Minutes – 20 February 2020
Laleston Community Council
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 February 2020 commencing at 7.00pm in Blandy Hall.
Present: Cllr’s C Davies, M Fouracre, D Wooldridge, T Turner, C Green, T Green, P Davies, C Smith
In attendance: Clerk – Gail Jewell
1. The Council undertook a short period of silent reflection.
2. 19.190 Apologies: Cllrs A Berrow, B Davies, JP Blundell, I Spiller
3. 19.191 No public in attendance, but representation was provided by Cllr P Davies on behalf of a member of public, as described below:
i. A member of the public had requested an update on the letter sent to the Chief Executive of V2C regarding the installation of bat boxes on tenanted properties. Council confirmed that no response had been received from V2C and request that a letter should be sent to the member of the public outlining that installation of bat boxes on properties was against V2C policy. If the member would like to progress bat boxes in trees – could they provide suitable sites which will be explored further by Council.
4. 19.192 Declarations of Interest: Cllr M Fouracre – Item 7 – Personal Interest as a Governor of Llangewydd School.
5. 19.193 Council received the Minutes from the previous meeting held on 16 January 2020 and Approved them as a true and accurate record, proposed by Cllr T Green and seconded by Cllr C Green. There were no matters arising.
6. 19.194 With reference to the presented list of actions carried out since the last meeting the following discussions took place:
i. Further to the update in relation to feasibility study for Bryntirion Community Centre, the Clerk explained that a meeting had taken place with Hurley and Davies to voice queries and questions raised at a meeting that took place to discuss the proposed options on 13 February 2020. The Clerk confirmed that a total rebuild of the centre would be approximately £350,000 plus VAT but there would be future opportunities to build out rather than up should there be a requirement. Following discussion, Council agreed to progress with Option 4. Works to commence in Summer 2020.
ii. With reference to the plaque which is to be provided for the bench at Laleston Bus Shelter, Council request that progression and final photographs of the bench be posted to LCC Facebook page to inform members of the public of its installation. To be carried out by Clerk.
iii. Cllr T Green provided an update to Members regarding a meeting held with Bryntirion Athletic Junior Football Club (CAJFC). Cllr Green explained that the club wanted to continue to use Bryntirion Playing Fields when the asset is transferred to LCC, in return the club will maintain both pitches. Cllr Green further confirmed that the club would like to install showers and changing rooms on site and summarized future aspirations of providing a 3G pitch. Council agreed to progress with affiliation with CAJFC when the community asset transfer is completed. Clerk to explore the production of a formal agreement between both parties.
7. 19.195 To consider quotations:
| Quotations Received | Comment |
| Remove old tree stump, install footings and rebuild stone wall – £14,750.00 | Following discussions, Cllr C Green agreed to converse with Blandy Hall trustees to explore funding opportunities |
| Works to install Defibrillator at Llangewydd School – £2334.57 (excl VAT) | Council agreed to progress quotation. |
| Works to install floodlight for Muga at Llangewydd School – £1041.21 (excl VAT) | Council agreed to progress quotation. |
| Excavate for drainage. Install children’s toilet cubicle and wash hand basin facilities and radiator – £7,500(LCC to source cubicle and toilets.)
(no VAT) |
Due to the comprehensive quotation provided by Pinnacle Plumbers and that the company was known by the Council, Members agreed to progress with quotation. |
| Excavate for drainage. Install children’s toilet cubicle and wash hand basin facilities and radiator – £8, 650(LCC to source cubicle and toilets only)
(no VAT) |
Council declined this quotation in favour of quotation supplied by Pinnacle Plumbers. |
| Install children’s toilet cubicle and wash hand basin facilities and radiator – £6,000.LCC to source cubicle, toilets and hand basins – also no mention of excavation.
(no VAT) |
Council declined this quotation in favour of quotation supplied by Pinnacle Plumbers. |
8. 19.196 Bryntirion Community Centre Update
i. Following discussions referring to the progression of Community Asset Transfer of Bryntirion Community Centre, playing fields and park areas, Council agreed that a Project Group should be created. Members to be confirmed at the Annual Meeting in May 2020, but should include the Community Development Officer and possibly a local member of the public.
9. 19.197 Blandy Hall
i. Members note the improvements made in Blandy Hall, but expressed how the enhancements highlighted the need for new flooring. Options to be discussed at a future Council meeting.
10. 19.198 Allotments
i. The Clerk provided an update from a representative from the allotments who explained that due to a number of thefts of produce and tools on site, they have requested a copy of the allotment insurance to investigate what is covered. Clerk to action.
ii. With reference to the monies allocated to the creation of disabled access raised beds, a representative from the allotments enquired whether the funds could be put towards security fencing for the site instead. Council confirmed that the envisaged spend was far higher than expected, so the project and aligned budget has been put on hold.
11. 19.199 The Clerk provided a current Financial Update.
i. With reference to the S137 entries presented to each meeting, Members requested that the Clerk investigate the option of including information of who the grant/donation had been presented.
ii. Council Approved payment for vouchers 238 to 257 as presented with agenda. To view details of payments made, please click here – Payment List
iii. Members noted that the budget for donations/grants had been overspent and request that the Clerk adjust budgets to reallocate monies that have been underspent.
12. 19.120 Personnel Issues
i. The Clerk asked Council to confirm the protocol for when contractors are on site. Members confirmed that the Facilities Officer should be on site during out of hours call outs and if no other staff are on site during the day.
13. 19.121 Correspondence received
| Correspondence Received | Comment |
| Letter from HSBC – Declining online banking request – minutes need to state that Council agree that Clerk can apply for Business Internet Banking, that Clerk will be primary user and will have access to the accounts online and be able to make payments solely. | Members duly agreed that the Clerk would be the primary user and will have access to the accounts online and be able to make payments solely.
Council confirmed that software should be investigated in the future to assist with obtaining approval of signatories for each payment made. |
| Application for donation from Prestige acrobatic. Recently been selected to represent Team Wales in the Dance World Cup 2020, in Rome. Donation towards travel, accommodation, costumes etc. 7 out of 23 members in in wards covered by LCC | Members confirmed a donation of £250 be made. |
| Application for grant funding from South Cymru Sapphire jazz band for new uniforms. 10 out of 24 members reside in the wards covered by LCC | Members confirmed a donation of £500 be made. |
| Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Training – Training for employers. 24 March 2020 in Cardiff, 10.00am – 4.00pm | Council agreed that the Clerk should attend. |
| Enquiry via BAVO regarding interest from a reliable and quality playgroup in Bryntirion as a potential venue. 8.30am – 3.00pm term time but would like to offer childcare service in school holidays. | Duly noted by Members. |
14. 19.122 Urgent Reports and Observations
i. A Member highlighted that First Cymru proposed to reduce the Saturday afternoon service route 69 (Cefn Glas Circular, Anti-Clockwise). Members agreed that reducing the frequency would ultimately reduce demand in the service and opposed the decision. Clerk to email First Cymru via Kevin Sales to ask them to reconsider and provide alternative options.
15. 19.223 To consider Planning Applications received:
| Planning Application Details | Actions |
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Lazarus Location: 28 Wind Street Laleston CF32 0HU Proposal: Demolish existing garage to rear; construct two storey side extension over driveway, remove and rebuild existing roof to increase pitch and provide wider rear dormer Date: 4 February 2020 |
Members raised a concern with any side extension due to a future potential issue of terracing the street. |
Applicant: Mr V Bonutto Location: 36 Llys Eglwys Broadlands CF31 5DT Proposal: New dwelling to side of existing dwelling Date: 5 February 2020 |
No objection |
Applicant: Union School of Theology Location: Union School of Theology Bryntirion House Bryntirion CF31 4DX Proposal: Reduce canopy of one sycamore tree by 30-35% (tree located rear of 15/16 Ffridd Las) Date 7 February 2020 |
No objection |
Applicant: Mr Carl Wilson Location: 33 Bryn Henfaes Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5EW Proposal: Garage conversion and provision of an additional car parking space Date 10 February 2020 |
No objection |
Applicant: Mr H Davies Location: 13 Clos Tir Isaf Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5BU Proposal: New front porch, ground floor extension with storage below and internal alterations Date 12 February 2020 |
No objection |
Applicant: A Thorington Location: 42 Longfellow Drive Cefn Glas CF31 4PP Proposal: Demolish existing garage, two storey side extension, front dormer extension Date 13 February 2020 |
Members raised a concern with any side extension due to a potential future issue of terracing the street. |
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 8.30pm.
The next Ordinary Meeting will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2020 at Blandy Hall.