RAF Henlow

We have just spent a couple of days over Christmas at RAF Henlow in Befordshire with Kirsty's family. Kirsty's youngest sister Teresa (Tree) is married to a Captain Ali Biggs (Army) and are stationed at RAF Henlow on a Joint Forces project. They moved back to the UK from Germany earlier this year.

We joined the rest of Kirsty's family on Christmas Eve after closing the shop at lunch time and travelling the 4 hours down to Befordshire.

Had a smashing time with the family (8 Adults and 5 children). Stayed in a VIP Suite in the Officers' Mess (apparently Prince Edward stayed in the same suite earlier this year).

Got back late last night in time to open up the shop and Post Office this morning (Saturday).

State of Things to Come !

We had a customer from the village in the shop yesterday with several children in tow.
All the children were of primary school age, and all where the customer's children except for one.

While in the shop our eyes have to keep a look out on what is going on, not necessary as they are shoplifting, but because we have to see what they may have moved or written on in the shop.

Once they had left I managed to remove a couple of leaflets and lottery slips with writing all over them including one which stated "F*** O**". Even this was spelt wrong.

The customer proceeded to buy drinks for the children. I was in the car last night and hence didn't walk home, but on the walk back into work this morning to open the Post Office, I found several empty drinks containers strewn across the road.

Now I know as a Governor of Ysgol Deganwy, where these children attend, that they are praised in the teaching of acceptable behaviour and respect for others. It seems though that once some leave the school premises that this teaching is not backed up and is lost.

My worry is that these are young children and will be resident in the Village for many more years. When these children become adults and have children of there own, will things improve or just degenerate further?

The answer to this is ? I don't know.
We try our best to set examples within the school environment. But it seems to get lost on some.

It's been a bit slower in the shop this afternoon and this time of year brings out reflections on what we have and thoughts on how we can improve.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hopefully in the New Year I can increase my blogging to keep you updated on all the happenings at the Council. With the Christmas business, changes in Post Office Branches and staff recuitment we have been quite busy which has affected my routine for creating new posts.

I have for example not detailed the last two planning meetings, deails of scrutint meetings at which street lighting was discussed (we do not want to turn any lights off), I have also missed the decision to award councillors the 2.45% remuneration increases and other changes to allowances.

Its not that I am trying to ignore the decision on the increase, I did speak at the council meeting, to explain why I was voting and the reasons that affect how I can operate as a Councillor and also continue to run the Post Office and Shop. I will produce a post on the subject in the new year, just when other councillors may have hoped that people may have forgotten about it :-> All councillors personal situations are different and hence the increase in allowances affects us all differently.

Being in the Post Office you can see how this time of year affects people in different ways. It is always difficult for those who have lost loved ones through the year, and are spending the first Christmas with out that person. We have unfortunately seen a few examples of this with our Customers this year. Our thoughts are with them.

Llandudno & District Local Community News

The December/January issue of the Llandudno Local has been issued.

The local newsletter is now available from Deganwy Post Office & Village Stores, as well as the The Red Shop (Waverley News) in Madoc St, Llandudno.

The newsletter compliments the Llandudno & District Forum which you can find following the link on the links section of my Blog or here: http://olle.co.uk/forum1/

The creator of the forum and editor of the newsletter Craig Ollerton is always interested in new members to the forum and for articles for the newsletter. You can contact Craig at olle51@hotmail.com

From the forum:

WELCOME to the Llandudno & District Local, established in 2003 by local man Craig Ollerton (The Editor). Formerly 'Llandudno Enthusiasts', the site has since transpired to become one of the best loved discussion forums in the area, recently rebranded to the Llandudno & District Local we now operate a free online and paper based community platform covering the Llandudno and district area.

On the site you will also soon find a handy local business directory, properties and lettings, useful links, jobs, games and much more. Our online forum community delivers 'ultralocal' news and talk thanks to our growing loyal member base.I would like to personally welcome all readers and prospectively any new members to our community forum and look forward to meeting you here.

Kind regards,

Craig Ollerton (The Editor).

Planning - 10th Dec 2008

Planning Committee Meeting

Wednesday 10th December 2008

2pm, Bodlondeb


I started writing this post before Christmas and ran out of time. Hence the detail is somewhat vague as my notes are limited.

The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chair, Cllr Anghared Booth Taylor, as the Chair was unavailable for personal reasons (Apologies where received).




Deferred applications from the previous Committee meeting


I. Code ref: 0/35114 - Change of use and extension to create managers dwelling, alteration and improvement of existing visitor facilities and installation of private treatment plant. Tan
Y Mynydd, Trout Fishery, Moelfre, Abergele.
Minded to refuse planning permission.

This item was to reaffirm our decision to grant permission from last month meeting. The committee felt that there was grounds for this to be built as an Agricultural Dwelling.

Me: Approval. Committee: Approval




II. Code ref: 0/35253 - Demolition of existing garage and erection of granny annexe. Plas Tirion, Penmaenmawr Road, Llanfairfechan
Minded to refuse planning permission.

Long history with this application as a very similar application had been made in the past and refused, as was the appeal. This application has some minor changes from the application in 2007. The applicant wants to change the existing garage into a new dwelling (annexe) for the use of an elderly relative. Although I understood and sympathised with the reason for the application, the problem that I had and others in the committee was the physical distance and height between the main dwelling and the annexe. To the extent that this was not in my opinion an annexe but rather a separate 2 bedroomed dwelling. I felt that the applicant still has alternatives to provide accommodation for their relatives much closer to the house and as a annexe rather than a separate dwelling, and has I agreed with the officers recommendation. The vote was tied and hence left to the Chair to make the final decision.

Me: Refusal, Committee: Refusal

III. Code ref: 0/35343 - Erection of agricultural workers dwelling and alteration to access (outline application). Land near Gribin, Llangernyw
Minded to refuse planning permission

Me: Refusal, Committee: Refusal



IV. Code ref: 0/35400 - Erection of agricultural workers dwelling (outline application). Ty Cerrig, Ty Nant, Llangwm

Minded to refuse planning permission.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved



To consider the following reports:
(i) Planning Applications


I. Code ref: 0/32634 - Installation of Wind Turbine to rear of dwelling at Grovewood, 47 Denbigh Circle, Kinmel Bay, LL18 5HW
Minded to refuse planning permission.

Since an earlier application for same installation more detail has now been provided regarding the noise that the device would create. It is worth noting that this particular turbine is not a standard off the shelf product that you can purchase from a DIY store. This was a turbine that the applicant had been given from another source. The noise figures provided where to great for the officers and hence the guidance to refuse based on the sound nuisance this device would create.
A request was made for a site inspection. At this point I stated that I felt there wasn't need for a site visit as it wasn't the visual impact, but rather the noise, which could not be determined from a site visit. I also aired my concerns that even when we agree to a site visit only a small percentage of the committee actually attend it.
When such a site visit is requested, the vote for a site visit is taken first. Only if this is rejected (which has never happened since my attendance) does a vote on the application is taken.

Me: Against Site Visit, Committee: For a Site Visit

It was suggested that if possible we should include a visit to an existing site where a wind turbine is fitted. It will be interesting to see how many turn up to the site visits on Tuesday 13th Jan.

II. Code ref: 0/34805 - Erection of 18 no. dwellings (approval matters reserved for subsequent approval under code ref. 0/29985) - Land off Tal y Fan, Glan Conwy
Minded to grant conditional planning permission.

Permission for this development had already been granted through an Appeal. The purpose of this item was to agree the items reserved from the original application. There was obviously concern raised on the original application, as to whether this site was suitable. The officers were satisfied with the additional detail and hence the guidance to approve.

Me: Approval, Committee: Approval

III. Code ref: 0/34855 - Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 22 No. apartments (Outline Planning Application) at 65 Victoria Park, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7AJ
Minded to grant conditional planning permission, subject to a S106 agreement in respect of the commuted sum for the off-site open space provision.

Me: Approval, Committee: Approval


IV. Code ref: 0/35121 - Erection of dwelling, alteration to means of access and installation of Septic Tank at land adjacent to Acar Las, 3 Rhes Tyddyn, Cerrigydrudion, LL21 9TW
Minded to refuse planning permission.

The applicant ( a local builder) wished to build a new dwelling on land adjacent to his current home. To build a new house in the countryside there are guidelines to ensure that the house is for local need and that it is in keeping to its surroundings. Although the applicant had demonstrated some local need in the fact that they were locals and wanting to start a family, the committee and officers felt that this was not sufficient justification for the building of a new detached property next to the row of terraced houses. There is potential scope for the builder to consider extending his current home to to accomodate an increasing family.

Me: Refusal, Committee: Refusal

V. Code ref: 0/35236 - Erection of Dwelling and Construction of Means of Access (Approval of Matters Reserved for Consequent Approval Under Code Ref 033731) at 11 Marine
Avenue, Old Colwyn LL29 9TR

Minded to grant approval of reserved matters.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved

VI. Code ref: 0/35290 - Development of 51 no. apartments (use class C2 residential accommodation with care) with associated facilities, formation of access and car parking.
Rhos Priory Residential home, 4 - 6 Abbey Road, Rhos on Sea
Minded to grant conditional planning permission subject to a S106 Agreement/Unilataral Obligation to control the use of the building.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved



VII. Code ref: 0/35312 - Demolition of dwelling and erection of 5 no. dwellings, construction of means of access and associated works (outline application). 4 Rhodfa Lwyd, Llysfaen
Minded to grant planning permission, subject to no further issues (not previously considered) being raised in response to the statutory notice.

There is quite a lot of local objection to this application, in terms of the need and its location.

Me: Site Visit, Committee: Site Visit

VIII. Code ref: 0/35321 - Display of non-illuminated pole mounted development sign. Land at corner of Mynydd lane and Hafodty Lane, Upper Colwyn Bay
Minded to refuse advertisement consent.

Me: Refusal, Committee: Refusal

IX. Code ref: 0/35337 - Erection of Garages/Studio/Hobbies Room - Y Beudy, Maerdy, Conwy, LL21 ONS
Minded to grant conditional planning permission.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved



X. Code ref: 0/35357 - Erection of 3 dwellings and alterations to means of access (outline application). Land adjoining Gwysfa, Conwy Old Road, Dwygyfylchi
Minded to refuse planning permission.

The local member was in favour of this application. The local member (Cllr Stevens) is not usually a member of the planning committee, but was deputising for another member today. Apparently this action of being assigned to committee on a temporary measure is common practice. I have my concerns on whether this activity is suitable on a regularity committee, where knowledge and experience is an important part. I not suggesting that Clr Stevens does not have this experience, but it has highlighted the issue. Cllr Carlisle was also at the meeting deputising for a colleague.

Regarding the application, we had a site visit. My concern was the precedent this would set for other properties in the area to do the same. I believe if this happened it would be of concern.

Me: Refusal, Committee: Refusal

XI. Code ref: 0/35373 - Retention of Conservatory at St. Seiriol's Road, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2YY
Minded to grant conditional approval.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved



XII. Code ref: 0/35418 - Erection of new unit for use as builders merchants. Mochdre Commerce Parc, Conwy Road, Mochdre.

Minded to refuse planning permission, unless potential concerns over the parking provision can be resolved.

As long as parking provision is provided than the committee where happy for such a development to take place.

Me: As minded above: Committee: As minded above

XIII. Code ref: 0/35440 - Demolition of garage, alteration and conversion from maisonette and 2 no. flats to 5 no. flats at Bryn Derwen, Constitution Hill, Conwy Road, Penmaenmawr,
Conwy
Minded to grant conditional planning permission subject to submission of a satisfactory revised layout plan in respect of reduced car parking and increased amenity space.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved

XIV. Code ref: 0/35473 - Change of use from residential / EMI to offices/D1 (non residential institution) and associated spaces. Bron Haul, Fernbrook Road, Penmaenmawr
Minded to grant conditional planning permission and including resolution of pedestrian access improvements, car parking layout/provision, the removal of permitted development rights and satisfactory removal and treatment of Japanese Know Weed.

Me: Approved, Committee: Approved



XV. Code ref: 0/35478 - Installation of external flue pipe for multi fuel stove. Flat 1, Hafan, Station Road, Llanfairfechan
Minded to refuse planning permission.

This application will return to the next meeting as a site visit was requested and agreed. As I can not predetermine my view I can not comment on the application directly, but I believed there was sufficient information to make a decision at this meeting

Me: Against Site Visit, Committee: Site Visit.

Councillors' Attendance Record

In a previous posting on 10th Oct 2008, titled "Percentage of Attendance of Committee Meetings:
http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/2008/10/percentage-of-attendence-of-committee.html

I discussed the difference in the number of meetings that councillors are "expected" to attend based on which committees they are members and the "percentage attendance" record of the councillors at these meetings.
Several comments suggested I should name and shame the councillors involved.

As I discussed there was an internal web page where this information was available. of which I forwarded to a few of my fellow councillors.

Well now members of the public can gain access to this same information at:
http://moderngov.conwy.gov.uk:8071/mgMemberIndex.asp?bcr=1

You can view a summary by selecting: "Member Attendance Summary" or you can look in more detail by selecting the councillor of your choice and selecting "Attendance Record".
My attendance is here:
http://moderngov.conwy.gov.uk:8071/mgAttendance.asp?UID=769

You will see since May, that I have missed 2 meetings of the 25 expected (for which I gave my apologies), while I was on holiday. In addition I have attended an additional 10 meetings (mainly Cabinet and Communities Scrutiny). This gives me a current percentage attendance of expected attendances of 92%.

As more information is added, you will need to use the date fields to view different periods, the default view shows the last 6 months.

The very latest meetings will take a few days for the details to be added and not all meetings are recorded here (e.g. Improvement Boards, Task and Finish Groups)

Have a browse it makes interesting reading.

Planning Site Visit - Tuesday 9th December

I attended the planning site visits organised for this morning.
The visits where requested at the last meeting to give members an opportunity to see the sites, before making an informed decision.

Only 7 Councillors where present.
Cllrs: Bill Roberts, Brian Cossey, Ena Wynne, Jason Weyman, Trevor Scott, Mary Doyle and John Boyle.
In addition Cllr Ken Stevens (not on Planning) attended the site visit in Penmaenawr as local member. We also had a town/community councillor at each of the Llanfairfechan and Llangernyw sites.

This from a total of 27 members that are on the Planning Committee.

Of the 7 members present on the site visit 1 has sent their apologies as they are unavailable for tomorrows meeting. This results in only 6 of the 27 members of the Planning Committee that have seen the sites to be discussed tomorrow.

Deganwy Village Shops Update

Things are a bit busy in the Post Office at the moment, from the lead up to Christmas and the closure of Llandudno Junction Post Office. Which hasn't given me much time to update my blog. I'll attempt to get up to date over the next few days.

Some update on some of the shops in the village:

No.1 Station Rd, As discussed in an earlier post, this has ow been sold. I can confirm the new owners are Roberston Geologging. Roberston Geologging are based round the corner in York Rd and own the buildings above the 3 units at the top of the village. Although the unit will not be a shop the owners do intend to tidy up the shop and ensure it does not look vacant. Hence no new shop for the village, but the unit will be occupied.

No.81 Station Rd, formerly Sunset Club. This now has planning for A3 (Food) or A2 (Office) use. The unit is still for rent, via St David's Commercial, and the new planning consent allows for various options for the unit.

No 119 Station, formerly Forget Me Knot, has had planning permission to extend Takeaway Food hours to 10:30pm. I have been in touch with the applicant and he is still in negotiation with the owners of the property. Watch this space for any news over the next few weeks.