Full Council – 21st October 2026 – Minutes

There were no apologies received.

There were no declarations of interest.

A member of the public raised concerns about the accuracy of the record of their contribution n the previous meeting's minutes.

Another member of the public sought clarification regarding the Cae Bodfach Forest Garden proposals, the decision making process and future updates.   Advised an update would be provided under Clerks Report.

Cllr Zarena Allan raised objections to the following items in the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2026

• Item 3 : FC26-27/070 Public Participation
• Item 12 : FC26-27/079 Events
• Item 15 : FC26-27/082 Cae Bodfach Management Plan Working Group

RESOLVED: To note Cllr Allan’s objections and approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2026  without amendment. The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 24 September 2026 were also approved as a correct record.

The Mayor reported on attendance at the Good Companions Harvest Supper, replacement salt bins and attendance at the Powys Teaching Health Board drop-in session at the library, noting that the associated consultation closes on 10 January.

It was also reported that the planning application concerning the ambulance station had been called in for determination by Welsh Ministers.

The Clerk reported on the following matters:

• Audit: Audit Wales had issues one qualification concerning publication of councillors’ interests. Updated declarations had been requested by 31 October.
• Activity Play Park: Drainage and clearance works were complete, and installation had commenced. Early drawdown of funding had been agreed with Powys County Council.
• Public Toilets: Works were provisionally scheduled for January, with plans and costings to be presented at the next meeting.
• Budget: Preparation was underway. Councillors were asked to submit priorities and anticipated costs before the November meeting agenda deadline.
• Cae Bodfach: BRACE's Memorandum of Understand is being reviewed alongside the draft management plan. Following legal advice and completion of costings, the proposal would be brought to Council for consideration and decision.

Cllr Cowham deferred his update to the Christmas Events item, Cllr Kretchmer reported on the churchyard autumn tidy up, and Cllr Williams reported on her engagement with the playgroup.

Cllr Allan sought information on behalf of a resident regarding the depot closure.

The Mid-Year Financial Review was received and noted without comment.

The schedule of payments was checked and validated by Cllr Rosser and Cllr Williams. The bank reconciliation was checked and validated by Cllr Lewis. RESOLVED: To approve the schedule of payments and bank reconciliation, and to adopt the Volunteering Policy and Events Policy.

There were no planning applications for review.

The Council considered Richard Kretchmer’s request to undertake voluntary work at the Wetlands. The Clerk confirmed that the risks had been assessed and insurance cover confirmed, subject to the insurer’s conditions.

RESOLVED: To approve the request, subject to the work being undertaken at the Council’s sole request and under its sole control, within the activities covered by its insurance and with appropriate protective equipment. Specialist or higher-risk work would be undertaken by appropriately insured contractors.

Consideration of reinstating the committees and their proposed Terms of Reference was deferred to the next meeting to allow councillors further time to review the documents.  It was agreed that Cae Bodfach and the Wetlands should fall within a separate committee.

RESOLVED: In view of the Christmas Market timescale, to authorise the Christmas Events Working Group to incur expenditure up to the allocated event budget.  

Cllr Cowham outlined the planned Christmas events and reiterated that, as discussed on 24 September, the cost of closing the road for outdoor stalls was considered disproportionate.

It was agreed to request installation of the Christmas lights around 20 November 2026 and removal on 6 January 2027.  

Council deferred a decision on the proposed asset transfer pending further costings. The Clerk advised that she would meet a contractor to obtain an estimate for resurfacing as an initial step.

RESOLVED : Cllr Barrett will work on design and costings to be considered by Council at the next meeting.

 

RESOLVED: To co-opt Kat Anthony to fill the vacant seat on Llanfyllin Town Council.

The required paperwork was signed, and Cllr Anthony took her seat.  

It was agreed to exclude the public for consideration of the following business.  Council discussed the proposed purchase of additional land.  No decision was made.

Meeting closed at 8:30.