Minutes of the meeting of South Petherwin Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th April 2023, at 7pm, in the Methodist Chapel Hall, South Petherwin.
Present: Cllr P Parsons (Chairman), Cllr A Barham (Vice Chair), Cllr J Barlow, Cllr R Kneebone and Cllr A Finnimore.
As the Parish Clerk was unable to attend due to illness, Cllr A Barham took the minutes.
There was one member of the public present.
1 Chairman’s welcome. Cllr P Parsons welcomed all to the meeting.
2 Apologies. Cllrs Screech, Sleep and Jasper.
3 Declarations of Interest.
- Agenda Items. Cllr A Finnimore registered a pecuniary interest in Item 10a) PA23/01011.
- Gifts. None declared.
4 Consideration of written requests for dispensation. None received.
5 Casual Vacancy. To co-opt a member to the Council. To be carried forward to the May meeting.
6 General Powers of Competence. Item not discussed. Deferred to May meeting.
7 Unitary Councillor’s Report. Cllr A Parsons updated the meeting on the Council withdrawing the proposal for a Mayor for Cornwall due to lack of support following the 10 week public consultation. It is thought the Council will recommend a Level 2 deal, retaining elements of the Level 3 deal (particularly those that the public were in favour of).
Plusha Junction – there were several complaints from local parish councils and members of the public regarding the temporary closing of some of the crossings during the recent roadworks. Cllr Parsons forwarded these on to Highways England.
A question was raised about the funding for Launceston Leisure Centre, but the status is not known.
8 Public Participation.
None.
9 Response to Public Participation. None.
10 Planning.
- Planning applications received before the agenda was finalised:
Cllr Finnimore left the meeting.
PA23/01011, Land South West of R K Transport Ltd, Kennards House, Launceston PL15 7EZ. Further extension to existing commercial premises to provide a canopy building for loading and unloading and associated works.
It was RESOLVED to support this application. Proposed by Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Butler with all in favour.
- Planning applications received after the agenda was published: None.
- Planning decisions notified by Cornwall Council: None.
- Other Planning Matters. None
11 Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 8th March 2023
It was RESOLVED that the Minutes are a true record of the above meeting. Proposed by Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Finnimore with all those who had been present at that meeting being in favour.
12 Matters Arising from the above Minutes.
Cllr Barham advised that the School have agreed to decorate the telephone kiosk for the Coronation.
13 King’s Coronation
Cllr Barham showed the draft of the leaflet for the Coronation Weekend Events (May 6th-8th). It will be printed third week April for distribution last week April.
The coins (for the back cover) will be available April 19th.
14 Hedgehog Conservation
Cllr Barham advised regarding Hedgehogs R Us requesting funding from councils for the Hedgehog Highway project. The Council commented that this was not in their remit, but local groups such as Cake & Rakers may find it of interest.
15 Planter at Toilets
Sue Vernon has advised that many of the original plants had died. Cllr Barlow has recently put some bulbs in and it was RESOLVED to purchase a few more plants. Proposed Cllr Butler, seconded by Cllr Finnimore with all in favour.
Cllr Barlow is happy to water/maintain.
16 Annual Parish Meeting
The date for this public meeting was suggested as Wednesday 17th May, depending on the Clerk’s availability. As the Village Hall is busy, it was agreed to hold this meeting at the Methodist Chapel Hall if it is free.
17 School Parking
Cllrs Parsons, Sleep, Screech & Barlow attended this meeting with Oliver Jones from Cormac. Extending the parking area on the opposite side of the school was suggested but considered cost prohibitive. The new 20mph flashing school signs were hoped to be installed shortly and consideration will be made about a school crossing of some sort.
18 A30/B3257 Junction at Bodmin Services (Plusha).
Further to Cllr A Parsons comments in his report (5), it was agreed that the Parish Council write to Highways England with their concerns regarding the closures of the central reservations between Polyphant and Plusha recently, highlighting the cost to the local economy and inconvenience, such as increased volume of traffic on minor roads.
19 Highway and Footpath matters
- VAS. Flashing speed sign. To be discussed at the May meeting.
- Cllr Barlow reported two big potholes on the road out of the village towards Daws House and Cllr A Parsons will report on these.
20 Correspondence.
- Email regarding Cricket in Cornwall. No action.
- Cornwall Council Public Spaces Protection Order. It was RESOLVED to agree with this order. Proposed Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Butler with all in favour.
21 Finance.
- Payments. It was RESOLVED to make the following payments, proposed by Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Kneebone with all in favour:
Online – L Coles, Clerk’s salary etc for March
Online – HMRC, Clerk’s PAYE for March
Online – Angel Peerless cleaning of toilet & bus shelter March £56
Online – South West Bouncy Castles for Coronation Event £245.00
Online – Insignia Ltd (L Coles) reimbursement for purchase of Commemorative Coronation Coins £816.00
Online – Cornwall ALC Limited annual membership £442.66
Receipts: Deposit account interest £99.66
- Bank Reconciliations. It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for March. Proposed by Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Butler with all in agreement.
The bank balances at 31st March totalled £33,246.03
21 Any Other Business
Cllr Kneebone had been advised of a pothole that was fixed in January near Little Comfort has already failed. Cllr A Parsons to add to the others reported in 19 above.
Potholes can be reported on the Council website.
Cllr Parsons reported that the Church Tower lights will need a new circuit.
22 Items for inclusion in future meetings.
- Casual Vacancy
- General Power of Competence
- Online banking authorisation for more Councillors.
23 Date of next meeting. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10th May 2023 at 7pm in the Village Hall, South Petherwin.
Cllr Butler has given apologies for this meeting.
There being no further business to transact the Chairman closed the meeting at 20.15 hrs.