April 2024

monmouthtransition

Dear Transitioners

Busy, busy – time flies, and yes, we have our monthly meeting next Tuesday 23 April, at 7.30 pm as usual.  Please come and join in:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84348590611?pwd=2lv4p0xGntTMOgYzWm1mfUwRhORoJM.1
Meeting ID: 843 4859 0611
Passcode: 823989


The agenda is below the signature line, followed by notes of our meeting in March.

We will look forward to seeing you.  All welcome – bring your friends too!

Agenda:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting via Zoom

Tuesday 23 April 2024 at 7.30

Introductions

Apologies for absence

Note taker

Notes of the last meeting – copied below and matters arising

Finance – Monmouth Town Council Community Grants and other

Revised Local Development Plan

Air Quality Monitoring

Friends of the River Wye

Community Fridge

Green Grow – Wyebridge Street car park, pollinator garden, town planters, cemetery

Future Events:-

Agincourt WI – a third Monday at 7pm at The Priory – TM presentation

Six Inches of Soil – being shown by ACE Monmouth on Monday, 22 April at Llanarth Village Hall followed by a Q+A session with Patrick Hannay, RegenBen and others – SOLD OUT – should there be another showing in Monmouth?

River Festival:  3 to 12 May

Sustainability Conference:  30 June to 2 July at the Haberdashers School, Hereford Road:  ACE is negotiating involvement as well as fitting in with the Monmouth Carnival on 30 June

Monmouth Carnival:  30 June

Pride Event:  20 July in the Nelson Garden

Hustings:  To organise as soon as a General Election is announced

Sewage Works and/or waterworks visits:  Any interest?

Any Other Business:- Dark Skies consultation

Date of Next Meeting

NOTES:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting

Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 7.30

Present:  Bryan Miller, Charles Emes, Claudia Blair, Helena Ronicle, Vivien Mitchell, Emma Bryn, Rebecca Cunningham, Cheryl Cummings, Frank Brehaney, Nick Day, Martin Sweeney, Laura McCartney, Bob Handley

Apologies for absence:  Kelly Jackson-Graham, Mike Dunsbee, Mary Boase

Note taker:  Vivien Mitchell

Revised Local Development Plan:  It was agreed to change the paragraph entitled:

Flood Prevention along Old Dixton Road to read as follows:

For around 25 years there have been increasingly regular floods along Old Dixton Road and, apart from those in February 2020 and January 2024, all have occurred when river levels have been quite low.  Where has this water been coming from?  Transition Monmouth looked for an answer and thought it due to the surface water run-off which had increased due to new and in-fill development on higher ground in Osbaston, combined with the natural sub-soil water flows.  This was back in the days when there was virtually no awareness of this or the measures, principally SUDS, to accommodate.  As a result, we were able to commission Atkins Engineers to undertake a flood prevention study, RECS (copied on our website).  A problem with a drain in January 2024 has been identified by Ross Price but we contend that it was only a contributing factor.  Legislation on SUDS measures for new build have been in place since 2019 (but are they adhered to by residents?) and Transition Monmouth trusts that we will have ample time to review and assess these for any new developments.  As regards implementing SUDS measures in existing build, we understand this is problematic.  We hope that our proposal to do this (greatly encouraged and strongly supported by Mark Hand) will be included in the RLDP.  Perhaps we could then start talking to MCC about how it can be implemented.

Green Infrastructure:  Helena reported that Green Infrastructure plans have to be submitted with all developments and are approved by MCC and NRW before building work can commence.  The plan should be implemented by the developer and then managed by the management company.  However, the plan itself is not written in a format to be read by a non-conservation professional, hence it is not easily interpreted by residents and nor is it explained to them.  Hence there may be a dis-connect between what people want to see on a new estate and the reality, ie it is not all neat and tidy and the residents are also not being empowered to appreciate the ecology of the area or ensure the management is taking place.  Helena to discuss this with the MCC Sustainability Officer, Hazel Chatworthy.

Monmouth Town Council:  There is opportunity for an item at each Planning Meeting to discuss the RLDP but the Town Clerk has suggested the Transition contribution should be brought to Full Council.  Vivien has agreed to attend the meeting on 22 April.

Air Quality Monitoring:  Bryan reported that, courtesy of Make Monmouth, our first air quality sensor is up and running – for security the site is not disclosed – and an appropriate link for the data is being tested.  We have received funding of £450 from the Transition Towns Network and from ACE Monmouth.

Frank noted that it is interesting that 5.5 mg3 is being recorded – WHO calendar year level, and to see how it goes up/down and the annual average.  It is also interesting to see the two together vs topography of the areas etc.  Useful links: 

https://www.iqair.com/gb/uk/wales/monmouth/drybridge-street – this commercial sensor has been provided by a local company, Milking Solutions, and the live data is openly available on the IOAir world map.  This will be a useful reference point with which to compare our self-build sensors;  these will take a little longer to set up but ultimately be more flexible and portable

https://opensensemap.org/explore/65ef119f0430130007b6e1d6 – this is the open-source map on which we hope to publish our own project data for all to see

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/rNnSPHTCaXbrdXj9/ – please support Make Monmouth, our partner in this project;  they are providing the technical expertise

Events Updates:-

Seed Swap:  Very busy, informative, many seeds swapped/bought, plants purchased, and cake eaten.  All thought it very successful and enjoyable – and the date for next year’s event is already booked for 8 February

Restore the River:  Mike and Nick were very pleased with the event – 500 attended (and many more wanted to), and the audience was emotional and caring.  The event was successfully recorded and the link is up on the Friends of the River Wye, Transition Monmouth Chat and other Facebook pages.  We thanked Mike and Nick for all they had done;  it was only about three years ago that we were met with denial about the state of our rivers, and now we had a wide ranging panel all telling us about the steps they were making/planning in order to rectify the dire situation.  This is an amazing achievement.

Orchard Pruning:  Only six people attended but nevertheless all but three apple trees were pruned.  For the next event Bryan and Helena will keep a list of people who at various times show interest, and it is clear much more advertising needs to take place.  Helena will advise a date in early summer for the soft fruit tree prune.  It was decided an article in The Beacon would be useful for promotional purposes and Bryan will send a draft to Helena for checking

Nearly New Sale:  29 people were involved in selling 958 items in two hours at a value of £2,500.  There is obviously demand but the customers were not able to spend as they previously had done, and the event did not cover costs.  Nevertheless, it is hoped to get funding to run another event later this year but maybe at a cheaper venue – Overmonnow Primary School is a possibility.

Future Events:-

Six Inches of Soil is being shown by ACE Monmouth on Monday, 22 April at Llanarth Village Hall followed by a Q+A session with Patrick Hannay, RegenBen and others.  Book tickets on Eventbrite … or via the ACE Monmouth website events section – www.acemonmouth.org

River Festival:  3 to 12 May:  No further information yet

Sustainability Conference:  30 June to 2 July at the Haberdashers School, Hereford Road:  ACE is still negotiating involvement as well as fitting in with the Monmouth Carnival on 30 June.  The theme is likely to focus on food so Transition involvement would of course include the Community Fridge.  More details soon

Monmouth Carnival:  30 June:  Helena has volunteered to lead on a TM stall with plenty of activities for children.  The Benthyg badge maker has been reserved and Emma suggested designing suitable templates

Pride Event:  20 July in the Nelson Garden:  There will be much involvement with Make Monmouth and Benthyg

Hustings:  Jointly with Amnesty as previously agreed and to organise as soon as a General Election is announced

Updates:-

Friends of the River Wye:  Nick reported that:-

  • They are drafting a Manifesto to take to the Hustings and other events
  • He gave a presentation to the Shropshire Rivers Hub;  they were extremely complimentary
  • Monmouth Rotary is planning to include the Friends as a recipient of proceeds from their Walk the Wye event
  • They are pleased about the legal action being taken against Avara Foods although it seems churlish to do this now when the company is making efforts to rectify the damage they cause

Green Grow:-

  • We are pleased to have been asked to participate in a project by the Town Council’s newly formed Youth Forum to make the area round the new car park in Wyebridge Street more environmentally friendly
  • Planters round town:  Following complaints, Cheryl walked round with Martin Sweeney.  They thought there was little to complain about but maybe that is because the daffodils and other Spring planting is now providing colour.  She has agreed to see look at further improvements, and the number of planters might be reduced
  • Cemetery:  Following a meeting with Jon Davies, Rhian and Catherine Hunter, the area has now been mowed but needs raking.  Mike James (Town Council) has suggested relocating any spare planters from Monnow Street
  • Pollinator Garden:  This now needs attention again;  Vivien agreed to help in setting up a working party
  • Fruit trees on Chippenham on the site formerly occupied by the children’s playground:  Helena wondered who was responsible for them as they needed pruning.  It was suggested she contact Mike Moran

Community Fridge:  After a huge amount of work – new floor, painting, decorating, new shelving and moving the appliances, the Fridge has moved to its new premises in the Stable Block at Bridges.  It has received a Five Star rating from Environmental Health and compliments all round.  The area is shared with Benthyg Monmouth.  All volunteers are being encouraged to take the Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate.  Kelly has completed a higher level course on Food Allergies

Any Other Business:-

Formatting of our written correspondence:  James Leedam finds the current format difficult to read.  Vivien explained why we had settled on it, and the problems encountered if we do otherwise.  It was agreed that Vivien suggests to James he reads it on the website or zooms in on his computer screen.

Monmouth Town Council Community Grants:  These will be available soon and, unlike previously when we could obtain only one grant each year, the rules have been amended to one grant per project each year.

GAVO:  Vivien to keep checking on the date for submitting community awards applications

Community Focussed Schools:  Lisa Grant has asked which of our community activities pupils at Overmonnow Primary could participate in.  Suggestions:  apple pressing, Nearly New Sale

Sewage Leak at the Slaughterhouses:  A problem around the Old Market Hall was notified to MCC on 15 March;  they, together with Drain Rod, have been surveying the drains but have not yet ascertained the cause.  Some kind of containment has been put in place.

March 2024

monmouthtransition

Dear Transitioners

After an extremely busy few weeks it’s time to look at how things went – lessons for the future – but we also have plenty to look forward to in the coming months – so please come and join in on Tuesday:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87332812207?pwd=rT46b9byXLyZIGmxbaa8ipcJWsHbX4.1
Meeting ID: 873 3281 2207
Passcode: 823866

We will look forward to seeing you.  All welcome – bring your friends too!

Agenda:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting via Zoom

Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 7.30

Introductions

Apologies for absence

Note taker

Notes of the last meeting – copied below and matters arising

Revised Local Development Plan

Citizen Scientists Air Quality Monitoring

Events Reports:-

  • Seed Swap:  17 February
  • Are we getting nearer to a solution? – Restore the River:  Friday 23 February
  • Orchard pruning:  3 March
  • Nearly New Sale:  9 March

Future Events:-

  • Six Inches of Soil:  22 April:  Film showing at Llanarth Village Hall
  • Wye Valley River Festival:  3 to 12 May – further details to be announced
  • Monmouth Carnival:  Sunday 23 June
  • Sustainability Conference at Haberdashers School:  30 June to 2 July:  We have been invited to participate which will link in with Monmouth Carnival and the ACE Festival
  • Monmouth Carnival:  Sunday 30 June
  • The Pride Event:  20 July
  • General Election Hustings:  Including questions on Human Rights as well as the Climate Emergency – to be organised just as soon a General Election is announced
  • Other

Updates:-

  • Friends of the Lower Wye
  • Green Grow/Green Spaces – Green Flag award, pollinator garden notice board
  • Monmouth Community Fridge

Any other business: 

  • Support for The Hive
  • Formatting of our written communications
  • Funding sources – Monmouth Town Council
  • GAVO
  • Other

Date of next meeting:  Tuesday 23 April at 7.30pm via Zoom

Discussion on the Replacement Local Development Plan at our last meeting was exceptionally interesting and informative, and yes – uplifting.  At last a plan to meet the needs of residents particularly in regard to housing and infrastructure, and take the best care we possibly can of our environment.  Our congratulations to CCllr Paul Griffiths, his team, and numerous MCC Officers.  We have put together the notes and wanted to share them with you as quickly as possible ……

NOTES:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting

Tuesday 20 February 2024 at 7.30

Present:  Bryan Miller, Charles Emes, Claudia Blair, Helena Ronicle, Vivien Mitchell, CCllr Paul Griffiths, CCllr Catrin Maby, CCllr Catherine Fookes, CCllr Emma Bryn, Craig O’Connor (MCC Head of Planning), Rebecca Cunningham, Kelly Jackson-Graham, Cheryl Cummings, Jeff Baldwin, Jem Jenkins-Jones, David Cummings

Apologies for absence:  Catherine Haynes, Mike Dunsbee, Nick Day

Note taker:  Vivien Mitchell, with help from Paul Griffiths and other speakers

Revised Local Development Plan:  Paul Griffiths said that when he was elected to Monmouthshire County Council in 2022 there was a Local Development Plan by the previous Administration which proposed that a Revised LDP should provide 6,000 homes beyond those in the LDP that existed at that time.  As a new Administration we considered this and rejected it.  In our view the rate of development, including three sites in Monmouth, was too great and was over-focused on the supply of market homes likely to be afforded not by local people but only those moving from out-of-county, all too often to retire.  We did not think the plan met the needs of Monmouthshire people but nevertheless, came to the view that a limited number of further homes – around 2,000 over 10 years in the county as a whole, were necessary in order to:-

  • Rebalance the demographics of the county.  In the period 2011 to 2021 the school age population in the county fell by 10%, the working age population fell by 3%, and the retired population grew by 26%.  It is unsustainable for the county to become a retirement home with too few younger people to provide support and fill job vacancies in the factories, as carers and the like
  • We will insist that 50% of the new homes are affordable – social housing for rent in the main with some shared ownership homes.  This is a radical step.  No local authority in Wales has previously set a requirement of 50% affordable homes.  Our RLDP will simply say to developers ‘if you cannot deliver this, you cannot build.  We will have no homes rather than the wrong homes’
  • Equally radically we will be the first Council in Wales to require that all new homes are Net Zero Carbon.  They will be built to the highest standard of insulation and air tightness and will produce more energy than they consume
  • Radically, again, we require that all our strategic sites become integral parts of our four existing towns – they become part of 15-minute settlements in which new residents can  walk to their schools, their shops, their town centres in 15 minutes.  Apart from some inevitable commuting, we want to design the motor car out of our daily lives

50% affordable, 100% net zero carbon, 15 minute communities – I hope that these are unique and radical goals that Transition Monmouth can share.  In addition, all development will conform to Welsh Government requirements for sustainable drainage – they must be able to hold within themselves all the rainfall held back by the undeveloped site.

We published our draft strategy for consultation at the end of 2022. But the strategy made virtually no mention of Monmouth Town.  The reason was that we would not propose any development unless we could be sure that they would not lead any increase in phosphate pollution in our rivers.  At that time Welsh Water could not give us that assurance;  however this assurance is now forthcoming – hence our willingness to proceed with limited development.

Rebecca Cunningham highlighted the main environmental concerns with focus on the Dixton site due to its proximity to conservation areas and the River Wye – bats, flooding and river pollution in particular.  Irrespective of improvements to water treatment, the river is on the verge of being ecologically dead;  the focus must be on halting as much pollution as possible to allow the river to repair itself.

Air Quality:  Throughout the town we need to establish accurate baseline air quality levels to include PM2.5 and PM10 prior to any further developments being undertaken.  This is of particular importance for schools that are in proximity of the A40.  At present only nitrogen dioxide is monitored which is not sufficient, particularly in light of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024.

Transition Monmouth together with Make Monmouth, ACE and other partners is working on developing a Citizen Scientists programme with their own build monitors.

Flood prevention: 

  • Along Old Dixton Road:  For around 25 years there have been increasingly regular floods along Old Dixton Road and, apart from those in February 2020 and January 2024, all have occurred when river levels have been quite low.   Where has this water been coming from?  Transition Monmouth looked for an answer in that they were able to commission Atkins Engineers to undertake a flood prevention study, RECS (copied on our website).  The critical factor was the new Berryfield Estate at the top of Osbaston;  this created severe overload to surface water run-off, back in the days when there was virtually no awareness of this or the measures, principally SUDS, to accommodate.  One problem in January 2024 has been identified by Ross Price but we contend that it was only a contributing factor.  Legislation on SUDS measures for new build have been in place since 2019 and Transition Monmouth trusts that we will have ample time to review and assess these for any new developments.  As regards implementing SUDS measures in existing build, we understand this is problematic.  We hope that our proposal to do this (greatly encouraged and strongly supported by Mark Hand) will be included in the RLDP.  Perhaps we could then start talking to MCC about how it can be implemented.
  • Kingswood Gate:  SUDS measures were part of the plan but they were inadequate.  Charles Emes has since written to say:  We are aware about the importance of slowing the water and provide a balance with the volume of the ponds, but alas, no management at all has been done and the green infrastructure plan is ignored.  As a result the ponds and the streams that feed into it are heavily overgrown.  As residents we are not in a position to force the developers or management company to do anything even though we expect to be paying a management fee soon. The law does not protect freeholders from being exploited by management companies who do nothing – something that we hoped a new bill in parliament might address

Community Fridge:  Kelly reported that the move to a new unit (to be shared with Benthyg Monmouth) in the Bridges Stable Block is scheduled for 28/29 February.  Much has been done but there is still a lot to do by way of decorating, installation of new flooring and racking etc.  The new premises will be re-registered with Environmental Health in early March.  We are grateful for funding received;  more is needed, but expected.  Exciting times!

Future Events:-

  • Are we getting nearer to a solution? – Restore the River:  Friday 23 February, 7pm at the Blake Theatre:  An evening of discussion to address the main pollution issue – rural land use – chaired by Nicola Cutcher, a freelance investigative journalist;  speakers include Alan Lovell (Chair of the Environment Agency), and representatives from DEFRA, the Welsh Government, Soil Association, Wildlife Trusts, Wild Fish and Avara.  For your FREE tickets visit www.theblaketheatre.org or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theblaketheatre/t-moazedd
  • Orchard pruning:  Sunday 3 March, 2pm to 4pm at Two Rivers Meadow:  Under the expert guidance of Helena Ronicle – bring pruners, secateurs etc – but no ladders – and wear appropriate clothing
  • Nearly New Sale:  Saturday 9 March, 10am to 12pm at Bridges:  Sale of all things babies/children/teens – come and grab a bargain. Brought to you by Helena Ronicle and Laura MacCartney – Circular Economy in action!
  • Museum:  Climate Change event:  We look forward to our ideas being implemented in the displays
  • Wye Valley River Festival:  3 to 12 May – further details to be announced
  • Sustainability Conference at Haberdashers School:  30 June to 2 July:  We have been invited to participate.  Discussions are taking place about linking this event with the ACE Festival
  • General Election Hustings:  Including questions on Human Rights as well as the Climate Emergency – to be organised just as soon a General Election is announced
  • Monmouth Carnival:  25 June:  We plan to have a stand
  • Pride Event:  20 Jully in the Nelson Garden:  We plan to have a stand
  • Viridor:  Please let us know if you would like to visit the recycling plant

Updates:-

  • Friends of the Lower Wye:  In a written report Mike Dunsbee wrote that the event on Friday was sold out – all 500 tickets with more still asking but there are none!  All presenters have confirmed and are busy collating their presentations, volunteers are sorted to meet the presenters with others handing out a leaflet to all that attend and a special badge for the first 200.  Cherry Taylor is presenting on how ACE is progressing and Catrin Maby regarding the work MCC are doing re the rivers.  Sir David Henshaw, Chair of NRW and Alan Lovell, Chair of EA are both presenting and answering questions;  this will be the first public event where both men have been on the same platform – another first for Friends of the River Wye (Lower Division)!  It promises to be an excellent evening
  • Green Grow/Green Spaces – the pollinator garden notice board will be installed by Bryan during March – he is a bit tied up with the Community Fridge/Benthyg move at the moment

Any other business: 

  • Support for The Hive – Bryan will contact Jo Stephens
  • MTC Community Grants – the next tranche will be open soon
  • GAVO Community Awards – Vivien to contact them re nominations period

Date of next meeting:  Tuesday 19 March at 7.30

NOTES:  Transition Monmouth Special Meeting

Monday 4 March 2024 at 6.30pm

Present:  Bryan Miller, Claudia Blair, Vivien Mitchell

We considered a request from two long-standing members, Helena Ronicle and Laura MacCartney, that the forthcoming Nearly New Sale of children’s clothing they planned be adopted as a Transition Monmouth project. 

We considered that the aims were in line with our ethos and objectives, and that the organisers were well known by us and had served us well for many years.   We agreed to their request.

February 2024

monmouthtransition

Dear Transitioners

More floods, road closures, fallen trees, landslips.  We are very concerned with the added impact that climate change will bring and more houses built without adequate protection for the environment, let alone the added stress on our already creaking infrastructure.  At our meeting on Tuesday we will continue our discussion on the Revised Local Development Plan.  This month we will hear from County Councillor Paul Griffiths and others who will inform, clarify and answer our questions.  Please come and join us! 

Before that visit – or help, please – at the Seed Swap, 10 till 1 on Saturday 17 February at Bridges.

And then on Friday 23 February, our Friends of the River Wye Group are holding an important discussion event – Restore the River – 7pm at the Blake Theatre:  An evening of discussion to address the main pollution issue – rural land use – chaired by Nicola Cutcher, a freelance investigative journalist;  speakers include Alan Lovell (Chair of the Environment Agency), and representatives from DEFRA, the Welsh Government, Soil Association, Wildlife Trusts, Wild Fish and Avara.  For your FREE tickets visit www.theblaketheatre.org or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theblaketheatre/t-moazedd

Below you will find the agenda for Tuesday 20 February 2024 at 7.30 together with notes of our January meeting, and yes, please join us:-

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82421586192?pwd=vJEaafZPKLCsCa9Hjmw5YoddYOUc65.1
Meeting ID: 824 2158 6192
Passcode: 433722

Agenda:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting via Zoom

Introductions

Apologies for absence

Note taker

Notes of the last meeting – copied below and matters arising

Revised Local Development Plan:  Along with the very topical issue of flooding, we will discuss our various environmental and infrastructure concerns

Citizen Scientists Air Quality Monitoring

Financials

Future Events:-

  • Seed Swap at Bridges Community Centre, Saturday 17 February, 10.30 till 1pm – please let us know if you are able to help on the day and keep your spare seeds, plants and books for swapping – and yes, we need cake too
  • Are we getting nearer to a solution? – Restore the River:  Friday 23 February, 7pm at the Blake Theatre:  An evening of discussion to address the main pollution issue – rural land use – chaired by Nicola Cutcher, a freelance investigative journalist;  speakers include Alan Lovell (Chair of the Environment Agency), and representatives from DEFRA, the Welsh Government, Soil Association, Wildlife Trusts, Wild Fish and Avara.  For your FREE tickets visit www.theblaketheatre.org or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theblaketheatre/t-moazedd
  • Orchard pruning:  Sunday 3 March, 2pm to 4pm at Two Rivers Meadow:  Under the expert guidance of Helena Ronicle – bring pruners, secateurs etc – but no ladders – and wear appropriate clothing
  • Museum:  Climate Change event
  • Wye Valley River Festival:  3 to 12 May – further details to be announced
  • Sustainability Conference at Haberdashers School:  30 June to 2 July:  We have been invited to participate.  Discussions are taking place about linking this event with the ACE Festival
  • General Election Hustings:  Including questions on Human Rights as well as the Climate Emergency – to be organised just as soon a General Election is announced
  • Other:  The Music Festival?  The Pride Event in July?

Updates:-

  • Friends of the Lower Wye
  • Green Grow/Green Spaces – Green Flag award, pollinator garden notice board
  • Monmouth Community Fridge

Any other business: 

  • Support for The Hive
  • Other

Date of next meeting

NOTES:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting

16 January 2024 at 7.30 via Zoom

Present:  Bryan Miller, Vivien Mitchell, Claudia Blair, Mike Dunsbee, Helena Ronicle, Rebecca Cunningham, Charles Emes, Mary Boase, David Cummings, Frank Brehany, Tom Kirton

Apologies:  Kelly Jackson-Graham, Catherine Haynes, Jem Jenkins-Jones, Cherry Taylor, Catherine Fookes, Catrin Maby

Note taker:  Vivien Mitchell

Revised Local Development Plan – RLDP:

Regarding the proposed housing in Osbaston, Bryan reported that we had written the following to Jane Lucas:-

Transition Monmouth welcomes your consultation on the proposal for housing development in Osbaston.  We understand that many important issues were discussed at your last meeting.  One particular concern of ours is the ever recurring – and currently topical – issue of flooding.

Some years ago we observed that Old Dixton Road was flooded frequently, and usually when the river level was well down.  So, where was this water coming from?  We commissioned Atkins Engineers to undertake a study covering the whole of Monmouth and beyond.  Yes, the water initiates as surface water run-off from Osbaston and ultimately collects at the lowest point – in this case along Old Dixton Road.  Although the flooding last week was caused by the high river level, it was undoubtedly exacerbated by surface water run-off.  The regular flooding along Osbaston Road and Redbrook Road, Wyesham, are of similar origin.

Our flood prevention study was enthusiastically supported by MCC – Mark Hand (then Planning) and Ross Price (Flood Prevention) – and we were urged by them to submit various courses of action to the LDP.  These included SUDS measures for the whole of Osbaston and Wyesham.  (SUDS are Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes such as permeable driveways, rain gardens, hedges, trees, green roofs, wildflower areas – yes, please stop mowing your lawns – in flood prevention terms they are known as green concrete as grass is very shallow rooting, the soil becomes compacted, and water runs off it rather than being absorbed by the ground).

We have made these submissions and trust they will be incorporated into the RLDP.  If so, that same document cannot:-

  • Allow additional house building in either Osbaston or Wyesham before SUDS measures are fully implemented in those areas
  • Permission for any new build must incorporate full SUDS measures

David Cummings, on behalf of the Gateway to Wales Action Group gave a brief outline of the procedures of the RLDP – see https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/planning-policy/local-development-plan-2018-2033/

There was an excellent turnout to the Group’s meeting on 9 January re the proposal for 270 houses on Candidate Site CS0270.  David, Chair of the Group, presented and outlined the many issues that would adversely affect local residents if the site was developed.  He would like to hear from residents who can provide expert input on the following issues which were discussed during the initial meeting:-

  • Ecological
  • Environmental
  • Traffic flows
  • Flooding
  • Planning
  • School places
  • Doctors places
  • Air pollution
  • Out migration to work
  • Job creation
  • Sewage disposal

Please email input on the above along with any additional concerns:  Noto270houses@gmail.com.  As discussed in the meeting the principal aim of the action group is to get the site removed from the RLDP before it reaches the Deposit Plan stage in the spring.

Rebecca Cunningham is particularly concerned about the effect on bats.  Newton Court, home and breeding site for the Lesser and Greater horseshoe bat lies within a km radius of the proposed Dixton development. It is a SSSI site and special area of conservation (SAC). Newton Court Stable Block is the only breeding roost for greater horseshoe bats in Monmouthshire and one of only three known in Wales.  In addition to Newton Court stables, they most likely also use the buildings at Priory Farm alongside the caves at the Doward for winter hibernation.


They forage on grasslands, woods, and hedgerows in the 1 to 4 km area around Newton Court to include the fields of the proposed development, where they will feed on insects and dung beetles living on the dung of the cattle and sheep who graze there, the hedgerows for foraging, resting and sightlines and the area under the Oaks to swarm – a rare occurrence these days.  To develop this land would be to destroy 12.5ha of a protected species habitat.


Propositions for a lighting strategy, green wedges or replacement site lines as mitigation will not replace their habitat nor will it minimise damage.

Legislation states that bats and their habitats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. It is illegal to:

  • deliberately capture, injure, or kill bats
  • damage or destroy a breeding or resting place
  • obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places
  • possess, transport, sell or exchange live or dead bats, or parts of them
  • intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it’s in a structure, or place of shelter, or protection

Development of this land will require an application for a NRW bat licence and in doing so they will have to prove that it will not be detrimental to the species, nor cause loss to their habitat and there is no other alternative to the proposal. There is in this case an alternative, which would be not to build on the site. 

To note, as part of the Deposit Plan a habitat regulation assessment will need to be carried out. The developers will produce a shadow assessment under the guise it saves the local authority the need to do it. A survey needs to be commissioned by MCC not just the developer. All surveys and assessments will need to be analysed by as many interested parties and conservationists as possible, to ensure nothing is allowed to slip under the radar.


Newton Court is a special area of conservation (SAC) as is the area between the A40 and the River Wye, surely development which would put an SAC at significant risk should not be allowed?

Frank Brehany spoke to the group about his recent comments and report provided to the campaign.  A copy of the full report is available – please email mail@transitionmonmouth.org.  Frank summarised key elements within his report and provided focus on the Environment Agency’s (EA) sensor-data exercise from 2015.  In particular, he pointed to the EA’s comments in their report which indicated the ever-present emissions and levels of PM10 & PM2.5.  He considered that this was an important point because it offered a narrative focussing on long-term low-dose exposure to toxins and their cumulative effect on Human Health and he encouraged members to incorporate this narrative.  He also spoke to issues relating to the importance of The Precautionary Principle and Human Rights in any work or campaign on traffic emissions.  During a Q&A Frank offered views on a minimum timeframe for the positioning of sensors, the need to provide a much wider analysis and data-gathering beyond diffusion tubes and NO2 and a brief analysis of the nature of Annual Mean Objective threshold limits vs monthly or indeed a more micro look at data and its collection.

Discussion of the RLDP to continue at our next meeting.

Citizen Scientists Air Quality Monitoring

Bryan reported that following information supplied by Catrin Maby on air pollution monitoring in the town, it was clear that much detail was lacking.  We are confident that we have secured a grant of £450 from the Transition Network to purchase three sensors.  We have also applied to Monmouth Rotary for funding, and Charles will seek further funding from ACE Monmouth at their meeting next Tuesday.  The sensors will be built for us by Make Monmouth CIC who will advise on location and operation.  Frank advised that data was required for at least six months to be useful.  Further kits will be purchased in due course.  The data needs to be available for everyone in Monmouth.  Anyone wishing to participate in the project should get in touch with us.

Seed Swap:  10 till 1 on Saturday 17 February at Bridges Community Centre

Bryan has the display board, feathers, books and the Benthyg pop up.  Helena will supply plants but is unable to attend;  Bryan will collect her plants.  Mary and Claudia offered to make cakes.  Vivien agreed to organise a rota;  Frank thought he could help on the day and will confirm.  We will liaise nearer the time to organise final details.

Friends of the Lower Wye (FotLW):  Mike Dunsbee reported:-

  • There are now three groups doing amazing work for the Wye – FotLW, Friends of the Upper Wye FotUW) and Save the Wye.  While the Lower and Upper Wye groups plan to retain their local identity, it is clear there are benefits in having a closer working relationship.  FotLW will now be called Friends of the River Wye and their new email address is hello@friendsoftheriverwye.org.  Further details soon!
  • Restore the River:  7pm to 9.30 on Friday 23 February at the Blake Theatre to address the main pollution issue – rural land use.  The evening will be chaired by Nicola Cutcher, a freelance investigative journalist;  speakers include Alan Lovell (Chair of the Environment Agency), and representatives from DEFRA, the Welsh Government, Soil Association, Wildlife Trusts, Wild Fish and Avara.  Others have been invited but not yet confirmed.  Full details soon!  For your FREE tickets visit www.theblaketheatre.org or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theblaketheatre/t-moazedd

Green Grow/Green Spaces: 

  • We would like to nominate the Wyesham Community Woodland for a Green Flag award.  Action:   Bryan to discuss with Richard Garner
  • Orchard Pruning:  Sunday 3 March, 2 till 4pm.  Helena to discuss the mowing regime with Anthea Dewhurst (Two Rivers Meadow Group)

Community Fridge:

The Fridge hopes to move to a larger unit in the Stable Block at Bridges and to share it with Benthyg.  Apart from more space, there are two windows to provide not just light but also ventilation in the heat of the summer when we were spending a huge amount of money keeping the fridge and freezers operating.

Any Other Business:-

  • Murals project in the underpass and subway:  Funding application successful.  Tom Kirton reported that the Town Council have a task and finish group to take this forward
  • Mike Dunsbee wondered if the windows on empty shops in Monmouth could be painted by schools and various groups.  It was agreed that this was more appropriate for the Chamber of Commerce or the Town Council to organise

January 2024

monmouthtransition

Dear Transitioners

Here’s to a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you all.  Unfortunately the climate change news is not good, but there’s a lot that we can do, and are doing, to mitigate the harm done elsewhere.  We have so many great projects for everyone to participate in.  Please join us on Tuesday to hear about what is going on, and please bring with you any ideas you may have on anything new.

Below you will find the agenda together with notes of our December meeting, and yes, please join us at our zoom meeting on Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 7.30:-

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85818735443?pwd=98xL6iTzg1c1hFGCpSrbCG5wh9RvUx.1
Meeting ID: 858 1873 5443
Passcode: 915779

We look forward to seeing you!

Agenda:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting via Zoom

Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 7.30

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85818735443?pwd=98xL6iTzg1c1hFGCpSrbCG5wh9RvUx.1
Meeting ID: 858 1873 5443
Passcode: 915779

Introductions

Apologies for absence

Note taker

Notes of the last meeting – copied below and matters arising

Revised Local Development Plan:  As well as environmental and infrastructure concerns  there is the very topical issue of flooding

Financials

Future Events:-

  • Well Being Event:  3 February, 11 till 3 at the Shire Hall
  • Seed Swap at Bridges Community Centre, Saturday 17 February, 10.30 till 1pm – please let us know if you are able to help on the day and keep your spare seeds, plants and books for swapping – and yes, we need cake too
  • Are we getting nearer to a solution? – an evening of discussion with key decision makers:  Friday 23 February, 7pm at the Blake Theatre
  • Museum:  Climate Change event
  • Wye Valley River Festival:  3 to 12 May – further details to be announced
  • Sustainability Conference at Haberdashers School:  30 June to 2 July:  We have been invited to participate
  • General Election Hustings:  To consider a joint Hustings with Amnesty as climate change and environmental crises are intimately linked with Human Rights
  • Other:  The Music Festival?  The Pride Event in July?

Citizen Scientists Air Quality Monitoring

Updates:-

  • Friends of the Lower Wye
  • Green Grow/Green Spaces – Green Flag awards
  • Monmouth Community Fridge

Any other business:-

  • Proposed murals in the subway and underpass
  • Other

Date of next meeting

NOTES:  Transition Monmouth Members’ Meeting

12 December 2023 at 7.30 via Zoom

Present:  Bryan Miller, Vivien Mitchell, Claudia Blair, Jem Jenkins-Jones, Peter Short, Mike Dunsbee, Nick Day, Helena Ronicle, Rebecca Cunningham

Apologies:  Kelly Jackson-Graham, Mary Boase, Charles Emes, Catherine Haynes

Note taker:  Vivien Mitchell

Revised Local Development Plan – RLDP:

The plan includes 600 new houses to be built in the next 10 years – 270 in Osbaston, 60 in Wyesham, 130 at Kingswood Gate, 140 at Rockfield.  Regarding the proposed houses in Osbaston, CCllr Jane Lucas arranged a residents’ meeting with Mark Hand, Craig O’Connor and others from MCC to discuss residents’ concerns, particularly with regard to the environmental impact and infrastructure such as doctors’ surgeries, traffic assessment, nursery provision.  Rebecca attended this meeting with many very well informed residents.

Catrin Maby has written regarding net zero housing and active travel plans.  It was noted there is a high provision of affordable homes but these are all right for the first buyer;  thereafter they are at open market price and hence no longer affordable.

The Monmouth Placemaking Plan, after a long delay, now has funding and this should include consideration of the new house building proposals.

The RLDP will go to public consultation in the Spring.  We agreed that we should concentrate our objections on river pollution, flooding, and provision of infrastructure.

The next meeting to be convened by Jane Lucas is scheduled for 9 January.

Financials:  We have received £500 from the Monmouth Charity for FotLW.  We need to seek additional funding for our insurance.

Future Events:-

  • ACE Monmouth Christmas Party:  Tuesday 19 December, 7pm to 9pm at Bridges.  All welcome!
  • Well Being Event:  3 February, 11 till 3 at the Shire Hall.  Jem will provide further details
  • Seed Swap:  17 February, 10.30 till 1pm at Bridges.  We will have three tables to display seeds/plants, books, and general information
  • Are we getting nearer to a solution? – an evening of discussion with key decision makers:  Friday 23 February, 7pm at the Blake Theatre
  • River Festival:  3 to 12 May – further information in due course.  We will have a stand;  the event was very successful for us last time
  • Sustainability Conference:  30 June to 2 July at the Haberdasher School, Hereford Road.  We have proposed that we showcase Transition Monmouth, the Community Fridge and FotLW.  ACE Monmouth will also attend.  On the Sunday the Conference is open to all, on Monday and Tuesday only invited delegates from around the world.  We feel this is a great opportunity to make contact with the Haberdashers.  Mrs Sue Muir has welcomed our involvement and will contact us in January
  • Hustings:  Peter Short, on behalf of Amnesty, proposed that the next Hustings be on both environmental and human rights issues.  We thought this a good idea.  Action:  Vivien to arrange a meeting with Haydn Cullen-Jones, Peter Short and Bryan Miller to discuss how this would work in practice

Friends of the Lower Wye:  Mike Dunsbee reported:-

  • The constant rain of recent weeks has turned the rivers brown showing how much soil gets washed off because trees are being cut down, and poor agricultural practices.  Phosphate and nitrate levels are high and there is much to be done on soil preservation
  • On 7 November we held a Citizen Science evening giving data from the rivers Monnow, Trothy and Wye.  Test sites have been increased to 40 and 21 new testers have been trained.  Results can now be seen on a new interactive website WYE VIZ – https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/mcarpenter/viz/WyeVizWyeAllianceCitizenSciencedashboard/START
  • Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, visited Monmouth at the end of October.  We highlighted the issues on the rivers.  He then gave a very informative talk followed by a Q+A.
  • One of our key aims is to get all land beside the rivers to be farmed regeneratively.  To this end there is a new regenerative agriculture group on Facebook for Monmouthshire farmers and already has nearly 200 members.  It is a discussion forum, financially supported by the Monmouthshire Food Partnership, to host a series of free events – talks and farm visits.  For farmers in Monmouthshire the link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/talkfarmregenmonmouthshire/?mibextid=uJjRxr
  • Our next event is Are we getting nearer to a solution? – an evening of discussion with key decision makers – Friday 23 February, 7pm at the Blake Theatre
  • Discussions are in hand with Friends of the Upper Wye.  A merger might result so there is one voice speaking for the whole of the River Wye

Green Grow/Green Spaces:  We would like to nominate the Wyesham Community Woodland for a Green Flag award – action:  Bryan and Vivien to discuss with Richard Garner

Community Fridge:

  • As a trial we will keep the Fridge open over the Christmas period
  • The glut of leeks from Waitrose continues

Any Other Business:-

  • We have written a letter of support to Cllr Rachel Jupp for a murals project in the underpass and subway
  • Motion for the Ocean:  The Town Council is drafting a draft pledge
  • Helena Ronicle wondered what we can do to attract younger people – activities for children and then parents will stay to talk.  We have found apple pressing does this but of course this is only in the early autumn.  Maybe participation in events such as the Music Festival and the Pride Event in July?

Date of Next Meeting:  Tuesday 16 January 2024, 7.30 via Zoom