Among matters considered at the March meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council were the following:

MATTERS ARISING

Clr. Mrs. Leyshon advised that the request to attend to the pavement near Cross Park had been her initiative, and not as recorded. The clerk apologised and agreed to amend the minute.

The clerk confirmed that he had sent the petition to Rt. Hon Lesley Griffiths, Health Minister at the Welsh Assembly, and that an acknowledgement had been received.

County Clr. Mr. John Preston confirmed that the flooding problem at Devonshire Drive was still receiving attention.

Report on traffic matters from the site meeting with Mr. Blake, of Pembrokeshire County Council: The clerk advised that a full discussion had taken place with Mr. Blake on the traffic calming. In the main councillors were quite happy with the effect of the calming. However, it was reported that traffic was still travelling at excessive speeds through the area. Mr. Blake agreed to arrange for a speed check to be carried out in the first instance and would report back in due course. There were a few other minor matters which Mr. Blake advised were in the programme.

Planning applications

Erection of 10 holiday cottages, Well Park Caravan Park, New Hedges. Clr. D. Nash declared an interest in this application and left the room whilst it was being considered. The application was discussed thoroughly, and in conclusion the council agreed that it had no objection to it being approved.

Erection of two dwellings, land north and south of Knightson Lodge, New Hedges. Council had concerns over the visual impact that this development would have. They also felt that it was over-development of the site. In conclusion, it was agreed that the clerk should contact the planning authority to request a site meeting to discuss the application.

COUNTY CLR. JON PRESTON'S REPORT

Tenby MIU: 'Following my question at the full council meeting of February 28, to council leader Clr. Jamie Adams, it appears that the Hywel Dda Health Board have made approaches to Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the disposal or alternative use of the building which currently accommodates the MIU at Tenby. I have asked for more specific information regarding this new information.

'I am interested to know when this approach was made and if it was a discussion regarding some part of or all of the minor injuries unit building. I have made an additional freedom of information request to the Hywel Dda Health Board seeking clarification of the guidelines and the obligatory requirements of the recent consultation process. I have asked for information regarding the terms of reference that would have been produced for the board to ensure the consultation exercise was carried out in such a way as to capture all the required information in a fair and democratic manner and to provide a true picture of the requirements of each and every community.

'I have also asked how this information was analysed, and how the collation of this information was monitored and regulated during the consultation process. The Health Board is required to supply the information within 20 working days. This means that the information should be provided by March 26, at which time I will share it with all interested parties'.

Devonshire Drive flooding: 'There is no further update as to the investigation into the recent flooding at Devonshire Drive. Officers of the county council and other authorities are continuing to carry out an assessment of the area and will inform me when they have completed the work that is required to remedy this unacceptable situation'.

Park House Court: 'I have asked for a definite response to this planning application. And have again received a similar response. The inspector's report on this planning application has been received by the Welsh Government's planning division and is currently being considered. Advice will shortly be put to the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development on the merits of the planning application who will then determine it. I will continue to seek to obtain an acceptable explanation as to the status of this planning application'.

Proposed boundary changes: 'In the light of the recent proposals for boundary changes in Pembrokeshire, I have written to Owen Watkins, chairman of the Boundaries Commission, stating that the Community Council of St. Mary Out Liberty have brought to my attention a document which depicts the transfer of Waterwynch to the Community Council of St. Mary Out Liberty in April 2012. Having discussed the proposed changes with the Community Council of St. Mary Out Liberty, it is evident that they wish to retain their individual identity and do not wish to be incorporated into the village of Saundersfoot, as the draft plan of boundary changes proposes. I have asked to be fully consulted in this process as it develops to enable me to inform and advise the community councils I represent on issues relating to this matter'.

Civic amenities site - Brooklands: 'The planning application has now been submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for consideration. The pre-application advice to Pembrokeshire County Council has negative outcome due to the proposed location of the development. I attended the meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council on Monday, March 11, when the application was discussed. The outcome was an unanimous objection to the proposal, with no condition to alter the decision. Tenby Town Council will be discussing this issue at their meeting on March 19.

'On the advice of a planning professional, I have written to Pembrokeshire County Council's chief executive regarding this application. I have also forwarded letters that have been sent to Brooklands Care Home from doctors and medical professionals expressing their concerns regarding this planning application to every elected member of Pembrokeshire County Council, and members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Committee. Elected members who sit on the National Parks committee will be asked to make a decision in due course and I think it is appropriate that they are aware of the opinion of qualified medical personnel, as it is they who will ultimately be accountable for the outcome of this planning application.

'During the initial consultation period of this proposal, I expressed an opinion to council leader, Clr. Jamie Adams, that to choose the site adjacent to Brooklands was an erroneous decision and should be reconsidered. Despite my concerns, even at an early stage in the process, the planning application has proceeded. I have concluded that this was probably due to the fact that a significant amount of public money would have already been spent on securing the land and preparing the plans prior to any consultation exercise.

'I consider planning application NP/13/0093 to have been compiled with mind set towards the advantages and time sensitive limitations of securing outside funding for a project such as this, with minimum consideration given to the impact on the locality in and around the proposed site.

'The planning application will be challenged thoroughly and objectively, as it is my intention to preserve the community in and around Brooklands, whilst maintaining the positive visual appearance of the gateway to Tenby and Saundersfoot.

'This is an example of inconsiderate decision making by those who are entrusted with the duty of the preservation and development of Pembrokeshire as a unique tourist destination, as well as a place in which we live, work and care for out families'.

VILLAGE MATTERS

Waterwynch access: Concern was expressed over the fact that, with the new season nearing, the matter of public access to Waterwynch beach had still not been resolved. It was agreed that council should look into the possibility of erecting a sign which displayed the wording 'Pedestrian access to Waterwynch Beach and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Coastal Footpath'. County Clr. Mr. Jon Preston would look into the planning application for the erection of such a sign.

Dog fouling: This problem had received a lot of publicity recently. Council would continue to monitor the situation and act as necessary.

Litter: It was agreed to monitor the problem now that the mechanical road sweeper schedule had been clarified. It was agreed that at present the situation was an improved one.

Noticeboard: The clerk confirmed that the noticeboard was now in the new position.

Parcel of land near Twycross: The clerk advised that the area had now been repaired.

Footpath near Cross Park: Although the bank had been cut, the path was still very narrow. This matter had been reported to Mr. Blake at the site meeting, who agreed to report the matter.

Grass cutting 2013: The clerk advised that the contractor, Mr. A. Brace, had agreed to attend with the price for 2013, as last year. It was agreed that Mr. Brace should be granted the contract.

Playing Field and Village Hall: There was nothing further to report, other than the playing field had now re-opened after the poor weather.

CORRESPONDENCE

The chairman read a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council advising of the reduction of the Coastal Bus Scheme, which was noted.

Brochures were received from Sovereign Council direct and the local council review. Booklets were distributed to all from the Ombudsman, and notice of a training event on the Local Development Plan from Pembrokeshire County Council.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. D. Nash again reported that the faulty street light near St. Anne's Church was continually on. The clerk had reported the matter twice and he would again contact PCC.

Clr. Mrs. Leyshon would be attending the Pembrokeshire National Park Seminar at St. Davids and was requested to speak about the difficulties that council were experiencing over public access to Waterwynch beach, if the opportunity allowed.

The next meeting of council will be held on Tuesday, April 9, at 6.30 pm.