Altarnun Parish Council April 2024 Meeting Report

Chair Craig Dowler was delighted to welcome Cornwall Councillor Adrian Parsons to the April meeting of Altarnun Parish Council. Other commitments had prevented Adrian from attending our meetings for the last few months, but of course his hard work for the parish continued, nonetheless. One of the items on his agenda to remedy at Altarnun is the Methodist Chapel in Rose Hill. He reported that following the visit of a Cornwall Council building inspector a few months ago, it appears the owner has not responded to the inspectors request to start work on making the building safe. Should that stance remain unchanged it may very well be that the property has to be closed for public access.

Members of the public addressing the meeting advised that plans are underway, subject to the weather being the antithesis of last year, to hold the annual fun day in Altarnun on the 6th July 2024. Also that there are some perceived shortcomings to the Altarnun Parish footpath network. The latter was addressed later in the meeting, and it was resolved to request the Altarnun Walkers report to the Annual Parish Meeting in May, so that any concerns can be considered by the Parish Council at a future meeting.

Planning matters included an application for safety works on trees at The Vicarage in Altarnun and also for a side extension and landscaping works to the property at Trewint, known as Tidn A Taw. Both were supported by councillors who also heard that permission in principle for an application to develop land north of Rosemead, Trewint had been granted. It looks at this stage the scheme would be for 8 affordable dwellings to help meet local need.

The clerk reported that at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 financial year the parish council finances were in rude health ahead of receiving this years precept from Cornwall Council. However, as with the whole of public sector finances, rising costs are impacting on budget responsibilities and going forward, more so than ever, will be a need to exercise strict financial control to operate within our current income levels.

The clerk also reported that the parish council had been copied in on correspondence from Cornwall Council to landowners at Trewint Downs following reports of clay pigeon shooting taking place on several occasions with significant amounts of litter being left behind, including spent cartridges, clays, ammunition boxes and other items. The landowners have been asked to comply with the section 22 of the Countryside and Rights of Way act 2000 or bring activities to an immediate halt.

In concluding the meeting Cllr Dowler passed congratulations to local boxer Sam Smith on maintaining his unbeaten professional record at the Skydome in Coventry on 9th March against a very experienced opponent who was fighting on his home turf. It is understood Sam is now looking forward to his next bout being back at the Riviera Centre in Torquay where his pro career started in 2022.

It is great to see members of the public retuning to our meetings and next up, on Wednesday 8th May there will be the Annual Parish Meeting followed by the Annual Council Meeting. If local organisations, in similar or greater numbers than last year can provide the Parish Meeting their update of latest activities it will once again showcase what a truly exceptional place the Parish of Altarnun is to be a part of. The doors will be open shortly after 7pm with an eye on a 7.30pm start.