Minutes 22nd January 2025

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 22 JANUARY 2025

A meeting of Treflys Community Council was held on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, at Beulah Reading Room.

Members Present:

• Messrs Hugh James, Chris Fairhurst, and Allan Taylor

• Mrs Freda James and Mrs Amanda Thomas

• Also present: CC. Peter James and CC. Bryan Davies

Apologies:

• Messrs Ian Powell, Estyn James, and Roland Wear

Mr Hugh James (Chairman) presided.

1. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

There were no declarations of personal interest recorded.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 September 2024, which had been displayed on the website and circulated to members, were confirmed as an accurate record by Mrs Freda James, seconded by Mr Chris Fairhurst, and signed by the Chairman.

3. MATTERS ARISING

a) Sewage System

CC. Peter James stated that work at the pumping station has been upgraded. Ms Jenny Grub and NRW are in the process of clarifying ownership of the bridge and the area underneath. There is still an amount of growth assembling in the river, preventing proper flow.

b) Drop Kerbs at Garth Mill

The drop kerbs for disabled access at Garth Mill have been completed.

c) Sustainable Powys

A meeting for Community Councils to discuss this issue has been arranged by Llanwrtyd Wells Town Council on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, at Tirabad Hall. Three members agreed to attend.

4. FINANCE (20 September 2024 – 22 January 2025)

Receipts (Current Account)

• Precept – £1,333.00

• VAT Refund – £30.00

Expenditure

• Beulah & District Show (Donation) – £30.00

• Garth Village Hall (Donation towards firework display) – £75.00

• PJE Accountants (Preparing Clerk’s Payroll 2023/24) – £120.00

• Audit Wales (External Audit 2022/23) – £405.00

• Audit Wales (External Audit 2023/24) – £200.00

Balance in Bank

• Current Account: £4,840.83

• Reserve Account: £7,981.68

This report was received by Mr Allan Taylor, seconded by Mr Chris Fairhurst.

5. SET BUDGET AND PRECEPT FOR 2025/26

It was agreed to apply for a precept of £5,000.00.

• Proposal moved by: Mr Chris Fairhurst

• Seconded by: Mrs Amanda Thomas

6. REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• a) Wales Air Ambulance – Agreed to forward a donation of £100.00

• b) Builth Wells Community Support – Agreed to forward a donation of £200.00
  (This will be forwarded in the next financial year.)

Proposals moved by: Mrs Amanda Thomas, seconded by Mrs Freda James.

7. PLANNING

Approved as published on Powys County Council Website

• Application Ref: 24/1161/FUL – Erection of an agricultural building to cover muck store at Panteg, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4UH, for OM & SS Price

• Application Ref: 24/1284/HH – Erection of a single-storey extension and other associated works at Tycoch, Beulah, LD5 4UG, for S & V Hutchinson

Current Application

• Application Ref: 24/1860/FUL

  • Grid Ref: E: 29057 N: 249752

  • Proposal: Erection of an agricultural livestock building

  • Location: Llwyncadwgan, Llangammarch Wells

  • Applicant: T Davies & Co

8. APPOINT INTERNAL AUDITOR FOR 2024/25

Mrs Diana Samuel was re-appointed as the Internal Auditor for 2024/25.

9. CONCLUSION OF AUDIT

The notice of conclusion of audit for the year ending 31 March 2024 has received approval from the Auditor General for Wales.

• The notice has been displayed on notice boards in Beulah and Garth and on the website.

10. PAYMENT OF CLERK’S STIPEND

If no meeting is held prior to 31 March 2025, members delegated authority to the Chairman to authorize cheque signatories for the Clerk’s stipend payment.

11. DATE OF AGM AND NEXT MEETING

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and next meeting will be held on:
📅 Tuesday, 20 May 2025
📍 Beulah Reading Room
⏰ 7.30 pm

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

HIGHWAYS ISSUES

Abergwesyn Road

• Reference was made to the condition of the road following Storm Daragh, which is causing business problems and affecting emergency services.

• CC. Peter James will contact the Highway Officer regarding this issue.

Speed Limit in Village

• CC. Peter James stated that James Evans MS has forwarded the matter to Ken Skates MS (Cabinet Transport Secretary).

• Awaiting a date for a site meeting.

Culvert Near Billy Wern

• The culvert needs cleaning following recent heavy rainfall.

• CC. Bryan Davies will report this to the Highways Officer.

Agenda 10th January 2025

Chairman: Hugh James
Tel: 01591 620289

Clerk: Megan Price
Brongarth
Llanafanfawr
Builth Wells
LD2 3PH
Tel: 01591 620640 / 07980 154686

10 January 2025

A meeting of Treflys Community Council will be held in Beulah Reading Room on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at 7.30 pm.

(Meeting previously arranged for 07 January postponed due to weather conditions.)

Megan Price
(Clerk)

AGENDA

1. Receive apologies

2. Receive declarations of interest

3. Approve minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 September 2024

4. Matters arising

   • a) Sewage system

   • b) Bute Energy

   • c) Memorial Trees – Irfon Valley School

   • d) Sustainable Powys

   • e) Mobile Post Office

5. Finance: 20 May – 30 December 2024

   Receipts

   • Precept – £1,334.00

   • VAT Refund – £30.00

   Expenditure

   • Beulah & District Show (Donation) – £30.00

   • Garth Village Hall (Donation towards firework display) – £75.00

   • PJE Accountants (Preparing Clerk’s Payroll 2023/24) – £120.00

   • Audit Wales (Audit 2022/23) – £405.00

   • Audit Wales (Audit 2023/24) – £200.00

   Balance in bank

   • Current Account: £4,841.83

   • Reserve Account: £7,972.24

6. Set Budget and Precept for 2025/26

7. Request for financial assistance

   • a) Wales Air Ambulance

8. Planning

   Approved as published on Powys CC Website

   • Application Ref: 24/1161/FUL – Erection of an agricultural building to cover muck store at Panteg, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4UH

   Approved prior to meeting

   • Application Ref: 24/11284/HH

     • Grid Ref: E:290721 N:249629

     • Erection of a single-storey extension and other associated works at Tycoch, Beulah, LD5 4UG for S & V Hutchinson

9. Appoint internal auditor for 2024/25

10. Correspondence (if any)

11. Date of next meeting

12. Any other business

Minutes 19th September 2024

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2024

A meeting of Treflys Community Council was held on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, at Beulah Reading Room.

Members present:

• Messrs Chris Fairhurst, Ian Powell, and Allan Taylor

• Mrs Freda James

• Also present: CC. Peter James and CC. Bryan Davies

Apologies:

• Mr Hugh James

No Apologies:

• Messrs Estyn James and Roland Wear

Mr Chris Fairhurst presided.

1. CASUAL VACANCY

The Chairman welcomed Mrs Amanda Thomas. Mrs Thomas completed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Members’ Interests.

2. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

There were no declarations of personal interest recorded.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 May 2024, which had been displayed on the notice boards, website, and circulated to members, were confirmed as an accurate record by Mr Allan Taylor, seconded by Mrs Freda James, and signed by the Chairman.

4. MATTERS ARISING

a) Sewage System

CC. Peter James stated that as a second re-lining had been carried out, the situation had improved. Upgrade to commence in March 2025.

b) Bute Energy

CC. Bryan Davies stated that as the company has been granted a licence to access land, they will continue to update the Community Council.

c) Memorial Trees Sited at Irfon Valley School

CC. Bryan Davies agreed to contact a representative of Powys County Council to arrange a site meeting with Mr Chris Fairhurst and himself to discuss preserving the trees.

• Mr Chris Fairhurst stated that as materials from the school are being cleared, play equipment and the bell have been salvaged and are now in Garth Village Hall.

d) Drop Kerb Required by Garth Mill

For disabled access to the footpath, CC. Bryan Davies will report this to the relevant department.

5. FINANCE (30 May – 19 September 2024)

Receipts (Current Account)

• Precept – £1,333.00

Expenditure

• PJE Accountants (Submission of Pension Regulator Declaration) – £60.00

• Zurich Municipal (Insurance) – £257.60

• Audit Wales (Audit 2021/22) – £285.00

• Irfon Valley CP School (Donation) – £100.00

• Garth Village Hall (Running Cost Support) – £500.00

• Beulah Reading Room (Running Cost Support) – £500.00

• Builth Wells Community Support (Donation) – £200.00

• One Voice Wales (Membership) – £104.00

• Mr M Beer (Re-locating Defibrillator) – £165.94

• Mrs D Samuel (Internal Audit 2023/24) – £30.00

• Transfer to Reserve Account – £6,000.00

Balance in Bank

• Current Account: £4,307.83

• Reserve Account: £7,925.55

This report was received by Mr Ian Powell, seconded by Mr Allan Taylor.

6. PLANNING

Approved Prior to Meeting

Application Ref: 24/1161/FUL

• Grid Ref: E:290925 N:250034

• Proposal: Erection of a steel-framed portal building to cover an existing concrete yard used as a dry muck store

• Location: Pant-teg, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4UH

• Applicant: OM & SS Price

7. SUSTAINABLE POWYS

Powys County Council is in the process of remodelling how services will be provided, whilst also making long-term savings. Statutory duties will continue, but non-statutory services will be side-lined. Link officers have been allocated to each Town and Community Council as facilitators.

It was agreed to forward a letter to Powys County Council stating that the Community Council holds regular meetings and liaises with their County Councillors on any issues.

8. MOBILE POST OFFICE IN BEULAH VILLAGE

The Post Office has been approached regarding providing a weekly visit to Beulah. For this to be implemented, an indication of approximately 10 persons who would support this service is required.

Mrs Amanda Thomas agreed to display a notice in The Trout Shop.

9. REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• a) Beulah and District Show – Agreed to forward a donation of £30.00

• b) Garth Village Hall Firework Display – Agreed to forward a donation of £75.00

These proposals were moved by Mr Allan Taylor, seconded by Mr Ian Powell.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

• a) One Voice Wales Conference – Noted

• b) Police Engagement – Noted

• c) Letter of thanks received from:

  • Irfon Valley School

  • Builth Wells Community Support

  • Garth Village Hall

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, 07 January 2025 – Beulah Reading Room – 7.30 pm

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Mrs Amanda Thomas proposed that the Community Council contact The Economic, Development, and Regeneration Service (Powys CC) regarding funding towards a VE Day Celebration (08 May 2025).

• CC. Peter James made reference to a Public Forum and Workshops at Llanwrtyd Wells Health Centre.

• CC. Peter James stated that he had been approached by the occupants of The Old School regarding:

  • Relocation of the 30 mph sign nearer the property

  • Footpath access and street lighting

  • This request has been forwarded to Mr Barry Elias.

Agenda 30th December 2024

TREFLYS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairman: Hugh James
Tel: 01591 620289

Clerk: Megan Price
Brongarth
Llanafanfawr
Builth Wells
LD2 3PH

Tel: 01591 620640 / 07980 154686

30 December 2024

A meeting of Treflys Community Council will be held in Beulah Reading Room on Tuesday, 07 January 2025, at 7.30 pm.

Megan Price
(Clerk)

AGENDA

1. Receive apologies

2. Receive declarations of interest

3. Approve minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 September 2024

4. Matters arising

   • a) Sewage system

   • b) Bute Energy

   • c) Memorial Trees – Irfon Valley School

   • d) Sustainable Powys

   • e) Mobile Post Office

5. Finance: 20 May – 30 December 2024

   Receipts

   • Precept – £1,334.00

   • VAT Refund – £30.00

   Expenditure

   • Beulah & District Show (Donation) – £30.00

   • Garth Village Hall (Donation towards firework display) – £75.00

   • PJE Accountants (Preparing Clerk’s Payroll 2023/24) – £120.00

   • Audit Wales (Audit 2022/23) – £405.00

   • Audit Wales (Audit 2023/24) – £200.00

   Balance in bank

   • Current Account: £4,841.83

   • Reserve Account: £7,972.24

6. Set Budget and Precept for 2025/26

7. Request for financial assistance

   • a) Wales Air Ambulance

8. Planning

   Approved as published on Powys CC Website

   • Application Ref: 24/1161/FUL – Erection of an agricultural building to cover muck store at Panteg, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4UH

   Approved prior to meeting

   • Application Ref: 24/11284/HH

     • Grid Ref: E:290721 N:249629

     • Erection of single-storey extension and other associated works at Tycoch, Beulah, LD5 4UG for S & V Hutchinson

9. Appoint internal auditor for 2024/25

10. Correspondence (if any)

11. Date of next meeting

12. Any other business

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Agenda 31 August 2024

TREFLYS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairman: Hugh James

Tel: 01591 620289

Clerk: Megan Price

Brongarth, Llanafanfawr,

Builth Wells, LD2 3PH

Tel: 01591 620640 / 07980 154686

31 August 2024

A meeting of Treflys Community Council will be held in Beulah Reading Room on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 at 7:30 PM.

Megan Price

(Clerk)

AGENDA

Receive apologies

Receive Co-opted Member

Receive declarations of interest

Approve minutes of previous meeting held on 29 May 2024

Matters arising

a) Sewage system

b) Bute Energy

c) Memorial Trees, Irfon Valley School

Finance: 30 May – 31 August 2024

Receipts

Precept: £1333.00

Expenditure

PJE Accountants (Submission of Pension Regulator Declaration): £60.00

Zurich Municipal (Insurance): £257.60

Audit Wales (Audit 2021/22): £285.00

Irfon Valley CP School (Donation): £100.00

Garth Village Hall (Running Cost Support): £500.00

Beulah Reading Room (Running Cost Support): £500.00

Builth Wells Community Support (Donation): £200.00

One Voice Wales (Membership): £104.00

M Beer (Re-locating Defibrillator): £165.94

Mrs D Samuel (Internal Audit 2023/24): £30.00

Transfer to Reserve Account: £6000.00

Balance in bank

Current Account: £5307.83

Reserve Account: £7925.55

Request for Sponsorship - Beulah and District Show

Planning

Application Ref: 24/1161/FUL

Grid Ref: E:290925 N:250034

Erection of a steel portal framed building to cover an existing concrete yard that is used as a dry muck store at Pant-teg, Llanwrtyd Wells LD5 4UH for OM & SS Price

Link Officer between Town & Community Councils and Powys County Council

Correspondence (if any)

Date of next meeting

Any other business

NOTICE OF CONCLUSION OF AUDIT AND RIGHT TO INSPECT THE ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEARS ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Report for the Year 2023/24

Treflys Community Council is a rural parish in Southern Powys, situated between the towns of Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells. It is represented by eight members: five from the Beulah area and three from the Garth area. Sadly, Mr. Tom Evans (Beulah area) passed away in December 2023. Notice to fill the casual vacancy was displayed on the notice board. An appointment will be made at the AGM in May 2024.

The Community Council covers the village of Beulah, part of Garth, and surrounding farms, consisting of upland and arable land and woodland which comprises 6161.99 hectares, with a population of approximately 450. This equates to a population density of 0.07 persons per hectare. Meetings are held in The Reading Room, Beulah. The local County Councillor for Treflys and the County Councillor representing Llanafanfawr with Garth regularly attend as guests to support and advise the Community Council as required.

Within the Community Council area, there are three religious edifices rich in history:

• Llanlleonfel Church: Rebuilt in 1876, associated with the Gwynne and Wesley families.

• Eglwys Oen Duw: Built in 1865/6 due to the generosity of Clara Thomas, Llwynmadoc.

• Beulah Congregational Chapel: Built in 1821, connected with the musician John Price, known as “Ioan Buallt” (1857-1930).

General

Coronation of King Charles III The Coronation of The King and The Queen took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May 2023. The service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, reflected the monarch’s role today and looked forward to the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

To commemorate the Coronation:

• A BBQ and Quiz were held at The Trout Inn, along with a Best Dressed Crown competition.

• On 7 May, Garth Village celebrated with games, fun, and competitions for Best Dressed King/Queen, Homemade Crown, and Hand-drawn Picture of the King, followed by a picnic and BBQ.

Throughout the year, committees of The Reading Room and Garth Village Hall continued to organize a range of events well attended by residents.

Community Council’s Finance

The Community Council’s income is provided by a precept, part of the council tax paid by each household and collected by Powys County Council. The precept is paid to the Community Council in three parts during the months of April, August, and December. Expenses include the Clerk’s Salary, Insurance, Internal and External Audit Fees, and membership to One Voice Wales. The precept for 2023/24 was £5,000.00.

Audit

The Community Council administered its own affairs effectively, which will be subject to internal and external audits to ensure good governance.

Audit of Functions

• The Community Council is a member of One Voice Wales, providing a wealth of information and available for advice and training.

• Communication between Councillors and the Clerk is via e-mail, telephone, and post.

• Financial support was provided for the Coronation Celebrations in Beulah and Garth and other charities.

• Responded appropriately to all planning issues requiring their consideration.

• Addressed road matters of concern to residents, notably in respect of highways issues including potholes, blocked drains, speeding traffic, cutting of grass verges, and overhanging branches to improve visibility, reported to Powys County Council via our County Councillor.

• All members opted out of the proposed allowance of £156.00 and notified the Proper Officer.

Aims and Objectives

• To act as a link between public sector organizations and the community on a range of subjects such as the environment, planning issues, community events, and safety.

• To represent the views of the community.

• Identify concerns and issues and seek to develop solutions from other bodies.

• Support, if needed, community projects and groups.

• The impact of climate change remains an ongoing priority.

Minutes 29 May 2024

Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Location: Beulah Reading Room

Members Present:

• Messrs Hugh James, Estyn James, Chris Fairhurst, Allan Taylor

• Mrs Freda James

• CC. Peter James

Apologies:

• Messrs Ian Powell, Roland Wear

• CC Bryan Davies

Chair: Mr. Hugh James

1. Declarations of Personal Interest

There were no declarations of personal interest recorded.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 03 January 2024, displayed on the notice boards and website, and circulated to members, were confirmed as an accurate record by Mr. Estyn James, seconded by Mrs. Freda James, and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

a) Sewage System

• CC Peter James reported that re-lining had been carried out where parts were affected by infiltration.

• A further investigation was conducted in March.

• Re-establishment of the road is programmed for early next year with an estimated cost of £150,000.

• Monitoring needs to continue.

b) Bute Energy

• Consultations are still taking place in affected communities.

• CC Peter James referenced the Pylon Community Action Group formed in Llanwrtyd Wells, working with Fay Jones MP and James Evans MS.

• New proposals are being made near Llanwrtyd Wells, taking away Cefn Gorwydd.

• It is hoped Bute Energy will work with the MOD to consider low-flying aircraft.

c) Defibrillator

• The defibrillator is now sited at The Reading Room by Mr. M Beer.

• Invoice received for £165.54.

4. Finance (04 January - 29 May 2024)

Current Account Receipts:

• Precept: £1334.00

Expenditure:

• Francis Gray Ltd (Preparing Clerk’s PAYE for 2 years) (Previous cheque not received): £180.00

• HMRC: £280.00

• Clerk’s Stipend & Expenses (2023/24): £1277.80

Balance in Bank:

• Current Account: £11,177.37

• Reserve Account: £1918.52

This report was received by Mr. Estyn James, seconded by Mr. Allan Taylor.

5. Planning

Approved Prior to Meeting:

• Application Ref: 24/0383/FUL

  • Grid Ref: E:295840 N:249991

  • Description: Resubmission of application ref 22/2010/FUL. Construction of slurry lagoon and associated works at Llwynpiod, Garth LD4 4AU for Mr. J Davies.

Appeal:

• Appeal Ref: CAS-03062-D5P4Z5

  • Proposed Development: Erection of local needs affordable dwelling, creation of access drive, installation of wastewater treatment plant and drainage field, and all associated works (all matters reserved) at Dolgoch Field, Garth LD4 4BH for Mr. C S Newton & C G Fulford-Rober.

  • The appeal has been made to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales against the Council’s refusal of the proposal.

6. Casual Vacancy - Treflys Ward

Two residents expressed interest in this vacancy. Mrs. Amanda Thomas was appointed.

7. Request for Financial Assistance

a) Builth Wells Community Support

• Agreed to forward a donation of £200.00.

b) Irfon Valley CP School

• A contribution towards purchasing “Leaving Teddies” for children at the closure of the school.

• Agreed to forward a donation of £100.00.

• Proposals moved by Mr. Chris Fairhurst, seconded by Mr. Estyn James.

8. One Voice Wales Membership

On the proposition of Mr. Estyn James, seconded by Mr. Allan Taylor, it was agreed to renew membership for 2024/25. The fee is £104.00.

9. Report for 2023/24

Under the 2021 Local Government and Democratic (Wales) Act, Councils are required to produce an annual report. Members approved the report prepared for 2023/24.

10. Website

Pixelhaze, who hosts the Community Council’s Website, offers a package to cover the domain name, website subscription, and support plan for £15.00 + VAT per month. Agreed to accept this offer.

11. Correspondence

Invitation to the Chair to attend a concert in memory of Violette Szabo and D-Day received from Builth Wells Community Support. – Noted.

12. Date of Next Meeting

Thursday, 29 August 2024, Beulah Reading Room, 7:30 pm.

13. Any Other Business

a) Highways

• CC Peter James referred to road conditions, particularly potholes, which is a general situation throughout Powys.

• A new regime to improve pothole repairs is being implemented by re-aligning with liquid tar to extend the life of the repair.

• Mr. James was also requested to report the dip in the road by Caeryrfa.

b) Irfon Valley School

• Mr. Chris Fairhurst referred to memorial trees planted in the grounds of the school.

• The local community is concerned about the future of the trees following the school closure.

• Clerk to contact Powys County Council requesting views on retaining the trees in situ.

No further business was transacted. The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9:15 pm.

Notice of Conclusion

Notice of conclusion of audit and right to inspect the annual return for the years ended 31 March 2022

Audit Notice 2023

Click here for the Audit Notice 2023

Treflys Allowances May 2023

Click here to view the Treflys Allowances May 2023.