Summary of Full Council Meeting 3 October 2024

Public Participation
Members of the public made comments regarding the Artisan Market, unsafe cliffs in the area, the Burn Park planning application and committee membership and lead councillors.

Mayor’s Report
The Mayor attended the Community Area Panel (CAP) meeting and the Blessing of the new Bude & North Cornwall Marine Standard.

Cornwall Councillor’s Report
Cllr La Broy discussed upcoming Cornwall Council waste collection changes in November, resurfacing at Crooklets carpark, Newquay Airport and the semi-privatisation of Cornwall Council carparks. He also updated on roadworks to create a shared-use path on The Strand, pedestrian crossings near Bencoolen play area and The Globe Hotel, Rodds Bridge maintenance and issues relating to Bude’s water table and planning.

Summer Wellbeing Festival
Cllr Corrigan-Turner presented feedback from the festival, which was well-received by participants, stall holders, and the public. A future event is planned for February 2025, and volunteers are welcome to assist.

Health Initiatives
Cllr Corrigan-Turner, the lead councillor for Health, reported ongoing work regarding cross-border attendance at A&E for residents in the EX23 postcode and the wider Community Area Panel (CAP) area. This includes looking into which hospitals—Barnstaple, Exeter, Treliske, or Torbay—people from the area are attending for emergency care. Attendance numbers for Stratton Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) have also been requested to assess local healthcare needs. Additionally, Cllr Corrigan-Turner visited the newly opened Launceston Wellbeing Hub, which is linked to the town’s medical centre, to explore potential health service improvements. It was also reported that the Berries Avenue Community Café, which offers various health support groups, will soon be adding a Pain Café to support people dealing with chronic pain conditions.

Minutes
The minutes from the Full Council meeting on 5 September and from the Planning, Facilities & Environmental, Corporate & Democratic, and Cultural & Heritage Services Committees were approved.

A recommendation from the Corporate & Democratic Committee was considered regarding the Lower Wharf craft unit’s tenancies. The committee recommended to Full Council that BSTC continue with the leases on a 5-year rolling basis, keeping the existing rents in place, which are now linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). This recommendation was approved. The Council also resolved to adopt the following statement: “that the Council confirm that any decisions relating to the Wharf Leases are limited to the Wharf Leases and will not result in the reassessment of any other tenancies agreed in the Categorising of Leases and Licences resolved at Full Council on 12 January 2023.”

Finance Reports
The Council noted payments made between 20 September and 3 October and approved payments scheduled for 7 October 2024.

Lords Court/Stratton Stores
A discussion took place regarding the ongoing maintenance for Stratton Stores and Lords Court. The Council considered a report highlighting the need for further assessment of the building’s condition. It was resolved to instruct a structural surveyor to conduct an updated report on the building, with a focus on identifying the necessary reparations and associated costs. This updated report will be commissioned at a cost of £2,500. Additionally, the Council agreed to reconvene the Lords Court working group at the earliest opportunity.

Wheeled Sports Facility Update
The Projects and Strategy Manager provided an update on the skatepark development, following the resolution made by the Corporate & Democratic Committee. The Council had previously agreed to engage an independent ecologist to assess three parcels of land owned by Bude-Stratton Town Council for potential off-setting, a requirement to meet Net Gain planning conditions for the new skatepark. The investigation determined that none of the sites were suitable for habitat off-setting. As a result, the most viable option is to purchase an off-site habitat unit to fulfil this planning obligation. This solution will be incorporated into the planning application, which will now move forward with this request included.

Coastal Transition Adaptation Programme (CTAP)
Members had previously been given an in-depth briefing by the Projects and Strategy Manager on the Coastal Transition Adaptation Programme (CTAP). Following a lengthy discussion, the Council agreed that Bude-Stratton Town Council would participate as a lead delivery body for the programme.

Remembrance Sunday Commemorations
Councillors received a report regarding the Town Council’s organisation of Remembrance Sunday. It was resolved to contract Holsworthy Hire Services for traffic marshalling and Westcountry Event Services for lighting the Storm Tower on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Bude Community Fire Station
The Council discussed a request from Bude Community Fire Station seeking assistance with parking for firefighters. It was resolved to allow firefighters to use the Parkhouse carpark after 6pm on Monday evenings for training purposes. Additionally, the Deputy Town Clerk will write to Cornwall Council requesting an amendment to the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Ergue Gaberic Way, to create designated parking spaces for firefighters only. It was also resolved to permit firefighters to use the library staff parking spaces when responding to incidents, but only when the library is closed. This arrangement will be reviewed after 12 months and a formal confirmation will be issued by the Council’s Legal & Policies Officer.

Bude Artisan Market
A request had been received from Bude Artisan Market to hold an additional market during October half term and this was approved.

Committee Membership
Cllr Jennings was elected to the Planning Committee. Three vacancies remain, plus one on the Cultural & Heritage Committee.

Lead Councillor Updates
Cllr Herbert-Coulson attended the Blessing of the new Bude & North Cornwall Marine Standard and the Homes for Cornwall event. Cllr O’Sullivan requested a Standing Orders working group, which was agreed.

Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was noted as being 7^th November 2024.