Category: Community Council News
Part Time Clerk Wanted
Council News for June
Concerns were raised about the late collection of refuse on several occasions lately resulting in an unsightly scene around the village. This mainly appears to be due to extended rounds due to additional homes in the area and occasional vehicle defects. The situation is exacerbated by people leaving food and unwashed items in recycling bags which get torn open by foraging birds and animals and scattered over the road.
Tenders for the library have been submitted and the Council awaits consultation with the Vale over the approved contractor. It is anticipated that work will commence in early July and complete around Christmas. The present library will remain in use until the new building is ready for occupation.
The Boundary Commission are reviewing the present Vale wards. The exercise is regularly undertaken to maintain equal representation for residents. With the increase in housing in the Wenvoe Ward (this consists of Wenvoe, Dyffryn, St
Nicholas and Bonvilston) there could be some adjustment. The consultation period continues until the end of July. Community Council boundaries will be considered after the completion of the review.
The Council are still consulting about improving the cemetery area. The aim is to level the ground where necessary and improve the grass cutting regime.
It has been reported that on occasions buses to Cardiff have failed to arrive in Wenvoe; this appears to be due to a shortage of drivers for Cardiff buses. To avoid the possibility of missing hospital appointments etc residents can use Green Link system. Pamphlets detailing the system are available in the library.
The Clerk to the Council has submitted his resignation. From early June the office will be closed. Messages and queries etc should be left on the Council answer phone – 029 2059 2655 or email wenvoecc@googlemail.com.
June Planning Updates
The following applications have been approved.
• Glebelands, 27, Rectory Close, Wenvoe. A two-storey side extension to replace the existing single storey side extension.
• 4, Larchwood, Wenvoe. Trim over hanging branches on 2 Oak and an Ash tree.
• Goldsland Walk, Wenvoe. Work to Oak tree covered by TPO.
The following applications have been refused
• 9, Tarrws Close, Wenvoe. Loft conversion incorporating rear dormer with balcony and roof extension front elevation. The size and form of the proposed gable dormer on the front roof plane would unacceptably impact on the character of the existing dwelling and would be out of keeping with the consistent roof form of the bungalows located on the east side of Tarrws Close.
• Poundfield Farm, Pound Lane, Wenvoe. The retention and completion of the existing building to provide ancillary living accommodation associated with the dwelling at Poundfield Farm. The proposed residential annex and associated use of land as extended residential garden is considered to represent an unjustified and unacceptable form of development that would be widely visible from the adjacent public right of way and would have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the countryside. In addition, the proposals will likely result in long term impacts on the protected Wenvoe Woods, part of which forms the application site.
New Committee Appointments
June Planning Applications
The Council AGM voted Cllr Dickon Oliver as chairman and Cllr Rhian Sexton as vice-chair for the forthcoming year. Sub-committee representatives were agreed.
Planning
• 7, Church Rise, Wenvoe. Remove over hanging branches of a Sycamore tree covered by a TPO.
• Lingfield, 34 Old Port Road. Extension to existing detached garage. No objections were raised.
May Planning Updates
The following planning applications have been approved
- Waunwyrdd, Port Road, Proposed alterations and extensions.
- Grange Park, side of 34 Old Port Road, Removal of 3 Horse Chestnut trees.
The tenders for construction of the new library building are being sought, closing date is 17th May. Planned commencement of construction is 1st July with the new building coming into use end of December.
The plans for the Twyn-yr-Odyn play area having been displayed locally resulted in only an additional suggestion for a seat near the swings which was supported.
A litter pick has taken place in Twyn-yr-Odyn area during the month, a date is being considered for an evening clean-up in the village. It was proposed that litter pickers and bags are left easily available in different locations to allow families, individuals etc to easily tidy an area they feel requires attention.
The council is seeking quotes for work to level the ground in the cemetery by infilling dips in the ground and reseeding where necessary.
May Planning Applications
Grange Park Play Area, Work to Trees covered by TPO Removal of 1 Ash, 2 Corsican Pine, 2 Horse Chestnut and 1 Cherry. The applications are the result of a tree survey following the failure of the pine tree in last month’s storm. The Council supported the proposed work to make the area safer. Replacement trees will be planted in the autumn.
- Cwm Derwen Farm, Waycock Road, Barry. Erection of single storey pre-fabricated extensions to existing farm building. This will provide facilities for indoor lambing and secure storage for fodder and machinery. This application follows the previous refusal. The Council raised no objections.
- 8, Larchwood. Bespoke single storey orangery extension to the rear of the existing dwelling. No objections.
- 4, Larchwood.Trim overhanging branches on 2 Oak and an Ash tree. No objection subject to the work being undertaken by an approved tree surgeon.
- Glebelands, 27, Rectory Close. Two storey side extension to replace the existing single storey side extension. Because the proposal is for the extension to have a flat roof the Council considered it out of character with all the other properties and hence objected.
Your Local Welsh Medium School
YSGOL GYMRAEG GWAUN Y NANT
Your Local Welsh Medium School
Eich Ysgol Gymraeg Lleol
Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant in Barry is your nearest Welsh medium school. It is about 10 minutes by car. The Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority will provide free school transport for those living beyond 2 miles.
Established on its current site in 2001 it has grown from strength to strength and now has over 250 pupils.
A few years ago the school had a major refurbishment to cope with the increased demand for Welsh Medium Education in the area. As a result we can now boast a wonderful learning environment; it is spacious and inspiring for our pupils and teachers.
Teachers and Governors are proud of the school’s ethos and continuously ensure it is maintained. Visitors have always told us that there is a very special ‘feeling’ to the school. We believe that this is created through the exceptionally strong emphasis we have on equality, diversity and respect for every child.
The Local Authority of Vale of Glamorgan continues to judge the school with the highest quality mark; the official classification is known as a ‘Green school’.
Our continuing excellent reputation was confirmed at our last Estyn inspection. The published report remarked that there is a ‘caring working relationship between adults and pupils and that the school is a caring community in which a high priority is given to pupils’ wellbeing’. The report added that ‘pupils are exceptionally well behaved during lessons and informal situations. They are welcoming, polite and treat each other, staff and visitors with genuine respect’.
As Head Teacher I would encourage all parents in Wenvoe to come and visit us before deciding on a school for your child or children. If you are interested in visiting the school please contact us on 01446 421723.
Head Teacher: Rhydian Lloyd.
Council News
Although no police were in attendance, members reported a couple of incitements. A car stolen from outside a property during the night and a ‘cold caller’ trying to extort additional money from a householder after carrying out agreed work.
New library – the Vale is about to publish the details seeking tenders for the work. At long last the Welsh Government has given clearance for the stage payment of the agreed grant.
The proposed design of the new playground for Twyn-yr-Odyn has been received. Comments are being sought from the public before the Council agree to the project proceeding.
Whitehall Quarry – the area is to be landscaped when the weather is drier; too muddy at present. Cemex are to be requested to regravel the footpath through the quarry which is becoming very muddy in areas.
During a recent storm one of the pine trees in Grange Park close to the school was blown over on a Sunday afternoon. This is the first known loss of one of the trees in a storm; branches have broken off trees in the past. The Council is seeking reassurance from the Vale that an up to date survey has been conducted on the state of all the trees in the park.
Fly tipping incidents are still occurring in the area. If seen, please report to the Clerk or direct to the Vale. It has been reported that football teams hiring the Station Road playing fields have left litter strewn around after a match, again please report such incidents to the Clerk.
Concern was raised about a growing pot hole on Port Road. The public can report potholes directly to the Vale by going to www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk web site and select report potholes. Leave your contact details and a description of where the hole is.
The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales, in their latest report, has made it mandatory that in future all Town and Community Council members must receive a payment of £150 a year towards their costs and expenses unless they inform the proper officer in writing that they decline the payment. The payment was previously available if a member submitted a claim.