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: October 2008 , November 3rd 2008 , September 2008 , August Walk 2008, July 2008 , June 2008 , 4th June 2008 , May 2008 , March 2008 , February 2008 , January 2008 , 9th January 2008 , December 2007 , November 2007
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15th OCTOBER 2008 AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. C. Kirkby (Mayor), J. Wilding (Deputy Mayor), Ms. B. Baynham, Ms. N. Humphreys, H Owens, B. Price, P. Robinson, Ms. J. Simpson, J. Tennant-Eyles, Ms. A. Wake.
Apologies: N. Green, J. Kendall, P. Spawton.
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 Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct Order) (Wales) Order 2008.
Personal and Prejudicial
Cllrs. Kirkby and Tennant-Eyles Wind Turbine Planning Application (through Membership of Presteigne Festival). As confirmed in writing previously.
MIN 1980 FINANCE
(1) Donations: The following donations were approved:
Norton Sports Committee (Fireworks) £50 (precepted)
Bobath Children's Therapy Centre £100 (precepted)
Presteigne Football Club (Firework/Bonfire Display) £400 (precepted)
It was confirmed that two local children currently benefited from the Bobath Therapy Centre.
In response to a question from Cllr. Kirkby, Cllr. Tennant-Eyles confirmed that he would inform the Council of the amount needed as the Town Council contribution towards the Christmas Lights in the New Year when the full figures had been finalised.
The letters of thanks from the Wales Air Ambulance, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, East Radnorshire Day Centre and Presteigne Memorial Hall were noted.
(2) Payments: The following payments were approved:
Clearview Cleaning Services (Hfd) Ltd. £369.11
(Monthly account for toilet cleaner £314.14 plus VAT)
Clun Solutions £104.00
(Onsite maintenance agreement for laptop)
Mr. E. Cross (Inspections of Wents Meadow to end of Aug) £190.00
(MEADOW ACCOUNT)
MIN 1981 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of 17th September were approved with no amendments. The Mayor then duly signed the Minutes.
MIN 1982 MATTERS ARISING
(1) Presteigne Bowling Club - The Clerk confirmed that she had telephoned the Bowling Club and that the request for accounts had been passed on to the treasurer of the Club. The secretary had confirmed that if the Club intended to continue with its request the accounts would follow.
(2) War Veterans - Cllr. Kirkby had been unable to contact anyone to date. It was agreed that the matter be delayed pending the election of a new Chairman of the Royal British Legion.
(3) Safe Routes to School - It was heard that John Beddoes School were intending to meet the Cycling Officer responsible for the project. Cllr. Ms. Simpson added information about other possible routes. It was agreed that the Clerk try to co-ordinate matters so that everyone could meet in Presteigne to discuss the issues.
(4) Radnorshire Liaison Meeting - Cllr. Wilding had attended this meeting and provided a brief report on the matters raised which included the modernisation of planning procedures, street lighting and the May elections. With street lighting it was understood that there would possibly be an opportunity to negotiate over particular lights in the future but that in the meantime the main switch off was going ahead. With regard to planning modernisation Cllr. Wilding confirmed that the Officer speaking at the meeting had confirmed that the programme would be going ahead at some time in the future and that he had been informed that the decision of when and how to do so would be made by Officers not Members.
(5) Reduction in Bus Services - Powys County Council had been contacted but there had been no response as yet. The Clerk agreed to chase this up.
(6) Rockbridge Footpath - There was still no further contact from the landowner concerned. It was agreed that the Clerk write again.
(7) Scottleton Street Development - The Clerk had confirmed the Council's request for the new properties to be named Walkers Way. She added thatindications were that it was unlikely that Powys County Council would use this name.
(8) Recycling Centre - No response had yet been received. The Clerk agreed to write again asking for a reply.
(9) Traffic Monitoring, Norton - The Clerk confirmed that Norma Griffiths had not as yet supplied the information from the recent monitoring nor had she confirmed when the strips could be replaced on site. She agreed to contact Norma for the information.
(10) Waste Bin, Wilson Terrace Play Area - Powys County Council had agreed that an additional waste bin was necessary. The Dog Warden had put in an official request for the bin to be positioned as the Town Council had suggested.
(11) Kissing Gate, Wents Meadow - Carlton Parry of Powys County Council had confirmed that he would inspect the Meadow gate when next in the area and inform the Council of the action he would like to take.
(12) Police Authority Open Day - Cllr. Ms Baynham had been unable to attend but had forwarded apologies on behalf of the Town Council.
(13) Local Dentist - Cllr. Price was able to confirm that the Local Health Board had not been approached by anyone looking to practice in Presteigne. Cllr. Kirkby agreed to look for the original contact details of the person who had enquired.
MIN 1983 PLANNING
(1) There were no planning applications this month. A copy of the Powys County Council Committee report regarding the alterations at John Beddoes School had been circulated.
(2) Wind Turbine Application - This item was put to the end of the meeting as Cllrs. Kirkby and Tennant-Eyles would need to withdraw from the room.
(3) Community Benefits from Wind Farm Developments - Members had all received a copy of the draft report produced by Powys County Council on this matter. They asked that the Clerk forward the Town Council's comments as follows -
To request that the amount of £2000 per MW of installed capacity (and associated amounts) mentioned on Page 6 be reviewed annually to ensure they keep pace with current costs/returns from such developments.
With regard to the 60/40 split it was felt that more detail was needed on this, in particular the exact form the Trusts would take and on the way local community funds would be divided if more than one Community Council was involved. How would this involvement be defined - would it be purely on whether the development was in a particular community or would neighbouring communities benefit?
If Town and Community Councils were to administer Local Trust Funds would the spending be monitored and if so by whom and how. Would Powys County Council be looking to recover any costs it may have from the projected benefits if Town and Community Councils could not run their own schemes. If so how much would Powys County Council be charging for this service.
Members were also interested in how local accountability and representation would be achieved on the CWFTF's if they were being administered by a local energy agency. The way this was written sounded like a particular agency was already in mind and the Clerk was to ask who this was intended to be.
MIN 1984 HIGHWAYS HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
(1) Location of Bike Racks in Presteigne - The Chamber of Trade had now identified two sites for additional racks in the town, in front of the police station in Hereford Street and in Station Road by the telephone kiosk.
(2) Street Lighting - Cllr. Kirkby stated that the issue was largely about the way in which the switch off had been carried out - with no consultation. Cllr. Wilding proposed that Members get together to walk around Presteigne and Norton so that they could make constructive suggestions on how the lights could be altered to provide better visibility and avoid problem areas. It was agreed that this be done and the Presteigne date was confirmed for 20th October. One petition had been received requesting that light PR153 be put back on, together with one letter, copies were already with Powys County Council. The Clerk agreed to reply with details of the action the Town Council intended to take. Several Members had also received verbal comments both for and against the switch off.
(3) Allotments - Two letters had been received concerning this issue and these were read to the meeting. For the benefit of those Members of the public present Cllr. Kirkby outlined the situation to date. It was confirmed that the decision regarding the use of land at the Meadow could not be re-considered for six months. Cllr. Kirkby explained that the costs in providing allotments would need to be carefully examined and include the need to provide parking, water, fencing etc. as well as the initial cost of purchasing the land needed. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles confirmed that the food group of Transition Town Presteigne were presently considering several sites.
Members confirmed their support for allotments in general and that if an approach was made with a definite site/portion of land that was available they would offer as much support as possible to help the project.
(4) High Street Shoppers Car Park - The contents of the recent letter from Kevin Lloyd of Powys County Council were summarised to Members. Cllr. Kirkby stated that the situation was still very unsatisfactory and that the flooding problem needed urgent attention. In addition he asked that the Clerk enquire whether there was a byelaw in place would allow the 'No Ball Games' sign to be enforced.
(5) Tidy Towns Initiative - The Clerk was asked to forward a copy of the letter from Powys County Council to Transition Town Presteigne. Members agreed that there were no projects at present that the Town Council could put forward.
(6) Alteration to Parking Arrangements - The Clerk agreed to ask for clarification on the details given in the Mid Wales Journal recently.
(7) Two minor repairs were reported - a hole in the pavement near the underpass at Green End and a loose paving slab near to the Bank. The Clerk agreed to notify the County Council that these matters needed attention.
MIN 1985 NORTON MATTERS
(1) Flooding at Mynd Road - Powys County Council had looked at the problem and promised that work would be carried out within one month. In the meantime sandbags had been provided.
(2) Parking Near to Bus Stop - This was discussed and Members put forward a number of possible solutions. It was agreed that the Clerk write to Powys County Council suggesting bollards could be placed to protect the grass area and asking for alternative suggestions if this was not possible.
(3) No Footpath Sign - The Clerk agreed to write requesting that this be removed as it was no longer necessary.
MIN 1986 WENTS MEADOW
(1) Land Registry - Cllr. Wilding reported that he had examined the pack provided and that he believed that the Meadow would have been automatically registered at the time of purchase. The Clerk agreed to check with the Land Registry to confirm this.
(2) Letter from Mr. Cross re. vandalism to the Barn - Members noted the concerns of Mr. Cross. They were already aware of the problems that had occurred and the police had been asked to keep a watch on the area.
(3) Wood Chip - Cllr. Owens informed Members that a small load of wood chip which was surplus to Powys County Council requirements had been offered for use on the Meadow. He had not yet been able to check if it had been tipped on site, close to the Barn.
(4) Date for Committee Meeting - This was confirmed as 3rd November at 2 pm. Cllr. Kirkby agreed to draw up the Agenda for this meeting.
MIN 1987 MEMORIAL HALL
Cllr. Tennant Eyles suggested that the Clerk be asked to investigate potential funding for a more detailed feasibility study in order to progress the provision of a new Hall. The Clerk was to keep a note of the additional hours worked. Members were all in favour of this and the Clerk agreed. She was also asked to check how much money had been set aside for work on the Hall project which still remained unspent.
MIN 1988 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Cllr. Tennant-Eyles asked for assistance to close up the toilets on 1st November and also to complete the painting. A small working party was formed.
MIN 1989 CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Countrywide re. changes to feed mill - Cllr. Owens outlined the proposed changes and the concerns of nearby residents about the increased noise due, in the main, to the extended hours of working. It was agreed that the Clerk write to Countrywide asking to be kept informed of progress and also asking that serious consideration be given to taking steps to minimise noise from the Mill.
(2) Letter with Planning Query - The Clerk confirmed that this letter had been passed on to Powys County Council for their comments.
MIN 1990 INFORMATION ONLY/ON THE TABLE
These items were duly noted.
MIN 1991 OTHER MATTERS
Cllr. Kirkby confirmed that he had attended the Chairman's reception.
It was heard that funding for the East Radnor Day Car Centre was being reduced by 15% in the next financial year. The Clerk was asked to write to Powys County Council to ask if funding was being reduced for Council run centres as well and also for details of all the groups presently funded in Presteigne and Norton. The effects on funding for all these to be investigated as well.
Concerns were also raised about a small group of young people which were causing problems outside the library in the town. It was agreed that the Clerk add this to the list for Sgt. Wheatman when he attended the November meeting.
Finally it was noted that there had been some selling of alcohol to under age children in one of the local shops. Cllr. Kirkby agreed to approach the shopkeeper to see if the situation could be solved in this way.
Cllr. Tennant-Eyles reported that various signs had been erected advertising Norton Manor. Powys County Council Highways Department had previously been very strict about the erection of such signs at junctions and similar places. He confirmed that he had spoken to George Lloyd of Powys County Council about this and it would be investigated. He agreed to contact Powys County Council again to discuss the large banner presently on the fence adjacent to the Memorial Hall.
Cllrs. Kirkby and Tennant-Eyles left the meeting at this point, having declared an interest in the following item.
MIN 1992 WIND TURBINE DEVELOPMENT REEVES HILL
Cllr. Wilding assumed the Chair for this item. The Clerk confirmed that she had heard nothing further from either Herefordshire or Powys Councils.
Views were then taken from each Member in turn and many pertinent points were raised both for and against the development. Following this Cllr. Wilding asked for motions to be submitted. Cllr. Robinson proposed that the Council object to the proposed development and this was seconded by Cllr. Ms. Wake. Members then voted on the proposal. The vote was split equally for and against the motion. Cllr. Wilding considered that he should not use his casting vote under these circumstances.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9.45 pm.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 3rd NOVEMBER 2008 AT THE SHIRE HALL, BROAD STREET, PRESTEIGNE
Present: Cllrs. C. Kirkby (Mayor), J. Wilding (Deputy Mayor), Ms. B. Baynham, N. Green, B. Price, P. Robinson, Ms. J. Simpson, P. Spawton, J. Tennant-Eyles.
Apologies: Ms. N. Humphreys, J. Kendall, H Owens, Ms. A. Wake
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 Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct Order) (Wales) Order 2008.
Personal and Prejudicial
Cllrs. Kirkby and Tennant-Eyles Item 3c, Wind Turbine Planning Application Supplementary Report (through Membership of Presteigne Festival). As confirmed in writing previously.
MIN 1993 PLANNING
(1) P2008 1491 Full, change of use from A1 (Bakery) to A3 (takeaway food), Ground Floor 14 High Street, Presteigne.
Members recalled that an application for change of use had been applied for in October 2007. The Clerk was able to confirm that Powys County Council had not determined that application and that this was a new application by a different person. Members felt that it would not be fair to restrict competition but that a further takeaway would upset the balance of the High Street and that another retail outlet would be preferable. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles had received a letter of objection to the application which he read to the meeting. It was agreed that this person made very valid points and it was agreed to write confirming the Council's original objection in 2007, to add that the Council was concerned that the overall balance of the High Street would be affected and that they wished to support the comments of the resident who had objected, concerning noise, ventilation and smell.
(2) P2008 1505 Listed Building Consent, construction of handrail to front steps, Red House, Broad Street, Presteigne.
No objections were raised to this application.
(3) DCNW2008/1289F Supplementary Environmental Report Reeves Hill Wind Energy Scheme.
This item was deferred to the end of the meeting as Cllrs. Kirkby and Tennant-Eyles could not take part in the discussion.
(4) P2008 1462 Full, Creation of access track to serve during period of construction and should maintenance require delivery of abnormal loads to Reeves Hill Community Wind Scheme, land at Llanshay Farm, Knighton, Powys.
After some discussion Members concluded that as this application was outside their area and for an access track only it did not directly affect Presteigne and Norton and it would not be proper for them to make their own comments. Cllr. Price reported on the views of Knighton Town Council and it was agreed that the Clerk would write to Powys County Council supporting Knighton Town Council's comments.
At this point Cllr. Kirkby left the meeting and Cllr. Wilding assumed the Chair. Cllr. Tennant-Eyles remained as an observer.only.
Members then returned to item (3), the supplementary environmental report received from Herefordshire Council. The report was considered alongside the original letter sent to Herefordshire in early June. It was agreed that none of the issues raised had been addressed satisfactorily and the Clerk was asked to write to Herefordshire Council asking that full and detailed responses be made to the letter sent in June. It was noted that a survey on the bat population was to be carried out and it was felt that the results of this should be available before the planning meeting (not at the meeting as stated) to allow for comment.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 8.10 pm.
