GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR
Minutes of the Meeting of Council held at Gowerton Con Club on Wednesday 1 September 2021
PRESENT: Councillors Gareth Evans, Ann Guard, Viv Davies, Amanda Guard, Linda Bolchover, Lyneth Snodden-Howells, Paul Emmerton, Matt Palmer Clerk to the Council: Allison James. Also present – Brian Edy, via Teams.
28. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr Barbara Small, Cllr Peter Morgan
29. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS: None
30. MEETINGS WITH: None required
31. TO RECEIVE ANY PUBLIC REPRESENTATION – Mr Billy Howes
Mr Howes attended the meeting to tell us about the bakery he and his partner, Miss Tasha Small started during lockdown. They are working from home at the moment,, but as the business has grown, they needed new premises. They made enquiries in the village and are in the process of renting the former Tanning Station,
They will be open for takeaway coffee, pies, sausage rolls, bread etc. and are looking to provide a different market to what is already on Sterry Road and attract more people to the village.
They are going to be making Artisan bread in another premises in Loughor to perform the production side. The timescale for opening will be around 8 weeks.
Gowerton Community Council would like to wish Mr Howes and Miss Small every success in their venture.
Mr Howes left the meeting at 19.43
32. COUNCIL MINUTES: 7 July 2021
.
a) The Minutes were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr Amanda Guard, Seconded by Cllr Susan Jones.
b) Matters Arising: The written report of the Clerk regarding matters arising and subsequent actions taken were noted.
33. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT BY THE WARD MEMBER:
Cllr Sue Jones
During this time, I have attended the Teams Meeting with the Council. There is no indication that this will alter during the immediate future. It has been quite a busy time with many individuals asking for advice or for help to solve situations.
The building of Y.G.G is progressing, and I know that the residents of Park Road will be relieved when all the continual lorries and machinery have completed. The continual beeping of reversing lorries is from early morning to late teatime will be a great thing to cease. Hopefully, this will not be for too much longer.
The building site at the Cefn Gorwydd has had some concerns for the residents of Gorwydd Road and I have spoken to the developer regarding these issues. The building of this site is predicted to be about 139 weeks from start to finish and the disruption to that area will be a trial for the residents.
I have undertaken a number of litter picks in the area and would appeal to all residents to look after our Community.
The “Walk and Talk” Group has continued over the Summer, and the group have now progressed to having a Coffee after the Session. Can I again say “If you want some fresh air, a chat, or some gentle exercise” please join us. All are welcome on Wednesdays’ meeting at the Elba Carpark at 10.00 am.
During this month I have visited many of the businesses in Gowerton, giving information of the Recovery Fund being organised by the City and County of Swansea. If I have missed anyone - Please contact with me. I have also given information about grants to many of the groups and organisations in the village. It is very important that we all support local businesses. I am also looking at projects for the village from the Recovery Fund.
During the last week we have seen another collision with the Railway Bridge - the knock on effect of the gridlocked traffic highlights the volume of vehicles that travel through Gowerton. This situation should be considered when Planning Applications for new houses is submitted. Gowerton is the crossroads of the whole area.
I have received much criticism for the state of the park in Park Road. The refurbishment has not been completed yet and I have applied for grants to assist. There has been much said of the vandalism in this area and I am trying to install cameras to help combat this. I would like to thank those people that helped to cut back the lane from the footpath to Heol y Gog. This was very heartening to see so many who were prepared to help. A big Thank you to you all. If anyone is prepared to look at forming a “Friends of the Park” group. Please could you contact me.
Below are the projects that I have used my Community Budget for over this council session. Prior costs for the park are on previous Council Sessions. I have an amount still to spend, as I am awaiting the cameras for the park and trying to arrange for a coffee pod at the Elba, there are also some highway situations that need funding. I hope this gives a flavour of my work in the village.
Gowerton Ward |
2017/22 |
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Cllr Susan Jones |
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Income |
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£35,000.00 |
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Total |
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Donation |
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£15,000.00 |
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£50,000.00 |
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Scheme Ref Number |
Date Requested |
Estimate |
Total Balance Available to Date |
Project Description |
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CB0.446 |
28/11/17 |
£1,900.00 |
£33,100.00 |
Xmas lights around sheltered complex in Llys Elba & Dan Yr Allt |
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FM0299 |
1/2/18 |
£2,000.00 |
£31,100.00 |
Contribution to Gowerton Comprehensive for drainage issues |
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FM0325 |
27/4/18 |
£150.00 |
£30,950.00 |
Contribution to Gowerton School for Materials to build bird boxes |
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CB0.511 |
13/4/18 |
£200.00 |
£30,750.00 |
Wild Flower Planting Bryn-Y-Mor Rd & various Sites |
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CB0.588 |
11/9/18 |
£650.00 |
£30,100.00 |
WW1 Memorial Seat at the Elba PF |
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FM0361 |
20/9/18 |
£192.00 |
£29,908.00 |
Payment for Veterans Club in Rechabite Community Hall |
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CBO.618 |
15/11/18 |
£1,800.00 |
£28,108.00 |
Dropped Kerbs at Ffos Felin Gowerton |
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FM0384 |
28/1/19 |
£600.00 |
£27,508.00 |
Payment for external Cabinet for Defibrillator to Gowerton RFC |
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FM0396 |
18/3/19 |
£192.00 |
£27,316.00 |
Payment for Veterans Club in Rechabite Community Hall for a further 6 Months |
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FM0412 |
6/6/19 |
£360.00 |
£26,956.00 |
S & F Dectors for Scout Hut |
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CB0.753 |
1/10/19 |
£200.00 |
£26,756.00 |
Deep Clean Bus Shelter on Victoria Road Gowerton |
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FM0437 |
4/11/19 |
£464.00 |
£26,292.00 |
Payment for Notice board in Gowerton Primary School |
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FM0442 |
15/11/19 |
£100.00 |
£26,192.00 |
Tree Planting Scheme |
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FM0456 |
4/2/20 |
£168.00 |
£26,024.00 |
Payment for Handmade Signs in memory of Elba Colliery |
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FM0501 |
7/8/20 |
£105.62 |
£25,918.38 |
4 Imprint Ltd for shop local bags |
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FM0505 |
14/9/20 |
£300.00 |
£25,618.38 |
Donation to St John's Church for a deep clean |
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FM0509 |
28/9/20 |
£500.00 |
£25,118.38 |
Payment for Marque for lunch time Gowerton Comp |
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CB0.906 |
3/11/20 |
£203.00 |
£24,915.38 |
Planting of daffodil bulbs |
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CB0.928 |
4/12/20 |
£5,500.00 |
£19,415.38 |
S & F 2 lighting Columns on footpath Mount Pleascent/Park Rd |
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Total |
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Batch Header Ref |
Date Requested |
Donation Budget £15,000.00 |
Total Balance Available to Date |
Project Description |
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FM0291 |
10/1/18 |
£500.00 |
£14,500.00 |
Gowerton RFC for equipment for Girls Rugby |
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FM0338 |
20/6/18 |
£250.00 |
£14,250.00 |
Donation to Gowerton Cricket Club Girls |
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Donation |
11/11/18 |
£30.00 |
£14,220.00 |
Lamppost Poppies |
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FM0388 |
11/2/19 |
£40.00 |
£14,180.00 |
Donation to Gowerton Primary School for Poppy Wreaths |
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FM0413 |
10/6/19 |
£300.00 |
£13,880.00 |
Donation to Veteran's Club for an event on the 3rd August |
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FM0436 |
29/10/19 |
£500.00 |
£13,380.00 |
Donation to Gowerton Amateur Production towards projects |
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FM0549 |
4/3/21 |
£1,000.00 |
£12,380.00 |
Donation to Gowerton RFC towards access path for wheelchair |
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Total Donations |
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£2,620.00 |
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CB0.881.CP |
Capital Scheme |
£15,000.00 |
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Creating a footpath linking to Pelican Crossing Clos Helig |
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Capital Scheme |
£6,000.00 |
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During this month there has been a celebration to dedicate the new electric score board at the Cricket Club to Dyson Rees. Who started scoring at the club in 1964. It was a lovely afternoon which was enjoyed by all. I also attended the stakeholders meeting at the Cricket Club to look at improving the facilities for the Children of Gowerton. I am looking forward to seeing this development to improve for both Rugby and Cricket in Gowerton for boys and girls.
I have introduced Donna Kendall (Local Area Coordinator) to Alex Pye (Vicar of both Gowerton and Waunarlwydd) to ensure that we are all aware of the work she is doing in our area with individuals.
There are moves to restart my surgeries in Gowerton Library and when this has been agreed I will inform all.
A sink hole has appeared in one of the Cul-de-Sacs in the Ballard site which is being dealt with by the City and County of Swansea. This situation will take a few weeks to remedy.
The pavement in a section of Gorwydd Road has been resurfaced during the last few weeks. I received a complaint regarding the uneven surface of the pavement by a lady who is a wheelchair user, and I am grateful for this being remedied.
I would like to thank Kier Contractor for the donation of the flag pole which has been installed in the Triangle near the Coop, and also thank the volunteers for their help with this project. Currently, the Welsh Flag is flying well in the village.
The meeting that was arranged to look at the Elba Sports area and the possibility of a Coffee Pod being allowed has taken place and I am awaiting an update of this suggestion.
A horse chestnut tree was donated by Mr Bond in Church Street. This cutting was originally taken from St Johns Church. It has now been planted near the Elba.
There is a problem with water in Cecil Road going into Sterry Road. I have arranged to get a drainage specialist to take a look at this.
Stay Safe all, during this Pandemic.
34. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
Dyson scoreboard – Official opening on Saturday, 14th August, 2021
This event was to honour Dyson Rees for his outstanding contribution to Gowerton Cricket club over many decades which included the following;
Team scorer 1954 -2006
Assistant secretary 1957 -2015
Treasurer Gowerton Athletic club 1964 -2015. A fantastic achievement for a gentleman to have given so much to his club and his community.
S106 Agreement between developers and Local Authorities.
A letter was sent from OVW to Lee Waters, MS; “I write with reference to discussions held at our last National Executive Committee (NEC) of OVW where the topics of Section 106 agreement . In relation to Sect 106 the Chair. Gareth Evans put forward the following proposal;
This agreement is fatally flawed under the existing legislation; the Developer can ask a LA for a reduction in the agreed contribution due to previously unforeseen costs. I submit that once a contribution has been agreed it cannot be reduced to financially benefit the Developer at the detriment of the community. It should be a legally binding agreement that is non-negotiable.
I am sure this practice goes on across Wales and Communities will continue to be disadvantaged unless we see change .Our Community has lost over £500k due to a reduction sought by the Developer which was earmarked for the local education. How can we build resilient communities when we lose so much?
I hope that this proposed change will be supported by members so we can lobby Welsh Government accordingly
The National Executive Committee unanimously supported this proposal and would welcome the Deputy Minister considering the matter and subsequently taking steps to end this practice which is having such a detrimental impact on community benefits from developments for communities across Wales.
The National Executive Committee would only be too happy to meet the Deputy Minister to discuss the impacts on communities across Wales. It was suggested that a group of NEC members with the OVW Chair and Chief Executive should request a meeting with the Minister to discuss the issues as well as possible solutions.”
Training of Councillors
Training sessions are available through OVW, members to contact Clerk to arrange accordingly.
Enforcement Order – 9, Bishwell Rd
Planning officer met with Legal Department and are writing to the owners and given a deadline to complete the completion of the outstanding tidy-up to comply within 2-3 weeks. Should no significant action be taken by the owners, legal action will then be enforced forthwith.
Swansea Bay University Health Board
SBUHB are currently engaging on changes they are making to Older peoples mental health services. There is an Engagement document outlining the proposals and the period to respond until 12th September, 2021.
35A. REPORT OF THE CLERK
36 (B) FINANCIAL MATTERS
Order Number |
Cheque number or payment type |
Date |
Creditor |
Subject |
Net |
VAT |
Total |
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36 |
bacs |
01/07/2021 |
1 and 1 IONOS |
Website |
54 |
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37 |
bacs |
01/07/2021 |
Clerk Office Allowance |
Qtr 2 |
200 |
0 |
200 |
38 |
bacs |
02/07/2021 |
HP Instant Ink |
Charges up to 1 July 2021 |
13.74 |
2.75 |
16.49 |
39 |
bacs |
09/07/2021 |
Clerk Mileage |
Mileage costs |
42.75 |
0 |
42.75 |
40 |
bacs |
09/07/2021 |
Calon Heart |
Defibrillator |
1312 |
0 |
1312 |
41 |
bacs |
16/07/2021 |
Clerk Phone Allowance |
July |
38.99 |
||
42 |
bacs |
19/07/2021 |
HMRC |
July |
288.54 |
0 |
288.54 |
43 |
bacs |
23/07/2021 |
Clerk Salary |
July |
816.94 |
0 |
816.94 |
44 |
bacs |
02/08/2021 |
HP Instant Ink |
Charges up to 1 Aug 2021 |
13.74 |
2.75 |
16.49 |
45 |
bacs |
05/08/2021 |
Swansea Council |
Invoice for supply of trees |
280 |
280 |
|
46 |
bacs |
18/08/2021 |
Clerk Phone Allowance |
August |
34.12 |
4.87 |
38.99 |
47 |
bacs |
25/08/2021 |
Clerk Salary |
August |
816.94 |
816.94 |
|
48 |
bacs |
28/08/2021 |
Bay Landscapes Ltd |
July |
202.92 |
40.58 |
243.5 |
49 |
bacs |
28/08/2021 |
Harvester, Gowerton |
Pot of tea and lemonade for meeting with N Ozzazi, WAST. Re Debrillators |
5.49 |
0 |
5.49 |
50 |
bacs |
28/08/2021 |
Asda |
Stationery Items |
6.84 |
0 |
6.84 |
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37(c) CORRESPONDENCE
During the period 1 July to 30 August 2021, we received over 200 emails.
These consisted of emails from Councillors, One Voice Wales, marketing emails etc which need no action.
Emails containing the weekly planning lists were all sent on to Councillors for information before the monthly meeting.
I received an email from Oliver Wickes from Ramblers Cymru who wanted to arrange another meeting re producing leaflets etc for walks. However, it proved quite difficult to get local residents involved and I felt that the onus would fall onto Community Councillors. The contact was passed onto Donna, the Local Area CoOrdinator for the area, who might be better equipped to arrange groups of volunteers.
I received an email from Mr Brian Edy who is interested in becoming a Community Councillor. I rang Mr Edy and he will be joining the meeting via teams to observe.
I received an email from a local resident enquiring whether parking could be available on the site of the old primary school. I replied that the land was being sold and therefore, parking facilities would be highly unlikely.
I’ve also had emails from residents reporting overhanging trees in various locations – all of which have been reported to Swansea Council.
I have had a phone call and email regarding a dispute with some land – I replied that it is not a matter for Community Council, but that legal advice should be sought.
I had a report that the graveyard on Sterry Road was looking overgrown. I contacted Bay Landscapes who kindly cut back around the gravestones and put down weedkiller where appropriate. They have not charged us extra for this service and Community Council would like to express their appreciation of this kind gesture.
The instagram account has 330 followers and 171 posts.
38. QUESTIONS FOR BUSINESS:
39. PLANNING MATTERS
Application No: 2021/1923/TPO Date Registered: 19.07.2021 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258841 195887 Development Type: Tree Preservation Orders Location: 23 Mount Pleasant, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3EN Proposal: To lop or fell one Sycamore tree covered by TPO No. 648 Applicant: Miss Rosemary Phillips Agent
No objections from GCC
Application No: 2021/1918/FUL Date Registered: 27.07.2021 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258107 196239 Development Type: Householder Location: 38 Maes Y Deri, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3GJ Proposal: Single storey side extension Applicant: Mr. Keri Chahal Agent: Mr Mark Thomas
No objections from GCC
Application No: 2021/2110/S73 Date Registered: 10.08.2021 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 259170 196265 Development Type: Variation of Conditions Location: Eclipse , Woodlands, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3DP Proposal: Change of use of Tanning Studio (Class D1) to (Class A1) -(Variation of condition 4 of Planning Permission 2021/1312/FUL granted 1 July 2021 to extend the operating hours to 7am to 9pm on any day) Applicant: Mr Billy Howes Agent
No objections from GCC
Application No: 2021/1877/FUL Date Registered: 17.08.2021 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258148 196434 Development Type: Householder Location: 1 Clos Y Gweydd, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3HF Proposal: Side conservatory Applicant: Mr Frank Mateo
No objections from GCC
Meeting closed at 21.10
Date of next meeting – Wednesday 6 October 2021 at Gowerton Con Club.
Chairperson
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