The Town Council
The Town Council consists of thirteen members, nine representing the town of Presteigne and four covering the village of Norton. All members are chosen by ballot every four years, having been proposed and seconded by parishioners. To be eligible for election, a prospective member has to reside in the community or within three miles of the Parish boundary or own property in the parish.
Once elected, the councillors select their own Chairperson for the year (then known as the Mayor) and a deputy. The Mayor presides over all meetings of the Council, which meets once a month.
The Council employs a Town Clerk who attends all meetings, taking minutes and dealing with any correspondence deemed necessary after a meeting.
Among the main concerns of the Council are local planning applications, which are forwarded to us by Powys County Council for any comments or objections, but over which we have no final jurisdiction. We also inform Powys County Council of any problems in maintenance required to roads, street lighting, children’s play areas etc.
Financial responsibilities are limited to paying our clerk, giving donations as we see fit to help run local organisations and maintaining local amenity grounds belonging to the town. Recently, we have taken over responsibility for the running and upkeep of a toilet block, which Powys CC wanted to close.
A place on the Council is an interesting position, enabling local people to help care for their own area and environment.
Contact.
To contact the Town Council please write to our clerk, Tracey Price, Garn Farm, Chaple Lawn, Bucknell, Shropshire, SY7 0BT, or email her at pntc@hotmail.com.
Presteigne Memorial Hall
The Town Council commissioned a report on the future of the Memorial Hall in January 2007. If you would like to see the report which contains a lot of interesting information please click this link - Memorial Hall Report.
If you would like to see the appendices referred to in the report click the appropriate following links Appendix 1, | Appendix 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 4, Appendix 5.
Freedom of Information
If you would like to see our freedom of information policy click FOI policy
Most Recent Approved Minutes
If you want to view or download earlier approved minutes please click as appropriate: 4th June 2008 , May 2008 , March 2008 , February 2008 , January 2008 , 9th January 2008 , December 2007 , November 2007 , October 2007 , September 2007 , August 2007 , July 2007 , June 2007
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 20TH MAY 2008 AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. C. Kirkby (Mayor), J. Wilding (Deputy Mayor), H Owens, Ms. J. Simpson, P. Spawton, B. Price, P. Robinson.
Apologies: None
In Attendance: Mrs T. Price, Town Clerk
Declarations of Interest. Members were requested to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests they may have in matters to be considered at this meeting in accordance with the terms of the Model Code of Conduct Order 2001 issues under Section 51 Local Government Act 2002.
Cllr. Wilding Planning application for land adj. Kings Turning, Presteigne and Norton Matters (creation of new entrance).
Cllr. Mrs J. Simpson Finance for Shirehall Museum Trust
Cllr. H. Owens Finance for Shirehall Museum Trust
Cllr. P. Spawton Norton Matters - Churchyard
For this part of the meeting Members proceeded to the Courtroom.
MIN 1917 FORMATION OF NEW COUNCIL
All those present duly signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office witnessed by the Clerk. Members heard that Mrs Fraser-Scott had decided not to take up her position for health reasons and it was agreed that the Clerk post Notices of Vacancy in the usual places. Providing no formal election was called, applications for co-option to be considered at the June Meeting.
The Clerk informed Members that a new Code of Conduct had now been issued and that the Town Council had six months from March to adopt it. It was agreed that the adoption of the new Code be placed on the Agenda for June. Copies of the Guidance Notes issued by Powys County Council and the Welsh Assembly had already been circulated. Members agreed that the necessary advertisement be placed via Powys County Council at a cost of £35. This cost would be deducted from the next precept instalment.
The date of the next meeting was re-arranged for Tuesday 17th June at the usual time.
MIN 1918 ELECTION OF TOWN MAYOR 2008/09
The outgoing Mayor, Cllr. Owens welcomed the new Members to the Town Council. Before commencing proceedings he asked that a minutes silence be observed in memory of Mrs Rowe, a former Town Councillor who had died recently.
He then commented on his year as Mayor. In particular he praised the unity of and democratic nature of the Council, with all Members working together. He added that on the few occasions when differences had occurred everyone had abided by the majority decision. He stated that three events stood out over the year, the opening and successful first year for the Wilson Terrace public conveniences (with special thanks to former Cllr. Tennant-Eyles), the submission of a planning application for a retail development in Presteigne and the Sheep Music Festival which had to cope with atrocious weather. He added that the Meadow had now been completely restored after this event. He stated that over the year he had attended many functions and had enjoyed meeting the representatives of other Councils in Powys.
He then invited nominations for Mayor in 2008/09. Cllr. Kirkby was proposed by Cllr. Wilding and seconded by Cllr Mrs Simpson and duly elected. He thanked Cllr. Owens for his hard work as Mayor over the previous year and in particular for his hard work in restoring Wents Meadow after the torrential rain during the Sheep Music Festival. He added that he felt an interesting year lay ahead with many new Members settling in and confirmed that his fundraising over the year would be in aid of Breast Cancer and the Macmillan Trust.
Members then returned to the Meeting Room to continue their business.
MIN 1919 APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR 2008/09
Following a proposal by Cllr. Mrs Simpson and second by Cllr. Kirkby, Cllr. Wilding was elected unanimously as Deputy Mayor.
MIN 1920 COUNCIL VACANCIES
Members heard that six applications had been received for the five vacancies but that one had now withdrawn. The remaining applications were read to the meeting and the following five persons were elected to serve on the Council; Beverley Baynham, Nathaniel Green, John Kendall, James Tennant-Eyles and Ann Wake.
MIN 1921 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BODIES
Outside bodies currently with Town Council representatives were the Leisure Centre, Primary School and the Shirehall Museum Trust. It was suggested that the Health Focus Group needed a representative as Mrs E. Davies was no longer a Council Member. It was agreed that the appointments be deferred until the June Meeting when the co-opted Members could be included in the selection process.
MIN 1922 FINANCE
(1) Donations: The following donations were approved:
Shirehall Museum Trust £1500.00 (precepted)
The request from Sheep Music for support in 2008/09 was deferred until June for Members to have time to study the accounts.
The letter of thanks from Tour de Presteigne was noted and the Clerk was asked to write congratulating them on another successful event.
(2) Payments: The following payments were approved:
Cannon Hygiene Account to 30/09/08 £2.61
(the Account is reduced due to a credit for the period the toilets were closed in 07/08).
(£2.22 plus VAT)
Clearview Cleaning Services (Hfd) Ltd. £386.00
(Monthly account for toilet cleaner £328.51 plus VAT)
Viking Direct Stationery £77.50
(£65.96 plus VAT)
SLCC Enterprises Ltd £ 52.88
(£45 plus VAT) Conference fee Sept. 2008
Audit Risk Investigations £ 126.00
Internal Audit fee for 2007/08
Clerks Salary £1220.82
Tax and National Insurance on above £ 356.62
(inc TC NI of £24.79)
A.G. Hopkins £20.00
(Meadow Account)
(3) Receipts: the following receipts were noted:
Powys County Council Precept Payment £10,011.50
Powys County Council Grant Payment (toilets) £ 1000.00
HM Revenue and Customs VAT Refund £ 1037.95
HM Revenue and Customs Tax Incentive £ 100.00
(Online Filing)
(4) Internal Audit
The letter from the Internal Auditor was noted. No action was necessary as a result of his comments.
(5) External Audit Form
Members examined the External Audit Annual Return Form for 2007/08 together with supporting documentation and it was agreed to approve section one, Statement of Accounts and section two, the Annual Governance Statement and these sections were duly signed by the Mayor, Cllr. Kirkby and the Clerk. Section four was already completed and signed by the Internal Auditor, Mr. D. Morris.
(6) Bank Mandate
A new signature mandate was completed.
MIN 1923 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of 16th April were approved with no amendments. The Mayor then duly signed the Minutes.
MIN 1924 MATTERS ARISING
(1) Local Health Board Meeting - The Clerk reminded Members that as a consultation paper was due out shortly it had been agreed to defer any meeting until the report had been considered.
(2) Presteigne and Norton Community Support Shop - Members were informed that the shop was a great success.
(3) Radiation Monitoring Scheme - Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that he had agreed to become the local monitor for this.
MIN 1925 PLANNING
(1) The following planning applications were considered and discussed:
P2008 0587 Outline, erection of a dwelling with new vehicular access. Land adj. 2 Appletree Meadow, Presteigne. No objections were raised.
P2008 0568 Deemed, erection of new canopy over courtyard and improved access into school. John Beddoes School, Presteigne. No objections were raised.
P2008 0569 Full, erection of rear dining room extension. 10 Caefelyn, Norton. No objections were raised.
P2008 0711 Full, erection of four dwellings at the Builders Yard, 25 Hereford Street, Presteigne. No objections were raised.
P2008 0707 Full, erection of holiday lodge at Harley Farm, Warden Road, Presteigne. No objections were raised.
P2008 0313 Full, demolition of 2 small bungalows and 2 garage structures. Erection of 4 houses and associated garages and creation of new vehicular access. Land adj. to Catholic Church, Kings Turning, Presteigne. Comments were made on the proximity of the proposed dwelling on plot 4 to adjacent property and the high pitch of the roof of the proposed dwelling on plot 3. The Clerk was asked to forward these observations to Powys County Council.
2) None received.
3) Powys Local Development Plan Community Meetings - The dates were noted and Cllr. Kirkby
agreed to try to attend.
MIN 1926 HIGHWAYS HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
(1) Draft Fire and Rescue National Framework 2009/10 - Cllr. Spawton agreed to take this report and report to the next meeting.
(2) Street Lighting Core Areas Consultation PCC - Members were disappointed to hear of the poor response to the part night lighting consultation. They asked that the Clerk suggest three areas which would be suitable for reduced lighting, the by pass, the Slough and Offas Green, Norton. She was asked to request a meeting to discuss the issue more fully when more details where known.
(3) Footpath Issues - A reply had been received from Powys County Council Officer, Carlton Parry concerning the problems on part of the Warden footpath and also raising two other issues. Given the existing queries concerning Rockbridge and Clatterbrook paths it was agreed to request a site meeting.
(4) Affordable Housing - The response from the Planning department was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk reply asking for possible sites to be marked on a copy a town map. It was also felt that with a Local Development Plan currently being produced an early indication of any extension to industrial and housing areas should be requested.
(5) Interim Development Control Guidance Consultation (Onshore Wind Farm Developments) - Cllr. Robinson took this item and agreed to report back to the next meeting.
(6) Powys UDP Further Consultation (Amendments) - Cllr. Kirkby took this document and agreed to report to the next meeting.
(7) Noise outside Dukes Arms Public House - It was reported that the practice of placing tables and chairs on the pavement in front of the premises was leading to increased noise, sometimes until the early hours of the morning. The Clerk agreed to report the matter to Powys County Council and ask for action to be taken.
(8) Obstruction of Pavement, Broad Street - Comments had been received concerning the placing of goods outside the Curios shop, which had been increasing recently. Cllr. Owens agreed to approach the shop owner to see if the number of items could be reduced.
(9) Reeves Hill Wind Farm Development - Cllr. Robinson asked that Powys County Council be reminded to send a copy of any plans to the Town Council as soon as they are received.
MIN 1927 NORTON MATTERS
(1) Speed of Traffic - Cllr. Price raised the issue of the speed of traffic through Norton generally. He commented that a previous survey of traffic speeds had been taken during the middle of the day and so was not indicative of the true depth of the problem. He felt that too get a true picture speeds would need to be monitored during the peak times of early morning and teatime/early evening. The Clerk was asked to contact the Highways Department to see when the last survey was done and request that another be carried out very soon.
(2) Churchyard - Cllr. Spawton asked for advice as there were no more plots available in Norton itself. Members were generally of the opinion that Powys County Council would not provide a site in Norton but would suggest the Presteigne Cemetery be used. The Clerk agreed to supply the contact details for the PCC Cemeteries Officer so that Cllr. Spawton could investigate further.
(3) Creation of New Entrance - Cllr. Price agreed to liaise with Powys County Council to assist a resident who had problems with a new access created by a neighbour. It was heard that a Planning Officer was due to visit the site in the near future.
(4) Wall at Norton Manor - Cllr Wilding asked that the Planning Department be reminded that this issue was still outstanding.
MIN 1928 WENTS MEADOW
(1) Play Inspections - Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that the inspection reports had been considered and that work was in hand to correct the issues raised. Mr. Richard Rimmington was carrying out the work at the skateboard park and Mr. Gareth Graham was looking at the other matters.
(2) Presteigne United Charities - The Clerk reported that the estimated solicitors costs were £200. After some discussion Members agreed that the projected costs were too great and that it was not reasonable incur such costs to buy out a rent charge of only £4 annually. The Clerk agreed to write to the Charity explaining the decision.
MIN 1929 MEMORIAL HALL
Nothing to report.
MIN 1930 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Nothing to report.
MIN 1931 CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Zurich Municipal Local Council Advisory Service Seminars - No one wished to attend this event.
(2) Proposed Turbines Reeves Hill - Letter about flying blimps. This letter was noted.
(3) Bus Timetabling - Letter from Norton Resident. The Clerk stated she had already asked Powys County Council for their comments but had not as yet received a reply. She agreed to copy the letter to the Norton Members for information.
MIN 1932 INFORMATION ONLY/ON THE TABLE
These items were noted.
MIN 1933 OTHER MATTERS
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9.35 pm.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 4th JUNE 2008 AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. C. Kirkby (Mayor), B. Price, P. Robinson, Ms. B. Baynham, N. Green, Ms. A Wake, J. Tennant-Eyles.
Apologies: J. Wilding (Deputy Mayor), P. Spawton, Ms. J. Simpson, H Owens, J. Kendall.
In Attendance: Mrs T. Price, Town Clerk
Declarations of Interest. Members were requested to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests they may have in matters to be considered at this meeting in accordance with the terms of the Model Code of Conduct Order 2001 issues under Section 51 Local Government Act 2002.
No Declarations were made.
Cllr. Kirkby began the meeting by welcoming the new Members to the Town Council.
MIN 1934 DECLARATIONS OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
The four co-opted Members present, Ms. B. Baynham, Ms. A. Wake, N. Green and J. Tennant-Eyles, completed their formal acceptance of office, witnessed by the Clerk.
MIN 1935 PLANNING PROPOSED WIND TURBINES AND ASSOCIATED WORKS AT REEVES HILL, NEAR KNIGHTON
Cllr. Kirkby had examined the proposal in some detail and proceeded to outline the contents for Members. In particular Members examined the various plans provided and considered the results of various surveys concerning wildlife, geology etc.
It was recalled that the first application for turbines in the area in the early 1990's had failed because of the visual impact and the effect on the then Observatory on Stonewall Hill. This application was for fewer turbines and the present owner of the Observatory (now the Spaceguard Centre) no longer had any objections to the application as it did not affect their needs.
Cllr. Kirkby pointed out that there was nothing contained in this application for connection to the National Grid (for which there were two possible options) and that an application to Powys County Council for the use of Llanshay Lane and associated works had not yet been made.
In general the application was for four turbines, one to be for community ownership and three to be owned by the landowners. It was estimated that the turbines would generate enough electricity to power 5144 homes. Estimated costs would be £2 million per turbine. Objections could not include comments on the efficiency/viability of wind power.
Cllr. Robinson pointed out that two residential sites where not shown on the map showing properties affected, these being Cooks House and The Colony. In addition he stated that two properties had not received documentation about the proposals, these being The Warren and The Cooks House.
It was felt that any comments made by the Town Council be made as initial comments due to the short notice and that the right be reserved to add further to these when the comments of Powys County Council were available for guidance.
With this proviso the Council resolved that the following comments be submitted to Herefordshire Council:-
1) Time Scale for Comments - The request for comments by 13th June is unreasonable given the size and complexity of the documents involved. In addition this date is not consistent with that shown on the Planning Notices on site. Due to the short notice not all Members could attend the Town Council meeting.
2) Community Consultation - Much is made in the application of the community involvement. The Town Council suggests that there has in fact been no community consultation on the need or suitability of the turbines or indeed the uses to which any community money would be placed. Much information has been supplied but there has been no actual consultation.
3) Letter from Shropshire County Council Planning Dept. (5/9/7) - This letter refers to the need for any application of this type, (regionally significant planning application), to be submitted to the West Midlands Regional Assembly. Has this been done and if not why not?
4) Transport/Road Issues - the Town Council understands that the best practice drawn up for wind Farm Development states that the site should have access to the road system without major road modifications being necessary. This would not appear to be the case with this site, as Llanshay Lane would require modification. It was noted that four mature Ash trees would need to be removed and the Town Council asks that should this prove necessary and in the event of the application being approved, trees be re-planted at a ratio of ten new plantings to each one removed. Mention was made of the need to carry out a 'test route' to ensure that all was satisfactory. Has this been done and if not when will it be carried out.
The Town Council would wish to comment fully on the application concerning Llanshay Lane at such time as it is officially made.
5) Traffic Survey - This was very limited in scope due to the short time over which it was conducted and was therefore considered to not be representative of the true usage.
6) Landscape and Effect on Visual Amenity - This was considered to be of major importance. The magnitude of the change to local views and enjoyment of such cannot be overestimated. The turbines will be visible for some considerable distance affecting all who live within the scope of the altered views. This is entirely out of proportion to the electricity generated.
In Powys high consideration would be given to the visual impact of the development. This application is only a few metres from the border and does affect many Powys residents.
The site and surrounding area have been designated an 'Area of Tranquillity', one of very few in the UK. This would be lost if this development went ahead.
7) Effect on those with photo sensitivity - The documents state that this effect would be restricted to 710 metres but the Town Council has seen evidence produced by Professor Arnold Wilkins stating that the a more appropriate distance would be 4 kilometres.
8) Wildlife - The Town Council is concerned generally on the effect on wildlife in the area in particular on the two rare species of bat. It was notice that there was no evidence on the effect the turbines could have on these and felt that in the absence of evidence then any alteration to their habitat should not be undertaken.
9) Policy Issues - Under Powys County Council guidance presently under consultation no development such as this would be permitted unless it was part of a bigger scheme or unless the intention was to further expand the scheme at a later date. The Town Council would like to know if expansion is planned/possible. It does not feel that a larger development would be tenable and would ask if Herefordshire Council has a similar policy to that of Powys. The Council requests a copy of your own planning guidelines for this type of development.
10) Community Fund - Members felt that far too little information was given on this matter. There was no indication of what areas would benefit or in what proportion. No detail was given on how the funds would be administered. In the event of the application being approved the sum of money set aside per annum should be considered as an absolute minimum and be index linked.
11) Design of Turbines - Members felt that the design of these turbines could be greatly improved thus reducing their visual impact. More modern designs are available which are considerable less intrusive. In addition the height of these turbines would make them as high as some of the tallest in Wales.
12) Eventual De-Commissioning - It was felt that funds should be set aside and placed with the local authority to allow for full and complete restoration of the site following de-commissioning.
13) Other Possible Planning Gain - The Town Council felt that an educational fund should be provide to encourage and promote the use of clean energy and 'green' issues generally, possibly by the creation of an education centre on or near to the site.
It was agreed that all the observations above are made as an initial response only and that further comments will be made following the meeting of the Powys County Council Committee and also after the submission of the application involving Llanshay Lane.
No formal vote was taken for supporting or opposing the application at this stage. A vote will be taken at a later date when a response to the above issues has been made.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9.50 pm.
