The Chair welcomed all Councillors to the meeting including County Councillor Tony Baron who was co-opted unanimously into a new role as Community Councillor for Amroth.

Art and Education by the Sea

Tina organises art events on local beaches. She brings local artists to work with the public, in drop in sessions, to create sculptures out of materials found on the beach. The sculptures are based on endangered species in the sea so there is education, environment and art all working together.

The sculptures are photographed for posterity and any non-natural items found on the beach are disposed of properly. Tina is keen to organise an event in Amroth in 2020. Councillors were very supportive of the idea and it was agreed that a planning meeting would be organised in the Autumn to look at holding some events on Amroth beach in 2020.

Matters arising from

previous minutes

• The Long Course Weekend was held recently in Pembrokeshire. This is a major event, which was celebrating its 10th Anniversary. PCC have asked for feedback in order to fully review the impact etc and comments will be fed back to organisers at a debrief meeting. The Clerk has asked for and received a number of comments from residents which will inform the response.

• PCNPA Planning enforcement are continuing their enquiry into the new lodges at Meadow House Caravan Park and will update ACC when they can.

• Mrs. Adams has reported that the top dressing of the road on Amroth Hill has taken place and the roadside furrows have been filled. Similar work has also been carried out in Llanteg on the road to Tavernspite.

• Following ACC’s enquiry into the reason for refusal of a planning application because of distance from a registered bus route, PCNPA Planning officer Andrew Richards explained that Planning officers must abide by regulations as laid down in the LDP1. The LDP is currently being reviewed and this point may be amended or retained. More information on accessibility issues can be viewed on the PCNPA website under planning/policy/LDP1/SPG/Accessibility.

• Reply from the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission referred to the email of 10-9-2018. ACC comments had been noted and would be considered when the Commission prepares it final proposals; The review is only concerned with the County Councillors Electoral Divisions within Pembrokeshire.

• The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales have completed the final stage of their review of the electoral arrangements for the County of Pembrokeshire

The Commission is now publishing Final Recommendations. Under Section 37 of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013, on receipt of the report, the Welsh Government may, if it thinks fit, make an order giving effect to any recommendations made to it by the Commission either as submitted or with modifications.  Any order giving effect to such recommendations shall not be made until after the expiry of six weeks from the day on which the recommendations were submitted to the Welsh Government. The review is available to view on the website www.ldbc.gov.wales.

• A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the property management at Heritage Park. This meeting is between PCC and management at Heritage Park and is not connected in any way to the earlier public consultation into possible development at Heritage Park.

County Councillor’s

Report

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission ignored all objections regarding the redesign of the Amroth area. The demarcation of local Community Council boundaries is nothing to do with the LDBC, but to do with PCC. A main factor in their decision was making sure that Electoral Divisions were of similar size in terms of number of voters. There is a right to appeal within six weeks.

It was proposed and agreed that ACC Chairman and Cllr Baron work on an appeal. Any counter proposal must balance the elector numbers. At some stage PCC will have to do a review of CC boundaries, and it was felt that Heritage Park should be moved to the Amroth ward as any development primarily effects Amroth ward residents. Cllr Baron explained that any boundary changes would require full consultation so there is unlikely to be any change prior to the next elections in 2021.

Cllr Baron reported that PCC full Council passed a resolution to impose fixed penalties of £75 for anyone disobeying dog ban rules on beaches and elsewhere. Enforcement officers are to submit monthly patrol reports.

Cllr Davies reported that the Lifeguards on Amroth Beach had an inaccurate Dog restriction map and that she has delivered new maps to them to help enforce the restrictions.

It was suggested that Enforcement Officers work closely with the Lifeguards on this matter. ACC requested a direct number to contact Enforcement Officers. Cllr Baron will contact County Councillor Pat Davies about this as it is under her remit.

Cllr Roger Harries suggested erecting a sign in Wiseman’s Bridge to inform dog walkers about the restrictions in Amroth.

Cllr Baron reported that he had received numerous complaints regarding road closures and safety during both the Long Course Weekend and Iron Man. PCC will be meeting with organisers to discuss reducing disruption at future events.

Planning

NP/19/0354/CLE. The Old Barn, Goitre Farm, Trelessy Road, Amroth. SA67 8PT - Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness(existing)development for creation of holiday unit (The Old Barn). NOTE: This is being applied for based on the fact that the barn has been a seasonal holiday unit for 4 consecutive years. The decision will be based on evidence alone so any evidence that proves or disproves this should be sent to PCNPA.

Comments - Strong objection to retrospective planning. Councillors agreed that retrospective applications should be charged punitively to discourage this issue. Councillors also queried whether the Barn has been a holiday let for 4 years based on dates forwarded by the applicants’ agent.

NP/19/0367/TPO. St Elidyr’s Church, Amroth, Narberth. SA67 8NJ - Proposal: Removal of 3 Poplar Trees adjacent to the public footpath/right of way within the Church Yard – TPO 28. NOTE: Church members in favour as will open space for a further 90 grave plots. Two Oak trees will be planted near the car park entrance and Parochial church Council are looking for a third site to plant an additional Oak to replace those removed. Comments; No Objections

Correspondence

• Charles Carter has asked for a donation to St Elidyr’s Church to help with the work needed to access 90 new grave plots in the Church yard. He reported that the Parochial Church Council have also taken the positive decision to intern and mark ashes in the graveyard. Agreed; A donation will be reviewed on receipt of next precept payment

• Non-Domestic Rates relief for Public Lavatories - The Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill was introduced in Parliament on 18 June 2019 with secured provisions for Wales so that, from 1 April 2020, standalone public lavatories will have their rates bills reduced to zero.  

The provisions will apply to all standalone lavatories which are made available for public use, whether they are owned or operated by public, private or charitable bodies.

This was passed in Welsh Government on July 16 2019. 

• In response to ACC’s email (stating our safety concerns on the A477 and Its impact on local development) Welsh Government as the Highway Authority for the motorway and trunk road network in Wales replied to say they regularly review personal injury collisions and speed data on the trunk road network to identify the need for improvements. They will continue to review individual planning consultations as to their overall impact on highways, seeking appropriate mitigation in line with current planning guidance and trunk road design standards.  

The Community Council are encouraged to address their concerns to Go Safe, the Road Safety Partnership, who are responsible for speed limit enforcement. This can be done via the following webpage: https://gosafe.org/contact-us/community-concern/

NOTE: Councillors have noticed an increase in speed cameras in the area recently.

•PEMBROKESHIRE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT - Supplementary Planning Guidance – draft for Consultation

Pembrokeshire County Council is consulting on draft Supplementary Planning Guidance ‘Landscape Character Appraisal’ between July 15 and 16 September 16.

Copies of the documents are available to view on the Council’s website, under LDP Supplementary Planning Guidance Page, and can be viewed online at local libraries and contact centres. Paper copies are available to view at Pembrokeshire County Council County Hall, Haverfordwest.

This Supplementary Planning Guidance will guide the Council when it considers planning applications which could impact on the landscape.

If you wish to comment on any part of the draft Landscape Character Assessment, please send your response by e-mail to  [email protected]  or write to Julie Kirk, Senior Planning Officer, Development Planning, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.  

Please ensure your comments are received by 5 pm on September 16.

All responses received will be summarised, together with recommended changes to the document, for consideration by a future meeting of the Council’s Cabinet, prior to approval as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

• Pembrokeshire County Council are the first County in Wales to provide #2minute Street Cleaning boards. The boards work on a similar premise to the successful #2minute Beach Clean Boards located on many Pembrokeshire beaches.

Anyone can pick up a litter picker and small plastic bag while out and about and pick up as much or as little as they want before placing the contents inside a recycling or litter bin and placing the litter picker and bag back for reuse.

Villages that would like to host a board are invited to get in touch as there are a limited number available. Contact Jemma Lewis on 01437 776203 or Email: [email protected]

Agreed: Clerk - Ask for more pickers for the board by the New Inn

• PCC Communications Survey - The survey is part of a review of communications. It will help PCC to assess if what they are doing now is working and how they might improve things for the future.

The purpose of Council communications is to encourage local residents, businesses and visitors to make the best use of the services provided, in order to help individuals and communities be the best they can.

To take part in the survey complete our online response form Alternatively, you can complete a hard copy and email it to [email protected] or post it to: Pembrokeshire County Council, Policy, 2D County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.

The deadline for responses is Friday, September 6.

• Community Councillor John Whitby from Begelly/Kilgetty CC has pointed out an access issue at the New Inn end on Amroth Beach. To access the beach safely and avoid walking over a high and dangerous bank of pebbles there are concrete steps with a handrail. Unfortunately, these are 20 yards back into the dog restricted area of the beach.

Dog walkers with physical difficulties have no option but to use these steps to access the beach and there have been several altercations between dog walkers and people informing them that dogs are not allowed on that area of the beach. Cllr Whitby has requested that these steps be removed from dog restriction, for access only, during the few months the dog restrictions are in place.

Councillors agreed with Cllr Whitby’s suggestion. The Clerk will email Cllr Pat Davies at PCC/Myrddin Dennis, Beaches Officer to ask for this disconnect to be addressed. It is sensible to use the steps there and decrease the dog restriction area by 20 yards. Also, it was felt the term ‘Guide Dog’ should be changed to ‘Assistance Dog’ as many are now essential for other disabilities. Unfortunately, this would require a change in the law.

A complaint was received regarding building work starting early and disturbing guests close by in Amroth. Building work should only take place between 8.00am-18.00pm between Monday to Friday. 8.00am-13.00pm on Saturdays and not on Sunday or bank holidays.

Report by Amroth and

District Community

Association

Nothing new to report. The Hall is busy and in use every night. Bingo is well attended.

Report by Llanteg Village Hall Committee

The Jo Cox community event was very well attended.

It also celebrated the 20th anniversary of History Society. Any future historical items will be discussed in hall meetings as the History Group has now disbanded.

The Walking group continues its programme. Details are available from Jill Roberts on 01 834 831 142.

On August 26 there is the annual village walk to be followed by a BBQ. Assemble at the Clay Pits at 5 pm for walk.

On September 22 between 2.30 and 5 pm there will be a local craft exhibition in the hall. For information contact Ruth 01 834 831 298 or Sue 01 834 831 468

Coffee mornings are well attended. All Clubs are active and well attended.

Monthly Police

meeting

County Lines Criminals are now thought to be targeting Pembrokeshire. This is mainly connected with illegal drug distribution. Local police are monitoring this carefully.

Some Police forces are losing their PCSO’s. Local PCSO Jim Moffatt is very well regarded. He has recently been successful in tackling underage drinking in the vicinity.

A Dog walker was assaulted on Amroth recently. Enquires continue.

The theft of Garden furniture is becoming a problem. Also two mechanical diggers were stolen locally, and two sheds entered illegally. Nothing was taken.

Recycling facility at Kilgetty Co-op. A major mess was being made by seagulls scattering rubbish so the facilities are being removed.

Update on

Exercise Jantzen

Cllr Mark Harvey has placed the QR plaque on the Amroth board at the New Inn end of the village. The draft Enhancing Pembrokeshire form is complete although some costs still need updating once all quotes have been received. It is anticipated the overall cost will be slightly under budget.

The project was due to be submitted August 6.

VE Day May 2020

Celebrations

Include the official launch/unveiling of the Exercise Jantzen information board Discussion postponed to September

Update on the possibility of free Wi-Fi for Amroth

Cllr Alec Cormack is looking into providing better mobile coverage and Wi-Fi on Amroth Front for visitors. He has been in contact with and met several technical companies looking at options and costs.

He will be talking to businesses about working in partnership with ACC on this, probably in the autumn. The aim is to make Amroth more attractive to visitors and improve communication and also safety on the Beach. Cllr Cormack outlined his work to date to councillors and answered technical queries.

Feedback on the Impact of the Long Course weekend

Several letters have been received by the Clerk regarding issues encountered because of road closures during the Long Weekend Event. Medical issues and business disruption were listed among others. Councillors will use these to draft their comments and respond to PCC in time for their meeting with event organisers.

To discuss Bertie’s future availability to other Hosts

The British Ambassador to Ireland hosts a significant annual summer reception for Business leaders, Ministers, senior government officials, and contacts from across the world of sport, culture and media in Ireland, and features in Tatler magazine. This year the reception will take place on September 4 and the theme is on sustainability and climate.

Bertie has been identified as a ‘feature’ that showcases Wales under this theme.

 Whilst Bertie fits the overall theme, what it also does is showcase Wales and Ireland and the ETC programme and the Welsh Government’s commitment to press for this type of funding to continue post Brexit. Ireland are also keen to continue so to be able to use Bertie as a ‘backdrop’ to the event at the home of the British Ambassador to Ireland would be an excellent opportunity. Kathryn Hallett has secured sponsorship from Nolan Transport and Irish ferries to transport Bertie to Ireland which links into a €2.5m project on ports – past present and future funded through the Ireland Wales Programme - www.insidermedia.com/insider/wales/welsh-and-irish-ports-backed-by-2.6m-eu-project recently announced by Minister for International relations Eluned Morgan.

Comments: Councillors agree in principle to Bertie attending the reception in Dublin.

Due to Bertie’s design Councillors agreed that Sculptor Gideon Petersen should transport and fix Bertie safely for any public event. Councillors also felt Amroth should not be liable for any costs this trip may incur.

 To discuss a possible one-way system to/from St Elidyr’s Church to Amroth

The Clerk informed Councillors about the responses received to date on this matter. Several have been received, both for and against the proposal. The matter will be discussed fully in September’s meeting.

Matters to be added to agenda for next meeting

One Way System; Improvements for the disabled in the community; VE Day celebrations.

Any other or

urgent business

Cllr. Rosemary Tippett- Maudsley has been looking into improvements for disabled people in the community including a possible Beach buggy. This will be discussed more fully at the next meeting.

Rubbish collections from public waste bins are too infrequent and are causing issues locally. Seagulls make such a mess with any rubbish left out from holiday accommodation. It would be less costly to empty the bins more frequently than send workers to clear up the mess. Agreed; Clerk to contact Richard Brown at PCC to ask if waste bins in Amroth, especially car park in Amroth to be emptied more frequently during summer season.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, September 19 at Amroth Parish Hall starting at 7 pm.