March 2024

ST HILARY PARISH COUNCIL  Meeting Friday 1st  March   2024.

ATTENDANCE                                                                                                    Cllrs  D Reed, (Chairman)  P Behrens, J Howells.  P Rule, M Ryan, W Searle, T Thomas, M West

APOLOGIES                                                                                                       Cllrs   Ford,  Vardy,

C/Cllr MARTINS REPORT

I  intend to visit Maravista ,2 Gurlyn Hill,Relubbus,  as the resident has concerns about the new proposed traffic calming measures.

At the full Council meeting last week the budget for 2024/25 was approved , This means a 4.99% rise in Council Tax. It also means that they have to delve into reserves for £14 million pounds in order to secure services. Although there will be some cuts to some services to avoid a further raid on the reserves budget.

The vote to increase the toll on the Tamar bridge was passed narrowly. There is a large group of us that feels it should be free as most other bridges are, There is no contribution from National Highways for the A30 that crosses it,

In the Economic Growth Development Overview and Scrutiny committee we approved the proposed strategy to increase EV charging points .  The officers are also looking closely at alternatives for vehicle powering as there are issues with the capacity within the National Grid.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mr & Mrs Stephens  spoke about the appeal by Mr Tswi application PA23/       after a long and detailed discussion the Councillors asked if  Mrs Stephens could send the Clerk a copy of their objections and this would then be scrutinised by Cllrs  Howells and Ryan.

DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS

Cllr West  declared an interest in appeal by Mr Tswi

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

It was proposed by Cllr West and seconded by Cllr Thomas that the Council approve the minutes circulated prior to this meeting as being a correct record of that meeting,  All Councillors Agreed   .

CHAIRMANS REPORT

Cllr Reed  stated that he has doubts about the Schoolroom being fit for purpose because of various issues with the building including the lack of lighting when  using the steps and also the heating was not in his opinion  inadequate., This will be discussed at a later meeting.

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

The Clerk asked for the following cheques for payment

1      St Hilary Church (room Rent)                  £315.00

2      Bear Life Designs  (Website)                               650.00

It was proposed by  Cllr Behrens  and seconded by Cllr Ryan that the Council accept payment of all cheques,, All Councillors  agreed

PLANNING

PA24/01063,  Mr & Mrs  Gilmour   After a discussion it was deemed that this application was much more in keeping with the Councils views and it was proposed by  Cllr Rule and seconded by Cllr Thomas that the Council have no objections to this application, A vote was taken and the motion was passed by five votes to no votes with three Councillors abstaining.

PA23/                  Mr Twsi.  APPEAL.     After a long and detailed debate it was decided that the Council will reiterate their previous objections to this application, The Chairman then asked Cllrs Howells and Ryan to draft out a reply to the planning Inspectorate.

ALICE DALE UPDATE

The Clerk reported that the septic tank at the property has been emptied at a cost of  £330.00 pounds ,The Clerk was then asked find out how often the tank should be emptied., There was a discussion about a new constitution for the charity need to contact the Charity Commission foe some guidance.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE

Cllr Ryan,  Gave his report to the Council  Please find attached.

MEMORIAL GARDEN/SCHOOLROOM

The Clerk asked for volunteers to help plant some apple trees on Badcocks green  , Cllr Behrens said he would help and it was arranged to meeton the Saturday morning,     The Schoolroom will be kept on the agenda  until a later meeting to allow several alterations to be made,

REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION

Cllr WEST                                Nothing to report

CLLR W SEARLE                      Nothing to report

CLLR  THOMAS                       Nothing to report

CLLR  BEHRENS                       Nothing to report

CLLR  HOWELLS      Reported that  the knotweed  around the Millpool area has been dealt with but will need to be alert as it could come back again.

CLLR RULE     Stated that he was disappointed that the Parish Council was not represented at the recent quiz night raising funds for the Christmas lights fund.

CLLR RYAN                                 Nothing to report

CLLR REED                                Nothing to report

The Chairman then closed the meeting at  20.45pm