St Fagans Community Council
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St. Fagans Community Council Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday 5th December 2016 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall Present: Councillors C. Price (Chairman) S. Chedzoy, B. Critcher, J. Griffiths, J. Hughes, F. Lewis & T. Pallier. In Attendance: Police PCSO H. Arkontopoulos Clerk D. Barnard Apologies: Councillor M. Parry County Councillor G. Thomas The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present. 307.12.01 – Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 307.12.02 – Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 7th November 2016 Members approved the Minutes and the Chairman signed them accordingly. 307.12.03 – Matters arising from the Minutes No matters were raised. 307.12.04 – Police Reports & Neighbourhood Watch a) General PCSO Arkontopoulos circulated a brief report summarising three reported thefts and one burglary during the past month. Members questioned whether there had been another theft from a person’s handbag, and it was also reported that a car had been abandoned at Parc Rhydlafar. A brief discussion ensued in relation to the burglary at the new Spar store. PCSO Arkontopoulos then reported on the speed watch conducted in the Village. 132 vehicles had passed during the one-hour exercise at an average speed of 26.5mph. Only five vehicles had been classed as speeding and they had all been issued with warning letters. A further speed watch is to be arranged. b) Off-road bike nuisance PCSO Arkonotopoulos reported that there had only been one call about off-road bikes during the past month. Cllr. Pallier reported that, while the situation had improved for a time, bikes have returned and of more concern some riders appear to be targeting people and dogs. Furthermore, they are riding around at night which can be very dangerous. He added that on a recent walk through the woods he had seen at least 20 burnt-out cars and in excess of 30 burnt-out bikes. One issue is that the Council’s gate to 1 the park is no longer locked making access easy, and the gaps on Michaelston Road have still not been blocked. Cllr. Pallier also reported seeing people with guns walking around that area. The Clerk confirmed that Chris Hyde was aware of the abandoned vehicles and has instructed a firm to remove them. He hoped it would be done soon. Mr Hyde also said that when work begins on felling trees elsewhere in the Village, it is intended to use the trunks of several of the trees as barriers at various points on the estates used by trespassers. A discussion ensued as to the way forward. Members referred to the lack of recent recorded complaints but questioned whether the 101 service is fit for purpose. Calls to that number don’t seem to get answered but people are reluctant to phone 999. Cllr. Hughes reported that the police helicopter had been in the area on three occasions during the past week but the reason was not known. The Chairman proposed and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Sgt. J. Davies, with a copy to Insp. Eve Davis, expressing Members’ concerns about the issues referred to above and requesting that the police take action. A proposal to arrange a walking party around the area was also agreed. No other matters were raised. The Chairman thanked PCSO Arkontopoulos for his attendance at which point he left the meeting. 307.12.05 – Community projects Members commented on the various projects: Village Hall doors – work completed. Cllr. Lewis submitted a claim for reimbursement of the cost of spare keys in the sum of £80 – approved. The bill for the doors was awaited. Village Hall – internal fire door. This has been deferred until the new year. Village Hall. Cllr. Critcher raised two additional project suggestions. One for a picket fence near the entrance to prevent possible falls; the other is to install kick-boards along the west side path to stop the ground from dropping off. Members agreed that he should obtain quotes. Parc Rhydlafar – proposed plaque. No progress yet on the draft artwork. Christmas lights. Following discussions with Centregreat, the Chairman, Cllr. Lewis and Cllr. Chedzoy had agreed not to proceed with a Christmas Tree but to have lights put up in an existing tree at Parc Rhydlafar. Agreement had been reached to connect to the electricity supply and the lights were now in place. Several residents had commented favourably on the display. Parc Rhydlafar – Church Road safety issue. The Clerk reported that Cardiff Council had agreed to cut back the overgrown hedgerows. With regards to the proposal for some speed restriction options on the approach to the roundabout, Cardiff has agreed to add it to their programme of schemes for investigation. Parc Rhydlafar – Roundabout, etc. The Clerk reported that four residents had replied to his email, expressing a willingness to assist with works to improve the roundabout. Cllr. Lewis reported that she had spoken to Matt Wakelam (Cardiff Council) who said he was willing to try and assist with getting the roundabout improved and addressing the other issues raised by residents. Cllr. Lewis agreed to follow this up. Land at the railway – fencing. A second quotation had been received but it seemed unlikely that a third quote could be obtained. Members agreed to accept just two quotes and asked the Clerk to clarify what was included in the second quote from Timberworks. If everything is included Members agreed to accept that quote. Cllr. Lewis referred to the key held by the workers in the signal box that is due to close at the end of the year. The Clerk was asked to contact Network Rail to ask what arrangements they had planned for future access. Land at the railway - Lectern. The lectern had recently been damaged by strong winds. Members recalled that Signs Express had carried out work on the lectern earlier this year. The Clerk was asked to request Signs Express to revisit the site and report on what further work is required. Speed awareness cameras. A second police speed check to be arranged. 2 Flag pole. The Clerk reported that, as agreed with the Chairman, an 8m flag pole and one Commonwealth flag have been ordered from J W Plant. Lighting in Greenwood Lane. No progress reported. The Clerk had drafted a ‘flyer’ for Westfield Park residents for circulation with the next community news. The draft had been agreed and Cllr. Critcher had arranged printing. He submitted a bill in the sum of £13.50. Approved. Cllr. Chedzoy reported that the railings at the bottom of the footpath leading down from the recreation area to Rhydlafar Drive near the new Spar shop had been damaged. The Clerk was asked to report this to Cardiff Council and request that they be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. 307.12.06 – Planning a) Cardiff LDP / North West Cardiff Group Cllr. Lewis referred to amended plans and further information that had been submitted by Redrow in relation to the Plasdwr scheme. She referred to some of her concerns including: the absence of any Rapid Transport System; a traffic management system for Crofft-Y-Genau Road; additional bus gates; and the reference to ‘active traffic management’. It was agreed that the Council should make representations to these amended plans and Cllr. Lewis agreed to prepare a draft. The Clerk confirmed that Amanda Sutcliffe (Case Officer) had agreed to accept a late submission from the Community Council. Cllr. Hughes referred to the Council’s suggested Reg.123 list and said he was hoping to arrange a meeting with Simon Gilbert at Cardiff Council. b) Redrow / Plasdwr proposals The Clerk confirmed that he had sent a letter to Wayne Rees of Redrow asking for details of the communities’ consultation arrangements. He had followed the letter up with both ‘phone calls and e- mails but to date had received no response. Members expressed disappointment. c) Museum Development No further information as to progress had been received. d) Other Planning Applications The Clerk gave details of the following planning applications: New: 16/02552/DCH - The Cottage, Crofft-y-Genau Road: Discharge of Condition 3 (method statement: traffic management and wheel washing) of 15/01132/DCH 16/02704/MJR – Great House Farm: D of C 4 (Drainage and permeability testing) of 13/00435/DCO. 16/02766/DCH – Cawdor, 3, Greenwood Lane: Wrought iron railings around remainder of flat roof. 16/02762/MNR – Museum: Installation of hatch in Victorian ceiling above the dining room. Decided / Withdrawn: 16/02704/MJR – Great House Farm: D of C 4 (Drainage, etc.) Withdrawn by applicant. 307.12.07 – Environmental Matters 3 a) Highways / Lighting / Traffic Concerns The Clerk referred to the weekly roads report that he had begun receiving from Cardiff Council. He considered they were quite useful and would circulate them to Members. He noted that the level crossing was to be closed on two occasions over the Christmas / New Year period. The Clerk reported that Cardiff Council had advised that the potholes in Crofft-Y-Genau Road had been repaired but a resident (Ryan Williams) has said that the potholes opposite Quarry Cottages are still there. The Clerk confirmed he was chasing this up. Cllr. Hughes reported that Cardiff Council had carried out some repairs to Grand Avenue, but it is still bad in many places. The Clerk confirmed that he had asked Cardiff Council to provide a grit bin at Caer Efail and was awaiting their response. The Chairman reported that a drain on Michaelston Road near the Cattery was sinking causing a potential hazard. The Clerk was asked to report this to Cardiff Highways and request urgent action.