(1) Meeting Opened:
CHAIRMAN OPENS MEETING: at 7.30pm. He noted the exceptionally good turnout in inclement weather for the Remembrance Day service at our War Memorial. The presentation on 11.11.23. at the Festival Hall had been well received by a full hall. He thanked all who had been involved in organizing the Christmas Fair, which had been a big success.
(2) Apologies:
Cllr. Carr, Gwynfor,Carol, Cllr. Cheryl who wished to remind All of our meeting on the following Monday, 11.12.23. at the football ground concerning the proposed new build at Peulwys Farm and our approach to the issue.
(3) Police Report:
None
(4) Treasurer’s Report:
DEFIBRILLATOR: £425.86P, GRAFFITI £2320.00P, O.C.R.A. £241.72. TOTAL = £2987.72P Hall rent due this month.
(5) Vacant Plots:
We will prepare the Association’s brief for the proposed new builds at Peulwys Farm for the forthcoming public meetings at the meeting at our football ground on Monday, 11.12.23
The increase in population will undoubtedly put unsustainable pressure on the already overstretched public services and traffic flow in Old Colwyn. It is recognised that the housing shortage puts local authorities under pressure from central government to build. All planning legislation is devolved from central government to Wales. The Town & Country Planning Act (Brown Sites) Regulations are obligatory in England, but have not been adopted in Wales. It requires local authorities to maintain a register of all such sites, and pressurise owners to release them for domestic use. Some of these lay dormant for decades. Should they be used before good agricultural land thereby responding to government pressure, and spreading the population increase more widely?
There is also the issue of town centre empty buildings and flats above shops which could be used for affordable accommodation for local young people.
(6) Minafon Flats:
Cllrs. Neil and Gail recently attended a meeting where it was decided that these would not be demolished, but refurbished for dwelling use. Planning commences in January, 2024.
(7) Graffiti Project:
No further news to date.
(8) Christmas Fair:
As mentioned by Chair at (1) above.
(9) Min Y Don Park Upgrade
Brian told us that meetings continued with grant officer. Further developments to be reported.
(10) False Grass:
Fait accompli. Money spent. Nothing more can be done
(11) Working From Home:
Noted that more staff seemed to be in attendance, and car park used more. Are things changing for the good?
(12) Invite Council to meeting:
Gail told us that Mr Harland, Planning Policy Manager, is aware of the dates of our meetings, and will contact soon with a view to addressing issues concerning new building sites.
(13) Armistice Day & Presentation at Friendship Hall:
As mentioned at (1) above.
(14) Algae on Smooth Concrete Steps:
This can occur on any concrete. There will be a hand rail to steps.
(15) AOB:
(a) Removal of advertising hoarding:
Spare land adjacent to Gillian’s Cafe is private property and becoming a dumping ground for rubbish. As a ‘visual amenity’ Gail will contact appropriate Dept.
(b) Closure of Pontins, Prestatyn:
Pontins lease the land it is based on, and the firm is the same as Llandudno’s Grand Hotel, listed as seriously sub standard. Who might occupy this property and what problems might ensue?
(c) Dog fouling:
increasing problem. All urged to report incidents via Council web site.
(d) Coed Coch Road.
Plans to resurface this in hand for next year.
(e) Redundant toilets Coed Coch Road:
not owned by Council. Possibly the Ship? This is a substantial unused building and yet one more example of a possible dwelling missed opportunity for decades which could be added to the brown site list. If it existed.
(f) 20mph Speed Limit:
On 17.12.23. the 20mph legislation will be policed. There are complaints and it is accepted by most that this is practical near schools, hospitals, community centres etc., but not as a blanket cover. Police are said to have discretion up to 25mph and the matter will be reviewed over the next year by Cardiff.
(18) Meeting Closed:
The next meeting would be here at 7.30pm. 2.1.23.