The chairman opened the October meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council by extending a warm welcome to a number of visitors present, who had specifically attended with reference to a planning application at Swallow Tree, Saundersfoot.

The clerk suggested that the agenda be rearranged to accommodate the visitors. They could then decide if they wished to remain for the other matters on the agenda. This was agreed.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

One residential dwelling, Larchlands, Swallowtree, Saundersfoot - The clerk advised that he had received copies of letters that had been written to the planning officer dealing with this application. He outlined the concerns of the residents. County Clr. Mr. Jon Preston outlined his position with reference to the application. After the visitors had expressed their concerns, council agreed that before any decision could be considered, it would be beneficial to all parties involved for a site meeting to be held.

Outline consent for development comprising 31 residential units, land off Trevayne Lane, New Hedges - The clerk reminded the meeting that council had held two public meetings for local residents to express their concerns etc. At the second meeting, Mrs. Linda Jones had attended on behalf of Acanthus Holden to answer any questions put forward.

Council again considered the application at length, bearing in mind the questions that had been tabled by the local residents at the public meetings.

The clerk advised that he had received copies of a letter that Mrs. Ayling had written to the planning officer expressing her observations and concerns.

It was agreed that council would make the following observations to the planning officer at this time.

With reference to the proposed outline application, several local residents had expressed concerns over the wording of the application. It stated development off Trevayne Lane. It was in fact nowhere near Trevayne Lane. The development was at the rear of Cross Park. Although this was a minor detail, it did cause some residents concerns. By far the greatest concern was the additional storm water that the development would generate. This matter must be adequately dealt with, to prevent additional water flowing into the existing water course behind Hunters Park, which already has problems with flooding from time to time. This matter was a real concern to people living in Hunters Park.

Another concern was the access and the impact that the proposed development would have on the residents of Cross Park and the surrounding residents. The council understood that some minor modifications to the access had been suggested by Achus Holden as a direct result of the feelings of local residents at the meetings.

Council were particularly concerned that the proposed development did not really provide many opportunities for local young families to purchase at either stage. Council felt that a development of this size should have more restrictions to assist young local people.

In its current form, the community council could not support the application, although they did agree that a development of this size may be required over time. Until the concerns of local people were adequately addressed, the community council could not support the application.

COUNCIL VACANCY

The clerk advised that after obtaining advice from Pembrokeshire County Council, he had written to Clr. Rob Thomas and spoke to him on the telephone. Mr. Thomas had sent an email in which he explained his position. He apologised for his continued absence and thanked his fellow councillors for their understanding. He wished them well for the future. The clerk has been instructed to advertise the vacancy.

COUNTY CLR. JON PRESTON'S REPORT

Development at the rear of Cross Park: As a major development, the application is currently in the consultation process. It will be referred to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority development management committee. The date of the committee will be dependent on responses received and will be confirmed in due course. The two public meetings that we have so far facilitated have been very well attended. The outline application is listed as land off Trevayne Lane and has been delegated to officers for consideration. The initial eight-week date falls on November 4.

From the information received to date regarding this application, it is evident that there will be alterations to the access to Cross Park, which has raised a number of points to be considered by the residents in and around that area. I have been contacted previously to this application regarding the limited parking facilities and the poor condition of the public road. I think it would be reasonable to contact the developer and request that the improvement of the area opposite Cross Park be improved as part of the highway alterations for the benefit of residents of that area.

Outstanding village maintenance: Following my contact with Highways Maintenance regarding the outstanding maintenance tasks within the village, I would like confirmation that these tasks have been attended to. The outstanding tasks at September's meeting were - the sign at Trevayne Farm, the bin at the bus shelter, the dip in the road at Hunters Park, the seat near Waterwynch and the pipe at the bus shelter. The forecasted date for the completion of the works or a reason for non-completion was to be communicated after the August Bank Holiday. Some remain outstanding which again will need to be escalated.

Swallowtree Woods: Due to a recent planning application at Swallowtree Woods, there will be an opportunity for me to meet with planning officers on site. The officers will not be able to comment at that time regarding the planning application that is being considered. However, I will be able to raise the ongoing issues regarding the pathways, lighting etc. and will report back to council on the outcome of that meeting. A comprehensive and detailed challenge to the application has been forwarded to me which I will discuss with planning officers at PCNPA.

Planting of daffodil bulbs: May I thank Clrs. Brian Waters, Desmond Brace, John Butland and Howard Rawson-Humphries for giving up their time over the last few Saturday mornings for us to plant daffodil bulbs at the entrance to the top of the village. We can now look forward to seeing a colourful welcome to New Hedges next spring.

Remembrance Sunday: I would like to propose that we lay a wreath at the Cenotaph at Tenby at this year's ceremony of remembrance. This would be a fitting tribute from the community council of St. Mary Out Liberty.

VILLAGE MATTERS

Dog fouling: This was no more of a problem at the present time. Monitoring would continue.

Litter within the village: It was felt that at present the position was OK.

Repositioning the bin near the bus shelter opposite Cross Park: The clerk advised that they were still awaiting Pembrokeshire County Council. County Clr. Preston agreed to take up these outstanding matters on behalf of the council.

Seat near the Village Hall: The clerk advised that the new seat was in position. After a discussion, it was agreed to purchase a further seat, and to place it opposite the new seat just fixed. The seat opposite would be transferred to the position near Trevayne Lane.

County Clr. Preston would deal with the dip in the carriageway and also the faulty light at Cross Park.

Daffodil planting: The chairman thanked the members who had assisted with the planting, and hopefully the efforts would be rewarded in the spring of 2015.

Christmas tree 2014: The clerk would contact Mr. Lewis at Hean Castle Estate to enquire if he was able to supply a tree again this year.

CORRESPONDENCE

The chairman read letters from Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on their priority plans, also on polling districts and from the Older Persons Commissioner.

Brochures were received from Wickstead, along with the LCR journal. A receipt was received from Shelter Cymru and a letter from One Voice Wales on future training. The clerk had received notice of a meeting from SLCC.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

As suggested by County Clr. Preston, it was agreed that the clerk should look into the possibility of the chairman of St. Mary Out Liberty being included in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Tenby on Remembrance Sunday, which this year would be November 9. The clerk agreed to arrange this.

The next meeting of council will be Tuesday, November 11, at 6.30 pm.