Public Participation
No members of the public were present .
Planning Considered
- PA25/09348 – Permission to reposition a 3m return section of an existing stone boundary wall approximately 2 metres further into the garden to widen the driveway
Location: The Brew House, Valency Row, Boscastle
Reports
- Cornwall Councillor Mark Burnett: Cornwall Council faces a £153 million shortfall over the next three years. Council tax to rise by 4.99%. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) opens for expressions of interest from 16th January for “connecting communities” projects .
- Chairman: Awaiting update from contractor regarding Paradise Triangle works, likely delayed due to recent storms.
- Parish Clerk: Four county-wide Clerks meetings have been announced .
Meeting Items
- Car Park – Toilets: No new update reported. Parking order, no update and information awaited.
- Highways: At Waterpit Down crossroads, there have been six recorded injury collisions in the past five years. While no solution has been identified by Highways, the Council noted this may underreport incidents, with many near misses and unreported collisions raised by residents. Residents are encouraged to report concerns to strengthen the case for future improvements.
- Civil Emergency and Contingency: A social media post during a recent storm promoted awareness of the need for an emergency plan. A further push for sign-ups is planned. Cornwall Community Flood Forum has offered potential funding for a satellite phone. No further update on mobile communications (EE), but the storm highlighted the risks of communication failure during power cuts.
- Website & Communications: Updates are needed to meet the requirements of the revised Annual Governance and Accountability Return. Cllr Hitchman-Smith and the Clerk to proceed with necessary changes and move the Council telephone to a VOIP solution.
- Play Area: Monthly inspection passed. Quotes being chased for reinstalling two rockers. Outdoor Play People provided two design options for replacing the junior multi-play tower. Option 2 was approved, designed to match the Lookout tower.
- Castle Site: No further update on linking to the wider footpath network .
- CIL Funding Application: Proposal for a combined application with the Village Hall and Community Centre for windows and lighting improvements.
- Community Champion: Two nominations received so far. Councillors reminded to continue submitting nominations.
- Annual Parish Meeting: Councillors to consider format for the 2026 meeting. Options include repeating last year’s successful “hot topic” format to encourage public participation.
- Works Around the Village: Contractor hopes to resume in January, but may be delayed due to storm-related work.
- Playing Field – Dog Fouling: No further issues reported.
- Community Centre: Wet weather is affecting progress and increasing material costs. The council agreed to support the funding request to replace the boiler and pay the invoice of approx. £2,500 + VAT.
- Riverside Walk: No new updates.
- Parking Restrictions – Old Road: Expression of Interest submitted under the Community Highways Improvement Programme (2026–2029).
- Council Documentation Review: IT Policy: minor amendment (updated website address). Privacy Policy, GDPR Risk Assessment, and GDPR Data Assessment: no changes required.
- Parish Clerk – Annual Appraisal: Chair requested submission of completed councillor survey forms.
- Speed Signs: Average speeds recorded around 24mph .
- Bus Shelter: Shelter to be cleaned; a window cleaner may be engaged for future upkeep
Date of Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday, 12th February 2026, in the Village Hall. For more detailed minutes, visit Forrabury & Minster Parish Council Minutes
