Before the start of the February meeting of Penally Community Council, the chairman, Clr. Mrs. J. D'Arcy, welcomed members and visitors. The visitors were primarily interested in the new planning application received from Arqiva, formerly known as NTL, for the proposed telecommunications and broadcasting installation (Tetra) at the Ridgeway, Penally. Because of the interest and extreme concern expressed by both councillors and visitors, it was agreed that this planning application should be discussed at the beginning of the meeting. The consensus of opinion was that this application was being rushed through with undue haste. Furthermore, it could not be understood how two separate planning applications, virtually identical in nature, could be allowed to run alongside each other. A great deal of time was devoted to the ensuing discussion, with invaluable input from both councillors and visitors. The investigations carried out by the visitors were greatly appreciated by the council. The concern of everyone was obvious. At the conclusion of a very lengthy discussion, the clerk was instructed to urgently respond to this new planning application, pointing out inaccuracies in the submission; the fact that laid down procedures had not been adhered to; restate reasons for opposing the application and notify of their firm belief that there is just cause for delay in dealing with this application. A newsletter had been prepared and distributed throughout the village and surrounding area in shops and other establishments advising what was happening and pointing out the need to yet again write letters of objection to this new application.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Among matters arising from the minutes were the following: Notice board: A letter was sent to the contractor on January 11. The notice board had now been completed. The chairman was arranging for the posts to be secured on site so that the board could be fitted. Telephone wires crossing village green: It was decided that as no technical problems were evident, no further action was required. Pots and flowers for War Memorial: Flowers had been purchased and planted. The clerk was to write a letter of thanks to Lydstep Gardens for all the assistance provided. Christmas lights: A quotation was presented for manufacture, supply, erection and the dismantling of Christmas lights. This was met with extreme interest by all. The clerk was instructed to seek additional information from the supplier.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Residential development on land adjacent to Trefloyne Cottage, Trefloyne Lane. Opposed as location was outside village plan. NTL transmitting station. A public inquiry was to be held at Cardiff on May 9. A letter had been received from the Planning Inspectorate, Cardiff, stating it was felt there was a 'need to investigate the evidence relating to alternative sites and the visual impact, having regard to the nature of neighbouring properties'. Attic conversion, including new dormer window - Nantlle, The Ridgeway. Permission granted, January 16, subject to conditions.
FINANCE
Accounts: The following accounts were presented for payment - village warden £60; Clr. Mrs. J. D'Arcy £48.94 - this was to cover the purchase of plants for the War Memorial as previously agreed. Appeals for funds: Senior Citizens Lunch £50. No other appeals were approved at the meeting. However, the clerk was instructed to approach one of the organisations for further information and report back at the next meeting. A further appeal was also to be carried forward to the next meeting.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Penally School: A report from the Director of Education recommending the closure of Penally VC School was to be put before the Cabinet. If this recommendation was accepted a statutory 'Notice of Closure' would be issued. All parents would be notified when this was issued and there would be notices at the school. All interested parties had the opportunity to object to this and if objections were received, the decision would be made by the Welsh Assembly Government. All correspondence, all minutes of consultation meetings, all petitions etc, would be forwarded to the Welsh Assembly government . Proposed telecommunications and broadcasting installation: A second identical application for a TETRA mast had been received by the county council. This would go before the March 14 planning committee. It was not usual for planning officers to meet with objectors before the application was heard, but because of the great and serious concerns regarding this application, the director of development had agreed to meet a delegation of three objectors from the main executive committee. Footpath outside St. Teilo's Cottage: The area maintenance officer had been asked to inspect this as several people had found the step down from the road to the actual steps to be dangerous. Bus services: The public transport officer was still actively negotiating new bus routes where some of the Tenby town services would include Penally. Date of next meeting: Thursday, March 2, at 7.15 pm (will councillors please note the new start time).