Among matters considered and discussed at last month’s meeting of Manorbier Community Council were the following:

PLANNING - Residential development of 38 houses (27 open market and 11 affordable homes) on land opposite Bush Terrace, Jameston. Clr. Hannon, who had taken over the chair for this item, reminded members that they had been able to view the documents ahead of the meeting, on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) website, as previously advised by the clerk. He also said that MCC had previously discussed and provided comments to the applicant at pre-planning consultation stage. These had been distilled into 10 main points. These comments had now been reproduced within the applicant’s documents submitted in support of this full planning application and copies had been made available as a helpful reference to councillors for this agenda item. Clr. Hannon suggested council went through these initial 10 points to consider whether these needed to be included (plus any new points) in MCC’s response to PCNPA to this full planning application. Members were content. Clr. Hannon read out each of the points and a summary of the discussions follows:

Haulage routes - Council sustained its original comments in that it felt that PCC should impose tight controls during development to prevent haulage contractors using local single carriageway routes. Routes for contractors should be designated and agreed to avoid single carriageway routes.

Safety on the main road (A4139) - Council again sustained its original comments. Members strongly recommended that a footpath should be installed on the A4139 linking this proposed development with Manorbier School (in Station Road, Manorbier) and Manorbier Railway Station and that traffic calming measures should be introduced on the approaches to Jameston. The applicant had only confirmed that they would be providing a pavement along the frontage of the development. It was very likely that a number of children would be travelling to the school from this residential development along a busy, dangerous road where the speed limit was 50mph and 60mph in places. If no pavement was provided it was likely that pupils would be driven to the school and thus exacerbate traffic (including parking) problems in Station Road, Manorbier. Another residential development was already planned opposite the school.

Existing public footpath through the site - MCC’s original comments were sustained. It was felt a definite plan for the siting of the public footpath throughout the different stages of the development should be produced.

Need to conserve existing features, notably the medieval stone wall - Council noted the detailed comments made by Dyfed Archaeological Trust and by Trysor Archaeology. Clr. Miall said that within the PCNPA Local Development Plan there were objectives that looked to conserve (and restore) the medieval field system. It was felt that this wall was significant to the local character of the area which was within a National Park. Clr. Parker also noted that there were no elevation plans provided from the south (coastal direction) with the application. The proposed screening was important from this direction. The archaeological comments provided did express some concern about this view. Council sustained its original comments and added that it would expect to see a landscape assessment and an assessment of the elevations in respect of the topography of the surroundings.

Proposed play area - The applicant had suggested that there would be scope to gift the play area land to MCC to manage. Council felt that the applicant should provide a viable plan and funds for the development and maintenance of the play area as proposed (although members were unsure what type and size of the play area was being proposed) and that this should demonstrate how it would conform to appropriate safety legislation and guidance. Clr. Long highlighted the overall costs associated with play areas, including insurance costs. Council confirmed that it was not prepared to take on responsibility for a play area at this location.

Sewerage system - Council had expressed concerns, at pre-planning application consultation stage, over the ability of the existing system to cope with the increased demands posed by this development. It had highlighted recent breaches of the system and remedial action taken. Clr. Hannon confirmed that the applicant had now stated that Welsh Water had no objection to the proposal. Council felt that a more detailed explanation of Welsh Water’s comment was required. Council agreed to raise continued concerns over capacity and was surprised that Welsh Water had not had any concerns themselves about the ability of the existing system to cope with this increased demand. Members asked the clerk to write to Welsh Water to seek reassurance that the extra demands were sustainable. Council would comment accordingly to PCPNA and would also await the views of Natural Resources Wales on this observation, too, as suggested by a local resident.

Allotments - Council had previously asked for the provision of some allotments either near or on site. The applicant’s response (they see allotments as more appropriate for city areas) was considered inappropriate. Clr. Hannon noted that many of the best and most successful allotments were located within villages. Members noted, due to the density of the development, many gardens would not be appropriate for the growing of vegetables, particularly those gardens associated with the affordable homes. Council sustained its original comments that some allotments should be provided by the applicant.

 Density of the development - Council had previously commented that the proposed development was considered to be too dense and was out of keeping with a village location. It now wished to re-iterate and sustain this observation and in particular to highlight the density of the affordable housing. Fewer units would be in keeping with a village location that was, after all, located within a National Park. Clr. Parker wondered what would happen if only the affordable housing was built. This would leave an isolated and unattractive development. Clr. Long and Clr. Hannon highlighted the targets placed on PCNPA to provide affordable housing. Clr. Hannon and Clr. Parker noted the high number of affordable homes proposed in MCC’s area.

 Affordable housing - Council sustained its original comments in that it felt that more integration of the open market and affordable housing would aid inclusion. Members felt that more could be undertaken to integrate the development and that the worst elements of a divided community could be created on this site, as the plans currently stood.

 General amenities - MCC had previously highlighted the acute shortage of GPs and dentists in the area. Demands on existing services would be exacerbated by this development. Council accepted that this matter needed wider, more fundamental attention by Hywel Dda University Health Board and accepted that the developer could not be held responsible for this matter. The new LDP would need to consider such issues.

Other comments - Clr. Miall felt that some consideration should be given to the provision of live/work units within the development. This would provide some jobs on a sustainability basis. It appeared that the planning application documents did not cover this issue. Council agreed to ask about this matter in its response to PCNPA. Clr. Parker mentioned the plans to plant trees to the south of Davina Gammon’s property. These would appear to over-shadow her property. This point had been made in a letter sent by Mrs. Gammon to MCC that day. Clr. Hannon suggested that she send her letter to PCNPA as her observations were mainly personal and not planning issues. Clr. Hannon said that any residents with concerns about this development should send their comments to PCNPA.

Summary of discussions - In summary, council felt quite disappointed that many of its original comments had not been adequately addressed by the applicant; it felt that proposals in this major application added very little to the village of Jameston and that some of the development philosophy put forward was not sustainable. It also felt that as this development was one of three large proposed developments within the areas of Jameston and Manorbier Station (Station Road/Buttyland), a strategic development brief/plan should be developed by PCNPA covering all the three sites, including for the area around Manorbier School and Manorbier railway station.

Following the discussions, Clr. Parker proposed that the application be recommended for refusal; seconded by Clr. Clark. Vote taken - five in favour, one abstention.

Extension to lounge on the front elevation; porch to be added and reposition chimney at Swallows Loft, Jameston. Approval recommended.

Matters Arising from the minutes

The clerk reported that:

• Western Power Distribution had completed remedial work to power supply cabling in Manorbier Newton. Mr. N. Brickell was thanked for keeping MCC informed.

• Manorbier Castle had responded to MCC’s letter about the setting off of fireworks without warning in Manorbier. Manorbier Castle had confirmed that it did not allow fireworks at the castle or in the grounds. The Castle Mead Hotel had yet to respond. The clerk was asked to send another letter to the Castle Mead Hotel.

• The clerk reported that Pembrokeshire County Council’s (PCC) Waste Strategy Officer had sent MCC’s views on the new Environmental Enforcement Contract and the matter of provision and emptying of litter bins to Neil McCarthy at PCC, as manager responsible.

• PCC had confirmed that the Himalayan Balsam in Haylands Lane had been dealt with and would be checked again next year. PCC reported that there was no evidence of it growing in adjacent fields. Clr. Miall said he had checked and could not see any growing.

Correspondence

• Letter from Peter and Jane Kidney setting out their concerns on the way the Pavilion and North sports field, Manorbier, were being looked after and requesting the severing of the lease agreement with the land given back. Members requested that the clerk seek clarification from Manorbier United Football Club (MUFC) that the club still existed and if so, were copies of its constitution, minutes (including of the AGM) and audited accounts available. Clr. Hughes and Clr. Clark noted there was old machinery, artificial grass and lumps of concrete dumped within the boundaries of the field, although some had been recently removed. Clr. Hughes confirmed that hedges had been recently cut back. Clr. Hannon and Cllr Parker asked about obligations set out in the superior lease and underlease.

Clr. Marcia Kidney proposed that the matter be placed on the agenda for the December meeting to enable the clerk to seek more information from MUFC. All were in favour of this

Clr. Hannon also suggested that a representative from MUFC be invited along to the public participation session at the December meeting to give their views.

• Email from Amroth Community Council about the effect of recently introduced PCNPA car parking charges on the local economy. It was noted that Manorbier Beach car park had seen charges imposed for some years and that charges were proposed (not yet introduced) at Skrinkle headland (not the YHA car park). No further comments.

• Two road closures due to level crossing inspections in Manorbier/Manorbier Newton at various times (during the night) on December 17-19.

County Councillor’s Report

County Clr. Phillip Kidney provided the following report:

• PCC had produced a report on response times by its Contact Centre. Waiting times and abandoned calls had reduced since August 2018. Clr. Hughes reported that he had recently had to wait for over 10 and 12 minutes on two separate occasions, but had received an apology from PCC.

• John Haswell, PCC Director of Finance, had been recently quoted as saying Council Tax would rise by 28 per cent. I nfact, he had said that, to balance the books, Council Tax needed to rise by 28 per cent.

• Car park at Manorbier Station - Darren Thomas, PCC, had provided County Clr. Kidney with a contact at the new rail operator (Huw Evans, stakeholder liaison officer). Mr. Evans had offered to meet with MCC and County Clr. Kidney in December to discuss this matter (and that of safety at the Beavers Hill crossing).

• Car parking issues in Cob Lane, Jameston - PCC had confirmed that obstruction matters were the responsibility of the Police.

• The flooding at Beavers Hill had receded, but was being monitored. Flooding could also be caused by the tide at this point.

• PCC would be checking the poor state of some walls in Manorbier. Landowners would receive a letter from PCC if deemed appropriate.

Action Tracking

Installation of a vehicle actuated speed (VAS) sign in MCC’s area. County Clr. Kidney agreed to ask the local PCSO to contact Clr. Hughes.

Jameston Play Area - inspections and vegetation update: Hedges had now been cut back by Pembrokeshire Fencing. Clr. Williams provided the latest monthly inspection report. No issues. Clr. Williams was thanked for undertaking the MCC inspections.

North and South sports fields, Manorbier: Hedges cut back. Clr. Williams asked about the secondhand roller purchased by MCC for MUFC. Clr. Hughes said that if the lease on North sports field was surrendered, the roller would be stored in South sports field and maintained by MCC. Clr. Williams said that South Ridgeway Community Association had received the Welsh Government grant for the proposed new sports centre.

Diversion of Public Footpath SP23/9, Park Farm: PCNPA had confirmed that wardens were due to start work and install gates and signage.

OTHER MATTERS

To consider an update on installation of the De Barri Coat of Arms on signage in MCC’s area: Clr. Marcia Kidney had visited Picton Castle and had discovered that there were various versions of the Coat of Arms, but awaited feedback from Clr. Hall on any discussions he had had with Gerald Codd. Clr. Parker said she had spoken with Mr. Codd and he had said that he had not asked for a coat of arms (perhaps just a shield) to be placed on signage. Members agreed no further action until they had heard back from Clr. Hall.

Clr. Marcia Kidney confirmed that the defibrillator had now been installed at Jameston Village Hall and that training on its use was going to be provided by Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders immediately ahead of the December council meeting.

To consider and approve funding for Jameston Community Association (JCA) for the purchase of the village hall driveway from PCC: Members discussed and had various questions that required answering by JCA before making a decision. These were around the cost; method of payment of any grant (staged payments); possibility of extending the existing lease and availability of funding from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant (or other funding streams). MCC would also need to discuss how any payment would be made, e.g. via a donation through Section 137 or other powers.

Clr. Clark proposed that council agree in principle to JCA’s request, subject to satisfactory information being made available on the matters discussed and that the request be discussed again at their December meeting. All in favour.

Emergency Items

Clr. Williams reported that the Bier House rear door had been sticking and was now jammed. A grab handle needed to be fitted and some planing was required. Members were content for Clr. Williams to undertake the remedial work.