The following matters were discussed at the September meeting of Pembroke Town Council:
TRAFFIC CALMING, DEVON DRIVE
The clerk informed council that a reply had been received from Mr John Price (traffic manager), Pembrokeshire County Council, stating that the accident record for the area did not justify the implementation of traffic calming measures and that speed enforcement is a matter for the police.
Clr. Blackburn informed council that she had attended the recent police forum and informed the Pembroke Neighbourhood Team of the problem.
PUBLIC TOILETS
The clerk informed council that he had written to Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the poor condition of the toilets in Pembroke, in particular the South Quay toilets which were badly in need of considerable renovation work.
Whilst he was still awaiting a written reply, he had spoken to Mr. Brian Maddocks (head of maintenance) who has visited both toilets to establish the extent of the problem.
CYCLING ON PAVEMENTS
The clerk informed council that a reply has been received from Mr. Francis Johns (senior transportation planner), Pembrokeshire County Council, sating that a 'Cyclists Dismount' sign cannot be used in the circumstances outlined in the letter.
Resolved: That the matter be brought to the attention of the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing Team.
PEMBROKE TOWN FLAG
The clerk informed council that following the last meeting, he had made enquiries into the matter and discovered that a Pembroke town flag had been produced by Celtic Flags approximately four years ago. He had contacted Celtic Flags to establish the cost of purchasing new flags.
Resolved: Due to the cost implications, further options to be discussed before proceeding with this matter.
DIGITAL TELEVISION SWITCHOVER
A reply had been received from Mr. Nick Ainger MP stating that he has requested a meeting with Gwenllian Carr (national manager, Wales) to discuss the issues raised. When he had met with Ms. Carr, he would report to Pembroke Town Council.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Clrs. Llewellyn and Brinn declared an interest in this matter.
Rocky Park, Pembroke (Clr. Llewellyn left the council chamber whilst this discussion took place).
Resolved: That the following observations submitted by Clr. Blackburn be made: The site of the proposed development was adjacent to the waterway and forms part of the view from Pembroke Castle. The site was located within a Conservation Area. CADW quote Welsh Office Circular 32-35 and Planning Policy Wales Para 6.5 16: "The general presumption should be in favour of retaining buildings that make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of a Conservation Area." JUDP 79 stated: "Developments in a Conservation Area will only be permitted if it enhances the character or appearance of the conservation area. N.B. In 2006, an application for four dwellings for No 5 Rocky Park was rejected on those grounds (06/0928/PA).
Both 4 and 5 Rocky Park had been neglected, but could easily be refurbished. Town and Country Planning Act, Section 215 (Victorian Society and Georgian Group): "No 5 makes a far more positive contribution to the conservation area than high density, low in character development" - Georgian Group. "Will in no way enhance conservation area" - Victorian Society.
The council endorsed those views and there was a correlation between high density, anti-social behaviour and carbon footprint.
Castle View and Rocky Park were already overloaded with traffic and the poor road junction onto The Green would make access and egress both dangerous and difficult. JUDP 78. Services i.e. ambulances, refuse, fire engines would experience difficulty.
In addition, it was contended that the existing sewerage system serving this area would be unable to cope with the additional development.
Conservation assessment was in progress with the initial draft only having been completed. This was a statutory requirement and had not been undertaken since declaration in 1973.
The council requested that all planning within the Pembroke conservation areas should be deferred until all three parts of the assessment and the public consultations (as required) had been completed.
It was therefore contended that this application should be refused as it was inappropriate and too high a density development for a conservation area.
08/0589/PA - 67 Devon Drive, Pembroke: Insufficient information had been provided e.g. dimensions of the proposed wind turbine and the actual location where it will be located.
08/0612/PA - 7 Elm Grove, Pembroke: Council would support approval.
08/0630/PA: Wellfield, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke - council would support approval.
08/0626/PA - Pembroke Fried Chicken, Main Street, Pembroke: This sign was installed around May 2008 and the council makes the comment that section 6.7.1 of the JUDP states that 'settlements and countryside are protected from inappropriate and damaging advertisements' and 6.7.2 states 'the parts of the county characterised by important and protected landscapes, listed or scheduled historic buildings and monuments and Conservation Areas particularly benefit from these controls'. The terms were clearly set out in Policy 87 regarding Signs and Advertisements.
PEMBROKE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
The contents of a letter received from Mr. Brian Griffiths (secretary to Pembroke Civic Trust) complimenting the town council on placing flower baskets in Main Street were noted.
CLOSURE TO THROUGH TRAFFIC, THE GREEN,
The contents of a letter received from Mrs. Sandra Sinclair, of 10 Paradise Row, Pembroke, regarding the proposed traffic management proposals were noted.
GILD OF FREEMEN
OF PEMBROKE
Clr. Phillips declared an interest in this matter. The clerk informed council that the annual general meeting of the Freemen of England and Wales would be held in Pembroke during September 2011. Mr. Roy Folland (master of Gild of Freemen of Pembroke) had written to council requesting the use of the Town Hall during the event and enquiring whether the council would provide a buffet following the civic service.
Resolved: That the council would allow the use of Pembroke Town Hall as requested and will provide a buffet following the civic service.
MAIN STREET
SERVICE STATION
The contents of an email received from Mr. John Clark on August 19 complaining about the general condition of the disused Texaco Garage site were discussed.
Resolved: A letter was to be sent to the owner of the site requesting that the site be made more presentable and 'screened' by replacing the security fencing. Enquiries were to be made with Pembrokeshire County Council as to whether any action can be taken by them.
ASHDALE PLAY AREA
Clrs. Barrass and Llewellyn declared a personal interest in this matter.
A request had been received from Mrs. Teresa McLean (chairperson), Ashdale Lane Community Group, for a letter supporting the erection of a play park facility at Ashdale Lane, Pembroke.
Resolved: That a letter of support be sent to the Ashdale Lane Community Group.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The clerk informed council that all councillors had been invited to attend training sessions to discuss the implications of the new Code of Conduct. The sessions had been well attended and council must now adopt a new code of conduct before September 20.
Resolved: That the model Code of Conduct issued by the Welsh Assembly Government which replaces the Code of Conduct introduced in 2001 be adopted by Pembroke Town Council.
The clerk reminded council that paragraph 15 of the revised code made a requirement for member's to register their financial and other interests in a register. However, as the requirement to maintain such a register did not apply to town and community councils a decision needed to be made as to whether Pembroke Town Council would maintain a register of interests.
Resolved: Following discussion, the issue was put to a vote with six members voting in favour of a Register of Interests and five members voting against.
WALLED TOWNS SYMPOSIUM
Clr. Asman informed council that she was the council's representative on the Walled Town Fellowship Symposium. She had received correspondence relating to a symposium to be held at Hastings.
Clr. Asman stated that she was willing to attend the event, but requested the council to consider financing her attendance.
Resolved: Following discussion, it was resolved that the council would not provide financial assistance.
ALCOHOL FREE ZONE
Clr. Asman informed council that alcohol free zones had been introduced in various parts of the country which banned drinking of alcohol in the streets. She suggested that consideration be given by council to introducing a alcohol free zone in the Castle Pond area of Pembroke.
Resolved: The matter to be discussed with Inspector Alan Millichip when he attends a forthcoming council meeting.
PEMBROKE STORY PROJECT
Clr. Asman informed council that the launch of The Pembroke Story would be held at Pembroke Town Hall on Saturday, October 25. She hoped that councillors would support the event and assist by showing visitors around the building.
Clr. Asman requested that the town hall hiring charge be waived by council.
Resolved: That the council would contribute 50 per cent of the hiring charge.
PEMBROKE MICHAELMAS FAIR 2008
The clerk reminded council that the annual fair will be held between Thursday and Saturday, October 9-11. A planning meeting had been held recently when a number of new minor measures had been recommended.
TWINNING VISIT TO MALTA 2009
Clr. Brinn informed council that it was some time since a 'twinning' visit had been made to Pembroke (Malta) and together with Mrs. Karen Nicholas, he was in the process of arranging a visit during May 2009. This would be a joint venture with Pembroke Dock Town Council and members of the public would also be invited to join the party.
COUNCIL HOURS CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 2008
The clerk sought approval for the council offices to be closed for business from Wednesday, December 24, until Monday, January 5, 2009. Resolved: approved.