and minor roads to the West. It will involve a change of use from agricultural to permissive path within a corridor approx 800m long & 5m wide. Full Planning.

Verbal complaints received – Private Landowner has no agreement with CC. Trelispen Park residents back gardens will be overlooked as path will be raised.

Support

 

PA11/08976: Church of England, Parish Church of St Goran. Listed Building consent for the installation of 4kW photovoltaic panels on the south-facing slope of the inside 'valley' of the slate roof of the eastern end of the church. Listed Building Consent.

Support - 1 Objection – Mr Ayres. 1 abstention – Mrs Crouch.

 

PA11/08979: Church of England, Parish Church of St Goran. Installation of 4kW photovoltaic panels on the south-facing slope of the inside 'valley' of the slate roof of the eastern end of the church. Full Planning.

Support – 1 Objection – Mr Ayres.1 abstention – Mrs Crouch.

 

Cornwall Council Planning decisions

PA11/07190: Old Customs House                                          Approved

PA11/07191: Old Customs House                                          Approved

PA11/07978: Land rear of Ivy Cottage                                    Approved

9.  BILLS FOR PAYMENT & BUDGET  REVIEW.

 

PAYMENTS                                                                           RECEIPTS      

Mrs LCV Pothecary    Clerks Salary  £361.57    Dev fund Interest                         £1.74      

Mrs LCV Pothecary    Clerks Exp      £57.23      WJ Beswetherick Burial chrg £590.00

Mrs LCV Pothecary    Clerks Purch   £10.94

Poppy Appeal              Wreath & donation £60.00

ME Crook                    Grasscutting    £194.00

SLCC                          Membership fees £97.00

St Goran PCC             Hall hire           £22.50

                                    TOTAL            £803.24                                   TOTAL   £591.74                                                                        

All the Bills for October have been paid. Agreed to pay the bills for November. The Clerk presented the actual receipts and payments to date, which were compared with the yearly budget.

 

10 PRECEPT 2012/2013

After the Clerk presented the PC with the precept figures for 2012/2013 the PC  decided that the precept for next year would remain equal to 2011/2012 at £13,900 per annum.

Agreed

 

11 TENDERS – when to be advertised

The tenders for grass cutting, footpaths and the beach will be advertised late January.

Agreed

 

12 GOLDEN JUBILEE – celebration ideas

The Clerk to write to The Playing field Trust to ask for their opinion on a proposal that if the PC were to pay for the cost of a new skate ramp at Bell Hill, it could be presented to the children of the Parish by the PC, in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee.

Agreed

 

13 STANDING ORDERS

The Clerk asked if the PC had any comments additions or adjustments to the set of Standing Orders that they had all received. The Standing Orders were originally  Northumberland Association of Local Council's model Standing Orders for smaller parishes. The Clerk has adjusted them to fit the PC's business and needs. Mr Lobb has also suggested that an appendix index should be added to bring together all policy documents such as The Financial Regulations, Beach policy, the running of the Cemetery and Tenders. The Clerk has also written a beach policy. The PC would like 'Horses are restricted from exercising on the beach between Easter and the End of September', to be added.

The Clerk to add to the Standing Orders under 3.6 - The agenda will contain the phrase “A member of the public” in replacement of any member's of the public's names. Under 3.13 - The draft minutes will be published in the Parish Magazine and names of the members of the public will be removed and replaced with “A member of the public”. An appendix index produced; a tender policy drafted listing of the yearly tenders and description of each activity and that the PC is not bound to accept the lowest tender.

The above to be reviewed and if agreed adopted in the January meeting.

Agreed

12. PARISH PROBLEMS

The sign for Gorran has been knocked over, due to a car accident. During the public session a resident had asked if it could be replaced with a smaller sign. Mr Church reported requests to him, asking whether the village could have a new illustrated sign similar to that of Mevagissey. The PC felt that the previous sign was appropriate.

The Clerk to inform Highways.

Agreed

It was reported that the junction of Crooked lane is covered in leaves and the middle  is covered in gravel.

Heather is overgrowing the road on the Triangle behind the bench.

The Clerk to inform Highways.

Agreed

Mrs Dean reported that Rural Foundations had informed her that people will be moving into the Luxulyan affordable housing before Christmas, if any members would like to visit the site. The building regulations for the Gorran Scheme have been approved and the 106 agreement is currently being drawn up by CC.

Noted

Mr Trevarton was of the opinion that the 1920's minute that was discussed in the public session didn't have any evidence to back it up and that there could be the possibility of another historic minute to the contrary. It was clarified that the PC had used the recommended specialist solicitor for land registry in Cornwall.

The Clerk to contact the solicitor to register the interest as urgent.

Agreed

Mr Lobb suggested that once the St Goran CLT had been formed, it maybe in the local interest for them to take on the running of the toilets in the future. As a charity there may be more possibilities of funding becoming available.

Noted

Mr Church forwarded County Councillor Muttons comments. She has been informed that the Council Cabinet has been very concerned by the opposition received about the proposed closure of the public conveniences and asks the PC to maintain their viewpoint as she feels this problem will take time to resolve.

Noted

 

 

The meeting closed at 9.25p

 

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