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ST. GORAN PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 2010
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MINUTES OF A MEETING of the St Goran Parish Council held on 4th March 2010 in the St Goran Church Schoolrooms at 7.30p.m. with Mr P Grose in the Chair. Present were Messrs Ayres, Church, Lobb, Husband, Bullen Mrs Dean, Mrs Crouch, County Councillor Mrs Mutton and 4 members of the public. 1. PUBLIC SESSION A member of the public asked the PC if they had received any news with regard to the sale of the Church School Rooms and the alterations of the Church. After discussions it became apparent that while the public had assumed the PC were being kept informed and had seen the plans for the Church; the PC had not received such information. During the discussion it was brought up that apparently a meeting with an Architect had been held with regards to the Church plans, It was questioned whether this had been meant to be an open meeting , and if so, there had been totally inadequate advertising, as very few members of the public or the PC had not even known it was taking place. The public felt that responses from questions they, themselves had raised with the Charity Commission hadn't been answered accurately or adequately. Due to the concern, that decisions maybe being made without the public or PC's knowledge, it was agreed that the Clerk would write to the PCC with copies to The Trustees, The Charity Commission and the Arch Deacon of Truro, raising these concerns as a matter of urgency. The PC also stated that while they would be making their representations the public should individually make The Charity commission and The Trustees aware of any individual concerns they had on the propriety of the way these matters were being handled. A member of the public then mentioned that she felt it was important to maintain the valued cohesiveness of the community and the recent two week closure of the village Shop and Post Office and emphasised how critical the continuation of availability of a community space, such as The Church Schoolrooms and the Shop were to the village. The Parish Council then went into formal session 2. APOLOGIES Mr Trevarton, Mrs Stokes 3(a). DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Mr Lobb declared an interest in item 10/00167 planning application for 18 Chute Lane, Gorran Haven. Mr Grose declared an interest in item 12 Affordable Housing. Mr Husband declared an interest in item 14 Tenders. 3(b). GIFT DECLARATIONS None. 4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 4rd February 2010 The minutes were agreed, with an amendment in the public session - Another member of the public asked the PC if anything had happened about the Church and the Church School Rooms. 5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5.1 Gorran Haven Beach The Stream The Clerk reported to the PC a response from Stephen Foster, Community Network Manager with reference to the culvert running out onto Gorran Haven Beach. He informs the PC that he has spoken to their principal engineer Martin Clemo, who recently visited the site and agrees that action is required on health & safety grounds. He's established that the land is not in the area leased by Cornwall Council and is investigating the ownership as a matter of urgency, with a view to writing to the owners setting out the action required. He is looking for at least a temporary solution to be in place within a matter of weeks. He suggests a site visit by the PC and CC won't take us any further at this stage but maybe useful when more progress has been made. It was then agreed by the PC that if a solution is not put in-place very quickly, a serious accident could occur, and it is especially a danger to young children, who habitually play in this area of the beach. The PC also discussed whether as the stream is the responsibility of the Environment Agency, this includes the culvert?. It was agreed that due the seriousness of these concerns, the Clerk will contact Martin Clemo and The Environment Agency immediately to try to rectify the situation. Mr Ayres and Mrs Dean also offered to be contactable and available to represent the PC at short notice to further any immediate action or consultations. 5.2 Highways The Clerk reported to the PC that an email had been received from Teresa Frost, Area Highways Manager (AHM) to confirm the actions she will be taking following a meeting held the PC representatives (Church, Lobb, Mrs Dean) on Monday 22nd February. She will arrange to have the gullies at the bottom of Treveor Hill cleaned out and the area added to the list of siding work required. She has agreed the location for the new bench on Bell Hill and will arrange for the base slab to be constructed. Also she has requested for the sign at Polmassick to be straightened and for the South West Water cover to be replaced at the triangle. The Clerk also presented the PC with an email received from Mr Lobb informing the PC that the Trenninick turn has greatly improved, with some pipes remaining to be clear. He has forwarded a map showing the other areas that require attention. The problem at Gorran Highlanes remains to be discussed with the AHM. 6 COMMITTEE REPORTS. 6.1 Footpaths. It was reported that the end of the new Footpath at Carvinick, runs straight out onto the road. This could become dangerous especially to children as the path is quite steep at this point. It was also reported that the style at Rescassa hadn't yet been replaced. The PC agreed that the Clerk should contact The Countryside Ranger to request that he makes the Carvinick footpath safe and to enquire about the style at Rescassa. 6.2 Beach. Nothing to report 6.3 General Purposes. Nothing to report. 7 CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Truro Foyer Outreach Project Details received of a youth outreach project that has been commissioned for the Gorran and Gorran Haven Area. They are offering youth activities for 13-25 year olds. Noted 7.2 Mr Crook - Mr Crook has written to inform the Parish Council that due to sustaining an unstable fracture he has been unable to carry any work for which he was contracted during the month of January. He will keep us informed regarding the future months. He would like to assure the Council that although he hasn't yet been able replace the notice board in Gorran Haven, if he doesn't complete by 31st March he will be happy to complete this at 2009 agreed rates. Noted 7.3 Mrs Miles - Mrs Miles has sent the PC a copy of a response to Mrs J Lakes letter of The Charity Commission. Noted 7.4The Charity Commission Copy of a response from the church wardens received in relation to the points brought to the Commissions attention about the sale of The Church School Rooms. Noted 7.5 Cornwall Council - Details received of the fouling of dogs order & The dogs on leads by direction order. Noted 7.6 Chairman of Cornwall Council Details of an invitation to a buffet for all Parish councillors and guest. Details passed onto Mrs Dean. 7.7 Cornwall Council Details received of the Clean Cornwall Campaign. Noted 7.8 Cornwall Council Meeting notes received from the Local Council Planning Liaison Group. Noted 7.9 Cornwall Council Letter received detailing how the Council would like to tackle the problem of empty properties. They would like to ask people to report any empty properties to them. Noted 7.10 Cornwall Council Details received about a consultation in to how they operate their Car Parks in the future and how they set the charging levels. Copy to be sent to Mr Church 7.11 Graham Allen Mr Allen has looked at the on line planning for the Llawnroc and suggests that the PC applies for an extension of the time limit for this application, as he does not think the PC would have sufficient time to make an informed decision on a development that is so important to the village. Noted Cornwall Council Details received of the March Clean Cornwall Spring Challenge 2010 dated 20th - 28th March. 8. PLANNING MATTERS. 10/00108: Mr & Mrs Thrower, Fourwinds, Gorran Churchtown. Proposed alterations & extension to Old Butcher's Shop, converting into a holiday let. Full Planning. There was one letter of complaint received by the Chair. No Objections. Three abstentions. 10/00077: Mr & Mrs Dickenson, Kufstein, Canton Lane, Gorran Haven. Proposed conversion of roof space to studio/family room. Full planning. No objections. 10/00063: Mr Glen Coffey, 33 Chute Lane, Gorran Haven. Proposed extension, orangery, new roof design and internal alterations. Full planning. No objections. 10/00048: Mr Richard Holmes, Seaview, 30 Chute Lane, Gorran Haven. Rebuilding of existing extension to form kitchen/dining room. Full planning. No objections. 10/00167: Mr Alan Grove, 20 Chute Lane, Gorran Haven. 4-bedroom, split-level dwelling & garage. Full planning. No objections. 9. BILLS FOR PAYMENT & BUDGET OUT-TURN APPRAISAL PAYMENTS RECEIPTS M E Crook Grasscutting 77.00 HMRC VAT refund 161.22 St Goran Church schoolrms hall hire 28.00 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Salary 361.57 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Expenses 57.23 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Purchases 13.42
TOTAL £537.22 TOTAL £161.22 All the Bills for January have been paid. Agreed to pay the bills for February. The PC were impressed that the actual figures presented to them were close to the budget for 2009/2010.
10. DATE FOR ANNUAL MEETING I t was agreed to be held on 6th May @ 7pm, preceding the monthly meeting. 11. GRAVEDIGGER TENDER The PC agreed that the notice for grave digging tenders can go on notice boards as of now and the closing date will be 6th May 2010. 12. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & CLT Mr Church (Vice Chairman) in the Chair In introducing the item the VC suggested that the council having held several exploratory meetings and had presentations from appropriate advisor's to establish as full an understanding and appreciation of the need for and provision of affordable housing within the Parish as was practicable, it was time to take a decision on whether or not to proceed with the scheme currently before them. While the inclusion of a rent able element was desirable the unavailability of suitable funding at the present time made this impossible without seriously delaying or even putting at risk the viability of the current scheme but should not be ruled out in possible future schemes that might become possible. The PC considered that the need was proven and that they would support Rural Foundations with their proposal for an affordable housing scheme. The Clerk will inform Mr & Mrs Witcomb of Rural Foundations of this decision and ask them to proceed. The PC then went onto discuss setting up a Community Land Trust (CLT). It was considered that a CLT should be set up in such a manner that it gave the PC an element of control in protecting the ongoing status of the development as affordable housing. As it has been strongly recommended from independent advice, initially a CLT should be pursued consisting mainly of approximately 4 PC members with the later addition of co-opted members, willing to assist from relevant professions and representation of participants taking advantage of the affordable scheme. After the primary affordable housing sales the CLT would be required to ensure that they are re-sold to the type of people they were intentionally built for. The CLT would then exist with less members of the PC and more members of the public with an interest in affordable housing or ability to offer professional assistance. The CLT would not be restricted to the current scheme, but could assist with progressing and enabling any further affordable schemes that might prove practicable, including possible rentable property in the area. There was some discussion as to the status of the CLT. It was decided that the most appropriate approach would be for it to be initially set up under the direction of the whole of the PC. However once established and when the time came for it to have a more independent status, it might be decided that PC involvement might be more appropriate via PC members nominated by the General Purposes Committee. The PC then discussed the principle of a Golden Share in each property, where the PC could initially be allocated a share of each property worth (say) about £500, so consequently each subsequent sale of a house would require Parish Council approval. It was agreed that a General Purposes meeting would be held Prior to the start of the April meeting with all PC members welcome. This will give an opportunity for PC members to confirm their interest in becoming a member of the CLT. Several councillors have expressed an interest in actively participating in the CLT.
Proposed: that the Council support the Rural Foundations Scheme for Affordable Housing and that Mr and Mrs Whitcomb be so advised and asked to progress the scheme including seeking planning permission. Agreed Proposed: that the Council would fund as necessary but also seek assistance with funding from sources understood to be available to set up a Community Land Trust. As the initial phase a meeting of the General Purposes Committee should be held preceding the April Meeting of the Parish Council. All members of the Parish Council would be invited to participate to consider initial membership, structure and the future development pattern of the CLT . Agreed 13. PARISH PROBLEMS Mr Grose (In the Chair) County Councillor Mutton reported that the letter for Highways that was agreed to be sent during last months meeting has now been sent to the relevant people. CC Mutton also hoped that some PC members would attend the Chairman of Cornwall's buffet. Mr Lobb put it to the PC that the Finger sign at Highclere needs replacing. The PC agreed for the Clerk to enquire with Highways, who is contracted to provide these signs. Mr Ayres reported there are still 3 seats on the Platt, that aren't dedicated to people, where the monies received would then go to charity. He also reported that he has tried to contact Cormac once again, but still hasn't had a response with regards to a quote for cobbling Rattle Street. He also reported that a few members of the public have informed him the the St Goran Parish Website is not up to date. The PC replied that the website is currently being updated. Mrs Dean agreed to ask the Rainbows to decorate the glass notice board in Gorran Haven. She also reported that the drains from the middle of Bell Hill going all the way down to Gorran Haven are full of debris and are overflowing. It was agreed the Clerk will enquire with Highways about this matter. Mrs Dean also reported that the Footpath on Bell Hill is becoming over grown with brambles. The PC agreed the Clerk will request highways to cut them back. Mr Church reported that he has had praise from 2 more members of the public about the new Milford's sign. He also suggested that due to such a positive response from the public about the Milford's, the PC should look at the practicality of improving finger signs within the area, as funds permit, as an ongoing project that would improve the image of the Parish. The AHM had advised that modern versions of traditional appearance signs could be obtained; she thought it possible that her staff could assist with the physical installation of signs obtained by the parish and offered to provide information on economically sourcing such signs, The PC agreed.
The meeting closed at 9.40pm
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