CYNGOR CYMUNED LLANGATHEN

LLANGATHEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Llangathen Community Council held on Tuesday, 21^st  May 2013, at the Reading Rooms, Court Henry.

 

Present: Cllrs: G.Davies (chair),  M.Williams, E.Morgan, C.Moses and L.Hughes.

In attendance were County Cllr. Cefin Campbell and M.Rees (clerk).

 

13/01 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

13/02 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. H. James.

 

13/03  MINUTES

 

It was proposed by Cllr. M. Williams and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan that the minutes of the 2012 Annual General Meeting be accepted as a correct record of the proceedings.

 

13/04 RISK ASSESSMENT

 

A copy of the Risk Assessment relevant to Llangathen Community Council was circulated for inspection by members.  No amendments were made. It was proposed by Cllr. G.Davies and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan that the policy be continued.

 

13/05 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

 

Copies of the accounts were circulated and discussed for the year ended 31^st March 2013.  These had been audited by Mr D. G. Morris.  It was proposed by Cllr. G. Davies and seconded by Cllr. L. Hughes that the statement of accounts be accepted as correct.

 

13/06 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

 

The Annual Governance Statement was read out and discussed by members. It was proposed by Cllr. G. Davies and seconded by Cllr. L. Hughes that it be approved by the council.

 

13/07 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

 

Cllr. M. Williams was the appointed vice-chairman and therefore it was agreed by council that he take up the role as chairman.  As outgoing chair, Cllr. G. Davies thanked all Councillors for their support over the previous year and especially thanked County Councillor Cefin Campbell and the Clerk, Mrs M Rees.  Cllr. Davies handed over the role of chairman to Cllr. M. Williams and felt confident that he would fulfil the position in a competent manner.

Cllr. M. Williams thanked Cllr. G. Davies for his commitment over the last year and also thanked his colleagues for nominating him as chairman.

13/08 APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR

 

It was proposed by Cllr. L. Hughes and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan  that Cllr. C. Moses be appointed as vice-chairman.  Cllr. Moses accepted the post and thanked members.

 

13/09 MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATION

 

It was proposed by Cllr. G. Davies and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan to continue affiliation to Un Llais Cymru and that the chairman and vice-chairman be the nominated councillors to represent quarterly Area Committee meetings and to receive newsletters, bulletins and meeting notifications etc. Also, it was agreed by council that membership to CTA (Carmarthenshire Tourist Association) be continued as they were hosting the community website.

 

13/10 TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES FOR VARIOUS BODIES

 

i.  Court Henry Reading Room  –  Cllr. M. Williams

ii. Un Llais Cymru – Cllr. M. Williams and Cllr. C. Moses

iii. Court Henry School – Cllr. L. Hughes

 

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

It was resolved that the next Annual General Meeting of Llangathen Community Council would be announced in March 2014.

.                       Signed…………………………………….       Date………………………………………..

CYNGOR CYMDEITHAS LLANGATHEN

LLANGATHEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Llangathen Community Council held on Tuesday, 18^th March 2014 at The Reading Room, Court Henry.

Present: Cllrs. M. Williams (chair), G. Davies, H. James, M. Wynne, E. Morgan, C.Moses, L.Hughes and S.Collins.

In attendance were County Cllr. C. Campbell and the clerk, Mrs M Rees.

 

13/44 APOLOGIES

There were no apologies for absence.

13/45 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Cllrs. L. Hughes and S. Collins declared an interest as school governors of Court Henry primary school and therefore did not participate in any discussion regarding the school.

13/46 MINUTES

It was proposed by Cllr. H.James and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan that the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st January 2014 be accepted as a correct record of proceedings.

13/47 MATTERS ARISING

 Min 13/36 (1) JUNCTION NEAR CROSS INN CHAPEL, DRYSLWYN

As the hedge at this junction has been cut back to the base then it was considered that no further action would be necessary.  It will be necessary for growth to be cut back during the growing season and therefore this will be monitored by members.  The clerk would advise Stuart Quick of CCC.

 Min 13/36 (2) BUS SHELTER AT BROAD OAK

No further information to report.  To review next month.

 Min 13/36(3) STABLE BLOCK IN FIELD NEAR RHYD YR AFON / GLANDDU, BROAD OAK

Cllr. C. Campbell reported that he had been in discussions with Mr A Robinson-Redmond who had confirmed that he would be dismantling and selling the stables at this location.  To review next month.

Min 13/36 (4) DRYSLWYN SQUARE – A40

Following a discussion regarding the safety of motorists at this location, the clerk was asked to write to South Wales Trunk Road Agency at Neath to request the re-instatement of red hatch markings.

 Min 13/36 (5) COMMUNITY WEBSITE

The web site www.llangathen.org.uk has now been established.  Members had looked over the site and were very please with the product.  Minutes of meetings would now be displayed on the site, also contact details of the clerk, councillors names and the name and telephone number of the County councillor.  A brief résumé on the history of Llangathen had been provided by Mr D T Davies.  This would now form part of the home page and the clerk would arrange with Menter Bro Dinefwr for a translation into Welsh.

Min 13/36 (6) BRIDGE OVER RIVER MYDDYFI, NEAR GLANMYDDYFI, PENTREFELIN

The clerk was asked to write to Mr Pilliner of CCC for an update on the situation regarding advisory road width signage at this location.

 Min 13/36 (7) VILLAGE GREEN, BROAD OAK

David Rice Forestry had carried out a survey on the oak trees at the above location.  He had issued a tree Health and Safety report.  An invoice was also attached.

 Min 13/36 (8) ROAD CONDITION NEAR GLANDDU, BROAD OAK

It was reported that the road condition at this location remains far from ideal.  The tarmac on the edges of both sides of the road are cracking and giving way, the ditches are very much lower that the road.  The clerk to contact Stuart Quick of CCC once again.

Min 13/36 (9) AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, LAN FARM, BROAD OAK.

Planning Enforcement Officer for CCC., Mr Kevin Jones had advised that a Planning Contravention Notice had been served to the owner.  Evidence in the form of a Certificate of Lawfulness application will be requested and also an application for retrospective planning.  R Carmichael, Habitat and Conservation officer, CCC., has advised that an inspection of the land would take place and where trees and hedges have been removed the owner will be advised of the species of plant material required in order to reinstate the landscape.

 Min 13/36 (10) RIVER LASH, DRYSLWYN SQUARE, DRYSLWYN

The clerk was requested to contact South Wales Trunk Road Agency in Neath in order request that maintenance be carried out to the culvert carrying Nant Lash under the A40 Trunk Road.  It should be noted that the work will need to be carried out during the drier, summer months.

 Min 13/36 (11) OVERHANGING BRANCH – HAFOD NEDDYN / CILWERN BROAD OAK

The clerk to contact CCC regarding the overhanging branch.

 13/48 CORRESPONDENCE

The following items of correspondence were discussed and noted:

1.  D G Morris Accountancy Service – Reminder of year end accounts service

2.  WG – Draft Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Regulations 2014 and Related Statutory Guidance.

3.  Carmarthenshire Environment Partnership – Climate Change and Community Resilience for Carmarthenshire Future Generations -Join the National Conversation, Halliwell Centre, 26/3/14

4.  CCC – Information on Vacancy Procedure for Town and Community Councils

5.  Lloyds Bank           January Statement – £11430.19

February Statement – £9822.57

6.  Zurich Municipal – Offer of Quotation for Insurance.

7.  CCC – Seminar for Management / Maintenance of Playgrounds – Stebonheath Club, Llanelli, 11/3/14

8.  HM Revenue & Customs – Paying your PAYE electronically

9.  WG – Local Government (Wales) Byelaws Act 2012 – Implementation

10. Un Llais Cymru –   Motions for 2014 Annual Conference / AGM

Wales this Week Survey – Burial Plot Survey – the survey was duly completed and returned.

11.  Dyffryn Cennen Community Council – Petition of Swimming Pool – details were forwarded to Cllrs. M Williams and C Moses.

12.  CCC – Invitation to a Public Transport Seminar Hosed by CCC – 14/2/14 – all members were advised

13.  David Rice Forestry – Tree Health and Safety Report, Broad Oak

14. CCC – Asset Transfer

Brochures /  Circulars

1.  Wicksteed plays capes

2.  Clerks and Councils Direct

3.  Yr Ardd

4.  Second Life Products Wales Ltd

Requests for Financial Assistance

1.  Menter Bro Dinefwr

2.  Y Lloffwr

3.  Prism

4.  Radio Beca

5.  NSPCC

6.  Victim Support

7.  Catch Up Ltd

8.  Kidney Wales Foundation – Walk for Life – 27/4/14

9.  Blaenau Tywi – Urdd Gobaith Cymru

10. Teenage Cancer Trust

11. Cruse Bereavement Care

12. Domestic Abuse Services

13/49 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques duly prepared:

 

£

 

Victoria Lewis Designs

(website development)                                                                      500.00

 

C Raymond

(Cutting grass on village green, Broad Oak, 2013)                275.00

 

Carmarthenshire County Council

Footway Lighting Charges

( 1^st Apr 2013-31^st March 2014)                                             1607.62

 

M Rees – Clerks Expenses                                                            76.24

M Rees – Clerks Salary – (February/March)                       266.66

 

Court Henry Reading Room

(hire of hall – 6 x £15)                                                                     90.00

 

David Rice Forestry

(Tree health survey – Broad Oak)                                            110.00

 

13/50  PLANNING PERMISSION

The following applications were considered by the Council and their observations noted.

 

APPLICANT                          DEVELOPMENT                                          LOCATION

 

Ran Projects                            Extension of East Elevation and                    The Old Estate Office,

Antonios Loizou                     Creation of Covered Porch                             Llangathen, Carmarthen

 

No objections

 

Mrs Barbara Prentice              Certificate for a Lawful Development,          Castle House, Dryslwyn,

Certificate for an Existing use of 1 House     Carmarthen.

as 2 properties

 

No comments, application subsequently withdrawn

 

13/51 PLANNING PERMISSION

Carmarthenshire County Council advised on the planning decision on the following:

 

E / 29353 – To retain lean to adjacent to shed to provide clean and tidy storage of agricultural machines/parts.  To provide cover in order to extend the use of the caravan used for respite at Ffos yr Esgob, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo, for Mr Saraj Guha – permission refused.

E / 29488 – Certificate for a lawful development certificate for an existing use of 1 house as 2 properties at Castle House, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen for Mrs Barbara Prentice – application withdrawn.

E / 29274 – Certificate of Lawfulness for a garage, polytunnels, residential unit and garage/workshop at Joroma, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo for Mr John Bristow – permission granted.

13/52 COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT

County Cllr. Cefin Campbell provided clarification regarding the “Review of Electoral Arrangements.”  The Communities of Llangathen, Llanfihangel Aberbythych and Llanarthney will now be combined to form a single electoral division.  The name of the electoral division will be Llanfihangel Aberbythych.

Cllr. Campbell also gave a brief report regarding the situation at Carmarthenshire County Council and the account given by the Wales Audit Office regarding two payments allegedly unlawful made to the Head of CCC.   He advised that the matter was now being investigated by the  Gloucester Constabulary. The full council meeting held on 27^th February 2014 in the Council Chamber attracted some 2,700 viewers via  webcast.

Carmarthenshire County Council are aiming to cut back on costs by up to  £30 million.

When asked what the situation was regarding the Welsh Governments plans regarding re-organisation, he advised that no definite decisions had been made.

 

13/53 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / DONATIONS

A list of organisations requesting financial assistance was issued to members.  After discussion, it was resolved to donate funds to the following:

 

£

Yr Ystafell Ddarllen                                                   500.00

Cylch Meithrin a Ti a Fi Cwrt Henri                    550.00

Ysgol Cwrt Henri                                                        350.00

C.Ff.I / YFC Sir Gâr                                                   100.00

C.Ff.I / YFC Clwb Llanfynydd                             150.00

Y Lloffwr                                                                        50.00

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Sir Gâr 2014             70.00

Wales Air Ambulance                                              100.00

 

The clerk to arrange for the cheques to be forwarded to the relevant organisations.

 

13/54 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1.  Graham Noakes, Planning Officer, CCC., had contacted the clerk following her invitation for a member of the planning department to attend a council meeting in order to clarify some planning points.  The clerk was requested to arrange for Mr Noakes to attend the next council meeting if this was convenient to him.

2.  It was reported that due to very large vehicles frequenting the road passing Sunny Bank, Llangathen, this was causing the hedge banks to collapse and creating very muddy and slippery conditions for the standard motorist.  The clerk to contact CCC for comments regarding signage at this location.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

It was resolved that the next meeting together with the Annual General Meeting of Llangathen Community Council would be held on Tuesday 20^th May 2014 at the Reading Room, Court Henry at 7.30pm.

 

 

 

Signed…………………………….

 

Date…………………………………. .

CYNGOR CYMDEITHAS LLANGATHEN

LLANGATHEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Llangathen Community Council held on Tuesday, 21^st January 2014 at The Reading Room, Court Henry.

 

Present: Cllrs. G. Davies (acting chair), H. James, M. Wynne, E. Morgan and S.Collins.

 

In attendance was the clerk, Mrs M Rees.

 

13/33 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. M. Williams, L. Hughes, C.Moses and County Councillor C. Campbell.

 

13/34 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

13/35 MINUTES

 

It was proposed by Cllr. G. Davies and seconded by Cllr. E. Morgan that the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th November 2013 be accepted as a correct record of proceedings.

 

13/36 MATTERS ARISING

 

Min 13/27 (2) JUNCTION NEAR CROSS INN CHAPEL, DRYSLWYN

 

The clerk had received a reply from Stuart Quick of CCC.  He stated that having discussed the matter with the Bio Diversity and Planning Departments, he had been informed that the hedge would have to be repositioned or transposed and not removed.  In order to resubmit dedication details it is necessary to advise/confirm the landowners details.  The completion of works would be subject to funding.  The clerk to contact Cllr. L. Hughes regarding ownership details for forwarding to Mr Quick.

 

 

Min 13/27 (3) BUS SHELTER AT BROAD OAK

 

No further information to report.  To review next month.

 

Min 13/27 (4) STABLE BLOCK IN FIELD NEAR RHYD YR AFON / GLANDDU, BROAD OAK

 

No information to report.  The clerk to contact CCC Planning Department to check the current position on the matter.

 

Min 13/27 (5) DRYSLWYN SQUARE – A40

 

No further information to report.  To review next month.

 

Min 13/27 (6) COMMUNITY WEBSITE

Cllr. G. Davies and the clerk had been making enquiries regarding the setting up of a website. Following an application, a cheque for the sum of £500 had been received from CCC for the website development. It was resolved to liaise with Justin Lewis of Burry Port in order to proceed with the development of website to enable the Community Council to publish information and be contactable through the internet.  Also, a decision was made that  members details held on the website would be restricted to names and addresses only.

 

Min 13/27 (8) BRIDGE OVER RIVER MYDDYFI, NEAR GLANMYDDYFI, PENTREFELIN

 

No further information was available following Mr Pilliner of CCC’, letter dated 18^th October 2013.  To review next month.

 

Min 13/27 (10) VILLAGE GREEN, BROAD OAK

 

Despite the clerk contacting local Tree Surgeon in order to carry out a survey of the trees at this site, no response had been made to date.  The clerk was requested to contact Mr Martin to discuss the situation.

 

Min 13/27 (9) ROAD CONDITION NEAR GLANDDU, BROAD OAK

 

The clerk had not received a reply from Highways, CCC regarding the commencement but unfinished work at this location.  It has now been observed that the inclement weather conditions of late were causing severe ponding and there are concerns regarding the water run off.  The clerk to contact CCC once again.

 

 

Min 13/27 (10) AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, LAN FARM, BROAD OAK.

 

Enforcement planning officer for CCC, Kevin Jones had contacted the clerk in connection with this matter.  It has now transpired that there may be other buildings that had not been granted planning permission.  The clerk was requested to contact Mr Jones and also R Carmichael, Habitat and Conservation officer. CCC.

 

Min 13/2 (11) RIVER LASH, DRYSLWYN SQUARE, DRYSLWYN

 

To be reviewed next month.

 

Min 13/32 (2) OVERHANGING BRANCH – HAFOD NEDDYN / CILWERN BROAD OAK

 

The clerk to contact CCC regarding the overhanging branch.

 

13/37 CORRESPONDENCE

 

The following items of correspondence were discussed and noted:

 

1.  Review of County Electoral Arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire.  The clerk to make a note and request Cllr. C. Campbell to clarify at the next meeting.

2.  CCC – Town & Community Council Website Development Grant – payment received £500

3.  CCC – Review of Polling districts and Polling Places in Carmarthen

4.  Un Llais Cymru      –           Training Programme January – July 2014

Buckingham Palace Garden Parties – the application form to be given to Cllr. M. Williams.

–           Minutes of Carmarthenshire Area Committee 16/10/13

–           Notification of next Area Committee meeting – 22/1/14 – Llanelli

5.  CCC – Precept Remittance Advice – £2400

6.  Western Power Distribution – Invitation to stakeholder workshops with lunch – February 2014

7.  Welsh Government – Revocation and Remaking of The Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2005 (S12005/368)

8.  CCC – County Liaison Forum – 17/12/13

9.  Lloyds Bank – October 2013 Statement – £8925.09

–  December 2013 Statement – £11275.09

10. Carmarthenshire Environment Partnership – Seminar March 2014

11. Un Llais Cymru / CCC – Town and Community Council County Liaison Forum – 17/12/13, 20/5/14 and 20/9/14.

12. CCC – Consultation – Council Tax Reduction Scheme from April 2014

13. David Saunders – Swimming Pool Petition

14. Brechfa Forest and Llanllwni Mountain Cluster Group – meeting 5/12/13 – members e-mailed.

Brochures /  Circulars

1.  The Voice (Un Llais Cymru)

2.  Glasdon

3.  Clerks & Councils Direct

Requests for Financial Assistance

1.  Llyfrau Llafar Cymru / Talking Books Wales

2.  Marie Curie Nurses in Carmarthenshire

3.  Clwb Fi a Fe, Llanarthne

 

13/38 PRECEPT REQUIREMENT 2014 / 2015

The precept requirement for 2014 / 2015 was requested by Carmarthenshire County Council.  Details of “Footway Lighting” charges for the financial year had been received and also details of Section 137 Expenditure Limit for 2014/15 – this being £7.20 per elector. Copies of estimated expenditure had been prepared by the clerk for the coming financial year, and circulated amongst members for discussion.

It was resolved that the clerk should receive a salary increase of £200, taking her annual salary to £1600.

After discussing the financial situation, it was resolved that the precept requirement for 2014/15 be £7,000.  This figure being £200 less than the previous financial year.  The clerk and acting chair duly signed the form which will be forwarded to Resources Department, CCC.

 

13/39 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

 

The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques duly prepared:

£

 

M Rees – Clerks Expenses                                             78.24

 

M Rees – Clerks Salary – (December/January)            266.66

 

13/40  PLANNING PERMISSION

 

 

The following applications were considered by the Council and their observations noted.

 

APPLICANT              DEVELOPMENT                                                      LOCATION

 

Mr Saraj Guha             Retain Lean to to shed, provide clean and                 Ffos yr Esgob, Capel Isaac,

E/ 29353                      tidy storage of agricultural machines/parts                 Llandeilo

to provide cover in order to extend the use of

the caravan used for respite.

No objections

 

Mr & Mrs C                Access road and gate adjoining U4003 road              Ysgwyn Fach, Capel Isaac,

Phillips                                                                                                Llandeilo

E/29180

 

No comments

 

Mr John Bristow         Certificate of Lawfulness for a garage, polytunnels   Jeroma, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo

E/29274                       Residential unit and garage/workshop

 

Members were concerned that an application made in 2010 -E/24078 – for change of use from stables to dwelling had been declined in 2011, appears to have been ignored.  The clerk had been in discussion with Ceri Davies and Kevin Jones, CCC, planning department, and it appears that an enforcement order should have been issued but was not pursued.   The clerk to write to Eifion Bowen, Head of Planning, CCC, expressing members concerns and disappointment that procedures were not followed.

 

 

Thomas Lloyd             Re-instatement of missing detailing to stone               Cwrt Henry Mansion,

columns of porch.  Take down and rebuild chimneys Dryslwyn

to match original detailing including brick size,

courses etc

 

No objections

 

13/41 PLANNING PERMISSION

 

Carmarthenshire County Council advised on the planning decision on the following:

 

To retain two static caravans on the grounds of the property that have been there over 10 years at Ysgwyn Fach, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo for Mr and Mrs C Phillips – permission granted.

 

To retain alterations to an existing field access (including widening the vehicular access and formation of hard standing and access track)  at land near Hafod Farm, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo for Mr Mir Hadin – permission granted.

 

To retain access road and gate adjoining U4003 road at Ysgwyn Fach, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo for Mr and Mrs C Phillips – permission granted.

 

13/42 COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT

 

County Councillor C Campbell had offered his apologies for being absent and will provide a report at the next meeting.

 

13/43 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

1.  Concern had been expressed regarding the poor service received from BT following the recent stormy weather.  Lines had come down during the storms and no repairs had been made in two weeks and a further delay of another week was being quoted by the BT staff.  This meant that householders – especially in the Broad Oak area – were without a telephone/broadband service.  Cllr. G. Davies volunteered to look into the matter and report at the next meeting.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

 

It was resolved that the next meeting of Llangathen Community Council would be held on Tuesday 18^th March 2014 at  the Reading Room, Court Henry at 7.30pm.

 

Signed…………………………….

 

Date…………………………………. .