Among matters considered and discussed at last month’s meeting of Manorbier Community Council were the following:
Matters Arising from the minutes
Chair,?Clr. Ray Hughes read out a letter from Lorna Greasley, Castle Mead Hotel, confirming that she did not allow fireworks on her premises and that her family had attempted to warn animal lovers about fireworks being let-off from Manorbier Beach on September 29, 2018. The clerk had thanked Lorna Greasley for her letter.
The clerk read out a response from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water enclosing their comments sent to PCNPA in respect of the proposed residential development opposite Bush Terrace, Jameston. Clr. Paul Hannon thought that the applicant had suggested that there was no objection to the proposal from Welsh Water, but this appeared to be only partially correct in that Welsh Water was still considering some of the issues. The clerk was asked to write back asking that Welsh Water let MCC have copies of any further comments they make on detailed plans submitted to them by the applicant.
Correspondence
An email was received from Clr. John Williams confirming that there were no inspection issues for Jameston play area.
Copy of an email was received from Darren Thomas, PCC, about a new traffic order (double yellow lines) on Station Road, Manorbier. Advertising was to commence.
Planning applications
Vary condition 2 and remove condition 5 of NP/15/0526/FUL to allow for restaurant at first floor level at Buttyland Caravan Park, Station Road, Manorbier. Clr. Hannon said that it was now proving difficult to keep track of all the proposed variations involved in this and other planning applications at Buttyland. He repeated MCC’s earlier views that this area needed a development brief, to enable everyone to understand what was going to be developed, what variations were proposed, enforcement actions taking place, appeals, withdrawals, Certificates of Lawfulness, etc. He added that Nicola Gandy, PCNPA, should be invited to attend a future MCC meeting to talk about the need for a development brief, in order to avoid dealing with planning matters in this area on a piecemeal basis and to talk about enforcement and other planning matters at Buttyland. Members agreed with Clr. Hannon in that this application, if approved, could cause huge car parking problems, with the possibility that cars would be left overnight outside Buttyland, resulting in blocked roads and obstructions outside the school, outside the business premises opposite and on the road toward the railway station. This problem would be exacerbated during the tourist season. Clr. Hannon proposed that this application be recommended for refusal and this was agreed.
Proposed winter storage of 35 touring caravans from September 28 to February 28/29 in any year in addition to and on the same site as existing planning permission NP/13/0260/FUL for 35 touring caravans at Buttyland Caravan and Camping Park, Manorbier. Clr. Hughes summarised the application. Clr. Marcia Kidney proposed that this application be recommended for refusal due to over capacity of caravans on site. This was agreed.
Works to listed ruins including removal of later infill, making good masonry and improving access to upper part of garden at Priests Nose, Manorbier. Clr. Hughes noted that Rob Scourfield was the case officer. Clr. John Long proposed that this application be recommended for approval. All were in favour.
NP/18/0676/TPO - 1x Sycamore tree - fell to ground level at Withy Hay, Manorbier. Clr. Graham Clark proposed that this application be recommended for approval. All were in favour.
County Councillor’s Report
County Clr. Phillip Kidney provided the following report:
• PCC’s Cabinet had been discussing their 2019 budget and had noted a £6.1m funding gap. PCC’s various departments had been asked to make an eight per cent saving on their budgets. Cabinet had recommended to PCC full vouncil a rise in Council Tax for 2019/20 of £98.28 per year on a band D property (£1.89 per week).
• Car Park at Manorbier Station: Clr. Kidney had arranged a meeting with Huw Evans, stakeholder liaison officer, Transport for Wales. Clr. Hughes was to attend on behalf of MCC. Discussions would also cover safety at the Beavers Hill crossing.
• PCC’s enforcement officers were working overnight and were concentrating their work in the towns due to the number of complaints received, but would spread their coverage to more rural areas shortly. PCNPA may use them to tackle illegal overnight camping/camper vans.
• Complaints had been received about speeding in Skrinkle near to the play area. 20mph signs had been requested. PCC would undertake some speed checks and take action, if appropriate.
• Clr. Lynda Parker asked about speeding in Station Road, Manorbier. County Clr. Kidney confirmed speed tubes would be put down and double yellow lines were also proposed between Buttyland and the school.
• Problems with car parking in Gainer Way were to be reported to the Police by PCC.
County Clr. Kidney was thanked for his helpful update.
NORTH?SPORTS?FIELD
To consider and agree next steps on the lease and underlease at North Sports Field, Manorbier: Clr. Hughes read out an email from Mike Brown which confirmed that Manorbier United FC was no longer running. Mr. Brown outlined bank balances and confirmed that the pavilion would be cleared and keys handed back. He added that all local clubs had been told that the pitch was no longer for hire.
The clerk confirmed he had contacted solicitors to ask for advice on cessation of the lease.
Clr. Rob Hall and Clr. Hannon said that there were not enough players to ensure the club could continue nor was there now anyone likely to come forward to resurrect and run the club. He asked about the roller.
Clr. Hughes said that this could be stored on the south field (owned by MCC) which could continue to be used for football.
Clr. Hall praised the work of Mike Brown in keeping the football team going for so long.
Clr. Hannon asked about any MCC liabilities on cessation of the leases. The clerk provided some background on the 1964 superior lease.
Members asked about the landlord’s views on handing back the land and pavilion in its current state.
Clr. Hannon suggested that matters proceed via an exchange of correspondence with the superior landlord, confirming a return of the land and pavilion to the superior landlord in its current state. The landowner was content for this action and for the roller to be stored on the north sports field for the time being.
Clr. Marcia Kidney proposed that the underlease and superior lease now be surrendered subject to satisfactory correspondence being exchanged between MCC and the superior landlord.
All were in favour and the clerk was to action this.
Clr. Hall agreed to hand keys back to the landlord and to liaise with MUFC over any outstanding bills due on the utility accounts and also to get these accounts transferred over to Peter and Jane Kidney.
Action Tracking
Repairs to various walls in MCC’s area: PCC’s Streetcare team were investigating. Clr. Hall said some work had been undertaken but that May Cottage still raised concerns.
Installation of a vehicle actuated speed (VAS) sign in MCC’s area: County Clr. Kidney agreed to investigate further as the local PCSO had not contacted Clr. Hughes.
Installation of footpath - Windy Ridge to Hounsell Avenue, Manorbier: County Clr. Kidney confirmed that an application had been submitted under the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant. News was awaited.
Diversion of public footpath SP23/9, Park Farm: PCNPA had confirmed that work was proceeding despite the bad weather and some work was still required before it could be opened to walkers. No date was known for opening as yet.
OTHER?MATTERS
To consider and approve a charitable donation to Marie Curie Nurses: Members noted that the fundraising office was in Llanelli. Clr. Hannon proposed that no donation be made on this occasion. All agreed.
To consider an update on installation of the De Barri Coat of Arms on signage in MCC’s area: Clr. Parker reported that Gerald Codd was due to take a photograph of a knight in St. James’s Church which displayed the coat of arms or a shield. Members agreed no further action until they had heard back from Mr. Codd.
To consider and approve funding for Jameston Community Association (JCA) for the purchase of the village hall driveway from PCC: Clr. Hughes confirmed that there was nothing to report.
To receive an update from Clr. Hall on ways of reducing use of plastic within MCC’s area: Clr. Hall said that the Welsh Government was looking to invoke a ban on single use plastic at national level. He had tried contacting the appropriate person in the Welsh Government, but to no avail thus far aside from an acknowledgement. Clr. Hall agreed to keep MCC informed on any developments.
Emergency Items
Clr. Hall thanked MCC for its support for the Bonfire Night in Manorbier. Just over £2k was raised for local causes. An invoice was requested by MCC for the insurance costs.
Clr. Marcia Kidney asked if County Clr. Kidney could arrange for the brown tourist signs directing visitors to the fish ponds to be taken down.
Clr. Hughes thanked members of the public for attending and for the support given to MCC by Peter and Jane Kidney over the leasing of north sports field.