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ST. GORAN PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 2010
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MINUTES OF A MEETING of the St Goran Parish Council held on 4th February 2010 in the St Goran Church Schoolrooms at 7p.m. with Mr P Grose in the Chair. Present were Messrs Ayres, Bullen, Church, Lobb, Trevarton, Mrs Dean, Mrs Stokes, County Councillor Mrs D Mutton, Mr & Mrs Witcomb from Rural foundations, Mr Thornton from St Goran Bell appeal and 2 members of the public. Formal Session Mr. Church (Vice Chairman in the Chair) 1. Nick & Jill Witcomb – Rural Foundations Mr & Mrs Witcomb addressed the P.C with their findings after a recent survey they have carried out in respect of affordable housing. They informed the P.C, that they had advertised the affordable housing around the village, on notice boards, in the local shops and they also sent out 130 flyers with the local newspaper delivery. This created a good response, the public were asked to complete a registration form. The registration form is for local people to register their interest to purchase affordable housing with in Gorran. They were also asked if this information can be shared with the Parish Council. Mrs Witcomb then handed to the P.C, a list of people who are interested in purchasing the affordable housing and also handed out the registration forms that were filled in. This showed that 24 people had asked for a form and 20 forms were filled in and returned. Mr Ayres commented, that outsiders have been brought in by other companies. Mrs Witcomb replied that these people are local. If the P.C decide to take this to the next stage, Rural Foundations would then arrange for the people who have registered to meet with them and the P.C. They will then be asked to prove that they do have the means to be able to purchase these houses, and if there then proves not to be enough local interest, the houses would then have to be allocated to non-locals. Mrs Stokes then stated that a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford to buy, but would be able to rent. Mr Witcomb moved onto discussing CLT's – after Rural Foundations had finished with the project, it would then be the responsibility of the CLT to carry on with selecting by whom these houses could be purchased, once the primary purchasers decide to sell. Mr Witcomb also informed the P.C, that a team of affordable housing officers can be brought in to explain to them, what has happened in other parishes that have undertaken similar projects. Mr Bullen stated he had understood that some of the proposed houses were rentable. Other P.C members pointed out that funding for this was fully allocated to the end of 2011 and did not include Gorran and it took Mevagissey 7 years to get their funding. Mr Witcomb moved the discussion back to CLT's. He suggested that this should be formed by local people, as well as members of the P.C. Mr Trevarton replied, we need people who are removable and electable. After further discussions about the CLT, the P.C agreed, as they do not have all the skills that may be required for a CLT, the CLT would be formed by P.C members only, with co – opted local members who can bring the required skills to the CLT. The P.C then agreed to proceed to the next stage, which will be a meeting with the public to prove the need and capability to purchase the affordable housing. Discussion then moved on to the resale price, Mrs Witcomb explained, the houses will be allowed to increase in value, but can only be sold at 50% - 60% of the open market value at that time, continuing to keep these houses at a discounted rate. Mr Ayres asked if their will be a clause, that once they are resold they will only be sold to local people. Mr Witcomb replied, once a house is put on the market, at first it will be offered to the primary location, then after 30 days of being on the market, the secondary location and then after 60 days the rest of Cornwall. Mr Church then thanked Mr & Mrs Witcomb 2. The formal session was adjourned. 3. Mr Thornton – St Goran Bell Appeal Mr Thornton made a presentation to the P.C and the public, about the St Goran Bell Appeal. He introduced himself as the Bell project co-ordinator. The bells were cast in 1772, the 5th cracked in 1929 and was recast, and the 2nd bell also cracked and was recast in 1953. Currently there are 4 original bells and frame and all need repairing. Surveys were carried out in late 2008, and recommendations were made for the short term, which were to bird proof them and remove all the debris. This work was carried out within two weeks, at a cost of £5,000. Nothing else can be done, without specialist help. The aim of the appeal is to raise £50,000, to remove and refurbish the bells and to refurbish the frame within 2 years ready for the Olympics. Mr Thornton then informed the meeting, about an event that is to be held next Wednesday, where there will be entertainment and information, including a Barbershop quartet and bell ringers from Truro. This event will be free and the P.C and everyone is invited. The P.C asked about fund raising methods, suggesting an internet appeal. Mr Thornton replied that at present they do not have anybody with the expertise to do this for them. They are applying for grants and the heritage lottery amongst other activities. The Chairman thanked Mr Thornton for his presentation and wished the appeal every success on behalf of the Parish Council. 3.a PUBLIC SESSION A member of the public enquired into the possibility of tendering for a 5 year contract. Mr Church replied that this would be very unlikely because, if the P.C were to take on a 5 year contract and during that period, a new P.C were elected, it would create a problem handing over the contract. He had the right to formally ask the P.C, but suggested this would be very unlikely to be agreed. Mr Grose (from floor) confirmed this response. Another member of the public then asked the P.C, if anything had happened about the Church schoolrooms, the P.C replied that no further information had been received so far. The Parish Council then moved back into formal session and Mr Grose took the Chair. 4. APOLOGIES Mr Husband and Mrs Crouch. 5(a). DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None 5(b). GIFT DECLARATIONS None. 6. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 14th January 2010 The minutes were agreed. 7. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 7.1 Highways The Clerk informed the P.C of a reply from Highways following the December meeting. The salting route was reviewed and the lorry does travel to the junction at the bottom of Treveor Hill to turn, although the winter service plan shows that from Kestle junction to this junction the vehicle will be travelling rather than salting. The request for a grit bin on Bell Hill will be reviewed in the summer, and the footpath will be trimmed when a resource is not required for winter service. The Clerk then informed the P.C of emails received from Highways, following their last meeting. The current winter service plan will be reviewed in the summer ready for next year. At this time we will review the current locations of the grit bins. Gorran Haven will be added to the list to be reviewed and at the same time a further extension to the salting route. All decisions taken have to be balanced against cost and risk. The clerk then informed the P.C of an Email received from Teresa Frost dated 3rd Feb stating that the Milfords sign should have been re-erected in the correct new place. It was agreed that the clerk will arrange a meeting with Highways and Mr Grose, Mr Lobb, Mr Church and Mrs Dean. Mr Church then continued that while noting the above mentioned response from Highways the Parish Council and many parishioners have expressed the opinion that they feel that they receive inadequate care from the C.C. that compares unfavourably with other areas paying similar rates and with similar needs. Following discussions with County Councillor Mutton about this matter, at her request a draft letter had been prepared, for P.C. consideration, of a summary of items that have been causing particular concern for some time. The P.C then discussed that while they have a good relationship with the Area Highways Manager (AHM), Ms.Teresa Frost, and while she does an excellent job, resultant recommendations do not seem to get actioned when referred any higher than her. The P.C then brought up the fact that, recent times have highlighted the results of the delays in actioning the more pressing matters raised with the AHM. The P.C then agreed that, noting the Highways e-mails received, the summary letter agreed with minor amendments be sent to Councillor Mrs Mutton.
It was noted that a petition on the above matters was known to be circulating in the Parish.
Mr Church then commented that in fairness he was pleased to be able to record that a few particularly deep potholes resulting from the extreme conditions had been rapidly patched when notified and that three parishioners had contacted him to comment favourably on the Milfords sign restored by the Parish and re-erected by the County; hopefully a precedent of what can be achieved. 7.2 The Stream @ Gorran Haven Beach The Clerk informed the P.C of an email received from Mr.Stephen Foster, Cornwalls Community network manager, who will investigate and asks whether any accidents have already occurred. He had spoken to Mr. Martin Clemo, Principal Engineer, who will be in touch shortly. Responsibility for the stream is not entirely clear – the two councils will likely have to work together. The P.C replied, that there have been a few accidents and it has never been clear who is responsible for the stream. A P.C member commented that the Restormel Council previously fixed the problem, as a good will gesture. Responsibility in the event of a serious accident needed to be resolved and the P.C. needed the advice of the County. Mr Lobb suggested that, if nothing has been done, by the time this years, risk assessment for the beach has been carried out, the P.C will have to fence the stream and bar entry. In response to a suggestion that P.C resolve the problem them selves, the Chairman pointed out that this would create a precedent of the PC accepting responsibility and financial liability. Agreed that the Clerk will write to the C.C, to arrange a meeting between the C.C and the P.C on site to resolve responsibility of this urgent health and safety issue. 7.3 The Haven Cafe The Clerk reported, that an email had been received from the Cornwall Council Planning Enforcement Team. They have examined the case file. The plan under planning permission and the appeal decision shows details of a slight overhang of the roof in relation to the roadside wall in Foxhole Lane. On a site visit on 25th November 2009, the development appeared to be in accordance with the approved plans. It appears that a breach of planning control has not occurred. Teresa Frost (AHM) is carrying out a site visit and will report thereafter. 8 COMMITTEE REPORTS. 8.1 Footpaths. Nothing to report 8.2 Beach. The steps from the beach to the Plait need some attention; the P.C agreed that the C.C be requested to look at the steps, at the same time as they look at the stream. 8.3 General Purposes. Nothing to report. 9 CORRESPONDENCE 9.1 Cornwall Council – St Austell Community Network meeting - Agenda for St Austell Community Network meeting. 9.2 Cornwall council – licensing of alcohol – Information about the Licensing Service and how Parish, Town or City Councils can comment on applications. 9.3 Neighbourhood Watch - AGM – Details of Neighbourhood watch AGM. 9.4 Gorran Haven Harbour and Fisherman's Society Ltd.- permission request - Seek permission to use parts of the beach that are the responsibility of the Parish Council for their Gala day on Sunday 8th August 2010. Their risk assessment for this event is unchanged from the one sent to the Parish Council last year. Clerk to advise them that the P.C agreed.. 9.5 Cornwall Council – Register of members interests – Cornwall council are writing to remind members to give consideration as to whether their Register of Interest forms are fully up to date. 9.6 Cornwall Council – Cornwall in Bloom – Invitation to Cornwall in Bloom on, Saturday 27th February @ New County Hall, Truro from 10am – 3pm. 9.7 Newsletters – Police newsletter, Neighbourhood watch, Town & Parish. 9.8 Further correspondence received prior to meeting Gorran School – Mr Jonathan Sleep expressed surprise that concern has been expressed by many parishioners about the wind turbine, as they were aware of only one letter which was sent to Cornwall Council's Senior Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor. The current situation is that a meeting took place on the 8th December attended by representatives of School, the Local Authority (including the Senior Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor) and Proven (the manufacturer). Proven explained that the incident has led to all 15KW turbines being turned off until they can find out why it happened and redesign the equipment, which will undergo rigorous testing to ensure it can never happen again. Proven also explained the new turbine is likely to have smaller and therefore, quieter blades. Once this is complete the School's governors, in conjunction with Cornwall Council, will decide on a sensible course of action and take account of the views of the children, parents and local community. Roads at Gorran Highlanes – Mrs Thomas wrote to Highways Department, County Hall with a copy sent to The Parish Council, concerning the condition of the road at Gorran Highlanes, in particular the area adjacent to the bus stop/layby where waiting passengers are subject to excessive spray from passing traffic. CALC – Details of an invitation to their 6th Annual Conference. Lime Kiln trust – Rats in the Lime kiln , Letter received – The trustees have taken expert advise and have been advised that the rats are not nesting in the shelter but going in and out. The advise given is that bait traps are put down in the season to try eliminate the rats then. However the proximity of the stream and the culvert means that there are probably rats living there, and it seems this is an increasing problem. We are looking into putting mesh on the base of the doors to prevent access. Cornwall Council – Details of a briefing that is to be arranged about the major developments in the area. CALC – Invitation to CALC's 6th Annual conference. 9. PLANNING MATTERS. 10/00024: Mr & Mrs Ryatt, 4 Trewollock Close, Gorran Haven. Proposed extension to existing bungalow involving a replacement roof to accommodate loft conversion. Full Planning. Objections on the grounds of this being a radical design creating a departure from the current street scene, the scale and massing is not compatible with existing surroundings or in keeping with the surrounding area. 10/00022: Mr Kevin Edwards, Ward Cottage, Rattle Street, Gorran Haven Listed building consent for internal alterations to form new lower ground floor bedroom, wet room and store. Remodel of ground floor kitchen etc and first floor bedrooms and bathroom. Full planning. No objections. 11. BILLS FOR PAYMENT RECEIPTS
S.A Crouch Restore Milfords sign 750.00 Cornwall Council LMP 612.00 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Salary 361.57 NS&I Interest burial fund 15.83 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Expenses 57.23 NS&I Interest Parish fund 7.52 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Purchases 45.92 Mrs R Mills gravespace Purchase 460.00 St Goran PCC Mag Subs 8.00 John Whatty Brochure 60.00 John Whatty Website & Domain 67.21 TOTAL £1,289.93 TOTAL £1,155.35
All the bills for December have been paid. Agreed to pay the bills for January.
12. Tourist Brochure After the Clerk informed the P.C, that the St Goran Tourist Brochure is ready to be amended by the printers. The P.C agreed for 6,000 copies to be printed. They also agreed to replace the date and place a small print code at the foot of the back page to identify the version but such that the brochure can be used in consecutive years. 13. PARISH PROBLEMS The P.C were informed that a Mr Hunt of, Fayreskys has asked if the P.C could help with the problem of a TV aerial, that doesn't belong to him, being installed on his wall. It was agreed that this was a private matter and they had no powers to help. It was reported, that there are large pot holes in Fox hole lane, which is becoming very dangerous, especially for the elderly walking to and from the Doctors surgery. A P.C member also asked, if Gorran Haven could have a sweeper as the actual state of Gorran Haven is appalling. In discussion it was pointed out that there would be difficulties for a mechanical sweeper, due to the parked cars on the roads and that this problem has gone on for many years. The P.C then asked County Councillor Mutton, to take on this matter and she agreed. A P.C member informed the P.C about the state of the road, near Trevear and described it as on a par with travelling along a farm track. It was commented that, unfortunately this problem is everywhere. Mr Grose informed the P.C, that a complaint can be registered, and the farmer would then have to clear the debris that left on the road. Mr Ayres informed the P.C, that he had tried to get hold of Cormac, with regards to receiving a quote for cobbling Rattle street, he had left a message with Mr Woods secretary, and hasn't heard anything since. It was suggested that Mr Ayres tries contacting him again. The P.C was informed that the notice board on the Triangle is in a state of disrepair, the P.C agreed, for the clerk to get in touch with Mr Crook, and request him, to replace it with one of the reserve boards and if he thinks it is worth while, to repair the notice board. The P.C were informed, that Mr. Don Wilkinson, would put out the separation buoys again this year.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm
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