(1) CHAIRMAN OPENS MEETING:
at 7.30pm. Thanking all for their attendance especially the newcomers.
(2) Apologies:
From Cllr. Sandra, Cllr. Jason and Gwyn Jones.
(3) Police:
Cheryl had been in contact with Carl who had been dealing with off road motor cyclists at Llysfaen. Nothing else serious to report other than incidents of unruly behaviour by youths in Old Colwyn which were dealt with.
(4) Treasurer’s Report:
Defibrillator £425.86p (one defibrillator. In stock ready for promenade when complete.) Graffiti Project £2,320.00p. O.C.R.A. £246.05p Total in hand: £2991.91p
(5) Peulwys New Build:
Secretary outlined the views of the Association to Planning Aid Wales at the recent public meetings held at Eirias Park, which had also been delivered in writing to them.
The extra load on all public services and flood risk are self evident. Colwyn Bay and in particular Old Colwyn have over the last 50 years contributed disproportionally to the housing shortage. The A55 with its attendant noise and air pollution have affected the lives of hundreds of residents changing the character of the area from a tourist centre to its current state. New builds have mostly been occupied by outsiders able to afford newly built homes out of the reach of young local people. The proposed homes on what remains of Peulwys Farm will benefit from outstanding views which are to be advertised on the “wider market”. This looks more like a commercial venture than an honest effort to look after our needy locals requiring truly affordable homes to rent or buy.
Planning considerations include local ‘culture’, ‘environment’ and ‘economy’. This apparently excludes Welsh culture? How may the environment be helped? For whom may the economy improve?
Brown sites and long term empty buildings are ignored whilst agricultural land is covered in concrete. Peulwys will be the 6th. Farm to vanish over the last 70 years in Old Colwyn. The only intimation the tenant of Peulwys Farm has received about this proposal is from the land agent on behalf of the owners of the land.
Ratepayers pay their Councillors to represent our interests to the Council, whilst the Council advise our Councillors to declare their interests at Planning Meetings which should comply with their code of conduct. They may be asked to withdraw if they are deemed to be representing the interests of individuals or a particular area. We believe that this may be an unlawful abuse of power in that ‘interest’ can only mean a pecuniary or political interest for yourself, family friends or associates. According to the councillor’s Code of Conduct, they have declared their lawful interests. The interests of this Association are neither pecuniary nor political.
It was agreed that we seek a small committee of residents with sufficient knowledge to formulate our case for presentation to the Council in due course. The following came forward:
Mark Silliteo, Merfyn Thomas, Chris Pastori, Brian Cosey, Paul Marl and Gerallt Evans.
(6) Graffiti Project:
No further news.
(7) Minafon Flats:
Planning for conversion to be considered in the near future.
(8) Land Adjacent Gillian’s Cafe:
Owned by Scottish Power, who have promised to clean it up.
(9) Min Y Don Park:
Further grant awaited. Orchard has been completed. Wild flowers planted at Beach Road side.
(10) Coed Coch Road:
Some repairs completed. Cheryl still pressing Council. Cefn, Princess Road plus many other roads are also in increasing need of attention.
(11) 20 mph limit:
Petition has been prepared for presentation to Welsh Government. Might not a designation of ‘Urban area’ be attributed to all residential built up areas (towns) whereby the onus of responsibility is more on the driver to drive safely according to road conditions likely to occur there in view of the presence of people of all conditions, children, mentally or physically disabled, etc.? Could this be preferable to drivers having to be constantly aware of changing road signs instead of changing road conditions? Example, a child running from between parked vehicles should be reasonably expected in a busy shopping centre or near a school at certain times of the week or day.
(12) Any Other Business:
(a) Shops in Cefn Road:
own part of the foot walk opposite their property and intend to make a shielded space in this area for seated customers.
(b) Clearing Afon Colwyn:
Noted that the Afon Colwyn requires a cleaning of weeds and rubbish. The Fairy Glen foot walks and wooden fencing are in a parlous state causing safety concerns after recent storms. Secretary to inform Council.
(c) Speeding:
Llanelian and Llysfaen Road subject to excessive speeding, including heavy goods vehicles at 5.0am. (Llanelian Rd.) It is said that the speed warning signs record speeds and times. It was wondered if the signs are in the best position. Secretary to inform police.
(d) Littering:
A member reported litter problems in the village. Chairman pointed out that storms and seagulls caused a lot of problems here. A member explained how he had reported a litter issue to which the Council had rapidly and efficiently responded.
(13) Meeting Closed:
There being no further business, next meeting will be held here at 7.30pm. 5.3.24.