<![CDATA[Talybont-on-Usk Community Council - Social Media Posts]]>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:15:23 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[Annual Meeting Draft Minutes]]>Sat, 20 May 2023 06:00:15 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/annual-meeting-draft-minutesDraft Minutes from May 15th
the Annnual Statutory Meeting 
of Talybont-on-Usk Community Council  
  1. Cllrs. C. Parry, G. James, E. Moorman, J. Jones and H. Chapman were in attendance.
  2. The Annual Report  was presented by Cllr. Parry. It is available for viewing on the website www.talybont.org.
  3. Cllr. Parry was elected as chair.
  4. Cllr. James was elected as vice-chair.
  5. The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 9th May 2022 were approved as a true record
  6. No Matters arose from the 2022 minutes.
  7. Declarations of interest were made by all councillors to be recorded on the website
  8. The Email and Communication Protocols, Training Protocol and Hospitality
And Gift Protocols were all approved. New standing orders to be drafted and approved for the next Council meeting. Procedures and rules regarding Predetermination, Personal and Prejudicial Interests were shared.
  1. There were appointments of representatives to committees - some may change as more councillors are added.
    1. 3 members to the finance committee - Cllr. J. Jones, Cllr. James, Cllr. Moorman
    2. 1 representative to the Henderson Hall Management Committee - Cllr. Parry
    3. 1  observer to the Talybont Energy Project - Cllr. Moorman
    4. 2 representatives to attend One Voice Wales quarterly Committee Meetings - Cllr. Parry and Cllr. Moorman
    5. 1 representative to the Vaughan Gardens - Cllr. Moorman
    6. 1 representative to the Litter Picking Committee - Cllr. Parry
    7. 2 representative for Biodiversity committee - Cllr. J. Jones and Cllr. Moorman 
  1.  Questions and Comments from the Public - Henry Vaughan Gardens were changed to the Vaughan Gardens.
 
 

]]><![CDATA[Draft Community Council Minutes]]>Sat, 20 May 2023 05:50:40 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/draft-community-council-minutesTALYBONT-ON-USK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DRAFT MINUTES
MEETING HELD ON 15th May 2023
at Henderson Hall and via Zoom commencing at 7.15pm
In Attendance
Cllrs Parry (Chair), Moorman, James, Chapman and  J. Jones    
1. Apologies for absence -
2. Welcome New Clerk and Councillors -
We welcomed our new clerk, Clare Preece and newly coopted councillors John Jones and Harry Chapman    
3. Declarations of Interest -
Cllr. Chapman has a workshop on the property at Gilestone Farm.
4. Approve minutes of the 17 of April 2023 -
The Minutes of the 23rd of March 2023 were accepted as a true record.
5. Matters Arising-
Our new clerk was interviewed and hired.
The cooption of councillors was organised and completed in line with Powys Electoral Service Standards.
The ASM was held with a first annual report. A new chair and vice were elected. New committee members were appointed. New policies were approved and implemented for training, gifts, declarations of interest and communication.
An FOI procedure was added to the website.
An official Code of Conduct complaints policy was added to the website.
The Nepali Village was invited for a presentation to the council.    
6. Correspondence
•    The clerk’s email address has been updated
•    Peter Seaman contacted the council about camping and littering at the reservoir. It was agreed to pursue the matter further in the next meeting with BBNPA and to contact Dwr Cwmru.
•    An email from Andrew Large was shared with the council concerning the difficult situation the TCC  because of the WG, the importance of persisting with the business plan, proper process within the council,  external relationships with the community and pressure groups and intolerance of abuse.
•    An FOI request from Craig Burdon was completed.
•    An email from Craig Burdon concerning Canol Pentre was followed up with a visit to all the bungalows and contact with Powys Housing. It was suggested to pursue with another email and If no response, to contact the housing ombudsman.
•    An email concerning the pump track which has been delayed for years and rudimentary plans for variations of the design were shared with the council along with ecological/arborial reports and increased costs. The council found the diagrams substandard and requested a resubmission. The dates of funding to be investigated.
•    An email from Ceri Bevan and Heather Vaughan was considered for installation of a new Rugby posts. Two more bids are required for approval.    
7. Councillor Vacancies Announced-
Casual Vacancies for Craig Burdon, Jonathan Short and Glyn Thomas were submitted to electoral services. Costs for an election were requested.    
8. Gilestone Farm - Cllr. Chapman left the room
Collated questions were submited by the Council last week.
Releasing the notes prior to the minutes caused a negative response from the WG and the notes were removed. After discovering that some members of the community were unfairly in possession of the information and were objecting to it being shared with others, we recanted and reposted the notes. The official minutes followed in days. The council will continue to disclose information as it becomes available. A follow up email on answers to the questions resubmitted last week will be sent today. Information on the next steps and strategic communication plan to follow soon. The council feels we should have full representation at future meetings.  There is a general feeling of being ignored. We will persist.    
9. Logo Contest
It was agreed to have a contest for 2 new logo designs by children and adults, winners to be announced at the Village Fair in August    
10. Henry Vaughan Garden and Trail                                                          
It was agreed to assess the state (and number) of all of the signs and poetry boards on the Henry Vaughan Trail. Painting and oiling of the wood probably required. Cllr. Moorman to look at historical records and  payments and compare with Nina K. to confirm the council’s position.    
11. Nepali Invitation
A notice warning residents of parking at the cattle market and shuttle bus services for the event on the 21st to be shared on social media. There will be a presentation at 6:45 at the June council meeting of the Nepali Village plan for those who could not attend and members of the council.    
12. Biodiversity Plan
There has been a great public response of interest in the biodiversity plan, including local scientists. The group will meet the first week of June.    Cllrs. Moorman
And J. Jones
13. Online Presence-
The council has added a ‘social media’ page to the website for those who do not follow facebook so they can be kept up-to-date with what the council is sharing and doing.
14. Defibrillator census-
Cllr. James reported the Youth Hostel at the reservoir will have their own defib installed.
The council will organise a training session for use of the  defibs in Pencelli and Talyont and invite members of the public.    
15. Canal Matters-
The canal leak was addressed rapidly but the council is fearful of further issues because of the delay in relining. We will continue to pursue our next meeting.
Pursuit of payment of the outstanding insurance claim has been acknowledged. Requested past paperwork will be resubmitted this week.
Cllr. Parry has graciously agreed to be in charge of the dog waste bin on the canal path..    
16. BBNPA-
The next meeting with the BBNPA is scheduled for 10:30, June 5thThe main topic of the meeting will be coordinating a place plan. We will also discuss the tramroad and issues back in the reservoir and followup on what our status is as consultants in the park.     
SWOTS to be completed by all councillors
17. Highway Matters - 
Powys did a very quick job fixing the bridge. The council and community were impressed.  A diagram of proposed double yellow lines for Talybont planned followed by public consultation.    
18. County Councilor Report-
Cllr. Cartwright will be taking a leave of absence. Powys to inform the council of assistance for the future. The council wishes to send a message of condolence.    
19. Applications for Planning Consent –
23/21962/LBC -Buckland Hall – no issues
The replacement of existing single glazed windows
23/21955/MINOR Royal Oak Pencelli - already approved
Cllr. Jones inquired if the consultations were ever disputed or followed up on. It was agreed to investigate.
20. Community Council Assets -
a.   Play equipment-  Reports – need new paving slabs at entrance
b.   Tennis Courts refurb -  marking is done
21. Finance-
Current Financial position -
Current Account: £27,767.39
Reserved Account  £8699.12
Total £33,6646.51
Date of next Ordinary Meeting 19th June 2023
Held at Henderson Hall commencing
at 6:45pm as a hybrid meeting
]]><![CDATA[Annual Report 22/23]]>Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/annual-report-2223Talybont-on-Usk Community Council Annual Report 2022/2023
1. Foreword
We are pleased to present the annual report of Talybont on Usk Community Council. It provides an overview of its work of the Council during the period 1st May 2022 to 30th April 2023. 
2. Roles and Functions of Talybont on Usk Community Council 
The 1972 Local Government Act states that every part of Wales is in a community. In England, the term “Parish Councils” is still used. In Wales, however, the legal and constitutional term for these units of local government administration is termed “Community Councils”. 
The Community Council represents the lowest tier of local government and is closest to the public as regards meeting local needs. The Council has several statutory rights and duties. What is the Council structure? A list of your local councillors is provided on the next page. 
The Community Council has 9 Councillors who do not represent any political party. They are elected every 5 years. A part time Clerk is employed to handle all arrangements for meetings and preparing an agenda to deal with the records and financial and administrative matters linked to implementing the Council’s work. Contractors are also employed to carry out specialist work such as repair and maintenance i.e., grass cutting and so on. 
The Community Council makes observations on planning applications before they are decided upon by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. They provide funding for events, clubs, and services in the community. 
How does the Council work? Any work done by the Council will be implemented following decisions taken at open meetings. Any work is paid for with public money which the Council receives through raising a precept which is part of the Council Tax set by Powys County Council. The precept is raised to finance the Community Council’s responsibilities including grass cutting and defibrillator maintenance and contributions to local organisations. 
Can the public attend the meetings? By all means. You are welcome to attend our meetings. Members of the public are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes with advance notification to the clerk. 
Council meetings are held monthly, except for August and December, and are usually held on the third Monday of each month at Henderson Hall. The Annual Meeting is a legal obligation as stated by the Local Government Act 1972. The annual meeting must be held in the month of May. Council decides on the date. The first item on the agenda must be the election of the Chairman of the Community Council for the next twelve months.
Talybont on Usk Community Council has 9 Councillors
 
3.Membership of the Council
Councillor Geraint James           Elected 05/05/2022
Councillor Colin Parry                Elected 05/05/2022
Councillor Ellen Moorman         Elected 05/05/2022
At the time of this report there are 6 vacancies on the Community Council
 
4. The Council’s Work in 2022-2023  
Annual Audit
Passed with no issues. Clear audit achieved.
Gilestone Farm
Last May the Welsh Government (WG) announced the purchase of Gilestone Farm with a view to lease the farm to the Greenman group. This caused large concern to the community of Talybont around conservation, noise, traffic, and mass tourism events, in a village that is already a tourism hot spot.
A working group was formed to create a survey for the community. It was decided to wait for release when facts were available to include, preventing more upset and fear from arising.
The Council had an informal meeting with Fiona Stewart (director of the GMF/T) in May of 22 and waited for a follow-up meeting with her and the Welsh Government. A meeting with the WG occurred in November and a meeting with key stakeholders, Fiona Stewart and the WG in March. We have been awaiting details from the WG about the ‘business plan’.
The Council has submitted detailed questions about the plans for the site with little information received to date.  Pressure continues from the Usk Valley Conservation Group, who released their own poll in December) as well as community members to take a stance against the plans. There are also constituents who are supportive. TOUCC have chosen to follow the regulatory advice, and to wait for more detail on events and plans before making considered decisions. 
Talybont Activity Centre (Old Railway Station)
Following the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park decision to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness for the development of the Activity Centre. The council argued its validity after numerous residents confirmed that the site had never previously been a campsite. The argument and the following appeal were both rejected. Karl Speed presented his plan to the council in February 23. 
One Voice Wales
Talybont-on-Usk continues their membership in One Voice Wales. They are represented on the NEC and the Policy Committee of the NEC. They are also participating in the audit board.
Installation of speed warning signs
Four sites were equipped with poles and sockets for installing two speed information signs. Two sites are in Talybont and two sites in Pencelli. They have proven effective
Henry Vaughan Garden
Members of the Council fixed unstable handrails and fencing in the garden.
Playground Improvements
The village playground has had a new fence to replace the damaged old fence and ensure child safety. More trees were planted on the north end.
MUGA Repairs
Following the flood damage, the MUGA has been repaired. The floodlights have been set for appropriate hours of lighting.
Council Website 
The council redesigned their website to include statutory requirements set by the WG.
Council Facebook Page
The Council set up a facebook page to keep the community informed
Resignations
Several Councillor resignations have occurred in the last 12 months. In addition to this the Clerk also resigned. Although numerous reasons were given for resignations, Gilestone Farm was a common denominator. The Council wishes to thank all people involved for their service over the years.
 
5. Future Priorities 
  1. Make sure the Council is fully compliant with all statutory requirements in The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021: Statutory Guidance for Community and Town Councils 
  2. Training: The council will ensure all of the members are fully trained in the Code of Conduct and basic functions of Community Councils as well as encouraging training in  other courses that wil be beneficial.
  3. Instigate a council communication protocol to make sure that every matter is addressed as  promptly and effeciently as possible and that the entire council is informed. 
  4. Instigate a Communication Strategy with the Welsh Government for the land they have purchased.
  5. Schedule a Community Assembly and subsequent Survey to ascertain where the community stands on a variety of issues.
  6. Implement the Finance and Governance Toolkit
  7. Biodiversity Plan: work with members of the community to ensure that we are caring for the wide array of flora and fauna our stretch of land hosts and protecting them for future generations in our day to day activities
  8. Place Plan: The council will commence working with the National Park Authority to develop a place plan.  We will be looking at issues such: 
  • how the community be able to accommodate the rising level of tourism and both the benefits and probleman s that arise from it,  
  • the cost of living crisis
  • infrastructure
  • an aging community  
  • climate change and the effects it may have 
  1. Ensure the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act is considered in all council activities
  2. Follow up with the Canal and River Trust to ensure our stretch of the canal is not dangerous.
  3. Follow up with Powys roads to introduce the 20Mph Speed limit and make certain the roads are in safe driving condition and marked appropriately throughout our villages.
 
 
6. Attending the Council / Contact us
Attending meetings of Talybont on Usk Community Council 
The Council is keen to see Members of the public attend Talybont on Usk Community Council meetings.  You may attend in person or via Zoom. Except for confidential items, all business is held in public. All the public agenda papers are published online 3 working days in advance of the meeting and draft minutes are published within 7 days.
Contact us.
Email                                                    talybontcc@gmail.com
Website                                                https://www.talybont.org/
Members contact details                       https://www.talybont.org/your-council.html
]]><![CDATA[Link to FAQ's for Gilestone Farm]]>Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/link-to-faqs-for-gilestone-farmhttps://www.gov.wales/gilestone-farm-frequently-asked-questions. ​]]><![CDATA[Statement From Vaughan Gething concerning Gilestone Farm and the Green Man]]>Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/statement-from-vaughan-gething-concerning-gilestone-farm-and-the-green-manIn March 2022, we acquired Gilestone Farm for £4.25m against an agreed open market valuation of £4.325m to support the growth of the creative sector in a stronger Mid Wales economy.
We have been in discussions with Green Man for a number of years about the potential to support the future growth of the brand in Wales. Green Man is a key employer in Mid Wales, making a significant contribution to the local economy and providing employment in its main festival business and in an increasing number of related ventures, which place a strong emphasis on sustainable development.
The proposal from Green Man for a base in the Usk Valley presented us with a sustainable, economic development opportunity in a rural area and the chance to anchor a successful brand within Wales. Our support for a sustainable rural business opportunity at Gilestone Farm specifically aligns with the goals set out in the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which was signed by both the Welsh and UK governments in 2022. Sustainable tourism, food and drink and agriculture are key sectors of focus in the deal and we are an active partner in supporting development in these areas.
Green Man met with local representatives recently and shared its vision for the site. It is looking to create a new "sustainable rural enterprise", which it says will generate £23m for the local economy, provide at least 38 new full-time jobs and support 300 local jobs through its supply chain.
No additional commercial activities will be permitted at Gilestone Farm without the required licences and permissions being secured and the appropriate environmental assessments being undertaken.
Alongside partners including Green Man, Powys Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority we will ensure we continue engaging with the local community about the future of the site.
The Mid Wales Growth Deal sets out ambitions for a distinctive region that is capable of retaining and attracting young people in the face of major demographic challenges.
It is important we support interventions that take forward the shared ambitions set out in the deal to help the fast-moving creative sector develop and thrive in Wales.
There has been a clear shift in the demographics of the area, reinforcing the need to work collectively to ensure appropriate rural economic development can flourish to create the jobs and supply chain opportunities, which thriving communities depend on. We are committed to helping more young people plan ambitious futures in Mid Wales because they will define the long-term success of the regional economy.  
The business plan presented by Green Man has strong strategic alignment with the aims and objectives of our Programme for Government and the Well-being of Future Generations Act. In addition to farming, the proposed activities are centred around the following:
  • A creative hub
  • New live experiences and smaller scale gatherings
  • Food and beverage production, including support for brewing and bakery businesses
  • Sustainable tourism
  • Weddings and other events
There is an established history of tourism and small-scale events at Gilestone Farm, alongside a number of existing businesses and economic activity that could be further enhanced to develop the first rural creative hub in Wales. It is important to emphasise the site would not be used as a location for the Green Man Festival itself. Gilestone Farm is not big enough and it would not be logical to move it six miles to an undeveloped site.
The proposals under consideration stipulate the sustainable principles of Green Man would be incorporated into the agricultural activity on-site and assessments undertaken to ensure all activities worked in harmony with the environment, underpinning the farm’s biodiversity. As an example, the business plan sets out that all future farming activities would use best practice in managing excess phosphates leaching into the River Usk.
Based on the due diligence work undertaken by officials to date, I have agreed the process can move forward to its next stage. I have approved:
  • Access, by licence, to Green Man representatives to undertake environmental and other surveys required to apply for appropriate operating licences and permissions for their proposal.
  • The commencement of formal commercial lease negotiations with Green Man.
Further consultation will take place with the local community, working closely with Powys Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. Once this work and final due diligence has been completed, a full and final options appraisal will be submitted to me for my consideration. I will then reach a decision and make an oral statement to Members.
In the meantime, Gilestone Farm remains under a management agreement with the previous owner via a Farm Business Tenancy on commercial terms. There has been no change of use at the site since it was acquired by the Welsh Government to require further environmental or planning assessments or considerations.
I am aware of the significant community interest in the Green Man proposals, alongside media interest and indeed the continued interest of Senedd Members. I will therefore be publishing a set of Frequently Asked Questions on our website, which will be available from tomorrow at Gilestone Farm: frequently asked questions.
]]><![CDATA[Casual Vacancies]]>Tue, 16 May 2023 11:02:36 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/casual-vacanciesThe Council has reported 3 Casual Vacancies to Powys Electoral Services. Resignations are always difficult. We are grateful for the time, dedication and service that Mr. Burdon, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Short have provided the community over the years.
]]><![CDATA[Welcome to our New Councillors!]]>Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/welcome-to-our-new-councillorsThe Council is happy to announce two new members who attended and participated in tonight's Annual Meeting and Community Council Meeting. Cllr. John Jones and Cllr. Harry Chapman, we are delighted to have you!.]]><![CDATA[Welcome to Our New Clerk]]>Fri, 12 May 2023 11:23:59 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/welcome-to-our-new-clerkWe are very pleased to announce that Clare Preece will be coming on board as our new clerk. As the key advisor to the council, proper officer in law and responsible financial officer, she is highly-qualified and experienced.
​She will be an asset to your council. 

Her email address will be talybontcc@gmail.com. 
The clerk should always be the first point of inquiry for all council-related issues.

Clare will be commencing her duties on Monday, May 15th at our cooption of 3 new councillors. She will then be clerking the Annual Statutory meeting at 7pm and the Community Council Meeting at 7:15.  

Welcome Clare! We look forward to seeing you next week. ]]><![CDATA[Agenda for Council Meeting, May 15, 7:15pm]]>Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/agenda-for-council-meeting-may-15-715pm 
1.  Apologies for absence to Acting Clerk by email or mobile 07927557934
2.  Welcome New Clerk and Councillors
3.  Declarations of interest
4.  Approve minutes of the meeting on 17th April, 2023 as a true record 
5.  Matters arising
6.  Correspondence:
      Updated emails addressed to Keren Bender to clerk mailbox
      Peter Seaman – Request a letter be written by the council  to the WG
      Jason Birch – Founder of the SF Experience
      Peter Seaman – Talybont Reservoir
      Andrew Large – Concerns
      Craig Burdon – FOI request
      Craig Burdon – Canol Pentr
      Graham/Neil/Keith - pump track
      Ceri Bevan/Heather Vaughan - Rugby posts
7.  Councillor Vacancies – 
8. Gilestone Farm – Notes, then Minutes released from meeting to negative public reaction. Resubmitted documented questions to Gerwyn Evans. Coms strategy meeting to occur later this month. Complaint of floodlights
9. Logo Contest / Noticeboard– Design a logo for the community – judge/announce at village show -prize. Add contact information for the council to all notice boards. 
10. Henry Vaughan Garden and Trail – maintenance
11  Nepali Invitation: Would like to present at June 19th meeting, 6:45pm
12. Biodiversity plan – Good interest from the public. 
13. Online Presence – Website, needs more information, Not everyone has fb or reads notice boards. Bullying and harassment for contentious posts, Receptive to informative ones on FB. Should we register with the ICO? Gratitude.
14. Defibrillator Census Completed and submitted. 
      Shall we schedule a training for a future meeting?
15.  Canal Matters:-
       Leak/Bridge/Repairs/Pen Pentre/Dog Waste
       Follow up on delinquent payment.
       Waiting for rescheduled date for meeting.
16. BBNPA :
         Next Meeting scheduled 5th  June, 11 am, Henderson Hall
         Our Place plan will be initiated. SWOTS
17.  Highway Matters:-
        Need a public consultation for planned double yellow lines. 
        Met Jo Lancey on April 19th.  Need a new diagram.                                                   
18.   County Councillor Report - Anita
19.  Applications for Planning Consent – 
         23/21962/LBC -Buckland Hall – 
         The replacement of existing single glazed windows 
        23/21955/MINOR Royal Oak Pencelli - approved
20.   Community Council Assets   
        a.   Play equipment-  Reports – need new paving slabs at entrance
        b.   Tennis Courts refurb -  marking is done
21.    Finance
       a.    Current Financial position - Glyn
              Current Account: £27,767.39  
              Reserved Account  £8699.12
                       Total £3646.51
 
Invoices for approval--
  1. David Macdonald (Talybont Matters) £25
  2. Bobbins £143
 
Date of  Next Ordinary Meeting 6thth June,  2023 at 6:45 pm. 
held at Henderson Hall as a Hybrid Meeting
 ]]><![CDATA[Agenda for Annual Meeting and Cooption]]>Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.talybont.org/social-media-posts/agenda-for-annual-meeting-and-cooptionYou are invited to attend the Cooption of Councillors at 6:45pm and
the Annnual Statutory Meeting of Talybont-on-Usk Community Council  
on Monday 15th May, 2023 at 7:00pm 
AGENDA 
  1. Apologies for absence
  2. Annual Report 
  3. Election of Chair
  4. Election of Vice-Chair
  5. Approve the minutes of the ASM held on 9th May 2022 as a true record
  6. Discuss any matters arising out of the minutes
  7. Approve New Standing orders and policy docs
  8. Appointment of representatives to committees:
  9. 4 members to the finance committee
  10. 1 representative to the Henderson Hall Management Committee
  11. 1  observer to the Talybont Energy Project
  12. 2 representatives to attend One Voice Wales quarterly Committee Meetings
  13. 1 representative to the Henry Vaughan Gardens Association
  14. 1 representative to the Litter Picking Committee
  15. 1 representative for Biodiversity committee
 
  1. Questions and Comments from the Public 
 This meeting is a hybrid meeting to be held at Henderson Hall
If you would like to attend by Zoom please contact the clerk at talybontcc@gmail.com
 
 
 

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