Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 21st October 2024
Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair
Councillors:
Cllr Mark Dunton
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Bob Tyrrell
Cllr Dave Williams
2 members of the public were present
A presentation from a member of the public regarding a proposal to run a portable sauna business was received during the public session.
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies
CL/88/21.10.24
Apologies accepted from Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Hackelsberger and Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/89/21.10.24
The Chair welcomed everyone and remarked how lucky it was that no major damage was reported in the village as a result of the recent storm.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting on 16thSeptember 2024.
CL/90/21.10.24
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising
CL/91/21.10.24
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M/39/(17.06.24) Recycling facilities and waste bins in Aberdyfi
The Chair reported that the recycling bins in the main car park have had new labels attached which are much brighter and clearer, and the area by the fire station is much tidier and clean.
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M/75/(16.09.24) To review training plan
The clerk reported that she has been granted a bursary for the CiLCA training. Planning Aid wales have quoted £650 for a bespoke course though a Face to Face course would also incur travelling expenses. It was agreed to go ahead with a face to face course.
Action: clerk to obtain possible dates
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M/77/(16.09.24) Purchase of new P&D machine
This has been ordered and will be installed early next year.
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M/79/(16.09.24) Playground project
The survey has now been completed and the clerk has written a draft for the grant application. A meeting with Resources 4 Change will take place this week.
M/80/(16.09.24) Terrace Road shelter
Cllrs Hewins and Tyrrell reported that the gutters have been cleaned and repaired and they have found someone willing to do the groundworks for £330 so will arrange for this work to be done asap. They have agreed this work with the harbourmaster.
M/81/(16.09.24) Time & Tide bell
Cllr O’Neill reported that she met with the Time & Tide bell group representative and they have funding for someone to collect stories from local residents which will be collated and added to the offering around the Time & Tide bell.
Post Office project
Cllr O’Neill reported that work has started on the retaining wall behind the Post Office building and it is hoped that it will soon be completed to the satisfaction of the insurance company which will allow the grant funding to be released to purchase the building.
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M/82/(16.09.24) Wi-fi situation at the Literary Institute
Cllr Williams noted that the Literary Institute will meet within the next few days and it is suspected that they will ask if it is possible to use the Council wi-fi, as the only telephone line into the building is in the Council Office. The clerk reported that the Neuadd Dyfi has more than one wi-fi connection, and it was agreed to speak to Mr. George, as he might know if this is possible without compromising the security of the Council. If it is, then the Council have no objection to this proposal.
Action: Cllr Williams to speak to Mr George.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report
CL/92/21.10.24
Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Hewins
The clerk reported that the Audit had been received and it was satisfactory, save that more detail regarding variances is requested in future.
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report
CL/93/21.10.24
Cllr Owen reported that there was a special financial meeting last week and at that meeting Gwynedd Council reported that they will have a deficit of £14million in 2024/25. Another meeting this week will discuss where cuts will be made and it is expected that these will be in areas of less importance, meaning Gwynedd may be
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asking Community Councils to take over the running of services such as toilets etc. Gwynedd Council reported that Homelessness in Gwynedd last year cost £6.4million but only £3million was received from central Government, meaning a shortfall of £3.4million. He noted that they have now bought two houses in Aberdyfi, one over a year ago, and they are still empty. When asked about this, Gwynedd Council replied that they have been unable to get tradespeople in to do the work required. Local tradespeople are reluctant to try to become an official supplier to Gwynedd Council as there is too much red tape.
He reported that the Welsh Government are pressing ahead with the Single Transferable Voting system, which will see voters voting for a party and not an individual. He expressed concern that Community and Town Councils may be amalgamated as a result, as the plans are to increase the area of local Councils.
Cllr Owen reported that he was voted in as Chair at the recent Harbour users meeting. At the meeting, the Harbourmaster reported that the number of moorings has increased since last year, from 73 to 81 this year, with more enquiries for next year. It was noted that the channel has changed a lot this year and is being closely monitored by the Harbourmaster via a drone. It was reported that Aberdyfi harbour, after several years making a loss, has broken even in the last two years and it is projected to continue. Cllr Own reported that the new Harbourmaster’s building is likely to cost approximately £500,000.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning
CL/94/21.10.24
NP5/50/622B
Cllr Kelly declared an interest in the first item
NP5/50/622B Chalet 63, Plas Panteidal, Aberdyfi LL35 0RF
Demolition of a storage building and the construction of a residential chalet and associated access, parking and drainage works
Objection raised on grounds of no services available at this location, and an 11KV electricity pole and cables within the plot. Trees would have to be removed to build the decking and there are buildings which require access missing from the application
NP5/50/719A Arfryn, Gwelfor Road, Aberdyfi. LL35 0NT
Construction of domestic workshop at first floor above existing garage
No objections raised
NP5/50/C152B Bryn Awelon, Aberdyfi LL35 0LE
Removal of tree and replacement with smaller species
No objections raised
NP5/50/130E Bwlch Gwyn Farm, Aberdyfi LL35 0SG
Online application with all matters reserved for erection of a rural enterprise dwelling
No objections raised
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NP5/50/771 Chalet N22, Plas Panteidal, Aberdyfi LL35 0RF
Variation of Condition No. 2 (8 month occupancy period) attached to Planning Permission NP5/42/160L dated 27.09.1982 to allow 10 months occupancy period (March to December)
No objections raised
AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss and approve re-printing and publishing the Aberdyfi walking guide
CL/95/21.10.24
It was agreed to re-print and publish the walking guide. It was agreed to find out if local shops and organisations will stock the guide and a decision will be made at the next meeting about the best way to manage this.
Cllr O’Neill noted that there should be a Welsh version printed. It was noted that this is in the proposal and a smaller print run will be done for the Welsh version, though it will take longer to produce as the translation will take time and the cost will have to be taken into account.
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Dunton
Action: Mrs Owen to speak to local businesses
Action: Cllr Hackelsberger to organise re-printing.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To review and adopt the Ombudsman for Wales Model Councillor Code of Conduct
CL/96/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Councillor Code of Conduct
Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To review and adopt the Information Commissioner’s Office Model Publication Scheme
CL/97/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Publication Scheme
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 11 – To review and adopt the Ombudsman for Wales Model Concerns and Complaints Policy and Procedure
CL/98/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Concerns and Complaints Policy and Procedure
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Williams
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss sharing digital noticeboard with Parc Eryri and approve changing format to freestanding from wall-mounted
CL/99/21.10.24
The Clerk reported she had a reply from Mr Jones of Parc Eryri and noted that he stated the wall would not be strong enough due to recent problems with the foundations and the noticeboard needed to be free-standing as a result. The Clerk reported that the wall-mounted version weighs 80kg and the free-standing one weights 128kg. Cllr Hewins noted that the wall is 18 inches thick so should easily
take the weight. The Clerk reported that a free-standing noticeboard would cost over
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£3,000 more. The Council felt that this is unreasonable and it was agreed that the Chair will speak to Mr Jones to explain the situation.
The Council agreed in principle to share the noticeboard with Parc Eryri, though it was noted that the Clerk should have sole access to the content of the noticeboard.
Action: Chair to contact Mr. Edward Jones of Parc Eryri.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss maintenance of CCTV cameras
CL/100/21.10.24
It was noted that some of the cameras need attention and it was agreed that Cllr Kelly would give the Clerk details of what needs to be done.
Action: Cllr Kelly to send details to the clerk
AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence which requires a response from the Council
CL/101/21.10.24
* email regarding running a portable sauna business in Aberdyfi
It was agreed to support this business though the Council do not own any suitable land.
Action: Clerk to contact business and offer support
* email regarding Cambrian Coast Railway Liaison meeting
It was agreed there is are no current concerns regarding this issue
* email regarding charity music festival in Aberdyfi
It was agreed that the Council do not own any suitable land for such an event and are unable to support it at this stage.
Action: Clerk to contact organiser
AGENDA ITEM 15 – To note correspondence not requiring a decision from the Community Council which has already been circulated to Councillors
CL/102/21.10.24
* One Voice Wales – Training for September – December
* Transport for Wales – Future Timetable Review summary of responses and actions
* One Voice Wales – Rural Housing Action Guide for Wales survey
* One Voice Wales – reply from Welsh Government regarding rail timetable changes
* IRP for Wales draft annual reported
* One Voice Wales – Pethau Bychain notice of meeting
AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/103/21.10.24
* Creation and adoption of new operating policies
* Shelter at cemetery
* Community Action Plan
* Decide parking charges at Neuadd Dyfi car park and signage
AGENDA ITEM 20 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/104/21.10.24
* Lord Lieutenant attendance at Remembrance services
* Fireworks 1st November
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* Clwb Sgwrsio 4th November
* Events at Neuadd Dyfi
AGENDA ITEM 21 – Date of next meeting
CL/105/21.10.24
Monday 18th November 2024
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.20pm
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