MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 27th OCTOBER 2026 AT 7.00PM
IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllr Jane Dawkins (Chairperson) Cllr Harry Duff, Cllr Janines Sharpless, Cllr Beth Carpenter, Cllr David Mantle, Cllr Gareth Woodcock, Cllr Michelle Williams, Cllr Gene Taylor, Cllr Mark Brian.
In Attendance: Jessica Jones (Clerk) and County Councillor Jackie Charlton
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and acknowledged the presence of the members of the public and allowed the opportunity for matters to be raised under item
1. Public Participation: Members of the public were in attendance to raise concerns regarding the planning application for the proposed development of four holiday lets at the Coach and Horses Inn: Planning Application ref: 26/24464/FUL
The concerns raised on the proposed development included:
• Highway safety and parking: Concerns were expressed regarding the loss of existing parking facilities and the potential for overspill parking onto Cwm Crawnon Road. Members of the public highlighted the potential implications for highway safety and traffic flow, particularly as Cwm Crawnon road is already considered dangerous for road users, pedestrians and residents access to their properties with the proposed development escalating the problem and having a detrimental impact on the highway safety.
• Historic setting: Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the proposed development on the historic setting and character of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and not being in accord with the National Park’s Planning Policies.
• Wastewater infrastructure: Questions were raised regarding the capacity and limitations of the existing wastewater infrastructure to accommodate the proposed development.
The representations and views expressed by members of the public were noted by the Council and would be taken into consideration when reviewing planning application ref: 26/24464/FUL.
County Councillor's Report to Llangynidr Community Council: Since our last meeting, I wanted to share a few updates on issues that I know matter to many people in Llangynidr. These range from the future of the canal to flood preparedness, the wildfire resilience meeting being organised in Llangynidr, local library services and the Better Together healthcare consultation. I have also included a few areas where I expect further updates in the coming months.
Highways and Winter Preparedness: Cyffredyn Lane was resurfaced in the summer and hopefully standing up to rain and storms now. Outstanding drainage, bridge maintenance and road-marking works have been raised with Highways, but completion dates still need confirmation. Forge Road has been identified for the Community Treatment Network. Alternative gritting arrangements were being finalised because of the bridge’s weight restriction and are not yet confirmed as operational. Gritting down the B4560 is confirmed and better than the situation we find ourselves in Llangattock.
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: There is a local planning application on the edge of the canal which is causing local concern. The future resilience of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal continues to be a topic of considerable interest locally. The canal is an important part of our area's heritage and identity, as well as sup-porting tourism, recreation and wildlife. There continues to be wider discussion amongst stake-holders regarding the long-term sustainability of the canal and the measures needed to secure its future. The canal matters deeply to many Llangynidr residents. I welcome the Community Council's views and would like to help ensure local concerns inform discussions about its future. Community involvement will remain important, whatever the outcome.
Flood Preparedness: Flooding remains a concern for many residents, particularly as we move into the winter months. The Powys Flood Governance Board continues to look at lessons from previous events and ways to strengthen preparedness and resilience across our communities. While no community can completely eliminate flood risk, there is ongoing work to improve planning, communication and partnership working. Llangynidr has stepped up previously with sandbags and local support. Hope-fully we are ready for the continued concern of winter storms that we have seen over the weekend and towards the spring.
Fire Service Engagement: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has requested a meeting with the Powys Flood Governance Board to discuss closer working arrangements on emergency preparedness and resilience. The meeting is intended to support closer coordination between agencies and the sharing of lessons and experience relating to flooding and other environmental emergencies.
Wildfire Resilience Meeting: Following concerns nationally about increasing wildfire risks during prolonged periods of dry weather, a community wildfire resilience meeting is being organised in Llangynidr this December. The event will bring together community representatives, farmers, landowners, partner organisations and emergency services to discuss prevention, preparedness and practical steps communities can take to reduce wildfire risks. Given the upland landscapes surrounding Llangynidr and the wider valley, this is an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant to local residents. I would encourage anyone with an interest in protecting our countryside and communities to attend if they can. Final date is being confirmed.
Library Services: Powys Library Services continue to provide access to books, digital resources, community activities and learning opportunities. For many people, libraries remain an important source of information, support and connection within their communities. I will continue to monitor any developments affecting library provision and keep the Community Council informed of matters that may affect local residents.
Better Together Consultation: Powys Teaching Health Board is currently undertaking its Better Together consultation on the future of health and care services across Powys. This is an important opportunity for residents to help shape how services are delivered in the future and ensure that the needs of rural communities are properly understood.
Information about the consultation can be found on the Powys Teaching Health Board website Better Together - Powys Teaching Health Board
Consultation events are taking place across the county, including in Crickhowell, and I would encourage residents to take part and contribute their views. Decisions about healthcare services affect us all, and it is important that local voices are heard.
Budget Preparedness: Preparations for the 2027–28 budget will need to balance rising costs, service pressures and affordability for residents. Priorities include checking proposed savings carefully and ensuring that rural communities’ needs and access to services are considered.
Conclusion: As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if there are issues affecting Llangynidr that you feel I should be aware of or raise on your behalf. I am always grateful for the information, concerns and ideas that residents and Community Councillors share with me, as these help ensure local voices are represented at county level.
Councillors raised a query on the lack of communication on the road closures and the restraints on residents being unable to access properties during the closures. County Councillor Jackie Charlton to follow up with Powys Street Works and report back on any future planned closures.
2. Apologies: Cllr David Willimas
3. Declaration of interest in any of the items of business listed below: None
4. Signing of the minutes: Minutes of 29th September 2026 – Approved
5. Finance:
a) Bank reconciliation and budget v actuals to be considered for approval - Approved
b) Cheques for approval September 2026 & October 2026 – Approved
Payments Approved for September 26
Clean the car park (Sept 26) £40.00
Clean the public conveniences (Sept 26) £280.00
Car park non-domestic rates (Sept 26 DD) £113.00
British Gas – electricity for the public conveniences (Sept DD) £29.76
Clerk’s wages and stationary allowance (Sept 26) £684.20
Clerk’s backpay (Pay increase April 26 – Aug 26) £77.40
HMRC (Clerks Tax & NI Contributions (Sept 26) £157.60
Scribe – Monthly Fee inc. VAT (Sept 26) £37.20
Grant request for grass cutting strimmer (St Cynidr) £399.98
Purchase of toilet rolls for public conveniences £137.87
Payments for Approval October 26
Clean the car park (Oct 26) £40.00
Clean the public conveniences (Oct 26) £280.00
Car park non-domestic rates (Oct 26 DD) £113.00
British Gas – electricity for the public conveniences (Oct DD) £26.47
Clerk’s wages and stationary allowance (Oct 26) £699.60
HMRC (Clerks Tax & NI Contributions (Oct 26) £142.20
HMRC Employee Pensions Contribution (Oct 260) £37.90
Scribe – Monthly Fee inc. VAT (Oct 26) £37.20
Repair to public conveniences by Dave Hutton £25.00
Communities First Insurance renewal £472.95
Agenda Item 5 C - Interest, Payment & Donations
Car Park (Sept 26) £114.98
Toilet Donations (Sept 26) £36.55
Interest payment received – Current Account (Sept 26) £0.47
Interest payment received – Reserve Account (Sept 26) £11.40
c) One Voice Wales Model Standing Orders on Financial Controls and Procurement. For consideration – Adopted.
d) Insurance renewal for consideration & approval:
Community First Insurance 2026/2027 renewal, core cover includes: Office contents, Business Interruption, Public Liability Employers Liability, Personal Accident, Fidelity Guarantee, Libel & Slander, Money, Legal Expenses Hirers Liability and additional Legal Expenses and Contract Disputes of £57.93 – Total £472.95. Approved
6. Correspondence:
• Thank you letter from Friends of St Cynidr’s Church for the grant donation for the purchase of a grass strimmer – Noted
• One Voice Wales updated Practice Development Note 30 (Non-councillor Members of committees) – Noted
• Draft annual remuneration report 2027 / 2028 – Noted
• Letter received from a resident raising a query on the lack of an early bus service and the complications this brings having to get to the Bwlch bus stops in order to meet the public bus route.
o Noted and thanks paid to the resident for highlighting the problem of the lack of the early morning service. County Councillor Jackie Charlton to request a review of the service with Chris Lloyd, Local Bus Operations and Marketing, Powys County Council and agreed to hold a Teams call with County Councillor Gareth Woodcock to discuss the matter further.
• Road Closure Notices received for:
o 16th – 20th November on Castle Road for National Grid Works.
o 17th November on Forge Road for Open Reach to replace a pole.
All correspondence duly noted.
7. Planning Application: 26/24464/FUL Construction of four holiday lets at the Coach & Horses Inn, Cwm Crawnon Road, Llangynidr.
Councillors reviewed the application and taking into consideration the concerns raised by the residents during item 1. Council agreed the Clerk to write to Bannau Brycheiniog outlining the areas required for consideration:
• Location of the development being inappropriate and not in accord with Planning Policy 1 and Policy SP3 of the adopted Local Development Plan.
• Highways safety due to loss of parking provision and the overspill onto the B4558 causing hazardous highway conditions.
• Drainage and treatment work justification required on the proposal utilising the existing infrastructure, which is contrary to the Council’s understanding of the current arrangements.
• Further justification to demonstrate the need for additional holiday accommodation within the village.
8. Crickhowell Library: The meeting due to be held on 28th October is being re-scheduled. Library usage survey to go out on the ‘Contact’ email list. Concerns raised by the Councillors on the structure of the new arrangement and noted no further information has yet been received to be able to adequately meet the criteria set out in the agreement for the financial support to be granted. Clerk to follow up with Catherine Richards - Professional Lead Arts & Culture Powys.
9. Green Man Traffic: Meeting held on 19th October with County Councillor Jackie Charlton and Powys highways to review the impact the Green Man traffic had on the village in August 2026. Request for actions to be put in place from the advisory group for next year’s event to include emergency planning to cover a major incident, clearer lines of communication, improved experience of the marshalling utilising local knowledge. Currently awaiting a response from Powys Highways following the concerns raised during the meeting.
10. Speed Matrix Signs: Two companies have provided quotes for two radar speed signs: Elan City and Westcote. Options and terms were considered by Council, with a proposed and seconded motion to consider the costing options to purchase four speed matrix signs. Proposed by Cllr Gene Taylor and seconded by Cllr Gareth Woodcock. Clerk to pursue the purchase options for 4 speed matrix sings from Elan City.
11. Public Toilets: Further damage to the public toilets has been reported. Dave Hutton has carried out the repair work to the door frame at a cost of £25.00. Approved
12. ROW: Fallen tree on the Riverbank footpath, reported to Eifion Jones BBNPA. Noted
13. Remembrance Service: Being held at St Cynidr’s Church. Sunday 8th November, meet at the memorial 10.40am. Wreaths to be laid by Cllr Beth Carpenter and Cllr Gareth Woodcock. With appreciation to Carl Boon for contributing towards the cost of the wreaths.
14. Next 6 months meeting dates for approval:
Tuesday 12th January 2027 - Finance Committee to review Precept
Tuesday 26th January 2027 - Full Council to approve Precept
Tuesday 23rd February 2027 – Full Council
Tuesday 30th March 2027 – Full Council
Tuesday 27th April 2027 – Full Council
May 2027 (AGM – Elections – TBC)
All dates and times Approved
15. Community Lunches: Winter warmer lunch held 27th October was a great success with approx. 68 residents in attendance, raising £316.00. Christmas community lunch will be held on Tuesday 15th December. This will be a Christmas themed event to round off the year, all volunteers welcome and any funds raised will be split between Welsh Fire & Rescue Services and Brecon food bank to purchase the Christmas Angel children’s presents.
16. Any other business (for information only)
Letter received from Black Mountain Community Energy seeking support with project.
17. Date of next meetings: Tuesday 24th November 2026 – 7.00pm
With no further business to discuss the Chair closed the meeting at 9.15pm
