2 min read Parish

January 5th 2018

The Antony Parish Council met to review ongoing projects, discuss community concerns, and approve financial reports. Key topics included drainage issues, playground improvements, planning applications, and an initiative for affordable housing on the Rame Peninsula.

Key Decisions and Updates

  • Wilcove Village Drainage: New drains have been installed near Coach House, but it's unclear if they are for stormwater or septic tanks. The Clerk will request a site visit from Antony Estates to investigate drainage issues in Wilcove village.
  • Antony Playground Equipment: The Council is awaiting a response regarding the hedge around the playground. Councillor Lobb will source a new piece of equipment for the playground within a budget of £1500.
  • Antony Planters: Councillors Lobb and Coward will fill the Antony Planters in the Spring.
  • Dangerous Mooring: The dangerous mooring remains in situ. The Clerk will seek an update from Mr. Moore.
  • No Dogs Signs in Antony: New "No Dogs" signs have been erected.
  • Playground Inspection Repairs: Councillors Lobb and Pidgen will undertake necessary repairs to the Antony playground when the weather permits.
  • Wilcove Moorings Contract: There has been no response from Antony Estates regarding the request to stagger the increase in leasing fees over two years.
  • Pengelly Park Parking Issues: Cornwall Highways confirmed that there is nothing Cornwall Council can do to alleviate parking issues in Pengelly Park/Close.
  • Illegal Parking in Pengelly Close: The Clerk will report illegal parking of motorbikes to the Police.
  • Planning Applications:
    • A planning application for 5 Pengelly Park, Wilcove (PA17/07153) has been approved by Cornwall Council.
    • An enforcement notice (EN17/02219) has been raised for 4 Pengelly Park, Wilcove, concerning an alleged business being run out of a residential property. A decision from Cornwall Council is awaited.
  • Police Incidents: One incident of anti-social behaviour in Antony was reported in November 2017.
  • Wilcove Flooding: The Council discussed flooding and drainage concerns. The Clerk will arrange a site meeting with Mr. Cressy and Tremayne Carew Pole to discuss drainage issues originating from the Antony Estate fields in Wilcove village.
  • Boundary Commission Changes: Councillor Trubody highlighted that the Rame Peninsula electoral ward may be absorbed into Torpoint East and West by 2020, potentially reducing the rural communities' voice in Cornwall Council. Parishioners are encouraged to review the boundary commission's proposals and comment.
  • Wilcove Noticeboard: Councillor Shepherd will undertake repairs to the glass in the Wilcove Noticeboard.
  • Beach Cottage Grating: Councillor Carter will investigate and repair a grating near Beach Cottage in Wilcove.

Community Projects

  • Affordable Housing Initiative: Simon Ryan of the Peninsula Trust discussed a new project aimed at creating affordable, good-quality rental properties on the Peninsula. The Trust hopes to acquire empty Council houses for renovation and rental to local residents, and is also exploring brownfield sites for development. The Ship pub site in Cawsand is one such project currently underway.

Finance Matters

  • The Council's finance report for 2017/18 (up to 31/12/2017) was reviewed and approved. The Council's reserves have decreased from over £14,000 to £5,500 over the past two years.
  • For the reported period, the Council's actual income was £8,125 and actual payments were £7,919, resulting in a small surplus of £206 against a budgeted deficit.
  • An unbudgeted expense of £240 was incurred for election costs.
  • Overspending occurred on Antony Grass control (£2,066 spent against a £1,550 budget) and Wilcove Grass control (£1,569 spent against a £1,450 budget).
  • The Solar Field Community Benefit Fund currently has £3,496 available as of December 31, 2017.

Personnel Update

  • The Clerk will be undergoing hospital treatment for several weeks starting February 11th and will be unwell for several months.

The full, official minutes are available on the Antony Parish Council website: https://www.antony-pc.gov.uk/mobile/meetings.php

The next meeting is provisionally scheduled for February 9th, 2017 (this date seems like a typo in the original document as the current minutes are for January 2018).