They are about again!!  Car theft is becoming a problem again, in particular thefts from vehicles.  Do be vigilant and put items in the boot, especially at night so that they are out of sight.

We have had reports of someone going around the area shooting birds.  Any firearm used in this way, especially in built up areas, will result, we are told, in offenders being arrested.  If you see such use please dial 999.

It seems that golf buggies are occasionally seen on the highway.  Please be careful in the area of Dewstow Golf Club as they obviously cannot match the speed of a road vehicle.  Even better, could those that are taking them on to the lanes please stop doing so as surely an accident is waiting to happen. 

Residents of the Cwm area have no doubt been wondering what is happening regarding the additional works required to get the lane up to standard again.  The position is that the resurfacing has been halted due to very limited funding.  However, the Structural Engineers are to design a retaining structure to support the road which, subject to funding next financial year, can be constructed to allow the remainder of the road to be resurfaced.  We will let you know when we hear more.

The Monmouthshire Unitary Development Plan is close to adoption and the Inspector’s recommendations are already being acted upon.  As a result there will be a tightening up of Planning in that there is a further limit of enlargements of properties in the Countryside and the status of some parts of the area has been raised.  It would be advisable, if anyone is considering putting in a Planning application, to check with MCC to see if the regulations allow for the type of developments envisaged.  For example, Shirefield, Highmoor Hill and Caerwent Brook areas are category H5.  This prevents new builds and controls the work on existing premises.  On the subject of Planning, over the last year some twenty or so orders were issued to people ordering them to take down unauthorized developments.  Be warned, it could be yours if such a development takes place without permission. 

The Consultants working on the Caerwent Visitor Centre, based at the Old School, are in the process of consulting with local groups on their views on its usage etc.  If anyone has any views that would help this process could they please contact The Clerk whose details are printed at the end of this report.

Residents of Highfield, Caerwent, have been voicing concern over parking arrangements at the Village Hall.  The provision of additional parking is being investigated and we will report back on this in due course.

Parking at the Burton Homes is also becoming a problem.  This is a Residents only car park even when the Meeting Room is in use by others.  Please therefore respect this facility and park so that access can be achieved by residents.

We have been asked to bring up the matter of dog fouling again.  Officers are now issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone seen allowing their dog to foul, without clearing up after them.  In particular the Roman walls are bad again.  The regulations there are also to keep dogs on a lead. Remember Cadw have threatened to withdraw their tolerance of the use of the area for dog walking.  It is the only Cadw site where dogs are allowed.

The following planning applications have been considered by the Community Council:

M/12708        Extension and Alterations, 10 Walnut Grove, Crick

This Council recommends Approval

M/12747         New Replacement Dwelling, Rock Cottage, Caerwent Brook

This Council recommends Refusal

Proposed replacement building is quite inappropriate to the location.

The old part of the present building is stone built and should be

incorporated in any redevelopment.  The original character could to

some extent be restored. 

M/12644        Erection of Bungalow, Land Adjoining Eastview, Caerwent Brook

This Council recommends Refusal

Falls outside planning rules, i.e. no infill. 

M/12736        Split Existing Dwelling into Two, Village Farm House, Llanfair Discoed     

This Council recommends Refusal

This is a retrospective application.  Access is inappropriate, more traffic on a narrow lane, gravel already spilling onto highway, query sewage disposal.

M/12729        Conversion & Extension, Little Dewstow, Caerwent

This Council recommends Approval

Phil Murphy, Chairman

Mrs L McKeon, Clerk to the Council, Caerwent Community Council, Mayfield, Pill Row, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 5JD.  Tel:  01291 424802