MINUTES of the MEETING of TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE, held on WEDNESDAY 3rd September 2014 at the INSTITUTE, LIME St. GORSEINON, at 6.30pm

Present ; Councillors L Davies( Chmn), M Curtice , P Griffiths, K Simpkins, K Jones, P Morgan, C/Cllrs J Curtice D Cole and D Lewis do not participate in the meeting and attended in a non voting capacity

68. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None received.

69. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs A Merriman, S Evans, V Evans, E Davies, A Stevens, A Thomas.

70. Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 2nd July 2014 were presented and approved by the meeting. (proposed Cllr K Jones, seconded Cllr P Griffiths).

Minutes of the Special Planning Committee meeting held in Pencefnarda road on 8th July 2014 were presented and approved by the meeting. (proposed Cllr P Morgan, seconded Cllr M Curtice).

a. NO OBJECTIONS were raised to the following applications received from the Local Planning Authority;

2014/0916 New dwelling/double garage Plot adj Spring Gardens Gorseinon 2014/0963 Rear 2 storey extension,single storey side extension, 1 Honeysuckle lane Gorseinon 2014/0988 New Signage for petrol filling station Asda store Heol Y Mynydd Gorseinon 2014/1145 and 2014/1156 Customer canopy/signage , Asda Stores , Heol y Mynydd, Gorseinon 2014/1067 4 new A1 retail units, former Cross Engineering Gorseinon rd Gorseinon.

Councillors did discus and raise concern regarding the additional vehicular access point onto the main Gorseinon road in close proximity to the mini roundabout.

2014/1160 4 bed house, 10 Pencefnarda rd Gorseinon 2014/1175 Dwelling 168 Frampton rd Gorseinon

Councillors did discus and raise concern regarding the vehicular access point onto the main Frampton road with its poor vision splays and restricted visibility.

2014/1179 Rear first floor extension 33 Cecil rd Gorseinon 2014/1215 Side extension/garage 70 Brynamlwg rd Gorseinon

Pre consultation on upgrade to telecom mast on St Catherines tower by Telefonica UK – No objection raised.

b. Notification of Refusals by Local Planning Authority; None received

c APPEALS and Notification of Approvals by Local Planning Authority were Noted.

d. ENFORCEMENT – No enforcement matters were reported.

THE MEETING ENDED AT 7pm Chairman…………………………………………….

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3rd September 2014 at the INSTITUTE, GORSEINON, commencing at 7pm.

Present ; Councillors L Davies ( Chmn), M Curtice, P Griffiths, K Simpkins, J Curtice, D Cole, D Lewis, P Morgan, K Jones, Evening Post reporter Liz Perkins.

71. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None raised initially.

Prior to the start of the meeting a presentation of a Gideons bible was made to the Town Mayor Cllr Lorraine Davies by Llwchwr Cllr Mr. Jeff Bowen. The bible had been kindly donated by Bethel chapel.

72. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs A Stevens, A Merriman, S Evans, E Davies, A Thomas, V Evans

73. POLICE MEETING . The Police were represented at the meeting (PCSO Rachel Livsey), and the following crime figures were discussed.

Gorseinon 3 thefts 1 burgulary 4 cases of violence Grovesend 0 thefts 1 burgulary 1 cases of violence Penyrheol 3 thefts 0 burgulary 4 cases of violence

Issues were reported for Argyll gardens and scrambling issues in Parc Melyn Mynach. Speeding on Heol y Mynydd was being monitored and addressed, and also speeding onG orseinon rd and brynteg road where slowing down measures would be introduced.

It was reported that all 5 CCTV cameras were to be removed from Gorseinon as a cost saving measure, but Cllr D Lewis advised that discussion was ongoing to try to minimise the impact. The Clerk was asked to write to the Police Inspector to ask why the Town Council had not been consulted, mindful that they had funded a number of the cameras initially. Cllr Lewis asked for monitoring of parents car parking at the bottom of Brighton road to be returned now the schools were back, and asked about the PCSOs having mobile speed monitoring equipment for use locally. The removal of the CCTV cameras was to be put on agenda of the next meeting.

74. MAYORS ANNOUNCEMENTS. Mayor advised of the following events she had attended during July/August 2014. a. Mayor had attended the 90 th birthday of Mrs Jemima Lloyd, Gower View Penyrheol in the Welfare Hall . The Town Mayor thanked those that had covered her duties during her recent period of recuperation, particularly the deputy Mayor Cllr Ken Jones for his attendance at a number of signifigant local events.

75. PUBLIC FORUM. The following new issues were raised by the public; a. Issues were raised about unauthorised scrambling in Parc Melin Mynach, despite the newly installed no scrambling signs erected. b. A number of residents from around the proposed redevelopment of the Old Post office site in Alexandre road attended. They had visited the recent Exhibition of the proposals by Coastal Housing and were concerned about the uses proposed. A letter of Response from Coastal Housing following the exhibition of redevelopment of 26 Alexandre rd on 26 th July was summarised by the Clerk. The letter was to be distributed to interested parties by the Housing Assn. The gallery were advised that no application consultation had yet been received by the Town Council, although it was understood the planning application was imminent. The Chairman advised that a full meeting and discussion would be held when the application was to be considered by the Town Council Planning committee. Cllr D Lewis indicated he would ask the Planning Officers at Council to distribute the consultation letters more widely to local residents affected by the proposal. c. Representatives from the Gorseinon community car scheme attended the meeting to ask for support and volunteers to help out with both the administrative tasks and driving roles of the car scheme. The scheme was now very short of drivers and help was needed with the secretarial and administrative duties. Posters were handed over to the Clerk to publicise the scheme in the area seeking assistance. (scheme coordinator Mrs Linda Rice ) 76.APPROVAL OF MINUTES. a. The Clerk presented the July 2nd 2014 minutes (which had been distributed previously) for approval, and they were confirmed as a true record by Members ( proposed Cllrs M Curtice, seconded K Jones). b. The Clerk presented the Minutes of Special Council meeting on 14 th July 2014 .(Gorseinon clock-copy enclosed). (which had been distributed previously) for approval, and they were confirmed as a true record by Members ( proposed Cllr D Cole, seconded M Curtice).

77. MATTERS ARISING . a . Min 58c . Cllr Curtice advised that the Clerk had obtained brass plaques for the equipment recently installed in Parc y Werin, which would be affixed to the equipment shortly, to show the Town Council had provided it. b. Cllr Curtice raised the issue of the Council obtaining Christmas cards for the Town Mayor to distribute to relevant local organisations. The Mayor advised she would look into the option further. c. A member of the public from west Street advised that he would be prepared to assist with restoration work on the mill walls, and also that the Gorseinon held gardening courses that may be of assistance for the forthcoming “ Friend s of Gorseinon Parks meeting” to be held on Sept 23 rd at 7pm in the Institute.

78. CLERKS MATTERS.

a. Clerk advised of a Penyrheol Comprehensive schools Youth Council visit to the Council meeting on Oct 1 st .

b. Clerk informed members of the first meetings of the 2014 Christmas lantern parade committee held on July 23rd, and Sept 3 rd at 10am. The parade date had been confirmed as Wednesday 3 rd December 2014.

c. Clerk advised members of repairs that had been carried out to the bases of the Fitness equipment Parc y Werin – to address issues over the concrete bases rocking. All newly installed equipment was now operational and being very well used and received.

d. A Meeting re “Friends of Gorseinon Parks” had been arranged for Tue Sept 23 @ 7pm Main hall Institute, Lime street. Members discussed the format of the meeting and the distribution of publicity material to be produced by Swansea Council officers.

e Cllr D Lewis had provided details of a Park and Ride offer from Swansea Council/ First Cymru. For and additional £1.50 above the £2.50 park ride charge, up to 5 passengers could travel on the Swansea buses linked with the Park / Ride.

f. Clerk had received info re the Welsh Guards rugby reunion 2015 - calender and xmas cards which were noted.

g. Update on meetings re Ty Eithyn clock / Family Housing was given, confirming the new clock would be installed on the façade of the newly refurbished building. Any additional cost over the £5000 allocated by the contractor would be paid by the Town Council to ensure the clock and chimes were replaced.

h. Letter from Coal Industry Social welfare organisation was read out. The accompanying questionnaire was to be completed by the Clerk and the literature to be publicised on the Web site promoting the services of CISWA for retired ex miners in the area.

i. Clerk had distributed the Motions for debate at One Voice Conference/AGM Oct 4 th (copy enclosed). Members discussed the topics and gave the Mayor discretion to vote as she felt appropriate at the AGM in October, on behalf of the Council.

j. Letter from Swansea Council re Japanese Knotweed position in the area was read out by the Clerk. The information was to be kept for reference and publicised on the web site for local residents.

k. Clerk reported on the required Budget for rendering a wall in the foyer of St Catherines church for accommodating the new WW2 Memorial Board . Members agreed to utilise the remaining funds from the allocated £2000 to cover the costs, as the church had no available funds to complete the replastering of the wall in the foyer.

l. Questionnaire from WAG re websites and long term vacant Council seats was summarised.

m. Request from Swansea Council to cover ground maintenance costs at Parc y werin Bowls club ( £3000-£7250 + vat annually) had been received by the Clerk. Members discussed the request and resolved to accept the offer from the Leisure dept to meet officers to discuss further. Cllr Ken Simpkins updated members on the meetings that had been ongoing between the clubs and Swansea Council, which he felt had been positive. A meeting of the Community Council forum on 15 th Sept in County Hall was going to discuss the issue of maintenance costs of bowling greens. ( Cllr K Simpkins noted his interest in the Parc y Werin Bowling club, and was asked to update members on current discussions with the Unitary Authority over bowling club maintenance, by the Chairman). n. Feedback from Canolfan AGM July 2014 was given by Cllr M Curtice who had attended. Cllr Curtice advised that of the 200 Members only 2 were in attendance at the AGM, which had been deferred. He asked that a copy of the AGM minutes be requested. o. Swansea Polling District review recommendations were read out by the Clerk. The minor change was to incorporate the venue for the 2 polling areas in Penyrheol into one, and the voting station would remain as the Boxing club in Gower View, Penyrheol. p. Clerk read out a thank you letter from Mr Phillip Sillick on behalf of the Chamber of Trade acknowledging the Councils and particularly Cllr David Lewis’s efforts in securing new railing outside the school exit on road, which had now been installed.

79. VARIOUS CORRESPONDENCE. None reported.

80. REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER. Cllrs for Penyrheol – C/Cllrs Jan Curtice, David Cole

Cllr D Cole summarised the following; a. Planning Jigsaw – Cllr Cole had produced a summary of current strategic issues affecting the Gorseinon area, in the form of an interlocked jigsaw. He outlined how a Community Plan would bring all the issues together to provide a strategic overview which would enable the Town Council to be proactive in leading debate, rather than reacting to proposals put forward by others. Members discussed the issues and accepted that it should be on the agenda for future detailed discussion. b. Gorseinon Hospital new parking arrangements had been approved by Planning committee, and should be in place shortly. c. Parking problems continued outside NISA stores in Frampton rd, and would only be resolved when the new traffic solutions were implemented on the adjoining junction. d. Yellow lines on the road in Lewis Avenue were being considered. 6 extra parking spaces had been provided in the Awel y Mor complex to improve parking arrangements. e. The street lights were now back on in the Brownhills development. f. A new developer was to submit a revised housing scheme at the rear of 16 Frampton rd following the recent refusal on Appeal of the original application. The new scheme would address the highway and vision issues of the original application. g. Recycling targets were being revised at Swansea Council. Whilst targets were being met, there had been an obvious increase in local fly tipping issues. h. Cllr Cole reported on the debriefing for the recent Gorseinon Carnival and lessons learnt for next year. It was also felt that the charity for 2015 should be Gorseinon based.

Cllr D Lewis; a. Cuts are ongoing at Swansea Council to achieve £70m savings over next 3 years. New Labour leader Cllr Rob Steward to be proposed as Swansea Council Leader next week. b. Need to consider links to Facebook for the Council. c. New motorbike prohibition signs now erected in local parks. d. Somerfield car park barriers are now closed at 9pm every night. e. Police engagement vehicle is available for all large events, if wanted. f. Last evening a public meeting in Brighton rd proposed traffic calming in the road. Some Immediate measures would be introduced short term, but some would take longer. Pavement work has taken place in Brynteg, Llanerch Cresent, and lower Gorseinon. g. The newly planted poppies at bottom of Lime street are looking very good. h. Highways dept have now installed the additional school railings at pedestrian exit onto Pontarddulais rd Gorseinon

81. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES . Clerk advised of the outcome of the following meetings; a. Area meeting /AGM One Voice Wales July 24 County Hall 7pm

82.ACCOUNTS

Committee received the Income / Receipts summary statement from the Clerk and considered and approved the payment of the following outstanding cheques for the ACCOUNTS dated 3rd Sept 2014. (proposed J Curtice seconded K Simpkins). After the meeting the cheques were signed by 2 authorised signatures having examined all relevant receipts.

1. Inland Revenue NI contributions / Tax £ 538.41 (2014/15 NI employer 125.02 /employee 108.11/tax 310.66) £ 543.79 2. Clerks salary £ 1134.53 Employers pension contribution £ 77.67 3. Stationery/A4 paper/flowers/cake £ 46.94 4. Clerk monthly mileage July 2014 235m x 65p mile £ 152.75 Clerk monthly mileage Aug 2014 90 m x 65p mile £ 58.50 5. Tel/broadband line rental costs Apr 14 - Sept 14 £ 177.40 Office running costs 6 months Apr 14 – Sept 14 6. Tripps trophies 8 brass plaques , 1 90 th presentation box £ 126.00 7. One Voice Wales AGM/Conference fees 2No £ 120.00 b. Balances current account £4084 savings account £71326.30 (+£55000 precept) c. Clerk advised of the completion of the annual External Audit – Mazars Auditors report for financial year 2013/14. The Annual return Section 3 was duly signed by the Chairman on behalf of the Council.

THE MEETING ENDED AT 9.55pm Chairman......