Friday 28 December 2012

One new planning application

Dear All,  Just the one application this week as always comments to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk    Thanks Armand

Looe
(Looe East Electoral Division)
2 Klymiarven Gardens Barbican Hill East Looe Looe Cornwall
PL13 1DY
Proposed balcony extension - Mr And Mrs W Martin -
PA12/11989 (Case Officer - Sarah Stevens)

Tuesday 25 December 2012

New Planning Applications

Dear All,  Two new applications for consideration, if you have any comments please contact me on 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk

Regards Armand

Looe
(Looe East Electoral Division)
43 St. Georges Road Looe Cornwall PL13 1ED
Proposed new roof for loft conversion, including dormer
windows on west and east elevations and increase size of
balcony to west elevation. - Mr & Mrs Christopher Andrews -
PA12/11631 (Case Officer - Sarah Stevens)
Page 5 of 8
Looe
(Looe East Electoral Division)
Holcombe Listowel Drive Looe Cornwall PL13 1LB
Demolish outhouse and construct side single storey extension
forming bedroom. - Mrs Tina King -
PA12/11720 (CaseOfficer - Sarah Stevens)

MARINE CONSERVATION ZONES CONSULTATION


News Item: Marine Conservation Zones – Consultation on proposals for designation in 2013

Defra are seeking views on proposals for the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English inshore and English and Welsh offshore waters.
This consultation seeks to engage with everyone who has an interest in the marine environment and coastal communities. It’s the primary opportunity for people to have their say and influence the decisions on how many MCZs are designated, where they are designated and for what features.
Information and comments submitted will be used to inform the decision on which sites will be designated in the first tranche in 2013. Information gathered at this stage will also be used as part of the decision-making process for designation of sites in later tranches.
The consultation begins on the 13th of December 2012 and closes on the 31st of March 2013.
Further information can be found on Defra’s website at:



BUSINESS RATE RELIEF

Dear All,   Please see the information below which may help local businesses during these difficult times with local road works etc, hope this helps and if you need to contact me 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk

Regards Armand


Business Rate Relief:

Businesses affected by the situation in Looe can apply for hardship relief from Cornwall Council.  They will need to evidence any reduction in trading which is due to the situation and the implications for their business.  The contact details are:

Revenues Section
Telephone: 0300 1234 171

Businesses can also apply to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for a revaluation if their trade has been adversely affected.  Where access to an area is affected and businesses are experiencing a significant reduction in trade they should approach the VOA to enquire whether they qualify for a temporary reduction in their rateable value.  The contact details are:

Valuation Office Agency
2nd Floor, Penhaligon House
Trinity Street
St Austell
Cornwall
PL25 5FA

Telephone: 03000502797
Website: www.voa.gov.uk

Friday 21 December 2012

CORNWALL COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Statement from Chief Executive of Cornwall Council
21 December 2012
 
The Chief Executive of Cornwall Council Kevin Lavery has confirmed that he has been offered the post of Chief Executive at Wellington City Council but says that he has not yet made a decision on whether to take the role.

“I have enjoyed my time as the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council and will be sorry to leave the authority and Cornwall” he said.  “I now need to consider the terms of the offer very carefully and discuss this with my family before making a final decision”.

“I will be spending the next few days considering this offer and hope to make an announcement early next week.

Thursday 20 December 2012

A couple of free events

Dear All,  Just got this that may need some exercise after Christmas, Regards Armand 
Hi everyone,

We have a couple of events coming up in early January. I hope you'll be able to join us. Please let me know if you'd like to help out with the 2nd January public event - volunteers very welcome.

Wednesday 2nd January, 1.30pm-3.30pm: East Looe Beach Exploration. (Poster attached - please circulate and tell your friends)Free family fun to start the New Year! Join our volunteers to find and learn about wildlife on the shore. Make your own sea picture. Don’t worry if it’s raining – we'll meet upstairs in the Rusty Bucket cafĂ© instead for arts and crafts and other fun hands-on family activities.

Saturday 5th January, 2.00pm-4.00pm: Volunteer beach clean and social, Port NadlerJoin us for a walk to Port Nadler and beach clean, led by Matt Nott. A great chance to walk off those mince pies, do your bit to look after this beautiful beach and socialise with other volunteers. Maybe go on for some drinks afterwards.. Meet at the entrance to Hannafore Fields.

Thank you for all your support during 2012. It's been a fantastic year for the group and it's all down to the hard work of our volunteers. A very happy Christmas to you all.

I'll circulate a newsletter soon with details of our 2013 events and training - it promises to be a great year!

Heather

Is the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council Going ?

 

Not been told of this one but if true need to take the time to get the right person

 

Cornwall Council chief executive Kevin Lavery 'will resign to go to New Zealand'

Trusted article source icon
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Profile image for WBMiles
Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Cornwall Council, will be leaving his post to take up a new job in New Zealand, it has been reported.
Mr Lavery, who has led Cornwall Council since it was launched in 2009, will be taking up a new job as chief executive of Wellington City Council, according to a New Zealand newspaper.
  1. Kevin Lavery
    Kevin Lavery
  2. Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Cornwall Council, is reported to be leaving for New Zealand.
    Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Cornwall Council, is reported to be leaving for New Zealand.
The Dominion Post reported: "In a closed-door meeting on Wednesday night, councillors spent three hours debating the appointment of Kevin Lavery, who will receive a salary of $420,000. Councillors interviewed four people for the position on Monday, after deciding in August to advertise the position."
The former chief executive of Wellington, Garry Poole, also applied for the job according to the Dominion Post, but was unsuccessful.
Mr Lavery was seen as the driving force behind proposals to part-privatise council services in Cornwall. The proposals were turned down by councillors in a chain of events that saw leader Alec Robertson ousted.

New Flooding Update

Update on flooding incidents – 12 o’clock on 20 December

More than 100 members of staff from the Council’s Highways, Environment and Fire and Rescue services were involved in dealing with calls related to the flooding caused by the heavy rain experienced across Cornwall over last night and into this morning.

Teams have dealt with around 60 incidents over the last 18 hours, with 50 calls received by the Council’s customer contact centre since 8am.  The majority of these have related to surface water flooding on some roads, with other calls relating to flooding of individual properties and some minor landslips.  

Specialist swift water rescue technicians from Bude Fire Station were called to the aid of a driver who had become trapped in flood water at Rodds Bridge near Lower Upton, Bude.

It appears the man became trapped after driving over a humpback bridge crossing the Bude Canal. The man managed to get out of his car, but as he was surrounded by fast flowing and rising water, he called the fire service for help. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the swift water rescue team reached the man and escorted him to safety.

Staff are continuing to deal with incidents and will remain on standby throughout the rest of the day and overnight.  

The main incidents include:

Flooding incidents ( property / business premises etc) :
  • Tywardreath – small landslip
  • Mevagissey
  • Heamoor
  • Newlyn Bridge
  • Bugle – Bowling Green
  • Gunwalloe
  • St Keverne
 Porthhallow
  • Gorran Haven
  • Polbathic
  • St Day
  • Altarnun
  • Launceston
  • Cornish Market Road, Par
  • Mevagissey –minor landslip
  • Lerryn – 2 minor landslips

Surface water flooding on roads
  • St Blazey
  • Trethowell
  • A30 Canonstown and St Erth
  • A390 Britannia
  • B3275 Pentewan ( possible landslip)
  • Seaton
  • A274 Torpoint
  • A387 Sandplace   
  • Mullion
  • St Stephens
  • St Buryan
  • Michaelstow
  • Baldhu Chapel
  • Townsend / Fraddam B3302
  • Coads Green B3257
  • Leedstown B3280
  • Glynn Valley - A38
  • Sladesbridge
  • Washaway
  • Fraddon
  • Stenalees
  • Quintrell Downs / Kestle Mill
  • B3280 to Goldsithney off of the Marazion By Pass (A394)
  • Sweetshouse / Lostwithiel
  • Splatt (Wadebridge)
  • A3078 Tregony to St Mawes
  • A39 Perranarworthal
  • Hayle to Leedstown at Fraddam
  • Polperro


The latest reports from the MET Office and the EA state that around 60 mm of rainfall has fallen over night and this morning. Flood warnings are in place for the Rivers Cober. Hayle, Tresillian, Neet, Upper Tamar, Ottery, Kensey, Mid Tamar and Lower Tamar. There is still an Amber rainfall warning in place until 3pm.  The rain is then due to clear from West Cornwall.  Friday is expected to be a mainly dry day.   

However further heavy rain is expected on Saturday, Sunday and Monday – with an average of between 15 to 25mm , and the possibility of up to 30 mm over hills and moors.  As this is already falling on saturated ground, there is the possibility of further localised flooding in some areas.

Please contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 100 with specific flooding reports.

All the agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and will react to incidents as required.


            Kind regards
          David Owens ( Duty Director)  

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Looe Open For Business

Cornwall Council and Looe Town Council are encouraging residents and visitors to visit Looe in the run up to Christmas and enjoy its programme of festive events, emphasising it is open for business and easy to get to despite the road works in East Looe to repair damage caused by landslips that occurred during the recent severe weather.
Looe is always a popular destination for Christmas shopping, with a great range of shops and places to eat and a seaside setting.  With a traditional festive atmosphere with eye catching shop windows, carols, Christmas lights and an exciting events programme, this year Looe Town Council has been working with Cornwall Council and local businesses to provide additional reasons to visit the town.  These include reduced parking charges in Cornwall Council car parks on some specific days in the run up to Christmas Day and a wide range of festive offers from local shops and businesses.
Festive events already planned include
14 December: Evening of Festive Music with St Dennis Championship Brass Band (Looe Social Club, 8pm)
15 December: Looe Christmas Shopping Special:
  • Festive offers and discounts from 15 shops and eateries (full details on the Town Council’s website)
  • £1 parking all day at Millpool and Riverbank Car Parks (courtesy of Cornwall Council)
  • Looe Tourist Information Centre opening specially from 10am-2pm (courtesy of Looe Town Council)
  • Blues Night: The Globe Inn
  • Choirs at Looe Community Academy (7.30pm)
17 December: Christmas Carolling with Keltique: The Globe, Swan, Lascares, Salutation (7pm-10pm)
19 December: Lantern Procession and Carols.  Processions start West Looe Square 6.15pm and outside Globe Inn 6.30pm.  Soup and Rolls available after in RNLI Boat House on Seafront.
21 December: Christmas Special Trains on Liskeard to Looe line, including mince pie and mulled apple juice courtesy of Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
22 December: Looe Christmas Shopping Special as above
20 December: Open Mic Night: Tom Sawyers
23 December: Carol Service, Riverside United Church (11am)
Christmas Eve: Christingle, Riverside United Church (4pm), Live music from Claire Stokes: Trawlers (6-9pm)
Christmas Day: Christmas Service: St Nicholas, West Looe (9.30am), Xmas Day Lunch: Looe Community School (noon-4pm)
New Year’s Eve: Children’s Fancy Dress Competition and Firework Display (6pm Seafront), Midnight Fireworks Display (Seafront)
Full details of the events programme are available from Looe Tourist Information Centre on 01503 262 072
Cornwall Council is offering people the opportunity to park in its Millpool and  Riverbank car parks for £1 all day on Saturdays 15 and 22 December. 
Under the offer, drivers will need to buy a £1 pay and display ticket and display a voucher which will be available to download from the Council’s website or from various locations around the town.  These will include Looe Town Council offices, the One Stop Shop as well as local traders.
The voucher must be clearly displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle together with a £1 pay and display ticket purchased from one of Looe's car parks on the relevant day.
The offer, which is valid for Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 December, only applies to the following Looe car parks: Millpool and Riverbank..  The offer cannot be used in conjunction with the RingGo mobile phone payment option. Full charges will apply if a voucher is not displayed and failure to display the correct fee or display a £1 pay and display ticket and a voucher may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice.
Cornwall Councillor for East Looe Armand Toms said: “Looe is a fantastic place to visit at anytime, especially this time of year.  While we had a setback during the bad weather, we have and will maintain good access into Looe and I am sure local people will come out to enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local traders.”   
David Bryan, Mayor of Looe, said: “I warmly invite everyone to visit us to do their Christmas shopping, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the town’s seasonal events.  I am delighted Cornwall Council is supporting the town with the £1 parking offer, and hope that people will take advantage of this and come into see us at the Tourist Information Centre.”
Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Councillor for West Looe said: “Looe is famous for New Year, but we also have so much to offer in the run up to Christmas.  I will certainly be doing Christmas shopping in the town as I do every year, and I would recommend the experience to anybody.”    
Works are due to take place over the next four weeks to stabilise the top section of St Martins Hill (the B3253) in East Looe where cracks appeared in the edge of the carriageway following the recent land slips.  The works are to be carried out with the road remaining open with the use of traffic lights.  This leaflet gives further information about the works.
Although this part of the scheme is expected to be completed within the next month, traffic lights will have to remain in place here until works to the lower end of the B3253 at its junction with the A387 at Sandplace Road in Looe, where a separate landslip has occurred, have also been completed.  As a result of the landslip, the Council has had to shut a short section of the A387 at this point for the foreseeable future whilst repairs are undertaken to this part of the B3253.  The Council is providing access for pedestrians through the roadworks here; cyclists may also use this route, provided they dismount while they use the access. 
The rest of the A387 from the A38 via Widegates and Morval remains fully open as far as Sandplace.  This means people wishing to travel to and from Duloe and St Keyne can do so via Sandplace as normal and access local businesses.  Access to West Looe is fully open.
Further news and information can be found on the Liskeard and Looe Community Network page.  This will include updates on events in Looe over the festive season, and on the progress of the roadworks.

Festive Bus Service for First Buses


PRESS INFORMATION
From First in Devon and Cornwall
Issued 17 December 2012

Festive Bus Services in Devon & Cornwall


To help bus users plan their journeys by bus over the festive period First has published its Christmas and New Year bus timetable alterations for Devon & Cornwall.

Coming into effect on Sunday 24 December and ending on Saturday 5 January, the festive timetable is intended to reflect changes in demand for public transport during the holiday season.

Over the period buses will operate to special holiday schedules, the details of which, including the opening hours of the company’s customer services phone line, have been available on First’s local website since the 20 November. Posters informing customers of the festive services have also featured on buses and timetable leaflets have been available in Travel Shops around the region since the 10 December.

Talking about the festive holiday services that First will be operating, Regional Commercial and Business Growth Director for First in the South West and Wales, Marc Reddy, says, “During the Christmas period our customers’ travelling habits often change; they may take days off work and therefore travel less than they normally would, make extra trips to the supermarket or shopping centres, or spend time visiting relatives and friends. To ensure good provision of services our network planners have made amendments to our timetables over the festive season, to best match our resources with the expected public demand.

“The holidays are a great opportunity to explore the South West and some of the area’s family friendly tourist attractions. We hope that many people will take advantage of the services that will be operating over the Christmas and New Year’s break, to take trips out and about with First.”

For more information about First in Devon & Cornwall, or to view timetable information log onto, www.firstgroup.com/Devon or www.firstgroup.com/Cornwall. Those wanting independent travel information in the UK can also call Traveline on, 0871 200 22 33, or visit www.travelinesw.com.

First Devon & Cornwall has a Twitter account that customers can follow for real time service updates. It can be found at www.twitter.com/FirstBus_Devon. The company is also on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/FirstinDevonandCornwall.

<ends>

Monday 17 December 2012

Two applications this week

Dear All,   A further two applications this week, please let me have you comments on 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk

Thanks Armand

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
Tor View Barbican Hill Looe Cornwall PL13 1DZ
Alterations to first floor fenestration on South West elevation. -
Mr And Mrs Michael Williams - PA12/10924 (Case Officer -
Sarah Stevens)

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
The Bourne Plaidy Looe PL13 1LF
Proposed extension and balcony to bedroom 1, and alterations
to dormers. - Mr Stephen Edwards - PA12/11330 (Case
Officer - Sarah Stevens)

Sunday 16 December 2012

DONT HAVE A RUBBISH CHRISTMAS


Don’t have a rubbish Christmas
14 November 2012
 
Christmas rubbish and recycling collections will be collected every day as normal throughout the Christmas and New Year period, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

There will be no rubbish or clinical waste collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. This will be collected on the following week (Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 January).

All recycling and garden waste collections that fall on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day will be collected on Saturday 29 December.
 
Christmas tree composting
From Monday 14 - Friday 25 January there will be a free collection service for real Christmas trees. Residents should place the tree out for collection on the rubbish collection day on the alternate week to your recycling collection. The trees will be collected separately, shredded and composted. Residents do not need to subscribe to the garden waste service for this.
 
Christmas cards and envelopes

Christmas cards can go in the kerbside recycling collection; they should be placed in the sack for cardboard. White envelopes should go into paper sack, coloured or brown envelopes should go with the cardboard.
 
Wrapping paper

Most Christmas wrapping paper can be recycled, although we cannot accept paper coated with foil or plastic.  All non shiny paper can go in the paper sack.
 
Cardboard

Cardboard boxes should be flattened and put into the cardboard recycling sack. Big pieces of cardboard or large amounts can be flattened and bundled together and put out next to the recycling, or taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).
 
Chocolate and biscuit tins

You can put empty metal chocolate and biscuit tins into the sack for plastic bottles and cans. We cannot recycle plastic biscuit containers.
 
Additional recycling

Extra recycling that does not fit in your containers can be put it into carrier bags and put out with the rest of your items to be recycled. Please be extra careful with glass and put it in a rigid or sturdy box.

Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Christmas opening hours

The HWRC sites will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The normal site opening times are 9am to 4pm.

Thursday 13 December 2012

Cornwall Council issues further update on flooding

update on potential flooding  - 13 December 2012

Dear all

The latest information from the MET office and the Environment Agency suggests that a band of rain is due to affect West Cornwall around 3am tomorrow (Friday morning).  This will then work across the whole of Cornwall until around 8am, producing up to 20 mm of rain during the period, some of which will be heavy.  This will be combined with strong South Easterly winds overnight tonight and into tomorrow.  As this rain will be falling on areas where the ground is already saturated, this could produce problems on some roads with standing water and potential localised flooding.

At the same time we will be experiencing high spring tides which, combined with the strong winds and rainfall, could result in a surge of around ½ metre on the expected tidal levels.  High tide is expected around 5am in Penzance, 5.29am in Falmouth and around 6am in Cawsand.  This could generate coastal flooding in areas with a history of flooding, such as Penzance and Newlyn, Flushing and St Gluvias, Mevagissey, Looe and Polperro.   There could also be issues with the A390 at Tresillian and the A39 at the Norway Inn.

As the worst of the weather is due to leave Cornwall by 8am, we hope that this will minimise potential disruption during the main commuter period.

The EA have already issued flood alerts for both the North and South coast, and a flood warning for the South West coast.   

Although the heavy rainfall will move away from late morning on Friday, there will be more showers on Saturday and Sunday, some of which could be heavy with hail and thunder.  There will also be continuing strong winds and high tides which could create more problems with coastal flooding over the weekend.  There could also be problems with people going to view the large waves that are predicted.  Other agencies will be issuing messages warning people of the potential danger of storm watching in coastal areas.    

All the agencies are monitoring the situation closely and are on stand by to respond at short notice if required.  No decision has yet been made to open the emergency centre but Council staff are on stand by to set this up within 20 minutes if necessary.  

Both the Council and the EA have sent out messages via the media and on their websites encouraging members of the public to take preparations if they live in areas which are vulnerable to flooding.  This includes obtaining sandbags and making sure that they check that vulnerable neighbours have support if required. It would be very helpful if you could help spread these messages in your local community.

We will be continuing to monitor the conditions and will send out further updates if the situation changes.  

Kind regards
David Wood (Duty Director)

Wednesday 12 December 2012

BAD WEATHER WARNING

Dear All,  I have recieved the weather warning below, with spring tides (high), strong winds and heavy rain please prepare, let me know if you have a problem ?    As usual 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk   Regards Armand


Residents warned to be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds
12 December 2012
 
Following Met Office warnings of a combination of strong winds, heavy rain and high tides affecting the South West later this week, Cornwall Council are asking residents to be prepared and take precautions where necessary.

Warnings have been given for heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday, 13 December, Friday, 14 December and Saturday, 15 December.  As this wet weather is coming at the same time as high tides, there are concerns that some parts of Cornwall could be affected by localised flooding.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s Highways, Environment, Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management services are monitoring the situation closely and are on standby to deal with any problems.

During last month’s flooding a number of householders reported difficulties in obtaining sandbags when the severe weather affected their local area. As neither the Council nor the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to provide sandbags, anyone whose property is prone to flooding should ensure they have a supply of sandbags ready to protect their home or business should they need to.  Local communities are also encouraged to check with vulnerable neighbours in case they need help with obtaining flood protection materials.

Sandbags can be obtained from builders merchants, DIY and hardware stores. Anyone who is unsure if their property is at risk can check on the environment agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call the floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Anyone with responsibility for community Christmas lights and decorations should ensure they are properly secured against strong winds and consider turning off Christmas lights if the weather deteriorates.  We would also advise checking for any damp or damage before turning them back on. Any problems should be dealt with by a qualified electrician.  

For further advice on preparing for flooding visit the environment agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding

Tesco's Planning Application

Dear All,  Just a quick note to say that the Tesco's Planning application has been removed from tomorrows Strategic Planning Committee agenda as there has been a request for more information.   Not sure what that is but it will now be heard in January.      Regards Armand

Monday 10 December 2012

More planning applications

Dear All,  Please see the applications below any comments to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk  Regards Armand

Looe
(Looe East Electoral Division)
Station Road Looe Cornwall PL13 1HA
A new control cabinet with protective vehicle bollards to house
electrical control and communications for an adjacent (below
ground) automated sewage screen. - Mr Steve Cross -
PA12/10456 (Case Officer - Julie Mitchell)
Looe
(Looe East Electoral Division)
The Grapevine Fore Street East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13
1AE
Recovering of roof with new natural slates within conservation
area. - Mr T Bray -
PA12/10829 (Case Officer - SarahStevens)