Monthly meeting

Morwenstow Parish Council

Minutes

Minutes of the monthly Parish Council Meeting held on

Wednesday 17^th November 2021 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre

2021/17/11.1 Attendance: Cllrs. J Hobbs (Chair), K Boundy, J Payne, J Phipps, R Savage, S Tilbey, N Steer, G Worden, K Jones, four members of the public and Mrs S Rosser (Clerk).

2021/17/11.2 To receive apologies for absence: Mrs E Cole.

2021/17/11.3 The previously circulated minutes of the Monthly Parish Council meeting held on 20^th October 2021 were agreed and signed as an accurate record of the meeting.

2021/17/11.4 Matters Arising from the Minutes and updates– for information only. The previous complaint from a parishioner regarding possibly quarrying, has now been directed to Cornwall Council's planning enforcement team. This is also being followed up by our ward member C.Cllr. S Tilbey.

2021/17/11.5 Disclosures: To receive declarations of interests from Members relating to items on the agenda in accordance with Morwenstow Parish Council's Code of Conduct. None received.

2021/17/11.6 Dispensations: To consider requests from Members for dispensations. None received.

2021/17/11.7 Public Participation:

To receive questions from members of the public relating to items on the agenda, in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct

and Standing Orders.

Mr M Whibley spoke in relation to the proposed speed limit changes addressed in item 7 of correspondence. A potential inaccuracy on a notice that has been posted, was highlighted. A petition had been started in relation to the lowering of speed limits; along with a survey, that has received 100 responses over three days so far. A speed limit reduction is welcomed. Member of public was thanked by the chair for his participation.

2021/17/11.8 To receive a report from our Cornwall Councillor: C. Cllr Shorne Tilbey:

• Police & Crime Panel Meeting 12/11/2021 - attended the meeting in Plymouth. Meeting was attended by Police & Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who presented to the panel The Police Forces ‘ work programme ‘ for 2021- 2022, matters were raised by the panel and were adequately answered and noted by The Commissioner.
  C Cllr Tilbey raised a question with The Commissioner regarding manpower for the Bude Area when officers take offenders into custody, having to travel to Bodmin or Okehampton Custody suites. This means if only 3 officers covering the Bude area, 2 will take the offender into custody and the 3rd officer is left without support so they are basically ineffectual as on
  the ground officers. The Commissioner will take the point back to the management team and will look into and come back.

• Health & Adult Social Care – attended a meeting in Truro, there are no plans to close Stratton Minor Injuries Unit for the foreseeable Future. There can be staffing issues sometimes, these are often known in advance. The staff from Stratton can be relocated downwards on occasion to Launceston or Liskeard for example, if there is a black event at Treliske.

• Community Chest Grants – the grants scheme is open. Applicants are asked to email Shorne directly and then he will forward on the application form.

• St Marks closure – the primary school have experienced an oil leak. Mitchell & Webber are rectifying this. They have temporarily relocated to the community hall.

• Overhanging trees – updates were asked for on highway matters, being followed up.

2021/17/11.9 Parish Maintenance and Matters for discussion:

1. To discuss quotes for 'no climbing on the fence' notices. Quote from Jag Signs received for a 30cm x 30cm sign in red with white lettering. Cost of £35 + VAT Resolved to purchase 1 sign.

2. To discuss quotes received for replacement bench and erection of bus shelter at Crosstown. Cllr. Hobbs explained the difficulty of obtaining quotes for items such as benches in this current climate. A 40 &1/2” bench would cost approximately £499 in teak and £409 in oak. A local carpenter has offered to make a bench at cost. Further investigation required. Arbour would cost in the region of £1000.

3. To discuss any repairs needed to parish noticeboards. All noticeboards have now been inspected. The immediate repair has been carried out on the Woolley noticeboard by installing a new back. A surplus back is now in stock for the future. The Woodford noticeboard requires the hydrangea to be pruned at a suitable time. All noticeboards are noted to be functional.

4. To note completed tree log. Tree inspections for the last month were completed by Cllr. Hobbs and log checked at the meeting. There were no issues. Sheet signed by Clerk.

5. To note completed playpark log. Playpark inspections for the last month were completed by Cllr. Savage and log checked at the meeting. There were no issues. Sheet signed by Clerk.

6. To agree amount for purchase of Christmas Tree – Resolved to purchase a tree in the price bracket of £80 - £100. Cllr. Savage will obtain the tree.

7. To review Hamlets. A 6 monthly review of the Hamlets in it's current format was due. Cllrs. reported that the printed format of the hamlets, are being asked for repeatedly - by parishioners. Various suggestions were put forward. There was a desire to continue with the online format now that the leap has been made; due to covid restrictions, and lack of volunteers to deliver the Hamlets. This also has environmental benefits. There was a stronger desire to resume printing the Hamlets again; albeit at a reduced level, to only account for those who are asking for them. Suggestions included Hamlets being distributed for collection in the various noticeboards – it was felt that they may get damp before collection. Alternatively to leave them at the shop for collection. Another suggestion was to go down the route that Kilkhampton do, with paid for adverts to subsidise the cost of the hamlets. However the fundamental difference between the parish publications is that Morwenstow Parish Council produce the Hamlets. Kilkhampton's magazine is produced by the PCC. The burden on the editor to collate and for adverts to be paid for would be too large. Also there could be further implications with advert sizes and so on. Resolved to obtain quotes to print 100 Hamlets. Cllrs. Phipps & Tilbey to obtain prices for further discussion at January meeting. Review in 6 months – May 2022.

8. To receive Cormac PROW report from Cllr Boundy. All work has been carried out and inspected by Cllr. Boundy. It has been well done as usual. Two places required a second cut and this work was carried out. A style has been replaced with a kissing gate at Sanctuary. A problem at Yeolmouth had been reported - there had been a barbed wire issue. This has now been temporarily rectified. A kissing gate is expected to be installed here, it is hoped before Christmas.

2021/17/11.10 To discuss precept to be set: The precept budget had been reviewed prior to the meeting, by the Clerk and Chair. This year sees some increases in one or two things such as training costs – 5 new councillors are new members. Clerk training will also be required. There has been an increase to the Clerk remuneration since the review earlier in the year, when the position was advertised. Budget figure for the year 2022/23 is £27,238.00. This leaves a precept request to Cornwall Council of £19,238.00. This equates to a 7.49% increase (£3.75) for a Band D property. The external audit requirements will be more detailed. The budget amount will take the council into the realms of medium sized councils. Resolved to apply for the suggested precept figure.

2021/17/11.11 To discuss process for renewing Football Club lease: Cllr. Tilbey has progressed with this, a meeting to be arranged between Cllrs. Hobbs & Tilbey, the Clerk and a representative of the football club. Resolved – Clerk to contact the football club secretary to arrange a meeting.

2021/17/11.12 To review Grants Policy: The auditor and accountant have been insistent that it is not correct procedure to allow exemption clauses from the grant policy. It was resolved that the following statement be removed from the bottom of the grant policy:

* The grants application process does not apply to the Cornwall Air Ambulance grant and the cemetery maintenance grants for Morwenstow P C C, Morwenstow Methodist Church and Woodford Chapel.

2021/17/11.13 To consider grant requests from: Cornwall Air Ambulance and the cemetery
maintenance grants for Morwenstow P C C, Morwenstow Methodist Church and Woodford Chapel. Resolved to defer this to January 2022, due to the changes that will be adopted in January 2022.

2021/17/11.14 To note the resignation of Cllr Hodgson and vacancy. The notice of vacancy has been displayed in the Shop noticeboard. This has also been displayed on the parish website. Expiry date of notice is Friday 26^th November 2021.

2021/17/11.15 To discuss roles to be filled by Councillors: Current roles were discussed. It was felt that all members should have a role. Re-organisation of roles is as follows:

a) Tree Warden – Councillor J Hobbs;

b) Public Ways Co-ordinator – Councillor K Boundy & Councillor N Steer;

c) Playpark Equipment Supervisor – Councillor R Savage;

d) Playpark Supervisor – Councillor J Payne;

e) Transport – Councillor G Worden;

f) Hamlets Editor – Councillor J Phipps;

g) Flag Master – Councillor K Jones;

h) Police Liaison Officer – Councillor S Tilbey & Councillor R Savage;

i) Building Regulation Advisor – Councillor S Tilbey.

2021/17/11.16 Correspondence

1. Resident - Concerns regarding erection of building

2. Resident – Query regarding planning permission requirements for erection of building – resident directed to Cornwall Council

3. Cornwall AONB Monumental Improvement – interpretation survey

4. Rural Community Energy Fund – Cllr Hobbs will investigate this further

5. Clean Cornwall – Let's talk rubbish survey

6. Cornwall Transport Plan – consultation – until 24^th December

7. Bude Area Highway Scheme Update – including speed limit proposals – link here

8. Cornwall Council – Household Support Fund

9. Bude Needs Assessment – online survey

10. Cornwall Council Localism Support – change of Community Link Officer

11. Planning Training for Local Councils – 30^th November 0930 – 1030 on Teams

12. CALC – Training session for Clerks – 30^th November 1000 – 1100 on Teams

13. CALC – Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration Update

14. Cornwall Council – Standards Committee Update

15. Cornwall Council – Keep communities safe during winter – webinar – Thursday 25^th November 1100 -1200.

All of the above were noted. Items 4 - 9 to go on the website. Item 7 to also go on Morwenstow facebook group page. Item 8 for the Hamlets.

2021/17/11.17 Finances: To confirm accounts spreadsheet with bank statements and agree payments due. Review expenditure against budget. It was proposed, seconded and resolved to approve the statement of accounts as at 31^st October 2021 and payments due, of £30 to Acquiss for the C C Broadband; £21 to Chadds for paper towels; £1,98.50 to P.S.J. Garden Services for footpath trimming & £1938 to P.S.J. Garden Services for grass cutting – playing field maintenance.

2021/17/11.18 Planning:

Applications received for consultation by members to agree a consultee response to be submitted to Cornwall Council:

P1 PA21/10540

Proposal: Construction of two storey extension including associated alterations to form additional living accommodation

Location: Homelea Cottage Woodford Morwenstow EX23 9JD

Morwenstow Parish Council Comments: Morwenstow Parish Council would like to support this application based on need; but would like to see natural materials used, the proposed materials are not in keeping with the street scene or the host dwelling. We would also like to see a reduced ridge height for the proposed extension, with traditional dormer windows.

P2 PA21/09331

Proposal: Outline application for re-development of stable block, sand surfaced area and other land, for up to five dwellings with all matters reserved except access

Location: Land South Of Chapel Park Shop Morwenstow Cornwall EX23 9SQ

Morwenstow Parish Council Comments: Morwenstow Parish Council does not support this application on the following grounds:
We do not believe that the application fits either the rounding off or infill criteria, set out in planning policy.
Due to the open countryside at the East of the development, there is a sense of encroachment on the rural area and as there is no physical barrier in the east, it could have a detrimental effect to the hamlet of Shop and the open countryside.

The pre-app advice for this states: ''However, the eastern aspect of the site also appears much more open leading into open countryside and the perception of the site from the road to the south appears much more rural rather than urban; the
perception of entering the village is more evident northwest of the site (around the corner) at Chapel Rise. There is also some sense of encroachment of urban form into the rural area around the settlement, particularly given the limited physical barrier to
the east of the site and the proposal does not neatly fit with the definition of rounding off in this regard.''

There is no provision of a safe pavement to the bus stop, playground or school for children. A footpath in a sensible place is necessary. The proposed area for a footpath is not considered fit for purpose, because it would bring children out on to a busy service road to GCHQ.

There would be great detriment to the woodland area to the North West of the site. Removal of established trees would be necessary to accommodate the two extra dwellings added. The proposal was for 3 dwellings at the pre-app stage.

Lastly - we have not had any contact from the applicant as suggested would be appropriate, by the officer in the pre-app response.

P3 Amended plans relating to PA21/05612 was received on the morning of the meeting. A planning meeting has been called on Wednesday 1^st December to discuss this and any other applications that may be received.

Planning notifications received from Cornwall Council for information only:

PA21/06884 APPROVED

Proposal: Replacement conservatory

Location: 2 Jacques Cottages Shop Morwenstow EX23 9SH

PA21/02746/PREAPP – PENDING CONSIDERATION

Proposal: Pre application advice for selfbuild, 1 bed, single storey residential property

Location: 1 Chapel Cottages Woodville Road Woodford Morwenstow EX23 9JB

2021/17/11.19 Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider and if appropriate, to pass the following resolution: That in accordance with section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, and as extended by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the pubic, including the press, be excluded from the meeting because of the confidential nature of the following business to be transacted.

2021/17/11.20 Bank details and Signatories: To resolve changes to the bank mandate following the appointment of a new Clerk. Separate confidential minutes.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9:24pm.