Minutes of the General Meeting of The Saundersfoot Community Council held via the medium of Zoom on December 3:

Chairman’s Report

Clr. Cleevely reported that he had attended the Sensory Garden to accept a certificate, awarded by the Wales in Bloom, recognising the Sensory Garden. Clr. Cleevely also reported that the Community Council’s Christmas lights have now been switched on and that they will, hopefully, bring a bit of cheer to Saundersfoot over the festive season.

Planning applications

NP/20/0407/FUL Coed-derw, St. Brides Hill, Saundersfoot: Demolition of existing garage/workshop, and other extensions. Modernisation of existing building and new two storey extension to form a change in use to provide Key worker accommodation (C3 class) which comprises, 18 No. self-contained studio rooms. The proposal provides 9 No. parking spaces at the front and rear of the property with one being a disabled space. There is also provision for six cycle stands at the rear.

Clr. Williams BEM advised the Council that he found the site visit very informative and of great benefit.

The Clerk advised the Council that a letter had been received from the applicant and one from a neighbour raising concerns. All Cllrs confirmed that they had received a copy of these letters prior to the meeting.

Following a lengthy discussion Cllrs made the following observations: Taking into account the Parker Morris Standards - The Council consider that this proposed building is overpowering to the neighbouring properties; The proposed building overlooks the neighbouring properties with direct sight into existing windows; The proposed development would cause over development of the plot.

Clr. Sefton proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council object to this application taking the above observations into consideration; Clr. Williams BEM seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

NP/20/0491/FUL Sandyhill Guest House, Sandyhill Road, Saundersfoot: Conversion and extension of barn to provide 4 additional bedrooms for guesthouse use.

Following receipt of the requested information from the planning authority by Saundersfoot Community Council regarding the proposed access and egress onto a busy, main road, Clr. Sefton proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council object to this planning application considering the major health and safety issues when vehicles leave and return to the busy main road when accessing and egressing the proposed site; Clr. Wainwright seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour.

Cllrs also requested that the Clerk advise the Planning Authority that works have already commenced on this site.

NP/20/0467/FUL Penydre, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot: Demolish stone wall and rebuild to enlarge parking bay. Rebuild shed wall to match.

It was confirmed that the Conservation Officer has been informed of the proposed works. Clr. Boughton Thomas proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council advise the Planning Authority that it has no concerns regarding this planning application; Clr. Baker seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

To Consider Any Response to the Harbour Revision Order

Following the meeting with Harbour representatives, when all Cllrs, who had not declared an interest previously, were given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding this matter.

Cllrs present at the meeting, with Mr. Ted Sangster and Mr. Micheal Davies, agreed that the responses given to Cllrs questions did nothing to alleviate any of the Council’s concerns.

Following discussions Clr. Saunders proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council write to Welsh Government advising that the Council’s objections remain as per the previous response; Clr. Pearson seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour – one abstention was noted.

Clr. Boughton Thomas proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council write to Pembrokeshire County Council and request that Pembrokeshire County Council revisit the withdrawal of their objection to the HRO, taking into account the points raised in the Saundersfoot Community Council’s letters to Welsh Government, alongside those of other organisations of Saundersfoot village; Clr. Williams BEM seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour – one abstention was noted.

It was agreed that the two letters, as mentioned above, be circulated to all Cllrs prior to them being sent.

Consideration of Correspondence Received

• Email received requesting if Saundersfoot Community Council would be able to collect funds raised, via the purchase of a paper treasure hunt, with the funds going towards the new playground. Following consideration of the request and the Council’s Financial Regulations it was concluded that unfortunately the Saundersfoot Community Council is not able to facilitate such a request but PAVS or PLANED may be able to assist.

• Email received from a member of the public expressing an interest in becoming a community councillor – The Clerk confirmed that, at present, there are no vacancies within Saundersfoot Community Council.

• Letter received from Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club requesting that Saundersfoot Community Council support the combined application made by the football club, cricket club and the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club to the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant Scheme to purchase much needed grounds maintenance equipment. All Councillors agreed that this application should be supported.

The Clerk to respond, to all correspondence above, accordingly.

• A request that the Saundersfoot Community Council, due to the Government imposed restrictions, consider the delivery of Christmas Dinners to Members of the Public in place of the Christmas Dinners served at the Regency Hall each year. Following discussions Clr. Ludlow proposed that £500 each be donated to two food bank charities which support the Saundersfoot Ward; Clr. Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement. Several charities were discussed.

County Councillor’s Report

County Hall matters - Gold Command continues to function during the second wave of the pandemic Recovery Panels meetings also continue, Cllr Baker advised that he sits on the Communication & Infrastructure Panel and the Business & Economy Panel.

Following an Extraordinary Council meeting, Mr Richard Brown has been appointed as an Interim CEO.

Council Budget being developed, but delays from Westminster and Cardiff mean that the settlement figures will not be provided to Pembrokeshire County Council until 22nd December.

Ward matters - Clr. Baker confirmed that repairs have been carried out in the long tunnel and he has walked the path to verify this.

The Glen – the temporary restrictions have been reviewed – a 20 metre section of double yellow lines is proposed to provide seasonal parking

Western Power have now completed the re-cabling work in The Strand, this work will provide security of power supply to residents and businesses in that area of the Village.

Clr. Baker was pleased to see the traffic calming measures in Pentlepoir are complete and especially at the Fountain Head junction, this should see an improved flow of traffic.

Congratulations to two Saundersfoot Groups who both won their categories the recent PAVS Volunteer awards both Saundersfoot Connect FB page Admin Team and the 10-year-old Rose twins – were announced as winners.

To Receive Any Reports from Committees/Working Parties

Sensory Garden Working Party – Clr. Williams BEM reported that the Christmas Lights in the Sensory Garden are now all in place and were switched on, on December 1. The timer to be reviewed by Mr. A Lewis.

Saundersfoot in Bloom – Clr. Williams BEM (on behalf of Clr. Hayes MBE – due to technical difficulties) advised the Council that a special award had been presented to the Council regarding the Sensory Garden, by The Royal Horticultural Society.

To Consider dates for meetings

Play Park Task and Finish Group (Cllrs Upham, Williams BEM, Beedles, Baker, Wainwright, Sefton and Ludlow) - A meeting of the Task and Finish group was arranged for December 17 via Zoom.

The Festivities Working Group (Cllrs Boughton Thomas, Williams BEM, Ludlow, Beedles, Wainwright and Baker) - The date for the Festivities Working Group was agreed as January 14, provided that Clr. Wainwright is available, if not suitable then the 21st will be considered.

Agenda Items

Saundersfoot Library – To consider the proposals put forward by the Task and Finish Group.

All Councillors confirmed that they had received all the information provided by the Task and Finish group.

Clr. Upham proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council budget £12,000 (from the Precept) to enable a reduced hours, library service be provided by Pembrokeshire County Council for 2021/2022 in Saundersfoot with the consideration of a Community Managed service 2022 onwards; Clr. Beedles seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

A meeting of the Task and Finish Group would be held on December 10 to draft a questionnaire for residents to complete, giving an indication as to what service is required.

Staffing Working Group – To consider the formation of a working Group to oversee any staffing matters.

Clr. Saunders advised the Council that she would be prepared to draft a remit regarding the formation of a Staffing Working Party for consideration at the January 2021 meeting. Clr. Boughton Thomas proposed that Cllr Saunders and the Policy and Procedures Working Group prepare the relevant documentation and that the Council, in the January meeting, consider such; Clr. Ludlow seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

2020/12 68 Budget and Precept - To consider the draft budget and confirm a precept figure for onward submission to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Budget and Precept - To consider the draft budget and confirm a precept figure for onward submission to Pembrokeshire County Council.

All Cllrs confirmed that they had received a copy of the draft budget prior to the meeting. Following consideration of all the information presented to the Council, Cllr Sefton proposed that the draft budget be accepted as presented and a Precept of £86,494.00 be requested from Pembrokeshire County Council; Clr. Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

All Cllrs confirmed that they had received a copy of the draft budget prior to the meeting.

Following consideration of all the information presented to the Council, Cllr Sefton proposed that the draft budget be accepted as presented and a Precept of £86,494.00 be requested from Pembrokeshire County Council; Cllr Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all Cllrs in full agreement.

Additional Agenda Items

To consider adding ‘Any Other Business’ to future Agendas to cover small items, for information only or to be added to the next meeting’s Agenda.

Clr Pearson requested that Councillors consider adding Any Other Business to the agenda to enable any small queries that are raised through the month be raised at the Council meeting.

Following discussion, it was agreed that any queries should be Emailed to all Councillors and the Clerk and if a resolution is not found, it will be added at the end of the agenda under the heading ‘Any Other business – By Discretion of the Chair’.

No allocation of monies will be allowed under this heading.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, January 7 at 6 pm via the medium of Zoom.