Agenda and minutes

The Chair referred to the recent sad death of John Barrow, a former member of the Gower Countryside Forum.  Roger Button also paid a tribute on behalf of the Partnership Group.  All present stood as a mark of respect.   

The Chair welcomed all present to Reynoldston Village Hall and commenced proceedings. 

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of

Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting(s).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Gower AONB Steering Group Meeting

Held on 27 March 2017 be accepted as a correct record.

Mobile Phone and Broadband Reception on Gower   

Roger Button commented that there was still very poor mobile phone coverage on Gower, which was having an adverse effect upon the walking and Gower Landscape project apps for mobile phones.

Light Pollution

Chris Lindley, Gower AONB Team Leader reported that discussions were progressing with other AONB’s and NRW regarding tranquillity and dark skies Wales 2018/19 which has been included in the NRW forward work programme.

Mike Scott, Gower AONB Officer provided a presentation on the work of the

Gower AONB Partnership.  He outlined the Gower AONB designation, the

role of the Gower AONB Partnership and the work of the AONB Team within

the City and County of Swansea.

Gower Society

Gordon Howe, Gower Society provided a presentation on the work of the Society, particularly during the last year.  He made reference to the grants and financial support the Society had awarded during the previous year and highlighted the significant role the Society had on Gower.

Natural Resources Wales

Hamish Osborne, Swansea Team Leader, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) provided an update presentation regarding the work of NRW on Gower.   He provided details regarding the management of NRW in Swansea and the Swansea Valley; the purpose of the organisation; the woodland estates, nature reserves and conservation of protected sites it manages on Gower.

Chris Lindley, Gower AONB Team Leader provided a presentation regarding the Welsh Designated Landscapes Review.  He referred to the contents of the Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales report, which was the Review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in Wales.  He also highlighted the implications for Gower AONB.

Mike Scott, Gower AONB Officer, provided a Review of the AONB Action Plan 2015-2018.  He detailed the work of the previous 2 years and the planned work until 2018.  He made reference to the projects that had been supported and had received financial assistance.

The Chair explained that 13 nominations had been received for 10 membership vacancies on the Partnership Steering Group.  Therefore, an election was required. 

Voting papers were circulated to all present.

RESOLVED that the following be elected to the Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group for a period of two years, in accordance with the Terms of Reference:

RESOLVED that Stephen Heard be elected as Vice-Chair of the Steering Group for the 2017/18 Municipal year.

The item was deferred to the next Steering Group meeting on 25 September 2017.

The item was deferred to the next Steering Group meeting on 25 September 2017.

Parking – Cefn Bryn

Ian Button asked a question regarding parking near King Arthur’s Stone at Cefn Bryn.  The meeting discussed the topic of parking on Cefn Bryn, the effect of parking upon the village of Reynoldston and possible options available.  It was commented that the area was under the control of Llanrhidian Lower Community Council. 

Chris Lindley, Gower AONB Team Leader stated that the Rural Development Partnership had been asked to examine the issue in detail and that it required a partnership approach. 

RESOLVED that an update report be provided to the next scheduled meeting.

Cefn Bryn – Water on Road

Paul Tucker queried water on the road at Cefn Bryn and commented that it would be hazardous in Winter.  He added that the drains required regular cleaning.  Roger Button added that the water had previously caused the road to collapse.

Historical Buildings / Monuments

Mike Lewis asked questions relating to the ownership of Whitford Lighthouse and its condition, historical buildings on Burry Holmes and the condition of Pennard Castle.  It was explained that Carmarthenshire County Council owned Whitford Lighthouse and it was recognised that funding was required to undertake work to the structure.  In addition, it was stated that CADW were fully aware of the structural problems at Pennard Castle and had undertaken a site inspection.

•              25 September 2017

•              11 December 2017

•              26 March 2018

•              25 June 2018 – Annual Forum (date to be confirmed)

NOTED the dates of meetings for 2017/2018 to be held at 7.00 p.m. as follows:

·         25 September 2017;

·         11 December 2018;

·         26 March 2018.