Among items considered and discussed at the February meeting of Carew Community Council were the following:

MATTERS ARISING

Common land: An e-mail was received from Lynne Thomas at Pembrokeshire County Council. In the first instance, it was decided to seek further clarification on how common land could be bought and sold. It was also decided to contact the Land Registry with regard to Ismus Green at Pincheston and the Pump at Milton.

Clr. Lloyd had attended a meeting at Ferryside on the proposed Reform of Town and Community Councils. He reported that the Welsh Assembly proposed to delegate certain functions from county councils to community councils. Concern was expressed at that meeting that this would be mandatory, but apparently this would not be the case. It was felt that more involvement of town and community councils in planning issues would be beneficial. It was also felt that a community council's input would be beneficial before plans were formed rather than when planning applications were submitted.

Clr. Lloyd also reported that delegated functions accepted by community councils would need accreditation and training to undertake such duties and this would hopefully be forthcoming.

Discussion ensued on this matter and it was felt that this would be yet another tier of bureaucracy, particularly now that there was a cabinet tier in PCC. There was also concern regarding duplication of roles. It was generally felt that the role of community councillors was as lay people and a voice of the community was invaluable.

Planning Issues

Dwelling at Stephen's Green Cottage, off Stephens Green Lane, Milton. The community council was to seek further information from PCC regarding access and question whether this new dwelling was outside the village plan.

Quarry/weighbridge office, Carew Quarry - no objections.

Conversion of redundant farm outbuildings to four dwellings, Llandigwynett Farm, Redberth - no objections.

Conversion of redundant barns/outbuildings to nine residential units, Pincheston Farm, Sageston. The community council was to contact PCC to seek reassurance regarding fouling of the waterway close to proposed site.

Conversion of garage into private dwelling, Carew Newton House, Carew Newton. Clr. Marriott declared an interest and withdrew from discussion regarding this. Further clarification was to be obtained from PCC regarding ownership of the standing bay and date of original granting of outline planning permission.

Conversion of outbuilding to two residential units at Ford Farm, Cosheston - no objections.

New security fence and entrance gate (in retrospect) W. G. Davies (Landore) Ltd., Hazelbrook Garage, Sageston -no objections.

Pylon sign, wall mounted signage, illuminated and non-illuminated, at Hazelbrook Garage, Sageston - no objections.

It was noted that the following planning applications had been granted:

Improvements and single storey extension for kitchen and bedroom at Cross View, Whitehill, Cresselly.

Removal of low pitch roof and replacement with normal pitch roof at Freestone Cottage, Lawrenny Road, Cresselly.

Two bedroom and bathroom loft conversion at 34 Meadow Estate, Milton.

CORRESPONDENCE

Thanks: A letter of thanks was received from Clr. John Brock MBE.

Interpretation panels survey: Following discussion, it was agreed that there be four interpretation panels in Carew, not three as stated. This amendment was to be communicated to the projects section at PCC.

A Pembrokeshire Conference for Older People was to be held on Friday, March 26, from 10 am until 3.30 pm in the Rugby Club at Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest.

Draft Local Housing Strategy: Following discussion, it was agreed to write to the Head of Housing Commissioning stating the community council's concern at lack of affordable housing for younger people in Carew. This was the foremost concern and a serious issue.

A letter was also received from the professional officer, Governor Support Services, on behalf of the governing body of Sageston School, expressing concern that there was inadequate social housing to meet the demand of young families within the locality. If future developments solely consist of executive properties, it was unlikely that many future parents of children who might want to come to Sageston School would be able to find suitable accommodation within the area.

The council echoed the concerns of the governing body and agreed to write to Head of Housing Commissioning on this matter.

Signs: A letter was received from Mrs. Doris James from Freestone Cross noting that the newly-erected signs for Whitehill had been placed incorrectly and well out of the boundary of Whitehill and this would lead to great confusion. The clerk was to write to PCC on this matter.

Council tax: A letter from Nick Ainger was received clarifying matters with regard to Dyfed Powys Police Authority increases in Council Tax being due to a rise in pension costs of the police authority.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr Davies asked (via the chairman in his absence) the community council to consider funding the band who play at Remembrance Sunday. It was proposed by Clr. Maurice Griffiths and seconded by Clr. Lloyd that the council agree to this.

There was a marked increase in speed of traffic through Birds Lane. Police were to be informed of this with a view to the monitoring of speeds at intervals.

Clr. Marriott informed the meeting of problems at the junction with Carew quarry. Following discussion, Clr. Marriott agreed to meet with the owners and it was further agreed to write to county councillor cabinet member, Brian Hall, asking him to also meet with them.

The meeting was informed of the 40 mph limit on the de-trunked section at Sageston and the problems that this caused. It was agreed to write to the county council asking for this to be changed to 30 mph.

The 'Give Way' sign at Freestone Cross was poorly visible. It was agreed to write to PCC asking them to clear the hedgerow to allow greater vision.

Footpaths at Llandigwynett: Mr. Roger Hooper, of the footpaths section of PCC, was to be asked to visit the area with a view to opening up footpaths S/10, S/11 and S32 at Pincheston.

The meeting was informed that the 30 mph speed limit at Redberth was not being adhered to, particularly first thing in the morning and around 6 pm. The county council was to be asked to mark the 30 mph on the road. A request was also made that 'Please Drive Carefully' be marked on the road.

The sign on the back road leading up to the Knapp from Redberth had not been replaced and it was agreed to write to Nuttalls to ask for this to be reinstated.

The next meeting is on Thursday, March 11.