Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending the meeting.

The Town Clerk reminded members the Joint Burial Board Committee is governed by a constitution and therefore membership could not be increased without changes made through legal avenues.

Members discussed the implications and associated costs if they were to pursue an amendment to the constitution.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to

1.  Note the public question and delegate to the Town Clerk to apologise to Mr Stanlake for the postponement of two Joint Burial Board Committee meetings due to unforeseen circumstances;

2.  Inform Mr Stanlake that the Joint Burial Board is formed by way of a constitution dated 1982 setting out the membership levels;

3.  Encourage the Joint Burial Board Members to attend 8 August rescheduled meeting and all future Committee meetings to successfully transact the business of the Committee.

The Chairman invited Cllr Ellis to ask his question.

Members discussed the impact on the surrounding roads and junctions in the area around the recycling centre.

The Chairman confirmed the site is owned and managed by Cornwall Council and invited Cornwall Councillor Worth to advise.

Cornwall Councillor Worth confirmed that there is a review being undertaken of the whole area, inclusive of Saltash Recycling Centre, Gilston Road and Carkeel Roundabout.

Councillor Worth acknowledged the housing development in the area with road networks to undergo some significant changes.

Councillor Worth requested to report back to members at a future meeting with more detailed plans once they had been confirmed.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to note the public question and that Councillor Worth will report back to Saltash Town Council with further updates on the recycling centre and surrounding area at a future meeting.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 4 July 2024were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Policy and Finance held on 9 July 2024;

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes and consider the following recommendations en-bloc.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

47/24/25 TO RECEIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS:

a.  Financial Regulations

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND the new NALC Financial Regulations (as attached) to Full Council to be held on 1 August 2024.

c.    Awarding the Freedom of Saltash

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and resolved to RECOMMEND the Policy for Awarding the Freedom of Saltash (as attached) to Full Council to be held on 1 August 2024.

d.    Civic Awards

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Dent and resolved to RECOMMEND the Civic Awards Policy (as attached) to Full Council to be held on 1 August 2024.

e.    Grants Policy

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND the Grants Policy (as attached) to Full Council to be held on 1 August 2024.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendations.

b.  Planning and Licensing held on 16 July 2024.

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes. There were no recommendations.

(Membership established by separate constitution - composition of four STC Members inclusive of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor).

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor B Samuels to the Joint Burial Board Committee.  The next meeting is to be held on Thursday 8 August at the Guildhall commencing at 2pm.

(Composition of eight Members)

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Stoyel to the Town Vision Sub Committee. The next meeting is to be held on Thursday 15 August at the Guildhall commencing at 6.30pm.

The Chairman welcomed Julian Mitchell Tunnel Manager and Dave Cottrill Electrical and Technical Manager for South West and South East National Highways.

Julian outlined the plans for a generational refurbishment of the Saltash Tunnel and overhead traffic management system on the Tamar Bridge.

The last major work was in 2004, and since then, the technological and electrical systems have reached end of life, with no availability of spares to repair them if they fail, necessitating a full replacement to maintain operation safety and functionality of the tunnel, and traffic management over the Tamar Bridge.

The refurbishment involves replacing all existing electrical distribution and tunnel technology equipment with modernised units. Key elements such as the traffic control system, signage in the approaches to the tunnel and Bridge, tunnel lighting, overhead gantries inside the tunnel, communication units, tunnel air quality monitors, tunnel drainage system and electrical distribution systems will be replaced and upgraded.

This project has been prepared over six years with secured funding now in place, adhering to National Highways governance and stringent design specifications.

National Highways has explored various methods to ensure the project’s longevity and minimise future impact. The project also addresses the current energy consumption and carbon footprint with technological equipment to be relocated outside the tunnel, with the aim of reducing routine maintenance closures during the year.

National Highways has refined the project to try to minimise disruption and to deliver in two phases.

First Phase - Civil Engineering (starting October 2024 to February 2025):

This phase involves installing advanced warning signs on both tunnel approaches to communicate various information to users. Traffic management measures include narrower lanes, reduction of lanes and reduced speed limits, ensuring continued capacity and safety. Expected peak-hour delays are 15-20 minutes for three months.

Second Phase - Technology Works (starting October 2024 to October 2025):

Overnight tunnel closures will occur, while the Civil Engineering works are taking place during the daytime.

From the end of January, the control system will be switched off to allow installation of new equipment, losing the tidal flow capability and reducing the bridge and tunnel to one lane in each direction for five months.

Delays of up to 45 minutes are expected until the new tidal flow control system can be commissioned and switched on by summer.  The rest of the technology install, and commissioning shall continue until October under nightly tunnel closures.

Various alternative traffic flow solutions were explored, but the proposed measures were identified as having the least impact while ensuring health and safety for the workers.

Members discussed the tunnel works and potential impact on the town:

Members asked what the plans for publicising the works are and if discussions with impacted groups, such as emergency services, haulier companies, bus companies, residents and traders had taken place.  All agreed on the importance of clear/regular communication to ensure support for the tunnel's upgrades.

Members asked whether public services, such as the railway, had been consulted and asked to provide additional transport during the tunnel works.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146/24/25

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman referred to the future events listed in the report and asked Members to support where possible.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Foster left the meeting.

The notes of the CAP meeting held on 9 July are yet to be approved by the Chairman of the CAP and circulated.

A report from the Health and Wellbeing Working Group was received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Foster returned to the meeting.

The Chairman provided a verbal update on the recently attended Safer Saltash meeting.

The update included, but was not limited to, the removal of abandoned boats at Saltash Waterside, a reduction in the amount of vandalism being reported and local organisations available in Saltash assisting those over 17 back into employment.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Martin left the meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Martin returned to the meeting.

Cornwall Councillors Frank and Worth spoke on the proposal for the devolution deal and the report contained within the circulated reports pack.

The proposal is in its draft form and is to be given more time for workshops, public consultation, Town Council involvement and input to further develop the proposal.

Cornwall Councillor Worth informed Members of his recent appointment to the Peninsula Transport Board and working relationship with Plymouth City Councillor Mark Coker.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

a.  To advise the receipts for June 2024;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for June 2024;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Urgent and essential works actioned by the Town Clerk under Financial Regulations.

None.

d.  To note that bank reconciliations up to 30June 2024 were reviewed as correct by the Chairman of Policy & Finance Committee and the Town Clerk.

It was RESOLVED to note.

e.  To note that an audit on recent supplier payments was conducted by the Chairman of Policy & Finance in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the Borough War Memorial notes and to approve to pay a deposit of 50% of the total cost £7,270 from General Reserves for the appointment of company F to supply and install two Cornish granite benches at St Nicholas and St Faith War Memorial.

2.  If sufficient funds are raised from public subscription via the crowdfunder platform the deposit amount will be returned to General Reserves upon completion of the project.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED:

1.  To approve and adopt proposed plans and protocol for the Town Council Remembrance Civic Service for the year to be held on 10 November 2024, details as attached;

2.   To approve the associated cost of £1,562.98 be allocated to budget code 6202 Civic Occasions.

Members discussed the proposed event and suggested date.

It was proposed by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED;

1.  To approve and adopt the proposed Beating of the Bounds event, details as attached, subject to the amended date of 28 September 2024;

2.  To approve any associated cost (dependent on the number of tickets sold) to be allocated to budget code 6871 EMF Tresorys Kernow Funding;

3.  To appoint Councillors Miller, P Samuels and Stoyel as marshals to inspect and maintain the walkways and boundary stones prior to the event and lead the group on the day of the event.

a.  To note that Councillor Lennox-Boyd will vote upon the information before her at the meeting but in the light of subsequent information received at Cornwall Council, Councillor Lennox-Boyd may vote differently at that meeting.

b.  To note that if Councillor Lennox-Boyd wishes to recommend opposite to the Town Council’s view she will contact the Town Council by email. Considering time constraints, the Town Council will then hold an online poll of Councillors to determine whether to accept the Officer’s view or to ask for the application to be called into committee. The results of these polls will be read into the record at the next Town Council meeting. Members of the public may request, via the Clerk, to be copied into any correspondence.

c.   Applications for consideration:

PA24/05400

Mr & Mrs P Underhill – Land East of 23 Essa Road Saltash PL12 4ED

Application for Permission in Principle for proposed erection of 1 dwelling on the site.

Ward: Essa

Date received: 18/07/24

Response date: 09/08/24

https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SGGDHSFG22Z00

a.  To note that Councillor Lennox-Boyd will vote upon the information before her at the meeting but in the light of subsequent information received at Cornwall Council, Councillor Lennox-Boyd may vote differently at that meeting.

b.  To note that if Councillor Lennox-Boyd wishes to recommend opposite to the Town Council’s view she will contact the Town Council by email. Considering time constraints, the Town Council will then hold an online poll of Councillors to determine whether to accept the Officer’s view or to ask for the application to be called into committee. The results of these polls will be read into the record at the next Town Council meeting. Members of the public may request, via the Clerk, to be copied into any correspondence.

c.   Applications for consideration:

PA24/05400

Mr & Mrs P Underhill – Land East of 23 Essa Road Saltash PL12 4ED

Application for Permission in Principle for proposed erection of 1 dwelling on the site.

Ward: Essa

Date received: 18/07/24

Response date: 09/08/24

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND refusal due to overdevelopment of the site, lack of parking in the surrounding area and access restrictions.

Members discussed the additional costs for marketing material and felt it was not necessary to have a covering when attending Meet your Councillor Sessions.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to note the report and continue to hold future Meet your Councillor sessions outside Superdrug on Fore Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED for Councillors Griffiths, Bullock, Miller, B Samuels and P Samuels to attend the Meet Your Councillor session located outside Superdrug on Saturday 10 August 2024 between 10am and 12noon.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting. 

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.  National Highways Tunnel Construction and Improvement Works – liaising with the Working Group:

2.  Beating of the Bounds;

3.  Remembrance Civic Service;

4.  Meet your Councillor Session.

Thursday 5 September 2024 at 7.00pm

I Move to Order that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.

It was RESOLVED that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.