Before the start of the January meeting of Carew Community Council, the chairman welcomed everyone and wished them a happy and healthy year, and hoped everyone had an enjoyable recess. Mr. Matthew Owens, rural housing enabler, joined the meeting and gave a highly informative presentation on his role and how an affordable housing survey works. He also gave councillors a sample survey form used in other areas. Following Mr. Owens's departure from the meeting, councillors perused the sample survey form and agreed that the names of villages within the parish should be included in the first instance. This item was to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting when further observations from councillors would be received. It was agreed to make Mr. Owens aware of the site outlined for affordable housing on the JUDP map, so that further enquiries could be made.
Matters Arising from the minutes
Thank you letter: A thank you letter was received from the senior citizens committee, thanking councillors for the four-course dinner, which had been enjoyed by 87 senior citizens from the community, with entertainment afterwards. Christmas tree: It was noted that vandalism to the Christmas lights had taken place and all expressed their disappointment at this. Footway: Correspondence was received from the head of conservation at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority regarding the provision of a footway from the Milton roundabout to Carew Cross and the Carew footbridge issue. It was understood that a meeting of the chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council and the National Park was to be held and this matter was to be placed on the agenda. Carew Bridge: Following deep discussion, it was agreed to write to the highways department regarding clarification on the three proposals for the island at Carew Bridge. Figures obtained had shown that in excess of 4,000 movements over the bridge had been recorded throughout July 2006. It was also agreed to write regarding the use of Carew Bridge during the full closure of the Cleddau Bridge and the need for manned traffic control in the light of information received regarding the hold-up on the Carew Bridge during these times. Also with regard to Carew Bridge, was the urgent matter of the waving up of the pavement adjacent to the chapel wall due to traffic being pushed further to the left side on crossing the bridge. There was also a problem of water spraying onto pedestrians on the footpath due to the collection of water at the edge of the bridge from the suspected cracked pipework beneath the drain, again due to the weight of traffic over it. It was felt that more damage had occurred to the chapel side of the bridge since the island has been in situ. Speed problem: A letter was to be written to the traffic manager regarding Redberth speed reduction, asking again for further clarification on what work the community council could expect to try to alleviate this problem. Milton Recreation Park: Further information was required from the county council regarding sediment and soil sampling at Milton Recreation Park, particularly with regard to the recent high tides. Welsh Water were to be asked for translation of the technical data. They were also to be asked about how the very high surface water collection was being treated due to the recent bad weather. Nature Walk: The community council were made aware of the progress of the acquisition of a 25- year lease from Welsh Water for Milton Marsh Nature Walk. It was understood that this would be in the form of a Deed of Grant from Welsh Water to the Community Council.
PRECEPT
Discussion ensued on the setting of the precept for the year 2007/8. It was agreed, following in-depth discussion on future works and projects, that the precept be raised from £5,000 to 6,000. It was noted that this was the first rise for five years.
PLANNING
The following applications were noted as having been passed by the county council: storage of removed parts and a workshop area (in retrospect), Carew Airfield, Sageston; new dwelling, Plot 17, Sageston Fields, Sageston. The following application was noted as having been refused: dwelling and garage on land adjacent to A466 Redberth. The following applications were noted as having been passed by the National Park Authority: replacement garage, Newton Croft, Whitehill, Cresselly; agricultural building, New Shipping Farm, Cresselly. The following planning applications were perused and considered: 1. Change of use and alterations to existing traditional stone barns to create five dwellings at Coachlands, Sageston. This application had been viewed by officers of the community council during the recess. The county council had been informed that this was considered to be a large redevelopment and over-development of the present site; on viewing the plans submitted, it was felt that the development was not sympathetic to the farmyard setting and that it was outside the JUDP settlement boundary. 2. Portable buildings in Walled Garden, Carew Castle - PCNPA. It was noted that this was renewal of temporary consent to provide visitors' reception, shop, offices and toilets. There were no adverse comments on this application.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Christine Gwyther AM, inviting the community council to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. The clerk was to look into organising a visit to Cardiff in March.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The following matters were to be taken up with relevant departments: Potholes being filled with tarmac, only to have them washed out again by heavy rain. Manhole cover at Villa Hill and near Honeys Park, Milton. Ditches and drains blocked at crossroads, Carew Newton, causing backing up of water and debris between the crossroads and cottages. Tidying up required at old bridge in Milton. Discussion ensued on a parish newsletter, with an interest by councillors for this to be investigated further. Rubbish in layby in Redberth: The notice of illegal dumping sign had been obscured due to the layby being made smaller and it was claimed that pipes had been dumped in the layby. Item to be chased up: Provision of noticeboards for villages in the parish. Changing Times launch: February 15, exhibition and CD launch. Carew 500 Tournament, May 2-7. Further information would be made available in due course. Next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 8, at 7 pm.