Full Council Meeting

ST COLUMB MAJOR TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Full Council Meeting of St Columb Major Town Council,
held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, St Columb Major, on
Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 7.00pm.
Present:
In attendance:
109/26
Cllrs S Taylor (Town Mayor), S Anthony, Cllr Mrs Fuery, R Jury & S
Riley.
Mr J A Stuart (Town Clerk) & two members of the public.
Mayor’s Welcome
The Mayor, Cllr Taylor, welcomed everyone to the Meeting.
i)
Housekeeping
The Mayor addressed Councillors, gave advice on emergency
procedures, and asked that all mobile telephones be switched off or
silenced.
ii)
Diary Report from the Mayor
Cllr Taylor presented his report:
“Good evening, everyone.
Since my last report, I have continued to represent St Columb
Major at a number of events and meetings, as well as
supporting activities taking place within our community.
On 5 August, I was honoured to be invited to kick off the Dave
Burt Football Trophy Match. It was a great privilege to be
involved in the event and to help get the match underway. I
would like to thank everyone involved in organising it and for
the warm welcome I received.
I also attended the St Columb Carnival Parade with friends and
family. It was a wonderful occasion, and it was lovely to see so
many people coming out to support the carnival. The
atmosphere was fantastic, and events such as this really
demonstrate the strength and community spirit we have here in
St Columb Major. I would like to thank all those who worked so
hard behind the scenes to make the carnival such a success.
On 19 August, I attended County Hall as a member of the
public to observe the meeting concerning airport funding. I
found the meeting particularly interesting and it was useful to
listen to the discussions and understand the issues being
considered at County Council level.
I returned to County Hall on 20 August, this time in my capacity
as Mayor of St Columb Major, representing the Town Council to
object to the proposed repowering of the Bears Downs Wind
Farm.
I made the Town Council’s position clear and put forward our
objections on behalf of the town. Unfortunately, despite the
concerns raised, it felt very much as though our objections fell
on deaf ears, and the application was ultimately approved.
While I respect the democratic process and the decision that
was made, I remain disappointed that the concerns and
objections raised by the Town Council were not accepted.
I believe it is important that our town continues to make its
voice heard on matters that have a direct impact on our
community and surrounding area.
On a personal note, I would also like to make members aware that I will
need to put some back-up arrangements in place for the coming months.
As some members may already be aware, the Mayoress has
recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, which requires
urgent treatment. This is, understandably, a very difficult time
for our family, and I will need to devote more of my time and
attention to supporting her and dealing with family matters.
I want to reassure members, however, that I remain fully
committed to carrying out my duties as Mayor of St Columb
Major. I will continue to attend meetings, events and
engagements wherever I can, and I will remain available to
undertake the role to the best of my ability, subject of course to
hospital appointments and the needs of my family.
I hope members will understand that there may be occasions
when I am unable to attend an engagement or may need to
change arrangements at short notice. We will discuss
alternative Town Council representation later this evening.
Finally, I would like to thank the councillors, staff, volunteers
and members of our community who continue to give their time
and effort to make St Columb Major a vibrant and welcoming
town. It is always a pleasure to see our community coming
together, particularly at events such as the carnival. ”

110/26 Cornwall Councillor’s Report
Councillor O’Connor had submitted his report to the Clerk, who had
forwarded it to members.
The Mayor highlighted Cllr O’Connor’s involvement in the August
Newquay Airport Extraordinary Scrutiny Meeting.

111/26 Public Forum
There were no comments made by members of the public.

112/26 Apologies for Absence
a) Cllr Mrs McLeod (Deputy Mayor), who was on holiday.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was
resolved unanimously to accept Cllr Mrs McLeod’s apology, and to
approve the reason for it.
b) Cllr Allen, who was recovering from surgery.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was
resolved unanimously to accept Cllr Allen’s apology, and to
approve the reason for it.
c) Cllr Dickens, who had a work commitment, but hoped to join the
Meeting later. Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and
it was resolved unanimously to accept Cllr Dickens’ apology and
the reason for it.
d) Cornwall Councillor Rowland O’Connor, who was on leave.

113/26 Members’ Declaration of Interests

i) Declarations of Interest, in accordance with the Agenda:
a) Cllr Dickens declared, via the Clerk, an interest in Item 24:
his son had submitted a quotation to repair the Town Hall
roof.
If present, Cllr Dickens would withdraw from the Chamber
before the discussion of Item 24.
b) Cllr Taylor declared an interest in Item 8 a) i): he was a
neighbour of the applicant in PA26/05262.
Cllr Taylor would withdraw from the Chamber before the
discussion of Item 8 a) i).
ii) Declarations of gifts:
None.

114/26 To confirm the Minutes of the Full Council Meeting Council held on
21st July 2026
The Minutes of the previous Full Council Meeting, which was held on 21st
July 2026, were presented by the Mayor.
Cllr Anthony proposed, Cllr Riley seconded, and it was resolved by a
majority that the Minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the
Meeting (Cllr Taylor had been absent from the Meeting).

115/26Payment of Accounts: Members to approve payment of
accounts to 20th August 2026 (Finance Statements as of 20th July &
20th August)
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously that the payment of accounts to 20th July 2026 be approved.

Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously that the payment of accounts to 20th August 2026 be
approved.
116/26
Planning Matters
a) Planning Applications
i)
PA26/05262: Change of use to B8. Polita Bridge Farm, St Columb,
Cornwall, TR9 6BX. Mr J Payne.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously that Cllr Anthony chair the Meeting during the discussion
of PA26/05262.
Cllr Taylor withdrew from the Chamber.
There were no objections.
Cllr Anthony proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the application.
Cllr Taylor returned to the Chamber.
ii) PA26/04614: Listed building consent for battery and gateway.
Tresaddern Mill, Tresaddern, St Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6JE. Paul
Haynes.
There were no objections.
Cllr Riley proposed, seconded by Cllr Jury, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the application.
iii) PA26/05417: Listed Building Consent. Replace defective painted
timber sash windows with like-for-like replicas. 33 Retreat Court, St
Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6AD. Mr D Rungay.
There were no objections.

Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the application.
iv) PA26/04489: Removal and replacement of the existing natural slate
roof to the Masonic Hall, located within a conservation area including
the installation of 20 solar PV panels inset within the plane of the new
slate roof. Masonic Lodge, Victoria Street, St Columb, Cornwall, TR9
6AQ. Mr Harvey Dunstan.
There were no objections.
Cllr Riley proposed, seconded by Cllr Taylor, and it was resolved by a
majority to support the application.
v) PA26/05535: Removal of garden room and construction of single
storey extension with roof terrace over. The Tack Store, Rosewastis
Barns, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4LT.
There were no objections.
Cllr Anthony proposed, seconded by Cllr Taylor, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the application.
vi) PA26/05568: Works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order
(TPO), works include Tree 1 Sycamore. Remove dead stem back to
the union as it has died, become unsightly and will eventually become
unstable. Penmarric, 3 Parsons Garth, Bridge, St Columb, Cornwall
TR9 6BD. Mr Paul Cooper.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Mrs Fuery, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the determination of the Tree Officer.
vii) PA26/05571: Works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order
(TPO), works include Tree 1 Ash. Crown reduction by 2.5m and
remove dead wood. The tree has some dieback and this will reduce
the risk of falling dead wood into the property. 2 Parsons Garth, Bridge,
St Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6BD. Mrs Elizabeth Goulding.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Jury, and it was resolved
unanimously to support the determination of the Tree Officer.
viii) PA26/05467: Proposed siting of park home for residential occupation
and associated works (self-build). The Holloa, Talskiddy, St Columb,
Cornwall, TR9 6EG. Mr J Leigh.

In the absence of more detail about the proposed dwelling, members
felt that a permanent park home would not be in keeping with its
Talskiddy surroundings.
Cllr Anthony proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously to object to the application on the grounds of the material
conditions of design, layout and materials of the proposed
development.
However, members were very keen to have more information, which
might be considered at the Full Council Meeting of 15th September.
The Clerk would inform the case officer accordingly.
ix) PA26/04965: Technical Details Consent (TDC) for new self-build
dwelling following Permission in Principle approval PA25/09186 dated
13.01.2026. New-build plot to be known as Kala House, Land west of
Park Aloe Farm, Talskiddy, St Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6EB.
Members felt that the application failed to address residents’ concerns
about the proposed dwelling’s proximity to a shared septic tank.
Cllr Riley proposed, seconded by Cllr Jury, and it was resolved
unanimously to object to the application on the grounds of the material
conditions of design, layout and materials of the proposed
development.
b) Consideration of a Response to Cornwall Council’s Reply to the
Town Council’s Letter of Complaint Concerning PA23/10324
The Clerk explained Cornwall Council’s reply to the letter of complaint,
which had been forward to members. He had circulated a draft reply,
which requested Cornwall Council to undertake a Stage 2 review of the
matter.
Members were content with the draft. Cllr Riley proposed, seconded by
Cllr Jury, and it was resolved unanimously that the reply be sent to the
appropriate Cornwall Council officers. The Clerk would circulate the final
draft before sending it.

c) Discussion of a Response to a Planning Policy Change, Which
Reduces the Power of Parish & Town Councils to Refer Applications
to Committee
The Clerk explained the proposed changes in policy.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and is resolved
unanimously to object to the change that would leave parish and town
councils unable to request that Cornwall Council committees discuss
planning applications.
The Clerk would inform Cornwall Council and The Newquay Voice of the
Town Council’s opposition.

117/26 St Columb Major PCC’s Churchyard Creation Care Initiative
The Clerk explained the Parochial Church Council’s proposal, which would
see a wild, unmown area of four metres out from the west wall of the
churchyard, stretching from adjacent to the cremated remains area to the
Jackie Law Memorial Garden. He projected images of the location on the
Chamber screen.
Members were concerned that the wild area might elicit complaints from
members of the public, and thus required that the PCC inform residents of
the plan in Town & Country magazine, as well as on social media, as soon
as possible.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Mrs Fuery, and it was resolved
unanimously that Council agree to the proposal, require the PCC to inform
residents, and that the wild area development be trialled for 18 months
prior to a review.

118/26 Town Council Involvement in the Erection of the Christmas Lights
and the Switch-on Event
Cllr Anthony proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously that the Town Council assume responsibility for the following
elements of the event:
Insurance cover;
Any PRS licence for live music;
The road closure;
Health & Safety;
Checks on the electrical infrastructure;
Provision of security and road closure marshals;

The booking of Indian Queens Band.
The Christmas Lights Committee would be responsible for the purchase of
lights and their erection.

119/26 St Columb Major AFC Request for the Installation of Signage
The Clerk explained the Club’s request for signage on the car park side of
the pavilion and on the tractor shed. He projected images of the proposed
signs on the chamber screen.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously that signs of the proposed style could be erected, and that
the wording be, “St Columb Major Football Club” or “St Columb Major
AFC”: the signage should not refer to the Recreation Ground or the Town
Council.

120/26 Details of Phase II of the Recreation Ground Refurbishment
The Clerk explained suggested elements of the refurbishment that had not
been put out to tender, and projected images of the equipment on the
Chamber screen.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously that the bus shelter, and the roof and sides of the metal
seating shelter, be removed.

121/26 Representation of The Town Council During Any Absence of the
Mayor & the Deputy Mayor
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously that, in the absence of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, the
Clerk should seek a civic representative from the following list, in the
following order:
Cllr Jury
Cllr Anthony
Cllr Riley.

122/26 Update on the Town Hall Clock Tower Renovation
The Clerk explained that, having received only one quotation work, he had
consulted an SLCC adviser, who confirmed that the work could proceed,
given the price of the quotation.

123/26 Update on the Town Hall Roof Repair
The Clerk explained that, having received only two quotations for the
work, he had consulted an SLCC adviser, who confirmed that Council
could proceed to receive them.

124/26General Insurance Contract
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Mrs Fuery, and it was resolved
unanimously that the quotation of £10,372.78 for Hiscox general insurance
cover, which had been provided by Gallagher, be accepted.
125/26 Van Insurance Contract
The Clerk reported that the Aviva motor insurance renewal quotation was
more that £200 higher than the previous year’s premium. He had thus
sought a quotation from Gallagher, whose underwriters had refused to
insure the Council’s van, because it was not parked behind a locked gate.
He noted that the current policy would expire before the next Full Council
Meeting.
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Riley, and it was resolved
unanimously to delegate to the Clerk the power to accept a motor vehicle
insurance quotation less than or equal to Aviva’s.
126/26 IT Purchases
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously that office IT hardware be purchased, at a cost of £2,279.91.
127/26 Members’ Queries
a) Cllr Fuery was concerned that a van, which had been parked for some
time in the town, might have been dumped. The Clerk would
investigate the matter.
b) Cllr Anthony asked that discussion of a Party in the Park event be
discussed as an agenda item at one of the October Full Council
Meetings.
c) Cllr Riley urged that a Stop sign be erected at the junction adjacent to
Willyams House. The Clerk noted that that Cornwall Council Highways
had agreed in principle to erect the signage, but had delayed the works
on the grounds of scarce resources. The Clerk would press Highways
on the matter.
128/26 Closed Session
Cllr Taylor proposed, seconded by Cllr Anthony, and it was resolved
unanimously that the press and public be excluded from the Meeting for
the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely
disclosure of exempt information as defined in the Public Bodies
(Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (as Extended by Section 100 of the
129/26 Local Government Act 1972).
Christmas Shutdown Leave Entitlement
It was resolved that staff leave during the office and Library Christmas
shutdown be taken in addition to annual staff leave.
130/26 The 2026 Staff Appraisals
The Clerk reported that the annual staff appraisals had not revealed any
serious matters.
131/26 The 2026-2027 NJC (Green Book) Salary Rises
The Clerk explained the implications of the agreed 3.3% rise in staff
salaries.
132/26 Staffing Contractual Matter
The Clerk noted that he was investigating legal matter concerning a
contract. He would report his findings at the next Full Council Meeting.
133/26 Quotations for the Town Hall Roof Repair
Cllr Dickens was not present.
Members resolved to accept a quotation of £4,000, which the Clerk then
revealed had been submitted by Mr Jack Dickens.
The Meeting closed at 8.57pm. Next Full Council Meeting: 15/09/26 at 7pm.
Dated:
15th September 2026
Signed:
St Columb Major Town Council: Full Council Meeting, 1st September 2026