Among matters considered and discussed at the December meeting of Manorbier Community Council were the following:

Matters arising from the minutes

Clr. Willcocks said he was happy to replace the bolts on the rotary play equipment in Jameston Play Area (as recommended, with replacement bolts sent recently by Hags SMP), but he may need some assistance. Councillors offered to help, but Clr. Willcocks said he would look to do this work after Christmas.

The clerk read out an email from Caroline Andrews, thanking MCC for its efforts following recent attempts by her to secure a small rented or purchased vegetable plot locally. Clr. Terry Williams confirmed he had put Caroline Andrews in touch with an allotment society.

The clerk reported that the Youth Hostel Association were to be inspecting Skrinkle Hall (and thus considering MCC's request to surrender the lease on it) that day. Clr. Hall reported that he had spoken with the local manager of Skrinkle and he had said that the YHA were looking to install 'high-end' camping at the site.

Correspondence

A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) covering feedback on their recent savings consultations with town and community councils. Some of the cost reduction successes were read out by Clr. Hughes.

Invitation to chair to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties in May, 2015. The clerk was to action this.

Clr. Parker said she had received a letter from Simon Hart MP, inviting her and 'her group' to the House of Commons. No other member had received an invitation, but Clr. Parker thought the group mentioned may relate to a gardening club that she no longer ran.

An email was received from Alan Collins, Lydstep, thanking MCC for its efforts in getting the Lydstep post box back in use (alongside the bus shelter).

A further email was received from Mr. Collins about the BOAT (By-way Open to All Traffic) road in Lydstep; a ditch being filled with grass cuttings near to Celtic Haven and Japanese knotweed growth by South Lodge. Councillors said that Bourne Leisure would be responsible for the ditch and possibly the Japanese knotweed growth.

County Clr. Kidney confirmed that PCC were responsible for the BOAT road up as far as the gate, but he would check again on their responsibilities in respect of this and let the clerk know.

PLANNING

Replace existing porch with new porch, replace existing outbuilding with mono-pitched garden store and remove external steps to increase patio area at Brynteg, 17 Warlows Meadow, Manorbier. All in favour.

Tree works notification: dismantle sycamore tree to ground level at Fernley Lodge, Manorbier. All in favour.

Diversification of Brumwells Garden Machinery with the provision of 12 sustainable wigwam lodges with car parking on adjacent land; link the existing dwelling of Badgers Holt as a live-work dwelling for the two businesses at Badgers Holt, Jameston. Members noted that this application was from a local, well-known, successful family business now wishing to diversify into glamping. Councillors added that the project would bring additional economic benefits to the area and would not impair the visual amenities of the area. Clr. Hughes pointed out that there would appear to be no waste water or sewerage issues in view of the plans set out in the application and all were in favour of it being recommended for approval.

Two approval notices were also noted by councillors.

In addition, the clerk confirmed that a response had been received from PCNPA about MCC comments attached to its recommended refusal of planning application NP/14/0585 at the November meeting. This was due to concerns over current National Trust restrictive covenants over land adjacent to Long Park, Manorbier. Clr. Hughes read out PCNPA's response which confirmed that there was a National Trust covenant on the site, but this might not prevent planning permission from being granted. However, a case could arise whereby planning permission could be granted, but could not be legally implemented. Clr. Parker confirmed that this issue (covenants) was a legal matter and not a planning one and therefore planners would not consider legal issues in their deliberations. PCNPA had consulted the National Trust. A decision was awaited.

Demolition of steel and block clad agricultural building at Green Grove, Jameston. Following a brief discussion, Clr. Parker proposed recommending approval of this application.When a vote was taken, eight were in favour.

County Councillor's report

County Cllr Phillip Kidney provided the following report:

Jameston bus shelter (Tenby bound) - this shelter would be fitted in about six weeks following a survey and then installation. Councillors were content that a seat/bench be fitted in the shelter. Cost without a seat was around £2,900 following a five per cent 'job-lot' discount (Dinas Cross also purchasing a shelter).

The road near to the west end entrance into Jameston had been tested by PCC's highways department and all was well (following recent accidents). However, the road surface was found to be quite smooth at this point and so engineers had been asked to test the surface.

Light at Skrinkle bus shelter - Mel Stephens, PCC, recently visited this location. Hedges had been cut recently and gave improved lighting to the shelter from Skrinkle estate. No further action was proposed by PCC or MCC.

Metal spikes for the supports of the zip wire in Jameston play area and the missing seat – PCC were looking into these matters.

Car parking in Manorbier near to Fernley Lodge (opposite bus stop) - no objections had been forthcoming from neighbours to PCC's plans to put double lines on the road at this point, with restrictions between about 10 am and 6 pm (May to September) only.

OTHER MATTERS

PCC plans for double yellow lines (with restrictions) in Manorbier: Members noted that the proposals were for part of the year only and between certain times. Councillors considered that these were sensible proposals. Clr. Terry Williams proposed that MCC support these plans. All were in favour.

Community notice boards: Clr. Hughes reported that a quote from Maldwyn Llewelyn had now been received (in addition to those ascertained by the clerk from other national niche suppliers last month) for the replacement of three community notice boards in MCC's area at Manorbier Newton, Lydstep and Jameston. This totalled £1,230. They would not be lockable. Council noted that this quote was from a local carpenter and matched or bettered the cost of notice boards set out in national suppliers' information. The clerk said that he thought Manorbier's notice board was now in a good condition. Clr. Peter Kidney proposed that MCC accept this quote and when a vote was taken, eight were in favour with one abstention. The clerk was asked to confirm quote acceptance with Mr. Llewelyn and to also speak with Manorbier Post Office, to see if they would be willing to display MCC agendas and other notices.

Jameston Play Area: Clr. Hughes updated council on the swings. He had continued to experience problems in getting the right u-bolts for the swing supports and had looked at swing supports elsewhere in Manorbier for guidance. He was hopeful that this work would indeed be completed shortly. Clr. Hughes also confirmed that he would arrange for the hedge alongside the road to be cut soon.

Clr. John Williams asked about the main entrance to the play area. County Clr. Kidney confirmed that PCC would lay some gravel at this point to improve grip.

Clr. Hine noted that gaps in the matting around the slide were still visible and could be a continuing safety issue.

Clr. John Williams thought that the matting needed to be lifted and re-laid, perhaps in the spring.

Councillors noted that the fence was now in situ and looked impressive and thanked Clr. Williams for his work. As this only covered part of the play area, Clr. John Williams was asked to look at the costs of erecting a fence to cover the full field and let MCC know at its next meeting.

Draft agreement between MCC and Manorbier United Football Club (MUFC), in respect of the Sports Pavilion at North Sports Field, Manorbier: The clerk reported that MUFC had satisfactorily signed the draft agreement, but had yet to sign the relevant sworn declarations that accompanied the agreement. MCC's solicitor had written to MUFC to advise them and to ask that these sworn declarations be actioned (at quite a low cost) through their own solicitor. The clerk said he had also written to MUFC. News was awaited.

Extraordinary Meeting

An extraodinary meeting of the council was held on Monday, December 15, when among matters discussed were the following:

Use of land for the stationing of one gypsy static caravan, retention and re-siting of one touring caravan together with utility/day room, septic tank, alteration to ground levels, formation of earth bunds and improvements, alterations to access at The Oaks, land adjacent to Wynd Hill Farm, Manorbier (amended plans received).

Clr. Peter Kidney highlighted the proposed change of use from agricultural use to residential use and that the proposed visual splay was cutting across the neighbouring property (Wynd Hill Farm).He proposed that these comments be made to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA). Eight were in favour of this.

Clr. Willcocks and Clr. Hall reminded members that MCC objections should be based upon planning issues.

Clr. John proposed that MCC also mention that previous applications of a similar nature (including one on land opposite Wynd Hill Farm) had been refused by PCNPA and approval of this application would be unfair and inconsistent to previous applicants. On a vote, eight were also in favour of this.

Full council re-iterated its previous recommendations and asked the clerk to respond accordingly, recommending refusal of this amended application.

New agricultural building at Thornhill, Manorbier: Clr. John proposed recommending approval of this application. All were in favour.

Installation of Openreach Broadband cabinet outside 1 Hounsell Avenue, Manorbier. Councillors noted the approval of this application by PCNPA.

To approve the funding of three directional road signs for Jameston Village Hall, Jameston: Clr. Hughes confirmed that Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) had approved the manufacture and installation of three directional road signs in Jameston for Jameston Village Hall. Payment had now been requested by PCC for these signs and this amounted to £351.72p, including VAT. Clr. Hall proposed that this payment be approved and all were in favour.