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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
OF ST MEWAN PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT STICKER METHODIST CHURCH HALL AT 7.00PM
ON WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2011
PRESENT: Cllrs. W J Lobb (Chairman), Mrs J M Padley, C Passmore, A C Wynn, Mrs J Ringrose, A M Barnes R T Best J B Blake, Mrs J E Hamley, Mrs HV Old, Miss A Lake, and Cllr Lord Teverson (Cornwall Councillor), There were no members of the public.
In attendance: Mr Paul Bateman, L C Budge Clerk to the Council, Mrs H J Tucker, Clerical Assistant.
APOLOGIES: Were received from Cllrs Mrs M Mitchell and P G Twining.
BEAT MANAGERS REPORT: No police were available to attend the meeting.
MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL MEETING: Agreed that these be noted, having previously been formally accepted. There were no matters arising from them.
CHAIRMANS REPORT: It has been a rather quiet year in so much as there has not been a significant event with respect to the work of the Council. We have continued to give financial support to the various community organisations in the Parish, and where we have felt appropriate, County organisations.
Increasingly consultative documents have been received from the Unitary Council, requesting the views of the Parish Council on planning procedures, housing and highways matters, often with a very short timetable for us to respond. There is little doubt in my view increasing demands to undertake services are likely to fall upon the Parishes, which can only mean fundamental change in the manner Parish Councils carry out their functions.
The work of the Parish plan committee is nearly complete. The Council will shortly consider its recommendations. I am sure I speak for the whole Council in expressing our sincere thanks for the many hours spent by the committee in preparing the Parish survey and drafting the plan resulting from the information gained from the survey responses.
I began my report by stating it has been a quiet year but there is a major undercurrent of massive change to the rural environment of our Parish if pending housing development within the village and surrounding area of Trewoon takes place. I speak of the proposed "Eco town" development of some 2500 dwellings and the "Coyte" Farm development in St. Mewan Lane of 400 dwellings if the latest information is correct. Clearly the Parish Council will have a big responsibility in expressing its view on behalf of the people of the Parish with respect to the proposals in the months ahead. The failure of the Guinness Trust to inform the Council of its intentions regarding the proposed affordable housing scheme at St. Stephens Road, Sticker, despite requests from the Council, is a cause for concern given the substantial costs incurred by the Council in promoting the scheme, hopefully the situation will shortly be resolved.
During the past year Councillor David Eastlake retired from the Council, his service particularly his work for the parish playing fields was greatly appreciated. We were pleased to welcome Councillors Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Ringrose as new members.
Councillor Mrs Ringrose’s experience in local government having formerly been a Parish Clerk will be most helpful.
I have been fortunate during my year of office to have had Councillor Mrs Jenny Padley as my Vice-Chairman, I have appreciated her support and sound judgement. As always my personal thanks and I know that of the Council is extended to our clerk Larry Budge and assistant clerk Hilette Tucker for undertaking the work of the Council so ably. Thanks also to the Chairmen of the various Council committees.
Earlier in my statement I mentioned the Council’s relationship with the Cornwall Unitary Council, it is so important for our Council to have a close working arrangement with the Cornwall Councillor representing our Parish, in that respect we have received great help from Councillor Lord Robin Teverson. We have appreciated his attendance at Council meetings, his reports on the work of the Unitary Council and his willingness to take up issues on behalf of the Council when requested. We extend our grateful thanks to him.
REPORT OF CORNWALL COUNTY COUNCILLOR: Cllr Teverson thanked Cllr Lobb for his support and went on to say that Cornwall Council were looking at the future of the Restormel Offices. It was a good facility and access needs to be maintained in St. Austell. St Austell Councillors have also requested this. A feasibility study on the Truro Stadium has been agreed and he has great concerns about it. Budget cuts are a little more ‘hard going’ than was originally thought, but not as great as some authorities. The Hewaswater road improvements will be pushed forward as soon as possible. The issue of planning permission for the Paddock at Sticker has arisen and a meeting could be held shortly. The affordable housing scheme at Trewoon is now starting to move forward he will try to contact the person responsible for the naming of this site tomorrow. The Imerys development for a larger pipe cleaning plant at Blackpool is proceeding and he has been impressed with the environmental work. The Blackpool Ecotown scheme now looks as though it has been deferred for several years. The Chairman then thanked Lord Teverson for his report.
REPORT OF THE RIGHTS OF WAY CHAIRMAN: Although all footpath signs were brought up to date some years ago many are now in need of replacement or updating. It was decided to carry out a full survey of signage. Several councilors volunteered to carry out this survey during November, December and January and then to report back to committee. Cllr Mrs Old undertook the Polgooth area. Cllr Mrs Padley the Sticker/Hewaswater area and Cllr Wynn and the clerk the Trewoon area. All the reports were submitted and a programme of repairs and replacements has yet to be decided upon. This will take some time to complete in view of the comprehensive list received.
Storm Damage to Footpaths: The Autumn storms caused some damage to footpaths leading from the A390 to Polgooth. Considerable damage was caused to the surface area and complaints were received from the owner of a property which adjoined part of the path. Cllr Lobb and the clerk had a meeting with the property owner and arranged for urgent repairs to be carried out to the surface with material that had been washed away, and a ditch alongside also to be cleared. Several other footpaths in the Polgooth area were affected by this storm and it was decided to write to Cornwall Council to report these defects.
Footpath Walks: The footpath walk planned for 15th January was postponed due to the appallingly wet weather in the preceding weeks. This walk was from FP18/1 past Nanphysick to return via 12/1 past Tregandanel back to Trelowth. As a lot of the walk was through fields I decided that conditions would be far too difficult. This walk will be re-arranged at a future meeting. We are very fortunate in having several councillors who are willing to regularly walk the footpaths in our parish and together with parishioners keep a close eye on all our footpaths.
Footpath 7/1 Paramor Chapel to Chapel Hill Sticker:
There is an ongoing problem with this footpath concerning the removal of boundaries and damage
to the footpath. Cornwall Council is currently dealing with the landowner in this regard and we
await the outcome of this. Several extremely concerned parishioners have contacted us
about the damage to wildlife in this area.
Finally, I would like to thank all councillors for their work on behalf of our rights of way and
footpaths. In particular my grateful thanks go to the clerk for all his hard work, without his
considerable knowledge of all the rules and regulations I would be completely lost.
REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Cllr Blake stated that he had only been in post for a short time, but he was very impressed with the standard of our grass cutting at Trewoon. He will arrange to visit all of the other playing fields as soon as possible. Cllr Lobb then thanked Cllr Blake for taking on the Chairmanship of the Playing fields Committee.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Cllr Barnes reported that planning this year has had to deal with some highly controversial plans as well as a number of retrospective planning applications. The clerk had written to Cornwall Council about the increase in both these and CLEUD applications. At our last meeting we had a presentation from Malcolm Pinch who had stated that there could be up to 50,000 houses required over the next twenty years in Cornwall. Comments in the letters page of the Western Morning News raise questions as to whether we need these houses at all and the need for more jobs before further housing. Cllr Barnes thanked the clerk for his work and dedication to the Council. The Chairman then thanked Cllr Barnes and the Vice Chairman of the committee.
POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT AT TREWOON: Mr Paul Bateman had asked to speak to the council on a possible development at Trewoon. Mr Bateman gave the background to his work in the Planning field before setting up his company, and then provided a copy of his proposals in A3 form for all councillors. His proposal is to provide a Tree corridor walking area between Woodside and his clients (Jim Cory’s Granddaughter) adjoining fields, and then provide 80 to 110 houses in the fields opposite Cooperage Farm which would include affordable housing. He advised that he had spoken to the Church, the School, Post office and Shop and asked whether the parish council would support the project. Cllr Lobb stated that no view would be given at this meeting and thanked Mr Bateman for attending. Mr Bateman then left the meeting at 7.50 p.m.
PRESENTATION ON A SOLAR POWER DEVELOPMENT AT NINNIS FARM, STICKER
Mr Ben Cosh from the green Company, Mr Alex Furnell of the UV Company and Mr Steve Hurst representing the owner of Ninnis Farm explained that they really had come to answer questions from the Council on there proposals which had already been sent to all members. On the farm there are a number of projects, including helping the football club (Four acres to go to the football club and they are proceeding with this even if planning permission is not obtained) and through 106 Agreements, they would want to gift some solar panels which could realise between 8 and 10 thousand pounds for the community. The Chairman advised them about the Manor Farm proposal and asked about the visual impact, whether there would be an exhibition, and that a presentation to the planning committee might be more beneficial. Planning permission had been applied for. Cllr Mrs Hamley spoke on the issue of grazing and Cllr Miss Lake asked whether as well as the payments would there be any social benefit like work experience? The representative agreed to make a note of this. Some aspects are specialist employment; it is a new technology of ecological enhancement. Lord Teverson advised that the Cornwall Council were currently considering ten of these schemes. Under five megawatt schemes the tariff is going to drop considerably and it is felt that these schemes are uneconomic and won’t work. Also there is the question of connections. The Green Company representative said that they have a grid offer that has been accepted. Cllr Teverson added that there is a substantial risk that these schemes will not get built because of the government cut off date. Cllr Blake asked about how much light the solar panels needed and was advised that light only is needed, not sunlight, to produce power. Mr Hurst added that Mr Parkyn needed this development to maintain this farm. The Chairman then thanked them for attending the meeting and they left at 8.18 p.m.
The Chairman then closed the Annual Parish Meeting at 8.18 pm. (20.18)
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Chairman
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
OF ST MEWAN PARISH COUNCIL
AT POLGOOTH VILLAGE HALL AT 7.00PM
ON WEDNESDAY 7TH APRIL 2010
PRESENT: Cllrs Mrs J E Hamley (Chairman), WJ Lobb, J B Blake, C Passmore, P G Twining, D Eastlake, A M Barnes, Mrs HV Old, Mrs J M Padley, Miss A Lake, Cllr Lord Teverson (Cornwall Councillor), PCSO B Harris and two colleagues. There were three members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Were received fromCllr A C Wynn and Cllr R T Best
In attendance: L C Budge Clerk to the Council, Mrs H J Tucker, Clerical Assistant
BEAT MANAGERS REPORT: PCSO Harris gave a detailed report on their role in the parish, their joint initiative with Bodmin and spoke of the fear of crime and detailed a list of crime figures in the parish. PCSO Harris generally feels that the fear of crime is generally higher than is justified by local statistics. The police had been very active on speed of traffic in Trewoon recently. A member of the public asked a question regarding speeding in Trelowth Rd and the conflicting road signs going into Sticker and asked if the police can set up some speed cameras The police suggested a community speed watch, and all agreed this may be a good idea. Cllr Blake asked about the parking being so close to the junction at the garage in Trewoon. The Chairman advised the parish would try to address this before referring back to the police. The PCSO’s then left the meeting.
MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL MEETING: Proposed that these be noted, having previously been formally accepted.
CHAIRMANS REPORT: Cllr Hamley in the Annual Report to the Council stated: It has been a privilege and an honour to serve St Mewan Parish and it’s Council as Chairman over the past two years. The two years have been very busy, active and challenging. It has not always been easy to remain objective and whenever the chairman’s casting vote has been used, it has not always been accepted as a popular one.
I can however, say that I have deliberated any decision carefully and always with the best intentions and in the best interest of St Mewan Parish and its parishioners.
St Mewan Parish Council is an excellent ‘hands on’ council and it was with great reluctance that the resignation of Cllr Mrs Sandra Best was accepted in November. Cllr Mrs Best was a great asset as chairman of Planning and her dedication as a representative of Sticker was unquestionably loyal.
Cllr Martin Barnes was then elected the Chairman of Planning and we are grateful he took on this onerous role.
We have moved to the unitary Cornwall Council and there is still a lot of uncertainty of how it will affect us within our parish. However, in June we were pleased to welcome the Cornwall Councillor for our area Cllr Robin Teverson. He has certainly been our voice at county Hall and is always ready to support and offer advice when we contact him. We are appreciative for his assistance.
Affordable Housing remained high on the agenda throughout the year and action on a small development in Sticker should now be seen as soon as the transfer of land has been confirmed.
The proposed eco town development caused another rush of meetings following a road show. A public meeting was held in Trewoon village in July with greatly mixed reaction from the public who attended. These consisted mainly of Trewoon and neighbouring residents who voiced their concerns. Several meetings and presentations have followed which the Clerk, Mrs Tucker and I have attended and the announcement was made recently that West Baal, Carclaze and Par Docks would be the first areas to be developed. There will, I am sure, be many more meetings and discussions to follow!
A Parish Plan committee was formed to produce a Parish Plan. This committee has held regular meetings to put together a questionnaire which was then distributed to all residents in St Mewan Parish and a good percentage of these were returned. Cllr Martin Barnes was the only parish councillor who sat regularly on this committee and he has taken a crucial and active part. We are now awaiting the published result and we are indebted to Cllr Barnes and the rest of the committee for undertaking this significant task.
Our website has caused a few problems but thanks to the hard work and expertise of Cllr David Eastlake, it is gradually being rebuilt and back online. Cllr Chris Passmore has now taken on the role of assisting Cllr Eastlake and again we are very appreciative of his involvement.
Thanks to the dedication and commitment of Cllr David Eastlake, St Stephens Rd playing field was successful in being awarded a £50,000 grant from playbuilder. Cllr Eastlake then met with the young people in the village and taking forward some of their ideas started the planning and the overseeing of this remarkable activity park. Bad weather has caused work to stop on a number of occasions but it is hoped that the 31st May will see the opening ceremony. We owe Cllr Eastlake a debt of gratitude not only for this demanding project but for his constant and untiring work as chairman of our playing fields.
As ever my thanks go to Cllr Mrs Jenny Padley, our rights of way chairman. Snow, ice, rain and wind have all been instrumental in preventing us from planned walking of our footpaths, but many of us walk them individually to ensure they are kept open and in a reasonable condition.
Cllr John Lobb, my vice chairman has been my right hand and has guided me with unfailing patience, he is always on hand when I need his help or advice and I am greatly appreciative of his support over the past two years and I give him my wholehearted and sincere thanks.
My thanks also go to Mrs Hilette Tucker who has greatly assisted the clerk and me. She has also been actively involved within the parish and had given of her time unreservedly.
To Larry our clerk, it is difficult to express my appreciation and thanks in words. Over the last two years I have met many people involved at parish, local and county level who have expressed their admiration, respect and high regard for him. His presence at meetings belies the long hours he works and the amount of effort he puts into that work. His commitment is infinite and his loyalty to his parish and parishioners is invaluable beyond measure. All I can say is a simple, heartfelt thank you on behalf of us all.
Finally, to the loyal members of the parish who attend our meetings regularly – a heartfelt thank you. I hope you continue to voice your opinions and support us by your attendance.
I hope we remain a strong united parish council for the foreseeable future and for the years that lie ahead.
REPORT OF CORNWALL COUNTY COUNCILLOR: Cllr Teverson explained the main subject has been the eco town which has received government grant of ten million pounds and was agreed before the council elections.
Cllr Teverson thinks this is being rushed somewhat, however one of the outcomes is they need to get on with some projects, they are getting on with them outside the ecotown area. Demonstration unit is moving ahead. Blackpool seems to be off the horizon for the present. The communication and roads situation still needs addressing. This all seemed to be going ahead, however he was concerned that with public money being put in an eye needs to be kept on it. There has been some people concern regarding the business rates and several are appealing against them. Speeding through Sticker - we have just received some provisional results and these are being analysed by highways ad he will ensure that Teresa Frost keeps us informed.. The ‘community chest’ grant money where councillors are able to recommend schemes in there wards totals £2,100. Cllr Teverson had put some forward, a charity thing at Sticker, repairs to the Gover Valley road where the road is being eroded and St.Mark’s Church Hall at Sticker have all had some money. The Cornwall council tax rate was agreed at 2.9% increase. Within the next few months Council meetings will now be web cast, so anyone will be able watch them online. The incinerator is still an issue as is the Penzance Harbour. The bid for school funding was successful. Cllr Barnes asked about the position on ‘pot holes’ Cllr Teverson said this has been a big issue - six million pounds has been spent in Cornwall but there are still a lot of problems, he will report back at the next meeting on this. Various areas of concern regarding remaining pot holes were expressed to Cllr Teverson.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Cllr Barnes reported that the clerk had written to Cornwall Council, but the system doesn’t appear any better than before. There have been negative comments in the local press suggesting it would be better to go back to the original six councils instead of Cornwall Council. Members felt that sometimes our comments were ignored particularly where we raised an objection to an application.
REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: The most notable thing this year was our award of £50,000 by Playbuilder UK to upgrade the top playing field in Sticker.
The village children and scout group were approached to find out the type of equipment they would like to see in the field and from their replies four different schemes were drawn up from which they voted for the one they preferred. Rob McGuiness, a local landscape architect, designed the initial landscaping and apart from the actual play equipment all the other work was contracted to firms in the parish, mostly from Sticker itself. Although the equipment, supplied by Tailor Made from Newquay, went in on time, subsequently the appalling weather delayed the landscaping and planting. The landscaping is now complete but planting can only start when the weather improves.
The field, now know as Sticker Activity Park is now open for use but the official opening (demanded by Playbuilder) will take place on 31st May.
The project was completed to budget, but a later decision to lay a pathway from the entrance cannot be attempted until the weather improves. The cost of this will be met from the £5,000 contingency reserve we agreed.
We recently had our annual play area inspections. I accompanied the inspectors and although we haven’t had the reports yet there was little to concern us. The old cradle swings in the Sticker top field were condemned and have now been removed. Some of the other swings and roundabouts caused some concern and replacements will need to be considered. Cllr Eastlake thanked the committee and those who help to clear rubbish from the fields.
REPORT OF THE RIGHTS OF WAY CHAIRMAN: There have been no major problems regarding the regular maintenance of footpaths in the past year and therefore it has been decided to continue using the same contractors in the future. This situation can be reviewed should circumstances change.
Although maintenance is carried our on a regular basis the committee rely on members of the Parish Council and the general public to identify problems, and we try to deal with these as they arise. Parishioners raised some concerns with the Clerk regarding the condition of several footpaths at the St Mewan Beacon/Penisker area. The clerk met with representatives of Imerys and Cornwall Highways to try to resolve these problems and an agreement was reached to achieve this.
There are several ongoing footpath claims. It has been agreed to claim all paths in use by the public that are not on the definitive map.
Individual members of the Committee regularly walk the footpaths and report back to the Clerk with any problems they come across. In view of the very bad weather during the past winter we have not met as a group to do this but hopefully some walks can be arranged during this Spring and Summer.
I would like to thank the clerk for all his time and hard work instructing our maintenance contractors and overseeing the work.
REPORT ON THE PARISH PLAN. Cllr Barnes gave a summary of the survey and passed a copy to the clerk. PFA Research Ltd in Bodmin who did the original analysis was asked to summarise the report and it is now 23 pages long. Robert Meldrom who originally did the questionnaire, has given all the committee members a copy and they will now arrange a meeting to look at this and and also draw the prizes. The summary was only produced on 30th march 2010 and includes all the information extracted from the questionnaire. Cllr Hamley confirmed it looked an impressive document. Cllr Teverson wanted to congratulate the committee for there work on the Parish Plan and requested he have a copy possibly by email. The Clerk confirmed that copy will be emailed.
REPORT ON THE ECOTOWN MEETING HELD AT DRINNICK: Cllr Barnes attended and advised that Imerys are firstly going to develop a small site around the Eden Project area. The good news is that Blackpool isn’t being mentioned at all at present, and depends on finance. There is an exhibition in Trewoon and on the road next week.
MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE PARISH: Mr Coombe asked when the last inspection was at Polgooth, Cllr Eastlake advised that the rubber safety serface is being awaited. Mr Coombe also considered that the style to the path leading to Tye Shutte Lane from the road is too high for any one to use and suggested it be moved from were it is to further down across the field with a gate instead of a style. Mr Coombe was advised to ask the owner to contact the clerk. He also advised that the floodgate at Tyeshute Lane, the lock has been put right down and been padlocked. The clerk will look into this and speak to the County Council, but advised that it was locked to avoid members of the public tampering with it. Mr Coombe said there had also been a problem at Wind rush with the leat.
Cllr Lake wanted to reiterate the amount of consideration given to the planning applications which seems a waste of time. Sometime ago we were advised that 90% of time consideration is given to the parishes comments, but this isn’t being done and feels this is not acceptable. Cllr Teverson took some comments from St Ewe Parish back to the County Council and a chief officer had agreed to attend a planning meeting to answer any questions and it was agreed that would be a good idea. Cllr Lobb considered that the whole essence of the problem is delegation to officers therefore the democratic decision on applications is not there. We have spent time attending meetings and waiting around for hours. The whole system is unsatisfactory, and it is very important that a greater degree of consistency is achieved. Promised advisory committees have never arrived. The clerk spoke of a planning application in Hewaswater which had a long history of refusals but had now been approved by Cornwall Council. Cllr Teverson thinks the Restormel system worked very well and thinks if Parishes make an objection then he thinks it should go to committee. Cllr Teverson agreed that he will arrange for officers to talk to the council and it was agreed that this could possibly be a joint meeting with St. Ewe Parish.
The Meeting was then closed by the Chairman at 8.10pm.
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Chairman
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