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Minutes 13th July 2009
 

Date: 13th July 2009

Time: 7.15pm

Present: Cllr Henderson (in Chair)

Cllr J Kennett

Cllr C Bryant

Cllr Y Edwards

Cllr T Haycock

Cllr C Pike

Cllr S Mogford

Cllr C Manship

Cllr M Sanders

Cllr K Jeffs

 

Also in attendance: Mrs M Nicholls, Mrs W Buck, Mrs C Passmore, Mrs C Humphries, Ms A Barbara, Mr B McClernon, Mrs V McClernon, Mrs J Wareham, Mr T Jackson, Mr R Buck

 

Apologies were received from Cllr S Lane and Cllr D Atwell (NCC)

 

 

1. Address by Bramley Close Residents

The Chair welcomed the residents of Bramley Close and Cllr Karen Jeffs who had just joined the Community Council representing Langstone ward. He then went on to informed the meeting that the Council had received 11 letters from members of the Public in response to the consultation letter of which 8 were objections and 3 were in support of the proposal. He then invited Jennifer Wareham to address the Council on behalf of the residents.

 

Objections to the proposed new entrance gate to the Play Park from Bramley Close were outlined as being a fear of reduced security for residents who were mainly elderly; the potential increase in Criminal Damage to property in the area; the safety of pedestrians using the access point and potential parking nuisance caused by vehicles being left by people using the Park.

 

The Chair thanked Ms Wareham for her address and stated that the issue was due to be discussed later in the meeting, but it was unlikely the proposal would go ahead given the objections from local residents. He then invited the residents to remain for the rest of the meeting or leave as they wished.

 

2. Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were made.

 

2. Previous Minutes

After some typographical errors were corrected the minutes of the meeting held on the 8th June 2009 were accepted as

a true record and signed by the chair, as required in law.

3 Matters Arising From Previous Meeting

(1) Park Bench on Chepstow Road – The Clerk advised the meeting that she had contacted the insurance company who had informed her that whilst they could not specifically indemnify NCC, they could confirm that providing the Community Council are solely responsible for the positioning, day to day maintenance and upkeep of the bench then the Public Liability section of the policy will extend to cover the Council’s legal liabilities for injury to third persons and/or loss or damage to third party property arising out of the bench. (Location/type of bench to be agreed)

 

 

(2) PACT Meeting - Letter to Cllr Ed Townsend (NCC) - Cllr Pike informed the meeting that she had re-submitted her letter to Mr Ed Townsend and copied it to Mr David Fouweather. Whilst no response had been received from Mr Townsend, Mr David Fouweather had replied and advised if the matter had not been resolved within the month she should write to him again and he would contact Supt. Julian Knight regarding the matter. As the month was now nearly up she would write again.

(3) Neighbourhood Watch - Cllr Pike informed the meeting that she had been in contact with PC Williams concerning Neighbourhood Watch and he had been very helpful. He had suggested that we work on 1 or 2 streets initially and Police would canvas the area to see if there is sufficient interest. Leaflets and Incident cards were circulated and it was agreed that PC Williams should be invited to attend the next meeting to give a presentation.

(4) Sewage/ Flooding Rosecroft Drive – Cllr Edwards informed the meeting that she had written to Mr Noakes, however the chair advised that he had since been informed by Cllr Atwell that whilst NCC had adopted the road, Welsh Water had not adopted the sewers although Cllr Atwell was working on getting them to do so. It was agreed that Mr Noakes should be advised accordingly.

(5) Consultation Document on proposed changes to the Accounts & Audit (Wales) Regulations - The Clerk informed the meeting that she had submitted a response on behalf of the Council.

 

(6) NCC Liaison Meeting with Community Councils - Cllr Kennett informed the meeting that he had attended the meeting, but it had been poorly attended and there was nothing of specific interest to report back.

 

(7) All Wales Convention – Cllr Edwards informed the meeting that whilst the meeting had been poorly attended it was very informative, and the speaker had provided an impartial overview of the various options with regard to the options for the future role of the Senedd.

 

(8) Model Charter Meeting – Cllr Henderson informed the meeting that he had been unable to attend the meeting but had spoken with Ken Burton of One Voice Wales regarding progress and would continue to follow it up.

(9) Babies in Wood – Cllr Henderson confirmed that he sent a letter stating that the Council would not be providing any funding.

 

(10) W.M. Garden Services – The Clerk informed the meeting that the repairs to the Play Park had been completed.

 

(11) Raised manhole covers in Old Chepstow Road – The repairs to the road had now been completed.

(12) Grass and hedges requiring trimming in Llandevaud – The Clerk informed the meeting that NCC had said this was on its programme of work and would be completed in due course. Cllr Bryant confirmed that some of this had been completed.

 

(13) Pathway at the Coldra roundabout – The Clerk confirmed that Cllr Atwell had informed her that this is part of the national cycle track and that there were leaflets on the scheme and he would try to locate some.

 

(14) Inadequate signs at the Coldra roundabout – The Clerk informed the meeting that she had been advised by Cllr Atwell that this had already been highlighted and new signs would be put up by NCC.

 

(15) Damage to grass verge on the A48 – The Clerk informed the meeting that she had been informed by Mr A Slade of NCC that the works undertake were part of a drainage improvement programme and that he appreciated that the verge had not been left in the condition it was found and would arrange for it to be made good.

 

(16) Catsash road was closure due to the Welsh Open – The Clerk read a letter out that had been received from Mr Nick Gardiner of NCC in response to her query in which he stated the road closure was necessary in the interest of Public Safety. He further stated that the Closure had been advertised by signs for at least a week prior to the event and Ward Members would also have been informed.

 

5. Planning

(i) Planning Applications

(1) CONEX/09/0546 – Erection of first floor side extension and conversion of garage to store – 12 Rosecroft Drive Langston – No Objection

(2) CONEX/09/0558 – Retention of Conservatory and decking area – Red Robin House Mill Lane, Langstone – No Objection

(3) CONEX /09/0583 – Demolition of existing garage and erection of annex (amendment to previous approval 08/1602 – No Objection

(4) CONEX09/0649 – Retention of Boundary Fence – The Glen Chepstow Road, Newport – Objection on the grounds that the fence is too high and not in keeping with the surrounding area.

(5) CONEX09/0679 – Erection of detached single storey pitched roof garage extension and single storey pitched roof extension to main building – Llanbedr Court Chepstow Road, Newport – No Objection.

(ii) Coed y Caerau Common – Cllr Mogford informed the meeting that she had been informed by the Land Registry that the matter had been sent to the Adjudicator to the Land Registry for a judgement to be made on the claim to the land made by Mr Johnny Su-Hoe and the Lord Marchier of Trelleck and that she had been in touch with Mr Su-Hoe’s solicitor who would inform her of the outcome when it was known.

(iii) Hurran’s Garden Centre – Cllr Henderson informed the meeting that he had been advised by Cllr Atwell that the developers were in pre-planning application discussions with NCC. Following a brief discussion is was:

 

Resolved: That this Council instructs the Clerk to write to NCC stating the Council’s objection to any housing development on the site

 

(iv) Supplementary Planning Guidance – Design Guide for Infill and Backland Development – The Chair summarised the main points of the Guidance and agreed to write a reply on behalf of the Council

 

6. Correspondence

Langstone Village Hall - Letter of Thanks – donation £1500 –noted

 

HM Revenue – Employers Post Budget Pack – Clerk

 

NCC – Summons and Agenda for Meeting of NCC 29th June 2009 - noted

Letter re S137 payment limits - Clerk

Minutes of Planning Services Focus Group Meeting 21/04/09 – previously circulated

Annual Play Park Inspections – Incorrectly dated invoice – Clerk

 

One Voice Wales – Agenda for meeting 16th July – Cllr Kennett

Training Programme for 2009/10 – Names to Clerk who will book dates

Keep Wales Tidy Awards - noted

GAVO – June Newsletter – Cllr Kennett

- WCVA – Newsletter – Cllr Kennett

- Nominations requested for Newport Volunteer Achievements Award 2009 – Agreed the Council would nominate Ken Lowndes and Bill Woods

Ombudsman – Annual Report – noted

Clerk and Councils Direct – July issue – Clerk

 

SLCC – Invitation to National Conference 23rd Oct – 25th Oct 2009 – noted

 

Shelter Cymru – Request for Donation – Clerk to write and say will be considered in October

Action SH

Mrs Humphries 4 Bramley Close – Opposing new access gate to park – noted

Mrs Barbara 2 Bramley Close - Opposing new access gate to park - noted

Mr & Mrs Whittaker 7 Spartan Close - Opposing new access gate to park - noted

Mr Cambden 3 Spartan Close - Opposing new access gate to park - noted

Mr & Mrs McClernon 1 Bramley Close - Opposing new access gate to park - noted

Unsigned 3 Bramley - Opposing new access gate to park Close - noted

Mr Dawson 6 Bramley Close – regarding new access gate to park - noted

Mr and Mrs Bignell 12 Spartan Close - Supporting new access gate to park - noted

Mr Bunn Spartan Close - Supporting new access gate to park - noted

Mr Whythe 4 Grenadier Drive - Supporting new access gate to park - noted

Mr Rogers Spartan Close – Opposing new access gate to park - noted

Mrs Passmore 5 Bramley Close – Opposing new access gate to park – noted

J Wareham 2 Bramley Close – Opposing new access gate to park - noted

 

7. Finance

(1) Interest Charges

Bank Charges for 2 May – 29 May £10.60

Bank Charges for 30 May – 3 July £13.56

 

(2) Standing Order – Clerk Salary £379.03

 

(3) Receipts

£118.19 HM Revenue & Customs VAT Refund

£159.25 Langstone Village Hall – Administrative services May 2009

£1980.00 NCC Concurrent 09 -10

 

(4) Authorisation of payments

Resolved: That this Council authorises the following payments:

 

Cheque No 000691 £223.60 HM Revenue & Customs (Quarterly Income Tax payment)

Cheque No 000692 £756.70 W M Garden Services Ltd – Play Park repairs

Cheque No 000693 £232.70 NCC - Quarter charge, playground inspection/cleansing

Cheque No 000694 £20.00 The Really Welsh Trading Company

(5) Bank Mandate

The Clerk informed the meeting that Nat West Bank required a new Authorised Signatories Sheet to be completed before it could process the changes they had been requested. Following a brief discussion it was agreed that Cllrs Bryant and Edwards who both bank with Nat West should be added to the listed of authorised signatories and former Cllr Woods name be removed and the new Mandate be signed by all those who were to be bank signatories.

(Note – Cllr C Bryant banks with Nat West under her former name of Mrs Carol Phillips)

Resolved: That this council instruct Nat West Bank to remove former Cllr Woods as an authorised signatory and add Cllr Carol Bryant, (also known as Mrs Carol Phillips), and Cllr Ynys Ann Edwards as new authorised signatories.

 

8. Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

(i) Financial Regulations

The Clerk explained the proposed changes to the Langstone Community Council Financial Regulations sections 5 Schedule of Payments, 6.5 Petty Cash; 6.6 Direct Debits/Standing Orders; and 11(1) (h) Invitation to tender, which were agreed after a brief discussion.

 

Resolved: That this Council approves the amendments to the Langstone Community Council Financial Regulations as recommended by the Clerk and adopt them as of 13th July 2009.

(ii) Standing Orders

The Clerk explained the proposed changes to section 8 Order of Business in the Langstone Community Council Standing Orders which was accepted after a brief discussion.

Resolved: That this Council approves the amendments to the Langstone Community Council Standing Orders as recommended by the Clerk and adopt them as of 13th July 2009.

 

It was further agreed that the Clerk should be asked to look at the contents of section 5 of Standing Orders with a view to making the procedure for casual vacancies clearer.

10. Vacancies for Community Councillors

(The Clerk confirms that Cllr Jeffs signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office on 17.06.09)

 

The Chair informed the meeting that he had been unsuccessful in his efforts to Co-opt a new Councillor for Llanmartin Ward, but intended to make further efforts before opening the vacancy to the wider community.

 

11. Park End Play Area

(i) The Clerk informed the meeting that a 10 year old boy had received an injury whilst using the MUGA on Sunday 7th June 2009 as a result of the fence being vandalised and a piece of wire being left protruding. The boy’s mother had contacted NCC who arranged for a contractor to attend and make the area safe on behalf of the Community Council. The Clerk further stated that she had spoken with the mother and whilst she was understandably upset that her son had been injured she was content with the action taken by the Community Council with regard to its efforts to maintain the Park in a safe condition.

 

A further discussion took place during which it was agreed that whilst the current safety inspection were working well it would be prudent to set up a routine maintenance programme, to minimise costs due to wear and tear on the equipment. The Clerk was instructed to make enquiries.

(ii) Play Park Maintenance Costs

The Clerk provided details of costs incurred over the previous 4 years in respect of Safety Inspections and Maintenance of the Play Park equipment. Following a brief discussion it was agreed that these should be used to set a budget for the next financial year given that the Community Council were now responsible for all costs incurred with the Park Maintenance.

 

(iii) Insurance against Damage

The Clerk informed the meeting of the quote received from the Allianz Insurance to cover damage to the Play Park equipment, following a brief discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should make enquiries to establish a replacement cost for the Play Equipment.

(iv) Park Lease

The Chair informed the meeting that he was still waiting for NCC Legal Department to come back to him with the contracts, and that he had also requested a definitive answer with regards to the ownership of the Parks boundary fence.

(v) Access Gate – Bramley Close

Following representation by Bramley Close residents and the results of the Consultation process it was agreed that the proposed new entrance to the Park from Bramley Close would not go ahead. The Council would look at having ‘Security’ Shrubs planted either side of the fence to deter youths from attempting to access the Park from Bramley Close.

 

Resolved: That this Council will not install a gate to the Park from Bramley Close, but will instruct NCC to plant ‘Security‘ Shrubs either side of the fence at Langstone Community Council’s expense.

Action SH

12. Bus Shelter – Llandevaude Common

Cllr Bryant highlighted the need for a Bus Shelter for school children catching the bus from Llandevaude. After a brief discussion it was agreed that Cllr Bryant should liaise with Cllr Atwell in the first instance as it was part of his remit within NCC.

Action CB

13. Community Council Notice Boards

Cllr Pike raised concerns that tradesmen were placing adverts on the Notice Boards and this may be seen as an endorsement by the Community Council she also highlighted the need for the Community Council Notice Boards to either be refurbished or replaced as some of them were in very poor condition. It was agreed that all Trade adverts should be removed and that the Clerk should make enquiries with regard to having the Notice Boards re-furbished, preferably with a locking full size top hinged door to prevent unauthorised use in the future.

14. Christmas Carol Concert

Cllr Mogford suggested that the Community Council sponsor a Christmas Carol Concert, with the Hall being decorated with a Christmas tree and Lights having Carols, Mince Pies and Father Christmas for the Children etc. Following a discussion it was agreed that this would be a good way to get the community together and whilst tickets could be sold to off set costs and raise funds for the Village Hall this would not be a priority. (Provisional date 20th December)

13. Any Other Business

(i) Cllr Mogford informed the meeting that the Village Hall would be closed from the 27th July 2009 for two weeks whilst work was completed on the Disabled Toilet and Kitchen.

 

(ii)Cllr Bryant informed the meeting that an overflow pipe coming from Fairfield Mansion into the nearby stream was being investigated.

Action CB

 

 

There being no other business the meeting was closed at 21.40 hrs

 

The date of the next meeting is Monday 10th August 2009

 

 

 

Signed:

Chair LCC

 

 

Date:

 

Previous Planning Applications - Decisions BY NCC Planning Department

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0652 Ward: Langstone

Type: Certificate of Lawful Use or Development - Proposed

Expiry Date: 20/08/2009

Applicant: MR NIGEL GALLAGHER

Site: BERRYDOWN CHEPSTOW ROAD NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2JP

Proposal: CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS FOR PROPOSED LOFT CONVERSION

DECISION

GRANTED

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 08/1620 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 25/02/2009

Applicant: LARCOMBE & CO

Site: OLD BARN INN MAGOR ROAD NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2EB

Proposal: PARTIAL DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 3 (LANDSCAPING) OF PLANNING PERMISSION 08/1068 FOR THE ERECTION OF A TWO STOREY BEDROOM BLOCK

DECISION

APPROVED

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0008 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 05/03/2009

Applicant: MR & MRS J LAVENDER

Site: LAND ADJACENT TO FAIRFIELD UPPER ROAD LLANDEVAUD NEWPORT SOUTH WALES

Proposal: PARTIAL DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 07 (SURFACE WATER) RELATING TO PLANNING PERMISSION 08/1343 FOR THE ERECTION OF ONE DETACHED DWELLING

DECISION

APPROVED

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0434 Ward: Langstone

Type: Full

Expiry Date: 22/07/2009

Applicant: PAUL BARTLETT

Site: 47 PARK END LANGSTONE NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2NA

Proposal: ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION

DECISION

GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0479 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 08/07/2009

Applicant: DAVIES SUTTON ARCHITECTS

Site: LAND AND BUILDINGS TO SOUTH OF AND FORMING PART OF PENHOW CASTLE CASTLE LANE PENHOW NEWPORT SOUTH WALES

Proposal: PARTIAL DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 01 (ARCHAEOLOGY) RELATING TO PLANNING PERMISSION 08/1572 AND CONDITION 01 OF LISTED BUILDING CONSENT 08/1236 FOR VARIOUS WORKS TO THE BUTTY, PENHOW CASTLE

DECISION

APPROVED

 

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0518 Ward: Langstone

Type: Full

Expiry Date: 17/07/2009

Applicant: MR AND MRS DAVIES CORDNER

Site: 12 PRIORY GARDENS LANGSTONE NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2JG

Proposal: ERECTION OF REAR CONSERVATORY

DECISION

GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 08/1286 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 17/11/2008

Applicant: HERNON ASSOCIATES

Site: KEMEYS FARM BARNS KEMEYS MANOR HOUSE USK ROAD KEMEYS INFERIOR NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 1JS

Proposal: PARTIAL DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 8 (FOUL AND SURFACE WATER) RELATING TO PLANNING PERMISSION 02/0425 FOR THE CONVERSION OF BARNS / OUTBULIDING TO 3NO. DWELLINGS

DECISION

REFUSED

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0498 Ward: Langstone

Type: Full

Expiry Date: 10/07/2009

Applicant MR DAVID COLTHERD

Site: 25 THE NURSERIES LANGSTONE NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2NT

Proposal: ERECTION OF A SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION

DECISION

GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0553 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 29/07/2009

Applicant: MR JAMIE GRAHAM

Site: LAND ADJACENT TO HOLLY TREE COTTAGE CHEPSTOW ROAD NEWPORT SOUTH WALES

Proposal: DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 2 (SLAB LEVELS) RELATING TO PLANNING PERMISSION 09/0224 FOR THE ERECTION OF A DETACHED DWELLING AND GARAGE

DECISION

APPROVED

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 06/0836 Ward: Langstone

Type: Discharge of Conditions

Expiry Date: 09/08/2006

Applicant: MR N WILLMETT

Site: LAND ADJACENT TO 1 SEYMOUR AVENUE PARC SEYMOUR CALDICOT SOUTH WALES

Proposal: DISCHARGE OF CONDITIONS 04 (DORMER WINDOWS) AND 05 (DRAINAGE) RELATING TO PP 05/0547 FOR THE ERECTION OF A DETACHED DWELLING

DECISION

REFUSED

APPLICATION DETAILS

No: 09/0652 Ward: Langstone

Type: Certificate of Lawful Use or Development - Proposed

Expiry Date: 20/08/2009

Applicant: MR NIGEL GALLAGHER

Site: BERRYDOWN CHEPSTOW ROAD NEWPORT SOUTH WALES NP18 2JP

Proposal: CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS FOR PROPOSED LOFT CONVERSION

DECISION

GRANTED