HOLYWELL TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF TREFFYNNON
Minutes of the Meeting of Holywell Town Council held in the Main Hall, St.
Peter’s Church, Rosehill, Holywell on Tuesday 17 February 2015 at 6.00pm.
------PRESENT: Councillor E.B. Palmer (Mayor).
Councillors: Mrs. M. Auty, P.J. Curtis, Mrs. K. Davies, Mrs. R. Dolphin, J.
Griffiths (for minutes 161 to 163.4), Mrs. M.D. Phelan, H.G. Roberts (for
minutes 161 to 163.4), K. Roberts, B. Scragg, L. Thorley, Mrs. S.E.
Wallbanks, E. Watkinson and P.A. York.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors J.M. Johnson
and P.J. McGarry.
IN ATTENDANCE: D.C. Pierce (Clerk) and M.G. Fearnley (Community
Engagement Officer).
161.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST – MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
Minute
No.
163.3
Name of
Councillor
P.A. York
Personal
Prejudicial
/
/*
Nature of Interest
Planning
Application
052922: Resident
close to proposed
site
*Member granted dispensation by the County Council’s Standards
Committee to speak and vote in respect of planning application
052922, and on any application believed to be substantially the same.
The dispensation applied for a period of 12 moths.
162.
EXTRA CARE ACCOMMODATION - FLINTSHIRE
In attendance for the item were Neil Ayling, Chief Officer – Social
Services and Susie Lunt, Senior Manager, Integrated Services, Lead Adults –
Flintshire County Council; Nicky Cole, Development Manager – Wales and
West Housing; and their colleague officers.
During the presentation it was explained that “extra care” was a type of
housing designed with older people in mind as an alternative to
residential/nursing homes. It was self-contained accommodation with care
and support services provided on site which could help people to continue
living independently for as long as possible. Extra care could also be
provided for younger people who required it.
The Flintshire schemes included Llys Elinor, Shotton, Llys Jasmine,
Mold, together with proposed similar developments at Flint and Holywell in
partnership with Wales and West Housing. In Holywell, this meant 66 state
of the art 1 and 2 bed units, on land currently used a car park in-between the
Community Hospital and the GP Practice off Halkyn Road. In support of the
Holywell development, it was added that there was a need for extra care
housing as Holywell had an aging population with older people 65+ predicted
to increase by 6% up to 2033.
Members were also informed how the developer would work with the
community to ensure that the development met all expectations. A short
question and answer session followed covering the general principles of the
proposed scheme in Holywell.
RESOLVED:
That the Council records its thanks to the officers for
their presentation.
163.
PLANNING
The following application, forwarded to the Town Council as part of
the County Council’s planning consultation process, was brought forward on
the agenda by the Mayor for consideration.
163.1.
Extra Care Facility - Holywell
No.
Proposal
053048
Outline application with all matters reserved for the
construction of Over 55’s Extra Care Accommodation in Car
Park, Halkyn Road, Holywell for Wales & West Housing.
By reference to the earlier presentation, Members were in no doubt about the
value of the proposal to the community. However, the Town Council with
others was working hard to regenerate the town and adequate parking facilities
were seen as an essential part of that regeneration. Members expressed clear
concern over the parking aspect especially as, in their view, there were other
more suitable sites nearby, within the community, for the extra care facility.
Also, that the Halkyn Road car park had been provided as part of the Tesco
development agreement, for the land that was taken up for a car park for that
development near the town centre.
Members also had before them for this item, copies of representations about
the application delivered to the Town Council by the Good Companions of
Holywell Hospital and Holywell Town FC raising concerns about the impact
of the proposal particularly in terms of the loss of the existing well-used car
park, with spaces for up to 100 vehicles.
Also in attendance for this item were Steve Jones and Neil Cockerton (Chief
Officers– Organisational Change), together with David Glyn Jones, Senior
Planning Officer, Flintshire County Council, who answered questions relating
to the highway and planning aspects respectively.
RESOLVED:
That the application be deferred to the next Town
Council meeting in March but that, should it be
necessary in the meantime in order to meet the County
Council’s timescale, a Special Meeting of the Council
be held to further consider the application.
163.2.
Application dealt with without prior notification to the Town Council
No.
Proposal
053019
Erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling – 10 Bryn
Afon, Greenfield, Holywell for Mr. & Mrs. C. Merrick.
The Clerk reported that he had been informed by the County Council that the
above application had been approved. The Town Council had not been
consulted and the Planning Department had apologised for this inadvertent
omission from its normal consultation procedure.
RESOLVED:
That the position be noted.
163.3.
Other Applications received for the Town Council’s observations
RESOLVED:
That the following responses be submitted to the
Flintshire County Planning Authority.
No.
Proposal
052679
Erection of 8no. dwellings – Former Church Hall Site, Well
Street, Holywell: for Padstone Homes – Amendments and/or
additional information (variation of layout to meet planning
conditions).
No objection.
(Note: Councillor Mrs. M. Auty requested that her name be recorded as having
voted against the decision to raise no objection to this application).
052922
Erection of 2no. wind turbines (70m to tip) and ancillary
infrastructure and access – Kingspan Ltd, 2-4 Greenfield
Business Park 2, Bagillt Road, Holywell: for Kingspan Ltd.
The Town Council is not persuaded that its earlier concerns have been
sufficiently addressed by this application and, accordingly, maintains its
objection on the following grounds:
 Impact on residential amenity by over dominance and operational
noise;
 Impact on the character and appearance of the area through the
adverse visual intensity of the proposal;
 Impact of construction on highway and general public health and
safety, especially linked to flashes/flickers from the large turbine
blades and also any damage that may occur to the blades through
wear and tear and bad weather;
 Impact to the detriment of community facilities including users of
the Greenfield Dock and the nearby coastal path;
 Impact on the effective search and rescue and communication
functions of emergency services air support units (Police and Air
Ambulance) and the RNLI operating in the Dee Estuary.
The Town Council does not consider the community benefit of the
proposal is proven.
(Note: Councillor H.G. Roberts did not vote on the applications referred to
in minutes 163.1 and 163.3).
163.4. Change of Venue for Appeal Hearing : Planning Application Ref.
052447 – Change of use from redundant car sales forecourt to secure
storage facility – Hillcrest Motor Group Ltd, Hillcrest Garage, Halkyn
Road, Holywell: for Mr. R. Thomas
RESOLVED:
That the new venue – Wheeler Conference Room,
Flintshire County Council, County Hall, Mold at 10am
on Thursday 19 February 2015 be noted.
164.
MAYOR’S REMARKS
The Mayor referred to the absence from the meeting of Councillor J.M.
Johnson and Members asked the Clerk to pass on their best wishes to
Councillor Johnson for a speedy recovery following his operation.
The Mayor reported on his recent visit, with Councillor P.J. Curtis, to
Llys Jasmine (Extra Care Housing), Mold, opened in 2013.
He also referred to his well-supported and most enjoyable Valentine’s
Charity Ball at the Springfield Hotel on Saturday, 14 February. He was
delighted to announce that between £2,500 and £3,000 had been raised in aid
of the Liverpool Hepatobiliary Centre. He intended to present a cheque for
the final sum collected to a representative(s) from the Centre at the next
Council meeting.
165.
MINUTES
165.1. General
RESOLVED:
(1) That the minutes of the following meetings be
approved as a correct record and signed by the
Mayor (in the absence of the Deputy Mayor for the
Finance Committee).
Council Meeting held on 20 January 2015.
Finance Committee held on 28 January 2015.
(2) That the Clerk be recorded as also being in
attendance at the Council Meeting held on 20
January 2015.
165.2. Finance Committee
RESOLVED:
That the resolutions of the Finance Committee at
the meeting in (1) above be supported and
approved.
166.
ACCOUNTS
166.1. Accounts
RESOLVED:
That payment of the following accounts be approved the
necessary audit checks having been undertaken in
accordance with the requirement of the Audit SubCommittee.
Voucher
5717
5718
5719
5720
Holywell PCC: Room Hire – meeting
with local Councils 10/12/14
Catrin Gilkes – Translation at public
meeting 14/1/15
Viking - Stationery/Sundries
Copyrite Systems – Copier Charges
18/11/14-14/1/15
£
16.00***
114.00***
110.59****
96.00****
5721
Leeann Limbert: Character visit
Olaf at ‘Frozen’ event 6/12/14
50.00^^
5722 Luntstone Ltd – Maintenance/plumbing
12/13 Bank Place
110.40****
5723 Delyn Press – Updating stationery
62.40****
5724 Flintshire CC: Building Cleaning
12/13 Bank Place Offices – October to
December ’14
174.89****
5725 ICR Group – Christmas Lights
Part 3 – Take down/store
3199.88^^
5726 Holywell PCC – Hire of Church for
Council meetings 14/1 and 20/1/15 111.00***
5727 Cambrian Photography – Camera/
Case/SD card
147.98****
5728 Flintshire CC – Planning fee –
Notice Board, Greenfield
90.00^^^
5729D/DBritish Telecom – Business Bill
07436273793 December/January
24.31****
5730D/DBritish Telecom – Business Bill
to January
106.96****
5731 Carmel Bowling Club - Donation
200.00^^
5732 Thomas Pennant Society – Donation 100.00^^
5733 Urdd National Eisteddfod 2016:
Holywell + 5 Villages Appeal
Committee – Donation 1
1000.00^^
5734 Estuary Voluntary Car Scheme –
Donation
600.00^^
5735 North & Mid Wales Association of
Local Councils x 3 lunches for
Council’s representatives at January
Meeting (Buckley)
45.00*
5736 British Gas – Electricity – 12/13
Bank Place Offices
122.98****
5737 British Gas – Electricity 14
Bank Place Offices
28.81****
5738 Rotary Club Flint/Holywell – Ad
Christmas Float Programme
100.00^^
5739 GHP Solicitors, Holywell: Legal
costs post April 2010 – Woodland off
Halkyn Road
300.00^^^
5740 Flintshire CC: Match funding
Contribution towards play area
upgrading at Strand Walk,
Holywell
10,000.00^^^
5741 Viking – Sundry materials –
First aid kit
96.85****
5742 Viking – Sundry materials/stationery 26.22****
5743 Shaw & Sons Ltd – Civic
Presentation Shields
614.40^
5744 D.C. Pierce – Salary – February
1396.55***
5745
5746
5747
5748
M.G. Fearnley – Salary – February 1150.35***
Mrs. M. Reed – Secretarial Expenses –
February
48.00***
HMRC (Inland Revenue) – PAYE/
Nat Ins – February
1060.49***
Holywell Mayor’s Charity A/C
Transfer of Flintshire CCs payment
for Mayor’s Charity Event,14/2/15
50.00^
________
21,354.06
________
Powers to make payments:*
//
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The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
(IRPW) Regulations for the remuneration of
members and co-opted members of relevant
authorities – Part 5 Community/Town Councils)
Local Government Act 1948 S.33
Local Government Act 1972 S.137
Local Government Act 1972 S.112, 151
Local Government Act 1972 S.133
Local Government Act 1972 S.111
Local Government Act 1972 S.144, 145
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions)
Act 1976 S.19
Local Government Act 1972 S.143
Local Government Act 1972 S.140
Local Government Act 1972 S.176
Local Government Act 1972 S.13
Local Government Act 1972 S.34
Local Government (Misc. Provisions) Act 1953
S.4
Local Government Act 1972 S.174
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions)
Act 1976 S.4
Local Government Act 1972 S.124
Local Government Act 1972 S.142
Representation of the People Act 1983 S.34
166.2. Match Funding 2014/15 – Improvements to the Strand Walk Play
Area, Holywell
Members were pleased to note that the scheme had been completed
and that the Town Council’s contribution of £10,000 was being paid
this month.
The Clerk reported that the new zipline required a lot of ground
modelling and there was a lot of exposed soil. However, the County’s
Leisure Services Department would endeavour to get the area
established in the coming months.
166.3. Income Received
Members received the schedule of income, circulated with the agenda,
regarding income between 1 and 31 January 2015.
167.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT 21/01/15 – 17/02/15
The Community Engagement Officer (CEO) presented his report
covering the above period.
Following on from locally held Youth Agency meetings a
Youth/Community Day was proposed to be held on the High Street, Holywell
on Tuesday, 31 March 2015 (Easter half term). A draft Walking Festival
Programme had been prepared. About 20 walks were proposed over the 3
days 19 – 21 June, which included 3 walks as part of the Sunday Delyn Walk
Challenge. Sales of the Walking Booklet were also going well.
A positive meeting had taken place with local business proprietors.
Ideas in respect of the business support element of the new Welsh Government
funding for town centre support projects had been included and the following
put forward - Business Guide; Business Signs and Business Training.
The CEO added that interviews had been held with the two shortlisted
companies chosen to review, build capacity and sustainability of the Holywell
Town Partnership. The successful candidate company was ‘People and
Places’ and a first inception meeting was planned for 25 February.
Members’ views were sought on a possible joint event (with Buckley,
Mold and Holywell). This would involve a providing a large screen in
Holywell High Street, probably on a Sunday, linking up entertainment with
the other two towns.
The draft Events Programme for the coming season was circulated.
RESOLVED:
(1) That the CEO’s report be received with thanks.
(2) That the CEO be authorised to further explore the
possibility of a joint event involving Buckley and
Mold.
168.
DEVOLUTION, DEMOCRACY AND DELIVERY : REFORMING LOCAL
GOVERNM,ENT – POWER TO LOCAL PEOPLE
Consideration was given to responding to the Welsh Government’s
vision for the future of Local Government, full details of which had been
circulated to all Members beforehand by email.
The Clerk added that, whilst much of the document related to Principal
Authorities (County Councils) and Area Boards, there was a very important
section on Community Councils as per extract with the agenda. The
Government clearly saw a larger and more significant role for the sector in the
future. The closing date for responses was 28 April 2015.
RESOLVED:
That further consideration be given to the matter at the
Council’s March meeting.
169.
CONSULTATION ON AN INQUIRY INTO THE CONSIDERATION OF
POWERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FOR WALES
Consideration was given to responding to the five main areas
highlighted for potential legislative changes (i.e. in relation to own-initiative
powers; oral complaints; complaints handling across public services; the
Ombudsman’s jurisdiction; and links with the courts) to strengthen the
Ombudsman’s role as outlined in a letter circulated to Members from the
National Assembly for Wales.
The closing date for responses was 20 March 2015.
RESOLVED:
That further consideration be given to the matter at the
Council’s March meeting.
170.
NORTH FLINTSHIRE POLICING PROPOSAL – UPDATES AT FUTURE
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Members considered a letter from District Inspector Ceri Hawe
requesting a standing agenda item at the Council’s monthly meetings to
receive a Flintshire North Policing update. It was not envisaged that this
would last more than a few minutes, subject to any questions raised by
Members.
If supported, the arrangement would be in addition to the existing bimonthly meetings held between the Police and the Council’s Ward Member
representatives and the Community Engagement Officer.
RESOLVED:
That the Council agree to the request from Inspector
Hawe.
171.
FLINTSHIRE COUNTY SUMMER PLAYSCHEME PROGRAMME 2015 –
START DATE MONDAY, 20 JULY
A letter from the County Council’s Leisure Services Head Office with
information about its forthcoming and future playscheme programmes was
considered.
Estimated annual cost savings (from 2014, £7,389.20 to 2015,
£5,680.00) including a total of 5 weeks at 4 locations (Holywell a.m. and p.m.
being considered as two separate locations for the purposes of the scheme).
As the High School had both morning and afternoon sessions, the Town
Council was asked to consider appointing a new location(s ) this year as work
had already commenced on site for the new Holywell High School.
Further contact would be made with the Town Council in due course
regarding arrangements for the 2016/17 financial year and beyond.
RESOLVED:
That the position be noted and that, if necessary, the
Pen y Maes Recreation area, Holywell (or other suitable
site) be considered by the Leisure Services team as a
possible alternative location to the High School within
the programme.
172.
FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PARKING STRATEGY
The Clerk reported an invitation for two Members and himself to
attend a “drop-in” session at Alltami Depot on Thursday, 19 February at
11.30am to informally discuss the proposed parking strategy for Holywell.
RESOLVED:
That Councillors P.J. Curtis and B. Scragg, together
with the Clerk, be authorised to attend the meeting.
173.
BEST KEPT COMMUNITIES COMPETITION : JUDGES/INFORMATION
EVENING ON WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY AT 6PM – ALYN &
DEESIDE ROOM, COUNTY HALL, MOLD
RESOLVED:
That the invitation be received and noted and that the
Town Council submit an entry in the competition again
this year.
174.
WALES IN BLOOM 2015 – APPROVAL OF ENTRY
RESOLVED:
That the Council agree to enter this year’s Wales in
Bloom Campaign in the relevant Category and to
payment of the prescribed entry fee.
175.
APPOINTMENT OF TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE
ESTUARY VOLUNTARY CAR SCHEME (EVCS)
RESOLVED:
That Councillor Mrs. S.E. Wallbanks be appointed on
the EVCS.
176.
MEMBERSHIP OF ONE VOICE WALES (OVW) 2015/16
Consideration was given to an invitation letter from the Chief
Executive for the Council to join OVW at a fee of £563, a 50% reduction in
the normal annual fee.
It was reported that, to date, about 75% of the Town/Community
Councils in Wales were members of OVW. The figure was roughly the same
for the take-up of membership for the North Wales Authorities.
RESOLVED:
That the invitation be received and noted.
177.
PROPOSED NEW AGENDA ITEM FOR FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS
– COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT(S)
Councillor B. Scragg had requested the inclusion of this item on the
Agenda for consideration. If approved, a few minutes could be set aside at
each meeting to receive updates from County Councillors on any relevant
County issues affecting the community of Holywell, not otherwise covered
on the Agenda.
RESOLVED:
That the proposal be supported.
178.
REPORT(S) ETC RECEIVED
Members were informed that the following items had been received
and unless otherwise circulated*, were available for perusal from the Clerk.
(a) National Assembly for Wales: Consultation on proposal for Landfill
Disposals Tax – Letter from the AM for Delyn*;
(b) North Wales Police: Firearms Licensing Renewal Reminder;
(c) Flintshire County Council: Improvement Works Phase 2 – Tower Gardens
and Station Road, Holywell Town Centre – Notification letter from the
Regeneration Project Officer;
(d) Flintshire County Council: Holywell Town Council’s CCTV Incident
Statistics 1/4 – 31/12/2014;
(e) Flintshire County Council: Agenda and related papers – County Forum
Meeting on 26 February;
(f) Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund – Online Consultation Survey
Summary*;
(g) Halkyn JCB: Notification/Agenda for meeting on 24 February and minutes
of last meeting;
(h) Holywell & District Twinning Association: Twinning Exchange Visit
2015*;
(i) Holywell Town Football in the Community Programme 2015*.
179.
REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS
Councillor P.A. York outlined the matters discussed at last month’s
meeting of the North and Mid Wales Association of Local Councils
(NMWALC) including the favourable response received at the meeting to the
Council’s request for support on its proposal to include provision in the Draft
Planning Bill to give Town/Community Councils a statutory right of appeal in
the planning process.
180.
PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960 –
EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED:
That the public and press be excluded for the following
minute 180.1 on grounds that publicity would be
prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the
confidential nature of the business to be transacted
arising from the supporting financial and other
information provided with the applications.
180.1. Applications for Financial Assistance
Consideration was given to applications received.
RESOLVED:
That the following donations be made:
-
Relate Cymru
Holywell Town Juniors FC
£
250
350
181.
CLOSE OF MEETING
The Mayor closed the meeting at 8.55pm.
……………………………..
Mayor